Shadowhunters (6/10)
(Updating weekly on Netflix)
Netflix Description: The life of typical teen Clary Frey is upended when she learns that she's part of a race of demon-hunting humans who have the blood of angels.
Bechdel Test: 6/10
This show includes two named female characters who interact with one another, however, the majority of the times when they talk to one another, it is almost always about one of the other main male characters.
Character Development: N/A
This series currently only has a couple of episodes out and although a lot has happened to change the situations the characters are in, not much character development has actually happened.
Diversity of characters/Representation of Minorities: 8/10
Just about one of the only things that they have kept true from the books is that there are several groups of minorities represented in this series.
Acting Skills: 4/10 (+.5 because of the old spice guy)
This is a pretty people show??? What I mean by this is that the actors in this show may~ have been hired for reasons other than their abilities... Basically there are a lot of poorly timed deliveries of lines and its really disconcerting how often they act as a character reading lines instead of just as a person speaking. If you're just looking for something to play in the background and aren't really in the mood for an intense drama, this is a pretty people show.
Visual Presentation: 7.5/10
This is your typical Netflix original where sets and costumes generally have a higher level of sophistication compared to your average tv show when it's starting out. Being that this show doesn't have as much dark seriousness as many other Neflix originals, the sets are still decent but they tend to be somewhat overshadowed by the acting.
Story Line: 7/10
LOLOLOL!!! Objectively, the plot of the show is probably pretty decent for someone who hasn't read the original book series. However, if you are someone like me who read the books as an angsty little middle schooler, then I would only suggest watching this show with the full understanding that basically the only thing really accurate to the books, would be the characters names. The plot that the show follows is somewhat eclectic and might actually be really confusing for someone without prior knowledge to what parts of the book, any given scene or relationship is referring.
Personal Comments: If you read the series and are not expecting the show to be accurate in anyway, I would actually recommend watching it. If not for the unintentional hilarity, then simply to see for yourself what the show has done to the story.
If you haven't read the books, then I would still recommend you watch this show (however it's mostly just because I wan't to hear your unbiased opinions on the matter!)
Let me know what you think about this show and if there is anything you would like me to review next!
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (8/10)
(Seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix)
Description:Our female sleuth sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of late 1920s Melbourne, fighting injustice with her pearl-handled pistol and her dagger-sharp wit.
(this description was from IMDB)
Bechdel Test: 9/10
The ladies in this show are strong willed and diverse in their personality's. They are the main protagonists and in many occasions they are the cunning antagonists as well. Miss Phryne Fisher and her collective are a force to be reckoned with, and despite the day and age in which this show takes place, they seem to have no trouble in doing what is right, instead of what might be proper.
Character Development: 6.5/10
Miss Fisher herself doesn't change all to drastically throughout the show, however, the same can't be said for anyone who regularly interacts with her. Almost all the characters are altered in one way or another within the course of the show and in most cases its by the influence of the 'take no shit' personality of Miss Fisher.
Diversity of characters/Representation of Minorities: 7/10
Although the representation in this show is rather few and far between, I think something must be said for effort in regards to sexualities. It's unfortunate how so many shows seem to 'struggle' with showing diversity in any way, its for this reason that I give Miss Fishers a relatively higher rating than it might otherwise get. Despite being set in a time where it was the common notion that homosexuality was a sin and if found out would mean a prison sentence, this show manages to actually show a couple instances of LGBTQA+ people living in the late 1920's. The way it's done is also interesting because its relatively accurate to the time period while still managing to be respectful.
Overall, the main cast is pretty lacking in diversity but there are several episodes which highlight the daily struggles felt by; people of colour, LGBTQA+, and in one instance someone who could either be identified as a cross dresser or someone who is gender queer depending on how you interoperate that particular episode.
Acting Skills: 7.5/10
This show has a large variety of new characters every episode, many of which are not entirely at Meryl Streep levels of acting ability, this coupled with the fact that the writing often flips from intended drama to light hearted flirtation, means that the main actors tend to come across somewhat less "life-like" in comparison to a show such as the previously rated Misfits.
Visual Presentation: 9/10
Something that I'm always quick to fall for in a show is a detailed set and colorful costuming to go with it. In just about every other scene Phryne is decked out in something glamours and spectacular. Even if you're not interested in the plot, if you're anything like me, this show will be irresistible as drawing inspiration.
Story Line: 8/10
This is more one of those 'feel good' shows that tends to follow a similar pattern in the plot of each episode. However, the lives and relationships of the characters do actually develop along side with each episodes mystery solved. Over all, the plot is repetitive enough that you can afford to tune in and out if you are looking for something light-hearted,as well as being engaging enough not to get boring if you plan to binge.
Additional Comments: This show was an instant favorite of mine for the powerful female characters as well as for the fact that it is really well put together without having to rely on having dark or intense emotions in its themes and characters. This is a great series to watch if you're just looking for a good time without any of that usual emotional devastation you'd get from watching something like Breaking Bad or Downton Abby.
Let me know what you think about this show and if there is anything you would like me to review next!
Misfits (8.5/10)
(Seasons 1-3)
Netfflix Description: After being sentenced to six weeks of community service, five ne'er-do-well teens discover that a freak storm has given them superpowers.
Bechdel Test: 8/10
While this show does pass the Bechdel test in the majority of its episodes, this show doesn't have an incredibly large cast and so it is harder to put a number to the level of representation. Even so, the women in this show are diverse in their personalities, interests, body type, relevance to the story line, etc... and were each written and cast very well. So although you might not always agree with the actions, or choices of these characters, they are all very well thought out.
Character Development: 9/10
Each of the main characters, (Simon, Nathan, Kelly, Alisha, Kurtis, and eventually Rudy), are given at least one episode which showcases their past and how they ended up stuck doing community service in the first place. These episodes help to flesh out the characters a bit more and provide a base line for how the character was so that their development as a person becomes even more apparent. The characters of Simon and Alisha are probably the ones who experience the most character development throughout the show. They each start out as somewhat ridged stereotypes on opposite ends of the social spectrum, but by the end of each season, you will notice a great deal of change to both their personalities and characteristics.
Diversity of characters/Representation of Minorities: 7/10
Again, this show has a relatively smaller cast of main characters and so it is harder to give a calculated number to the levels of representation. However, two of the five main characters are POC and are both incredibly well written and are not, (from my little understanding), misrepresented in a way which isn't then immediately addressed in one way or another by the characters.
Shown through the unique style of the misfits universe, it must be mentioned that some elements of gender and sexuality are explored within the plot. Unfortunately these issues are not looked into particularly accurately, this is mostly due to the characters who are made to deal with these issues and how they are not incredibly mature, along with the fact that they hadn't been living with said gender/sexuality for their entire life and were thrust into it out of the blue.
Overall, representation is present, (to an extent), and is dealt with in a unique and interesting way.
Acting Skills: 9/10
Well written, well cast, well played. The main actors are all really good at what they do, what with comedic timing, natural presentation of moods, and the ability to make a character (which might seem entirely different to you), appear relatable in one way or another.
Visual Presentation: 8/10
This show is very dark and grungy in its appearance. The colours are relatively muted which helps give the show its overall feel, as well as brightening the colour of their jumpsuits in contrast. This show has a relatively minimalist style to its settings, this allows for a clean and crisp presentation of the characters and their plot lines, as well as making the show a lot more aesthetically pleasing.
Story Line: 9/10
This show has one of the most unique takes on the recurring super-hero trend of ordinary people gaining extraordinary powers. Misfits is able to blend between the more common black and white portrayal of characters being either; a hero or a villain instead of being a hero and a villain, (or in this case of being an troubled teen who then simply continues to be an troubled teen only now with special powers).
Additional Comments: Overall this show is really well put together and the plot is refreshingly unique. The characters are whole and dynamic, they are often annoying, rude, self centred, as well as being kind, clever, and well spoken. Misfits is one of my all-time favourite shows despite the characters not always being entirely likeable. The plot is incredibly well thought out and there is great attention paid to symbolism such as; the 'be careful what you wish for' aspect of each characters powers.
Let me know what you think about this show and if there is anything you would like me to review next!
THE 100
(7.5/10)
Netflix Description: A century after Earth was devastated by a nuclear apocalypse, 100 space station residents are sent to the planet to determine whether it's habitable.
Bechdel test: 9/10
We got one! Not only does this show pass the test, but it does so with flying colours. This show with its large and diverse cast, includes a proportional number of female characters. Women in this show are well written and are commonly portrayed as; strong and intelligent leaders, hardened warriors, deceptive traitors, loyal friends, curious, head strong teenagers, and much more. Overall, the writing in this show appears to be doing right by women, actually portraying them as diverse people with their own unique goals and motivations. (instead of the rather unfortunately common, flat one dimensional female character who is given little development and is generally just used as a tool for sex appeal.)
Character development: 8/10
Characters in this show have had their entire world flipped upside down. From the first few episodes characters are forced to adapt to their new environment very quickly, or die. Certain characters change a lot more than others but the writing and the things which they are put through in order to cause such changes are generally worth it.
Diversity of characters: 7/10
This show has relatively decent diversity in regards to race and sexuality. However this opinion is mostly due to the fact that a lot of popular media either doesn't contain diversity, or else they do a really poor job of showing it.
Acting Skills: 7.5/10
This show has a large cast with a large range in acting skill. Overall the main characters of the show are generally good actors, enough to keep you in the story. Unfortunately, there are a couple actors who are not quite portraying people as much as they are portraying characters, but this is mostly made up for by the rest of the group.
Visual Presentation: 9/10
Outfits and uniforms occasionally tend to get a bit cluttered, but all in all, the sets, wardrobe, and special effects are really well done. The creators of this show put a lot of effort into creating unique and well developed environments. There is a lot done in this series to show how their world has simply continued to develop after the 'destruction' of earth, what with;
-the language (its basically an extreme version of English but every thing is slang and pronounced differently)
-the buildings and weapons (they have anything which was left after the world blew up)
-the landscapes (most things are either covered in rust or taken over by plants)
-as well as a plethora of other little details which help to make the setting of this show so interesting.
Story Line: 8/10
As with every story, there are times when some of the characters make ridiculous decisions. Occasionally there is also an episode which seems less than important to the advancement of the plot, but to look at the the show in general, the story is unique, the characters are interesting, the visuals are entertaining, and it will be exciting to see what is going to happen next. (season 3 is currently being updated an episode a week)
Let me know what you think about this show and if there is anything you would like me to review next!
