Long Bright River

Some of the posted reviews are absolutely mind boggling in their lack of empathy and compassion. Apparently, the homelessness, drug addiction and prostitution in this area of Philadelphia (called Kensington) marks the people (especially its female members) as losers who are not worth consideration. And by caring about the fate of the women, in general, and worrying over her sister, in particular, the series' lead character Mickey, a patrol cop played by Amanda Seyfried, is branded as some sort of gullible sucker. I found the character of her sister, Kacey, as portrayed by Ashleigh Cummings, as the most realistic and fascinating in the show. It made me want to read Liz Moore's book, and I rate the series as an 8 out of 10 stars.

I'll start by saying that no, I didnt the read book and overall I did like this series. It was just too long and the story does drag on. The acting is great, and sadly this feels alittle too real. Alot of flawed characters either hooked on drugs or doing a job that they are ill suited to do. The story is depressing but also not the average hollywood story or reboot. Amanda Seyfried's character can be annoying and naive at times but watching her life unfold as the older sister of an addict was sad on many levels. And unlike the same crime series on TV it's nice to watch a story that I could imagine really happened. I just wish they made this one happen in 1 or 2 less episodes.

For a Peacock endeavor that mirrors NBC mainstream template, this show stays within those lines and is good, critically good. Some predictable items. But I could not stop watching. Well done. Amanda is an awesome actress btw. Realistic characters.

Edgy, great plot, dark but realistic. Reminded me *at times* maybe a bit True Detective, Shades of Blue, the Philly outside stuff made me homesick for Boston.

I know this is in a past date-frame, but hate how this reflects certain aspects of law enforcement and actual life.

I tried to give accolades but intentionally wrote so I did not give spoilers.

Impressed.

Solid show highlighting the many devastations and complexities of addiction. Good cast with better than average acting - Amanda Seyfried was a real bright spot lead. It could have been a great show if it was tightened up to only 5 or 6 (max) episodes. What began as a tight, engrossing story that adeptly wove multiple storylines devolved into a superficial whodunnit melodrama that was, IMO, wholly unnecessary (and detracted from the depth of the first episodes). It feels like they changed editors after episode 3. It's a bummer as it had real potential to be great.

I don't understand why Hollywood believes there needs to be 8 episodes for every show. How about make as many episodes as the story requires- case in point is Adolescence, they made the number of episodes needed to tell that story and it is more powerful because of the restraint.

I never really considered her that serious an actor, but she is jaw-droppingly good in this. Like Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown level-or better. I would be shocked if Seyfried doesn't take home best actress at the Emmy's. Her performance is so fluid, so natural, so understated yet full of depth. I'm like floored how good she is. (Other actors/casting also great. Maybe that means the directing is great too? I do like the choices of how scenes and episodes end-a little unconventional but with a poignant beauty. So let's give it up for the director & maybe editor too!). Bravo all around. See it!