Benjamin Paul

The Queens Gambit wows its audience with a stunner of an opening and finishes with an exquisite checkmate. The mid game however, has issues, and while the show never truly blunders, there are several inaccuracies along the way that prevent it from living up to its full potential. The dramatic chess scenes are satisfying, although perhaps a little formulaic. First it’s the local champion, then it’s the regional champion, then the US champion… you get the idea. Each “mini boss” is given accomplishment introductions until they’re soundly beaten and join in the cause for supporting the protagonist. It’s entertaining enough, but the show could have been so much more and it struggles at properly developing the characters that emerge after the first episode. Moments of inspiration come from the dark corners of Beth’s world. Her original teacher is the orphanage janitor who schools her in the boiler room in between sips of whiskey. The writing shows great restraint and avoids emotional melodrama, which make future accomplishments and moments of rare praise more potent and meaningful. There’s a scene when the US Champion has Beth over to his place to practice. We expect something affluent but he reveals a dingy basement apartment with chess sets sprawled out on the concrete floor. The show draws continual parallels between its main character and the game of chess itself. Misunderstood, uncelebrated, and worshipped in the shadows. All of these themes culminate with a glorious and metaphorical ending. All in all, a very fine show. Simple entertainment for the masses, but with games that will have chess enthusiasts geeking out. There are YouTube videos of current world champion Magnus Carlsen affirming the realism and quality of the games in the film.

Never Have I Ever is hilarious. If it were nothing else, that would be enough, but this breezy summer Netflix offering transforms at times into something bittersweet and insightful. The soul of the show lies in its writing by Mindy Kaling and the empathy for the main character, played brilliantly by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. It’s this refreshing aspect that makes the show binge-worthy. Unfortunately, most of the other characters are a little on the two-dimensional side and some of the central conflicts get recycled repeatedly to keep the show from reaching its inevitable conclusions. This doesn’t make it any less watchable however. It works purely as satire, but on occasion Kaling is able to elevate the content into something more.

Earnest, charming, and profound at times, this gem of a series stays faithful to the novels while elevating its themes through talented and nuanced performances. The humour could best be described as amusing or Family Circus-esque. There are sunny moments of whimsy, playful shenanigans, and life lessons that the characters are compassionately guided through with writing that is careful, noble and joyful. From facial expressions that will make you smile to random group hugs, the show is a meditation on friendship and merit that will leave you ready for another booking.