Kaleidoscope is a new Netflix original series that tells the story of a group of individuals planning a multibillion-dollar heist while also settling old grudges. The series features Giancarlo Esposito as Ray Vernon (also known as Leo Pap), the leader of the group, and explores the heist's motivations, planning, and aftermath through various episodes. The episodes of the show can be watched in any order.
What is the unique aspect of the Kaleidoscope?
One of the unique aspects of Kaleidoscope is its nonlinear storytelling. Unlike traditional shows where episodes are released in a linear order, each episode of Kaleidoscope tells a different part of the story and the show can be watched in any order. This means that viewers can choose to watch the episodes in any way they prefer and can compare and discuss their viewing experiences with friends.
What is the ideal order to watch Kaleidoscope?
If you choose to watch Kaleidoscope chronologically, the episode order starts with "Violet" which takes place 24 years before the heist. This episode focuses on a young Ray Vernon and sets the stage for the events to come. The next episode, "Green," takes place 7 years before the heist and delves deeper into Vernon's motivations and the beginning of the planning for the heist. "Yellow" takes place 6 weeks before the theft and continues to explore the planning and preparation for the heist. "Orange" takes place 3 weeks before the heist and further develops the characters and their roles in the theft. "Blue" takes place 5 days before the heist and builds up the tension and anticipation for the heist. "White" is the heist itself and is the climax of the series. The final episodes, "Red" and "Pink," take place the morning after and 6 months after the heist respectively, and show the aftermath and consequences of the heist.
Please note that, by watching the series in chronological order, any big finale twists will hit in the White episode, which is the heist.
Netflix has also provided some suggested viewing orders for Kaleidoscope, such as watching it as a nonlinear film like Pulp Fiction or as a classic detective story. However, viewers are not obligated to watch the episodes in these specific orders and are free to watch them in any way they prefer.
Is it the first time Netflix is formatting a series this way?
Kaleidoscope is not the first time Netflix has experimented with nonlinear storytelling. In 2018, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch offered a choose-your-own-adventure take on a film about a computer programmer, and in 2019, viewers got to make decisions for adventurer Bear Grylls in You vs. Wild.
Overall, Kaleidoscope is a unique and exciting series that offers a new way of viewing and experiencing a traditional heist story. With its nonlinear storytelling, viewers can choose to watch the episodes in any order they prefer, compare and discuss their viewing experiences with friends, and enjoy the different twists and turns of the plot.
FAQs
Q. What is the inspiration behind the story of Kaleidoscope?
A. The story of Kaleidoscope is loosely inspired by real-life events surrounding Hurricane Sandy when $70 billion in bonds went missing from downtown Manhattan.
Q. Why is the series called Kaleidoscope?
A. A group of butterflies is called a Kaleidoscope. Each episode features a butterfly or makes mention of them, thus the series is named after the group of butterflies.
Q. How does the non-linear storytelling structure of the series work?
A. The series is non-linear, which means that no matter in which order the episodes are watched, the entire story still makes sense. According to the creators, the show can be watched in any order with only one rule: the episode "White" has to be watched last, as the season finale.
