The writers of Mixology set themselves up with a fantastic premise (and a series deadline) from the get-go. One night, one bar, one group of friends, 13 episodes. It almost sounds impossible, doesn't it? Yet Mixology comes out with flying colors and a sting in my heart that makes me want more, much more of this show, despite knowing that there isn't a way in which Mixology could live on, story-wise.
Adorkable Tom, confident Maya, sexy Ron, friendly Cal, Dominic the player, smart Jessica, innocent Liv, cute Kacey, and the brilliant brilliant brilliant (yes, thrice) Bruce, make up this group of friends and strangers. Each episode focuses on one particular relationship, while gravitating around others, setting them up for the next instalment.
Some pairings don't make sense at first, leading you to question the sanity of the two characters involved, but they either dwindle inevitably like you expected them to or move forward in a weird and enchanting way that forces you to reconsider your stance.
Mixology is light and funny, without a single weak link, but with many strong ones that elicit different feelings. You'll root for Tom, fall for Ron, want to slap some sense into Liv, admire Maya, and enjoy every single one of the other characters. You'll enjoy Bruce's comedic relief, his theories, the names he has for every single situation or action.
The show keeps you on your toes, wondering where things will really head, who will end up with whom and how. It's a mating game, but despite the original goal being simple pleasure, Mixology turns out to be more about humanity, friendships, love, and connection. The final resolution is satisfying and true to each character's nature.
If only there was a way to have more, more Mixes and more Ologies!
Orange Is The New Black is really a good show, and much different compared to other shows which are currently high rated.
The writers don't need that long to build up the characters. This is what I don't like at the beginning of many shows, because most of the time this is the boring part - until the whole story starts to develop. In Orange Is The New Black you got kicked in right from the start.
The actors are really good . All of them. And well written; and I got to admit that my favorite character is "Red". Not just because Kate Mulgrew played Captain Kathrin Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager, but because the character is build up so strong, and she's got so many facets.
You also get to know her in more backflashes (that explains how the people got into the prison). Some TV shows are using backflashes as well to explain some things, and usually I find that annoying, because it is a hard cut in the current plot; but the director in Orange Is The New Black is doing that so well, that it doesn't me bother at all - just the opposite: I want to know why the women got in there.
After watching the first three episodes I wrote that the show shouldn't be drama. It should be a comedy show. That is not true, after I watched the other episodes. Yes, there are funny scenes in it, but it defiantly got the strong drama parts as well.
I highly recommend to give this show a try, because you might wanna love it!
