Pop Culture Happy Hour The Beast In Me
20 snips
Nov 18, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Kristen Meinzer, a media commentator and co-host of The Nightly on Hatch Plus, and Gene Demby, co-host of NPR's Code Switch, examine Netflix's intriguing new series featuring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys. They dive into the show's cat-and-mouse dynamic and critique its pacing and character development. The duo highlights strong supporting performances while pondering missed opportunities in exploring neighborly tensions. They also reflect on familiar prestige-TV tropes and the series' visual style, all while dissecting its overall appeal.
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Star Power Over Plot
- The Beast in Me centers on two prestige-era stars whose performances drive the show more than plot originality.
- The series prioritizes character interplay and atmosphere over novel mystery mechanics.
Hooked By The Cat-And-Mouse
- Kristen Meinzer found the cat-and-mouse dynamic compelling even if the leads were intentionally unlikable.
- She accepted structural flaws because the interplay kept her hooked early on.
Tension Drains Early
- Gene Demby and Linda Holmes both felt the show lacked sustained tension and suspense.
- Early confirmation of suspicions reduced the mystery's emotional payoff for them.