I'd been so disappointed in the first episode that this one seemed a vast improvement, actually. I think I'm won over by more women, portrayed more sympathetically. And the pacing seemed better and the storyline tighter. But all the winks to the audience having me wondering where they're headed next.
I think if I'd watched Doctor Who I'd understand why this show seems to think it's such a burden to be a Great Man who's lonely (despite being lavished by attention by both minor characters and the narrative itself).
The one thing they decided to keep from the original The Sign of Four was the offensive pygmy with a blowdart scenario? Really?!?!
So true.
I also rolled my eyes at the misbehaving East Asian tourists. Really? The casual racism in this show is really astonishing. M.
I think I can't tell which of the first two episodes is better or worse, because I feel so let down by both of them. Although yes, it is refreshing to at least have a bit more female presence. And there are other small things that I liked, but they're so drowned out by the larger problems.
Also, I don't know, I actually love the Great Lonely Hero. It's one of my favorite tropes. (Hello, Harry Potter!) But it doesn't work when everyone in the story is in love with said character, regardless of how badly said character treats those around him. And Doctor Who, at its best, isn't about the Doctor at all. (Which is why the last few seasons have not, IMO, been Doctor Who at its best.)
Anyway, we'll see what happens with episode three. I hate coming here to vent after every each installment, but I'm anticipating doing it one last time.
R, sorry, my response sounded really tone-deaf on second glance. I'm sorry you're feeling let down by the show. I can see why, though I'm not having quite the same response myself. And, though I hate to say it, I can see how episode three might exacerbate existing problems. We'll see.
Meanwhile, I finished the latest episode of Elementary about an hour ago and am still feeling pleasantly surprised by it. It's a less ambitious show than Sherlock, but they've got some basic things really right.
In related news, I FINALLY read "How the Mouth Changes its Shape" while home with a cold a few weeks ago. THANK YOU! M.
Oh, don't apologize! I'm being very morose about this season, but that doesn't mean everyone else has to be. :)
Ah, I just watched that Elementary episode as well. You're right about it being less ambitious, but I find it comforting in a way. Probably because it's a TV show populated with people I would actually want to spend time with in real life. What a concept.
And hooray, I'm glad you finally got to read it, and I hope you loved it! Breathedout is quite the talent.
Comments 5
I think if I'd watched Doctor Who I'd understand why this show seems to think it's such a burden to be a Great Man who's lonely (despite being lavished by attention by both minor characters and the narrative itself).
The one thing they decided to keep from the original The Sign of Four was the offensive pygmy with a blowdart scenario? Really?!?!
So true.
I also rolled my eyes at the misbehaving East Asian tourists. Really? The casual racism in this show is really astonishing. M.
Reply
Also, I don't know, I actually love the Great Lonely Hero. It's one of my favorite tropes. (Hello, Harry Potter!) But it doesn't work when everyone in the story is in love with said character, regardless of how badly said character treats those around him. And Doctor Who, at its best, isn't about the Doctor at all. (Which is why the last few seasons have not, IMO, been Doctor Who at its best.)
Anyway, we'll see what happens with episode three. I hate coming here to vent after every each installment, but I'm anticipating doing it one last time.
Reply
Meanwhile, I finished the latest episode of Elementary about an hour ago and am still feeling pleasantly surprised by it. It's a less ambitious show than Sherlock, but they've got some basic things really right.
In related news, I FINALLY read "How the Mouth Changes its Shape" while home with a cold a few weeks ago. THANK YOU! M.
Reply
Ah, I just watched that Elementary episode as well. You're right about it being less ambitious, but I find it comforting in a way. Probably because it's a TV show populated with people I would actually want to spend time with in real life. What a concept.
And hooray, I'm glad you finally got to read it, and I hope you loved it! Breathedout is quite the talent.
Reply
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