Reviews

Thoughts on books read, shows and movies watched recently.

Reads

The Three-Body Problem : A science fiction novel about humanity’s first contact with an alien civilization. The first book in the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy. The plot is sharp and the cohesive storytelling is excellent, especially for folks like me interested in theoretical and astrophyics. The plot timeline is a bit confusing in the initial chapters, but it fits well once you start reading. I felt the book was a bit long, and the pacing could have been a bit faster. But, overall, it is a good read.

Shows

Ted Lasso: A comedy-drama series that follows an American football coach who is hired to manage an English football team. The show’s premise tends to base its premise on kindness, empathy, and the power of positivity. The characters and their arc are well-written, each fraught with their own insecurities and vulnerabilities. The humour is heartwarming; it’s a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a little bit of optimism to make things better. It explores complex themes of mental health, relationships, teamwork and positivity, and has been critically acclaimed for its writing and direction for its sheer optimism and heartfulness.

But, the show is not without its flaws. The plot can be “unrealistic” at times. A team struggling to win games suddenly becomes a winning team because of one coach (and a couple of others), and that too who doesn’t know anything about football. Overall, it still does an excellent job, but maybe could have been a little more realistic and believable in its portrayal of the real world.

Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso” has officially been renewed for a fourth season.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel : I have a lot to unpack here. A comedy-drama series about a housewife who becomes a stand-up comedian in the 1950s. The writing is extremely sharp - it carries the show. The characters are well-developed, and the humour is brilliant- the standup “acts” do not disappoint and feel funny - not forced, like you’d see in a real stand-up act in a show. The Jewish culture is well-represented, and the jokes are the creme de la creme. They explore Midge’s personal life, her relationships, her husband cheating on her, her parents’ disapproval of her career choice, and her struggles with her career. The show explore the themes of feminism and identity. Running parallels, Midge’s wins feel personal here; well-deserved.

The overall pacing works, though certain subplots lack development. Cases of narrative neglect are when Midge’s children are not given enough screen time or development, or how suddenly, one of them grows up to be a brilliant scientist, the other grows up to be a farmer. It might have benefitted from exploring their journeys and anchoring the story towards strengthening these a bit more. Sophie Lenon was a weird caricature, and her arc from the background to trying to establish prominence in standup was a bit forced. Lenny Bruce, a mentor/ friend/ fellow Jewish comedian had a good growth arc, but making him a love interest was a bit of a stretch. The show’s ending might have been a bit rushed; the parents’ characters seem to suddenly be okay and supportive of Midge’s career, and Midge who had a single husband suddenly had four marriages. Albeit abrupt, but still satisfying. The show was a delight.
Better Call Saul : A prequel to Breaking Bad, about the life of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer who eventually becomes the sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman. It is a slow burn, but the character development is phenomenal. The show is an absolute masterclass in storytelling, with its intricate plot and well-developed characters. The cinematography is stunning, the scenes shot in the desert, showcasing New Mexico and the South American cultural elements feel real, not overdone. The acting is just top-notch. Bob’s brilliant versatility is subtle and nuanced- the slow burn of Jimmy McGill and the rise of immoral Saul is a delight. In a particular season, there’s this scene where Jimmy has to convince the board to let him reinstate his license. The way he manipulates the situation by tapping a numb spot using his own dead brother’s name is just brilliant. Kim’s expression is evident when she realises Jimmy has no remorse for what he did and in fact, enjoyed doing it.

The show does an excellent job of building tension and suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The ending is satisfying and ties up all loose ends. The only issue that I personally felt was the pace. It is painstakingly slow, and I totally would get it if you don’t feel the same way. My issue might have stemmed from the fact that I watched in 2024-25, and the current trend is fast-paced, crisp storytelling, like say “Severance” or “The Bear”. It takes a while to get going, and the first few seasons can feel like a slog. The show is not for everyone, but if you are a fan of character-driven stories, it is definitely worth a watch.