[Gary McCoy]

Bloodline is a NetFlix original series that went online on March 20. It is good enough that I saw all 13 episodes over a 3 day stretch.

Sissy Spacek and Sam Shepard head up a large cast of talented lesser known actors. Production standards are high, there are no unconvincing performances here. The setting is a gorgeous Florida key, and a family run hotel business. The beach, the crystal clear waters, the jungle all are beautiful.

I request that you use spoiler tags for any discussion of the plot, and a clear text warning that plot discussion is concealed therein.

Ben Mendelsohn gives a truly outstanding performance as the oldest son, the black sheep, and a dangerous man. I didn't recognize him but I was impressed by his screen presence - you sense anger and violence below the surface, and he makes you uneasy in ways that are difficult to define.

Highly recommended. It has not even been a week since it went online, but I predict there will be at least a second season.

 

[Brian Conrad]

The first episode was so slow I didn't feel inspired to watch further and I'm a foreign film fan and you know how slow those can go. I also looked at the reviews and people were disappointed. In fact the 5 star reviews probably written by Netflix employees. Maybe I'll try episode two but there's so much else to watch it low on the list.

 

[Gary McCoy]

I'd give it 4.5 stars. As an example, the two series I like better are House of Cards and Breaking Bad.

 

[PooperScooper]

I enjoyed it a lot. I thought it was very well done character driven drama. I don't think there needs to be a second season although I'd probably watch it. My favorite character was Kevin.

 

[archiguy]

Since I think the Florida Keys are maybe the coolest place on earth (that I've been to, at least) I'll have to check this out. Someday. After I watch the other 236 other shows sitting on my DVR.

This isn't the "golden age" of television. This is the platinum age. Enough already! Who ever thought we might be wishing for the return of the "vast wasteland"? Maybe for a year or so. Let me catch up!

 

[cut the cord]

I thought the first episode was kind of slow, but I've heard such great reviews from my friends that i'm gonna stick it out... Hopefully it will live up to the hype

 

[cut the cord]

I do really like the voice over though...

 

[rdgrimes]

As one reviewer said: Its a slow burn.
Pretty much every episode takes it up a notch. Stick with it at least through Ep-5.

 

[jamieva]

Through 2 so far. hanging in there. Same folks that did Damages which was a really underated show so I will stick with it.

 

[archiguy]

Through 2 so far. hanging in there. Same folks that did Damages which was a really underated show so I will stick with it.

Yeah, I loved every second of 'Damages'. Classic case of "too smart for TV". Best work of Glenn Close's career IMO.

 

[rdgrimes]

Wow!
Hang on to your hat when you get to Ep 7 or 8. The stuff really hits the fan. This is a terrific drama.

 

[postrokfan]

I thought it was slow at first as well. However, the character building is part of that. I agree, it really becomes interesting about half-way through.

 

[PooperScooper]

There will be a Season 2

 

[rdgrimes]

^^^
That's great news. With the twist at the end and the couple of other open questions, there's plenty of mayhem left to inflict on the Rayburn family.
I really enjoyed this one, almost as much as Bosch on Amazon.

 

[jamieva]

Finished it today. Interested to see where they go with season 2

 

[David F]

I liked it, but honestly it could easily have been nine or ten hours instead of thirteen. Parts of it were a real chore to get through. And there are scenes that just go on FOREVER.

I noticed that with Daredevil as well. The opening scene in the confessional was tortuously long. Netflix originals seem to have a bit of bloat to them (I'm guessing because they can, since length isn't determined by time slots or commercials).

 

[jamieva]

I agree to a point. They spent a lot of time on flashbacks and back story. Hopefully they will significantly decrease that in season 2 because now we know all the family dynamics that got us to this point.

 

[Gov]

Good show! I just finished Ep 5 and I think I am locked in now! That was a great episode and turning point.

 

[jamieva]

Warning spoilers if you have not watched season 1 yet

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/bloodline-creators-season-2-allegiances-790964

 

[archiguy]

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/bloodline-creators-season-2-allegiances-790964

Whoa! Spoilers galore! Can't un-read that. May want to warn people who haven't started it yet...

Sometimes I visit these threads about interesting series concepts from "nontraditional" providers, like Netlix (and the list is growing), just to sort of take the temperature of the show and see how others are liking it. Especially before I invest the time in another long-form serialized drama (my favorite TV). Do people whose opinions I respect like this show? Is it something interesting and unique?

If I watch a series like that, I'm going to put any revealing information in spoiler tags because I realize few people watch these things in "real time" (weekly, like the old days). They're basically created for binge-viewing. That's just the nature of these non-network series nowadays.

What I will tell in open forum is whether I like it and why, and may expound on that a little just to provide that same service, but not reveal any huge plot points unless I put them in spoiler tags.

But that's just me. Others may view it differently. Caveat Emptor, I guess.