The Essex Serpent

Started off well with a smooth flow of anticipative suspense and possibilities. Then it quickly regressed to absurdity where logical actions cease to exist. Not referring to idiotic superstitions nor content of plot. It had promise but 3 key events clearly exposed either lazy or imbecilic writing. It's incomprehensible that the key characters are unaware of all the signals of sexual tensions amongst the group. It's outrageous to even conceive the urgency to fornicate in wide open public view when one had just departed, and inches away, from a possible serious witch hunt crisis. Lastly, it's just nonsensical to earnestly reveal one's most protected vulnerability in a crime encounter when the perpetrator could have had been simply satisfied with his original demand instead of the victim's futile dramatics of defense resulting in the unnecessary. The series ended with an emotional feeling summation of what I would term, rubbish illogic.

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.

I'm a sucker for anything mystical in the Victorian times so I'm enjoying this so far. I don't expect there to be a mind boggling unraveling in the end but I'm always excited when religion and sci-fi come together and looking forward to seeing how the mystery is going to unfold. It's alright so far, I don't think it's found it's footing yet, Tom hiddleston is probably what's going to attract most viewers to this but if you're not a fan of period dramas and all this might not be to your taste. It's set in a gloomy, muddy Essex town but the acting and dialogue add some vibrance to it so it's not gothic really. I'm curious to see whether the show's gonna end with a rational explanation as Cora suggests there is, or if it'll go down a mystical route and all the superstitious town folks' fears will be realized. It feels a bit monotonous Tom Hiddleston looks like he's capable of tackling challenging roles and showing his talent, this isn't that though. I'm not sure if 6 episodes will be enough to turn this into an amazing show, but on the other hand it's better than unnecessarily dragging a story and adding bits to make it a 10 or 12 episode miniseries. As asked in the show, the best way I could describe this is "Do you think there's something strange going on here?"

Episode 3: I've been enjoying this so far, more so because of the conflict between the religious folk and those looking for a scientific explanation. I like how it doesn't seem to be taking the conventional route, which is why I was surprised and in the slightest way possible disappointed as well at the ending of episode three. They didn't need to add the love interest and the whole 'I don't need to apologize to a man situation'. I mean you can see it coming all the way but I thought they'd stray away from the cheap shot of going down the infidelity route between Cora and Will; especially with Stella staring at them across the field through the window. The forbidden love story just seems like the easy(maybe even lazy) route for the writers, especially since the whole priest thing was already done in fleabag. I still think it'll end up being a decent show but the extra points I gave it for originally feel a little misplaced. I was intrigued by the series because I'm a sucker for gloomy, strange or dark shows so from that perspective I'm still enjoying the mystery of it; trying to figure out if it's God, Jo and her friends "witchcraft", or if it's just some animal and the people's paranoia of the unexplained is just fueling their fears. Anyway, on a silly sidenote, Tom hiddleston has a type here.

A fine portrayal of religious superstition and rational thought colliding over unusual, unnerving and unexplained events. An intriguing, well paced story, with strong dialogue and scene-setting with no jarring exposition. Garden of Eden imagery abounds in the Cora serpent story, burgeoning relationships and the contrasting treatment of men and women.

A quality cast: Tom Hiddleston, known for range and ability, fulfils his reputation; Claire Danes is one-note, but Cora is unique and relatable, despite superficial similarities to Carrie Mathison (obsessed, troubled, flouts convention); Hayley Squires excels as the passionate, idealistic Martha, a whirlwind of confidence, character and charisma.

Fabulous cinematography employs unusual angles, especially the marshes' low level capture, presenting a gritty, sinister foreboding. Period trimmings work, with de rigueur frocks and interiors, despite some clear anachronistic choices.

This is marvellous TV.