WhenTheAshesAreTwo
Too many plots, too many questions, yet too many answers
A good mystery has questions and uncertainty, but gives answers as well, right or wrong. It lets viewers, even casual ones, come to their own concrete guesses, and when things are solved or revealed, it adds to the fun.The problem with Mouse then, is that it has way too many questions, grossly overuses cliffhangers and fake outs, makes the viewer question the show's writers and not themselves, and has far too many subplots and characters to keep track of. In other words, the questions you as are "wait, what just happened again?" instead of "how does this evidence play into the story?"
First the good: all the actors play their role super well. The music, though mostly atmospheric, is fitting. The handful of characters you pay attention to get good development. And despite what I said above, the show holds your attention.
It's disappointing because the first half of the show, particularly the first episodes, was gripping. The plot was well paced, the writers let the viewers get answers and figure things out. Then things went down the toilet rapidly after the middle of the show. It got to the point that I, at least, wasn't really interested in any big reveals, cliffhangers, or those "character stares at something off screen in horror" moments because I knew in the very next episode it was going to be a fake out / misleading camera angle. That, to me, is bad writing to overuse plot progression devices and not give answers. Doesn't help that they tried to stuff a "conspiracy" plot in as well, as it hitting every genre possible.
Then there's the problem with way too many characters. It wouldn't be so bad if they let us match faces to names, but most of them, particularly the victims, get little to no screentime to get to know them before they're relegated to plot devices as victims or exposition dumps. This makes most of the characters have no depth and they all become the same thing: murder victims. Deep into the show, when they rapid fire off names and their relations without showing faces I just nod along and not care because they're just victims without history - they only matter that way, and not as their own character. Heck people had to make graphs and documents to keep track of who's who. That's really not fun to consult when watching.
Other minor things: the abusive use of jump cuts / supercuts, particularly in the mid-to-end of the show, is extremely jarring. Sometimes the scene would last like five seconds before it cuts into the character now in the next day with no proper transition. Some characters start off strong then turn into a wet emotional noodle (you know what I'm talking about). Some of the plot at the end will really make your eyes roll even if it does give closure to some scenes at the beginning.
In the end, It's a show carried by its wonderful actors.
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A really underrated show. Gripping, but could have used another episode or two
This was a real hidden gem for me, and probably is one because there's no "official" way to watch it. Which is a damn shame and a mistake by any streaming services because it's a gripping story. For those turned off by the sci-fi tag, it's extremely light, don't worry.The episodes are evenly split between two timelines separated by 20 years, and it's done in an interesting and good way. It's unique, at least to me, and gives double the tension: both the Future and Past timelines play with the audience, but not in a way that pisses you off. It keeps you questioning things.
Speaking of tension, it's kept high nearly all of the time. The writers did a good job keeping the action and drama going - too good, because the show really lacks breathers. The pacing is rapid, which means the breathers are few and far between, and are so fleeting. This also means the characters are developed, but just enough to be good. For example, two of the characters pretty clearly fall in love - but it's over one scene, and how that one character even got their beliefs to get to that scene are a bit iffy. Breathers help deepen character bonds and development, and the show lacks that because of its 12 episodes.
It's a big missed opportunity - I think extra episodes, heck even just one, would help the pacing a lot. The Future timeline world is interesting but we don't get to see much of it. And we could see more scenes between the leads. Lord knows everyone wants to see those hotties be cute and romantic
Well what about the story? It's consistent, engaging, and good, but you will have to suspend your disbelief for parts of it. Some of the plot points and cases would have sent the police flying to the locations instead of the characters quietly continuing their plot, but it works. Again, only 12 episodes probably forced them to push forward with questionable moments. Each key character gets good development and no one (EXCEPT ONE PERSON) is screwed over.
The music is easily the worst part though. It's typical tense orchestra stuff, nothing really new. But the cadence of the tracks often do NOT match what's going on, and that's a big sin. There would be a rising tension leading up to a typical Nolan BWAAAA breakdown, but it'd be a character just walking up some stairs, transitioning to another scene. Or there would be said breakdown, but nothing happens, so the music continues, and there's ANOTHER breakdown. That really stinks. I really think the music ruins the immersion at times. Also...in a sci-fi esque show, there's no electronic music or anything? It feels generic.
But those weren't enough to turn me away from this show, and it shouldn't deter you either. Find a way to watch it, and it's worth it.
To summarize...
Good things
- Engaging and gripping story that doesn't lose steam
- Well done acting
- Plot is mostly consistent
- Characters are developed well enough for the plot
Bad things
- Plot is a bit "on" all the time - lack of breathers may give you fatigue
- Needed an extra episode or two for pacing
- Characters could have been developed more, aka needed more episodes
- Some plot / moments need suspension of disbelief
- Music is generic, but its timing and placement ranges from meh to head-scratching
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