Back in June, Netflix released the first season of one of its latest original series, Sense8. While it’s hard to summarize what this show is all about, that’s also exactly why you need to be watching it. Right now. But if that’s not enough to convince you, here’s a list of eight reasons you should be watching Sense8.
Photo Credit: Netflix
An elegant merger of genres
Admittedly, for some viewers, Sense8 might take a few episodes to hit its stride, because it’s hard to place exactly what kind of viewing experience you’re getting yourself into. The first episode is an hour and a half and still barely begins to scratch the surface of the overarching concept, instead spending its time introducing you to the show’s eight main characters. And those characters alone would make for a fantastic drama series. But then you start to experience the sci-fi (or is it fantasy?) elements as well, and this show becomes something really special.
Diversity
Looking for a show that showcases a broad spectrum of people, genders, walks of life, races? The list goes on. This is your show. Even though this isn’t a cast of characters you’d expect to find on the same show, each of the eight main characters is fully fleshed out and feels genuine. You’ll be rooting for everyone from Riley (an Icelandic DJ, living in London), to Nomi (a reformed hacktivist and transgendered woman), to Capheus (a Jean-Claude Van Damme fanatic, bus driver, and devoted son living in Nairobi) over the course of season one, and that’s not even half the cast!
Brought to you by Andy and Lana Wachowski
Okay, Jupiter Ascending was an absolute mess, but there is still something to be said for the Wachowski name, especially when it comes to projects that think big. Sense8 is brought to you by some of the same minds that crafted The Matrix (1999), V for Vendetta (2006), and Cloud Atlas (2012).
Things get…steamy! And messy!
Right from get go, it’s obvious that this isn’t a show that’s afraid to shy away from anything. One of the characters is introduced while she’s having sex with her girlfriend as they gear up for San Fransisco’s pride parade. And it’s not too much longer before you’re watching an orgy take place between…well, let’s not give too much away, shall we? And the Wachowskis don’t draw the line at sex. When the story calls for it, you can expect some nicely handled fight scenes as well. While Sense8 doesn’t quite reach HBO levels of sex and violence, there is certainly far more than you’ll see on cable television.
You can trust Netflix’s track record
If the Wachowski name isn’t enough of a guarantee of quality (and who could blame you for that?), then if nothing else you should be able to trust the Netflix brand by now. Looking at shows like Orange is the New Black, Daredevil, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, BoJack Horseman, and House of Cards, no one can deny that Netflix knows good TV!
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Sense8: Creating the World
Netflix recently released a behind the scenes special to further pull fans into the world of the show. And even though I’m not usually one to indulge in DVD extras, this was actually pretty interesting. Not only did it give insight to how the crew handled filming in nine different cities, but also how they dealt with the unique format of the series in switching different characters in and out of various scenes. Really cool stuff, especially if you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes world of television! Be warned though, this is definitely something you want to watch after you’ve finished watching season one.
A unique take on storytelling
Not only does the show aim high when it comes to genre, but at Sense8’s core are eight wonderfully interwoven stories that come together unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Each character has their own complete arc outside of the story that connects them to the seven other sensates and the season’s core mystery. While some stories are featured more than others in each episodes to make room for well fleshed-out plots, the characters not being focused on still have their opportunity to step in and use their own skill sets to help. The end result is eight individuals who really do end up feeling like pieces of a whole.
We can look forward to season two!
Sense8 has recently been picked up for season two! No word yet on when it will be coming, but at least now you know that you can safely fall in love with these characters, knowing you’ll see them again soon.
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Photo Credit: Netflix
There you have it, eight reasons you should be watching Netflix’s original series, Sense8. I’ll be back next week with a review of the first three episodes, so if you haven’t checked out this incredible show yet, now’s the time!
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