This is a rare gem of a show. The premier reminds me of the way I felt the first time I saw an episode of Aaron Sorkin's West Wing or heard the opening number of Hamilton--the feeling of having just witnessed real genius. It's that good.
There is a scene in the first episode of this brilliant new show that is not only exquisitely acted (how can any review do Michelle Dockery's work justice?) but shot and directed with the skill and precision of a feature film. I realized about 8 minutes into this scene that I was so caught up in it, I had stopped moving and stopped breathing. Television can rarely keep my attention, much less pull me all the way in like that.
The whole show is deliciously dangerous and achingly touching. Offering two episodes back to back, the way dealers offer up free crack to the uninitiated, ensured absolutely our coming back for more.
There is a scene in the first episode of this brilliant new show that is not only exquisitely acted (how can any review do Michelle Dockery's work justice?) but shot and directed with the skill and precision of a feature film. I realized about 8 minutes into this scene that I was so caught up in it, I had stopped moving and stopped breathing. Television can rarely keep my attention, much less pull me all the way in like that.
The whole show is deliciously dangerous and achingly touching. Offering two episodes back to back, the way dealers offer up free crack to the uninitiated, ensured absolutely our coming back for more.