Bluejay requested an open thread to discuss the Netflix series Sense8, so here ya go. (I haven’t seen it, so I have nothing to say about it.)
Assume that the comments below are full of spoilers.
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I’m torn between bingewatching this show, and taking it one episode at a time. So far I’ve watched the first episode and part of the second. I’ve heard lots of people say it should be treated like a 12-hour movie rather than a 12-episode season. Anyone here have a strong opinion about the best way to watch this?
Yeah, it’s not episodic in structure, and you don’t really get a complete story arc every episode. It’s a slow build, and some episodes focus a lot on getting to know the characters better without significantly moving the main plot forward (which was fine with me, because I loved just spending time with the characters). By watching at least 2 or 3 episodes at a time, you get character development AND plot movement.
Character-driven stories are my favorite. Having watched a few more episodes now, I’d say that once you get to episode 3, you might as well settle in and enjoy the ride.
Also, Freema Agyeman as Amanita is a fiercely beautiful force of nature. You could say that about many of the women in the story, but Agyeman’s enthusiasm in the role blazes so brightly.
“Fierce” is just about right. Freema Agyeman is wonderful in this.
I’m about ready to dive into the second half of the season, and I’m already foreseeing the need to watch everything again.
I didn’t even catch at first who that was!
Yes, she is great. No holding back whatsoever.
Great actresses and actors, a diverse cast and story, an interesting idea at the core, an international production – and yet plodding, cliché stories which render the whole really less than its parts. 8 personal plots without any complexity, please give me a single complex story instead.
Season 2 may head in that direction; after all, at the end of Season 1, the sensates find themselves — figuratively AND literally — in the same boat.
I really couldn’t get into this for just those reasons.
I’ve seen 5 eps so far. While I agree with all you say, I still feel it’s been worth it so far just for the great characters.
Plus, I’m loving the scenery and culture examination.
I’m 5 episodes into this now. It’s quite addicting. The characters themselves are all interesting, and I’m happy just to learn more about them.
I agree with who ever said that the plots are weak. They are full of cliches, and you can see what’s coming a mile away. Regardless, I find this worth watching just for the character portraits.
Plus, it’s a beautiful production of a show. They put a lot of time and effort into this, and it shows on screen. I love learning about the cultures of each character.
Christmas special on Dec 23, and Season 2 in May! Hooray!
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/14/arts/television/sense8-a-christmas-special-is-coming-to-netflix.html