I'd say overall the 4th season was not as great as the 3rd season. I feel this is primarily because it panders to a more mainstream storyline with respect to Daniel's finding himself away from home. The introduction and handling of the Chloe character was not the most palpable/believable of the series. While the music has always been a stellar aspect of the show, it was only in the final season that it seemed intrusive; in several scenes, we were informed of the nature of the events that were going to transpire based on the music itself, overshadowing character interaction and dialogue, instead of complimenting the above.
I think I couldn't appreciate Daniel's growth this season with regard to his storyline with Chloe. We never find out what it was that she saw in him that drove her to push for a friendship in the first place, and more importantly, her role is exclusively to aid him, and she does not hold up as a character by herself. IMO ofcourse.
As for Ted Jr.'s conflict resolution with Daniel, I don't see how it could have been played any other way because Ted Jr. would surely not drive all the way to Nashville to seek peace, the best he would do, as he did, would be exchange a few words over the phone. And Tawney's short, sweet conversation was played mostly for audience satisfaction and is also plausible, but I guess the nature of this finale; to tie up all ends neatly in a sometimes almost mechanical manner makes it seem panderous. Melvin is brought back for a few minutes, Billy pops up for a short while, so that we know for sure that Amantha and him are having a go, the DA's news broadcast occurs just as the whole family is closing the tire store, the Deans also make a sweet apperance. All of these are plausible events, but given the swift manner in which they're all methodically delt with, it seems like they're being ticked off an itinerary.
Having said all that, I do have to reiterate that the show overall was brilliant. The acting by the entire cast, the cinematography, the dialogue and the tenderness that the show permeated all made for an amazing experience. Some of my favourite scenes were between Teddy Jr. and Tawney, with special mention to the penultimate episode of season 2, when Ted Jr speaks out, no holds barred. The entirety of the scene was carried by the raw and unsettling performance of the actors, along with the camera angles and lighting to heighten the feeling of unease and claustrophobic tension. As brilliant as Aden Young's performance was, I believe equal praise must be meted out to Clayne Crawford for pulling off an incredibly platonic, vulnerable and impulsive character so emphatically.
I do wish that that at some point in the series, they'd shed some more light into the nature of the girl that was Hannah, because as big a deal as they make of the effect that wrongful judgement had on Daniel's life and all the bureaucracy and lies and false testimonies, I felt not enough of a deal was made of the girl who did after all lose her life. We're only aware of how Daniel loved her, and that she was potentially promiscuous, but that's about it. At the end, when Janet meets Judy they do discuss that she had straight A's without even studying much and that was much needed, in fact that was the scene that suddenly made me want to know more about this bright girl who was robbed of a life oh so many years ago.
reply
share
Eva_Marrie
8 years ago
I'd say overall the 4th season was not as great as the 3rd season. I feel this is primarily because it panders to a more mainstream storyline with respect to Daniel's finding himself away from home.
Yes, yes and yes. That is the 4th season's biggest sin - it
panders, which goes against the core of the show's style. One of the things I loved most about seasons 1-3 is that it almost laughed in the face of mainstream viewers:
"Can't handle the pace? Well, go get yourself some Valium because this ain't going any faster."
"Philosophical references too highbrow? Well, go open a book."
"Want to watch an anti-hero do typical 'badass' things? Well, suck it up because you're gonna watch an awkward, traumatised, rape victim introvert without a macho bone in his body."
"Want sexploitation? Well, tough, because we're gonna give you ugly, dramatically meaningful masturbation scenes and a plump, realistic-looking woman as the 'hot babe' our hero hooks up with upon getting out."
"Want sentimental music? We're gonna give you jarring Arvo Pratt."
And I could go on and on.
reply
share
ShaeBlue
8 years ago
Yes, yes and yes. That is the 4th season's biggest sin - it panders, which goes against the core of the show's style. One of the things I loved most about seasons 1-3 is that it almost laughed in the face of mainstream viewers:
"Can't handle the pace? Well, go get yourself some Valium because this ain't going any faster."
"Philosophical references too highbrow? Well, go open a book."
"Want to watch an anti-hero do typical 'badass' things? Well, suck it up because you're gonna watch an awkward, traumatised, rape victim introvert without a macho bone in his body."
"Want sexploitation? Well, tough, because we're gonna give you ugly, dramatically meaningful masturbation scenes and a plump, realistic-looking woman as the 'hot babe' our hero hooks up with upon getting out."
"Want sentimental music? We're gonna give you jarring Arvo Pratt."
And I could go on and on.
A++ post
reply
share
LiveYoLifeLikeYouMeanIt
8 years ago
Haha, yes. You're spot on.
Rectify at its best has always been one that catered to only the lowest common denomination of mainstream expectations, instead pursuing a more subtle and patient observation on tumultuous life itself.
reply
share
ShaeBlue
8 years ago
Having said all that, I do have to reiterate that the show overall was brilliant. The acting by the entire cast, the cinematography, the dialogue and the tenderness that the show permeated all made for an amazing experience. Some of my favourite scenes were between Teddy Jr. and Tawney, with special mention to the penultimate episode of season 2, when Ted Jr speaks out, no holds barred. The entirety of the scene was carried by the raw and unsettling performance of the actors, along with the camera angles and lighting to heighten the feeling of unease and claustrophobic tension. As brilliant as Aden Young's performance was, I believe equal praise must be meted out to Clayne Crawford for pulling off an incredibly platonic, vulnerable and impulsive character so emphatically.
In all honesty you do not see this level of acting on most tv shows. It was pure bliss to watch.
I do wish that that at some point in the series, they'd shed some more light into the nature of the girl that was Hannah,
I always think it is fascinating when deceased characters in a narrative become interesting beyond the details surrounding their death.
reply
share