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Reviews
Better Call Saul (2015)
They will be studying this show in schools.
The amount of thought and care in Better Call Saul elevates it above other great TV shows into one of the modern classics in storytelling. It's in such a unique position of being the prequel to one of the most highly acclaimed shows of all time and manages to meet that same level of quality and arguably surpass it. I could write for hours but you just have to trust me on this: go watch it!!
The Umbrella Academy: Oblivion (2022)
A whole lotta nothing.
After a series of convoluted writing and repetitive fluff, season 3 ends with an unsatisfying "reset button" ending due too poor setup and wasted efforts.
Honestly, how can you expect your audience to care about your plot if the characters themselves don't seem to care about it? The only ones who seemed to do anything about anything were Five, Klaus, and sometimes Luther. Everyone else was so wrapped up in their own personal drama like "I have to go get ear medicine for this kid", or "I hate you now because of reasons out of your control".
Everyone hates Allison now. In a season where so many characters suffered from selfishness, Allison was irredeemable. Despite being caring and understanding before, she experiences trauma like the rest of the cast and decides to be a pouting child for the rest of the show.
Harlan showed up just to kill people on accident and then left. He claimed he was "connected somehow" but even the writers struggled to figure out how, so they killed him off for no sensible reason.
I only remember a couple Sparrows names. They never felt unique as individuals and were just there to be in the way. Ben is insufferable, Sloane is one-dimensional, and the others were just there.
There wasn't much that felt purposeful. Things came and went as the show seemed to have been written in a day. Most of the season takes place in the hotel so the scenery is uneventful. The CGI ranges from pretty good to Power Rangers bad. The cinematography was pretty alright.
Overall, super disappointing. If the next season is anything like this except the twist is "no powers", please just end it here.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part VI (2022)
They managed to stick the landing.
Despite how indifferent I felt about Reeva's storyline and the episode where Leia gets captured again, I think this episode nicely adds subtext to A New Hope regarding Leia and Obi-Wan's relationship. This helped me appreciate their dynamic more in the show. Also, the big fight scene we've been waiting for is great and furthet develops Vader's imperfections to make his return in A New Hope more meaningful. I'm no Star Wars super-fan but they managed to set things up nicely.
Although I still think this would have been better as a movie.
Servant: Ring (2022)
An improvement on all fronts.
This season so far is not disappointing. Some people refuse to suspend any kind of disbelief.
At times, season 2 lost me with its repetitive nature and lack of real change due to constant video calls with little variation in scenery and little progression in the "hunt for Jericho". Season 3 so far has been a breath of fresh air for the show and it continues to push its intrigue further with great momentum. The cinematography has been improved significantly, characters show greater depth, and stakes are growing. Little details and tension building bring a great payoff in this episode and this has been consistent with Season 3 so far.
Overall, very happy with where the show is going. Definitely a step in the right direction.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part IV (2022)
Too convenient.
It's fine enough as it is but this episode is exactly what you'd expect out of a harmless action adventure. Things seem to fall in place very conveniently with little concern for stakes or risks. I get that this is a prequel of sorts and suffers from knowing who makes it out fine, but no one ever seemed to be in serious danger. Overall very light, easy to watch, and doesn't really go beyond that.
Better Call Saul: Plan and Execution (2022)
Incredible.
After 6 seasons of build-up with the Sandpiper case and Lalo's quest to expose Gus, Jimmy McGill loses someone important to the cartel.
Even without the ending, the meticulous details and symbolism in this show pay off. Jimmy's need to feel valid after years of being in his brother's shadow and Kim's love for Jimmy have culminated in this great, cynical scheme against HHM.
I wouldn't change anything about this episode.