deadwon Reviews

12 Monkeys (2015–2018)

Near Perfection

[10/10 · 15 October 2023]

This is one of the most complete series of all time. A four season science fiction show based on a cult classic film that pays that classic the best homage possible. By embracing it and building upon it in every way.

12 Monkeys is fun and emotional and daring. It has little filler and comes to a satisfying conclusion.

The acting by the main cast is top notch (though Stanford's 'James Cole' felt hollow at times). The writing will have you guessing to the very end and it comes down to a spectacular end.

I truly wish I could watch this all over again for the first time.

Give this show a chance if you bypassed it the first time or are just learning of it. You won't be disappointed.

The Wheel of Time (2021– )

The Hate Is Undeserved

[9/10 · 30 September 2023]

With a top notch cast, triple a acting, spectacular set pieces, cinematography, intrigue in this fantasy adaptation... this show is one of the best fantasy programs around. As a fan of the WoT novels, one must forgive a 'faithful' telling of the tale. The story is told over a series of about 17 books. And anyone complaining about the writing on this show, clearly has never read the tedious work of Robert Jordan. There is a monumental amount of background that simply can not be translated well to a series of eight one hour episodes per season. Overall the Wheel of Time is a great jumping off point for those that might be interested in the books and a fun retelling of one of the best fantasy series of all time for those that loved the novels.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)

Seriuosly, Who Is The Target Audience?

[3/10 · 29 September 2022]

The show itself is a mishmash of Ally McBeal, The Kardashians, Sex and the City and the worst legal comedy you can think of. Granted, I don't know many comic fans that fit into those categories, but maybe there are a few.

I watched it to see the appearance of a particular character (who, unfortunately has not appeared and will no doubt be besmirched and tainted by said appearance) and I don't think I'm gonna make it.

The weirdness is not the cool Lynchian type but a Wiseau cringe fest. The CG is wonky (but could be forgiven). There is a metric ton of man hate (which is the current model for many programs in the current era) and that hate seems to reflect poorly on the women in the program as well by being unsolicited and wildly undeserved given the personalities of characters involved.

The reliance on cameos should tell you all you need to know about the weakness of the story, show, and main characters themselves. But there is a small light of comedy that actually made me laugh out loud whenever she appeared and that was the vapid, drunk party girl. And that's almost the saddest part as well. A side, throwaway character is the best part of the show.