The Queen's Gambit

Personally, the Catalan Opening is a preferred move, but The Queen's Gambit will introduce your mind to an entirely new board. Not to be trite, but this skilfully written series plays out like a perfectly executed game of chess - methodical, precise, and yet full of unexpected twists. At its core, it's a story of self-discovery, with Anya Taylor-Joy's performance as Beth Harmon pinning your attention and never letting go. It builds slowly, one mark at a time, drawing you in with careful tension and positional excellence, mirroring the very nature of high-level chess itself. While the world of competitive chess may seem distant to some, The Queen's Gambit makes the game feel as personal and intense as any high-stakes sport. It's a clever series that knows exactly when to sacrifice something small in order to win big, and ultimately, this was a triumphant checkmate for standalone TV.

Rating: 8/10

Standout Episode: 1x7

Standout Performance: Bill Camp

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