TV The Drug Of The Nation

Taboo

Abstract

Deuce

Saul

AG

As we move towards the end of the year, I thought it was time to throw up some TV shows I have enjoyed in 2017.

With so much content thrown at you, the question is more what not to watch, than what to watch? I have tried to be a little bit varied here but to be honest it would seem I am all about the drama.

1. American Gods

It took me three episodes to completely dive into this show, however, once I’d felt the temperature of the water, I was like a drugged out Brit on holiday in Ibiza. Actually, this show is such a visual feast that hallucinogens aren’t necessary.

Gods, was a major risk for Amazon both creatively and financially. In re-creating a popular fantasy novel with a sprawling storyline that weaved its ways across worlds, timelines, and character plots, there was every chance the audience could walk away. In addition, it was already a popular novel, and pleasing an audience that already has a vision in their head of how things look is difficult to say the least. Instead they nailed it, and Gods is fantastic viewing.

Being that I’m not the smartest guy in the room, it took me a few episodes to understand WTF was going on. At the risk of keeping things simple, here’s the least comprehensive explanation ever of what’s going on. The old gods and the new gods are pissed at each other, and they’re about to come together in a dust up Duco events would have a wet dream about.

American Gods was only 8 episodes in the first season, and by the time I’d watched Ep 8 I was gagging for more. I for one will be swimming in the visual glory of season 2 on its release.

2. Taboo

Taboo, co-created by and starring Tom Hardy, is a dark and brooding story set in 1814 London. The story follows Hardy’s character, James Delaney, the son of a dead shipping magnate. Delaney returns to London from some dodgy goings on in Africa to reclaim his father’s shipping business. As with all stories, we need a bad guy and the East Asia conglomerate provides Hardy with some worthy adversaries.

Hardy is my boy, and his performance in Taboo is another masterpiece adding to an already impressive library. From small roles in Black Hawk Down and Layer Cake, to his haunting performances in Bronson, through to leading man roles in Locke & The Drop, his star keeps rising. Even when playing opposite major stars like Charlize Theron in Mad Max and Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant, Hardy has proved his worth, often stealing scenes from his more illustrious colleagues.

Other than Hardy’s performance, the major take from Taboo is the grimy disgusting look and feel of old school London. Being that I’m not 200 years old I can’t be sure, but I imagine it’s a fair reflection on the times. I literally felt like having a shower after every episode.

In the words of James Delaney, “I have a use for you.”

3. Abstract – The Art of Design

Abstract is a documentary series produced by Netflix that explores the design industry, there are eight episodes with each episode highlighting a different designer.

Whether it’s the former head designer at Nike, Tinker Hatfield, or the insanely talented stage designer Es Devlin – you may have seen some of Devlin’s work on the Beyonce, and Kanye live concerts – the series displays designers who are at the top of their game and at times ruffling the feathers of their industries. Danish architect Bjarke Ingles for instance was rather frowned upon by his industry, especially for the level of success he achieved at such a young age.

Other industry giants covered are photographer Platon, New York graphic designer Paula Scher, automotive designer Ralph Gilles, interior designer Isle Crawford and illustrator Christopher Niemann.

Each episode we hear stories from the designers themselves, about what drives them and keeps them motivated. The stories don’t give us in depth personal stories, but rather focusses more on the work of these talented designers.

The biggest problem I have with this series is that half way through I was feeling somewhat inadequate and that my own career was somewhat insignificant. Fa#%ing overachievers….

With our local TV industry doing next to nothing in the documentary genre, Netflix delivers a compelling series highlighting some insane talent, that fits nicely alongside the already successful Chefs Table.

4. Better Call Saul

It’s season 3 of the Better Call Saul and the slow burn continues. I can see how the show will have lost some of the Breaking Bad fans as it moves somewhat slower than its more famous predecessor. Not for me though, I like a show that takes its time to reveal itself fully.

This season we find Jimmy McGill slowly but surely becoming more disillusioned with his efforts to be a straight lawyer. His despair pushing him ever closer to the character we all know and love. Season 3 takes us so close to Jimmy McGill going full Saul Goodman; I can almost taste it on my lips. Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Jimmy/Saul is now so good he’s almost at that point where if he took on another role I’ll only ever see the dodgy lawyer.

Jimmy and his brother Chuck’s dysfunctional relationship comes to a fiery end, and I’m actually happy about this. I felt the writers had pushed this about as far as it could go, and we needed to move on from Chuck. I for one will not shed a tear on his demise.

In the meantime, Mike Ehrmantraut has continued down his path of criminal destruction with his story line offering up vital back-stories on Hector Salamanca, Nacho, and welcome to the party – Gus Fring. These back-stories merely add more credibility to the shows overarching storyline, and provide weight and depth to each character.

It would appear that gravity is pulling all of these characters closer and closer to a bright, shinning, blue meth light that is Breaking Bad.

5. The Deuce

I’ve seen 6 episodes of The Deuce, and George Pellecanos and David Simon, creators of The Wire and Tremme, have delivered another gem.

The Deuce features a menagerie of prostitutes, pimps, bar owners, police, mafia, and other sifters all contributing to a story set in the seedy underbelly of New York’s Times Square in the 70’s.

Simon and Pellecanos have an ability to perfectly capture a city in their shows, whether it’s Baltimore, New Orleans, or New York, every detail of grinding out a life in these thriving metropolises comes to life on screen. To accompany this, the pair throw so many well-formed characters into a pot to produce a perfectly formed story. They have always written characters so well, and The Deuce is no exception.

The other signature from this pair which again appears to be coming to the fore is their ability to never rush the story. Again with The Deuce, they’re in no hurry to reveal everything about the characters who inhabit Times Square, rather letting each storyline breathe and focus on the detail.

There will be many familiar faces to fans of The Wire and Tremme, but the stand out performances so far come from Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Franco. Gyllenhaal plays a prostitute who’s smarter than she should be and balancing a life between Times Square, her child, and trying to rise up in a porn industry which is about take flight. Franco plays 2 brothers, whom to begin with I couldn’t tell apart, he does a wonderful job and I for one am a fan.

I’m always going to be a bit biased here as The Wire is still my favorite TV series ever, but I urge you to give The Deuce your time.

Oh and by the way, the soundtrack is killer.

Special Mentions

The Leftovers – I was late to the party with The Leftovers, which is a curse and a blessing. A curse because I was missing out, but a blessing in that I could binge 3 seasons. The sudden departure of 140 million people from earth has the people left behind questioning everything, particularly faith and religion. The Leftovers spends its time delving into these human frailties and emotions. A complex series with fantastic performances by Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon.

Game of Thrones S7 – Not much needed to be said here with Season 7 throwing up its usual high production values and sprawling storylines. Although these storylines are starting to intersect with a climax of dragon sized proportions almost upon us.

Mindhunter – I’ve just finished watching this and I’d already written my list. All I’ll say is, if I had seen this earlier it would have been near the top. David Fincher is the master of delivering Psychos, and Mindhunter is definitely worth your time.

Narcos S3 – More from your local Colombian drug lords. It’s an acquired taste, but if you’re a fan of drama surrounded by nose candy Season 3 of Narcos won’t disappoint.

Letdowns

Fargo – I’m a massive fan of Ewan McGregor and he couldn’t sway my mind, I’ve seen enough here and am hoping this ends so as not to kill my love of the original film.

Big Little Lies – Sorry, at the risk of sounding like a racist and misogynist, and despite the awards, this came across as a bunch of complaining rich white woman with first world problems…

Silicon Valley – This might be done as a series; the same old jokes are wearing thin and with Erlich Bachman not returning next year, the show is starting to resemble a 1980’s PC.

The Fall – I was so gutted with season 3 of The Fall, as I really enjoyed the first 2.

Ray Donovan – I was done last season, not even sure why I watched this…

Happy viewing ..