Now, here is the thing: Many are reviewing the show by simply adding their most and least liked aspects. Meanwhile, there are the appealing reviews that look like works of art and are very entertaining to read.
Writing a review like the latter may seem time-consuming and complex, but it is much simpler than many think. You mainly have to focus on some specific factors.
Before everything, you must remember that the biggest point of a review is to help others determine whether they should try the show. Once you keep that in mind, it will be easier to follow the tips below.
Don’t Check Other Reviews
First and foremost, until you write your own review on a show, don’t browse through reviews written by others. This may seem counterintuitive, since many find it easier to prove their point when others share the same thought.
However, checking other reviews poses a high risk of being peer pressured into a specific belief or opinion. If you have any unpopular opinions, you may feel stressed about expressing them.
Your statement of the show must be bold and your own thoughts, not being biased by others. And of course, you should have proper reasoning behind your takes.
Avoid Spoilers
Yes, I know about the psychological experiments in 2011 done by California researchers, which found that spoilers don’t actually ruin the experience. Rather, knowing the ending makes the show more intriguing.
However, it is a mutual agreement in the fictional communities that spoilers are unacceptable, and we must respect that.
Now, what counts as a spoiler is another important matter. Simply saying that the show has tragic moments isn’t a spoiler. However, adding ‘this character dies’ is a heavy spoiler, even if it happens in the first episode or chapter.
Also, adding a plot summary or key points (like ‘X’s sense of responsibility was commendable’) isn’t a spoiler, either.
Ensure you avoid spoilers (some minor ones may work, but not the major ones).
Add a Plot Summary
A plot summary will help readers understand what they are getting into and whether it sounds interesting.
Clearly state the genres. Mention the protagonist’s goals and aspirations, but skip their reasoning behind the goal to avoid spoilers.
Try not to spend too much time on the plot summary. An ideal length for it will be a quarter of the whole review.
Add Some Key Points Regarding the Story, Characters, or World-Building
This is the heart of the review and is my favorite part of any review. Include some specific details regarding the characters, plot, world, etc., that you think were done right or wrong.
For example, you can mention:
- An interesting trait of a character that makes them more likable.
- A specific location in the series’ world that holds so much importance in the story.
- A background music that truly resonated with the scene unfolding.
- A specific plot twist (vaguely to prevent spoilers) that changed the story’s route.
Don’t Forget the External Details
Of course, you can’t forget the external details that aren’t part of the plot or story, but are important, like the cast, acting, music, cinematography, transitions, etc.
These factors can make or break a show, depending on how the creators (author, director, etc) did it. Some bad casts can ruin some excellent characters. Similarly, having eye-catching cinematography makes a show more enjoyable.
It is better when you divide the review into small sections for these details (like a specific section for the music and another for animation quality).
Refrain from Giving Tips and Advice
Remember that you are not reviewing a product. Giving tips and pointers regarding how the show could be better or what would happen if any part were done differently is mostly useless.
It’s unlikely that the author or director will change the show based on your review, like a product. They won’t even check every review online.
Moreover, people going through your writing who haven’t finished the show won’t even understand the advice, or won’t be interested.
Be Clear and Specific
It’s common for people to start reviewing a show only to summarize the plot and leave a rating.
Again, most readers of your review will be people who haven’t tried the show yet. They will want some clear statement regarding how the show is. Being too vague or subjective with ‘I guess’ or ‘From my point of view,’ will only make your review less reliable.
Instead, be bold and give proper reasoning behind your statements. Clearly state whether an aspect is bad, decent, good, or great.
Unreliable Statement: “I think the plot was lacking something.”
Reliable Statement: “The plot was too simplistic and straightforward; not engaging enough.”
If you are unsure about any aspect, exclude it from the review. Let’s say you are new to animation shows. I would advise avoiding commenting on animation qualities until you’ve watched a fair share of animated series or movies.
Give the Show a Rating or Grade
The rule of thumb is to give a rating at the bottom of the review. Many of your readers will scroll to the bottom to check the grade first. If they don’t find it there, they may exit without reading anything.
When rating the show, use any grading method that the reader can grasp. The most used one is the good old 1–10 rating, but many also rate from one to five.
You may also consider giving a separate rating to each aspect of the show, like plot, acting, voice acting, music, animation, etc. However, be sure to add an overall rating.
Use an Attractive Title
I suggest coming up with an appealing title only after you have finished the review. It may help you summarize your entire piece into one sentence.
Try to find a creative title. You can also use puns and wordplays associated with the show, similar to a news headline. Or, you can use something thought-provoking.
For example, the title for my review on the film, No Country for Old Men, was:
The Fire at the End of the Path — The Phoenix Burns to Birth Anew
I tied it to the movie's last scene and the core theme about newer generations birthing from the ashes of the old.
Thank you for reading. I may post reviews here later, following my own advice. Hope to see you there.
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