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Reviews
The Pale Horse (2020)
Endings are important
Interesting plot. As with most mysteries, we're introduced to all the characters. Revelations about their lives unfold. Mysterious scenes come and go, and there seem to be too many pieces to the puzzle. A touch of the supernatural (a trio of fortune tellers and a village fair) gives it some creepiness, and creates intrigue; how will they tie all the elements together neatly? Answer: they didn't. The ending makes a certain sense, but it wasn't the tight package one wants from a murder mystery. Even realizing that Agatha Christie's work was written into a new story, and considering it outside her writing, it wasn't satisfying.
As expected, the cast is great, though the characters were mostly cold. The inspector and his friend's aunt were exceptions.
Hard to know what to rate it. Some good ideas, and fun until the last 20 minutes, but endings are important, and this one was disappointing.
Chuck (2007)
Comedy Spy Show with a Twist
This show is a pure fun homage to spy thrillers and nerd culture, with comedy and danger in balance. Rewatching it, I realized I'd forgotten how violent and tense episodes can be.
Zachary Levi is lovable and charming as the title character, yet still convincing as the smart dude who loves video games. The ensemble cast of co-workers, friends, bad guys, and family -- lazy, goofy, sexy, gung-ho, or plain weird -- really make this a pinball machine of personalities. When the action gets too intense, the comedy gives relief. If character interaction gets sweet, acidic jibes or mean pranks are soon to come.
Chuck: Chuck Versus Operation Awesome (2010)
Brandon Routhe brings it down
Currently re-watching the series, which I didn't finish the first time through. I think Brandon Routhe is the reason. He's a stiff actor and unconvincing in the role, but Shaw is an annoying character.
Will see if I can get through these episodes, but pray the character is cut from the show sooner rather than later.