The Terror

Despite the favorable rating, I can’t say I liked it. The biggest disappointment of the first season was its departure from the great novel on which it was based. I didn’t like the second season simply because the intended mixture of drama and horror didn’t work out very well. Well, seeing it once was enough for me. I recommend reading “The Terror” by Dan Simmons instead. (2020.02.17)

The first season (!?!?- what on earth is the second one going to be about???) was a major disappointment. The first episode was still quite good, but then everything went downhill (except for two glimmers of hope towards the end - episodes 7 and 9). The biggest problem for me was that the show failed to create a good atmosphere, so it didn’t draw me into the plot. There was obviously no suspense as I just couldn’t care less about the fate of the people involved. What I found impressive was Jared Harris’ performance, James Fitzjames underwent the most interesting development, and I enjoyed the events surrounding Cornelius Hickey. However, the CGI monster was terrible, and a lot of the things felt artificial. A strange fog always seemed to roll in out of nowhere at the right time, while there was no steam coming out of the characters’ mouths let alone rising from the mauled bodies in the supposedly minus fifty degrees. And the ending... No way. It wasn't enjoyable in the least. (2018.07.22)

The first episode started a story from which I expect a really tense atmosphere, lots of tension, and maybe even some chills down my spine. So far, I got what I expected from the pilot - an introduction to the plot, getting to know the individual characters, and ideal weather for the summer heat. (2018.07.20)

I am beginning to feel slightly nervous. Either I didn't tune in correctly for the second episode, or the creators are preparing a nasty disappointment for me. The story does have a gloomy atmosphere, but it is far from being as powerful as I imagined it to be. I barely experienced any tension, not even during the first monster attack. Additionally, I had the feeling that there were too many silent moments in the plot that didn't engage me. (2018.07.20)

Although I rated the third episode with three stars, which is actually slightly above average, I am quite disappointed. The most atmospheric part of the series is, in fact, the execution of the opening credits, including the music. The creators don't succeed in creating an atmosphere in the actual acted-out scenes, unlike the book, and I don't feel any tension either. (2018.07.21)

I rate it the same as in the previous case because both episodes are of comparable quality. However, if the creators decided that if both ships froze, they would also let the plot stagnate, the stars will go down next time. Nevertheless, I have to highlight deLaFere's comment - brief, concise, and funny. :-) (2018.07.21)

As you wish, I have warned you. The creators tried to fool me with CGI nonsense, they even provided me with an action fight in the rigging of the Terror, but that doesn't replace the quality atmosphere and well-built tension for me. I really enjoyed the book by Dan Simmons, but his dark, horror story was transformed into a lifeless narration without any energy. (2018.07.21)

I have a feeling that the creators were kind of trying to fill the void. They probably realized that something was missing from the series, so they went down a more action-packed path and seemingly completely lost the tension and atmosphere in the process. I seriously don't understand it, while I couldn't put down the book adaptation, this is quite boring. (2018.07.21)

This was truly a significant improvement in terms of quality. I have already accepted the fact that the series The Terror is not actually a horror, but thanks to the character of Cornelius Hickey, the seventh episode had an unexpectedly interesting plot. Finally, I could really enjoy watching it. (2018.07.22)

Well, I don't know where the mistake is. I can hardly praise one episode because the creators finally tried to create some atmosphere in it thanks to Hickey, but then they come up with a piece filled with artificial fog, even more artificial tension, and a somewhat bizarre fight with a CGI human-bear. (2018.07.22)

With joy, I note that after the last disappointment, the atmosphere has returned. Brutus reflected on himself, so one of the most unsympathetic characters eventually turned into one of the most likable characters, but the strongest moments were again taken care of by the biggest villain of the series (no, I really don't mean Tunbaka). (2018.07.22)

Oh no, not like this. Honestly, if I had to eat someone, I definitely wouldn't eat them raw just so the writer could succeed with their stupid idea of marinating. The book had a pretty strange ending, but unlike the TV show, at least it made sense. (2018.07.22)

The second season was by no means above average (not even slightly). At first, I was pleased that the authors chose a Japanese community in the US during World War II as the setting, but it quickly became clear that they bit off more than they could chew. They should have focused on just one of the themes because the drama wasn’t dramatic enough and the horror wasn’t horrific enough. Actually… there was no trace of horror at all. Although my expectations of the second season weren’t high, it was a disappointment. (2020.02.17)

So, after the letdown of the first season, my expectations were rock bottom for the second. But hey, the opener with a solid atmosphere left me pleasantly surprised (albeit cautiously). (2020.02.15)

So far, tension and that eerie vibe are few and far between, mostly tied to Yuko, who hasn't been in the spotlight much yet. But hey, I'm okay with it since I'm picking up some history lessons on the side. It seems the distinction between Nazism and democracy boils down to the brutality level and one extra suitcase. (2020.02.15)

Well, this episode fell flat for me. The storyline was a snooze-fest, and camp life seemed oddly serene, considering the circumstances. Even the one violent scene failed to ignite any excitement. The highlight? The Japanese dubbing of the film and its flawless sound had me mildly amused. (2020.02.15)

After the disappointment of the last episode, this one was a pleasant surprise with its rich atmosphere and engaging storyline. Initially, the slow pace on Guadalcanal had me worried, but as Yuko's character took center stage, things really picked up. The quality of the atmosphere was top-notch, and I'm hopeful that the creators can keep it up. (2020.02.15)

Well, this one didn't quite live up to expectations (following my thoughts on the previous episode). The story's pace took another dip, and either the fifth episode was too deep for my liking, or it just didn't grab me. The stuff happening at the camp was kinda dull, and if it weren't for the ending, the same would apply to Guadalcanal. (2020.02.16)

The first half did a solid job of clearing up some lingering questions. It was necessary for the story, though it did feel a tad drawn out at times. The second half didn't quite hit the mark for me, especially when Chester/Taizó spoke to Mr. Nakayama. If he had used that tone before entering the camp, I bet he would've been slapped with a mackerel. (2020.02.16)

Aside from the nod to Frankenstein's Bride in the episode introduction, it was a rather dull affair. While events unfolded, the episode sorely lacked atmosphere and tension. I couldn't even muster any connection to the departing characters, so their fate didn't quite grip me. Injecting some horror into the mix might improve things. (2020.02.16)