The first two episodes of this show left me with the impression that the series had potential that it didn't quite reach in those two episodes. But rest assured that by this episode, that potential has not only been reached, it's been exceeded. "Two Boats and a Helicopter"
This is just a fantastic hour of television, plain and simple. The decision to focus on only one character - Matt Jamison - was an effective one, especially compared to the somewhat overstuffed first two episodes. The writing of this episode was outstanding, and it seems that the series is finally beginning to make sense out of the themes of religion and grief. This episode managed to weave together conflicting emotions - it's at one moment hilarious and the next heartbreakingly tragic. In addition, the directing was fantastic - it was the first time that this series has impressed me with its direction. The cinematography in the casino scene was especially outstanding. And not to mention the acting - Christopher Eccleston hasn't been this good in a leading role since Doctor Who nearly 15 years ago.
This episode decided to slow things down and shift the focus. Rather than focusing on Kevin Garvey and the town as a whole, this episode focused on just one element. And it's so much richer for it.
This is just a fantastic hour of television, plain and simple. The decision to focus on only one character - Matt Jamison - was an effective one, especially compared to the somewhat overstuffed first two episodes. The writing of this episode was outstanding, and it seems that the series is finally beginning to make sense out of the themes of religion and grief. This episode managed to weave together conflicting emotions - it's at one moment hilarious and the next heartbreakingly tragic. In addition, the directing was fantastic - it was the first time that this series has impressed me with its direction. The cinematography in the casino scene was especially outstanding. And not to mention the acting - Christopher Eccleston hasn't been this good in a leading role since Doctor Who nearly 15 years ago.
This episode decided to slow things down and shift the focus. Rather than focusing on Kevin Garvey and the town as a whole, this episode focused on just one element. And it's so much richer for it.