366. Web-series Reviews – 181

More web-series reviews…

Professor T – Ran for 3 seasons from 2015 to 2018. Belgian series. Don't see the American series!  The eccentric but brilliant criminology professor Jasper Teerlinck is an advisor to the Belgian federal police in Antwerp. Although a valuable contributor, he drives everyone nuts because of his strange behavior.

A review from IMDB...

These days its Channel 4 rather than the BBC, ITV, 5 or Sky etc where we get our intelligent crime drama fix.

Professor T. is the latest example - this time from Belgium. In my opinion its a hugely better offering than the BBC's total re-working of the Agatha Christie classic The ABC Murders.

Well the first two seasons are incredibly good. Sadly most of the wonderful connections are lost in the third season which is downright awful and we lost all interest in it. Just watch the first two seasons and be prepared for a let down in the third. The Rabet Teerlinck interface was tough at the start but very watchable now harrowing start of the third season building to the hiring of a rabid wound up top as a chief inspector. Well.. now we have lost most of our interest.

Until then this drama is cohesive in that it successfully stitches together threads within a university criminology department and plain clothes police. This is generally as in the synergy between the two institutions and singular as in cases where T helps the police plain clothes unit. It also has plenty of individual people related back stories including dealing with mental illness. Let's face it you might think that a bad recipe.

As you get through the Episodes this is not so as appropriately mental illness can trigger a lot of crimes. Apparently one good example is shame. I am not going to tell you which episode but its a stand out one. Even Professor T has some form of mental illness which anyone, who has come across it, should recognise. Yet this does in no way stops him from being key to solving crimes. In fact its the opposite. He is a "necessary evil" for the police as he annoys many people he comes into "contact" with. Notice the use of inverted commas.

So NB a team or group of people holds this brilliant drama together - not just Professor T. Also there is a lot of humour; mostly at the university were T works, which is very important when dealing with, at times, heavy drama. It's a great recipe just like their often Palm Oil free chocolate. Well done Belgium.

My Take – An excellent series!

 

House – Ran from 2004 to 2012. 176 episodes in all!  The series follows the life of anti-social, pain killer addict, witty and arrogant medical doctor Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) with only half a muscle in his right leg. He and his team of medical doctors try to cure complex and rare diseases from very ill ordinary people in the United States of America.

A review from IMDB...

"House" is one of the best new shows of the season that no one is watching.

Yes, it is another medical drama (and haven't we seen enough of those?) but what this show lacks in originality it makes up in character. Namely - Dr. Greg House.

House is a cranky, cynical highly intelligent doctor with a limp that specializes in weird medical cases. Each week he, and his team of fresh faced young doctors, tackle some new medical mystery. With the use of CSI camera views and mouth-numbing medical jargon, the show tries not to bore you to tears with the specific case.

Still, though the cases are entertaining and puzzling, that's not why you should watch this show.

Unlike most stale TV cop/medical/lawyer shows out there, "House" doesn't focus on the cases alone. Week by week we actually get a chance to...GASP!...learn about the characters! But the character that everyone will be obsessed with his Hugh Laurie's Dr. House.

House, even though cranky and unlovable, is a sweet guy at heart. He's the type of guy you want curing you. Though he rarely visits his patients, at least he doesn't sugar coat things for you. He will call you an idiot to your face and you'll love him for it. Each time you watch you'll want to know what else he likes besides "General Hospital" and Vicadin pills.

Dr. House is hiding out Tuesday nights at 8pm amid all the other bored-with-their-jobs characters. Whenever you're sick of case obsessed Gil Grissom or any Law and Order detective, tune into "House".

I promise you'll at least leave with a fresh feeling in your brain.

My Take – An excellent series. Completed 3 seasons. 5 more to go!!

 

Kota Factory Season 3 – Season 3 came out in 2024. In a city of coaching centers known to train India’s finest collegiate minds, an earnest but unexceptional student and his friends navigate campus life.

A review from IMDB...

"The Kota Factory" stands out not just as a series but as an experience that resonates deeply with anyone who has been through the pressures of academic life. For me, it is not merely a show but a journey that feels incredibly real and relatable.

Set in the competitive coaching hub of Kota, Rajasthan, the series captures the essence of student life with striking authenticity. The portrayal of the characters and their struggles is so natural that it feels like a window into the lives of actual students navigating through the relentless pursuit of success. The actors have delivered performances that are not just convincing but profoundly moving, making you empathize with their joys and pains as they chase their dreams.

What truly sets "Kota Factory" apart is its ability to evoke raw emotions. I found myself deeply immersed in the narrative, experiencing moments of triumph and heartbreak alongside the characters. The series doesn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities of academic pressure, yet it also beautifully depicts the resilience and spirit of its young protagonists.

TVF (The Viral Fever), known for its groundbreaking content, has once again raised the bar with "Kota Factory." The production quality, storytelling finesse, and attention to detail are commendable. Each episode unfolds seamlessly, drawing you deeper into the lives of Vaibhav, Meena, and their friends, leaving a lasting impact with every scene.

Personally, the series struck a chord with me on multiple levels. As a student myself, I could relate to the challenges faced by the characters-the late-night study sessions, the moments of self-doubt, and the constant pressure to perform. Yet, amidst all the academic rigors, "Kota Factory" also delivers powerful messages of perseverance, friendship, and self-discovery. It reminded me that success is not just about academic achievements but also about finding one's passion and purpose in life.

The emotional intensity of the series culminates in a finale that left me speechless. I found myself emotionally invested in the characters' journeys, and when it all came to a poignant end, I couldn't help but shed tears. The cathartic release of emotions was a testament to the storytelling prowess of the creators and the profound impact of the narrative they crafted.

In essence, "Kota Factory" isn't just about a place or a phase in life-it's about the universal quest for excellence and identity. It's about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It's about the bonds we forge and the lessons we learn along the way. For me, it stands as not just the most beautiful series I've ever watched, but a transformative experience that has left an indelible mark on my perspective.

In conclusion, "Kota Factory" is a masterpiece that transcends the screen. It's a poignant reminder of the trials and triumphs of youth, beautifully packaged into a series that will resonate with generations to come. It has inspired me, moved me, and undoubtedly, it remains the best thing that has happened to me in terms of television storytelling.

My Take – An excellent series!

Adios till next time😊!