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Reviews
American Experience: Citizen Hearst: Part 1 (2021)
Hugely Disappointing
The overwhelming majority of the two part documentary (combined into a single episode for the special), is focused on his personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife and mistress. Surprisingly little time is given to what actually made Hearst famous/notorious as a publisher. We're told Hearst is a media mogul who demands the attention of world leaders, before the special quickly returns to discussing his love life. Having not read the book on which this is based, I don't know if it's a failing of "American Experience" or the source material, but I definitely expected more attention placed on Hearst practices in journalism and his effect on world history.
Line of Duty (2012)
As usual, you can ignore the 10's and the 1's
This is neither perfect nor unwatchable. The idea of a British police procedural about an anti-corruption unit is a great concept seemingly targeted right at me. However, there are issues that drag down what should have been a truly superb series.
The Bad:
- Characters who are occasionally so inexplicably dumb as to defy basic common sense
- Several massive plot holes
- Constant (and I do mean constant) shaky cam technique in the first season
- The acting is outstanding
- The plots are compelling (though often convoluted)
- Series two is a vast improvement over the first.
Secrets of the Dead: Gangster's Gold (2020)
A low point for an otherwise enjoyable show
For some reason the producers of the series decided to court a reality TV crowd with this episode. In doing so, it seems they were willing to alienate the audience they already have. I'm hoping this was a momentary lapse in judgment, as it's definitely not worthy of PBS.