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Watchmen (2019)

2019 • 1 season • TV-MA
On September 20, 2026
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Manuel São Bento on Watchmen

10/10 · Mar 29, 2020

When I first heard about a new series based on the world of Watchmen, I wasn’t particularly excited. However, my interest quickly changed once it was revealed that Damon Lindelof—the creative force behind my all-time favorite TV show, Lost—was at the helm, and that the program wouldn't directly follow either the original graphic novel or Zack Snyder's film. While I appreciated 2009’s Watchmen movie, I always felt a single film couldn't adequately explore its intricate rules and complex themes. With this series, Lindelof has created one of the finest new TV shows of the year! Even within just the first six episodes, it's clear what he's capable of achieving. Some viewers have expressed concerns about how overtly political the season is—but really, are we surprised? Both the comic and film are filled with politics and social commentary that remain relevant today. The series tackles these issues with impressive skill, especially considering how easily people get offended when sensitive topics are brought up. Given the show’s brutal opening sequence, it's obvious that this production is remarkably brave in its depiction of historical moments within a fictional setting. The graphic novel has a significant impact on the series regarding references and storytelling, though Snyder’s style occasionally surfaces. The first episode offers an early indication of when and where the story unfolds. What I find most compelling about this season is undoubtedly its narrative structure. Lindelof draws inspiration from Lost, employing a non-linear timeline that generates numerous questions answered through innovative, intelligent, and surprising plot twists. Initially, the first two episodes pose more questions than they answer, but from the third episode onward, significant revelations emerge—along with a few additional questions. Some of these are completely unexpected and shocking, while others might seem predictable, though presented from a unique perspective. After each episode, I desperately wanted to watch the next one (and thankfully, I could). This wasn't just due to the captivating script; it was also because of the fully-developed, engaging characters. Similar to how the movie avoided being a typical superhero film, this series explores deeper themes. Regina King delivers a powerful performance as Sister Night, but it’s Angela Abar who truly draws you in. Her values and strong personality make her an ideal protagonist. While King shines in several emotionally charged scenes, her action sequences are also noteworthy. It's worth mentioning that there is plenty of fighting—I believe every episode features at least a couple of impressive action sequences with long takes and excellent choreography. However, like the source material, Watchmen isn’t about the (cool) fights themselves. Each character is exceptionally well-developed, from their background to their motivations; everyone receives ample screen time, including those who appear secondary. No one feels superfluous—everyone has a role to play in either the intriguing plot or the eventually important mysterious side stories. Jeremy Irons is phenomenal as Adrian Veidt, and I suggest being patient and paying close attention to his storyline, which initially seems disconnected. Jean Smart joins King in sharing the lead from the third episode onward, delivering an outstanding performance portraying someone familiar. Once again, the casting is spot-on. Tim Blake Nelson does a great job with what proves to be a fascinating supporting character, Looking Glass. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II doesn't have much screen time as Angela’s husband, Cal Abar, but still offers a grounded portrayal. Finally, Louis Gossett Jr brings the appropriate mysterious aura to “the wheelchair guy.” Damon Lindelof isn’t shy about referencing other works; Easter eggs from both the film and comic are scattered throughout the season. He often hides crucial plot elements in plain sight or even subtly—like in the background or within an office setting—so it's important to pay close attention. Technically, I must commend the costume design, which features some striking superhero outfits. The series’ commitment to practical effects is also admirable; the production design is remarkable, and using real sets creates a sense of realism that CGI often can’t achieve. The score is captivating and even offers clues as to where the story might be headed (if you've seen the first episode, you should research the origin of the title card). Watchmen stands out as one of the best TV shows to premiere this year. Its pilot mirrors Lost’s, posing numerous questions with few immediate answers. I only have one minor concern about a subplot that doesn’t seem to be developing at the same pace or with the same level of detail as the rest. Otherwise, everything feels seamless. From the exceptional casting to the exceptionally well-developed and compelling characters, Damon Lindelof has once again delivered a fantastic TV series. The technical quality is impeccable, but it's the fresh perspective on a post–Watchmen world through an incredibly captivating storytelling structure that impresses me most. If you’re a fan of Snyder’s film or the comic, don’t miss this show! And if you have no prior experience with this world, the series will provide enough context to understand what has happened and how things arrived at their current state. **Final Thoughts:** I never thought I would revisit my original review and laugh at myself for underestimating the importance of certain characters or subplots. My initial reservation about Lady Trieu’s subplot proved unfounded, and it was ultimately integrated into the larger narrative. Therefore, my overall assessment of the season hinges on how the final three episodes tie everything together. Damon Lindelof is a genius. There's that feeling you get when something is so incredible that you become almost irritated by its perfection? That’s me reacting to the penultimate chapter, "A God Walks into Abar." It’s one of the best episodes based on exposition in television history! Looking back, I now realize every shot matters—every line of dialogue and every tiny detail. While Game of Thrones abandoned many narratives and prophecies in its final season, Watchmen does precisely the opposite: it meticulously weaves together every thread, big or small, into a seamless whole. If you’re among those who gave up on the first episodes due to their ambiguity, you missed out on the answers to the questions that prompted your

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