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An error has ocurred. Please try againThe shows are very loosely ranked from best to worst (according to my own opinion of course). It is very hard to rank these shows at all, let alone compare them to one another when so many are very different from each other. So keep in mind that it's not an exact science, and in reality the ranking would probably move around a bit depending on my mood.
Reviews
The Expanse (2015)
Easily some of the best science fiction, not just in television but in all forms of media.
I remember hearing about The Expanse from a friend of mine around the time the second season was airing. They were telling me that the show was starting to get really good and that I should give it a shot, but when I watched a couple episodes with him I didn't pick up enough traction to keep going. I didn't dislike the episodes I saw, but I wasn't incredibly invested either. Over the years I continued to hear great things about the show (the third season in particular), and once it was picked up by Amazon and it looked like the show would be going on a while longer, I decided it was time to finally catch up. Now having seen the four seasons that are out, I definitely have some thoughts.
First, I will admit that it took me a while to really get into it. In fact I might even say that it wasn't until the second season when I really began to become invested. That's not at all to say the first season is bad- there are interesting characters, decent effects (especially for a sci-fi television series), intricate and compelling world-building, and overall impressive production. That said, I think the first season is mostly about getting to know the characters and the world they are in. In fact, the first season doesn't even get all the way through the first book of the series that the show is adapted from. So for some people, it may take a little bit of time before the series really grows on you. But it's certainly not a "chore" to get to that point, and in hindsight I definitely like that first season more now that I know the world and characters so much more.
I am happy to say that once the show really starts to pick up, it doesn't stop. The show just continues to get better and better as the characters are developed and the scope continues to grow. The experience I have had in watching this show has actually reminded me of the way I felt back when Game of Thrones was in its first few seasons. In fact, I have often seen some people describe the show as "Game of Thrones in space", and while this is obviously an over-simplification I can understand the sentiment. Both shows tell a story that is deeply rooted in human drama, but with a sci-fi/fantasy backdrop that becomes more and more prevalent as the story progresses. The Expanse has also made me borderline obsessed with knowing more about this story and the world it takes place in, and has made me incredibly interested in reading the books to find out more... very much like how Game of Thrones did when I first got into that show. Like many people, I wasn't extremely satisfied with the way Game of Thrones went out, but with the books that The Expanse is based on being nearly completed, and with the quality of the show up until now, I am fairly optimistic with the future of this show.
I'm a huge fan of science fiction and fantasy when they are done well, and what I love to see most in sci-fi is a story that really sparks both your imagination and your way of thinking. A story that puts in perspective how vast the universe can be, and the limitless possibilities of what could be out there. The Expanse is able to capitalize on these grand and thought-provoking themes while also succeeding as a compelling television series. Complicated characters (many of which are very likable) are spread across a vast and constantly evolving narrative, which leads to the kind of development in both plot and characters that truly makes a show great. Plus, without spoiling anything, the show is filled with intense sequences of action and suspense as well as many surprising developments that will constantly keep you on your toes. And as I mentioned before, one of its greatest strengths is the way it captures your attention makes you want to see and know more.
The final verdict here is that The Expanse is some of the best television out there. It may take a little time for some people to really get into it, and while the production is generally outstanding for a sci-fi television series it can be limited by its budget at times. However, this is one of those shows where it genuinely just gets better as it goes along, and the recent seasons have truly elevated the show into becoming something very special... even in an age with so many fantastic television programs. Also, with only one book remaining now in the series that the show is based on, and with Amazon having picked it up and given it more of the resources it deserves, it is really looking like the show is going to continue to be strong until it reaches its planned conclusion. So it's looking like a very good time check this show out, especially if you are a fan of science fiction. Just stick with it until the second season at least, and I honestly think it's fairly likely that you are really going to enjoy it.
I have loved the series so far, and I am very excited to see more. If it remains at this quality AND it reaches a satisfying conclusion, I could even see myself potentially giving this show a 10/10. In the meantime, I hope that Amazon continues to support The Expanse as much as it deserves, and that more people continue to discover this wonderful show.
Mr. Robot (2015)
A unique, compelling, and ultimately satisfying journey.
Mr. Robot follows the story of Elliot Alderson, a vigilante hacker who finds himself involved in a plot to bring down a seemingly "all powerful" corporation that is running the world from the shadows. While the series features a narrative that deals heavily with technology, conspiracy, and economic revolution, the real focus is definitely the characters themselves. The plot is beautifully written and executed, it's honestly some of the best writing I have personally witnessed, yet it is the psychological and emotional impact the story has on the characters that resonates most from the show's development. It's rare to find such an interesting and well-written story line that still understands that the characters' growth is the main priority.
Of course the fantastic character work would be for nothing without a good cast, and I'm happy to say that this is one of the show's best qualities. Rami Malek in particular is out of this world as Elliot Alderson, I have never seen a performance quite like it. The character is unlike anything I've seen in the visual medium, and I can't imagine anyone else who could not only make it work in the way it did, but also add such human depth to the role. Malek consistently knocks it out of the park throughout the entire show, and I can safely say that between this and his performance in "Bohemian Rhapsody" that he is one of the greatest actors out there. He is not the only acting powerhouse of Mr. Robot, though: Carly Chaikin, Christian Slater, and Martin Wallström were all simply incredible in their respective roles... as were Grace Gummer, BD Wong, Bobby Cannavale, Portial Doubleday, Michael Cristofer, Gloria Reuben, and essentially the rest of the cast in its entirety.
There are many more things to say about what the show does right. The cinematography is some of the finest in television, with experimental shots, framing, and editing that give Mr. Robot a highly cinematic experience that is unique and instantly recognizable. The show's soundtrack is also very memorable... along with a great original score, every song choices is both unexpected and strangely perfect. The show's overall aesthetic has a feel all its own, one that is utterly captivating. I could go on and on about the little details that add to the experience of this show.
The one thing that stands out to me the most, though, is the obvious care and attention to every detail from creator Sam Esmail. Esmail fully planned the storyline out beforehand (originally intended to be a feature film), and he knew exactly where he wanted to go with it. As a result, Mr. Robot not only comes to a satisfying conclusion, but the script of every episode from the first to the last was written with that goal in mind. This alone makes for a great show, but Esmail goes above and beyond in crafting each episode. The entire show is filled with brilliant foreshadowing, tiny references, hidden clues, and seeming innocuous details that all add to a viewing experience that is all but impossible to find in serial drama series. Mr. Robot fires on all cylinders in terms of quality, but it the way that Esmail put so much of himself into every every scene, every line, and every shot of the show that allows his vision to truly shine.
I fully believe that Mr. Robot is one of the very best series ever, but it is not for everyone. For one thing, it very much embraces its own unique style, and I'm sure there are many out there who may be put off by some of the show's more experimental qualities. It is also not a show for anyone looking for "easy" entertainment, that is to say a show that doesn't require much investment or thought (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying this type of media). Mr. Robot can be stressful, confusing, and often times it can touch on some pretty heavy stuff. Truthfully it is anything but an "easy watch", but if you know this going in and enjoy this kind of "cathartic" media you may find something special in Mr. Robot.