First, there is an accuracy problem: Euthanasia on demand - which would be the right term for the procedure which this show is about - is not "allowed" in Switzerland, but actually in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. It's a common error that people believe, one could have ended his or hers life happily in Switzerland for a fee. That is not the case. Assisted suicide, however, without any financial interests, doesn't fall under jurisdiction there, but also not in Germany,
Sweden, Estland, Canada and in six US states, where it runs under the term Medical Aid in Dying.
My problem with 'Mary' is that the show indeed approaches a very sensitive theme area, but in the first episode, at least, tries to make a farce of something, that isn't one, or at least could be one only in the hands of very very sarcastic and deep black humorous writers. Advertized as a dramedy or such, 'Mary' could only work as announced with constantly reminding the audience how crazy our life today is, how much of a paradox, thus pointing out how funny it must be for someone watching us from the outside, that in the end we would have to pay some well-meaning serial killers for providing us a way out of our misery.
This should be the point, where 'Dexter' comes in as a model for a successfully laid out farce or black comedy. But the writers of 'Mary kills' didn't have the sarcastic powers of Dexter's writers.
After watching the pilot, I didn't exactly know what I watched, since it wasn't a comedy. We saw a man die, a healthy looking (but terminally ill) and wealthy man, and his death had to be forced - that wasn't funny. We saw the cop pretending to be terminally ill - not funny. And a friend of Mary's daughter poisoned herself with the death drug - also not funny.
So, it's not a "dramedy", and the producers did good not to make any further attempts in comedy after the pilot episode. Then, it's not a real drama, but a dramatic story, showing the main characters struggling with all kind of difficulties, while trying to keep their businesses running - euthanasists and cops chasing them as well. Personally, I think Episodes 5 and 6, which were broadcast-ed subsequently, are the best ones. The problem itself is often discussed briefly, but only in some moments the writers have to say something that has some weight (ep.5).
Caroline Dhavernas is probably the best possible choice for 'Mary', as she can look in one moment icy cold, and in the next moment vulnerable, for example. She dominates the cast, which delivers of course a great performance.
Actors and overall execution earn 8 Points, but the writing is a harsh 5, so, I only give a 6 overall.
Sweden, Estland, Canada and in six US states, where it runs under the term Medical Aid in Dying.
My problem with 'Mary' is that the show indeed approaches a very sensitive theme area, but in the first episode, at least, tries to make a farce of something, that isn't one, or at least could be one only in the hands of very very sarcastic and deep black humorous writers. Advertized as a dramedy or such, 'Mary' could only work as announced with constantly reminding the audience how crazy our life today is, how much of a paradox, thus pointing out how funny it must be for someone watching us from the outside, that in the end we would have to pay some well-meaning serial killers for providing us a way out of our misery.
This should be the point, where 'Dexter' comes in as a model for a successfully laid out farce or black comedy. But the writers of 'Mary kills' didn't have the sarcastic powers of Dexter's writers.
After watching the pilot, I didn't exactly know what I watched, since it wasn't a comedy. We saw a man die, a healthy looking (but terminally ill) and wealthy man, and his death had to be forced - that wasn't funny. We saw the cop pretending to be terminally ill - not funny. And a friend of Mary's daughter poisoned herself with the death drug - also not funny.
So, it's not a "dramedy", and the producers did good not to make any further attempts in comedy after the pilot episode. Then, it's not a real drama, but a dramatic story, showing the main characters struggling with all kind of difficulties, while trying to keep their businesses running - euthanasists and cops chasing them as well. Personally, I think Episodes 5 and 6, which were broadcast-ed subsequently, are the best ones. The problem itself is often discussed briefly, but only in some moments the writers have to say something that has some weight (ep.5).
Caroline Dhavernas is probably the best possible choice for 'Mary', as she can look in one moment icy cold, and in the next moment vulnerable, for example. She dominates the cast, which delivers of course a great performance.
Actors and overall execution earn 8 Points, but the writing is a harsh 5, so, I only give a 6 overall.