First off, I found it so important that they provided a trigger warning before every single episode. More shows should get into the habit of doing so. Secondly, the majority of the actors (and their characters) had a strong connection to one another. You could really see some of the stronger bonds played out in the dramedy aspects of the show. The comfortable banter between Stone and Bex, and the playfulness of Fin towards Stone. Each interaction brought out different reactions from the vast characters. You can see a longtime friendship of trust built between Stone and Bex, and how Bex feels ignored at times. There's subtle ways the actor shows they want to say something but feels like they have to hold back. The subtle small touches always help with the bigger picture. Including, when Fin anxiously pulls at his skin in "Chapter Three: You Just Kind of Have to Hope." Furthermore, I enjoyed seeing how right off the bat, Fin was so outgoing and approachable to Stone. In contrast to when he was around Andrea (or Andy) he was more abrasive and reserved. And once introduced fully to Andrea's character we can begin to understand why. She is easily known to be the unlikeable character as she parades around as 'the protective girlfriend' of Fin, when in reality she is trying to control him. By the way she tries to forbid Stone from seeing him, and negatively goes about Fin's addiction, encouraging him to drink more and more.
In Season Two we're introduced to some new side characters, and again you can see the chemistry between them. We get to know Griff, who is also struggling but its more subtly shown until it boils over in the final episodes of the season. We see similar peer-pressured behaviour exhibited when Griff constantly tries to get Stone (and successfully) high with him. We see Fin again as he returns from rehabs and stays with Stone and Sara (Quill is away this season). We see him and Stone have a rock starting with their friendship again but eventually become harmonious again. We see more of Sara as she tries to balance and give Stone more space and pursue romance and her career more. All in all, the second season is packed with more storylines for nearly all characters. Since there was more to fill in the six episodes I think the pacing was a bit fast or confusing at times, but that didn't negatively impact the show. In the future, I think it would be best to either make an episode longer (or have more) to fully flesh out some characters' plot points more. This would allow the audience to fully indulge with where the story is headed without having to cut out stuff.
What works really well in the show is the pacing of the plot of the first season. It doesn't feel too rushed, nor too slow given how most episodes range from ten to twenty-five minutes each, and there are only eight chapters to begin with. The plot is easy to follow, with a few moments of surprise/plot twist. The show doesn't try to jampack too many different locations which helps to centralize this sort of small town-tight knit location. Many episodes start either outdoors or in Stone's house. Unlike other shows, Hurt lets the audience know that many folks struggle with mental illness and that it's okay to struggle. It's not shameful to struggle! It's not a one time thing and then you're magically healed (as most shows nowadays try to say). It's also important to see more representation of Autistic & Neurodivergent portrayals on our screens. I LOVED so many of the one-liners or jokes that the cast would throw at the other. Specifically, I think two of my favourites were: "How am i supposed to live, laugh, love in those conditions" or "No I am not using your Spotify, I don't want to be depressed." Just such natural humour! The friendship that develops between Stone and Fin feels like a found family, especially with the ending of "Chapter Seven: The Only Way Out", as they sit around together playing card games.
A final thing I would like to take note of before briefly talking about technical stuff is their use of actors to portray Death and Life. I found it to be such an interesting concept to show when Stone would be shutting down mentally and fall into this headspace of having a conversation with either Death or Life. Death mostly appeared in Season One, whereas Life was prevalent in Season Two. We then see this similarly for Griff when he sees his dead father appear while high (at home and in the forest). His deceased father pesters him about his life and how unhappy he is. A furthering of the abuse that both Griff and his step-sister Jasmine underwent as children. This was a helpful tool for the storytelling and development of what was going on in both Stone and Griff's heads. The audience got a peek into what their friends and family may not have noticed.
For the most part, the second season's production seemed way more cinematic, along with just higher resolution in general. Definitely improved, and had more versatile shots. I think my one note on anything technical would be audio levels, as at times it became extremely difficult to hear the actors voice lines. Same with background music (it could be super loud at times). Having an option to add captions might be beneficial too.
All in all, if you haven't watched the series yet I would highly recommend it. It's a mix of found family, navigating adulthood, the struggles and managing of mental illness that brings importance to our screens. With a diverse, loveable cast that delves into Neurodiversity, Addiction, Rehab, Trauma and Abuse (among others), through a healing lens.
As Stone once said... "The thing about mental illness is that it's not my fault but it is my responsibility." You are not your illness. I myself am not just my anxiety, I have a life outside of it. I will forever have it but that is my responsibility to learn to cope and live with it. Shows like this show the journey. Be patient with yourself. You don't have to Hurt alone. You have people that support you.. If you read to the end of this: I'm proud of you. You are valid. Have a lovely time zone!
1 out of 1 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
