Photo cc: Hulu
With Hulu now becoming the home to FX originals, their first merging introducing the show of Reprisal did not disappoint. Think Sons of Anarchy but—artsy? I wanted to review this and give you a good description of the show because it’s difficult to condense it into just a sentence or two because a LOT happens and there’s a ton of different storylines.
I’ve tried looking up descriptions of this show and all they come up with is: "A relentless femme fatale who had been left for dead sets out for revenge against her brother and the Banished Brawlers, his gang of gearheads. Katherine Harlow reemerges as Doris and goes on a search for her own crew, The Monster Ring, channeling her past to get members with some unusual persuasion. After Doris puts her plans into motion, the Monster Ring prepares to take the fight to the Brawlers. The group is forced to switch gears after the Brawlers zero-in on the Monster Ring.” That description doesn’t really do the show justice, it may sort of confuse you until you watch it—but just know it’s like a Neo-noir film except spread into ten episodes. I almost want to say that the show is like a work of art because you are so fascinated with watching the beauty of it that you forget you actually need to pay attention to what happens to the storyline.
Expect incredible acting by Abigail Spencer, Rodrigo Santoro, Mena Massoud, and Rhys Wakefield (and so many more!) I do have to say, Rhys Wakefield playing the character of Matty—he deserves some sort of award-- I was really drawn to his character. He is the leader of the Three River Phoenixes (basically a gang that you have to be in and prove yourself worthy before you get initiated as a Banished Brawler.) He’s not a good guy, but he’s not a bad guy either. You almost empathize with him at times, but overall he plays an incredibly strong character and he surprises you in a lot of ways. Abigail Spencer technically could be called the lead, and you spend time trying to figure out is she this violent person obsessed with revenge, or really just a widow housewife that has no clue what she’s doing other than making a lot of impulsive decisions.
Anyway, you’ll have to watch more to see what I’m talking about! The show does lag a bit at times, but stick with it. It’s worth the wait once you see what happens at the end. Some of it abrupt, some of it expected, but definitely some violent action and revenge that builds up through the series leading to these final moments. Hoping for a season two!