1899

5 stars for the visual attention to detail and deeply interesting story, but zero stars for one particular thing: This show would have been perfectly fine without the sickening and brutal rape scene in episode 6. Why was this done? So unnecessary, disturbing, emotionally difficult and shocking to have to suffer through. The images are burned into my mind even after turning it off. It was not only brutal but LONG, seemingly taking up close to 5-8 minutes of scenery. I know there are people who will say stories like this need to be told, but those stories don't necessarily need to be acted out on a 60-inch screen, at an extended length, in high-def, depicted close-up, through a wide-angle lens. Yikes. Also, this is fiction. The "story" is just that - a story- and could have been written and depicted with more of an eye towards survivors rather than people who are unaffected (or worse) while watching rape scenes. The remainder of the show, its mood, and its intensity would have remained peak entertainment. Why would you expose someone who has not been raped to the tragedy of this experience? Why expose survivors to a reminder of their experience? This scene was so clearly added for shock value and to appease an ever-more-darkening consumerist entertainment base. Humiliating and painful, sexual violence is a very real part of life, not a plot point to exploit and drag out for the sake of appearing artistic. I am most certainly fine with language, consentual intimacy/sex scenes, violence, and other theatrical elements when age appropriate, and always thrilled when the story of a survivor is told. The show also contains references to human trafficking, slavery, inclusive relationships - all side stories that one can happily laud as great plot points which add depth without being despicable. I am however not here for the act of rape being glamorised, stage lit, and enjoyed over popcorn. The length and detail of the scene was disturbing and made me question how this kind of entertainment would be received as enjoyable or fascinating - unless watched (and created) by someone who enjoyed sexual violence. I was forced to put an age on this rating, so I did put 18+, but would absolutely never recommend this show to anyone regardless of age. The very idea of watching something like this with my daughter only to have her suddenly and visually exposed to images of debilitating and extreme sexual violence makes me feel deeply sad. Whether you are or your child is a survivor or not, I see no purpose in watching this. I wish I hadn't seen it. It will stay with me a long time.

I watched the entire first series but had difficulty sleeping for a few days. A little disturbing and horror scenes are hard to digest. Rape is hard to see. It is something to watch not before bedtime (at least for minds like mine) I will never let my teens see this specially knowing how much exposure to social media they are and their minds never quiet. This show is not appropriate for teens in my opinion. We are a family of teens and 9 year old and will never recommend to any other parent. This show does take your mind to an off comfort zone.