The Girl with the Green Pen

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews:  Halloween TV 2020

If you watched something I didn’t review and think I should see it let me know! And if you think I left anything off the Recs list please add.  Thanks!!  

Locke & Key (Netflix) – Canada. Really great YA Halloween choice, although too scary for the wee ones.  A ‘haunted’ house and tons of keys that do super cool things – that naturally uninvited guests would love to get a hold of.   As much an adventure as it is s supernatural story.  Based on the comic book series.  Check out the Wikipedia page for a list of all the keys.

Ares (Netflix) – Netherlands. College Secret Society with a supernatural monster that needs to be fed.   Yes that was the plot of a Charmed episode which was only 42 minutes long.  I recommend watching that instead.  (see not new Recs below.)

Swamp Thing (CW) – Fall TV on the CW = anything that pairs with the last and final episodes of Supernatural.  (tears of mourning) I can’t imagine it has anything to do with the original DC comic character, but it sure is fun to watch people tromp around in the swamp... and plus Virginia Madsen!!! I heart her.  Get out the Bourbon and enjoy some Louisiana time.

The Haunting of Bly Manor (Netflix) – Not nearly as scary or interesting as Hill House, plus a story line that makes little sense until an entire origin episode near the end. Still the cast, especially Amelia Eve and T’Nia Miller give beautiful, heart wrenching performances.  

Spectros (Netflix) – Brazil.  If you have time to sit and read TV, these characters are fun and there is some good humour in this YA mash-up of Japanese spirits and Brazilian witchcraft.

Monsterland (Hulu) – Not all monsters are the Halloween-y kind.  This is more about the monsters in your head which is too close to real life to be any fun.  Kaitlin Dever rocks the first episode with the super creepy mustached Jonathan Tucker... but the next episode in the anthology was just more super depressing slice of life.  Next!

Warrior Nun (Netflix) –  remerber Alicia Viklander?  What happened to her?  The lead girl, Alba Baptista (from Portugal but barely an accent) reminds me of her. The rest of the cast is from all over Europe, and yes as the title suggests these are bad ass, demon hunting, warrior nuns.  And their little priest too.  The Billie Eilish song at the top lets you know this everything a teenage girl could want. Filmed in beautiful locations all over Spain.  

Luna Nera (Netflix) – Italy.  Witches have to live in hiding in a secret part of the woods because the powerful men of the church want to burn them all.  Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.  While it was delightful listening to the Italian period lilt and watching the high period production value, the recycled themes couldn’t hold my attention.

The Walking Dead: World Beyond (AMC) – Even the Walking Dead franchise needs a YA arm.  I gather from ads that this takes place somewhat after the original series timeline ends.  Super fun cast and a super fun adventure – you know, avoiding all those walking dead people who somehow made cars disappear.  

Vampires (Netflix) – France.  Yet another YA show!!  Can you guess from the title what it’s about? (I feel like one of every 2 shows on Netflix is YA.  I guess that’s their audience.)

Helstrom (Hulu) – Marvel meets the Omen.  YES PLEASE. Extra points for using a Peter Gabriel song (Ok its a cover but Gabriel does it completely differently.)  Dark and entertaining,  Elizabeth Marvel as the mom (and others) is fantastic. Watch it!

Bloodride (Netflix) – Norway.  Much like Monsterland (see above) this anthology series is far more about mental illness and shitty lives than the supernatural.  No thank you.     

Barbarians (Netflix) – Germany.  The show we all need to be watching to prepare for election night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (Are the shops in your neighborhood being boarded up?)

NOT REVIEWED:

To The Lake (Netflix) – Russia. Plague / End of the world.

Until Dawn (Netflix) – France. Haunted places mockumentary.  

Ratched (Netflix) – American Horror Story meets One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Kissing Game (Netflix) – Brazil. Deadly disease.

NOT NEW RECOMMENDATIONS:

American Horror Story (all 9 seasons on Hulu)

Castle Rock (2 seasons on Hulu)

Motherland (first season on Hulu)

Salem (all 3 seasons on Hulu)

Scream Queens (all 2 seasons on Netflix)

Evil (first season on Netflix)

Supernatural (14 seasons on Netflix)

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (3 seasons on Netflix)

The Originals (all 5 seasons on Netflix)

Stranger Things (3 seasons on Netflix)

Penny Dreadful (all 3 seasons on Netflix)

Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (all 7 seasons on Amazon)

Lore (2 seasons on Amazon)

Charmed (the original) (all 8 seasons on Amazon)

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews: winter / spring TV part two:

The Letter for the King (Netflix) – This moves so fast I almost got whiplash.  But I guess thats what the kids need this days – its got to go go go just like a video game. Amir Wilson (lead) is easy to root for even if the back story and surrounding politics of the world aren’t quite clear.  

World on Fire (PBS) – Will I ever get tired of WWII stories?  Not if they’re good!   This one starts with Helen Hunt’s broadcasting as an American journalist in Poland just as Nazi Germany is taking occupation. No Spolier: Things get a lost worse after that.  

Motherland: Fort Salem (Freeform / Hulu) – Somewhere between Hunger Games and Legacies lies a tale of women’s empowerment through a bizarre mix of witchcraft and military.   I could not connect with any of the leads but I’m definitely not the target age group.  Taylor Hickson reminds me of Natalie Dormer.

Council of Dads (NBC) – BLECH.  You cant just re-create the magic of “This Is Us” by throwing a bunch of people together.   Perfect example of when good actors (Michele Weaver, Michael O’Neill, J. August Richards, Clive Standon) get wasted on a bad show.

Spinning Out (Netflix) – Perfect for a hot day, as these people are either always in snow, or in ice, or ON the ice.  Kaya Scodelario from the Maze Runner movies and Willow Shields from the Hunger Games movies team up as sister ice skaters with a love / rivalry relationship who are constantly trying to navigate the campy craziness of their mom played by January Jones.  AND Johnny Weir is in it!!

Belgravia (Epix) – DirecTv keeps telling me I get Epix, but Epix keeps telling me I do not.  BAH!  But in the first episode at least, Harriet Walter and Tamsin Greig mine every second of delicious uppity British awkwardness... which creates a weird level of tension that will leave British period drama lovers hanging off the edge of their settee.

Reprisal (Hulu) – Another Robert Rodriguez rip off with a dash of Tarantino and a splash of Mad Men. Big thumbs down from me.  

The Neighbour (Netflix) – Spain. Random dude gets random super hero powers.  Skip it.  The thing about comedy is that you need to root for the main fellow even if he does silly things or makes bad choices.  With this dude there’s just nothing to root for.  Adrian Pino is quite funny as the sidekick and I hope he writes something better for himself soon.  

Baptise (PBS) – Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes.   Fantastic international cast: Tcheky Karyo, Barbara Sarafian, Tom Hollander, Talisa Garcia, Jessica Raine, Trystan Gravelle...  Fantastic binge-able story.  Oooooooo I hope there’s more.  

Dracula (Netflix) – UK Mini-Series. Goes from horror, to good drama, to excellent camp.  Highly entertaining and I highly recommend it.  (Harkour:  “You’re a monster!”  Dracula:  “And you’re a lawyer.  Nobody’s perfect.”)

DC’s Stargirl (CW) – Another BLECH. Very Lite PG YA summer fare.  I don’t know who approved this casting but its a huge missed opportunity in regards to diversity and inclusion.  Sure I guess its fun that she’s a girl but she looks like she’s one jello shot away from being a stripper.  Buffy did the blonde pretty girl thing 20 years ago and no one ever needs to do it again.  

Endlings (Hulu) – Really weird / odd Sci-Fi for the kiddos (if they can figure out whats going on.)

October Faction (Netflix) –  Three episodes went by as I was doing other things and then suddenly I realised, oh wow, I still don’t know what this is about?  The show should have focused on the teenagers (played perfectly by Aurora Burghart and Gabriel Darku)  but instead droned on and on following the parents around.  Too bad.

Hightown (Starz) – Some (bad) shows start slowly like a tease… this (great) show takes off like a rocket and you know its gonna land hard.  If you’re  lucky enough to get Showtime I suspect its a binge watch.  Monica Raymund is FIRE as the lead. Hope to see a lot more strong women characters like this in the future.

NOT REVIEWED:

Deadwater Fell (AcornTV)

Liar (Sundance)

Yanxi Palace: Princess Adventures (Netflix)

Run (HBO)

Paradise Lost (Spectrum)

Sanctuary (Sundance Now)

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (Showtime)

Betty (HBO)

The Dress Up Gang (TBS.com) – made in 2017 but never aired until now.

Trying (AppleTV+)

Gold Digger (Acorn)

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews:  Winter / Spring TV part one

Virgin River (Netflix) – Don’t be fooled by the Hallmark holiday movie opening, there are darker themes here than you will ever see on Hallmark:  Drugs! Domestic Violence!  PTSD!  Cozy up with some hot cocoa and binge away, romance lovers.

Breeders (FX) – Bwaaaaaaaha!!!!!!!!! My favourite British comedy since Mum (with Leslie Manville and the genius Peter Mullan.)  But whereas Mum was silly and light, Breeders is cantankerous and real.  What parent hasn’t screamed at their child in a fit of hilarious rage?  No one does it better than Martin Freeman. Huge love too for Daisy Haggard, who I first discovered on Uncle.  Watch all three shows.  

Twenties (BET) – The star here is Jonica T. Gibbs, who gets all the laughs and interesting story lines. I couldn’t get into any of the other characters.  Created by Lena Waithe; automatic thumbs up for portraying the ridiculous ego, social delusions, and wealth disparity of Los Angeles.

The Witcher (Netflix) – One of the most goofy shows I have even seen … ranges from political to fantasy to campy to great fight sequences to groan worthy dialogue. Still, the ensemble of fierce women is easily enjoyable – especially Jodhi May as the Queen who fights like a Viking.

Dave (FX) –  Cringe comedy alert. You wish the lead dude (Dave Burd) would go away and let everyone else be funny.  By “you” I mean “I.”  I was so cringe-y every time Dave was onscreen I had to give up before my esophagus was ruined by acid reflux.

Danger Force (Nickelodeon) – There’s no excuse for TV being this bad; doesn’t matter what age group it’s intended audience is.  

V-Wars (Netflix) –  Ian Somerholder in another vampire show?  Sort of.  V for virus not vampires.  Well, except the Virus turns people into Vampires.  So it IS another vampire show.  Didn’t FOX do a show about a Vampire Virus?  What was it called.  Zach from Saved by the Bell played a solid version of my brother.  Good stuff!   Try to find that one.  Although now that Virus is the topic of the day all day every day, you may just not be in the mood.  Either way V-Wars was terrible.

Three Busy Debras (Adult Swim) – Loud, stupid Nickelodean comedy style that doesn’t work for adults who aren’t on a mind-altering substances.

Beefhouse (Adult Swim) – I didn’t think it could get any worse than Debras (above) but this one has a laugh track!!!!!!!   BLECH.

Almost Paradise (WGN) – Bye Bye Hawaii, Hello Philippines!!  Christina Kane is surely one of the top ten eyebrow actors of all time – whether it be evil genius or comedic action, the man and his brows deliver every time.   The supporting cast is at best B-level acting, but who cares when watching criminal island life is so easy and fun.  

Broke (CBS) – I tried so hard to like this.  I watched three episodes.  Jaime Camil did make me chuckle... but that is not enough to save this tired old network sitcom formula.

Vagrant Queen (SyFy) – If you like super campy sci-fi and bad acting this is the show for you.  I bailed at the 20 minute mark.  

The Gift (Netflix) – Turkey. Archeology. The Supernatural.  An Ancient Mystery.  Plus art and dress making!  Colour me happy.    

The Baker and the Beauty (ABC) – Jane the Virgin meets Grand Hotel.  Possibly the worst title ever, but as the ensemble found their rhythm, it was hard not to absolutely adore this Cuban Miami family with joyous and comedic performances from David Del Rio, Michelle Veintimilla, Lisa Vidal, Carlos Gomez, and most especially Belissa Escobedo.  Perfect Summer show.  

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews Fall/Winter TV part 4 (catch up)

The Accident (Hulu) – Depressing!!  A small Welsh town deals with the loss of their family and community after a terrible accident at the local factory.   Nice opportunity to see some fresh UK faces but be prepared for several hours of major downer tv.

Daybreak (Net) – If you think your teenagers are a nightmare now, check out this post-apocalyptic version of Glendale.  An atomic bomb goes off and somehow only young people survive…  also somehow the Glendale mall is indoors.  Mad Max meets Warm Bodies.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC) – I love all the bright colours and food in this show!!  I also love Peter Gallagher.  And Mandy Moore (the choreographer.)   Only Many Moore could get me to not skip through the musical numbers.  Yes, that’s right, there are musical numbers.  With people who can really SAAAANG. Broadway alumns include Skylar Astin, Lauren Graham, Andrew Leeds, Alice Lee, Stephanie Styles, Zak Orth, and Renee Elise Goldsberry.   Big happy thumbs up.  And very glad that Jane Levy is back to her proper genre.  

Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings (Netflix) – Each episode is like its own mini Hallmark movie, but there are topics here Hallmark wouldn’t touch with a fishing pole – i.e. extramarital affairs and homosexuality,  Stars abound, and Dolly is in every episode at least a little.  Each intro includes Dolly giving a short tale of how a particular song came to be.

Briarpatch (USA) –  I could not get into this.  I adore Rosario Dawson but the setup seemed like every Texas movie I’ve already seen Robert Rodriguez do.  

The Bonfire of Destiny (Netflix) – France.  1897.  The first episode is VERY exciting... the second sets the real tone / pace of a very well done period piece showcasing the struggle of women in a far from equal world.

War of the Worlds (Epix) – Epix online will let you watch the first three episodes free and trust me you’ll want to see a lot more.  Fantastic international cast and basically the opposite of the pandemic fall out we are all experiencing right now.  Wait until you get your first glimpse of the “enemy” … no spoilers!  

Dollface (Hulu) – Kat Dennings is really committed to that lipstick and those false eyelashes!!  But the real treasures here are the sidekicks / friends Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell, and especially Esther Povitsky.  I love anything that makes fun of the shallowness of LA, but this goes one step further to make fun of the shallowness of female friendships.  Although I have to admit, after a few episodes, I wondered if the joke was on me and they aren’t making fun of these types of girls at all but instead actually glorifying them??  Prob depends on how many cocktails you’ve had.

Year of the Rabbit (IFC) – Binge watch this after you finish Miracle Workers Dark Ages.  Very Funny parody of all those Whitechapel murder shows we love.  Matt Berry’s IMDB star has skyrocketed since the “What We Do in the Shadows” remount, and US television seems determined play everything they can get their hands on.  Smart play.

Soundtrack (Netflix) – Unlike Zoey’s Playlist above, these characters LIP SYNC to the real song.  Lip syncing is great fun in Lip Sync Battle but it serves no purpose here.  I can’t even imagine what the creators were thinking by adding this device into the storytelling, especially since the three leads are quite capable in their acting.  It won’t have another season (no surprise) but I hope to see Paul James and Callie Hernandez in other staring roles very soon.

Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan (Nickelodeon) – I think your kids will have to be really young to enjoy this; even though it does address some popular culture, my ten year old zoned out pretty darn fast.

The Feed (Amazon) – Didn’t they do this story on Black Mirror?  The visual effects are cool but I couldn’t connect with any of the characters enough to care about who hacked into The Feed or if the whole world was going to end.    

Nobody’s Looking (Netflix) – Brazil.  Either a writer’s meta-dream or a red-head’s comic delight... in my case what’s the difference?   This fresh, clever, FUNNY show riffs on laughing AT “humans,” laughing WITH “humans,” and most importantly laughing ABOUT how strange and weird and complicated and yet simple “ humans” can be.  Yes, Brazil, you got it all right here.  It can be tough to appreciate comedy when you’re twitching between reading the subtitles and looking at the funny actors, but this works in all the best ways, and validates my love of tv and Netfllix and the opportunity to watch international shows. Huge shout out as well to all the brilliant musical scorers  – which I forgot to mention in my review of Living with Myself – the perfect score can be the difference between good fun and comedy art.  Watch two episodes (one hour) and tell me you’re not whistling the background music -- and not in an annoying earworm way, but in an Amelie I want to make the world a better place way.  Saude!!

NOT REVIEWED:

The Red Shadows (Sundance Now)

We Are the Wave (Netflix) – Germany

The Dead Lands (Shudder)

McMillions (HBO)

Mortel (Netflix) – France.

Interrogation (CBS All Access)

Couple Trouble (Sundance Now)

Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet (AppleTV)

Playing for Keeps (Sundance Now)

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews: Fall & Winter catch up Part 3

Everything’s Gonna Be Okay (Freeform) – If you can get past the very odd and off-putting voice of lead actor / show creator Josh Thomas, you’re in for a delightful surprise with fresh story perspective and spot on performances by Kayla Cromer and Maeve Press who actually resemble REAL teenagers.   Well played, Freeform.  

Outmatched (Fox) –  Who owns a 3-D printer?  Is this a thing now?  And is it really still a thing in 2020 to have a white family with the funny black sidekick friends? UGH.  On the plus side the kids are pretty fun… makes me miss the Jenna Fischer show with the droll sarcastic kids.  Where did that show go???

Looking for Alaska (Hulu) – Adapted from the book by John Green (he really went to a school like this  in Alabama).  I cant say enough good things.  The cast is genius – especially Denny Love, who I hope to see a lot more of.. Beautiful direction and camerawork.  Huge thumbs up.

Awkwafina is Nora From Queens (Comedy Central) – This is the Awkwafina you WANTED in The Farewell... which turned out to be not at all funny for a ‘comedy,’ and instead made everybody cry.   This version of  ‘Nai Nai’ – Grandma – is played by Lori Tan Chinn, who deserves an award just for being. Nora is somewhat annoying in the first two episodes, but when she starts making choices instead of just baking in bed, the comedy really kicks in.  Plus Bowen Yang is hilarious.        

Living with Yourself (Netflix) – Paul Rudd is as awkward and funny as ever, but the real reason to watch this is the very clever storytelling and the fantastic Aisling Bee as the wife of now two husbands.  (If you think she’s funny here go back and watch This Way Up on Hulu.  I REALLY hope there’s a second season.)

The Birch (Facebook) – The perfect gift for the deranged teenager in your life. Don’t play with the occult, kids!!  It never ends well.   Binge watch – you’ll want to see how everyone dies.

Miracle Workers: Dark Ages (TBS) – Same cast, zero resemblance to the first season so it may as well be a whole new show.  Sort of black comedy but really more parody. Steve Buscemi leads a smart and funny cast.  

Indebted (NBC) –   I sort of like Fran Derscher... but  I really can’t stand Adam Paley.  So, not for me.

Tommy (CBS) – A show about LA cops that shoots in New York.  Ha!  Those exterior shots really selll it, don’t they!  But isn’t it freezing half the year in NY In L.A  it just rains and rains… Anyway we all LOVE Edie Falco, and the writers have done a really good job of tacking real issues that the police chief, the mayor, and city council are dealing with in L.A. right now.  (pre Virus of course) This is definitely the best show i’ve seen on CBS in a loooooooooooooong time.  

Cherish the Day (OWN) – Don’t let the silky smooth Sade theme song fool you – there will be plenty of bumps in the road for this beautiful mis-matched couple (played expertly by Xosha Roquemore and Alano Miller.)  Always a treat to see the legendary Cicely Tyson, and whoever is tasked with picking the music is knocking it out of the park.  

Katy Keane (CW) – Semi spin off from Riverdale: Josie from the Pussycats is not the main attraction (as you probably guessed from the title.)  There’s no gangs or murder in New York the way there are in Riverdale, but social and racial problems are served up like a pink double frosted cupcake for the YA watchers. Oh and sometimes they sing, which is actually enjoyable when its Jonny Beauchamp (the real star for me.)     

For Life (ABC) – Trying to fill the Shondra Rhimes, absence, ABC gives us a really heavy show about really heavy issues.   Are you in the mood for that? Then you’re all set.  Don’t expect a happy ending anytime soon.  

Dispatches from Elsewhere (AMC) – I admit I tuned in just to see Jason Segel, but this is one of the most creative, clever, and inspiring shows i’ve seen in a long while. Eve Lindley is darling.  And hello Sally Field, Richard E. Grant and Andre Benjamin!!  Is it a game?  Is it a conspiracy?  Is it real?  No spoilers. Have fun!!  Divine Nonchalance.  

NOT REVIEWED:

The Prince of Tennis (Netflix) – China.

Wisting (Sundance Now)

Brotherhood (Netflix) – Brazil.

Mythomaniac (Netflix) – France.

Nowhere Man (Netflix) – Taiwan.

Hache (Netflix) – Spain.

The Stranded (Netflix) – Thailand.  

The Club (Netflix) – Mexico.  

Astronomy Club (Netflix) – sketch show.  

Crash Landing on You (Netflix) – Korea.

The Outsider (HBO)

Little America (AppleTV)

Avenue 5 (HBO)

Star Trek: Picard (CBS All Access)

[kiradurbin]

Super Short TV Reviews: Fall / Winter part two

Dare Me (USA) – A great Lifetime that somehow ended up on USA.  The creator was obviously madly in love with Friday Night Lights but wanted to show things from the Cheerleaders perspective.  Your new favourite nasty YA not guilty pleasure.

The Politician (Net) – Ben Platt was hilarious in the Pitch Perfect movies, and brilliantly endearing on Broadway in Dear Evan Hansen.  He combines both qualities in this Ryan Murphy creation – a joyful ode to dark comedy a la Heathers or Election.  Im telling you, it’s funny.  

Deputy (Fox) – This show would have you believe that if you put a green colour wash on Los Angeles County it ends up a lot like the wild west.  Ummmm... no.   The fun part is you may now be curious to know what parts of Los Angeles County are not actually the city of Los Angeles.  At least, that was the only fun part for me.

Marianne (Net) – France.  OOOOOOOO creeepy.  All the best makings of a really good horror movie except this is a series so it will take a loooooooooot loooooooooonger to watch.   But if you have low blood pressure and like suspense you will dig it.  Mireille Herbtsmeyer is equally funny and terrifying as the possibly-possessed-byMarianne sea towny eccentric.

FBI:  Most Wanted (CBS) – For people who cut the cord and only get local antennae channels.  Your typical CBS fare.  Like a salad with lemon slice instead of dressing.   So you add a lot of croutons.  And blue cheese.  And then its not really a salad anymore.  I’ve always liked Julian McMahon but this show is boring.

Limetown (Facebook) –  Based on the podcast but this is NOT a true story.  So don’t be thinking this is your next true crime obsession, cuz it’s not.  What it IS though, is a well made fictional seemingly paranormal mystery... but be warned.  It was already cancelled so I’m not sure how many story answers yer gonna get from the show... (but maybe it’s in the podcast?)

Party of Five (Freeform) – Good substitute if you’ve been missing the Fosters.  I don’t know what the setup for the 90s series was, but this one has 2 parents who are hauled off by immigration leaving five siblings to fend for themselves.  And one is a baby.  So that’s realistic.  And hopefully not encouraging to any 13-year-old watching!!

Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for Bone Collector (NBC) – No thanks.  I already watch a serial killer show and its got Lou Diamond Phillips.  

Sanditon on Masterpiece Theatre (PBS) – Theo James!  In britches!  A hit.  Based on the unfinished book by Jane Austin.  Lots of great British and Irish actors abound.

Whiskey 68 (Paramount) – Not the worst or best military show Ive ever seen... plenty of colourful characters and soap opera drama... Im sure plenty of antics do occur on base overseas, but I’m not sure I quite understand the message or tone of this show.  

9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox) – Austin has fires and disasters too!  And Rob Lowe.  And Liv Tyler.  And the super sweet guy from True Blood (Jim Parrack.)  And better bars and music!!  Another win for FOX.

Raising Dion (Net) – Your new favourite family show.  Ja’Siah Young is ADORABLE as Dion, and Jason Ritter is always a welcome addition to anything.   Alisha Wainwright handles things a lot better than I would if I turned around one day and my son had super powers.  And what the heck is going on with Michael B. Jordan and the – oops!  No spoilers. Binge watch for sure.  

Vienna Blood (PBS) – Basically a British period piece that happens to take place in turn of the century Vienna (which is a nice change of setting if you’ve watched a lot of British period pieces.)  Really weird pairing between the grumpy older cop, and the younger (looks like he’s 19) doctor, but it somehow works really well.  In 1907 Vienna, its new – the whole idea of getting into the killers head, or as the first episode titles it, “the psychopathy of the human mind.”   Based on the Max Liebermann book series by Frank Tallis.

Bonus:  Forky Asks a Question (Disney+) – just watch the CHAIROL Burnett one.  Bwaaaahahahaha!

NOT REVIEWED:

The Unlisted (Netflix) – Australia.

Dublin Murders (Starz)

the Family Man (Amazon) – India.

Bard of Blood (Net) – India.  Spies.

Cheat (Sundance Now)

When the Camellia Blooms (Netflix) – Korea.

Balthazar (Acorn)

Team Kaylie (Netflix) – for kids.  

The L Word: Generation Q (Showtime)

Skylines (Netflix) – Germany.

Work In Progress (Showtime)

The I-Land (Netflix)

The Gulf (Sundance Now)

The Spy (Net) – story of real life Israeli spy.

Undone (Amazon) – super cool animation.  At times looks real.

My Country: The New Age (Net) – Korea.  Warriors.

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews:  Fall/Winter TV part one

Merry Happy Whatever (Netflix) – Skip it.  Sorry, Dennis Quaid.

The Moodys (Fox) –  You could do a lot worse for a Christmas show (see above.)  The suspension of disbelief that Jay Baruchel is somehow Denis Leary’s son is funny enough... and then Denis Leary trying to pronounce “Ecclesiastes” is hilarious.  If you’re from Chicago you’ll love the uncle who always has the best directions.  The rest of this south side family is all adopted, apparently, as none of them look like each other or their parents... which is also funny.  It’s network, but thumbs up from me.  

Holiday Secrets (Netflix) – Germany. Sort of like a female driven This Is Us – three timelines of family drama and love.  More of a movie than a series (totally running time of under two hours)  and I enjoyed every emotional revealing second of it.

The Morning Show (AppleTv+) – Talk about a hot button issue.  Well played, Apple.  Steve Carell’s performance as the ousted offender is so good it almost makes you wonder if he really did anything wrong.  But this is not just a show about “times up,” this is a show about “the news,” and how ridiculous that idea has become and how ratings are always the bottom line.  Great writing and great performances. (Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, Tom Irwin,  Mark Dulpass, Karen Pittman, etc etc etc.)   Makes my must see list.

Dark Crystal (Netflix) – The visuals are stunning, and the pupperteering is amazing...  but only you can decide if you can really take Muppets seriously.  I mean... they’re Muppets.  If you loved the movie as a kid this is a prequel to that story and there’s a few characters you’ll recognise.   The Gelflings have a sort of magical wonder about them that may be better suited for kids than old people like me.  

Modern Love (Amazon) – John Carney et al take on the articles / podcasts from the NY Times column of stories submitted by real folks about their romantic hits and misses.  Probably only for rom lovers,   although the on location shots of NY are always appreciated.  

Home for Christmas (Net) – Norway. Leading lady Ida Elise Brock is ADORABLE and this very short series has all the Christmas cliches you want including Love Actually references.  Fun to laugh and cringe along with this story of a smart, funny, loving woman just trying to find a decent date.  Must see for rom-com lovers.

Mr. Mom (Vudu) – Not as dumb / bad as plenty of other sitcoms you’ve seen, and only 11 minutes an episode. If you’ve never heard of Vudu, take a few minutes to check it out.  They say that ad-based streaming is the future of television.  But isn’t that just... television?  SMH.  

High School Musical: the Musical: the Series (Disney +) – For teenagers (or anyone really) that loves musical theatre and has a hearty sense of humour.  So sweet it gave me a tummy ache, BUT there is real humour here, and if you take away the musical theatre its still a  really fun show for YA viewers.  

Watchmen (HBO) – AWESOME.  Watch It.

Three Days of Christmas (Net) – Spain.  Another emotional heavy hitter that kept my eyeballs glued to the screen.   Definitely the most morbid of the bunch, this set of three timelines sticks to one day per episode (hence the title.)  The main characters again are all women, so to tally from above – that’s three home runs from Netflix on foreign Christmas shows.  

The Mandalorian (Disney +) – At best this is a super expensively made kids show... at worst its outright goofy.   Sure, Baby Yoda is REALLY cute cute cute, but why does the lead actor sound like he can’t act?  Am I supposed to know already who the Mandalorians are?  Who am I supposed to care about?   Why don’t they ever take their helmets off?  Felt more like I was watching a video game than a show.  (But still it’s Star Wars so you know yer gonna watch it all.)

NOT REVIEWED:

Mad About You (Spectrum) – Not a new show.  Somehow now more sad than funny.

His Dark Materials (HBO) – please read the books; I LOVED them.  (His Dark Materials trilogy Philip Pullman circa 1995-2000)

Toast of London (IFC) – not new, aired in 2012

Wu-Tang American Saga (Hulu) – based on the true story of the formation of the Wu Tang Clan.

The Promised Life (Acorn)

Mrs. Fletcher (HBO)

In the Long Run (Starz)

Back To Life (Showtime)  

all other Apple TV

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews summer / fall TV part three

Four Weddings and a Funeral (Hulu) – Can you stop looking for all the references to Richard Curtis other work and just enjoy the show??   I hope so, because the magic here is the cast, lead by Nathalie Emmanuel and Nikesh Patel, and of course the real star – the romantic London world they inhabit.

Wu Assassins (Net) – This is for anyone who likes comic books or super hero movies or martial arts or Chinese mysticism or action movies or lots & lots of fighting. Also Katheryn Winnick yay!  Basically its for anyone who likes TV (just ignore the cheesy dream realm stuff.)

Almost Family (Fox) – I honestly didn’t make it all the way through the first episode.  Trying to buy the other half of Pitch Perfect’s Brittany Snow as the lead in a drama was too much to ask of me.

Family Reunion (Netflix) – another typical CW sitcom that somehow landed on Netlfix instead – this one’s PG rated jokes and very colourful outfits are lead by Tia Mowry and Loretta Devine.

The Boys (Amazon) – I dig it. And not just cuz I love Karl Urban.  I like the idea of the normal dude (played by Jack Quaid) being super pissed and discovering the rampant narcissism of the super ability folks.  There’s some fantastic dark humour here and the actors are clearly having a blast.  Created by Eric Kripke, Evan Goldberg, and Seth Rogen – now that’s a trio!  

Nancy Drew (CW) – The perfect companion to Riverdale, modern day Nancy Drew has adult relations, murder mysteries and... ghosts.  And never any sunshine.   And hey look its Scott Wolf!

(Tyler Perry’s) Sistas (BET) – These four leading ladies are terrific fun, and everyone looks absolutely fabulous... but I had trouble hooking into any of the story lines.  

Ad Vitam (Netflix) – France.  Freaky Deaky.  The premise is good enough sci-fi wise – humans have discovered how to re-generate and never die, and what does that do to the world?  But even with Garance Marillier trying her hardest to be interesting and deep, where’s the story to back her up?    

Treadstone (USA) – Yes, yes.  More great fighting – a spin off from the Robert Ludlum main Bourne concept that soldiers could be brainwashed Manchurian Candidate style. Great international cast including Tracy Ifeachor, Hyo-Joo Han, Omar Metwally, and Michelle Forbes.  Incredible locations.

Unbelievable (Net) –   warning!!! You will need to BINGE WATCH !!!  Merritt Wever and Toni Colette are addictive.  When you finish this and want to know what else Wever was in go binge watch Godless (also on Netflix.)

(Tyler Perry’s) The Oval (BET) – Who needs soap operas when you’ve got this?  Its the kind of tv you will talk back to the screen.  So much fun.

Better Than Us (Netflix) – Russia. What happens when a rogue sex bot has a “times up” moment, wanders off on her own, and chooses a sweet little girl to be her first user?  ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT thats what.   Vitaliya Kornienko is priceless as the little girl and the adults do a great job as well.  Thumbs up from me!

This Way Up (Hulu) –UK.  The lead girl (and show creator) Aisling Bea is about 50 percent funny and 50 percent annoying but the rest of the cast / characters are super fun – Sharon Horgan, Aasif Mandvi, Indira Varma, Tobias Menzies.  

NOT REVIEWED:

Scams (Netflix) – Japan.

Drug Squad: Costa del Sol (Netflix) – Spain.

45 RPM (Netflix) – Spain.  

Monzon (Netflix) – Argentina.

The Naked Director (Netflix) – Japan.

Sintonia (Netflix) – Brazil.  

Love Alarm (Netflix) – South Korea.  

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews:  Summer / Fall TV part two

Arthdal Chronicles (Netflix) – Finally a Korean show I like.  No – LOVE!!!  Usually I don’t get the pacing or acting styles of Asian shows (so different than American) but this clips along through a great mythology / fantasy story.  Sort of like Vikings but Korea with more magic.

Bob <3 Abishola (CBS) – Awwwwwwwwwww.  And I even laughed.  (Yes, me!)

Stumptown (ABC) – I thought I would hate this because I always thought i hated Cobie Smulders  … but as it turns out I guess just hated that character on HIMYM, because I really like her in this!  It’s procedural in that she’s a PI, but because she’s not a real cop she gets to have way more fun and do loads more silly things. Great surrounding cast too.

Another Life (Netflix) –  I was really impressed how much super cliched sci-fi dialogue fit into the first 30 minutes … then I was blown away by every stolen sci-fi reference from every other sci-fi show i’ve ever seen … and still it was like a car crash and I just couldnt look away!!  Katee Sackoff hasn’t toned down her acting style, but her arms on the other hand – damn.

Bluff City Law (NBC) – Jimmy Smits still got it!  Sadly, the show does not.   Nice diverse cast, but i’m bored silly by the law case of the week episodic format. Sorry not sorry.  

Carol’s Second Act (CBS) – Dear god, no.

the Last Czars (Netflix) –  You know how at the END of every Game of Thrones episode the guys talk about the characters and their story etc etc?  Imagine how annoying it would be if they threw that in THE MIDDLE of every few scenes and thats what you get here.  The actors and production team are perfectly capable of telling this documdrama based on the Fall of the Romanovs, and I really did enjoy the tv part.  But the insert talky talky part was just way too annoying.  

Evil (CBS) – Creepy.  Mike Coulter. Aasif Mandvi.  All your favourite Catholic Lore. Great fun.

Perfect Harmony (NBC) – I honestly tried to watch this twice.  I love Bradley Whitford.  But Anna Camp just makes this feel like a spin off from the Pitch Perfect movies. Menh.

Mr. Iglesias (Netflix) –  I think if you like Gabriel Iglesias you will enjoy this family comedy.  Its obviously geared towards kids, but I actually laughed several times. Mr. Iglesias has a long history of being funny.  (on the show he teaches history so that’s a funny pun)

Cake (Fxx) – Uhhhhhhhh... I’m not cool enough to get this.  Its sort of like a sketch show but then some of the characters come back in other episodes so it maybe is like a recurring character sketch show? But then theres also cartoons and I was never sure if it was supposed to be funny or not... and I have no idea what is has to do with Cake.  BUT if you don’t know who Mamoudou Athie is, you should definitely go watch Patti Cake$ (the film) right now.  (Which also has nothing to do with Cake.)

Mixed-ish (ABC) – I love Black-ish so much I really wanted to at least like this.  Who doesn’t love Gary Cole!!    But Black-ish does those great flash-backs and story side-lines, so I don’t need a whole show about 80s references (especially when I already have another ABC show that’s all about 80s references.)  

The Unicorn (CBS) – Again, Dear god, no.  And I adore Rob Corddry.  Seriously I don’t at all get why people like this.  

Batwoman (CW) –  So Gotham ends and Batwoman begins. I don’t know why she needed the ridiculous wig but then again, she’s the least interesting part of the show.  Rachel Skarsten,  Nicole Kang, and Camrus Johnson are knocking it out of the park.  Also the CW world of Gotham City is better than I expected – plenty of  Vancouver colour wash, but some nice Chicago exteriors thrown in.  (a nod to the Christopher Nolan films)

not reviewed:

Drug Squad: Costa del Sol (Netflix) – Spain

Jinn (Netflix) – Jordan

Leila (Netflix) – India

Bolivar (Net) – Columbia  

Tokyo Alice (Amazon) – Japan  

Family Business (Netflix) – France

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews Summer / Fall TV 2019 part one:

Pennywoth (Epix) – Paloma Faith , snippy dialogue, alt DC Universe London post WWII.  Alfred before he was Batman’s Alfred.  Big thumbs up from me but will definitely connect more with BBC fans than superhero fans.  

Alta Mar (Netflix) – Spain.   Gorgeous period drama / murder mystery.  Beautiful sets, shots, costumes, lighting.  Upstairs Downstairs meets Agatha Christie on a cruise ship on the high seas.

Sherman’s Showcase (IFC) – Super duper silly fun.  Same guy that did South Side on Comedy Central (Bashir Salahuddin.)  Fake documentary of a fake variety show, poking fun and celebrating pop culture / history and shows like Soul Train. Great guest stars.  

Bulletproof (CW) – 2 Street cops “fight crime” in London’s east end.  Originally aired in UK 2018.  No clue why the CW thought this was a good fit for their brand as a summer show.  

I Ship It (CW Seed / CW) – Originally aired on the CW Seed whatever that is?  If you blinked you missed it.  Weird mash up of comedy, musical comedy, fan fiction, and sort of making fun of the shows that are really on the CW.   I like anything that makes fun of Hollywood, so I liked this.  

Two Sentence Horror Stories (CW) – Again, if you blinked you missed it.  Except in this case you didn’t miss anything.

The Terror Infamy (AMC) – You don’t even need evil spirits when the story involves executive order 9066 … but then again im not sure if these spirits are evil or if they’re just … NO SPOILERS!!  Watch it watch it watch it.

David Makes Man (OWN) – Tough to watch due to raw honesty.  How do we break the cycle of poverty? Akili McDowell is wonderful in his portrayal of David.  OWN is finally becoming a real network.  

Carnival Row (Amazon) –  If Ripper Street had fairies (and other magical beings)  – binged it in 3 nights.  Nice metaphors for real life topics if you look for them... or don’t and just enjoy a good British alt period drama.  

AHS: 1984 (FX) –  I didn’t live in LA in 1984 but I bet it was exactly like this... well minus the serial killers (yes there’s more than one.)   Like most seasons of AHS I have a blast with the first few episodes – this time it’s 80s references and creepy campground – but after the third week it just seems like a really long drawn out kaleidoscope of horror movies i’ve already seen.

All Rise (CBS) – America loves an underdog, so settle in to the couch for this comfy Monday night broadcast, and join the fabulous Simone Missick as she navigates her first year of being a judge.  And Im sure this is exactly what being a judge in LA is like, right?  

Emergence (ABC) – Unlike other supernatural tinged shows, when you sit around trying to figure out the WHAT – and how long thats going to take – this show solves the mystery by episode four, so now you have to decide if you care enough about the WHY.   Either way, Allison Tolman is the bomb so I hope the writers have a few more tricks up their sleeves.  

Prodigal Son (Fox) – The lead dude (Tom Payne) is appropriately super weird, and Michael Sheen as his father is appropriately gleeful in his manipulation / murder revelry, and Lou Diamond Philips is appropriately level headed (and handsome) as the coach of this oddball NY police team.   Im not sure how this will be able to develop too much more, but its the network hit of the Fall.  

Sunnyside (NBC) – Already cancelled! Kal Penn is the perfect guy to make a comedy about American politics / history but something about this show didn’t gel.  And it wasn’t the characters cuz the actors were great – especially Diana Maria Riva.  

NOT REVIEWED:

Designated Survivor: 60 Days (Netflix)

The Rook (Starz)

Bankok Love Stories (Netflix)

Muder in the Bayou (Showtime)

Room 104 (HBO)

First Wives Club (BET +)

Bigger (BET +)

Godfather of Harlem (Epix)

Back to Life (Showtime)

Veronica Mars (Hulu) – This is not a new show.

Press (PBS) – UK.  I wandered out of the room and forgot it was on – thats how much I was interested.  

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews:  Spring / Summer TV part 3

Super Short Reviews Spring / Summer TV part 3:

Undercover (Netflix) – Inspired by true events.  When you think of beautiful Belgium, do you think … Ecstasy ?  Probably not.  But thats where most of it comes from, and these nice detective folks are in it for the loooooooooong haul.  And I do mean long, cuz the pacing in the first episode tuned me out. Gentleman Jack (HBO) – British and period enough to attract any Anglophile, but the subject matter is acutally more LGBTQ.  Based on the coded diaries of Anne Lister, who kept detailed accounts of her affairs with other women, and her attempts to run her family home.  Good good good.   Abyss (Netflix) – Korea.  Super cute, and I even laughed a few times (which is saying a lot for a foreign language show since your eyes are always split between the faces and the action and the subtitles.)   

  Perpetual Grace Ltd. (Epix) –  This is so unique and bizarre it also gets a “show of the summer” award.  The cast list alone should make you want to watch: Ben Kingsley, Jacki Weaver, and Luis Guzman.  It’s a con game that goes oh so so SO wrong and you really have no idea who to root for but who cares, because you really  just want to know what strange thing or character is going to appear next. 

  The Society (Netflix) – Schadenfreude!!!   I hope I have time to go back and watch the rest of all these spoiled teenagers get their due.  I don’t even care if they figure out which twilight zone episode they are in.  On a side note, can someone explain to me how tv show high schools have football teams when there are never enough people to actually play???   Florida Girls (Pop) – Redneck tv at its finest.  You’re definitely laughing AT these gals.  Already got a second season. Pandora (CW) –  This is fun!  Its like Star Trek / Gate University for YA viewers. Thumbs up for that age group. I Hear You (Netflix) – China.  I think this is supposed to be a comedy?  Or at least, the situation is ridiculous and the characters act like children or cartoons. Very YA – even more PG than a Hallmark romance. Years and Years (HBO) – UK. And you thought Black Mirror was disturbing?   This is honest and crazy and real and still British humour funny. Watch it if you still have HBO. Trinkets (Netflix) – This is like If the Breakfast Club girls had met in a shoplifters support group.  Brianna Hildebrand, Kiana Madeira, and Quintessa Swindell are all fantastically likable.  Huge YA thumbs up. Pearson (USA) – Gina Torres leaves NY corporate law (SUITS) to spin off to the dark ugly brown Chicago Mayor’s Office.  Fun!!  The story lines are good, but I lost patience for Ms. Pearson’s attitude rather quickly.  Smug Smug Smug UGH.   Good Omens (Amazon) – BINGE ALERT. Michael Sheen and David Tennant literally sparkle with glee as they bring Neil Gaiman’s world to television life. And is there anyone better suited than Frances McDormand to play “God” ?  I loved every second of it.   What / If (Netflix) – I adored Jane Levy in SUBURGATORY and im glad to see her get a chance to show off her dramatic chops.  But Renee Zellweger smirking, squinting her eyes, and crossing her super skinny legs does not a PLOT make.  This is trying really hard to make something slightly interesting into super dramatic.  People cheat.  So WHAT?  Maybe I would have watched more IF I cared.   South Side (Comedy Central) – I dont’ know if this will be as funny to anyone who’s not from Chicago but I thought it was hilarious.   One of two Bashir Salahuddin comedy creations this summer.   BH901210 (Fox) – Hopefully you were smarter than me in realising this was going nowhere fast since it didnt get renewed.   Why they did this instead of just even 6 episodes of a real show I will never know. NOT REVIEWED:  

LA’s Finest (Spectrum) – Spun off the BAD BOYS movies – Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba are LAPD detectives.  Totally realistic im sure.   It’s Bruno (Netflix) – Comedy. Even the first 20 seconds of the preview annoyed me.  The dog is super cute though.   Curfew (Spectrum) – UK.  Sean Bean! Billy Zane! Miranda Richardson!  Street Racing!  (what?!?) Crime Diaries (Netflix) – Columbia. Murder Mystery inspired by true events. Side Games (Spectrum) – Spain.  The Mafia gets into second division football (soccer.) Malibu Rescue (Netflix) –  Looks like if Malibu Skipper had her own show.  Then again, if you are the right age to watch this, you have no idea who Malibu Skipper is.   Euphoria (HBO) – so bored in the first ten minutes I realised I would rather be cleaning my bathroom. So I did.   How To Sell Drugs Online (Netflix) – Germany.  No thanks.   Los Espookys – I heard this was hilarious, but my HBO went away for the same reason you all made your HBO go away.   Armistead Maupin Tales of the City (Netflix) –  This was a mini-series I think in the late 90s?  then there was a movie? now there is this? I was too confused  to try and sort it out.   Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO) – assuming it is what the title says.  

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews: Spring / Summer TV part two

Spring / Summer TV 2019 part two:

Ramy (Hulu) – How long is it amusing to listen to an old man make politically incorrect jokes?  Menh.  Also I didn’t find Ramy funny I just felt bad for him.  And this is not the first comedy to talk about being Muslim in modern day America.  No idea why critics liked this so much.

Bonding (Netflix) – Another super short Series -- all 7 episodes will take you 85 minutes to watch.  Whats a young gay man from Georgia to do when he moves to NYC to pursue his dream of stand up comedy?   Why, become a bondage assistant of course!   Brendan Scannel gets a better opportunity to shine than he did on Heathers, and If you think he’s funny in the first five minutes may as well go for the other eighty.  

Frankie Drake Mysteries (OWN) – I’m trying to figure out how “OWN” stands for “originally aired in Canada” … maybe if you work it out in French?  Anyway this is a lot like the Miss Fisher Mysteries (Australia) – a fun female lead takes on mystery of the week in the 1930s.  Originally aired in 2017.

No Good Nick (Netflix) – Its not the worst thing your kids could be watching, but id be lying if I didn’t admit to hoping I would enjoy it too – I mean, its Melissa Joan Hart and Sean Astin!!  Its also confusing that it’s on Netflix when it seems like a Disney or Nickelodeon show, but as more & more families cut the cord I suspect we will see more & more of these kinds of shows on every digital channel.  

Ambitions (OWN) – Robin Givens graduates from the mayor of Riverdale to hold her own as a fierce Atlanta attorney.  Soap opera storylines with slick production and plenty of overacting.  

Huge in France (Netflix) – I love anything that makes fun of Hollywood, so I definitely recommend this.   Don’t worry if you don’t know who Gad Elmaleh is, because thats half the gag;  the other half is Matthew Del Negro committing like crazy to his crazy method actor character.   And Scott Keiji Takeda is hilarious as Gad’s assistant:  he gets every pop culture reference, he knows everything about Hollywood, and he will cold call ANYONE.  Big thumbs up.  

The Inbetween (NBC) –  Lame rip of the Ghost Whisperer and Medium, but seeing Paul Blackthorne again reminded me how much I liked the Dresden Files (based on the books) way back in 2007, and if you can find a way to watch THAT, you definitely should.  

One Spring Night (Netflix) – Awwwwww these young Koreans are so adorable in their super sweet super PG romances … and it’s soooooooo super duper super BORING, as the pacing is sooooooo super duper slow.  Add it to your insomnia list.  (It out me to sleep.)

The Hills: New Beginnings (Mtv) – DirecTv tells me this is a “reality” show, but there’s no way I believe these people are real!!  It is fun to see the real places in Los Angeles though, and especially striking are the panoramic shots of the beach or hills or the disastrous Malibu fire of last year,  

Chambers (Netflix) – Drama / Horror. Very cool indie horror movie vibe – solid YA fare with enough suspense, creepiness, and teenage drama to keep those young eyeballs binging.

Just Roll With It (Disney) – this is REALLY CUTE for kids...  Its a mom and her daughter coupled with a man and his son and at least three times during every episode a fog horn blows and THE AUDIENCE GETS TO DECIDE from three choices what happens next.  Thumbs up.

Reef Break (ABC) – GORGEOUS location shots of  some  amazing part of Australia.  Solid summer network fare for the over 50s.  Poppy Montgomery must have had Botox or something cuz she cant move her face as much as she used to...  but I was too busy looking at Desmond Chiam or the ocean to let it bother me.

the Disappearance (WGN ) – Peter Coyote!!!!!!!!!!!  I’m still thinking about this haunting mystery.  Originally aired in Canada in 2017. 

What Just Happened? (Fox) -- Very bizarre. The hosts and actors play themselves on an imaginary talk show that is obsessed with an imaginary Arrow-verse like show... the iront is the fake show actully looks really good and I would have actually watched that.  

Lunatics (Netflix) – Australia. Chris Lilley wrote, produced and starred in this silly and strange combo of characters (all played by him) that talk to the camera about their lives. I cant help but wonder who they are talking to, and I’d be curious to know if the characters all connect in the end or if there even is an end??  it wasn’t really my comedy taste, but check it out when you’re in the mood for something different.

[kiradurbin]

Super Short reviews: Spring / Summer TV part one:

The Order (Neflix) – YA catnip. Smart ass dude from the wrong side of the tracks makes good at a new school as the outsider with a heart of gold.  Plus magic, and secret societies, and werwolves.  Oh my!

Blood and Treasure (CBS) – great summer fun.  A little adventure, a little geography, a little history, and a little art / archeology.   Not your typical boring CBS fare.  Nice surprise.

Dead To Me (Netflix) – Linda Cardellini is so great.  I heart her.  She should have an Emmy nod.  Christina Applegate is pretty dope too. You’ve all watched it already, but I haven’t finished it yet, so no spoilers please!

Made in Heaven (Amazon) – India.  If you love Indian weddings and family drama this is the show for you! Love the colours. Great production value and performances, and yes, plenty of Bollywood references and dancing.

American Princess (Lifetime) – Oh WOW this is bad.  I mean, you have certain expectations for a Lifetime program... and this doesn’t even meet its own low standards. A spoiled society princess cancels her own wedding and hides out at... a Rennaissance faire?   Yeah that’s really what it’s about.

Green Door (Netflix) – China.   I gave up trying to figure out what this was GOING to be about at the 40 minute mark.  I suppose the pacing was meant to be suspenseful?? The Netflix trailer says it will be a psychiatrist treating ghosts. I think.  I don’t know.  You got me.

Nos4A2 (AMC) –  Ashleigh Cummings is so REFRESHING as a bad ass but believable ingenue.  This is one of my picks for best summer show.  Dramatic tone and detailed location like you’d expect from an AMC show, with a spoonful of Stephen King thrown in for good measure.   You’ve never seen a Vampire like this before!

Shrill (Hulu) – What a great chance for Aidy Bryant to take the lead and shine!!  Unfortuntately youre gonna have to wait until after episode two (I guess) for her to be more than just another plus sized woman who allows herself to get treated like crap.  My cousin said, “Oh It gets way better for her.”  So maybe I will watch more.   Shows are apparently made to be binge watched these days,  based on the first two episodes, I would have given up.  Aidy Bryant obviously should do what she wants to do... but I would LOVE to see her cast in a role of a strong confidant woman right out of the gate.  

Traitors (Netflix) – oooooooooo Michael Stuhlbarg is sooooooo good!  Is he a passioante genius on a mission?  Or a mad men left empty without a war to fight.  Brandon P. Bell and Emma Appleton are new to me but I was thrilled to see Harry Treadaway (Penny Dreadful) again until i fact checked myself and learned that it is LUKE Treadaway.  Thats right, they’re twins and now you’re wondering which one has been in which show (Fortitude or Mr.Mercedes?)

All That (Nickolodean) – remount of the 90s kids sketch comedy show. tThe original had Keenan Thompson!!)  Ages 13 and under.

The Act (Hulu) – The best Lifetime movie you never watched.  Or maybe you did -- (the one with Marcia Gay Harden.)  This one stars Patricia Arquette and Joey King and its 8 episodes and its so good and so crazy and seriously based on a true story and I binged watched it over 2 nights.  

Quicksand (Neflix) – Sweden.  I’m strangely mesmerised by this tale of young love (?) gone way way WAAAAAAAAAY astray.   You know what happens... but the mystery is WHY and HOW and WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE.  And you want to find out.  

Grand Hotel (ABC) – Lincoln Younes is the hot star of the summer in this juicy Latina adaptation (sort of) from the original Spanish show.  (There was also a Mexican adaptation.)  The tone here is quite different thankfully -- allowing Miami to shine in all it’s sinful summer time glory, and Lincoln Younes to go running shirtless.  On a more serious note, Demian Bichir and Roselyn Sanchez shine a spotlight on the strength and talent that Latina actors have to give when the roles are there.  Which is why i have to point out how strange the casting of Denyse Tontz is.  Is she supposed to look Latina?  (Miami Latina?)  Hmm.  

Hanna (Amazon) – Didn’t I see this as a movie already?   Didn’t Joel Kinnaman and Mireilles Enos already do a tv show together?  Anyways, nice to see Miranda Otto, and Esme Creed-Mills is great as Hanna.  

NOT REVIEWED (Early Spring):

Northern Rescue (Netflix) – Canada. Manly Men.  

Unauthorsied Living (Netflix) – Spain.  Super rich criminal family.  

Immortals (Netflix) – Turkey. Vampires.  

Tijuana (Netflix) – Mexico.  Murder Mystery / Politics.

Black Summer (Netflix) – Zombie Apocalyse.

Crime Diaries: Night Out (Netflix) – Colombia.  Murder Mystery.

My First Love (Netflix) –  Korea. College-age Romance.

Yankee (Netflix) – Mexico.  Undecover Cop / Drug Lords.

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews:  Spring tv part 3:

Fosse / Verdon (FX) – Don’t expect to see a ton of musical theatre here ... while the show is about 2 MT superstars, the focus is on the drama of their relationship, and THANKFULLY all the work that Gwen Verdon did that she never really got proper credit for. I predict an Emmy for Michelle Williams. There was a slight fuss from people over the source material – Sam Wasson’s book – but as the show was overseen by Nicole Fosse I choose to believe its facts are true even if obviously the scenes are heightened for tv drama.

Shadow (Netflix) – South Africa. Well, he’s not a superhero, but due to a lightning strike he can’t feel any pain, so he still walks around with his chest puffed out like a proper vigilante. Episode of the week of save the damsel in distress (at least the first 2 episodes were) is a bit outdated for a premise.  But great to see so many talented SA actors.

White Dragon (Amazon) – UK/ Hong Kong. Hmmmmmmm... It wants to be really good UK dark mystery tv ... but it takes place in Hong Kong where they have very different acting and directing styles. Doctor Who fans will recognise John Simm ... or maybe you saw him in Netflix’s Collateral. If not, watch that instead.

If I Hadn’t Met You (Netflix) – Spain. Get out yer knitting, cuz this is no hurry to get anywhere. Pablo Derqui is wonderful as a man in the grip of the worst kind of grief, who suddenly takes a hard left into the world of alternate universes. Sort of like a really slow not funny Groundhog Day with physics.

The Code (CBS) – Like NCIS but its the Marine Corps. I couldn’t watch more than 20 minutes I was so bored.

Turn Up Charlie (Netflix) – UK. More fun than funny but probably the closest we will ever get to see of Idris Elba’s real life, as he plays a DJ and (sort of) Dad. Nice to see London depicted so colourful and fun!!

Weird City (YouTube) – If Black Mirror was a comedy. No surprise Jordan Peele is involved. Each episode is its own short story / slice of lives in this very weird city. Good laughs, lots of recognizable comedy actors.

Delhi Crime (Netflix) – India. Based on a true Delhi crime case, this is pretty intense. Long drawn out, closed mystery (as long as you don’t look up the real case.) Clearly made for binge watching.

Bless This Mess (ABC) – Who doesn’t love Dax Shepard? Who doesnt hate Lake Bell? But oh ho – imagine my surprise (and delight) to find the role reversal here. Even more delightful? The supporting cast including Ed Begley Jr, Pam Grier, David Koechner, Lennon Parham, and Susie Essman. Thats a heck of an over 40, brilliant, funny supporting cast. BOO YA.

Most Beautiful Thing (Netflix) – Brazil. Desperate housewives rejoice!! Here’s your chance to escape into the world of Rio in the 1950s and follow the impossibly beautiful Maria Cassdevall as she navigates life without a cheating husband or daddy’s money, and follows her dream of opening a music club and drinking all day long. (And perhaps meets a gorgeous musician or two.)

The Widow (Amazon) – UK. Oooooooo a mystery. Kate Beckinsale puts her scowl to good use as a woman who may or may not be a widow, depending on what her husband and several other mysterious characters are up to in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Don’t worry if you don’t like Beckinsale that much, there’s plenty of super talented African actors being showcased, as well as British fan favourites like Alex Kingston.

Osmosis (Netflix) – France. Weird people, cool sci-fi tech, and shady ethical choices. Check it out.

The Red Line (CBS) – I can’t think of a single reason why this show got made. If there was literally nothing else on TV, I would watch nothing.

Special (Netflix) – At 15 minutes an episode you, could watch the entire first season in 2 hours. COULD. Whether you want to will depend on if you find writer / producer / lead actor Ryan O’Connell really sweet & funny or just really sweet. It’s hard to get tone right with disablility... you cant laugh AT the condition, but you need to laugh WITH the character. As a disabled person myself, if this does get a second season I hope he moves more into comedy centered outside of his disability. Cuz he’s funny!!  (and sweet.)

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews:  Spring TV part two:

Siempre Bruja (Netflix) – Spain.  The story’s not bad...  the acting’s not good... but oh that world!   The Caribbean coast of Cartegna with some scenes in the present and some scenes in the past.   And the heroine, Angely Gaviria sure is plucky!!  

Miracle Workers (TBS) – When I saw the cast list for this I was super stoked.  If Steve Buscemi was God and Karan Soni (Deadpool) was his angel executive assistant and Daniel Radcliffe’s angel ran the prayer department it would make for a pretty funny workplace comedy right?!?  Someone forgot to tell the writers.  Sad face emoji.

Workin Moms (Netflix) – Canada. There are 2 basic kinds of comedies... 1. You root for the likable people and laugh with them when trouble comes a calling... or 2. You watch messy not particularly likable people trying to wade through the trouble they bring on themselves by doing stupid things. This show is the second kind.

The Fix (ABC) – I like me some Robin Tunney.  And Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje is awesome.  And I was so excited to see Merrin Dungey!!  BUT... created by Marcia Clark with a story line not even trying to be subtle about asking ‘what if OJ did it again?’ … a little too self-indulgent for me.  Which sucks cuz there are so many interesting actors here.  

The Village (NBC) – NBC tries valiantly to keep its THIS IS US viewers with another tear-jerker ensemble drama.  This one’s based in NYC where “Family’s where you find it, kid,” and since they’re in NYC the ensemble is far more diverse.   Lorraine Toussaint rules !!

After Life (Netflix) – UK.  It’s Ricky Gervais.  Soooooooo  If you like Ricky Gervais you’ll be disappointed as this isnt nearly as funny as his other projects … and if you don’t like Ricky Gervais you’ll be pleasantly surprised because he’s actually really enjoyable when he’s not trying super hard to be funny.  

Abby’s (NBC) – Only Boston would allow a Bar in someone’s backyard!!  Not very practical to say the least.  But really this fails because the the lead (Abby) is not likable or funny at all.   Not sure how this got green lit with her as the lead.  The excellent supporting cast cannot save this show.  

Tacoma FD (TruTv) – Kinda like The Office if it were about firefighters.   Great silliness and fun. What a treat to watch a comedy that’s FUNNY.  

Pen15 (Hulu) – Two adult (?) women play junior high characters, surrounded by young people playing junior high characters.  Feels like they (the creators) wanted to blow up all the bad stuff that happened to them in junior high so they could laugh about it now ...   I mostly felt like:  seriously its junior high, get over it, what else is on.

What We Do in the Shadows (FX) – Kinda like The Office if it were about Vampires.   Perfect for the late night tokers.  Harvey Guillén is as priceless as he was on The Magicians.  

In the Dark (CW) – Now here’s a leading lady.  Perry Mattfeld plays her drama as well as her smart ass comments.  And even when she makes bad choices, its a CW show so you know she’s gonna grow and become a better person.  Or is she?   Maybe she will stay bitchy... Im hoping so.  Anyway i’m still watching to find out.  Its hard to put this into a genre or even say why it works.  Its too old for the tweenies and too young for Gen X... but there it is.  

A Discovery of Witches (AMC / BBCA) – I read all these books so I was super skeptical.  And I was right. The story is told way too quickly and lots of things are left out… but you probably didnt read the books so just enjoy it for what it is –- witches and vampires and daemons, and genetics and history.  Its superficial at times but its still British.  Thumbs up.

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews: Spring TV part one:

Russian Doll (Netflix) – Groundhog Day for NY druggies?  Or Mrs. Maisel on special K?  Or is she stuck in a loop in her own video game?  Or is she having the worst mid-life crisis ever?  Or maybe she just really misses her cat?  If you feel too wrapped up in WHY her day keeps repeating you’ve missed the point.... the characters (led by Natasha Lyonne) and the humour are terrific, and don’t even get me started on that wig.  (It IS a wig right???)

American Soul (BET) – Why yes that is Kelly Rowland playing Gladys Kinght!! Soul Train was an iconic American show and its story deserved to be told.  I didn’t care for the soap opera style behind the scenes drama... but what I really liked was the dialogue that did not shy away from the reality of those days... which sadly for the most part have not passed.  

Romance Is a Bonus Book (Netflix) – Korea.   Ohhhhhh this is so adorable and Im so happy I finally like a Korean show.  I love love love Lee Na-Young.   She gives me hope for a better world.   Romantic comedy lovers this is your next binge watch.  

Fast Layne (Disney) – This is the first Disney show I’ve seen that was filmed on location. Automatically it feels better because of that.  The sixth grade girls actually made me giggle and for a second I thought oh I hope my kids want to watch this... but then the car started talking.  Why Why WHY does that voice have to be so ANNOYING?!?!?!?

Umbrella Academy (Netflix) – Wes Anderson meets the Marvel universe. Yay!!!  Two thumbs up from me.  (And big props for humourous song selections.)

Boomerang (BET) – I never saw the movie (don’t yell at me) so I don’t know how it relates to that, but the tv series is fun and funny and sort of like a really upbeat cousin of ATLANTA.

 Whiskey Cavalier (ABC) – Sure fire hit with the 45 and up crowd.  Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty) and Tyler James Williams (Everybody Loves Chris) made me laugh more in the first episode than any comedy pilot ive seen recently.  By the way if you havent seen the music video for John Newman “Love Me Again” I highly recommend it.  Make sure you watch the full version – the ending is the best.

Riviera (Ovation) – Originally aired in UK 2017.  Can Julia Stiles act?  I cant figure out her appeal.  Her face never moves.  What shines here are the GORGEOUS on location settings and shots.  Good for a summer binge.  

Proven Innocent (Fox) –  Kelsey Grammer as the powerful bad guy and some SUPER annoying girl as a completely unbelievable lead lawyer.   Kelsey Grammer deserves an actual sparring partner and a way better show. Ugh.

Flack (Pop) – UK.  Lascivious fun with Anna Paquin and British playmates.  Beautiful score too.

The Enemy Within (NBC) –   Blindspot... the Blacklist... the Enemy Within.  I guess they couldnt find a way to make the title start with a B.  All the same show to me.  Should be another hit for the 50+ crowd.

Gone (WGN) – originally aired in Canada in 2017.  Chris Noth revives his law enforcement scowl as an FBI agent who recruits a child abductee survivor to help him find missing kids.  Not the first or best show about missing people but you can do a lot worse than Chris Noth at the end of the day when you’re nodding off to sleep on the couch.  

[kiradurbin]

Super Short Reviews: winter tv part three (and last) 2019:

Perfume (Netflix) – Germany.   Another knock out murder mystery from Germany, this one is so dark its similar to the Swedish mysteries.  Strong ensemble cast; its clear from the beginning that the disturbing murder is only scratching the surface of many more bad deeds of the past.  Naughty naughty!

Informer (Amazon) – UK.  Paddy Constantine is as loveable as ever as a CI handler who waffles between looking grumpy and lost.  His partner looks like a child who cant decide which is more surprising – that she’s an actor at all, or that she was cast on a show about terrorists.  But the star here is Nabhaan Rizwan with his dreamy leading man eyes and biting street smart wit.  He makes this show.  Werk!!

Diablero (Netlix) – Mexico.  The priest looks like Michael Buble which I found exceptionally amusing and distracting. I couldn’t tell from the first 2 episodes if the actors just hadn’t settled into their demon hunting roles yet, or the director couldn’t decide what style he was going for.  If they land in the B-movie horror camp I think people could enjoy it.

Deadly Class (SyFy) – Based on the graphic novel.  I especially dig the 80s music and the Henry Rollins.  You don’t have to be a teeneager to enjoy this – since it takes place during the Regan administration rule, Gen-x viewers will likely get way more of the references than Gen-z. Benedict Wong has great fun as the principal of this school for assassins and Lara Condor is a gem as his star pupil.  She even wears a Bad Religion t-shirt in one episode.  It was not an historically correct t-shirt but hey at least they tried.

Wayne (YouTube) – 16 year old me would have been OBSESSED with this show, so if you fall into that age group please enjoy the crap out of it for me.  This kid makes more trouble in the first episode than most kids do their entire lives. Also anything that makes fun of Southies is great by me.  Funny, sad, dark, and awesome -- and huge props to Mark McKenna who takes on the dialect like a native.  (And he was also in one of my favourite movie ever Sing Street!! blatant plug)

Selection Day (Netflix) – India.  I don’t understand cricket so it took me a minute to get into this... but when the two boys (played by Mohammed Samad and Yash Dhohle) get to stretch their emotional wings my heart was bowled into rooting for them. (Lame attempt at a cricket pun.)  Plus who doesn’t love a little magical realism?

The Other Two (Comedy Central) – I laughed.  Its a send up of childhood overnight youtube stardom, and crazy people in loveable but crazy New York.   Plus Molly Shannon and Ken Marino -- Who doesnt love those two crazies?

Demon’s Path  (Netflix) – Hong Kong.  You know when you were in junior high / high school and you made bad home movies with people that couldn’t really act and dialogue that wasn’t really good?  This is a lot like that.  How is a 16 year old on the police force?  Its impossible to make a supernatural story line work with goofy acting … but maybe Hong Kong, like Korea, doesn’t consider this goofy acting. Maybe they think all our shows are goofy acting.  I dunno.

Black Earth Rising (Netflix) – UK. This is super heavy.  You’ve got the Rwandan genocide, the war in the Congo, a big trial at the Hague, and some mysterious events of the past that John Goodman knows but will never tell.  Bonus: Harriet Walter!

Four More Shots Please (Amazon) – India.  These people are actually speaking English most of the time but if you’re like me you’ll need to turn the subtitles on. Plot:  Four plucky young women traverse life and love (or at least sex) in Mumbai. Style: It’s not quite SATC but there is a dance number!!  (duh its Mumbai!)

Justice (Netflix) – UAE.  The genre is legal procedural.  But the style is almost soap opera.  And the music is all over the place.  Confusing.  Still, Fatima Al Taei makes a strong case (pun intended) for herself as a young, intelligent, female lead, and the stories highlight the complex struggles between traditionalism and modernism.  Netflix’ first Emirati show.  

Sex Education (Netflix) – UK. Tempting to describe this using only emojis (ha ha ha!)  But seriously, Asa Butterfield has grown up to be the awkward-ish high school son to Gillian Anderson’s single sex therapist mother. Sooooooo fun to see Gillian in a comedic role!! (and a mod haircut to boot.)  Emma Mackey and Ncuti Gatwa shine as the best friends ready to drive or support any potentially comedic ‘therapy.’

Sydney to the Max (Disney) – Yay Caroline Rhea!  Another one for the teeny boppers; this show centers on the cute juxtaposition of a girl in seventh grade and her dad’s memories of the same grade in 1992.  The girl acts waaaaaay younger than my seventh grader, but hey, maybe these people live in some nice hubba bubblea suburb.  

Kingdom (Netflix) – Korea.  Visually beautiful –  a lot like the Japan episode of Westworld.  Government factions fight each other – a lot like the Japan episode of Westworld.  Beautful people do monstrous things – a lot like the Japan episode of Westworld.   But how you know that its NOT the Japan episode of Westworld is howwwwww slooooooooow eeeeeeveryyyyyyone iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis.  I wonder if Koreans think everyone on our shows talk way too quickly.  

I Am The Night (TNT) – actually a mini-series but I’m throwing it in here anyway  cuz I enjoyed it. Patty Jenkins and Chris Pine reunite to tell a story (mostly fictional) of the real Fauna Hodel and the really bizarre people she meets as she tries to discover who her real family is.  I loved the 1960s detailed pictures (shot on Kodak film) of Los Angeles and  India Eisley is great in her wounded kitten portrayal of Fauna.