I originally watched season 1 (great experience), then I skipped seasons 2 and 3 because of the bad feedback. Decided to check out season 4 because I like the setting and Jodie Foster. Season 4 was solid, but I didn’t like the ending.

So one day I decided to check out Season 2 (I knew nothing about it beyond a few actors that were in it and that a lot of people were complaining online); “how bad could it be?” I thought.

I was shocked how much I liked Season 2. It felt down-to-earth, a more naturalistic experience if you will. I really liked the ending, not that common for US series. A refreshing dose of realism.

There were some stupid parts in season 2. There was one episode where the over-the-top action didn’t feel real. Occasionally there was too much drama. I also couldn’t take Vince Vaughn seriously, although I did get the impression that he was genuinely trying (and I liked his character).

While season 1 was very good, it was fundamentally more style over substance. It was more of a fairytale for adults. Season 2 on the other was more of a story about life. One that requires more thought than the relatively stereotypical plot setting of season 1. Season has a “low risk” setting. Season 2 had a much more bold setting and they were willing to try something radically new and not build off the core viewer expectations set in Season 1.

I do think season 2 was better than season 1 because it explored more complex motifs and because of the refreshing gritty ending. Season 2 was also more original than season 1.

  • BassTurd@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    14 days ago

    Going to hard disagree, which makes this a solid post. Season 2 was good TV imo, but the writing was so bad. I was hyped for the cast and I think they did great with what they were given, but it just was somehow broken to me. I was never fully hooked, but still enjoyed.

    I think the order of best to worst is 1, 3, 4, 2.

    • J-Bone@lemmy.dbzer0.comOPEnglish
      1·
      13 days ago

      Season 2 was flawed, there is a lot I don’t like about it. But as a concept I thought it was more bold than season 1 (or 4 for that matter). The execution leaves a lot to be desired, but the plot setting of provincial California town expecting a massive change in business, but also tied in corruption is more novel than the plot setting of season 1.

      Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy season 1, but in retrospective, as a concept, it is weaker than season 2. Although the execution is arguably better.