Monday, August 29, 2022

TV Picks - Week of August 29

There's already great debate over the most dramatic battle of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power without a minute of footage even being shown to the public.

I have the answer, and it's a simple one: expectations.

After years of production, this new epic series finally kicks off the month of September this Thursday on Amazon. The budget is said to be twice the amount that was spent on the entire Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The last of those three films took home Best Picture at The Oscars.

Keep in mind that there are already dragons flying all over HBO which wisely premiered its House of the Dragon last week. Westeros has quite the gravitational pull, and we only have so much time for fantasy sagas that took place thousands of years ago.

Big budget. Oscar pedigree. Dragons breathing down your neck. That's pressure, folks.

The first season of The Rings of Power was wisely shot in New Zealand to emulate the stunning cinematography of the Peter Jackson films. The Lord of the Rings in the title guarantees viewers for the first episode on the streamer, but where does it go from there?

This prequel is a brand-new story that takes place in the world of The Hobbit centuries earlier. As the title suggests, Sauron is busy creating the most potent rings to ever occupy the planet. We know how things eventually turn out, but now we'll learn how that powerful jewelry was created... and why.

No one complained about too much Tolkien when the three Peter Jackson films ruled the box office. The Hobbit was a disappointment to many fans of this world, and pushback slowly mounted as the award-winning legacy was tarnished.

This is the most expensive show ever made for television, and I can assure you that cash didn't go to the cast. The Rings of Power will be beautiful to watch, but it's the story that needs to be there.

This latest chapter of The Lord of the Rings isn't directly adapted from the Tolkien books. Game of Thrones had the George R.R. Martin stories to cull from in its early seasons, and when that source ran dry, the story went, uh, elsewhere. GoT was Martin's take on the Tolkien world, so that provides hope for the Amazon series.

The first two episodes premiere this week, with the remainder of the first season rolling out weekly through October. I understand the desire to keep people coming back for more, but Amazon would be better served leaving that to the cable networks. No one is looking for a weekly series on Prime Video. It's like getting part of your delivery from Amazon instead of the entire order. Let us binge, Amazon. Please.

The potential of this ten-part series is enormous, almost as big as the expectations. A second season has already been ordered, but that budget will depend on the success of this inaugural season. The fictional land of wizards, hobbits and elves beckons. Let's see how many viewers choose to occupy this very expensive real estate.

Here's what else is worth watching this week…

PREMIERES

The Patient (Hulu)
Tuesday, August 30th

Steve Carrell stars as a psychiatrist held captive by one of his patients trying to be cured of his homicidal urges. This ten-episode thriller was created by the team who created The Americans, so the drama will be intense.

Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert (Paramount+)
Saturday, September 3rd 11:30am ET

The emotional outpouring from musicians around the world illustrates how beloved the late Foo Fighters drummer was. Music stars from around the globe gather in London to pay tribute to the most well-liked drummer in rock. Spend Saturday afternoon watching the live stream from Wembley.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Secrets She Keeps (Sundance Now)
Thursday, September 1st

Remember the thriller starring Edith from Downton Abbey kidnapping a beautiful neighbor's baby down under? It's back for a second season. Watch trailer.

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

Keep This Between Us (Freeform) – Four-part docuseries about women reflecting on relationships they had with high school teachers and their associated trauma. Monday at 9:00 PM ET.

Pantheon (AMC+) - An animated tale focusing on the idea of uploading consciousness to the cloud. Features an all-star voice cast including William Hurt's final performance. Thursday.

Devil in Ohio (Netflix) - Emily Deschanel (Bones) stars as a shrink whose family life unravels when she shelters a cult escapee. Friday.

McEnroe (Showtime) - Documentary about the world's whiniest and most entertaining tennis star. Sunday at 8:00 PM ET.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Black Mirror (Netflix) - Most "modern day Twilight Zone" takes are failures. This one is anything but. The British anthology series created by Charlie Brooker explores the future of technology. The early episodes are some of the best TV you'll ever see. The satirical series is dark, thought provoking and extremely entertaining.

Previous Picks:
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
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, August 22, 2022

TV Picks - Week of August 22

A great show like Ted Lasso is virtually guaranteed to generate a few things. Endless praise and speculation in the industry press. Awards for deserving actors, writers and producers, and last but not least, inevitable knockoffs that try to capitalize on its success.

Here's the catch, though. Ted Lasso features a transplanted American college football coach running a troubled long-tenured soccer team across the pond in a supportive community. This isn't your typical six pals sharing a NYC apartment they could never afford or a fat husband and hot wife moving into the neighborhood. It's a nearly impossible to recreate this show.

Unless you do it in real life — or at least a version that's close to it. Enter the new FX docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, premiering this Wednesday at 10pm ET.

In 2021, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney and Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds purchased the Wrexham Football Club in Wales. This isn't a gag. It's not a spoof. It's two stars who decided to pony up a couple million dollars to purchase the third oldest soccer team in the world.

Ted Lasso is a comedy first, but it’s also a heartwarming tale of transplanted individuals and mental health battles intertwined with the fate of a soccer team and its town. The humor in Welcome to Wrexham comes naturally as the townsfolk reluctantly embrace the new ownership that saved their beloved club. Meanwhile, Ryan and Rob wonder what the heck they got themselves into as they live out a sports fan’s fairytale.

The duo’s purchase of the club was initially greeted by the team’s fans with skepticism. Many felt the only reason it happened was to create this docuseries. Why would two American actors care about a fading team like theirs — did they love Ted Lasso THAT much?

Wrexham has plenty in common with Ted, and it's a feel-good story during a horrible time. It’s not about the team getting promoted or winning a championship. It's about getting to know the squad and the town, watching two famous Americans directly affect a foreign community while learning its ways, changing lives, and bringing smiles through sports.

Sound familiar? Now watch the real thing.

Here's what else is worth watching this week…

PREMIERES

Running With The Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee (Netflix)
Wednesday, August 24th

You know that last name. John McAfee was the inventor of anti-virus software installed on millions of computers. He made billions selling his company to Intel. But that's the boring part of his life.

After his neighbor was found shot dead, McAfee went on the run and took a film crew with him. He was convinced that he would be killed in police custody. Oh, he also claimed the Mexican cartel was after him. Actual footage highlights the crazy real life of a wealthy man who lived his last days on the run.

Mike (Hulu)
Thursday, August 25th

Mike Tyson’s story keeps getting told - on stage, at the movies, and now in the form of an 8-part miniseries that Iron Mike himself calls tone deaf. This version comes from the team that created the film I, Tonya, so you can guess its tone. Watch trailer.

 

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Everything I Know About Love (Peacock)
Thursday, August 25th

Two best young girl friends are living their best lives together until one of them gets a boyfriend and everything changes. Bel Powley and Emma Appleton star in this adaptation of the Dolly Alderton novel.

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

Kevin Can F**k Himself (FX) – It’s the second (and final) season for the Annie Murphy dark comedy that alternates between multi camera sitcom and single camera drama. Returns Monday at 9pm ET.

Chad & JT Go Deep (Netflix) - The Party Bros get a prank show courtesy of Tim & Eric. Tuesday.

Little Demon (FXX) - A single mother (Aubrey Plaza) lives her life with a daughter was fathered by Satan (Danny Devito) in this animated sitcom. The voice cast is insane. Thursday at 10pm ET.

2022 MTV Video Music Awards (MTV, The CW) - MTV is borrowing a page from this year's Oscars, tapping three stars to co-host: Jack Harlow, Nicki Minaj, and LL Cool J. Sunday at 8pm ET.

 

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: The Leftovers (HBO Max) - 2% of the people on this planet mysteriously disappear. 98% are left to deal with it. This is not a feel-good show. I am an unabashed Damon Lindelof fan (I'll defend the ending of LOST) because he appreciates good television and knows how to make it. This dark take on grief takes many weird turns and steadily improves as it goes on a memorable ride.

Previous Picks:
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
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, August 15, 2022

TV Picks - Week of August 15

Targaryens are coming.

It’s been three long years since we last spent our Sunday nights in the world of Westeros. This Sunday, House of the Dragon premieres in the Sunday 9pm time slot of its HBO predecessor, Game of Thrones.

 

Welcome to the first of many comparisons that will be made to the original breakout series from the world of George R.R. Martin. Before seeing a minute of this new show, opinions have already been formed based on GoT leaving a bad taste in many mouths at the end. That's not entirely fair for a few reasons.

Game of Thrones suffered the fate of many book adaptations. The source material ends, but the series continues with the blessing of its creator. Martin is still working on The Winds of Winter, which is the final book of the series that GoT was based on. If you didn't like the TV ending, don't blame the creator of dragons and White Walkers.

For its part, House of the Dragon is battling sky-high expectations. Episodes are estimated to have cost $20 million to produce. HBO needs a big hit, so why not try Succession with dragons? The fate of George R.R.'s TV franchise relies on the success of this series. Pressure, anyone?

 

This new Targaryen tale takes place 200 years before Ned finds out Jon Arryn is dead, so don't expect any Stark kid cameos. We are in the same universe, but this is the era when Targaryens ruled… primarily because they had dragons.

House of the Dragon begins 100 years into the reign of House Targaryen and the beginning of its inevitable end centuries later. King Viserys has raised his daughter Rhaenyra to succeed him upon his death, but Aegon, his eldest son to his second wife, is crowned the new ruler. This does not go over well, and an epic civil war begins.

Since this is a prequel, Thrones fans know how this war turns out. The challenge is to create ten episodes of mind-blowing chaos to captivate an audience more than willing to dance with dragons once again. Cinematically, the show will be gorgeous to watch. Plot-wise, it will follow Martin's Fire and Blood novel very closely. So what can go wrong?

In a word: Dragons.

Dragons were promised for multiple seasons on GoT before Dany's eggs hatched. There was lots going on between the Starks and Lannisters, plenty of action north of The Wall, and the Queen of Dragons was one of many plotlines. In House of the Dragon, these huge animals are there from the get-go, so there's no real surprise on their route to relative extinction. All eyes are on House Targaryen, so the dragons potentially won't pack as much punch as they did the first time around despite being incredible to look at.

 

There won't be as many Houses to keep track of but GoT remained relatively consistent in its timeline until Bran started seeing things out of his third eye. House of the Dragon focuses mostly on one House, but it also features time jumps to tell its story. Keeping stories simple in this world is almost as challenging as spelling any character's name, but it's critical to keeping the audience on board.

As a fan of the franchise, I'm excited to see the latest chapter in the world of Westeros. After many rumored and failed prequels, it's good to get one on screen. Miguel Sapochnik, who directed some of the best GoT episodes, is the showrunner. Ramin Djawadi, who orchestrated the GoT score, is on board for the music. There's good blood in those genes.

I'm hoping for another map to marvel at during the credits, or something that rivals the classic opening. Either way, we'll know very quickly whether House of the Dragon is worth spending any time in.

Here's what else is worth watching this week…

PREMIERES

She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (Disney+)
Thursday, August 18th

Don't be confused by the title, which sounds like a wacky comedy. Tatiana Maslany, who won an Emmy for Orphan Black, plays lawyer Jennifer Walters. After an emergency blood transfusion from her cousin Bruce Banner, you won't like her when she's angry. Welcome to the MCU. Watch trailer.

The Undeclared War (Peacock)
Thursday, August 18th

There's an election in Britain in 2024, and an intelligence group discovers a cyber-attack coming from Russia. The analysts decide to retaliate, and things quickly escalate outside the online world with tremendous ramifications in this six-episode drama.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Bad Sisters (Apple TV+) Friday, August 19th

Five British Garvey sisters help one of their own get rid of a not-so-nice husband in this dark comedy from Catastrophe's Sharon Horgan. Prepare for the Big Little Lies comparisons, but this show has a lot more humor and different sensibilities. Watch trailer.

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

Legacy: The True Story of the L.A. Lakers (Hulu) - Antoine Fuqua's 10-part docuseries chronicles what really happened during the Showtime run. Premieres Monday.

Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist (Netflix) - The second volume of epic tales from the wild world of sports kicks off with the story of Mante Te'o's girlfriend. Tuesday.

Echoes (Netflix) - Michelle Monaghan plays identical twins who have been swapping lives and one disappears. Friday.

Sprung (Freevee) - Greg Garcia reunites Garret Dillahunt and Martha Plimpton is this comedy about convicts released during the pandemic using their criminal expertise to do some good. Debuts Friday.

 

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Deadwood (HBO Max) - There's lots of cursing and drinking in this South Dakota town in the late 1800's. Corruption is everywhere but a new sheriff in town vows to clean things up. The Emmy winning series features top notch acting and writing you just don't get anywhere else.

Previous Picks:
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
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!

Friday, August 12, 2022

TV Picks - Week of August 8

The Detroit Lions haven't had a winning record in the NFL since 2017. They haven't won their division since 1993 when it was the NFC Central (not the NFC North.) The last time the Lions won a playoff game was 1991. They traded their quarterback before last season, and he won the Super Bowl. Any Lions fan will tell you that the team has long been a mess.

I can't wait to see the Detroit Lions this week. That's because Hard Knocks, the award-winning NFL training camp docuseries, returns this Tuesday at 10pm and the Lions are this year's team of choice.

Sports has long been the best "reality television" to watch. There's a reason that the number one show year after year is Sunday Night Football on NBC. It's the only reason to watch live TV anymore.

 

I love football. I went to the University of Michigan in the late 80's and experienced Bo's final days as coach. The local professional team was the Lions, and they were not good. Detroit made attempts to "restore the roar" but the team just wasn't competitive or fun to watch. College football mattered more than pro.

When you root for a perennial loser, there's always hope for that one magic season to turn things around. The Lions have had legendary players like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, but a season where they win more than they lose often eludes them.

The beauty of Hard Knocks is that the team itself really doesn't matter. It can be any squad (except the Dallas Cowboys, who I can't stand). You get to know the players. The coaches. Their families. The training staff. Every aspect of what goes in to putting together a 53-man roster. You can't help but get caught up in it. And since the season has yet to begin, the wins and losses are irrelevant.

NFL Films shoots beautiful footage for Hard Knocks that makes every player look like a potential all-pro. You feel like a fly on the wall of the training facilities and meeting rooms. And Liev Schreiber's narration makes a casual observation about the smallest roster move feel like life changing news.

 

Hard Knocks has all of the elements of any great television drama. A high-profile franchise in an exclusive business. The ultimate goal of winning a championship. A more realistic goal of making the playoffs. High draft picks and long-time veterans. Tragic injuries and miraculous playmaking. Old coaches, young upstarts and a head coach trying to make it all gel.

The head coach is typically the star of the show. Lions coach Dan Campbell is in his second year and trying to establish himself and the team. Assistants range from long-time staff members to new blood trying to change the culture. Almost every coach gets fired in the NFL, so the jobs are always on the line. And Coach Campbell is intense.

The other key members of the cast are the players. The veterans know what training camp is all about. They're having a good time and trying to stay healthy. And of course, they're putting the rookies in their place. It's time for these kids to pay their dues.

Hard Knocks profiles late-round picks and free agents who are trying to make the team. You live and die with their struggles. These guys don't get many opportunities on the field, and when they do they need to make the most of them.

 

Here's the irony — these rookies were star players in college football. They're not used to being told what to do and humbling themselves. The smart ones keep quiet, do what's asked, and prove themselves on the field. The cocky ones often don't make the team. Humility is everywhere on Hard Knocks.

My favorite part of the series is when The Turk comes around in the final episode. This is the low-level employee tasked with visiting players to come see the coach and bring their playbooks. He is the bearer of bad news. The guy that no one wants to see. Watching these cuts can be heartbreaking.

The beauty of Hard Knocks is by the end of the season, you're rooting for the team that has been profiled. You know the faces under the helmets and all that goes into preparing for a NFL season. You cheer for guys to make the roster and get crushed when your favorites come up short.

In other words, there are going to be a lot more Lions fans heading into the 2022 season. Let's hope the roar is finally restored.

Here's what else is worth watching this week…

PREMIERES

Five Days At Memorial (Apple TV+)
Friday, August 12th

This eight-episode book adaptation takes place at a New Orleans hospital dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The lack of resources (starting with electricity) forces the staff to make life and death decisions.

Carlton Cuse and John Ridley know how to produce compelling drama, and the tragedy of one of nature's nastiest events leads to fatalistic decision making and subsequent criminal charges. Watch trailer.

 

This Fool (Hulu)
Friday, August 12th

Hugs Not Thugs &mdash that's the theme of this autobiographical comedy set in South Central L.A.. Julio Lopez (creator Chris Estrada) is 30 years old, living with his parents, and working at a gang rehabilitation center where his message his often mocked.

Older cousin Luis just got out of prison and moves in with Julio and his family. The contrast in their lifestyles provides plenty of laughs as gang members make life choices leading to different results outside the prison walls.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Princess (HBO)
Saturday, August 10th 8:00 PM ET

Yes, it's another Lady Di project. But this documentary consists entirely out of archival footage, so you can see what all the recent TV shows, films and Broadway musicals got right and oh so wrong. Watch trailer.

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

Children of the Underground (FX) - Five-part documentary series about Faye Yager who taught women and children how to protect themselves by any means necessary from abusive husbands and fathers. Then the FBI gets involved. Friday at 8:00 PM ET.

A League Of Their Own (Amazon Prime Video) - A second attempt at a series based on Penny Marshall's hit movie. There is crying in TV adaptations. Friday.

 

South Park: The 25th Anniversary Concert (Comedy Central) - Hard to believe it has been 25 years since the premiere. Celebrate at Red Rocks with performances from Trey Parker & Matt Stone, Primus, and Ween. Saturday at 10 PM ET.

Tales Of The Walking Dead (AMC) - Six standalone hour-long episodes featuring new faces and familiar ones in Robert Kirkman's zombie filled apocalypse. Sunday at 9 PM ET.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Rectify (AMC+) - After two decades on death row, DNA evidence frees Kevin Holden who returns to his Georgia hometown after being wrongfully convicted as a teen. Daniel attempts to put his life back together in this old Southern town in this hard-hitting intense drama.

Previous Picks:
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
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+)

 

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!


Wednesday, August 3, 2022

TV Picks - Week of August 1

Who's ready for another 90's reboot?

Network execs have always loved been bringing back successful shows from the past. Built-in audience, the pull of nostalgia, and showrunners who "know what works" are a potent combination. Still, the failure rate is tremendously high. Murphy Brown, anyone?

This week's entrant arrives Thursday on Paramount+. It's Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head. Heh heh.

I believe in Beavis and Butt-Head, and I believe in Mike Judge. Mike has a good feel for what works and has been down this road before with his recent film Beavis and Butt-Head Do The Universe, which wowed critics with a whopping 96% score on the tomatometer.

Point being: Mike doesn't need my help. Nor do the execs who greenlit this revival. But other network executives do. So here's a simple revival/reboot/reimagining checklist to guarantee success.

Leverage Your Title

Don't get cute with the name of the franchise you're bringing back. The only excuse is if you don't have the rights (Cobra Kai vs. The Karate Kid). Have a field day with the episode titles but leave the main one alone whenever possible.

Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head - Names are in the title. Check.

Stay True To The Original Story

So many of these reboots take established characters and foist them into new worlds. Big mistake. We want to see our old favorites in relatable situations. Yes, this can be complicated by the fact that the actors may be decades older.

Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head - Animated characters don't age. Check.

Never Lose Focus On The Main Characters

It's tempting to write in a new family member, friend, villain or protagonist that wasn't in the original. That's fine, as long as they are minor characters. The "A story" must evolve around the returning stars. We are here to see them, not their new cousin, boss or curious neighbor.

Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head - Won't be a problem with these two. Check.

 

Refer To The Past But Don't Dwell On It

This is a tricky one. The right balance is critical to the success of the show. Casual nods and smart references go a long way. Let the audience fondly remember what happened. Leave breadcrumbs, not the whole loaf.

Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head - This is a challenge because everyone loves old references. But there's so much new stuff to mock that I think this duo can handle it. Check.

Don't Count On Callbacks (And Make Sure They're a Surprise)

One of the best parts of any reboot is seeing how the cast has aged. Another delight is when a minor character shows up in a plot twist. Use these wisely and sparingly. Don't worry about getting obscure… we'll remember who they are or search the internet and pretend to. But every episode can't depend on a callback. Tease us to please us.

Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head - Stewart is coming back, but in a cool way. I'm sure we'll see a t-shirt or two that we recognize. Check.

Make Fun Of Yourself

Let us know that you're in on the joke. Whether it's a drama or comedy, don't take yourself too seriously. We all know why you're back, and it's always funny to reference why. It's an immediate bond that eases the return of an old favorite.

Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head - Expect plenty of self-referential humor. Check.

 

All revivals, even animated ones, face challenges. Mike Judge is a very smart, funny guy. He gets it. Beavis and Butt-Head could have remained on MTV over the past three decades and wouldn't have missed a beat. I look forward to seeing this version of this cynical duo.

Here's what else is worth watching this week…

PREMIERES

Reservation Dogs (FX on Hulu)
Season 2 premieres Wednesday, August 3rd

When this comedy premiered last year, many reviews focused on its all-indigenous cast and writing/directing staff. What sometimes got overlooked was the originality of this show centered around a Native American reservation in Oklahoma.

The second season arrives with lofty expectations, and the first two episodes live up to the challenge. The wit has always been dry, the stories get deeper as the characters continue to deal with the fallout of Daniel's suicide.

The Sandman (Netflix)
Friday, August 5th

The long-awaited Neil Gaiman adaptation arrives after years of hype. Following the Lord of Dreams on his cosmic trail dealing with personifications of emotions like Death and Despair is difficult to translate on to any screen.

An epic story needs an epic cast, and you'll recognize quite a few fantasy heroes in this one, including two Game of Thrones favorites. The drama is ambitious and fully committed to its land of fantasy. The story is tough to follow, but the ride is a beautiful one. Watch trailer.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

All Or Nothing: Arsenal (Amazon)
Thursday, August 4th

Why not take the HBO Hard Knocks formula and apply it to other sports? This season profiles the football (soccer in the U.S.) team Arsenal with behind-the-scenes access to the intensity of the biggest sport in Britain. Watch trailer.

 

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

Industry (HBO) - It's season two and a two-year time jump for the young bankers battling their way through a London investment firm. Monday at 9:00 PM ET.

My Life As A Rolling Stone (Epix) - A weekly series profiling each member of arguably the world's greatest rock and roll band. Guess who the first episode is about? Sunday.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: House of Cards (Netflix) - Kevin Spacey has become better known for his off-screen work, but before his scandal he starred in this well written political thriller. The Underwoods are a ruthless couple willing to do anything to climb the D.C. ladder. Robin Wright and Michael Kelly are fantastic throughout, while Mahershala Ali, Kate Mara and Corey Stoll shine in Season 1.

Previous Picks:
Weeds (Showtime)
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.

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