TV Crime Log: Big Little Lies, Iron Fist
You’re frustrated. The publication date of Two O’Clock Boy is so near - so close. You’re twiddling your thumbs, desperate for some kind of distraction. I get that. I understand your pain. It’s not easy for me either.
So let me suggest a couple of things you may want to watch over the coming week on the tellybox. They may take your mind off my book for an hour or so. They may or, you know, they may not.
The cast of Big Little Lies really doesn’t get much bigger, or more awesome. Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and Shailene Woodley star in an adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s bestseller. The reviews have been good, this mini-series is apparently an addictive ride.
In the tranquil seaside town of Monterey, California, nothing is quite as it seems. Doting moms, successful husbands, adorable children, beautiful homes: What lies will be told to keep their perfect worlds from unraveling?
Told through the eyes of three mothers – Madeline, Celeste and Jane – Big Little Lies paints a picture of a town fueled by rumors and divided into the haves and have-nots, exposing the conflicts, secrets and betrayals that compromise relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, and friends and neighbors.
Big Little Lies is a subversive, darkly comedic drama that weaves a tale of murder and mischief as it explores society’s myth of perfection and the contradictions that exist beneath our idealized façade of marriage, sex, parenting and friendship. I didn’t say that. The press release did.
It’s on Sky Atlantic at 9pm on Monday night. That means you may have to miss Broadchurch on ITV. And The Walking Dead on Fox. And probably an old episode of Bullseye on Challenge.
The less said about the reviews for Iron Fist, however, the better. It’s the latest Marvel show to become available on Netflix – you can watch the whole series in its entirety if you want – on Friday. Finn Jones stars as Danny Rand, who returns to New York after a long time away with some pretty extraordinary chop-socky skills, which he uses to fight bad guys, etc.
Iron Fist is, of course the final member of the planned Defenders mini-series – shows starring Luke Cage, Jessica Jones and Daredevil have already debuted. When I was a kid, I remember the Defenders consisted of the Hulk, Doctor Strange and the Silver Surfer, but I guess those guys are too big time for a TV show. Except the Silver Surfer - he’s getting a respray.
Anyways, Critics have suggested Iron Fist is derivative and has plenty of awkward narrative issues. The casting of Jones as Rand was also criticised as a missed opportunity to cast an Asian actor. But if you’re a Marvel completist, let’s face, you’ll probably be bingeing on Iron Fist come what may.
