War of the Worlds

I am a native French speaker and speak English quite well, so I looked at the version with both languages.

This is not a action series. Spielberg fans, go your way! So we have here a free adaptation of H. G. Wells' novel, which I read a number of years ago, and we must remember that the 2005 movie was too. The story is interesting and includes a British and French cast, which is new to me. We find the progression of 3 groups of people in this post-apocalyptic world between the Alps and London who are trying to find meaning in what happened to humanity after the surprise attack of the 1st episode. The motivations of the main characters are divided between pure survival, the search for relatives and the search for reasons and justifications for the attack rather than eradicating the invader.

Concerning the scenario, it was chosen to unfold the story in a rather intimate way by focusing only on the 3 groups as well as to develop some personal aspects, sometimes too much. I would perhaps have preferred to see more references to human nature (selfishness, individualism...),which was criticised by H.G. Wells, there are a few but not many. On the other hand, I have noted some inconsistencies concerning travels, sometimes too fast, and one or two script inconsistencies that sound weird.

For the realization, we will also note the profusion of plans with the dead people on the ground which reinforces this feeling of "alone in the world " The dominant colour in the different shots remains grey which is common in Canal+ series.

The acting is often good but I have a lot of trouble with Léa Drucker and we will also notice from time to time some unconvincing dialogue.

The soundtrack is minimalist and unpretentious and it should be remembered that it is not a blockbuster, that it is useless to put epic music on a series that wants to be cold and dark. Not everyone will like it, but it was enough for me.

As for the last scene, although it is surprising, I was expecting it with the rare clues crumbled during these 8 episodes.

I like this show. It grows on you. It has now whizzy special effects and if you want those, watch the Tom Cruise film. The tension here is that you don't see the aliens. Throughout you are left wondering who they really, why are they here and what do they want? It is a drama about people and what they might do facing the end of the world. Good cast with plenty to work with and they bring out the human element to the story. Dramatic tension is maintained and there is a haunting soundtrack. Interesting British/French co-production which brings out the idea that this is something across the whole world and not just a corner of it. If you feel it is a bit slow at the start, stay with it. It's worth it.

It only needed 4 episodes tops, maybe 3. I detest when creators deliberately stretch plots to get multiple seasons. Do it right or don't do it at all.

I've stopped watching, why doesn't someone fix a car or even use a bike, why aren't the bodies rotting and flies everywhere, why when the stay some where does someone leave a door open or go outside against all common sense and warnings, why do the machines make noise sometimes but at other times quietly sneak up on people, why are most of the female characters always doing stupid out of control things, where is all the ammunition from ? Why don't they ever sit down like adults and make a plan, do they people ever bath ? Why would you aimlessly wander from spot to spot, when you know you are going to be attacked, why wouldn't you heavily question the people who obviously have some gift or insight into the invaders and use it to your advantage.

I could go on, the writers could make Swiss cheese if they need a new job or at least the holes part of it.

The show is not bad so much as just a super slow pace. I feel like they could have made the show like a 10 hour limited series and picked up the whole pace of the show instead of making everything move so slow and methodical. I'd give it an 8 if they had squeezed all the story from both seasons along with an ending into those 10 hours.