The Man in the High Castle

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Season 1
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 360 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 273 out of 360
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 360
  3. Negative: 53 out of 360
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  1. Poochingus
    Nov 20, 2019
    6
    Decent enough show. When I had nothing else to watch I finally put it on. What is clear from the start is that the skill of acting between some of the cast is like night and day. Most of the acting is middling from the core cast, which is a shame. At first I put it off as the characters themselves being still in their young and unshapen forms. But as the characters developed, the actingDecent enough show. When I had nothing else to watch I finally put it on. What is clear from the start is that the skill of acting between some of the cast is like night and day. Most of the acting is middling from the core cast, which is a shame. At first I put it off as the characters themselves being still in their young and unshapen forms. But as the characters developed, the acting did not reflect the words coming out of their mouths. They still felt like children, and infact the female lead's character never seemed to grow much or change. Everyone else thankfully did go through real character development.

    The biggest problem with the premise I think is that it feels a little too silly at times, and I sometimes found myself asking the question of "but would it really be that way?" We all like to sit around and ask "what if" about history or in our own lives. The premise is a bit hard to get over without great story telling, and it just doesn't quite pull it off for me. Still, It is worth a watch if you aren't picky like me, and even if you are somewhat picky, it is good to put on in the background while doing chores.    … Expand
  2. Broyax
    Mar 28, 2019
    0
    Bien que le livre qui ait inspiré cette série soit moyen (et pas forcément très inspiré, hélas) il dépeint avec une précision glaçante ce monde alternatif au sein duquel les forces de l'Axe ont remporté la guerre et conquis l'intégralité des Etats-Unis, désormais partagés entre le Japon impérial et l'Allemagne nazie...

    Cette nouvelle géopolitique a bien été décrite par Philip K. Dick et    Bien que le livre qui ait inspiré cette série soit moyen (et pas forcément très inspiré, hélas) il dépeint avec une précision glaçante ce monde alternatif au sein duquel les forces de l'Axe ont remporté la guerre et conquis l'intégralité des Etats-Unis, désormais partagés entre le Japon impérial et l'Allemagne nazie...

    Cette nouvelle géopolitique a bien été décrite par Philip K. Dick et s'il est au moins une chose dont peut se targuer la série, c'est justement cette étrange ambiance de l'Amérique occupée. Le premier épisode de la série est déjà d'une mollesse sans précédent mais il faut bien un temps d'exposition pour nous plonger dans ce monde inédit...

    On note déjà des comédiens uniformément mauvais et un scénario bancal... et les épisodes suivants ne font que confirmer cet enlisement de l'écriture et une adaptation complètement à la masse (en dehors du cadre général bien sûr). S'il ne se passait pas grand-chose dans le livre, on atteint ici des sommets dans l'inaction et les bavardages incessants, les clichés et la somnolence.

    Et lorsqu'il arrive éventuellement un truc, c'est tout simplement invraisemblable et bien ridicule. En fait, les dialogues laissent toujours à penser qu'on va assister à quelque chose mais qui soit n'arrive pas, soit débouche sur un pétard mouillé. Les épisodes qui durent une heure donnent l'impression qu'ils en durent trois... et tout ça pour de la merde finalement !

    Et dire qu'ils ont étalé ce remplissage de conneries sur 3 saisons déjà, ça laisse pantois... Finir la première est un exploit, alors se taper les deux autres... au secours ! Immense déception donc.    … Expand
  3. DasBentley
    Mar 22, 2019
    9
    Strong 1st season had me hooked all the way trough! The actors do an incredible job paired with the good writing,directing and you have yourself a banger of a show.
    Take my advice watch it, i promise it will be good.
  4. GarethB
    Jan 4, 2019
    7
    A great premise with the axis winning the war and there are several interesting plots and compelling characters, but the middle part of the season is slow and lacks pace and I almost gave up on it. But the last couple of episodes with the plot against Hitler pick it up
  5. SaraBurton
    Nov 4, 2018
    9
    I fell in love with this show right from the start because the overall story about what the world would be like if the Hitler and the Axis powers won WWII intrigued me. The various story lines that are followed offered different perspectives, which I think really help because without them the show would seem too one-sided. The various story lines also help to keep the viewers attentionI fell in love with this show right from the start because the overall story about what the world would be like if the Hitler and the Axis powers won WWII intrigued me. The various story lines that are followed offered different perspectives, which I think really help because without them the show would seem too one-sided. The various story lines also help to keep the viewers attention because my only complaint is that some scenes can kind of drag out. I know most of these scenes are meant to provide information to build the story, but they can get boring when you just want to know what happens next.
    I did appreciate how historically accurate they try to keep the scenes and I think this makes the vision of an Axis powered world seem believable.
    This was a very addicting show and I always wanted to watch several episodes in a row, but the episodes vary in time length, with most of them around an hour, which made it difficult to watch more than one or two max.    … Expand
  6. Synycom
    Oct 23, 2018
    1
    Rubbish. The plot is so internally inconsistent you have to disengage your brain. The plot has more holes and character inconsistencies than Swiss cheese, it’s laughable. Difficult giving plot spoilers as it’s the video series equivalent of a compost heap. Just keep adding **** and hoping something good comes out at the end. Save yourself, it doesn’t.
  7. raiderro
    Oct 22, 2018
    3
    The concept was awesome but the budget was minimal I'm assuming. Midway into the second season and all we've seen of this feared "resistance" is a handful of characters. It's not very believable! A lot of realities have been ignored here which makes the show somewhat disregard the realities and invalidates the whole possible outcome of the second world war and the occupation of America.The concept was awesome but the budget was minimal I'm assuming. Midway into the second season and all we've seen of this feared "resistance" is a handful of characters. It's not very believable! A lot of realities have been ignored here which makes the show somewhat disregard the realities and invalidates the whole possible outcome of the second world war and the occupation of America. The idea was awesome, execution not so much. But this is America, try to make a show too intelligent and you'll be cancelled after one season, keep that in mind!… Expand
  8. unitdwestn
    Sep 27, 2018
    5
    If you are a critical thinker you will soon get bored with this series. As one reviewer stated it's full of plot holes, delves into the metaphysical, and requires a LOT of suspension of disbelief. I'm always disappointed when an interesting scenario is ruined by what can only be described as lazy writing. The blend of reality and metaphysics just doesn't work for me. The film doesIf you are a critical thinker you will soon get bored with this series. As one reviewer stated it's full of plot holes, delves into the metaphysical, and requires a LOT of suspension of disbelief. I'm always disappointed when an interesting scenario is ruined by what can only be described as lazy writing. The blend of reality and metaphysics just doesn't work for me. The film does have its good points such as the acting and the computer generated scenery.

    Edited to add: As another review posted earlier, the character Juliana IS annoying as are others at various points in the series, but I attribute that to a poor script.    … Expand
  9. ehsoony
    Sep 17, 2018
    10
    breath taking.. A mixture of amazing acts & fantastic screenplay that make you wanna see the whole 2 seasons continuously... The idea of two empires really freaks me out!:)
  10. Emperorfaris
    Mar 11, 2018
    8
    it's a pretty good show with a very good story and potential , it really explores the concepts of "what if" like of course what if the axis powers won ww2?, what if hitler lived a long life?, what if project Atlantropa is actually executed? and many others, for me the only cons or negative side of this show is it's slow story telling but other than that it's a good show.
  11. WorldofLucky
    Feb 3, 2018
    8
    Nazis, alternate universe, resistance and a mysterious films showing alternate worlds, of course its great.

    The world is different, the Axis powers won and split up America. The Japanese took the western third, the Nazis took the eastern half leaving a small strip in the middle that was a neutral zone. There are main characters in the resistance, in the Nazis and in the Japanese    Nazis, alternate universe, resistance and a mysterious films showing alternate worlds, of course its great.

    The world is different, the Axis powers won and split up America. The Japanese took the western third, the Nazis took the eastern half leaving a small strip in the middle that was a neutral zone. There are main characters in the resistance, in the Nazis and in the Japanese occupying force (and Trade Minister).

    I don't want to spoil it, but all the acting is really good. Their are two main Nazi characters, both very good at their roles, one who questions what he is doing and one who is a loyal higher up officer who does his duty but has to protect his family. There is a Japanese inspector and a Trade Minister both excellent with varying views, then of course there is a grouping of Resistance actors who are all great with various outlooks.

    Its not set in World War II, its 20 years after and you get to deal with the politics of the two empires posturing over what is left of America with the threat of war (and surprisingly enough the only reason there is peace is because Hitler is still alive). There is a character in here that you will like no matter your outlook.

    Pros: Great acting, immersive sets, an compelling story.

    Cons: I don't think there is an overall con, but because there are so many roles you will probably hate someone? personally I can?t stand Joe Blake, not the fault of the actor, he is good, just don't like the character.

    Hands down a great show, can't recommend it more.    … Expand
  12. Jeddaz81
    Feb 1, 2018
    2
    the atmosphere and characters (with exceptions) are incredibly shallow and uninteresting. there is no effort made to show contemporary life in America, how the occupation has come about, how the Japanese and Germans divvied up the continent. all we see is swastikas and rising suns plastered everywhere and all the characters seem to be working poor folk living in squalor. I think thethe atmosphere and characters (with exceptions) are incredibly shallow and uninteresting. there is no effort made to show contemporary life in America, how the occupation has come about, how the Japanese and Germans divvied up the continent. all we see is swastikas and rising suns plastered everywhere and all the characters seem to be working poor folk living in squalor. I think the writers tried to make it feel like life in the Warsaw ghetto, but magnified to the continental u.s. Characters are written in haphazardly, with shadowy resistance leaders moving freely and interact with ease our protagonists. it certainly moves the plot along but certainly not in an organic way let alone in a realistic portrayal of what a police state would allow. Scenes often take place in the same settings giving off a low-budget-made-for-tv movie feel. I hope they make a proper re-make of this novel soon.… Expand
  13. Avalancheee
    Nov 1, 2017
    10
    This show transports you to another world like nothing ever seen before. Truly unique storylines all woven together, and not one a throw-away. I've never seen a TV show or movie that's better than the book. THIS SHOW BLOWS THE BOOK AWAY! Cannot wait for the next season.
    BTW: This is the best cast on the TV.
  14. ourtimehascome
    Aug 28, 2017
    10
    The Man in the High Castle is an extraordinarily well-acted drama, based on the Phillip K. Dick novel of the same name. Although Dick adaptations have become common fare recently, the show makes considerable distinctions and differentiates itself from the source material in the relationships between the main characters. Their perspectives are unique and interesting, and are what move theThe Man in the High Castle is an extraordinarily well-acted drama, based on the Phillip K. Dick novel of the same name. Although Dick adaptations have become common fare recently, the show makes considerable distinctions and differentiates itself from the source material in the relationships between the main characters. Their perspectives are unique and interesting, and are what move the show forward in terms of both plot and general regard.

    As an alternate history story, it focuses on both sides of occupation. What if the United States had lost WWII? This is the hypothetical question which forces The Man in the High Castle to its inevitable conclusion of reconciling its fiction with our reality. Overall, I'd say Dick would find a lot to enjoy in the show.    … Expand
  15. goldnsx1488
    Aug 10, 2017
    10
    Sieg Heil

    For those who don't know: The show is based on a Phillip K. Dick novel exploring the alternate reality in which the Japanese and Germans won World War II. It's more addictive than House of Cards and has a lot more legroom to explore than David Fincher's fantastic work.
  16. Oldtooly
    Jun 1, 2017
    10
    I immediately found the show disturbing since I was born only a handful of years after WWII actually ended. The intro images and music really invoke an angry emotional response from me as well. But after a short time I fell in love with the accuracy of many details, especially the old trucks. And then the story took hold and characters began to have a bit of depth. I am now hooked. MuchI immediately found the show disturbing since I was born only a handful of years after WWII actually ended. The intro images and music really invoke an angry emotional response from me as well. But after a short time I fell in love with the accuracy of many details, especially the old trucks. And then the story took hold and characters began to have a bit of depth. I am now hooked. Much of the criticism of other reviewers is valid but if you just let go (just as the Trade Minister is learning to do) the first 2 seasons are quite engaging and enjoyable. I look forward to up coming episodes. Watching them again has also deepened my appreciation of the detail and work that has been put into it since certain things went right by me the first time through. And I am in love with the Reich's Rocket Airliners having grown up admiring craft like the XB-70 which is very similar in design though not a passenger craft in any way. I have not read the book, and probably won't since I am enjoying the story as is. Maybe later.… Expand
  17. SaturnFX
    Apr 10, 2017
    10
    Absolutely fantastic show, watched season 1 and 2..and waiting for 3. This is a must see for anyone who is interested in the what if's of history, a touch of sci-fi, and a seemingly fair interpretation of what it would be like if the nazis and the japanese empire came out on top in WW3. Characters and acting is fantastic, the pace of the story is slow enough to give depth to theAbsolutely fantastic show, watched season 1 and 2..and waiting for 3. This is a must see for anyone who is interested in the what if's of history, a touch of sci-fi, and a seemingly fair interpretation of what it would be like if the nazis and the japanese empire came out on top in WW3. Characters and acting is fantastic, the pace of the story is slow enough to give depth to the characters, but fast enough to keep plot interest.… Expand
  18. sonder
    Feb 13, 2017
    9
    The Man in the High Castle is a slow-burn show that has tremendous payoff after a long wait. Season one was a little slow. A few episodes into season 2, I couldn't keep remember of all of the names of the novel's worth of characters, so I had to read through the wikipedia episode lists just to keep track of what was going on with who. As such, I wouldn't give it a 10/10. BUT. While IThe Man in the High Castle is a slow-burn show that has tremendous payoff after a long wait. Season one was a little slow. A few episodes into season 2, I couldn't keep remember of all of the names of the novel's worth of characters, so I had to read through the wikipedia episode lists just to keep track of what was going on with who. As such, I wouldn't give it a 10/10. BUT. While I was watching early episodes mainly for the fascinating take on what a Nazi/Japanese occupied U.S. was like complete with realistic CGI, it soon became clear that the show was going somewhere, and everything was happening for a reason, and previously unimportant and disconnected plot lines were there for a reason. In this sense, the Man in the High Castle is the opposite of the typical network TV show in which 2 out of 3 shows are expendable and meaningless filler, with the only the odd episode advancing the plot. By the end of season 2, I was enthralled. The series was worth it all along. I desperately checked to make sure that a season 3 would happen, because to end the series early would be a crime. This is a fantastic show. Also, special props to the shots of Nazi Germany and Hitler's chilling "German Stadium," which fortunately was never built in this multiverse!… Expand
  19. Manjit
    Jan 26, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this is the show you should cancel your weekend for. In an alternate ending to the second great war where the Third Reich and Japan won. Based on the Phillip K Dick book this show has great plot twists and subplots that keep the story moving.… Expand
  20. Rennie
    Jan 26, 2017
    8
    I'm enjoying this show a great deal after watching Season 1 and half of Season 2. I almost wish the weird sci-fi alternate reality theme was absent, because exploring what the US would be like if we'd lost the war is interesting in and of itself. The acting is generally good. Alexa Davalos and Rufus Sewell are the acting high points. My only concern is that producers will pull a "Lost"I'm enjoying this show a great deal after watching Season 1 and half of Season 2. I almost wish the weird sci-fi alternate reality theme was absent, because exploring what the US would be like if we'd lost the war is interesting in and of itself. The acting is generally good. Alexa Davalos and Rufus Sewell are the acting high points. My only concern is that producers will pull a "Lost" on us, and writers will end up just making things up as they go along until the show ends up (unintentionally) as a farce. If they do that, mark my words, I will hate the writers/producers forever. The plot already has that feel of being made up on the fly.… Expand
  21. chrissycat
    Jan 20, 2017
    10
    The only thing bad about this show is that there are only 10 episodes. I love alternate universe stories and this is one of the best. The characters are believable, the storyline is frightening in a giving me the shivers way.
  22. Reagan0
    Jan 13, 2017
    9
    In TV shows, once the pilot is out and shipped, often the production just assumes it has some people watching it and then it drops in quality. No such thing with these new internet TV shows. There wasn't even that great a drop from season 1 to 2 of The Man in the High Castle, the only TV show I'm keeping up with.

    People are not written off in this series like characters are often in TV    In TV shows, once the pilot is out and shipped, often the production just assumes it has some people watching it and then it drops in quality. No such thing with these new internet TV shows. There wasn't even that great a drop from season 1 to 2 of The Man in the High Castle, the only TV show I'm keeping up with.

    People are not written off in this series like characters are often in TV shows. Every single character in this film struggles, from the Man in the High Castle, to Hitler himself, to every single character you think is an antagonist or a protagonist or some side character caught up in the plot. The series explores them all in a way where you will sympathize with every one of them. To me that's awesome. The Nazis and the Japanese are not written off as bourgeois dictators or cruel monsters, nor are the subjugated written off as peasants or stupid. It gives all characters their own worldview, very easy to relate to, remarkably from either end. My favorite so far is definitely the trade minister, epitome of cool, and representative of everything good about the Japanese in the series.

    The setting grasps such an insane, twisted concept, but traps it in its jar and pops a neat little plot device over the hole on top – the films. What kind of story is written as an alternate universes, where there are alternate universes in the alternate universe? This is the purpose of the films – not your average MacGuffins. There are so many possibilities about the fate of the world with these films, from grim to utopian. No one knows where they come from or what purpose they serve. Interestingly, none of them seem to represent the world we live in.

    I was slightly disappointed that they revealed The Man at the beginning of Season 2. The mystery of him was one of the most gripping parts of the narrative's suspense. If they had managed to save it for some more pivotal moment towards the end it would have been perfect.

    One last note: this series fixes a glaring plothole in the original book - Canada is actually part of the Reich, instead of being just same ole' Canada.

    In a word – quality.    … Expand
  23. alizilla
    Jan 10, 2017
    0
    Ep 1 & 2 showed great promise , I could barley make it to EP 10.
    After watching all 10 episodes I wish I hadn't. It was almost painful to watch as the season ended.
    Quick word of warning about the vastly over the top 'average' scores shown here and other sites. Scratch the surface on the majority of the professional critic reviews who gave this show glowing 10/10 scores and you will    Ep 1 & 2 showed great promise , I could barley make it to EP 10.
    After watching all 10 episodes I wish I hadn't. It was almost painful to watch as the season ended.

    Quick word of warning about the vastly over the top 'average' scores shown here and other sites.
    Scratch the surface on the majority of the professional critic reviews who gave this show glowing 10/10 scores and you will find they only watched episode 1 / strangely some of them refer to this as 'the pilot' which I cant understand given amazon had release the first 6 episodes for review at once.

    Makes me wonder if they even watched the same show I did.. I honestly think if they watched the first series in it's entirety their scores would be massively different.    … Expand
  24. Solar_Macharius
    Jan 10, 2017
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Based on the book by Philip L. Dick, The Man in the High Castle (MHC) is about an alternate universe in which the Japanese Empire and Nazi Germany have won the Second World War.

    As a lover of history, I really wanted to like this program. But mid way through the second season my will is faltering.

    Whilst some of the actors, such as Rufus Sewell and Cari-Hiroyuki Tagawa, who play Nazi 'Obergruppenführer' John Smith and Japanese Trade Minister Nobosuke Tagomi respectively, are great actors, the two/three (who knows?!) leads of the show, Alexa Davalos playing Juliana Crane, Luke Kleintank as Joe Blake and Rupert Evans as Frank Frink are completely flat and I struggled to muster any sympathy for these dour, self loathing characters. Only late into the second season do Frank and Joe become slightly more likeable as their characters begin to gain any semblance of purpose.

    However, more so, it is the pacing of the show that hurts it the most. Almost every episode is completely forgettable, with very interesting story lines including assassinations, espionage and the simple struggles of daily life under the Japanese/Nazis lost behind long, drawn out conversations from our leads about . . . .nothing, really. And this is without going into the over arching story behind the 'films', of which even Hitler himself is trying to find, and where alternative history seems to blend with sci-fi which will leave even the most ardent fans lost and confused and needing to read the plot online for it make sense.

    Overall, whilst the theme is very interesting and the first few episode lure you in with a sense of wonder, these initial hopes are pretty much for naught. The slow pacing, confusing story line, with a whole lot of 'that's it?!' moments, will leave you wondering why this show has got such recognition.

    5/10 Would only recommend to those who can handle a very, very slow burn story.    … Expand
  25. Marlon201725
    Dec 20, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. La serie nos sumerge en una realidad alternativa del como hubiere sido la derrota de los aliados, muy similar a lo que expone wolfenstein new order algo que como fanaticos del juego se agradece, muy interesante espero conseguir el libro luego para conocer mas… Expand
  26. kirkhilles
    Jul 14, 2016
    3
    I'm certainly no critic and more of an "average guy". My wife and I are 3 episodes in and watching it sucks. Its just an excuse to show a bunch of torture and war. Normally I LOVE the possibilities of "what ifs" and "alternate realities", but this isn't it. Again, WATCHING IT sucks. I'm not saying that it isn't "critically good", but I AM saying that I don't want to see it anymore nor everI'm certainly no critic and more of an "average guy". My wife and I are 3 episodes in and watching it sucks. Its just an excuse to show a bunch of torture and war. Normally I LOVE the possibilities of "what ifs" and "alternate realities", but this isn't it. Again, WATCHING IT sucks. I'm not saying that it isn't "critically good", but I AM saying that I don't want to see it anymore nor ever again and that's rare for me.

    There's nothing to be excited about. Nothing about this seems plausible in any form. There was no step-by-step of what happened, nor anything positive about what could've happened (certainly, there had to be SOMETHING good compared to our problems in our country today). Instead, its just a dreary, everybody is going to get tortured or killed type of show. It doesn't teach me anything. It doesn't get me excited about it. Frankly, I'm not really even sure what's going on as I have no reason to really focus on it. Just a bunch of boring characters.

    Pass. Too much other great TV out there. Maybe it gets better later, but I'm done with it.    … Expand
  27. goodterling
    Jun 13, 2016
    2
    Every aspect of the show--from the music, to the soft, fuzzy look, to the slow dialog, to the pacing--seems calculated to put you to sleep. I have to constantly remind myself that everything is NOT supposed to be a dream sequence, because that's the visual language they're using for every scene. And this is coming from someone who loves other slow burn shows like Hannibal. The acting isEvery aspect of the show--from the music, to the soft, fuzzy look, to the slow dialog, to the pacing--seems calculated to put you to sleep. I have to constantly remind myself that everything is NOT supposed to be a dream sequence, because that's the visual language they're using for every scene. And this is coming from someone who loves other slow burn shows like Hannibal. The acting is good, Rufus Sewell is great, but they somehow managed to transform this compelling concept, skilled actors, and great production value into an incredibly boring product.… Expand
  28. ninjamammoth
    Jun 13, 2016
    0
    Guys don't bother, this show is horribly boring and filled with plot holes. The main characters seem to act without thinking about the consequences. Show is just utter crap, i don't get all the great reviews surrounding this series. No one in the series seems to act but just worry and worry about what is about to happen. Long and draggy screen time. Juliana is annoying as hell btw.
  29. eadams1530
    Mar 18, 2016
    8
    This show had me from the beginning. It's a bit of a "slow-burn". I love the way the show doesn't force-feed you information about what happened during the war and all of the outcomes. A lot of the horrors of the Nazi forces are simply told by a few lines of dialogue...maybe even throw-away lines that have bigger ramifications. I love the characters and the subtlety of the underlyingThis show had me from the beginning. It's a bit of a "slow-burn". I love the way the show doesn't force-feed you information about what happened during the war and all of the outcomes. A lot of the horrors of the Nazi forces are simply told by a few lines of dialogue...maybe even throw-away lines that have bigger ramifications. I love the characters and the subtlety of the underlying mystery of the show. I have no idea what's going to happen in season 2, but I'm really glad that it did well enough to get the renewal.… Expand
  30. Pleiades
    Feb 28, 2016
    10
    IMHO the best PKD adaptation so far - let's face it, none of them (with the notable exception of 'A Scanner Darkly) have been exact replicants (heh) of the original, and this is no exception. But it's better for it, for despite PKD's (not very original, but interesting) premise, there was not that much to the novel as far as I can remember - & no closure or overall explanation as such.IMHO the best PKD adaptation so far - let's face it, none of them (with the notable exception of 'A Scanner Darkly) have been exact replicants (heh) of the original, and this is no exception. But it's better for it, for despite PKD's (not very original, but interesting) premise, there was not that much to the novel as far as I can remember - & no closure or overall explanation as such.

    Neither is there in this series, at least for the moment (it's been renewed for 2016 however) - nevertheless, the characters have been fleshed out a bit, and the resistance moved to the fore, which advances the physical drama. The psychological and political drama is actually more convincing to my mind however.

    The world building, atmosphere and background are first rate, the whole environment normal on the surface but with the chilling, ever present overtones of fascism looming like a dark, judgemental cloud over everything.

    The acting is, for the most part, superb - special mentions for pretty much all the Japanese characters who embody the ruthless cruelty of the Empire, and the unquestioning obedience it demands. The Nazis, centred on the charming, confident John Smith (Rufus Sewell) are also universally effective as boot clicking sadists with ice in their blood.

    All of course is not as it seems, and the characters have hidden agendas, anxieties and loyalties, and this is the crux of the drama, as much as the insistent fear of betrayal or discovery that every episode exudes.

    Certainly there are weaknesses: Juliana Crane, whilst utterly gorgeous and sympathetic, does come across as fairly insipid. Every main character is pretty or handsome, in a way that years of war and privation wouldn't seem to merit. The Marshal (not one of the pretty ones LOL) is a cartoonish caricature of amoral evil although he's no less scary as a result.

    The usual coincidences and deus ex machina appear, inevitable in this type of fiction, but on the whole it rises above the usual tropes of the genre.

    A really pleasant surprise to be honest - I'm giving it a 10 to balance the silly zero scores but it certainly rates at least an 8+ in my eyes anyway...    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Best TV Season of 2015
18
#18 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
26
#26 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Michael Starr
    Dec 8, 2015
    63
    The series, in large part, fails to deliver on its fascinating premise. Simply put, it’s plodding, moves at a glacial pace and overreaches with too many diffuse narrative strands.
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  2. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Nov 23, 2015
    80
    Directed by David Semel, the first episode (now available on Amazon) sets a visual tone that immediately sets this apart from other thrillers.... By the second episode, you’ll want to know who’s really good and who’s bad and how the latter will meet their untimely deaths.
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  3. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Isaac Feldberg
    Nov 23, 2015
    90
    The first six episodes (all those provided to press ahead of release) consistently surprise in how they deepen those characters and weave their journeys together.
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