Mosaic

I gave this series 6 because I found the acting good, the story compelling and the nonlinear method of storytelling really engaging.

I was a super fan right up to the last episode. I won't give any spoilers, but, when the credits rolled on episode 6, there were so many loose ends, completely unanswered questions and unresolved ... okay, you get it.

Here's the thing: I don't like being force-fed plots or endings. I love thought provoking entertainment. This wasn't that; this was clearly an ad for the related app and/or a plea for a second season. The end was um... not there. This recent trend of intellectual babble (by those responsible for these non ending movies and series) about "making the viewers think" or "creating a stage for further conversations" are just excuses for lazy producers. Life is full of endless mysteries and ambiguity; I don't need more. "I want to spend 6 hours watching a series that leaves me with big fat question marks for eyeballs," said no one ever-or at least not me.

So far I am sadly not impressed, as the trailer made it seem really good. About the murder of a celebrated children's book writer and the subsequent investigation and fallout for the people that surrounded her. But this first episode did not intrigue me and I don't really feel like watching the rest of the series, like I so often do with the majority of HBO shows. Something about this first episode just really seemed underwhelming, with way too much seemingly meaningless conversations. It didn't grab my attention by the throat like Westworld, Game of Thrones, and many others, so I must sadly say I am disappointing.

I had no problem with the acting, most every actor did a fine job and I have no real issues. But the writing was just boring, to me at least. I found myself uninterested in what the characters had to say and often wanted the conversation to end. The cinematography is very average and the visuals were pretty bland, shocking coming from HBO. With so many other shows coming to HBO soon I don't feel like this is a slap in the face, but I will most likely not be watching this whole series.

Sorry, can't recommend it.

At first the camera work and editing can seem underwhelming. It felt strangely 'distanced', or observing, compared to what one has come to expect from today's fiction. But, given time, the show grew on me with its intriguing, though slightly confusing story line, and its interesting characters. But it will not be everyones cup of tea. Not all hints, plot elements and dialogue seem to go somewhere. Emphasis on characters change unexpectedly, as do perspectives and general direction. The style of the series feels a bit like observing events around you in real life where things are not easily interpreted, but none the less interesting enough for you to keep looking. For me, this style gave the show a touch of realism that made it enjoyable, even refreshing. Like its titular object, the series is a mosaic of sorts with odd fragments beginning to come together as you watch the story unfold.

Sharon Stone delivers a fine performance as does the rest of the cast.

A twisty solid drama from HBO. I enjoyed the acting especially and noticed how Soderbergh's strong touch really helped elevate this show.