All Forms of Art

  When The Walking Dead premiered in 2010, Rick Grimes ( Andrew Lincoln ) was clearly positioned as the hero. He was the sheriff, the moral compass, and the audience's guide through the apocalypse. Then there was Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus). He wasn't even part of the original comics. He was introduced as the rough younger brother of Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker), an angry, crossbow-carrying redneck who looked more likely to become a villain than a fan favorite. Yet within just a few episodes, viewers had already fallen in love with him.  So why do we love Daryl Dixon so much? The answer goes far beyond his crossbow, motorcycle, or survival skills. It's rooted in psychology, storytelling, and one of television's most satisfying character arcs. The Appeal of the "Bad Boy with a Good Heart" Psychologists have long noted that people are drawn to characters who challenge first impressions. At first glance, Daryl seems intimidating. He's rude, impulsive, di...

  Spoilers ahead! Season 3 of The Man in the High Castle had all the ingredients for something powerful—expanding worlds, deepening character arcs, and raising the stakes. Yet, despite its ambition, it often feels like a missed opportunity.  While the show leans heavily into the concept of alternate realities, that very direction may not resonate with everyone. For viewers who struggle with multiverse narratives, like me, this season can feel particularly frustrating. The possibility of shifting between realities creates a sense that actions lose their weight—mistakes can be undone, consequences softened. While that’s part of the genre’s appeal, it risks draining the story of urgency and emotional accountability. The Multiverse Problem: When Stakes Feel Meaningless The introduction of parallel worlds should heighten tension, but here it often has the opposite effect. The idea that characters can fail in one world and succeed in another makes it harder to invest in their j...

  One of the reasons The Walking Dead became such a powerful show isn’t just the zombies—it’s the moral questions it forces us to face. At first glance, Rick Grimes ( Andrew Lincoln ) is the clear “good guy.” He’s a sheriff, a family man, someone we instinctively trust. But if you really look at those first episodes, something more complicated starts to emerge. From Confusion to Control Rick wakes up from a coma into a world that no longer makes sense. In a matter of days, he goes from a confused and terrified man to a decisive leader. That speed is… unsettling. Before the apocalypse, we don’t see much of Rick as a leader. He seems grounded, moral—but not necessarily dominant. Yet the moment he finds a group, he naturally steps into control—as if that version of him was always there, just waiting for the right conditions. “We can’t just stay here, not knowing.” — Rick Grimes That line captures something essential: Rick doesn’t freeze. He moves. He decides. Is that...

  After four seasons, The Good Doctor started to feel a little repetitive to me. Like many long-running medical dramas, it follows a familiar formula: one complicated medical case per episode—sometimes two—mixed with character drama. Because of that, I eventually stopped watching after Season 4. Recently, however, I decided to give Season 5 a chance. And while the show still follows the same structure, what stood out this time wasn’t the medical cases—it was the deeper focus on Dr. Shaun Murphy’s personal life and struggles with adulthood . The Familiar Medical Formula At its core, The Good Doctor still relies on a structure common to many medical shows: a complex case each episode, emotional decisions in the operating room, and occasional ethical dilemmas. This formula works, but it can also make the series feel episodic. You can watch a couple of episodes, step away for a while, and come back without feeling like you missed a huge overarching storyline. Season 5 does...

  Cinderella? Really? That reveal almost completely pulled me out of the story. It felt tired, predictable, and honestly unnecessary. For a moment, I genuinely thought I might lose interest altogether. And yet… they somehow manage to keep you watching. Still, the frustration is real . Benedict (Luke Thompson) looks at every other woman and instantly knows, nope, not her . But the woman he talks to every spare minute, the one he’s clearly drawn to— that doesn’t ring any bells? It’s ridiculous. The secrecy isn’t romantic, it’s annoying. Borderline infuriating. At this point, Sophie (Yerin Ha) not telling him who she is isn’t cute or mysterious—it’s just exhausting. Please. Just tell him already. Queen Charlotte: Fragility, Loneliness, and Letting Go The most quietly heartbreaking thread so far is the Queen (Golda Rosheuvel). Her fragility is painfully visible. The way she desperately searches for something— anything —remotely interesting to distract herself from everything...

  Tremembé may not be a standout masterpiece, but it is undeniably intriguing.  Set in Brazil’s most famous prison for high-profile criminals, the series explores what happens after the media spectacle dies down.  By shifting the focus from the crime itself to life behind bars, the show taps into a kind of curiosity that’s hard to ignore—especially when the criminals involved are already deeply embedded in the public imagination. Two Sides of the Same Crime One of the series’ strongest choices is its constant movement between the women’s and men’s wings of the prison. This structure becomes especially effective when crimes were committed by groups involving both men and women.  Watching how responsibility, guilt, and power dynamics play out differently on each side adds layers to the narrative. In that sense, Tremembé feels closer to slow-burn prison dramas than to sensational true-crime shows—it observes rather than accuses. Performances That Humanize the “Mon...

  Savage River is a tightly constructed Australian crime drama that succeeds by doing something many thrillers forget: it stays intimate.  Instead of stretching itself across dozens of subplots, it focuses on one central mystery and one deeply conflicted protagonist — Miki Anderson ( 13 Reasons Why ) — who returns to her rural hometown after serving time for a crime committed in her youth.  When All You Know Is Against You From the moment she arrives, the show cultivates a palpable tension: the town feels both familiar and hostile, like a place frozen in time except for its lingering resentments. The real strength of Savage River lies in its atmosphere . The cinematography leans into misty forests, open fields, and the quiet eeriness of small-town life, creating a sense of isolation that mirrors Miki’s emotional state.  Good Performances The performances are grounded and understated, with the cast delivering a believable depiction of community dynamics in whic...

  I’m three episodes into  The Countdown  when I saw an Instagram reel of Jensen Ackles saying it was canceled.  Can’t say I’m surprised. Honestly, Jensen was the reason I even pressed play — and I know I’m not alone. Most of us tuned in because of him. Without him, I doubt the show would’ve had much of a chance. And now that we did give it a chance… well, I’m not sure disappointed is the right word, but let’s just say it’s not the kind of show that leaves you counting down for the next episode. It’s just another cop show — and when you’re jumping into a genre that’s been done (and done well ) so many times, you can’t afford to be “just another one.” A Strong Start That Fizzles Fast The first episode actually starts strong. Milo Ventimiglia ( This is Us ) is murdered in an unbelievable scene. Even though the synopsis tells you it’s coming, the scene still catches you off guard. The way it’s shot, the pacing — it actually makes you jump a little. For a moment, ...

  Netflix’s Untamed (2025) is one of the streamer’s most striking original thrillers this year. Combining the intensity of a murder mystery with the breathtaking scenery of Yosemite National Park , the series delivers suspense, atmosphere, and a surprising sense of justice. What Is Untamed About? The story begins with a mysterious death on El Capitan, pulling National Park investigator Kyle Turner,  played by Eric Bana ( Dirty John ), into a complex web of secrets. Alongside fellow investigator Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago), Turner must untangle lies, crimes, and personal demons while navigating the dangers of both nature and human corruption. Performances That Stand Out Eric Bana anchors Untamed with a raw, haunted performance, while Lily Santiago adds empathy and sharpness as Vasquez.  Veteran actor  Sam Neill (you may remember him from Jurassic Park ) brings warmth as Turner’s mentor.  Together, this cast gives the series both gravitas and emotiona...

  Mad Men is a masterpiece of television that blends sharp storytelling with striking period detail, offering a reflective glimpse into the 1960s.  The series follows Don Draper and the high-stakes world of Madison Avenue advertising, all while painting a vivid picture of the era's societal norms, especially the rampant sexism and rigid gender roles.  It's both mesmerizing and infuriating, particularly in its honest depiction of how women were treated. Strong Emotions The show’s brilliance lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions—its subtlety, exceptional writing, and rich characters draw you into a world that feels both foreign and disturbingly recent.  The meticulously crafted period aesthetics are complemented by historical undercurrents, from civil rights to cultural shifts, which remain integral yet never overshadow the deeply personal dramas of the characters. Wait For the Impact Mad Men doesn’t rely on flashy plot twists; instead, it uses nuanced storyte...

  Wednesday brings us back the Addams family in a great spin-off. If you don't like spin-offs and always feel they let you down, well, you may rethink your perspective. This one is really good.  Wednesday brings back that dark humor we always loved, giving us a fantastic time. Jenna Ortega What an actress! Many people say that she "was" the show. Well, there are many good things on the show, but those comments only tell us how amazing Jenna Ortega was as Wednesday Addams.  She had, without a doubt, a lot of work to build such a fantastic character. She had to learn a lot of stuff like playing the cello and sword-play… but the most impressive is how she could control (or hide) feelings.  She showed the perfect sense of indifference that characterizes Wednesday's posture without looking like apathy. She deserves congratulations for her excellent part and hard work.   Oh, the mystery… Who of us can ignore a good mystery? Even when a show is not that good, if...

  Based on the book of Daria Polatin, with the same title, Devil in Ohio , is the story of a traumatized girl that escapes from a cult and finds shelter with a psychiatrist and her family. Cults are part of the social curiosity, which is enough reason for many to check out this show. Yet, this wasn’t what had the most significant impact on me. The therapist Dr. Suzanne Mathis is a therapist that runs the extra mile for her clients. After meeting Mae, she immediately feels like a mission to take care of and help her. But, being a traumatized child herself, she quickly forgets the needed boundaries between patient and doctor. And sometimes, she forgets about her own family and their needs. I found her an annoying woman. She always has the right thing to say but as a psychiatrist. Even for her daughters, she says the right sentences, but not as a mother would. Instead, she seems cold and distant and so focused on Mae’s needs that no one else’s seems to matter. She is so eager to do th...

  Pistol is a show about the British punk-rock band Sex Pistols . And, despite many flaws, I binge-watched it. I am not a fan of the band, but the whole production is quite interesting and, more importantly, makes you feel something.   Frenetic pace The series shows us the ascension and fall at a fast pace. Sometimes you feel like you lost something because 10 minutes ago, it was all so different.  Strangely enough, this is a good and a bad thing. Artistically speaking, it is the perfect metaphor for what happened to them. Their story is exactly like that: one day, they were Gods, and the next day, they ended. Yet, it also has a bad side: the fact that everything happens so fast, the story tends to lose some depth.  It’s a Sad Story You can feel annoyed with their behavior, or you can hate them. It doesn't really matter. But, if you pay attention, the Sex Pistols' story is a very sad one. You have it all: abusive stepdads, crazy girlfriends (and mothers) who le...

  Indian Matchmaking appeared as a suggestion on my Netflix account. I initially ignored it, but eventually, I decided to check it out. It is a weird show, I felt like they were going on sales to find a spouse, but I had some fun. I watched the two seasons, and I must say that the first clients were more fun. But, unfortunately, the second season was boring.  Indian culture For someone like me, who knows very little of the Indian culture, this show gives us some perspective on what it is like. And you end up hoping for them to find a good match. However, especially in the second season, things get a bit… wild—horoscopes, curses… way out of line for someone like me. Besides, I'm afraid I have to disagree with Sima on many things… The bachelors are not so good, only because they have money or dated a lot (what?). That last one says something very different, aunty ! Since it is a show, and we all know that people act in reality shows, I have one question: is it realistic? I'm n...

  The Sandman is a recent Netflix show, and it's been having a lot of success among the audience. It is the right amount of "weirdness" and mystery, and that conjunction keeps you watching. How do you show you’re something more? In this first season, you get to know the characters. And, frankly, it seems like it's all this season is about: introduction. I felt like I went to a party, and someone introduced me to all the guests at once.  I'd like to focus on the main character and Tom Sturridge . He had a fantastic performance. This is no regular character. How do you show the public that you're not human?  Tom definitely did it. From the very first scene to the most simple ones, you always get the vibe that he is "something more". Congratulations, fantastic work. So many different characters Throughout the show, you get to know different characters from different spiritual beliefs. Here, they all belong to the same world. Some of them are pretty fun...

  As a fan of Neil Patrick Harris , I couldn’t ignore this show, so I decided to take a look. The story is quite simple. Michael is a gay man in his 40s, and after a relationship of almost 20 years, he is single again in New York City, and… the world has changed a lot! The disbelief and rage Michael’s partner leaves him with no explanation. This situation raises a lot of questions that are unanswered and leave Michael mad. What happened? Why me? He can’t deal with this. Michael is a bit self-centered and slightly emotional, and I don’t know if that’s the reason he’s such a fun character. However, I must admit that I wanted to hit Colin myself. What the hell? And we are never given an explanation! Even the viewer doesn’t know what actually happened. Gay Sex and the City ?  All over the place, you can find people saying that Uncoupled is the gay version of Sex and the City . I understand why, but I didn’t see it that way. We are talking about different characters and very diffe...

  This new season of Stranger Things started strong and is better than the previous one from the very first minute. Now, let’s pause to evaluate how huge those episodes are. All episodes are more than one hour long, and the last one is more than 2 hours! That’s not a show. That’s a movie franchise!  They don’t ruin the show by doing this or anything, but it can make it a bit more tiring.  Usually, there is a reason for you to see a show instead of a whole movie, right? So why not have more episodes but shorter ones? Vecna - was all worth it? Everything is connected, not only the hive mind of Vecna and its “things”. Everything was connected or depending on each other in this season. The Russians were fighting or, at least, using the same things that were attacking Hawkins. It may look absurd initially, but everything starts to make sense soon enough. The character Yuri made me laugh a few times. He is a bastard, I know, but let’s face it, his craziness gave a light touch...

  The third season of Umbrella Academy is here. And sure, it has a lot of drama, death (more or less definitive), and the end of the world kind of things, but it also has some amusing moments. This season was absolute nonsense, so the humor kind of saves it… So, let's go. 3rd - Luther in love  The third position of this rank goes to Luther. He is living an adorable love story with the enemy, which is hilarious.  He is so naive and clueless sometimes that he will get a few laughs from you. 2nd - Klaus Klaus is definitely the funniest of the cast, and it is not easy to choose a single moment. I would say that 90% of the times he appears on screen, he will make you giggle. Because of that, he deserves second place on this list. The coming back-to-life scenes are among my top favorites of him this season. 1st - Drug store fight The first place goes to the drug store fight. The stars are Diego and his supposed son, who is quite good at fighting. They deserve the gold medal, n...