Necrotongue

Not even episode five gave me much to nitpick about. I mean, sure, if I went full detective mode, I might find something, but the script was too spot-on to let any flaws ruin the vibe. Props to Ricky Gervais for diving into the topic of renewable resources. It got me thinking that a lot of writers could learn from this show – might just help them whip up some dialogues that actually make sense. / Lesson learned: Steer clear of any school grounds.

Episode four just solidified everything I've been saying in my earlier reviews. Ricky Gervais nailed it, weaving humor seamlessly with depression and cynicism with empathy. I'm a fan of that combo. It delivered a top-notch viewing experience and some genuine laughs. Gotta give props to all those excellent dialogues that not only cracked me up but also got me pondering their deeper meaning. / Lesson learned: When someone tells you it can't get any worse, they are lying shamelessly.

Another top-notch episode. Even without Tony going through a personal tragedy, I wouldn't have been shocked if his job alone had driven him to suicidal thoughts. Ricky Gervais's writing was superb as usual, and the dialogue had me laughing out loud, with more layers than a Tiramisu. / Lesson learned: Wisdom can come from the most unexpected sources.

The second episode kept up the streak of quality and humor from the first one, making it another enjoyable ride. I particularly like how Ricky Gervais subtly infuses humanity into the plot but doesn't make it too in-your-face. The perfect yet marginal characters like the postman and the psychiatrist added a nice touch, but what really got me was the battle of wills with the restaurant staff. / Lesson learned: Some people just don't understand that there can be joy in depression.

The third episode's plot noticeably kicked into gear. What I enjoyed most, though, was diving into Japanese customs – so different from the European and American ones. Finally, things were picking up, and the scene with the arrest was the highlight. I can imagine a lot of scenarios, but that was miles away from our usual circumstances. I had to replay that bit a few times to fully soak it in. Perfection. / Lesson learned: If you discover a hole in the ground and a wasp occasionally buzzes out, don't go pouring water in there. Trust me. I've been there.

The show seems to be keeping a low profile, and I'm not talking about action scenes that are hardly even there. What's more concerning for me is the lack of significant story development in those fifty minutes. As I mentioned in my previous review, I'm a fan of Japanese culture, so I enjoy soaking in the local vibe. Other than that, I'm afraid this episode hasn't brought anything special to the viewer. But I'm still hopeful for an improvement in the next episode. / Lesson learned: Yakuza is not a hot tub. 3*-

The first episode served as a typical introduction to the series; the creators introduced me to the main character, the setting, and the theme, and overall left me eager for more episodes. Initially, the main character didn't particularly impress me, but the setting was right up my alley, as I've long held a positive affinity for Japan. Particularly, I appreciate the original Japanese culture, though there's now a noticeable influx of foreign influences. Well, after the first episode, I'm hopeful that it could unfold well, and I might witness a series showcasing distinctive aspects of Japan. / Lesson learned: To understand the Japanese, change your way of thinking.

Honestly, I'm surprised Netflix backed a project by Ricky Gervais and even allowed him to direct it; I can't help but wonder how many political correctness watchdogs kept an eye on him during filming. Tony's character resonates with me because that grumpy outlook aligns with my own :-) Plus, he populated the series with fantastic characters, and Netflix added the right hues, leaving me very content after the first episode. / Lesson learned: Avoid provoking someone who has nothing to lose.

I was expecting this show to make a greater impression on me. While it couldn't surprise or shock me, as Jeffrey Dahmer's story is well-known, I was hoping to be blown away by the story’s execution, which just didn’t happen. It did have a very decent atmosphere overall, but it was slightly spoiled by the slow pace and Netflix politics. The biggest problem turned out to be the number of episodes, which made the story drag on. I can't help but feel that eight episodes with a more condensed plot would have been enough. I’d be more satisfied and give a higher rating. / Lesson learned: It does hold true that less is more.

In the tenth episode, the creators rightfully highlight the flaws in the approach to criminals and their victims. However, I'm not entirely satisfied with the episode itself as it seemed superfluous (more on that in my review of the whole series). The characters can't seem to agree with each other about the concept of second chances. It's quite simple. I'm in favor of second chances but with certain conditions. Consider these questions: Would I give a second chance to a cancer tumor? No. Are serial killers the equivalent of such a tumor for me? Yes. So, in my perspective, the solution is clear — chemotherapy, a bit of radiation, and ultimately cut out and burn. But not to forget. / Lesson learned: It's interesting how the messenger of God can make an atheist happy.