Tag Archives: Drama

Chicago Fire Season One – Review

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Chicago Fire Season One4.5 out of 5 stars

Series: Chicago Fire
Season: 1
Creators: Michael Brandt & Derek Haas
Cast: Jesse Spencer, Taylor Kinney & Monica Raymund
Genres: Action, Drama
Year: 2012
Favourite Episode: 22 – Leaders Lead & 24 – A Hell of Ride

Chicago Fire is a new type of procedural – at least for me, and it is fantastically done. I may also be a little biased due to the constant presence of hot firefighters and stunning paramedics. Regardless, from the first moment that I watched this series, I was in love. Not only are there great characters and unique drama, but the action sequences throughout this show are so realistic and I’ve had to cover my eyes numerous times in anticipation of future pain and agony.

Although this show is filled with a lot of drama and action, it also had the power to make me sob. Which is normally fairly difficult, but I got so caught up in the characters’ lives and battles that when they suffered, part of me was suffering too. This is true mastering of characterisation and storytelling, allowing the audience to become connected to the characters (whether it is on screen or in the pages of a book).

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Chicago Fire Season Two Review ->

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Haven Season One – Review

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Haven Season One5 out of 5 stars

Series: Haven
Season: 1
Creator: Jim Dunn & Sam Ernst
Cast: Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant & Eric Balfour
Genres: Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Year: 2010
Favourite Episode: 06 – Fur

Weird doesn’t even begin to describe Haven. Which is why I loved it so much. Everytime I think that I have a handle on what’s happening and can predict what’s going to happen next, the storyline throws another spanner in the works. There’s few shows that are unpredictable and out there, so watching one that fits this bill is refreshing and entertaining.

One of the biggest reasons for this unpredictability in the script is the incredibly intricate plot line. I love SciFis because they tend to have storyline plans in place seasons before they actually come to fruit. It also means that no matter how many times I watch an episode, every time there is a new minor detail that comes to light and explains a new aspect of the characters.

Nothing is as it seems in Haven – probably why I was so quickly hooked. This removal of stereotypes and expectations, combined with a fascinating and strong heroine creates a great and consuming TV show that I can’t wait to watch more of.

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Haven Season Two Review ->

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Grey’s Anatomy Season One – Review

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Grey's Anatomy Season One

4 out of 5 stars

Series: Grey’s Anatomy
Season: 1
Creator: Shonda Rhimes
Cast: Ellen Pompeo, Justin Chambers & Chandra Wilson
Genres: Drama, Romance
Year: 2005
Favourite Episode: 02 – The First Cut is the Deepest

I’ve watched the first season of Grey’s Anatomy a few times, and every single time I thoroughly enjoy it. I think it’s the mixture of drama, characterisation and the literal life and death battle that these interns battle every day. I study and I know how little sleep that I sometimes get due to this, seeing a group of young people who are working ridiculous hours, on their feet all day makes me a little happier – I’ve got it tough, there are people out there who have it far tougher!

I don’t study medicine, so I don’t know how spot on the medicine is in the show, but I really hope that it is spot on. I get so frustrated when the media COMPLETELY misrepresents a scientific field, but the first season of Grey’s Anatomy gives the impression of knowledge and plausibility. The stressors and unique pressures of this kind of field are also stressed (and I’m sure a little over exaggerated), creating this world in which you become emotionally invested in the characters from the first season.

Grey’s Anatomy reminds me of hardwork – both professionally and socially. It reminds me that everything worth having in life is worth fighting for. Which is a fantastic thing to be reminded of when you are struggling to write yet another essay and take on yet more work to build your career.

 
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Numb3rs Season Four – Review

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NUMB3RS

4 out of 5 stars

Series: Numb3rs
Season: 4
Creator: Nicolas Falacci & Cheryl Heuton
Cast: Rob Morrow, David Krumholtz & Judd Hirsch
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year: 2008
Favourite Episode: 01 – Trust Metric

The conclusion of Numb3rs season three led to the conclusion of Charlie and Don’s conflict about their own past. Forgiving one’s past is great, but it is the renegotiation of their roles and the future that now takes precedence within this season. Our previous understandings of these characters was them as boys, now they take on the roles of men in their work and own lives.

Whilst Charlie and Don are undergoing their own relationship metamorphosis, Charlie and Amita’s romance is also deepening and expanding. It truly is a meeting of the minds. Where some shows emphasise the romantic aspects of a relationship, Amita and Charlie’s ability to communicate about their passions and intellect is what I personally really enjoy in a relationship. Likewise, whilst Charlie is inarguably brilliant, Amita is able to hold her own against him and even put him back in his place when his ego begins to match his intellect.

<- Numb3rs Season Three Review
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Numb3rs Season Three – Review

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Numb3rs Season Three4 out of 5 stars

Series: Numb3rs
Season: 3
Creator: Nicolas Falacci & Cheryl Heuton
Cast: Rob Morrow, David Krumholtz & Judd Hirsch
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year: 2007
Favourite Episode: 02 – Two Daughters

Numb3rs season three has a much greater focus on Don and Charlie’s past brotherly issues. As an older sister, I completely understand the ways in which things that happened when we were children can still have a bearing on how we function in our sibling relations today. Being forced to confront these difficulties in their past helps the brothers to not only face up to their own shortcomings, but also the fact that their own perceptions were clouded. The conclusion of these past arguments helps to strengthen and stabilise their otherwise tumulus relationship, something that is incredibly enjoyable to watch.

Whilst the second season showed the beginning of flirtations between Charlie and Amita (amongst others), the third season lets us watch the evolution and instigation of this relationship. There are no light bulb and intense moments of passion, but rather a slow, simmering heat that slowly builds. I love this natural progression from friendship to romantic entanglement.

There is a lot more emphasis on the females within the Numb3rs crew. Amita, Meghan and Milly are all strong and independent women who are able to hold their own in a world that tends to be dominated by men. Their ability to carve out their own identities in this world is inspiring and I love that it takes such a primary focus within the series.

<- Numb3rs Season Two Review
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Numb3rs Season Two – Review

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Numb3rs Season Two
4 out of 5 stars

Series: Numb3rs
Season: 2
Creator: Nicolas Falacci & Cheryl Heuton
Cast: Rob Morrow, David Krumholtz & Judd Hirsch
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year: 2006
Favourite Episode: 14 – Harvest

The second season of Numb3rs further emphasises the importance of family. The relationship between the two brothers and their father is the main point within this season and I love the uniqueness of this approach. Where a lot of other shows focus on relationships of a different intimacy, the exploration of adult familial relationships is refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable.

The second season of Numb3rs takes the idea of turning complex mathematical equations into simple layman’s terms to a whole new level. I love the overlay throughout that displays the ways in which a maths equations’ practical applications are explained. The visual and colloquial explanation of this is just one of the great ways that the series begins to find its pace.

Although this series (and season) is primarily about family and the difficulties of navigating grown sibling relations, there are a series of flirtations that start within the second season of Numb3rs. These vague and cute relationships start to trickle into the storyline and I can’t wait to see how they evolve in the next season.

<- Numb3rs Season One Review
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Numb3rs Season Three Review ->

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Bones Season Eight – Review

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Bones Season Eight4.5 out of 5 stars

Series: Bones
Season: 8
Creator: Hart Hanson
Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Year: 2012
Favourite Episode: 18 – The Survivor in the Soap

The changes that begun in the seventh season of Bones smoothly morph into a new dynamic and new relationships throughout the eighth season of Bones. Although there are many ups and downs, and honestly, who doesn’t like a roller coaster ride of emotions in a series? Booth and Brennan finally seem to settle into their relationship and parenthood.

Although Pelant seriously disturbed me within season seven, he managed to reach whole new levels of terrifying within this season. His obsession with Brennan and fearlessness of death make him a formidable (and kind of terrifying) opposition within the storyline. It is so difficult to predict when he will rear his creepy head, and somehow that unpredictability throughout the season makes you all the more worried when watching an episode.

This season beautifully examined relationships and the drivers that can separate them. From child soldiers to wedding proposals, it had it all.

 

<- Bones Season Seven Review
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Bones Season Nine Review ->

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Bones Season Six – Review

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Bones Season Six4.5 out of 5 stars

Series: Bones
Season: 6
Creator: Hart Hanson
Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Year: 2010
Favourite Episode: 22 – The Hole in the Heart

This is the season of chasing. Brennan chases Booth as Booth pursues his relationship with Hannah. It is also about Booth chasing the anti-Booth, the main villain within this story. And, as with all good stories, the chase is the journey, but there are some great and fascinating conclusions to these races of the heart. I spent most of season six on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would come next, and obstinately holding my breath.

This season’s villain is the anti-Booth, a sniper who trained our favourite FBI agent and raised him to the level of competence that makes him so formidable throughout the series. Broadsky reminds us of the importance of morality and empathy in a human being. Even Brennan, who struggles with her low EQ has a level of morality and empathy that Broadsky lacks. Although, Broadsky does act upon his own moral compass, it is his lack of empathy and acceptance of ‘collateral damage’ that makes him so formidable.

I love the idea of constantly chasing that is toted throughout this series – we are all chasing something in life, and it is this journey that truly matters.

 

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Bones Season Seven Review ->

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Bones Season Four – Review

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Bones Season Four4.5 out of 5 stars

Series: Bones
Season: 4
Creator: Hart Hanson
Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Year: 2008
Favourite Episode: 17 – The Doctor in the Den, 20 – Mayhem on a Cross

After the chilling season finale of season three, it was hard to see how the Bones cast would return for season four. But, the expansion of the ‘family’ was brilliantly done and actually made me love the series even more. Zack was gorgeous and easy to love, but having the flexibility of multiple interns gave the stories in each episode entirely different and unique flavours. The variety drew me in beautifully.

With the removal of Zack from the storyline and the introduction of the squinterns, this season was able to delve further into the complicated relationship between Booth and Brennan. Their cat and mouse game of love picks up pace and their ability to support and nurture one another is highlighted beautifully throughout the crimes that they investigate.

My least favourite episode of this season is the finale – I struggled to understand its importance and relevance to the rest of the story. It seemed a little contrived and as though the writers were just trying to shake things up.

 

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Bones Season Five Review ->

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