452. Web-series Reviews – 249

More web-series reviews…

In Transit – Came in 2025. Explores the lives of trans and non-binary individuals navigating love, identity, and the boundaries of gender in a uniquely Indian way.

A review from Hindustan Times...

What does it mean to be visibly trans in India? There's no whataboutery about the fact that India is still largely homophobic; one look at the cases of violence on the LGBTQ+ community is enough to show why. The new four-part docuseries, backed by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti's Tiger Baby Films, attempts to bring together stories of nine transgender individuals across India as they share their lives, hearts, and hopes. It is a vital, sensitively drawn-out portrait of the challenges faced by the trans community in modern India.

Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti had previously cast trans actor Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju in the second season of Made in Heaven for the new addition to the show, Meher. That character was in a supporting role, adding to the drama and resolving the chaos around the main plot. From there to In Transit, the resolve to showcase the trans community authentically is a noble effort. In Transit is curious but in a careful manner, where the camera is but a medium for these individuals to share their experiences with complete trust. That confidence shows in the way Archana Ghangrekar places the camera and views these people, and in the conviction with which director Ayesha Sood draws out their life stories with a degree of vulnerability.

There is a beautiful moment where Aryan speaks about his desire for a ‘connection’. It arrives after Aryan has shared the story of transition, where the viewer can see the journey he has been through. Another particularly indelible revelation arrives when Rumi, a trans man and a trained classical singer, talks about the difficult relationship with his mother. When he gradually comes to know why his mother, who was a sculptor, behaved the way she did, it becomes an extraordinary moment of surrender and reconciliation. I had shivers all over my body when that moment arrived.

Gender and sexual identity are not the same, and In Transit does well by letting these voices speak for themselves on this concept. There's something somber about it, in the way these people who have had to fight for their truths all the way through, speak about their desires and hopes. Despite the tears, there are footnotes of hope. The story of Patruni, a gender-fluid drag queen, is insisted carefully here.

The interrogation is nurtured at the idea of giving every desire a name, every experience a definitive call. Even within the community, how must a trans woman perform? How are they expected to behave? These ideas arrive from a deeply heteronormative culture. As these individuals will only take a willingness to unlearn and reorient the ways we look, categorise, and decide.

This docuseries intelligently positions the multiplicity of trans experience in a country that has extreme inequity due to class divisions. Access to education, the support of parents, and the socio-economic classifications are some of the most important factors that these individuals have to confront. It is more than just acceptance; it is also about access. This is a sensitively told document that never resorts to being complacent in its tone, which is perhaps its biggest accomplishment.

However, amid all the willing affirmations, I could not help but wonder why Sood never created a sort of common space for these nine individuals to meet. Is it a judicious way of dealing with these very personal stories? Or does it subtly reflect how there are so many gaps in communication and inclusivity that still need to be taken into account? Either way, the shift will only take place with kindness and empathy.

My Take – An excellent watch!

 

My Life is Murder – Running since 2019. Fearless and playful, she acts on instinct; both avenging angel and a bit of a shit stirrer; deeply empathetic and blunt to the point of rudeness. And with a deeply irreverent sense of humor to boot. Other than the fact her husband died a few years ago, very few people know much about Alexa or why she left the force, rendering this woman a mystery in and of herself. And Alexa can't resist a mystery, so when former colleague and long-time friend Detective Inspector Kieran Hussey asks her to "consult" on his trickier cases, she seems reluctant. But in truth, she can't resist. Joining Alexa to solve the unsolvable is the bubbly, sarcastic, ambitious and grounded, Madison. A true extrovert, Madison works as a Data Analyst for the Police and is on hand at Alexa's call to do what she does best.

A review from IMDB...

Lucy Lawless plays Alexa Crowe, an ex-cop called upon by an old colleague, Kieran, a detective with the police force, to help out with some unsolved cases. Helping them out is data analyst Madison. The main characters are charming, quirky, quick-witted, and have great camaraderie with each other. Love Alexa and Madison's banter. Sort of teasing with each other. Alexa has a cat. I love seeing Alexa's interactions with the cat.

The actual mystery is actually pretty good. There are plot holes. Mainly involving the follow-up after the cases are solved and Alexa's involvement with them. You know what? It's ok. This is a light-hearted mystery show. There are plot holes in every show I watch, and we all overlook them. No different here.

I think the strength of the show is in the personalities of the characters. They're quirky and different. It's refreshing. There's not much with big personal drama. We find out a touch here and there about the characters. But it doesn't dominate the show. You do get a sense the whatever happened with Alexa, her retirement, her husband's death, had an unusual effect on her. There's a story there that maybe will get fleshed out over time? We'll have to wait and see.

The humor in the show is different. It's not the typical mainstream type of humor you see in American shows. It's very conversational-based. Quick-witted and quirky.

I really liked it. At a time in the world when everything is dark and crazy, this show is a breath of fresh air. It's not gritty. Evil people aren't winning. The mysteries are nicely wrapped up. It's entertaining and great escapism. Lucy Lawless and her quirky character are fun to watch. I gave it a 10/10.

*edit (I notice some people don't care for the first episode. I liked it, but try at least two or three. I always watch at least three episodes of anything before I decide whether to quit or not. The episodes for season one are all one-offs. Not arc stories. If you're thinking of quitting after episode one, I recommend trying episode 4, 'Can't Stand the Heat,' which imo, is the funniest thus far. I wrote a review for that one. I also recommend episode 5. 'Feet of Clay,' which I think has many touching elements to it. It really does get better as the show goes on).

My Take – Worth a watch! Saw only the first season.

 

Justice on Trial – Came in 2025. Exploration of the American criminal justice system and notable cases through re-enactments based on actual court transcripts.

A review from IMDB...

"Justice on Trial" offers a compelling exploration of legal systems and their moral underpinnings. For law students, this series is a goldmine-it presents actual enactments that come strikingly close to reality, making it not just entertaining but deeply educational.

Each episode examines courtroom procedures with impressive authenticity, tackling ethical conflicts and complex legal decisions that invite critical thought. It isn't just a retelling of famous cases-it's a bold interrogation of what justice really means.

A must-watch for law aspirants, this series successfully blends dramatic flair with courtroom precision, making it an enriching experience for those eager to understand both the law's technicalities and its deeper implications.

My Take – Worth a watch!

Adios till next time😊!!