Man in the High Castle, S3

[Push The Button]

I love Rufus Sewell’s portrayal of John Smith, but if anyone deserves a noose around his neck... unless he makes a major turn in the next season, I will continue to find it difficult to have any sympathy for a traitor that betrayed his nation and broke his oath.

 

[psCargile]

If anyone has seen Castle Rock on Hulu, there are some striking similarities in that there is a weak place between universes, and certain people are key to restoring a natural balance, if you will.

The concept that amazed me was Himmler's idea that he could send troops, tanks, and artillery (after clearing and widening the tunnel, and maybe removing some mountain) through this gate to what exactly on the other side? Not as if the way is open and paved for them. Even if they can only send troops (with deceased counterparts), image our 1960s with Nazi soldiers stumbling out the Poconos. I don't foresee their invasion going as planned.

 

[Push The Button]

If anyone has seen Castle Rock on Hulu, there are some striking similarities in that there is a weak place between universes, and certain people are key to restoring a natural balance, if you will.

The concept that amazed me was Himmler's idea that he could send troops, tanks, and artillery (after clearing and widening the tunnel, and maybe removing some mountain) through this gate to what exactly on the other side? Not as if the way is open and paved for them. Even if they can only send troops (with deceased counterparts), image our 1960s with Nazi soldiers stumbling out the Poconos. I don't foresee their invasion going as planned.

Yes, I can’t see JFK surrendering to a handful of confused Nazis climbing out of a mineshaft.

 

[Skipper]

If anyone has seen Castle Rock on Hulu, there are some striking similarities in that there is a weak place between universes, and certain people are key to restoring a natural balance, if you will.

The concept that amazed me was Himmler's idea that he could send troops, tanks, and artillery (after clearing and widening the tunnel, and maybe removing some mountain) through this gate to what exactly on the other side? Not as if the way is open and paved for them. Even if they can only send troops (with deceased counterparts), image our 1960s with Nazi soldiers stumbling out the Poconos. I don't foresee their invasion going as planned.

Even to me his plan seemed quite implausible, then I remembered that, well, "Nazi". They have never been very rational from the beginning.

An interesting aspect is that these Nazis seem even more cruel than ours. While in our universe they were particularly ruthless towards homosexual males, they were at the same time quite indifferent towards lesbians.

LESBIANS AND THE THIRD REICH

Although homosexual acts among men had traditionally been a criminal offense throughout much of Germany, lesbianism (homosexual acts among women) was not criminalized. This was true in large part because of the subordinate role of women in German state and society. Unlike male homosexuals, lesbians were not generally regarded as a social or political threat. Even after the Nazi rise to power in 1933, most lesbians in Germany were able to live relatively quiet lives, generally undisturbed by the police.

But in the series the lesbian journalist was really afraid to be caught and even Himmler's niece could not escape the punishment for her "deviances".

 

[Eman1986]

I just finished S3. Liked it overall more than S2. I have to say, the major deaths really got to me, my jaw dropped during both. Laughed at one, sad about the other one. Interesting developments in regard to 'who' and 'why some can travel worlds.

I still think Smith and Tagomi are the most likable of the cast, but the leads did improve this season at least. One thing I finally realized about Obergrupenfuhrer Smith is that he is essentially Gul Dukat from DS9, haha.

 

[TedShatner10]

I still think Smith and Tagomi are the most likable of the cast, but the leads did improve this season at least. One thing I finally realized about Obergrupenfuhrer Smith is that he is essentially Gul Dukat from DS9, haha.

No, John Smith is not quite as malignantly narcissistic and self-delusional as Dukat; probably more in line with Damar, in that he's a dangerous hard ass working for a awful, awful regime, but more self-aware about it and in over his head.

 

[Eman1986]

No, John Smith is not quite as malignantly narcissistic and self-delusional Dukat; probably more in line with Damar, in that he's a dangerous hard ass working for a awful, awful regime, but more self-aware about it and in over his head.

For now, perhaps. But can you really say he is not on his way there?

 

[DarthPipes]

I thought this season was great. I had been looking forward to High Castle for a long time when it finally debuted but was disappointed with the first season. Particularly with the three main characters whom I found lifeless and boring. They've definitely improved a lot since Season 2 and the show has benefitted from it.

Without a doubt though, the two best and most compelling characters are Smith and Inspector Kido. Tagomi is as well but to me, I think the show realized this about Smith and Kido and focused more on the two of them. Like Smith, Kido is detestable but I'm fascinated by his dogged determination.

Thankfully, the show has Childan and Ed, who add some badly needed comic relief to the show.

 

[Tom]

Just got done with season 3, loved it! Cant wait for Season 4. I wonder is Himmler will die, and move John further up the ladder.

 

[auntiehill]

Currently making our way through this season.Rufus Sewell is fantastic, and I really like the Tagomi character as well.

Oddly enough, the character I care about the least is Juliana. Maybe it's because she's the main character so I know she's going to survive, so I don't have to worry; maybe it's because she's not quite as skilled an actor as some of the other main cast members-- don't know.

 

[Gaith]

Well, this bundle was definitely a step down in intensity, no? After a second season devoted to a last-ditch effort to stop a renewed world war, culminating in a visit to Berlin and the deposition of Hitler's first successor, S3 revolved around a plot that, as has been noted above, was wildly implausible for sheer logistical reasons even if the portal had functioned exactly as the Nazis had hoped. Maybe showing a full-on Second American Revolution would have been way too expensive, but I thought it a bit of a letdown to get back to the relative mundanity of S1.

That said, as slow as the pace is once more, and as inconsequential as Childan and several other characters may seem, the acting is great all around, and I do remain intrigued in seeing where everyone's journey takes them, so I'll be back for S4. I'm just not sorry it'll be the last.

 

[Mr Awe]

^ I must've missed something but is it confirmed S4 is the last one?

I wouldn't say S3 was a let down. However, unlike the previous two seasons, which were more standalone, S3 was clearly only part one and S4 was part two for the portal arc. Although, I agree that their intended use of the portal is nonsensical. Zipping into parallel worlds to steal technology would seem to be more advantageous.

 

[137th Gebirg]

^ I must've missed something but is it confirmed S4 is the last one?

Yes.

It's sad. Yet another good show ending.

 

[Gaith]

I wonder if Himmler will die, and move John further up the ladder.

This season seemed to make it pretty clear the Berlin brass would never allow an American, much less a former US Army officer, to become the head of state for the entire Reich, so I imagine Smith has already risen as far as he possibly can - and that's without factoring in his family issues. Indeed, he's probably the most obvious scapegoat for failing to protect Himmler; I think he'd be far likelier to earn a death sentence than a promotion.