Let’s get this out of the way first, Netflix is the leader in high quality VOD programming. The past two or three years it has pioneered the landscape making Oscar worthy entertainment and binge worthy shows of all kinds. Their new series, Seven Seconds, isn’t one of those shows.
A limited series attempts to highlight the racial tensions between Caucasian cops and African American citizens when an off-duty officer accidentally mows down a child on an isolated road. This might be fascinating if the show played in shades of grey but the heroes and villains are pretty well laid out within the first half hour of the first episode.
The cops all sound like bargain basement versions of Turtle in Entourage and most have the same fashion sense. Even the lead character, who didn’t intend to hurt the child, is still such a slime ball that any sympathy you may have had for him is gone the moment he really starts showing his true self. With no one to really root for the journey becomes boring. Even the supposed heroes of the story, a group of church going African Americans, feels like a trope done one too many times before on better shows.
The show seems to have its heart in the right place but it’s copying someone else’s template instead of breaking new ground. Put Homicide: Life on the Street, The Wire and Law and Order in a blender for 10 episodes and you basically get Seven Seconds. It’s a shame too because there’s some real potential with a fairly talented cast.
The biggest waste comes from Regina King who seems to be on autopilot as a mother fighting for her son. But rather than make her a layered character the show turns her, and pretty much everyone else, into one note clichés. Michael Mosley, who plays the aptly named Fish, gets the worst of it though. From his very first line he becomes an exposition machine spouting out random bits of information in the least believable way possible. Again, he’s a good actor but the script gives him nothing to bring to the screen.
Still, the directing just barely saves it. By placing the show in New Jersey during the winter the tone of the series is immediately dark and dreary and that only works in its favor. Honestly had it taken place almost anywhere else and in any other season the cheeriness of the surroundings would totally clash with the tone of the story.
Netflix has had such a great run for so many years with their original content that a few faults along the way are to be expected, it’s the law of averages at work. I’m sure this show will find an audience, just don’t expect it to break any new ground.
The highly anticipated new season of Squid Game is set to deliver even more nail-biting suspense and shocking twists that fans of the global phenomenon have come to love. As the series returns, viewers can expect an escalation in the deadly games, with new challenges that push participants to their physical and psychological limits.
In this season, the stakes are higher than ever as a new group of contestants enters the arena, each with their own desperate reasons for participating. The games are more dangerous, the alliances more fragile, and the betrayals more heartbreaking. With the introduction of new characters and deeper insights into the shadowy organization behind the games, Season 2 promises to expand the *Squid Game* universe in unexpected ways.
The creators have teased that the upcoming challenges will be more complex and terrifying, testing not only the contestants’ physical endurance but also their moral boundaries.
Expect to see returning characters facing new dilemmas, as well as fresh faces whose backstories will tug at viewers’ heartstrings.
The new season is rumored to feature shocking revelations about the origins of the games and the true motivations of the game’s organizers, ensuring that fans remain on the edge of their seats.
Squid Game has captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary, and Season 2 is poised to take these elements to the next level. Fans can brace themselves for a roller-coaster of emotions as the game continues with even more at stake.
Rating: 7/10
Platform Crunchyroll
Bonjour Sweet Love Patisserie is a delightful treat for fans of romance and cooking anime. Set in the prestigious Fleurir Confectionary Academy, the story follows Sayuri Haruno, a kind-hearted girl who enrolls in the school’s special confectionery course. Surrounded by handsome male instructors and fellow students, Sayuri navigates the world of baking while developing sweet friendships and potential romances.
The anime shines in its charming character interactions, light-hearted humor, and visually appealing desserts that are sure to make your mouth water. However, with episodes running around five minutes each, the series sometimes feels a bit rushed. The plot, while enjoyable, is fairly predictable, sticking closely to typical reverse harem tropes. That said, its short length makes it a perfect watch for those looking for a quick and sweet anime fix.
While Bonjour Sweet Love Patisserie may not break new ground in the genre, it does what it sets out to do well: offering a sugary escape into a world of love, pastries, and heartwarming moments.
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