MovieChat Forums > Black Summer (2019) Discussion > Not totally sure what's going on

Not totally sure what's going on

posted 3 years ago by kuatorises (7467)
11 replies | jump to latest

It's been a while since I watched the first season - and actually forgot people's names and stories a bit - and only realized this show was back on Sunday. I am 4 episodes into it.

Killing Lance into the season opener was pretty shocking, but this show does that well. He never really adapted and was too innocent for that world, but he was a main guy, so coming out with a bang like that truly makes you feel like something is at stake.

And that chase scene with him on top of his killer's car? Absolutely top-notch! Great action with a tense and chaotic feel. This show does panic and chaos very well. The fire-fights, mistrust between characters - that mother and two sons were great -and even a chase scene involving just a single zombie, are all very thrilling and realistic in this show.

But what the hell is going on?! Specifically, between the two groups? I don't understand what these people are fighting over or why the more militarized/official was looking one was looking for the mansion (or randomly taking prisoners)?

We see the girl in the orange coat walk up to the more normal/civilian looking group and ask "Can I get in on that?" She joins them and actively fights the more organized military looking group. Then when Sun saves her life she's on the military group's side? And I think that was her to stole Lance car?

[–] McQualude (4231) 3 years ago

They tried to be artsy but lost the narrative. Nonlinear, jumpy, storytelling can work but requires skill and the producers bit off more than they could chew. Not sure I'm going to finish the season.

[–] kuatorises (7467) 3 years ago

One has nothing to do with the other imo. The presentation is great. It's much more gritty and realistic than say TWD. You feel the tension in this show.

The problem is I don't know most of these people's names or what they want.That's got nothing to do with the nonlinear story, it's because they haven't TOLD ME. I've had to read some articles to piece stuff together.

Apparently, the woman who helps steal the car from Lance is the woman in the orange coat - who seemingly jumps from one group to the next? I had no idea because it's not clear in the show. The stuff between the two groups isn't clear at all.

[–] McQualude (4231) 3 years ago

You are disagreeing with something I didn't write, but I agree about not knowing who is who, it's just randos killing randos.

[–] Forky (1739) 3 years ago

Agreed. You nailed it.

[–] kuatorises (7467) 3 years ago

Like...WTF? Who is who? What do people want? And you can't outright dismiss the show, so much of it is done very well, but WHAT IS GOING ON?!

I read somewhere that the girl who helps steal Lance's car is named Sophie. She's the orange coat wearing woman who walks up to the civilian looking group and asks, "Can I get in on that?" and seemingly joins them. Then sides with the militia group and takes Sun hostage AFTER Sun saves her life?!

And as far as the two groups go, I gathered they are simply fighting over supplies. Those crates the government/military are dropping are hot commodities, it's the apocalypse, I get it. But what does the house have to do with it? The militia guys took Sun hostage, were asking her where the plane was, and looking for crates later. Before the mansion fire-fight it was all about crates and supplies. Then there's an episode or two where it's all about the mansion. The leader says something along the lines of "It's nearby by and only 7 people in it." Since when was this conflict about the house?!

[–] howgamer (3929) 3 years ago

The storylines are confusing. I don't mind some jumping back and forth, but it's overly abused here. Sometimes it is interesting, but after so many occurrences it becomes somewhat hard to follow. Sometimes it just feels like filler as well. I think the last half of the season it is certainly toned down as compared to the first half. Episode 6 was my favorite episode and it has the least jumbled story.

Besides the story and several questionable actions by everyone, the action and quality of the show are great especially the chase scenes. Overall I enjoyed it and it's a quality show.

[–] kuatorises (7467) 3 years ago

Like I said to McQualude, I don't think the jumping around non-linear story is causing it (and don't mind it either). I don't know what's going on not because of how the story is told, but because they aren't telling us anything. They haven't told us who any of these people are or what they want. We don't know ANYTHING about them. The show is kind of just a series of events.

But yeah, the action and tension are top-notch. It has a very realistic and believable feel.

[–] imatosser182 (339) 3 years ago

The white men are the bad guys

[–] LennyNero (498) 3 years ago

[deleted]

[–] TylerAArse (2871) 2 years ago

I agree. The story and characters lacked direction. Halfway through Season 2, I couldn't figure out who was doing what, and for what reason.

[–] kuatorises (7467) 2 years ago

[deleted]