232. Web-series Reviews – 78

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The Capture – Came out in 2019. Season 1 released so far with Season 2 to come in 2022.  After ex-soldier Shaun Emery's (Turner) conviction for a murder in Afghanistan is overturned due to flawed video evidence, he returns home a free man to his young daughter. But when CCTV footage from a night out in London comes to light, Shaun's life takes a shocking turn and he must soon fight for his freedom once again. With DI Rachel Carey (Grainger) drafted in to investigate Shaun's case, she quickly learns that the truth can sometimes be a matter of perspective. Should she trust Shaun Emery?

One of the reviews from IMDB...

Former soldier Shaun Emery had been convicted of murdering a man in Afghanistan based on video evidence. On appeal his lawyer proves that the sound may have been out of synch in a way that suggests he could have been acting within legitimate rules of engagement. He is freed and that night celebrates with friends and his lawyer. When she leaves he follows her and the talk at the bus stop. Now things start to get complicated; CCTV operatives see them fighting just after a bus passes; when later questioned he is adamant that she got on the bus. High-flier DI Rachel Carey is given the case and initially thinks the only real mystery is what happened to the lawyer. As the investigation proceeds she starts to wonder if Emery is telling the truth; if that is the case it means that somebody was able to tamper with the live feed from London's numerous CCTV cameras. As the case deepens she finds herself in the murky world of anti-terrorism agencies and wonders who she can trust.

This was a really gripping series. The initial hook in the opening episode grabbed my attention and kept me interested throughout. The idea that London's CCTV might be hackable seems a little unlikely but even a sneaking feeling that it could be possible makes the story feel real and more than a little unnerving. The cast is impressive; Callum Turner's portrayal of Emery makes us believe the character is genuinely starting to question his own memory of the events and Holiday Granger is great as DI Carey; another character having doubts. Ron Perlman is suitably menacing as a shadowy US Intelligence officer. Overall I'd certainly recommend this series to fans of thrillers and conspiracies.

My Take – A gripping series, however I did not like the ending.  But, the truth is always different than what you feel😊!!

 

Special Ops 1.5 (The Himmat Story) – The series came out in 2021. After the 2001 Parliament attack, a young and idealistic R&AW officer had a theory. In 2003, he had a mystery. This is the story of Himmat Singh.

One of the reviews from IMDB...

'Special Ops 1.5' is just as sharp, tight, engrossing, and exhilarating as the original season one. The way the two web series have been linked together with one another, that is probably the best part of this new season. Furthermore, the makers have strewn subtle touches of humour throughout the show with the dialogues and one-liners being so refreshing. They serve as a wonderful counterpoint to the ongoing heavy-duty spy work. And, with only four episodes, Neeraj Pandey once again employs his wits. He knows nicely that any origin story about just one character and not the entire spy network doesn't warrant an entire 8-19 episodic season. The plot as well isn't as high-stakes as its predecessor, season one. Acting-wise, Kay Kay Menon is just knocking it out of the park. Especially the final emotional scene. Also, Vinay Pathak, Adil Khan, Parmeet Sethi, and Kali Prasad Mukherjee are all absolutely apt in their parts. Smaller or bigger screen space doesn't matter, as they all came together as a unit to make the bigger picture look absolutely outstanding.

The surprise package, however, is the newcomer Aishwarya Sushmita. She is someone who perfectly personifies the seductive, vulnerable, and treacherous powers of a honey trap in the world of espionage.

The final episode ends on a rushed and flat note in comparison to the quality that came before it, especially when compared to the crackerjack finale of the first season of 'Special Ops'. Also, the final killing of the main antagonist could have been extended a bit more and not done in just a jiffy. Aftab Shivdasani also feels like he tries too hard to fit into his role, and his character is a dead giveaway of a major change that occurs in 'Special Ops' after his wife is introduced on the show. Also, the main conflict on which the mission is based could have been explored a little more thoroughly. Not to mention Kay Kay Menon's make-up to make him look younger, is not at all on point. Even though you don't want to notice it but it somehow just is in your face every time.

'Special Ops 1.5' is a raw gem in Neeraj Pandey's profile of spy thrillers. It may be slightly low than the first part, but it is deserving of every minute of your time for its taut script, sharp plot, engrossing screenplay and exhilarating performances by the entire cast. Besides his makeup, Kay Kay Menon didn't put a single foot wrong in the entire show and leads it from the front. Definitely a Must Watch.

My Take – Engrossing watch. But a slight less intensity than the earlier series.

 

The Bletchley Circle – Premiered during 2012-14.  2 seasons in total.  During WWII, men and women working at Bletchley Park played a vital role, breaking the codes used by the German military. Nine years later, former codebreaker Susan is a housewife and mother, but she continues to recognize patterns that surround her in everyday life. When a series of women are brutally murdered around London, Susan sees a pattern emerging. However, when a police-search for what Susan believes to be an overlooked victim turns up nothing, she realizes she cannot solve this puzzle alone. Enlisting three former Bletchley Park colleagues: Millie, Lucy, and Jean; Susan knows they have little time to break this code before the killer strikes again.

One of the reviews from IMDB...

During WWII, many women were vital to break the German codes at Bletchley Park. It's seven years after the war. Susan finds herself as a simple housewife and mother of two. Her days of life-and-death work is over. She starts noticing suspicious patterns with murders in the newspapers. Her husband humors her by going to the police but it's hard to be taken seriously. She recruits her fellow Bletchley workers. Millie is the outgoing one. Lucy is the youngest one with an abusive husband. Jean was their supervisor and now works as a librarian.

This is a fine British crime TV mystery. The superior aspect is the cast and the characters. Bletchley Park is a great backstory. Susan a great character and her issues are compelling. The show could have overdosed with sexism but it is able to find a certain balance. Most of the men are dismissive but they aren't actually hostile. Timothy is a good example. He really loves Susan but he doesn't really know her history or the true extend of her skills. It's a great touch that he is constantly searching for hard puzzles for her. It's both loving but infantilizing. My constant issue is that the ladies are sometimes a little too cavalier with potential dangers. Susan's fears in the second season are well founded. I'm not sure why she gets written out for the last two episodes. All in all, I love the characters and the mysteries are fine.

My Take – An engrossing series!

Cheers till next time😊!

Daffy Definition

Alimony – A mistake made by two people for which one keeps paying😊!!