March/April TV Checklist

 

March was insane for me as I was prepping for a play, so I thought I would put March and April together. A few shows started at the end of April like Barry, Better Call Saul and Ozark, but I’ll be talking about them in May along with the network season finales. Here’s what I was watching:

SEVERENCE (APPLETV+)
This was a compelling show and what a finale! The pacing is slow but incredibly intriguing. It was definitely a series that gets better and better with each episode. If you can get access to the show, it’s worth your time.

SUPER PUMPED: THE BATTLE FOR UBER (SHOWTIME)
I don’t use Uber but I found the ‘behind-the-scenes’ stuff interesting. I don’t recall seeing Joseph Gordon-Levitt playing a dick but it kept me watching. Kyle Chandler will always be Coach Taylor to me, so I want him to succeed but I also don’t differentiate his character. I enjoyed Quentin Tarantino’s voice over. Some of the bonkers CG ideas worked but its consistency was lacking. This limited series (that they are hoping to be an anthology) might get lost in the flood of shows depicting CEOs and start-ups that go under.

INVENTING ANNA (NETLFIX)
I found myself frustrated watching this limited series. How could people be so suckered in by this fake heiress? Julia Garner’s accent is interesting as she could not be further from her role in Ozark. Liked seeing a bunch of Shondaland alumni pitching in. But I was also frustrated with Anna Chlumsky as reporter Vivian Kent, who has really screwed up priorities. The con was compelling enough but the investigation and party girl scenes weren’t my cup of tea.

WELCOME TO FLATCH (FOX)
I can see what this Parks & Rec style show is trying to do but I’m not all in. Other than loser Shrub and sometimes Kelly (newcomers Sam Straley and Holmes), the rest of the town is quirky but not the kind of people I root for. I also find the casting of Sean William Scott as Father Joe bizarre – his usually raunchy nature is squandered as he is quite vanilla in this show.

ATLANTA (FX)
The first episode of season three had something important to say but it didn’t grab me like it should of. There’s a great episode in Holland that features an interesting take on blackface and Sinterklaas. There’s also a good one with a lost cell phone. The eps where it doesn’t feature Donald Glover or Bryan Tyree Henry just seem out of place. I find the series hot and cold but worth a watch.

LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER (HBO)
I enjoy seeing John Oliver back in the studio with a live audience. Some good episodes so far: Critical Race Theory, Tickets, and Data Brokers come to mind. Was not a fan of the Sex Work ep for some reason.

PAM & TOMMY (HULU/DISNEY+)
The last few episodes made me feel sorry for Pam Anderson. The show was uneven in general and I don’t know who the music supervisor was, but they should be fired. Such a bizarre mix of songs from different eras that pulled me out of the show.

MASTERCHEF JUNIOR (FOX)
Some of the kids are adorable. Glad they got rid of the lazy kid, now if they could oust A’dan and his stubbornness, I would be a happy camper.  

BILLIONS (SHOWTIME)
There were some great twists and turns. Looking forward to seeing where this goes in the next season.

BETTER CALL SAUL (AMC)
Only three episodes so far but already amazing. Liking Lalo a lot more this season. I’ll talk about it more next month.

RUSSIAN DOLL (NETFLIX)
Binged the first season and enjoyed it. Love the repeated song “Gotta Get Up” by Harry Nilsson, reminds me of “Mr. Blue Sky”. Not sure about the time travel aspect of season two; the rules are all over the place. Luckily it’s a short season with 30 min episodes.

MR. MAYOR (NBC)
I’m enjoying the quick pace of this Tina Fey produced show. Holly Hunter is a big name but I still find her annoying. Ted Danson, unfortunately, is not getting the funniest material. It’s the trio of Vella Lovell, Mike Cabellon and Bobby Moynihan that keep me invested. Their millennial and crazy antics are priceless.

THIS IS US (NBC)
I don’t think they were counting on this, but I’m pro-Toby instead of rooting for Kate. I’m finding my eyes rolling more than tearing up lately. Just a few more episodes to go. I hope they can stick the landing.

THE GOOD DOCTOR (ABC)
I like that they have given more storylines for Richard Schiff; he’s my favourite part of the show. I’m getting a little tired of the inappropriate conversations during surgeries – concentrate on the procedure!

THE WONDER YEARS (ABC)
I’m enjoying the stories but I’m more focused on Dule Hill as the dad than the other members of the family. Don Cheadle’s voice over is also great.

YOUNG SHELDON (CBS)
I’m enjoying the Georgie getting a girl pregnant storyline. Also, Missy and the dad get lots of great lines.

JEOPARDY (SYNDICATION)
Enjoying Canadian Mattea Roach’s run. She reminds us of one of our students. It’s uncanny. 

What are you watching?