459. Web-series Reviews – 256

More web-series reviews…

Acceptable Risk – Came in 2017. When her husband, Lee, is murdered, Sarah Manning comes to realize that she knows nothing about his past. Sarah begins to question who Lee actually was and what he did in his work for a powerful global organization.

A review from IMDB...

"Acceptable Risk" is the Irish version of the Welsh drama "Keeping Faith". The similar plots only differ in the fine details. Both are well worth watching with strong female leads and some good supporting actors. Both have a loving wife and mother discovering secrets about their absent husband.

The intriguing mystery is cleverly built up as evidence is gradually uncovered. Both then come to rather a brief conclusion. Tidying up all the loose ends in a rather simplistic fashion. "Acceptable Risk" probably has the edge in the quality of the production and the credibility of the characters.

Both are fast paced though this is more evenly sustained in "Acceptable Risk." The constraints of this pacing caused me to knock off a couple of points as, sometimes the plot was whisked along at the expense of subtlety.

My Take – An ok series.

 

Mayasabha: Rise of the Titans – Came in 2025. "Mayasabha" is a gripping political drama set in Andhra Pradesh, tracing the parallel and converging paths of Krishnama Naidu (KKN) and MS Rami Reddy (MSR) from disparate origins to the heart of state politics during a transformative era. The narrative, spanning the 1970s and early 1980s, explores the intricate interplay of caste, ambition, and power against the backdrop of significant historical events, offering a window into the often-ruthless nature of Indian politics.

A review from IMDB...

This series is a politically charged, sharply written series that has quickly captured attention - not just for its engaging storytelling, but for its striking resemblance to the real-life journeys of two towering Andhra Pradesh politicians: N. Chandrababu Naidu and Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Though the creators have officially denied any direct inspiration, the parallels are hard to miss - and they make the series all the more addictive.

At its core, Mayasabha is a story of ambition, strategy, and power. Season 1 charts the rise of two political figures - their ideologies, maneuvers, personal sacrifices, and the early seeds of rivalry. The narrative walks a fine line between dramatization and realism, offering political intrigue that's both entertaining and eerily familiar.

The acting is nothing short of terrific. Every performer delivers with conviction, portraying the internal conflict, charisma, and ambition of their characters with remarkable subtlety. The casting looks great, save one or two characters, and the chemistry between key characters adds layers to the drama.

What makes Mayasabha truly stand out is its engaging screenplay. The pacing is taut, never dragging, and the story unfolds with a sense of urgency. Each episode ends with a well-crafted cliffhanger, ensuring that the viewer is always left wanting more.

Dialogues are crisp and emotionally charged - they hit the right notes without resorting to melodrama. Deva Katta understands the power of restraint, allowing subtext and silence to speak as loudly as words.

With Season 1 focusing on the rise of its two central figures, Mayasabha sets the stage for what promises to be an explosive Season 2. If the first chapter was about ambition and ascent, the next could very well be about clashes, consequences, and consolidation of power.

Mayasabha is a gripping watch - provocative, intelligent, and dramatically satisfying. There is no doubt that this is one of the best Telugu shows made for the small screen.

My Take – An excellent watch!

 

Striking Out – Ran from 2017-18 for 2 seasons. When Tara discovers that her fiancé and fellow solicitor Eric has been cheating with a colleague, she leaves him and their prestigious law firm to set up her own practice specializing in family and divorce law. As she works along her new team, including mentor and friend Vicent and tech guru and private detective Meg, Tara's cases put her in direct conflict with influential families and the legal and political establishment as well as challenging her own personal morals.

A review from IMDB...

This show is a refreshing change for a USA audience that's grown tired of the usual L.A. drivel. The characters are well developed and the writing and cinematography are first rate. You can't help but root for the characters. It's easy for normal, everyday people to relate to the characters and identify with their situations. There appears to be genuine chemistry between cast members and they all do a fantastic job of conveying the feelings, emotions and subtleties behind each character and plot.

The story lines are complex but not forced or heavy handed, and flow seamlessly from one episode to the next. The twists in the plot are well-timed and develop naturally. I also found the portrayal of the city of Dublin interesting. Here in the States we are accustomed to seeing Dublin portrayed on-screen as a rough, gritty town, but in this show, the city comes across as beautiful and cosmopolitan, akin to Vancouver, B.C. or other trendy waterfront cities. It feels like the kind of place you'd really like to spend some time. There are plenty of good reasons to watch this show. But be warned, if you watch one episode, you're going to want to come back for more.

My Take – Worth a watch! Saw both seasons.

Adios till next time😊!!