Both programs fell, for different reasons.
“Cowboy Bebop” seeks to recreate the style and tone of the violent animated series, a space western featuring a trio of bounty hunters (or “cowboys”). They’re played by John Cho (under shaggy hair), Mustafa Shakir, and Daniella Pineda, hunting a series of strange targets, shooting fun pranks, and nearly equal weapons.
While much of the action is episodic, this one is connected by a larger storyline involving the evil villain (Alex Hassell), from Cho’s character’s past, and the seductive woman (Elina Satine). ) in between them – a rope feels so familiar as to become a bit of a snooze.
Introduced in Japan in 1998 and in the US via Adult Swim three years later, the series once again proves that it’s not easy to approximate the tone of an animated series in human format. even an adult movie in its content. (Netflix is also streaming original programming to maximize the strengths — and there are plenty of them — for a hefty price tag.)
All told, the newly produced series is big, loud, and lavish, with a musical sensibility that matches its interests, or at least it should.
Somehow, however, the producers managed to pull off a show that seems to have aroused skepticism among fans of the original, who speak of it with the same reverence they once had for the show. “Citizen Kane” – without effectively inviting newcomers to the party.
Whatever the cause, the chemical reaction will be gone. And while the action sequences are choreographed with style, “Cowboy Bebop” ends up setting a rather dull tone.
At least “Bebop” doesn’t want to be much more interesting, while “Wheel of Time” – adapted from a book by Robert Jordan – has more epic scope that adds to the dramatic sense of inertia.
Rosamund Pike offers a degree of star power – or at least the most recognizable face – as the enigmatic Moiraine, who arrives in a small village, where she attracts 5 young men and women on a mission to prevent the return of “darkness” with a member of the quintet, still unknown, representing the prophesied savior of their world.
The enslaved minions of darkness are, naturally, in hot pursuit, but the characters simply don’t have enough highlights to appeal to those who aren’t steeped in mythology and special effects. not the same. As a result, what emerges feels like another fantasy-based TV play, with wondrous creatures and gritty dialogue filled with ominous warnings like “Darkness is upon you.” your friends.”
Despite its successes, the streaming world has suffered costly setbacks when it comes to testing these waters, with “Cursed” and “Jupiter’s Legacy” among its recent one-season wonders. Netflix.
On the plus side, it’s great to see streamers seizing opportunities on such ambitiously demanding material. However, there isn’t much to “Cowboy Bebop” that can be worthy of prepping for an encore, or anything about “The Wheel of Time” to ignite enthusiasm about the prospect it will continue. customary.
“Cowboy Bebop” and “The Wheel of Time” premiere November 19 on Netflix and Amazon, respectively.
