vecheren Reviews

The Crown: Ruritania (2023) Season 6, Episode 6

Get better

[10/10 · 23 December 2023]

I have missed the spirit of the good old episodes of The Crown. Jumping out of the long row of episodes about Charles and Diana, finally we have a strong story about social problems and human values - with all allegorical mighty the show is proudly known for.

What if you were in the queen shoes? It's hard to ignore that people have strong doubts in your role and your institution as a whole. Imagine that you truly want to fix it, starting right from this day. Is it possible to get things better? Why do you need the watcher of swans? Should all things have rational meanings?

This episode raises a lot of questions and has very interesting dialogues. Also you can watch it as a separate movie - like the best episodes of The Crown too.

Jimmy Carr: His Dark Material (2021 TV Special)

So offensive

[2/10 · 7 February 2022]

Jimmy Carr's special reminded me my classmates from poor neighbourhood in Russia: they attacked under cover of humor, humiliated everyone and then laughed about their own jokes. Half of them are in jail right now. So sad because they could be comedians.

Bill Bailey: Larks in Transit (2021 TV Special)

Multiinstrumental comedy in every sense

[9/10 · 5 February 2022]

It's absolutely fantastic! I was literally under the table when he performed metal about breakfast and satan. So intensive show comparing to a stendup.

Succession (2018–2023)

Catchy, but looped

[8/10 · 16 November 2021]

The third season is the worst despite all the mastery of its creators. The first season is about a great war between son and dad in top 1% setting. Second one is about fragile peace in the very strange rich family. Last season finale cliffhanger gave us hope that Kendall grew up and able to run the family business for real. But then, when Succession got back with new episodes, we lost all hopes. Kendall is Kendall, Logan is Logan, and nothing really changes. Action is an illusion, which covers the static world. Why we should watch it over and over again? The show has amazing writing and cast and every frame, but, personally, I will stop after 5 episodes and you can persuade me to continue only if it makes the sun rise again.

The Morning Show (I) (2019– )

Too much prejudices around great TV show

[10/10 · 8 October 2021]

According to reviews, people expected:

• feel-good show like Ted Lasso
• political drama like Newsroom
• study of journalists everyday life
• breakthrough because of pretty big spendings.

Then they disappointed and blamed the show as full of cliches. However this time problem with clishe is not behind the screen, but in viewer's mind. If you don't care about Aaron Sorkin, Rachel from Friends, Michael from Office, Apple TV ambitions, actors earnings and high noses of critics, you will find a lot of pleasure.

Steve Carell and Jennifer Anniston are amazing: they both have proved themselves as drama actors. Jen joined the club of world's best actresses.

Story is rich: you cannot pull out anything from 10 hours. Every scene and even every frame matters.

Characters are interesting. My favorite are Chip - producer, who constantly building Morning Show's house of cards - and Kori, head of news department, who plots revolution. The last one sincere enjoy chaos and use it as staircase, like Varys advised. Billy Crudup fairly got Emmy for that.

Every character take part in big story: global MeToo movement and corporate struggling with culture of silence. This game lead us to predictable but amazing climax. The end of season strongly reminds House of Cards and Mister Robot at their best.

The Morning Show is not one of a kind, but it is a perfect product of cinematography art. It's very thoughtful as a whole and in details. If you don't let prejudices disturb you, you will love it.