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.