Hello friends! So I thought I would try this thing out where I would review TV shows along with movies because let's be honest... I watch as much TV as I do movies. I thought I would start this portion off with a criminally underrated show, The Last Ship. Now I'll be honest with you I've only recently discovered this show and I have to say from the first minute in, I was hooked. I binged watched the whole series... well what's currently out and didn't regret it for one second. Now you're probably wondering... what the heck is this show even about? Great question! I'll tell you in the plot section which is right below this lovely introductory paragraph. LET'S GET CRACKING!
The Last Ship which currently airs on TNT focuses on the crew of the Nathan James, a naval destroyer in a sort of post-apocalyptic world. This crew is led by Captain Tom Chandler played by Eric Dane (AKA McSteamy if you're a Grey's Anatomy fan). What caused this post-apocalyptic world? There was a major virus called the Red Flu that had been spread across the world and there was no cure so pretty much everyone died. Depressing right? Well lucky for the Nathan James they were stationed in the Arctic on a secret mission so they avoided the plague. They were also radio silent so they didn't know there was even a virus to begin with. Hence them being the last ship (clever title, right?). Anyway they were stationed to the arctic to assist Dr. Rachel Scott but none of them really knew what they were helping her with. They soon find out about the virus and discover that Dr. Scott knew about it the whole time and she was in the arctic looking for the cure. The mission soon becomes finding the cure and getting it out to the world as fast as possible. That's a poor man's description of the show but seriously you guys, you should check it out.
There are currently 4 seasons available to watch with the 5th season premiering later this summer (hurry up already!). Each season has its own focus. They're all connected but each season has its own story. The series mainly focuses on the crew of the Nathan James and their mission but it also focuses on individual characters along with their relationships with others. It's an action packed series that'll keep you on your toes from beginning to end. With that let's go the review section, shall we?
REVIEW:
So people either love or hate post-apocalyptic shows. The first thing that probably pops into your head when you hear post-apocalyptic is The Walking Dead. I was the same way and although I did enjoy The Walking Dead I did grow tired of it and eventually stopped watching because I felt like the same thing kept happening each season with maybe just a few differences (sorry Walking Dead fans). This show is different. Like I said before, each season focuses on a specific plot point but still manages to stay connected to the larger story. You soon connect with these characters and are eager to see what happens to them each episode. That's not to say there aren't some major deaths (some harder to accept than others) so be prepared. This show manages to keep you engaged each episode leaving you wanting more.
One of the really cool things about this show is that it focuses on this naval crew so you kind of get an inside look into what the Navy does (despite it being fictionalized and set in a post-apocalyptic world). I actually read that on set they have members of the Navy there to help guide and train the cast on proper protocols because they want it to feel authentic. In fact, their biggest fan base are members of the military both past and present. That just tells you right there this show is worth checking out. Although I don't understand all of the naval jargon, there's enough explanation that you grasp what they're talking about.
To say this show is action-packed is an understatement. It's an adrenaline rush from start to finish, each and every episode. That's not to say there aren't personal and intimate moments with the characters. There's a nice balance between each and it really helps you connect with the crew. In some ways it almost feels like you're part of the crew especially when you're yelling at them to move out of the way of that oncoming missile from your living room couch (who does that? Not me. *whistles while walking away nonchalantly). The performances on this show are really amazing. The cast has a nice balance of being these super beasts, taking down enemies one after the other but they also are able to show this vulnerability and softer sides to their characters. Eric Dane is just one of these cast members that is able to do just that. We spend the most time with Dane's character throughout the series and although he kicks some serious butt and you respect him as a captain, it's the small, emotional moments that really connect you to his character. You see the weight that he carries on his shoulders, always putting the mission and his crew above his own personal happiness. In fact, you can say that about most of the characters on this show.
Now ladies, don't worry, although this totally looks like a "dude" show there are some amazing, I mean amazing, female characters. You've got Lieutenant Kara Green, Dr. Rachel Scott, Lieutenant Alisha Granderson, and so many others. Almost all of them are put in prominent roles on the ship and they play a big part in the series. My personal favorite character is Sasha Cooper played by Bridget Regan (the super awesome, booty kicking lady in the gif). Although she doesn't come onto the series until Season 3, she makes an impact. Sasha is a former Navy Intelligence Officer who under dyer circumstances comes aboard the Nathan James. Not only is she super vital to the misssion but she almost instantly becomes part of the team. Her character also has a past with Tom Chandler which is really fun to watch because you can see there are feelings (romantic ones... oooooooh) there but they know that the mission comes first and personal stuff comes second. You can also see that they both really respect each other and value each others opinions and ideas. Throughout the series they have some nice intimate moments that really allow the audiences to see into their characters and really bond with them. Both Regan and Dane excel at these scenes, in fact they're some of my favorite scenes in the whole series because we really get to see who these two characters are, what motivates them, what their weaknesses are, etc. I also really love Sasha as a character along with all the other female characters because they are respectable and respected. The men don't treat them any different just because they're women. In fact, they often to look to them for guidance which I love because it shows that women are just as capable as men to take charge and get the job done.
All of these characters are great role models. Although they make mistakes and questionable decisions at times, their #1 goal is always to take care of others, to get the job done as safely and effectively as possible, and to stand together as one unit. I really love this show because it's just a fun ride from start to finish. It allows you to escape your life for an hour or several hours depending on if you're a binge-watcher like me.
PARENTS GUIDE:
Some of you may be wondering if you should let your kiddos watch this show so I'm going to give you some facts and you can decide how you want to handle the situation. There is quite a bit of violence which is expected with it being a military focused show. There is military related violence and deaths along with virus related deaths. There is some blood but nothing too extreme. There is also some cussing on this show, most of it being the usage of the s-word but this doesn't happen too often. For a show on cable this one could be described as mild.
VIDEO:
Below I've posted a trailer for the show so you can check out the awesomeness for yourself.
CONCLUSION:
I really hope you check out this show. Like I said, it's criminally underrated and should be seen by more people. I also hope you enjoyed this addition of "Carlee's Rambling Thoughts" (read in announcer voice for greatest effect). I hope my writing and suggestions intrigue you to check out these movies and shows that you may not normally watch. Anyway thanks for taking the time to read this and be sure to leave me a comment or suggestion. Share with your friends! Maybe you guys can bond over my blogs! How cool would that be? Well until next time....
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