Good afternoon, House of Madness residents:
Sometimes discovering a hidden gem in life makes us do strange things. Turns out the little coffee shop down the street you walk past every day on your way to Starbucks has the most flavourful beans in the land, and their apple fritters could make the sturdiest of knees buckle on the spot. So, do you gather your tastebuds and scream from the rooftops to tell the masses of your newfound breakfast bonanza, or do you keep your little secret tight to the vest in fear of it becoming so popular that you'll soon be cursing yourself for the lineup you have to endure every morning now, instead of grabbing your order with ease while the majority of the populous passes by with ignorant abandon? This may seem like a silly conundrum, but sometimes human nature compels us to do unorthodox things and behave with primitive instincts in order to preserve and claim what is rightfully ours, and sharing would mean setting it free for everyone to enjoy, almost negating the unique bond we've worked so hard to achieve. Luckily it's my mission to share the newfound treasures and diamonds buried deep within the streaming world, and I'm always happy to spread the love if the affection is warranted. As it does air on Apple TV, I'm not suggesting I'm the proverbial pioneer in promoting "Servant", but I will say that anytime I bring it up in a social setting in hopes of a discussion, I get more blank stares than a deer in the headlights during a stroll down the Autobahn.
There is so much to "Servant", but at the same time its plot is so fragile, that saying the wrong thing could spoil a lot of the fun that awaits, and I'm not interested in spoiling anything besides my children. Husband and wife Sean (Toby Kebbell) and Dorothy (Lauren Ambrose) are dealing with a loss so deep, that Dorothy has fallen into the pit of despair, and isn't interested in finding a ladder or reaching for help. Her brother Julian (Rupert Grint) tries his damndest to support Dorothy, which leaves him and Sean desperately trying to aid her coping mechanisms, as bizarre as they may seem. Enter Leanne (Nell Tiger Free), a Nanny they decide to bring in for their "baby" Jericho, and the world they live in gets turned directly onto its imaginary head.
The premise for "Servant" is so over-the-top and uniquely bizarre, that it's one you should experience for yourself, instead of reading about it online - you're depriving yourself of a top notch reveal for the ages, and even though you find out early enough, it really is worth witnessing rather than reading. The show is currently in its final season of four, and at ten episodes per season, is a binge worthy delight. Four seasons feels just right too, so hopefully down the road nobody tries to resurrect a brilliant idea, and give it new life; I'll mourn when it's finished, and make my own peace.
Madness Meter: 7.7/10
NB
