Almost at the end of the year. Final month. I have *a lot* of shows to still catch up on, so we’re just going to have to start making some tough choices.
8) The mole (Netflix)
English Audio Description?: Yes
I gave this episode a second shot, and I don’t think this show, or perhaps the accompanying audio description does a great job of establishing this large ass ensemble of nobodies that perform tasks. it becomes really hard to follow and try and pick up clues as to who might be shady enough to be The mole. I appreciate that Netflix has put an audio description track on this show, but I think we need to revisit what it is, structurally, that this show needs in order for it to work. This is a show I will not be reviewing again.
Episode Grade: C
7) Tell Me lies (Hulu)
English Audio Description?: Yes
I feel like, if this show was running for a long period of time, an episode like this would work better. it’s basically a Steven centric episode, Merry Fucking Christmas, and I’m not sure that Steven was the right character to have his own episode where he heads back to his stomping grounds where his sister and mom remain. While I love Katey Sagal, even her presence in this episode, and the complexities of this relationship, never felt like it paid off for me. Steven just doesn’t feel like a character I needed more backstory on, nor an entire episode.
Episode Grade: C+
6) Mike (Hulu)
English Audio Description?: Yes
I’ve always been bothered by the approach this show has structured itself around, with Mike taking a joking stand up approach to his life. While Trevonte Rhodes does some great work in the series, it always feels like this show is more interested in apologizing for Mike, than holding him accountable. When something comes up, he just cuts to his stand up set, accepts partial blame, but reminds us that in some way his upbringing is responsible. He never knew what love was, so that’s why he did… this. Cannibal was just more of that.
Episode Grade: B-
5) The Connors (ABC/Hulu)
English Audio Description?: No
Again, no audio description? Are they uploading it late? Do I need to wait a week? What’s the deal? Anyway, while I understand the root of this episode was the breakthrough that Jackie needed to make with Darlene, this was a mostly inconsequential episode that meant nothing. And coming off a rather terrific episode, where Jackie had to confront a lot of past and present demons as her mom’s dementia worsens. There wasn’t even a mention of the events of the previous episode, which should have weighed heavily on Jackie still. I think this might be the lowest grade I’ve given The Connors in a hot minute.
Episode Grade: B
4) This Fool (Hulu)
English Audio Description?: Yes
While the episode presented some really solid laughs with the whole Devil Made Me Do It stuff, and the audio description on this show is the stuff we should be giving awards to, the subplot about who gets to be godmother and godfather was not nearly as funny. Often, you have an A plot and a B plot within an episode, and sometimes one plot works, and the other doesn’t. It’s about finding that perfect balance.
Episode Grade: B+
3) The Masked Singer (FOX/ Hulu)
English Audio Description?: No
I would have given this a higher grade if the entire first hour of this wasn’t useless crap. The second hour where performances happen, and we find out that I was right from the beginning… Amber Freaking Riley. I called it. First episode out, I knew I recognized that voice, and her clue package just backed it up. Son glad she won. Meanwhile, I was wrong about The Cheetah Girls. Turns out… it was not them. This show is hard to predict when you can’t see visual clues, and there is no AD.
Episode Grade: B+
2) New Amsterdam (NBC/PEacock)
English Audio Description?: Yes
The narrators worked overtime in an episode where a rather large fraction of the dialog was done in sign language. Max cannot catch a break, and perhaps should remember that while he’s pursuing a doctor who did technically say no to a date, he is her boss. I feel like this show wants to be romantic and not talk about that issue, but he should have stopped pursuing her by now. There is a power dynamic here this show refuses to address. On the flip side, what TyleR Labine does with Iggy this episode is heartbreakingly brilliant. He’s always been a standout, and other members of the cast really stepped up as they dealt with family members who keep dragging them down. So, not crazy about Max’s storyline, but his ensemble cast was on fire.
Episode Grade: A-
1) Wednesday (Netflix)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Tim Burton’s series continues to be its quirky own thing as Jenna Ortega proves you can love both her and Christina Ricci. Having them together really just reminds you that you can have your cake and eat it too. I don’t know why this school has a race that gives one group a deep advantage every year, but I’m glad Wednesday proved she’s an evil genius. Meanwhile, Tyler needs to learn that the dog would not have gone for him, because he’s familiar with his scent anyway. The coffee grounds are unnecessary. The dog wasn’t looking for Tyler.
Episode Grade: A