Tonight is the special series finale for Archer, which means I’ll be waiting to see if this thing has audio description on Hulu the next day. Also, this week brings a new season of What If, as well as the new Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
1) For All Mankind (Apple Plus)
English Audio Description By: PixelLogic
Narrated By: Darren Polish
Status: Unknown
Hell hath no fury like Ed after being fired. He’s very much going to be a thorn in Danielle’s side going forward. Also, Margo makes a tough choice to come an official traitor so she can work openly to solve the problem with the asteroid, which means Eleta has an excellent reaction moment in this episode. Miles also proves he’s not going down without a fight. Another excellent episode, with excellent audio description.
Episode Grade: A
2) Lawmen (Paramount Plus)
English Audio Description Provided By: The Media Access Group
Narrated By: Andrew Thatcher
Status: Unknown
Dennis Quaid pops up as an interesting old Deputy who seeks the assistance of Bass, knowing he can speak Choctaw and also fire a gun. While Quaid’s character has no problem with Bass’s blackness, he really can’t stand the reds. For those of you who grew up in a different time, we have used that as both a derogatory term for indigenous people, and also communists. He probably hates both. Oddly, the show makes Quaid sympathetic, because his reasoning isn’t bad, and Bass does seem to speak change into his heart. but, *spoilers* he was sort of scalped, apparently while just riding on a riverboat that was attacked. Still, his character is so complex here, and he does make terrible choices. But, he also extends and equality to Bass that makes this a really hard character to totally despise. A possible redemption arc may be in his future.
Episode Grade: A
3) Black Cake (Hulu)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Narrated By: Andrew Thatcher
Status: Unknown
It was while having watched Lawmen and Black Cake back to back that I really believe it’s the same narrator. I had a tip from a fan that Thatcher did Lawmen, although he’s not credited, so I’m making a giant leap here in crediting him also for Black Cake. This show kinda wandered into predictability, but I’m still enjoying the overall uniqueness of the story itself. but, I could see that predator coming from a mile away.
Episode Grade: B+
4) Chucky (Peacock)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Status: Still Running
The second episode of season 3 is still trying to convince me this season is a good idea, or makes a lick of sense. I don’t expect much from Chucky, as I know it’s supposed to be campy horror, but this White House season just isn’t getting me on board. Two people are axed in this episode, and the second made me wonder how Chucky knew that person was even there. The first two seasons were stronger, and the first death was a bit much if we’re being honest. Now Chucky promises to top all other episodes with the bloodiest Halloween episode yet? Normally, I’d be excited. Audio description note: There is a lot of texting happening in this episode. If sighted audiences can’t see the texts, fine. But, they aren’t read out for us, so it’s frustrating.
Episode Grade: C+
5) Justified (Hulu)
English Audio Description?: No
Status: Ended
Just another reminder this show needs audio description. So many people died this episode, lots of gunfire. It’s near the end of Season 4. If I had to guess, I’d say at least 4 people I’m sure of, but there could have been more. It’s hard doing gunfire scenes with no audio description.
Final Grade: Unwatchable
5) Justified: City Primeval (Hulu)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Status: Limited
I went ahead and started watching the revival, and even though I ahven’t finished the original, I think we are fine. It seems the only connection is Raylon, who now has a daughter whose performance I’m not caring for. Keith David pops up briefly, and he gave a good performance. The show is set in a completely different area, and it feels like they are missing out on a lot of Raylon’s backwoods techniques and ways of doing things while trying to do an inner city story. Also, some of the stuff just doesn’t work. This is supposed to be Detroit, but a couple scenes happen in a manner that you would expect in a post-apocalyptic drama where everyone died except a few people. An assassin character basically gives zero fucks, and the show gives him no reason to care. Apparently, Detroit is just this giant vacant city. I am intrigued, but not impressed yet.
Episode Grade: B-
7) The Good Wife (Paramount Plus)
English Audio Description?: No
Status: Ended
Michael Ealy joins the cast, and Alicia is assigned to represent someone at the last minute. There’s a scene she has with a judge where she defiantly calls him out in court for trying to violate a witness’s fifth amendment right that is truly exceptional. I wish this show had audio description. Also, Eli is worried that a similar scandal will put heat on Alicia, but they turn to an easier target. Her daughter.
Episode Grade: B+
