connorlwork

I think this is a really good example of stretching a show beyond its useful life, if I'm being honest. Excellent first season, with a great narrative, running at a good pace, and supported by fantastic performances. I think this is a little easier to achieve when doing an adaptation, but regardless, I enjoyed it. First season was probably more of an 8, maybe a 9.

Second season felt like a 5 or 6. I'm not familiar with the original novels, and where they did or did not stick to King's narrative. But my pet peeve is when a show breaks the basic premises of a world that has already been established, and I felt they unabashedly went for this, in order to stretch the same characters and story of season one for another season two. It didn't work for me.

Season 3 they smartly abandoned that stretching, and we had a fresh narrative, which I enjoyed. About nothing extended over from Season 2, besides the court case with Lu, and some hints of those broken premises. It was a nag, but I could tolerate it.

In the end, I think it's a 7, with a shout out to some of the individual performances for Ida, Bill, Jerome and Holly. I felt the cast had wonderful chemistry, and I enjoyed seeing them grow through it together.

The Climb not only showcased the art of climbing rock - it's an art - but also the incredible characters and community that surround it. I felt they did a wonderful job in casting ten thoughtful characters from all walks of life, who brought their own perspective, and their own pain to overcome. That, combined with some A+ cinematography, and this show was great to watch.

I think this show could lay the foundation for a new sub-category at the intersections of sport, documentary, competition, and reality TV. Yes we have hard knocks, but I want to see these shows raise the less mainstream sports, particularly those where there isn't a lot of money, and they're a bit more of a vocation. I think it would be a great way to honor and give back to sports, while introducing them to larger audiences. Like I'd love to see one in skateboarding, or diving, stuff like that.

Few quick notes of feedback, in the spirit of making things even better:

• Bring Mamoa completely in, or take him all the way out. I understand the marketing angle, but it felt like a little bit of a tchotchke if I'm being frank.

• Megan's personality helps to make this show, and she should be on the cover with Chris, and the episode introductions, hands-down
• Their "sneak peaks" at the end of episodes gave way too much away, and allowed me to guess the end of the final episodes. Need to be a little more deliberate with those decisions in post for next season
• Let's stick to one country at a time for climbing. I think this could add an additional element to the show (ex. The Climb Japan, the Climb Canada, etc); while also limiting the cost they incur, and the potential exposure to COVID which could flip the show on it's head
• For elimination climbs, the one not climbing should be blindfolded while the other goes first. The true test is going to this rock against yourself, it appeared to me. Seemed like watching others go before you gave a massive advantage, especially in these dire situations.

• Just a me thing, but I would've loved to see all the competitors sitting on that boat watching the final climbs. I think that could've made it a little bit more special and climactic.