For my group's binge watching, we decided to watch two shows set around the same time (1900), yet regarding two completely different plots in two completely different countries. Binging on both Peaky Blinders, set in Birmingham, England, and The Knick, set in New York City, enabled me to notice and compare the specific narrative and stylistic choices. Because of the overwhelming amount of information I received from binging on both series, I focused less on the overall story of each show and more on some similarities between both shows. While there are several similarities that could be found between the shows, one major comparison I made is the use of prolonged buildups to pivotal points within the story. In both shows, there are several intense scenes or turning points in each episode. However, the way in which these scenes are presented are similar in that there is usually at least one buildup scene that slows the main event down. In Peaky Blinders, this is most commonly done with the violent action scenes while the buildup scenes in The Knick usually precede graphic surgical scenes. Whether it is a violent fight between gangs or the demonstration of open surgery, both shows present these scenes slowly to add to the intensity. Because I was binging on these shows, these stylistic elements were less intriguing to me than I think they might have been if I had watched the series much slower. This is because the large amount of information I took in after watching both series became less appealing since they seemed so drawn out. While I think I would have otherwise enjoyed the prolonged start of each event, binging on the series hindered my overall opinions on both Peaky Blinders and The Knick. However, I do believe I will continue watching both series, just definitely not binge on them.
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