Hell on Wheels

I really love this show, which is why I gave this completely unnecessary episode two stars. I thought Elam Ferguson’s story was over, so I was unpleasantly surprised by his return to life. For 42 minutes, there was way too much dialogue in a language far beyond my understanding. This was a blatant attempt to stretch the plot. (01.12.2018)

Like the previous episode, this one was just filler, despite its positives. I really hoped the creators would avoid such tactics. Luckily, Durant had more screen time this time around, and his storyline carried the episode. (02.12.2018)

I was pleased that the creators didn't bother reviving fallen heroes and returned to what they do best: crafting a solid story. I didn’t mind the lack of action because the intrigue, manipulation, and dialogue more than made up for it. (02.12.2018)

Unlike the previous episode, this one was all about action. The intrigue and manipulation from episode eight culminated here, and I think the creators nailed it. The Wild West would be pretty dull without some wild shootouts, and when one of the participants is a trained engineer, he should definitely be manning a Gatling gun. (02.12.2018)

After the previous intense action, I knew the pace would slow down, but I was hoping for a new wave of intrigue and scheming that never quite arrived. The episode wasn't bad at all, but I know the creators are capable of much better. (02.12.2018)

The highlight was the need to save a treacherous murderer to prevent an otherwise innocent and valuable community member from being condemned for his death. It was a moral dilemma par excellence. The idea of having to save someone you’d rather crush under your heel is truly unsettling. (02.12.2018)

Considering the fact that most of the episode focused on conversations between Cullen and Ruth the night before a grim morning, I expected an overload of sappy sentiment. But as the episode went on, I realized that wasn't going to happen — after all, this isn't your typical American series. Very well done. (02.12.2018)

The episode wasn’t bad, but a season finale should have had something extra. The mud wrestling match was an interesting twist, but the overall pace felt slower. Just like in the third season, the creators skipped a big finale and calmly set the stage for the next season. (03.12.2018)

The season was of a high quality as usual. The creators put a lot of effort into creating a great atmosphere. I only think the season could do with a greater dose of action and suspense. I was also expecting a much more epic finale - I was a bit disappointed by how it was handled. (06.12.2018)

A pretty calm start to the fifth season, introducing a bunch of new characters and the different setting of the Central Pacific. Plains were swapped for mountains, and the focus shifted from Black characters to Chinese characters. The atmosphere and intriguing storyline remained, but it could use a bit more spice. (03.12.2018)

Everything was going great until the writer must have had a bit too much to drink and wrote that scene with the ridiculous survival from the fall. If they hadn't shown how deep it was, I might have let it slide. Because of that, it’s getting four stars instead of five. (03.12.2018)

For a show about building a railroad, this episode felt like it veered off track. It wasn't uninteresting, but the story didn’t progress much. Despite my constant nitpicking, I still enjoy the series and find it hard to stop watching after each episode. (03.12.2018)

I know I'm repeating myself, but I think the fifth season just lacks that “something” for me to give it five stars. This episode was no exception. I even chose to overlook the creators' pandering by adding Mary Field, a character so clearly designed to meet quotas. (04.12.2018)

I definitely wasn’t bored, but it still lacked that special something. This time, it was the action that was missing, and even the intrigue and manipulation weren’t at their peak. However, Durant was a standout — his conversation with Maggie was perfect. (04.12.2018)

So far, the episodes in the fifth season have been consistently good. While nothing has blown me away, I have to admit I've been thoroughly entertained. I’m starting to think that splitting the focus between two railroad companies might be what’s keeping me from giving it that fifth star. (04.12.2018)

Same old story — I expected a lot more from the big meeting in Salt Lake City than I ended up getting. The guys gave it their all, but I’ve come to expect much better from the creators. On the bright side, I enjoyed seeing Eva start to set her boundaries. (04.12.2018)

The opening was excellent, and the farm action had a chilling atmosphere. But then it took a turn. The ensuing journey dragged on, and Cullen's decisions lacked basic logic, ruining the overall impression. 4*- (04.12.2018)

I'm still waiting for a standout episode, but the ninth one didn’t break the mold of the fifth season's standard. This one focused more on family, nicely complemented by Thomas Durant’s usual tricks and cunning plans. (04.12.2018)

The episode wasn't boring or disappointing, it was just missing that extra something to warrant a fifth star. Dr. Major Bendix, living in a different era, would likely have gotten along with some of the more infamous doctors, like Joseph Mengele. (05.12.2018)

The episode focused heavily on the events surrounding Union Pacific. While Durant was as entertaining as ever, it still didn’t quite earn a full five stars from me. It was quality and fun, but it’s still missing that extra something. (05.12.2018)