Netflix's "The OA" (Season 1)

[Cap.T]

I don't think there is a thread yet for this show.

All 8 episodes were released a couple of weeks ago without much promotion on Netflix. I checked the first one out and couldn't stop watching after that. The show plays more like one very long movie. It was the first show in a very long time that managed to pull me in completely.

It's kind of hard to descripe what it is about without spoiling to much. Basically a woman that has been missing since her late teen years reappears and tells her life's story to four other people. I know it doesn't sound to interesting but the twists and turns the story takes kept me infront of the TV for more then 8 hours.

From reading about the show online there seems to be a "Love it or hate it"-mentality about it. I'm clearly in the first camp. For me it's a masterpiece.

Anyone else here watched it yet? What do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvHJtez2IlY

[castor]

I just finished watching this yesterday. I thought it was really good. Very baffling, disorienting. I'm going to have to watch it again soon. I think I'm going to like it even better the second time.

[howarmat]

its an oddball for sure. I have mixed feelings

[tezster]

I find it a little curious there isn't more discussion about this show - I liked it quite a bit. I avoided internet chatter until after I watched it, and was a little surprised about how divisive the ending was, although I can understand why that's the case, having thought about it a little more.

Admittedly, the first episode didn't really hook me in, but I stuck with it and really got into the show by the 3rd episode. The concept of the show, as well as the themes it explores, really resonated with me.

[GlorafiedG]

I really enjoyed this show and thought it and was very well done.
Definitely not for everyone. I thought it was a masterpiece, as well.

If you liked this show, check out Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marling's film "Sound of My Voice".

[jan_tran]

Liked the first half, but during the second half it went off the rails completely, IMO. Unless you're fully invested in the show and willing to buy whatever they're selling you the final few twists and plot developments will not work for you. Binge with caution and an open mind.

[arrt vandelay]

I think this was the stupidest ****ing show I've ever seen.

Haven't posted in in like 5 years, but just wanted to get that out there.

[jacobsever]

Just started watching this, and I'm on episode 4.

I'm really annoyed that the "hippie" character is putting up such a big fuss about sucking in the knockout gas. Twice he has said "I'm not going to poison my lungs", yet in an earlier episode he says how much he misses coffee and cigarettes.

So which are you? A hippie that wants to have a pure, healthy life? Or a bearded hipster that loves his cigarettes?

[Zvi]

Dunno, it was weird to say the least. As far as I understand(based on reviews and other articles) the movements were deliberately designed to look silly, but why? What does that add to the show?
And at the end,

[Show spoiler]I am not sure I understand what did the 5th movement(was it 5th or something random or combo?) do other than simply distracting the shooter(which could be accomplished by equally random hand flailing), or why it is being credited as some sort of miracle? I thought the last movement was the one to open the portal or interdimensional tunnel or whatever it was, to allow our angel to go through to others, but apparently no, all we had was a confused shooter and bullet to the chest of the said angel. That is if you buy into the angel theory. Instead we have what, a magic movement designed to distract active shooters in the schools or a generic distraction movement? Might as well jump the shooter as a team, chances are only one will get shot, as it happened. Actually compared to standing still(being a stationary target) and waiving hands, swarming does seem a better idea.

[Rodney-2187]

I just watched the first episode.

Wow!

You have my attention.

[Makarov]

Just finished the season and loved it. First three episodes or so were a bit slow and then I was hooked as it kept getting weirder. And man the acting was great by the cast. There's a lot left hanging for a season 2 but still satisfying. This felt like reading a good book.

I have to compare it a little to Stranger Things in that they both involve groups of suburban kids coming together to unravel some mystery. However I think this show will stick in my mind more just because of how different it was. The

[Show spoiler]dancing/movement

thing was really interesting.

[judremy]

Just finished the last episode. Hopefully the second episode has its shit together better. The last episode especially was all over the map in that it felt like the show didn't know what it was about. I really cannot suggest anyone spend their time on this show. There is no real payoff.

[onyxbfly]

Definitely an enjoyable series. Looking forward to season 2.

[tezster]

The show isn't for everyone, especially towards the end. It takes an open mind, and one that is willing to forego literal interpretation. It's definitely not a straight-forward plot where everything is neatly wrapped-up at the end.

As a basis for comparison, if you like movies such as The Fountain, you'll probably like The OA.

[Kevinicus]

Originally Posted by judremy

Just finished the last episode. Hopefully the second episode has its shit together better. The last episode especially was all over the map in that it felt like the show didn't know what it was about. I really cannot suggest anyone spend their time on this show. There is no real payoff.

It's usually best to start with the first episode, not the last.

[Omegaice]

Finished this up yesterday. All I can say is that it is different for sure. It had some good moments & then other moments it was just blah. I do applaud Netflix for churning out some original content though.

[judremy]

Originally Posted by Kevinicus

It's usually best to start with the first episode, not the last.

In the case of this series, you would save 6.5 hours by skipping the first seven craptacular episodes. I can outline the whole series and all the problems with the predictable storytelling coupled with the questions that go unanswered (was this from the writers of Lost). Leaving an entire season's worth of questions unanswered is a grab for a second season by holding the answers (if they know them) hostage.

If you liked it, then great for you. Me? I lost 7.5 hours of my life and am not a better person for it.

[Makarov]

I don't think Lost really left much of anything unanswered, if anything they tried to explain too much.

[Rodney-2187]

This show is very different but that is what I like. I don't want another show about doctors, lawyers, and police. You could go as far as to call it strange or even odd.

As for questions, I still have a few but nothing wrong with that. It's nothing new for shows to leave you wondering about a few things. Contemplating the answers is half the fun.

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by judremy

In the case of this series, you would save 6.5 hours by skipping the first seven craptacular episodes. I can outline the whole series and all the problems with the predictable storytelling coupled with the questions that go unanswered (was this from the writers of Lost). Leaving an entire season's worth of questions unanswered is a grab for a second season by holding the answers (if they know them) hostage.

If you liked it, then great for you. Me? I lost 7.5 hours of my life and am not a better person for it.

I'd say it peaks at episode five and then by the end of episode 7 it has gone completely off the rails that it really never recovers from. The handling of the group's day to day lives was very poorly done.

I still recommend it though