Reviews
I was hesitant about watching this show for 2 reasons: 1) I like Penn Badgley so wasn't sure how I'd go seeing him in this type of role and 2) the whole premise of making a violent stalker (because yes, that is what he is) as the "good guy" is not something I agree with. However, I'm 3 eps in and I'm hooked! I find the tone of Penn's narration of Joe (his character) and his thought processes so compelling and want to hear more about how he views situations and interactions (mainly because they are sometimes completely off base!) and find it intriguing how he then justifies his actions. Yes, there are a few clichéd parts which have been used to "endear" us to Joe and, as the main character, the writers need to do this. It's a fine balance that's needed however, and as long as they don't completely try to convince us he's an ok guy (which he absolutely is not!), then this show has real promise.
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Completely bummed that they cancelled this show - Sean Bean was absolutely stellar in his role and I loved the twists and turns. Admittedly I binge watched both seasons which may have made it easier to keep track as they jump back and forward in time and I noticed others commenting on that fact. Yes, season 2 was different to season 1 but by no means less imho. Sad to see this go as another season would have been awesome!
Funnily enough, I feel the complete opposite to another reviewer on here! I really liked season 1 - there was intrigue, there was character development, there were lots of thought-provoking moments and at times a sense of darkness which made it so fascinating to watch. But season 2, right from the new intro, just threw me. Whoever decided that "up-beat" music was the way to go for such an intense show needs to be sacked. As the other reviewer said, it's like a whole different show....yep, but unlike them, I found it worse! I mainly took issue with the music they chose for certain scenes - the storyline keeps going on in roughly the same vein, but in most of the season 2 eps they use this "up-beat" and completely wrong (IMHO) musical score. It feels like they are trying way too hard and it totally doesn't come off or fit in with the show and the intrigue we are used to in season 1. I will keep watching but can't help but cringe every time they put "arty, up-beat" music to a scene which totally deserves more intense sound.
Gotta agree with most other reviewers here. Was hoping this would be better – liked the first ep, however mid-way through the second it was just too clichéd (really, a Beyonce reference? Unnecessary imho) and the acting and/or script is not the greatest. Plus how are we supposed to take the lead detective seriously when all we see is her cleavage in a push up bra every 5 seconds? Shows that have substance don’t need to rely on cheap gimmicks like this. Disappointing as it could have been good with a better cast and better writing.
Good premise but poorly executed. 3 eps in and I was bored. Too much focus on the back stories of each character and not enough on their connection and what it means. Frustrating for the viewer and I can see why people would give up on this show.
Boring and way too predictable. Characters not very compelling and easy to guess what happens next. I got up to ep 5 and had to cut my losses (a friend filled me in on the rest which was exactly how I thought the story would continue) Shame as the setting was good.
I really wanted to like this show...but just couldn't. Characters are one-dimensional, story not all that compelling and there are way too many cliches. Forced myself through to ep 8 and thought it was finally going to get better, but no.....it reverted back to the same old cliches. I struggled to get through the last few eps. Disappointing.
Really enjoyed this mystery - great acting, good couple of twists in there and it definitely kept me guessing. Feel the ending was too weak and therefore a real let down to me - the motive for the main villain was IMHO very flimsy and not enough flashbacks to the main character's childhood to warrant the extremes that the villain went to. A stronger ending would've made me rate this one higher.
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Terrible acting and none of the characters are engaging....avoid.
Have heard people compare this to Game of Thrones which is ridiculous. While GoT relies on gratuitous nudity, Vikings doesn't need it to keep viewers coming back for more. Great acting and cast. I found season 2 was actually better than season 1. Felt season 3 went off the rails a bit from ep 8 but keen to see how season 4 plays out!