Finding words
for a show like this is difficult, both because of the fact that it defies the
structure normally adhered to in television drama and because I found myself so
completely moved by the experience of watching “Rectify.” I’m no stranger to
emotion, and I can be manipulated into reacting to even the most cliché and
predictable sentiments, but the way in which “Rectify” was able to move me was
different. No manipulation was needed for the amount of empathy this series was
able to inspire, and I found myself shedding tears for fictional characters as
though they were real. The way in which this series is expertly written,
directed and acted suspended my disbelief entirely, and for the moments I was
watching each episode, the characters may as well have been real people. In
other words, “Rectify” is without a doubt the best drama on television, and it
very well may be the best show currently airing in any genre.
There is a
compelling premise for the series, involving a man released from 19 years of
isolation on death row after new DNA evidence forces the case back open and at
least temporarily exonerates him. Daniel Holden (Aden Young) returns home to
his family home, although the dynamic has changed since his departure nearly
two decades earlier. As well as these adjustments, Daniel also must face the
local Georgia
Though this
storyline would most often result in either a revenge or mystery narrative,
“Rectify” is content simply examining how these events affect the characters.
This is not an action, mystery, suspense or thriller. It is a drama which has
the bold audacity to present audiences with nothing but character development.
The closest comparison that I can think to make is “Mad Men,” and that series
falls back on the novelty of being a period piece. Still, both these shows
share the common ability of carrying audience’s undivided attention by merely
creating compelling characters for us to spend time with.
This is not to
say that nothing ever happens in “Rectify,” simply that the show’s characters
are what makes the series so compelling. We understand the characters more
because of the events which occur, but they never seem to manipulatively occur
so that this is possible. Events occur slowly, but they feel more sincere
because of it.
The first season
only has six episodes, leaving audiences waiting for a second season. All
episodes are fit onto two discs, along with a handful of special features. The
extras include a few promotional featurettes, including an on-set promo ad
which ran on the Sundance Channel. There are also several other
behind-the-scenes features, including a look at the cast and series creator Ray
McKinnon, a man who has mostly made his career as an actor.
Entertainment Value:
10/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 10/10
Historical
Significance: 8/10
Disc Features: 7/10
I’m not sure if I could agree with your review here any more wholeheartedly. Rectify was just recommended to me the other night by a fellow lover of high art and meaningful storytelling whose opinion I deeply respect and consider. I watched two episodes each night the last three evenings. It would have been difficult to process more than the 90 minutes or so of each night’s viewing. This is what television should be and why shows, rare as they are, far transcend the medium of film. Genius. Heartbreaking. Authentic. So glad I’m afforded the great benefit of watching all 4 seasons without a forced hiatus. Thanks for this review. I stumbled upon it through IMDb.
ReplyDelete-TexasMK82