The original post: /r/television by /u/KneeHighMischief on 2026-05-27 18:35:15+00:00.

Didn’t watch the trailer or read up on this. Of course I knew the basics of old-school PI show.

I opted for the B&W version. I’m glad I did as the show is absolutely gorgeous. I plan on checking out the color version.

I don’t see how it could possibly compare. The show is just so suited for the B&W format. I get the impression some of the visual effects could look less striking in the color setting as well.

I wasn’t familiar with the director on the first two eps Harry Bradbeer. I see now he’s a heavily credited vet of British TV.

He does an amazing job setting the tone from the beginning. The lighting, the camera angles & the framing are just dripping with style. The subsequent directors follow suit as there’s many moments that are just beautiful to look at.

Cage’s performance (like many of his) could be divisive for some viewers. He adopts a very genre affected accent. It took me a bit to get on board with it but ultimately I think it works.

The hard-boiled gumshoe role fits him like a glove. There’s a lot of playfulness from him as well & you can tell he’s having a ball. He doesn’t go Full Cage at any point though there are some moments heightened by his trademark intensity.

Li Jun Li is fantastic as the femme fatale & her introductory musical number is a series highlight. Most of the supporting cast.is great Lamorne Morris, Karen Rodriguez & Brendan Gleeson. Gleeson also feels like he’s having a ton of fun as mob boss Silvermane. He plays him more with a glint in his eye than a hardened edge.

There’s a later antagonist that I found grating. It’s in part by design but still frustrating to watch for me. I was also bummed to see 12 Monkeys star Amanda Schull relegated to the thankless dead flashback girlfriend role.

Overall it’s a tremendously enjoyable series. It’s such a delight to see a carefully crafted genre piece like this. The superhero elements are just an added treat. I hope it makes a return, even if it doesn’t it stands well enough on its own.