The Alienist (2018)

TNT's The Alienist represents much of what's helping to drive the current wave of exceptional TV offerings. It has very high production standards, originality, and a stellar cast. The setting during the late 19th century in New York is gloriously recreated in great details with the lavish costumes, buildings and streets, and interior furnishings. Indeed, the camera often scan the lengths of its buildings and streets at imaginative angles as if to show off its self appreciation of the details. The New York streets and buildings here look very convincingly lived-in. It is as if the viewer is transported to the turn of the 19th century by a time machine! The same goes to the lavish costumes worn. I seldom notice such details in period pieces but somehow the clothes worn by the principal characters of this series stood out for me and I could see every detail, and even the type of pattern and fabric used thanks probably to the high definition displayed on a big screen.

But what are good sets and design and costumes if we don't have a riveting story to accompany them? While the story of a serial killer who preys on young boy whores sounds a lot like a Jack the Ripper rip off or a typical Sherlock Holmes mystery, the intricate ways the investigations are carried out by our team of self declared criminal catchers provide enough material to keep things going through its 10 episodes. One of the on going delights is to see how the team unravel the mystery using the old fashion manual method. Without the benefit of modern technology like the internet, and handphone, a simple search for the address of a suspect is depicted as a monumental effect! It sure makes us reflect on what we take for granted today.

But the best thing about The Alienist that provides the driving force for us to binge watch the series with eager anticipation is the performances of its stellar cast! Daniel Bruhl is excellent as the Alienist Dr Laszlo. He is supported by the equally able Luke Evans as a sort of "Watson" side kick, and a very strong performance by the always reliable Dakota Fanning. These characters are all multi-dimensional, each with his or her own dark pasts which helps form their strengths and weaknesses. They are supported by an interesting team of smaller but no less important characters providing delightful subplots and twists and turns. Worthy of a mention is the brief appearance by Sean Young whom was so unforgettable as the beautiful android Racheal in Blade Runner. She looked almost unrecognisable now but her ability to hold the attention of the viewer every time she is on screen is still undeniable.

If there was anything to complain about, I would say that the series suffered a little with its pacing. The middle portion of the series felt a little dragged on and repetitive but this was perhaps because the characters were getting nowhere with their investigation and literally running in circles as mistakes were made and the wrong path followed. Upon reflection I think this actually helped make it feel more "real" as like all humans, nobody is infallible.

So here is another excellent TV series, if you haven't already seen before, which I am recommending highly especially you like period pieces and stories revolving around criminal investigation. Word has it that there will be a Season 2 to look forward to!