The Night Of Review

Note: This review is being put out before the final episode of the series airs.
     For the past few years the question has been asked, "what will HBO do without "Game of Thrones" to fall back on?" Gone are the days of "The Sopranos" and "The Wire," and the channels new boy "True Detective" had its second season panned by many critics and audiences. "Game of Thrones" has been their ace in the hole for six years, a beloved series based on strong source material. While the company has found recent success with shows like "Silicon Valley" and "Togetherness," they need something new to get the blood pumping. But out of nowhere, we get something extraordinary. "The Night Of." Based off the British series "Criminal Justice," HBO has crafted a gritty and detailed look at the American justice system that has enthralled fans like no show we've seen since the first season of "True Detective."

     Nasir "Naz" Khan is a college student living with his parents in New York. Naz is a smart, but somewhat nerdy kid who has never been part of the popular crowd. One day he's invited to a party out of the blue by a member of the basketball team whose teammate Naz had been tutoring. Not having a ride, he decides to take his dad's taxi. While out a young woman gets in the cab thinking that it's in service, and Naz decides to drive her to her destination (the river). Once there he takes a pill she gives him, they then to head back to her place where the drink, do some more drugs, and play a game that involves thrusting a knife between their fingers. The two proceed to have sex, shortly after Naz falls asleep. He wakes up, gets his clothes, and then discovers the young woman butchered in her bed. He freaks out and runs, taking the knife they used in the game since it had her blood and his prints on it. He gets back in his dad's cab and drives off, and is then picked up by the police for driving erratically. Scared to death and carrying a weapon, Naz realizes that his life could be destroyed due to one night that he barely remembers.

     The first time I heard of "The Night Of" was about a week before its first episode aired, with one critic calling it a tour de force; the last time I heard an HBO series called that was the first season of "True Detective." So even before I watched the first episode I was excited, but after watching the first episode I was floored. "The Night Of" ranks as one alongside one of the best miniseries I've ever seen. Straight from the get-go, you can tell this show is something special. From the beginning, "The Night Of" is TV storytelling at its finest, and it uses its miniseries status to its finest. The show never outstays its welcome, and uses every minute of its eight episodes to their fullest. The plot is a fascinating and intriguing mystery filled with twists and turns, and you're never sure what is going to happen next. The writing and dialog is also top notch, miles ahead of most shows on TV. I wouldn't be surprised if we see the series receive some writing awards later this year. The show also touches on a variety of complex themes, and takes an in-depth and critical look at how the US justice system operates; while being particularly critical of how the US correctional system could turn petty criminals, or even innocent people, into much more severe criminals. I also need to give a shout-out to the actors, all of which, from the stars to the supporting characters, do great jobs. It also helps that the characters they play are so fascinating. Each is unique, well written, and layered. And as with all HBO series, the production and design is top notch; the sets, the editing, and just the attention to detail in every aspect of production. But looking at the show as a whole, the real star and shining beacon was Steven Zaillian. Zaillian co-created, co-wrote, and directed the whole series (except for episode four which was directed by James Marsh). I'm not sure what time of black magic Zaillian put to use to make this show so good, but I'm glad he did. Zaillian writing and directing for every episode was great, and likely has an Emmy in his future. But to give credit where credit is due, Richard Price also deserves a ton credit. Price was the other co-creator and co-writer, and his work with Zaillian was incredible. Those two make an exceptional pair, and brought this beautifully well done TV world to life. "The Night Of" is TV at its finest, and a perfect example at why I believe TV is the best now that it has ever been. If I had one criticism of the season, it would be that it does slow down to crawl every once in a while. But other than that minor gripe, "The Night Of" is truly, and simply, exceptional. And of anything, it is proof that HBO will never run of of great new shows,

Pros: Exceptional storytelling, fascinating and intriguing mystery filled with twists and turns, several great performances, unique and layered characters, critical look at the US justice system, touches on complex themes, great writing and dialog, top notch production and design, fantastic writing and dialog, award worthy direction from Steven Zaillian.

Cons: Slows to a crawl at times.