bitbybyteholdon Reviews

The Leftovers (2014–2017)

I'm not normally a fan of fantasy/sci fi type shows, but find this fascinating

[10/10 · 25 December 2017]

This is a surprisingly interesting watch for me, since I shun movies and shows belonging to the fantasy/sci-fi genre. I can't understand some of what's happening but can only conjecture to the best of my ability, and I guess this uncertainty is employed as an important element to make the show really interesting. Ann Dowd is really spectacular in her role as Patty Levin. Once again, I'm truly surprised to have formed a strong attachment to viewing this show. I feel Season 2 is even better than Season 1.

Pustina (2016)

Highly recommend this series

[10/10 · 25 December 2017]

At first I wasn't sure whether to continue watching; it took a couple of episodes to get into this one. The mood is somber; the Czech village is portrayed as lacking resources except for the possibility of local coal being mined by a new company trying to establish itself, with the inhabitants trying to make ends meet and favoring the new jobs and house sales resulting from offers by the coal company. Be forewarned that this won't be an uplifting series. If you like exposure to new cultures and lands, this will be of interest to you. The mystery is handled well and the acting, especially by the two main characters, is outstanding, I'm not familiar with the cast from other programming, but they all do a good job and the show is very well produced and directed. Background music is really appropriate and adds a nice element.

The Kettering Incident (2016)

Found it mysterious and fascinating

[9/10 · 5 September 2016]

A very different type of show, although I watch a lot of mysteries. The setting for the show is beautiful and adds to the mystery. I always love when a show is filmed in a locale that I'm not familiar with, as in this case. I was so fascinated that I did an online search for more facts about the locale, because there are times it has really breathtaking cinematography. I don't understand the really disparaging reviews. I don't agree and really got into the show. In other words, I was hooked and couldn't wait for the next episode or even the next minutes. I think the acting is very good and there are interesting twists with hints of the supernatural or sci-fi along with mystery, drama, crime, which are the three descriptive categories under the title, added by IMDb. I normally don't enjoy seeing anything with sci-fi or supernatural elements but I liked this one very much. Don't get put off from seeing it for those elements. I think you'll enjoy it and get engrossed in the story.

Indian Summers (2015–2016)

So glad I gave it a second chance

[10/10 · 5 September 2016]

It's a really lovely show. I had tried to watch it when it was first broadcast on PBS, but somehow it was not compelling enough and I somehow got the sense that the story would be insubstantial. I'm so happy I went back to the show and starting watching again. I didn't give the show enough of a try or sometimes it just happens this way. I remember my first attempt at seeing "The Wire" didn't work, but then a year later I went back to see what the rest of the American viewers and critics were raving about. Perhaps that show was very popular abroad, as well. Well, actually it must have been because the IMDb ratings reflect as such. The story-line for Indian Summers is compelling and the characters are definitely fascinating to follow. I did find all the major roles played very interesting. The locale is beautiful and one learns much about the history (political/cultural) of India during the time of British rule. I'm really looking forward to Season 2 which apparently will be available to view in a month or so (at least in my geographic location).