mariabjazzin-519-383278 Reviews

Here and Now (2018)

Sorry there's no Season 2

[9/10 · 20 July 2018]

Before I began watching this series I already learned there would be no season 2, but because of Holly Hunter and Timothy Robbins, I also knew I had to watch it.

I immersed into their world for two days, absolutely loving every build up, connection, revelation. Of course this is not a series for the ultra conservative, but there is something there for everyone - love, devotion, dedication, confusion, teenage angst, mental instability, serendipity, family.

At first I was a bit confused with the reason for the visions, but to me, it but as the last episode ended I understood. The therapist and his patient were brought together to help heal each other. The young man with the visions was drawn to the erupting volcano so that he could lead people trapped on the volcano to safety. He saw them with masks on in a vision and as he was approaching the volcano they appeared as shadows in the fallen ash. As in life, the marriage between Holly and Timothy's character will repair as they both move through their personal journey together. The story lines of religion, family, meaning of life, and acceptance rings true for every day life and every person, though shown in a dramatic way. It's cinema.

Being Mary Jane (2013–2019)

Mediocre, but Promising

[6/10 · 21 February 2014]

I was delighted to see original programming from BET. Though I've only viewed the first two episodes, Gabrielle is a talented actress and we'll see much more from her. I have a couple of concerns regarding the production and character portrayal.

1) I'm not sure whose job it is to get rid of the "echos" and "hollow" sounds, but the sound does need attention. If this is BET production staff, please upgrade the equipment or get better consultants on how to achieve a smoother and more consistent sound.

2) Knowing that it takes time to set up "big" camera shots (and time costs money), every series should still have a few. It just felt like a "point and shoot" production. More expertise in this area would increase the visual aesthetics.

3) The audio/visual transitions between scenes, i.e., background music and location changes, are amateurish. Again BET must seek out people with higher skill levels.

Regarding the portrayal of a woman being in love, I found it totally "artificial" to see her begging for the married man's attention the following morning, as if her whole life depended on his seeing her attentiveness, this educated and high profile woman. The portrayal reminded me more of a dog trying to please its' master.

Hopefully, some of these concerns will be addressed in future episodes/seasons. Let's see.

Crossing Lines (2013–2015)

Cross Border Communications

[8/10 · 22 July 2013]

I absolutely love this show. I love that it takes place in Europe with team members from different countries who speak languages other than English. I always love Donald Sutherland and hope that his presence in the series can be increased. I was a bit disappointed at hearing everything in English. As an American living in Europe I hear different languages all the time. However, for example, when a German person speaks with a German person, they do not speak in English. I know that Americans are not accustomed to reading sub-titles, but I would give this series a 10 if this had happened. It's an NBC production. Perhaps if it were a cable production, the extra time and expense for subtitling and speaking in like languages would have been permitted. Still, I love the show. Hoping for more of the same.

Suits (2011–2019)

The "Suits" production

[6/10 · 6 November 2012]

I absolutely love this series. It breathes new life into the lawyer TV series and turned it into something new. Kudos to the creator, director, writers cast and crew. I have only one criticism for this series. It would be nice if there were more budget for production. The conference room looks as though it was furnished from Ikea, the lawyer office designs are not creative and are unremarkable. Boston Legal had an incredible set designer. I believed that this was a high- powered law firm because I could see the money in the set production, the on-location scenes, I even "believed" that the two main characters met nightly on the roof top for drinks and conversation. Suits does not make me believe that this is a high-powered law firm because I don't see the money in the set designs or the attention to detail. I will continue to watch it because it's a great series, but hoping there will be an "office" move to higher digs before the series ends.