Netflix has become known for their original programming now, and one of their greatest hits has been "Sense8," the complex and convoluted drama created by the Wachowski sisters, Lana and Lilly. Despite the fact that the program was pulled this year (don't mind me sobbing in the corner), the streaming giant decided to allow the writers one final opportunity to wrap up the show in a meaningful way after a huge fan-based uproar. This two hour finale could potentially turn the tides for the series; as Lana stated in her letter to fans, "After [the finale]... if this experience has taught me anything, you NEVER know." So here are eight reasons why everyone should watch this incredible show -- we could be the reason Netflix decides it is worth the money, after all.
1. The writing is fantastic.
Say what you will for most shows on television these days, but "Sense8" has a phenomenal team of writers. Not only is the show complex and beautiful, it also toes the line between dramatic and funny outstandingly well. The show also keeps you consistently engaged without having to use constant nudity or violence (looking at you, "Game of Thrones"), and still managing to balance sex with actual plot.
2. The cast is diverse.
The show follows eight people across the globe who become linked within their minds, with two from the States and the rest hailing from Iceland, Germany, India, South Korea, Kenya and Mexico. Not only are they from different countries, but they also possess unique storylines that are rarely told (like that of a closeted gay actor living in Mexico City, and a transgender woman's issues with her difficult family).
3. It's all on Netflix, so you can binge-watch immediately.
Which I highly recommend doing. The show is so convoluted that there are definitely times where I've lost something along the way, and since season one and two are both on the streaming site already, you can watch both of them straight through. This will cut down on the constant question of, "Wait, who is that again?" Plus, since the two-hour finale special won't air until next year, you have plenty of time to rewatch at your own leisure
4. It discusses beautiful (and important) messages.
5. You become invested in every character.
I have never loved so many main characters all at once. Every single star of this show is brilliant, beautiful and brings so much to their stories. They are a tight knit group of friends outside of work, which just makes it all the more amazing; but there is not a single weak link on this series. The stories are important, but the acting is what drives it home, and all of the contributors to this show put their entire soul out there with each episode.
6. It makes you believe in love.
Maybe I'm a bit biased, but the love stories shown on this series are incomparable to anything I've ever seen; the combination of plot, acting and raw emotion (plus the fact that these characters are literally tethered by their minds and therefore feel everything more strongly with each other) makes their love stories all-consuming. The diversity of the cast also translates into its relationships: there are several interracial couples, more than one same-sex couple and several that keep you waiting (aka the best kind). Although the plot is the central point of the show, the love stories are still there to keep you motivated when the going gets tough.
7. The soundtrack is incredible.
Genuinely every song is amazing and unique. The Christmas special (also known as episode one of season two) is full of amazing bops that make you want to dance, including "Huff + Puff" by Just A Band (yes, that's really their name). They play songs that I have never even heard of half the time, so it's a great way to find new music and to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, since the show is also filmed on location in all of the aforementioned countries.
8. Its fate is in our hands, and we can help.
Anyone watching television today can agree there is a sore lack of representation, interesting characters, thrilling plot lines and actually intelligent writing. This show has all of that, and despite its position with a streaming site where the show runners could insert superfluous and overtly graphic sex scenes, aggressive language and female nudity (since we all know that's usually what "nudity" really means), they choose instead to focus on its actual content. Although the show does have some of those things, it is far from the excess many of the major shows on HBO and the like produce; further, it is a show about people first and foremost, and their loves, losses, struggles and relationships are all felt so strongly it's hard not to root for them. It is a unique piece of content in a consistently homogenized slew of network shows, and we have the opportunity to save it.
