So I just finished the first season and loved it!
However there are a few things to point out.
The Rook while very well written and mysterious is a very slow character driven show with patches of science fiction and action added in. The format is a mystery/spy thriller. Think Hunted with Melissa George in tone and add in that Mutant X tv show from the early 2000's for content.
I honestly think this show is very strategic in how it decides to showcase those with abilities, and the abilities are incredibly grounded from what has been showcased in this space before. Much more unusual and less gimmicky, you won't catch anyone flying around or shoot lasers out of their eyes. This however is only part of the story here, mix in politics, intelligence agencies, and human trafficking and you're getting closer to the world The Rook is trying to build for itself.
I honestly think that with how the first season ended this could grow into a strong show with the very character centric storyline of the first season out of the way. A lot was introduced in the first season, a lot was answered while still leaving enough to explore in the future. Not an easy task to do, it was nice to not get stuck with another cliffhanger abrupt ending and see the possibility of what could be explored.
I really enjoyed this series and I get to say this less and less these days, as most of the science fiction that would interest me ends up on the CW or Freeform and is garbage. It's nice to see writers who took something and made it their own (the book) put money into it, found great talent, created a coherent visual and narrative style while continuing to keep you on your toes not knowing who to trust or where to turn next.
Now the not so good things or for those of you wondering if you should watch it.
If you like things that are easy to make sense of, action packed every second, or spoon-fed to you don't bother tuning in. This will check none of those boxes for you.
In the Netflix culture in which we all live these days I feel like releasing this episodically wasn't wise. The story doesn't have enough meat at the beginning for many with short attention spans and doesn't divulge much until episode 4-5. I hope if this gets renewed that they decide to go the binge watching route.
It is based on a book, from what others have to say this shares little more than a title and characters and nothing else, tonally it is very different. I can see why people who loved the book would be against this however after enjoying this series not having read it, I'd now like to.
I say give it a watch, there is more to it than a girl who lost her memory. Joely Richardson alone especially when she uses her powers in episode 5 is reason enough to watch. Olivia Munn while kind of sidelined into her own story also kicks some ass and has some great moments as well. Each character's arc brings a different genre to the show almost.
I really hope this gets renewed as it's hard to find a show these days with strong female characters in this weird science fiction thriller genre space. May the EVA's live to fight another season!
7 out of 13 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Tell Your Friends