Rumors began to flow into that the warts-and-all entry wanted by the Peyton Manning-produced present was scaring off potential topics, and people appeared verified when Netflix introduced that there can be no “Quarterback” in July 2024, pivoting as an alternative to a special place on the soccer area, one which’s usually been characterised by individuals who have NO subject being within the highlight. Welcome to “Receiver,” an 8-episode chronicle of the 2023-24 season by means of the eyes of 5 ball-catchers from 4 totally different groups. Followers of those gamers, groups, and actually soccer normally, will discover this to be a simple watch, even when it’s exhausting to shake the sensation that a lot of what we’re seeing has been by means of a number of approval processes, typically enjoying extra like promoting for the NFL than an sincere pulling again of the curtain.
As soon as once more, the producers should be given credit score for locating season-long narratives price telling. (One wonders what would occur in the event that they picked mistaken and acquired a boring season like, I don’t know, the one Kyle Pitts had in Atlanta.) They ended up with three gamers who made the NFC Championship sport, one who struggled with damage for the primary time in his already-notable profession, and a legend who appeared caught in a damaged program till a training change gave him hope for the long run. As a card-carrying Detroit Lions fan, the inclusion of Amon-Ra St. Brown means I would have watched 45 episodes, even when reliving the trauma of the circus catch from the NFC Championship sport might not have been good for my psychological well being. He’s joined by opponents from that sport in Deebo Samuel & George Kittle (not technically a receiver however a present known as “Tight Finish” would possibly get an unintended viewers) from the San Francisco 49ers, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, and Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders.
All 5 males really feel real within the moments chosen by the producers and editors, however there’s a way when you look exhausting that these illusions of non-public entry have been very rigorously thought of. Davante’s frustration with the primary half of the Raiders seasons is there, as a result of it needs to be, however one by no means actually appears like they’re coping with the triumphs and tribulations of the place as a lot as skipping by means of a spotlight reel of 5 fairly darn good seasons. A part of the issue is within the construction that forces a lot leaping round among the many 5 contributors by advantage of being chronological. Given the success of “Quarterback” and the possible success of “Receiver,” I doubt anybody will repair one thing they don’t assume is damaged, however there’s a stronger model of this idea that stays with a single participant by means of the complete season for perhaps two full episodes as an alternative of forcing us to recollect the place we’re at within the yr and that participant’s journey earlier than leaping to a different one.
