EDIT 3/20: see below initial review
Lately every new TV show has been bland, cliched, and done many times before. Stumptown is nothing revolutionary, but with the excellent cast - including a great lead performance from Smulders, plus some sharp comedy writing and awesome throwback cassette music, makes this show a light and fun one-hour watch. Between the intricately staged violence and Smulders' wonderfully wisecracking, knuckle-busting performance, the Stumptown pilot is an intense experience - so much so, that it's hard to believe the rest of the series can hold up to the same standard, but, I've already been surprised once, so let's hope the writers can do it again. Excellent directing and cinematography, perfect pacing, and a solid mix of action and comedy. It's an 8/10 for the pilot from me, will update again if needed as the series progresses.
EDIT 3/20: After watching this show for sometime now, it has really grown on me. The writing in general and in each episode is refreshing, original and even more fun every time. It's more smart and fast and pleasantly formulaic. Sure some of it is predictable, but the humor the writers have upped recently, makes up for that. Even the leads back-stories have become very interesting, and I'm glad Cole Sibus and Adrian Martinez have bigger parts in their roles. Casting dynamics couldn't have been any better. Updated rating is now 9/10 from me! Writers, keep up the great work!
Lately every new TV show has been bland, cliched, and done many times before. Stumptown is nothing revolutionary, but with the excellent cast - including a great lead performance from Smulders, plus some sharp comedy writing and awesome throwback cassette music, makes this show a light and fun one-hour watch. Between the intricately staged violence and Smulders' wonderfully wisecracking, knuckle-busting performance, the Stumptown pilot is an intense experience - so much so, that it's hard to believe the rest of the series can hold up to the same standard, but, I've already been surprised once, so let's hope the writers can do it again. Excellent directing and cinematography, perfect pacing, and a solid mix of action and comedy. It's an 8/10 for the pilot from me, will update again if needed as the series progresses.
EDIT 3/20: After watching this show for sometime now, it has really grown on me. The writing in general and in each episode is refreshing, original and even more fun every time. It's more smart and fast and pleasantly formulaic. Sure some of it is predictable, but the humor the writers have upped recently, makes up for that. Even the leads back-stories have become very interesting, and I'm glad Cole Sibus and Adrian Martinez have bigger parts in their roles. Casting dynamics couldn't have been any better. Updated rating is now 9/10 from me! Writers, keep up the great work!