Two new series are bringing popular sources to the screen. One takes on a 90s anime series, while the other adapts another series of sword/sorcery novels.
Cowboy Bebop John Cho and Mustafa Shakir star as bounty hunters chasing down dangerous criminals all over the galaxy. The live action remake of the 1998 Japanese series echoes some of the original anime style, but goes for a grimier, more industrial feel. The casino showdown early in Episode 1 features some impressive fight choreography, but subsequent encounters are less inspired. There are some weirdo characters, but Cho’s swagger is the show’s main asset. TV series Preacher and Ash vs Evil Dead did this sort of graphic novel adaption with more pizzazz. After watching 4 episodes, the style and stories are all over the place, but there’s sufficient energy to keep it interesting if you’re into the genre. 
(3 / 5)
The Wheel of Time Based on a series of novels, this is Amazon’s attempt to go after the Game of Thrones audience. Rosamund Pike stars as the leader of an all-female organization that’s looking for the dragon reborn (yes, dragons). Her journey leads her to a small village where 4 young people have the potential, so they embark on a perilous journey. There are some moments of magic and marauding creatures, but what’s lacking is any originality in the approach or style. Some of the locations are impressive, but much of the design is uninspired and some of the CGI is downright shoddy. Fans of the swords and sorcery genre may have the patience, but after watching the first 3 episodes, it still doesn’t have any narrative or visual magic to make it compelling. (5 more episodes are coming every week and a 2nd season has already been approved) (3 / 5)