All Forms of Art

  How Can a 13-Year-Old Commit Murder? What was once an absurd, unthinkable question is the central premise of Adolescence , Netflix ’s latest British drama.  From the first episode, the show grips you with its raw portrayal of youth violence. It pushes us to confront an unsettling reality—children, barely teenagers, are capable of unimaginable acts. But Adolescence does not sensationalize crime; rather, it dissects it , laying bare the complex web of factors that lead to such a moment. It’s Not About the Victim Unlike many crime dramas, Adolescence does not dwell on the victim. Instead, it forces us to ask: Who is the perpetrator? Who is his family? Who are his friends? What kind of environment produces a child capable of killing?  The show wrestles with these haunting questions, exposing the uncomfortable truth that the killer does not come from an easily identifiable “dangerous” background. His family is normal—too normal. This leads us to the most disturbing though...

  Jennifer Egan returns with The Candy House , a dazzling, interconnected novel that expands on the universe of A Visit from the Goon Squad . While not a direct sequel, this book explores the same themes of time, identity, and technology, offering a fresh yet familiar experience. A World Where Memories Are No Longer Private  At the heart of The Candy House is a revolutionary technology called "Own Your Unconscious," created by tech mogul Bix Bouton. This invention allows people to externalize and share their memories. This leads to profound ethical and existential questions.  Would you trade your privacy for perfect recollection?  What happens when memories are no longer personal? A Narrative as Experimental as Its Predecessor  Like A Visit from the Goon Squad , this novel unfolds in a non-linear, multi-perspective style.  Each chapter introduces new characters—some familiar, some new—who navigate the implications of Bix's technology in unique ways. Fro...

  Shrinking is a heartfelt comedy-drama series on Apple TV+. It masterfully blends humor with great storytelling.  The show stars Jason Segel as Jimmy Laird, a Los Angeles therapist dealing with the recent loss of his wife. While trying to cope, Jimmy adopts unconventional therapeutic methods. They lead to both humorous and touching outcomes. Harrison Ford delivers a standout performance as Paul Rhoades, Jimmy's mentor. A serious man trying to cope with Parkinson’s disease. The ensemble cast, including Jessica Williams as colleague Gaby Evans, contributes to the show's rich dynamic. They were able to create a "found family" atmosphere that resonates with viewers. Going Deeper The second season delves deeper into the characters' personal and professional lives, exploring the consequences of Jimmy's unorthodox therapy approaches.  The writing is sharp, and the character development is authentic and engaging. The series has been well-received. Its first season ...

  NBC's Timeless blends history, action, and character-driven storytelling into a thrilling time-travel adventure. Despite its premature cancellation, the show delivers an emotionally satisfying conclusion. It proves that even an unfinished journey can leave a lasting impact. Mystery Through Time The story follows historian Lucy Preston (Abigail Spencer), soldier Wyatt Logan (Matt Lanter), and engineer Rufus Carlin (Malcolm Barrett). They chase a mysterious organization, Rittenhouse , through time.  Their mission? To prevent history from being rewritten. They add the moral dilemmas of altering the past to an already difficult task. The show brilliantly balances historical events with sci-fi elements. Its fast-paced, high-stakes storytelling keeps viewers engaged. Great Characters make Great Stories One of Timeless ' greatest strengths lies in its characters. Rufus, in particular, stands out as the relatable everyman. His humor, intelligence, and real fear of the dangers ahead...

  Netflix 's American Primeval is profoundly moving. It immerses viewers in the brutality and beauty of the American frontierving.  The show vividly portrays how harrowing and unforgiving life was during the period when survival was a daily battle against nature, violence, and injustice. Bravery To survive, you couldn't be ordinary. You must be brave, strong, and resourceful. And that's Abish. Her courage and determination were incredibly inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. She's a testament to the strength it took to endure such a harsh world, and her journey is one of the most memorable aspects of the series. Justice is a strange word The series doesn't shy away from showing the injustice of the era, and while that made it hard to watch at times, it also added a layer of emotional depth that kept me hooked.  Isaac's death hit me especially hard. After all he endured, to see him go like that was heartbreaking. Sara remains a my...

  Arcane is an animated series that has captivated audiences, even those who typically don't gravitate towards animation.  Set in the League of Legends universe, the show delves into the complex relationship between two sisters, Vi and Jinx, amidst the tension between the affluent city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun. The compelling narrative offers a blend of action, political intrigue, and emotional depth that resonates with a broad audience. Simply Art The animation in Arcane is genuinely remarkable. The series employs a unique art style that combines 2D and 3D techniques, resulting in stunning and immersive visuals.  Each frame is meticulously crafted, bringing the world and its characters to life with exceptional detail. This visual artistry enhances the storytelling, making the viewing experience engaging and memorable.  Forget League of Legends and Enjoy Beyond its visual appeal, Arcane excels in character development and writing. The seri...