I first read about this show perhaps a year and a half ago and decided to keep an eye on when it would air. My husband and I are big fans of Jason Isaacs and figured we would like it because of him, but found it's a great show overall. I am really impressed with everything - the writing, acting, pace of the show. I have a few quibbles here and there but nothing major, which is why I give it a 10 (that rating goes for the whole series, not just this episode, even though there are some episodes I felt were stronger than others). We're especially impressed with the writing - which is often lacking in TV in general and sometimes it seems like shows like this have a strong premise and then don't deliver. This one delivers in spades. There is so much going on in this first episode I had to watch it 4-5 times to pick up everything (had a little trouble with those accents at first) and each time I noticed different, small things. I also can't say enough about the cast - I am always impressed with Isaacs, who I would watch reciting the phone book - but also with Jason Clarke, Annabeth Gish, and pretty much everyone else. I haven't seen some of these actors before but I will be watching for them in other shows and movies. This is the best part I have seen Annabeth Gish play - I've always liked her but this is a part that really lets her show her talent. And the young girl who plays Mary Rose, the eldest daughter - I think she will go far. She's a beautiful girl and very talented.
Give this show a chance on DVD if you didn't catch it on cable. It's very complex and I found it helpful to watch the episodes more than once, because sometimes things are said and done that are subtle and if you are a senior citizen like me you may miss a few things. Yes, there is violence and bad words but this is the world these people live in. Like Deadwood and The Sopranos, it fits those worlds. It's well worth your time. And if you've only seen Jason Isaacs playing Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies, be prepared to be totally surprised. He is really an amazing, underrated actor who should be getting a lot more recognition. It's been a real treat to see him every week in my living room instead of having to sit through a so-so movie to see him. Thank goodness for DVDs. :-) I just hope Showtime makes more of this show. In my opinion, it beats the heck out of the later years of the Sopranos. Hope you give it a shot and enjoy it as much as we did!
Give this show a chance on DVD if you didn't catch it on cable. It's very complex and I found it helpful to watch the episodes more than once, because sometimes things are said and done that are subtle and if you are a senior citizen like me you may miss a few things. Yes, there is violence and bad words but this is the world these people live in. Like Deadwood and The Sopranos, it fits those worlds. It's well worth your time. And if you've only seen Jason Isaacs playing Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies, be prepared to be totally surprised. He is really an amazing, underrated actor who should be getting a lot more recognition. It's been a real treat to see him every week in my living room instead of having to sit through a so-so movie to see him. Thank goodness for DVDs. :-) I just hope Showtime makes more of this show. In my opinion, it beats the heck out of the later years of the Sopranos. Hope you give it a shot and enjoy it as much as we did!
