(via Shutterstock)
Opening credits once upon a time were a big thing, almost as big deal as the show they introduced and often encapsulating the premise of the show is one handy, very musical package.
But while the golden age of opening sequences might be long gone, there are still shows that within the brief timeframe allotted to them, manage to do a lot with a little, delighting us, if not with story, then with atmosphere and a suggestion of what is to come.
Here are three of my current faves with each in their own way setting the scenes for the shows they are introducing and creating an evocative sense of anticipation for what’s in store …
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin
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In The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Dick Turpin (Noel Fielding) sets out on a journey of wildly absurd escapades when he’s made the reluctant leader of a band of outlaws — and tasked with outwitting corrupt lawman and self-appointed thief-taker Jonathan Wilde (Hugh Bonneville). In this irreverent retelling set in the 18th century, Turpin is the most famous but least likely of highway robbers, whose success is defined mostly by his charm, showmanship and great hair. Together with his gang of lovable rogues, Turpin rides the highs and lows of his new endeavours, including a brush with celebrity, all whilst trying to escape the clutches of the thief-taker. (courtesy AppleTV+)
Here’s my review of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin‘s first four episodes.
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Constellation stars Noomi Rapace as Jo — an astronaut who returns to Earth after a disaster in space — only to discover that key pieces of her life seem to be missing. The space adventure is an exploration of the dark edges of human psychology, and one woman’s desperate quest to expose the truth about the hidden history of space travel and recover all that she has lost. Constellation is a new sci-fi series created by writer Peter Harness, from the series Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Wallander, Doctor Who, McMafia, The War of the Worlds previously. Produced by Turbine Studios & Haut et Court TV. Executive produced by Harness, David Tanner, Tracey Scoffield, Caroline Benjo, Simon Arnal, Carole Scotta, Justin Thomson. Michelle MacLaren directs the first two episodes and executive produces the series with Rebecca Hobbs and co-executive producer Jahan Lopes for MacLaren Entertainment. Also directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel and Joseph Cedar. (courtesy First Showing)
Here’s my review of Constellation episodes 1-4.
Here’s my reviews of Constellation episode 5-8.
(courtesy IMP Awards)
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Palm Royale is a true underdog story that follows Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) as she endeavors to break into Palm Beach high society. As Maxine attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots, “Palm Royale” asks the same question that still baffles us today: “How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?” Set during the powder keg year of 1969, Palm Royale is a testament to every outsider fighting for their chance to truly belong. Palm Royale is a series created by TV producer / writer Abe Sylvia, writer on the series Nurse Jackie, The Affair, and George & Tammy previously. It’s also written by Abe Sylvia, with Sheri Holman, Kelly Hutchinson, Sharr White, Celeste Hughey, Becky Mode, Emma Rathbone, and Logan Faust. Adapted from the book titled Mr. & Mrs. American Pie written by Juliet McDaniel. Featuring episodes directed by Tate Taylor, Abe Sylvia, Claire Scanlon, Stephanie Laing. Executive produced by Abe Sylvia, Laura Dern, Jayme Lemons, Kristen Wiig, Katie O’Connell Marsh, Tate Taylor, John Norris, Sharr White, and Sheri Holman. (courtesy First Showing)
Love the opening credits but not yet the show; with so many series competing for my limited streaming attention, a rating of only 55% on Rotten Tomatoes means it’s lower down the list than many other programs. But I LOVE Kristen Wiig and Alison Janney so the odds it will be watched before the year is out.