Into the Night

Into the night is the first Belgian series from Netflix and this is more than a decent attempt. The concept is novel (though it is inspired by a science fiction novel) and it kept me on binge mode instead of all the illogical liberties, predictable plot points, and lack of a consistent central core character or a driving force for me to stick on with their journey.

The reason for the series to work lies in the character detailing (however flawed they are, they appear believable) and supreme performances by the ensemble cast. The other aspect that probably worked is the premise, it was realistic There are many scenes that made me empathize with the characters, and made me curious as to how these characters will come out of the conflict they are facing together.

Every episode starts with detailing of any given character, and this approach may confuse the perspective for an audience to chose. Eventually, I got used to the pattern and the constant shift of control to all these characters equally at predictable intervals. The series is not heavy on science, a little disappointed though, hope it will delve more on it in the upcoming season.

From making perspective, it is difficult to plot the entire conflict in one location (aircraft), and the makers have done a commendable job in retaining the interest without attempting to risk a different/novel treatment. The climax (last episode) looked hurried, it felt the makers had a time-bound pressure to complete the season. Having said that, the climax definitely hooked me for the next season.

Into the night - A series you can definitely try!

Within the first 10 minutes I had deja vus. Airplane running away from an unseen danger.

Are there plot holes, yes. Can a helicopter pilot fly a commercial airline, no. Can a home health care aide perform surgery, of course not. Is it enjoyable to watch and am I engaged and care about the characters? Yes. This is not for the "Must be 100% accurate, or it's trash"! critics viewing from Mom's basement. Suspend your disbelief and just enjoy a nice Friday/Saturday night on the couch movie. The episodes fly by because I'm entertained (and they're short- 38 minutes-ish) and I have no desire to multi-task with a phone game or whatnot.

Full disclosure, I watched in French because I can speak French (it's not entirely in French though) and subtitles don't bother me. I don't know how the English dub sounds, but that always destroys a movie for me when the audio isn't matching the actor's lips. Plus, the dubbed script never quite matches the real nuances of what's really being said.

Season 1 was strong! There was mystery, action and it keept the audience engaging.

Then Season 2 came and the expectations remained high, only to crash to the grounds. The second season does supply the viewers with even a tiny bit more understanding of the general story, the characters once intriguing and entertaining - are now reduced to half-brained children. They just keep and keep on fighting with each other, nobody get's along, no progress whatsever.

It's a shame since I really liked the series, but I can not lie - I doubt how the producers are going to save this mess.

Season 1 was intense good with some annoying illogical moral pontification. Season 2 just got absurd with way too much drama and conflicts. Seems many has a death wish screaming for all to end. It's ridiculous to create so much nonsensical conflict when it's possibly the end if the world. Exhausting to rationalize why so many idiots and morons are running the plot. I literally fast forwarded most of Season 2 to shorten my angst for getting through each episode.