The following is a review of the second episode of AMC’s Better Call Saul, which premiered in Europe on Netflix this morning.
If you were, like I was, worried about how (and if) they would handle Breaking Bad-style action on a show like Better Call Saul – then you got your answer in this episode. Though front-heavy, this episode gives us an idea of where Saul Goodman’s Jimmy McGill’s story goes from here. Continue reading “REVIEW: Better Call Saul – “Mijo””
The following is a review of the first episode of AMC’s Better Call Saul, which premiered in Europe on Netflix this morning. Don’t expect a complete recap of the episode.
I’ve seen a lot of spin-offs over the years. Some work – Stargate Atlantis, Frasier – some just don’t – Joey, Stargate Universe. It’s all about keeping the feel of a franchise, without overtly copy-pasting – and making something great out of characters that might’ve once been little more than stock characters. In this – the first ever Better Call Saul-episode – we are treated to a very interesting take on the greatest attorney from one of TV’s best ever shows.
I think we all feared the worst, when it came to Better Call Saul. Sure, Gilligan would still be involved, but nothing’s safe when it comes to spin-offs. Thankfully, AMC, Vince Gilligan, and Peter Gould have given us an interesting new show – one including nostalgia, but, as it turns out, also including substance.
Just like Breaking Bad, this show is absolutely gorgeus. It’s a treat to watch, and I commend the people working behind the camera. Now, I don’t think I ever doubted the writing team – I had expectations – but my main worry was that the show was centered on a character that they could fail to make interesting or poignant.
The opening five-or-so minutes give us everything we need to set off – it’s believable. We’re given an idea of what happened to Saul Goodman after the events of Breaking Bad. We need to believe that this is the guy from the best ever AMC show, and I do believe that will be the biggest challenge for this show – but if you watched the remainder of the episode, then you’re left with a good taste in your mouth.
Bob Odenkirk’s character is as hilarious as always, but we see a different side of him when he has to deal with his brother – and the people involved in his real life. This is very promising, and if this episode is anything to go by – we’re in for a very interesting and peculiar ride.
I enjoyed the parts where he had to guide the skaters, and I thought the court room scene was hilarious – in spite of its macabre nature. The feel is still present, Goodman is at his best – and the show looks amazing.
During the episode, and in particular at the very end of it, we are treated to a lot of familiar faces – and the cliffhanger of the episode left me wanting more. The first episode did its job. I still have my trepidations, but I am hopeful – and this episode was very promising.
I’m Jeffrey Rex
Today Marvel and Netflix released the second video from the new Netflix series ‘Marvel’s Daredevil‘. The first one was, of course, just a logo – and some Hell’s Kitchen sound. The second teaser trailer has been released, and it has given us much more to go on. The trailer should be available above. Continue reading “Marvel’s Daredevil (2015-) Teaser Trailer Review”
Yesterday, the 11th of January 2015, Netflix released the trailer for season 3 of its hit-show House of Cards starring Kevin Spacey & Robin Wright. Beware of slight spoilers in the trailer, and in this post.
During the trailer you see someone resembling, in my opinion, Russian President Vladimir Putin – my initial thought was that it was Lars Mikkelsen, brother of Mads Mikkelsen (known as Le Chiffre in Casino Royal, and as Hannibal Lector in the NBC-show Hannibal). Lars Mikkelsen has starred in many Danish shows and films, and got his ‘big breakthrough’ in 2013’s Sherlock Series 3 as the antagonist, Charles Augustus Magnussen.
Today, Lars Mikkelsen confirms that he stars in the show – and that he will star in a number of episodes. Mikkelsen is humble, and appreciative about this role. He shared this information with Danish network DR (Short for Danmarks Radio).
Though I initially thought he looked like Vladimir Putin, I doubt they’ll dare cast him specifically as the Russian President by name. I speculate that they’ll simply make him the fictitous leader of Russia.
In the trailer you see him sitting next to Spacey’s character, supposedly rejecting a handshake (0:15) – standing in front of the seated Spacey, with the Russian flag in the background (0:18) – kissing Robin Wright’s character (0:21) – and at, supposedly, a press conference with his back towards the camera (0:30).
For more on House of Cards, Netflix, and casting news – stay tuned.
– I’m Jeffrey Rex
On the 7th of January 2015 Netflix announced the release date for the first of four Marvel Shows, within the continuity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, preceding the team-up show The Defenders. The first solo-show revolves around Daredevil, and is to be released on the 10th of April 2015. They also released a brief teaser, which is viewable above the block of text, and right here.
Daredevil is produced and developed by Drew Goddard, of Cabin In The Woods-fame, and it has Steven S. DeKnight, of Starz’ Spartacus-fame, as a showrunner. The show stars Charlie Cox, known for Stardust & Boardwalk Empire, as the titular character – Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin – Deborah Ann Woll as the classic Daredevil-love interest Karen Page – and Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple.
Thus this show premieres 14 days prior to the Avengers: Age Of Ultron wide-release in Northern Europe, and two days prior to Game of Thrones on HBO – set your schedule accordingly.
For much more on Netflix, Marvel, and The Man Without Fear – stay tuned.
– I’m Jeffrey Rex.
Recently, I decided to introduce season or show reviews for television shows, and coincidentally ‘BoJack Horseman’ popped up on Netflix as a fresh new binge-product. This will be my first season review of a television show ever – and as you should always do when reading my blog, expect SPOILERS. You’ve been warned, so without further ado – here’s my take on this new animated series starring Will Arnett and Alison Brie.
The show is centered around BoJack Horseman, an anthropomorphic horse. BoJack is a former actor best known for a sitcom in the 90s. BoJack lives in his Hollywood home with Todd (played by Aaron Paul), a friend of his. The show co-stars Alison Brie, primarily as Diane Nguyen a Ghost Writer for BoJack’s memoirs; Paul F. Tompkins, primarily as Mr. Peanutbutter, a rival of BoJack who has the same background as him; and Amy Sedaris as his Agent/ex-Girlfriend Princess Carolyn.
The show is incredibly ‘meta’, and features a lot of throwbacks to the golden age of US sitcoms. And though this show follows the feel of The Simpsons, Family Guy and American Dad, you will quickly notice that the show incorporates a linear narrative. Unlike the aforementioned animated television shows, this show is primarily about the sadness of celebrity, and you don’t expect a happy ending for ol’ BoJack. Inspite of the serious tone, the show is funny – though I find it much more poignant and strong, when the show leans on its depression-tone of storytelling.
The standout episodes for me are “The Telescope” (Episode 8) & “Downer Ending” (Episode 11) – with both episodes revolving around the very sad horse that BoJack is. One thing I wanted from this show was a heartwarming episode, not unlike many Futurama standouts, but the sorrow showed in the aforementioned BoJack standouts left me satisfied.
B+
I'm Jeffrey Rex 