Early in our own pandemic I was looking for a series to watch. I couldn’t decide between straightforward feel-good and schadenfreude; I decided on the latter and picked Station Eleven. I soon realized I had constructed a false choice, Sta 11 was the dialectical synthesis of what I’d assumed to be exclusive options. Later I read the book… I can’t say which is better because of first exposure bias (for me, the series)… but I’d lean towards the series. WATCH THE POST PRODUCTION cast/crew conversation https://youtu.be/33PovHwIXGc?si=-DOsVhIRHHCgUG1H , you will learn a lot. (I have lost count of the number of times I’ve watched the final episode!)
Stories are what bind us together, art/music gives life meaning, and yes, it's what's missing that glares at us in a dystopian world...and maybe our lives. Brilliant! Thank you for sharing.
I loved Station Eleven and was surprised it hadn't swept the Emmy's too, for all the reasons you so brilliantly raise. I didn't know about the Star Trek connection, but that line is so profound. I've been thinking a lot along those lines lately as I see this country and all the things I've loved about it, all the things we've fought so hard for all these years sinking into oblivion, wondering what will be left if things continue this way: art, poetry, beauty, human connection, love, laughter, wind, stars. It will suffice.
Same. I think this show hits hard at so many existential issues. I learn every time I watch it. Not sure why I find a show where 99% of the world's population dies so comforting, but there you are. Ha.
This is a great article Rachel. Now I want to read the book and watch the show. The way you describe it reminds of the ending of Farenheit 451 which always makes me cry. Not because it's sad but because it's so important. Thanks for the lovely recommendation!
Thank you, Barbara! Station Eleven truly one of my all-time favorite limited series. The show changes one of the main characters immensely, and creates a whole new one, but it works. I hope you love it as much as I do.
Love love love F 451.
I also really loved The Leftovers (also on HBO). Same creator. Excellent.
Great article, thank you for lighting the way.
👌 big fan of "the elevated apocalypse" genre
I remember watching this when it first came out... I don't recall finishing it! So I'll have to go check it out.
Hamish Patel was the standout for me. But it’s the ensemble that makes this so exceptional.
Agreed! He was just amazing. But they all were!
And that last episode, though. Right to the heart.
The young Kiki was also great as was the adult.
Right? Gifted actors, all.
Early in our own pandemic I was looking for a series to watch. I couldn’t decide between straightforward feel-good and schadenfreude; I decided on the latter and picked Station Eleven. I soon realized I had constructed a false choice, Sta 11 was the dialectical synthesis of what I’d assumed to be exclusive options. Later I read the book… I can’t say which is better because of first exposure bias (for me, the series)… but I’d lean towards the series. WATCH THE POST PRODUCTION cast/crew conversation https://youtu.be/33PovHwIXGc?si=-DOsVhIRHHCgUG1H , you will learn a lot. (I have lost count of the number of times I’ve watched the final episode!)
Thank you, Jeff! Rewatching now for the sixth time lol. Next watch, I’ll take notes.
Thx for the video! Will watch.
Who is the standout character for you?
Stories are what bind us together, art/music gives life meaning, and yes, it's what's missing that glares at us in a dystopian world...and maybe our lives. Brilliant! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Marilyn! So true. Storytelling will continue to grow and change as humans do. Interesting to watch. x
I loved Station Eleven and was surprised it hadn't swept the Emmy's too, for all the reasons you so brilliantly raise. I didn't know about the Star Trek connection, but that line is so profound. I've been thinking a lot along those lines lately as I see this country and all the things I've loved about it, all the things we've fought so hard for all these years sinking into oblivion, wondering what will be left if things continue this way: art, poetry, beauty, human connection, love, laughter, wind, stars. It will suffice.
Thank you, Deborah. Appreciate your thoughts.
Same. I think this show hits hard at so many existential issues. I learn every time I watch it. Not sure why I find a show where 99% of the world's population dies so comforting, but there you are. Ha.
“We’re artists. Everything is dangerous.”
This is a great article Rachel. Now I want to read the book and watch the show. The way you describe it reminds of the ending of Farenheit 451 which always makes me cry. Not because it's sad but because it's so important. Thanks for the lovely recommendation!
Thank you, Barbara! Station Eleven truly one of my all-time favorite limited series. The show changes one of the main characters immensely, and creates a whole new one, but it works. I hope you love it as much as I do.
Love love love F 451.
I also really loved The Leftovers (also on HBO). Same creator. Excellent.