House of the Dragon Season 2 (2024) Review

Over the last 8 weeks, House of the Dragon has been the biggest show in the world and now the second season has finished and here is my review for the show. The premise of the season sees both factions preparing for a great war and attempt to find advantage to their claims to the Iron Throne. 

Main Character

Matt Smith reprises his role as Daemon Targaryen and he is just fantastic in his role. I must admit that his storyline isn't the best this season but Smith has so much charisma and absolutely owns every scene that he has on screen. 

Emma D'Arcy has a greater role as Rhaenyra Targaryen and it is great to see the character really come into their own and D'Arcy is fantastic. The character is struggling with her claim to the iron throne and I felt like there was greater depth added to Rhaenyra. 

Supporting Characters  

Olivia Cook is back as Alicent Hightower and I really liked the juxtaposition between her and Rhaenyra. She is struggling in King's Landing dealing with her sons causing chaos and the friction that she has caused in the majority of the relationships in her life. 

Even though he doesn't have as large a role Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower is one of my favourite characters on this show and he nails it once again. He is just thinking a few steps ahead of all the other characters and I just love seeing him in work. 

Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen is a real shining light this season. He really steps up this season and gives a fantastic performance, there is a lot of nuance to his character and at times I even felt a bit sorry for him which shows his quality as an actor. 

Ewan Mitchell also does a great job as Aemond Targaryen and I really found this character interesting. He is very cool and calculated and you see his character develop over the season, Aemond has conflict with the other characters but seems to have a side of him that does want to rule. 

There are so many characters in this show that I won't have any time to talk about them all but everybody does a fantastic job and the acting is probably the best part of the season. 

Story

There are elements that I really enjoyed in the story. The conflict that goes on within Alicent and Rhaenyra is a great part of the show and I really enjoyed both sides taking different political risks in order to put themselves in a stronger position. However, there are some elements of the story that don't work as well. Daemon's story in Harrenhall is pretty bizarre and even though it has a good payoff, it takes way too long and could have bene completed in a few episodes. Also the season kind of doesn't have a true ending, it just feels like setup for next season which is a big let down. 

Script

The script is okay, there is some interesting dialogue and a lot of the drama does hit in the right way and make you care about the main story that is being told. But this show still lacks some charm that Game of Thrones had, it is incredibly bleak and this just doesn't make it as enjoyable a watch. 

Style 

Visually, the show looks amazing. It is clear the budget is extremely large and that really gives it this epic scale, some of the action scenes are breath-taking and seeing dragons in full flight is still amazing to see. But the pacing of the show is off, there are too many story arcs and some of them are really not given the time for an audience to care and again it just feels like set up for the next season. 

Overall

Overall, House of the Dragon Season 2 is good, it still has a lot of the great things that the previous season had. However, I do think this is a step down and Season 3 really needs to step it up and deliver on the promises this season makes. It is definitely a good watch and should be watched, I just don't want the standards to drop lower. 

Rating - 7/10

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024) Review

It happens every year and we have finally reached May 4th aka Star Wars Day and Disney decided today to release the follow up to the successful Tales of the Jedi with a new show Star Wars Tales of the Empire and I have watched it this morning and this is my review of the show. The premise of the show documents the journey's of Morgan Elsbeth & Barriss Offee and how their lives were affected by different events. 

Main Character 

The first 3 episodes of the show documents the journey of Morgan Elsbeth with Diana Lee Inosanto reprising her role from The Mandalorian & Ahsoka and she is great. It shows how she became the character that we met in those shows. She does a really effective job of showing the anger and the devotion that she has to her new mission, her character was great in live action and it continues here. 

The latter 3 episodes focus on Barriss Offee who is once again voiced by Meredith Salenger. The show picks up after she was expelled from the Jedi Order in The Clone Wars. Salenger does a good job, we still see the inner turmoil of her character and that even though she was against the Jedi, she might not be fully on board with the Empire and it is just nice to get some follow up on her which people have been asking for years. 

Supporting Characters

To be honest this show is all about the two main characters and doesn't have too much time for the rest of the cast but everyone does a good job. Probably the main one is The Fourth Sister who has a good story with Barriss and gives some more character to this pretty dull character so that was good to see. 

It was also nice to see cameos from characters from the Star Wars universe such as General Grievous, Thrawn & The Grand Inquisitor. They all offer something to the stories and it was just nice to see them make a return here. 

Story

The stories are good. Seeing how Morgan Elsbeth went from surviving on Dathomir to become a Magistrate is well realised and it does set up future events in Ahsoka which is appreciated. I also enjoyed seeing Barriss journey to becoming an Inquisitor and how it showed her different viewpoints of the galaxy. But, there is no doubt that there is something missing here, it just isn't as interesting as I wanted it to be. Morgan's story doesn't do enough to tell us more stuff about her, it probably would have come across better if we had seen it before Ahsoka was released and we knew what happened to her. Barriss story does feel a little bit like missed potential and I think maybe they could have had 6 episodes just on that and it would have been better and the ending is incredibly abrupt and doesn't quite work like I think Disney thought it would. 

Script

The script is okay, this show is incredibly mature and dark and that does work and I am glad that this show goes with that tone and the lack of humour isn't an issue. The issue is that none of the drama really nails the mark fully, similar to the story I think Disney expected more and it just fell a bit flat at crucial times. 

Style

The animation looks fantastic. We have seen with other animated Star Wars shows that the animation has got better and better and this is up there with the best yet. The character models look fantastic and the action flows incredibly well and feels very smooth. But the pacing is where the issue is, with us only having 3 episodes each with these lesser known characters, plenty is left out and it feels a bit janky especially with Morgan Elsbeth which made it hard to really get invested in it. 

Overall

Overall, Star Wars: Tales of The Empire is a good show that has some merit to it and will entertain fans of the franchise. But it doesn't hit the landing as much as it should and feels like a slight let down in that way but it is still a decent watch. 

Rating - 7/10

Secret Invasion Season 1 (2023) Review

Over the last few years Disney+ has released Marvel shows to different levels of quality. The next one is Secret Invasion and it finished up its run today and here is my review for it. The premise of the show is set after the events of Avengers Endgame, Nick Fury has returned to Earth and attempts to aid his allies in order to stop a potential World War 3. 

Main Character

Samuel L Jackson makes his return as Nick Fury and he is fantastic in the role. The is easily the most development this character has ever gotten and Jackson has been playing it for 15 years. Fury is clearly older and weaker but he still has his tactics and plans, Fury has always been a slightly morally grey character and that does continue here. It is nice to see him open up a bit more and you can tell that Samuel L Jackson is really enjoying the performance. 

Supporting Characters

Ben Mendelsohn reprises his role as Talos from Captain Marvel and he is brilliant. The chemistry between himself and Jackson is superb and easily one of the highlights of the show. He has been clearly affected by working for Fury all of these years and he is really split by his loyalty. 

Emilia Clarke plays his on screen daughter Gi'ah who we met in Captain Marvel. Clarke is really good, especially in the first few episodes of the show. Clarke clearly cares about the role and there is depth with the relationship between herself and her father Talos. 

Don Cheadle has played Rhodey for over 10 years now and I just feel like he has never really been given a time to really shine, but here this is his best performance as the character. He is actually given depth to his performance instead of just cracking jokes and seeing his performances alongside Samuel L Jackson is great to see. 

Kingsley Ben-Adir plays the villain Gravik and I think he is great. You really see this interesting character develop over the show and Ben-Adir is very captivating in this role. His character has gone through some traumatic things and he is using that to aid his plans and it is interesting to see how he leads the Skrulls. 

For me the real start was Olivia Coleman as Sonya Falsworth. She is clearly having a blast here and her character is pretty mysterious and intriguing here. The show really needed her energy because this is a pretty serious show and she manages to make these serious scenes more entertaining. 

Story

The story starts really strong, it is this more espionage thriller more in line with Captain America Winter Soldier and it really had me invested into where we are going with the show. Seeing these great performances with these good characters makes it worthwhile and I cared about all of them and their fates. The problem is that the show's plot comes across as quite predictable and rushed, it needed more episodes and the 2nd half of the season kind of falls back into Marvel habits. Also, Secret Invasion was one of the biggest comic arcs of all time, this could have been an Avengers film threat but it doesn't feel like there are huge stakes here. 

Script 

Again, the first few episodes are written really well with the intrigue and espionage. Gone are the jokes at awkward times that the Marvel Cinematic Universe can beheld by and replaced with interesting character work. But the show starts to fall, the longer the show goes and some things just doesn't make too much sense. Things become more generic and typical MCU which lets this interesting show down. 

Style

The show has some pretty big action sequences which are pretty fun to watch. It is filmed to make everything seem to be sceptical and untrustworthy with a good use of action. But it does end up becoming very generic to other Marvel films which again is a shame. Also this show just needed a few more episodes to tell its story in a really effective way, it just feels a bit rushed at times. 

Overall

Overall, Secret Invasion is a good show that feels like wasted potential. The acting is great and the set up for the show is really done well. But the show becomes too slow and generic as it goes on, focusing on setting up future MCU projects and not so much itself. But I did enjoy it, so would say if you love this franchise then it is worth a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

The Mandalorian Season 3 (2023) Review

With Disney having a mixed reputation for how it has handled Star Wars, The Mandalorian has been universally loved and the third season of the show finished this week and it is about time I reviewed it. The premise of the show sees after the events of The Book Of Boba Fett Din Djarin & Grogu reunited and heading to Mandalore in order for the titular character to be redeemed in the eyes of his clan. 

Main Character

Pedro Pascal is back to voice Din Djarin and does a fantastic job in the role. His character has development this season and Pascal has become iconic in his voice acting role. There are some issues with how his character is presented but I don't think it has anything to do with Pascal and his great job. Credit has to go to Lateef Crowder & Barry Lowin who physically play The Mandalorian the majority of the time and do a seamless job in the role. 

Supporting Characters

Katee Sackhoff reprises her role as Bo-Katan and is fantastic in this season. The show puts way more spotlight on her and Sackhoff nails it, she is the real heart of the this season of the show and she is great at it. The dynamic between her and Din Djarin is really well realised and she also has a great dynamic with other characters on the show. Grogu is back reunited by Din Djarin and though there isn't as much time focused on him, he is till adorable and the more we learn about his character, the more interesting that the character becomes. Carl Weathers is back a Greef Karga and it has been really nice seeing his development over the 3 seasons, he is given more to do here and he is a constantly entertaining part of the show. Emily Swallow reprises her role as The Armourer and she is possibly the most interesting character on the entire show, the mystery behind her provides the intrigue needed to make this character worth the extra screen time she gets here. Giancarlo Esposito is back as Moff Gideon and though he isn't in the season much, his character is really well handled and Esposito is an amazing character that can just bring an aura to this performance. 

Story 

The overall story of The Mandalorians trying to find a home is interesting. We are introduced to different leaders in Mandalorian culture and seeing how these factions are usually enemies being forced to try and work together to save their planet. But there are some big issues with the story here, the main one being that the focus is taken off of Din Djarin & Grogu meaning we have other characters taking the lead which doesn't work as well. It feels like the story is trying to already fill in loads of gaps between the original trilogy and the sequel trilogy that it is moving away from where I think the focus should be. 

Script

The script is okay, these characters are mostly ones we have spent time with and have grown to care about. The script keeps with this and they are given some chance to shine. But there is a reason that there are no new interesting characters and there was so much filler that by the time we got to the end it felt a bit rushed. 

Style 

The show looks amazing, it is a legit movie budget style here. The action scenes are also really well handled with all the action scenes being a pure joy to watch, seeing multiple different Star Wars locations is really fun. But the pacing of this season is all off, there is too much focus on other characters that the show that it doesn't quite work or make you care about the main story. Some of the tone also feels a bit out of place, one episode in particular. 

Overall

Overall, The Mandalorian Season 3 is a good series of TV. It is easily the weakest of this show but there is still good things here, this whole universe needs to get a bit more focused and return to the higher levels of previous seasons. 

Rating - 7/10

The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman Mini Series (2022) Review

This documentary made its way to Netflix a few days ago and is being watched by plenty of people. So I thought I would watch The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman and here is my review for it. The premise of the mini series documents the events where a man posing as an MI5 agent tricked people into giving him money and power. 

What the documentary does really well is avoid all of the fluff and get you invested from the beginning. Everything is being documented by the people involved and there is no clear separate agenda as there seems to be with too many documentaries these days. This was seemingly a big deal when the case happened but I knew nothing about it and the show gets you up to speed and gives you what you need. 

You wouldn't believe in half of the things said here as it feels so absurd, but with the people involved it clearly was and it just makes you wonder how exactly this guy got away with what he is doing and how it affects people to this current day. 

This show is only 3 episodes long and where I think that is a good thing as it does trim some of the fat off. I also think some of the parts of this show could have done with more detail. I just wanted to know more and it would have been cool if we could have got even more. 

The show also ends on a bit of a sour note and it feels a bit unfinished and that is obviously a shame. Hopefully, the release of this show brings more attention to this situation and gets it more finished. 

Overall, this documentary did a good job of getting me interested and making me care about the subject matter and for its short runtime I would say give it a go. 

Rating - 7/10

The Bay Season 3 (2022) Review

I enjoyed the first two seasons of The Bay and now a 3rd season has come out. I have watched all of the 6 episodes and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees a new FLO come to Morecombe, on her first day she is assigned to a family where a death has occurred. 

Main Character

So Morven Christie decided not to reprise her role as Lisa Armstrong for the third season which means we have a new lead character. Marsha Thomason plays Jen Townsend and she is an okay main character, she is effective in the police officer role and feels like a natural fit to the show. The issue is that she just isn't that interesting of a character, she is pretty basic and there was nothing really to grasp onto unlike the previous lead character which is a shame. 

Supporting Characters

Daniel Ryan is back as the head of the task force and he is so good in this role, it just feels like a real natural fit for him. The show focuses less on his personal life and I was happy to see that and it allowed him to be really great in his role. The cast from the previous seasons get more to do which is nice to see and it was cool seeing them doing some more police work. Actors such as Mark Stanley and Gary Lewis are introduced and by having that little bit of star power it adds to the overall feel of the product. I also found the victims family more interesting this season as there is plenty going on there and the show does its best to try and keep them all relevant. 

Story 

The story is interesting, it moves at a good pace and has plenty of twists and turns. I cared about the situation and I was interested throughout. But the show has a bit too much going on that could be seen as a bit unbelievable, also the show leaves plenty of the story unresolved so unless they are going to do a season 4 it makes me wonder what happened to certain characters.  

Script

The script is pretty heavy and it does a good job of keeping you watching from episode to episode. You will get drawn into the investigation and wonder who is exactly responsible for the criminal act that has been committed. But it also feels like this show struggles with displaying anything but grief, it is so heavy that it makes it feel really dramatic and it never really relents on. 

Style 

The show is paced well and flows naturally with twists that are effective in the way the show tells its story. In this show I have always felt like Morecombe and The Bay are like a character and it is encapsulated well here showing the good and bad of the place that this show resides. It doesn't drag on and I am glad for that. 

Overall

Overall, another solid season of The Bay. It may not be the best crime show out there but The Bay is an enjoyable watch and I think if you like crime shows then this is another decent one to watch. 

Rating - 7/10

Hawkeye Season 1 (2021) Review

Marvel Studios managed to fit one more show on Disney+ into 2021 and Hawkeye has now finished and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees Clint Barton forced out of retirement to clear his name and help a young new archer from a dangerous new world. 

Main Character

Jeremy Renner reprises his role as Hawkeye and he really shines with the spotlight put onto him. You see how being this veteran Avenger has really affected him and mixing that with his role as a father clearly makes the whole situation difficult. His character is really well developed and it shows that when given the time and effort to shine. Hailee Steinfeld makes her debut as Kate Bishop and she is such a fantastic addition to The MCU. She brings so much life to the role and her energy is hard to ignore and really raises the quality of the show. I said in my trailer review that the dynamic between the two of these would be what carries this show and it absolutely does with them being the real highlight of this show.  

Supporting Characters

Florence Pugh makes her return as Yelena Belova and she is brilliant, she has so much energy and charisma on screen. Some of my favourite scenes are the ones between her and Steinfeld, they are fantastic to see on screen together and I am glad Pugh was given the chance to have a future in The MCU. Vera Farmiga plays Eleanor Bishop and she is a pretty complex part of the show, she is clearly very protective of Kate but there is something slightly off with her and Farmiga does an effective job with this. Tony Dalton plays Jack Duquesne and he is really charming and charismatic in his role, you also aren't really aware of his motivations and Dalton is just so likeable that it adds to the intrigue and complexity. Alaqua Cox makes her debut as Maya Lopez/Echo and she is a really good character, the fact that she is a deaf character allows for some really interesting sequences and she has her own motivations and character development too ahead of her own show heading to Disney+ over the next year or so. 

Story 

The story is effective, it deals with Barton's guilt over his time as The Ronin and the events of Avengers Endgame. The chemistry between Kate and Clint is fantastic and it is really fun watching them navigate New York and the criminal underworld. All the characters have really interesting individual stories and characters arcs but the issue is that it doesn't quite mesh together. The show has so much going on in it that it can't balance it all in 6 episodes and it does make certain things feel a bit rushed and undercooked by the time the show finishes. 

Script

The script is also good, there is some great banter between Kate and Clint and the show is actually pretty funny. Some of the drama does work and you feel the emotion but again some of the dialogue doesn't earn the emotion that they clearly think it does and I think this could have been fixed with either more episodes or less things being put into show. 

Style 

There are some really fun and creative action sequences in Hawkeye and the Christmas theme actually really worked for me which was something I was worried about. But the pacing isn't quite there, again it is just due to the amount the show tries to cram in, for a short amount of time. 

Overall

Overall, Hawkeye is a good fun show. It does a lot of things really well but maybe overdoes it and it will be interesting to see where  the characters and stories come out of this show and progress in The MCU. 

Rating - 7/10

What If...? Season 1 (2021) Review

After 9 weeks the first season of the highly anticipated Marvel Animated Show What If? has ended and it is time for me to review it. The premise of the show looks at different universes where there have been slight alterations which cause big changes to characters and events. 

Main Character

There are so many characters here that it becomes difficult to distinguish main characters to side characters but the main thread line of the show is The Watcher voiced by Jeffery Wright. He doesn't get involved too much but Wright brings a real unique sense of calm and composure to the role that it really sells him as the Watcher of the Multiverse. If you read the reports Wright was heavily involved in crafting The Watcher and he did a fantastic job. 

Supporting Characters

This show has its emotional sequences with this being the final performance in the MCU by Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa. You can really see the love he has for this role and especially in the Star-Lord episode you see his charisma and natural care to this show and it is a great thing that we were treated to this great man getting one last ride as this character. Benedict Cumberbatch plays Doctor Strange in multiple episodes and they do a great job with his character and for me he was easily the most interesting character in this show and the episode revolving around him is the best of the show. There are other good performances from actors reprising there roles such as Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Michael B Jordan as Killmonger and Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter. Also the voice actors taking over from the film ones do a decent job too and it only sometimes takes away from the show. 

Story  

This show is incredibly episodic, every week there is different stories involving different characters from the MCU and with that comes mixed results. There are some really interesting new and fresh stories here, mainly the Doctor Strange, T'Challa Star-Lord and Finale episode, they enhance these characters and put them in interesting stories that add to there lore in the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe. But there are some stories that aren't so great, like The Killmonger and Thor episodes that don't hit the mark and feel like filler. Also with the episodic theme it feels like it is hard to get invested until they eventually bring things together later but it feels a little late. 

Script

The script is okay, there are some good dramatic moments and some chuckle worthy moments. But both are inconsistent and it feels like it changes from each episode to the next and it is a bit jarring with some cheesy dialogue which seems more aimed to a younger audience. 

Style 

The animated style looks fantastic, it really works for The Marvel Cinematic Universe and these larger then life characters. The action is buttery smooth and flows very nicely for every character and that is one of the benefits to the different types of episodes as pretty much all the characters get a chance to shine. But the pacing isn't that great, the episodes are only 30 mins long and some of them really could have done with a longer runtime to go into way more detail in the stories that are being told. 

Overall

Overall, What If...? is a good show with some fun Marvel action. The episodes range in quality but this is a must watch for Marvel fans and a fun addition to the MCU. 

Rating - 7/10

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 1 (2021) Review 

Yes I watched the finale of The Bad Batch on Friday but I have had a busy few days so haven't had a chance to review it but now is the time and here is my review for the first season of The Bad Batch. The premise of the show experiences the journey of Clone Force 99 as they try to find their place in the new Galactic Empire. 

Main Character

The Bad Batch has a large cast but clearly the main two characters are that of Hunter and Omega. Hunter is really established as the leader of the group and it is really interesting to see his progression from when we met him in The Clone Wars to this show. Omega is a character introduced and she is the new presence amongst the group and she is a really fun addition to the crew and there is so much intrigue towards her and why exactly she is involved with the team. 

Supporting Characters

Credit has to go to Dee Bradley Baker who has to voice all of The Bad Batch and other clones that appear and that must be a mammoth job for him. Onto Crosshair, he is easily the best part of the show and I loved how his character contrasted with the rest of the the team and how it really gave an insight into the mindset from The Republic into The Empire. Tech, Wrecker and Echo are all back from The Clone Wars and they are all fun, they aren't as complete characters as the others but they fit in well amongst the team and it is fun to watch them together. There are also some really fun cameos on the show which I won't spoil, with the timeline of the show it allows the chance to bridge the gap between the events of Clone Wars and Rebels. 

Story 

The story starts off really strong and does a good job in showing how the galaxy and the main characters have to deal with the transition from The Galactic Republic to The Galactic Empire. Like the characters of Hunter, Omega and Crosshair are given fantastic development throughout the show but others are bit neglected especially when there is so much time. That is the main issue, there are way too many filler episodes which do very little for the plot, this has always been an issue with the animated Star Wars shows but this is a big issue here, with a pretty lacklustre finale topping it all off. 

Script

The script is okay, it does well with some of the drama and the humour building a decent family bond between the members of the Bad Batch. But sometimes it does get stuck in between both of these ideas and doesn't quite hit the quality that something like the final season of The Clone Wars did. 

Style 

The show looks great, the animation is at its strongest here and the action flows incredibly well with some really great set pieces. Though there is one clear problem which is the pacing of the show, this could have been a fantastic 10 episode season but there is 16 episodes and that is a huge issue with way too many filler episodes that when you watch weekly becomes a real slog. 

Overall

Overall, The Bad Batch is a good first season of the show. The animation has never been better and there are interesting bits of lore added but there are just way too many episodes and hopefully they do a shortened second season. 

Rating - 7/10

Transformers: War For Cybertron Trilogy - Part 3 Kingdom (2021) Review

So we have now come to the end of The War For Cybertron Trilogy with its third part Kingdom and I watched it all today and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees The Transformers crash on a new planet where they meets new allies and enemies which aim to help lead them to the AllSpark. 

Main Character

Optimus Prime and Megatron really have the focus put on them this season and they both thrive. Prime is a really interesting character, you can see how the events of the previous parts are weighing on him and affecting his decision making and confidence in being the leader of the Autobots. Whereas Megatron doubles down on his beliefs and seeing the contrast between the two of them is fascinating and the differing ideologies between the two leaders and groups is what has driven this show for me and that continues here. 

Supporting Characters

This show has a massive roster of characters, too many to mention so I will reduce it to just a few. Starscream has always been an interesting character and I think he is at his best and most nefarious here, they do something with his character that made him more dynamic in his characterisation. They introduce the maximals led by Optimus Primal and he is a good character, fans of the beast wars series will know more about him then me but I really liked his portrayal and he was a good addition to the show as was pretty much all of the maximals. I mean some of the characters get less to do with Bumblebee being the main character hit by this but he is still a good character and I think this part improves on focusing on the interesting character and staying focused on the important elements of the story. 

Story

The story is interesting, seeing the alliances between the maximals and autobots and the decepticons and the predacons. The four factions are interesting and they fit into this web in a dynamic that manages to hold the interest enough with some pretty unique concepts. The issue is that the story feels a bit bloated. The last few episodes go into some pretty crazy places but it feels like it comes out of nowhere and that it is maybe trying to set up a future for the series instead of giving a fully satisfying ending to this show.  

Script

The script is functional, it has some decent dramatic moments and dialogue to it but not enough to captivate. Plus the show is so serious it feels like a pretty morbid watch, that if you watch it in one go can be a bit much. 

Style 

The show still has some pretty good animation and it feels true to the Transformers legacy in terms of giving them the action pieces they deserve. The issue is that the new Beast animations for the maximals and predacons are terrible and really stand out because of how bad they are compared to the Transformers. The show is also a bit long and it could have done with a few less episodes to tell a more cohesive and faster paced show. 

Overall

Overall, Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy - Part 3 Kingdom is a good finale to this series. It is a solid Transformers show that puts the shine on those characters and I think if you are a fan of the franchise then give this one a go, I think you will quite enjoy it. 

Rating - 7/10

Time (2021) Series Review

Last Sunday BBC came out with Time, a new drama that is 3 episodes long and I have watched all three episodes and here is my review for it. The premise of the series sees a man convicted to prison where he is looked after by a police officer who cares about his inmates. 

Main Character

Sean Bean and Stephen Graham play the two leads here and they are both fantastic. Firstly Bean, he feels like a normal guy put in this terrible situation because of one thing that he did and he sells that brilliantly. You see the real criminals in this show and the ones with no remorse so it shows him in a light where you do care and see despite his flaws he is a good person. The same can be said for Graham's character, he is an honest officer that is trying to help the prisoners survive and at least stay human. But he has his flaws and is put in a difficult situation and Graham sells it as well as you would expect because he is a brilliant actor. These two are now juggernauts of the screen and it is great to see them on screen though I do wish they did more together. 

Supporting Characters 

The rest of the cast are definitely secondary, Brian McCardie who played Tommy Hunter on Line Of Duty has a role here and he plays the character you would expect, I think he could probably do it in his sleep. Siobhan Finnerman plays a pastor that helps the inmates and she is good in her role as a likeable support network for these people who need it for different reasons. The rest of the cast are also pretty good in their roles and fit the parts of the show that they need too. 

Story 

The story is effective, it is interesting to see this average man trying to get through prison and live day by day. While this police officer is put in an uncomfortable position that shows how good people can be affected by this world. It brings up plenty of emotion and real world situations that can be difficult to watch and grasp. But this show also has a bit of a disconnect, the two main stories feel pretty separate and I feel like especially Graham's story gets a lack of detail put into it. With the show being more realistic, it also made the pace a bit slow and it took me at least the second episode to get into it. 

Script 

The script is very real, the drama is real and effective. You see the pain and anguish that goes on in the prison mixed with some anger from the prisoners. But maybe its a bit too real, there is little to surprise, no little quirks of humour and just a lack of humanity overall to the feel of the characters. 

Style 

The show has some intense scenes that you would expect from a show set in a prison. It does an effective job in detailing the life of Bean's character in particular and how he tries to survive while keeping his moral compass. The show is only 3 episodes long and that is a good thing, it never outstays its welcome but it is a bit pondering and slow, especially in that first episode for me. Like a lot of shows there are elements of the show that I thought were needed and some that weren't and that affected the overall pace of the show. 

Overall

Overall, Time is a good show. I have seen rave reviews for this show but I don't think it is that good, if you like either of the two main actors then you will see enough you like and think this was a decent three hour show. 

Rating - 7/10

Pennyworth Season 2 (2021) Review

It's taken a bit longer then I would maybe have liked but today I finished the 2nd season of Pennyworth and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees after the attack of the previous season The Raven Union and British League go to war, which sees Alfred trying to escape to America. 

Main Character 

Jack Bannon plays Alfred Pennyworth and he is fantastic, he just oozes charisma and charm. He balances the aggressiveness and class of the character and he is just really fun to watch on screen. The character goes through many twists and turns this season and Bannon conveys it really well and one day when he is done with this role, I see a big future for him because of his obvious talent. 

Supporting Characters

This show has a huge cast of characters and I felt like that began to show more this season with some characters not working as much. Ben Aldrige and Emma Paetz reprise their roles as Thomas Wayne and Martha Kent and I thought their chemistry was better this season, I still think the whole thing has been rushed for obvious reasons but there is no doubting they are good together and effective in their roles. Dorothy Atkins and Ryan Fletcher as Mrs Pennyworth and Dave Boy are also really fun and give more to do which adds so much to the show in terms of comedy value and some drama. But there are some cast that don't quite work mainly everything to do with Peg Sykes played by Paloma Faith. She was the character I liked least in the first season and it kind of feels like she doesn't have much to do and is forced on screen and is just a bit too over the top for me. Also the villains, whether it be Jason Flemyng as Harwood or Edward Hogg as Salt, they are just too over the top and lack depth for me to really care about them or their goals when there was a clear chance for that to happen. 

Story 

The story is decent, I really like Alfred's character arc and the fact that he isn't a bland and generic hero with no faults really helps and makes him way more interesting. My favourite part of the plot was the one involving him and Gully his old commander in the SAS and I kind of wish that had been the main arc of the show. It's just the whole war isn't very interesting and way too black and white in terms of good and evil which is a big missed opportunity. Also there are story arcs that don't satisfy and feel like they could have been better with being cut out. 

Script 

The script is also okay, the humour it top notch mainly because it does a lot of dark humour which fits the overall tone of the show really well. But the drama still didn't work particularly well for me, I just found it difficult to care about the story and some of the characters and that isn't exactly great for this show. 

Style 

The style is good, it doesn't hold back but never goes really brutal like other comic book shows. The action is well made and fits the tone of the show, which is well realised and feels over the top in the right ways with seemingly a greater pushing towards comic book fun. 

Overall

Overall, Pennyworth's 2nd season is a good season of television. I think I enjoyed the first season more, but this is a solid season of TV that makes this an entertaining show for sure that if you like crime shows that have a bit of comic book fun then it might be for you. 

Rating - 7/10

The Flight Attendant Season 1 (2021) Review

This show was a big hit for the US run HBO Max when it came out late last year, but here in The UK we have only just gained access to the show and I have watched The Flight Attendant and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees a Flight Attendant get caught in a murder investigation where she has to protect herself while trying to find the one responsible. 

Main Character

Kaley Cuoco best known for The Big Bang Theory and Harley Quinn plays the lead character here and she is really good, she is funny and interesting for one of the better lead characters you will see. At times her character can be frustrating but it is all a part of the character development and Cuoco does such a good job that it makes you care about her and become interested in where her character develops. 

Supporting Characters

Michiel Huisman plays the man who is murdered, and despite that he plays a major part in this show and I think he is good in the role. He shares the majority of his scenes with Cuoco and they have really good chemistry together, they are fun together and it takes two to tango so Huisman plays his part well. Zosia Mamet plays Cuoco's best friend and I really liked her too, their friendship feels really genuine and Mamet does a really good job of playing a character who is kind of struggling to keep her friendship going with this clearly toxic personality. Michelle Gomez like normal plays an antagonist and she is decent, she has a Scottish accent which at first confused me, but I later liked it and thought it gave her a bit of charm and humour. But there are some elements of the cast I wasn't a huge fan of, the whole FBI angle of the show doesn't work and the actors aren't given enough to work with to give them the development they need. Also Rosie Perez plays a fellow Flight Attendant and she does very little for me, her character has her own story arc and it just really doesn't work, I just am not a huge fan of her as an actress and I just feel like her character was a weaker aspect of the show. 

Story 

The story is a good old fashioned murder mystery and it works for the most part and keeps you on your toes throughout. It also does a really good job of showing how a lifetime of trauma can affect a person and give them pretty serious issues and for a show that is quite comedic that is something the show should be proud of. But there are a few different story arcs that just don't work, such as the FBI and Rosie Perez character story arc, they just feel weak and lack depth and intrigue to them. Also the film has a couple of twists in the final episode that just didn't work for me and felt like they didn't quite fit what the story was trying to tell. 

Script

The script is very good, the show has a really fantastic blend between comedy and drama and does a great job of never over-emphasising either of them. Characters are naturally quite funny but they also have some real dark moments that just make them feel more realistic and people that could exist in the real world. 

Style  

The style of the show does look good, with the main character being a Flight Attendant the show does go to a few different places and that allows the show to keep their locations fresh and I wish there could have been even more. Though at times there are some issues with the pacing, certain story arcs are given too much time and it feels clunked and despite a good run time, I wish that at times the show had been more focused. 

Overall

Overall, The Flight Attendant is a good show. This is an easy watch and one that if you are an avid TV watcher should give a go as I think people will enjoy it and with a second season confirmed the show is on the up. 

Rating - 7/10 

Behind Her Eyes Mini Series (2021) Review

I watched the trailer for Behind Her Eyes and I was pretty interested, this show is based on the book of the same name that came out a few years ago and I have watched the show and here is my review for it. The premise of the show sees a woman start an affair with her boss while becoming close friends with her wife. 

Main Character

Simona Brown plays the lead here and I thought she was a really good lead character or the show. In a show that is pretty crazy it is nice to see a character at least for the first few episodes seems normal and your everyday person going through struggles like normal people. Obviously, the show doesn't stay like that and she does a good job in the dramatic scenes and helps in really building the tension. 

Supporting Characters

Eve Hewson plays Adele and I thought she was the best part of the show, she just gives such a magnetic and complicated performance that easily makes her the most interesting character here and the one that keeps you on your toes in every episode that you see her. Tom Bateman plays David and he is probably the most generic of the characters but I still think he gives a good performance and fills his role well, just like the other two characters he changes and progresses as the show goes on and it is well done. The only other character really is played by Robert Aramayo who plays Robert, he is involved in a story with Adele and it adds layers and depth to the show. 

Story 

When I describe the plot up the top you probably think this is a pretty paint by numbers story but that couldn't be further from the truth. This show hits a few different genres and I don't really want to talk about it too much as I went into every episode not expecting what comes next and the show really deserves credit for that. But there are some things that don't work here and are underdeveloped and it feels like they are just rushed over and not really explained well enough. Now onto what everyone is talking about and that is the ending, when the book came out everybody said the ending was a crazy twist and the show does not disappoint in that way. I feel like some people will like it and some will hate it, for me I credit the bravery for it but I think it just overreached to far. 

Script

The script is okay, there are some good dramatic moments and the intensity does get raised to pretty uncomfortable levels and it does it well enough. But there is some cheesy dialogue and moments that don't work and really drag it down, plus some of the writing seems confused and like they have to fit a lot into this show. 

Style

The show looks good, it has a decent look and does keep you wanting to watch more for sure. It has a binge able feel about it and it does a good job of keeping you invested enough to keep you watching. But this show does have a bit of a pacing issue, it doesn't really sink its claws till the 2nd or 3rd episode and by then some people may not be patient enough for it. 

Overall 

Overall, this is a good show that is a pretty easy and interesting watch. I would recommend this to people who like psychological thrillers who can accept the unbelievable parts as it has decent moments but maybe others can take a skip. 

Rating - 7/10

The Bay Season 2 (2021) Review

After watching the first season I decided why not get on and watch the second season of The Bay and I have now done that and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees after her suspension Lisa is given a second chance when she is bought onto a murder investigation. 

Main Character

Morven Christie is back as Lisa and I think she is even better this season and does a great job in this role. You see how the events of last season have really affected her and have changed her mindset but she is still incredibly capable and clearly one of the best people for the job. There are a lot of cogs going on with her character this season and honestly they don't all work for me but she deals with them really well and gives a strong performance to boost the credibility of the show. 

Supporting Characters

Daniel Ryan is back as her boss and he is really good, again I wasn't a huge fan of his personal story arc but there is no denying that he gives a great performance and delivers a really good performance. James Cosmo plays a member of the family of the victim and he is also very good and adds a physical presence to the show and a real big character to the show. In fact all of the victims family are really good and bring something different that doesn't make them feel like the family from the first season. Also I didn't mention him in the first season review but Taheen Modak as Med is really good and the dynamic between his character and Lisa is a highlight and I like how it has developed from the first season. But then we get onto the weak performances and once again they are the same as last season, Christie's characters kids, wow they are so bad and they offer nothing to this show, I kind of wish this season had just ignored them or used them more sparingly but I actually think there here more and it really drags the show down and the family drama is my least favourite part of the show. 

Story

The main police story is actually pretty good and what it does really well is feel very different to the story of the first season. The cases are very different and this one feels more progressive with lots of twists and turns and credit has to go to that and I felt like the eventual twist was better then the first seasons even though it could have been better. But then the show gets bogged down in these sub plot family dramas and they really don't work and did very little for me, I would have happily watched more of the investigation and got rid of all of that. Also at the end it feels like some things haven't been resolved and I don't know if that is to set up a third season but it comes across as a bit sloppy. 

Script

The script is good, I would say better then the first season. The important characters are well written and the twists and turns are more interesting with some shocking revelations that do their job well. There is some good drama and little bits of humour that compliment well for the tone of the show. 

Style

The show is effective in the story it is trying to tell using this setting that is unique and we don't see too often, this show does a great job of showcasing Morecambe in all of its glory. Also credit to the sound people, the score has always been great but I thought I would mention it here as again I don't feel like I gave it enough credit in the first season. But the pacing of the show is worse here and I think that is due to the larger impact the sub plots take on the show, either they should have been cut down or there should have been fewer episodes with them completely out. 

Overall

Overall, this is another good season of The Bay and a show that is solid, there has been no update of a third season but if you have the time and like crime shows then this one is worth a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

The Bay Season 1 (2019) Review 

So the second season of ITV's The Bay has recently hit TV but I haven't watched the first season so I decided to watch it and here is my review for the first season of The Bay. The premise of the season sees two teenagers disappear and a detective goes on the hunt but she might have more connection to the case then she first knew. 

Main Character

Morven Christie plays the lead role and she is really good here and delivers a really strong lead performance. She fills the detective role really well and she is just really good in her job and the personal stuff is well done too, you see how dedicated to this case she becomes and how it affects her in more ways then one and this show creates an interesting character that we as a viewer will care about. 

Supporting Characters

Daniel Ryan plays her boss and he is also great here, their dynamic is really good and I like how he handles the case and is really strong as the lead of the investigation. The family of the kids that go missing are also good in their roles, they could be just the boring family victims but they aren't, they have their own story arcs and they are really good and add plenty to the show. But there are a few characters that fall weak for me and they are mainly the two kids of Christie's character. They are so annoying to watch and their whole characters don't play an important part of the show and the question has to be why are they even here and it is really frustrating. 

Story

The story is interesting as you see these detectives try and find these teenagers and the usual twists and turns take place as you would expect and some of them work for sure to keep you interested. But there are also things that feel underdeveloped like those two kids and the show tries to make it all connect but it feels forced and by the end of the show it feels forced and like just a way to make the dull parts of the show be a part of the main plot. 

Script 

The script is fine, there are some good dramatic moments here and the characters are pretty well written for the most part, the twists and turns also mostly work. But this show really falls flat with its final reveal and it feels like they weren't sure what they wanted to do so they went with an absurd ending that feels really out of left field. 

Style 

The style of the show is good, it is pretty brutal and just feels very real which is one of the best things I can say about the show, the pacing of the show pretty good too with six episodes feeling like a good length for the season.  

Overall

Overall, this is a good show that continues ITV's hot streak of police dramas. If you like these types of shows then The Bay could be another one for the list. 

Rating - 7/10

History of Swear Words Season 1 (2021) Review

We have made it in 2021 and it feels like this is an appropriate time for a documentary about the history of swear words hosted by none other then Nicolas Cage and I have watched the 6 short episodes and here is my review for it. 

So first onto the biggest part of the show which is Nicolas Cage as the host and he is great and clearly revels here and is having a blast of a time. When I think of this show he is literally the only guy who could host it and he adds so much energy to this show and is the highlight for me. 

Now onto the actual show, it is pretty funny and has a good selection of experts and comedians talking about a subject that is pretty taboo and it is pretty refreshing to watch and here these words talked about and widely accepted. 

It is also cool how they show the evolution of swearing in film, tv and music and shows even though it is a subject not really spoken about it has influenced pop culture and people from plenty of different backgrounds whether they be male or female. 

But this show isn't as funny as it maybe thinks it is, to begin with it is funny hearing them swearing but after a while it becomes a bit dull and like it is no longer shocking and the show doesn't bring much to the table. 

Also there are some swear words clearly missing and whether this is setting up a second season or whether it has been avoided on purpose due to the sensitive nature which is disappointing.

Overall, this is a pretty funny show that talks about swears openly and it is a show you can get through pretty quickly which aids in its watch ability and maybe if you are interested in the subject then maybe give it some time. 

Rating - 7/10    

The Serpent Mini Series (2021) Review

Here we go, the first new review for 2021 and it is for the new BBC show The Serpent and here is my review for it. The premise of the show documents the life of a serial killer who took advantage of the Asian hippie society for his own needs. 

Main Character

Tahar Rahim plays the main character here and he does a really good job here. His performance is really enigmatic and charismatic, you understand why these people are drawn to him and attracted to his lifestyle as he is a charming man with that aura about him. But he also nails the intensity too, when he has to switch you believe he can and that he is a truly dangerous man that is unbalanced and as you learn more about him he becomes a more interesting character. 

Supporting Characters

Jenna Coleman plays his partner in the show and she is fantastic, she is a person that we really see the show through and she is a character that really struggles. You can see how infatuated she is with Rahim's character that she is willing to give the extra mile for him but you can't really tell how on board she is and her character develops very well as the show progresses. Billy Howle plays the guy on the hunt for The Serpent and he does a great job, you see how invested he gets in this manhunt and how it affects him in many different ways and I thought Howle managed to show that really well and he deserves plenty of credit for that. Elle Bamber and Tim McInnerny who I last saw in The Trial of Christine Keeler are much better here, Bamber plays Howle's wife and that have an interesting relationship and she is way more then just your simple wife of a heroic character. McInnerny adds plenty of fire to the show and intensity and I thought him and Howle had really good chemistry and there different personalities really worked together well. 

Story   

The story is interesting, how much of it is exactly true is to be argued but the show makes it interesting and creates this aura around this guy and keeps you interested in how this guy and his whole circle operate and his mindset to his way of life. But this show has a big issue with its storytelling, it decides to tell the story through different timelines and it just gets really confusing, characters come in and out of the story and it doesn't become clear when things are happening and where they fit into the timeline of the show. 

Script

The script is fine, it has some pretty intense moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the characters are put in scenarios that put them in peril. But there isn't anything particularly special going on here, the actors rise above an average script and there was more that could have been done here. 

Style 

The show is very stylish and thinks it is very cool and for the most part it is and it shows Thailand and the other countries in an interesting way. But the one thing I have to say is that this show does seem to glamorise this real life serial killer and the life he had which is a strange choice when this guy is still alive and I think there are just a couple too many episodes but that is just me. 

Overall 

Overall, this is a good series that does what it intended to do pretty well. It doesn't rise to the highest level but is a good start to 2021 and if you like shows with these ideas then give this show a watch. 

Rating - 7/10

Tin Star Season 1 (2017) Review 

So season 3 of Tin Star is coming to Sky next month and I have never watched the show despite it being on for a few years but I have now finished the first season and here is my review for the show. The premise of the season sees a former undercover British cop travel to a small village in Canada to become the sheriff , when he must defend his family from all kinds of threats. 

Main Character

Tim Roth plays the main character here and he is fantastic, carrying this show on his back pretty much. He has such a dark sense of humour and it makes him way more interesting, imagine if The Punisher was also a police officer with a dark sense of humour and you have Roth in this show and he is great throughout and is a very enigmatic lead with a very interesting character. 

Supporting Characters

Genevieve O'Reilly plays his wife on the show and I thought she did a good job, they have an interesting dynamic that is one of the most interesting parts of the show. Though that is about it for the supporting characters for me, Abigail Lawrie plays their daughter and she was so annoying and hard to care about, she is just an annoying teenage girl and every time she is on screen I want to check out and wait till Tim Roth is back. The Villains are cookie cutter and dull and there are characters that have no real use of being here, mainly Christina Hendricks as a head of an oil company that feels unnecessary and gets way to much screen time here. 

Story

The story of Tim Roth's character is fascinating, even though he is a police officer you can tell he likes to bend the rules to get things done and you understand his motivations for why he acts like he does. Everything to do with him is interesting and as you see this guy break down and get worse and worse as the season goes on and you just wonder how bad it is going to get. Also the season has a really interesting ending that sets up its second season pretty well. But there are way too many subplots here that don't really end up really mattering and it does make it feel like padding to get this show to the ten episodes that it felt it was required. 

Script 

The script was well written for me, I think the blend between drama and humour was really well done here. Roth has such a knack for well timed humour that it makes this show so much better, his character is so well layered and there are plenty of dark moments that are actually a bit funny, but also some really brutal, violent scenes showing some well done writing. 

Style 

The style of the show feels unique, it feels small scale in a very good way and doesn't hold back in terms of violence, but it feels very appropriate for the show that you are watching and it really works and makes it feel incredibly gritty. But this show does have a few too many episodes in it and it feels like there is an amazing 6-8 episode season, but they had to force it to ten and it does hold it back quite a bit. 

Overall

Overall, this is a good first season of the show with some brutality. I think there is an amazing show here, but it just needs to get rid of the pointless side plots. If you like brutal cop shows then I would say this is worth a watch and your time. 

Rating - 7/10

Riviera Season 1 (2017) Review

Riviera's third season has just hit the Uk and I have not watched any of it so I thought I would start the show and I finished the first season and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees a woman find out her family's fame and fortune has been built up by Blood and Criminal Activity which has put her in the crosshairs. 

Main Character

Julia Stiles is a great actress and she plays the lead role here and does a really good job. She is a very strong character and seeing her finding out about all these shocking things makes you care about her and it makes her a relatable character. She isn't one dimensional though and has plenty of depth making her an interesting character and one that develops over the season in a natural and compelling way. 

Supporting Characters

Lena Olin is really good in this show, her and Stiles rivalry is an interesting part of the show and their dynamic is really interesting and she is one of the more interesting characters on the show. Igal Naor plays a gangster here and I thought he was very good in the role, he played the role well and he just has a presence on screen, his particular part of the show isn't as interesting but he delivered in his role. Iwan Rheon who plays Ramsey Bolton on Game Of Throne is here and once again he does a really good job here, surprisingly he is a character you actually feel sympathy for and it goes someway in moving him away from his iconic role. But there was also some weaker characters, Dimitri Leonidas and Roxane Duran play the other children and they do their best but the writing for their characters is poor and it just gives them very little to do to make them standout. Same with the whole police angle, there is this cop going after the family and one leading the investigation and they end up not really mattering and you wonder why the show bothered with it. 

Story

The story is interesting, this woman played by Stiles is our window into this just crazy world and it just gets more crazy as the show goes on. The show's plot is pretty convoluted, but it is interesting and keeps you on your toes throughout. This show has family drama and it mostly works, it is just the individual arcs that don't really work, It is like there is this great idea here but they have to pad it out over 10 episodes so they have to add these dull plot lines. 

Script 

The script is fine, it has some good dialogue, mainly with Stiles bringing her A game and rising it up, also some of the other characters have good moments. But as I mentioned above, some of the other characters are poorly written and what doesn't help is that the plot focuses on too many different things and some of it just doesn't get enough interest. 

Style

The show looks great, The Riviera is beautiful and is a great backdrop for this show which adds a bit of uniqueness to it. There are also some exciting scenes involved, I know I said some of the story arcs didn't work but the show flowed nicely and the 10 episodes didn't feel too long even though I just wish certain things had been improved. 

Overall

Overall, this is a good first season of this show. It has intrigue and style to it, I mean it does nothing to rise it above good but if you like dramatic shows then this could be worth a watch. 

Rating - 7/10