Jaque mate

This show reminded me a little bit of House. I was first introduced to it when I read the general plot of the show on a weekly TV review magazine. It was intriguing, and I am always willing to give shows that attempt to imbue intellectual pursuits creatively a shot (like, Numb3rs or Big Bang Theory). When I first watched the pilot, I was hooked. Shawn Doyle portrays his character beautifully, and it almost reminded me a bit of Dr. House. The connections to chess (the game) are sometimes a bit contrived, but as the show goes on, you gain a deeper appreciation of the producers' visions. I like it the same reason way I was drawn to the original CSI. Its cast of characters and the exposure to new concepts and ideas have created a small revolution in my own way of thinking, and I greatly appreciate the show for accomplishing this.

I did not give this show a 10, because it is not "The Wire".

I have to admit beforehand that after being so disappointed with recent detective shows that I was reluctant to give Endgame a go. However, upon prompting by a house mate, I decided to give it a watch. I was a little confused at first, expecting it to be more serious than it was. Once past the first few minutes, I found that the comedy elements were a perfect fit. The acting and direction did justice to the amazing work of an awesome scriptwriting team. I hope to see this series continued past the first season, though there seems to be a trend of late wherein intelligent shows are canceled. Fingers crossed the viewers take a liking to this series.

Looking at crimes from the point-of-view of a chess game and the players as chess pieces is fascinating. The chemistry of this ensemble cast led by damaged Russian Ex-pat Chess-master (played by Shawn Doyle) is a testament to the phrase "friends are the family you choose". Albeit a dysfunctional one, but then what family isn't a little bit? I was curious to see where the storyline was headed. I really would have liked to see the back story of the character of Sam (played by Torrance Coombs). Where does he go when he's not assisting Arkady solving mysteries in trade for chess matches? It's really nice to see a Vancouver, BC based show actually play as Vancouver, BC. Sadly it looks like we'll only see one season. A shame as the show was just hitting its stride.

The first time I saw Endgame, I thought it would be your usual "brillant guy shows all the cops and those with real know-how how to solve crimes." The show is nothing like that. Endgame's protagonist has a phobia that will not let him leave the hotel he is staying at. After his wife's murder, he was so traumatized that he could no longer be part of the "real world," unless it is through quips of his knowledge and intellect.

The supporting cast literally marvels at his genius and scoffs at his arrogance.

Every character in every episode plays a relevant part in telling the story.

In one hour, we see one of television's most vulnerable characters show everybody what he feels and sees.

Great show, Do yourself a favor and watch it if you can.

I am hard core chess fan and reasonably strong player and I always wished our game gets media attention and recognition it deserves. Here comes Endgame. The show is not really about game of chess, but rather about Chess grandmaster who applies his analytical skills to solve crimes. The brilliance of the show, is the way they display this thinking process. Arkady, the grandmaster imagines potential suspects as pieces on the chess boards, he actually talks to them to question and analyze their motives.

Shawn Doyle who is playing the main role- I absolutely love this guy.

From a chess fan standpoint, I greatly appreciate the fact that show producers went to a great length to reproduce quality chess content, in those occurrences where chess has actually being used. It references Donald Byrne - Bobby Fischer game of the century as an example. It warmed my heart to see real position from Kings Indian defense to be played in one of the episodes and fashionable chess equipment (like Chronos and Saitek Competion chess clocks). Compare this to some other shows where chess board placement is typically wrong. Guys- remember, white square on the right side of player with white pieces.

For someone who was born Russia, it is obvious the show was made for Western audience and full of Russian stereotypes. Arkady drinks vodka right from the bottle, talks about Putin wanting to kill him, often says "na zdorov'ja" (instead of na zdorov'ie), dances "gapak", etc. Still all those Russian shortcomings simply add charm to this show.

I hear the news that for some reason that is simply beyond my understanding there maybe no second season. That will be very sad. The story of the main hero has just been briefly touched upon and all the fans are anxious to find out more about him. I really hope that network gives the show another chance.