The Alienist: Die Einkreisung

After watching the first episode I wasn't sure I would continue, but I am glad I did. Each week it gets better and now I can't wait for Monday nights to watch it. I think part of it has to do with becoming more familiar with the characters, but it's also the fact that they are getting closer to solving the mystery, (there are only two episodes left.) In this case my loyalty is paying off.

I thought The Alienist was a pretty good murder mystery thriller that is definitely worth watching. The main cast (Daniel Bruhl, Luke Evans, Dakota Fanning) is absolutely terrific and they are what separate this show from others like it. The three of them chase serial killers in 19th century New York City. I don't understand why the reviews are so mixed, what were you expecting that you didn't get? I guess most of the negative reviews are from people who thought it was too gruesome and others who thought it was too feminist. It's neither. If you're looking for a good murder mystery then give this a try. You won't be disappointed!

Seing Dakota Fanning in the cast was one of my motivations for watching the show. I've been very unimpressed by her performance, though. The plot itself sparks interest and is entertaining, but Daniel Brühl is the real reason I've kept up with it. He's outstanding as Dr. Kreizler. Inexplicably, he became Sara Howard's sidekick on season 2, which is a tiring feminist cliché... And I'm a woman.

Surprised at how many people are putting this show down because they read the book and its translation to the screen doesn't meet their expectations. When will we understand that literature and movies (or TV series) are different media, therefore need to be judged independently? I'm a fan, a big fan of Caleb Carr's Laszlo Kreizler novels and read them some 8 years ago. I've been waiting since then for someone to make a movie outta them and now that they have, I love the result! Daniel Brühl plays Kreizler perfectly! When I read the book I had envisioned Laszlo as a young Sean Connery but Daniel is perfect for the role. Yes, the Serial killer theme has been done before. But when the story is well developed and well told the repeating of a subject falls second. The script, the atmosphere, even the camera work are great. Give this show a chance

I'm writing this having only seen 5 episodes of the second season but so far the Alienist himself has had little part to play. Instead Fanning's character Sara Howard has taken to the front and, while she does well and the show is still entertaining, it brings me to the question of why is the show even called "The Alienist" anymore? I'm not mad, it's still a good show after all.