Watchmen

LIGHT 9. if Watchmen (2009) is a critique on the glorification of violence in superhero media drowned in a cynicism-stemmed utilitarianism, then Watchmen (2019) is about the black american experience. everything this limited series sets out to do, it makes goddamn sure there was a point to it. it doesn't forget its roots (with a full-fledged commentary on masked vigilantism), but it explores these roots in the context of the complexities of modern law enforcement, the ever-so present traces of white supremacism (and certainly throughout history), the saigon police force in a 51st-state-vietam version of america, or the betrayal that permeates throughout supposed allies. i don't know where to start with commending this show, and i don't know where it'd end. it does a wonderful job with its legacy cast via jeremy irons' adrian veidt and yahya abdul-mateen ii's doctor manhattan. the worldbuilding following the comic's ending, all fitting so nicely into my memory of 2019. the costumes are on point, especially with tim blake nelson's looking glass and his chrome mask of glory. the attention to detail, both in its plot and the numerous transitions between scenes. and, god!, the retroactive (at least, i'm guessing it's retroactive) lore that's built around louis gossett jr.'s hooded justice. given how much of my interests are predominantly black (say, rap or basketball), it was inevitable that i'd enjoy learning further about the black experience. thus i offer Watchmen my utmost appreciation.