Hand of God

Review based on the first episode: I sincerely hope this show keeps up the tension and atmosphere of the pilot. Apart from The Killing, there aren't many TV shows which revolve around broken and unlikable characters. It just isn't pleasant to watch stressed, struggling and often unpredictable people. Yet, such TV leaves you feeling like you experienced something emotional. Among all the ugliness, even the smallest pleasant act or scene can mean a lot; when our tiny hopes for a positive resolution are fulfilled, we appreciate it all the more.

The acting and cinematography are great. The interactions are realistic and the viewer understands each character. Every scene seems important and keeping focus is rewarding. Not knowing what to believe, whom to trust and what the motivations are, is a necessary part of such a show, however what subtle hints we do get are delivered very well.

I don't want to praise this show prematurely, considering we have only seen one episode, however if it keeps up the twists, plots and great characters, I am sure it will be a success.

Considering the amount of people who feel the irresistible need to tell others their views on religion, I suppose a lot of viewers will express strong opinions about the themes of this show. I hope others will not be dissuaded by those opinions. This is a clever show, definitely not aimed at advertising anyone's beliefs or conversely, offending anyone else's.

I loved this pilot and anxiously await the next installment. I really appreciated having to think and pay attention, I thought the acting was top notch across the board (the most I've ever liked Dana Delaney or Ron Perlman) and the plot was intriguing and leaves this one with a lot of places to go. I felt for a father trying (and failing) to cope with the loss of his son. We see a man who has done bad things trying to change (and it will be a slow process) and STILL making mistakes. The sense of doom as Pernell and KD hurtle down a path the audience knows they shouldn't take, and then the twist at the end leaves you saying "Now what?!"

I think it is interesting that most of the one-star ratings reviews I read complain about one of two things: 1) It's too pro-Christian or 2) It's too anti-Christian. Which is it? Maybe it's not so clear cut as that. At no point did I feel like this was supposed to be a champion of either camp. It's just the frame for this particular story. Flawed people grasping at any reason they can find to justify their actions. This didn't change any view I already have about Christianity or religion in general.

There are plenty of unlikable people here (as in every good story) but plenty, also, who I am rooting for as well. They don't go about things the way I would--but I already know how THAT story plays out. I want to have an experience far from my own and far from the expected.

It's not for everyone--nothing I seem to really enjoy is. Deadwood, No Country For Old Men, Breaking Bad, Assassination of Jesse James, Chopper, Animal Kingdom. This series has a lot of potential and I hope Amazon gives it the chance to grow and expand on what is an excellent beginning.

Enjoy.

Series nothing short of excellent. Great cast, especially Ron Perlman and Dana Delaney, in a story developed intelligently in layers that were being presented gradually at a precise pace. The only flaw is that Amazon has not delivered a final season and a satisfying and really conclusive ending to the story. Still, it's a lot of fun.

I loved this series. It took a few episodes to hook me, but once it did, inwas all in. The casting was perfect for this show. I became invested in each character. The story is definitely unique and well written. I lqould have loved more however. 2 seasons is not enough.

I was really surprised to see the negative reviews from the reviewers and Rotten Tomatoes. Of course, no show is right for every one, that is why we has thousands of different shows to watch but for me, this was a great show. Continued to keep my attention and made me want to watch the next episode immediately. Wonderful work from Ron Perlman and Dana Delaney (and I'm not a huge fan of hers). The supporting cast were very good as well.

I will admit there are parts of the show that drift off, are derivative and just all-around don't make sense, but those are small. In the end, the show is compelling, interesting and an excellent series.

It's a shame, there will be no season 3, it deserves it.