Honestly, this makes a lot of sense when I remember Arcane S2 having songs that would literally say what a character is doing.

E.g. character walks, the song in the background "I'M WALKING."

It also explains random poorly placed exposition.

After finishing and loving Fallout, I realized that he had also created Person of Interest so I decided to give it a shot. My expectations were low to neutral - I really loved the first season of Westward but not the rest of it and PoI, given that it looked like a typical network procedural (really cool premise aside), just seemed like it would be a pleasant diversion. But I gave it a shot anyway because hey, 5 full seasons and about a 100 episodes so at least I'm getting a good amount of content. Worst case scenario I still get to watch Michael Emerson, who as Ben Linus on Lost gave one of my all-time favourite TV performances.

Tbf for about the first half of season 1, I thought the show was just decent at best. It really did feel like a bog standard network procedural for the most part. But the premise, the chemistry between Reese and Finch, and little bits of interesting plot developments kept me going. As the season went on though, I found that the narrative got stronger, with more hints of a larger story arc. It finished on a really strong note with the introduction of Root and that was enough to keep me going into the 2nd season.

I was pretty much all in at that point - the 2nd season is better in every way with a more serialized feel, and more integration of ongoing storylines like Elias' takeover of the criminal underworld, as well as the HR conspiracy.

By the midpoint of the 3rd season, after the 3-parter of Endgame, The Crossing and The Devil's Share, following Carter's death and the takedown of HRI am completely on board as this show being legitimately awesome. The Devil's Share episode was a real turning point for me - it felt on par in quality as anything HBO, Apple TV or AMC can put out in its storytelling, acting and writing. Actually, some of the best episodes of the show are among the best TV episodes I've ever seen, such as the aforementioned Devil's Share, as well as If-Then-Else from season 4 - I think I watched that one 3 times in a row, that's how good it was.

The best thing about PoI is how it just continuously gets better and better, and how much its storytelling evolves throughout the course of the show. We go from a stock formulaic procedural to something completely unrecognizable by around 75% of the show's run, where it basically becomes this incredible science fiction thriller about duelling AIs and how it affects the world around it. Thinking back now, I can see how all the episodes play a part in either setting the groundwork for the "real" story and giving it the expansive scope that it has. Someone said that PoI is basically Batman with Reese and Finch as the Dark Knight/Bruce Wayne counterparts and I completely agree - it even has the ongoing villains and storylines like Batman would lol.

And the 20+ episode count goes a long way towards doing a fantastic job in developing all the characters and making you truly care for them. Finch, Shaw, Root, Fusco, Reese - all amazing characters with a lot of depth and complexity. They did an excellent job with the villains as well, especially guys like Simmons and Greer, as well as anti-heroes like Elias.

The mark of a great show is when it leaves you wanting more and that's what PoI did for me. The last season felt a tad bit rushed (I understand it was because the series was cancelled and they had to wrap it up in the limited episode count) but the series finale is actually fantastic - and emotional - and wraps up the story in a really satisfying way. I could have taken at least one more season but I was also happy with how it ended, and that's all you can ask for from a conclusion to a long narrative.

So if anyone is looking for a really damn good thriller with awesome sci-fi elements, great characters and amazing twists, I can't recommend PoI enough. It really changed my perception of how good a contemporary network show could be in a time when premium cable shows have completely taken over as the top dogs. While I wouldn't quite put the show in my top 5-7 of all time, I think it would probably make the cut as either at the end of the top 10 or just barely outside it.

Seriously I could think of at least 50 crazy good storylines that they could make episodes about but instead they’re making weird and boring stories literally no one would possibly ask for… Like Howard the duck and Darcy having a kid? Agatha and Kingo in Hollywood? Even coming up with an original character in season 2 that literally no one wanted.

I usually do not binge watch shows who have already multiple seasons and episodes because I watch plenty of ongoing shows so I do not have always the time but

This year I have watched all 5 seasons of Breaking Bad and Prison Break. Both great shows even tho PB annoyed me at some point.

Last year my marathons were Shameless and Justified. Lost is probably next on my list for 2025 What about you?

Has anyone watched Dexter: Original Sin yet? I would like to commend the actors who portray Dexter, Batista, and Debra! These actors have done a marvelous job protraying the original actors/characters with their looks and mannerisms! Having been a huge fan of Dexter, I am acutely aware of each character's idiosyncrasies and these actors have done a remarkable job! Thoughts?

I feel there’s this growing trend of releasing seasons that come to an abrupt halt. A season is supposed to be a complete arc in itself; it doesn’t need to conclude the story, but it should at least complete that chapter of the story it’s telling.

-House of the Dragon

-The Bear

-Squid Game

I find all of these shows to be some of the best series airing currently. However, each one of them has released a latest season that did not feel like it had a satisfying conclusion.

I would honestly rather wait for longer seasons that are actually complete, than to have these “half” seasons.

Binge watching Community (it's my comfort show) and this reference to the show Friends made me chuckle:

https://i.imgur.com/SLk0KEL.jpeg

What are your favorite examples of shows referencing other shows?

So, I was astounded today to learn that ten episodes of Cobra Kai's final season has already been released and for quite some time. I had no idea.

They're releasing the final season in five episode chunks with batches coming out this July, November, and finally on February.

This show imparticular, I associate with the binge format. As I have such fond memories of blasting through it. And it really suits that format as well, as the storytelling is so rich and captivating in a way that makes you want to keep coming back for more. Proper popcorn blockbuster type of TV series. Such an entertaining show.

So this weird release schedule of five at a time leaves me feeling a bit cold. I'm glad now that I have ten episodes to sink my teeth into...but I wouldn't have been happy to just watch five. I think I would have waited (actually I may have decided to do that and simply forgotten haha).

Anyway, I feel like this format has kind of killed the hype. Other streamers can do what they like, but Netflix has used the binge formula up until now, so it feels like a bit of a shitter and not how I want to experience the show. Am I the only one who is a bit miffed by this trend on Netflix, especially regarding how it's affected this show?

With all the other seasons, the release dump had massive hype each time. I remember seeing so much excitement and discussion about it - but now, just very little. As I said, I wasn't even aware there were a whole ten episodes out and I bloody love this show.

I realise release preference is somewhat of a divisive topic on here, with many preferring weekly episodes. So, I hope you understand where I am coming from in this particular instance.

Anyway, I'm about halfway through the first episode of season 6 now, and this show is already off the chain! Cobra Kai!!!!! (No spoilers, please 😀)

For me, it’s Bojack Horseman. I do find this show to be one of the most interesting adult cartoons out there. I love how it deals with themes such as depression, nihilism, childhood traumas, etc. However, the show is way too depressing for me to watch again. The second to last episode of the series nearly gave me a panic attack. Great show, just wouldn’t want to watch it again because it puts me in a bad mood.

I am a big fan of secret identity-revealing scenes in TV shows.

I don't mind spoilers.

Many thanks for considering my request.

Is there a main character more unlikable than Katie Otto in American Housewife? Everything she does is self indulgent and there is never any growth with her character.

I’m interested in your opinions.