396. Web-series Reviews – 211

More web-series reviews…

Treason – Came in 2022.  Adam Lawrence was trained and groomed by MI6; his career seems set. When the past catches up with him in the form of Kara, a Russian spy with whom he shares a complicated past, he is forced to question everything and everyone in his life.

A review from IMDB...

'Treason' tries to be everything.

A John LeCarre spy and counterspy story, an action flick, a family-in-peril thriller, a love story, a 'Who Done It and What Did He/She Do?'.

In the end it's simply a lot of running around here and there with peoples' motives cloudy and no one knowing whom to trust. The torrid pace of this series can be summed up in this. A family member of the hero is kidnapped, held, and returned unharmed before the second of five episodes is concluded. There are 'maguffins' in the story, secrets / incidents that trigger everything else. And they're relatively lame, having to do with (1) the private use of a government jet for a dying old woman and (2) the murder of Soviet Agents, years earlier, in south central Asia. Wow !!!

Our hero is Adam (Charlie Cox) promoted to Head of UK'S MI6 spy network. It is hard if not impossible to imagine a more docile-appearing head-spy. Claran Hind plays his predecessor in the job and he does a good job at being the merciless secret keeper, people manipulator. Oona Chaplain plays Maddy, Cox's wife, and I've got to say that her performance left me cold. Somehow her character- highly important - was just ... there. Looking for a reason to watch? There's Olga Kurylenko as Soviet Spy 'Kara'. She's tough. And she has the best of reasons to be caught up in this spy versus spy of a mess; she is seeking revenge for the loss of her team-members in the not so distant past. And I think we're supposed to root for her. Yes, I think so.

In short, you can miss this.

And don't worry, it's not as though everyone in the office will be talking about it.

My Take – Worth a watch!

 

The Breakthrough – Came in 2025.  When the double murder in Linköping, Sweden, back in 2004 was finally solved after 16 years, it was a genealogist who made the breakthrough. For the first time in Europe, a murder could be solved through genealogical research.

A review from IMDB...

Based on a true-life incident the episodes follow the progress or lack thereof of a real case and its investigation that shocked Sweden. Names were changed in the series from the actual names of the victims and of the major players in the subsequent police enquiry.

This was well-acted and scripted. We cannot be sure of how faithful the screen adaptation was to real life but I assumed that it was near enough but with some ellipses - for instance, the true perpetrator's brother was actually initially arrested but not in the series. It was certainly true enough in my mind to have provoked real emotion especially in the scenes involving the victims' families.

Some people have alleged that the action was slow. It's not. It's cerebral and not a cops and robbers saga with confrontations and shoot outs. There are plenty of those programmes for people to watch. For those who need something a little more meaty and intellectual, this was the perfect show.

My Take – Slow moving but worth a watch!

 

Goosebumps – 2nd season came in 2025. "Goosebumps" is a horror series telling the story of a group of high school students who unleash supernatural forces upon their town and must all work together thanks to and in spite of their friendships, rivalries, and pasts with each other in order to save it, learning much about their own parents' teenage secrets in the process.

A review from IMDB...

Goosebumps 2023 takes the classic horror series to new heights, delivering a fresh and exhilarating experience that's bound to give you goosebumps in all the right ways. While not quite reaching the iconic status of Stranger Things, it manages to carve out its own niche, offering a nostalgic nod to the original series while injecting a modern twist.

The storytelling in Goosebumps 2023 is top-notch, capturing the essence of R. L. Stine's spine-chilling tales while introducing a contemporary narrative that resonates with both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers. The plot weaves seamlessly between suspense, mystery, and moments of genuine terror, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

The character development is a standout feature, reminiscent of the camaraderie seen in Stranger Things. The young cast delivers stellar performances, each actor bringing a unique charm to their roles. The chemistry among the characters is palpable, and you'll find yourself invested in their individual journeys as well as the overarching mystery.

Special effects and cinematography in Goosebumps 2023 deserve applause. The series successfully blends practical effects with cutting-edge CGI, creating a visual feast that enhances the overall eerie atmosphere. The creature designs are particularly impressive, paying homage to the iconic Goosebumps monsters while introducing some spine-chilling new additions.

One area where Goosebumps 2023 falls slightly short of Stranger Things is in its soundtrack. While it does feature a haunting and atmospheric score, it doesn't quite reach the iconic heights of the '80s-inspired music that has become synonymous with the latter series. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar production.

Goosebumps 2023 strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation, making it a must-watch for fans of the original series and newcomers alike. It may not dethrone Stranger Things as the reigning king of nostalgic horror, but it stands tall as a worthy contender, offering a spooky and entertaining journey that will leave you with more than a few goosebumps.

My Take – Worth a watch!

Adios till next time😊!!