Endgame

When I first so a commercial for this show I thought it looked like an interesting idea. Definitely worth checking out. But I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. The first episode was great and had some good performances. My favourite would obviously be the main character Arkady Balagan played by Shawn Doyle. He was funny and entertaining, but at the same time seemed pretty serious. Katharine Isabelle as Danni was something I looked forward too after hearing she was in the show, and like always I wasn't disappointed. The last notable was Brendan Fletcher as Merritt Singer, even though it was only one episode he was in and not the main cast, he still was entertaining to watch. The story itself although simple and basic had a small guessing games too it, and the way that Arkady solved the crime was humorous and creative. After the first episode I'm anticipating watching the next. Especially can't wait to find out Arkady's back story.

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".

Among all the "crime" shows out there, i enjoy this one the most. Intelligent TV is usually an oxymoron, but not in this case! I love the way Balagan doesn't have to resort to anything physical,but uses his intelligence to solve crimes. And the use of chess moves to work out the sequence of events is genius on the part of the writers! It is well acted and I especially like that the show is set in Vancouver, and you know it's set in Vancouver; not in some anonymous American city!

I really hope the network gives this a second season to gain more viewers. I have friends as far away as Isreal who really love this show.

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.

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.