We’re kicking off today with some surprisingly bad news, at least for fans of NCIS: Hawaii. CBS has cancelled the spinoff after just three seasons, making it (by far) the weakest link in the series so far. I’d argue part of the reason for this is that they are developing NCIS: Origins for next season, as well as the renewal of NCIS: Sydney.
Baby Reindeer (Netflix) is still in its lighthearted phase. I noticed the episode length even was closer to that of a sitcom, running approximately 30 minutes. Of course, we’re still back toward the beginning of this whole event (or at least I am, in episode 2) so we’re working our way up to what I can only assume is some truly insane shenanigans based on the internet’s reaction. I’m OK on this audio description. Like I mentioned before, this show likes to use a lot of texts/emails, so lots of screen content that needs to be read off to us for us to get context. Middle/Top tier.
Fallout (Amazon) in its fourth episode might be at the point where I’d feel comfortable saying it was the best audio description I was listening to, if it wasn’t for the fact that I’ve had a real life conversation with someone who has seen the series, and I’m still waiting for mentions of Nuka Cola. They’ve mentioned grabbing soda bottles, but the brand specific to the series seems to be eluding us. After 4 episodes, I don’t think I’ve heard that term used. It’s been years since I’ve played a Fallout game, and that brand stuck out to me so much that I still remember it. It would be like making a cinematic version of Call of Duty Zombies and not mentioning Juggernog, or even a Pack-A-Punch machine. Some things are just instantly recognizable. The fourth episode goes into more detail about ghouls, and develops Lucy and The Ghoul a lot more. It’s Top Tier for sure, but I need my Nuka Cola.
Knuckles (Paramount Plus) is a series spinoff of the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise that really doesn’t have a lot explaining the world, so you should have seen the movies before this. It’s not a strong pilot, as the series feels more like a movie that was chopped up into a series. The leads here are Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba) and Wade (Adam Pally). There’s a poorly developed shady organization out to kidnap Knuckles, while he’s training wade to be a warrior so he can win a bowling tournament. In the first episode, movie regulars like Sonic, Tails, and Tika Sumpter show up, but it makes it more noticeable who isn’t there. The audio description is Ok, it just assumes you are familiar with stuff going in, which you should be. Middle/Top tier.
Tiny Toons Looniversity (MAX) is something I haven’t mentioned in a while. The second episode of Season 2 has the gang getting ready for picture day. Babs has a pimple, and doesn’t deal with it well, while Buster tries to find his iconic look. I didn’t realize Deluxe was doing this narration. Paying for the big bucks for this one. It’s a tough series to describe, but for kids animation, if you are conceptually familiar with the Tiny Toons characters, you will probably be fine. Middle tier.
We Were The Lucky Ones (Hulu) really had Helena as a frustrating character this episode. I was like in a horror movie, shouting at the screen “Girl, get out of there!” She has her chance to get out of dodge, and doesn’t take it. If she wasn’t the series lead, I’d be more worried. this is a series that gets better. I’m even desensitized now to the narrator. Originally, I thought his voice was too light, but a few episodes in and I’m not really thinking about that anymore. Middle tier.
One Day (Netflix) is a show I wish would end quicker. episode 8, and I’ve never liked the main guy. I really don’t care for any of these characters. I don’t know why this was such a phenomenon. The audio description is OK. Middle tier.
Sugar (Apple Plus) is an excellent noir crime drama set in modern times. I love this show. I’m here for it. The third episode just kept me going. The audio description, by Tansy Alexander I believe, is really good too. Top tier.
Loot (Apple Plus) speaking of Alexander, she also narrates Loot for Apple plus, which in the second episode pushed Sofia into a relationship with a cute new British guy. Molly just needed to believe in love again. For a comedy, this has solid audio description as well. I enjoyed the B-plot with the two guys and the memorabilia. Middle/Top tier.
Elsabeth (Paramount Plus) saw our title sleuth investigate the murder of a rich guy by a matchmaker. I love how the opening shows us what happened, so the whole episode is just Elsabeth figuring it out. She’s also starting to draw in on her main target, after attending a charity gala. the audio description here by the Media Access Group is excellent. for a mystery show, it gives you all the specific details you need to uncover the crime right along with Elsabeth. Top tier.
