Russell Edwards    Screenwriter
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favorite tv shows of 2019

1/6/2019

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I'd forgotten how good this series is. A great shame that it was canceled so early. The movie sort of did it justice when it came out. Not sure if they've considered it, but it would be awesome if they could bring it back for a one-off six-part mini-series. What made this series great was the writing, chemistry between the actors, and the lack of sci-fi gibberish that you usually get in sci-fi series. It also looks and sounds great. Would definitely be up for seeing this lot back on screen.
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My first introduction to hip-hop was The Show by Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick. Way back in 1985. After that I was hooked. The first album I bought was in 1986, Street Sounds Hip Hop Electro 11. And this pretty much got me into the world of hip hop and rap. Just Say Stet by Stetsonic and Monster Beat by Awesome Foursome. The other tracks are great, but these two have always stood out for me. It all changed in 1988 when someone let me borrow NWA Straight Outta Compton. This is a great documentary series that delves into how hip-hop and rap came about and its origins. There are plenty of artists on here that I've never heard of, and plenty that I have. If you grew up listening to '80s and '90s hip-hop and rap, then this is a series you'll appreciate. If I was going to ask why I like this type of music. A few words spring to mind. Energy. Passion. Creativity. Storytelling. Rhythm and Rhyme. All someone needs to do now, is a series about the evolution of R&B.
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I've been in two minds about this one, but after some consideration, I'm going to give it the thumbs up. While the story is a little touch-and-go at times, it kept me interested and entertained enough to watch this first season. Visually this looks great. This world has quite a cyberpunk, Blade Runner feel to it. And the cast is quite something. Joel Kinnaman again! He's here, there and everywhere! If you watch a lot of TV shows, probably not as much as me, you'll recognize a lot of faces. Looking forward to seeing how they develop these characters in the next season.
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Structure. Story. Character development. Dialogue. Performances! From the opening episode to the last two. This is extremely well written on so many levels. The casting is superb. If I was handing out GOLD STARS, this would be on the list. And it's a limited series. A beginning, middle and a very satisfying ending. At least as satisfying as the subject matter allows. Worth watching!
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If you like westerns, then you'll definitely like this. The opening episode really sets the scene. Don't want to spoil it, but when the Marshal drops to his knees and looks up. Whoa! Awesome performances all round. Superb cast. Jeff Daniels! Wow!
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Got thoroughly bored with The Walking Dead. Always doing the same things over and over. Let's build a community, or let's try living with these people at this community, only to find out they're not quite as they seem. No one ever wants to figure anything out, or go anywhere. So, I decided to leave that series behind, and look elsewhere. Now, this isn't the best, or the worst, but it does have its moments. The opening episode and the last one in this first season. I'm currently watching Z Nation, while that also has its moments, the tone for that series is completely different to this. And FAST ZOMBIES that get slower as they decompose is a major plus. Definitely worth checking out.
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Okay, firstly, as someone who writes. I'm a big fan of Travis Beacham's original script for this. It's such a great piece of writing. Now that's out of the way. I really enjoyed this. I was a little sceptical come the end of the first episode, but as the show went on, I warmed to the characters and the actors playing them. The last thing I saw Orlando Bloom in was something set in South Africa. It's nice seeing him back in the world of fantasy. Cara Delevinge puts on a good performance as Vignette. Haven't seen her in many things, but this is definitely her best role. From what I've seen of her. Keep up the good work. My only concern involves bringing this series to an adequate close. One more season, possibly two. I don't want to find out that it's been cancelled half way through a season. One more thing, these guys would be great at turning Fable (computer game) into a series.
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Where to start. Theme tune. The music. The 80s movie references. Then there's the writing, the characters, dialogue, how this season plays out. It's all awesome. SPOILER: One of my favorite scenes, when Back to the Future is playing , and we have Alan Silvestri's soundtrack in the background. Definitely worth watching, but try not to binge watch. Also, if you've written, or planning on trying your hand at a pilot. Get your hands on a copy of the pilot script and the show bible written by The Duffer Brothers. DEFINITELY WORTH READING!!!
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This was cancelled.Then picked up. Why was it cancelled? Anyway, this is real good. Just like the writing. And Tom Ellis as the Devil. That's a plus. Just wish Amazon Prime would sort out the next season.
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It took a while, but the writing and direction, and chemistry between the actors started to take shape. And, they decide to cancel it. Ludicrous. And, Emily Beecham as the Widow. That's a gold star. Emily Beecham is Lady Jessica.
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At first, I thought 5 episodes. Nope, watched them all. Only real issue, the teeth. They all have clean, pearly white teeth. Must have great dentists. Excellent.
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Thing with movies, you have a limited amount of time to tell a story. And if it's based on a book, well, usually the movie just isn't as good. This is good. More time to develop characters, and to show us who they really are.
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Season 7. The Wall has fallen. The Knight King is coming. Jaime seems a little conflicted. And Viserion has become an undead Ice Dragon, who breathes blue dragon fire. Things are hotting up.
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Billy Bob Thornton. This and Bosch. Two shows worth watching.
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Decided to add this. Watched it last year. All three seasons. 1st season, amazing. Fantastic writing. Excellent dynamic between Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy's characters. Everything about this season is great. We then get into the 2nd season. Everything changes. SPOILERS: Purefoy's character is caught, and executed. This completely changes everything. After this, the whole series went downhill. There's a scene where Kevin Bacon's character dreams he helps Purefoy's character escape. Had this actually happened. The series would have had some serious legs. FBI agent and serial killer go on the run to track down serial killer cult. That would have been interesting and entertaining. However, the writing just lost focus. Especially when you get rid of the main antagonist. Worth watching the 1st season.
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This finished in 2015? Shame. There's a lot to like in this series. The acting, dialogue, direction, I could go on. SPOILER: While 13 episodes seems like a lot, the final season seemed a little rushed, but it's still worth watching, if only for the performances. If they can do a movie for Deadwood, they should consider doing one for this, or even a three or six-part episode run. Definitely worth a watch.
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If you're familiar with the 1973 movie, then you should definitely consider giving this a go. The first season is worth watching as a continuation of that story. As for the second season, it's good, but not as good as the first. Felt like the writers were aiming for a wider audience with the introduction of the kids. The horror seemed a little toned down. From a writing point of view, get your hands on the pilot script. Definitely worth reading, and digesting. Especially if you're trying your hand at writing pilots.
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AWESOME! And they canceled this before it even got going, what insanity is this? Madness. I did glance at an article about why it was canceled. Cost too much to produce! Who knows! This is a great show that depicts the main character really well. Not only that, it has the Blue Devil in it. This has the potential to open up a whole new DC universe. Justice League Dark on TV. I do hope they figure out a way to bring this back. Not only does it look good, but the soundtrack sounds awesome on a 5.1 setup! A wasted opportunity. Very disappointing.
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Harrowing! Thought-provoking! Possible SPOILERS. There are many scenes that stand out in this, but off the top of my head. There are these three. The firefighters going into that situation, and not knowing anything about what they're getting themselves into. The scene where they're throwing the contaminated materials off the rooftop, and the scene with the wife of the firefighter sitting on the bed by herself, next to the empty baby crib. There's so much going on this, from the opening scenes to the final scenes. Performances. Direction. Music. The way the material and subject matter is handled, and conveyed to the audience. This is heavy! If I were handing out GOLD STARS, this would be getting several! For the writers out there, who are considering trying their hand at a pilot or two, get your hands on the scripts. I haven't read them yet, but I will at some point. Then watch the episodes, then read the scripts again. Craig Mazin and company get a GOLD STAR!
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This is a very tightly written season. Narrative threads are kept to a minimum, so it's very easy to follow. More time is spent with the main characters. Makes for a much better season than the last one. I do hope these series find a new home, and that Marvel (Disney) are at least considering some more. Hopefully, we'll get another Defenders at some point, and a Daredevil.
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So, this is cancelled along with Jessica Jones, Daredevil, The Defenders, and all the other Marvel series. Why? If Disney can create Disney+, then they can come up with a service for all these types of series, and shows. It's a no-brainer. These are good series. As I write this, I'm watching Jesssica Jones, Season 3. Trish is looking very athletic! I do hope Disney figure this out.
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BIg fan of the original series. Very interesting and entertaining. Not as bloody or as intense as the first three seasons. And the performances are great. Would love to read the pilot script for this. This is definitely worth checking out. Having real footage intertwined in the story adds a little depth and realism as it unfolds. Will be interesting to see how the writers' room develop the story threads, and how far they take this series. Looking forward to the next season.
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Out of everything that I've watched this year, this is by far the most creative and imaginative. The writers and the creative people behind this prequel have really done their homework. Digging deep into the mythology of this world, and respecting the source material created by the great Jim Henson. They've really gone to town on this. From the music, to the set design, to the actors chosen to do the voices. I have to agree with the comments in the making of documentary, CGI puppets just wouldn't have worked. My only concern is, don't overshoot. Bring this saga to a close. One season. Possibly two more. Beginning. Middle, and an End. Warrick Brownlow-Pike and Simon Pegg doing the voice for Chamberlain. I hope that's right. Gold star!! Looking forward to what they bring next. 10/10
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Excellent writing. Shame it's not on any more. But, there's probably only so far you can take these characters. Matt Bomer could be an older, wiser Superman. Should things ever change at Warner Brothers. As they appear to be doing at the moment.
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I've concluded that if your name is Tom, and you're a jobbing actor. You should move to NY or LA. This is very good, and like Tom Ellis, Tom Mison puts on a great performance as Ichabod Crane. Not sure how the current season fairs as there appears to have been a few changes made to the cast.
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The accents took a little while to get used to. But this is awesome. The special effects, music. It's just good. And Thomas Jane is a bonus. One of his best roles.
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The film was good. But this offers so much more. Character development. Giving us more depth to who they are. Something which is difficult to do in a two hour movie.
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Last season wasn't bad, but it seemed a little rushed. This is a heck of a lot better. Looking forward to next season.
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Okay. Spoilers. The negative first. Seemed a little quick to get things wrapped up. One minute we're here, then there, then it's all over. Then there's the way it was filmed. I'm guessing they did it for realism, but it would be nice to see what the heck is going on in a scene. Some story choices seemed a little odd. Some characters were a little shortchanged, considering what they had gone through. Enjoyed it for the most part. Will miss these characters. They really put Arya through the wringer. The first episode seems so long ago now. Who knows, if Maisie Williams is up for it, maybe HBO could do a 3-part mini-series in three, four years. Since Arya's gone off travelling. That could be fun.
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Where to start. The average running time. 26 minutes or thereabouts. Then there's the writing. And the performances. Peter Serafinowicz's performance as the Tick. I think they changed the costume slightly. Actually, everyone is pretty good. Especially, Yara Martinez. Looking forward to the 3rd season. Well, that's not very good. They've cancelled this. Let's hope they can find a new home for this.
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Before I get started, I thought that this was an original. But it isn't. It's based on a comic book. Now, I have to get this out of the way. Accents! And Simon Pegg. You could remove his character, and it probably wouldn't make that much of a difference. He needs more scenes! That's all I'll say on that. There are a few other areas of concern, but nothing that stopped me from watching all eight episodes. I hope they do one or two more seasons, and then wrap it up, and not leave us hanging on some cliffhanger because they decided to cancel it.
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First two seasons. Just awesome. Mireille Enos steals the show. The third season is good. But the best thing about this series. The series gets to close at the end of the fourth season. There's actual closure for these characters, which means we're not left hanging with some cliffhanger that's not going anywhere. Oh, and if you're considering writing a pilot. I'd suggest reading the pilot script for this. Then watching the pilot. It's WORTH READING.
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