Utopia

Back in July I happily blogged that Utopia was getting a new season. In case you don't remember what Utopia is, since my original post about the first season was back in 2013, it's a British TV show about a fictitious group called the Network, and their plans for the world.

Anyway, I just finished the 2^nd season last Friday, and wow, mind absolutely blown!

Be warned: SPOILERS AHEAD! (at least small ones)

Basically, every other show (hyperbole, I know) out there should take heed from Utopia on how to do a new season. The first one ended perfectly. Sure there were questions unanswered, but that's OK. Not everything needs to be spelled out. All the major points were covered. But the second season just adds so much more, though without anything feeling padded or overblown. At no point did I feel that the creators had gone too far (in a show that actually showcases the murder of children) or jumped the proverbial shark.

The visuals were even better than before, and the recurring characters, which is pretty much everyone that didn't die in season one have been “updated” somehow, and not necessarily for he better. The one line-up change is that the actor playing Donaldson has changed, but that's of no real consequence.

The very first episode in season two is a flashback to how it came about that Janus was created, and it may actually be my favorite episode if them all, but only because you know who the principal characters are and what they will do in the future.

I could go on. And on and on.... but not without spoiling it for those of you who haven't had the chance to enjoy Utopia. Yet.

I strongly urge everyone to watch this great show, but beware: the going get's very tough at times. And by that I don't mean it's hard to follow the plot. The subject matter and how it's handled can be pretty gruesome, and the tone of the show is at times pretty damn depressing.

That's all I gave to say really, if you're not convinced, there's nothing else I can do.

Until next week, when we'll be talking about magic, have a great week!

Promises promises

A couple if days ago I grabbed the opportunity to watch Eastern Promises. I became aware of this film mainly due to it's infamous naked sauna knife fight. Maybe you've seen it on Youtube, maybe not. Anyway, another reason why I wanted to watch it was that I haven't seen Viggo Mortensen (male lead) since his awesome portrayal of Aragorn son of Arathorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This prompted me to watch this film.

I knew fairly early on that I wanted to review it here, but I really can't. You see, apart from the knife fight, it's not a very violent movie, it's much more of a drama with a midwife and the Russian Mafia in London. But I can't really tell you what it's about without explaining a couple of things, which would in turn spoil the whole shebang.

But it is a good movie. It really is. Not great, but definitely watchable. Naomi Watts does a good job as the female lead, and Viggo is awesome as the cool-as-a-cucumber Russian gangster. I certainly recommend it.

Of course I can't leave you with merely an anti-review, you deserve more. So, I'm delighted to be able to tell you all that one of my favorite British TV series has gotten a second season: Utopia! I reviewed it very early on here on Eccentric Spheres. The first season was brilliant and it seems the second is a prequel. I don't know yet if it's any good, since I'm re-watching the first season to remind me of all the goings on. I'll give you my opinion as soon as I can.

Our third installment for today is a Youtube series with the apt name HotPepper Gaming. It's mainly video game reviews but the reviewers eat hot peppers before they begin. Not only is it hilarious to watch them desperately try to remain focused while their mouths (and ears) are on fire, but I think it makes the reviews more honest. Sure they're working from notes, but you can't be manipulative and gimmicky when you're crying and doing your damnedest not to scream in pain. Some fail...

That's it my friends, cya next week.

Conspiracies and dirty secrets

Today I want to bring two great shows to your attention.

State of Play (2003) and Utopia (2013).

Both are british, meaning they are fairly short, clocking in at six 1-hour long episodes, but they both manage to pack in a lot of story in these six hours. And I mean alot. Neither show is the kind you can watch with one eye while doing something else. You will need to pay attention.

Why did I choose to talk about these two in particular? Well, aside from being absolutely amazing, their common denominator is the conspiracy theme.

However, they approach this theme from two different sides. Where State of Play spends most of it's time in the realms of media and parliament, Utopia runs mostly in the streets, back rooms and abandoned buildings. This creates two very different atmospheres.

Both shows contain a fair amount of violence, with Utopia coming out on top, if that matters to you. In fact, Utopia dares to “go there” to such an extent that I was quite shocked. But I have to applaud them for daring to push boundaries. A great story sometimes have to grab you by the neck and shake you about a bit. Push you out of your comfort zone.

When it comes to the characters, State of Play has it over Utopia in my book. The characters in Utopia aren't bad by any means, and I'd like to commend the child actors in particular, but they aren't as deep or compelling as the cast of State of Play. I just found myself caring more about the people in State.

Next, let's take a look at the core of the shows; the conspiracies. State of Play has a more run of the mill kind of conspiracy, with pretty normal means and motives. Utopia's goals are harder to explain without spoiling anything, but suffice to say, I was pretty confused at first, and finally rather blown away.

If I were to call State of Play a normal show, I'd do it a disservice. It is not normal, but only in how it elevates itself above the rest. It looks normal, and it acts normal, but dark things hide under the surface. That said, I believe most people could watch it and like it.

Utopia on the other hand, is not for everyone I think. Brilliant but pretty disturbing. I'd say it recommends itself more to people with broader interests. Definitely not a family show, so put the kids to bed.

I have heard rumors of a second Utopia season, but I have no idea if this is true. I certainly hope it's not, as it's good as it sits. Less is without question more.

State of Play was made into film in 2009, starring Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck, but I can't and I won't recommend this film. It's pure garbage, especially compared to the show. Stay away.

So now I've given you twelve hours of exciting entertainment. No excuse to claim you're bored. Have fun!