A rapturous time at the theatres. If you're remotely into action, please see this movie. The actors move in a way that I didn’t know was humanly possible. The fight sequences are extraordinary. So dynamic and intense. You never get bored or feel the movie is repeating itself. The Furious keeps raising the stakes until the very end. It’s extremely funny as well. There are wild cards that come into play in the most entertaining way.

The dialogue and general structure of the story are on the weaker side, but I promise you the action makes up for it tenfold. Pure elation and joy. Like receiving a shot of adrenaline. 100% recommend!

Disclosure Day (2026)

Not my favourite movie I’ve watched recently. Steven Spielberg’s style and flair are written all over this. He is truly one of one. The camera was rarely still. It was at times distracting, but also made the film less dull when the story slowed down, which occurred on many occasions. The screenplay didn’t do it for me.

Emily Blunt is just phenomenal. Her cadence and movements are mesmerizing. She’s clever and sharp as well as open and vulnerable. Cannot praise her enough. Ewe Hewson is another standout. Her scene with Colin Firth is unforgettable. I expected more from Josh O’Connor. He has been great in everything I’ve seen him in so far, but this performance felt lackluster. He didn’t have the screen presence I thought he would.

Voicemails for Isabelle (2026)

A modern Sleepless in Seattle, except this is set in San Francisco, and the female protagonist is dealing with the death of her sister. I don’t like Sleepless in Seattle, so the bar was low for me, but everything connected nicely here.

Voicemails for Isabelle is a bit darker and sadder, but still funny. There are plenty of moments of levity and humour. You actually get to see the couple together and have a ton of sweet interactions and great chemistry. Also, the man does the chasing in this movie instead of the woman, so that’s a bonus.

Further, this movie is a love letter to sisterhood. It’s got a bit of everything. I had a nice time watching this!

The Invite (2026)

Give it up for Olivia Wilde! This was beautifully shot and directed. Fantastic use of mirrors and finds creative ways to maximize this one apartment location. I need a floor plan because I’m curious how all the rooms connect. The performances were incredible. Olivia Wilde’s facial expressions cracked me up. There is also a shot of Seth Rogen standing in front of a lamp like he’s telling a scary camp story that will stay with me for a while. The story itself is nothing extraordinary, but the way the tension builds and the relationships are reflected on makes for a solid watch.

I did not love the majority of this season. If I’m being honest, I haven’t loved this show in a long time. The novelty has worn off. The chaos and quick cuts and frenetic editing don’t do it for me anymore. Not when the plot beats have been recycled for seasons now. The plot is also VERY thin. I think if you want to put a bunch of scenes together and aim for vibes, then you make a movie, not an eight-episode season of TV. I also didn’t find this season funny. I never had an opinion on whether this show was a comedy or a drama before, but season 5 was a lighthearted drama.

With everything said, this is still an improvement from seasons 3 and 4. It’s more focused. Season 5 works toward a potential final service at The Bear. There’s a real sense of goodbye, and the show gives closure for the characters and the audience. Where this season excels is the quieter, intimate moments between characters. It is the last chance for everyone to clear the air and come to terms with their choices and their paths.

Carmy takes a bit of a back seat, which is fitting for his development. I loved seeing Syd take charge and prove why she’s a better leader. She’s the star of the season. And Richie is Richie. He’s always fun to watch. One of the best characters of the decade.

Fringe (Seasons 2-3)

Both seasons are more thrilling than season 1 as the series becomes more serialized. The Fringe cases remain interesting as the world expands and we get into alternate universes! The back half of season 2 and the first half of season 3 are especially fantastic.

Season 2 had way better build-up and resolution of personal drama and the shapeshifter plot. A lot of the cases this season actually connect to the bigger story or are personal for the characters. I continued to love everything Walter-related. He is the emotional core of the show. I wish Fringe had centred Olivia more throughout the entire season and that her gift was more significant to the main story. The Walter-Peter relationship/secret drove this season, whereas these two were secondary to whatever Olivia had going on in season 1. The back half of season 2 (bar 1-2 episodes) was phenomenal. This is peak Fringe so far. My other major complaint is that Astrid and Broyles are the only non-white characters and have no personal life, backstory or development. It sucks that the show is giving these two nothing to work with.

Season 3 had a great ~10 episode run at the start. The alternate universe storyline was extremely entertaining and reeled me in. It also allowed Broyles and Astrid to do more and be more. I also loved the fallout of the first half. There were a couple of episodes mid-season that did a great job of peeling back the layers of the characters, particularly Olivia. Seeing everyone deal with the consequences was exactly what I wanted to see. Moving into the second half of season 3, the momentum slowed down. The larger focus was lost, and the two halves didn’t connect very well. I also didn’t care for William Bell’s return. I was not a fan of the surprise pregnancy either. What is it going to take for Olivia and Peter to be together? Fringe is doing everything possible to separate them, including erasing one of them from existence. That season finale was insane. Also, Olivia looks fantastic as a redhead; she rocked those bangs!

I’ve seen mixed reviews about season 4, so we’ll see how the show handles this new reality.

The Vampire Lestat

I was really disappointed and underwhelmed. It felt like a major drop in quality from seasons 1-2 of Interview with the Vampire. Without the consistent interview aspect, this season had no structure and told a very messy story lacking emotional depth and gravitas.

The first two seasons played with memory in such a compelling way, and showed us that everyone has their own version of events and their own truth. The key part of this theme was Daniel pushing Louis to confront his biases and discover the truth, or at least the closest version he could get to. The Vampire Lestat didn’t have this. There’s no push and pull. There’s nothing grounding the story; because if any event and any character can change on a dime with the excuse that memory is fallible and people are unreliable, then nothing matters or holds weight anymore. It’s all pointless if there’s no throughline.

The Vampire Lestat went back and forth in time with no rhyme or reason. The flashbacks were so abrupt and short. Just as things got interesting, the show would cut back to the present. You barely get the chance to know Lestat. The events that shaped him are not examined with detail, consideration and nuance like in the first two seasons with Louis. Consequently, this undermines everything happening in the present timeline. I found it hard to care or emotionally invest in Lestat and Gabrielle’s relationship. Gabrielle also felt like a caricature. The writers didn’t even try with her.

The other characters are certainly there. Daniel didn’t do much. Armand randomly showed up to be a menace and left? I hoped Louis would have a different arc by now. I get grief is continuous and inconsistent, but narratively, we exhausted this storyline in the first two seasons. I love seeing Delainey Hayles again though, so I can’t complain too much.

Aside from two people, the performances continue to be phenomenal.

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed

The show is about Paula, a fact-checker and single mom in the middle of a custody battle. Oh, and she also ends up in the middle of a murder investigation after getting scammed by a camboy and unravels a deeper conspiracy. It’s very stressful.

I love the energy of the show and how it displays the intensity and anxiety of Paula’s situation. The editing and music really play into this. Some of the narrative choices are frustrating, though. The plot goes in circles a bit, and the police don’t do much. Their involvement was not interesting at all.

Tatiana Maslany is a treasure of an actor. She’s wonderfully expressive and very compelling to watch. She makes up for any rough spots in the show. I also love Jake Johnson from New Girl, so naturally, I was going to like him in this even though his character is a bit of a jerk.

Currently Watching:

• Trying (Season 5): Super underrated show that I’m very happy to have back! There’s nothing more comforting than Trying.

• Silo (Season 3): I like the structure of the season and how the show is handling the theme of memory, but the writers need to pick up the pace!

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

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The millennial humour is strong and cringey, and I found the characters borderline annoying, but the emotional journey Benny goes on in his freshman year of college balances everything out. There’s an earnestness that keeps the show grounded and relatable. I liked the themes of toxic masculinity and coming of age. The awkwardness and conflicts were all realistic. The friendship between Benny and Carmen is really sweet as well. I thought all the relationships were fleshed out.

I remember Adults being compared to this a lot when it came out, and now that I’ve finally watched both, the two series could not be more different. However, I do think Overcompensating is a much more confident show. Whether you like this type of humour and the tone of the show or not, Overcompensating knows exactly what it is and the story it’s telling. The characters are also well drawn and have clear arcs.

The Four Seasons (Season 2)

I can watch 8 more seasons of this show. It’s so easy to watch. No critical thinking needed. Great for winding down. Low stakes. Season 2 was even better than season 1! Anne’s storyline stood out to me. I loved seeing her start anew, embrace and find herself. It was so much fun and inspirational.

The couple conflicts were also sensible, and not too messy that it made me roll my eyes. It didn’t get overly soapy. The conflicts were also nicely resolved. I liked how the show dealt with grief. It never got too dark and still had a buoyancy and humour to it. There was a real ease and smoothness to the way storylines unfolded and characters developed. All the elements of season 2 gelled much better than season 1.

Widow’s Bay (Season 1)

What prompted me to start Widow’s Bay was the Lost comparisons, and they definitely have merit. This show is also about an island with an ominous presence and mysterious forces. I couldn’t gauge what the series was going for at first because I wasn’t sure what the writers were building up to. Season 1 is largely episodic. It’s not the mystery box that Lost was, and it’s more supernatural than I expected. However, it quickly became my favourite show of the year (so far).

Tonally, the series is very unique in its blend of comedy and horror, which is perfectly balanced, by the way. I never felt like they were in competition with one another or that one was sacrificed for the other. The horror moments are actually terrifying and creepy, and the comedic parts are hysterical. The two genres work in favour of each other.

Personally, I loved the flashback episode and all the lore, but it does halt the show's momentum, especially with so few episodes in this first season. Betty Gilpin and Hamish Linklater are great choices for their specific roles, though. Generally, the acting is phenomenal. Some of the facial expressions and line deliveries from this cast are pure gold.

The finale has a predictable twist, but it’s suspenseful and holds emotional weight, which is why I still think it’s fantastic. The twist is also earned, and there are clear consequences that will completely change everything moving forward. What a way to end season 1 and set up season 2!

Every Year After (Season 1)

The series is based on the book Every Summer After, which follows Percy Fraser and her relationship with Sam Florek, the childhood best friend/ex-boyfriend/love of her life/the one that got away. They first met in Barry’s Bay as kids and spent summers together every year after. They start to date, then Percy commits an unspeakable betrayal and vanishes. 10 years later, she returns after receiving news that Sam’s mother passed away.

There are lots of changes from the book, but I personally don’t mind. What I look for in adaptations is capturing the essence of the characters and keeping major plot points the same. I really don’t care about plot deviations otherwise. As long as the end result is the same, I’m all for it.

With that said, the show has a pacing issue. The book already doesn’t have a lot of material to cover, and even with the added storylines, the present timeline still lacks plot, specifically with Percy and Sam. There needed to be more to show that they still belong together after all this time.

Hair and makeup also didn’t do a good job of differentiating the teen and adult versions of these characters. They added a tiny braid in teen Percy’s hair and called it a day!

Percy and Sam’s characterizations are not that strong either—I think this is a flaw in both the book and the show. Sam, in particular, is a flat character. We don’t get to see much of him. He has very little interiority. He’s pretty much just a love interest, whereas his older brother, Charlie, actually has layers, so it’s much more fun to watch him and root for him even if he is kind of a prick.

Also, the big betrayal isn’t all that big. I mean, in real life, it’s bad. But in a fictional story? Let’s get messy! Let’s blow stuff up! I wish there was more of a ruckus when Percy left. I’m pro chaos. Everything is a bit tepid (tonally) in this show. I do think Percy and Sam were cute but just slightly lacklustre. Thank goodness for Chantal and Jordie, though! Their scenes were buzzy. And Delilah brought a bit of fun to the show.

Although I pretty much have only stated negative points, I will be watching season 2. It’ll be based on One Golden Summer, which follows Charlie and his relationship with Alice. I loved this book. The story is much better.

Fringe (Season 1)

A sci-fi show about the Fringe division of the FBI investigating unusual disturbances. Season 1 has a case-of-the-week structure and somewhat of an overarching storyline. I like the cases, but I definitely wish this season were more serialized. The writers set up some really intriguing arcs that either resolved too easily or didn’t make a lasting impact. Also, it’s more exciting when cases are connected and have some personal effect on the characters.

Walter is the most fascinating character in the show. He’s a scientist who was held in a psychiatric facility for 17 years and is now part of the team looking into cases directly related to his former research. On top of that, his memory is damaged. He has to reconcile with the negative effects of his scientific discoveries. Fringe dives into the ethics and dangers of science when individuals push the boundaries and knowledge falls into the wrong hands.

Apart from Walter, who has a well-defined history and trajectory, the other characters could use more depth and development. The writing is pretty solid for Olivia, the protagonist, but considering there are only 5 main characters and 20 episodes, I expected more. The actors were all very likable, though. They made it work. Also, Walter’s relationship with Peter is the most personal and vulnerable the show has gotten. Hopefully, the next season digs a bit deeper.

The season finale is amazing! Alternate realities are so cool. I’m stoked. There are so many possibilities. Solid start to the show so far. I’m confident it’ll only get better from here.

I Will Find You

Super intriguing right off the bat! A father trying to find his son. Except he thought his son was killed. And everyone thought he did it. And he is currently in prison. The circumstances make for entertaining TV: the father is a total underdog and is backed into many corners and has to fight his way out. Also, Sam Worthington is a charming lead and so easy to root for.

This was tightly paced. There’s a good back story and many layers to uncover before the truth of what happened to the son is revealed. I Will Find You is twisty and slightly convoluted as these types of shows typically are, but it’s a great weekend binge! Fantastic cast, too.

Not Suitable for Work

Mindy Kahling’s new show follows five twenty-something characters in New York City. It starts rocky, but I was charmed by the end. There’s definite potential here. The characterizations and personal arcs are not bad, and they’ve done a good job establishing the different dynamics between characters.

But with only 9 episodes, some of the storylines didn’t have enough time to be fleshed out and for audiences to invest in. For instance, Bill and AJ’s relationship felt pretty insignificant, even though it was a big deal to AJ. That storyline fell flat to me. Abby going off on her own only lasted a few episodes. Overall, any breakups or big emotional moments and realizations are just not as impactful or resonant.

I also would’ve loved to see more of the core cast together rather than apart on their own journeys. The comedic elements could be better, too. But I would still tune in for a second season. The show is on the right track. Seeds were planted in the finale, and I’m intrigued to see what happens next.

Currently Watching:

• I Love LA (Season 1): I’m having fun! I’m curious how the season will end. I’m sure it will be very chaotic.

• The Vampire Lestat: I’m not sure if this is an unpopular opinion, but I’m not really vibing with this new season. There’s a lack of emotional weight and depth that was so present in the first two seasons.

• Two Years Later: Debating whether to continue after the first episode. It’s about two people going on dates to see if they’re compatible. Super mundane and slice of life. And Australian. I might give this another episode or two.

Thanks for reading!

I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist :)

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Disjointed, incoherent, and anticlimactic are some of the words I’d use to describe season 3. And it all comes down to the writing because the direction and cinematography are stunning. My issue is primarily with the execution because the plot itself and the general arcs are solid.

For instance, it absolutely makes sense that Nate peaked in high school and is pathetic and powerless in the real world. But we don’t see that development or the initial struggle after high school, so there’s a major disconnect when Nate shows up as a completely different person in season 3. It also doesn’t help that he is fully isolated from the main plot.

Both Nate and Jules, who were once central to the story in season 1, were given really underwhelming storylines. All Nate did was get his fingers and toes chopped off, and Jules barely had screentime. Lexi’s storyline was also boring, considering Rue was a drug mule, Maddy became a pimp, and Cassie was selling her body to pay her husband’s debt. I didn’t care for Laurie or Alamo and their crews either. But at least Alamo was a more interesting character than Laurie. Also, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is fantastic. I loved him on Lost.

Euphoria strayed too far from the original plot: Rue and her battle with addiction. This isn’t necessarily bad, but I don’t think it does Rue’s ending justice when so much of the season is about random people and their criminal activities. Even in the finale, half the episode is about Ali, a character who has never been this heavily featured before.

Seasons 1 and 2 felt much more intimate and vulnerable, and intentional about Rue’s journey. She was surrounded by strangers this season — it’s hard to get meaningful interactions and moments out of these circumstances. Again, it was all about the execution because, in theory, Rue’s ending makes sense.

Not having Labrinth’s score is also a shame. His sound played a significant role in creating Euphoria’s identity and in shaping Rue’s storyline. Season 3 was jarringly different without him.

On a positive note, Zendaya, Coleman Domingo and Sydney Sweeney turned in great performances!

Elsbeth (Season 3)

Not having Kaya for the whole season is such a bummer because I love her relationship with Elsbeth. The case of the week has always been hit or miss, so it was nice to have this friendship to rely on. The guest stars make up for it, though! The show continues to spotlight amazing actors episode after episode, and there have been some really memorable cases this season. Some of the episodes that stood out to me were “Doll Day Afternoon,” “Ol’ Man Liver,” and “Murder From Scratch.”

Hacks (Season 5)

While season 5 is not my favourite season of the show (that would be seasons 2 and 3), it does a tremendous job of honouring Deborah and Ava’s relationship and highlighting their individual growth. We’ve actually come so far, it’s crazy; they were barely even at each other’s throats this season! Also, Jimmy and Kayla continue to be the most ridiculous, unserious, hysterical duo ever. I’m obsessed with all of their scenes. How lucky are we to have had two absolutely amazing duos on this show?

What I’ve always loved about Hacks is that it’s an underdog story. Deborah is a character who has fought tooth and nail for success and has continually carved out new paths to stay in the spotlight. Seeing her fight one last time to cement her legacy has been so heartwarming and, of course, very funny. I really enjoyed the Bob Lipka/gag storyline, and the MSG mishap is very on-brand for Hacks.

My only major disappointment is not getting to see the show we’ve spent all season building up to. I was initially unsure about the series finale for this reason, but it won me over in the end. By the time Deborah and Ava start cracking jokes about suicide, I couldn’t help but be charmed. It’s a beautiful, gut-wrenching, hilarious end to the show. Sometimes, how a show makes you feel is more important. Also, that final needledrop is spectacular. What a high note to go out on!

"D'Amazing Race" and “Montecito” are two of my favourite episodes of the year.

Tracker (Season 3)

Very much a dad show, but I’ve actually been enjoying it this season. More than expected. Tracker locked in. The current cast is great! Randy has a fun vibe, so the change from Bobby to him has been smooth. Mel has also been a good addition. The Reenie/Randy/Mel trio is working for me.

The cases are also interesting this season, and the subplot with Reenie is a nice change of pace. If I remember correctly, previous seasons solely focused on the case of the week, which could get stale. Having Reenie’s subplot keeps things exciting, and it does pay off in the end. I like how it wraps up.

Ghosts (Season 5)

5 seasons in and Ghosts remains a pleasant and cozy sitcom! I always enjoy the bigger storylines relating to the house, like the Mayor Tad one. The personal arcs, on the other hand, aren’t all that exciting this time around. The same goes for romantic relationships.

What I really liked was how many guest stars and returning characters there were this season to switch things up from episode to episode. It’s always a good time when Ghosts brings Kyle and Bela back. It’s a lot more fun when other people know about the ghosts, too.

The season finales are always great, and this one ends on an exciting cliffhanger!

The Boys (Season 5)

The final season is not fantastic, but it’s not terrible either. The hatred for season 5 and the finale is overblown, in my opinion. I can understand being underwhelmed and disappointed, especially if you're expecting a full-blown war/fight, but there are much worse endings to a TV series than this one.

If anything, I found this final season very average. Its worst crime is playing it too safe and being predictable. Season 4 wasn’t exactly quality television either, so my expectations weren’t too high heading into season 5. I do think the premiere was good and set a standard and thrill that the rest of the season couldn’t maintain. There was a major dip in momentum around midseason. Otherwise, the actual ending and where everyone ends up make total sense to me. The Boys, in particular, had fairly satisfying conclusions to their individual arcs.

And here are some things that I disliked about season 5. Kimiko’s dialogue was egregious. If she didn’t sign this way, why would she now speak this way? It was annoying and gimmicky. I wish the show had focused on Vought as the big bad throughout the entire series, rather than shifting focus to Homelander as the sole villain. Ryan should’ve been more involved. The series is great at setting things up, but not so much at resolving them. Homelander used to be more interesting. He was a caricature this season. I also don’t like the concept of a backdoor pilot in the final season of a TV show. We don’t have time for this! Especially if there’s only 8 episodes!

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Season 2)

I think this season is not only more faithful to the source material but just better TV than season 1. Better paced. Better acting. More suspenseful. More focused. Cleaner.

It’s impressive how much material was fit into these 6 episodes. However, season 2 is so plot-driven that there’s no time to develop or get to know anyone else other than Pip. This gets frustrating at times because the world and people around her feel flat and one-dimensional, which inadvertently inflates her importance.

Stories that are too plot-driven might work for some people, but it doesn’t for me. This is not why I watch TV. I think non-limited series should be about the characters. They’re the ones you stick by when the plot gets rough or repetitive. They’re the ones that you laugh or cry with over multiple years.

While this was a step up, I wanted the show to slow down just a bit and give one or two more characters a proper arc and deepen the relationships we’ve come to root for in season 1 (Pip and Ravi especially!).

Currently Watching:

• Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed: So much fun! Tatiana Maslany is fantastic as always. Also love to see Jake Johnson and Murray Barlett here too!

• The Four Seasons (Season 2): Really enjoying this new season, maybe more so than the first one.

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

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Co-created by Bill Lawrence, Rooster has the same heartfelt, warm touch as Lawrence’s last two series, Ted Lasso and Shrinking. This cozy, slice-of-life comedy is set on a college campus and follows a recently divorced author and his daughter, who is going through her own marital issues.

I found Rooster very easy to get into. First of all, the cast is brilliant. Everyone is so funny and charming. All the characters are likable and fleshed out. Even with a character like Archie, you love to hate him. I really like how assured the characterizations are. You get a sense of who everyone is pretty much immediately.

I also enjoyed the different pairings and relationships that developed. For example, Greg and Tommy have an unlikely friendship, but it’s very sweet. Sunny and Walter’s dynamic was also really great. Some of the shenanigans and jokes are outdated and fall flat, but I didn’t mind. Ultimately, what I got out of the show is watching the characters just try their best; it’s relatable. Life is messy and sad and weird, but there are many wonderful, happy moments, too.

Daredevil: Born Again (Season 2)

Season 2 is an improvement from season 1, as the writing is sharper and more intentional. There’s a clearer tone and understanding of the direction of the show and characters. It’s also more entertaining, whereas last season was harder for me to get through. Visually, nothing will ever top the Netflix series, but again, I found it to be an improvement from season 1.

This season focuses a lot on Fisk and his team, almost at the expense of Matt and Karen. I would’ve liked to see more of Matt — and I mean Matt Murdock, not Daredevil — which is why I enjoyed the Foggy flashback as well as the courtroom scenes. If I remember correctly, there was a better balance between both identities in the Netflix series. I think it was more emotionally charged and intimate, too. I don’t get the same vibe with Born Again. Also, I would’ve liked Karen to have more of a personal arc, but at least she wasn’t completely sidelined this season.

With this premise, 8 episodes are not enough to fully explore each character. This is why it was harder to invest in some of the supporting characters like Heather or Mr. Charles, who didn’t make much of an impression. Also, the show could’ve done more with Jessica Jones’ return, but I’m excited to have her (and Luke Cage) back, nonetheless. Bullseye continues to be a highlight!

Jury Duty: Company Retreat

This season of Jury Duty takes us out of the courtroom and on a company retreat. The star of the season, or should I say victim, is Anthony, and he’s a sweetheart. The way he uplifts others and remains positive and enthusiastic is inspiring and admirable. He seems like a very cool, genuine dude.

Anthony’s definitely a better person than me, because I’d be pissed off if I learned that every person I connected to and every situation I was involved in for the last week was manufactured. Who am I, Truman Burbank? The concept of Jury Duty is slightly evil. I can’t imagine how confusing and disorienting it must be after the big reveal. Not even knowing anyone’s real name is mean. It makes you question every little detail.

That being said, this season was very funny. Anthony saying his circumstances couldn’t be made up was gold. I found it so impressive how the actors were able to improvise and stay in character, especially after hours.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Season 1)

Based on the book of the same name, Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a dramedy about Margot, a young woman navigating the challenges of being a single mother. She turns to OnlyFans to earn a living, which complicates already complicated family dynamics.

The series is warm, colourful, and endearing. The episodes fly by and tend to stay lighthearted even when tackling themes such as drug addiction and sex work. The series has its imperfections like uneven pacing, conflict being too easily resolved and shallow writing, but the cast more than makes up for it.

Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer as a dysfunctional mother-daughter duo is enough to sell me on the show, but then add Nick Offerman, Nicole Kidman, Greg Kinnear, Michael Angarano, and Thaddea Graham, and it’s a no-brainer. Everyone is fantastic in their role. The casting is very accurate to the book, too. This was overall a faithful adaptation, capturing the same charm and quirkiness.

Off Campus (Season 1)

Hannah, an A student, likes Justin, a musician on campus. Garrett, captain of the hockey team, needs to pull his grades up to keep playing. Garrett offers to fake date Hannah to get Justin’s attention if she tutors him. Naturally, this fake relationship becomes real, and they fall in love. Off Campus has all the cliches, but boy, was this a great watch.

Though there are still cringey moments and bad acting considering the genre, I had the time of my life. Off Campus felt like a return to basic teen TV formula. It was well-paced, with distinct episodes and solid conflict. The characters have a decent amount of depth. The darker themes are well-handled without getting too depressing. The show keeps it simple, but it works.

Off Campus is also just really fun. It never lulls. The character interactions are dynamic and lively. It does a good job balancing the different storylines, yet still keeping focus on the main couple. The characterizations are not bad either. Even the friendships are good. And I can’t put my finger on it yet, but Off Campus reminds me of 2010s sitcoms.

I can’t wait for season 2! I’m already seated.

Running Point (Season 2)

In season 2, Isla’s older brother, Cam, comes back to the LA Waves after a rehab stint. After taking over as president for Cam, Isla must prove that she deserves to keep her role, all while Cam secretly plots against her. The writing isn’t exactly high calibre, but it’s pretty darn fun! Me and the three other people who watch this show had a blast!

Everyone is so comedically gifted. Justin Theroux hams it up big time, and it’s glorious. Chet Hanks’ general presence is enough to make me laugh, and I love seeing Ray Romano as the new coach. There are some great guest stars this season, too. Some of the humour can be corny, but the strength of the cast chemistry sells it. The actors seem like they’re having the time of their lives on set.

I could easily watch Running Point for another 5-6 seasons. It’s entertaining, doesn’t take itself seriously, has short episodes, and is low stakes. (Side note: This makes me realize that we need more sitcoms.) It’s like Emily in Paris, but basketball. And Kate Hudson is forever charming and looks fabulous every episode.

My only real complaint is I want more Brenda Song! Give her more to do!

9-1-1 (Season 9)

After the death of Bobby, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this season. His loss is definitely felt, but for the most part, 9-1-1 does a solid job without him. Starting with a space mission gone wrong ups the ante after bee-nado last season. All the remaining characters have had interesting storylines and new changes in their lives, whether it’s career or family-related. It’s clear that the show is entering a new era. I’m also glad we’re focusing more on May and Harry as well as Ravi.

We’ll see what major disaster they cook up next season.

Currently Watching

• Half Man: I watched episode 1 and I’m deciding on whether or not I should continue. It’s A LOT.

• Overcompensating (Season 1): Very millennial. But I’m warming up to the story and the characters with each episode.

• Widow’s Bay: Amazing. Wonderful. Show of the year with only a few episodes out.

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching lately. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

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In its fifth season, Abbott Elementary shows that it is starting to run out of gas. I found this season a tad aimless without an overarching storyline or noteworthy character arcs. The show also hasn’t retained the complexity and nuance in its writing that we’ve seen in previous seasons. However, the ensemble is still funny, and the characters are still likable. Abbott Elementary is still a warm, lively sitcom.

While most of the season is just serviceable to me, I did love the mall episodes. It was a great way to shake things up while showing the effects of an underfunded public school system and the hard work teachers put in for their students. We also get to step outside of the school and see the characters out in the world more often.

I’m ecstatic about the latest Janine and Gregory development. I’m really looking forward to the episode where he pops the question. I believe the show’s 100th episode is coming up next season as well, so that’s another one I can’t wait to see.

Also, as a Shrinking fan, it was nice to see a familiar face—Luke Tennie’s a wonderful addition to the show!

Beef (Season 2)

A major departure from season 1. It may be unfair for me to compare this season to its predecessor, considering these are very different stories with different beefs, but season 2 never reaches the heights of season 1. It’s not nearly as evocative and tense, and doesn’t come close to the same level of profundity either.

I found season 2 overcrowded. Scattered arcs and competing storylines make it harder to fully explore who each character is. Consequently, there’s a loss of intimacy and depth that season 1 had. You don’t get to know Austin, Ashley, Lindsay and Josh the same way you do with Amy and Danny because there’s not enough time. Based on the trailers, I also expected the main beef to be between the two couples, but that isn’t really the case. Season 2 has lots of tiny beefs rather than one main one.

Although season 2 is a bit too messy and shallow for me, I would still say that it’s a decent season of television. Beef still has heart, humour and moments of vulnerability and poignance. The actors are amazing, and Finneas’ score elevates this season. There’s a fantastic kiss scene in this season.

Big Mistakes

For anyone who loves David and Alexis from Schitt’s Creek, Dan Levy is back with an even more chaotic and dysfunctional brother-sister duo. Nicky and Morgan are forced to aid and abet in criminal acts after Morgan steals a necklace from the wrong person.

Nicky and Morgan’s criminal adventures are so funny. They’re very annoying together (complimentary) as they’re constantly shouting and bickering. Dan Levy and Taylor Ortega are a fantastic duo; their comedic timing is impeccable. All of their scenes are super high-energy and confrontational.

When the series turns its attention to Nicky and Morgan’s mother, who is running for town mayor, and their youngest sister, who is campaign manager, it is less exciting. These two characters are less developed, so I didn’t find myself as invested in their storyline. The show weaves in this subplot in a clunky way, but it does end up working out. Big Mistakes finds its footing in the end, finishing with a surprise reveal!

Invincible (Season 4)

Over the years, this show started to become a chore to watch. Some episodes are genuinely sensational, and other ones are a slog to get through. I never know what category episodes will fall into week to week, which deters me from watching. Luckily, this season has been mostly incredible!

I really enjoyed Mark and Omni-Man’s arcs. Mark is mentally at an all-time low this season, suffering from severe PTSD and having no time to catch his breath. Omni-Man attempts to redeem himself and is deservedly having a tough time doing so. Other characters like Debbie, Oliver, and Allen also add a lot to this season. Unfortunately, Eve still doesn’t get to do much. She has tons of potential, but I have zero interest in where the show has taken her.

The back half of the season is insane. The war against the Viltrumites officially starts, and it is as bloody and gruesome and jaw-dropping as you would expect. The season ends on a very high note and sets up interesting storylines for season 5.

Matlock (Season 2)

One of my favourite new shows in recent years! Matty’s pursuit of justice continues in season 2 as she prepares to expose Julian for taking an important study out of discovery that could’ve prevented numerous lives lost to opioids. In true Matlock fashion, the season has many twists and turns, leading to the satisfying conclusion of the Wellbrexa arc.

Kathy Bates is doing superb work on Matlock. She’s incredibly funny, charming and full of wit. She also encompasses so much emotion as she deals with the grief of her daughter and her relationship to addiction and addicts, now that her grandson’s birth father is in his life.

Skye P. Marshall is equally as fantastic as Olympia and deserves more recognition! Olympia and Matty’s friendship is the highlight of Matlock to me. It’s so rewarding to watch these two evolve as individuals and friends week after week. It’s also fun to see them scheme and lie and crush their court cases in power suits. Female friendships on TV are just awesome.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Season 2)

After Cate unleashes Titan X to rescue Lee, everyone scrambles to deal with Titan X before more people die. On the personal drama side, Keiko’s return brings up past mistakes and harboured feelings. The past timeline takes a back seat to explore the present-day dynamics.

The show is at its strongest when it focuses on Keiko and Lee and their relationships, whether to each other or everyone else (Hiroshi, Bill, etc.). Their circumstances are more complex, their history is richer, and their arcs hold more emotional weight. The Randa siblings are not as compelling. The characterizations for them remain weak, but not as muddied and wishy-washy as season 1. It’s a slight step up.

Season 2 also improved on its momentum. Season 1 had a major lull in the middle of the season, but this one has been fairly consistent and steady in pace. Monarch also gives us more spectacle and action this time around. Overall, I enjoyed this season more than the first one. I especially liked where everyone ended up. I’ll be tuning into season 3, for sure!

Currently Watching:

• Margo’s Got Money Troubles: Talk about a great cast! Elle Fanning. Michelle Pfieffer. Nick Offerman. Greg Kinnear.

• Jury Duty: Company Retreat: Absolutely hysterical. This would never work on me, though. I’m too chronically online.

• Running Point (Season 2): Not exactly high-calibre writing, but it’s very entertaining!

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

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A death in a suburban town uncovers an unusual relationship between three middle-aged adults experiencing loneliness and malaise. The series takes very unexpected turns and, funnily enough, has two ongoing mysteries—one is regarding the circumstances of the death, and the other is how a character’s penis became curved.

The series can be tonally confusing and jarring at times. For this reason, I didn’t know how to feel about it at first. I couldn’t get a grasp on what the show was going for. But DTF St. Louis is a slow burn that rewards you for sticking with it. Each episode gets increasingly more engaging as the inner lives of these characters and events leading up to the death are revealed.

Clark (Jason Bateman) and Floyd (David Harbour) have a uniquely endearing friendship. It caught me by surprise how much I invested in it, and just how tender and intimate this relationship is. There’s so much more underneath the surface with these two. And the same with Carol (Linda Cardellini). I really appreciate the work the writers put into fleshing all three characters out and exploring each of their relationships with one another. DTF St. Louis is a moving watch.

High Potential (Season 2)

Season 2 had a strong start with the Game Maker storyline, a series of really interesting cases, and the introduction of Arthur. The back half of the season wasn’t my favourite. There was too much going on, which made the story clunky. Initially, Willa seemed like an interesting character, but most of her scenes fell flat. The Roman investigation didn’t make that much headway, unfortunately.

Wagner’s role was odd to me. He’s introduced as this ambiguous figure that doesn’t quite fit in with our core 5. But not in a cool, mysterious way. More like awkward and uncomfortable? His scenes with Morgan had a lot of sexual tension, too, so I was very confused about what the show intended to do with him. I especially did not expect him, or Lucia for that matter, to end up the way they did in the finale.

Also, I am hoping that the series will involve Daphne and Oz more in the future. It is largely the Morgan show, which has been very entertaining, and Kaitlin Olson is amazing, but I don’t know if there’s longevity in placing disproportionate focus on one person.

Shrinking (Season 3)

Season 3 captures the bittersweet feeling that a chapter of life is coming to an end. It almost feels like a final season for this reason. We see Alice prepare to go to college. Gaby starts planning to open a specialized trauma center, a dream of hers. Paul’s Parkinson’s disease noticeably progresses, and he moves away to be closer to his daughter. Liz, Derek, Sean, and Brian all have major life changes as well. Everyone is moving on.

This season is slightly messier than previous ones, but to be honest, I didn’t care. Sometimes, how a show makes you feel trumps everything. I loved this season. It was a source of catharsis week to week. It had some really crushing, teary-eyed moments, but still managed to be hopeful. It was also insanely funny and deeply unserious at times. I couldn’t think of a more comforting, heartfelt show on right now.

I feel like I’ve written this a lot, but Harrison Ford is doing career-best work on Shrinking. Seriously. He’s phenomenal and so full of wit. Same with everyone else. I cannot say enough how perfect this cast is. Everyone hits every comedic and emotional beat. They’ll have you laughing one minute and crying the next. On top of that, the cast chemistry is extraordinary. You can pair any two characters together, and they’ll give you magic.

The Pitt (Season 2)

I don’t think this season is as good as season 1, but I wouldn’t consider it a sophomore slump either. Not every season can be built around a mass casualty incident. This one opts to focus on more personal or internal conflicts, but lacks coherence without a central plot point to connect everyone. As a result, the season gives us scattered storylines—many of which are underwhelming.

It’s funny how season 2 has a larger cast, but places an even bigger focus on Robby (like he didn’t have enough already). Obviously, he’s the lead, but I didn’t expect so much of this season to be in service to him. The conversations about his recklessness and suicidal ideations were especially repetitive. At least in season 1, the supporting cast had more to do.

The storylines for the returning cast were a mixed bag. Mohan’s arc was lacklustre. McKay didn’t have a storyline. Whitaker was there. Santos and Langdon’s conflict remained a highlight. Javadi probably had the greatest development. I liked Mel’s scenes with her sister, but didn’t care for the deposition. Dana in the first half of the season >> Dana in the back half of the season.

As for the newer characters, I liked them! Ogilvie is a student who should succeed in the ER on paper, but ends up completely destroyed by a patient’s death. Kwon had big IDGAF energy, but was smarter than she let on. Al-Hashimi is a compelling character; Sepideh Moafi is fantastic, and I hope she returns for season 3! Glad to see Luke Tennie here. He’s currently killing it on Shrinking and Abbott Elementary, too!

XO, Kitty (Season 3)

Last season was entertaining, but this was meh. The show isn’t as fun and messy as it used to be. I felt like season 3 took itself more seriously and didn’t know what to do with half of the cast. Some of the storylines were odd, too, and only a few characters had meaningful arcs/development.

On the upside, Lara Jean is back! I absolutely adore To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, so this guest appearance is everything to me. Another highlight of this season is Yuri and Dae’s friendship. Overall, I think this show is generally better when all the characters are together. That chaotic energy is what makes the show entertaining.

Wild Cards (Season 3)

An underwhelming season compared to how entertaining season 2 was. The cases of the week were weaker, so individual episodes weren’t as exciting or memorable. Max and Ellis’ dynamic is also very different; it’s not as fun and lighthearted as season 1 or as angsty and full of yearning like season 2. This season lacked the usual charm and banter.

I feel like the writers didn’t know what to do with Ellis. He has almost no development and generally does not do much this season. He has a new girlfriend, but that relationship has zero depth, so I’m not too sure where the show is taking him. Max, on the other hand, has an interesting storyline after her presumably dead mother shows up at her doorstep.

A few steps back with season 3, and since it was filmed back-to-back with season 4, I’m not sure how much better season 4 will be.

Currently Watching:

• The Boys (Season 5): Hopefully, Kimiko, MM, and Annie survive. I’m ok with everyone else dying. Even Hughie. I think it could be an interesting death. And I wonder if the show will actually kill Homelander or just strip him of his powers. Maybe his punishment is being a normal nobody.

• Euphoria (Season 3): The quality of the show has not declined that much (writing-wise). It’s on par with season 2, so far. The visual style has definitely changed, but the show still looks good. Not having Labrinth’s score, however, is a major loss. His music is embedded in Euphoria’s identity.

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

The Straw Hats are back for another grand adventure! Season 2 is bigger, bolder and better than ever. The series doubles down on spectacle with the coolest fight scenes and most bizarre encounters with different magical creatures and powers.

As a live-action adaptation of an anime, there’s an inherent silliness and absurdity to Netflix’s One Piece—but that’s part of the charm. The over-the-top line deliveries, low-angle close-ups, random split screens, and flamboyant costuming all make for an entertaining ride. This world is full of vibrancy, energy and enthusiasm. You can tell that everyone involved is very passionate about the story.

One Piece is feel-good media at its finest. In all the craziness, the series still centers the ensemble at every turn—showcasing the cast’s incredible chemistry and how the Straw Hats are not just friends, but family. One Piece is extremely heartfelt, infectiously optimistic and hopeful. I love earnestness, and I love the found family trope, so this was the perfect watch for me.

What makes season 2 even better is how it deftly handles tonal shifts. As wacky as this season gets, it’s also quite moving and at times, heartbreaking. Ussop has a notable arc culminating in episode 5. Miss Wednesday’s journey to saving her kingdom is the heart of the season. Charithra Chandran is a welcomed addition to the cast; she has numerous standout moments and seamlessly fits into the crew. To end with a real emotional kicker, One Piece introduces Chopper and Hiriluk with a devastating backstory. Who knew a talking reindeer could cause so many tears?

Overall, season 2 manages to expand the world and bring in new characters while continually developing the original Straw Hats and their tight-knit bond. This has been a very well-structured, compelling and emotionally resonant chapter. I cannot wait for season 3!

Paradise (Season 2)

I have mixed feelings about Paradise. On the one hand, the series accomplishes so much in one season and moves you in unbelievable ways. On the other hand, there are only 8 episodes, so I found the story very rushed.

It’s clear to me that the writers are confident in their vision. They know exactly what story they want to tell and what they’re reaching towards. It never feels like Paradise is making things up along the way. And if this is the case, it doesn’t show at all. It’s reassuring as an audience member.

If anyone could make a plot this grand work, it is Dan Fogelman. Connecting seemingly random characters and storylines is his bread and butter. He is a master at seamlessly weaving different parts of the puzzle together. He can also introduce a new character and make you invest in them with just one episode. The way Annie is brought into the show and impacts the story in such a short time is superb.

I just wish the season were longer—maybe an additional 3-5 episodes. We’re cycling through different storylines too quickly. The show is almost too streamlined. [SPOILER: For example, I think Xavier finds Teri too soon. I would’ve liked to spend more time with him on the road and face more obstacles before getting that reunion. This includes more time with Annie as well.]

I want to earn the big moments, and you can’t do that in only 8 episodes. Not when you’re following Xavier, Sinatra, Jane, Xavier’s kids, Cal’s kid, Robinson, and Dr. Torabi, as well as being introduced to Annie, Link, and Gary, who all have their own backstories. I genuinely like every storyline, but there are too many to cover. As a result, the overall season is disjointed with episodes jumping around everywhere and having no time to breathe.

Love Story

I can’t say I’m too familiar with JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s story or anyone else involved, so I have no idea if I’m making a fair assessment when I say the performances are not great. Sarah Pidgeon is an exception, and Grace Gummer has her big moment in the end, but everyone else ranges from OK to downright bad. Daryl Hannah’s actress could either be giving the most accurate depiction of the star or the flattest, dullest performance humanly possible. Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy is extremely questionable. And it’s no surprise that this is Paul Anthony Kelly’s first time acting.

It doesn’t help that the dialogue is clunky and stilted. There’s also not much to the writing itself. If you’re expecting an in-depth analysis of Bessette or any of the Kennedys, you’re not getting it here. The series only superficially explores their relationship with the public/paparazzi. I would say the writing is pretty forgettable. Love Story is surprisingly tame (tonally) for a Ryan Murphy production.

Thankfully, Pidgeon and Kelly have incredible chemistry. Just a shared glance will make you swoon and kick your feet. They’ve got so many romantic moments together. From Sade and Radiohead to En Vogue, Mazzy Star and even more, the soundtrack is also top-tier and kept my engagement. I liked the overall look and feel of the show as well. It’s glossy and chic—very minimalist. I have no connection to the 90s, but I’m sure the nostalgia factor is very high.

I can’t say I would recommend this show to anybody. It isn’t terrible, but you’re not missing out on anything.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen

Netflix’s new horror show is very ominous and creepy. It follows Rachel, who is faced with an important question: Is her fiancé the one? The two are set to have their wedding at his family’s secluded vacation home. Rachel meets the family for the first time, but things aren’t what they seem.

The series takes its title seriously. The stomach-churning, unnerving feeling that something very bad is going to happen is established immediately. The first episode is dripping with dread. We see how anxious and on edge Rachel is, and how it goes beyond pre-wedding jitters.

The sound design and cinematography are incredible. The lighting and use of love songs and home video camera footage are really effective in creating a haunting atmosphere. At any given moment, that sense of doom is present.

Halfway through the series, there’s a tonal shift that may or may not deter you. What it did for me was confirm my initial thought: the series doesn’t have enough story for eight episodes. It could’ve been shortened by an episode or two, or just be a movie. The characters are thinly written, and the supporting cast doesn’t get much to do. However, I never truly felt bored. I still enjoyed every episode. The show takes some interesting and unexpected turns. It’s not what you think it is.

Huge shoutout to Camila Morrone. This is a single protagonist story, so she had tremendous responsibility to bear, and she delivers. Morrone is instantly likable as Rachel and fully sells you on the horrors of her dilemma, no matter how crazy it gets. You’re also reminded that ultimately the series is an examination of marriage and all the uncertainties that come with it. The arc Rachel has is great.

Currently Watching:

• The Pitt (Season 2): Still enjoyable, but perhaps not as great as season 1. I like that the conflict of the season comes from within the ER; I just don’t know if the characters were written as well as they were in season 1. Mel, Mohan, Whitaker, and McKay shone more last season. I’m also really sad that Mohan won’t be in season 3—she’s one of my favourites!

• High Potential (Season 2): I’m so excited about how the Roman investigation has ramped up. I’m fully on the Morgan-Karadec slowburn ship, but there’s nothing wrong with a detour! I don’t mind Morgan and Wagner—they’ve got great chemistry!

• Shrinking (Season 3): Harrison Ford, GOAT. I am loving every scene of his with Jessica Williams. Also, this season has been particularly devastating. I don’t remember seasons 1 and 2 being like this.

• DTF St. Louis: Surprisingly endearing. I didn’t expect to become invested in Jason Bateman and David Harbour’s on-screen relationship so much. Floyd is such a great character. I’m also liking how freaky the series is getting.

• Rooster: Super low stakes but very charming and cozy. You can’t go wrong with Steve Carrell. The rest of the cast are amazing, too.

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

I’ve never considered Bridgerton to be a show with noteworthy writing, but this season has been a very pleasant surprise. It’s mostly great. I think it may be the best one yet.

Something that irritates me about this show is the subplots. They tend to be a distraction from the main couple, irrelevant or a snooze fest to watch, but all the plots in season 4 seamlessly weaved together. Everything connected. This was a cohesive, well-rounded season, and all roads led back to Benedict and Sophie in some shape or form.

This season’s love story is really sweet. Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha bring a different energy as the leads this time around. It’s calm and gentle. They have a real ease with one another, which is evident in their chemistry. We also see how Benedict and Sophie find a sense of belonging with each other. They’re seen and loved. Ultimately, they come to realize their self-worth.

But what begins as a whirlwind fairytale is grounded by harsh reality. I love the forbidden aspect of Benedict and Sophie’s relationship because it leads to a ton of yearning. Benedict is tormented and in anguish for most of Part 2. This only adds to the thrill of seeing him finally commit and fight for Sophie, even if it means sacrificing his family.

Though this may be Benedict’s time to shine, I have to say, the true diamond of the season is Sophie. Yerin Ha is simply outstanding. She’s a well of emotion and just lights up the screen whenever she’s on. With her charm and comedic timing, it was so easy to fall in love with Sophie.

Sophie’s also an underdog, which we all love to root for. Her backstory and position as a maid breathe new life into the show. The upstairs/downstairs perspective is not only refreshing to watch, but it also gives us important insight into Sophie’s upbringing, her place in society and why she’s so hesitant to commit to Benedict. Again, the different storylines gelled together spectacularly!

Sophie and Benedict aside, I really enjoyed the focus on Lady Danbury and Queen Charlotte’s friendship. There was so much history in each and every single look and glance they shared. What a bittersweet subplot, especially seeing what Charlotte went through in Queen Charlotte.

I also liked Francesca’s arc in Part 2. I didn’t mind the Mondriches or Lady Violet’s storylines. Even Varley and Lady Featherington’s falling-out and reunion were decent. Usually, I’m forwarding through subplots and am annoyed by several characters. Not this time!

The last thing I want to note is the music. I’m obsessed with Benedict and Sophie’s theme, and the “All I Wanted” instrumental needle drop is everything to me—my favourite music moment of season 4.

The Artful Dodger (Season 2)

You’ve got the same star-crossed lovers, heists, and medical drama from season 1, but now there’s a serial killer on the loose and interesting family connections are introduced. Season 2 genuinely has it all.

Jack and Belle’s romantic relationship is still at the forefront. The longing and angst are delicious. Thomas Brodie Sangster and Maia Mitchell have incredible chemistry. Their scenes together are adorable, and the banter is great, too. They’re one of my favourite newer TV couples.

Apart from the romance, what I really enjoy about this series is the medical storylines. It’s neat to see medicine practiced in the 1800s, and how these characters diagnose and treat patients with limited information and resources.

The Artful Dodger also shines a light on misogyny and classism in medicine. We see how male doctors attribute medical symptoms in female patients to menstruation or pregnancy, and generally do not take them seriously. We also see how a cholera outbreak affects different parts of town, and which parts the doctors end up treating or neglecting.

The entire Fagin subplot is probably my least favourite. Scheming and scamming should be fun, but I found it stale. David Thewlis seems to be having a great time filming. He has wonderful comedic chops, but the character is so one-note. I wish there were more depth to him or some sort of growth. Thankfully, with Fanny’s involvement, there’s a nice change in energy and dynamic.

The Traitors US (Season 4)

This season started out entertaining and ended too predictably. After Candiace left, the path to victory was like taking candy from a baby for Rob. I hoped there would be a last-minute twist to spice things up, but alas, he played a great game and took home the prize.

I wish the Faithfuls locked in more, but I can’t totally say they’re terrible at the game, considering four Traitors were banished. I mean, it can’t get worse than The Celebrity Traitors; however, so much was lacking in the edit. I don’t feel we saw enough attempts at gaming and strategizing from everyone, or relationships/alliances forming.

Mark and Kristen made it far and apparently were very close, but we didn’t see much of their interactions! I kept seeing the cast say Kristen was cutthroat and cunning on social media, but where was this in the show? Even the banquet was supposed to be crazier, and it felt like it was cut short.

I did think the secret fourth Traitor was an amazing idea, but it should’ve been a gamer, or literally anyone else. Picking Donna was a misstep.

Wonder Man

Wonder Man is about Simon Williams, a struggling actor with secret powers, who befriends Trevor Slattery, aka The Mandarin, throughout the audition process for the remake of Wonder Man, a superhero film from the 80s.

This is not your typical superhero or Marvel project. The superhero abilities and big action sequences are secondary to Simon's pursuit of acting and his persistence in the face of constant rejection. In fact, there’s almost no action involved.

I can’t say I was instantly sold. It took a few episodes to get into the groove of the show, but I got there. Wonder Man eventually grew on me because of Simon and Trevor’s friendship.

With or without his powers, Simon was an outcast growing up, so finding trust and community in Trevor means the world to him. Trevor takes on a mentorship role, believing in Simon when no one else does and motivating him to be the best version of himself. This friendship also allows Trevor to redeem himself for past mistakes and become the best version of himself, too.

The two of them bond through acting. Wonder Man examines the importance of storytelling. We see how the original version of Wonder Man resonates with Simon and offers him comfort and positive memories of his late father. Then we see the other side of it—how acting allows Simon to heal and find catharsis. Film and TV have the power to connect us with one another and reconnect us with ourselves.

This was a heartwarming watch!

How To Get To Heaven From Belfast

From the creator of Derry Girls, this dark comedy is expectedly chaotic, quirky and charming. It follows three best friends, Dara, Saoirse, and Robyn, who receive news that Greta, their estranged friend from high school, has mysteriously died. The trio begin investigating what really happened.

To get the negatives out of the way, the series lulls here and there and gets repetitive. Saoirse keeps making the same choice again and again, resulting in the same conflict again and again. She also has a romantic fling that isn’t the most exciting. I also think Dara and Robyn could’ve been more fleshed out.

As for the positives, Belfast ended up really moving me. Healing your inner child is a major theme in the show. These women are confronted with past choices and traumas. They have to reflect on who they once were and reconcile with who they’ve become. Belfast is more than just a murder mystery; it’s a journey of self-discovery. These types of stories always resonate with me, so I had a great time watching this show.

The emotional, as well as comedic, moments are accompanied by an incredible soundtrack. The needle drops are just banger after banger. And interestingly, this series visually reminds me of Riverdale. The cinematography is moody and stylized. I love the neon lighting and overall how bright and colourful the show is.

The Night Agent (Season 3)

The Night Agent returns with Peter working to take down Jacob Monroe, an intelligence broker who swung the Presidential election in Richard Hagan’s favour in season 2.

This was a thrilling and binge-worthy new season, and a major step up from season 2. The writing is much more focused and propulsive; personal, familial or romantic drama actually feeds into the main plot/conspiracy, instead of bogging it down. I much prefer the storyline this season and will always be a fan of an investigative journalist subplot. It’s very fitting for this show, too.

The newer characters fit into this new season and with the old cast seamlessly. They bring fresh energy to the show. The cast chemistry, character dynamics, and overall tone of the season are all great. Everything clicked into place; I wouldn’t mind seeing some of this cast back again in the future.

I also hope to see Rose in the future. I do think the break from Rose and Peter was needed to reorient the series, and return to what worked best: solving a conspiracy without noise getting in the way. But they set up a return for Rose, with Peter wanting to find balance. There’s a potential for her to come back—so long as they’re on the same page this time.

Also, Rose may not have been physically in this season, but her presence was felt. I’m glad that the series consistently mentions her and shows how important she still is to Peter because it irritates me when shows pretend a character doesn’t exist once they’re written out.

My only real complaint would be episode 7, where flashbacks for a certain character were kind of dull. Otherwise, good season!

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Season 1)

This show has two things I love: a non-linear narrative and complex/strained family relationships. In the 1950s, we follow Lee Shaw, Bill Rand, and Keiko Miura as they form Monarch, an organization researching monsters. In 2015, we follow Keiko’s grandchildren, Cate and Kentaro, as they have their own encounters with monsters.

The first three episodes are terrific. They build intrigue, the monsters are shown to be terrifying, and the suspense is through the roof. I was very excited to see how the season would unfold, especially with Cate, given her backstory and the discovery she makes about her father.

Unfortunately, the quality dips in the middle episodes, and the initial setup doesn’t go anywhere. Monarch places its focus on the characters in 2015, but they’re underwritten, and the interpersonal dynamics lack depth. It’s frustrating because even with less screen time, the trio in the 50s are better developed and has distinct characterizations. I found myself wanting more of the past timeline and less of the present one.

The last few episodes step it up a little bit. All the secrets are out, heartbreaking realizations are made, and worlds collide in interesting ways. There’s also an air of tragedy that I really like because it adds much-needed emotional depth to the show.

I’ve seen comments that this show is too drama-heavy and doesn’t show the monsters enough. This is true. If you’re looking for action and thrills, you’re not getting much of it here. Personally, I love watching family drama, so I didn’t mind it or have expectations about the monsters, but improvements can definitely be made.

Casting Kurt and Wyatt Russell to play Lee Shaw at different ages is brilliant, though. How cool is it for a father and son duo to play the same character?

Currently Watching:

• Wild Cards (Season 3): The angst and tension between Max and Ellis is delicious. We love a slow burn!

• Abbott Elementary (Season 5): I had so much fun with the mall episodes. Great way to shake up the story.

• Shrinking (Season 3): Harrison Ford, GOAT.

• Paradise (Season 2): No one is better at introducing new characters and having you invest in them like Dan Fogelman.

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

The film follows Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams), a homely, overlooked strategist who becomes stranded on an island with her obnoxiously arrogant boss, Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien), as the sole survivors of their plane crash. The tables are turned as Bradley becomes dependent on Linda to survive.

Admittedly, Send Help has a slightly slow start. The first act is the weakest part of the film. You have to sit through a few cliches and caricatures in an unremarkable corporate environment. There is also some lulling on the island and questionable CGI, but nothing egregious. I still found it wonderfully entertaining due to Sam Raimi’s direction.

Raimi’s playfulness and cheekiness are evident throughout the runtime. There are brilliant comedic moments combined with elements of horror. He provides such a visceral experience with intense close-ups and wild camera angles. Even in the first act, he generates tension from what could be really dull character interactions.

Raimi also pulls phenomenal performances out of Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien. They speak about the direction they received in the clip below, and it’s hilarious. But it clearly worked!

@ign"This is not a Canadian picture." #sendhelp #rachelmcadams #dylanobrien #samraimi #movie #interview

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McAdams and O’Brien’s chemistry is off the charts; they bounce off one another really well. This makes their shifting power dynamic fun and fascinating to watch. Every interaction is electric and full of energy. You never get the sense that their circumstances or relationship will remain the same for long. Part of why that works is that they add needed depth and complexity to their characters.

Dylan O’Brien is the ultimate douchebag as Bradley. He is as bratty and entitled as you’d expect—down to his ridiculous laugh. Bradley’s the type of character you love to make fun of and hate on. O’Brien plays up the asshole tendencies with impeccable comedic timing, but he also grounds him in a way where you can’t help but sympathize with Bradley. You never 100% root against him.

As for Rachel McAdams, she’s one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. On top of being extremely captivating, funny and charismatic, she fully commits to every single scenario thrown her way, and it’s always convincing. Her depiction of Linda is so layered because she gives this character hints of instability and craziness—not too much so you can still root for her, but just enough to make you question her morals and intentions.

There’s an unpredictability in the performances and direction where you can’t truly trust or rely on anyone’s point of view or motivations. It makes for an exhilarating watch and builds to a crazy last act, where all bets are off, and anything can happen. The end is bloody, over the top and cartoonish in the best way possible. There’s also an incredible match cut; you’ll know it when you see it.

I wholeheartedly recommend watching Send Help in theaters! You won’t be disappointed. Hearing the audience roar and cackle will make the experience all the better.

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all enjoying the new year!

I’m back with another monthly recap of my TV watches. Without even realizing it, I watched a lot of shows within the same genre or of a similar genre. I thought it would be fun to create a Venn diagram of the genres of shows I watched this past month.

I guess there was something about murder that really got my attention in January.

Anyways! Let’s get into these shows!

Loot (Season 3)

A pleasant office comedy that does nothing new or too exciting, but has tremendous heart and a solid group of main characters. I’ve enjoyed watching everyone and the different relationships develop.

However, I think season 3 is probably the weakest installment so far. It can get stale. This season loses focus by not having a common goal for everyone to work towards. The characters are mostly doing their own thing, so the group dynamic isn’t as strong.

The comedy isn’t as great as previous seasons either, but D’Arcy Carden has a guest spot this season, and it is fantastic. Her performance is hysterical.

The finale ends on a cliffhanger with Molly having a choice to make. I’m not sure how to feel about it or what direction the show is headed in. One thing I do know is that Molly will somehow subvert expectations.

Night Manager (Season 1)

Dull characters, dull plot, dull ending. One of the most drab watches I’ve had in a while. I wanted to catch up to watch season 2, which premiered on January 1, but I’ve lost all interest now. Unfortunately, I do not see why this was raved about.

Season 1 is about a night manager (Tom Hiddleston) who goes undercover to take down businessman Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie). It is six episodes of superficial, uninspired, drawn-out storytelling. This could’ve been a movie, especially because none of the characters have an ounce of depth to them.

The women have it the worst. They are there to be beautiful and beaten unless they’re Olivia Colman, who gets to be pregnant while leading the operation against Roper! The female characters aren’t even people; they’re objects and plot devices. I rolled my eyes a lot. The forced romance between Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Debicki’s characters is terrible.

The technical elements are fine. It’s atmospheric. However, unlike movies, I don’t believe TV shows can coast on vibes.

On a positive note, Olivia Colman never lets me down, and Hugh Laurie gives a devious, menacing performance.

His & Hers

A thrilling limited series about a small town murder. At the center of this mystery is news reporter Anna (Tessa Thompson) and detective Jack (Jon Bernthal), who share a complicated history with the victim and each other.

There are multiple twists and turns, with the final one absolutely flooring me. It’s definitely a melodramatic series, and one where you may have to suspend your disbelief. The middle episodes slightly dip in momentum, but it’s still engaging. His & Hers is the type of show you watch in one sitting.

Visually, it was nice and not nearly as bad as the slop Netflix typically releases. The series was also well-acted, and I really liked everything Tessa Thompson wore. She looked amazing! That green outfit is my favourite.

[Slight spoiler?] I will say that the trailers are misleading. Anna and Jack’s suspicions about each other aren’t significant to the story. The actual murder mystery and investigation take a backseat to revealing the history everyone shares.

Run Away

The type of show you binge over the weekend and forget about it the next day. Run Away is about a father seeking to find his missing daughter and somehow ending up in the middle of a murder investigation. Bodies start dropping like flies, and he is so in over his head.

Several storylines are running at the same time, so the show is quite busy. It keeps you entertained as the father uncovers more about his daughter and different subplots intersect. None of the characters is particularly interesting, though. I really didn’t care where anyone ended up.

This is a serviceable thriller. I’d say the mystery element is at least better than His & Hers because there’s actual investigating and following leads. However, I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend this to anyone.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians (Season 2)

A massive improvement from season 1! With most of the worldbuilding out of the way, the storytelling has really ramped up. The series has found its footing, nicely balancing increasingly darker themes and storylines with fun, lighthearted moments and character interactions. The direction and cinematography have definitely been stepped up, and I’m glad the volume stage was left behind.

The changes from the book are largely great. Not only do they make sense for TV, but they also add depth and complexity to each character and relationship. This was my least favourite book of the series, but I really enjoyed this season. I especially liked Thalia’s introduction to this world and the tease in the finale.

However, season 2 is not without its flaws. My main critique would be how short the episodes are. I’m not sure if this is intentional or if there are budget constraints, but we’re always moving on to the next thing. Breathers are needed. It would be great if we could sit for a moment and take the time to process whatever crazy thing just happened. This would alleviate any clunkiness in pacing, too.

All in all, I’m looking forward to season 3. This will be the first time The Titan’s Curse will be adapted!

Ponies

This spy thriller follows Persons of No Interest (PONIes), Bea (Emilia Clarke) and Twila (Haley Lu Richardson) in 1977 Russia. After their husbands’ mysterious deaths, they go undercover for the CIA to investigate what really happened.

I had a blast watching Ponies! It has the perfect mix of espionage intrigue and personal drama. It’s comedic, quirky, and visually appealing. Everything from hair and makeup and costuming to the cinematography and set design is so stylistic.

The series is led by two insanely charismatic actresses. I love having a female duo at the forefront. Clarke and Richardson have great chemistry. In fact, everyone has great chemistry with each other. There’s a real ease to each scene. Ponies is a well-cast show.

This season builds to a jam-packed, intense finale. While certain conclusions or reveals were predictable, I’m still excited to see where the writers will take the story. Season 1 ended on a high note! Fingers crossed for a season 2!

The Celebrity Traitors

I’ve been on a Traitors kick. The premise of the series is really fun. The goal is for “Faithfuls“ to work together to vote out or “banish” the “Traitors” among them at each roundtable. Remaining Traitors get to murder one Faithful after each banishment. If only Faithfuls are left at the end of the game, they split the prize amount. If a Traitor is among them, the traitor takes it all.

This season was hilarious. The Faithfuls were terrible at catching Traitors, and that final vote was amazing. What a twist! I also thought the casting was great. There was an entertaining group of personalities in the castle. They worked really well together during missions to add money to their prize pot.

I’m so curious how I would do in this environment. I’d likely try to stay under the radar as a Faithful, but would that seem suspicious? I might make it through a couple of round tables, but there’s always a chance the Traitors murder me early on. I have no idea how I would do as a Traitor, though. All the lying and scheming would be exhausting.

Currently Watching:

• Wild Card (Season 3): The angst and tension between Max and Ellis is delicious.

• Abbott Elementary (Season 5): I had so much fun with the mall episodes. Great way to shake up the story!

• The Traitors US (Season 4): I love me some Traitor on Traitor action. I hope a Faithful wins by surprise.

• Shrinking (Season 3): The premiere ended with a gut punch. Most underrated show on TV!

Next on My Watchlist:

• Memory of a Killer

• Dying for Sex

• I Love L.A.

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

In Case You Missed It:

Let’s get into it!

All Her Fault

A spectacularly entertaining soap opera. This show had twists and turns for days. It was over the top and ridiculously dramatic, from the direction and music to the character reactions. I had a blast!

It was slightly long, dipping in the middle, but overall, gripping. The series immediately gets into it—no opening montage or slowly building up to conflict. Marissa (Sarah Snook) goes to pick her son up after an arranged play date, only to find out he’s not there, nor was he ever there. Panic sets in, the police are called, and everything spins out of control. As expected with these types of shows, all the secrets come out, and everyone is in turmoil. Nobody is safe. Literally.

The cherry on top is that the show is very pro-working moms. It highlights the difficulty of motherhood and marriage and the sacrifices women make in the most unhinged way possible.

What a rush it was to watch this!

[Spoiler: Is Jake Lacy being typecast as an evil husband? He’s really good at it.]

A Man on The Inside (Season 2)

Charles' next big investigation leads him to Wheeler College, where the President is being blackmailed to reject a generous donation from billionaire Brad Vinick.

Unfortunately, I found this season very dull, generic and cartoon-y. It lacks the charm and coziness of the first season. It is a shame because I really enjoyed season 1, which had more emotional depth and a moving arc for our protagonist.

A college setting with one-dimensional, uninteresting new characters doesn’t quite allow for heartfelt moments. Additionally, the second season isn’t as tightly structured. So much distracts from the main mystery, and I didn’t even expect a crazy, thrilling mystery to begin with. That’s certainly not what I watch this show for, but it was just boring. The Charles and Mona relationship was a miss for me as well.

What I did like was the focus on Julie and her mom. I love Constance Marie, so it was wonderful having her this season as an ex-con woman trying to reconcile with her daughter. I would’ve loved to see more of Julie and Didi, though. I felt those sparks early on.

Emily in Paris (Season 5)

An amusing, glamorous mess — but in Rome, which is a nice change!

We’re back for another year of will they, won’t they with Emily and Gabriel. All I can say is I’m glad both of them are (somewhat) growing individually, so whatever happens next won’t feel like retreading old ground. At least not too much. [Mini spoiler: But hey, I wouldn’t mind seeing Emily in Greece in season 6. Maybe she can take on Europe one season at a time. By season 15, she takes on Asia.]

Emily and Sylvie are a pairing that I’ve come to love. The genuine care they have for one another, even with the snide remarks, is a highlight of the show. It was exciting to hear Sylvie say she needs her Emily in Paris. I also just love Sylvie. She’s a badass. She’s chic. She’s funny.

Of course, I have to mention the very random romantic storyline between Alfie and Mindy. It’s extremely forced, and Alfie feels like a second choice again. Regardless of that, I wouldn’t mind seeing Alfie and Mindy as an actual couple in future seasons. My expectations for this show are already tremendously low, so an out-of-the-blue pairing like this one isn’t too bad.

Also, Minnie Driver is a great addition to the cast.

Nobody Wants This (Season 2)

A case of the sophomore slump. Where’s the charm, the energy, the romance? And where’s the humor? I thought this was supposed to be a comedy! This fell flat in every aspect.

The characters were vapid and one-dimensional, which I could somewhat tolerate in a first season, but not in a second season. This is the time to explore different facets of the characters and dig deeper, but season 2 was essentially a repeat of season 1. The story beats were the same; Noah and Joanne end up where they started. Morgan’s arc is shallow. Sasha is there. Esther’s storyline is interesting, probably my favourite, although it could’ve been more fleshed out.

I don’t know if this show will be seeing me next season—something would have to drastically change.

Stranger Things (Season 5)

Unfortunately, I have mostly negative thoughts about season 5. Stranger Things seems to be a victim of its own success. The need to go bigger every season has done irreparable damage to the quality of the writing.

Instead of riding the momentum of the previous season’s finale, the show hits the reset button and does a time jump. Then the writers decide to add even more characters to an already bloated cast and introduce yet another world at the last minute. Only a few characters have fully realized arcs this season—everyone else is just randomly there.

Additionally, I found the exposition unbearable. Everything is overly explained and dumbed down. I was being hit over the head with the diagrams and planning and scheming. How many times is enough? The same goes for the Kate Bush song. It loses its effect after a while.

For an 8-episode season, it feels nine times as long. And I thought season 4 was poorly paced and structured. This is worse—a slog to get through.

The final scene in the basement does manage to evoke nostalgia. You can really feel the actors’ sadness that this chapter of their lives is over. But nostalgia can only get you so far. I was bored by everything else. The soundtrack and score do a lot of heavy lifting in the finale. While not terrible, the show plays it too safe, and ultimately, the final episode is unmemorable.

Kudos to Jamie Campbell Bower, though. He’s the only one to turn in an impressive performance.

Currently Watching:

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians (Season 2): Very impressed with how much has improved from season 1.

• Fallout (Season 2): I’m starting to think that this show is not for me. Season 1 was fine. And so far, I feel the same way about season 2. I’m just not connecting with the story or characters.

• Loot (Season 3): Maya Rudolph is a gem.

• Night Manager (Season 1): An incredible cast, but the plot isn’t that thrilling.

Next on My Watchlist:

• Pluribus

• I Love L.A.

• Overcompensating

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

In Case You Missed It:

Favourite Movie Theatre Experience(s): Sinners and Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning

I watched both films in IMAX, and both experiences were glorious.

Sinners was visually stunning and had a very cool, original concept. The entire cast absolutely killed it, and what an electrifying score! It gave me goosebumps. This is what film is all about. I had the best time, and I was moved by so many aspects of the story.

As for Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, the action sequences took my breath away. The Sevastopol set piece, in particular, blew my mind. I still can’t believe they accomplished that. Tom Cruise movie stars harder than he has ever movie starred before. He had a death wish. That man is crazy (pictured above).

Honourable Mention: Weapons

Most Underrated Film: A Nice Indian Boy

A lovely rom-com that will put a smile on your face and possibly make you cry. The film follows Naveen and Jay, two polar opposites who fall in love. From deep-rooted personal insecurities to cultural clashes, they have to overcome their differences in order for their relationship to succeed.

I found A Nice Indian Boy incredibly sweet and earnest. There’s not only a beautiful romantic connection, but Naveen’s family dynamic is just as integral to the story, and very touching, too. The characters are all well-developed and grow over the course of the film.

Honorable Mention: If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

The Film with the Best Dual Performance: Twinless

Twinless is a dark comedy about grief, loneliness and friendship. I was both disturbed and cackling while watching this.

The film is an acting showcase for Dylan O’Brien, who plays a man grieving his twin, dealing with survivor’s guilt and negative self-thoughts. He is equally convincing in both twin roles, giving depth to and fully embodying two very different individuals. O’Brien is vulnerable and sweet and traumatized and magnetic and depressed and everything under the sun in this film.

Honorable Mention: Mickey 17

Best Film Ending: It Was Just an Accident

This tale of revenge examines whether an eye for an eye will bring justice and heal old scars. A group of political prisoners must determine if the man they kidnapped was, in fact, their tormentor. The film poses many interesting moral and ethical questions, while being surprisingly funny. I didn’t know what to expect, but I liked how the story was structured and the tone it took on. The performances are incredible, too.

The way It Was Just an Accident builds up to the big reveal and final choice of exacting revenge is exquisite. We understand exactly who our main characters are, what they need to move on, and if they can live with their choice. The film’s final moments are bone-chilling. It’s simple, but very effective.

Honorable Mention: One Battle After Another

Worst Film (and Sequel) I Watched This Year: The Old Guard 2

This wasn’t just bad—it was boring, which I think is worse. I could not tell you what happened in this movie. I had zero interest in what was unfolding in front of me. Everything about it was completely and utterly bland.

And what a shame! I really enjoyed the first film. I also like this cast. Uma Thurman and Henry Golding are great additions, but they are definitely wasted here. Even the Marvel movies were not this bad this year.

Honorable Mention: Another Simple Favor. But at least the outfits were fun.

The Best Dakota Johnson Movie: Splitsville

There are only two Dakota Johnson films to choose from this year: Splitsville or Materialists, so this is just an excuse for me to talk about how much I enjoyed this film.

Splitsville follows two couples who become entangled in various ways as they push the boundaries of their relationships. I love how warm and buoyant the film is while tackling personal insecurities, complicated relationships and what one desires or expects from a partner. It’s unapologetically messy, very entertaining and one of the funniest films of the year. The way the couples shuffle and reshuffle is seamless and so fun. The supporting characters are also great!

Most Affecting: Sorry, Baby

Eva Victor came out of the gate swinging. I cannot believe this is her directorial debut, and she wrote the screenplay, and she stars in it.

A deeply moving film about sexual assault and the emotional aftermath. Sorry, Baby is honest and reflective, beautifully encapsulating the complicated feelings associated with this singular, life-changing event without shame or embarrassment. Victor incorporates a lot of humour and is quite sympathetic in her approach.

When she held up the cat and then the baby later, I was a wreck.

Honorable Mention: Eternity

Favourite First Watch: The Conjuring

Everybody was acting like rent was due—even the children. I was very impressed. This was taut and dreadful. I loved all the technical elements, from the visual and sound effects to the cinematography and direction. I also really enjoyed the mystery element and the reveal of who’s haunting the house and why.

Honorable Mention: The Prestige

TV Shows

Most Discombobulated: Doctor Odyssey

Sometimes TV shows deserve to get cancelled ❤️

Not a single coherent storyline. The writers threw darts at a board and said okay! There’s absolutely no buildup or follow-up to plot points. A complete mess of a season due to crazy, quick pacing and no apparent plan. Campy TV doesn’t mean you can throw consistency and earned development out the window.

They also should’ve gone the throuple route!

Biggest Disappointment: Severance

Unfortunately, a few artistic moments of brilliance do not make up for a disjointed, anticlimactic season. It’s not that season 2 was horrible, but it was an underwhelming follow-up to a phenomenal, tightly crafted first season. Maybe it’s a matter of expectation because I did expect more, and the three-year wait made it even worse.

See my full thoughts on season 2 here.

Honorable mention to Silo for pretty much the same reasons. Season 1 was amazing.

Best Returning Show: The Diplomat

The Diplomat returned with its best season yet. Watching this was like receiving a shot of adrenaline. It’s so quick-witted and intense, and it never lets up.

Kate and Hal are probably my favorite couple on TV right now. Their dysfunctional relationship makes for excellent entertainment. The show seamlessly weaves Kate and Hal’s marital issues into the political drama. A highly thrilling season.

Most Underrated Show(s): Wild Cards and Forever

Season 2 of Wild Cards is a delight! Max, a vibrant conwoman, and Ellis, a reserved cop, are back solving crimes together in this funny, light-hearted procedural. I need a million more seasons of Max putting on silly disguises every episode as Ellis reluctantly plays along.

Forever is a romantic teen drama following Justin and Keisha as they experience the ups and downs of first love. It’s a wonderful depiction of how messy young love can be, but also exciting, pure and vulnerable. The romantic chemistry between Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. is electric, and the soundtrack is fantastic.

The Buzziest Show: The Summer I Turned Pretty

The show took over social media for about three months. I could not escape it even if I wanted to. The online discourse was at an all-time high; ship wars came back in a truly insane way. The people yearned for romance and growing pains, and the show gave them that in abundance.

But The Summer I Turned Pretty doesn’t hold the title for buzziest show just because it gained an unbelievable amount of media attention. What was really buzzy was Belly and Conrad in Paris. Romantic chemistry and tension peaked at the dinner party. It peaked again in the car. And then again in Belly’s apartment.

See my full thoughts on season 3 here.

My Favorite First Watch(es): Trying and Pachinko

Two severely underrated Apple TV+ series everyone should watch!

Trying is about a couple’s adoption journey. It’s hilarious, chaotic and extremely heartwarming. The characters are very lovable, and it’s so easy to root for them, flaws and all. This is the perfect cozy, slice-of-life show.

Pachinko is a complete 180 as the main character, Sunja, goes through all sorts of trauma and hardships throughout her life. The story spans multiple decades, going back and forth in time, showing the inner lives of multiple generations of her family.

Both shows are tear-jerkers, but in completely different ways.

Favorite Episodes

• “Have You Seen This Man?”

  Adults: Season 1, Episode 3

• “A Slippery Slope”

  Hacks: Season 4, Episode 9

• “What Have I Done?”

  Invincible: Season 3, Episode 7

• “Doll Day Afternoon”

  Elsbeth: Season 3, Episode 2

• “Emperor Dead”

  The Diplomat: Season 3, Episode 1

• “Whack-A-Mole”

  Poker Face: Season 2, Episode 3

• “Boom Goes the Dynamite”

  Ginny & Georgia: Season 3, Episode 5

What films and TV shows stood out to you in 2025?

1997

Well. Sometimes, all you can do is hire hot people to be in a movie and call it a day because this slasher doesn’t quite slash. I like the concept of IKWYDLS much more than the execution. The core four are forced into a high-stress situation after committing vehicular manslaughter. Part of that initial thrill is their reaction and the chaos of figuring out what to do next, then ultimately, disposing of the body. It’s a great way to jumpstart the film.

But other than not wanting to go to prison, deeper personal motivations to dispose of the body would’ve raised the stakes even more. This also would’ve made it easier to care about the characters. A theme the film could’ve expanded on is the class difference between our main characters to increase tension.

Sarah Michelle Gellar was great as always, but in general, there was a lack of depth and charisma among the cast. The friendships and relationships were superficial, too. The four of them could’ve been strangers for all I know.

I can appreciate a twist, even if it’s a bit contrived or convoluted, but it wasn’t sharp enough to keep me on my toes or wow me. The events that unfold are so lacklustre. The kills are unmemorable, and there is a serious absence of tense, drawn-out chase sequences. I want to watch slashers with bated breath and dread, and I didn’t get that. The villain's reveal was not satisfying. The pacing was sluggish. This was a very unimpactful film, devoid of energy and suspense.

Here are things that I liked: the character design with the signature hook and Fisherman outfit, Jennifer Love Hewitt’s spinning and yelling with her arms out, and the tone and creepiness of the film.

I wonder if I would’ve liked this more had I watched it when it came out instead of with a 2025 lens. I guess we’ll never know.

2025

This film follows a similar premise; the difference is in how the main characters cause vehicular homicide. Inadvertently causing a car crash by standing in the middle of the road doesn’t have the same effect as supposedly killing someone with your car, then dumping their body. Both are still wrong, but one is clearly a more thrilling situation to watch unfold and sets up a more convincing revenge plot. This opening is milder in comparison to the 1997 film.

More of an effort is made to give this friend group some kind of history with unresolved issues and grievances. The characters have some depth, too. I use “some” lightly. It all kind of falls flat in the end, but I liked the characters better than the original. The friendship between Madelyn Cline and Chase Sui Wonders’ characters is a highlight. I enjoyed all of their interactions and was interested to see what would happen to them.

It’s a tricky thing to incorporate legacy characters because how will they fit in? What is their connection to this new group? It doesn’t fully work. I appreciate the attempt to have an original character become the villain due to trauma, pain and hopelessness, but it didn’t land. It was slightly out of the blue and was not at all built up well. However, I didn’t watch any of the other installments, so I’ll give the franchise the benefit of the doubt—maybe I just missed something.

The original had a more ominous atmosphere, while this one is more of a horror comedy. It’s much funnier. I liked having moments of levity. The cast really delivers. The killer reveal is also fun, which is in line with the tone of this film. It felt very Scream-like but without the bite and wit that the Scream franchise has.

I have the same complaints about the lack of suspense. Both films are missing terrifying, anxiety-riddled moments of horror. Even in the Scream films, when jokes are being cracked and the most unserious line of dialogue is said, the tension is still palpable, and you’re on the edge of your seat. The 2025 film tried and failed.

I can’t really say that one is better than the other. These films have different strengths and weaknesses, lacking what the other has and having what the other lacks. Overall, both are pretty forgettable. I don’t think I’ll be willingly rewatching these.

Season 2 has an interesting premise and sets up good twists, but it isn’t as tightly written as it could be and underutilizes the majority of the cast. The entire plot revolves around Peacemaker exploring another dimension that is seemingly everything he has ever dreamed of. His character develops nicely as he confronts his regrets and mistakes and overcomes deep self-hatred and shame. His friendships and relationships also provide heartfelt, human moments, which is where the show shines.

There are a few other notable character arcs with Rick Flag Senior, Emilia and Ads. I appreciate the inclusion of these arcs, but they’re not fleshed out due to how much was going on in the season. Apart from Peacemaker, most of the character development is lukewarm. The performances are very strong, though. Danielle Brooks is a standout. She has several scenes in the finale to write home about. She wears her heart on her sleeve and is the glue of this ragtag group.

Hard-hitting, impactful scenes are few and far between in season 2. It almost creeps into 8-hour movie territory for me, which I am passionately against. Episodes shouldn’t blend together to the point where they become indistinguishable from each other. This also screws up the pacing because the middle section lacks plot progression and ultimately feels like filler, which shouldn’t be happening in an 8-episode season.

Though there are things to enjoy, season 2 is just not memorable.

Task

Task starts with a house robbery gone wrong and follows three groups of people in the aftermath: the robbery crew, the Dark Hearts gang who were targeted and the FBI agents tasked to solve the crime. Specifically, the series focuses on Agent Tom Brandis and Robbie Prendergrast, the leader of the robbery crew, both of whom are struggling and grieving fathers.

This is exactly what you would expect from a typical HBO “prestige” crime drama—gritty and bleak. However, Task’s strengths lie in the family drama and character studies, not the investigation. Some profound moments hit hard, but ultimately, I think the show is spread thin, and nothing ends up making a real, long-lasting mark. For instance, Grasso’s arc didn’t move me at all. It felt more like an afterthought that had to be quickly wrapped up in the end.

The series is also a bit of a slow burn. It takes a beat to settle into the story and get going. Episode 1 fulfills its most basic function, introducing the characters and the main conflict, and nothing more. Task isn’t flashy or showy either, so it doesn’t have that special draw or hook.

However, once it does get going, the plot keeps escalating until everything comes to a head. There are plenty of suspenseful scenes, revelations and close calls for everyone involved to keep you invested.

I also like how sympathetic the show is towards the characters. Ultimately, everyone is chasing freedom and happiness, wanting to escape their depressing reality. There’s a sense of understanding woven into the narrative, and it’s present among the characters and in their interactions. Forgiving and moving on is a major theme.

There are stellar performances across the board. I knew Mark Ruffalo would deliver based on his extraordinary filmography, and I still think Tom Pelphrey was robbed of an Emmy for Ozark, but Emilia Jones blew me away. First of all, I didn’t even recognize her. Second, her accent work is amazing. I forgot she was British. Fabien Frankel is allowed to shine in a way he wasn’t able to in season 1 of The House of the Dragon (I can’t comment on season 2 because I didn’t watch it and have no plans to).

Task is an almost great show for me.

Gen V (Season 2)

*Mild Spoilers*

The writers very quickly and beautifully restructured the story after the tragic death of Chance Perdomo, who played Andre. Gen V honours both the character and the late actor as they’re the heart of the season, and their presence is felt the entire time. Andre’s death is integral to the narrative. The main characters must navigate grief and guilt and try to rebuild fractured relationships, all while facing a new villain.

Season 2 requires everyone to unite and work together, which is slightly cheesy but full of heart. What I love about Gen V is that the main characters are actual friends—family, even—as opposed to The Boys. The cast chemistry is unbelievably strong, and the relationships are very sweet. There’s genuine effort put into developing the group dynamic, and the writers effectively use Andre’s death to do this. There are plenty of teary-eyed moments this season.

As the gang investigates Cipher, we’re given tons of interesting lore. The mystery surrounding his powers and motives was entertaining to watch. This storyline was properly built up and gave us an incredible performance from Hamish Linklater. He had the perfect amount of sass and dramatic flair—I loved it. Additionally, Marie’s powers are taken to new heights with a forcible push from Cipher. Her abilities are fascinating; she accomplishes the impossible at the end of episode 5.

Just as Gen V’s sophomore season takes off, it starts to wind down. Pacing continues to be an issue. We barely scratched the surface with the underground resistance storyline at GodU. Cate and Emma’s arcs wrap up too quickly and neatly. Annabeth suddenly enters the picture and mends her relationship with Marie in a few episodes. Sam is kind of irrelevant. But my biggest gripe is how anticlimactic Cipher’s ending is. I was expecting a grander finale—at least one that matches the same craziness of last season’s finale. The ending didn’t fully meet expectations, but it was an entertaining ride nonetheless.

Only Murders in the Building (Season 5)

*Mild Spoilers*

The series is more or less the same as it always has been. It has a formula and sticks with it. Mabel is still sarcastic. Charles gets into bed with a dangerous woman. Oliver is always at 200%. But magic happens when the three of them are together. Their trio dynamic is what the series is all about.

I quite liked every storyline this time around. It’s a good season for the trio together and as individuals. Investigative skills are kicked up a notch as they perform an autopsy on a kitchen island. They discover yet another secret room. Everyone’s personal growth is pretty good, too.

In terms of plot, the series is amazing at setting up the big mystery, while the resolution and murder reveal is typically lacklustre; this season was no different. However, it’s always a blast watching this show. I look forward to it every week. It’s very comforting, and this season has a cozy, autumnal feel to it. Also, as always, the episode focusing on the murder victim is extremely heartfelt and touching.

I also love that the new mob are billionaires, and the series pokes fun at how morally corrupt and checked out of reality they are. Renée Zellweger, Logan Lerman, and Christoph Waltz play the billionaires, and they are fantastic, despite not having much to work with. Some really fun pop culture references come out of the mob storyline. The Godfather is one of them. Eyes Wide Shut is another.

Whenever Meryl Streep and Da’Vine Randolph pop up, I’m instantly excited. They’re wonderful and make every scene better. It’s nice seeing their relationship with the trio grow. I hope they come back every season.

Slow Horses (Season 5)

This destabilization plot had promise, but I was underwhelmed compared to the previous 4 seasons. This may be my least favourite one yet.

Season 5 draws out the central mystery, then rushes the ending. Halfway through the season, the momentum completely dips. Slow Horses bounces back and forth between so many characters and plots. The penultimate episode contains a twist that should turn things around, but I wasn’t all that excited about it. The season is basically over at that point.

Also, any attempt at a character arc is extremely shallow and given little screen time. We don’t really get to know anyone. Somehow, it feels like everybody is sidelined. There are no clear standouts, and not in a way that promotes an ensemble.

Personally, I don’t care for Whelan. I find him incredibly boring, which is unfortunate because he’s a key part of the plot.

There’s also no heart or soul present, whether it’s a friendship, partnership or familial bond to invest in and root for. In the past, we’ve had River and Louisa or River and his grandfather. We’ve had Shirley and Marcus or Louisa and Min. It’s a distant feeling season.

Interestingly, though, this is the funniest season yet. Everything about Ho and his “girlfriend” cracks me up. There’s a Looney Tunes-style death that could not be more fitting for the characters involved. Gary Oldman has always been hilarious, but he is on another level this time. Although the Coe and River pairing does not give me heart or soul, it does amuse.

I wouldn’t say season 5 is terrible, but it doesn't live up to the incredible heights we’ve established this show at. It feels almost like a transition season.

I saw the teaser for season 6, and it looks incredible. Dare I say, it already looks better than season 5.

The Diplomat (Season 3)

***SPOILERS***

I have nothing but praise for what is one of my favourite seasons of TV from this year! The Diplomat is back and better than it has ever been. Razor-sharp writing, incredible performances, impactful twists and turns, riveting relationship dynamics, and another intense finale cliffhanger!

We immediately pick up after the season 2 finale twist: Bill Rayburn is dead, and Grace Penn is now president. It is pure chaos as everybody rushes to swear Grace in and prep for a smooth change in command. Just when you think the show couldn’t get any more exhilarating, it drops another bomb with the Vice President storyline. Grace picks Hal!

Hal as VP is a smart and logical direction to create drama, sow more resentment between Hal and Kate, and essentially shake up the entire show. Kate has to take the back seat yet again and has to fight to be more than just Hal’s wife. Again! Kate loses some of the control and power she built for herself. It’s so much fun to watch both the Wylers navigate their new positions.

VP Hal Wyler is not the only bomb this season. There were many of them—big and small. For instance, when Kate agrees to give up the ambassador position to be the VP's wife and makes it all the way to the tarmac just to stay behind, leaving Hal to fly to the US alone. Additionally, Grace pins her sins on the dead guy. Then Trowbridge publicly announces Rayburn’s involvement. Dennison randomly gets married. That honestly surprised me the most. To end the season, Hal and Grace secretly plot to steal Poseidon, a Russian nuclear weapon.

The betrayal hits hard when we learn that Hal lies to Kate. What was supposed to be a shared victory for the two of them with Runit Dome is actually part of a plan to steal Poseidon from under the Brits. Kate ends up being a pawn, and her world of politics gets even messier!

The cherry on top is the realization that Hal and Grace are unusually close by the end. Todd Penn’s supposed jealousy builds up to this moment perfectly. It seems silly at first because a romantic entanglement is out of the question. Not even he believes that, but Grace and Hal’s scheming is very clearly put on display in those last few minutes. Kate pieces it together swiftly. The final shot of the first and second lady is too good.

Outside of the Wylers, I really enjoyed Stuart and Eidra’s storylines and their romantic reunion. I’m rooting for all the messy romantic relationships in this show. Billie is also more involved and actually in the same room as everyone, which is nice.

I’m looking forward to season 4!

Chad Powers

Quarterback Russ Holiday single-handedly loses a national championship and becomes an embarrassment and disgrace. Years later, he creates a persona, Chad Powers, to give football another go at a small town college.

Russ befriends the team’s mascot, and the two keep up this fake identity. This is one of my favourite new friendships on TV. Glen Powell is as funny as ever, displaying his physical comedy skills to perfection. I had many belly laughs. Everything from his fake accent and facial expressions to his posture absolutely killed me. Frankie Rodriguez is right there with him. His sarcasm and attitude are outstanding.

This is a hilarious and heartfelt show. I’ve seen the Ted Lasso comparisons, but I don’t think they’re the same at all. The humour in this Chad Powers is weirder and more raunchy. It doesn’t have that aw-shucks energy or saccharine feel to it. What starts as a silly little football show later becomes quite serious and real.

The latter half of the season is a lot more grounded and raw. We get to the source of why Russ transforms into Chad and prefers to stay that way. With 6 episodes, you can only do so much. I wish we got more depth from all the characters, but I appreciated what we got.

All in all, there were fun characterizations, dynamics and arcs. I have my fingers crossed for a renewal. I need Chad Powers back! There’s plenty of potential here and so much more to explore.

Currently Watching:

• Dancing with the Stars (Season 34): This season is a bit lacklustre, which surprises me because there are so many great dancers.

• High Potential (Season 2): I’m so here for the Morgan and Karadec slowburn. I am absolutely loving this show.

• Abbott Elementary (Season 5): Never disappoints!

• Matlock (Season 2): Please watch this, everyone! Kathy Bates and Skye P. Marshall are the best duo on TV right now!

Next on My Watchlist:

• Nobody Wants This (Season 2)

• The Witcher (Season 4)

• Elsbeth (Season 3)

• Ghosts (Season 5)

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

In Case You Missed It:

A tender and introspective series about two co-dependent siblings whose childhood was overshadowed by grief. Raised by a single father (Mark Ruffalo), Hal (Cooper Raiff) and Harper (Lili Reinhart) were left to their own devices. As the older sister, Harper shouldered the trauma and responsibility, while Hal never had to grow up. Now in their 20s, the siblings are struggling to find their place in the world and heal from their painful upbringing.

The series can feel unfocused at times because there are many abrupt flashes of the past with minimal context. Hal & Harper keeps you at arm’s length for a while, but it pays off in the end when the family confronts their grief and all the conflicts and arcs come to a head. The last few episodes are extremely evocative.

The family dynamic is by far the most compelling aspect of the series, whether it’s the sibling relationship or the parent-child relationship. Harper’s dynamic with her father is particularly heartbreaking, and it is the one I was most invested in. Also, having Raiff and Reinhart play their younger selves is genius. The result of this choice hit me like a ton of bricks in the finale.

Outside of the family, the supporting characters and romantic relationships have little depth or identity. For that reason, I wasn’t as engaged when the series focused on other aspects of the family’s lives. The exception is Kate (Betty Gilpin), who is the dad’s girlfriend. The show only excels when she is added to the mix. She’s incredible.

The highlight of Hal & Harper has to be Lili Reinhart for me. I loved her in Riverdale. She was able to sell and ground so much craziness, but here, her performance is stripped back. She is completely vulnerable. She feels everything so deeply and portrays so much raw emotion. It’s fantastic to watch.

Wednesday (Season 2, Part 2)

I found this more enjoyable than Part 1! Plenty of loose ends are tied up while teasing storylines for season 3. We’re more focused on the Addams family. There’s also a body swap episode, which is not only fun to watch but it strives to strengthen Wednesday and Enid’s friendship. Jenna Ortega and Emma Myers played each other’s characters perfectly. They had the mannerisms and posture down pat.

The Dort storyline concludes too neatly for my taste. I was hoping for more excitement than a dance distraction, but the Addams vs Galpin/Night showdown makes up for it. I do wonder how much longer the writers can keep Tyler around. His storyline this season is tragic and traumatic.

I wish Bianca were more involved in the main plot. Season 2 pretty much isolates her from the main cast. I did, however, like Agnes’ role and mini arc this season. Her friendship with Wednesday and Enid also develops nicely. I’m looking forward to seeing these three reunite next season.

Oh! And I’m so glad to see a particular cast member from season 1 back. The capacity in which this character returns makes sense and allows for some funny scenes.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 3)

Initially, I was just going to write a few paragraphs about this season here, but it turns out I had too many thoughts. What a rollercoaster ride this show has been. Season 3 definitely needed a separate post.

See below!

Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE

I’m very late to all things KATSEYE, but after that spectacular The Gap ad, I went down a KATSEYE rabbit hole.

The documentary follows 20 girls who were cast to be part of a survival show to form the next big girl group. The twist? None of the girls knew they were signing up for a survival show. They thought their talent and hard work would speak for themself, but they were wrong.

Obviously, there was a competitive aspect because only 6 girls could be chosen to form the girl group, but none of them were equipped to be judged and picked apart by random (often adult) strangers online. It was no longer about skill but popularity.

It’s one thing to completely blindside and lie to adults, but most of them were minors when the academy went public. All of a sudden, these kid are having to create content and appease fans (again, typically adults) to keep a spot on the show. It’s an added thing on top of their already super intense and rigorous training.

I was exhausted on behalf of these girls as well as concerned. Did they get days off? Did they have strict diet restrictions? Did they get to go home for the holidays or visit their families? I’m not sure. One of the girls, Hinari, was 14 years old. She should’ve been in school, instead of being endlessly criticized and nitpicked after hours and hours of being worked to the bone. A lot of the “feedback” was downright nasty.

This wasn’t a 3 or 4-month competition either. These girls gave up TWO YEARS of their lives to maybe be part of a girl group. That’s a significant amount of time, especially when you’re that young. Not to be hyperbolic, but the show stole the girls’ youth. That’s two years of missed opportunities and time that could’ve been spent exploring other options. I wonder if they were financially compensated for their time in this academy. Everything about this was insane!

Side note: While watching this show, I was reminded of Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll and Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious. I don’t know if anyone has seen these, but it turns out Geffen Records was involved in all three shows. The former two premiered in the 2000s, and the environment was very toxic. Those girls were catty and at each other’s throats, and the judges were diabolical.

Currently Watching:

• Peacemaker (Season 2): Crazy cliffhanger at the end of episode 6!

• Only Murders in the Building (Season 5): My comfort show is back! And the references to The Godfather are hilarious!

• Dancing with the Stars (Season 5): I think Robert Irwin is the one to beat. Lauren’s elimination is outrageous! I’m genuinely shocked.

• High Potential (Season 2): Thrilling start to the season!

• Gen V (Season 2): The writers have beautifully restructured this season after Chance Perdomo's tragic death.

Next on My Watchlist:

Upcoming Releases

• Elsbeth (Season 2)

• Abbott Elementary (Season 5)

• Matlock (Season 2)

• Ghosts (Season 5)

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

In Case You Missed It:

Whether you love it or hate it, TSITP has cemented itself as one of the iconic teen shows of this decade and this new generation. It’s up there with teen shows like Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, and Gossip Girl. TSITP is genuinely one of the most engrossing shows of the 2020s despite being poorly written and paced. I can’t even say that its popularity is a result of hate-watching because something obviously works and clicks for it to be so engaging.

I watched new episodes the day they came out. It was that serious. And I couldn’t wait for the following episode! Wednesdays were the highlight of my week.

There’s a reason that this specific teen show and this specific love triangle out of all the ones we currently have resonate with audiences. Jenny Han is able to craft stories that are extremely nostalgic and endearing. The To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before universe is very dear to me, and somehow, Jenny Han has captured lightning in a bottle again with this show. I wrote about this years ago when the first season came out. She just has the magic touch.

Young characters being messy, learning and growing are always relatable. TSITP is very grounded and takes romantic relationships and young love seriously, which isn’t always the case in film and TV. Sometimes, these themes can be satirized or treated in a way that’s condescending, so it’s nice to see a show that is earnest in its intentions.

Where TSITP also succeeds is that it knows when to be comical or ham it up. The best example I can think of is Belly’s engagement ring. It’s ridiculously and unnecessarily tiny, and I can only assume this is purposeful. It’s the perfect thing to get viewers talking. Taylor even makes fun of it. However, the actual engagement is taken seriously in the show. It causes a rift between family members and marks the beginning of the end for Belly and Jeremiah.

Additionally, I find that season 3 tones down the Gen Z lingo, trendy music and modern references compared to the past two seasons. Personally, I’m glad. I like that the overall season 3 doesn’t feel like it fully belongs to a specific era. Sure, they’re using modern technology and doing cringey TikTok dances, but Conrad is also handwriting letters to Belly. It’s part of TSITP’s charm and nostalgia. There’s a bit of a 2000s teen show energy to it.

Unfortunately, unlike the popular 2000s teen shows, TSITP completely prioritizes romantic relationships, sacrificing personal arcs and character depth. So much is told to us about the characters instead of shown, so certain storylines are less convincing, and resolutions don’t always feel earned. With TSITP, you just have to nod, smile and keep it moving even if things don’t make sense or coincide.

What’s most unfortunate is that Belly doesn’t have much going for her outside of the Fishers until Paris. This is my biggest qualm because she’s the lead! I wish TSITP focused on Belly the way Never Have I Ever did with Devi, who was also in a love triangle but had actual, genuine flaws to grow from. She had close friendships and complicated family bonds as well. She struggled with grief. She had big dreams. All of these were fully explored; I can’t say the same for Belly. What she gets are throwaway lines about sports psychology and quick, surface-level appearances from her new friend, Anika.

Conrad and Jeremiah don’t really exist outside of the love triangle either. The Conrad-centric episode in season 3 strictly focuses on his feelings for Belly. Why couldn’t we learn more about his college years, or explore his upbringing or why he chose medicine? And I don’t even know what Jeremiah’s major in college was or how his passion for cooking came about. I needed more than just the flavour profile of the cacao bean and raspberry coulis.

As for the supporting characters, the storylines are hit or miss. Denise and Steven felt like a waste of time. If Denise and Jeremiah were going to be endgame, then they should’ve had more scenes together. I personally liked Taylor’s storyline with her mom, even though they’re not shown reconciling. It gives her more depth and shows her growth. Adam is the comedic relief I didn’t see coming. He and that champagne are the funniest duo. TSITP is infinitely better when Laurel is present. I loved all her scenes with the kids.

Because this show is about romance, let it be known that I have been team Conrad from day one. The second he walked into frame and “Lover” by Taylor Swift started playing, I knew Belly and Conrad would end up together. It was about the long run with these two. Right person but wrong timing. Also, Jeremiah always felt like the pit stop before the destination, so the love triangle wasn’t convincing.

But not everybody was team Conrad from the start. The teams were more evenly split, so the outpour of love for him this season was overwhelming. I believe it’s partly due to how unfairly the narrative treats him compared to other characters. Season 3 actively punishes and tortures Conrad for his mistakes while everyone else’s flaws are brushed over.

Jeremiah gets engaged in the episode after the Cabo secret is revealed. Steven and Taylor cheat with each other and face zero consequences. Even Adam is living his best life. Meanwhile, Conrad is the devil’s spawn for being a bad boyfriend four years ago. He’s also always at fault—damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t. This only made viewers bat for him more.

It’s honestly hilarious how Conrad has to suffer up until the very end when Belly gives the classic end-of-rom-com monologue with 5 minutes left to spare.

I have mixed feelings about the finale. I like the Belly and Conrad scenes. Their rekindling, getting to know each other again and exploring Paris reminds me of Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2005), which I both love. Also, that birthday dinner? Electric chemistry. Possibly my favourite sequence in the entire show. I appreciate their conversation at the end too. It’s realistic and gives them an opportunity to voice their insecurities and put any concerns to bed.

What I dislike is that Belly does not reunite with friends or family in the end. So much is unresolved. I know a movie is coming, but it’s unsatisfying to complete a television show this way. I shouldn’t be surprised because I stated earlier that TSITP tells instead of shows and is poorly paced; however, it’s lazy to rely on a movie to tie up loose ends, especially when the show was not cancelled. It feels like cheating, if you can even cheat at TV.

But the thing is, I will be watching the movie either way. So, in the end, TSITP wins. I thought it was over, but it’s not. The show has me in its grips. At least I’ll finally get to see Belly and Conrad as an actual couple.

Random thoughts:

• The music budget must be insane, but it’s too bad that the use of songs is terrible. It’s always on the nose, which makes the scene corny.

• Steven’s style this season is great.

• Conrad announcing he still loves Belly whenever he gets the chance cracks me up.

• Denise Russo, MBA.

• I was rooting for John and Laurel.

• I, too, would have a difficult time letting go of that beach house.

• All of a sudden, everyone’s moving to California?

• The bob was strangely shaped.

• Going from Belly and Conrad in Paris to Jeremiah Berzatto and Steven and Taylor arguing was so jarring.

I have to ask……

The central mystery is riveting and tense, but like many films, the buildup is better than the ending. Weapons is still a fun watch though, and it’s even better with an audience. There were several gasps and “ohh shits” during my theatre viewing, and unexpectedly, lots of chuckles and laughs too.

Weapons explores how a community copes with the loss of innocent lives. How does one fill the void? How does one manage the complex emotions felt, such as anger, grief, and confusion? There is no answer to this. It’s left wide open for you to decide. Perhaps that is why I’ve seen people complain that Weapons is not about anything. There isn’t a concrete message, but it is about grief, even if the film only hovers above the surface and fails to dig any deeper.

I can see where people are coming from with the school shooting allegory. A class full of kids are suddenly gone, and there is an image of a gun that appears. It looks and feels similar. However, I don’t think the film had any intention to discuss or comment on school shootings. Any parallel that can be drawn is fairly superficial. How the mystery unfolds and the motive of the “villain,” so to speak, is also difficult to compare to a school shooting incident.

While Weapons leaves me unsatisfied thematically, the non-linear narrative structure keeps the story fresh and engaging to watch. We get multiple POVs that build off one another and sustain the mystery of this tragic event throughout the entire runtime. Some chapters end with mini cliffhangers that we don’t see or learn about until later on. I didn’t mind this, but I can understand why some people might. Even though the big revelation is not insanely unpredictable or jaw-dropping, I liked piecing parts of the puzzle together as the film went on.

The entire cast also gives great performances. Julia Garner embodies dread and terror splendidly. Josh Brolin sells the role of a grieving father in his limited amount of screen time. Alden Ehrenreich is such an underrated and interesting actor. Surprisingly, Austin Abrams is a total standout. I enjoy watching Benedict Wong in just about everything he does. Amy Madigan—just wow. You’ll just have to watch. And the young Cary Christopher is fantastic! I can’t wait to see where his career goes.

Another successful and thrilling aspect of Weapons is the direction. Zach Creggers lets you sit in discomfort and eeriness. He skillfully builds suspense and crafts an unsettling atmosphere. Each POV has a specific tone that matches the character that’s featured and what they’re going through. You can see the difference in how each POV is shot and how the camera moves. You’re completely immersed in what each character is currently experiencing.

Creggers also blends the horror and comedy aspects really well. The comedy feels organic and slightly unnerving. It would often feed into the scary moments. But by the end, Weapons veers more towards comedy. This is probably my biggest gripe. I had a really good laugh, but the film started feeling silly, which undermines what’s so horrific about this whole situation. For that reason, the ending doesn’t pack much of a punch. Otherwise, I think the comedic bits earlier on are justified.

Overall, I enjoyed watching Weapons. Not everything worked, but the pros outweigh the cons. It was a great time at the movie theatres!

I have beef with Netflix. Splitting 8 episodes into two parts is ridiculous. The end of Part 1 is supposed to mimic a midseason finale but what is the point of taking a break after four episodes? It makes zero sense.

As for the actual four episodes, they were fine. Just fine. I’m not sure if this is a case of me outgrowing the teen genre but Part 1 lacks charm, and the story is generic. There are horror elements and unsettling visuals (especially with the crows) that I appreciate but that urge to binge wasn’t present like it was in season 1. I wasn’t invested.

Part 1 involves too many characters (old and new) and has all these subplots that I personally don’t care for. I’m sure many of these plot points will intersect later on in Part 2 but currently, season 2 is all over the place. While it is nice to involve more of the returning characters, it distracts from the main focus—Wednesday!

Thankfully, she’s not romantically linked to anyone this season but there’s less of an investment in Wednesday the character due to how plot driven Part 1 is. Her dynamic with the other characters is also not as captivating, now that she’s no longer a complete outcast amongst the outcast.

Jenna Ortega is wonderful as always, though. She’s wry, magnetic and deadly. Her Wednesday Addams stare and laser sharp focus makes her the perfect casting.

Smoke

An arsonist investigator and a detective work together to catch two serial arsonists. As the series progresses, we learn that they each have a troubled history with fire themselves.

I think the show succeeds more as a psychological thriller than as a crime series. Smoke tries to blend both together but it didn’t work for me. The show isn’t interested mystery at all. Smoke reveals a lot earlier on—things that typically wouldn’t be revealed until the end of the show.

We’re let in on who the arsonists are and follow their everyday life as our two leads investigate them. We get insight into why they do what they do, but it also splits the story into two very isolated sides. I found myself impatiently waiting for the two sides to finally interact, rather than enjoying what was currently happening. The build up or suspense wasn’t there for me.

Smoke did temporarily reel me in again towards the end. But then the season ends on the strangest note—crashing and burning, if you will. Everything from the random, overlong, and slightly sexual slow-motion shots to the song choices is perplexing.

The performances are stellar though. Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine is incredible and Taron Edgerton does this voice that you just have to hear for yourself.

Lost

This month, I finished seasons 5 and 6, which means the Lost rewatch has officially ended. I’m devastated that it’s over. I love this show and the characters.

If you’d like to check out my thoughts on seasons 1 and 2, I wrote about them in June’s newsletter. I wrote about seasons 3 and 4 in July’s newsletter.

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

Season 5

Anything time/time travel related, I’m in. Time travel sets up very compelling storylines. How will the characters on the island cope? How will the Oceanic 6 come back and rescue everyone? Also, seeing younger versions of characters we know and connecting them to events that will eventually occur is really cool.

I love how much is answered and revealed to us. The Miles and Faraday flashbacks are much needed and there are several twists that are mind boggling. Lost uses time travel extremely effectively to dive into the history of the island and connect characters in ways we could’ve never expected. We’re given all this exposition in a really entertaining way.

However, as the island lore and character backstories expand and get richer, the show also gets messier. This is a pretty sprawling season. Seasons 1-3 had structure with character centered episodes, following them in the past and in the present on the island. Season 4 switched out flashbacks for flashforwards and had a clear central mystery to solve.

Season 5 is a season of two halves. The first half is excellent as the Oceanic 6 attempt to return to the island and we learn what happened to everyone left behind. Some of Lost’s best episodes are here. The second half, where everyone has returned to the island, loses momentum. Our main characters are scattered everywhere and most of them are underutilized. Part of Lost’s charm is the ensemble, so splitting them up for so long diminishes that. There are also a ton of new (and boring) characters pulling focus and the plot diverges into many directions.

Sayid and Sun, especially, get the short end of the stick, while Sawyer has incredible growth. His relationship with Juliet is one of my favourite developments from this season. If only they had more time together. Kate has a storyline that doesn’t revolve around Jack or Sawyer, and for that, I’m very happy. As for Jack, I don’t think the thing that convinces him to become a man of faith is impactful enough to shift his worldview. Or at least, it’s not shown to be impactful enough.

The ramp up to the finale isn’t as strong as previous seasons. Same goes for the finale itself but a weak Lost finale is still a good finale. The white flash at the end followed by the white outro is crazy. It’s a great cliffhanger. I’m so glad I didn’t have to watch it live.

Season 6

By far, the weakest season of Lost. Some of the character arcs are atrociously handled. Sayid might as well have died with Juliet in the premiere. The writers gave Naveen Andrews nothing to work with. Jin and Sun’s ending is so cruel. Jin never even gets to meet his daughter. But my real gripe is how long it took for Jin and Sun to reunite. Their reunion is completely dragged out.

The temple storyline is fine. There’s nothing special about it. Overall, season 6 is not very memorable. It doesn’t carry the same momentum and suspense as previous seasons, partly due to the flash sideways. But! HUGE but. When everything clicks together, it’s wholly satisfying. You’re rewarded for sticking through it. The flash sideways are a clever, albeit confusing, reversion to the original structure of the show while keeping viewers on their toes.

Also, it’s lovely and nostalgic seeing familiar faces appear throughout the last season. It’s a bittersweet reminder of all that has happened as well as what could’ve been. I realized how much I missed John Locke—the real one. We get a version of him back through these flash sideways, while the Man in Black wears his face and wreaks havoc on the island.

Speaking of the Man in Black, we get an origin story for him along with Jacob and Richard. We also learn why our main characters were chosen to come to the island. At a certain point, Lost started setting up too many mysteries to solve, but this final season impressively connects a lot of the dots and fills in a lot of the blanks, even if some (small) things remain unanswered.

In a previous newsletter, I said that Lost always sticks the landing and that could not be more true when it comes to the series finale. Season 6 is flawed but it’s completely worth it for the finale alone. “The End” is beautiful and heartrending and an absolute tearjerker. Every time a character remembers their life, I get choked up. Ultimately, Lost is about the characters, their journeys, and what the island meant to them as a group. That’s what the finale focuses on and I’m so glad.

Lost Season Ranking: 4 = 1 > 3 > 5 = 2 > 6

Butterfly

It’s a Daniel Dae Kim summer! His new show came out right after I finished Lost, which was just in time to ease my Lost withdrawals.

Butterfly is about Rebecca (Reina Hardesty), a young woman working as an assassin for Caddis, a private intelligence started by Juno Lund (Piper Perab) and her deceased father David (Daniel Dae Kim). When a mission goes awry, she discovers that her father is very much so alive and had faked his death.

The series is formulaic and exactly what you’d expect from a typical spy thriller (car chases, fight sequences, stakeouts, twists and turns, etc.) but with a father-daughter angle. After being estranged for 9 years, their reunion is not what they both imagined. It’s highly tense and kicks off a dangerous and contentious ride.

Hardesty and Kim have excellent on-screen rapport, so it’s very easy to root for their relationship and enjoy their scenes together. That’s certainly what kept my interest going, along with the cool South Korea setting. The series is generally well shot and easy to watch.

There’s a thrilling cliffhanger at the end, so if Butterfly comes back for a season 2 I will likely watch it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t call it a must watch—perhaps something to binge over the weekend if you’ve got nothing else on your watchlist.

Upload (Season 4)

Upload is back for its final season! I must be 1 of 10 people that have actually seen it. It’s not a very popular show, but it is very charming as well as funny. Upload has a warm and lighthearted touch to it that makes it an absolute breeze to watch.

The series is set in a future where people can pay to upload their consciousness to a digital world and “live” there after their death. It’s a really cool premise that comments on corporate greed and class disparity as the digital world is not the peaceful oasis it’s marketed to be.

Season 4 is filled with unexpected storylines, to say the least. I could not predict where it was going. Only having 4 episodes to wrap up the show is difficult, and it unfortunately shows. Storylines barely have enough time to develop let alone resolve. There just wasn’t any time to dig beneath the surface.

Season 1 remains the far superior season but I’ve invested in these characters over the last 3 seasons, so it’s nice to see them one last time! Ingrid especially cracks me up. She reminds me of Alexis from Schitt’s Creek. Her development has been A+ and I was pleasantly surprised to see her, Nora, and Aleesha living together and bonding this season.

*SPOILER* Nora and Nathan deserved better. The tragic ending somewhat makes sense because Nathan had escaped death too many times already, but I didn’t think Upload would go there. Because they had been on the run and suffered through so much, I thought they would finally get a happy ending. This is probably the saddest the show has ever been. *END SPOILER*

Although this wasn’t the big finish I was hoping for, I’m happy we get to say goodbye to this world and the characters. Too many shows are abruptly cancelled nowadays and they go out silently like they never existed.

Currently Watching:

• The Summer I Turned Pretty (season 3): A hot mess of a show and yet, I wake up every Wednesday and watch the newest episode before going to work.

• Peacemaker (Season 2): Multiverses are interesting. And so is accidentally killing another version of you who has the life you’ve always wanted.

• The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox: What if you were so quirky that the country of Italy led a witch hunt to prosecute you for the murder of your roommate?

• Hal & Harper: Mark Ruffalo, Betty Gilpin, Cooper Raiff, and Lili Reinhart…what a cast!

Next on My Watchlist:

Upcoming Releases

• Wednesday (Season 2, Part 2)

• Only Murders in the Building (Season 5)

• Dancing with the Stars (Season 5)

• High Potential (Season 2)

• Gen V (Season 2)

• Slow Horses (Season 5)

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for good TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist.

Follow me on Serialzd!

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Firstly, I want to mention the comments I’ve seen about Ironheart ruining Tony Stark’s legacy and not honouring him enough. It’s baffling. The only thing Tony and Riri share is the ability to make an iron suit. They have no connection to each other otherwise, so I think it’s silly to even bring him up. This is the Riri Williams show. Why must everything she does be brought back to Iron Man?

Riri is her own character, who’s doing her own thing, and I enjoyed watching her with all of her flaws and complexity. She’s an ambitious and innovative young woman who is fiercely protective of those she loves, even if she struggles to let them in. Riri can be overly confident and stubborn but she has good intentions. Not only is she trying to find her place in the world, but she’s dealing with the loss of her loved ones too.

Riri becomes involved in some hijinks that are fun to watch. The show is lively, stylized, and has great music choices. Ironheart is also more magical than I expected, which is a nice surprise. The cast performances are very strong too.

On the down side, there are some pacing issues, which is common in all the Marvel shows as there is not enough episodes to fully flesh out each character and every storyline. The plot is pretty generic and the antagonists aren’t too compelling. Still, I would say Ironheart is one of the better Marvel shows. It may not reinvent the wheel but it’s a good time.

The Sandman (Season 2)

The show continues to immerse you in a world of fantasy and magic. It’s moody and atmospheric. The cinematography and set design are marvelous. We also get to see different myths, creatures, and Gods pop up, which is very cool for someone who enjoys fantasy.

Where season 2 differs from season 1 is in its structure. It blends episodic and serial storytelling together, whereas season 1 had a more episodic approach. On one hand, this means episodes aren’t as distinctive or memorable this season. On the other hand, it’s rewarding to watch characters and relationships grow from episode to episode.

Season 2 is also split into two parts. Part 1 has six episodes and builds to a drastic decision Morpheus makes. It’s a bit drawn out and lacks urgency. Some of the subplots were underwhelming, such as Queen Nada’s involvement. However, I really liked the quest to find Destruction. I’m always up for family drama, so any scene Morpheus shares with his siblings is compelling to me.

Part 2 consists of the final five episodes and explores the fallout of Morpheus’ decision. It is much more cohesive, reducing flashbacks and side stories. It’s pretty straightforward, but a tad rushed. The ending would make more sense if the series had just a bit more time. A surprise guest star makes up for it, though. I also love quiet finales, and the show delivers on that as the story of Lord Morpheus comes to an end.

It’s a solid season, overall.

Too Much

After a bad breakup, Jessica takes a job opportunity in London and starts anew. There, she meets Felix, an indie musician she quickly connects with.

Too Much was a mixed bag for me. While it was honest and introspective, I found it difficult to invest in. It wasn’t until episode 5 (out of 10!) that Too Much clicked for me. The tone was hard to pin down, and the complete lack of comedic rhythm threw me off. It also felt like nothing mattered or was at stake, either personally or professionally for the characters. Even a lot of the big and chaotic reactions didn’t hold much weight.

Ironically, Too Much was not enough. Not enough depth. Not enough development. Not enough story to fill 10 whole episodes. This could’ve easily been a two-hour movie. Supporting characters are walking cardboard cutouts. Jessica’s professional storyline doesn’t advance much, even though she went to London for her job. Although we do get an Andrew Scott appearance, so I guess it’s not all bad.

In regard to Felix and Jessica, I like the concept of them finding each other and both being “damaged” or flawed in a way that fits together. I wished they delved deeper into that and we saw them work through their issues, but at least they have cute moments together that kept my interest going.

Another redeeming quality of Too Much is the soundtrack. I’m obsessed with it. There are so many great needledrops. I also think Megan Stalter, who plays Jessica, is an absolute star. Her portrayal is awkwardly sweet and gentle. She’s very charming as well.

Poker Face (Season 2)

Season 2 continues with Charlie Cale on the run from mob boss Beatrix Hasp.

I hate to say it, but this season was somewhat of a chore to watch. Season 2 doesn’t really have an overarching story, and Charlie doesn’t have much of a personal arc either, so there was nothing to look forward to from episode to episode.

The episodes were also hit or miss. They’re never terrible, but some of them did bore me. Poker Face is at its best when it breaks away from the usual structure. Episode 3, "Whack-A-Mole," is a favourite of mine for this reason. It’s one of my favourite episodes of the year so far. Episode 6, "Sloppy Joseph," has a different tone, which was a nice change. It’s exciting when the show switches things up. There’s a multi-episode arc at the end of the season that revived my interest in the show.

I’m not sure what season 3 will look like. I hope there’s more serial storytelling, so we’re not consistently meeting new characters and leaving them behind every episode. But the guest stars never disappoint! Cynthia Erivo, Giancarlo Esposito, and John Cho are among my favourite appearances. Patti Harrison shows up in multiple episodes, and she’s fantastic too. I’d love to see more of her in season 3.

Lost

The Lost rewatch continues! This month I finished seasons 3 and 4, and they were fantastic. Spoilers ahead!

If you’d like to check out my thoughts on seasons 1 and 2, I wrote about them in last month’s newsletter.

Season 3

A definite improvement from season 2. This season further expands on the ‘Others’ and the island lore, but doesn’t lose sight of its original characters (for the most part).

The first half of the season is a bit rockier. We didn’t get to see much of the other characters when Jack, Kate, and Sawyer were locked up. I wasn’t too fond of the Kate & Sawyer relationship in the cages either. It felt forced to me. I just don’t think this show builds new romances that well. The random love confessions or kisses for the non-established couples were strange.

I also think they kept Jack apart from everyone for too long, but the twists and turns along the way were worth it. His storylines are always fantastic. Season 3’s plot is the most interesting so far. Once things settle and the reunions start happening, the show reaches incredible highs. The last 4-5 episodes of this season are phenomenal.

I loved the flashbacks for the newer characters. They were incorporated into the plot more smoothly than the ones for the tail-end passengers in season 2. This season also focuses more on the entire group dynamic as well as different individual ones. It feels more like a return to season 1, which I loved.

It’s impressive how so many plot points connected back to season 1. For instance, the Sawyer reveal, the wires leading into the ocean, Claire’s kidnapping, Danielle’s distress signal and even more. I also like that even if a character is dead on this show, the writers still find ways to bring them back. No one is ever truly gone.

Season 4

The writers only had 14 episodes, and they made every single one of them count. What a tightly written season! This is a definite peak for the series. Altering the typical structure of having character-centred flashbacks while the island plot is playing out to flash forwards running parallel to the island plot instead is an exciting change of pace.

It’s easy to follow the flash forwards, and they’re utilized very well. The Oceanic 6 storyline is gripping from beginning to end. The suspense is dialled all the way up when it’s revealed that only 6 people make it off the island. Learning which 6 and why those 6 are an emotional roller coaster.

One of the most highly regarded episodes of Lost is “The Constant,” the fifth episode of the season. After rewatching it, I can definitely understand why. It’s a pretty contained episode, but it still drives the plot forward as well as Desmond’s character and his relationship with Penny. Every scene is meaningful and purposeful. This is an insanely effective (and affective) episode, and Lost experiments with time travel for the first time in “The Constant.”

I do have one major gripe with this season, and it’s Michael’s arc. His return is huge, but he comes back just to die as part of his redemption, and it’s rushed too. I think character deaths are a weak point in this show. Ben’s daughter, Alex, was held hostage and shot in the head this season to start Ben’s revenge arc. And Danielle went out anti-climactically. Mr. Eko’s death in season 3 was very abrupt too. The only one done right was Charlie’s. The show took the time to build up to it and continued to honour him afterwards.

The other minor issue I had is how season 3 ends with Jack saying, “We have to go back!” but this season doesn’t explore that at all. Instead, it’s delayed to next season. But one thing Lost will always do is stick the landing. Every finale has me on the edge of my seat. This one’s no different. And this season’s cliffhanger? Absolutely nuts.

My favourite season thus far.

Lost Season Ranking: 4 > 1 > 3 > 2

Currently Watching:

• Lost (season 5)

• Smoke

• The Summer I Turned Pretty (season 3)

Next on My Watchlist:

Upcoming Releases

• Wednesday (Season 2, Part 1)

• Peacemaker

• Upload (Season 4)

Has Been on the List for Months Because I Keep Watching New Releases First, but I Swear I’ll Watch These One Day:

• Dying For Sex

• Common Side Effects

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what everyone has been watching. I’m always looking for TV shows to add to my ever-growing watchlist. :)

Follow me on Serialzd!

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