blacktanski Reviews

Luther: Episode #3.1 (2013) Season 3, Episode 1

Gruesome, but interesting.

[6/10 · 11 March 2024]

First off, there are some "turn-your-eyes-away" moments that you don't need in your brain. This is why I've rated this a 6 rather than higher. Other than that, if you haven't already watched Luther: Season 2, do it. You'll need it to keep up with the characters.

This episode is chaotic, loud head-banger music, lots of quick shifts. The "meet-cute" gal is so beautiful. I want to like her. But things happened pretty fast for my comfort level. But hey, you meet a gorgeous man during a wreck, and he's a "copper".... I get it.

Finally, Lasco Atkins must be the hardest working background/character actor (etc.) in the business. I wasn't able to pick him out in this episode, but he's been in a TON of stuff doing a TON of different things. Plus he's kind of mysterious.

Keep on keeping on, Laz!

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Subspace Rhapsody (2023) Season 2, Episode 9

Loved it!

[10/10 · 28 January 2024]

I was prepared to hate this episode immediately, because singing TV (outside of late night shows like SNL, Colbert, Fallon, etc.) does NOT interest me.

But wow, the first song hooked me enough that I've signed on to IMDB for the first time in months just to write a review. Loved it! I'm going to watch it (the first song) again and do a little dance :)

Every small thing is taken into account, including the music during the opening and closing credits. I liked some songs more than others, of course, but most were very good. There are some talented singers among the lead characters! And the dramatic reveals that came during the songs will be felt in future episodes.

All in all, "SNW: The Musical" has given me a ton of appreciation for the work that went into it from all the participants. Top shelf!

The Salisbury Poisonings: Episode #1.1 (2020) Season 1, Episode 1

We'll see where this goes.

[6/10 · 8 November 2023]

Okay, I actually logged in to review this first episode (not yet finished it) because of one extremely dumb character.

How can the Rafe Spall (who I like as an actor) character be so completely clueless? At the beginning, with the poisoned people, he suggests that no one knows what happened, so stand back. He goes into their house for look-see. Then he gets sick and doesn't even consider that he might be at risk, running around hugging and kissing his family. Ugh!

If this is really how it happened, then he is dumb and has few redeeming qualities. I'll finish this episode because it's compelling at times, and I will try to keep my frustration levels low :)

Will Trent: Unable to Locate (2023) Season 1, Episode 7

Good show.

[8/10 · 9 August 2023]

I'm watching Will Trent from a suggestion from my sis-in-law. I NEVER watch regular channel shows anymore because I find the production values don't live up to my expectations. However, I like this show. It's not "too" sappy, it's not "too" violent, and it's not "too" sexy. The script has a little too much exposition, but that's forgivable.

I also like the two main characters very much. This episode had a good backstory for Will and Angie, and the actors portraying them as younger were PERFECT and completely believable. Voice, mannerisms, etc. Wow!

All in all, Will Trent is a better than average regular channel show.

Sherwood: Episode #1.1 (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Brilliant!

[10/10 · 8 May 2023]

Being only half-way through the first episode, I have to say I am totally enamoured with this very, very good series. The story sucks you in, and the writing is absolutely first rate. The cinematography is amazing, and the setting is beautiful.

I also can't say enough about the cast! Sometimes, when you get this many well-known actors in one place, you can get something a little over the top, everyone wanting their time in the sun, making for a type of "forced" performance. But here, nothing seems forced, just a group of people, with complicated relationships, living their lives. And then MURDER.

I love UK murder mysteries, and this one is first rate!

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: A Quality of Mercy (2022) Season 1, Episode 10

So good!

[9/10 · 1 May 2023]

Just finished a SNW Season 1 binge (DVD from the library), and agree with the majority that this series is a STELLAR addition to the Star Trek universe! Although there isn't much tension related to losing major characters (we all know who lives and dies), the quality of the writing, the effects, and characters makes up for that. The less than serious episodes were fun. And yes, I even like the Captain Kirk actor. I can't wait to meet the Chief Engineer in Season 2!

And one more thing: Star Trek has ALWAYS been woke. It's based on a future where sentient beings are trying to get along, at least the ones with common sense.

Mystery Road: Origin: Episode #1.3 (2022) Season 1, Episode 3

Can this show get past 10 stars?

[10/10 · 27 March 2023]

Wow, this is a GREAT show.

The first two episodes were very good. Very dramatic without being too dramatic, if you know what I mean.

Origin is also beautiful to look at, and seems to be shot during the horrendous drought that covers Australia. That is some BIG country.

The star, Mark Coles Smith, is fantastic, and he's got Aaron Pedersen's mannerisms down cold. Every single thing, from the way he stands, to his introversion, to his simmering coolness (is that a thing?). The whole cast is fantastic, actually, and made me believe the story whole-heartedly.

At three eps in, I still don't know who Jay can trust (other than Mary and probably the lawyer lady) so it's still a mystery to be solved :)

Highly recommended!!!

The X-Files: One Breath (1994) Season 2, Episode 8

More depth on my first re-watch

[9/10 · 8 January 2023]

I've been binge-watching X-Files for the first time since it first aired (thank you FreeVee!), and I'm captivated all over again. Scully and Mulder's tease-flirt relationship started in the first episode and never let up. Their chemistry is apparent. And the scene in this episode, with Mulder ready to murder Cancer Man, is top notch.

All in all, the X-Files is iconic, and even better on a re-watch. The cinematography is outstanding, even now. The casting for every character is perfect. This is as far as I've gotten in my binge, and it's cool that I'm not remembering some of the plots (like the vampire episode just before this one). I'm really looking forward to diving into more!

One more thing: Mitch Pileggi is frikken' hot :)

Night Sky: Compensation (2022) Season 1, Episode 8

Great show! The cast makes ALL The difference!

[9/10 · 10 December 2022]

While binging on Amazon Prime with my free trial, I happened upon Outer Range and this show, Night Sky (and The Peripheral of course, but that's another story). What a difference a good casting director makes! Night Sky is really good!

With Outer Range, a dark and sad show, I could NOT make a connection with any of the characters (other than the bull-riding son and his girlfriend). Lost my interest almost immediately, due to casting errors (I'm not a Brolin or Gish fan) and a confusing script.

Night Sky, on the other hand, had characters who were so accessible as to be a friend, a neighbor, or even myself and my spouse. Spacek and Simmons (both wonderful and heartbreaking) truly embodied a long-married couple, and the young man who played Jude was just about perfect. The rest of the actors, even the sad or annoying ones, were just right for their parts. A good casting director and a great scriptwriter can make all the difference. Well done.