In TV News, FX’s new Alien show is starting filming despite the SAG strike. I’m assuming they have some principal photography they can be doing, and probably are using some non-union talent.
11) Clarissa Explains it All (Paramount Plus)
English Audio Description?: No
Status: Ended
Why is Clarissa’s dad hanging out with Sam and going to the mall with just Sam? Man, my childhood was a simpler time. Dude has two kids, but he’s bonding with Clariss’as friend who presumably has parents. Not really the point of this episode, but that was my takeaway.
Episode Grade: C+
10) All In The Family (FreeVee)
English Audio Description?: No
Status: Ended
Second episode in a row where I’ve felt Rob Reiner’s Michael is turning more and more into Archie. He’s supposed to be progressive, and he feels like he’s regressing.
Episode Grade: B-
9) Family Matters (MAX)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Status: Ended
While his parents are away, Eddie invites a friend over, who invites everyone he knows over, and Eddie has to deal with having a house party that is way out of control. Yes, Urkel is in this, and has a bit more to do than his typical one-liner. Lots of jocks doing bad things to the nerd stereotype.
Episode Grade: B-
8) Fubar (Netflix)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Status: Renewed
Seems a bit early to capture the bad guy, but they always seem to accomplish a lot of story every episode. This one brings in that Arnie’s granddaughter is in the hospital and needs a bone marrow donor. He and his daughter creatively solve that problem.
Episode Grade: B
7) X-Men (Disney Plus)
English Audio Description?: No
Status: Ended
In the third episode, we get some introductions to characters like magneto and Sabertooth but the most unintentional moment is when they try to make you believe Storm might die, before Professor X convinces her to see another way to save the day without sacrificing her life. Storm also needs more dialog where she just talks in regular conversation, as everything she says sounds like she’s prophecizing.
Episode Grade: B+
6) The Great (Hulu)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Status: Not Yet Renewed
I didn’t love The Great at first. it was Nicholas Hoult that got me really into this show, and we are now at a point where his absence is noticeable. Even in this moment, where we get him in flashbacks, I feel us moving in a different direction. He allowed me to then fall for Elle Fanning’s performance, and she’s great in this episode, and I’ve started loving the ensemble recently as well (with Maxim being a standout). So it’s not like I’ll stop watching, but it does kind of feel like Steve Carell just left The office.
Episode Grade: B+
5) The Lincoln Lawyer (Netflix)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Status: Not Yet Renewed
The plot is certainly thickening, but one of the things that hampers this show is that not all of these actors are created equal. Some of mickey’s circle of friends are being given a bit more to do this season, and the depth just isn’t there. luckily, I’m here for the storyline, and the rabbits mickey keeps pulling out of his hat.
Episode Grade: B+
4) Frasier (Paramount Plus)
English Audio Description?: No
Status: Being Revived
This is a hard episode for Nile’s, as he watches Daphne being proposed to by Donnie. Even though Daphne has visions of someone else being right for her, Frasier writes that off as being wedding jitters. Meanwhile, Niles is just going to have to wait a little while until the writers figure this out.
Episode Grade: A-
3) Glamorous (Netflix)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Status: Not Yet Renewed
I hope Netflix picks this up. I’m only two episodes in, and it’s so well written that i already feel like I know this cast. Chad is clearly going to be a problem, but with two men pining for Marco you do wonder who will… oh who am I kidding. Of course it will be Ben at some point, but Parker seems perfect right now too. Marco is having a Felicity moment, where there really is no wrong choice.
Episode Grade: A
2) Yellowjackets (Paramount Plus)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Status: Renewed
Still in season one. When the girls are all running the tide, so to speak. That moment in the attic was super weird, and the first time i was convinced something else might be going on. Just because there was a creepy dead corpse in the attic didn’t convince me there is a benevolent presence, but that scene did. And why is Tai’s son like freaking Damien from The omen?
Episode Grade: A
1) The Other Two (MAX)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Status: Final Season
Every storyline was perfect, from Brooke doing her night of undeniable good, to Cary rushing home for his high school reunion when he realizes he’s famous now.The cameo’s were perfect, the lines written for Chase were hilarious, and this show is giving me life. I will miss this show so much in just a few episodes.
Episode Grade: A+
