GRISSE: HBO's Efforts in Futility
A group of unlikely individuals who lead a rebellion against a brutal governor, suddenly find themselves in control of a Dutch garrison town called Grisse.
This is a tv show with very little going for it. From the synopsis, it's already clear that not only is the storyline simple, but the concept is pretty basic. To make matters worse is the fact that the show lacks geographical and scenic limitations. What the show did however have in positives is the character diversity. The different groups of individuals represented in the show makes it a bearable watch.
As usual with our reviews, let's take things from the top. The concept of the show is basic. That being said, it's easy to spot why; the colonised rebelling against the colonialists. It's straight forward and the show runners did not deem it necessary to inculcate thrill factors or at the very least, spice up the show with a little bit of unpredictability. Everything moved at the same pace and in the same straight line, from the pilot episode to the finale.
As is usually the case with a poor concept, it's quite hard to spin a marvelous tale from a very poor concept, and that repeated itself here. The storyline was a tad too shabby for our liking. Mind you, the storytelling was quite brilliantly handled, and we can put that down to the mastery of the scripting team as well as the directing minds. So then, you may wonder, if the storytelling is good, why is the story poor then? It's all down to the biggest failing of the show we pointed out earlier; it's geographical and scenic limitations. Since its quite clear that she show only alternated between the town of Grisse and the Dutch Military Siege Post, it was always going to be an impossible task to tell a story blessed with creativity. It is also quite recognised that lack of limitations or freedom in itself is the field upon which creativity thrives, and boy o boy was this show limited in many aspects.
We found it quite boring that we did not have the same varieties of locations as we had with character diversity. It's appalling.
As usual with our reviews, let's take things from the top. The concept of the show is basic. That being said, it's easy to spot why; the colonised rebelling against the colonialists. It's straight forward and the show runners did not deem it necessary to inculcate thrill factors or at the very least, spice up the show with a little bit of unpredictability. Everything moved at the same pace and in the same straight line, from the pilot episode to the finale.
As is usually the case with a poor concept, it's quite hard to spin a marvelous tale from a very poor concept, and that repeated itself here. The storyline was a tad too shabby for our liking. Mind you, the storytelling was quite brilliantly handled, and we can put that down to the mastery of the scripting team as well as the directing minds. So then, you may wonder, if the storytelling is good, why is the story poor then? It's all down to the biggest failing of the show we pointed out earlier; it's geographical and scenic limitations. Since its quite clear that she show only alternated between the town of Grisse and the Dutch Military Siege Post, it was always going to be an impossible task to tell a story blessed with creativity. It is also quite recognised that lack of limitations or freedom in itself is the field upon which creativity thrives, and boy o boy was this show limited in many aspects.
We found it quite boring that we did not have the same varieties of locations as we had with character diversity. It's appalling.
Conflict management is one of the reasons I will not write this show off as a total washout. Due to the character ensemble as mentioned above, the show runners had the opportunity to have a run at making things inside Grisse quite interesting and quite frankly; amusing. The principal conflict between the inhabitants of Grisse and The Dutch never really lived up to expectations and at some point was just plain boring, however ,the minor conflicts within the walls of Grisse made things interesting and ensured that the show maintained an even tone. So for conflict management, we rank the show above average for effort.
Character performance is just okay. It wasn't bad neither was it amazing, we call it average performance. We however find it quite curious that HBO allowed the characters converse in almost fluent English when the show could have been run in the indigenous languages of the characters, with subtitles to help along. That would have been a lot more believable, realistic and relatable.
Character diversity was a total attention catcher for us here. Having Samurais, Brawlers, Kunoichi, Sultans, Asian brothel runners, Indian Rebels and the sort ensured that there was never a dull moment as ideologies, cultures and business interests collided within the walls of Grisse. I think the cultural diversity on displayare the costuming team sweat this one out. The output was however quite impressive actually.
Now, the first season may have ended or resolved the conflict in the manner we all expected, we are quite skeptical of the decision to repeat the same conflict concept for a second season. We are sure that due to the said decision the sequel is also going to suffer the same limitations as the first season and it's quite hard to see a better success ratio when compared to the first season. From the first episode, it was easily discernible that the show was not one for longevity, and as such we find it hard to understand why HBO is making the obviously bad decision to renew this show for a second season. There may not have been an official statement on a 2nd season, but we know there will be a second based on the premise upon which the first season ended. HBO is trying to make this personal by milking the relationship between Kalia and Moresby. Good luck to them.
In all, a series limited by its own concept, location and story limitations. Curious assembly of interesting characters and a very boring principal conflict. If you are not looking for something different from your everyday tv shows, then you have no business with this series.
NB: the fights are quite realistic and look very much unchoreographed. With stunt masters from Ong Bak and The Raid: Redemption in the drivers seat, you know you can get unadulterated hardcore fight scenes and it delivered just that.
I think Adinia Wirsati is capable of achieving great things, and may just be the golden goose that makes this show work for HBO Asia. Just a personal opinion though.
FCA's AppR: 6.9/10
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