How I rate.

My rating system is a combination of objective method and extremely subjective understanding. But in fact, even objective is subjective. I might rate 7 what is for you an intergalactic masterpiece. I might rate 9 what you think is absolute sleep-inducing crap. I believe perfection does not exist. I am very critical. I also believe even the worst stories can teach us something. I seek for the good in everything. An 8,5-star drama will frequently be just as much or even more impactful to me than a 10. Doesn't mean the 10 isn't a work of art.

What my notes really mean :

10 - CLOSE TO PERFECTION, in all aspects considered. I have never yet rated a TV show 10. And I highly doubt I will. Even My Mister, the crowned one among my all-time favourites : 9,5. If this story of pure unconditional love, selflessness, healing and redemption can't be a 10 for me, let me tell you no other can.

9,5 - SPECTACULAR, a 10 with some things here and there that made me more uncomfortable or weren't to my tastes.

9 - EXCEPTIONAL, almost 9,5 with more minor issues or a few major ones, the limits between what is great and what is not are starting to meet but the good is still stronger.

8,5 - two possibilities : GREAT, although what I don't like is evening with what I like, not totally my thing OR it may actually be a unique story that I LOVE like a 9 or 9,5, but has some big flaws that I just can't ignore.

8 - can go either way as well : COOL but has many important problems OR mostly DECENT but just not to my tastes, a bit boring for me.

7,5 - DOUBT, can still be good in some parts and I may have enjoyed it but too many flaws.

7 - UNEASE, now the good/bad/enjoyment equilibrium is really not balanced enough for me any more.

6,5 - REGRET, I really gave it a chance but in the end it still sucked.

Lower than that - NOPE, if I didn't just drop it then I thought I would like it. I was really wrong.

Here are the ''calculation'' details :

Premise /10

What the basic plot and genre are. How much do I actually like it ?

Themes /10

What topics are explored ? Are they well-researched ? Depicted in a respectful but realistic manner ? What big questions, messages, life lessons come into consideration ? Do I agree with them ? If not, are they at least addressed in a nuanced and thought-provoking way ?

Writing /10

How consistent is it from beginning to end ? How realistic and mature is it ? How do arcs develop ? How are the relationships between the characters ? Was I inspired, moved, pleasantly surprised ? How much and for long ? Is there any problematic content ? Are the themes effectively intertwined with the plot and the characters without being in your face ?

Pacing /10

How is the overall rhythm satisfying and purposeful ? Is it unsteady and off ? Or does it fit the story ?

Logic /10

How many plot holes, plot convenience and stupidity are there ?

Main characters /10

How realistic, memorable and nuanced are they ? Their relationships matter as well.

Secondary characters /10

How realistic, interesting and useful to the plot are they ? Their relationships matter as well.

Finale /10

Is it complete, satisfying, purposeful ? Does it save a mediocre story from near death ? Does it cut the head of an enjoyable show ? Happy or sad can be bad or good, although there is already too much sadness in this life.

Acting /10

How immersive, natural, sensible are these people's acting abilities ? How is their energy flowing and bouncing off each other ? Do I see characters and relationships coming to life through their being, or do I see actors merely pretending to be someone they're not ?

Directing /10

Comprises all the outward stuff and logistics. Is it pretty, clean, efficient, well-shot, purposeful ? Do you feel the cohesion between everything and everyone ? 

OST /10

How fitting is it ? Is it overbearing or well-used ? Trying to force an emotion ? Do I even want to listen to it again ?

I then divide the total obtained by 11. The result is usually what I'll rate it in the end (with occasional .5 variations).