3 ms·

same. not just this show, but all the Netflix originals have this "uncanny valley" aspect to them, where you can tell they're being crafted according to an algo

same. not just this show, but all the Netflix originals have this "uncanny valley" aspect to them, where you can tell they're being crafted according to an algorithm, and almost entirely derivative as a result. always very "safe" and according to expectations. Stranger Things felt to me almost entirely like a sequence of tropes borrowed from other movies. From the Freaks & Geeks cast composition, to the Spielberg Sci-Fi, bald blue-eyed psychic child, etc. Just about the only truly original thing was the design of the threat itself, and it was easily the worst part of the show. Sure, it's a "love letter" to the era, but it's just that. you can't really A/B test your way out of a local maxima, which is why in spite of most Netflix shows being decent, none of them have actually stood out as "good" in my mind.

orbitur 10y ago
Thank you, you've been able to accurately describe my problem with all the true Netflix originals ("true" in that they haven't been bought from other countries or licensed). Except for OITNB, I kinda love that show and it doesn't seem entirely created and written to pander to a demo. I'd love to see a day when Netflix premiers a show on the level of Better Call Saul or The Wire.
- arielweisberg 10y ago
  That would be at least the first few seasons of House of Cards for me. I wouldn't rank it quite as high as those two, but I was excited to watch it and any show that elicits that reaction is doing fine by me.
  - orbitur 10y ago
    My problem with House of Cards is that it's devoid of mystery. I'm only interested when the plot is moving fast, which is probably 4 episodes a season. There's no introspection, none of the characters have personal motives (except for the "transient" girl who lasted 2 seasons). I don't know, it's just been disappointing even though I marathon all the episodes when they appear.

orbitur 10y ago

Thank you, you've been able to accurately describe my problem with all the true Netflix originals ("true" in that they haven't been bought from other countries or licensed). Except for OITNB, I kinda love that show and it doesn't seem entirely created and written to pander to a demo. I'd love to see a day when Netflix premiers a show on the level of Better Call Saul or The Wire.

arielweisberg 10y ago
That would be at least the first few seasons of House of Cards for me. I wouldn't rank it quite as high as those two, but I was excited to watch it and any show that elicits that reaction is doing fine by me.
- orbitur 10y ago
  My problem with House of Cards is that it's devoid of mystery. I'm only interested when the plot is moving fast, which is probably 4 episodes a season. There's no introspection, none of the characters have personal motives (except for the "transient" girl who lasted 2 seasons). I don't know, it's just been disappointing even though I marathon all the episodes when they appear.