Looking for your next Netflix television binge? Look no further, because after watching the first episode of four newer, original shows, I put together my own reviews about whether or not the show is worth the hype.
Locke and Key – “Welcome to Matheson”
Overview: Based on the comic book series of the same name, Locke and Key follows the Locke family as they transistion to a new home after the untimely murder of their father. Episode one shows siblings Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode moving into Key House and starting to discover some of the reality-bending keys hidden around. The kids begin to unravel the secrets of the old family home, and unleash some new threats.
My thoughts: I personally enjoyed the first episode of the show and found myself drawn to watch more (and finished the whole season in a day). It seems Stranger Things-esque in plot, but I found myself wanting to see all of the keys and what they do more than seeing the characters. The show also does a good job with plot twists, so it didn’t feel predictable at all. While this episode was more of a typical, set-up-the-rest-of-the-show deal, I would still recommend the show to anyone looking for a more lighthearted science fiction show.
Cheer – “God Blessed Texas”
Overview: This documentary features the cheerleaders at Navarro junior college in Corsicana, Texas on the road to win another college national championship in Daytona, Florida. Episode one gives viewers a little history on the sport itself, a chance to meet some of the cheerleaders, and an inside look at some of their practices. From pyramids to injuries, the stunts they tackle are no joke and require feats of athleticism that look unreal to me.
My thoughts: Wow. I cannot wait to watch more of these incredible athletes. I’ve watched every Bring It On movie the franchise has to offer and I cannot get enough of watching cheerleading. Seeing the literal blood, sweat, and tears the athletes put on the mat makes me want to skip all of my assignments and classes until I can finish. There is no doubt in my mind that I am going to finish this show – and love every second!
Spinning Out – “Now Entering Sun Valley”
Overview: This new show centers on Kat Baker, a figure skater who has been traumatized after a hard fall. Kat looks for a life other than skating, and outside of her mother’s control, but suddenly a new offer comes up.
My thoughts: I have always been a sucker for figure skating and this show has it all. The handsome bad boy I definitely have a crush on now? Check. Over enthusiastic skating moms? Check. Amazing choreographed routines? Check. Honestly, I watched about 6 episodes before I stopped to do anything else because I was so mesmerized with this show. A fair warning, I recently saw that Netflix has not decided to renew the show for a second season so watch with caution.
I Am Not Okay With This – “Dear Diary…”
Overview: Sydney Novak, a high schooler with copious amounts of feelings and emotions, starts to see them spill out of her in new and startling ways. She sees she has “superpowers” and in seven episodes, explores her emotions, the death of her father, and more as she struggles to come to terms with her new way of life.
My thoughts: Do not watch this show unless you have the necessary two and a half hours to watch in one sitting. Just like Locke and Key, I also cheated a little on this one and watched the entire show before writing my review. While watching it, I found that I couldn’t tell exactly what time period it was in, because technology wasn’t as prominent a feature as it normally is. There were also lots of references to ‘80s films, such as Pretty in Pink, Carrie, and The Breakfast Club. While Sydney’s superpowers were a subplot of the show, it mostly centered on her relationships with her best friend (and secret crush), Dina, her “neighbor” Stan, and her mother. So instead of it feeling like and action-y, superhero show, it was like if Stranger Things and Sex Education were rolled into one. I recommend this show to anyone wanting to watch it and I, also, cannot wait for a second season.