Westworld Delivers
HBO knows that Game Of Thrones is drawing to an end in a couple years and is eager to find a replacement franchise which will garner as much hype, awards and help drive and sustain viewership. Enter, Westworld!
If you like Humans, Deadwood with a splash of The Truman Show then you will love Westworld.
I was lucky enough to see the first 4 episodes and I am now saddened to know that I need to wait almost 2 months before I can continue watching. I will likely re-watch the series on a big screen with big sound because this series deserves it!
Westworld is about a futuristic theme park experience, which costs guest $40K per day to live amongst life-like AI robots in a western theme world where they are free to do ANYTHING they want. The world is massive and storylines change as "guests' interact with the "hosts".
The series takes an interesting twist as the robots start to question their existence and start remembering past lives from various storylines. This glitch in a software update has some employees concerned, while others are fascinated and want to explore this more ignoring all repercussions.
Westworld is elegant, simple but the motives of each character is deep and complicated. From the creators to the guests to the hosts, Westworld's exploration into a futuristic hedonistic experience only leaves you wanting more.
HBO is banking that this will fill a gap that Game Of Thrones will leave when it departs. I hope that the momentum can continue and if the first 4 episodes are any indication of greatness then HBO has bet on the right horse.
While Game Of Thrones featured, at the time, unknown character actors, Westworld brings together a stellar cast with the best acting chops the TV industry offers. From Sir Anthony Hopkins as the creator of Westworld, to Ed Harris as an evil Gunslinger, to Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores, a sweet western girl who questions her existence, this ensemble cast doesn't miss a beat.
Don't forget to tune into HBO on October 2nd to see what all they hype is about. I promise you won't be disappointed.
This Is Us
As far as pilots go it doesn't get better than this! From the writer and directors of "Crazy, Stupid, Love." the team puts together a stellar cast with some of the best performances I have seen to date. Starring Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown and Milo Ventimiglia, some of this ensemble cast are linked together with one common thread. Their Birthday's are all the same.
If You Like Parenthood then you will love This Is Us.
The trailer alone already has over 8 Million views on YouTube and 64 Million views on facebook. The buzz has started in the summer and now on September 20th you will get to see what all the hype is about.
This dramedy has all the potential of a huge hit if it can follow through. There is no doubt in my mind that viewers will be hooked from the 1st episode, so the weight is relying on episode 2 to follow through with the promise that the pilot delivers.
You will laugh, cry and be moved by the performances and relationship you see. It will draw on every heartstring you have as you see the dynamic relationships each character brings to the table.
Tune in on September 20th at 10pm on NBC and CTV with a box of kleenex.
Donald Glover's Atanta
If you missed it, then its not too late. The first two episodes of Donald Glover's Atlanta has aired and is available on demand. Before you settle into your next binge give Atlanta a shot. Atlanta airs on FX Network on Tuesdays at 10pm.
If you like: Louie and Empire
Then: watch Atlanta.
The premise of the show is that a down and out Earn, played by Donald Glover, discovers that his cousin, Paperboi, has the most talked about "mixed tape" circulating town. Eventually teaming up as manager and rapper, we get to watch this dynamic duo navigate Atlanta's hip hop scene as they try to get paid to take care of their families.
This is one of the strongest 30min of television this season. Glover who wrote and produced Atlanta has his own experience in the rap scene which is likely draws from. His deadpan character gives us a clean logical view into just how messed up the racial decide really is, exposing obvious flaws in everything from the prison system to the corrupt music business.