I gave it a great, it didn't quite grab me from the get go like the Killing or Hannibal did, but there's definite potential here. I get that the Sonya character is supposed to be eccentric but she felt a bit cartoony (reminded me of the Bones character somewhat) and I wonder if she will have a stellar case closure record as it just doesn't seem believable that someone like that would be a homicide detective without some people skills. I get that the show will probably have her open up and relax slowly. I really liked the performance of Marco character as perhaps the last honorable police officer raging against a very corrupt machine. I liked Sonya's boss and it took me a bit to realize that he was "Bufalo Bill" from "Silence of the Lambs", and then wondered if the way the apparent villain guy spoke was a nod to the BB character, or not. Decent start and I'll give it a couple more eps to keep me in the fold.
Really good, especially for a Pilot! Diane Kruger's "Sonya" was way better than I expected. I think it will be a really interesting series. I'm glad I gave it a shot!
I have to wonder if Annabeth Gish's character's husband is really dead?
Well, even though that's true, I kind of suspect that she might be able to show empathy if she's with the right person on occasion. The way her father/boss pushes her to be more considerate to others (and she knows it), almost implies that perhaps sometimes Soyna uses her differences as an excuse. I don't expect her to just simply change or anything, but I do think it's possible that we could see other sides to that character, especially because Det. Ruiz is so layed back and easy going. He could be really good for her. (and visa-versa)
Sonya's social awkwardness was one of the best parts of the original series to me. It will likely get more in your face than less as the series progresses and we see Sonya in more social situations... if it is anything like the original.
Personally I found it one of the most realistic portrayals of Asperger's I've seen on TV and I commend the US crew for keeping it as part of the series as it is integral to the character.
First thing I missed and may continue to miss is hearing, "Saga Noren C.I.D." That's how the lead female detective introduced herself or answered phones. She said it the same exact way every time. So frequently it became almost like a mantra or at least part of a drinking game!
Ok,that one minor rant over I really liked how the characters were introduced. Within the first 30 minutes we know that Sonya has Asperger's (or we can easily assume so) and while being a great detective has social issues that come up enough that her boss has warned her previously and multiple times. We also can see that Marco is a family man that has a bit of a dog in him. They do not go out of their way to beat you with the information. It's revealed organically as we see the characters in their native environment. No blatant statement needed. An understated realism that is often missing on TV shows where networks want to force feed you information.
I also really liked the mood of the pilot. Things felt dirty and dangerous - They felt real.
Overall I thought it was one of the best pilots I have seen in a good while and is living up to the brilliant original series. Kudos FX for another strong series!
I just wondered why they have to write so many characters like Sonya, Bones was the first thing I thought of and I stopped watching that show because she got very old after a couple seasons.
In a nutshell, the serial killer case seems forgettable so far but watching the lead characters operate more than makes up for it. Between the excellent lead characters and the startling difference between Mexican and American law enforcement being explored, this seems like a series worth watching even if the main plot is a bit lacking.
I have AS and all the knowing will not ever transfer to action. Her behavior is set. It is hard for non AS people to understand that there is no flexibility. What you see is what you get,
The pilot was excellent and about the best you could ask from a series opener! I wonder if Diane Kruger watched episodes of ANTM cycle 9 to study Heather Kuzmich mannerisms for the role? There were scenes when her movements (when she took off her shirt and the sheriff reminded her to use the "Lady's Room) reminded me of Heather Kuzmich! If the killer is a "Cerebral Sadist", that would be pretty "Brassy" on the producers/writers part and a lot scarier than a "Political Statement" killer. Looking forward to the next episode! 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I will be Nobody!!!
From my understanding of AS based on the way Heather K. explained it was that those who have AS are "Socially Awkward" when dealing with people because they have issues "Connecting" with others. The social empathy element is "Off" and having difficulty making "Eye Contact" with people when socializing. That was how I remembered Heather K. explaining it. 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I am Nobody!!!
Thank you. I understand that it's not something that can just go away, but I have read that some people with AS may have selective mutism.
But from a fictional standpoint, because Det, Rioz represents a too lackadaisical government, but a lot of empathy, making him also a type of oxymoron, he perfectly contracts Soyna, which is why I speculate "the bridge" is metaphoric for two people who have to find a way to meet each other half way by building a very hard and strong relationship together.
Even in Fringe we may have seen a non realistic alternate-Astrid in "Making Angels" as she was able to reach out to Astrid...
I'm glad I remembered that right and didn't offend anyone! Question: the scene with Sonya and the dead judges husband; the beginning and end of the scene behavior (Sonya's) appear right, but the middle of the scene where Sonya appeared to become "Confrontational" didn't seem right to me. As a person with AS how did the scene and performance (Sonya) appear to you? Your feedback is more than welcomed! 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I am Nobody!!!
We get frustrated easily. That showed up in that confrontation. Sonya had been asking questions which the husband was evasive and would not answer. Sonya got frustrated and it escalated to the point where it became a spiral.
Yes as in any syndrome there are degrees of difficulties. Some AS can not stand to be touched. Other it is loud noises or Bright lights which can set them off. However, Social interactions are the worst we can not detect subtle clues in face or mannerisms. This body and face blindness also attributes why social interactions are difficult.
I remembered a scene with Heather K. where the other models piss her off so bad that they backed off from tessing and mocking her because of the surprising level of anger she displayed. So yes that part of the scene fits better now for me, thanks for your feedback! 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I will be Nobody!!!
Don't some people with AS have difficulties interpreting other people's emotions and body language as well?
I seem to recall my sister (who works with ASD kids and families) mentioning the processing of people and their environment is different and a lot of the socially ingrained perceptions of many people are missed. Things like excitement, sarcasm, or grief for instance when Sonya was interviewing the victim's husband.
For the purposes of "The Bridge" recaps/reviews and your "Personal Insight", SpoilerTV should keep you on "Retainer" IMHO (lol)! 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I will be Nobody!!!
I would welcome this! Your insight into AS could help in understanding the varying aspects of the Sonya character's behavior displays i e: you answered my question about the scene I didn't understand earlier (thanks by the way). 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I remain Nobody!!!
You are welcome It is not everyday do we get such a character on TV which can give insight into the world of an AS person. It is a totally different worldview.
I thought the pilot was Awesome! Now I don't know if this is some sort of clue, but the serial killer who took the woman from the alley in the beginning, the one he took out to the desert and locked into the trailer, I noticed later when he is looking at her ID it read: Eva Guerra Secretary General of Protection and Roads. Department of Mexico City. Now I could be wrong, but maybe its a clue...
I must also say the part where Ruiz went to the police captain's house was bold. The music playing in the background at the house is one I hear all the time. I can't remember if its Los Tucanes de Tijuana or Tigres del Norte. I'm not a fan of either.
NOTE: Name-calling, personal attacks, spamming, excessive self-promotion, condescending pomposity, general assiness, racism, sexism, any-other-ism, homophobia, acrophobia, and destructive (versus constructive) criticism will get you BANNED from the party.
I gave it a great, it didn't quite grab me from the get go like the Killing or Hannibal did, but there's definite potential here. I get that the Sonya character is supposed to be eccentric but she felt a bit cartoony (reminded me of the Bones character somewhat) and I wonder if she will have a stellar case closure record as it just doesn't seem believable that someone like that would be a homicide detective without some people skills. I get that the show will probably have her open up and relax slowly. I really liked the performance of Marco character as perhaps the last honorable police officer raging against a very corrupt machine. I liked Sonya's boss and it took me a bit to realize that he was "Bufalo Bill" from "Silence of the Lambs", and then wondered if the way the apparent villain guy spoke was a nod to the BB character, or not. Decent start and I'll give it a couple more eps to keep me in the fold.
ReplyDeleteIt was good.
ReplyDeleteSonya isn't suppose to be eccentric. She has Asperger, so don't expect her behavior to change a bit.
ReplyDeleteReally good, especially for a Pilot! Diane Kruger's "Sonya" was way better than I expected. I think it will be a really interesting series. I'm glad I gave it a shot!
ReplyDeleteI have to wonder if Annabeth Gish's character's husband is really dead?
Well, even though that's true, I kind of suspect that she might be able to show empathy if she's with the right person on occasion. The way her father/boss pushes her to be more considerate to others (and she knows it), almost implies that perhaps sometimes Soyna uses her differences as an excuse. I don't expect her to just simply change or anything, but I do think it's possible that we could see other sides to that character, especially because Det. Ruiz is so layed back and easy going. He could be really good for her. (and visa-versa)
ReplyDeleteSonya's social awkwardness was one of the best parts of the original series to me. It will likely get more in your face than less as the series progresses and we see Sonya in more social situations... if it is anything like the original.
ReplyDeletePersonally I found it one of the most realistic portrayals of Asperger's I've seen on TV and I commend the US crew for keeping it as part of the series as it is integral to the character.
I really liked the pilot.
ReplyDeleteFirst thing I missed and may continue to miss is hearing, "Saga Noren C.I.D." That's how the lead female detective introduced herself or answered phones. She said it the same exact way every time. So frequently it became almost like a mantra or at least part of a drinking game!
Ok,that one minor rant over I really liked how the characters were introduced. Within the first 30 minutes we know that Sonya has Asperger's (or we can easily assume so) and while being a great detective has social issues that come up enough that her boss has warned her previously and multiple times. We also can see that Marco is a family man that has a bit of a dog in him. They do not go out of their way to beat you with the information. It's revealed organically as we see the characters in their native environment. No blatant statement needed. An understated realism that is often missing on TV shows where networks want to force feed you information.
I also really liked the mood of the pilot. Things felt dirty and dangerous - They felt real.
Overall I thought it was one of the best pilots I have seen in a good while and is living up to the brilliant original series. Kudos FX for another strong series!
I just wondered why they have to write so many characters like Sonya, Bones was the first thing I thought of and I stopped watching that show because she got very old after a couple seasons.
ReplyDeleteIn a nutshell, the serial killer case seems forgettable so far but watching the lead characters operate more than makes up for it. Between the excellent lead characters and the startling difference between Mexican and American law enforcement being explored, this seems like a series worth watching even if the main plot is a bit lacking.
ReplyDeleteI have AS and all the knowing will not ever transfer to action. Her behavior is set. It is hard for non AS people to understand that there is no flexibility. What you see is what you get,
ReplyDeleteThe pilot was excellent and about the best you could ask from a series opener! I wonder if Diane Kruger watched episodes of ANTM cycle 9 to study Heather Kuzmich mannerisms for the role? There were scenes when her movements (when she took off her shirt and the sheriff reminded her to use the "Lady's Room) reminded me of Heather Kuzmich! If the killer is a "Cerebral Sadist", that would be pretty "Brassy" on the producers/writers part and a lot scarier than a "Political Statement" killer. Looking forward to the next episode! 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I will be Nobody!!!
ReplyDeleteFrom my understanding of AS based on the way Heather K. explained it was that those who have AS are "Socially Awkward" when dealing with people because they have issues "Connecting" with others. The social empathy element is "Off" and having difficulty making "Eye Contact" with people when socializing. That was how I remembered Heather K. explaining it. 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I am Nobody!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I understand that it's not something that can just go away, but I have read that some people with AS may have selective mutism.
ReplyDeleteBut from a fictional standpoint, because Det, Rioz represents a too lackadaisical government, but a lot of empathy, making him also a type of oxymoron, he perfectly contracts Soyna, which is why I speculate "the bridge" is metaphoric for two people who have to find a way to meet each other half way by building a very hard and strong relationship together.
Even in Fringe we may have seen a non realistic alternate-Astrid in "Making Angels" as she was able to reach out to Astrid...
Lack of eye contact is a hallmark of an AS person. We do not do it. We will look any other place.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I remembered that right and didn't offend anyone! Question: the scene with Sonya and the dead judges husband; the beginning and end of the scene behavior (Sonya's) appear right, but the middle of the scene where Sonya appeared to become "Confrontational" didn't seem right to me. As a person with AS how did the scene and performance (Sonya) appear to you? Your feedback is more than welcomed! 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I am Nobody!!!
ReplyDeleteWe get frustrated easily. That showed up in that confrontation. Sonya had been asking questions which the husband was evasive and would not answer. Sonya got frustrated and it escalated to the point where it became a spiral.
ReplyDeleteYes as in any syndrome there are degrees of difficulties. Some AS can not stand to be touched. Other it is loud noises or Bright lights which can set them off. However, Social interactions are the worst we can not detect subtle clues in face or mannerisms. This body and face blindness also attributes why social interactions are difficult.
ReplyDeleteI remembered a scene with Heather K. where the other models piss her off so bad that they backed off from tessing and mocking her because of the surprising level of anger she displayed. So yes that part of the scene fits better now for me, thanks for your feedback! 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I will be Nobody!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't some people with AS have difficulties interpreting other people's emotions and body language as well?
ReplyDeleteI seem to recall my sister (who works with ASD kids and families) mentioning the processing of people and their environment is different and a lot of the socially ingrained perceptions of many people are missed. Things like excitement, sarcasm, or grief for instance when Sonya was interviewing the victim's husband.
Exactly her perception was impaired because of the face and body blindness.
ReplyDeleteFor the purposes of "The Bridge" recaps/reviews and your "Personal Insight", SpoilerTV should keep you on "Retainer" IMHO (lol)! 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I will be Nobody!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the vote of confidence. I would not mind giving my opinion from the AS point of view.
ReplyDeleteI would welcome this! Your insight into AS could help in understanding the varying aspects of the Sonya character's behavior displays i e: you answered my question about the scene I didn't understand earlier (thanks by the way). 4 THE BRIDGE TOLL, I remain Nobody!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome It is not everyday do we get such a character on TV which can give insight into the world of an AS person. It is a totally different worldview.
ReplyDeleteI thought the pilot was Awesome! Now I don't know if this is some sort of clue, but the serial killer who took the woman from the alley in the beginning, the one he took out to the desert and locked into the trailer, I noticed later when he is looking at her ID it read: Eva Guerra Secretary General of Protection and Roads. Department of Mexico City. Now I could be wrong, but maybe its a clue...
ReplyDeleteDon't be surprised if that man is not the killer.
ReplyDeleteI must also say the part where Ruiz went to the police captain's house was bold. The music playing in the background at the house is one I hear all the time. I can't remember if its Los Tucanes de Tijuana or Tigres del Norte. I'm not a fan of either.
ReplyDelete