User Reviews

Promotional material for Hulu's new original series "Reprisal" referred to it as a melange of David Lynch and Quentin Tarantino, so I couldn't help but frame what I was seeing in episode one, "The Tale of Harold Horpus," in that context. Even so, I was instantly drawn into that art-house meets B-movie vibe, coaxed into a believable mixture by the show's writers and episode director Jonathan van Tulleken (BBC's "Misfits"). Series lead Abigail Spencer, who I recognized as bachelorette "Annie" from the much-missed reality-show parody "Burning Love," will leave this show as a major star or there is literally no justice in the universe! Not only is she beautiful, even hiding behind oversized glasses as wife and restauranteur "Doris Quinn," but her performance is captivating in a "don't look away or you are really going to miss something" way. Her face accomplishes more with a suggested half-smile than most actors do with 10 pages of dialogue. And speaking of face-acting, someone who I'd only known as a screen-munching mugger, the Aussie actor Rhys Wakefield ("The Purge"), immediately shines as the leader of the bush-league gangsters known as (wait for it) the Three River Phoenixes. Somehow he makes his performance as Matty three-dimensional while still staying within the established confines of the two-dimensional Lynch/Tarantino tropes. When Matty expresses his frustration for being passed over for promotion from the 3RP's to their major league sponsors, the Banished Brawlers, his character is already so efficiently and firmly established that the viewer is on his side. Honestly, I can't believe I'm going to sum this review up without raving about the brief but impactful performances of Ron Perlman ("Sons of Anarchy") and Rodrigo Santoro ("Westworld"), but honestly Spencer and Wakefield were the bright lights of this first episode. I know that Spencer, as the series' central character, will definitely get more chances to shine, but here's to hoping they give Wakefield more opportunities. With such great scripts and tight direction, I'm optimistic.

I had seen the few trailers promoting Reprisal as a new show premiering on March 31st, 202, as the clothing, cars, and 40's/50's esthetic caught my eye. I was so taken by it, I set reminders on my calendars and phone. I was not disappointed.

The clothing, mixed with modern housing and decor. The use of old cars from shows like "Happy Days" and drive-in movie theaters. The use of burlesque dancers rather than stripers, & bowling shirts, was an added dimention to continue on the 40's/50's vibe. The gorgeous use of colour all kept me watching as the story evolved. It wasn't until I saw the use of a cell phone, & a flip phone at that, when I realized just how close to now this story was taking place.