ARRRRRR 🏴‍☠️

Brief TV reviews from ~2022

The Expanse: sci-fi, very hard. Very different from, but would rank with my favorite Star Treks. Rare examples of polyamory representation on TV.

Better Call Saul: I’m obsessed. Compared to BB, protagonist is much more sympathetic… but still a douchebag. Surprisingly romantic. In cinematography, writing… overall just technically (and subjectively) better than Breaking Bad. (& obv BB is a high bar) BB fans might get bored of less action & suspense, which is still present in quality.

Euphoria: the text is these are Gen Z kids but I’m certain they are more like millennials. So if it scares you about Kids These Days, just stop. Looks & sounds amazing and is well-adjusted to totally sincere and over the top drama.

Umbrella Academy: Ensemble goodness. Themes of childhood trauma & gifted kid trauma. Understated trans story-line is fresh in these troubled times.

Inside Job: I expected this to be a topical cash grab in adult animation but I was totally wrong.

Peacemaker: James Gunn left Marvel & and outdoes them for WB/DC in this Nazi-punching season. I’m glad to see it because I hate Disney…and nazis…not necessarily in that order. Nothing groundbreaking, but a great time.

The Rehearsal: Nathan Fielder is hard to describe, but I’m a huge fan. It’s technically reality TV, has a lot to say about it, while also being unlike any other reality TV. I can’t believe I’m ranking it below Peacemaker, but I prefer Nathan for You & How to with John Wilson.

Good Omens: I enjoy irrelevant biblical mythological fiction. If you liked Dogma, try this. Also this adaptation is even gayer than the book, great stuff.

The Bear: great drama set in food service & pro kitchen. More well-written prole job drama please. If I were ranking something like “objectively/technically” best and not “subjectively,” I might put it on top.

Derry Girls: 90s nostalgia is about to get big and this show will stay better than most of it.