I need to qualify this review by saying that I was not able to finish the entire series, after sitting through the first three episodes.
Yes, I thoroughly enjoy (even grisly) period stories, and the production values and acting of "The North Water" were, largely, impeccable.
Still, at some point, I have to acknowledge this uncomfortable, two-fold observation: a) TV and film writers/producers/directors are usually advancing some kind of worldview or set of values and b) the imagery, dialogue, and narrative themes of a dramatic production can and do have a profound effect on one's outlook, demeanor, and overall mental health.
I found the story, at least in the first three episodes, so nearly devoid of redemption and so riddled with depravity-drug abuse, verbal abuse, sexual exploitation, sexual deviance, human and animal cruelty-that I cannot recommend it. (Some will suggest that all of these things might be found in a whaling vessel of the mid-1800s... that's a question for historians, but I cannot think of a profitable reason to devote hour after hour after hour, saturating oneself with every gritty, wretched detail.)
Yes, I thoroughly enjoy (even grisly) period stories, and the production values and acting of "The North Water" were, largely, impeccable.
Still, at some point, I have to acknowledge this uncomfortable, two-fold observation: a) TV and film writers/producers/directors are usually advancing some kind of worldview or set of values and b) the imagery, dialogue, and narrative themes of a dramatic production can and do have a profound effect on one's outlook, demeanor, and overall mental health.
I found the story, at least in the first three episodes, so nearly devoid of redemption and so riddled with depravity-drug abuse, verbal abuse, sexual exploitation, sexual deviance, human and animal cruelty-that I cannot recommend it. (Some will suggest that all of these things might be found in a whaling vessel of the mid-1800s... that's a question for historians, but I cannot think of a profitable reason to devote hour after hour after hour, saturating oneself with every gritty, wretched detail.)