The Essex Serpent

I'm really not sure how I feel about this story but it isn't happy. I love period drama, I'd never heard of this, just found it and thought it looked good. I watched all six episodes today.

The score was beautiful, the cinematography and the costuming were wonderful. It was visually so pleasing no matter in the London slums or on the Essex marshes. I feel like some of the overview shots of the marshes were really marvelous.

I'm a fan of all the main actors: Posey, Danes, and Hiddleston and I feel like they did their best with the material. Posey was soooo underused though.

The story was so awful. It started out great but other reviewers have pointed out how implausible the relationship issues become in episode 4. By the end of the birthday party you pretty much know everything that will happen ... and it does. The story falls into predictable Victorian tropes and I feel really let down. In some ways, I finished it because I wanted to know what happened because I was hoping it would surprise me. It did not and the ending was wholly undeserved.

I watched the first 2 released epis of The Essex Serpent (on AppleTV). Set in Victorian England (circa 1893?) around London and Essex, the show is superbly shot and acted. Danes does a good job affecting an English accent, and I forgot about it after the first 5 or 10 minutes. This show may not be for everyone, as it is slow-paced and a bit moody/dreary. However, if like me, you like period pieces that do a great job with its setting, then this one might be for you. It's based on a book I've never read or even heard of. There's bit of Vicky era science going on here, both medical and paleo, with a touch of theology and superstition of the time (and maybe a bit of politics as well). The Serpent of the tile is sort of a Nessy type. (although heard it's not seen in the first 2 epis)

Sssssssslithers along at a snail's pace, and after 3 episodes I'm not sure -- nor is the show itself -- sure of what it wants to be. I think (?) it could function as a standalone suspense/ supernatural "Penny Dreadful"-ish movie. Only because there doesn't seem to be enough material for each episode as is.

Not all of the Essex has such an harsh landscape but the area where this story is located is very realistic. Surprisingly it isn't the Serpent which takes centre stage of this drama but rather the beautiful description of the main characters. Played all by big actors, it is their rather modern exchange of dialogue which is the star of this story. Period dramas can be very similar but one of the most entertaining character of this unpredictable short series is the doctor/innovative sergeant Luke. There are moments when his dialogue resonates in such a current way that you doubt if you are really watching a period drama. And again it will be all down to the characters to spin the audience away from the rather heavy setting. So don't be put off by gloomy landscapes and heavy period interiors. It is the story delivered by the characters the real star of this mini series.

"The Essex Serpent" begins with great promise, but unfortunately fails to maintain its initial momentum. The series successfully establishes a suspenseful and intriguing atmosphere in the first few episodes, drawing in viewers with its eerie and mysterious storyline. However, as the plot progresses, the show loses its way, and the middle section drags on with little payoff.

The final few episodes of the series are particularly disappointing, as the story descends into a predictable and formulaic soap opera. Any tension and intrigue that were built up in the early episodes are lost, and the ending feels unsatisfying and generic.

Despite these flaws, "The Essex Serpent" does have its strengths. The show boasts an impressive cast, led by the talented and versatile actress, Claire Danes. The production design is also noteworthy, with the show beautifully capturing the atmospheric setting of rural England.

Ultimately, while "The Essex Serpent" has its moments of brilliance, its lackluster middle section and predictable ending prevent it from reaching its full potential.