Deleted an old review based on 2 episodes and reviewing again after having seen most. The show is based on a Frank Miller novel - a subversive reimagining of Arthurian legend. Judge the show on its merits alone rather than preconceived bias or expectation. It's different, ahistorical, and has black characters. Or simply don't watch.
I gave the show a 7 initial more as an offset, but having watched most of it I'm standing at middling 5 stars. "Cursed" is watchable and has some good and even captivating moments. The acting is mostly fine. The problem, in my opinion, is tone. And with tone issues, you get plot and scripting issues. It comes down to the creators not knowing what they want the show to be. Committing to more gritty "GOT" adult type venture or purely YA fantasy joint more like British "Merlin" show from a few years ago. It's really hard to have it both ways.
The show does have some grit - it's not afraid of some blood and flying body parts - but often diverts into cringy YA tropes. Personally, I'd rather the show went darker and sexier. There's a flood of YA stuff streaming now. Although I expect to finish the last couple of episodes, I don't expect I'll watch the second season, which apparently has been ordered. Ultimately, I think the series will fail. The cheesy stuff is too off-putting for me especially in contrast to the better and grittier elements. Who knows though, it may get enough of a cult following among the younger crowds.
I gave the show a 7 initial more as an offset, but having watched most of it I'm standing at middling 5 stars. "Cursed" is watchable and has some good and even captivating moments. The acting is mostly fine. The problem, in my opinion, is tone. And with tone issues, you get plot and scripting issues. It comes down to the creators not knowing what they want the show to be. Committing to more gritty "GOT" adult type venture or purely YA fantasy joint more like British "Merlin" show from a few years ago. It's really hard to have it both ways.
The show does have some grit - it's not afraid of some blood and flying body parts - but often diverts into cringy YA tropes. Personally, I'd rather the show went darker and sexier. There's a flood of YA stuff streaming now. Although I expect to finish the last couple of episodes, I don't expect I'll watch the second season, which apparently has been ordered. Ultimately, I think the series will fail. The cheesy stuff is too off-putting for me especially in contrast to the better and grittier elements. Who knows though, it may get enough of a cult following among the younger crowds.