The Rook

Firstly you have to wonder about a TV series where all the characters call the lead by the incorrect way. Myfanwy is an old Welsh name pronounced me-van-wee, not as they say Miffany, surely someone should have pointed this out. As for the cast, well they are going through the motions, nothing more. From the first few minutes in you dislike the lead, wishy-washy, bland etc. To be honest if you want something different from the usual superhero, anti-superhero you're in the wrong place, it ain't Legion. Basically it's the same as all the other banal sci-fi teen stuff, not as bad as 'The 100', but daft. Six stone slight women beating the hell out of man three times their weight, woman loses her mind, but leaves clues that anyone could find etc. The script is laughable in places, you wonder what research was ever undertaken, crime scene, pathology wasn't included in the research that's for sure. If you like your sci-fi with pretty people, characterless, pointless sex scenes, swearing for the sake of it, poor acting and a plot more open than a mountain range then you'll enjoy. If you prefer TV series like 'The Expanse', 'Discovery', 'Legion', 'Westworld', then avoid.

I am on Episode 6 now. The book is much, MUCH better, however, the show has a life of its own. Don't try to see the book in this show, just watch it. The show is not bad, but it's an average one. The book (both if them, The Rook and Stiletto) are really original. The author ("That Aussi Guy") has a wild imagination, it's a pity that the show is not based on the book in any coherent way.

After first episode, it looks like a very interesting supernatural spy thriller. Well done with decent acting, great visuals and sound. I hope the series will maintain this level of excellence. I did not read the book it is based on, so have no prior expectations.

This has elements of other shows, like Blindspot, the X-Men. I am particularly fond of mysteries that take a while to unfold. I'm hooked on this show. You do have to put in some effort with the story line. Now let's wait for a few more episodes.

The Rook is an interesting series with some fresh ideas, beautifully filmed, but a bit slow for its concept and not showing enough characters' powers in action. The main female character's play is mostly bad and cringe-worthy with awful psychological state of mind.

Most of all, the series lacks fluidity and logic from time to time, very often showing sub-plots and 'random' pictures and acts, leaving it to viewers to link them all together in relation to the whole story.

If they aim for a second season, they need to lube all parts of the story and script up, show more in-depth action and tangible use of characters' powers. The characters interactions together need to be more polished and realistic. In its current state, they are more like pieces of a puzzle, shuffled together and piled up.

All in all, a fresh series, still raw, having the potential to receive a nice polish and shine to brighten up like a diamond.