Friend

Ok so this follows a few scenes from the original film but the acting and direction is woeful. You wish the characters Sophie, Tom, Rachel and Jay would die in a horrific apple pie incident within the first minute of introduction, especially Sophie the character played by Rhianne Barreto (jeezus boy did Variety mag get that wrong). The dialogue basically becomes girlie teen talk about being pretty and showing off her figure, then escalates to a bloody makeover. I know it's early doors in the series, but please establish the series one way or the other, the film Hanna or teen crap like Riverdale. It only gets four stars because the original was good, the two protagonists and Creed-Miles has great potential, the episode gets zip, nada, nil.

Far too much is made of the Brit family on holiday in Morocco in this episode. I really hope the series stops focusing on these tropey dysfunctional characters or else this will not be watched through the end.

I've seen a lot of negative reviews about this show and this episode in particular, which mostly seem to convey some kind of disappointment because this show isn't like the movie which inspired it.

Well, of course it isn't. The movie was about two hours long, which doesn't provide much time for character revelation. The series does take the time to reveal character, and it does so very well. Esme Creed-Miles, as star of the show, has to bring a major presence to the screen and she does it. It's a role which tasks the actor, because this character was raised alone, knowing just one human for her entire life. Hanna has no emotional markers, no idea how to express how she feels, indeed no idea even what feelings mean. She has been taught since birth to focus on survival and emotions get in the way. This is a complex character mainly because of her enforced, and rejected, simplicity.

This episode brings Hanna to the world of humanity and gives her a friend. It's emotionally powerful. This series has some action but is primarily about this character, an incomplete soul who wants to fit in but is in constant danger. She has no idea how to live her life, but is determined to have control over it.

I saw the movie years ago, once. I recall being impressed. I don't recall much detail, and I didn't expect a whole lot from the series except that it might hold my interest, as many shows do not. Hanna holds my interest. It's a fine series, and this is a fine episode. It is not non-stop action. It's smarter than that.

Recommended.

It was lovely seeing Hanna, who has not had any contact with a girl her age hang out with Sophie. We see her explore a range of emotions and learn new things along the way in a crash course kind of way. The family was blended really well into her journey.

Why oh why is there a story line of a family on holidays with absolutely dreadful, bratty and miserable kids. Just move along with HANNA! Isn't that who the show is supposed to be about? Suspense, thriller, action...no. Sleepy drama, trying to be silly...maybe. At least the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have 2 songs in 2 episodes.