Sally Alexandra Tranos

I LOVED the show CHANCE on Hulu. HAIL THE WRITERS!! They did their homework on psychoses, human behavior, forensics, anatomy. Through crisp concise dialogue -- funny at times -- actors reveal case facts along with stated motivations of historical deviant personalities. The Season 2 storyline is compelling and tells the tale of several characters with many twists and turns -- none of which seem 'contrived'.... (and that's hard to do, I like that!) CHANCE uses the theme of an ordinary person (a neurophychiatrist) who gets caught up in extra-ordinary circumstances. The action is riveting. Here we see a varied -- not linear -- approach to the action.The director brings us into that dark world by letting us share muddled thoughts that often spiral and can find no real resolution. The audience actually feels the anxious discontent of those trying to solve the mystery -- timed so right the audience 'enjoys the ride'... The 'D' character -- what can I say? Such an unusual personality; a hulking being, a psychologically damaged but simple gentle giant, a self-taught genius of sorts, a man who has forged his own version of justice in the shadowy streets of San Francisco. What an unlikely character choice to integrate w/ the academic Dr. Chance! He helps the troubled Dr. and teaches him and the audience a thing or two! 'D' speaks very little, but is unafraid to share his wisdom as he knows it. He purposefully explains his reasons why he chooses the solutions he chooses and gives a step-by-step "how-to" and why for every movement. He exercises his 'solutions' w/ great conviction. (THUMP!) He is a self-appointed bringer of justice; he believes he's doing the right thing. I think Dr. Chance and the audience learn alot about life and survival through the character of 'D'. The character of Dr. Chance's teen-aged daughter, Nicole, I found to be a great addition to the story. Her trials (at school with friends, social media) are common trials to her generation but are a cause of bewilderment to the great Dr. Chance. These throw things off-balance, they create temporary obstacles which enhance the plot by re-routing Chance's own forward-moving solutions. For Hugh Laurie, another stellar performance. Actor Ethan Suplee's portrayal of 'D' is enchanting and spot-on. I'd love to see him star in a spin-off as this same character. Ah....but can the Hollywood find a way to do this?

Superb! Great story-telling! Reveting peformances all-around! Viewers are immediately immersed into the lives of this family. Michael McConaughey once again creates a multi-layered character seamlessly. The tidbits of wisdom he shares w/ his boy are written in such a way that reveal this father's surprising depth (which proves to be integral to the actions of the story). And, surprisingly, the lead character, first time actor(!) Richie Merritt, is imminently watchable. Deliberate pacing by director Yann builds to an unexpected climax. Writers succeed in relating the tale of the tough gritty world of inner city life mixed with sporadic doses of compassion. As is true in LIFE, family circumstances set into motion a series of intertwining events; the viewer is reminded that nothing is an accident; that our decisions do have consequences and that we do, in fact, craft the story of our own lives. Though set in the 1980s, the message is for now.