DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
Inner Worlds of ‘Tales From the Loop’ Might Be the Prescription During Meditative Times
April 15, 2020  | By Eric Gould  | 261 comments
 


What Tales From the Loop is not, is standard sci-fi fare with actors in elaborate rubber prosthetics and big-budget computer starships.

That does not, however, disqualify it as compelling science fiction because its cinema-like brand of dolly shots, painterly photography, and detailed character studies also happen to make it compelling drama.

Oh, and the eight episode series, now available this month on Amazon Prime Video, happens to be the first series I am aware of inspired by an artist’s series of digital paintings.

Those 2014 works by Norwegian artist and designer Simon Stålenhag portray enigmatic ordinary rural and small-town landscapes with ordinary people encountering robots and futuristic technology.

For those looking for a lockdown binge, that obtuse nature of Tales may be the downside of the series, brilliantly headed by Legion veteran Nathaniel Halpern, since the first season revolves around the strange effects on the small town of Mercer, Ohio due to the “The Eclipse” -- a large black orb discovered underground. It has become the center of an underworld lab complex and particle accelerator where physicists are studying the phenomena caused by it. The locals refer to it as “The Loop.”

Details involving the orb's origins and others, such as the series’ 1980s-setting with mid-century ranch houses and rotary phones, contribute to that oddball air, which pervades the series. 

But for those willing to take a deep dive into Halpern’s world notable for its absence of cell phones and laptops, you will get some rewarding reveals that stick the season finale landing, which, in retrospect, will make the puzzles all the more rewarding.

With that, Halpern has adapted Stålenhag’s scenes (at times seemingly like Twilight Zone merged with an Ingmar Bergman film) to conjure a quiet, contemplative space that examines our experience of time, ego, atheism and perhaps most importantly, the strength – and shortcomings – of the love of family.

The family drama follows the Loop’s elder physicist, Russ Willard (Jonathan Pryce), and his daughter-in-law, Loretta (Rebecca Hall), who works with him. 

Rebecca’s children, Jakob and Cole (Daniel Zolghadri, left, and the wonderful Duncan Joiner, top, respectively), also figure prominently as the lead subjects of their own episodes, most notably when Jakob finds a way to step outside his own life.

Time, and our inability to make new love last, are explored in the off-balance episode three, “Stasis,” when a brainy high school girl (Leann Lei) encounters cast-off equipment from the Loop. 

About new love, she wonders, “why can’t things stay the way they are?” and discovers it’s a dangerous question to ask -- and maybe it’s better to deal with her own sense of ongoing alienation instead of looking for someone else to wash it away.

Episode six, “Parallel,” also examines a similar plight of aloneness when a security guard at the Loop (Ato Essandoh, left) must encounter himself in an utterly new context and discover his ideal of romance is probably little else than that.

Other episodes in Tales From the Loop also deal in that deep interior of our psyche and how we come to change -- and how change is more often forced upon us. This is perhaps best seen in the series finale (directed by Jodie Foster), when Cole finally unravels some of the mysteries of “The Eclipse” and his brother’s fate on an amazing child’s journey of his own.

If lockdown has given you the time and space to willingly (or maybe unwillingly) ponder your own predicaments, Tales From the Loop might take you into those questions – rewardingly – a little more deeply.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
CWPYU
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 14  | Go to page: 
261 Comments
 
 
hotel em aju
Sep 25, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Clean Ingredients: ILIA Beauty is known for its dedication to using clean and non-toxic ingredients. They prioritize natural and organic ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals commonly found in conventional cosmetics. The brand is committed to transparency, and their products often feature ingredient lists that are easy to understand.
Sep 25, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Restoration Xperts is a water damage restoration company in South Florida, Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale area.
Sep 24, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Point Hold'em Hold is based on the traditional Texas Hold'em poker rules, with a few significant distinctions that set it apart. The primary deviation lies in the introduction of a point system. Players accumulate points throughout the game based on their actions and decisions. These points can be used strategically to gain advantages or disrupt opponents' plans.
Sep 24, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Tafel laten maken van echt massief hout met unieke houtsoorten op maat. Een unieke eetkamertafel die voor u op maat gemaakt kan worden. Een bijzondere houten tafel met zwarte stalen poten of tafelpoten volledig van hout gemaakt. Een tafel die gemaakt is van massieve planken en verlijmd is tot een degelijke en solide tafelblad op maat.
Sep 22, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Andrew S. Bosin is a Tech Startup Lawyer that helps early stage tech startup companies with Delaware Business Formation and drafting SaaS, technology, web based and mobile app contracts and licensing agreements.
Sep 22, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Andrew S. Bosin is a Delaware Startup Business Formation Lawyer that helps early stage tech startup companies with Delaware incorporation legal services.
Sep 22, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Your voice is our compass. Participate in the Kroger Survey and help us navigate.
Sep 21, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Your insights help us serve you better. Join the Kroger Survey today!
Sep 21, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Disaster Recovery Services is a top water damage restoration services company in the Warren and Cleveland, Ohio Area and Beyond!
Sep 20, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Graveren van sleutelhangers is echt een geweldige manier om een persoonlijke touch toe te voegen aan een alledaags voorwerp. Het maakt niet alleen de sleutelhanger uniek, maar het kan ook dienen als een geweldig cadeau-idee voor vrienden en familie. Ik hou ervan hoe graveren de mogelijkheid biedt om namen, datums of speciale boodschappen toe te voegen, waardoor elke sleutelhanger een waardevolle herinnering wordt. Het is een kleine, maar betekenisvolle manier om je persoonlijkheid en gevoel voor stijl te uiten, terwijl je ook je sleutels georganiseerd houdt.
Sep 20, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
At its core, Ben2U is a comprehensive and highly adaptable platform designed to cater to individual needs and preferences seamlessly. It's essentially a personal concierge that leverages advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and deep learning to provide a wide range of services, all aimed at making life more convenient and enjoyable.
Sep 19, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
find the best places to visit în Cluj, the best places to stay, the best restaurants from Cluj.
Sep 18, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Pinetree Hill Showflat is absolutely stunning! The attention to detail in the design and the luxurious amenities on display left me in awe. It's a true testament to modern living at its finest. Can't wait to see what the finished units will look like!
Sep 18, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
J'Den Condo is a remarkable athlete and a true inspiration to many. His dedication to the sport of wrestling and his impressive achievements on the mat have earned him a well-deserved place in the spotlight. It's not just about his exceptional skills, but also his resilience and sportsmanship that make him a role model for aspiring wrestlers and athletes everywhere.
Sep 18, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
The Reserve Residences Showflat is an absolute gem! I had the opportunity to visit recently, and I was truly impressed by the attention to detail and the luxurious amenities on offer. The spacious layout and elegant design of the units left me in awe. It's evident that the developers have gone above and beyond to create a top-notch living experience.
Sep 18, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
The Myst Condo looks absolutely enchanting! From the architectural design to the lush surroundings, it seems like the perfect blend of modern luxury and natural beauty. I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to live in such a serene and elegant environment.
Sep 18, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Wow, the Hill House Showflat is truly impressive! The attention to detail in the design and the luxurious amenities on display left me in awe. It's a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of this development. I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to live in such a beautifully designed space. Can't wait to explore more!
Sep 18, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Skywaters Residences Showflat is simply stunning! The attention to detail and the breathtaking views on display are truly impressive. I was thoroughly impressed by the spacious layout and the luxurious amenities. It's the kind of place that makes you dream of calling it home. Can't wait to see more!
Sep 18, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Pests can infiltrate your property in various ways, and Action Termite & Pest Control offers comprehensive solutions to combat them. Whether you're dealing with a sudden infestation or want to prevent future invasions, they have the tools, knowledge, and experience to get the job done. Their services include:
Sep 17, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 14  | Go to page: