Honestly, in an era filled with mediocre T.V. shows, Quarry brought a new, fun concept. The acting was on point, the story was great ( one episode dragged for a bit), and it was set up PERFECT for a second season. I honestly don't know why this show didn't make it. Give it one episode and you will be hooked.
81 Reviews
Has filled a gap
ezkerretik17 September 2016
This show totally took me by surprise....I think I've watched every important series,but this grabbed and didn't let go till the titles ran. Where did it come from? Why hadn't I heard about it? Trust me,it's awesome.... Logan Marshall Green seemed to have practically disappeared since Prometheus,but here he shines.Of course the script helps.Sharp twists and turns reveal some very unexpected plot twists, and that's just the first episode. It has a darkness which is reminiscent of True Detective,but the reality of The Wire. Totally believable actors,and some British and Australian actors pulling of some seriously good American accents. I have finally found a show to fill the gap that 'the night of' left....in short I'm one very happy viewer.
Excellent Show! Why was it Canceled???
Hugomarink8 June 2018
What a pleasant surprise this show is. It was recommended to me by a friend who is a fan of the Quarry novels. I have read one of the Quarry books (the first one in the series) and it was nothing like this show. The show focuses on the origin story of Quarry, which was not covered in the book I read. Maybe this material is covered in other Quarry books? Regardless, the show stands on its own. No knowledge of the Quarry character needed to dive right into this series. I opened my review calling the show a "pleasant surprise," but the show itself is anything but pleasant. This is a dark, gritty, and unsettling show about a soldier returning home from Vietnam trying to find his way in society, who ultimately ends up involved with the wrong people. I thought the Quarry novel I read was just OK but this show is gripping from beginning to end. Extremely well done television and one of the better shows I've seen in recent years. I was very disappointed to find out the show was canceled after one season. What were they thinking? This is a show that deserves to keep telling its story.
Cinemax Sucks for Cancelling Quarry
soupinsandwich14 July 2018
I just discovered the show and was mesmerized from the beginning. Only Homeland captured my attention so quickly and I'm still a loyal fan of that show. How Cinemax could give Quarry the axe and let this talented team of actors, writers, directors and all dis-band is impossible to understand unless their intent is to lose viewers. I've tried watching "Banshee" and "Strike Back" but both, especially "Banshee" lack depth and palpable reality like "Quarry" had. Every character interacted so well with each other with a natural flow and chemistry that is rare. And the subject matter, both unique and fascinating. I'm only sorry I watched the 1st season without knowing they'd leave us hanging and not re-new. Very disappointing and more than outrageous that incompetent children seem to be the modern day executives in television programming.
Excellent Writing, Acting and Production Quality
slarabee-36-27847117 September 2016
I really enjoy Quarry so far. First two episodes have told a story nicely. Everything that the main character does makes sense (for a broken lost soul).
I highly recommend this show. It makes sense. I hope that as the deeper story unfolds, it maintains it's intelligent story telling.
The end of episode two left me worried about the course of the story, but I will just have to wait and see what happens like everyone else.
So far so good though. I rated this a ten and hope it lives up to the confidence I have in the writing.
Also hats off to the main characters acting. Top notch!! Logan Marshall-Green and Jodi Balfour are fantastic, but the cast is filled with great talent all giving the performances of their lives. No matter what I know they (and everyone else) will look back on their work in this series as some of their best.
Direction is seamless and the production moves along at a nice pace as well.
Again Top Notch best of the best TV... so far.
I highly recommend this show. It makes sense. I hope that as the deeper story unfolds, it maintains it's intelligent story telling.
The end of episode two left me worried about the course of the story, but I will just have to wait and see what happens like everyone else.
So far so good though. I rated this a ten and hope it lives up to the confidence I have in the writing.
Also hats off to the main characters acting. Top notch!! Logan Marshall-Green and Jodi Balfour are fantastic, but the cast is filled with great talent all giving the performances of their lives. No matter what I know they (and everyone else) will look back on their work in this series as some of their best.
Direction is seamless and the production moves along at a nice pace as well.
Again Top Notch best of the best TV... so far.
Best new show in ages
michaellimb31 October 2016
I really hope this goes to a second series (I don't know how much of the original writer's material is available). Quarry works at every level: an engaging and plausible story about a Vietnam vet returning and finding himself trapped in a murderous enterprise for supporting a friend; an engaging and plausible domestic story about the difficulties faced by a wife whose husband has been away at war for so long and returns with demons; an engaging and plausible period piece, looking at a turbulent America in the early 70s. As well as great acting by all the leads, embracing moral ambiguity, desire to do the right thing while questioning what the right things is, friendship vs treachery, the period is very well invoked with clothes, music, cars, hairstyles and, sadly, a sense of optimism and realising the American dream that has vanished from the world today.
Show keeps you strangely hooked
neoanderson1227 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This show magically keeps you entertained without using any flashy CGI or dialogues.
Viewer feels connected with a broken man, dragging his soul across the different obstacles of life.
The show perfectly pictures the dire reality of a war veteran torn between his past on the battlefield and the present world in which he has to commit crimes to survive.
The scenes are well made, good cinematography, good atmosphere, good musi really makes you feel in touch with that time period.
Definitely a worth watch!
Viewer feels connected with a broken man, dragging his soul across the different obstacles of life.
The show perfectly pictures the dire reality of a war veteran torn between his past on the battlefield and the present world in which he has to commit crimes to survive.
The scenes are well made, good cinematography, good atmosphere, good musi really makes you feel in touch with that time period.
Definitely a worth watch!
Finally loggined into IMDb to give this gem the rating it deserves
terrorfirmer-ie24 September 2016
Cinemax have outdone themselves with this one. Downbeat, gritty and violent drama with a stellar cast that explores a 'heroes' return home from Vietnam and his struggle to find a purpose in life. My new favourite show, was hooked after the first episode. Hopefully this one gets the recognition it deserves, Cinemax did well with Banshee and Strike Back but this is a very different show - much more grounded and all the better for it. At the time of writing, ratings not so good for the show. Finally decided after years of lurking to log in and write a review for something that so very much deserves to be seen. Check it out if you like character driven gritty crime drama.
cinemax dropped the ball
ivannageddavay25 June 2017
Rated at 8.2 yet cinemax didn't renew? Silly silly studio. I think had this show been given due promo opportunity, we would be looking for ward to another great season. this viewer is sorely disappointed! !
Shows set in 1970 are hugely popular, and Quarry is no exception. Love love love the plot twists!
Shows set in 1970 are hugely popular, and Quarry is no exception. Love love love the plot twists!
..how deep down the rabbit hole will they go...
bjarias13 September 2016
It's an easy seven, and should the next episodes be as good or better, will surely go higher. The script is not at all complicated, but it's solid. What makes this show what it is, is the work of the actors, they are all good, and the work of the leads is very good. There's lots of shows don't have the impact this one does, but no question it is not mainstream. This is really good stuff, and should only a small audience appreciate just how good it is, well so be it. Being of an age to fully grasp that time period is a huge plus, and this production has a firm grasp on what those days were like. Couple reviews have commented that it is a bit dark, and that's true, but it's not overly so. And considering the theme of the material, it's hardly at all out of place. The ending of the pilot episode was subtle and masterful (although have to say, the gun leaning up against the front of the album cover would have been the better way to go). It will be interesting to see where the lead characters go from here.. and how they ultimately wind up. It would be a great disappointment should the show end before any of that happens. It's always frustrating when really good series don't make it past one or two seasons, while others of so much lesser quality last years longer... way longer than they have any right to.
The Best Program of 2016.
Dragava22 October 2019
And certainly the most overlooked. Where did this come from? There is a continuous shot in one of the later episodes, roving through a Vietnamese war zone that is about as daunting a televisual pretension I've seen. But episode after episode, the cast and crew pull it off. Logan Marshall-Green's performance echoes across screen, whether he is on it or not. It's a show about him, his grief, his drives, his regrets. And one look at his face tells you all of this. This hits the mark as True Detective season 1 did; a valiant venture in scripting, directing, acting. Fortunately it stays with you because it isn't coming back for another season. Hey, at least Family Guy is being renewed for its 207th.
Slow start but great once it gets going
grantss29 March 2017
Memphis, Tennessee, 1972. Mac Conway and his friend Arthur have just returned home after serving in Vietnam. They reconnect with their families and try to find jobs. However, work is hard to come by for Vietnam vets. Conway gets contacted by a man known simply as The Broker. He recruits hit men for assignments and believes that Conway would be ideal for this sort of work. Conway is reluctant, but is drawn in once he discovers that Arthur has already accepted a similar offer from The Broker. The Broker gives Conway a code name - Quarry.
Interesting, gritty, intriguing series. Wasn't always that way though, taking several episodes to find its focus and rhythm. While the first few episodes of any new series are always scene-setting, the scene initially being set wasn't very engaging. There was enough intrigue to keep you coming back, but there was a good chance that you could give up at any time (and I came close on more than one occasion).
Then, from a point, it suddenly got quite interesting and engaging. The plot found direction and Conway's character became someone to root for. What followed were some great, gritty episodes, filled with action, plot development and character development.
Looking forward to Season 2.
Interesting, gritty, intriguing series. Wasn't always that way though, taking several episodes to find its focus and rhythm. While the first few episodes of any new series are always scene-setting, the scene initially being set wasn't very engaging. There was enough intrigue to keep you coming back, but there was a good chance that you could give up at any time (and I came close on more than one occasion).
Then, from a point, it suddenly got quite interesting and engaging. The plot found direction and Conway's character became someone to root for. What followed were some great, gritty episodes, filled with action, plot development and character development.
Looking forward to Season 2.
All dressed up and going nowhere!
philip_cot30 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I don't understand the high rating at this point. I think that people are blinded by the cool protagonists, good directing and camera work, believing they are seeing something good, or expecting something good, but not realizing that nothing much is happening.
As a movie screenwriter I am used to making every scene count. Quarry is taking too long to reveal anything of importance. Some complete episodes don't really need to be there to make the story work.
It's boring and I am losing the storyline because it's not holding my interest. It's like one of those movies that's all about the ending, where the writer has just stuffed the beginning and middle with cheap filler that has no substance. That's assuming it has a good ending.
That was my first review. More of a moan really, but it was honest.
As a movie screenwriter I am used to making every scene count. Quarry is taking too long to reveal anything of importance. Some complete episodes don't really need to be there to make the story work.
It's boring and I am losing the storyline because it's not holding my interest. It's like one of those movies that's all about the ending, where the writer has just stuffed the beginning and middle with cheap filler that has no substance. That's assuming it has a good ending.
That was my first review. More of a moan really, but it was honest.
What it is ... and what it is not...
A_Different_Drummer18 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Properties distributed through Cinemax are a lot like properties that come to us through the Marvel factory .. an interesting but uneven hodge-podge of good ideas cast with fresh new faces for fresh new audiences.
Quarry (the derivation of the title is nicely explained in the opener) takes us on a sharp left turn from earlier Cinemax entries, such as Strike Back and of course the incredible Banshee (possibly the best new TV show in a decade).
So they once again they wisely did not try to compete with what came before, and instead went into an entirely direction.
Quarry at its essence is about a Vietnam vet who has trouble adjusting. It is that simple.
Unlike Strike Back, which gave you a new Mission Impossible each week, and Banshee which gave you an Adrenalin rush each week even with the most simple stories, Quarry comes across as a 1940s Filme Noire shot in muted color tones and starring an actor who could have been Burt Reynold's understudy in the same period when Reynolds was King.
It takes a slightly greater investment of your time to get into the slower-paced, cinema-style exposition. But the investment will pay off. Guaranteed.
Quarry (the derivation of the title is nicely explained in the opener) takes us on a sharp left turn from earlier Cinemax entries, such as Strike Back and of course the incredible Banshee (possibly the best new TV show in a decade).
So they once again they wisely did not try to compete with what came before, and instead went into an entirely direction.
Quarry at its essence is about a Vietnam vet who has trouble adjusting. It is that simple.
Unlike Strike Back, which gave you a new Mission Impossible each week, and Banshee which gave you an Adrenalin rush each week even with the most simple stories, Quarry comes across as a 1940s Filme Noire shot in muted color tones and starring an actor who could have been Burt Reynold's understudy in the same period when Reynolds was King.
It takes a slightly greater investment of your time to get into the slower-paced, cinema-style exposition. But the investment will pay off. Guaranteed.
Nothing like it on TV!!!!
Br4ve-trave1or17 September 2016
This series is so refreshing! There is nothing like it on TV! The acting,casting,and music score is top notch. 2 episodes in and I can tell that it will more than make-up than one of my late favorites, Banshees last season. With so many question with the new direction of The Knick taking, I can easily see this series being the marquee show for Cinemax. I went into it not knowing anything, so I won't give you the run around..JUST WATCH THIS SURE TO BE GEM!!! it's really that promising so early. The pilot will hook, line, and sink you in! This is now on my must watch every week list! Do yourself a favor and give this series a go. I promise you'll thank me! This is the type of show every network is now kicking themselves for passing on for sure!
Amazing
brentcox-830-47138429 October 2017
Quarry is a rich mix of characters, storytelling, acting and historical accuracy. It's disappointing and almost unbelievable that Cinemax canceled the series.
The series takes place in Memphis in the early 1970s, and the close attention to historical detail of Memphis from that era stands out beautifully, similar to how Mad Men artfully recreated 1950s New York. I was a boy in Memphis during this same time, and I do remember the racial tension, bussing, the odd manners and fashion of a metropolitan deep South city in transition. As far as I can remember, Quarry gets that place and time almost perfectly.
Having just discovered Quarry online, I binge-watched the first season over a weekend, then tried to find information about why Cinemax would cancel such a compelling and gorgeous show. Apparently, the show was a victim of transitions at Cinemaax that included changing the kind of content the company wanted to support and be known for. If true, I remained stunned that Cinemax didn't want to be known for carrying Quarry. It's like if HBO had decided that it didn't want to be associated with The Sopranos, or A&E with Breaking Bad. Quarry is great TV, and Cinemax's decision to reject it is telling and damning.
The only silver lining is that one amazing season was made, and there is always the book series on which Quarry is based. If you haven't watched the first amazing season, I obviously highly recommend it.
The series takes place in Memphis in the early 1970s, and the close attention to historical detail of Memphis from that era stands out beautifully, similar to how Mad Men artfully recreated 1950s New York. I was a boy in Memphis during this same time, and I do remember the racial tension, bussing, the odd manners and fashion of a metropolitan deep South city in transition. As far as I can remember, Quarry gets that place and time almost perfectly.
Having just discovered Quarry online, I binge-watched the first season over a weekend, then tried to find information about why Cinemax would cancel such a compelling and gorgeous show. Apparently, the show was a victim of transitions at Cinemaax that included changing the kind of content the company wanted to support and be known for. If true, I remained stunned that Cinemax didn't want to be known for carrying Quarry. It's like if HBO had decided that it didn't want to be associated with The Sopranos, or A&E with Breaking Bad. Quarry is great TV, and Cinemax's decision to reject it is telling and damning.
The only silver lining is that one amazing season was made, and there is always the book series on which Quarry is based. If you haven't watched the first amazing season, I obviously highly recommend it.
Great opening episode
frankcscott10 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
While both historically accurate and psychologically intriguing. Quarry is one of those series that you just cant turn away from to grab another beer. The acting is flawless with Logan Marshall-Green playing a superlative role as "quarry" the disillusioned ex marine come reluctant hit-man. The characters are both believable and in context with both the era and the setting. Damon Herriman as "buddy" the homosexual go between will no doubt become one of the stronger characters in the series. Peter Mullan as "the broker" a shady CIA type of dubious repute is clearly headed for a sticky end at the hands of "quarry". But we shall see how that pans out in future episodes. Im giving this an 8 as i think the musical backgrounds were a bit over the top in parts. I will be making this a must watch for this season.
Looks good!
LOL101LOL10 September 2016
I was not aware that this series was coming out, so I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across it. I like Logan Marshall-Green as an actor and just based on him being the lead actor I just knew it would be worth my time.
I like the time period it is set in, the music, the cars, and it comes with an intriguing story line. When I read about it first up I was not to sure what to make of it, hence I won't give nothing away, and hence this being a very short simple review.
Overall a first good solid episode, and I will gladly watch another to see where this goes, give it a try. A solid 8 out of 10 for me.
I like the time period it is set in, the music, the cars, and it comes with an intriguing story line. When I read about it first up I was not to sure what to make of it, hence I won't give nothing away, and hence this being a very short simple review.
Overall a first good solid episode, and I will gladly watch another to see where this goes, give it a try. A solid 8 out of 10 for me.
FANTASTIC!!
TheTrashTreasury17 July 2019
Why was this show freaking cancelled?!!! Urgghhhh!!! It's a shame becos the style and story telling of this show was truly unique and original. The first opening scene was fantastic.. and by the end of episode 8, I was left waiting and hoping for some answers. Urghhh! But alas, none. I'm still sad about it. I NEED MORE OF MAC AND BUDDY!!
best show since The Knick
emetalwall30 October 2016
PERFECTION in all areas,,writing,,directing,,acting,casting,locations,,and all production right down to the little details.after watching theone and a half hour finally iwas sad that this season was over. nothing comes comes close to this show except the great show The Knick, and the knick is no more,i sure hope it gets renewed,,its a very smart show,and if your not from this time in history a lot will go over your head,just the mention of Westmoreland will go right by quite a few, and I believe notmany will notice so many details,,right down to the signs and picture frames.there is also apart a lot wont know,,,that the great band Blackberry Smoke did a Allman Brothers song in one of the bar scenes,,besides primo writing,acting directing there is such a vision for details that makes this show shine,,kudos to all involed,this is what great entertainment is all about
grim crime show
SnoopyStyle20 December 2021
It's 1972 Memphis. Marine Lloyd McKinnon 'Mac' Conway, Jr. (Logan Marshall-Green) returns home from Vietnam with his war buddy Arthur. They have been cleared of a war crime but their infamy follows them home. Mac struggles to reintegrate into society and gets pulled in with criminals.
This is a grim crime show. It can be a bit muddled but it remains compelling. The characters are interesting starting with Mac. The show begins with a great conceit of his possible war crime. The problem with that is the reveal at the end of the first season. I don't think he would be that guilt-ridden over the incident. I was surprised with actual enemy VCs in close combat. I was expecting something much closer to the My Lai massacre. In a way, that episode is made to keep Mac as the morally clean heroic type. He's a good person struggling in an evil world. It would be more compelling for him to be morally compromised trying to find redemption. At least, that's what I bought from the show until that last episode. It never got a second season.
This is a grim crime show. It can be a bit muddled but it remains compelling. The characters are interesting starting with Mac. The show begins with a great conceit of his possible war crime. The problem with that is the reveal at the end of the first season. I don't think he would be that guilt-ridden over the incident. I was surprised with actual enemy VCs in close combat. I was expecting something much closer to the My Lai massacre. In a way, that episode is made to keep Mac as the morally clean heroic type. He's a good person struggling in an evil world. It would be more compelling for him to be morally compromised trying to find redemption. At least, that's what I bought from the show until that last episode. It never got a second season.
Disturbing, but beautiful in his own way.
bola_de_pu8 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Just an outstanding performance of Logan Marshall-Green as Quarry. If you're not a fan of slow and deeper dramas this show is not for you, but if you enjoy the development of a character that involve a lot of emotions with him, Quarry is the ideal show. Lately, the people like more the stories that are developed in just one chapter or something, and then go with another problem or situation in another chapter. The most of the people expect a good show with a lot of action, but without the development of a character because they don't want to wait and see the importance of character development, and that can't happen in a few chapters that only involves gunshots and fast action on the track. In the first chapter, in just the final scene, we see the importance of the Otis Redding disc that in the first minutes of the show don't appear to be important, just a filler dialogue to the show between Joni and Quarry. Same happen in the scene that Quarry says: "But being under a car will not get me killed", well, we know what happen to the guy who was sleeping with Joni. That are small things that if you only find a good show for the amount of gunshots you see by a chapter you will be missing the point, and this is not the ideal show for you. It's a 10 for me and seeing Jodi Balfour naked it's just a plus.
-You only last if you don't care. -Quarry
-You only last if you don't care. -Quarry
Decent show, but I see why it was canceled
thebricks25 June 2017
Great show, it was pretty addictive. The only problem is, you could see how the writers were obsessed with inserting politics into the show. It was pretty good, but the decision to cancel it next season was troubling. I could see that possibly, the writers were going off the deep end with politics and maybe next season was going to be over the top, so Cinemax decided to pull the plug. It reminds me much of how The Wire went the first season before it descended into full-on propaganda, which is a shame.
I'm not sad about the show ending here at all though. Most shows have great first seasons and end up going downhill from there.
I'm not sad about the show ending here at all though. Most shows have great first seasons and end up going downhill from there.
Slow... a 90 minute movie stretched to 13 hours
chipwich7429 October 2016
Why does it seem like more and more it has become acceptable to never get to the point of a story? It used to be that TV shows had a definite story and point to each episode. Now Quarry, like many others, just drone on as "filler" for the networks so they can turn a 90 minute story into 13 weeks of dull monotonous nothingness.
The story has some promise with the a Vietnam Vet struggling to acclimate to life back home. Reluctantly drawn into a murder for hire scheme by a fellow friend/veteran, Mac finds that his life after service will never be the same.
As previously stated, the characters and plot are all adequate, however each hour episode adds very little from the last. Weeks and hours must be committed to develop a very basic story line. Each episode has one or two developments but lacks that serious hook to keep you coming back for more. Its really not worth the time commitment.
The story has some promise with the a Vietnam Vet struggling to acclimate to life back home. Reluctantly drawn into a murder for hire scheme by a fellow friend/veteran, Mac finds that his life after service will never be the same.
As previously stated, the characters and plot are all adequate, however each hour episode adds very little from the last. Weeks and hours must be committed to develop a very basic story line. Each episode has one or two developments but lacks that serious hook to keep you coming back for more. Its really not worth the time commitment.
Something I just forgot to say...
searchanddestroy-128 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I have already commented it last year, but I just realized that I forgot to point out a very important matter. Yes, this series stopped ONLY after season one, but the ending of this first season could perfectly be the ending of the entire series. It could pefectly fit. When I watched the last episode, I thought this was the real ending. I really thought that it was the foreseen ending by the producers, makers of this authentic gem. And what a surprise for me when I realized that there was a second season in preparation, which was never made. Anyway, please run for it;
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