364. Web-series Reviews – 179

More web-series reviews…

Eric – Came out on 2024. Starring Benedict Cumberbach.When Edgar, a young boy goes missing in 1980s Manhattan, his grief-stricken father Vincent, a puppeteer on America's leading kids' TV show, finds solace through his friendship with Eric, the monster that lives under Edgar's bed. In his quest to find the truth to Edgar's disappearance, Vincent is forced into the dark shadows of a city rife with corruption to discover that the real monsters live much closer to home. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s AIDS epidemic, Detective Ledroit, tasked to uncover internal corruption in the NYPD, finds himself drawn into the search for Edgar, while privately coming to terms with secrets of his own.

A review from IMDB...

This is an absolutely gorgeous, dark, hard hitting brilliantly created series about an alcoholic puppeteer whose son Edgar, goes missing on his way to school, and a detective who uncovers corruption while searching for the boy.

Cumberbatch's Vincent is a very unpleasant man who pretty much alienates everyone at work and at home with his abrasive behaviour and vulgar abuse. But while his character Phil in the Power of the Dog was violently sadistic, Vincent is simply utterly clueless as to how he affects everyone - due to the vileness of his cold, privileged parents, and their complete lack of understanding of mental health. If you are not embraced with the basic needs of love and support as a child, what chance have you got later in life?

Detective Mike Ledroit, a black gay cop in charge of finding missing people, must conceal his sexuality and love for his partner, a much older man dying of AIDS and he is pressured by a lot of angry frustrated people to find young boys that continue to go missing.

The world-building that Abby Morgan has created is truly phenomenal. When a show runner/director brings you full throttle into a completely different world with some similarities to our world, it's a winner. She really has captured the roughness and the griminess of the 1980s.

It's certainly not an easy watch, especially for those who have children. But it is an important one. It's really about the toxicity of fathers and how that affects their children. About being true to oneself and fight for justice rather than just stand by and ignore everything.

I honestly don't usually bingewatch series all in one go as I love to pace myself while watching them. But with this one, I just couldn't stop. It was THAT addictive.

My take – Worth a watch!

 

Dr Brain – Came out in 2021.  Korean series. First Korean series for Apple TV! When Lee Se-Won was a child, his mother died in a hit and run accident. He decided afterwards to become a brain scientist. He is a genius and he remembers everything he sees. 20 years after his mother's death, Lee Se-Won has become a famous Ph.D scientist in the brain science field. One day, a mysterious person contacts him and asks him to extract information from the brain of a man who committed suicide. Lee Se-Won is interested and accepts the proposal. He attempts to extract information from the dead man's brain, but fails. A couple of days later, he finds himself behaving differently and seeing things differently. Lee Se-Won looks into the dead man's case.

A review from IMDB...

Brilliant sci-fi suspense drama which takes elements of supernatural, super-hero, crime-thriller, horror and martial-arts genres and mixes them together Korean style to form a punchy, addictive and at times emotionally exhausting piece of television.

The series takes you on a six episode journey with the main character 'Dr Brain' as he develops from spineless and emotionless super-geek to courageous, fully-enlightened hero, at the same time blasting through almost every ethical no-no in order to save his family.

I think as westerners we sometimes find it hard to accept just how good Korean filmmaking is. Dr Brain is no exception and has top-notch cinematography, great acting and almost perfect scene construction from the first frame to the last. Sure, the Korean formula of heavy suspense, intense dialogue and a healthy dose of blood-splattering violence in every episode is not to everyone's taste but as we've discovered with the like of Parasite and Squid Game it's a formula which, once tuned in to, awakens your emotions and leaves you feeling you've really watched something.

I watched this in Korean with subtitles along with my 15 year old daughter and we gasped in disbelief as ethics evaporated, gleefully wished a painful, bloody come-uppance on the villains, clawed in despair at the Korean police failing to keep up with the protagonists and giggled incessantly at Dr Brain's side-kick whose exasperated reactions reinforce just how bonkers Dr Brain's actions are.

FWIW we accidentally watched 5mins of one of the episodes with the imbecilic English voice-over ... hilarious ... but no, don't even go there.

Highly recommend, in Korean with subtitles all the way!

My Take – Worth a watch!

 

Panchayat 3 – 3rd season came out in 2024.  Panchayat is a comedy-drama, which captures the journey of an engineering graduate Abhishek, who for lack of a better job option joins as secretary of a panchayat office in a remote village of Uttar Pradesh. Stuck between crazy villagers and a difficult village lifestyle Abhishek starts his job with the sole motivation of getting out of there as soon as possible, for which he even prepares for CAT.

A review from IMDB...

"Panchayat" is a testament to the power of storytelling in its purest form. As an Indian series that captures the essence of rural life with both humor and empathy, it stands out as a remarkable achievement in contemporary television. With its authentic portrayal, relatable characters, and insightful narratives, it earns a perfect 10 out of 10.

The show centers on the life of Abhishek Tripathi, portrayed with nuanced excellence by Jitendra Kumar. Abhishek, a young urban professional, finds himself thrust into the role of a panchayat secretary in a small village called Phulera. Far removed from the fast-paced life of the city, Abhishek's initial reluctance and gradual adaptation to village life form the crux of the series. Kumar's portrayal is both endearing and compelling, capturing the subtle evolution of his character with finesse.

One of the most significant achievements of "Panchayat" is its authentic representation of rural India. The show does not merely romanticize or sensationalize village life but presents it with a rare combination of realism and warmth. The daily struggles, communal interactions, and the simple yet profound moments are depicted with an attention to detail that enriches the viewing experience. The villagers are not mere caricatures but are fleshed out with distinct personalities and backstories, making them feel like real, relatable individuals.

The writing of "Panchayat" is exemplary, skillfully weaving humor and drama into a cohesive narrative. The dialogues are crisp, natural, and often laced with wit, adding layers of depth to the interactions between characters. The screenplay maintains a balance between light-hearted moments and more serious themes, ensuring that the story never loses its charm while tackling issues relevant to rural life.

The supporting cast plays a crucial role in the show's success. The performances by actors like Raghuvir Yadav, Neena Gupta, and others bring an additional layer of authenticity to the series. Yadav's portrayal of the village head, or "Pradhan," is particularly noteworthy. His character is a blend of traditional wisdom and practical leadership, providing a perfect foil to Abhishek's modern outlook. Gupta's role as the Pradhan's wife adds a sense of warmth and familiarity, grounding the show in genuine human experiences.

Cinematically, "Panchayat" excels in its portrayal of the rural landscape. The serene and picturesque settings are captured with a thoughtful approach, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the series. The use of natural light and simple, yet effective cinematography complements the show's tone, creating a visually pleasing experience that resonates with the narrative.

Moreover, the background score and music add another layer of richness to the series. The soundtrack, composed to reflect the rural milieu, complements the storytelling beautifully. It enhances the emotional depth of various scenes without overpowering the narrative, creating a seamless integration of sound and story.

"Panchayat" also deserves praise for its ability to address social issues subtly yet effectively. Topics such as governance, rural development, and the challenges faced by women in these settings are touched upon with sensitivity and insight. The show manages to raise awareness about these issues without being preachy, striking a fine balance between entertainment and education.

In summary, "Panchayat" is more than just a television show; it is a masterful blend of humor, drama, and social commentary that resonates deeply with its audience. Its authentic depiction of rural life, combined with stellar performances and brilliant writing, make it a standout series. The show's ability to entertain while providing meaningful insights into rural India is commendable. For its remarkable storytelling, exceptional performances, and heartfelt portrayal, "Panchayat" rightfully earns a perfect 10 out of 10.

My Take – Worth a watch!

 

Adios till next time😊!