The Queen’s Gambit Review

Who would have thought I’d watch an American series after placing the K-Drama on a pedestal in my previous post? TBH, Queen’s Gambit reeled me in the first 15 minutes, and I was glued. It was an action-packed script combined with tight lines — no filler and no unnecessary chats.

It's a prodigy-themed series centered on the life of a female alpha who aimed to win chess tournaments in a male-dominated sport during the '60s. Fortunately, we wouldn't see gender inequality from start to end.

Although it has a fast-paced storyline, I think seven episodes is not enough. An episode or two is necessary for the character development of Elizabeth Harmon and the building up of relationships among the people she met in her career stint.

Harmon has the same vibe as Wednesday Addams, but I felt Addams to be more human than the older Harmon. Addams shows frustration and curiosity like an average person, just in a weird way. But in the case of the older Harmon, I can't feel her sadness and maybe remorse in a tear-jerker scene.

Thanks to Jolene, the twins Matt and Mike, and Miss Alma Wheatley for filling the gap when Harmon's emotions dry up. I don't think this is an actor's problem, but it's more on the cinematographer and director's cue. In those emotional scenes, especially in hopeless moments, the director focuses on the aesthetic appeal rather than letting the viewers feel the frustration.

Harmon is sophisticated. She won't throw a fit like a spoiled brat. But she's still human, and I don't feel her that much. I don't feel much sympathy for Harmon on her failures and fallout.

Because bullying was not an issue, the writer effectively showed the ideal qualities of men every woman expects -- professionalism, respect for women, and knowing how to accept defeat.

The lower ranks have respect for the top, while the higher-tiered-pros remain sophisticated as they imply that it's impossible for them to be ousted of the throne anytime soon.

The series also depicted there's life beyond chess, but it seemed Harmon had not fully understood what it looked like. She tried to explore and open up to her friends, but I found it a bit slow as I still felt the resistance until the last scenes. If the series will have a second season, where she'll let her guard down, maybe I can increase my rating.

The music, settings, and nuances were spot on, adding an extra point to my rating.

Rating: 7/10