TV: HBO's The Night Of

[Hivemind]

And honestly I think that misses a lot of what the show is trying to provide the audience. The "who dunnit" isn't really the focal point of this series right now.

Bingo.

 

[b1e9a8r5s]

Anyone have thoughts/critiques on my theory?

I think it's a decent one, but the who done it part of this show has been so much on the back burner that I wonder if we ever find out one way or the other.

 

[Burner Account]

Anyone have thoughts/critiques on my theory?

It's plausible. But unless there is some attention on the investigation in the next episode, I'd find it hard to believe we will see any more of it.

[spoil]I've seen a theory suggesting the stepdad had cameras in the deer's eyes to keep an eye on Andrea. If he did, he would have known Nas was there and that they were inebriated. I.e. he would have seen an opportunity to strike and frame someone.[/spoil]
Likely a stretch, though.

 

[Sharpshooter]

The 'who dunnit' may not be a focal point right now. However, I suspect that it could be in trying to prove Nas innocent, as we move into trial phase. I think it goes hand in hand with the whole overriding arc of the show.

Also, it's possible that this doesn't go to trial. Maybe dies before getting there and Stone seeks to prove his innocence for closure. I hope it does go to trial though. Would make for some fascinating drama. Although, it would be strange for such a high profile case to be moved up so quickly to the trial phase, no?

 

[Sharpshooter]

It's plausible. But unless there is some attention on the investigation in the next episode, I'd find it hard to believe we will see any more of it.

[spoil]I've seen a theory suggesting the stepdad had cameras in the deer's eyes to keep an eye on Andrea. If he did, he would have known Nas was there and that they were inebriated. I.e. he would have seen an opportunity to strike and frame someone.[/spoil]
Likely a stretch, though.

That would be a turn of events for sure.

Did we come to know what the step-dad did for work, or if he worked?

 

[chicagoskycam]

The thing with Freddy and Nas, Nas is going to have to probably do some illegal things to keep safe on Freddy's behalf. He's going to have to become a criminal.

 

[Muston Atthews]

How about this for a twist:

Box has employed Freddy to narc on Nas. Get him to do some illegal stuff/force him into saying something to help his case

 

[Ensane]

force him into saying something to help his case

Can't tell if genuinely serious, but that's unconstitutional.

 

[chicagoskycam]

How about this for a twist:

Box has employed Freddy to narc on Nas. Get him to do some illegal stuff/force him into saying something to help his case

He could get him to admit facts about the case, not the illegal stuff. I don't think Box needs much help here.

 

[Heisenberg77]

It's not going out on a limb to say "Stone isn't the murderer".

I merely came up with the theory on a whim halfway into episode 2 with a very tongue-in-cheeck nature. I'm certainly not expecting that to be the case. It's just for fun.

 

[Throw More Waffles]

I haven't seen episode 4 yet, so I've only read half the thread.... but why do so many people here think Naz possibly really did it?

The whole murder room is covered in blood. It's all over the walls and even the ceiling. It's everywhere. And when Naz woke up, there wasn't even a speck of blood on him. So he's innocent pretty much for sure. In fact, I'm wondering why the prosecution/defence haven't brought this up yet.

 

[Sharpshooter]

So, the guy the step-dad was arguing with asked him what he was doing there. He said "What do you mean what am I doing here, I'm effing family".

The step dad then said to the guy, "Send the papers and sign the checks." Then the step-dad threatened the guy if he ever called him again.

So, maybe my theory about the guy trying to collect money from the step-dad is incorrect. Maybe the step-dad is trying to collect money from the guy.

And the way the step-dad asked incredulously and rhetorically about why he was there, it made it seem like the other guy may have been family as well. Maybe Andrea's real dad?? Maybe brother?? In any case, money still seems to be hovering over this family's situation. Possible motive?

 

[What the Faulk]

I mean, I agree that this show isn't primarily about who ended up committing the murder, but it's not exactly avoiding the topic either. To me, there are only two realistic options right now: Bodie's Bro and the House of Cards journalist. Stone is too far-fetched.

 

[ArGarBarGar]

I mean, I agree that this show isn't primarily about who ended up committing the murder, but it's not exactly avoiding the topic either. To me, there are only two realistic options right now: Bodie's Bro and the House of Cards journalist. Stone is too far-fetched.

I'm not trying to say it is avoiding the topic, but I think this show has greater potential than being another one of those hit shows with big twists and cliffhangers. I think we as viewers are almost expecting twists and big moments because we see them in shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and House of Cards to an extent. Those types of shows cause us to anticipate those moments in shows such as these where there is a bit of a mystery to be solved, and I think the characterizations and development of the story as it stands does well enough to stand on its own merits and not rely on that kind of a termination of the story.

 

[HockeyThoughts]

Just a random question.

How would you guys feel if this story was set in a state with the death penalty?

More dramatic? Too dramatic? Enhance the story?

 

[ap3x]

More dramatic + dynamic. Helping to get the point across the show is trying to made.

 

[Sharpshooter]

I'm not trying to say it is avoiding the topic, but I think this show has greater potential than being another one of those hit shows with big twists and cliffhangers. I think we as viewers are almost expecting twists and big moments because we see them in shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and House of Cards to an extent. Those types of shows cause us to anticipate those moments in shows such as these where there is a bit of a mystery to be solved, and I think the characterizations and development of the story as it stands does well enough to stand on its own merits and not rely on that kind of a termination of the story.

I think a company that has shown a penchance for providing you with shows that contain twists and turns will likely continue to provide that in their programming. It works. And there's no reason to assume that this show won't provide them either, considering what has preceded it. I think this show's greater potential is if twists and turns are woven into the plot. I think it would be a lesser show if it was simply a docu-drama of the penal and criminal justice system and the interactions within.

 

[silverfish]

Too many people overlooking the stepfather and whatever shenanigans were happening at the funeral.

 

[Philly85*]

I think a company that has shown a penchance for providing you with shows that contain twists and turns will likely continue to provide that in their programming. It works. And there's no reason to assume that this show won't provide them either, considering what has preceded it. I think this show's greater potential is if twists and turns are woven into the plot. I think it would be a lesser show if it was simply a docu-drama of the penal and criminal justice system and the interactions within.

You mean you'd think it a lesser of a show if it wasnt like everything else you mean?

HBO, whether they succeed in it or not, try to paint as real a picture they can within the confines of a true crime style of drama. If anything that is precisely why shows like this blow all the other basic cable big network garbage out of the water, they don't rely on easy twists and turns or have properly packaged endings just to satisfy the viewer. Sometimes, but not always. think it's precisely the opposite case, it would be a much lesser show if it did follow the tired old formula and cliches. In any case we shall see. After episode 2 I wondered if Nasir could've done it while being indisposed and blacked out but obviously that isn't the case anymore. I think something is going on with the step dad as was seen at the funeral. So there was a murder committed, it's just a matter of if and when they solve it and who it was... I remember reading the synopsis for this show awhile back, it was indeed supposed to be viewed as an examination of the criminal justice as well as prison system in the US on top of being a murder mystery.

 

[What the Faulk]

I'm not trying to say it is avoiding the topic, but I think this show has greater potential than being another one of those hit shows with big twists and cliffhangers. I think we as viewers are almost expecting twists and big moments because we see them in shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and House of Cards to an extent. Those types of shows cause us to anticipate those moments in shows such as these where there is a bit of a mystery to be solved, and I think the characterizations and development of the story as it stands does well enough to stand on its own merits and not rely on that kind of a termination of the story.

Maybe "avoid" was too strong of a word there. The "whodunit" isn't the focus, but it's not just backstory either.

I generally agree with you in that this show is more along the lines of The Wire than BB/GoT. It's not about "moments". It's about the entire picture.

 

[Sharpshooter]

Too many people overlooking the stepfather and whatever shenanigans were happening at the funeral.

Not me. Look at my posts above.

 

[Sharpshooter]

You mean you'd think it a lesser of a show if it wasnt like everything else you mean?

HBO, whether they succeed in it or not, try to paint as real a picture they can within the confines of a true crime style of drama. If anything that is precisely why shows like this blow all the other basic cable big network garbage out of the water, they don't rely on easy twists and turns or have properly packaged endings just to satisfy the viewer. Sometimes, but not always. think it's precisely the opposite case, it would be a much lesser show if it did follow the tired old formula and cliches. In any case we shall see. After episode 2 I wondered if Nasir could've done it while being indisposed and blacked out but obviously that isn't the case anymore. I think something is going on with the step dad as was seen at the funeral. So there was a murder committed, it's just a matter of if and when they solve it and who it was... I remember reading the synopsis for this show awhile back, it was indeed supposed to be viewed as an examination of the criminal justice as well as prison system in the US on top of being a murder mystery.

If this was a docu-drama at the end of the day, that didn't tie in plot points, then yes, it would be unsatisfying as a fictional drama.

If there's no killer, and this is all one big exercise is showing how inmates live together, and how defense and prosecutors work the system, then that's bloody boring for an HBO show.

Plot twists and turns would make this show more superior than this show without them.

 

[ArGarBarGar]

I think a company that has shown a penchance for providing you with shows that contain twists and turns will likely continue to provide that in their programming. It works. And there's no reason to assume that this show won't provide them either, considering what has preceded it. I think this show's greater potential is if twists and turns are woven into the plot. I think it would be a lesser show if it was simply a docu-drama of the penal and criminal justice system and the interactions within.

HBO is defined more by providing quality programming on a regular basis than providing a certain type of viewing experience. The Wire is arguably the greatest TV drama ever made and it does not rely on twists and turns to keep you invested and provide a great story to the table. From what I have heard of shows like Deadwood and Six Feet Under those don't rely on those types of elements to be successful, either (speaking of which, I need to watch those damn shows already).

The Night Of, at least in my opinion, has a similar type of mindset (the slow burn, satisfactory acting and development mindset) and I don't want that to get lost in all the predictions as to who may have actually killed her.

And I disagree that the greater potential of the show is the twists and turns. It is written to be more than just that, and to call it simply a docu-drama without the twists and turns is selling it short, in my opinion.

 

[HockeyThoughts]

I'm pretty sure the big plot twist will be Stone/Box discovering the true killer (by examining the back door/cat/step father) and exonerating Nas. Plus, the reveal of Omar's true motives are a nice little mystery as well.

So I'm not sure what you guys see arguing about

 

[Philly85*]

I'm pretty sure the big plot twist will be Stone/Box discovering the true killer (by examining the back door/cat/step father) and exonerating Nas. Plus, the reveal of Omar's true motives are a nice little mystery as well.

So I'm not sure what you guys see arguing about

not arguing at all, I just take issue with someone saying TV crime drama convention is better or more satisfying, although by the same token you could easily say HBO has its own technique or trait with these sorts of true crime stories not being wrapped and delivered in a neat bow (i.e. with a twist or whatever else). I basically stated exactly what you said, just not sure I'd consider it a big "plot twist" because from episode 2 (or even 1) it's been laid out that this is what could've happened, the difference is, is the journey from point A to point B (or C, whatever you want to call the resolution), and the sort of "slow burn" that is produced in between. I appreciate the examination and detail of what they're trying to depict and when the truth comes out at the end, and whether Nasir does or does not end up being incarcerated for a long ass time, I will be satisfied. The feeling I get is that whatever has happened, as long as it doesn't involve some stupid ****, like Box or Stone as the culprits, I will hold this mini series in much higher esteem than 99.9% of the garbage out there, and thus a happy viewer .