This show was so good. Tom and Amanda absolutely killed it-incredibly dynamic and enthralling actors who captivate you emotionally, and the show handles heavy topics delicately and thoughtfully, but it still goes deep and brings out a lot of emotion, which was only pulled off because of the phenomenal acting.
I was indifferent towards Tom before this, but have so much respect for him after this show and appreciation for his craft. He has some wild and intense scenes, he goes in, commits to the character fully, and I've got mad respect for it. He reportedly has decided to take a break from acting after this role and I can totally see why. He deserves it! I'll be looking forward for his future work once/if he's ready to film again.
I didn't realize how amazing Amanda is too. Such subtle acting between her and Tom. You feel and see their complexity, and her facial expressions sell the scenes. I was invested and loved her so much in this, I can't get over how talented she is, and you feel a lot of her emotions alongside Danny's storytelling, witnessing it all unfold with her.
The show enters some heavy and heartbreaking territory but it does so with care. It can be triggering and cathartic for those who can sadly relate in certain ways, but there's no graphic scenes, and it doesn't go into detail, which is the right way to tell these stories. I cried in several episodes and this show made an impression on me. You give Danny compassion and find your own self compassion in the process. It's healing-though those wounds don't ever go away, which was another aspect I appreciated in the show.
So many stories have to end triumphantly: the character gets over their grief, they heroically overcome the harm they've experienced and it's in the past, they've essentially moved on with that door closed. Huzzah...!
But in this show, Danny found acceptance and integrated not only his multiple personalities but also the pain he endured. He didn't belittle or try to erase that chapter, because it is a permanent part of his life story that influences the rest.
Grief is something you learn to live with, not get over, by finding healthy coping strategies and letting time give you distance from the intensity of traumatic events. They are always with you though, and you can see Danny gently holds that pain at the end. It isn't holding him down, but it's a part of who he is and what he carries.
It was also unique that the show didn't push for a forgiveness story ending like so many others do. Yea his mom tried her best, I guess, though she framed herself as a victim more than she extended apology and sorrow for her kid. But as Danny said, sometimes your best isn't enough. She caused him unimaginable suffering, and forgiving that isn't necessary for your own well-being. He's not bitter or holding a grudge, he's discovered he can accept her damage was wrong and unforgivable, but let those feelings take space in him without consuming him.
As long as those emotions dont dominate your psyche, for too long at least (which can rightfully take years to process as it had for Danny), you'll find a relative place of peace, and room for all your experiences to exist, but certainly less crowded in each moment.
The past can't be changed and you're allowed to be angry and resentful towards it in the moments that pain surfaces. Those are valid emotions and as Amanda said, the appropriate response to hurtful events; he'd be crazy not to feel upset about what happened, something along those lines. Now he can tend to those thoughts and himself, instead of centering a detrimental relationship or striving to forgive someone who hasn't earned it. His focus is on him and the life he gets to grow on his own.
Bit of a tangent but clearly it shows how impactful the show was for me. I applaud all involved, and thank them for approaching such a difficult subject with such depth and understanding. It ultimately gave me comfort amongst a variety of emotions. Well done and well worth the watch.
I was indifferent towards Tom before this, but have so much respect for him after this show and appreciation for his craft. He has some wild and intense scenes, he goes in, commits to the character fully, and I've got mad respect for it. He reportedly has decided to take a break from acting after this role and I can totally see why. He deserves it! I'll be looking forward for his future work once/if he's ready to film again.
I didn't realize how amazing Amanda is too. Such subtle acting between her and Tom. You feel and see their complexity, and her facial expressions sell the scenes. I was invested and loved her so much in this, I can't get over how talented she is, and you feel a lot of her emotions alongside Danny's storytelling, witnessing it all unfold with her.
The show enters some heavy and heartbreaking territory but it does so with care. It can be triggering and cathartic for those who can sadly relate in certain ways, but there's no graphic scenes, and it doesn't go into detail, which is the right way to tell these stories. I cried in several episodes and this show made an impression on me. You give Danny compassion and find your own self compassion in the process. It's healing-though those wounds don't ever go away, which was another aspect I appreciated in the show.
So many stories have to end triumphantly: the character gets over their grief, they heroically overcome the harm they've experienced and it's in the past, they've essentially moved on with that door closed. Huzzah...!
But in this show, Danny found acceptance and integrated not only his multiple personalities but also the pain he endured. He didn't belittle or try to erase that chapter, because it is a permanent part of his life story that influences the rest.
Grief is something you learn to live with, not get over, by finding healthy coping strategies and letting time give you distance from the intensity of traumatic events. They are always with you though, and you can see Danny gently holds that pain at the end. It isn't holding him down, but it's a part of who he is and what he carries.
It was also unique that the show didn't push for a forgiveness story ending like so many others do. Yea his mom tried her best, I guess, though she framed herself as a victim more than she extended apology and sorrow for her kid. But as Danny said, sometimes your best isn't enough. She caused him unimaginable suffering, and forgiving that isn't necessary for your own well-being. He's not bitter or holding a grudge, he's discovered he can accept her damage was wrong and unforgivable, but let those feelings take space in him without consuming him.
As long as those emotions dont dominate your psyche, for too long at least (which can rightfully take years to process as it had for Danny), you'll find a relative place of peace, and room for all your experiences to exist, but certainly less crowded in each moment.
The past can't be changed and you're allowed to be angry and resentful towards it in the moments that pain surfaces. Those are valid emotions and as Amanda said, the appropriate response to hurtful events; he'd be crazy not to feel upset about what happened, something along those lines. Now he can tend to those thoughts and himself, instead of centering a detrimental relationship or striving to forgive someone who hasn't earned it. His focus is on him and the life he gets to grow on his own.
Bit of a tangent but clearly it shows how impactful the show was for me. I applaud all involved, and thank them for approaching such a difficult subject with such depth and understanding. It ultimately gave me comfort amongst a variety of emotions. Well done and well worth the watch.
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