299. Web-series Reviews – 132

More web-series reviews…

Special Ops – Lioness – Came out in 2023. SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS, inspired by an actual US Military program, follows the life of Joe (Saldaña) while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA's spear in the war on terror. The Lioness Program, overseen by Kaitlyn Meade (Kidman) and Donald Westfield (Kelly), enlists an aggressive Marine Raider named Cruz (De Oliveira) to operate undercover alongside Joe among the power brokers of State terrorism in the CIA's efforts to thwart the next 9/11.

A review from IMDB...

As "Lioness" (2023 release; 8 episodes of about 41-42 min each) opens, we are introduced to Joe, who is leading a field mission in Iraq. Joe's team includes an undercover woman, who alas gets exposed. Joe and her team rushes to secure the undercover woman. In a parallel story, we are introduces to Cruz, a diner cook in Oklahoma City, but also the victim of domestic abuse. She is desperate for a way out... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the latest output from the Taylor Sheridan factory. After starting his Hollywood career with top-notch (and awards winning) films like "Sicario", "Hell or High Water" and "Wind River', Sheridan switched tactics and became involved in multiple TV series, most notably "Yellowstone" (since 2018), but also "Mayor of Kingstown" (since 2021), "Tulsa King" (since 2022), "1923" (since 2022), and now this. So yes, Sheridan is involved in writing, producing, and/or directing 5 TV series that are all on-going in one stage or another. How does he manage that? While the settings are very different, "Lioness" feels in tone and vibe quite similar to "Mayor of Kingstown". The cast is quite good, including also omni-present Zoe Saldaña (as Joe), up-and-coming Canadian actress Laysla De Oliveira (as Cruz), but also Nicole Kidman (as a high ranking CIA operative, a small but important role). So yes, this is enjoyable although I can't really say that this is all quite memorable. Last but not least, this mini-series is titled (per the opening credits" "Lioness". There is not mention whatsoever of "Special Ops" anywhere in the opening or closing credits.

"Lioness" premiered on Paramount+ 2 weeks ago and as of now three episodes have been released. New episodes are available on Sundays. If you are in the mood for a decent mini-series set in the belly of the CIA and all that entails, or if you are simply a fan of Taylor Sheridan, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

*UPDATE* I've now seen all episodes and I've upgraded my rating to 7/10 stars. Really enjoyed this.

My Take – Worth a watch

Wolf – Came out in 2023.  A family is held hostage in their own home by a couple of criminals with a nefarious mission. The only clue hinting that the family's in danger is a message in their dog's collar. Police inspector Jack Caffery is working to find the truth, all while dealing with his own trauma over the unsolved disappearance of his brother 20 years earlier.

A review from IMDB...

'WOLF' on BBC iPlayer is a very different kind of drama - a ridiculously hammed up, deliciously dark delight - that is intended and succeeds in being nothing more than 6 hrs of pure escapist fun. Think Midsummer Murders meets Pulp Fiction - if stretched over 6 episodes and made on a BBC budget in Wales.

Juliet Stevenson looks like she agreed to star in this without reading the script and, as each episode unfurls it slowly dawns on her that she is in one of the goriest, most messed-up TV detective thrillers ever made. This series could well have been written whilst on acid. I loved it. The final episode doesn't disappoint and leaves the viewer satisfied.

Most of the bad reviews on here are from people taking this drama far too seriously, who have no creative vision, or who have only seen one episode. Why leave a review when you haven't even seen what you are reviewing?? That's like leaving a restaurant review on the food when you've only just sat down to eat.

Ignore the naysayers and give this a go - it is a fun, entertaining series like no other with a hugely satisfying ending.

My Take – Worth a watch

Accused – Ran from 2010 to 2012 in UK.  This anthology series written by Jimmy McGovern follows various characters as they await a verdict on their trial and reflect on how they came to be accused. Each of the episodes follows a different central character, with Christopher Eccleston, Benjamin Smith, Juliet Stevenson, Olivia Colman, Sean Bean, Sheridan Smith and Anne-Marie Duff among the actors to step into the dock.

A review from IMDB...

Worthwhile, intelligently written, solidly directed television

A 10 episode limited anthology UK series. Each 1 hour story starts with someone being taken from a holding cell into a courtroom, where they will stand trial. Then we flashback into the story of what led them there, all building up to a final verdict in court.

The most consistent strength of the series are the excellent performances. Christopher Eccleston, Sean Bean, Olivia Coleman, Juliet Stevenson are just a few of the top flight actors doing powerful, subtle and complex work.

The stories themselves are somewhat variable. A couple feel too on the nose, or heavy handed in their themes. But most are at least quite good, and a few are flat out terrific – morally complicated, surprising, tense.

They are also mostly quite grim. Even the few episodes with 'happy' endings still leave characters dealing with loss, broken families, damaged souls. As in real life, a 'not guilty' verdict doesn't simply put all the broken pieces of a life back together again. Because of that consistently dark, sad tone, this series doesn't cry out for binge watching. That would risk sending one out the window. But this is worthwhile, intelligently written, solidly directed television, and well worth a look.

My Take – A definite watch! Ignore the US version that released in 2023. I saw the 1st episode and skipped seeing the rest. Not that interesting.

Cheers till next time😊!!