I watched a few episodes but it seemed to get stuck in the "we've
contracted to do X episodes so what will we do for the remaining ones."
Sometimes I think the British 6 episodes series works best because it
makes the series richer.
You probably aren't interested but Netflix also has released an episode
of commentaries on "House of Cards."
Syfy's "Helix" with Billy Campbell looks good.
On 01/07/2014 08:19 AM, TurquoiseB wrote:
*/Friends whose taste in TV and movies I trust have been telling me
about this Netflix series for a while, but until the recent
traditional binge-watching holidays I haven't had a chance to see it.
Short version: I really liked it.
Long version: The idea of it -- a fairly successful, well educated,
about-to-be-married white chick gets busted for a one-time
10-years-ago money smuggling offense and sent to women's prison --
didn't exactly grab me. Even hearing that the series was by Jenji
Kohan, creator of "Weeds" didn't grab me enough to watch the series
while I was still in Paris. But once I got started, I binge-watched
the whole first season in three days. Now I'm Jonesing for more.
Like "Weeds," it's an ensemble piece, more about character than plot.
And boy! are there some characters in this series. There's the
protagonist Piper (played superbly and nominated for multiple Best
Actress awards to prove it by Taylor Schilling), but she's just the
vanilla-flavored white girl frosting on a multiracial and
multitalented cast the likes of which I haven't seen in ages.
Standouts include Laura Prepon as Alex (Piper's ex from her lesbian
days, who happens to be the person who got her busted, and is now in
the same prison). Laverne Cox as Sophia (a transgender woman) is
groundbreaking on many levels, not least of which is that Laverne is a
transgender actress. Uzo Aduba as Crazy Eyes (no description
necessary) is another standout, as tremendous a presence onscreen as I
ever remember seeing. Michele Hurst as Miss Claudette (old and wise
after having been raised in the modern slave trade), Taryn Manning as
Pennsatuckey (by far the craziest Christian you will ever meet), Kate
Mulgrew as Red (the Big Boss of the prison, in charge of the kitchen,
a former Mafiosi), Danielle Brooks as Taystee and...oh fuck
it...EVERYBODY in this series is standout! Even Jason Biggs as Larry
(Piper's fiancé) is good.
It's billed as a comedy-drama. I found it heavier on the latter, and
to good effect. Although much inside a women's prison IS funny, much
is not. The series is not afraid to tackle both sides, and treat them
compassionately.
If you like great actors given the best roles of their lives, this
series is for you. If you want to meet some of the greatest characters
you've ever seen onscreen, this series is for you. If you are offended
by nudity or frankness, including a great deal of sex both straight
and lesbian, this series might not be your cuppa toilet liquor.
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*/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nryWkAaWjKg/*
*/
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