Another rundown, another day. Got through episode 7 of Three Body Problem (Netflix), and even though the show has slowed down significantly since the bonkers fifth episode, this still has really nice audio description from Darren Polish. probably the best scene is the one describing the chimpanzee coming out of being cryogenically frozen. While I now need a new “Best Of” since losing The Regime last week, it doesn’t feel like this one is it. Top Tier though.
What feels like it might be is Fallout (Amazon), which is doing some really strong work with this post-apocalyptic hellscape. The second episode introduced rad roaches, and a bear suffering from… something. The fight sequence with the bear was well described, and there were scenes throughout that really helped to shape this world, and develop our three lead characters. I really want to put this on top, and I’m slightly conflicted considering Episode 2 opened with tossing a live puppy into an incinerator. If this isn’t the top, it’s damn close.
You know, the written audio description for Shogun (Hulu) is actually really strong. It’s so strong, dare I say, that I would actually have this one on top if there were different voices reading for the characters, or interpreting the subtitles, however you want to put it. It just takes me out of the show when there’s this Japanese girl with this delicate voice, and this manly man voice is doing her English translation, and it is the same voice reading the description. Don’t be cheap. There’s plenty I can bemoan about in my daily life as a blind person, and cheap ass people paying for one voice talent for a project of this scale shouldn’t be one of those problems. The writer of this show’s audio description deserves praise though, and I would enjoy this narrator on other projects, or if he was just reading the description, while others did the voices. Middle/Bottom tier.
I’m really enjoying Sugar (Apple Plus) which I believe is Tansy Alexander, and it is just so great at mixing this noir flavor with modern sensibilities. merielles, the director of City of God, is really working at the top of his game. I don’t see how this doesn’t get Emmy nominations. I did notice this is running in Best Drama, so there’s an intention on doing another season. I didn’t realize Colin Farrell was willing to commit to that, but I’m excited for the possibility. I think he’s the most exciting new detective to enter the TV landscape since, well, the next show below. Top tier.
Elzabeth (Paramount Plus) did a murder set around a trashy reality show, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson guest starred. the cast is shaping out nicely, Carrie Preston is Emmy-worthy, and the show is delightful. More importantly, this show has really terrific audio description. The narrator is a great choice matching the mood of the show, the overall tone if you will, and does an excellent job with a detail oriented whodunit. I’m loving this, and I don’t know why CBS is dragging their feet on renewal. Top tier.
