Only four shows makes for quite a short list. the problem? Two of them could easily have been number one. Which one did I pick?
1) breeders (FX/Hulu)
English Audio Description Available?: No
My exception to the rule of putting non audio description titles on top was tested today against a very strong Umbrella Academy episode. But Breeders packed *A LOT* into the season finale. First, we have the fight still boiling over at home as Paul hanging out with a female neighbor while kicked out of his house has become a major problem, then that evolves into Luke’s problem with his friend making him choose between him or Ruby, which sends us to Ava who gets a win by making up with Grace, and then finally, Ava goes to check on her grandfather, only to find him non responsive. Luckily, even with her detour, she got to him in time to save his life, but in the mix it was revealed that Jim did it on purpose. He left behind his “note” which were the directions on how to use the thermostat, which Jackie could never understand. After Jim is released from the hospital, it looks like Paul will be joining him to look after him, and because he’s in a fight himself. But, no, the suicide attempt was enough to get Jackie home. At least for now. That’s a lot to unpack for a half hour comedy.
Episode Grade: A+
2) The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)
English Audio Description?: Yes
In the penultimate hour, Hargreaves makes a move to ensure that they go through that damn door in the buffalo suite one way or the other. First, he tries to attract the flies with honey, but when that doesn’t work, he kills (SPOILER!), to launch all of them into revenge mode believing that individual was attacked by something from the other side. Then, finally, right before, Hargreaves sends one final kid of his to their death, as he only needs seven. Shockingly, Slone (who I’ve thought was cannon fodder all season long) has survived to the season finale. But two other series regulars may have not.
Episode Grade: A
3) Maggie (Hulu)
English Audio Description?: Yes
OK, after that cluster of a pilot, I think I understand the show now, and I’m starting to see the shape of the supporting cast. It’s still something that never would have worked on ABC, but might find life on Hulu. I really enjoyed the stuff with Maggie reading about the fate of the bird. And, Angel has already emerged as my favorite out of the ensemble around Maggie.
Episode Grade: A-
4) Physical (Apple Plus)
English Audio Description?: Yes
A show that still has a useless and weak supporting cast that needs reinvention leaned way too hard on them this week, and all the strong character development Byrne was making with her character felt like it was starting to slip back to pre-crisis. I did enjoy the scene where she was out eating with the guy who wouldn’t stop talking, and all of her inner thoughts were perfect in that moment. But I don’t think there is a show on TV where I feel a larger gap between the lead character and everyone else in the show. If her entire supporting cast disappeared like they did in Grown-ish, I think Physical would actually be better for it.
Episode Grade: B
