1899 is another fabulous series. It's brilliantly realised and (mainly) well-acted. Some of the dialogue is a bit clunky at times and some of the understanding between characters speaking to each other in languages they don't understand seems a bit forced. However, don't worry about the pacing - it's deliberately brooding, and for those complaining about 'aimless' subplots compared to Dark are, I think, misremembering that superb series. Dark is littered with little subplots. I found 1899 mesmerising and easy to binge. I was sucked into its atmosphere and never felt bored.
It does have a couple of issues. Whereas each little subplot and interaction in Dark added to the atmosphere, we are left with the feeling in 1899 that similar little character developments are meaningless since we know, after a while, that this is a simulation, so are what these characters feeling and their relationships real? By the end, we aren't sure - that's for season 2, presumably.
Secondly, the plot devices - brilliantly stitched together though they are - all seem very familiar. Sinister ship? Dr Who. Simulation? Try Star Trek or the Matrix or even Red Dwarf. Dr Who fans will note a lot of running up and down corridors too....
As someone who loves Dark - I won't say it's the 'bes't show of the last few years - that would be opinion not fact, something that reviewes here often get confused - but it is my favourite. 1899 is not far off being of that quality. Nearly - but not quite - and I shall await season two eagerly.
It does have a couple of issues. Whereas each little subplot and interaction in Dark added to the atmosphere, we are left with the feeling in 1899 that similar little character developments are meaningless since we know, after a while, that this is a simulation, so are what these characters feeling and their relationships real? By the end, we aren't sure - that's for season 2, presumably.
Secondly, the plot devices - brilliantly stitched together though they are - all seem very familiar. Sinister ship? Dr Who. Simulation? Try Star Trek or the Matrix or even Red Dwarf. Dr Who fans will note a lot of running up and down corridors too....
As someone who loves Dark - I won't say it's the 'bes't show of the last few years - that would be opinion not fact, something that reviewes here often get confused - but it is my favourite. 1899 is not far off being of that quality. Nearly - but not quite - and I shall await season two eagerly.
Tell Your Friends