Because "The Crowded Room" is only 10 episodes long and likely not to be renewed as a serial, it is tough to put it atop "all-time favorite" lists of long-running TV series. But in terms of overall quality over those two handfuls of episodes, it takes a back seat to absolutely nothing I've watched--ever.
This is where I'd normally give a brief description of the plot, but since I prefer spoiler-free reviews I can't quite do that in this case. So, I'll instead give some brief tips that may help your watching experience with "The Crowded Room" and help you not bail on it early.
For the first three episodes, you'll almost assuredly think you have the show pegged. It's an exquisitely shot and costumed 1970s period piece centering on teenaged Danny (Tom Holland) recounting past events to therapist Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried) while awaiting a trial for a public shooting disturbance. The events are interesting, to be sure, but at more of a 7 or 8 star level--making it easy to buttonhole the series and lose interest. I implore you not to do such a thing.
Why? Because the next two episodes flash back even further and the plot really begins to thicken. There is even a tremendous arc solely involving Rya that is riveting. Then, at about the halfway point, a revelatory plot bombshell is dropped that in no uncertain terms re-contextualizes the entire series to that point. From episode six onwards, it never wavers from 10/10 quality.
Again, I'd say more but don't want to ruin even a smidge of the big reveal, so I'll leave things by simply saying that it turns from straightforward period piece to a gut-wrenching, thought-provoking, inspirational treatise on humanity and what is done--or not done--to help our fellow man in times of great emotional need.
When all is said and done, I truly do rank "The Crowded Room" in the upper echelon of scripted series that I've ever watched--bar none. I implore you not to pigeonhole the proceedings after 2 or 3 episodes, as if you do you'll miss out on a masterpiece.
This is where I'd normally give a brief description of the plot, but since I prefer spoiler-free reviews I can't quite do that in this case. So, I'll instead give some brief tips that may help your watching experience with "The Crowded Room" and help you not bail on it early.
For the first three episodes, you'll almost assuredly think you have the show pegged. It's an exquisitely shot and costumed 1970s period piece centering on teenaged Danny (Tom Holland) recounting past events to therapist Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried) while awaiting a trial for a public shooting disturbance. The events are interesting, to be sure, but at more of a 7 or 8 star level--making it easy to buttonhole the series and lose interest. I implore you not to do such a thing.
Why? Because the next two episodes flash back even further and the plot really begins to thicken. There is even a tremendous arc solely involving Rya that is riveting. Then, at about the halfway point, a revelatory plot bombshell is dropped that in no uncertain terms re-contextualizes the entire series to that point. From episode six onwards, it never wavers from 10/10 quality.
Again, I'd say more but don't want to ruin even a smidge of the big reveal, so I'll leave things by simply saying that it turns from straightforward period piece to a gut-wrenching, thought-provoking, inspirational treatise on humanity and what is done--or not done--to help our fellow man in times of great emotional need.
When all is said and done, I truly do rank "The Crowded Room" in the upper echelon of scripted series that I've ever watched--bar none. I implore you not to pigeonhole the proceedings after 2 or 3 episodes, as if you do you'll miss out on a masterpiece.