The Better Sister

I don't mind a film, book or series having slow parts, if it's deep. This is not. Also, as others have pointed out, the characters are almost all unlikable, including the detectives. Makes for a drudge of a watch. Bill Pullman's weird charisma made Biel's "The Sinner" very watchable; no character/actor in this show has any sort of charisma. It is certainly high on intersectional representation though, which I suppose accurately reflects its New York milieu. The only slightly relatable character for the average person might be Elizabeth Banks' recovering addict, who is obnoxious but doesn't seem to live in a disconnected trance.

Just as with Bad Sisters, it was great seeing the dynamic of the sisters and how they loved and protected each other. Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks had a wonderful chemistry between them. While the husband in The Better Sister was definitely a villian, he wasn't to the same level of evil as John Paul...that guy a zero redeeming qualities.

Some of the characters were typically stereotypical- the greedy corporate lawyer played by Matthew Modine and I never really understood 'Chloe's' Business partner 'Catherine', she seemed pretty irrelevant to the storyline.

I did like most of the twists and turns, never real sure 'who done it', so overall it kept it interesting.

Conservatively speaking I've probably seen more than a hundred criminal trials on screen. In about 90% of them a very big deal is made about keeping the defendant off the witness stand. In the other 10%, the defendant is begging against the defense attorney's wishes to be put on the stand. Sometimes when the defendant is the star and requires a star turn on the stand, they get their wish, but usually they don't. In this one the defendant suddenly appears on the stand. We don't know who called him there, but it's too early in the trial for it to have been the defense attorney...plus it's completely against the defense strategy. Plus there's evidence that's sprung on him that does not abide by the rules of evidence disclosure. It is a screamingly fraudulent scene for anyone remotely knowledgeable about criminal law, even if that knowledge only comes from the movies and TV. It completely undermines the story and the good work of Biel and Banks. Worst of all, it shows total contempt for the viewer. Turned it off after that.

It starts with a murder, and catches you even though it is... calmly paced. The acting is really what hooked me. You never really like any particular character, but they are all unique, intriguing, and layered. The story line is a bit ridiculous at its most basic, but the character growth and slowly revealed history has a little something anyone can relate to. The build in revelations is done well and really catches your interest. Worth noting; some of the writing is a little too on the nose, but I viewed it as a comedic lightening of the general serious weight of the show, and kind of enjoyed it. I didn't binge, but one episode a night kept me ready for the next.

This is not the best series ever made but it is a decent and quick watch. My favourite character by far was Ethan. He was just so humble and sweet. It helps that he is such a cutie pie.

Chloe and Nikki were an interesting pair. Chloe was supposed to be the strong silent type and Nikki was the big mouth hot head. Which was the case for most of the series. But of course there is always something deeper lurking.

The story unfolded fairly well although it didnt have to stretch out for 8 episodes. I did not see the "whodunit" coming at all. I was certain it was one character but I was completely wrong. Although that character would have made sense as well.

Again not the best but certainly not the worst murder mysteries out there.