I began binge watching the brand new Netflix show The Get Down without many expectations. In fact, I hardly even knew what the show was about when I pressed that play button. All I knew is that people seemed impressed by it and it had big names backing it up, such as Baz Luhrmann, who is best known for films such as Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet (1996), Strictly Ballroom, and so many more. The Get Down is Luhrmann’s first ever TV series project though, and I think that’s why it truly didn’t feel like a TV show to me while I was watching. In fact, it just felt like a very long movie that was broken up into six parts. Yes, the entire first season is made up of only six episodes, but they are very long, lasting about 60 minutes each. Due to this, it did feel like I was watching one continuous movie and it was a little difficult to get into at first, in my opinion.
The first episode was a little bit overwhelming. They had the task of introducing not only the plot, but so many different characters and it does feel all over the place at times. However, as the series progressed, you can’t help but want to watch more. The Get Down is set in the late 70’s, focusing on a group of teenagers who all have their own dreams and goals to meet. The series also covers very important issues, such as poverty, the South Bronx during the 1970s, gang violence, diversity, LGBT lifestyle in the 70’s, etc. One central part of the show, though, is its focus on the ever changing music industry.
By far my favorite part of this show is the music and dance scenes. Usually I’m not a fan of musical type shows or movies, but these scenes blew me away. They ranged from completely fun and upbeat to soulful and powerful, each one adding to the story in an effortless manner.
This show has so much potential, and I really do hope that Netflix brings it back for a second season. The story could expand far beyond six episodes because it covers way too many important issues to end so soon.
