dumsumdumfai

Structures and story wise this series is very good. Up to standards and and above average.

The problem for me is all these recent musings of many movies, series, into the possibilities of multiverse, alternate lives provide an easy out on the emotion of regret. And here that is taken to an unlikable level.

Your past, your success and failure makes you who you are today. Treasure and learn from these lessons. To be able to redo and get a 'better' conceivable outcome is for one self-denial. And its selfish with disregard for the well-being, and choices made by others. And this series shows that as the main character is from the not so successful side.

Let's see how second season goes though.

First season ends in a cliffhanger as usual but it may have been a dream sequence. As that would have been too many from the newsroom.

The story (and transformation) moves along really fast. Faster than I expected. But she's quite sloppy in these impulsive moments of convergence of inner anger/rage/and years of underappreciation. Then the rationalisation, justification begins.

The funny bits worked right in the middle of everything is welcoming relief. Like the editor chief, police captian.... Even Craig. The Marcus bit near the end was a bit forced so deduction there.

The cop, DC Farrow is a bit too strong in my opinion , for being not noticed in the beginning. There's enough for second season and I'd look forward to it. Craig is a glaring problem, so is the disappeared Julia, or the older sister.

To be fair, this show is probably for people who may like (guess only) shows similar to : Miraculous Brothers, Longing for you, Flowers of Evil,. Kidnapping Day, Let's get grab by the Collar.

Structure wise, it's not tight at all. First episode is solid. Then all seems to be on autopilot and went downhill with over the top melodrama, empty threats and rhetorical questions.

A classic innocent man story, that adds characters half way through the story ... and then some. To me that's cheating. The conspiracy seems all too obvious and yet overwhelmingly ..... what's the word..... ridiculous.

Just way too thin, substance that is. So thin that there's constant flashy backs and plot replays/reminders at episode beginnings. I just finished The Frog and so much more unique, creative and well written on all fronts : characters, plot, timeline and meaning.

Thin, when compare to (plot, execution, direction) the likes of Somebody, Beyond Evil, Mask girl, Shadow Detective, Mouse, A shop for Killers, A Killer Paradox.

Overall, it's a melodrama disguised as a thriller.

Only saving grace is acting, that's it.

Rarely an US series is up to par anymore. That is with the Kdramas killing it left and right. This one surprised me a bit. All because it's a SciFi story set with its origin from a video game.

Now I don't know the game. But from the get go it graps your attention. Unlike Silo, Outer Range, or Dark Matter, there is less human melodrama, especially in from the beginning. Plot is the main driver in the beginning, along with action. But soon starting from second half the drama slowly kicks in and builds towards a crescendo on the last episode.

Set in a future world, the story split from three (four really) different worlds and perspective, and then slowly connects together. In a way, how the story unfolded felt similar to the series Westworld. There are a few layers to the mystery. Or in another way, like characters need to level up in a video game. The characters need transformational events to grow. And the journey (basically road movie) shows this with fun events, unique characters; without being overbearing or didactic.

Overall, very solid story without need of uber shocking scenes. Plot is well thought out without head spinning twists. Because the fact emerges slowly, piece by piece, dot to dot, that's confidence.

Preamble,: I gave 9 or more to Maskgirl, Somebody, Moving, and Beyond Evil. All Kdramas

So much care goes into many aspects in this series and it shows. No, of course it's not perfect. There are loopholes. The focus is not on a police procedural but on the the mindset of the hotel/pension owners.

Every episode either begins or ends with the voice over of the philosophic question of fallen tree in the forest. And that is not a coincidence.

The jump editing, the parallels, the variable timeline, and most importantly, the ultimate trust in the audience (for the right kind of audience to stay, others to let go) to figure things out. How many revision the script must have gone through to get to this point?

I found it clever that she's an painter. The explanation of what the house has given her. The laundromat is not really necessary but it added a flare, and a light positive outlook in the end. The detail to connect the son, the hat, the rifle is just right.

There are scene after scene of good writing. Case in point when the senior male cop see through the new female cop on inner workings of a grunge nose detective. As well as when the same cop explained to the reporter of what kind of person she is. Another is the prisoner argue in his own sensiblity that what happened is fate.

The three main actors are all solid and appropriately restrained or over the top for their roles. I remember all the subtle nuisance in The Chaser, Yellow Sea and Slow Turtle from the male lead.

Very well planed also is how the last episode set to relief the tension , the follow up to the chaos, a counter balancing act with a satisfying phone call.

So, if a murder happened in the middle of nowhere, and no proof, is it still a murder?

Probably better this way to lessen the monotony of a painful learning experience. Supposedly based on a true story about a factory working mom falling prey to a phone scam and how she relentlessly chased after the criminals.

The secondary characters like the friends and lead detective really help with the comedy. While the phone operator helped with the thriller part of the drama.

The whole thing is very improbable indeed but the dramatization isn't too over the top. In that especially with the ending at the airport.

The key part is how. How the phone operator have the guts, and the conscience, to call back the victim, schemes to get a phone, send the address, send the pictures , and eventually an face to face meetup with the factory mom. That is the crux and thrilling part. And it's well done. No FX, CGI, nor stuntmen.

And that is what most people can't appreciate. Well done.

*****Season 1****

Yes, I agree, the Rivers character is annoying. I get it time/river. And also the antagonist I get that. But still no need to be so annoying since Tillersons are already good at being the rival.

I've always said good SciFi has mystery but good mystery does not need SciFi. Theres a lot going on here and acting is good. It's a good mix. Theres a Western property fight, faith/destiny/Religious struggle, murder and native American sheriff, family tragedy, ...etc. I've tried Dark a bit but can't seem to get into that.

The comedic moments does ligtenup things but is this a SciFi ? Not really. Second fiddle only. Human drama first. But I'm good with that. Still just a bit over the top on a few symbolic, mysteries episodic events than needed. Still a good show. Just good because Royal is written with dep. But can't really say for the others.

And I'm really not sure the Autumn and Billy conneCtion is playing for comedy or tragedy. Secular vs Spiritual.

*****Season 2***** Two episodes in and my guess is this one is about history. As in how we got to season 1 and before. And let's see how you meet yourself, or how changing the past will change the future.... Etc. Looper, anyone?

Funny usually other series is the reverse where season 1 is all flashy to hook you into season 2 but becomes character development. Here, Outer Range does the reverse.

The pace seems to pickup but that's an illusion just because there are many separate timelines, and stories. Just more scene cuts and jumping around. There are little problems here and there with story continuity but maybe to become plot point revelations later.

Another usual tv drama device is everybody's got a secret. Not a real fan of such. Or everybodyas got their own regret either.

Im not complaining it's a good show. Good, not great. Because at least it tries, took some risks. But not everything works.

****Last updated **** Clearly the last episode is trying to setup next season and as such became bits and pieces. Perry's other timeline is interesting while Joy is now tied with Royal in a circle. While Retts turn of character is just a bit outta line. However as more and more people kNows about the hole, it's becoming a bit ridiculous.

This story definitely needs to have a proper set and production. And they nailed it. Through the first fight and chase sequence, this served as an introduction to the character and to the walled city.

Supposedly a trilogy, this one starts out with quick edit history, which I'm never really fond of. Its as if either the story was originally too long or the other 2 parts will pickup the story. Everything is well done, the martial arts, costume, cinematography, makeup to enhance a particular place and time.

The set pieces of various fight scenes keep one uping each other to an, almost over the top, metaphoric finale. Theres almost no time for anything else.

Look back now, in a way, I wish this was not just about revenge in the physical form. What would happen if this movie was pure drama, with the martial arts take a background step?

Overcomplicated , overproduced, over storytelling.

That's about sums it all up. Oh, and over the top referencing. Reference mythology, psychology even criminology but obviously other movies. So the actual meat of story is really thin.

The setting of kinda timeless cyberpunkish retro future also distracts more than helps. This is because there are not enough details. Like the police station interior and office details, all other desktop items, room furniture, even costume of the minor characters.

And the ultimate cop out is a character with total memory recall. This is not to mention lack of character depth. Having a back story is not enough if time is not given, and actor not giving space to act.

Btw. No normal people talk like that. The dream with in a dream, twist within a twist just show the lack of confidence in the substantiality of the story.

And do I care about how this ends?

Alright little story. Top notch, spot on production. Very confident edit and direction. But the story is just a tad bit too diadatic, political for me. Would prefer more mix of comedy, of various types.

The story jump starts in a hurry right from the get go, and very obvious messaging hits you in the face. And often. That sort of took me out to the fourth wall. Disengaged for a bit.

Performances and casting are fine and nothing to worry about. Who the culprit is, and how are probably not the point but rather more importantly, why. The side characters steals the show for me, down to the station chief and old frail lady.

Very local, very HK, good humanistic yet realistic story about having to dream yet wrestling with reality.

The lead and story is very focused, staying strictly in a first person pov. But there are usual conflicts, some clichés, and funny lyrical moments of how to learn, and become a lyricist.

Even though this is a basically a feel good story, there are more than her share of hardship, bad luck, youthful naievity and heartbreak. As Malcolm Gladwell says it take at least 10,000 hours to honed a craft and the story show it well here. And when you are that focused, inevitably sacrifices need to be made. As in relationships. However, her parents, anyone's parent, are by her side.

The end is fitting. When you really love to do something, it is never work, not a hobby, and money is not the primarily reward.

The movie is a assortment of vignettes but not an entire story. Structure is too loose, but have a few long showy scenes. (But not spectacular) The CGI worked overtime, and over the top and killed alot of time.

Pacing suffers a bit and tad long for a kid show. The main lead is ok, she seem a bit rigid or maybe under directed. The story is also quite uderdeveloped. The script is probably on stage two instead of five. Star power Ryan helps barely with the physical stunts but mostly a distraction.

Wise sayings, clichés like never grow old, never forget, when you're a kid, whst were your dream, wanna be......etc. Are here and there just like the over used Coney Island.

In the end, good intention/ideas is further mismatched by cgi overproduction, over showmanship, not enough detail extraction, generic linear point to point storytelling. Sadly, I felt no magical touch of a instinctive storyweaver.

It's just a meal ticket. Salary dump. The story is slow, long, not funny, in all kinds of genre. So mixed up, sprawling, dumbed down, it is like a teenager trying to find oneself.

Only the basic setup is clear. A veteran police office relegated to police university teacher. And a young computer whiz who has no direction in life.

They go through the training, have side kicks, friends, love interest, other teachers. In trying to catch a gambling ring. Just way too many characters that do nothing really. For one long plot that crawls along from one red herring to another.

There is no grit, no realistic investigation, but instead, guesses, having fun and slow motion walkabouts. That should tell you something.

Twelve episode in and this show is staying the course. And a finely tuned course. The plot is pretty air tight, complex yet not too outlandish. Distinguished and clear-cut characters.

We the audience gets string along right from episode one. Super fast pace that keeps on expanding the plot with more and more characters. Yet everything is played out logically, systematically with events.

And there is a back story, which is significant in terms of changing and identifying relationships. And characterization. What is your character, tendencies, demeanor and how that stays with you.

At the beginning of the show there seems to be at least 3 sets of people. With some weak links. Slowly the deeper, and more indelible connection is shown. More evidence, more bodies, more beytrals.

And who knows what secrets and who doesn't is one of the keys to how the plot unfolds.

Excellent handling so far. But how will it all end?

******** **Update on ending** Too neat. Everything fits but too... perfect for the good side. Because nothing in life is like that. Wraps up so neatly. Only works on paper.

If the old men is so powerful, calculating and experienced, how come he's not that careful to suspect recording and being so emotional? Same with the prosecutor.

Ending is always a conundrum. There should be some closure yet hard to be realistic.

Besides specific to traffic related cases, police collusion and corruption, there's also lots of car flip, stunts and .... obviously crashes.

Theres a large cast, a key back story related to a past event/crime/accident. Some of the characters and story are a bit over the top. After one of the episodes , an Easter egg scene explains what is a 'black car' and why they are used. That was kinda interesting.

To me, the leading role actors are not that famous.(or just good acting and characterization ) And that is good in not setting a predetermined stereotyping into the audience mind.

10 episode in, however, there is also history of female lead with an ex lover that I don't understand where is that going. The length is odd also as the last case seems completely separate.

Finally, the comedy is kind of unexpectedly comes from the station chief and his assistant.

Not a bad show. Probably has some roots with history. Not overly sentimental but it's a feel good story.

It seems many Kdrama police procedural involve corruption right up to the top. No exceptions here. The story centers around a country cop reassigned to big police station in Seoul and his fight against crime , questionable police practices, collusion and favoritism.

The heroes are never really in danger, there's a love story and various types of crime. The team starts small but with recruits, time and determination, the tide seems to change.

It's very straight forward type of drama. No tricks or twists really. A little under produced but no real flaws either.

As with most Kdramas, this show has a tight script with little breathing room, solid fleshed out characters and relationships, plus an intricate plot that contains relevant social issues.

Although there are some minor plot holes, it is an very entertaining show. The debates, questions and implications bought on through artifical meat and bio tech will probably hit our future society in similar fashion. Added the political intrigue, grand standing along with conglomerate business jockeying makes many complicated plotline indeed.

The last episode seems to be cut/edited and reduced only waiting to be render/explained in a more complete episode in the next season. This was kind of similar to the now discontinued series, The Grid, which I like much more, however more confusing.

Let's hope for a 6 months turnaround time.

Only 4 episode in and lots has happened. And yet maybe not so much. All the tension are from guesses, speculation, and incomplete information.

Two murders already and some love triangleS. And possibly more explosive details from past events to come.... For sure.

It's kind of formulaic once you seen many of these. Unlike something more refreshing like a recent Japanese TV movie of a series, Do Not say Murder. Albeit that one has some heavy political undertones.

Back to this. The main actress to me can hold the screen.... Some of the times only. The husband and other detective not that much better. It seems everything is well done but...Yet nothing spectacular stands out. And the pace begins to drag, story without enough substance and being drawn out.

Question now is should I keep watching when other shows like 1958, dominant species BF seems more interesting or fun to watch ?

Nope.

It's a long setup for season 1. The first season is a revival story it seems. And background/characters buildup/plot setup that turns sorrow into conflict for season 2, should there be one, that is.

It's a serial drama, not a MCU movie, and Japanese(ie not Kdrama) so don't expect wall to wall action. Even for Netflix, the production value is just bit higher than usual Japanese tv series. See that in the lighting, finale sets, big casts and visual effects.

Like so any serials that based on mystery, thriller, the plot comes down to human relationships. And is about letting go. What is family? What is freedom.? What are rules for? If you can slow down to watch, it's well done and engaging.

The betrayal, twist are expected . And in a way its rather a relief from the normal stupendous twists like True Detective 4.

Music has been well discussed. But maybe because of the executive producer is non Japanese? Or was it a contractual point/experiment/future testing/English audience consideration for Netflix?

It's a tongue in cheek comedy. Yes it's a bit too long but somewhat decently creative, especially the early editing.

Pacing is very good and action scenes are very well planed out. The best sequence is probably the smoke bomb dance routine. Maybe minus the skating part. I like casting BDH as a decoy and Sam Rockwell is just having a blast. All other supporting roles are fantastic as well.

The inevitable ending and double, or triple twists and turns are very cliche indeed. Maybe that's part of the plan, part of the cringe factor ? Oh I don't mind for a mindless Saturday night movie to relax and put the mind off things.

Such a good show. When this series air on 2018 I remember it was good. It was subtle, peaceful, thoughtful and funny.

But it took a second viewing recently that I was able to enjoy it even more. The backdrop is the world of law. About 2 older lawyers whose chambers are next door to each other. They are schoolmates with very contrasting personality.

Their chamber and others host a plethora of recent grads. The younger upstarts all have interesting, real, and personal struggles too.

This is not a show about court room drama or tension. It is about law, the lawyers, judges, justice system and how their worlds exists in parallels or intertwined.

The characters and their stories are so well thought out , relatable and exists on various levels. The story if Ophelia character us there obviously to show the male and female points of view. The logical vs the emotional.

Kwan is such a good actor. That easy going style, delivery, tone and playfulness to me just steals the show.

The show does not have a lot of climax, chases or action. It's about interaction between generations, viewpoints, concepts, preceptions or prejudices.

Such a well written show.

The premise is interesting and makes me think of tge famous Japanese Death Note. However the technicals are not up to par.

The story quickly get to the meat in episode one but maybe too quickly. All that's left are filled in with melodrama. There are lots of characters but they seem to be needed only to fill in the plot or subplots to fit 12 epidodes. Some are relegated to tertiary role that maybe makes no sense or just for body count later?

The flow and pace is maddening. Feels like first timer director/editor combo. There a lot of pauses, facial portraits, reaction shots without dialogue that hangs about 2 seconds too long. Sometimes scenes are inserted for no explanation to linkage. Case in point, ep 4, jail visiting scene playing the classical music with some flashback that doesn't make sense.

Another case in point, in ep5,in the hospital scene, there is absolutely no tension. The scene where female cop is outside of a locked room with doctor and the student with bad arm. The scene seems to be a bad combination of editing, storytelling and no bgm.

And when you notice the makeup of the female lead is so very different and with a strange pink hue against dead white skin , there is definitely something missing. Up to episode 4 and that's it for me.

The ending works and in a way, its logical but a little too serious. I would have thought more silliness might have been more appropriate, although unrealistic.

All this because the opening is all caricature. The whole story is straight forward and needs to. Works well that way. The main events, encounters storylines, all seems universal. For around that era that is. Teens today may not be able to relate.

The inclusion of the 2 female lead is very clever yet obvious. It's a balancing act. Also the betrayal of first love. Or idealism vs reality.

The side kick of the main lead is hilarious. Not alot of screen time but steals the scene every time. I would have like more side stories of the underdog group too.

It is a feel good story until it isn't.

This isn't a murder mystery or thriller. Nor is this a horror story about shamanism. All those are cover for a study on basic human emotions. With a few murders to fill in the blanks.

People are selfish, people can be greedy, people can hold a grudge and shape a lifetime of experience and impression. The harder question is why can't people change ? Is personality hard wired or is it how one's mind fixated/dwell to much on the past that we can't get out of its trap? Nature AND nuture.

There are two stories to show all this. First the burial ground inheritance between two siblings. Which is also interwoven with land dealings. Second is the history of two detectives.

In both cases, emotions clouds judgement, which limits or hinders communication, and builds walls.

You really must have patience on this one. It has not the usual comedic relief but tension, albeit a slow burning one.

Wow. Refreshing, intricate, and perplexingly good. It's kinda dark humor x thriller. Six degree of killer separation and existential teen agnst.

Another finely directed meaningful story from SKorea. I'm only 4 episodes in and hooked. I understand this is from a webtoon. The story I won't go into but the editing is a attention grapper. There is the usual sound and visual transition. There is also flipping/merging of current and past scenes using same or similar visual space/camera angle. Shifting of time, perspective, alive and deceased person interaction...etc. These makes the telling of the story much more refreshing without seemingly showing off.

And there are themes of the young looking for direction or meaning in life. The unclear boundary between victims and perpetrators of a crime. And obvious question of vigilante justice.... Or is it a crime to kill a killer ?

This is a more thoughtful version of another similar recent SKorea series, Vigilante.