Hello! I skipped last week’s newsletter because nothing interesting was on (or perhaps more likely I had nothing interesting to say — you’re welcome). Instead I read other people’s much more interesting thoughts about TV.
Angelica Jade Bastien, “Bel-Air Is a Frustrating Reminder That Representation Isn’t Enough”
Brandon Taylor, “to all the boys i scammed before” (Inventing Anna)
Doreen St. Félix, Naomi Fry, Vinson Cunningham, and Alexandra Schwartz, “The Sex Scene Is Dead. Long Live the Sex Scene” (Euphoria and others)
But then this week there were some new shows, so here we are again.
Severance (Apple TV+)
Who should watch: fans of the show Homecoming, fans of the actor Adam Scott, fans of the author George Saunders; people who happen to have written novels about erasing part of your memory
Spoilers through the first two episodes: I really enjoyed these first two episodes. I liked that the script has a real voice; it’s idiosyncratic and original. The colors are beautiful, the acting is just as offbeat as the script, the central conceit is full of possibility. Whatever accents John Turturro and Patricia Arquette are doing are non-specific and delightful. I’ve seen enough shows like this (shadowy conspiracy, evil corporation) that I don’t expect the resolution of the “mystery” to be satisfying, but if it’s as beautiful and strange as these first few episodes, it’ll be worth watching.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime)
Who should watch: people who have already watched three seasons of Mrs. Maisel
Spoilers through season 4 episode 1: I’m not sure there’s much to say about Mrs. Maisel this deep into it. Amazon has overinvested in it, and it’s been overscrutinized. I like Amy Sherman-Palladino’s work (cleverness and Lorelai Gilmore and Bunheads forever!), and it’s comforting that in Midge’s world nothing bad ever stays bad for long, and that every problem finds a solution or is quietly dropped. I don’t think that it needs to reach for broader significance — and neither does Midge. Side note: I loved that they went to Coney Island and didn’t have to change much. That’s mostly how it looks even now!
The Righteous Gemstones (HBO)
The Afterparty (Apple TV+)
Spoilers through episode 6: Big question: Who did it? Place your guesses, please. I’m going to say that Xavier faked his own death and isn’t dead at all and this is, somehow, continued revenge on Aniq and Yasper. My backup guess is Yasper. Sorry, Yasper.
Peacemaker (HBOMax)
This show really came together. The world hardly needs another rotten superheroes show, but I liked the big dumb sweet center of the show despite myself. It’s been renewed for a second season, and you know what that means: New dance credits!
Search Party (HBOMax)
Spoilers through the end: Wild ending. Wild series overall. It went from kind of a low-key Bored to Death (highly recommended if you’ve never seen it) to the zombie apocalypse. I can’t think of another show that changed itself so drastically over the course of several seasons.
The Book of Boba Fett (Disney+)
Spoilers through the end of season 1: I’m not the only one who’s said this but I’m tired of Tattooine. The whole point of Luke being sent there was that it was remote and boring and no one would ever look for him there, and now it’s apparently the only planet in the universe. This was a good episode for people who believe that the Jedi Order is bad, though. What kind of sick philosophy requires children to abandon anyone who ever loved them and not make any new personal connections ever? I’m not into it! Jedi cause all their own problems! Any philosophy that requires perfection in deed and thought with no explanation other than “dark side” for failing to achieve perfection is bound to fail. At least the Mandalorian can go soak in a river or whatever when he messes up (his equally arcane and strict code).
Macgruber (Peacock)
We finished Macgruber. This was perhaps too much Macgruber even for me, a fan of Macgruber.
See you next week!