The Terror

Season one only: Jared Harris & Tobias Menzies knock it out of the park, everyone else does superbly (honorable mention to the guys who play Hickey/Goodsir). Actually the worst part about this is the supernatural element, just give me ten more hours of ambient ice floe cracking noise and everyone hallucinating their balls off due to lead poisoning.

A compelling historical drama anchored by excellent performances and an aura of authenticity. What sets this apart from the upteenth survival-drama-with-period-costumes is its valiant attempt at understanding morality in extreme situations. It pits the utilitarian against the moralist, socialism against libertarianism and individualism against collectivism. Whereas a film-length project would fail to adequately portray the slow derogation of social structure, as a mini-series this really shines.

S1. The Bounty on ice, with a nuclear Jared Harris performance: really some of the finest acting around. The acting and dialog all around was mostly magnificent and felt historically authentic, forging memorable characters and a feeling of euphoria to be so lucky to be time traveling to 1845. A victory of artistic quality in photography, music and sound design. I’m convinced it could’ve done without the predator but relieved it didn’t steal too much airtime and some of the gore did work well

A lot going on here. The reluctant captain with a tangible arc, monkey gum disease, era diving and some Inuit spirituality to keep you on your toes. Which leads me to the main takeaway - always eat people's soles.

Two episodes only

S1: 65 | A slow burn with hardly any decent characters, but salvaged by the excellent cast and unique setting. The payoff isn’t entirely worth it, but it’s a decent enough time.

s1

An arctic survival series against a monster that hunts the stranded explorers. A simple premise, but excellent dialogue and camaraderie between the men as they cope with their own declining health, morale and the looming threat of the beast. The season gains a full point and a half just purely on the dialogue, the writing of the characters and the attention to detail to the setting.. Especially the main three - Crozier, Fitzjames and Sir John.

Season 1 score. The production is consistently captivating despite the desolate setting and there’s many threads to keep us interested. Unfortunately, most of them fizzle. There was a moment with the ring that I thought may payoff, but no. The first half is much better than the grislier second, and the historical record kind of deflates the tension as this sharp cast trundles on over endless grey rock.

just 1st season

Good and atmospheric, but somewhat disjointed in pace and style. It swings around with differing styles and doesn't focus on a single major plot topic, which is a problem. Hickey's character was super annoying from episode one - why do so many gay people have to be absurdly proud and arrogant, defying every inch of authority? Has it perhaps got something to do with their forefather, the proud one who fell from heaven? Who knows, may God be merciful. Good cast for the leads and support.

First season only. Second is A$$

First season was solid. Second covered relatively recent history (WWII) and I couldn't shake the feeling that it was being subtly misrepresented.

Only based on first season. Outstanding television. Live Melville on ice towards the last episodes, in the best way.

Only watched first season, warned off the second by other reviewers. May revisit later.

First season score only. Amazing Horror series. Its a bit goofy at times, but it pays off so well with the little moments and the end.

Rating is for season 1. Overall it's interesting, especially the historical aspect. The plot could have used some more polish, and the moral messaging (Europeans bad, natives good) is a bit forced, though likely accurate in this case.

The first season is impeccable but stay clear of the second season. The difference is almost night and day which is disappointing as season 1 is too good to miss.

It goes without saying that this rating only applies to the excellent first season and not to the second season's goofy, aimless, garish attempt at making the series into a worse 'American Horror Story' (and that's saying something).

The tag "Based on true events" has never been more loosely applied. Thats a bit like Apollo 13 conking out and being repaired by aliens. This tale has no idea where it is going, with only a few characters fleshed out enough to be recognisable as time went on. That's not to say is wasnt moderately enjoyable, or indeed brilliantly acted, but what could have been a really "terrifying" tale of what COULD have happened to these men descended into supernatural fantasy, which clearly DIDN'T happen

First season.

S1: 85/100 Dark, grim, cold, mysterious, well shot, telling terrific story S2: 57/100 2nd season story cannot compare in any way with the superb predecessor. Should be treated as 2 separate series.

4. bölümde havlu atmıştım. aşırı özenli ama aşırı yavaş ve anlattığı şeye çekilen çile değmeyecek gibi.

1st Season

Gave up during the 5th episode, where I found myself checking e-mail while it droned on in the background. Mumbling Brits further drowned out by a score of creaky boat noises. Ugh.