I will say this much about Central Division: It’s not afraid to take chances. In fact, the series seems to take some wildly risky moves within its very short runtime. The result certainly maximizes drama and suspense. I’m looking forward to see how the story and the character(s) ultimately develop.

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Topics: Mystery, Web Reviews
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“There is wonder in every day.  The sun crosses the sky.  The light punctures the dark.  We are reborn on this earth.”

The Third Age is a webseries that, if nothing else, is wonderfully bizarre, cryptic, and intriguing.  It is billed as “a magical realist webseries, a psychedelic remix of classic mythology, telling the story of ordinary people caught up in an eternal war between gods waged on the streets of New York City.”  The first seven episodes of the series prove that, if nothing else, the creators of The Third Age have a very clear, consistent and unique creative vision.  And, truth be told, this is a series which, because of the vague approach, manages to create a good deal of interest in the not only its final destination, but the journey the story will take toward its ultimate end.  Its first episode, “Fall To Earth,” is an effective window into not only the story, but the style as well.

Congratulations are in order.

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Topics: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Web Reviews
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After the shocking conclusion to the second episode, Detectives Edwards and Hodge deal with the fallout of betrayal. The revelation of the episode — that not everything is as it appears to be — is yet another solid development, playing off the expectations of the audience.

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After the gruesome discovery at the end of Episode 1, Detectives Edwards and Hodge try to figure out their next step. The result is a truly shocking twist, playing on the whole “buddy cop” meme which has become so standard that almost no cop series seems to be able to exist without it.

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Advertised with the tagline, “Where did all the gritty cop shows go?” Central Division opens with a briskly paced, snappy episode which establishes not only a number of plot elements, but also stylistic decisions. The dialogue is tightly written, offering wit along with its necessary exposition. The two main characters are introduced by way of their conversation, and we get a legitimate cliff hanger / revelation to conclude the episode. Whether or not the series ultimately lives up to its own advertising remains to be seen. But the opening salvo is, if nothing else, intriguing. And given the nature of web media, capturing the attention of the audience in the first episode — particularly when that episode lasts all of two minutes, is a significant accomplishment.

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“Alive In Joburg” is at once more immediate and more epic than its more well-known, bigger-budget cousin, District 9. True, there are some missing elements, such as the strong character development of the alien named “Christopher.” But most importantly, “Alive In Joburg” manages to convey a much more insightful and poignant message about xenophobia and race relations – about how humanity so readily becomes skeptical and dismissive of anything “different.” In many respects, “Alive In Joburg” is a triumph of thoughtful, innovative and profound storytelling.

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“Steven is accosted by a guy with a camera looking to grill him on what’s happening. Steven tells the guy that he quit the church.”

Character: Steven (Tim Halling)

Episode 10 takes a closer look at the main character from the After Judgment series: Steven. In this episode, we see him just after he, quite literally, loses his religion.

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“After an infuriating meeting, The Stranger quits his job and tells his assistant that things are going change…that it’s all coming to an end.”

Character: The Stranger (Tim Halling)

Episode 09 is another strong installment, which develops further just how much people knew, or thought they knew, prior to The Day. It’s an episode rich with irony — much of what the Stranger says will come to pass — and his own character, when seen in the After Judgment episodes, has become radically different.

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“Dusty is disappointed by his performance, but then is witness to something that will change the world forever.”

Character: Dusty (Jacob D. Smith)

Episode 08 is yet another change of pace, focusing on a more abstract, artistic, even poetic approach. It’s an example of the series expanding its palette. And the effects are all for the best.

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“The Neighbor talks about the trainers and establishes his dislike for Steven, the guy who lives upstairs. Then he spots something outside that freaks him out.”

Character: The Neighbor (Mike Davies, Jr.)

Episode 07 is … haunting. The Neighbor’s ruminations about the world he now inhabits, as well as the possible circumstances on the other side of the world. And it ends with yet another mystery …

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“Susan shows her friend a strange anomaly – a place where the ground shakes… Then they flee from Trainers.”

Character: Susan (Monika Jolly)

“Susan, Part 1″ works very well as an episode to reinforce some prior revelations, as well as provide insight on yet another character. It’s strength is a brisk pace, which leads directly into some rather genuine suspense.

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“Troy continues his trek through the forest and reveals his discovery… then he decides to embark on a new adventure.”

Character: Troy (Ian Imrie)

In “Troy, Part 2″ we finally learn what it was that spooked Troy so much. His determination certainly is remarkable, though, with all of the build up of a two-part episode, the revelation feels a bit anti-climactic.

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“Many years ago TV Star Guy Curtz was the envy of every Hollywood starlet and a fan favorite until his antics and shenanigans made him the target of every paparazzi in Los Angeles… This is just a sample.”

Characters: Guy (John L. Curtis); Michelle (Taryn O’Neill)

“TVZ” is a surprising change of pace for the Before Judgment series. Comprised of an “entertainment magazine” TV story (from the fake TVZ program), it follows an actor and his latest love interest, Michelle — who just happens to become one of the most prominent characters in the After Judgment series.

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“The Neighbor talks about the Trainers, the riots, and what happened on the day.”

Character: The Neighbor (Mike Davies, Jr.)

“The Neighbor’s Diary #87, Part 1″ is an enjoyable episode which maintains the same approach as the first “Diary” episode of Before Judgment. To that end, we continue to get solid acting, ethereal music, bits of information, and the annoying-yet-tantalyzing transitions between the diary footage and that of The Day when everything changed.

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“Troy hikes a treacherous mountain on the edge of the city. Deep within the forest he reveals the location where he first discovered the disturbing anomaly.”

Character: Troy (Ian Imrie)

The Before Judgment series continues with an ominous installment that, while similar in some respects to The Blair Witch Projects, successfully manages to create a unique and compelling experience.

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