Grading Fall Television’s Hits And Misses

Netflix 

Photo Credit: Netflix

Alias Grace —  A+

After the success of The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu, it’s no surprise that another Margaret Thatcher novel would be adapted to the silver screen. Netflix broadcast the miniseries, Alias Grace which has quietly become one of the best of the year. With a quiet All-star cast comprised of Sarah Gadon (11.22.63), Anna Paquin (True Blood), Zachary Levi ( Chuck), and David Cronenberg.

The story follows meek Grace Marks, a notorious murderer who shocked her time with the cold-blooded killing. Margaret Atwood’s story adds in a fictional doctor that is sent in to analyze her mind. Netflix is really getting into the psychology of a serial killer with Alias Grace and Mindhunter. They clearly know what they’re doing because both series are magnetic and compelling despite their dark storylines.

Sarah Gadon will blow audiences away with her enigmatic portrayal of Grace that will have people guessing whether she’s telling the truth or not. However, the mini-series and Atwood’s book, open up a larger discussion for audiences.

Like her other novels, the series talks about women’s rights in history and whether Marks was jailed simply because of her gender. But she also discusses one’s identity, which shows through Marks’ hatred of her reputation and the spectacle that surrounds her due to her crimes. Unlike The Handmaid’s Tale, Grace Marks is a real person and her treatment is terrifying because it actually happened. It’s terrifying to reckon with the real-life consequences of characters’ actions and it makes the Netflix mini-series a much watch for all.