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The Night Of - new crime limited series - HBO Sundays - 90 on Metacritic
- Thread starter Cornballer
- Start date
Yup, this was middling. Zaillian's direction gradually became unmoored and impotent. A bunch of self-consciously arty shallow focus shots racking to walls and grates and windows, never really capable of getting us in anybody but Nas or Stone's heads. Little reason to care what was going on in those heads regardless. Fine dialogue and performances can't make up for uninvolving characters.
Only reason this is more disappointing to me than Vinyl is that that show was obviously bad from the first episode, whereas this had to go and surprise me with its mediocrity a few episodes in. Bum year for me and HBO between those and the worst season of Silicon yet, but I'm hopeful for Westworld and confident at least one of their new comedies will be great.
Only reason this is more disappointing to me than Vinyl is that that show was obviously bad from the first episode, whereas this had to go and surprise me with its mediocrity a few episodes in. Bum year for me and HBO between those and the worst season of Silicon yet, but I'm hopeful for Westworld and confident at least one of their new comedies will be great.
I finished it, but I still stand by my original comments that it should have been at least 4 episodes shorter, if not more. People shouting at me for the "it's not about whodunnit you idiot!" only for the plot to devolve into just fucking that. It's an admittedly long movie plot that got stretched into 8.5 hours, and the thing feels miserable to watch as a result.
I think if someone gave enough of a shit to go The Hobbit on this and cut it to 3.5 hours it'd be something special, but as is it's just another middling crime drama that only stands out because HBO spent a ton of money on it.
I think if someone gave enough of a shit to go The Hobbit on this and cut it to 3.5 hours it'd be something special, but as is it's just another middling crime drama that only stands out because HBO spent a ton of money on it.
Kind of annoyed by the Chandra bit. Didn't make a ton of sense why she ended up doing what she did, but people do silly things.
I'm glad Freddy was genuine. Also good on Dad for sticking up for his son.
Regarding the bolded.. yep. Overall I enjoyed the show, and the imperfections of people and the system on display. Will add the Blu to the collection. Just feeling unresolved about Chandra's role and eventual disappearance.
Baroquemantic
Member
Alright. Finished the finale. Good stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole series. Sure, some characters made some very dumb choices, and it sucks that they didn't find the (seemingly) real culprit until the end, but I'm glad they actually did figure it out. And I'm so happy Naz got out, but that stint at Rikers has done a number him. 
Anyway, I'm kinda glad this was a miniseries. This show was quite dreary and depressing. Another season would've been both great and a downer. Also, it's great that the cat has a new, hopefully permanent home!
Anyway, I'm kinda glad this was a miniseries. This show was quite dreary and depressing. Another season would've been both great and a downer. Also, it's great that the cat has a new, hopefully permanent home!
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
Being in a critically acclaimed HBO series isn't enough these days to guarantee an Emmy nomination. See: Show Me a Hero.
They still have Ballers and Vice Principals until mid-late September.
There are some big similarities-including the state claiming Nasir would flee the country to find refuge in Pakistan, but this is based on a BBC series.
Beer Monkey
Member
And production started years before Serial.
holygeesus
Banned
To put Chandra's actions into some kind of perspective - didn't she just smuggle in downers, so as he wouldn't be manic when taking the stand? They were pills that she smuggled in her snatch surely?
It makes it slightly more plausible if she only did it to calm him down when being questioned.
Far more problematic for me, this entire season, was the 'actor' playing the DA - she was appallingly bad. Never seen her before and hope I never do again. Her pauses during her closing statement were beyond amateur.
It makes it slightly more plausible if she only did it to calm him down when being questioned.
Far more problematic for me, this entire season, was the 'actor' playing the DA - she was appallingly bad. Never seen her before and hope I never do again. Her pauses during her closing statement were beyond amateur.
lightskintwin
Banned
Loved the show, only two issues is there was nothing in Chandra's characterization to lead me to believe she would be unprofessional enough to kiss her defendant in a holding cell, yet alone put her career on the line for this guy and buy drugs late night on a public street corner, hide it in her vagina, and sneak it into court to her newfound thug love. If they had built up sexual tension between them during the preceding episodes, then these series of events might've came across believable, instead it feels like it comes out of nowhere.
The other issue is there was nothing in John's characterization to lead me to believe that he would overlook the partnership, teamwork, and mentorship developed between him and Chandra and throw her completely under the bus and destroy her career in order to attempt to get a mistrial for Nazir that ultimately failed. I mean you're talking about a guy who adopts a cat of a murdered victim so it doesn't get put to death, despite his allergies as well as somebody who tries to romance a prostitute.
The other issue is there was nothing in John's characterization to lead me to believe that he would overlook the partnership, teamwork, and mentorship developed between him and Chandra and throw her completely under the bus and destroy her career in order to attempt to get a mistrial for Nazir that ultimately failed. I mean you're talking about a guy who adopts a cat of a murdered victim so it doesn't get put to death, despite his allergies as well as somebody who tries to romance a prostitute.
He was smoking heroin in jail... why do people keep saying it was crack? It was powder not crystals, and they wouldn't be going limp after smoking it if it was crack. Chandra smuggled in methadone for him when he ran out so he wouldn't be dope sick or nodding off on the stand. That's why the building said "Clinic" where the dude (I think in scrubs) came out of where she bought it from, it was a methadone clinic.
Yeah, Chandra's actions showed how desperate she was to win the trial. The only problem is that she came across as so damn professional and clean through most of the series, I could never quite suspend disbelief enough to accept that she'd do what she did.
Discotheque
Banned
Not a big fan of how this whole episode played out but I gotta say I ended up really liking Nasir's arc in prison when I thought about it. kind of showing how the prison system can mould you, chew you up and spit you out whether or not you are a criminal.
that last scene of him smoking crack and thinking about the girl was pretty great. depressing stuff, would have preferred it if the show ended there tbh.
that last scene of him smoking crack and thinking about the girl was pretty great. depressing stuff, would have preferred it if the show ended there tbh.
User 479360
Banned
I just watched the finale, and liked it. I liked the series quite a bit all around, and am kind of sad that it's over. I'm happy it was just a miniseries, though, because too many shows say they're that then spread themselves thin with stupidity for the almighty dollar (I'm looking at you, Under the Dome.)
Some of the decisions that were made (Naz changing, the tattoos, the defense lawyer risking her career, etc.) were questionable and hurt the series, but it was still well above average and quite good overall.
I didn't expect this episode's twist, which was nice.
I practically did, myself. Maybe I did quietly, but I was very happy about that because I was hoping for that.
Some of the decisions that were made (Naz changing, the tattoos, the defense lawyer risking her career, etc.) were questionable and hurt the series, but it was still well above average and quite good overall.
I didn't expect this episode's twist, which was nice.
I practically did, myself. Maybe I did quietly, but I was very happy about that because I was hoping for that.
I have a real soft spot for animals, especially cats, and that part of Stone's arc -- outside of him returning the cat to the pound -- made me like him a lot more.
Discotheque
Banned
the cat's return was great, but isn't it slowly killing Stone?
uncelestial
Member
Well... At least I won't have to look at or hear the DA again. Back to watching shows with human beings who actually form words with their mouth!
This was a good show and I think the issues peoples are finding with it have been done purpose.
People in this show made mistakes, made stupid decisions, or failed to do their jobs properly... JUST like real life, and I think that's the whole point. Well, part of the whole point. The frustration felt went Nas starts doing drugs or getting tattoos, or when Chandra kisses him, or when Stone never actually catches Reed, this is all stuff that stems from our acceptance of the tropes of crime dramas, but this isn't trying to be just another crime drama.
It actually reminds me of No Country for Old Men in this regard. It's being true to life cause as we all know, not only is real life full of dumb fuckers making mistakes and not doing their jobs properly, often the bad guys win, or the good guys win but then lose later, or the bad guys come good but then get bad things done to them etc. Life is complicated as hell, and this show is about how our judicial system is just another tool used by humans, who are dumb and make poor decisions.
People in this show made mistakes, made stupid decisions, or failed to do their jobs properly... JUST like real life, and I think that's the whole point. Well, part of the whole point. The frustration felt went Nas starts doing drugs or getting tattoos, or when Chandra kisses him, or when Stone never actually catches Reed, this is all stuff that stems from our acceptance of the tropes of crime dramas, but this isn't trying to be just another crime drama.
It actually reminds me of No Country for Old Men in this regard. It's being true to life cause as we all know, not only is real life full of dumb fuckers making mistakes and not doing their jobs properly, often the bad guys win, or the good guys win but then lose later, or the bad guys come good but then get bad things done to them etc. Life is complicated as hell, and this show is about how our judicial system is just another tool used by humans, who are dumb and make poor decisions.
Who knows. The cat could have helped him for all we know.
The only thing that was an obvious trigger to the viewer was stress.
ZeroMaverick
Member
Overall, the show was pretty good. The writing and pacing was questionable at times, but the tone and cinematography were on point. The "message" was a bit heavy-handed.
The one arc I did enjoy in this program was Freddy. The show introduced him as a likable figure, with the intention of betrayal in the back of our minds due to some disagreement or Naz not living up to the deal. In the end, he did care and help him as much as possible despite his skewed sensibilities.
Chandra should have been axed entirely. She offered no progression as a character after her introduction, and only attributed to the more absurd qualities of the narrative.
Chandra should have been axed entirely. She offered no progression as a character after her introduction, and only attributed to the more absurd qualities of the narrative.
FreshCakes
Banned
Anyone else notice the judge was the Yellow King?
It's the next day and I've already forgotten, basically.
Though I will say the ending was not the worst episode. The stupidity reached it's zenith in the previous two (aside from Chandra's completely inexplicable idiocy). Overall, though, they wrapped it up as best they could have all things considered.
I wonder if they will do a season 2 where they chase the finance guy, but then again I don't really care and probably wouldn't be that interested in anyway. My only takeaway from this whole thing was that I like John Turturro even more now - he did a really good job throughout the whole thing and I do feel bad that the end result wasn't better considering the work he obviously put in.
None of the other characters were likable or even particularly believable - especially Naz, which I felt was the biggest flaw of the show. Didn't like him, didn't care about him particularly.
Though I will say the ending was not the worst episode. The stupidity reached it's zenith in the previous two (aside from Chandra's completely inexplicable idiocy). Overall, though, they wrapped it up as best they could have all things considered.
I wonder if they will do a season 2 where they chase the finance guy, but then again I don't really care and probably wouldn't be that interested in anyway. My only takeaway from this whole thing was that I like John Turturro even more now - he did a really good job throughout the whole thing and I do feel bad that the end result wasn't better considering the work he obviously put in.
None of the other characters were likable or even particularly believable - especially Naz, which I felt was the biggest flaw of the show. Didn't like him, didn't care about him particularly.
Remus noticed this as well.
Yeah she wasn't great but her pauses were intentional. They made a big deal about Naz's mom leaving during the trial making him look bad. The detective leaving during her closing statement was a huge surprise, threw her off, and made her question if she was doing the right thing.
Discotheque
Banned
Cornballer
Member
- Onion A|V Club review
- Sepinwall's review (I was getting an error earlier when trying to reach this link)
- Vox review
- Salon
- NY Mag
- Variety
- NY Times
- The Ringer
- Slash film's podcast on S1
- Sepinwall's review (I was getting an error earlier when trying to reach this link)
- Vox review
- Salon
- NY Mag
- Variety
- NY Times
- The Ringer
- Slash film's podcast on S1
You might have picked up on some things if you weren't so uselessly preoccupied with trying to like characters.
That is the most asinine critique I see constantly when people talk about media.
Liking characters doesn't mean shit. Your feelings for the characters don't mean shit. That is not a critical analysis.
Ok you guys are losing me with posts like these, it seems this shit is going way over your head.
iNvid02
Member
maybe they get it but think the way she was trying to portray what her character was feeling was 'amateur'? personally i thought it was fine
dead souls
Member
But that had the David Simon Emmy repellent going for it.
You mean when she lost composure because she just then realized the gravity of what she was doing to Naz when she no longer believed herself that he was the one who killed Andrea Cornish?
Your analysis and criticism are the only things amateurish.
That ending was really lame. I knew ever since they showed that American Pie kid at the funeral that he was the killer. I thought for sure Freddie was going to kill Nas, would have been a little more tragic; a little less forgettable.
Some sort of explanation as to why Nas woke up in the kitchen to make this all so convenient.
I liked the show, but I feel it should have fleshed out some more of it's story.
EDIT: I rolled my eyes so hard when the lawyer brought heroin in her vagina to a courthouse. That was so out of character. It was already a gamble putting him on the stand, I really doubt she would have gone through with buying drugs and smuggling them in.
Some sort of explanation as to why Nas woke up in the kitchen to make this all so convenient.
I liked the show, but I feel it should have fleshed out some more of it's story.
EDIT: I rolled my eyes so hard when the lawyer brought heroin in her vagina to a courthouse. That was so out of character. It was already a gamble putting him on the stand, I really doubt she would have gone through with buying drugs and smuggling them in.
I thought this show was so compelling, and really well-acted, until the last two episodes. It literally felt like the original writer and director were abruptly replaced and the show had to be finished by interns. The courtroom scenes were a travesty, John Stone's character was really inconsistent, and most upsetting of all was the subplot with Chandra. I had hoped episode 7 was more of a misfire, but the same tone and writing followed into the finale. Very strange finish, and it leaves a sour taste for a series that had such promise.
holygeesus
Banned
As I say, it was typical amdram acting. With the quality roster pool HBO has, she was poorly cast IMO. Considering all season, she has not given a damn about his likely guilt, and even coached specialists to manipulate evidence, I'm not buying that the detective suddenly walking out, made a switch flip in her head.
Cornballer
Member
I blew through the last four episodes of the show this weekend. Overall, an enjoyable series that was solid but not spectacular. It was ultimately a little disappointing given the high bar set by the premiere, but I don't feel like I wasted my time watching it. The performances and production values were very good across the board. I'm down for more if they decide to make them.
You are still missing it.
She is an attorney, not a detective or an investigator. It is her job to prosecute.
Naz was presented as the most likely suspect because of certain damming evidence and because the justice system was flawed and stroked its own ego and omniscience.
The show laid all of that out rather plainly.
With the evidence and the lack of actual detective work because cops and the criminal justice systems can be contaminated and corrupt and prejudiced and monomaniacal, she went forward with her job to win the trial.
Then Box showed her the latest evidence. She likely believed him in the moment or shortly afterward, but she had to save face, so she pressed onward. Then, when giving her closing and reflecting upon the case and evidence and Naz as an individual, a good college student with no legitimate priors, she realized they had fucked up.
Box's leaving wasn't what "convinced" her.
Haha I love that people keep calling him the American Pie kid. He wasn't in American Pie! Although he was in all the great classics like Road Trip, Josie & The Pussy Cats as well as Animorphs.
Vice Principals and Game of Thrones have been HBO's 2016 MVP's.
As clumsy as the courtroom scenes were, and some very unconvincing character progression (Naz tatting up like a gangbanger within a few weeks, Chandra's unbelievable falling for her client, Stone being a vigilante, the overabundance and ease of camera evidence Box was able to find.) - the jury's verdict seemed earned and honest, because I wouldn't be sure if he did it or not either. The last shot of the cat in the apartment was expected yet cathartic. Box and the prosecutor deciding to take American Pie guy down (I know that's not Jason Biggs, it's the Nip Tuck guy, still funny) was also cathartic.
All in all it walked a tightrope of not making it a "happy ending", yet still delivering enough emotional payoffs for the audience. I'd give it a 7/10.
Jesus Christ settle down there
a) I'm not a critic and I don't claim to be, I'm a guy on a forum doing what forums are for.
b) "Liking" a character doesn't mean it has to be someone I want to hang out with, that is similar to me or worthwhile as a person. I "liked" 95% of the characters in The Wire, but you'd have to pay me to spend even ten minutes with most of them. It's about the characters being believable people that are enjoyable to watch - which The Night Of had very few of.
CassidyIzABeast
Member
Terrible ending. Drama! Tension! Suspense!
Welp they're deadlocked let's go home.
Welp they're deadlocked let's go home.
DirtyLarry
Member
Bingo.
I loved this show. Absolutely loved it.
It was never about wether Naz did it or did not do it as much as it was about here is how our current justice system works, especially for those deemed to be a minority, and even if they are found innocent, their lives are affected negatively, and that is just the reality of the situation.
It was primarily about the fact that there are flawed human beings behind the justice system, and that in turn means it is corrupt. There were so, so many smaller what appear to be at first glance insignificant scenes to reinforce this fact.
This series was never about closure for the case itself. It was meant to provide an truthful look at the justice system itself. Keeping this in mind I loved it. And I actually thought there was a decent amount of closure. My biggest critique is I felt they rushed the ending and it could have been another episode or two.
Yeah it's super true to life. Real defense attorneys care enough to find and confront people who they believe are viable murder suspects, but they don't bother checking the victim's phone records or financials or figure out where the victim was before she was murdered. I guess her evening started the moment she stepped in the cab! Real retired detectives care enough about justice to continue investigating and discover very strong evidence that the person on trial is innocent, but they don't care enough to leak it to the defense. Real juries often deadlock when there is such overwhelming evidence that is only rebutted by "check out this creepy guy at the gas station". In real life nobody questions a DA's decision to not retry a high profile murder case where the suspect was found with a bloody knife. In non crazy land she would have to explain why EXTREMELY compelling evidence came in and she didn't do shit about it.
This show was just barely compelling enough to finish. There were too many times I was taken out of it by dumb shit that would never happen.
Spooky Scary Skeleton
Member
Later Naz becomes a drug addict, later goes by the name of Rick and moves to California, cutting off all ties with his family back in NY, and later finds a job from a stringer cameraman named Louis Bloom.
Loved the ending.
I thought the whole season was fantastic, the only thing that was poorly handled was the kiss, I didn't feel they gave her enough motivations. That's the flea on the show winning dog, though, it really doesn't diminish the whole package for me.
I thought the whole season was fantastic, the only thing that was poorly handled was the kiss, I didn't feel they gave her enough motivations. That's the flea on the show winning dog, though, it really doesn't diminish the whole package for me.