Insomnia

I don't know who the hell wrote this crap but it's the worst acting I've ever seen in my life. Don't waste your time watching it....

I've only watched the first episode thus far and it's obvious this will something of a slow burn (when it comes to putting all pieces together). My biggest question is: Is this meant to be a bit OTT? Sorta like Dynasty meets Battle Royal? Some of the acting seems to be almost formulaic (in the sense the acting in primetime soaps, cop/detective buddy shows in the 80s, A-Team) but not in a negative tone, the way so many military/forensic US shows can be or that dreadful Under the Dome. The setup and premise is great and I hope it holds up through the end.

If you find the concept of watching people bet on life and death is entirely too perverse for you, pass ! A woman who just lost her husband in suspicious circumstances goes where he was supposed to go and discovers HE bet on a girl in an insane game for rich people. Players, pawns, really, have all received an injection which will kill them if they fall asleep, a watching device placed in their eye and another that locates them near their ear to be listened to and to communicate with others. They're condemned to kill the others until one remains to get the andidote.

The first episode explains the game and puts the wife as an unwilling participant and witness, we understand that some pawns are hardened criminals (and know why they're here) while others are not. But it doesn't really hook you up. if you binge-watch, it's okay.

It is not 13 Tzameti extended, who could watch that for several episodes (13 Tzameti : it's a young guy who unwittingly gets into a game of Russian roulette), but the same ambiance permeates the series at times. It is rapidly compelling because each episode gives you a backstory. The widow tries to understand what her husband has done but is barely allowed to get out of the screen -room to work with her husband's mistress, of all people, who tells her husband was on the verge of losing everything (also indicted and all). So it falls to you the viewer to try and understand what the hell is going on.

If you Sherlock Homes your way around it, Marina (the widow) or a player might, and they might stop the game. Meanwhile each player has to kill the others. That's what's so compelling. Could YOU stop the game ?It's like Cluedo...

This series will have you hooked after you watch the first 2 episodes that follow people put into a game of life and death with rich people betting on who will win. The story takes you all over the streets of Moscow and slowly provides you with the story behind all of the contestants, some of whom are connected for various reasons. It will have you on the edge of your seat right up until the ending.

If you are looking for final closure in the ending you may be disappointed as i was. I am guessing they are setting things up for a sequel series.

Other than that it is an intriguing story with very believable acting for the most part.

I was excited to watch this when I heard about it, although I confess the first episode did not engage me right away. I wanted to like it & didn't want to miss something unique so after several days watched the second episode & then was hooked. Good fun & an original idea that you could almost imagine happening.