Mayor of Kingstown

Once again, I was satisfied with my choice. This is the third series in a row to which I only had minor objections. True, the seventh episode was the one where Taylor Sheridan had his weaker moment, but still, he provided me with quality entertainment, and I looked forward to each new episode. What pleased me the most was that it wasn't a prison-themed show according to the tried and tested formula. In fact, I didn't know exactly what to expect until the end, which I appreciated. So, yes, I enjoyed the first season, and I will definitely watch the next one. / Lesson learned: If you want to hunt a bear with a bow, you should have Legolas' skills just to be safe. Anyway, a machine gun does the trick as well. (11.06.2023)

What an exciting start to a series. I usually rate pilot episodes with a neutral three stars because I still have no idea what to expect, and I am coming to grips with it along with the creative team. With some shows, it is apparent after the first episode that it just won't be my thing, and I go even lower with my rating. However, the Mayor seems to belong to the category of shows that draw me in right from the beginning to the extent that I am willing to give an even higher rating. It didn't start off badly at all, and I was pleasantly surprised that I won't have anyone to root for, which is a nice change compared to most movies and series. The beginning was excellent, so hopefully, I won't be disappointed with the progress of the plot as time passes. / Lesson learned: You can't please everyone, that's for sure. (04.06.2023)

The second episode only confirmed my opinion that I didn't make a mistake when I gave the pilot four stars. I enjoy the hopeless and even depressing atmosphere, and I love that I don't have to root for anyone, and I can relax and enjoy the story that the writers are creating. I'm not sure if they can maintain the same level throughout the whole first season, but after two episodes, I'm a satisfied viewer. I don't know if it was the creators' intention, but I hope so because I was thoroughly entertained. I have never tried to hide the fact that I consider the abolition of the death penalty a mistake, even though I acknowledge that in the case of a judicial error, the state would find itself in a position similar to the Catholic Church, which must sometimes rehabilitate one of its instant victims. However, there are proven cases of bestial murders where the perpetrators can eventually repeat their actions, which really infuriates me. But why the Americans make a spectacle out of executions is something I do not understand. / Lesson learned: Every person should have certain boundaries that they should carefully consider before crossing. (05.06.2023)

I'm giving the third episode five stars because the creators got me into a very strange state of mind. It was an inner struggle because I was fully aware that what I was watching was very, very bad, but I still somehow agreed with it. A reasonable person doesn't want the police to replace the judicial system because then you would not know whom to fear more - the criminals or law enforcement officers. But then there was this damn asshole who had already gone through the legal system without learning any lessons, and I certainly didn't wish him anything nice. Well, it was a mix of conflicting feelings, and whoever can make me feel this way deserves five stars. / Lesson learned: Confront your demons. (05.06.2023)

The fourth episode was full of demands and disappointments, and I liked it. I didn't find many reasons for a joyful smile, but I think that's precisely why I was so satisfied. I'm glad I realized right in the pilot that I wouldn't have anyone to root for. As the plot progresses, it becomes increasingly evident that my instinct was right. Some episodes of the first season clearly explain why Americans (or the majority of them) lag behind in geography and history. They are taught that the first enslaved people were black people, and the first enslavers were the Portuguese, so I'm hardly surprised. I also learned that the United States became the greatest empire the world had ever known, and I inadvertently hummed, "God Save the King." So, yes, the fourth episode had its hilarious moments. / Lesson learned: Appetite grows with eating. And so does your weight. (07.06.2023)

The fifth episode had a five-star opening and ending, but the plot between these two perfections was far from great. The creators delivered their standard, but I sometimes seemed to be losing interest. Maybe I would be less critical if the opening and ending of the episode didn't clearly show me that I was somewhat snubbed in the middle. Anyway, I have reached the halfway point of the first season, and I must admit that I'm happy with what I have seen so far. / Lesson learned: It is never too late to become an astronomer. (07.06.2023)

What an exciting episode. I would say it was unequivocally the most suspenseful episode of the first season. Although I enjoyed the atmosphere, story, and dialogue as usual, the best thing about this episode was the tension which was almost palpable toward the end. The sixth episode was filled with events, had a great atmosphere, and even better tension, and I enjoyed it. / Lesson learned: When you find someone you can trust unconditionally, you can call yourself happy. When you find two, you have probably found your share of happiness for the rest of your life. (09.06.2023)

Huh? What was that all about? I raved about the previous episode, gave it five stars, and now I get this? What a downfall. Maybe I wouldn't have been so annoyed if Mr. Sheridan hadn't shown me what he's really capable of just before that. The seventh episode had a more boring plot, and it was longer, which is a combination that doesn't really appeal to me. After almost an hour, I can say that, except for a few moments, I didn't enjoy it much. At times it was downright dull, and it wasn't helped by the fact that part of the plot resembled the more boring episodes of Orange Is the New Black. It was a massive drop in quality compared to the fifth episode, making me remove two stars. / Lesson learned: People learn from their mistakes. At least some of them do. (09.06.2023)

The eighth episode clearly surpassed the previous one, but I wasn't exactly thrilled. The plot was definitely more interesting than in the last episode, but it had its weaker moments. What annoyed me the most was that the story lost its original momentum and the pace was slacking. Instead, I had to listen to boring and somewhat clichéd monologues, through which the screenwriter apparently tried to show that he definitely keeps up with the current trending topics. The situation in Kingstown has been more or less stagnant for two episodes now, but the development at the end of the episode and the fact that the boring subplot has been concluded indicate that I might expect an overall improvement. / Lesson learned: If you want to play surgeon, be aware that an operation usually ends with stitching or death. (10.06.2023)

Yes, I understood it correctly last time, mainly because Taylor Sheridan sent clear signals at the end of the previous episode. The ninth episode had all the essential ingredients. Once again, I experienced a great, intense atmosphere with well-executed action. The fast pace was back, and this time the creators didn't forget about well-built tension. To create contrast, they added calming scenes from Mike's cottage, which at the same time were not exactly pleasant, making you realize what a damn expensive car Porsche is. So yes, it was an uncomfortable ride for a while, but in the penultimate episode, I got a new racetrack again (while we're using car metaphors). / Lesson learned: "Don't bring a club to a gunfight." I couldn't have come up with a better lesson than Milo Baelish. (10.06.2023)

Phew, what a relief. I was concerned that the creators would underestimate the work on the finale and ruin my overall impression of this series, but my worries were unfounded. Fortunately, Taylor Sheridan did not go for one of his mysterious creative break-downs this time, so another episode full of great atmosphere and perfect tension was created based on his work (and I don't really have a favorite character). Most importantly, the fast pace didn't let me think about anything else. Yeah, it was an eventful conclusion to the series with an appropriately open ending for further seasons. / Lesson learned: There are situations in life for whose resolution I would rather not be there. (11.06.2023)

I wasn't quite as satisfied as I was with the previous season. Everything seemed to be on track until the seventh episode, but then there was a noticeable turning point. The plot started to weaken, introducing situations that left me a bit perplexed. Even though I held onto hope until the last moment for a grand finale, it turned out my optimism was a bit too much. The final episode wasn't bad, but considering my expectations based on past experiences, it felt more like receiving an emerald when I was hoping for a polished diamond. It was still grand and beautifully presented, but a small flaw inside was noticeable, instantly reducing its value in my eyes. Despite my gripes, I still consider the series a success and I'd be thrilled if there's another season ahead. / Lesson learned: Sometimes, things just don't pan out as expected. (08.08.2023)

I was quite curious to see how the creators would follow up on the first season after the mayhem they unleashed in its finale. Now that I've watched it, I can confidently say they did an excellent job without veering into any inconsistencies that would require their number one fan to crack their ankles. I was not just pleasantly surprised but genuinely pleased with how smoothly and seamlessly they continued the story, even as it reached extreme levels. The familiar raw, dark, and depressing atmosphere saturated the story as usual. While the opening episode wasn't the most thrilling, it served its purpose well by summarizing the consequences of the previous events, no matter how unpleasant they were. My only critique lies in the increasing anti-police sentiments portrayed. However, I'm aware that police forces in the States often lack the necessary training for de-escalation, and the arrival of a police patrol doesn't guarantee safety (and in this series, that sentiment rings even truer because there simply isn't a positive character). / Lesson learned: Keeping a slippery slope in balance is a task worthy of Sisyphus. 5*- (31.07.2023)

Once again, I was enveloped in an unsettling atmosphere that seems to linger throughout the series (which I appreciate), but the power struggles took a significant leap, prompting me to reflect on police procedures in both Europe and the States. This time, I saw firsthand that it often doesn't pay off to offer help, especially when it's genuinely not wanted. I also witnessed another clever scheme by Mike, leaving me quite excited about what's to come in the next episode. / Lesson learned: If someone doesn't want your advice, it's best to step back and avoid raising your stress level. (01.08.2023)

The third episode didn't quite hit the mark for me, so I couldn't give another five-star rating. Now, don't get me wrong, the political discussions at the summer camp were quite engaging, so no complaints there. However, the storyline with the "damsel in distress" is losing its appeal with each episode. I've mentioned before that I'm all for helping women in need, but it's frustrating when helping them suddenly paints you as the bad guy, meddling where you shouldn't. Iris has fallen into this category of professional sufferers for me, and I'm indifferent to her fate at this point. Despite the consistently great atmosphere that works for me, this time the plot didn't quite hold up due to some inconsistencies. / Lesson learned: If you want someone to do you a favor, don't upset their grandmother. (04.08.2023)

The fourth episode may have been a bit shorter, but I won't cry over it because it had a positive impact. The creators didn't have enough time for Iris' dying storyline, touching on it only briefly. The plot was dense in those forty minutes, keeping me on the edge of my seat as Mike scrambled to salvage what he could. It was like watching someone spin ten plates on poles and then desperately trying to keep them all from crashing down. I must admit, I was puzzled by where the creators found the time to include archaeology and a diving course. Nevertheless, this episode brought back the fun and had me fully engaged. / Lesson learned: If your phone only brings bad news, wouldn't it be better to just get rid of it? (04.08.2023)

This episode was shorter but packed with an engaging plot, ensuring I didn't have a dull moment. I refrained from awarding the fifth star primarily because it felt somewhat one-sided, with stock market developments filling occasional breaks. Once again, the creators seemed intent on eliciting sympathy for Mike (and Bunny), but it only confirmed my belief that it's a futile effort. While I generally support the legal system (albeit with reservations about punishments often being too lenient for the crimes), I can't summon much pity when murderers, drug dealers, and violent individuals start killing each other. Despite this, the series remains among the best I've seen, even in its second season. Interestingly, it holds this position precisely because I have yet to find any truly positive heroes within it. Without the need to be afraid for any character, I can fully immerse myself in the intense atmosphere, tension, and excellently executed action scenes (when they occur). / Lesson learned: Agreements typically involve at least two parties. When you can't even trust yourself, things get complicated. 4*+ (05.08.2023)

In my review of the last episode, I complained about the fact that the story mainly focused on the prison events and there was not enough time for stock market transactions. The sixth episode dialed back even more on this aspect, yet I'm giving it five stars. I couldn't bring myself to lower my rating when the creators wove a narrative full of prison intrigues, clever schemes, and even cleverer counterplots, along with brutal violence and behind-the-scenes politicking. It offered a compelling comparison of political struggles inside and outside the prison, illustrating that the methods may differ but the goals are similar. Stabbing a political rival may not be as easy outside as it is inside these walls, at least I hope not. Instead of outright violence, more covert tactics are employed so that the death is only on a social and political level. Instead of stabbing, dirt is dug up, and when none is found, it can be fabricated on demand. Everyone seems adept at this game, and this episode delivered it all quite masterfully. When you add the fantastic atmosphere and the pervasive tension, it's certainly deserving of a full score. / Lesson learned: If you're a loner, a helping hand is hard to find. (06.08.2023)

It's starting to feel like a pattern. I can't say for certain without more evidence, but the seventh episode of this season had the same kind of decline in quality as the seventh episode of the first season. While the visuals were perfect and the sound flawless, the writing just fell short. Besides a new apartment, nothing significant appeared or happened, leaving me deeply disappointed. There was a lack of atmosphere, no tension to speak of, and because of the lack of action, we even saw a return of a character I had hoped we'd seen the last of. That only added to my dissatisfaction. I'll stop here before I get unnecessarily angry. / Lesson learned: A pilot's job is both responsible and dangerous. 3*- (06.08.2023)

The previous episode didn't quite hit the mark for me, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the eighth episode, where Mike decided to take a day off. Watching the lone cowboy's journey from well to well, while the town had to fend for itself, was incredibly entertaining. Sure, the story didn't exactly progress, but this time it didn't bother me as much because the episode was filled with a great atmosphere. What really surprised me was how it shifted. Instead of the usual feeling of confinement and paranoid anticipation of danger around every corner, there was a lazy tranquility that pervaded the episode. The few outbursts of violence stood out even more against this backdrop. Overall, it wasn't anything groundbreaking, but the creators seemed to hit the right spot for my taste and mood. / Lesson learned: Do a good deed and take your favorite serial killer on a trip. (07.08.2023)