Many networks are trying to build up the amount of original content they broadcast, this is an attempt to pull in viewers. AMC is one of these networks. They have just recently created a show "Hell on Wheels." This show is a period piece which takes place just after the civil war, while the transcontinental railroad is being built. It chronicles the story of one mans journey to avenge the death of his wife. There have only been three episodes, but even in just that short amount of time it is clear that this show is going to be awesome. The characters are extremely well developed, and the drama between them, and the situations in which they are placed are believable and realistic. I am a Civil War reenactor so I like to think that I know something about how the 19th century looked, and the sets and costumes are beautifully done and even the language is appropriate. My issue with the show is that the writing cheats sometimes. There have been several times where a character will go on a huge monologue about something, and at times they are not even talking to anyone. I feel that this is a cheating way to get information out to the viewer and perhaps it is just because we are in the first few episodes, hopefully it will stop. The show is very graphic and gritty, a definite draw for some people. My big question now is whether or not the show will last. It is very similar to "The Walking Dead" and has the same feel, this could pull some people in. On the same hand it could drive people away, as they already have a show which fills that gritty show need. Only time will tell, I hope it makes it.
1 comment:
I am really enjoying this show. It has a very good production quality, good direction, acting, cinematography and sound.
You are right that there are some long expository monologues which are meant to accelerate the understanding of some character background or motivations, in particular that of "Doc" Durant played by the Irish Colm Meaney, since he does not really have a lot of screen time but needs to play an important role.
The look and gore are very similar to The Walking Dead very much on purpose I suppose, because they know they have an audience that enjoys (if that is the right word) scenes such as the one where "Doc" fabricates or twists the facts by spearing dead people with arrows for a "photo opportunity". Nothing new in the history of media.
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