I really wanted to like this show, being a huge fan of the games, so I gave it four episodes before rating it.

It's just not good enough.

Though there are massive shoes to fill, I cannot understand how cut scenes from the game have better acting and script than this show, whose action sequences are bereft of intensity or peril.

Pedro Pascal does his best but Bella Ramsey is poorly cast, coming across as more petty and antagonistic than childlike and tough.

I'm aware that there has to be a difference between role playing as a character and being an observer, but the show feels like a careless remake, botching every emotional high point with poor edits and choices. I was excited for Mazin's 'Chernobyl' realism, but it looks like that standard will not be met.

The rave reviews are baffling.