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In one of the longest binge sessions I’ve ever done, I watched the only season of HBO’s The Night Of in one night. Apropos, I suppose.
This show really was exceptional, but with a catch. Tone and feeling spoilers ahead – no plot details will be exposed.
From beginning to end, the theme of this 8-episode limited series is discomfort. You are supposed to feel uncomfortable within the first few minutes of the first episode and at no point until the credits roll in the final episode are you supposed to feel okay. The catch is, if you want shows to make you feel happy, hopeful, or redeemed, you won’t find it here. Nobody grows in a positive manner. Nobody is better off in the end than they were in the beginning.
Yet somehow the show falls short of ever being truly depressing. It’s not Leaving Las Vegas or Requiem for a Dream. In fact, I can’t think of a single high-quality television show or movie that could keep the constant drums of discomfort going throughout and still not leave the viewer feeling depressed.
You won’t be feeling joie de vivre at the end, but you won’t feel tremendous sadness, either. Watching The Night Of is like eating a meal with nearly too much vinegar. It shocks the taste buds initially but the shock fades with each subsequent bite. It’s enjoyable, but only because you appreciate the infusion of potent flavors.
The acting by the whole cast (with the exception of one poor performance that I won’t call out) was exceptional. One might think that powerhouse actors John Turtorro or Michael K. Williams may have stolen the show, but it was the Emmy-winning standout performance of Riz Ahmed that has drawn him so much attention. It was well-deserved.
The story was pretty good. Nothing too original. It had bits and pieces from various movies and shows that we’ve all seen before. However, the way the story was told is arguably the best use of symbols and parallels I’ve ever seen on television. Creators Steven Zaillian (Schindler’s List) and Richard Price (The Wire) worked in these symbols and parallels throughout the entire run of the series. Some were blatant. Some were subtle. All were extremely well told. This more than anything is why a decent story could be told in such a fresh manner.
HBO is known for incredible dramas. The Night Of is arguably in their top 3. That’s saying a lot considering they made The Wire, Sopranos, and True Detective, but you’ll never be able to argue with me unless you watch it.
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