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Is there an ‘After Life’ after the death of love?

Posted on August 23, 2020December 17, 2020 by Khush

By Aishvarya Varma (fetuinyou)

‘After Life’, in my view, is Ricky Gervais’ most outstanding work. A difficult accolade to achieve after having also created ‘The Office’, Gervais’ genius outshines itself in this dark comedy-drama series. The plot is set in the fictional English town of Tambury, following the life of Tony Johnson – a widowman – played by Gervais himself. I specifically choose to say ‘widowman’, as this wonderful story does the same.

“I don’t miss doing things with Lisa, I miss doing nothing with Lisa. Just sitting there knowing she was there.”

Season 1 follows Tony as a man grieving the recent loss of his wife to breast cancer. A cynical “Does anything matter?” approach to his days is seen, especially at his workplace – The Tambury Gazette. As the head of feature stories, his job involves visiting people who claim to have done or experienced something worthy of being published in the local gazette. His cynicism draws him to the very edge of unabashed questioning, often causing comedic chaos. He is a loyal son who visits his father in a nursing home, as he suffers from dementia, every single day.

By the end of the season, things change. Tony garners a sensitivity as people who care for him highlight that his nonchalance may be a little more damaging to him and others than he thinks. Earlier suicidal, now the views of his friends and colleagues change his perspective on living a more connected life.

“You’re the only man who’s ever cooked me a meal.”

While whiskey and footage of his late wife – Lisa – continue to fill his nights, Season 2 embarks on new adventures for his days. His brother-in-law and boss – Matt (Tom Basden) – has problems that keep Tony entertainingly busy. The once cynical Tony now goes for a meditation class, attends a comedy show, and controls other impulses for long enough to make audiences laugh heartily for even trying. It slowly deciphers his active cynicism, exploring the depths of his humor and how he tackles the strange characters around him. This season, he’s given one last societal challenge to determine if he has any concern for the living – his colleagues, friends and family – anymore or if that is an emotion that died with Lisa.

“I am trying to work out if there’s a way I can still carry on annoying people after I die, but I haven’t cracked it yet so I’ll just have to make the most of that while I’m alive.”

Tony is now better adjusted at The Tambury Gazette. He enjoys mentoring Sandy (Mandeep Dhillon), who is now well-versed with his thinking. They often playfully tease others together, sharing a soothing comfort that finds its way to a definitely-sniggering audience. Unfortunately, the gazette is facing its own crisis. Does Tony have what it takes to keep a “paper no-one reads” alive? Tony’s interactions with his widow-friend Anne (Penelope Wilton) continue to nourish his ‘After Life’, making him question the kind of man he wants to be, or rather, is.

“I shouldn’t wait around forever or I’ll miss the boat.”

His attempt at a love story with Emma (Ashley Jensen) remains wavering. He wasn’t quite ready for changes so close to home yet, but is slowly able to express more than he could in Season 1. This season observes all the boundaries that Tony tries to lay down, partly reconnecting with society again. From completely dismissing rules, to offering new rules for his comfortable inclusion, Tony vulnerably makes his way back into the community as best he can. The season unveils a beautiful ending that excites fans for what lessons are to come in the already-promised Season 3.

“She wants to see her husband and her daughter’s name in the paper. That cat thing is just an in. She’s lonely.”

While the premise of the show rests on his unequivocal love for Lisa, the script has unabashed conversations about happiness, community, and morality through humor. Will he ever be more than the widowman, widowed by his only love & joy? The self-deprecating narrative as a contrast to light-hearted jokes continues to serve as a gripping creative tool. The script makes you laugh, irks you, eases you – all the while making you cry. Exceptionally voiced, each character has a depth behind the loud frivolity, as does most of Gervais’ writing. With highs and lows of such a nature, the script tackles every emotion that triggers heaving in ordinary lives, perhaps simplifying them with a touch of Tony’s newly learned “zen”.

“I didn’t understand it until I met Lisa but it is everything – being in love I mean. You just don’t need anything else. You realise that even more when they’re not around.”

If you loved After Life as much as I did, please share your thoughts and predictions for the next season in the comments below!

Check out our previous post on The Last of Us 2: What is the story?

The Last of Us 2: What is the story?

Posted on August 16, 2020August 16, 2020 by Khush

By Faras Sait

Having finished The Last of Us 2 over a month ago. I, just like many of you am still been trying to grasp an understanding of what really happened. But my opinion aside; how did we go from The original Last of Us (one of the best and most unprecedented epics that the gaming medium has to offer) to months of hate, confusion, bigotry, and even death threats to the developers?

Well, it might all just boil down to perspective and the difference between the plot and the story that the Last of Us 2 told. And, we saw exactly this in the first installment too where the plot was to create a vaccine but this was famously thwarted by Joel’s story of grief.
So, let’s see the difference in The Last of Us 2.

WARNING: Spoilers Ahead.

We first have to address the big dead elephant in the room – Joel. Brought to life in 2013 alongside a truly captivating story and portrayed by a prolific actor and director, Joel became a characterized icon and a PlayStation mascot basically overnight. So then why did he have to die? Or more importantly to consider – why did naughty dog kill off a potential cash bank.

Well, that’s where the story aspect comes in. Joel’s brutal death is a part of the well-written narrative trying to make you form a powerful connection with the main character – Ellie. And, if you were as mad, as heart-broken and as shaken as me upon Joel’s death then indeed the story won in this sense.

However, in the process of narrating this story – Naughty dog has now placed gamers on to a definitive plotline. A plotline that should naturally end with cold-blooded revenge. But keep in mind while that may be the plot it is absolutely NOT the story.

Following Joel’s death. The plot leads Ellie through Seattle days 1-3. These 3 days are a progression of increasingly horrendous acts, yet, under the motive of revenge. To the eyes of the gamer, they are justified. These acts however are accompanied by the occasional surreal flashback. These flashbacks end up revealing that Ellie now knows Joel killed the surgeon and lied to her about the vaccine, and in Ellie’s own words “prevented her life from meaning anything”. And these flashbacks right here, once again deviate from the plot and add significantly to the story.

Having murdered the surgeon we are now left to confront a grim possibility that maybe… just maybe Joel lived long enough to become the villain in someone else’s story and maybe… just maybe he had it coming.
Continuing, Ellie too begins to realize this at the end of the 3rd day and she begins to question if revenge is really worth it, eventually agreeing to head back to Jackson in order to keep her loved ones safe.

It is at this point that we as gamers are faced with the most painful punch in the gut, a punch from Abby’s massive arms as she shows up to the theatre, kills Jesse, and leaves Ellie at gun-point.

But, well. In the very middle of this extremely suspense induced moment – the game entirely deviates from the plot and changes the story to be viewed now from Abby’s perspective.
This move right here is a truly historic moment in gaming history.

Presenting gamers with a unique challenge that can not be replicated by any other form of entertainment apart from interactive video games – Naughty Dog places gamers in the shoes of Abby. A character that we have naturally grown to HATE and yet we have to play 15 hours of the game from her perspective.

As we slowly come to terms with playing as Abby, we follow her as she learns to empathize with an enemy faction called the Scars. During this time the players also learn to empathize with the enemy called Abby and as the 2nd day comes to an end, you get to see all the atrocities that you committed as Ellie, all in the name of revenge.

In this instance, the narrative has made us play as 2 different characters with 2 entirely different stories and when their timelines intersect in the theatre for a second time, this time from Abby’s perspective; players are left with a loss of self-identity… not knowing which side to pick. At least that’s what the story tried to achieve.
Finally, we reach the ending and while most of us were disappointed that a 30-hour revenge plot did not even deliver with the revenge; we need to remember the plot does not mediate the story.

After Abby let Ellie go; they meet again, but this time Abby in an utterly distraught and appalling manner – this giving Ellie a clear advantage.
And, In that exact moment, when Abby was seconds away from being drowned to death, if you still wanted Abby to die, even after playing 15 hours in her shoes, then you may have beat the plot of the game but you completely missed the story that Naughty Dog was trying to tell.

Regardless of this, it has to be said that there is no difficulty setting in place for how to deal with grief and forgiveness. Having said that though, with its spectacularly written story; The Last of Us 2 taught us how to cope with pain.

Do share your thoughts on The Last of Us 2 in the comment section below.

Check Out Our Previous Post on ‘BROADCHURCH’: THE UNMISSABLE CRIME-DRAMA TV SERIES (2013-2017)

‘Broadchurch’: The Unmissable Crime-Drama TV Series (2013-2017)

Posted on August 11, 2020August 12, 2020 by Khush

By Aishvarya Varma (fetuinyou)

The gripping seriousness of a good crime-drama series is what viewers most often need. The subtlety of a well-written mystery leaves modern audiences with the kind of memories that garner respect. While television today is swarming with well-shot video, plots often fail to share the same finesse. Often too predictable or too dramatic, producers fail to recognize the importance of nuanced storytelling.

Escaping this new norm, Chris Chibnall writes a riveting tale of the fictional English town -Broadchurch. ‘Broadchurch’ is a British trilogy series from 2013-2017, available for streaming on Netflix. David Tennant, best remembered as Barty Crouch Jr. from Harry Potter, portrays the role of police Detective Inspector (DI) Alec Hardy.

The three seasons follow the crimes that Hardy uncovers with the help of local Detective Sergeant (DS) Ellie Miller, portrayed by none other than Olivia Colman, now known for her outstanding work in shows like ‘The Crown’ and ‘Fleabag’. With this star cast, Chibnall unravels the caustic impact of hidden secrets in a tight-knit community. As he unearths once-innocent bonds, global audiences experience genuine shock as they relate to a genre one usually cannot relate to.

“I hate it. I hate the air, I hate the sand. I hate the stupid people, I hate the way they work. I hate their bloody smiley bloody faces. I hate the never-ending sky.”

Season 1 observes the death of Danny Latimer, an 11-year-old local boy. Such a young death causes irreversible ripples through Broadchurch, demanding an intensive investigation. Broadchurch has not seen a crime of this measure before. This mystery is assigned to Hardy, a newly appointed DI, who is to be assisted by DS Miller. One nervous step at a time, Chibnall shakes viewers into recognizing the remorse that must follow casual conflict. The dominos effect highlighted in this season finds a murderer whose intentions are far too common but unpredictable. Softly touching upon the strange fabric that a conservative community rests on, one realizes that there is a message in the breakdown of fabricated formalities.

“Murder gnaws at the soul. Whoever did it will reveal themselves, sooner or later. No killer behaves normally over time.”

Season 2 follows the trial of the alleged murderer, whilst also taking us back to a case that Hardy worked on before moving to Broadchurch – The Sandbrook case. Miller becomes an angry but devoted discoverer of truth, showcasing a noble tenacity that is inspiring. The season also describes the difficulties that her son Tom Miller faces – an anchoring plot point that raises relevant questions of parenting. The trial is an informative exploration of the politics of law, starring wondrous performances by Charlotte Rampling, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

“What does it take to destroy lives forever? 12 people. 12 ordinary, stupid, easily swayed, hard-of-thinking arseholes!”

The parallel crime that Hardy returns to revolves around the protection of a witness to an unholy crime. The season takes surprising turns that continue to showcase discreet secrets; an underlying pattern in Chibnall’s writing.

Season 3, while set in Broadchurch, has very little to do with the plot of the first two seasons. While the Latimers recover from the toiling trial of the previous season, a new crime emerges involving the rape and murder of a local woman. Except for the two police officers that form the main cast, the third season is a whole new tale, presented by new characters.

“You know what’s bothering me about this case? It makes me ashamed to be a man.”

The problem with Broadchurch is its eloquent presentation of the everyday possibility of dangerous crime. I say “problem” because Chibnall’s attempt to display the “Shit, I fucked up” narrative is catastrophically brilliant. He explores psychological oppression in a way that ties-in societal realities that form the basis of pleasantries or neighborly affection. The lines that must be drawn between over-indulgence and assistance are raised in a manner that, while beautiful, may remain a grey-area to unintelligent viewers. To those who arrived at the message that Chibnall wished to highlight, it is clear that he implores people to revisit their understanding of acceptability.

Chibnall explores ageism, adultery, and alcoholism; raising an important question – Are such liberal stances a weakness or a matter of personal choice that need not lead to crime? Set in Britain, it is easier for viewers to understand that the criticized secrets cannot be the cause of such abuse. However, the twists that the show takes prove that it is difficult for such behavior to end in any other way. This dangerous proposition requires a level-headed approach that would hopefully inspire viewers to be better whilst allowing ‘better’ as well.

“The future’s not inevitable. It’s down to you.”

If you enjoy watching crime TV that makes you think while being a visual pleasure, ‘Broadchurch’ is a must-watch. If you agree, let us know what you thought of the show in the comments below.

Check out our previous post on ‘The Politician’: Season 2 – Awaited Psychosocial Political Promise?

‘The Politician’: Season 2 – Awaited Psychosocial Political Promise?

Posted on August 8, 2020August 29, 2020 by Khush

By Aishvarya Varma (fetuinyou)

In June 2020, Netflix released the second season of Ryan Murphy’s brainchild, ‘The Politician’. This comedy-drama was renewed with many recurring members from season one’s cast. Ben Platt continues to play the ambitious protagonist, Payton Hobart, who remains on the relentless path of becoming the President of the United States of America. However, now no longer a high-school student, Payton studies at NYU whilst looking to see if he has the chance to secure more votes than Dede Standish (Judith Light) and represent New York’s 27th District.

“We are dick-deep in some serious espionage, missy.” – Hadassah Gold

Dede Standish is the current Majority Leader and New York State Senator. Her right-hand woman and campaign manager, Hadassah Gold (Bette Midler), has one agenda alone – Protecting Dede. It turns out that Dede has a sultry secret of her own that is, as always, leveraged in various ways to increase the blood pressure of both candidates, and us as gripped viewers.

The politician season 2 — Photo: Netflix/The Politician Season 2

While this remains the main political focus, an interesting twist of events surrounds Georgina ‘Mother’ Hobart’s (Gwyneth Paltrow) reinvention of herself after the death of her husband. This season surprisingly devotes extensive plot points to Paltrow’s personal ambitions. Finding her ruminating about actual actions and not just painting in her backyard or wandering in search of love, her character grows this season in ways that are best not introduced by anything other than the season itself. How the Hobarts meld almost cosmically is as Goop-y as the ever-enchanting and inescapable beauty of on-screen Paltrow.

“There are jobs that feed the ego, and there are jobs that make a difference. Politics does both, It’s vanity without the bitter after-taste.” – Georgina Hobart

The gravitas of a New York State Senatorial race adds a level of seriousness to Murphy’s political satire. Often side-lined in season one as yet another cheerleader-movie plot meant to engage younger audiences, the truth is that Murphy has paid careful attention to the nuances that build perfect political commentary from the very beginning. Well-represented by the title sequence of this show, Payton’s character was pruned to possess a detached ambition destined to paint a political masterstroke. A shout-out to Sufjan Stevens’ alluring voice that adds the requisite ‘feels’ to the poetic visuals.

Unlike common opinions on the interweb about the dubiousness of this character, I firmly believe that no other combination of traits could justify the purity that Murphy’s script aims to achieve. The core of a true statesman is evidenced by his ability to remain neutral and find the solution society requires and demands at a particular point in time.

The moral questions raised throughout the show draw us closer to this reality of good politics, especially the last two episodes of this season. It would be wrong to suggest that such success could have occurred without the loyalty of McAfee Westbrook (Laura Dreyfuss), who continues to be Payton’s chief campaign manager and advisor. Other primary cast members continue to feature in this season, including Infinity (Zoey Deutch).

“It never ceases to amaze how good it feels to say no to things.” – Infinity Jackson

A deeper understanding develops through recurring questions of authenticity often answered by the voice of River; a character that continues to voice Payton’s shadow-side and musical habits. Unsurprisingly, River’s death remains a wound that needs soothing. This season explores an unorthodox route used for remembering him, featuring River’s former girlfriend Astrid Sloan (Lucy Boynton). Alice (Julia Schlaepfer) continues to support Payton’s ambitions and life-choices, aiming to protect him till she can.

This season is exciting & enthralling, with multiple character twists that – for a while – make you wonder if Payton is still the protagonist of Murphy’s tale. Despite a predictable conclusion on-paper, Murphy successfully takes us through a contrastingly unpredictable journey. As secrets of elder throuples, closeted cultural appropriation and young pregnancies are thrown at viewers, we continue to see how far this State race stretches the candidates and the grace with which they tackle disapproval.

If you haven’t seen the show yet, I hope this convinces you to reconsider. I assure you that there’s a lot to learn from this satiric political dramedy.

To fellow fans, let us know what your thoughts on this season are in the comments below.

Checkout our previous post on Top 10 Video Games of All Time

10. Tekken 3

Though not as eye-catching as its 7^th serie successor, Tekken 3 was still bleeding edge in terms of graphics, gameplay and audio when it first hit the shelves back in 1998. Boasting over 25 characters with over 100 moves each – this was unheard of at the time – the game quickly took over couches in homes.

If you’re one the gamers wondering why Mortal Kombat isn’t in this place instead then it’s simply because Tekken walked so MK could run. Though Tekken 3 wasn’t the first and definitely not the last street-fighting game; it was the titles cultural significance it had in the hearts of gamers around the world that places it so high in our list.

9. Wii Sports

“Endless hours of family fun and memories.”

Wii sports is an extremely nostalgic video game. Having brought an entirely new genre to gaming with their ingenious innovations to incorporate movements and enable games to play with their whole bodies rather just their hands.

Especially fun when played against a family member or a friend, be it tennis or boxing or golf – the game never failed to added a whole aspect of fun but also as a consequence of its mechanics; it made exercising and staying active much more accessible and enjoyable. Truly revolutionary.

8. God of War

It just seems to be human nature to find some sort of pleasure in stunning destruction rather than creation. That’s where God of War comes in – to satisfy exactly that need for us, in spectacular mythic fashion.

Following the protagonist, Kratos. God of War enables gamers to claim the forces of the Gods in order to dismantle your foes with several different weapons at your disposal, this title engages in brutal and very bloody combat and it is this exact aggressive combat that made the game so popular.

7. Red Dead Redemption 2

It is extremely evident, no matter the facet considered, that Rockstar spared no expense in making this game the absolute best it could have been. Be it the eye-for-detail nature the game adopted throughout its development or the beautiful cinematic cues or just the absolute density of the open world map. Red dead 2 was just beautiful in every sense imaginable.

Set in the wild west of the Americas in the 1890s, Red Dead 2 follows the protagonist through several missions that test survival, stealth and combat; all in truly spectacular fashion. A must play for any avid gamer.

6. Grand Theft Auto V

The ultimate mic drop of video games from the last decade.

An action based, open world game that takes place in the vast, unprecedentedly large city of Los Santos. With the ability to play as not just one but three protagonists, GTA V rocked the world upon its launch. Boasting the biggest entertainment launch in history, and still a whole seven years from its release in 2013, it still hold records for the bestselling entertainment title ever.

GTA V was mostly popularized by its ability to offer an unprecedented amount of freedom, with its open world profile – it engaged players to do theoretically anything and everything. It deserves the number 10 spot on our list.

5. The Last of Us

With almost 35 accolades to its name ranging from best story-telling to best animated video game The Last Of Us is an absolute masterpiece.

The last of us captures humanity and civilization after a mass apocalyptic attack that left most of the world non-functional and “infected”. This master piece of a title creates an immersive narrative that leads emotional attachment, pulling the player into the narrative as time goes on. The last of us creates a truly beautiful relationship, relating to not just the characters but the immaculately written storyline as well.

Credited as the most intense, enduring and most emotional journeys that many gamers ever laid their eyes on; The Last of Us sits on our number 5 spot.

4. Mine Craft

Minecraft – a truly timeless, one of a kind title. Fulfilling gamers with their wish to have total control of the game; enabling players to be kings, explorers, builders, leaders and Gods all at once.

Your creative mind is provided with infinite freedom to explode and create anything you so desire. There truly is no limit to things you can achieve in Minecraft.

Ranked as the most watched game on YouTube in 2019, Minecrafts addictive nature is also proof that graphics are not the defining feature to a popular game but rather the gameplay.

3. Tetris

We’ve all played Tetris in the past. In fact for many it was the first game we played and consequently the spawn of our ever-lasting love for video games.

Launched in 1984, Tetris very quickly took over the world and with its simple yet extremely addictive concept; it forces players to keep coming back for more. And this fact is credited as the games key to its success.

The popularity that followed Tetris, alongside its lack of a storyline, or even enemies to beat was a statement to the whole world – that video games don’t need a complex narrative or even an intricate mechanism in order to be popular. And this is exactly what sets it apart.

2. Super Mario Bros

When you think popular games – you indefinitely think Super Mario.

Launched during a period in time when the video game industry was severely tanking; it is popularly said that Super Mario quite literally saved video games. Also, considering it is the best-selling video game title of all time. It almost single-handedly saved the industry.

The title follows Mario, a humble plumber as he navigates through a set of very basic and easy to manoeuvre mechanics in order to eventually save the Princess.

A timeless classic! Well deserving of our number 2 spot.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Ocarina of Time was a foundation setter for games – introducing several innovations that have become industry standard. Having revolutionized the world of 3D gameplay, Ocarina set itself way ahead of its competition at the time, especially with its map intricacies and incredible range of intractability.

Considering the bridges of innovation we have crossed since 1998, it may be hard to perform a fair assessment in 2020 but nevertheless; judged along with its beautiful level design, gameplay and music that was perfectly curated for different instances in the game. Ocarina totally deserves our number 1 spot and we’re sure the gaming community will agree too.

Share are your thoughts about the post in the comment section below.

Check Out Our Previous Post on McGill transforms into Goodman: Better Call Saul

McGill transforms into Goodman: ‘Better Call Saul’

Posted on August 4, 2020August 29, 2020 by Khush

By Aishvarya Varma (fetuinyou)

‘Better Call Saul’: Quick Recap

The universally admired crime-drama ‘Breaking Bad’ is writer-producer Vince Gilligan’s claim to fame. Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the plot unfurls the life of the fictional Walter White and his drug empire. The show grabbed audiences through a faultlessly engaging script and star performances, including Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman – an Attorney. After its final season in 2012, Gilligan renewed his hunger for this plot through ‘Better Call Saul’ (‘BCS’). Serving as a spin-off prequel to ‘Breaking Bad’, BCS’s protagonist is the very same Saul Goodman who is appointed as White and Pinkman’s attorney in the parent show.

Exploring events between 2000-2008 in Albuquerque, New Mexico; this crime drama is a tale of the rise of Saul Goodman. Formerly Jimmy McGill, the first four seasons follow the life of a public defender and his frustration. Each of the first four seasons showcase how McGill’s steadily growing greed and questionable morality permits an association with Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks), a crime-cleaner, hitman, and a surprisingly all-loving grandfather. As the credits roll for Season 4, we see continued subtle support from Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn) through the plight of McGill who now announces that he will practice under the name of Saul Goodman.

‘Better Call Saul’: Season 5 Review

Following suit from the Season 4 climax that audiences awaited from the very beginning of the show, the journey of Saul Goodman – the criminal defense lawyer for the drug cartel – officially begins. While Howard from HHM attempts to hire Saul, Saul is tied up with the dual-role of assisting Salamanca and being a lawyer. Barely able to piece his obligations together, Season 5 explores various facets of the once-boy McGill’s transformation into the desperate-to-adult Saul.

Saul: Tuco? [pause] Oh, sure, sure! Yeah, I see the family resemblance. Your cousin makes quite an impression. He has a huge heart, and… a serious passion for justice.
Lalo: He’s got a temper, huh?
Saul: I hadn’t noticed. Uh… How is your lovely abuelita?

The cartels are always at war. In this season, the feud between the Salamancas and Gus is a game that leaves the most beloved players of BCS rather confused. While the audiences are aware of all the game-twists that are to happen, the gravity with which they occur leaves viewers spellbound. Saul is put through a trial of fire that does not test his legal skills alone. His survival instinct is for us to witness in arguably the best episode of the season, “Bagman” directed by none other than Gilligan himself. He’s cornered into doing extra-legal activities by the now-jailed Salamanca who needs to be bailed out.

Leaving no room for negotiation, Saul obeys Salamanca’s request which serves as the chief quest of this season. Admittedly, this unravels Saul’s temptation to be friends with the cartel and avail the benefits that come along with it. Without giving out too many spoilers, this chief quest causes Saul to be put under physically frightening circumstances with Mike as company. The season captures engaging aspects of Saul’s personality that form the meat of this season. Particularly exciting is the introduction to the world of the Salamancas. As crime families go, the Salamancas are your standard bad boys – loud, brash, drug-taking big boys who always get their way.

Jimmy: Heh, it’s perfect! They already know me, I know them, what’s not to love? [pause] Kim, I can’t go back to being Jimmy McGill. [sighs] Jimmy McGill the lawyer is always going to be Chuck McGill’s loser brother. I’m done with that. That name is burned. This is a fresh start! This is how I move forward, and… I like it!
Kim: [pause] Sorry, I-I just can’t see it.
Jimmy: It’s okay. You will.

Mirroring these fascinating traits of Saul, Kim Wexler’s parallel narrative showcases her true allegiances. Having to tackle demands from Mesa Verde, her biggest client, Kim also rediscovers the legal ethics she abides by. She goes through unorthodox measures to please her client while providing a solution that best represents her morality. Bordering on illegal, Saul and Kim go through strange journeys through their days. However, their nights present cathartic conclusions on their current beliefs on ethics. The two have always shared a subtle relationship that attempts to understand the other’s needs without imposing an expectation from the other.

Watching Saul (still Jimmy at home) and Kim in the balcony of the house they share, sipping on a beer, quiet in each other’s company is calming. They share wondrous revelations as they talk to one another, often unfolding an already-known heart to the show’s audiences. Most memorably, the two often role-played the people in their lives, talking as them to either reinform each other of their intentions or to merely add a good laugh at the end of a monstrous day. Subtle devices allow for an intimacy that audiences were yearning to understand. Yet, this calm does sound like a loud bugle welcoming an impending storm.

A subtle but panic-inducing insertion is the black and white overtures of Saul working at a Cinnabon bakery outlet in every other episode. He’s sporting a mustache; not letting viewers ascertain if this is from before Breaking Bad or after. The showrunners are not clear on the timeline. One can only wonder – what makes Slippin’ Jimmy change his identity a third time?

While we wait for the final sixth season rumored to release in 2021, we wonder what phases Saul will showcase before finally reconnecting with White and Pinkman. It does hurt to know that the character of Kim Wexler is never heard of or mentioned in Breaking Bad. What happens to her?

Let us know what your predictions are in the comments below!

Checkout our previous post on The Sinner Season 3 Review: Starring Matt Bomer

‘The Sinner’: Season 3 – Starring Matt Bomer

Posted on August 3, 2020August 29, 2020 by Khush

By Aishvarya Varma (fetuinyou)

Earlier this year, Netflix released the third season of the show “The Sinner“. The plot is based on a car crash in Dorchester. Needing assistance with this crime, Detective Ambrose (Bill Pullman) is called in by the Dorchester Police to help solve this mystery. In this season, Ambrose follows his primary lead, a Jamie Burns (Matt Bomer) – the survivor of the car crash and the one who reports the alleged accident.

It is made clear that Burns is the protagonist of the show in the first episode itself. As threads are pulled out of this once well-knit tale of an accidental car crash, this 8-part series reveals an age-old relationship between Burns and the deceased, a Nick Haas. It also showcases Sonya Barzel (Jessica Hecht), a painter-artist who lives out in the woods on a large plot of land. It appears that her home is the only home around the area where the accident occurs, and is thus the secondary lead on this case.

Like any season of ‘The Sinner’, the plot centers itself on a known philosophical theory of living. This season, it centers it’s tale around ‘The Übermensch’. A term propounded by Nietzsche, the Übermensch or the Over-Man, better translated as ‘The Man Beyond Men’, is another concept that defines an alpha-personality. After Plato’s Philosopher King, Nietzsche’s Übermensch is the first memorably-defined written vision of a supreme human being. Due to the infamy it receives from Adolf Hitler’s public reliance on the theory and his self-proclamation as its follower, the theory is often misunderstood.

Doing an excellent job of narrating the practical facets of the Übermenschian thinking, the script follows the bond between two friends and their search for resonance. Ambrose connects with Burns’ and Haas’ teacher who highlights that their bond in college was based on their critical thinking and love for philosophy. As the show attempts to engage an audience with new lessons on an otherwise infamous term, it rediscovers the root cause of a flaccid living that plagues Burns. Unfortunately, it also discovers where the search for strength and individualism could stray into weakness and the criminal extraction of undeserved validation.

The show explores the powerful attraction among men who seem to recognize their trauma in one-another. It highlights the various relationships that society allows to be forged between them – best friends, father-son, acquaintance, concerned citizen, or suspect. It aims to disclose the facets of unbridled freedom that often lead to irreversible and regrettable association with crime. A quest for wholeness often afflicts the few souls who seem to be cornered into critical thinking. An otherwise-relaxed population finds it impossible to engage with this strange, ever-hungry seeker of individuality.

Individuation, a theory well-propounded by Jung, discusses the need for a certain section of the population to be a ‘Hero’ or an unshakable force of nature that cannot be diluted by mere concepts like ‘choice’. Somewhere between the martyr and the madman lies the Übermensch, who in its purest form is meant to holistically represent the extremes of society, gluing the possibilities together to encourage the functioning of a fair, tolerant and wholesome world. This ideal is sought by Burns and Haas in yet-another grim tale discovered by Detective Ambrose.

Burns: I want you to play the game. I want you to play the game, to look death right in the face, right where I am. No escape route.
Ambrose: There’s no way out of this that’s ever going to satisfy you.

Sonya Barzel, an important supporting character of the show, highlights her awe of Burns as she claims to “feel” a specialness within him through her artistic intuition. Showcasing a range of emotions from fear to desire to obsession, the parts of the story that are narrated through her point of view are a fascinating rendition of a feminine perspective. Another much-needed feminine counter-story is presented by the afflictions that berate the trust of Burns’ pregnant wife, who has to tackle far more than a woman should have to.

Overall, ‘The Sinner’: Season 3 may not be as overwhelming as Season 1. Touching topics that may be considered supernatural by some, the season loses viewership from those who enjoy a practical perspective on psychological crimes. Awaiting external stimulation through drugs or financial coercion, the regular viewer may be disappointed to find a surprisingly natural stimulus for crime in this season of ‘The Sinner’.

What did you enjoy most on this third season of ‘The Sinner’? Let us know in the comments below.

Checkout our previous post on Official Trailer Review: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Official Trailer Review: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Posted on August 2, 2020August 3, 2020 by Khush

By Faras Sait

Finally! It’s here.

The twelfth major installment and the twenty-second release into Ubisoft’s award-winning action-adventure style stealth game -Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has finally been announced through an absolutely stunning cinematic trailer. And boy, oh boy is there a lot to talk about.

Right off the bat, the trailer introduces us to an entire new world for the franchise and actually an entire new timeline for that matter. Valhalla is set in the historic period of Vikings and Norse mythology – the 9^th century to be precise.

We get our first glimpse of Norway, home to Eivor, the protagonist. Eivor is seen leaving back his life in Norway in an attempt to find greener pastures in the British countryside and by the way, Valhalla has also been confirmed to feature both Norway and England as part of the playable area.

Eivor, a fierce, devoted warrior and a rather ruthless Viking clan leader is spotted gracing the helm of a Viking longship, as his clan and he head through some nautical action across the seas into southern Britain. Interestingly, in an attempt to end the gender choice once and for all, players will be given the choice to play Eivor either in his male form or a female form and reports have it that this switch will be just as simple as a toggle in the main menu.

It’s not too long into the trailer that we realize that Ubisoft is taking a completely different approach with Valhalla. Though the Assassin’s Creed franchise has been mostly popularized for its stealth-based ‘assassin’ style combat, it seems as though one of the notable elements in the game will be its emphasis on combat and well, fully-fledged wars.

In fact, the game is so entrenched into barbarity that it has a confirmed Mortal Kombat- style features that enable players to see an X-ray of their foes being absolutely destroyed by a plethora of weapons. Though this is not shown in the trailer, it still did not shy away from engaging in brutal and gory combat.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla — *Photo: Ubisoft.*

Much like we saw in the trailer, players will have to get used to a lot of blood and lost limbs and maybe the occasional decapitation. Valhalla encourages players to engage in brutal combat with a wide arsenal of weapons ranging from swords to axes, shields and even – in trademark Assassin’s Creed fashion – the hidden arm blade; that we catch of glimpse of in the trailer as Eivor jabs it into the eyes of a large English soldier. As if this wasn’t enough, the director has confirmed the ability to dual wield weapons. So there really is no scarcity in ways to massacre your enemies.

As opposed to the more sun-kissed and brighter maps that the franchise has offered, Valhalla seems to deliver a much darker and moodier vibe. With several plundered villages and large scale battles in the trailer. We all see that it is also much greener. It is clear Ubisoft was careful to mix myth, history, and mystery that pertained from the 9^th century.

Also spotted in the trailer is a shrouded figure that emerges behind a dead tree during a chaotic and bloody battle, upon which Eivor shouts “Odin is with us”. Now this really could be said as a good omen, considering Odin is the Norse God for victory, wisdom, and nearly 15 other things. Odin then seemingly turns into a Raven – unlike the traditional Eagle that the franchise is so used to.

Another thing that you probably missed in the trailer: Settlements, as seen below;

*Glimpse of settlements in the background.* *Photo: Ubisoft.*

As players are placed in the boots of Viking Eivor, they will quickly face the realities of having to rebuild and create a life in Britain and this includes establishing a new home.

Settlements have been confirmed to play a big part in the Valhalla adventure. According to lead producer, Julien Laferriere – the settlements will act as your “own Viking village” where you will prosper and grow and also in which your clan mates will live in.

Fans can expect Valhalla to grace their screens on November 17^th 2020 on any one of the platforms – PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Google Stadia and Windows.

Watch the glorious and barbaric trailer for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla below;

Share are your thoughts about Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Game Official Trailer in the comment section below.

Check Out Our Previous Post on Official Trailer Review – Far Cry 6 Reveal

Official Trailer Review- Far Cry 6 Reveal

Posted on July 30, 2020September 19, 2020 by Khush

By Faras Sait

With Far Cry 5 being one of Ubisoft’s best-performing releases in 2018 it was with no doubt that we would receive a sequel to the franchise and, sure enough, following a cluster of leaks, Ubisoft finally, officially announced Far Cry 6 during their ‘UbiForward’ event; alongside other announcements like Valhalla and Watch Dogs Legion.
Though this event did not allow us to catch a glimpse of the gameplay, Ubisoft did release a cinematic trailer and a rather beautiful one for that matter.

The trailer kicks off giving us our first-ever view of the Caribbean island ‘Yara’, a brand new city for the Far Cry series.
Yara has been left impoverished and is in the midst of civil unrest and revolt following decades of economic sanctions, meaning the citizens are angry – very angry, and this is clearly shown during the chaotic first few seconds amidst the riot.

With heavy cultural inspiration drawn from Cuba, the city of Yara is set to be the largest ever map in the Far Cry franchise. While totally open world based, the map will feature several areas within the island including beaches, tropical jungles, and also the capital city of Esperanza – which we see in the trailer.

The trailer heads on to introduce us to a young Diego Castillo; portrayed by Antony Gonzales, better known for his role as a young voice actor of Miguel in the Disney Pixar movie Coco.
Alongside Diego, we also get our first view of the antagonist: Anton Castillo, a ruthless dictator portrayed by none other than Giancarlo Esposito. Esposito is best known for his master-class work as Gus Fring in Breaking bad and Better Call Saul. It is without a doubt that Ubisoft has struck villainous gold with Esposito; considering what he is able to bring to the table with his unsettling attitude and form.

The trailer goes on to introduce us to the relationship that Diego and Anton have, with Diego being Anton’s son and thereby the next dictator in line for Yara. Anton naturally wants to see his son succeed and that means teaching him lessons to ensure Diego rules Yara just as Anton would.

One of these lessons is shown in the trailer, Castillo can be seen handing his son a live grenade and lecturing him of the intricacies of the grenade and further how to use the grenade as a means to tackle his people and rule them. Though a sadistic way to convey the lesson, it gives us a clear understanding of the kind of person Castillo is and the lengths that he is willing to reach.

This father-son duo then represents potential for an extremely interesting plot. Assuming players end goals are to eventually to over-throw Castillo’s oppressive rule, which probably means killing Anton in the end. That then leaves a big question mark in terms of Diego. As with the lessons that we saw in the trailer, it is of strong likelihood that Diego would end up being as ruthless a dictator as his dad- this may mean having to kill Diego too.

All that being said, with only the reveal trailer at hand, we will just have to wait and see how the story progresses.
Fans can begin to expect gameplay trailers and more reveals of far cry 6 over the coming few months and further for the full game later on February 18, 2021, for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X with the game being available on Uplay and Epic Games store.

Far Cry 6 – Official Reveal Trailer

Do share your thoughts on Far Cry 6 Official Reveal Trailer in the comments below.

Check Out Our Previous Post :- Top 5 Astonishing Movies of 2020

Top 5 Astonishing Movies of 2020

Posted on July 30, 2020August 4, 2020 by Khush

By Aishvarya Varma (fetuinyou)

2020 has been a fantastic year for movies despite this difficult epidemic. While the ban on theatres continues, video-on-demand has made things accessible. Here’s my list of the top 5 movies released in 2020 so far:

1. The Platform

“We prefer to call it the Vertical Self-Management Center.” — Imoguiri

A thoughtfully designed script, this Spanish film is originally known as ‘El Hoyo’ and was released on Netflix in March 2020. First seen at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), this socio-psychological thriller popularised as “Sci-Fi Horror” is brilliant. The movie studies the Schrödinger’s cat from inside the box, presenting a choreography that is thought-provoking and frightening. The possibilities of greed & disregard for others are pushed to every edge, forcing viewers to roleplay scenes from quests of survival. More importantly, it makes you question if you have any choice in the matter at all.

2. The Gentlemen

“If you wish to be the king of the jungle, it’s not enough to act like a king. You must be the king. There can be no doubt. Because doubt causes chaos and one’s own demise.” – Mickey Pearson

Released in January 2020 globally, ‘The Gentlemen’ is the brainchild of Guy Ritchie. Matthew McConaughey plays Mickey Pearson, the classiest version of a Ritchiesque protagonist. The movie unfurls the worries of a drug kingpin and the interesting ways in which his posse would approach them. Another distinct action movie laced with very-British humor, this movie is engaging and exciting. It succeeds at being memorable and maybe a subject of cult-fiction in the future.

3. Bad Education

“Do you remember the teachers who sat with you, who held you by the hand, who taught you to add and subtract, or showed you, Gatsby and Salinger, for the first time?” – Frank Tassone

An unexpected but well-embodied role for Hugh Jackman, Mike Makowsky writes a fascinating crime-drama about a Dr. Frank Tassone. First seen at TIFF, this film came to HBO in April 2020. Based on a true story involving a public school in America, Jackman plays the role of the Superintendent of Roslyn High School, Long Island. Commemorated for the holistic merits of its’ students, the school is Tassone’s greatest pride and legacy. The story unfurls, telling a surprising tale of the cost of this pride. It makes for gripping, well-shot social commentary; whilst disclosing the facts of true crime.

4. Palm Springs

“Didn’t work! Life is meaningless. Let’s get the fuck outta here.” – Sarah

An interesting project involving Andy Samberg and featuring J.K. Simmons, ‘Palm Springs’ released on Hulu in July 2020 after having been showcased at the Sundance Film Festival. This Rom-Com is a heart-warming entertainer that makes for perfect mindless therapy. While intelligent, it aims to humor a similar emotion that all of us are experiencing this Covid19 season. It’s been a tough year; and this light-hearted commentary on what it feels like to wake up in the same bed every day brings hope. It makes for perfect dinner-time television and renews adoration for Samberg’s goofy nature. The concept and acting deserve admiration.

5. Birds of Prey

“Psychologically speaking, vengeance rarely brings the catharsis we hope for.” – Harley Quinn

Following suit from the failure of ‘Suicide Squad’, DC puts in a monumental effort to excite viewers through ‘Birds of Prey’; and it has paid off. One cannot be sure if its success should be attributed to its feminist script and all-female superhero squad or a marked improvement in storytelling. Either way, the film makes a great impact on audiences and is a memorable reminder of the thrilling tale of Harley Quinn. Margot Robbie is weird yet enticing in a way that best describes Quinn’s mind; while supporting characters truly represent the development of Heroine team dynamics.

A special mention must be made to the Netflix release of the acclaimed Broadway show, ‘Hamilton’. The title does not fit my criteria for a film but is a note-worthy special to have released this 2020.

Tell us what your thoughts on Movies released in 2020 are in the comments below!

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