Okay, so far behind on this now, but every week I mean to start a thread to this very deserving show. Getting almost too late to do it, and naturally I will have missed (or maybe spared you all) from weekly recaps, but what the heck, let's discuss anyways. Great show, which I assume you know if you are reading this. I like that it is not afraid to deviate from the novel source and do its own thing, with Gaiman's guidance and blessing as I understand it; even going to far as to improve on several points. You can really see Bryan Fuller's fingers all over it, which is fantastic, and makes it more of a shame to think we lost him from ST: Discovery. EDIT: Okay, it has come to my attention that maybe I should not spoil the episode synopsis just yet, so I suppose that is fair enough, though I did not give away any plot points that I am aware. But, nevertheless, now adding the tag for certain people who care for such things. Spoiler: Spoilers for episode 7 Yesterday's episode, 'Prayer for Mad Sweeney,' was a significant deviation from the storyline, building more on one of the 'coming to America' storylines that thematically builds the basis of the immigration experience (and mythology) which is core to the story. I'll admit, it was enjoyable, but felt a little flat to me. Sure it was interesting to see, and had a great strong opening from Mr. Ibis and Mr. Jacquel, but really went a little too far into exposition for me, and - I suppose because right before I watched it I learned that next week is already the season finale - I felt was a lot of wasted potential/screentime when we have so little left, and so much more to tell. Yes, I can see that they have a longer term plan, and want to stretch this out as much as possible, but sometimes I do feel the show adds too much 'padding.' Which is really only an issue because the show is so good that I want to mainline more and more of it with each passing episode. So yes, for selfish reasons I want to see more, have more questions answered, see what comes next; and the slow pace and limited number of episodes is going to make that inherently painful. Anyway, I gather response to 'Prayer for Mad Sweeney' has been incredibly positive, which is good and tells you how well the showrunners can execute these stories. My main gripe, though it is no small one, is with Emily Browning pulling double duty as Essie McGowan. Honestly, I find her incredibly painful, and the worst part of the entire show (the less seen of her the better), but there was really no reason they needed to do this, and if anything, it made it much worse because of it. It comes off as too mismatched and heavy-handed, and is worse still because it draws [false] analogies between Essie's fate and choice of compromises/experiences in the face of that life, versus Laura, who had many a choice and lifestyle but chose not to avail herself of them. While you might point to some similarities between them, I think the two characters are more antipodean than alike. So it does a disservice to the story to present this immediate connection to the viewer between the two, and I think especially the average viewer might misinterpret some connection there. And Emily's performances in this respect (in my opinion) also really detracted from effective engagement in the character. PS - also, since it was until recently in my backyard, definitely not Bantry Bay, but gorgeous nonetheless PPS - interesting choice of musical selection for this episode, which I appreciated (easing out of the overblown trad stuff), but - as I read elsewhere as well - 'Daddy's Home' was pretty cringe-inducing Well, more thoughts on it and the show, as always, but I'll cut it off there. So is anyone else watching this, or what?
Loving it. I really don't like Gaiman much and dropped the book in frustration by the third chapter but I really love the show. I feel myself curious about every god and not just fixated on Odin as I usually would be (can we get a mermaid or Yamantaka up in here?). Atmosphere is so dream like as I would expect it to be when ever your walking this path between realms. (Ignored spoiler as I haven't seen 7 yet)
Yep, I've been watching and i like it. Its better than I was expecting, I haven't read the book so i can't make any comparisons but its certainly paced like a book, which is good. Its cool that nothing is explained or made clear, you really have to pay attention to what people are saying, and absolutely anything can happen at any time. Its got some great actors in it and visually its freakin sumptuous . . . The Leprechaun is fucking funny and Gillian Anderson is doing a career defining turn IMO, she is absolutely pin sharp and on the money. The bit where she's (sort of) Bowie, lecturing the young god, had me rolling. Just the best. McShane as Mr Wednesday, perfect with his weird little hat and beady little eyes . . .
Oh, you definitely should, JP. I am surprised more people aren't as keen on it. It is very well done, as I tried to say, has excellent production values, intriguing story, fascinating blend of the subject (the immigration experience, what defines the American identity, and mythology), presentation which lets you actually think for yourself, a non-judgemental presentation of themes, and is just great entertainment. It has clearly been well-thought out and planned ahead of time (as I said, improving on a lot of the novels points), and I love Fuller's aesthetic, though I grant it is not for everyone. The only hard part of it (minus my own qualms about certain specific things) is that we are only going to get eight episodes! Plus you really cannot go wrong - at all - with more Ian McShane in your life.
