Utopia (2020) - A Very Salty Review

Taking more time to make less of a point than the original, with nothing new to say either, makes this series such a sin.
twitter - / rec_dougs

[@korablina8310]

Utopia 2013: Don't tell, show Utopia 2020: Don't tell, shout

[@dextergill9737]

hahahah and also it seemes like the 'normal poeple' were like superheros automaticaly knowing how to fight

[@dashxlife]

Show has it flaws but it was still amazing!! half these shows nowadays suck but we lost a good cause yall compared it to the original. Good luck watching another season actually a new spin off of the walking dead smh

[@aconfusedlacroix3965]

@@dashxlife k

[@centralscrutinizer9591]

@@dashxlife 2013 Utopia has no flaws.

[@Cageab1]

@@centralscrutinizer9591 aside from the blood effects. But that can be excused due to the low budget most british shows get

[@akinaworan3715]

If only they'd spent the money on this 'remake' to fund the third series of the British version of 'Utopia'. ////

[@Hoopla10]

That's what bugs me the most. Just do a better job at advertising the original in the US to generate viewers then make a third series.

[@jollyyeholiver1578]

@@Hoopla10 sadly they seem to always want to produce stupid content.

[@Hoopla10]

@@jollyyeholiver1578 Why though? I genuinely never understand it. They continue with good content then they're increasing the chances it will get more viewers. I don't know, that seems like a pretty obvious equation to me. Is it just the US can't watch stuff that hasn't got famous faces in it or set in the US??? I'd love to know if that's the reality or whether it's just stupid CEOs who don't have much faith in the US public.

[@jollyyeholiver1578]

@@Hoopla10 watch the comedy scripts

[@yorkshirejoker654]

Hopefully enough people just get recommended the original and enjoy it to make up for this bull.. A third series of the channel 4 version would be amazing but we just don't live in that dream world. These platforms don't realise that if the original was released now it would be so damn popular for quite some time.

[@jakeyboy261992]

can we all restart a petition for season 3?

[@Lincoln_Bio]

I remember when Channel 4 cancelled it, loads of us commented all over every one of their social media posts: "WHERE IS JESSICA HYDE?" Good times :D

[@jakeyboy261992]

@@Lincoln_Bio just got the news that utopia (USA) got cancelled, its time to start the petitioning

[@jakeyboy261992]

thats if dennis kelly wants to do it. just watched his new series with jude law called "the third day". i thought it was wicked

[@Lincoln_Bio]

WHERE IS JESSICA HYDE? ;D

[@magumba1000]

@@Lincoln_Bio does anyone seriously think any further series will be made ?.....given the subject matter in season 2 of the original ......they haven't got the bottle to do it......and it would be censored as anti vaxx immediately....watch it while you can (the original series that is)....i have a horrible feeling it will quietly dissappear

[@MysteryHandle76]

There are people that will watch this remake that will never even bother with the original and that makes me very sad

[@frakkedinmi]

Not me. I hunted it down and got the best of both.

[@frakkedinmi]

That's to say I wouldn't have enjoyed the American version half as much, if at all, had I seen it second.

[@unkleredd]

I am happy about it, because it puts me in a club of people who can say now "yah but have you seen the real Utopia"

[@RobotHau5]

For those who want to watch the original its all on KZbin. Has been up for 2 weeks in 720p as of me writing this comment.

[@arthurvalaer5306]

@@RobotHau5 Poor quality. Hard pass. I won't watch the original 'til it streams or I find it on DVD or Blu Ray.

[@belinskiparadox7687]

I think my biggest issue I had with 2020 Utopia is that Arby seems like someone who's just on the spectrum. 2013 Arby talks and acts like he's just not there, almost completely disconnected from what he's doing.

[@EvE-zenbymr]

Sheldon Big Bang Theory. That is the entirety of my response.

[@Yoyoyosupdawg]

Exactly, he seems like an autistic man child eating Raisins lmao

[@cringelord9796]

The way Arby was portrayed in the original creeped me out. They really did a good job at showing that there's shit wrong with him, and portraying him as incredibly dangerous. Portraying Arby just like a weird guy to portray something's wrong with him is pretty weird, unneffective and stupid, and at worst a tadbit insulting towards people that act like that.

[@Yoyoyosupdawg]

To me it honestly looks more like the remnants of a boatload of childhood trauma, reminds me of Norman Bates

[@zerokozmo]

Jessica: kills Sam Group: "why did you kill Sam?! She's our friend!!" Jessica: "There can only be one leader in this group" Group: ...okay lets be friends

[@SarahC2]

Yeah, what the hell was THAT writing decision about? Just to add some random gun violence? .. my take on it: Jessica in the new version SHOOTS DEAD one of her "companions" near the start, because she was too influential to the group. The rest of the group who have no background with Jessica stay put WITH her, and sheepishly continue on with the "quest" staying part of her "team". Unlike... any normal person who'd get the hell away from her psychopathic ass at the first opportunity. This scene didn't exist in the original - obviously because the character wasn't a murderous psychopath, and was just pushed into being a hardass by circumstance. It wasn't part of her character, came out of nowhere, and changed the entire dynamic - BUT they didn't change the plot AFTER it, so it stuck out like a "WTF" moment.

[@derpedfox]

OG Jess never give a fuck about being in a group or being a leader or killing without any fucking reason this version pissed me off

[@Clarity_Control]

American Stereotypes are going too far

[@troylynch5848]

I enjoyed it and wish they would have made a second season

[@Callistemon]

UK Version : it is brillant, smart, fineness, sharp, dark, brutal, appealing. US Version : it simply gormless

[@albionpatterns3986]

Bit like 'The Office' american remake then, They have to lobotomise their TV programs over there for them to make sense to the viewer

[@yuvnish1941]

Utopia UK version is god level.

[@admiralackbar4767]

UK Version: Canceled US Version: Ongoing Just wanted to add that to the list.

[@iaindouglas5053]

@@admiralackbar4767 it has to make it past seaon 2, which the uk version didnt :(

[@admiralackbar4767]

@A D Yes. But.... did we win anything by that... no. We only lost.

[@Oldermodels_are_twitchy]

Oddly enough, I watched the first episode of this last week. I found it interesting enough that I kept on with the second, and then discovered that this was a remake of an older series. So I thought it would be interesting to check out the original first. Wow... Blown away by Utopia 2013. This remake doesn't even come close. About the only good thing I can say about it is at least it got me interested in looking up the first series.

[@Ravioliboi]

where did you watch the original? I cannot find it available anywhere

[@Oldermodels_are_twitchy]

@@Ravioliboi found it on Amazon Prime.

[@Hyp3rion]

@@Ravioliboi Download the free streaming app CatMouse. It's got it.

[@scriptguru4669]

well at least one good thing happened from this remake abortion.

[@jasminsteffen4910]

That's exactly what I did...and it can't be trumped. Having hard time even getting back to US version

[@alexcoyg3281]

The moment Jessica shot the girl for no reason everything clicked,yes does not make sense. Great review.

[@alexcoyg3281]

@Cyrus St.jules Ok, i can see that, appreciate your explanation.

[@martinboivin7071]

Sam wasn't in the original. She was created to die for shock value. The writer herself said it in an interview. The whole purpose of this charatcer was to die. It's such an American way of seeing characters. The problem is not that her death was unecessary. Sam had nothing to bring to the story. Also, in the original version, Jessica Hyde didn't need to shoot anyone to prove herself as a leader. She gave zero fucks about being a leader. She had a mission and was menacing enough for the group to follow her. The worst thing about her death, is that in the aftermath of her it, the group should be traumatised. They are not.

[@hobbabobba7912]

@Cyrus St.jules yea but that still doesn't make any sense, they were all friends with sam so why would they follow the person that killed their friend. Jessica didn't know how they would react, why do any of that? Why not ally with Sam to keep the group in check?

[@Mord12gp]

​@@martinboivin7071 Yea, they just left Sam's body just laying in the foyer for like 2 days. And killing Sam was the dumbest thing Jessica could have done. Sam was ON HER SIDE. By killing her, yes, she makes the others afraid, but now they see she is untrustworthy and might try and kill her or sell her out if they got caught. After she killed Sam i was always thinking she would pop one of them just because they weren't useful or would compromise her. Sam as a character held so much potential, she was fired up, ready to take action. I could see her being Jessica's right hand, but no, she gets killed off to prove a dumb point. It made more sense to kill Ian, the one actively defying and challenging her. Jessica killing Sam makes Jessica just another villain just on a different side.

[@jwalterswartz]

This was added , the author said, to show the audience that no one is safe.... Instead it made all her "friends" irredeemable for how they went on afterwards. It was the opposite of the "Save the Cat" moment.

[@Kyusoath]

The 'i did not add the music' is the most cutting barb.

[@grandsome1]

My guess, the Amazon executives received the original script and were like: "I like it, but where is the poop? We produce shit around here."

[@JavvyF61]

hey, not all prime "originals" are dogshit. there's the grand tour, clarkson's farm, james may: our man in japan, and borat. it's just overwhelmingly shit.

[@johnroach9026]

​@@JavvyF61 Notice how all those shows are British...

[@Sirkemo]

OMG I JUST WATCHED THE FIRST EPISODE OF THE BRITISH ..... I CANT BELIEVE HOW GOOD IT IS.. WHY DID AMAZON DUMB IT DOWN SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM SO MAD...

[@Ravioliboi]

Please tell me where you watched it?!

[@andridc4090]

​@@Ravioliboi kzbin.info/aero/PLhKm0_RVRYwxw5i4ww1Ee0eZ-VBfX1Wh5

[@pianostuff2731]

stop shouting

[@albionpatterns3986]

Have you ever watched the original british version of 'The Office' ?

[@scriptguru4669]

@@Ravioliboi www4. watchserieshd.tv/series/utopia-season-1-ysv remove the spaces

[@salsa_blanco]

I second the vote of..."Please watch the UK version" and I say that as an American

[@stza16]

Traitor

[@fey__3919]

As an English person who has only seen the US version and absolutely loved it... I'll sit painfully through the UK one lol Tbf, no matter how good something is, if it isn't the first one you see... it most likely won't be your favourite... I'll watch it anyway tho, I might be wrong. US budgets for these types of conspiracy/ huge-cooperation cover up shows/movies just work... normally UK shows have tight budgets and the world building isn't that great. Not to say that the UK doesn't have alot of good shows because we do, but since Utopia is an insane plot to cover... I can't imagine that the UK version (with a small budget) would do it justice.

[@shel3xxx]

I started watching the American one first but immediately didn't like execution. However I was intrigued by the premise and thought maybe it was a book which would be better than the show, of course. So I looked it up and found the original UK version...and loved it. Only when I finished did I return to the American one and finish it but it was even worse after seeing the original. I watched it just as a spoof really. So it doesn't matter the order you watch them in, crap is just crap whenever you encounter it.

[@fey__3919]

@@shel3xxx I couldn't stomach the English one... And I'm bloody English haha. I guess your opinion changes on which one you watch first. I watched the US one first and cannot get through the UK version... it's just shit in my opinion and the characters suck. And alot of people who watch the UK version first (fully watch it) don't like the US version. So I doubt either of them are actually that bad

[@Jacobmathews.]

@@fey__3919 clearly you can't understand subtlety

[@spoonz1065]

The original was captivating and ground breaking the remake . I watched it out if respect for the old one. I was so gutted the original was cancled . Watched the new one and watched the old one just to erase the new one .

[@RecDougs]

The only good thing I can say about the new series is how much of a craving it gives you for the original. Directly comparing the same scenes between the two had me appreciating the magic of the original scenes in totally new ways.

[@left8em]

I'm erasing my memory too by watching the original...

[@HorribleHomeVideo]

The original was bland

[@senordd]

@@HorribleHomeVideo Original is amazing. US one makes characters quirky just because without reason. John Cussack is like a cartoon villain in it.

[@aleisshiki3649]

Damn, that’s exactly what’s happening with me lmao. Watching it again right now. The original is so good

[@grandtrine681]

They literally portray Arby like Lennie from Of Mice and Men 😂

[@RecDougs]

Holy shit you're right

[@Wolfsheim23]

Oh No! Really? I was really hoping for at least something like Billy Bob Thortons character in first season of Fargo for the villain in not more like the original Arby.

[@JG-ux7of]

Which one? I thought he was clearly Frankenstein in the American version.

[@khaeugriefshade6456]

I couldn't take the character seriously, he reminded me of Ricky Gervais' Derek character.

[@Anthony-mt7qr]

What American Arby should have been trying to do was an interpretation of Neil Maskel, what he did instead was Jim Parsons... For no discernible reason. Like I can only go so far into the problems with the remake, but that is one that sticks out.

[@BirdNoise77]

As an american, who was only made aware of this show by the 2020 amazon remake, I loved it! I loved how over the top and silly everything was, and also how dark it was, it was kind of just something to put on to have fun for a week and then forget about, and it did it's job very well. But now that I've discovered that it was in fact a remake and the original looks much better, and almost like a slow burn, I am very excited to start watching it Edit: The UK version is the best show ever created you cannot change my mind

[@MEMUNDOLOL]

are u sure u'll understand everything happening in the show without over the top overreactions and characters repeating what just happened on the screen? dont torture urself lil american bro, just watch another one Ape vs MeachApe

[@mad_elf]

​@@MEMUNDOLOL what are you really upset about?

[@mad_elf]

@@MEMUNDOLOLif you need to take your anger out on me, that's fine. I'm here for you brother.

[@mad_elf]

@@MEMUNDOLOL bad grammar is a turn off sorry big boy.

[@Alphoric]

Not a chance is this the best show, granted it’s fucking amazing but not the best. Pretty much all 2014 British shows were just as good. I would say this has the best soundtrack of any show though.

[@CERTAIND00M]

I THOUGHT this show felt like a really good idea executed very poorly. It being an American remake makes perfect sense.

[@ratskraad5890]

Me too. I started watching it and i mostly was laughing at the dumb parts. My girlfriend watched it without me and finished it so i started watching it again in front of her and she couldn’t stand how mich i was yelling at the show.

[@romantra1311]

Go watch the original. Superb stuff. Just the first ep alone should make you appreciate it.

[@CERTAIND00M]

@@romantra1311 I plan on it, though I want to first give myself a little time to cleanse my pallet of the remake, which was easily one of the most frustrating viewing experiences of my life. And that's WITHOUT having seen the original. I can't imagine how much I'm gonna hate it after.

[@Delboy0]

One thing I predicted and knew would happen in the American version is getting rid of the black male hero from the original British version. I knew American makers would have an issue with a black male character having white female love interests, so whitewash the Ian character so hollywood with their plantation mentality who be happy to see an interracial romance with a white male character and the insecure white American men would not be offended. I'm not watching this show for that reason alone.

[@Delboy0]

@UCeX55p2M74qXDxzNPI1A5Lw Please stop with the American right low IQ labelling bullshit. I come from a culture were we are too smart for that. Your American right buzzword 'woke' is not going to diminish my factual point. American media and film industry has a long history of whitewashing characters of colour and an long history of only representing interracial romance as normal and mainstream with only white male characters. So when you have this great British show being remade by Americans, where the main hero is a black man and is in an interracial romance with a white female character I knew the American film fear of black male sexuality and the planation mentality would kick in and they would change Ian from a black man to white man and have him in a romance with a black girl. This Hollywood bigotry is pathetic, but what is more pathetic is people like you who say 'woke' when people call out American bigotry.

[@thacc8216]

“How are we gonna extend the plot to 8 episodes” “Cut out more and give every character mega-ADHD.”

[@itsbageltime]

I watched Pyro’s 8 hour video and now I’m getting recommended a bunch of Utopia videos

[@leahcooper5831]

Loved the original so much. When Jessica Hyde was pitching a big loud tantrum explaining to everyone who she is, I had to turn this one off.

[@ralfpape7557]

Leah Cooper That was it for me too. Overexposition mixed with way to much clichee.

[@Sinewmire]

Seriously? Her whole character is trying to give nothing away, take no risks, and avoid attention. That's just... urgh.

[@bazatronmurphy8596]

I kept watching thinking it has to get better and it didn't. Unbelievably bad, the woman playing Jessica Hyde is truly awful.

[@The-Cole-Train]

The writing made it really hard to like her, even relate or want to.

[@MrMattyg143]

I also can't think of a worse time to release a ham fisted vaccine conspiracy drama. The original was close to the bone and made you ask difficult questions about consent and the role of government. This just left me asking "really? You're going to call vaccines into question for the sake of this?"

[@slightlyupset]

I think you just answered your own question.

[@cameronscott7304]

That's it exactly. Good social commentary asks questions whereas hamfisted social commentary lectures

[@yorkshirejoker654]

The thing about the original series is the way they portrayed the motivations of the 'villains' even going back in season two to give you backstory, with all the emotional and social implications involved. It made you connect even more to Jessica and RB, but it also kinda makes you think that even through the horrific shit, the network had a point and started from the basis of trying to do good.

[@andridc4090]

Something that i hated was when they talk about science, it just seem so unrealistic, like at the very beginning when the "scientist" is asking for money and just writes down TO DO SCIENICE!!!, no wonder why they don't give him any. Also no one, no institution or so, will ever release a vaccine just because of social pressure.

[@cameronscott7304]

@@andridc4090 "Do the science" has become a meme

[@audahdrey]

I think the discrepancy that irritated me the most was the comic art style. Like wtf the original was scribbles of a madman and the remake looked like it was done on a drawing tablet lol. Also you really nailed it with the description of it being loud and obvious, it made me realize what exactly it is I don’t like about certain movies.

[@gregalodon]

This is actually kind of a relief. I watched the whole thing and tried to enjoy it, but couldn't, it was just so clumsily executed. Now I really have to see the UK version. (Honestly, as a Red Dwarf fan I should have known better about American adaptations).

[@romantra1311]

I only watched the first ep of this new one. Go watch the original

[@Col_Fragg]

I bailed on the U.S. version after episode 2 and I want back and completely rewatched the UK version. I finished that and considered giving the U.S. version another go. After watching this review, I think I will avoid subjecting myself to this massive disappointment.

[@CERTAIND00M]

A slow downward dab for what my people tried to do to the Boys from the Dwarf. If it wasn't for that whole slavery thing, I'd say the Red Dwarf remake was our biggest shame.

[@therabbithat]

i am happy for you that you get to see it for the first time! It's incredible!

[@Josep_Hernandez_Lujan]

US Office was the best Office though

[@yuukicyan]

2013: in the first 4 minutes, you know the importance of Jessica Hyde and the yellow bag has already traumatized you. 2020: let's make fun of nerds as an opening. Also, death is fun. T_T I'm just glad the new one will draw more people to the original one

[@mossadon]

America.... where subtly goes to die. The O.G series is ART. It is the art of cinema...on T.V. Utopia is a creative explosion of many talented people who created something hyper realistic that treated the viewer with a now rare level of trust. Trust that they had the intelligence to follow the narrative as presented. There was no way an Americanised version would or could interpret the depth and pace or the stark reality that is oh so deftly hyper-realised visuals of the original.

[@Josep_Hernandez_Lujan]

Or watch good American shows?

[@Fireskin_Hobbies]

What took the original 4 mins to set up in 2013, it took about 50 mins in 2020.

[@quietvalerie1]

As an American, my deepest apologies. I get annoyed at the loudness as well.

[@TechTehScience]

"This is a baby's idea of how social engineering works" Little does he know that that's how you actually accomplish social engineering in the US.

[@Tickerchicken]

The fact America is producing and controlling the majority of western media and culture is very concerning

[@Cirrus_Minor]

This was well put, I find it hard to belive they managed to do such a poor job when what they had to work from was pure gold.

[@alexwells6876]

That's WHY it failed though, there was no room for improvement, it didn't need a remake.

[@DiamondSlut]

Alex Wells EXACTLY

[@tommyblade8093]

@@alexwells6876 wouldve been nice if they just continue the story tho..

[@otterlover3399]

Kinda reminds me of what HBO did with Martin's ASOIAF series. They had so much to work with...but around season 4 they wanted to add their own genius ideas to be more edgy and loud, and it ended up being cringy and stupid.

[@MrOreo2010]

Sometimes I just don't understand why people dislike videos. Like, under what circumstances could you feel the need to dislike this? Are there people out here who were actually offended by this because they love this shitty new adaptation? Did they even watch the video? I just don't understand some people man

[@Khanstant]

I didn't dislike this video but I can tell you the only time I do hit dislike is when, for any reason, I just don't want youtube recommending me either videos about that video's topic, or the uploader themselves. Like if I ever end up on a Looper video, I dislike that shit lest youtube just flood me with their clickbait crap forever. I can see someone disliking this video just to avoid ever hearing Amazon Utopia again, it's shit enough to warrant a dislikem but the guy did a great job so it got a like from me. ( RIP the video bumped off my liked playlist :( )

[@TheDigitalThreat]

Could possibly be the not so subtle insulting of American culture for the decisions of individual writers and directors..... Which is ironic being the director of half the season is British...

[@CERTAIND00M]

@@TheDigitalThreat As an American and pop-culture sponge, I knew exactly what this guy meant when he said "the most *American* American remake ever." Like it or not, every country that produces media tends to have tropes specific to that region. French films tend to be esoteric and lean heavily on the use of montage. British shows tend to have noticeably smaller budgets (compared to U.S. programming) and rely more on character interaction and witty dialog to tell their stories. And yes, American shows and movies tend to be louder, more action-oriented experiences. Are their exceptions to all of these? Of course. But as generalizations, they're accurate. Anyone insulted by that is simply naive.

[@juland213]

For the same reason this video was made. Nobody cares.

[@pickledirick8338]

@@CERTAIND00M Really well put mate

[@johneyre9493]

I agree. Just watch the original, it’s actually good.

[@johnvermintide]

is wilson wilson in 2020 the same actor>

[@DavidBarlowDavido01]

That's racist!

[@paulsimpson1514]

And that's utopia, no boundaries!!!

[@hotsauce-ud1by]

@@johnvermintide they dont look alike

[@cogitatingsheep]

I tried to go into this with as open mind as possible seeing as I loved the original so much. I was beyond disappointed. The black humour of the original was gone, suspense gone, mystery gone, music and cinematography completely muted. By the second episode I was angry. By the third episode I was bored, only made it half way through the episode before giving up. Well done for watching the whole series haha. Great video, those scene comparisons were hard to watch. Yeah salt is the only appropriate response

[@RecDougs]

I'm the same. I really wanted to like it, and I'm honestly a big fan of making changes when adapting things. But they didn't change things by substituting them with something else (see the Suspiria remake), they only removed and didn't add anything.

[@cogitatingsheep]

@@RecDougs One thing I was wondering after ending the series early. Did Sam's death have any kind of payoff? I think it was meant to be shocking but I was just bewildered by it. She was more than willing to go along with Jessica but was killed for being too ‘alpha.’ Just seemed really weird.

[@RecDougs]

@@cogitatingsheep nah it's not really brought up again. They give a shitty eulogy for her and then they drag her body outside and leave it there before burning the house down. Then we just never hear about it again.

[@cogitatingsheep]

@@RecDougs Haha amazing

[@raysure1345]

@@RecDougs that was the worst part of the series in my opinion. Kills their friend and they still follow her.

[@themikx2939]

The remake feels like it's trying way too hard to be Umbrella Academy.

[@unk9192]

Rec Dougs would shamelessly steal Pyro’s video one year earlier

[@markfreemanvideo]

Story and direction aside, to me the original Utopia had a stunning and cohesive audiovisual aestetics, originated in color grading, excellent camera work, lenses choice, shots composition, and soundtrack, alltogether creating this unique psychedelic grotesque comic book atmosphere, that somehow in my opinion helped to deal with the show's brutality and pure violence. I think the primary idea of the remake was exactly to strip it from this aestetics and make it more or less something more "commercial". It's like taking Tarkovsky's Stalker or Solaris and making it a Marvel style movie.

[@NiranjanBharadwaj]

true.

[@cymbolic_space1832]

The genius of this show is that it is a depiction of alchemy in reverse. It shows you how to take gold, and turn it in to fecese.

[@TRUEiMPROrecords]

The original Utopia is one of my favorite series ever and looks like I wont be tarnishing that memory by watching this remake.

[@Marauder1981]

So if I want to find the original series I have to Google: "Utopia show .....the good one"

[@IABITVpresents]

Utopia UK is faster and gets you to the point quicker but you do you

[@Marauder1981]

@@IABITVpresents uh yeah, duh, that´s why referred to the Uk version -.-

[@IABITVpresents]

@@Marauder1981 fair?

[@Marauder1981]

@@IABITVpresents horse?

[@romantra1311]

My Utopia Story: Last week, I had no clue what Utopia was or that it even existed. Then I saw the thumbnail of youtube video that showed a review for the first episode of a new Amazon Prime show called Utopia. So, I looked up the trailer. As I watched, I did what all techno people do and scrolled through the comments where I saw that there was an original Utopia. Huh. So, I jumped to Google. Read a bit. Went back to KZbin, then found your video about “The Best Show You’ve Never Watched” reviewing the og Utopia and thankfully without spoilers. I thought I’d watch the first few mins to get the gist, but I ended up watching your whole vid. All this new knowledge made og Utopia a must watched. And so I watched. I finished watching the British original after a few days and man was it good! Super good! Now one of my all time fav shows. Then I thought, well now I need to see the American version. I just finished the 1st ep of the new one and couldn’t help but compare as I watched. The original was spectacular. Everything from this felt lesser. “Grant”ed, it was just the first episode. :) 1st ep comparison: British Utopia set up the villains right away and perfectly. America gave us narration. British gave spectacular cinematography and music that felt unique to the show. American felt like it could be some other American show. British Grant witnesses death first hand and knows he could be killed too. American Grant witnessed a stab in the hand. For all he knows, the guys could just take the manuscript and stab him. British had main cast take part in the plot with Grant being chased the whole episode and Wilson talking to the police about the “suicide”. American has main cast completely oblivious. British had villains interact with main cast right away with Wilson Wilson torture scene. American once again oblivious. British has main cast and audience being mind blown by meeting Jessica at the end. American introduces Jessica to audience and a single character who don’t serve the story. Also, that syringe scene was BS...5 grown adults in a room vs 2 guys, one with no visible gun who’s eating and the other who just put away his gun and is putting on gloves. If I’m going out, I’m going out fighting. They all just stood there. In the original, it was 2 vs 3 and the immediately took out one guy to show the danger, so when the other two froze it made sense. Then, they gased them. Then the +1 kid ending the scene. Dark stuff. The American was meh. They should have had someone else answer the door, they immediately get knocked out. Now it’s 2 v 4 and everyone is scared of dying. Maybe shoot one more. So now everyone else has reason to believe the drug is a better option to just go to sleep. Aahhhhhh!! - That brings me to now, where I searched and found your video reviewing the American. I thought of watching all of the new one first, but I want to know if it’s worth it. At this point, I don’t care about spoilers. Now to watch your vid.

[@jennykhiangte1494]

Haven't watched the original but i completely agreed with you on the syringe scene.. 5 adults just stood there and acting is meh

[@Apatchy104]

This was not a remake, it was a parody.

[@orterves]

Great Britain compared to the United States in a nutshell

[@_Checkmang]

Sure you might be a smooth brain for having positive expectations of Amazon's take on Utopia, but bloody hell you're most certainly not for a breakdown like this. I'm typically not very critically adept, but i'm very aware of when a series is actually engaging or not. All of the things you outlined about how dumbed down and americanised it is for shock and dramatic value are so apparent, and it's a big shame. I was considering watching it until the end, but after seeing that final warehouse scene with them smashing everything, i'd rather just have a sit-down with Lee.

[@bauersnauer632]

Was so happy when i heard they actually did a remake, watched imdb score.. was sceptical. Saw 2 episodes, I thought to myself. No way i'm going to finish this shit, lets look for a review on youtube. Your review did not disappoint.

[@YesterdaysHeadlines]

I didn't mind the Amazon series, but when I watched the UK version it was art, like watching the moon landing from the eyes of the astronaut.

[@intruder313]

I only learned of Utopia via your channel and binged Series 1 the same day, finishing Series 2 today and have the soundtrack going all day. I lasted about 15mins of this US remake then thought it was time to come back to watch this review. You are just correct on all points.

[@AnthemAnimation]

Love “kids with guns” as the background music!

[@akshaydalvi1534]

"If we overexplain everything then cinema sins won't ding us"

[@LNYuiko]

I bet Amazon is seeing a massive drop in viewership right after Ep2, which is hilarious.

[@savinonino1016]

Killing off Samantha Was bad decision

[@rochart4001]

I’ve been waiting for this

[@gh0s1wav]

My thoughts exactly

[@jbruno7841]

Watch the original show much better

[@MehdiHusain]

The original one looks more modern

[@LukeVickery]

Well put-together video mate. I couldn't make it through the show, ended up putting it to bed after 4 episodes. Can't hold a candle to the Original, the only interest I had was to see where Sam's character story led, but they ended up just popping her off for a 'shocking' end to episode two. Didn't expect much going in, but damn.

[@mattm2451]

Yeah! Sam seemed like she could have been interesting. It disappointed me.

[@DiamondSlut]

I honestly really liked the addition of Sam! I was PISSED when Jessica killed her.. like wtf that wasn’t a Jessica Hyde thing to do..? Be a bully for no reason? The real Jessica Hyde wasn’t a bully, she was trying to help the whole gang survive and told them, adapt or die. Not eeehhhh... you annoy me. Bye bye! I was about to quit after Sam was killed but I had to see this train wreck through.

[@robertjohn6585]

Rec I'm sorry you had to witness this abomination, it upsets me how they have bastardised a masterpiece.

[@TCJones]

It just looks awful, but most American remakes are, if not all.

[@chelseyt7091]

Ugh yes! You just expect it now.. Why don't they learn from this? 😆

[@pedroboii3843]

Rec Dougs would shamelessly steal Pyro's vídeo idea 1 year before

[@ohno244]

Scott the woz?

[@SoCalBalloons]

I watched Utopia 2020, never saw the original 2013. Honestly I thought the 2020 was ok, not great. Before I watched your review I thought the pacing was weird and there was a lot of unnecessary explaining and like you said hand holding. Your reviews have compelled me to watch the original Utopia. Thank you Rec Dougs!

[@emmarubacava]

In an alternate universe we are all watching a David Fincher directed Utopia remake... Thank you for making this review - you’ve saved us all a lot of time.

[@BirdaeBlue]

If you don’t want to save time I recommend getting drunk and taking the piss out of it with friends

[@emmarubacava]

Birdæ if I drank alcohol and wasn’t isolating I might just do this 😂

[@MrDarrylR]

Flynn was Fincher's screenwriter. We might have gotten a more stylish reboot with Fincher still helming, but the problems with the reboot are in the script.

[@emmarubacava]

D Roy yeah agreed. I imagine Fincher is one of those directors who would have final say on every last inch of one of his projects. Social Network for example, The studio told him to cut down the running time of the film and rather than lose any dialogue he instead instructed Jesse Eisenberg to simply talk faster.

[@MrOreo2010]

Wait, you dig on multiverses?!

[@ShotbyPicto]

Great perspective, and expert analysis. Shallow, expository storytelling, with more on-the-nose dialogue than a Nickelodeon movie. It tries so hard to be like the original and to be different at the same time. The result is painful to watch, as it sucks the edginess and subtlety out of the original series, one scene at a time. In the end, it's not even a glorious mess. It's just a mess. Period.

[@nightowl8477]

15:35 you mean my favourite character in all of fiction? You mean _that's_ my lil wilson??

[@RecDougs]

Look how they massacred my boy

[@DiamondSlut]

It’s fucking tragic... for real... a masterfully fleshed out real character you can understand and grow with... torn to shreds with this.

[@rise-my-angel]

Its shocking just how little understanding they seemed to have had about almost all of the decisons made by the orignal. Like this isn't even decided just to go for something with a different tone and style, they clearly just did not have any comprehension about the choices and themes of the show beyond basic plot points. If you sat me down and made me watch this with zero context, I would genuinely have thought the remake was purposely trying to be a parody show.

[@jakeyboy261992]

i watched episode 1...... and thats enough for me! thank you, goodnight! xox

[@jakeyboy261992]

i knew they wouldn't do arby justice in this version.... he seems tame AF

[@nightowl8477]

I read an interview recently where Dennis hinted at some reservations with the new series. He's a professional guy, of course, so it's not as though he outwardly said "I'm disappointed", but I think it's fair to say this isn't what he wanted. He's open to Series 3 though! Presumably with a time skip, which would have worked better than anything else going forward anyway. I guess this new Utopia just has to end before Channel 4 could green light it though. Wonder how many years of American franchise-building that'll take.

[@alexwells6876]

Dennis could easily be like Alan Moore with the Watchmen film and completely disregard it, and rightfully so I think, but it's up to him. I actually think there's a higher chance of getting a series 3 now more than ever. I think Sky would probably pick it up though, especially now that the team have a relationship with them from The Third Day, no way it's going back to channel 4, i don't think they're interested anymore. All we can do is hope, i honestly think it will happen eventually.

[@MrGrifft]

@@alexwells6876 Amazon owns the property rights currently, so if anyone was to make it, it would be them, unless they sell (which won't happen as they have just created a new series with the property).

[@alexwells6876]

@@MrGrifft I didn't know they owned the rights to the UK version as well, that's a shame. In their eyes, i'd imagine the success of the US version will determine how successful a UK series 3 would be, which isn't logical but i think that's how it goes. There's also the fact that they probably wouldn't be interested in it coming back if the US version is successful...shit.

[@magnuscritikaleak5045]

Dennis Kelly should do a cyberpunkish version.

[@IABITVpresents]

Waiting for a 40 year timeskip season just like the S2 E1 was a 40 years old flashback. Grant and Alice probably being old enough to care for their own families, Wilson Wilson being Mr. Rabbit for about 40+ years with a new one on the rise...

[@aliciameetsworld]

Your reviews are THE BEST things I've come across lately!!!! Please keep doin what your doin because I was trying to explain to people why Amazon's Utopia was so lame, now all I have to do is send them this review :)

[@darrenvarley105]

It baffles me how many new shows go for the irritating route ... do they think that's what captivating is? Also, I feel bad that John Cusack had any part of this. He must have been paid a ridiculous amount.

[@NapoleonGelignite]

The Network were right.

[@jw72]

Thank you, you saved my time watching this, so my memories watching the original series will not be tainted by an incompetent attempt of a remake.

[@davidrichardson5482]

I was utterly devastated when they cancelled the UK version. I was overjoyed when I found there was going to be an American version. I was utterly disappointed when i watched the American version.

[@InvalidUser_]

They could have funded the third season all the actors and the writer was actively looking to make the third season at the time but amazon decided to remake it instead.

[@davidrichardson5482]

@@InvalidUser_ I still feel it was a little too close to home and got shut down

[@yorkshirejoker654]

I'm so glad you watched and reviewed this before I had to put myself through it. I'm such a fan of the original and this is exactly every fans worst nightmare.

[@nightowl8477]

Do you think you'll do a video on The Third Day?

[@jaydeebee923]

I totally agree! So my story with This series is as follows: Originally binge watch the the remake when it came out. I was totally ignorant of it being a remake when I was originally watching it. I really enjoyed the first watch through of the American series and I was excited to see if there was a season 2. However I just remembered this show about a week ago. So, I'm saying to myself I want to rewatch it and I go to it and accidentally click on the British version unbeknownst to me seeing that there's two seasons, wanting to refresh my memory of the show. I start watching and I'm thinking to myself this is different I thought they got Utopia from a comic book convention... Then I realized, I was watching a different version of it and enjoying it much more. It was way more violent than the American version and the character work in the storytelling was much better I have found. Offended interesting that it is in reverse. Me seeing the American version first and then the British version first. I also rewatch The American version after I watched British version and got super angry with it. Especially, with killing of Arby's side kick. Lee is is hands down one of my favorite characters in the british version. I, as an american, want to see a british version season 3. They really canceled it with that Cliffhanger???? Please, for the love of God, give me closer!! PS: Grant's character was horrible in the American version. And made the character more fearful was like and didn't go in depth with his backstory at all. The British version Grant was amazing and I love the acting and everything that they did with the character.

[@saffrith]

I love you so much. As a very strong fan of the original, you too know the pain of Utopia not having a voice. Thank you for speaking about this, it makes me feel validated. I too tried so hard to like the remake. Everything was just dropped on you, no mystery. Dennis Kelly’s “The third day”, Is beautiful. The episodes are 1 hour long and so much happens in one episode, like there’s so much weight to every episode and every action. There are consequences and they are so thought out. I love it. It’s really redeeming having watched the Utopia remake.

[@aarongoldsmith8620]

one part you forgot, what happened to milner, butchered everything about her character and that surprise

[@chelseyt7091]

seriously!!

[@cocoriminton5447]

who got recommended this after watching pyro's video?

[@alexharvey6550]

Only just watched your first Utopia vid today - great sequel

[@63jpegsofmilk.20]

ngl… nothing beats the OG. finding that show was like finding the damn Utopia comic itself ☠️☠️☠️

[@atom608]

What's the point of remaking a show that was made less than 10 years ago?

[@bellahoney0704]

I watched the remake not knowing there was an original and became obsessed solely bc of the plot line and interesting characters, also bc of an actor or 2, but now I'm convinced I have to watch the original, thank you for the video!

[@isabellasegarra7929]

Samee

[@JG-ux7of]

Me too but then I watched it and I found it to be less entertaining and rather slow moving and boring. I am the only one who doesn't think it was much better so give it a try, you're more likely to love it than to hate it.

[@giorgiobevilacqua5351]

@@JG-ux7of that’s probably because the whole point and what it was supposed to keep you engaged was how masterfully executed the MYSTERY was! How you slowly put together the pieces of the puzzle.. and well if you already know all the answers what’s the point? FFS in the American they literally tell you Jessica Hyde is the daughter of the scientist in the first like what, 10 minutes of the show in a ridiculous exposition going over the comic-book?

[@matheusMoreirafish]

On point. Couldn’t agree more. I guess we’re all stuck with watching the original utopia over and over and im totally fine with that. Ps. Love your review on the original series. keep up the good work!

[@J----L]

the full original show is on youtube on the official channel now btw

[@OmegaPiSquared]

It's good to see a review that thoughtfully touches on the overwhelming issues with this remake. Like you I was cautiously optimistic but I didn't end up making it past episode 2 of the remake. I came to youtube to search out reviews but was surprised by how positive everything was, the common component seemed to be that the positive reviews hadn't seen the original but I think it's disingenuous to suggest the remake is poor only in reference to the original. Perhaps if the original didn't exist I would have struggling through the whole thing but I think I still would have felt there were a raft of issues with Utopia (US). The pacing was appalling even when judged in a vacuum, the is just so much filler, characters are introduced and discarded almost immediately and time is constantly devoted to scenes that add nothing to the plot and go nowhere. Re-watching the original I was struck by how much information is quickly and subtly conveyed in a short period. Ultimately I feel like the remake would really have benefitted from striking out as much more it's own thing with completely different plot and characters as everything in the remake copied from the original just ends up being watered down and worse.

[@DiamondSlut]

Yup!

[@alexwells6876]

I was wondering if you'd make a review based on the US remake. All i can say is i'm glad i stayed away, the trailers were enough, thanks for putting up with it so that you could make this review, hahaha. Any perfect seires does not need a remake and Utopia is one of them. Would love to hear your thoughts on The Third Day after it's finished. The dream team are back, the live episode on Saturday was fantastic, a huge accomplishment.

[@Poopeh_le_pieux]

I watched it for Rainn Wilson but couldn't finish the season...

[@mxmagpie7037]

Wow, I didn't realize it was him. He could have made a terrifying Arby...

[@bleepgloop]

Oh god. US Arby's scream after k-wording a kid was horrendous compared to UK version. I adore Neil Maskell's performance as Pietre especially for the research he put into child soldiers and the long term effects, which sometimes included respiratory issues. The US version is such an insult to Maskell's dedication and craft.

[@DavidMills83]

Appreciate your honest and well thought out criticism, I missed this even being made so was a surprise when I saw it come up and had to check if it was a remake or something new with same name. Almost gave it a chance before thinking nope going to check a review first and yea I think I'll leave my eyes out of this one 2020 has enough horror in it :D

[@zombielover2525]

I wish i could go back in time and see the original instead of the remake. I didnt even know it was a remake.

[@dan.h3335]

Thanks for watching it for me so I don’t have to. The original was one of my favourite series of all time.

[@sorshaporsha]

I was the same as you, Rec. I gave it a shot. I watched 20 minutes of the first episode and I said, "well, they've gone and messed it up". It is exactly as you said - too loud, too dumbed down. The audience must be spoon-fed. Yet I do not believe any American fans I've seen discussing the original struggled to understand any subtle points - so why did the Americans in charge of the remake think their own audience wouldn't be able to understand any subtlety?? It's so confusing. Everything is ten times louder. Remember the original, how they showed the food shortages affecting the world? Was it screamed at me by a character with a literal MEGAPHONE in his hand? No. It was on the radio in the opening credits....Boy. They really messed it up.

[@orijimi]

Could someone remind me what the intro style this video has is lifted from? I swear I've seen it before a bunch.

[@RecDougs]

It's just the wii shopping theme? I'd say a lot of people have used that before me.

[@orijimi]

@@RecDougs Yeah, for sure. Sorry, I wasn't intending to claim you were plagiarising somebody. And it's more than just the music, but the right of center placement, text coming in piece by piece too. It seemed like it was a purposefully tongue in cheek homage of somebody else. I've just watched way too many different media analysis youtubers to keep it all straight. Could just be cryptomnesia, of course.

[@CMDR_Verm]

Thanks for the review. I'm a certified lunatic of a fan for the British version and this review saved me wasting time watching what sounds like tripe.

[@jorianx2197]

Me: "We want Utopia" Mom: "We have Utopia at home" Utopia at home: US Version 🤦‍♂️

[@VanillaEnigma]

GLORIOUS NEWS: Utopia US cancelled by Amazon after only one season. I mean I'm glad it got cut but at the same time, it's bittersweet that the only Utopia that matters is only 12 episodes long... But it will live on in our hearts. Follow the rabbit, hop hop hop 🐇

[@alexrobinson6481]

Top tip, don’t watch the original series on Amazon prime or Brit box. It has cut scenes from pivotal moments and you won’t get the full impact. Get the dvds or rent on KZbin for the full (2013) show P.s great video by the way!

[@Xojzk12]

Amazon utopia is serious garbage. Took 4 tries and didn't even finish episode 2.

[@gooner79854]

I don't know how they could have got it so wrong, the characters all feel so ott. I didn't like the way they introduced Jessica Hyde and the mystery and the way the network or the (harvest) work was totally disappointing. And the soundtrack felt like it could have fitted in any of these teenage American movie! The original is so much more superior

[@RonkleBonk]

Really good editing, genuinely funny commentary, really like the background music choices too. I’ve just finishing watching the original series and I thought about watching a couple episodes of the remake out of curiosity...but I don’t think I will.

[@jackrussell1232]

The dumbest decision was having Jessica murder an innocent person with a loving family right off the bat. One of her first actions is to cause more pain and suffering than she will ever feel herself which makes her every subsequent action meaningless. It asks us to sympathize with someone who doesn't deserve sympathy. I get that she's supposed to learn empathy over the course of the series, but she throws a full on screaming tantrum when she finds out that her dad might possibly be dead. If she's capable of feeling that loss, but incapable of comprehending that murdering someone's daughter would cause others to feel that same pain (actually probably a whole lot worse), then she's stupid. Either way, I went through the whole series with the attitude that her search for her father was just a vehicle for her to be an evil bitch and that she deserved everything bad that ever happened to her and worse. Not good.

[@allypoopants]

THANK YOU for this brilliantly articulated salty goodness.

[@sniperbull1037]

I know a lot of people dislike this remake but I thought it was decent sure nothing amazing but I liked it, maybe I'm just to used to American television. I really liked the art of the actual novel (and the scene where they play word up by cameo). Besides that now that I think about it I understand why people are disappointed because how this pales in comparison to the original but I kind of think of this as a different show.

[@elleenacarman2887]

I totally agree with you here! Similar plot, similar characters, different actions. Both are different in their own ways and I appreciate them both. I think that if some people choose to like the new one, that's okay.

[@bojkowski]

I'm neither American nor British but live somewhere where we get equal amounts of exports from both places and the original UK version is miles above the US remake.

[@aimeemcdonald695]

Wow, I love how you've contrasted similar scenes from the two series. The contrast between the amount of tension built in the two different versions is IMMENSE in the arby scenes. I was cringing the whole of the 2 episodes of the 2020 version that I could almost stand (while spending a lot of time on my phone because it was that disappointing and boring) but this just confrims how amazing the og version is. The way they conveyed emotions through breathing!! wow

[@KingFluffs]

"Arby have you ever had Pepsi?" Holy shit why do I find that so funny? He should have told her he prefered Coke and snuffed her lights out.