Back: Netflix's Diplomacy Thriller Returns, Preposterous?
Netflix's "Back" is back! Well, kind of. The show, known for its intense, high-stakes diplomacy and thrilling plot twists, returned for a second season, leaving fans buzzing – and scratching their heads.
The Premise, and its Big Problem:
The show revolves around a group of elite diplomats navigating the treacherous waters of international relations. Season two throws them headfirst into a new crisis: a rogue nuclear-powered submarine, operated by a mysterious, unidentifiable entity, threatens to unleash chaos. While the premise sounds thrilling, the problem lies in the execution. The season, unfortunately, feels more "preposterous" than "preposterous."
What's the Issue?
From its inception, "Back" has walked a tightrope between realism and heightened drama. But in season two, that tightrope snaps. The plot becomes increasingly convoluted, relying on convenient coincidences and unrealistic twists to propel the story forward.
Example:
Remember that time the characters just happened to be in the right place at the right time to prevent a nuclear meltdown? Or the moment they randomly stumbled upon a secret weapon hidden in a seemingly mundane location? Yeah, those moments feel less like clever plot devices and more like forced, contrived events.
Beyond the Preposterous:
The show also falls victim to a reliance on over-the-top characters, each seemingly more eccentric than the last. While a little dramatic flair is expected in a spy thriller, the characters in "Back" often verge on caricature. The dialogue, too, suffers from a similar lack of subtlety, packed with overly dramatic pronouncements and cliched lines that feel more like a bad action movie than a nuanced diplomatic drama.
The Takeaway:
"Back" season two is a disappointment. While the show's premise has potential, the execution leaves much to be desired. The preposterous plot, over-the-top characters, and lackluster dialogue make it a difficult watch. If you're looking for a thrilling, suspenseful diplomacy drama, you might want to look elsewhere.