Fallen Angel

Fallen Angel continues to rocket forward filling in the world of Altered Carbon as it both answers and expands the questions surrounding the enigmatic Envoy, Takeshi Kovacs.

The people in the future struggle with the implications of being "spun up", i.e. brought back to life in another sleeve. The implications, possible abuses, and dangers are explored further in continually thought-provoking ways. Sleeves are not only used to extend life, but also for travel. Consciousness is transferred across interstellar distances from sleeve to sleeve in the Altered Carbon version of business travel. And its possible to be caught in a trauma loop in which a damaged stack relives a traumatic moment over and over. What of the soul? Religious people struggle with the idea of being lost in the process of being spun up.

Everything in this world is inventive and creative. The artistry of this episode is as strong as the first. Dream sequences, flashbacks, visions, and a VR scene all remain visually fantastic. Altered Carbon is more Bladerunner than Bladerunner 2049. Particularly enjoyable is the AI hotel keeper, Poe, who is old tech but full of humanity and inspiration. We learn some more about Kovacs' backstory. And, I'm still not clear why Ortega is obsessed with him, even at the risk of her job. The history of the Protectorate seems to view Envoys as terrorists, though Kovacs' flashbacks suggest they were something more. This suspicion alone doesn't seem personal enough to explain her behavior. Perhaps it will become clear. And, what's the connection with Mary Lou Henchy? Mysteries abound.

Nine stars for continued greatness!

So far the premise of the season has been ok but the delivery hasn't been as good as it could be.

Pacing is a bit too slow and too many unessary flashbacks, hopefully future episodes will pick up.

Kovacs accepts Bancroft´s offer and begins the investigation using videos Bancroft had received threatening his life. He identifies the serial number of a weapon in a video and tracks down the owner, a former military soldier. Meanwhile Lt. Ortega uses a device to follow Kovacs´s movements and whereabouts.

"Fallen Angel" is the beginning of Kovacs´ investigation seeking out Bancroft´s killer. He discovers dark secrets about his employer. Meanwhile the Latin Lt. Ortega is obsessed for Kovacs without explanation for such obsessive behavior. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Fallen Angel"

This show is composed of some of my favorite genres: Sci-Fi, Mystery and more. And as most fans of a particular genre, I would excuse minor inadequacies and weaknesses.

However, this show, so far, and this episode in particular has major problems.

• There's hinting in conversations for the audience to explain basic logic.

• Most dialogue is lazily written and follows a formula of little threats, snarky comments etc.

• There's the overplayed and overacted Cliché of the loose canon cop, Lt. Ortega, whose only convincing performance is when conversing with her mother. Other than that she's been given exaggerated body language, overpowering delivery of every line etc.

Also, bland, non-relateble characters, AIs taking physical form around a table to drink alcohol and play poker(?) and some other minor things, I'm sure.

Worst of all, so far, it fails to grip the viewer. I don't find myself investd enough to want to see where the story goes.