Locke & Key Review: 5 Ups & 5 Downs

4. It (Mostly) Avoids Netflix Bloat

By far the most common criticism of Netflix Original shows is the cursed "Netflix bloat," that in a desperate desire to fill the streaming platform with content, their seasons often feature a few episodes too many, and without the restrictions of traditional network TV, directors aren't ever asked to rein their more excessive tendencies in.

And while Netflix bloat has ruined many potentially great TV shows, it's actually not particularly apparent throughout Locke & Key, which chugs along relatively steadily throughout its 10-episode season.

It helps that the episodes are kept to a manageable length of around 40-50 minutes, and in addition to the keys constantly changing-up the established fantasy mechanics, the steady slew of narrative revelations make it a show that's bingeable without being totally exhausting.