Ethan Scottcree

This show overall is an enjoyable watch if you are interested in macabre tragedy or simply appreciate a period drama setting, something which this show excels at. One thing the book did well that this show does even better is showcasing the life of a whaling boat; the crew and their activities are genuine and the overall atmosphere of a boat in the middle of nowhere where emotions rise and fall like waves does add tremendously to the vibe the show wants to give off: utter unease. My main issue with other reviews of it being “too dark” in some shots seem ridiculous. To them i say a period drama is not for you, a macabre uneasy setting is not for you or simply turn up your brightness because i never had a problem my self. Story wise i can understand why some people think it boring and the characters are not likeable, and to an extent i agree: you don’t sympathise with anyone but the lead and perhaps the Danish dreamer, however i feel that is the point. It sets out a bitter reminder the world is not perfect, no matter how far north you go, and as the show repeatedly reminds us, everyone sins, just some are worse than others. I personally have my issues with the fact a 5 episode drama seems drawn out at some points, especially the ending (which admittedly is a jarring change of pace from things going from bad to worse), yet i admire its resilience to stick to its premise: gritty, dark and gut wrenching (leading to my next point…) The violence with the seals and the whale and the bear seem to be a reason for people to turn off the show. I urge you not to judge this based on your view on cute animals and not wanting to see them brutal killing. I think it makes more sense to avoid human violence in the show, which there is much of, yet people never seem deterred by this aspect, just the animals. So if you watched only episode one, power though, and if it still isn’t for you, at least you made it to the end (but what did you expect from a whaling drama anyway?…) To conclude: good setting, good atmosphere, good historical accuracy, good soundtrack, good amount of mystery, violence and unease blended together. Characters aren’t immediately likeable but thats the idea, theme wise is good but the story doesn’t go too far along for being thought provoking . Solid watch for a short amount of macabre and violent drama. Recommend with a pinch of salt, as Drax said.