If you live on Netflix, like I do, you may have noticed the arrival of a new series called "Sense8." Coincidently, I also live on Tumblr, where this show has become a huge hit. So it got me thinking, what is so good about this show?
The answer to that question is: everything. Everything is good about that show.
Like most Netflix originals, I was able to binge watch it.
Produced by the Wachicowksis, the premise of the show is that there are eight people all over the world who are psychically linked to one another. Through this link, they are literally able to walk a mile in the other’s shoes. Imagine being able to peek into the life of another person and help them from afar. That is what these people, known as Sensates, are able to do.
What I love most about this show is the relationships between each character. All eight of the characters are from different parts of the world. Very few shows can claim true diversity in their cast. Sure, they may have the token minority, a hilariously flamboyant gay man, or the sexy lesbian. But what about a show that has it all, without them being stereotypical TV tropes?
There is Nomi Marks, a transwoman who is a former "hacktivist" in San Francisco.
Capheus Van Damme, a bus driver in Nairobi who is trying to take care of his AIDS infected mother.
Sun Bak, daughter of a wealthy businessman who moonlights as a kick boxer in Seoul.
Kala Dandekar, a pharmacist in Mumbai who is preparing to get married.
Riley Blue, a girl from Iceland who is an up and coming DJ in London.
Wolfgang Bogdanow, a locksmith in Berlin who works in organized crime.
Will Gorksi, a cop in Chicago dealing with an unsolved murder from his childhood.
Then lastly, there is Lito Rodriguez, a Mexican telenovela actor trying to keep his sexuality hidden.
"Sense8" is emotionally raw. I have laughed, I have cringed, and I have rooted for every character. I have also cried. This show is about emotion and what it means to be human. Every character feels what the other one does, so why should that not extend to the audience? In my case, it does. In the span of three days, I have grown to love these characters. I love Nomi’s will to live, Capheus’ unending optimism, Sun’s strong will, Kala’s devotion, Riley’s love for her father, Wolfgang’s truthfulness, Will’s need to protect, and Lito’s flare for dramatics.
I believe "Sense8" has something for everyone in the sense that it is about everyone and how life can connect one another. Critics have pointed out the lack of story structure, saying that it bounces too much from action, to happy, to sad. I combat this by saying isn’t that what life is? Can bad things not happen immediately after something happy?
Are you in the market for some romance, too? This show has that as well. I love a good romance and let me tell you, "Sense8" does it beautifully. Feel like crying your eyes out? Want to squeal on your couch and grab a pillow? You will do that too. Perhaps the best relationship in the entire series is between Nomi and her girlfriend Amanita. If I ever get lucky to find love, I want someone to love me as much as Amanita loves Nomi.
Words can only say so much about this new series, and I don't want to give too much away. The best way to experience it is to watch it for yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed.
