It’s way past my bedtime, so apologies for any errors or incoherence, but I was shocked to note that there was no previous thread (please correct me if I’m wrong).
What a fantastic show! How the hell is this on a regular network instead of HBO or at least AMC?
It’s got nearly the production value of Game of Thrones, and not an entirely dissimilar tone, but the writing and directing are a full level above anything on that show. There’s a poetry to it that just amazes me, and which, judging from the few review scores I’ve seen, a lot of people are missing.
There are some seriously powerful actors, both known and making their debut here, and at least a few scenes which are cinematically breathtaking (Zack Snyder would be jealous, I bet).
The writing is excellent - the dialogue works well, and the characters and plotlines are introduced in an interesting fashion that makes me want more.
But none of that touches upon the greatness in this show. It’s hard to explain, but there’s a delightful poetry that I’ve rarely seen in movies and television. Much of it (but not all) plays upon the modernization of Dorothy’s tale.
The scarecrow is met as a man crucified, with crows upon him, waiting to feast on his flesh. He has lost his memory, and someone might harshly call him “brainless”. When we expect to meet the Munchkins, we instead meet children of a tribe of free peoples. When Dorothy confesses she killed the Witch of the East, we are given a moment of suspense - are they going to sing and celebrate her, or punish her? - and by the end of the episode that suspense is not entirely satisfied, even after the moment has passed and the question answered.
The show tantalizes and teases, and satisfies enough only to keep us from complaining as it sets up the next delicious taste.
I fear that the show cannot continue with such excellence, what with regression towards the mean, and all. I fear that if the show succeeds at all, the pressures to maintain an ongoing, corporate friendly, syndicatable confection may ruin its particular genius.
But most of all, I worry that it may not get enough viewers who are paying enough attention during dinner (and all the rest that distract us while the boob tube clamors on) to be hooked by its creative poetry as I was to warrant what must be an expensive show to procuce, and it could be cancelled before its time.
Is anyone else with me on this?
