387. Web-series Reviews – 202

More web-series reviews…

Poirot – Ran from 1989 to 2013. 70 episodes in total.  This whodunit series based on Dame Agatha Christie's crime novels and short stories, was named after its star sleuth, Hercule Poirot (David Suchet), a famous former Belgian Policeman, who settled for good in London after the war, soon so famous as an infallible private detective that he becomes a society figure in his own right. In each episode, Poirot gets to solve a crime mystery, mostly murder(s), for a paying client or otherwise catching his attention, generally along with his faithful English sidekick Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser) and/or his Scotland yard "friendly rival" Chief Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson).

A review from IMDB...

I literally grew up with Poirot, Sunday nights as a nine and ten year old were all about Poirot, Pistachio nuts, Terry's Pyramint.

The productions evolved over time, the early hour long format episodes were much lighter viewing, over time they became more gritty, more daring. One good example is Series 3's Plymouth Express, a much darker presentation they anything that had gone before. By the time you reach Elephants can remember in Series 13 there was something very dark about the production.

I would imagine it became more difficult for the producers over time, they were able to cherry pick adaptations during the early years, some books were much more suitable to the screen then others, The ABC murders and Death in the Clouds would have been so much easier to work with then say The Big Four or Cards on the Table.

The adaptations remained fairly faithful to the book, there was never a fear of them doing what they did with the Marple series, and transplant Poirot into novels he was never intended to be in, for a good reason each of her works had a certain flavour. A few times changes were made to the books, I can only imagine for good reason, too many characters, budget restraints etc. The Big Four and Appointment with death being altered more then some.

So good was David Suchet in the role, that now when you think of Poirot you see David in your mind. I think it will be a while before someone attempts to remake Poirot for the small screen. David had a lot to live up to, Poirot had hit the big screen, Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile had both been huge adaptations, the remakes both compete favourably. Suchet is Poirot.

Characters were switched and added quite a lot, Hastings, Japp and Miss Lemon were often drafted in, but in later years that wasn't the case. It's hardly surprising as each is so enjoyable. Watching them all reunite in 'Lord Edgeware dies' was special.

Generally the productions were very good to excellent, for me at the top of the pile are The ABC Murders, Curtain and Sad Cypress, each are literally flawless. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and The Big Four are two of the relatively few lesser offerings, with the only true misfire being Murder in Mesopotamia.

For years I hoped for the productions to be completed, at times it seemed like they'd never get through them, I'm so glad they did, but I am missing him.

Who knows maybe one day The Monogram Murders will be made, not a Christie story I know, but it would be worth it to see Poirot anew once again. This truly was a fabulous series.

My Take – Extraordinary series😊! I completed the entire series!

 

Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist – Came in 2024. The infamous story of how an armed robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali's historic 1970 comeback fight transformed Atlanta into the "Black Mecca."

A review from IMDB...

The Intersection of Crime, Culture, and History in "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist"

Introduction

"Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist," a Peacock Original series, serves as a compelling exploration of a significant event in American history-the armed robbery that transpired on the night of Muhammad Ali's much-anticipated comeback fight in 1970s Atlanta. Drawing inspiration from a true-crime podcast, the miniseries not only recounts the mechanics and dynamics of the heist but also engages with the cultural and historical contexts that shaped the characters' motives and the societal environment of the time. This thesis critically examines the multiple layers of storytelling within the series, the portrayal of its characters, and the broader implications of crime narratives in the media.

Chapter 1: Contextualizing the 1970s Atlanta

To understand the significance of "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist," one must first contextualize the era in which it takes place. The 1970s were a tumultuous time in America, marked by social upheaval, changing dynamics of race relations, and the burgeoning influence of African American culture. Atlanta, known as the seat of the civil rights movement, serves as a microcosm of this change, revealing deeper societal undercurrents at play during the setting of the heist. This chapter will explore the historical landscape of Atlanta as it pertains to crime, race, and the impact of sports on community identity.

Chapter 2: The True-Crime Narrative and Its Appeal

"Fight Night" must be understood as part of the broader genre of true-crime narratives that have surged in popularity in recent years. This chapter delves into the mechanics of storytelling that define the true-crime genre, and how "Fight Night" capitalizes on this format. It will analyze the narrative structure, the use of drama versus factual recounting, and the psychological appeal that true-crime stories have on audiences. This will include a discussion of why the intersection of crime with iconic cultural events-such as a boxing match featuring Muhammad Ali-magnifies interest and engagement.

Chapter 3: Character Development and the Ethics of Portrayal

Central to the series is its cast, featuring high-profile actors such as Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, and Terrence Howard. This chapter will examine the character arcs presented within the series, analyzing how each character embodies the complexities of morality, identity, and survival in a challenging socio-political environment. The portrayal of these characters raises important ethical questions regarding the romanticization of criminality and the humanization of individuals involved in the heist. Through a careful analysis of character motivations, this section will explore the narrative's stance on crime, desperation, and systemic failure.

Chapter 4: The Police as Both Hero and Villain

In "Fight Night," the depiction of law enforcement reflects broader societal tensions surrounding authority and justice. This chapter will investigate the representation of police in the series, examining the duality of their role as both hero and villain. It will analyze the detectives' dogged pursuits of justice and their methods, contrasting them against the desperation driving the suspects to commit the heist. Additionally, this section will engage with questions of representation-how race and class dynamics shape the narrative of law enforcement in crime dramas and the implications these portrayals have on public perception.

Chapter 5: Cultural Relevance and Audience Reception

The finale of the thesis will assess the cultural relevance of "Fight Night" in contemporary society. It will consider how the themes of the series resonate with current issues surrounding crime, race, and justice in America. This chapter will also analyze audience reception, looking at critical reviews, social media discourse, and audience engagement metrics. The examination will highlight how historical events are reinterpreted and recontextualized in modern media, fostering discussions on accountability, justice, and the continuous cycle of crime amid societal inequities.

Conclusion

"Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist" is more than simply a crime drama miniseries; it serves as a rich text for exploring the interplay between crime, culture, and societal change. By situating the narrative within the socio-historical framework of 1970s Atlanta, the series invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about race, justice, and morality, presenting a compelling commentary on the nature of crime and its reflection of deeper societal issues. As such, the series not only entertains but educates, fostering critical engagement with America's past and present-a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of complex realities.

My Take – An excellent series!

 

Citadel: Honey Bunny – Came in 2024. Years after stuntman Bunny recruited struggling actress Honey for a side gig, their dangerous past catches up with them, forcing the estranged couple to reunite and protect their daughter.

A review from IMDB...

Citadel: Honey Bunny, an Indian spinoff in Amazon Prime Video's Citadel universe, attempts to build on the espionage-thriller foundation set by its parent series. With Raj & DK at the helm and a promising cast led by Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the series holds some potential but ultimately misses its mark. Raj & DK bring their signature style to the direction. After the intriguing setup, the plot progresses in a way that's more expected than exciting, failing to bring the fresh, high-stakes energy audiences might anticipate from a spy drama.

The series oscillates between two timelines, 1992 and 2000, following Honey and Bunny, played by Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who portray the parents of Priyanka Chopra's character from the original series. Initially, Citadel: Honey Bunny offers well-crafted backstories for the lead characters, drawing viewers into their world with a strong start. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes sluggish and predictable, lacking the twists and depth essential for an engaging espionage thriller. One area where Citadel: Honey Bunny shines is its action. The sequences are well-choreographed. John's cinematography captures the action sequences effectively, adding a layer of visual appeal that complements the series' ambitious themes.

Varun Dhawan impresses with his portrayal, particularly in the emotional scenes. Samantha Ruth Prabhu is equally gripping as Honey, delivering a performance full of intensity. Together, they execute the heavy-duty action scenes with commendable skill. The supporting cast offers additional highlights. Shivankit Singh Parihar is impressive. Kay Kay Menon is outstanding. Kashvi Majmundar performance is both adorable and impressive. While the performances are praiseworthy, the show's sluggish pacing and predictable plot make it a less-than-thrilling watch. Only action sequences and cinematography are notable highlights.

Raj and DK bring style, but the story feels predictable and lacks the edge you'd expect in a spy thriller. Impressive performances by Varun & Samantha, plus great action and cinematography, bring some excitement, but the sluggish pacing holds it back.

Direction 3/5 Acting 3/5 Action 3/5 Story 2.5/5 Screenplay 2/5.

My Take – An ok watch!

Adios till next time😊!!