If there was ever a moment for us to look at the Big Tobacco level addiction that is streaming media and run away screaming, that moment is long behind us. A vague memory in our collective rear-view mirror.
No point in dwelling on it, what’s done is done. Besides, after the events of the last year and change, we could all use a little escapism.
To that end, we’re returning to the second installment of whatever the hell Rebecca is watching. A chance to peer not into the screens which dominate our lives, but into the mind of a real, live human being… while they peer into a screen.
There’s an extra layer of separation which, I think, helps. This week we’re talking about The Nevers, on HBO.
Cass: On brand or off brand?
Rebecca: On brand but only because it's Whedon and I have a history of being Very Into Whedon Stuff.
C: In a pop culture landscape saturated with superhero shows, what sets The Nevers apart? What makes this worth watching?
R: I describe it as, "Turn of the century X-Men but it's (mostly) all women." The twist at the end of the first episode that explains the origin of the Touched is the reason I've kept watching.
C: As I mentioned, I had a hard time letting this show hook me. What am I missing? Give me your sales pitch.
R: Honestly, I wish I had an answer for you. I am also starting to fall out of interest with The Nevers. Character development has been nearly non-existent and mysteries are introduced without really alluding to answers. I will begrudgingly keep watching, as I think there are embers of potential. For example, only a handful of men are Touched, why is that? Is there something to be said about existing in the late 1800s as a suppressed trans person?
C: Is there anything you'd change about the show if you could? Any missed opportunities?
R: I've noticed the show is jumping from plot point to plot point without really taking the time to develop its characters or villains. Things just...happen...and I am having trouble finding reasons to really care about these characters and their motivations. The show also feels like a Greatest Hits reel of Whedon tropes that I would love to see diluted. Wacky-yet-sinister monologue to introduce the villain? Check. Emotionally hardened lead? Check. The sudden murder of a character you cared about? Check. And that's only in the first three episodes.
C: We probably shouldn't gloss over Joss Whedon. Has his involvement tainted your enjoyment of the show?
R: Yes and no. The problem is the guy creates great stories. Knowing he has stepped away helps, but I am curious to see how it will affect the quality of the show overall. His style is just so pervasive I can't ignore it. I notice little things that make you go, "ah yeah that's a Whedon style choice" and it takes me out of the show.
C: Sort of a continuation of the previous question - it's interesting that Whedon seems to lean pretty heavily toward writing stories which center around women, while having a pretty toxic relationship with them in real life. What's the deal?
R: I'm going to say it's a control thing. He can control the fictional women in his fictional worlds, but he let the lines blur between fiction and reality and the only way he can "control" women in real life is to be a total asshole towards them. Being a successful, powerful white man in Hollywood is a helluva drug.
C: Favorite moment from the show so far?
R: I think my favorite thing the show has offered so far is the broad obscurity of powers the Touched have. Visions of the future, walking on water, the ability to see energy, all very cool. Then some characters have powers like "I blow on things and turn them to glass," or "I am large." But the depiction of this wide variety is so interesting and I am enjoying learning about why these characters have these specific powers, as they are all related to something about each person. The doctor has a healing hand. The singer has a powerful voice that only the Touched can hear. The villain, having experienced a lifetime of abuse, turns the energy from physical pain into literal strength. It's wildly clever
C: Where do you hope it goes from here?
R: I don't know, man. So far I am having trouble seeing what future they are planning, but I do hope to see more of whatever the first episode twist means to offer.