The Night Of
The Night Of showcases to me that HBO holds over a monopoly of good television. I could give two shits about whats playing on TV 99% of the time, and most series turn into episode after episode of just trying to keep the series running so they can make more money.
It's a tragedy, but HBO's reign on limited miniseries has really blown me away. 500-600 minutes really is the perfect amount of time to tell a story. There is not a character here that is not stretched out to their full opportunities (maybe beside Naz's family). These characters all have strengths in dialogue. This series characters know exactly what to say and when to say it with effectiveness. Everything has meaning, reasoning, and a underlying tone. I can't fathom to spend any minute watching the walking dead anymore. It's lost its effectiveness and I need something new. The Night Of never stops second guessing whats happening and always shines it's light on a new aspect, or a new angle to represent.
The only fault this show has is it's middle half. The middle half of this show before trial happens irked me a little bit. It was more based off Naz's prison experience which was fine, but it dragged a little bit. Other than that, this show had a very satisfying end. It left a lot in the air which could give us a second season, but I don't know if it's warranted for a full 600 minutes. I really enjoy this theme of the prison system running through the show. If you were innocent on trial, you're coming out of prison corrupt. Nazir will never be the same person he was before Rykers, Prison does more to teach how to get away with criminal behavior than truly punish.
Loved it.