Amazon Prime is quickly becoming a rival to Netflix, Hulu and other TV streaming networks. Case in point: Amazon’s series, "The Man in the High Castle." Based on the book by Philip K. Dick, the story takes place in the 1960s, in an alternate history where Germany and Japan win the World War II. The story centers around Juliana Crain, a woman living in the part of the country under Japanese rule who gets pulled into an underground rebel organization and Joe Blake, an undercover spy for the Nazis. What follows is a riveting story that is part thriller, part sci-fi, part romance and part period drama. It’s got something for everyone and here are some reasons why this show should be the next series you should binge watch this winter. There are a few spoilers, but no big plot reveals.
1. It's a good story.
As I stated above, the plot line of "The Man in the High Castle" is riveting. The book itself is slightly disorganized and doesn't have a real resolve. However, the Amazon series, produced and directed by the brilliant minds of Ridley Scott ("Blade Runner") and Frank Spotnitz ("X-Files"), keeps you on the edge of your seat. There are various storylines that are intertwined and connected by the overarching struggle of Nazi/Japanese oppression. When Juliana Crain, living her simple existence in the Japanese Pacific States, is given a propaganda film, showing the Americans winning the war, she is thrust into a whirlwind adventure filled with intrigue and danger. There is a strong romantic tension between Juliana and Joe, for all of you who love a love story. Without giving too much away, there is a sci-fi element to the story, which is a plot device the writers appear to be exploring in the upcoming season. There really is something to keep everyone interested. It didn't win two Emmys for nothing.
2. It's got amazing characters.
The characters who drive the story are some of the most interesting and complex characters of any story in television today. There is Juliana Crain, the heroine of the story. She is not only a strong female lead, but she's also realistic. She knows her own mindand isn't afraid to do what needs to be done, even though she has her flaws. Joe Blake is a complex character who fights between what he has been taught is his duty to his country and what he knows is morally right. There's Juliana's boyfriend, Frank, who, though he plays a small role, has a story that makes you feel emotionally invested in his struggles. Even characters like Obergruppenführer Smith and Nobusuke Tagomi, who work for their governments, have deeper inner conflicts than their loyalties imply. Strong characters create a stronger narrative and this is a truth that the writers know.
3. It's topical.
On a more sober note, the story of "The Man in the High Castle" reads eerily like prophecy. No matter what side of the political or social spectrum you fall on, it's hard to deny that free speech and government control are heavily debated topics today. While still an enjoyable story, "The Man in the High Castle" contains an underlying message of warning: what might happen when power is transferred to the wrong hands and the possible consequences it may cause. It may be useful for us to look at this story and to see just how we can use it as a cautionary tale, rather than a self-fulfilling prophecy.
So go check out this new series! The second season starts streaming on December 16. I promise you won't regret it.
