Thursday, July 28, 2022

TV Picks - Week of July 25

I have a soft spot for anything involving sharks on TV, and this is their week to shine. Welcome to Shark Week 2022.

Sharks make headlines. There are always stories about them getting a little too close to the beach or making a snack of a surfer's body part. The terror of Jaws in the mid-70's continues to prevent people like me from swimming too far into the ocean. This isn't a new thing.

The staying power of Shark Week is truly something to behold. This is no fly-by-night idea. Shark Week has been happening now for decades, and the numbers (and advertising dollars) don't lie. There's plenty of bite left out there to watch.

As for the programming, well that's a different story. What started as an informational week has turned into a schlockfest. Some documentaries still air, but Sharknado success and other mythical matchups have sensationalized Shark Week into something even bigger than that predator who destroyed the Orca.

The Discovery Channel delivers plenty of chum each year to devour.

This year Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will serve as Shark Week’s first-ever Master of Ceremonies, introducing each night’s programming, including these four titanic matchups:
Jaws vs Kraken
Pigs vs Shark
Great White vs Mako
Jaws vs The Blob

Pop culture tie-ins like:
Air Jaws: Top Guns
Jackass Shark Week 2.0
Stranger Sharks
Impractical Jokers Shark Week Spectacular
Mechashark Love Down Under
Tiger Queen
Sharks in Paradise
Tracy Morgan Presents: Sharks! With Tracy Morgan

And some truly irresistible over-the-top titles:
Great White Serial Kill: Fatal Christmas
Raging Bulls
Island of Walking Sharks
Monster Mako Under The Rig
Shark Women: Ghosted By Great Whites

Discovery makes no apologies for Shark Week, and they shouldn't. Jacques Cousteau proved that there's an insatiable appetite for these mysterious creatures of the ocean.

I'm often asked during this time of the year if Shark Week has jumped the shark (they were never going to top Sharknado). But people keep going back to the beach knowing those fins could be circling. As long as viewers tune in, there will be opportunities to strap on the water skis and take a leap of faith.

Here's what else is worth watching this week…

PREMIERES

Light & Magic (Disney+)
Wednesday, July 27th

Those amazing effects in feature films must come from somewhere. Since the days of Star Wars (the original, not the lame prequels), the force behind some of our favorite future worlds has been Industrial Light & Magic.

I always knew the name and that George Lucas had something to do with it, but what exactly is ILM? Filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan explores the special effects studio in this six-part documentary series.

The Most Hated Man On The Internet (Netflix)
Wednesday, July 27th

This three-part series will get you mad. The subject is Hunter Moore, the self-described king of revenge porn in the early 2010's. He built a cult-like following by uploading people’s private nude photos to his website and refusing to take them down. 

These are the stories of women who unsuccessfully battled to get their images removed as the "professional life ruiner" refused. One mother starts a successful crusade that eventually leads to the demise of Hunter and his site.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Santa Evita (Hulu)
Tuesday, July 26th
A seven-part miniseries on what happened to Eva Peron after she died in 1952. Don't cry for her embalmed body. Watch trailer.

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

The Resort (Peacock) - A couple takes an anniversary trip to Mexico and gets involved in a decade’s old mystery. Thursday.

Paper Girls (Amazon) - Four newspaper delivery girls in 1988 get caught up in a time-traveler war in this comic book adaptation. Friday.

Surface (Apple TV+) - A woman is told her memory loss is from a suicide attempt, but as she rebuilds her life she questions if what she was told is true. Friday.

Uncoupled (Netflix) - Neil Patrick Harris' husband of 17 years leaves him and throws his perfect life into chaos in this new Darren Star (Sex and the City, Emily in Paris) comedy. Friday.

City On A Hill (Showtime) - It's the third season of this gritty Kevin Bacon led Boston police drama. Sunday at 10pm.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Weeds (Showtime) - Before Walter White, there was Nancy Botwin. Nancy's husband dies from a heart attack, and to keep her family afloat she decides to deal some marijuana. Mary Louise Parker is masterful as a suburban mom who puts a crazy spin on the American dream. You'll never get the "Little Boxes" opening theme out of your head.

Previous Picks:
Hannibal (Hulu)
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!

Monday, July 18, 2022

TV Picks - Week of July 18

We all have our guilty pleasures... especially when it comes to TV. There are shows with ridiculous premises that make us laugh (Wipeout). There are the ones for young children that appeal to adults (Yo Gabba Gabba). There are ridiculous contests with over-the-top behavior (Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest).

Then there are learned guilty pleasures. The shows you start watching because you're with someone else who enjoys it, and gradually you become addicted. It could be anything... a sporting event, a reality show, or a sappy soap opera. Once you're hooked, you're hooked.

I love watching TV with my wife, and she has a soft spot for romance on the small screen. I enjoy watching these shows with her because I know she enjoys it, and it reminds us of different stages in our relationship. I've been "stuck" watching thirtysomething, Once and Again, and Sex and the City and honestly ended up enjoying each program.

The latest entrant into this category is Virgin River. The fourth season of this Netflix romantic drama premieres Wednesday, and my wife and I cannot get enough of this tale set in the Pacific Northwest. I have become invested in the fate of Mel and Jack's romance in that quaint little town. How did I get here?

Virgin River is not winning any Emmys. That's not the purpose of this program. It's comfort food. The beautiful exteriors and soap opera plot lines go down easy. It feels like a romance novel on screen with some pretty good acting mixed in.

The show is at its best when it focuses on the romance between its two leads, Jack and Mel. The first season is a sweet tale of Mel coming to town and finding her way as Jack falls for the young doctor. The chemistry is evident, and the romance is bittersweet. Doc, Hope, Preacher and the rest of the locals have their subplots, but it's all in service of the main storyline.

When the show extends beyond its two leads, look out. Any dramatic turns feel like a soap opera. Other romances are convenient and don't ring as true. This season, there's an episode at a renaissance fair that’s particularly painful to watch.

But it doesn't matter. This is cheesy TV at its finest, and you cannot stop watching. Season four is exactly what we’ve come to expect from a show like this. There are plot twists and turns, but everything centers around Jack and Mel figuring things out as life gets complicated in their simple town.

I've debated taking my wife on a trip out to the real Jack's Bar to see the show’s gorgeous Virgin River locations firsthand. Watching this dramatic romance brings us closer, and there's no better TV time than that.

Here's what else is worth watching this week…

PREMIERES

The Captain (ESPN)
Monday, July 18th 10:00 PM ET

The biggest surprise about this seven-part documentary is that it actually got made. The notoriously private captain of the Yankees let us in to his personal life and growth as a baseball phenom.

Comparisons to Michael Jordan and The Last Dance are inevitable. Jeter always came through in the clutch and had a love for winning. All of those rings are testament to a throwback ballplayer who just went out there and played. Watch trailer.

The Last Movie Stars (HBO Max)
Thursday, July 21

Ethan Hawke directs this six-part profile of legendary Hollywood couple Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. They simply don't make couples like this anymore.

Well before the days of seeing every movement of any two actors who decide to get together, Newman and Woodward set the gold standard when it came to coupling stars. All relationships have peaks and valleys, but these two beautiful people thrived with all eyes upon them.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Trying (Apple TV+)
Friday, July 22nd

The third season of this British comedy features new parents Nikki and Jason struggling with their two new kids. Be careful what you wish for. Watch trailer.

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

The Day The Music Died (Paramount+) - A documentary about the Don McLean classic tune "American Pie." Tuesday.

MLB All-Star Game (FOX) - The best in baseball show their stuff in Dodger Stadium. Tuesday.

The ESPYs (ABC) - Athletes in fancy outfits attend an awards show for sports. Seriously. Wednesday.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Hannibal (Hulu) - The Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter story has been told in multiple films and TV series. This take starring Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy in the lead roles goes deep, especially when you consider that it was on NBC.

Previous Picks:
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

Get vaccinated. Get a booster (or two). Stay healthy and safe!

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

TV Picks - Week of July 11

I remember enjoying Breaking Bad during its first season when, frankly, not a lot of others were watching. The dad from Malcolm in the Middle played a dying chemistry teacher who started making meth in order to build a nest egg for his New Mexico family. It was an intriguing, well written and superbly acted show that left you wanting more after its quick first season.

A Netflix jolt helped Breaking Bad undergo an incredible surge of popularity leading all the way up to its finale four seasons later. The swelling audience got caught up in the life of Walther White and everyone involved in Heisenberg's world. A small AMC show became an international Emmy-winning phenomenon.

Naturally a spinoff made sense. The saga of Jesse? The remnants of Walt's family? Badger, Skinny Pete, or one of the other sketchy characters who survived the reign of Heisenberg? Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould chose to focus on another notable character — a shifty lawyer named Saul Goodman. The origin story of Mike Ehrmantraut, a heavy who (spoiler alert) doesn't make it through BB, would be the other half of the puzzle.

Bob Odenkirk, who provided comic relief and slimy connections as Saul, would be the star of this new drama. A guy who made his bones in sketch comedy would be the lead. Jonathan Banks would play a younger Mike figuring out life in Albuquerque. Vince Gilligan was back at square one with two beloved minor characters and one of the best series of all-time under his belt.

There was plenty of skepticism going into Better Call Saul despite the creators' dramatic pedigree. No one would be interested in the sleazy lawyer as a main character without Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn or Aaron Paul to watch every week. But right from the start, this drama would defy expectations like:

"You're making a prequel to Breaking Bad? Why would you mess with that legacy?"

There was plenty of fear returning to this New Mexico universe without its main stars. But the creators had a few aces up their sleeves. BB's acting got plenty of acclaim, but the show's writing and directing were at the same level. That feeling of the original series seamlessly transferred to its prequel.

"It's about Saul and it's starring Bob Odenkirk, so it's going to be a comedy, right?"

Saul Goodman was very funny on Breaking Bad, but the character is multi-dimensional and packs plenty of drama. How did Saul Goodman become so unscrupulous? What happened after his trip to the vacuum repair shop where new identities were assumed and he said goodbye to Walt? And what was Saul's life outside of his cheesy office and media blitz? Better Call Saul has a fine sense of humor, but the intense drama is what makes it special.

"How can you make a prequel? We know what's going to happen!"

The lives of Lalo and Kim are the only undetermined fates on Better Call Saul, but since Gus proclaimed he was taking care of the "last of the Salamancas" on BB, things don't look good for the charming Lalo. As for Kim, Rhea Seehorn embodies the best character on the show. Better than Mike, Gus, Jimmy, Saul, Gene... any of the others. And frankly, it doesn't matter that we know the others make it through to the next series.

"How can you make a Breaking Bad prequel without Walt and Jesse? Is this show going to be more than just cameos?"

Whenever someone from the original series appears, you can't help but smile. Seeing old cast members alive and kicking is a thrill. But these appearances are expertly woven into Saul's storyline. None seem like a reach. And who doesn't want more Gustavo Fring? I can't wait to see Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul this season, but they are the icing. Not the cake.

"Don't the events of Breaking Bad limit what can happen in Saul's universe. It's just going to be some crazy clients and bad TV ads."

Never underestimate the writing on Better Call Saul, which has always come first. Just ask any of the cast members. The difficulty in keeping three timelines consistent is no small feat. But everything lines up. Seeing early versions of characters whose fates play out on BB is a joy.

Of course, there's Saul, Mike, Gus, Hector and other notables from Breaking Bad. But there's also Kim, Lalo, Nacho (RIP), Howard (RIP), Chuck (RIP), and countless others new to this world.

Tonight the first of the final episodes finally arrives, and the main character has three fates to predict.

Jimmy McGill - This one is easy. We know that Slippin' Jimmy will go full Saul Goodman. The question is, what puts him over that edge to full-scale sleaze? It's gotta be Kim related.

Saul Goodman - Saul ends up busted and on his way to Nebraska courtesy of Robert Forster's vacuum shop. But how did he get there and was his estate of excess with the golden toilet all that he left behind. Kim grew up in Nebraska. Just saying.

Gene Takovic - Here's the biggest mystery of all. This is Jimmy/Saul in the present day, and we have no idea how things will turn out for the Cinnabon man. He has been made by a nosy cab driver, but where does he turn? Is there anyone alive to turn to? And who is looking for him?

There are a ton of other unanswered questions. What about Mike Ehrmantraut? This show started as a 50/50 split between these two, but the later seasons naturally have focused more on Jimmy and Kim. Mike isn't Gus' number two just yet, but we know something has got to change. I'll take more Mike any day of the week.

Main characters do perish in this universe, but I believe Kim Wexler will survive these final episodes. Lalo's days are numbered, but it will be Mike that pulls the trigger and not Gus. Truthfully, I have no idea how things are going to turn out. And that's just the way I like it.

If Vince Gilligan has another spinoff about Wendy's trips to the Crossroads Motel or Francesca's life as a temp, consider me there. In the meantime, let's all savor these final trips into the world of Jimmy/Saul/Gene.

Here's what else is worth watching this week…

PREMIERES

What We Do In The Shadows (FX)
Tuesday, July 12th 10:00 PM ET

I originally missed the boat on this very funny series that documents the lives of vampires on Staten Island. But now I'm all caught up and ready for season four with baby Colin Robinson.

This season, their Staten Island residence needs some renovations, Nadja wants to open a vampire nightclub, and Lazlo decides to raise Colin Robinson as one of his own. Expect the same dark wit and so-called attempts to blend into society from these beloved creatures of the night.

The Rehearsal (HBO)
Friday, July 15th 11:00 PM ET

Nathan Fielder fans, rejoice. The star of Nathan For You and producer of How to With John Wilson returns with a six-episode series. Nathan is once again trying to help people with their everyday lives.

This time, actual rehearsals for big moments in life are set up so people know what to expect when the real thing happens. The sense of humor from Nathan's previous work is all over these practice sessions. The journey is often more entertaining than the end result. 

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

My Daughter's Killer (Netflix)
Tuesday, July 12th

A true-crime documentary about a dad who fights for decades in France and Germany to bring his daughter's killer to justice and left to resort to his own devices.

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

How To Change Your Mind (Netflix) - A four-part series that examines the effects of LSD, MDMA, mescaline and psilocybin on our brains. Tuesday.

Victoria's Secret: Angels & Demons (Hulu) - This docuseries uncovers everything you wanted to know about the infamous brand and those who were involved. Thursday.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu) - One of the most underrated sketch series ever produced. Bob Odenkirk (yes, Saul Goodman) and David Cross go full Monty Python goofing on everything from politics and religion to every corner of pop culture. You'll recognize a bunch of young L.A. comedians destined to be future stars. This is sketch comedy with a true edge.

Previous Picks:
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

Get vaccinated. Get a booster. Stay healthy and safe!

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

TV Picks - Week of July 4

We've reached the halfway point of 2022. It's amazing how time flies. In the midst of an ongoing pandemic and the country tearing itself apart at the seams, television has never been more important... especially on the 4th of July.

In honor of our nation's birthday (and a traditionally slow TV week), it's time for my annual Best Shows of the Year Thus Far column. Combined with my weekly Greatest Hits below, this list should keep you fully occupied and entertained in front of your set (or phone or tablet).

This year’s midway-through-the-year list features 3 brand new shows, 3 current series, 2 final seasons, 1 stand-up special and 1 reality adaptation. I've previously written about all these programs, but now they're all gathered here in ranked order. Who doesn't love a good Top Ten list?

Without further ado, I present my Best Shows of 2022 So Far...

10. Stranger Things (Netflix)
Fresh off their epic season four finale, the kids from Hawkins continue to provide worthwhile adventures in our world and what's below. The Duffer Brothers will never recapture the magic of the first season, but they've done an admirable job making Dungeons & Dragons cool as they create for a cast in the throes of puberty.

9. We Own This City (HBO)
It doesn't get more intense than showrunner David Simon and lead actor Jon Bernthal. Ignore all the comparisons to The Wire. This tale of the fate of the Baltimore P.D. Gun Trace Task Force stands on its own.

8. Love On The Spectrum U.S. (Netflix)
I have a soft spot for this franchise. Most reality dating shows are contrived, but this tale of autistic individuals trying to find love rings true. It's impossible to not fall in love with those looking for love and their supportive families. It's the most honest dating show on TV (although that bar remains relatively low these days).

7. Severance (Apple TV+)
It starts off slow. Deliberately slow. But the payoff in the finale makes it all worthwhile. Severance gives an entirely new meaning to work/life balance. Adam Scott leads the fantastic acting ensemble, and Ben Stiller's direction perpetuates the mystery until the very last shot.

6. Abbott Elementary (ABC)
A network sitcom in my elitist Top Ten? You betcha. Quinta Brunson's comedy set in an urban Philly elementary school is funny and poignant. Shows like this and Schitt's Creek remind us that original sitcoms about mostly good-natured people can still work.

5. Rothaniel (HBO)
Jerrod Carmichael's intimate delivery in a small New York club where he decides to come out is truly captivating. The material and circumstances are unique, and his performance feels like anything but a stand-up special. Groundbreaking stuff.

4. Hacks (HBO Max)
The sophomore jinx was all teed up for this comedy, but Deborah Vance smashed right through it. Lessons learned on the road and self-realizations carry the plot with plenty of good jokes mixed in. All the relationships click (my favorite is the young agent and his overzealous assistant). Can't wait for season three.

3. Better Things (FX)
After five seasons, Sam Fox ends her reign as the epitome of cool living the LA single mom life. This touching comedy came to an end in such a natural way. All three kids and most of the family grew in unexpected ways, and Sam is going to be okay. Pamela Adlon is masterful both in front and behind the camera.

2. Better Call Saul (AMC)
The most frustrating part of watching this masterpiece is waiting for the final episodes. Split seasons drive me nuts. The transformation of Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman to Gene Takovic is almost complete. Overdue Emmy nominee Rhea Seehorn continues to put on a clinic as Kim Wexler, whose fate is one of the few that's actually undetermined. Forget about this being a Breaking Bad prequel - it's a dramatic marvel all its own.

1. Barry (HBO)
The darkest comedy of the year is my favorite TV show at the midpoint of 2022. Bill Hader is anything but wacky in the third season of this "comedy." Every aspect of this show clicks this season. The acting, directing, writing... you name it. Barry never shies away from honest storytelling which generates actual consequences for those who do nasty things. No fins in sight for Henry Winkler. :)

Here's what else is worth watching this week…

PREMIERES

Black Bird (NETFLIX)
Friday, July 8th

Taron Edgerton stars as a convicted drug dealer willing to do anything to avoid a long-term prison stint. All he has to do is enter a maximum-security prison for the criminally insane, befriend an alleged serial killer, and get him to confess.

This six-part thriller was adapted by Dennis Lehane who penned the Oscar winning Mystic River. It's a psychological thriller with plenty of mind games which also features Ray Liotta in his final TV role.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Trigger Point (Peacock)
Saturday, July 8th

Bomb disposal experts combat terrorist threats in London in this six-part British drama. Watch trailer.


THIS WEEK’S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular (NBC) – Fireworks on TV? God Bless America. Monday at 8 PM ET

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Downton Abbey (Peacock) – Downton is not for everyone, but this is one entertaining show. I wrote the same words about Banshee last week, but this British gem couldn't be more different. From the opening piano chords and catching sight of the beautiful estate, all residents of the Earl of Grantham's residence are irresistible. There's plenty of conflict, humor, and fantastic accents to enjoy.

Previous Picks:
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

Get vaccinated. Get a booster. Stay healthy and safe!