Rólunk szól

Season 1 – 85% – The essence of a quality family drama, where heartfelt moments and contemplative, all-encompassing monologues are never far off. From the pilot episode, which tricks the viewer with a misleading concept, the main characters, especially the admirable parents Rebecca and Jack, got under my skin. Right behind them is Kevin, who, although his storylines entertain me the most, crosses the line between boyish behavior and genuine foolishness with his constant errors in relationship and family situations. This group of likeable personalities works best as a whole, and even though it tackles sensitive subjects, it never veers into self-parody. This phenomenon continues to fascinate me, even if only because it is difficult for the general public to resist its innocence. Season 2 – 80% – The creators have the courage to defy all expectations with a story that appears clichéd. They present plot twists without exaggeration, allowing the beloved character Kevin to make one mistake after another, shaping him into an unabashedly selfish troublemaker in both storylines. They even devote unexpected moments to side characters, or even the family car. It's a welcome gamble that, in today's world of TV shows filled with disruptions and inconsistent quality, is hard to find. Season 3 – 85% – I enjoy watching how this seemingly unremarkable series has managed to establish an incredibly strong position in the American television landscape. Even in its third year, it remains "just" a perfectly acted and expertly balanced family drama that, thanks to its clever use of flashforwards, manages to present surprises, while at other times, it feels like an ordinary gathering of old acquaintances. If I didn't feel that the creators unnecessarily lingered on flashbacks throughout entire episodes (which, after some time, loses its purpose), it would be hard to contain my maximum enthusiasm. Season 4 – 90% – Pleasantly stabilized on the outer edge of family drama, causing frequent tears and clenched fists, while also delving deeper into soap opera territory. I'm glad because, in practice, that means fewer special episodes; but when they do come, they are adequately justified (see Randall's perfectly executed episode After the Fire). If the creators weren't afraid to keep the welcome new characters in the story longer and didn't overwhelm them, their aim would be even higher this time. Nonetheless, I joyfully celebrate the best season so far, remaining as one of the last phenomena in today's increasingly streaming-oriented era, and it keeps me eagerly searching for a new episode each week. Season 5 – 90% – An incomparable example of a purely family-oriented series that educates, entertains, and advises in all areas, including the repeatedly discussed topics related to COVID-19. And yet it never becomes annoying or tiring and almost exclusively brings joy. This may be the best season, where every twist or unexpected glimpse into the future perfectly captivates me and breaks my heart with those revelations. Justin Hartley has always been likeable, but the way he "triumphs" beside his more acclaimed colleagues repeatedly takes my breath away. Season 6 – 85% – The fulfillment of all the creators' wishes. The final destinies of the characters, hinted at or boldly revealed several seasons ago, finally come to the last few points. The series is extended enough years into the future to allow for planned glimpses, including false leads. It's unbelievable how everything fit together, how the right moments brought me to tears, happy or sad. There were enough safe bets, hence the relatively modest rating. However, the finale is surprisingly down-to-earth and somewhat unexpected, the opposite of what the viewers might have anticipated. And so, the episode The Night Before the Wedding fulfilled wishes that I didn't even know I could have. The end of This Is Us could signify a new chapter in American television, as it may very well be one of the last pieces that both viewers adore and receive Emmy nominations, without needing to be streamed or broadcast on cable TV. I'd like to be wrong because I'm not fond of new traditions, just like the central family that will probably still be celebrated with the hat of the Wanderer Rick and a VHS tape of Police Academy 3 even a hundred years from now. (2017.03.18) (kevesebbet) (több)