Such a fun take on the show. I like that the judges share input equally and the role of the guest host makes for a fun dynamic.
Perhaps a touch too idealistic.
It doesn't always feel like the obstacles the characters face pose much of a threat or challenge to what they want. Everything is overcome rather easily with little pushback or repercussions. Being a fantasy version of classical Hollywood, it does work to an extent - but it also feels weird to fictionalize real-life people like Rock Hudson in this way. On the one hand, it's liberating to give him and other marginalized people the lives and success they deserved, but on the other hand it easily trivializes actual hardships like racism and homophobia into very minute problems.
It's well-made and engaging, but certainly not a true-to-life representation of Hollywood--in the 40s or now.
Revisiting this series makes me which I'd appreciated it more when it was airing.
What a weird and spectacular little series. I loved the retro-futurist 70s/80s aesthetic and how everything fit together like a puzzle. Full of incredible performances through several genres all in one weird sci-fi story.
I feel like my reactions to and enjoyment of this show is the adult equivalent of how 13 year-old me felt about The Vampire Diaries... and I don't mind.
This is one of the most consistently impressive shows I've had the privilege and absolute joy to watch. It carries a similar tone and feel as The West Wing, also written and created by Aaron Sorkin, which makes it no surprise why I loved this show so much. The writing is spectacular and the acting is phenomenal. This is one of those rare shows where every character grows and develops and has a moment to shine. I'm sad that the show only lasted 3 seasons, but those 25 episodes are pure gold.
I was really impressed with Matt Smith in this role. The entire cast was remarkable, but his performance was especially noteworthy. John Lithgow as Winston Churchill seemed strange at first, but really worked and was just as impressive. Claire Foy was lovely to watch and really came to inhabit the role of Elizabeth II.
I'm excited to see how the rest of series plays out, especially if its projected to have 60 episodes depicting Elizabeth's life all the way up to the present day.
