The Collection (2016– )

I started watching this because I saw a promo for it and thought it was beautifully shot. I've only just finished the first episode, but these are my thoughts.

The show is, assuredly, beautifully shot. The characters, as written, are definitely archetypes that we've all seen before; it is true. Their personifications by the cast are nonetheless quite compelling, save for Billy who needs to just disappear. Watching him is like taking the orange zest side of a cheese grater against your skin. Awful. Or perhaps that's the point? To show how annoying, presumptuous, and unlearned we Americans are in the City of Lights? TDB...

My chief complaint, aside from the fact that the entire Sabine staff seems completely fluent in English as if it were their first language, is that the ruling family of this couture house are played by British actors, and their delivery is quintessentially British. Yes, they nod to their supposed Frenchness by saying "maman" instead of "mum", but their classic British cold calculated restraint on display is a different animal than the typical French sangfroid. This cultural disconnect between the British actors trying (not trying) to act French is a bit jarring. Compare these three to how Nina and her mother are played to truly see the difference.

Otherwise, i'm intrigued and will ride out the season. Beautiful costumes.