Most people are accustomed to starting shows with the pilot episode but the new Netflix series Kaleidoscope challenges viewers to assemble the puzzle pieces by entering the story at different moments in time.
This show is not everyone.
Despite the innovative approach, the show’s production and writing is a disappointment, the script is filled with gaps and the characters do not fit well in some roles.
Kaleidoscope is an American heist drama and mini-series created by Eric Garcia. This eight-episode limited series was released on Jan. 1 of this year. It stars the Breaking Bad actor Giancarlo Esposito as the mastermind behind the heist, with co-stars Tati Gabrielle and Paz Vega.
The show has a creative take on the average Netflix series. Each episode runs for less than 50 minutes and is colour-coded to represent a specific time during the heist.
It can be viewed in any desired order but the series must end with the last episode, “White” – the heist itself. The 5,040 possible combinations of the show are not ideal for individuals who enjoy a suspenseful chronological storyline.
The show’s production and writing do not live up to expectations, especially since the approach is so innovative.
When it comes to shows, taking time to introduce the main characters is key.
In Kaleidoscope, Giancarlo Esposito ‘protagonist’, and Rufus Sewell ‘antagonist’ had a poor introduction with no explanation of how they met during their life. The other characters were briefly introduced, though they played a big part in the heist.
This makes the series feel rushed, giving the audience no time to get to know the characters to build the audience-character connection.
The script is filled with gaps that make some of the characters motives unclear. The set up leads the audience to believe everything will make sense toward the end but this is not the case.
Certain parts of the story feel incomplete.
On top of this, the actors do not fit well in some scenes which required them to play a younger version of themselves. Since the actors did not change, the makeup and hair team were required to make some actors look younger, but did so poorly.
The episode “24 Years Ago” just seems like the same time as the prior episode. The wigs are noticeable and the makeup artist did a mediocre job at making the 64-year-old actor look 24 years younger for the set time of the episode.
For this part of the series, younger actors should have been cast. The use of older actors in an episode that took place two decades ago takes away from the authenticity and credibility of the story.
Before the audience has the opportunity to finish the show, they have a strong idea of the plot’s end. Episodes such as “The Morning After” and “Eight Months After” reveal the finale, leaving little to no suspense.
Leading up to the last episode, the script reveals the result of the heist: who survives and who is left behind.
As viewers reach episode “White,” the finale feels like a waste of time.
The show has a predictable ending and a basic story of revenge, betrayal and loss with no special twist to leave the audience glued to their screens.
Kaleidoscope had the potential to spark emotion and suspense if the production followed a chronological storyline and stronger attention to detail.
This is not the perfect weekend binge for Money Heist and Prison Break fans who enjoy a suspenseful and well-written plot.