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Beef (2023)
Social commentary done differently
I wasn't aware that A24 produced TV until this show. Now I'll be sure to keep an eye on the stuff they produce. While not every aspect of the show really gelled with me, Beef is definetly a prime cut of meat. In this post-COVID world where things feel like they are becoming further out of our control, it was a cathartic expierence to see a show that tackled this feeling head on. The show opens with the titular road rage incident; an incident that feels extreme in the moment but becomes more and more understandable as the show continues. Casting a mostly Asain-American cast was a unique choice which served the show well in certain instances, particularly when we see the characters past and get a sense of the childhood experiences that shaped them into the broken adults we're introduced to. If this is a one-and-done series, then the conclusion was a little contrived. Regardless of what happens next with Beef, this is certaintly a worthwhile season of TV that I would recommend to most people.
Atlanta (2016)
Unlike anything else
Atlanta is a special show. Throughout it's four seasons, it depicted life in an American city in a way that was smart, funny, and at times, transcendent. Not every season was made equally, although I don't think that the quality wavered very much. In fact, the show got better. In my opinion, the last season was perhaps the strongest, doubling down on what what so great about the show and giving fitting send ups to the characters that we loved and the themes that made the show so interesting.
The thing that really made the show so special was the risks it took. In the third season, the show featured anthology episodes without any of the core cast. While I wasn't fully sold on first viewing, I came to appreciate the way that the show chose to approach it's central idea from a different angle.
Another fascinating aspect of the show was that way that it blended truth and fiction. Throughout all four seasons, the show parodied current events in a subtle way that served its comedic elements perfectly. In the third season, the show went a step further and crafted entire episodes around real life events, distorting and altering details to further enahnce the shows social commentary.
In my eyes, the show did no wrong and will always be interesting. Donald glover and the rest of the team crafted something brilliant, and it deserves all the praise and viewership it can get.
BoJack Horseman (2014)
Much, Much More Than a Sitcom
BoJack Horseman is a very special show. Before seeing this series, I could name plenty of shows that have made me laugh. There are also shows that have hit me emotionally (although never enough for genuine tears). Bojack Horseman manages not only to make you laugh histerically, but touch you deep enough to cry. The show at times offers compelling social commentary. But of course, you can't talk about the series without addressing the horse in the room. The depth that the writers manage to reach through their portrayal of BoJack are unattainable for most other series, creating a rich emotional profile that no other piece of media I've come across have quite reached. And it's not only BoJack that you feel for over the course of the show. All of the supporting cast members are fantasitc. Personally, season 4 was my favourite, not just because of its sweet ending (for a change) but also the storyline involving BoJack's mother, which was just brilliant. This, in my opinion, is essential viewing.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
It's alright, I guess
I can honestly take or leave the Kevin Bacon stuff. I enjoyed the running gag of him being a legendry hero when it was purely verbal; an extended cameo from him just felt like a step too far. I also felt that the Mantis/Drax parring didn't offer a lot comedically, with their stylings appealing to me more in the group setting. Where the special did offer something (at least to me) was in the Peter/Yondu story which grounds the whole adventure. While it was just nice to have Yondu's returning presence, the exploration of Peter's relationship with Christmas was pretty effective. The reveal that he recieved his blasters as a Christmas gift from Yondu was a nice touch. I don't see myself watching this again next year, but you never know.
Ms. Marvel (2022)
One of Marvel's best series to date
Ms Marvel is a very enjoyable show. The first few episodes focused in on a fun high-school tone, with clever visuals that popped and likeable characters who were mostly well-portrayed by their respective actors. The second half of the show noticeably strays from this tone, but in a way that made narrative sense and didn't feel forced. My biggest criticism of the show would probably be it's struggles in melding the two tones together in it's final episode, where the stakes feel too extreme for the series. The obligatory cameo in the credits was also dissapointing (though bound to happen). If I was choosing a show to recommend from the Marvel canon, I would definitely consider this.
Invincible (2021)
One of the best cartoon series I've ever seen
Invincible may resemble your typical animated superhero production on the surface, but it's subversive and violent approach is exciting and refreshing, taking what you already like and making something new. Elements of the season feel like they came straight out of shows like Justice League: Unlimited and Batman: The Brave and The Bold (not to mention films like The Incredibles), but it's the way that they are bent which makes them exciting. For example, the characters who make up the Guardians of The Globe that we are introduced to at the beginning of the show closely resemble the members of the Justice League. But rather than just presenting us with a Wonder Woman clone or a copy of Batman, the show uses them to surprise the audience. You are never given what you are used to. The cast themselves is also great, with many recognisable voices lending themselves to suitable characters. Some of the stand-outs are Sandra Oh as Debbie, who brings the heart to the show, and Walton Goggins as Cecil. While the show is extremely violent, it does always use it's gore for a purpose. To that end, many powerful moments are created, with the penultimate episode of the show delivering jaw-dropping set pieces that question the core of one of the show's most complex characters. Some storylines do get lost in amongst the central conflict, and there was one particular episode that lost the momentum of the previous episodes. But overall, this first season leaves little room for complaints. When season 2 rolls around, I will be sure to watch it.
Man vs Bee (2022)
Not Bean. Not English
It wouldn't be a stretch to call Rowen Atkinson a master of physical comedy. And unfortunately, this fact is not recognised in Man Vs Bee. The show's premise is paper thin, and only fully realised in one of the nine micro episodes. The odd decent gag and clever sequence could only do so much for a show that has no real reason for existing besides a paycheck for Rowen. Not really worth your time.
Moon Knight (2022)
Pretty decent
The latest Marvel series is another inventive and solid entry into their repertoire. Unlike the middling starts that a couple of the other shows had, Moon Knight started with a bang and kept a good momentum throughout. Aspects of the show did happen to feel rushed, but the ending was ultimately satisfying, and I would happily watch a second season if they created one.
Killing Eve (2018)
Shaky patches don't define thrilling espionage series
Many of the reviews on this site are scathing of the show's fourth season. While I agree that it began a bit rough, it's conclusion payed off on the elements of the show that I was interested in. The series as a whole is very solid, with great performances from Jodie Comer and Fiona Shaw, to name a couple. The production design is also very high, with a polished look that other shows struggle to achieve. What really makes the series good is its tone. Tantalisingly cerebral, the show nails its moments of euphoria, which often come at the expense of a person's life. The main characters are unhealthily attached to their illegal lifestyles, and we see the results of this throughout the series. The relationship between Sandra Oh's Eve and Jodie Comer's Villanelle is defined and redefined numerous times during the show, and the conclusion of to their relationship I found to be better than most people seem to be giving it credit for. The show might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is definitely worth a watch in my humble opinion.
Schitt$ Creek (2015)
Mundanely brilliant sitcom
Schitt's Creek is probably one of the better sitcoms that I've seen. The show succeeds in taking a group of characters and completely selling them to you over the course of its run. The awkward and simple style of comedy used in the show is hilarious, with enough quotable moments to remember it by. While the premise isn't exactly new, the show's approach to it makes it special. Watching the evolution of the family across the seasons is satisfying and compelling in equal measure, giving the laughs that extra bit of depth needed. I would recommend this show to almost anyone, it is so worth your time if you enjoy its humour.
Narcos (2015)
Clunky, but has its moments (Season 1)
This review is only for the first season. Personally, I felt that the show was at its best when it put you on the ground for the tense and dramatic moments with the actors. Some of these sequences throughout the show were really well directed and captivating, getting to the heart of the subject material and endearing you more or less to the characters. Where the show lost me was in its narration and documentary style approach. While I see the appeal in having these elements, I just didn't find them to add anything to the show. Seeing the actors portraying the events was what kept me watching, with the documentary aspect coming across as gimmicky and tacked on, leaving me disinterested when they took precedence. It also moved at too quick a pace, making it feel like a chore to watch a full episode in one sitting. The sheer amount of information crammed into the season had my head spinning, to the point were I was struggling to remember what happened from episode to episode. I see that the show has an audience, but it doesn't seem to be my thing. The show definitely had its moments, but not enough for me to give the second season a look.
Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy (2022)
A visionary doc with purpose (awakening likely)
How do you approach the career of a once-in-a-lifetime artist like Kanye? Thankfully, he decided to let many of the most important moments in his career (from an outsider's perspective, at least) be filmed, and thankfully that person was Coodie. Not only were the moments themselves beautiful to watch, but being able to see them through Coodie's eyes made the doc extra Special. The added touch of an insider's perspective which changed and evolved as the doc proceeded was a bit of a surprise at first, but by that third act I was sold completely. What we learn as an audience about aspects of Kanye's life outside the studio were also very welcome. An all-round great series that is essential viewing for any Kanye fan, or anyone even vaguely interested in Mr West.