A Different Sort of Western: Godless Episodes 1 and 2

This week’s Netflix original is called Godless. It is a Western that centers on the people around a conflict between violent outlaw Frank Griffith and the man he sees as the son who betrayed him named Roy Goode. The setting of the show is a town that is almost entirely run by women. These women all lost their husbands in a mine accident, which resulted in the town losing almost all income. At times, it feels like a town full of women is the whole gimmick of the show, with not much other substance. However, there is enough stuff to interest viewers, but there are also some things that may discourage viewers.

Something that may not jive with the audience is the villain, Frank Griffith. In one scene, he comes across a family of Norwegian immigrants. The whole scene was filled with tension, the viewer constantly wonders if he will murder the families. I was begging him not to, but not because I didn’t want to see these characters die. Throughout the show, Frank has been nothing but your standard evil villain. It would be a mark of a well developed character if he showed that he does have some idea of morality that doesn’t seek out punishment of all. While he fortunately decides to not kill the family, he does commit other crimes in regards to them. I would have given him a sense of justice where he would have just left the family alone. As it is, he is no better than any number of mustache-twirling villains with no depth of character.

One aspect of the show I enjoyed was Michelle Dockery as Alice Fletcher. Having not enjoyed her performance in Downton Abbey, I was pleasantly surprised with her many-layered portrayal as a woman alienated from society. Most of the women in the series can be described in a single trope, such as tomboy or pure hearted harlot. However, Alice Fletcher is somewhat harder to classify. At most, you might call her a single mom, but I disagree with this classification. Most single mothers in media let their status define them, either as a way to excuse poor behavior or as a way that she’s a cut above her peers. Alice Fletcher doesn’t fit this designation; she is just trying to live her life in an unfavorable landscape.

That landscape is another part of the show that I enjoyed. From the few westerns I have watched, the landscape is almost a character in and of itself. The isolation and harshness of the landscape often remind us that the hero alone can act in this situation. While most of the surroundings fit this, Alice’s ranch is almost green and lush by comparison. However, this fits the trope. To Roy Goode, who is among the heroes of the story, Alice’s ranch is a haven where he doesn’t have to worry about Frank Griffith’s vengeance for right now. I am happy the show has decided to keep that hallmark of a Western as opposed to promoting violence against women or not examining the consequences of relying on gun-only justice. I think that Godless is a Western I can enjoy.

A Closer Look at Adventurous Brutes

While La Casa de Papel may immediately gain the viewer’s attention through its alluring Romance title, those who hold themselves to a higher standard should be warned: this television show is not for the faint of heart. The tale follows a young woman named Silene Oliveira (secret name, Tokio), who is wanted by the police for successfully executing fifteen heists. Just as she was on her way to meet her mother, a mysterious man lets her know about her imminent capture. She learns that the man is known as “The Professor”, but he refuses to give more information.

As the story progresses, the viewer may find themselves unable to take a hiatus. The plot develops at a fairly quick pace, and unnecessary information is left out to fast-forward straight to the action. After the Professor states that planning for the heist is going to be a five month process, the story continues straight to the day of attack. The director was also sure to keep the heist from ending by the time the first episode came to a close.

We are connected to the band of uncouth characters, perhaps as a means of escape from our periodically overbearing lives as people with developed ethics. Fictional narratives such as these are an enigma in the way that even though we possess a proper set of morals, we still find ourselves hoping for the success of Tokio’s malicious deeds. This is evident when the love interest of Tokio is shot after an error on her part. Those who watch will be aware that they share Tokio’s pain on potentially losing her second partner. The director reinforces this by inserting a flashback into the story highlighting Tokio’s relationship with her lover.

As hinted at previously, the viewer should be aware that La Casa de Papel contains some uncivilized content. Of course, the supplementary debauchery only serves to support the main theme of thievery. The plot is littered with firearms, murders, and bare-chested women. The dialogue can, at times, contain talk of coitus and other vulgarities. The theme of sex outside of wedlock also makes its way into the plot - I would advise anyone who may be offended by this to take note of the transgression, yet try to not let it taint your perception of the plot in general.

A television show such as La Casa de Papel may be fitted for a younger, ruder audience, but that may not stop a more proper individual from enjoying it. I would encourage people of any social standing to give this show a proper viewing. After all, such a show offers a proper individual something that Wuthering Heights cannot: a plot with a fast pace, a chance to see how the other half lives, and how the character’s struggles lead them to take their misfortune into their own hands. The same way that books provide an escape into the unknown and dangerous, La Casa de Papel lets us live life as the ruffian we never became (thankfully).

The Crown

Brenda,

 In the 18 years that I’ve been alive, I cannot remember a time when you were not a part of my life. You were there for me in my most awkward phases and happiest times. Even now that we live an entire state apart, you are constantly there for me. It will never cease to amaze me how willing you are to give of yourself and your time to friends and strangers alike. I am so thankful for all of the memories that we’ve created for ourselves, but one of my favorite memories is the time we spent watching Downton Abbey in my early highschool years. That show was so powerful to me, and it was all the more special because I got to watch it with one of my favorite people ever (you)!

If you’re confused as to why I’m writing about all of this, I hope to make that clear shortly. Recently, I was able to sit down and watch the Netflix Original series The Crown. It has a lot of similar qualities to Downton Abbey, which is why I think you might enjoy it. Without giving too much away, the plot of the show focuses on the marriage and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Downton Abbey actually occurs about 35 years prior to the start of The Crown, meaning that Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, would have been in power during the plot of Downton Abbey.

 Although these shows have some obvious similarities, such as setting and time period, they are actually quite different. As you’re well aware, Downton Abbey is a show filled with drama and tragedy. Although there are certainly dramatic moments in The Crown, the show’s main focus is far more political. There are moments of romantic drama and heartbreaking tragedy, but as a whole series, I find The Crown to be a far more mentally engaging show. Don’t get me wrong, I will always be an avid fan of Downton Abbey and the entire Crawley family, but something about the dialogue and content in The Crown provides a much fuller entertainment experience.

Overall, I hope you will consider watching The Crown with me when I am home in just a few short days. Speaking from experience, it is a show that you will not easily walk away from. In my opinion, it is wonderful and captivating, and I think you would get a lot out of it. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!!