Damon Lindelof
Watchmen

NO SPOILERS

The series takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 34 years after the events that struck New York. A white supremacist group called "The Seventh Cavalry" has taken up arms against the Tulsa Police Department due to racial injustices, prompting the police to hide their identities with masks to prevent the "Seventh Cavalry" from targeting them at their homes after the "White Night." Meanwhile, Doctor Manhattan is on Mars and Ozymandias seems to have disappeared.

I was sure that Lindelof would create a great series (I loved both "Lost" and "The Leftovers"), but I was less certain he could continue the work done by Alan Moore with the "Watchmen" universe. However, this series, which follows the comic book, has its own soul, managing to carry the storyline forward with new ideas and at the same time with references and citations. For some, it may be complicated because not everything is explained, and this is one of the strong points, as it will be revisited later in the right way.

President Redford is a stroke of genius (with the nod to President Reagan), the new masked heroes who are part (only) of the police, the (non) death of Veidt, the TV show "American Hero Story," where there are action scenes that mock Zack Snyder's film version. These are just a few initial hints of "Watchmen"; there will be many more episode after episode. This is a great series, exuding a constant aura of mystery. Recently, I've seen few at this level. Lindelof takes risks, and the result pays off.

And the soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross? Stunning, my favorite tracks are "The Brick" and "Lincoln Tunnel." You can't forget to mention the fantastic cover of Bowie's "Life on Mars" and the multiple artist covers of George Michael's "Careless Whisper."

Also, the cast is truly excellent. Amazing Regina King, Tim Blake Nelson, Don Johnson, Hong Chau, and Louis Gossett Jr. But the best are Jean Smart and an immense Jeremy Irons, playing the familiar faces of Laurie Blake and Adrien Veidt, respectively.

I've read many criticisms from comic enthusiasts for deviating too much and involving certain themes, like racism. Nothing could be more wrong, there’s a risk of missing out on a series that qualitatively might match the comic (or at least not stray too far). My advice is not to stop after one or two episodes, because the best comes around mid-season, from the fifth episode on, they are all remarkable, in a crescendo of twists and stunning sequences. And even the finale, though some consider it a bit weak, is perfect as it is, and in the end, everything comes together. Perhaps it's better not to go on with a second season, but if Lindelof has more ideas, so be it.

There would be much more to say about "Watchmen," but that would be a continuous spoiler and I wouldn't want to ruin the series for those who are about to watch it.

Masterpiece, without a doubt the best product of 2019. Among the best series of all time.