Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Mother - This has a really strong beginning with the FBI safehouse scene, but unfortunately, I lost complete interest in it about 30 minutes in and then I had to stop it about an hour in and finish it the next day (although this has been happening to me more and more lately...I'm getting old! I need my sleep!). It just felt so long and predictable...and pointless. It also feels like a Liam Neeson movie, but with JLo in the Neeson role. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but in this case, it is. Lopez seems to take the role a little too seriously, which works for Neeson because it's what he does so well. She's just dull and dry, and boring to watch. And surely, Gael Garcia Bernal and Joseph Fiennes deserve better roles than being supporting villains in a Netflix JLo movie??? Aren't they like Oscar nominees?? (they...are not. I just looked it up. But they should be!). The whole story is just wildly overdone and beyond reality. I can't even praise the action sequences or fight choreography because I watched it a few weeks ago and I can't remember any single moment about it. Just a full waste of talent all around. Can't even muster up anything else to say about it. 

2. Saint Omer - What a devastatingly beautiful movie. I saw this on many Best of 2022 lists, and as we approach July, I am putting my updated list together, so I'm trying to ensure I've seen everything that might effect my list (this will surely be on it). I wasn't really sure if it lived up to the hype as I was watching it, but the ending is packed with so much emotion - it's going to haunt me for the rest of my life. As for the rest of it, it's very simple but incredibly effective. It's super interesting to watch how the justice system works in France. The way the judge reads out everything in a very fact-based way, while also referencing key moments in the life of this accused woman (she is accused of killing her baby). It seems weird to me, an American, because in an American courtroom most of this would be objected by one of the lawyers as not being relevant to the case. But, it seems necessary in certain cases - although I don't think it would effect the guilty or not-guilty outcome, I do think it helps us learn about human psychology and behavior, therefore possibly effecting future crimes and cases. I think my point is that we don't focus on prevention enough in America (or empathy, but that's a whole other can of worms). As simple as the story is, I never found my mind wandering, instead I stayed very focused. I did, however, start to question the point of it all - until I found myself getting very angry. And then I realized that THAT was the point. From the moment that the father started to speak (and I just knew it was an old white man), my blood started to boil. And when he says "her silence was aggressive" - such a loaded statement about black women because it doesn't matter if they yell or sit in silence, they will still be branded as "aggressive" and it's heartbreaking and disgusting. The rhythmic breathing sounds add to the intensity, leading to that aforementioned ending. The speech by the defense lawyer is breathtaking - how women carry trauma and pass it down, both physically and spiritually. Invoking Greek tragic figures such as Medea, Circe etc., the "she tried but she lost" defense, watching the other women in the courthouse fight back tears because they can relate to every word. It's perfect. And what sensational performances from Kayije Kagame and Guslagie Malanda. There's very little dialogue, but I felt that I knew what they were thinking in every moment. 

3. Chevalier - I like this movie - it's probably not something that I'm going to remember years from now, but overall I was entertained and the acting is really strong. I do think they could have taken things a bit further, especially finding out that he "went on to lead the first black regiment of the French Revolution" during the fucking credits??? What the fuck, that's kind of a huge part of his story and far more interesting than the entire 120 minute preceding it! But the story that they do tell is fairly interesting, as well. I think it's kind of hilarious that when the trailer for this came out people complained about it being woke, only to be told it's based on a true story (I wish those people had enough self-awareness to feel incredibly stupid, but sadly they do not. They'll just move on to the next racist thing to complain about). It's also 100% about his race and how he is an anomaly in this world of composing and classical music. I didn't realize that Samara Weaving was in this, so that was a pleasant surprise, but, as expected, Kelvin Harrison Jr. knocks this out of the park. He's such a good actor and, like, nobody talks about it. Minnie Driver is also in this, which was also a surprise because I haven't seen her in anything in so long (I actually thought she retired from acting? Or did I imagine that?). The story is good, if a little predictable. It's definitely not an unfamiliar story, but there are some powerful scenes and I like the parallels between his relationship with Samara's character and his own parents. But again, I think it could have been taken to much darker places, and I would have loved to see more of his rise as a leader in the revolution. 

4. Extraction 2 - Not a big fan of the first one, but I didn't hate it and it had some great action sequences. But I also remember it being really ugly and yellow. I actually think I liked this one slightly better. It definitely looks better and we get to know the main character a bit more (I totally forgot his name was Tyler Rake. LOL). I also like Chris Hemsworth a little more than I did a few years ago. The story is pretty much the same - him and his team "extract" a prisoner (and her two children). But, let's talk about what these films are known for - the camera-work, which is definitely the highlight. The previous one had an extensive one-shot (I don't remember how long it was, but it was impressive...I think?), but this one really expands on that with the prison sequence. It's advertised as a "21 minute one-shot" scene, but there are several obvious cuts and they are fairly easy to spot (I say several, but there are at least 2 per minute so at least 40 that I spotted with just one viewing. I'm sure there is even more if I really analyzed it). HOWEVER, it is brilliantly done - impressively choreographed and executed, creating an exhilarating and memorable action sequence. The rest of the movie is a little ridiculous. Entertaining, but ridiculous. I literally screamed "just shoot him in the head" multiple times to multiple characters because that's the best option in the moment, but then I guess the movie would be over and that's no fun. Also, that boy is fucking stupid, just let him go. And I can't get over how he consistently gets his ass beat and then has like one tiny scratch on his forehead. Or that he was basically dead, but then back in full-action mode within...months? I don't actually know how much time has gone by. They probably mentioned it when I wasn't paying attention, but either way it's dumb. If you break that many bones in your body - it will have residual effects on your body for the rest of your life. Annnywaaay, I also hate that his partner, played by Golshifteh Farahani, doesn't put her hair up at any point during these action scenes. It's just flying into her face, covering her eyes, impeding her ability to fight and she just lets it happen like an idiot (I mean, I put my hair up to do simple tasks like eating. Most women do?). And speaking of Farahani, I know she's been in a lot of stuff, including the first film, but I'll never forget her performance in About Elly. She's an incredible actress and definitely deserves more than these types of roles. Also, I can't believe that Olga Kurylenko plays his wife! And she has like 4 lines! Remember when she was going to be the next big thing? Now she's playing bit part wife roles. Thanks, I hate it. 

5. Reality - This is an interesting movie - it's entire dialogue is based off of the actual recording that took place during Reality's first interview/interrogation and search of her home. I didn't really focus too much on this story as it was happening (but Reality Winner is the most ridiculous name in the history of names), I just knew it had to do with mishandling of classified documents (which seems to be a big problem among political figures these days....ahem...) and I knew that she received an overly harsh sentence. I think what the film does really well is keeping this well-known story so intense. It's almost harrowing, the way that the agents talk to her in this "everything's going to be okay, we're your friends" kind of way. I think the most obvious mistake is that Reality did not ask for a lawyer IMMEDIATELY. Especially because...she did it?. She admits that she thought it was about a mistake that she made, but once she realizes that it's not what they are after, wouldn't she stop talking and ask for a lawyer? I know it's set up to show the power dynamic and how she felt intimidated by all of these men invading her home and personal space, but she's not dumb so....lawyer up, hun. I do think she was used as an "example" and branded as a traitor, all while others are passing around classified information like it's fucking candy, and that sucks. And it's crazy that the information she shared was then talked about openly just days later with no recourse to anyone else. Sydney Sweeney is an incredible young actress. I'm really excited to watch her career progress. She's probably the best actress on Euphoria (even though her character is annoying) and she's been great in a few other things I've seen her in (The Voyeurs, The White Lotus, the Frankies bikini ads 👀). She does a great job here - giving Winner vulnerability and innocence even within her guilt. Also, that one FBI agent is SO HOT. WHO IS HE?! Was the actual FBI agent that hot because then maybe that's why she was so dumb? Like, if that guy was interrogating me I would not be thinking straight. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Fabelmans - Unfathomably dull movie, Holy Shit. I'm stunned at how many 5 star reviews there are for this on Letterboxd. It just doesn't make any sense? Spielberg fanboys, sure, but what about everyone else? Like people with eyes and a brain? If anything, this movie makes me like Spielberg a little less. To be clear - I love Spielberg. And he's made some of my favorite movies of all time. I just haven't loved any of his movies in...uh...18 YEARS!? Is that right!? Wow. I did like Ready Player One, but ultimately it's a forgettable movie. But the reason I like him a little less is because this is supposed to be semi-autobiographical and he oddly represents himself as a spoiled, entitled, brat. Sorry, but I'm just never going to sympathize with a white wealthy male who thinks his story is interesting enough to make an entire movie about just because his parents divorced. If that's the worst thing that has happened to you, then your life is not a tragedy that you've had to overcome. There is zero adversity here. Now, watching this future genius filmmaker's beginnings is actually interesting - and if he showed his childhood in a more positive light (that it is), then I probably wouldn't like him less. One could debate me here (easily) by mentioning his mom who is a bit eccentric (and perhaps suffering from some sort of undiagnosed bipolar issue?), but he shows her in a mostly lovingly way - supportive of his passions, showed interest in his life, etc. and he doesn't seem to reciprocate the love at all - he's very selfish, especially when her mother dies and she becomes severely depressed and he gets upset that he can't make his movie? Fuck that, you spoiled fucking brat. So, no, I still don't think that's worthy of sympathy. Or one could mention the bullying he suffered in school due to being Jewish, but honestly those bullies were going to bully him anyway. They just found "the thing" to pick on him for, and went with it. Anyway, as far as the movie goes - as I said, it's very dull. I had to turn it off because I found myself falling asleep. I watched the rest of it the following day, but it felt about 5 hours too long. I also think it's INSANE that Michelle Williams got a Best Actress nomination for this. First, she is most DEFINITELY in a supporting role here and second, she feels like a cartoon character. Obviously, this was the intent, and maybe his mother was really like that, but it didn't feel like it was based in any sort of reality at all. I can't believe people were mad at Andrea Riseborough's nomination, when this nomination is so much more offensive. I don't even think the movie is particularly well made, either. There are very weird scene transitions, the pace is wacky, and there are very few shots of note. There are two nice things that I can say: 1. I really like the scene in which he finds out about his mother's affair - the circular tracking shot of him rewinding the film, with that piano music in the background is spectacular. 2. David Lynch as John Ford = perfection. 

2. To Leslie - Ahhh finally I can comment on the Andrea Riseborough Oscar nomination situation. First, as I said above, she's not the worst nomination in that category. But, sadly, no, I don't think this should have earned her a nomination. She's a strong actress, and I've been a long time fan. I'm sure she will deserve a nomination soon enough, but there were stronger performances of 2022 (Rebecca Hall, Mia Goth, Margot Robbie, Thuso Mbedo - still not sure if she was lead or supporting, but if Michelle Williams was a lead performance then Mbedo definitely was too). I also think that the film itself is lacking - it's a little too sappy, definitely not gritty or ugly enough for the story that it is attempting. The story is about this poor single mom who wins the lottery, but squanders all of the money on booze - abandoning her son in the process. My first reaction to the lottery part was "190k isn't even that much money", which it definitely isn't in New Jersey, but in Texas - assuming the average cost of living is maybe 40k per year (I'm totally guessing), that's only like 5 years of living just with basic expenses. Not exactly life-changing money. So I kind of knew instantly that she was going to blow it all very quickly. I think the story would have had a stronger impact if the audience witnessed her self-destruction, instead we are introduced to this woman during the after-math, with her trying and failing to seek redemption and forgiveness from her son. Instead, she gains an empathetic ear from a stranger, who attempts to help her by giving her a job and a place to stay. I really appreciate people (and characters) who have soft hearts and try to help people without judgement. He also helps her get sober, although I think he's in a little over his head. Quitting a regular drinking habit is super dangerous - it's why my husband was allowed to keep his stores open during Covid (background: he owns two liquor stores and in the state of NJ liquor is only allowed to be sold at licensed stores, so not grocery stores like most places). The state officials were scared that if they forced the liquor stores to close then the hospitals would be even more flooded with people going into alcohol withdrawal. I do try to have empathy for alcoholics and addicts, even though it's not something I've ever really understood (I have a very "everything in moderation" mentality, and it really baffles me that people don't have the capacity to control themselves this way). Anyway, the story moves very slowly, but Riseborough does keep it interesting and grounded. I also think her Texan accent is on point. The ending is really strong and emotional too, but again, really sappy. It's just not something that will stay with me. 

3. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania - Only slightly better than Ant-Man and The Wasp. But, let's talk about the most important part first: Evangeline Lilly's hair. Her haircut in the first one was so awful, but in the God-awful second one it was normal and cute! What the fuck happened here? She looks like Tinkerbell - and I like pixie cuts on a lot of women, but she does not have the face shape for it and she's also extremely petite and this just accentuates that. It's actually hard to look at in some scenes. I know there are more important things to discuss in regards to Lilly, but I'm kind of impartial on all of that (she's an anti-vaxxer, which I do find horrifying - so many diseases have been eradicated because of vaccines!!! But she seemed to really only vocalize an opposition to the mandates for the Covid vaccine, not the actual vaccine. And I do think it's a little crazy that there were mandates for a vaccine that...uh...doesn't seem to work? And they hid side-effects for months? We're all allowed to have opinions on that, and vocalize them. Everyone's allowed to ask questions. That's how things get better! I feel like we're getting stuck in this very black and white way of thinking - and life is very, very grey). But the other weird thing, in regards to Lilly, is that she's still a side character in this, yet her character name is still in the title?? WHY? Does anybody care about The Wasp? Please raise your hand because as far as I know, nobody does. It made sense for the second one because it was about her becoming The Wasp. ANNNYYYWAY, as for the rest of the movie, it basically sucks. I think the only good thing is Michelle Pfeiffer - and SHE has spectacular hair. She looks like a fucking goddess with that grey hair (like, if I could get my grey hair to look like that, I would definitely stop dying it!). I wanted to like Kathryn Newton as Cassie (and the recast makes sense because Newton is a "bigger" up-and-coming young actress), but I felt like her acting was a little cheesy - like she needed to take it all down a few notches. The biggest mistake, though, is NO MICHAEL PENA! An Ant-Man movie without him, just feels so wrong. Also, I watched this movie quite a while ago (I'm behind on my posts again!) - maybe a month ago - and I couldn't tell you what the point of it all was? Kang was in the quantum realm and they defeated him (but they didn't? right? because he's in more?). But that's all I got from it. The effects are mind-boggling. I felt like I needed to be high for them to look decent, but for an unaltered brain, it looks absolutely terrible. Just an overall mess, but a slightly better mess than the second one. 

4. Missing - I like this movie a lot. I *think* I may even like it more than its spiritual predecessor Searching, which I also really liked. The reason for this, though, is simply because I think "the twist" is slightly more realistic here than the one in Searching. They are both really, really intense movies, with simple but twisty plots, feature great acting, and an interesting use of technology to tell a story. Before I get into spoilery territory, I just want to say that I love Nia Long and she should be in way more stuff (like, she should have the career that Regina Hall has). Also, I like Storm Reid a lot (I knew I recognized her from a few things, A Wrinkle in Time, etc., but completely forgot that she's Zendaya's little sis on Euphoria!). It's very smartly made, does a great job of misdirecting the audience without becoming frustrating, and has a chilling end. Okay...*major spoilers ahead* I think with these types of movies, it's become the norm for the audience to assume it's the husband/boyfriend/partner - because it always is. So, as expected, I spent the majority of the movie going "duh, it's the boyfriend" even when the plot was telling me otherwise. I'm not sure when I realized the "twist", but it was a little bit before June (Reid) does. I started thinking about why her mom would lie to her and hide her past, and the most likely reason for that is because of a crime, but there would be a record of that unless she was on the receiving end and in protective custody. And the most common reason a woman with a child is placed in Witness Protection is because of domestic abuse - and the light when on in my brain "oooooh it IS the husband/boyfriend/partner - just no the one that's in front of us. What a great way to still have that obvious plot point be suspenseful and shocking. I think the only part that I didn't really understand was how it was easier for her to hack into her mom's boyfriends stuff over her mom's? Couldn't she have done the same thing but into her mom's account? And also, it was very obvious that her mom's password was JuneBUG and not just June (my mom's name is June and everyone calls her Junebug. It's so weird). 

5. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - This movie definitely caught me by surprise. I didn't really think I would get it at all - like the Pokémon movie, because I never played it. But it's very accessible to a general audience, and just overall a good time. And it's official: Chris Pine is the best Chris (although Chris Hemsworth is unexpectedly pulling up in second, for me). I wasn't really much of a fan of him earlier in his career, and I didn't like him at all in the Star Trek movies (although I think he played that character how he was supposed to, I just don't like the character). He's just got a really cool, chill attitude about showbiz and seems to not take himself very seriously. The rest of the cast work really well together - even Justice Smith is great in this role and I don't think I've liked him in anything else I've seen him in. I've always been a fan of Michelle Rodriguez and this is a perfect role for her (and LOL at the spectacular cameo for the actor playing her ex). Hugh Grant plays it up as the villain just...perfectly. I think the weak link is the guy from Bridgerton (I'm hopeful that he goes away soon - he got so much attention for Bridgerton which caused him getting all these roles, but everyone has to realize that he can't act. Right? RIGHT????). But, overall, I laughed a lot, it moves very quickly, and has great effects. I will happily watch multiple sequels. 

Thoughts on 5 New TV Shows

1. Citadel - This is a BAD show. Not in the so bad it's good kind of way, either. I'm a big fan of Priyanka Chopra - I even watched that dumb FBI recruitment show, for her, mostly. I didn't realize that she added the "Jonas" part to her name until the credits for this appeared, but also I'm still a bit shocked that this gorgeous as fuck woman married...a Jonas brother. I'm also a fan of Richard Madden simply because he's hot. I was hoping for more from him, acting-wise, after I watched Bodyguard (by the way, what happened to that show? I thought they were going to make more? Was it a victim of Covid?). He's very good in that show - but he's not been good in anything else (I would even say he is the weak link of Rocketman). But, again, he's hot and Priyanka is hot, so I'm gonna watch this. And I'm gonna keep watching it, but I have a feeling it's not going to last longer than maybe another season (if that? I don't think it's received good reviews and it seems expensive to make). The only thing it has going for it are some really strong action-sequences and some well-choreographed fight scenes. The first episode is actually not that bad either - I was a little intrigued with the Alias-esque plot and the cliffhanger (it's also got some humor - "you can't even remember to put the toilet seat down and now you think you're Jason Bourne", I laughed really hard at that). But then it pulls out every cliched plot twist in history and conveniently lays them out into a really convoluted storyline - *some spoilers ahead* - like how the one woman's cover is blown the *exact* moment that the ops team shows up and how he finds out he has a daughter about 2 seconds before finding out that she's been kidnapped. Priyanka is definitely carrying the show too because Madden is really, really awful in this. He's so stiff and lifeless, and his accent goes wildly in and out for no reason at all (In the first and flashback scenes he has his natural accent, and then he does an American accent because he lost his memory??? I think? or is his American accent just that bad that I can't tell the difference?). By the 5th episode, I stopped paying attention to all the twists because it's all really boring and the timeline is starting to get confusing. But I'll still watch hot people doing spy stuff. Always and forever. 

2. Fatal Attraction - I saw the movie once and it was a long, long time ago. I'm going to guess that it was about 25 years ago. I remember being really creeped out by it, and I think I was probably a bit too young for it. I am interested to watch it again as an adult (eventually...). I was interested by the cast for this - Lizzy Caplan and Pacey! I do think that Joshua Jackson has proven himself beyond Pacey, with The Affair, Fringe, and Dr. Death, but he'll still always be Pacey to me. I also like Amanda Peete and I think they make a really good, realistic married couple (although those bangs got to go!). I've watched 4 episodes, and so far, it's ok. Not really something I would recommend to anyone because there are too many brilliant shows on television right now (and within the last few years). But it's sufficiently...ok. I think it would be better if they didn't make Pacey look so much older than 40 (I think it's the hair?). Like, there are so many hot and steamy sex scenes (YES!), but I don't think he's hot so it all seems a bit pointless. I like that they don't just straight copy the movie - they just continue a new story about a "fatal attraction" and they play with the timeline a bit. This allows for the show to grow and also keeps it suspenseful. 

3. The Last Thing He Told Me - I've only seen the first two episodes of this, and so far it's a bit slow, but I like it. I feel like it's a slow-burn story and it's going to have a strong payoff (I might be wrong, though). I love Jennifer Garner so much - she has such a strong screen presence and an instant likeability to her. It would be very interesting to see her in a more villainous role, but I also appreciate when actors find their niche and stick to it (she does "girl next door" and "bad-ass action heroine" roles so perfectly, which is why Sidney Bristow is my favorite female television character OF ALL TIME). She is great in this - her vulnerability shines through this character as she's trying to form a bond with her step-daughter during the worst time of their lives. I also really like Nikolaj Coster-Waldau because... uhhh...he's really hot. I think he's most famous for Game of Thrones, but I remember him well from Headhunters (because, again, HOT). The supporting cast consists (so far) of Angourie Rice (from The Nice Guys - she's building up a nice little resume for herself) and one of my faves, Aisha Tyler. I like the mystery that is building - whether her husband was a part of the fraud and ran, or maybe he found out and threatened to expose it and is now dead or captured? It's definitely intriguing. And also the boat house that they live on is COOL AS FUCK. I WANT IT. 

4. The Watcher - So the only reason that I added this to my list is because my husband told me about it and said that he wanted to watch it. Considering that he never wants to watch anything, this caught me by surprise until he explained that the "watcher house" is in the next town over from us (and where he grew up) and it's one of those unexplained mysteries that caused a lot of gossip and intrigue within the town and surrounding area. He knew all about the history of it so he wanted to see how they put it all together in a series. But then he bailed, so I was stuck watching it by myself (he doesn't stick with many shows unless they are sci-fi or comedies. If it's a drama it has to be a really, really good drama or he's bored). Anyway, the house is about 2 miles away from where I currently live and is apparently a popular spot for the curious (and the interest has peaked again with this series). It's certainly a bit creepy, but I don't really believe in supernatural stuff, so I think it's all sort of dumb. It didn't even happen that long ago - it started in 2014 and I moved here in 2017, so I kind of feel like if the whole thing keeps going it could be a turned into many future supernatural stories (like the Amityville house). I used to love Naomi Watts, and I still do, but she hasn't really done anything strong lately and her peers are just flying past her in terms of strong roles and performances (like Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, etc.). I also had no idea that her and Billy Crudup are together?? They just announced their surprise nuptials, and I was like...uh isn't she married to Liev Schreiber??? Where have I been? Anyway, I also adore Bobby Cannavale. There are definitely things to like about the series - like the cast and the mystery, but overall I can't really say that I enjoyed it. It plays out almost like a season of AHS (which makes sense because it's a Ryan Murphy show), but way less campy and not fun at all. Nothing really happens for the first 4 episodes, then there are few good episodes, then the last few episodes has a million endings. Seriously one million. It twists and turns, back and forth, endlessly. It was you! No it was you! It was both of them! No it was me! It made my brain hurt. I also think it's super weird to do a story about a famous house and not film it in the town it's supposed to be in??? I could tell right away that it wasn't filmed in Westfield - the walk on the ocean boardwalk is a huge giveaway. But it all looked very familiar to me - because it was filmed in Rye, NY (which I lived very close to while I was in college). I will say that I was happy to see Jennifer Coolidge actually act and not just play a version of herself. Like, she's better in this than in The White Lotus, and yet she got an Emmy for that! Make it make sense.  

5. The Diplomat - I really, really like this show. There are some dumb, unnecessary scenes within it (more on that in a second), but overall I think it's really good. I watched the whole thing on my flights to and from my trip to Yellowstone, which is rare for me to binge just one show (I had several downloaded because I expected to want diversity, but this show just dragged me in). First, it's AWESOME that both of my favorite tv actresses are in current shows (Garner and Keri Russell). I would like to think that Sidney Bristow is a little bit of an inspiration for Russell's character in this - just someone caught up in political bullshit who is trying to cut through it and save humanity from nuclear war. Russell plays a very realistic female politician in this - someone who falls into certain clichés of a woman in power, but also consciously plays against them. She's often the smartest person in the room, but still holds back and lets men talk over her - it's infuriating to watch, but also real to life. Her strained marriage is also a focus - and is, again, very realistic. They have clear love and respect for one and other, and have created a really solid partnership within this political atmosphere, but they don't trust each other which is essential for a marriage. I really like all of the supporting characters (all fully-fleshed out and interesting), and how quickly the storyline moves with twists and turns along the way. And I really like that it ends with a gigantic cliffhanger (ballsy move for a Netflix show, considering their history of cancellations - I looked it up, though, and there is a season 2 in the works. *phew*). I think the only criticism I have is that some of the episodes feel bloated and as mentioned above, there are plenty of unnecessary scenes (the whole scene with her husband and the sister is so awful and felt like a little too fantastical for such a grounded show). I think these scenes tend to spell things out instead of letting the audience interpret things (like the scene in which her and Dennison share "a moment" for way too long - I already saw the sexual tension a mile away, don't assume your audience is dumb. And if they are dumb, then maybe this show isn't for them?). Those scenes are far between, though. Overall, it's great.