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This story was originally published in 2018 and has been updated in to include new shows.
You ever watch a show and wonder,Is there something more here?Of course you have.
Thats just what good art does.
These arent just shows, theyremystery boxes(also known aspuzzle boxes).
Mystery-box TV is less about genre and more about structure and ambiguity.
Does it play with perception and perspective, asking you to pay close attention to the margins?
Thats a mystery box.
Its a show you toy with as it toys with you.
They are not merely mysterious, or obtuse.
Its probably a mystery box.
Who was Number Six, and why was he imprisoned?
What was the village, really?
The internet wouldve had a field day with this one.Available on Amazon.
Still, the series nonetheless left behind a compelling legacy.
Steins;Gate(20112015)
Time travel, as a concept, invites scrutiny.
Things are a little weird, but you figure theyre supposed to be.
But what if they arent?
Then why are they this way?
And is there something more to the strange things they encounter?
and less big (was Shaq taken?)
Robot(2015)
Mr. Robotis a show that constantly lies to you.
The unique visual language ofMr.
And if youre listening, you will.Available on Amazon.
Its a term that implies solutions and answers, and thats not necessarily a good way to approach art.
Homecoming(2018)
And now,the latest show in the mystery-box canon.
AmazonsHomecoming(the second Sam Esmail show on this list afterMr.
But she doesnt work there anymore, and we dont know why.
Youre going to want to find out whats there.Available on Amazon.
Russian Doll(2019)
Why is Nadia Vulvokov dying over and over again?
Why is she forced to relive her birthday party each time?
Why is all the fruit rotting?
And what about[redacted]?
Thats a big twist, isnt it?Russian Dolltakes theGroundhog Dayformula and emphasizes thewhyof it all.
