I have no background with the source material. I watched and judged this show simply on its own merit. It starts with an amazing first episode that got me so excited. It seemed like a much more high quality version of the walking dead, especially with the awesome one-take scenes that reminded me of True Detective. I already thought Pedro Pascal was a star, and he continues to prove it.

After episode one, we meander in these super boring episodes where nothing happens. There are two entire episodes that do zero, ZERO, to move the plot forward. At the end of the episode, we are in the exact same place story-wise as the start of the episode. I understand the importance of building characters. But we've seen numerous examples of shows that are able to have character-building, plot movement, action scenes, and so much more, all within a single episode.

We meet new characters but as soon as we get attached, they're no longer in the show for one reason or another. All of the "shocking" moments are things I've seen many times before. There isn't anything special about this show aside from Pedro Pascal. I forced myself to finish this season and will not be watching season 2.

HBO was already on my ####-list after cancelling one of the best shows on TV in Westworld. It may not have been as amazing in the later seasons, but they only wanted one more season to conclude the story. After learning about the merger with Discovery, and what these companies do to slash costs, regardless of what the fans want, I'm borderline done with HBO. The only thing remaining that I have interest in is Raised by Wolves. They'll probably cancel that too. They're even removing past season of HBO original content. Smh. They were once at the top of the mountain but continue to tumble to the bottom through mismanagement and greed. (1 viewing, 3/14/2023)