Bethejustin.com

I've tweeted about it a few times but awhile back I stumbled upon the SciFi/Fantasy web series known as "Riese."  The show is released directly every few weeks as a series of webisodes on YouTube.  I only just learned tonight that "Chapter 1" was originally produced as a TV pilot but that isn't surprising because everything about the production of Riese raises the bar for all web series, it is easily the level of something like a Dr. Horrible or The Guild.

I've actually been waiting for quite a while for something like Riese to come along. Ever since podcasts and web series have become more common place I feel like they've been lacking the drama, production, and story telling of more traditional scripted TV.  The advantage to the web route though of course is that the content creator keeps total control of the project. In otherwords wouldn't it be great if we could get something as good as Firefly or Dollhouse and not have to worry about being canceled by a network! As best I can tell Riese is that dream come to life.  There aren't a lot of web series out there with the level of production and quality of Riese, The Guild is probably its closest contemporary. So far Riese is delivering in a big way and I hope its a sign that the snowball is starting to build and we see more scripted web series.

If you consider yourself a fan of science fiction you need to be watching this series it's just that simple. For me I see in the show part Lord of the Rings and there is the heavy steampunk influence in terms of the technology.  The overall aesthetic is something that really drew me in it is a unique mix that blends the lines between scifi and pure fantasy like Lord of the Rings. I think it's fair to say that the world of Riese is not like any I've seen before. When watching in 720p on YouTube that world very visually compelling.  I also find the way the show is shot compelling as well you always get the sense that there are shadowy elements constantly at work, which is a central theme of the show. It also plays into the way the story unfolds which is also very elusive as well Riese gives you just exactly the right amount to keep you wanting more.

What I've gathered of the story is that we are following, for the most part, the journey of a heroine known as Riese who's traveling companion is a wolf.  The realm is governed, fairly ruthlessly, by an Empress known as Amara from the former seat of a benevolent kingdom known as Eleysia.  Some kind of coup took place which lead to Amara proclaiming herself Empress and a shadowy group known as The Sect who helped her rise to power now helps her keep that power. Riese is viewed as an enemy by Amara and she has sent her henchmen of The Sect to attempt to track down Riese. While little has been revealed thus far you always get the sense that greater and darker forces and purposes are at work simmering just below the surface.

Chapter 2 premiered just recently at the end of January and I watched the episode this evening.  If you weren't already convinced that Riese is one to take seriously and watch closely I was sitting there watching and in walks a new character for this chapter..."Holy Crap its Gaeta!!"  Yup that's right Alessandro Juliani, also known as Lt. Felix Gaeta from Battlestar Galactica and geek fandom favorite, has joined the cast!

I hope I've convinced you to at least give Riese a chance. If you like science fiction and fantasy at all Riese has compelling story telling, mythology, and a rich visually unique world.  Check it out I think you'll be glad you did.

New Episodes premiere on YouTube (and are available in 720p) the next one on February 15th and you can catch up with Chapter 1 as well.