"Reality is nothing but a collective hunch.” Lily Tomlin. Quote repeated by a member of the Jackson Wyoming council in the "Last of Us" Season 2 opener.
Thanks for your shares. I need more Hamm! We just watched the third episode and I’m already jonzing for the next one. The Last of Us is a heavy watch but worth it imho. I need to catch up on the latest which I heard is a bawlfest.Not touching Hacks yet but may. TBD. I’ll let you know.
Mike Milligan was such a complex, nuanced character. Adored him. And to the point of the supermarket resting face - if I had a dime for everytime someone tells me, “you look lost” when I’m trying to make sense of new surroundings or just walking anywhere, I’d be rich. In fact, last time someone said this was just this past week in Vegas and I told the lady, “yeah I’m still trying to find myself”
Fargo - Kansas City was my favorite. I know I’m weird though.
Thanks for this - great read! My only different perspective is The Studio. You're right that it's fluff, but it makes me laugh (a lot), so it earns its spurs for me.
Thanks Rob! You and many other trusted sources have recommended it. Some have also suggested it’s “an uncomfortable watch” Laughter is a draw. Righteous Gemstones does this for me big time
I was on the fence about starting “Your Friends & Neighbors,” but now I think I’ll give it a go. I’m currently watching the new season of “Hacks” and have not yet thrown in the towel on “The Studio,” although I almost did after the second episode. I’m also watching “Daredevil: Reborn,” which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I like it. “Mythic Quest” season four is on my queue. And just now I saw that there’s a second season of “The Rehearsal,” so I’ll be checking that out.
Definitely give Hamm a go. You won’t regret it. Episode 3 which I just watched tonight was probably its weakest but still good. I watched “Mythic Quest” for two seasons and then stopped even though I liked it. The pandemic quarantine episode which would be so dated now was particularly good. Oh how funny we all thought Zoom glitches were. How are you finding the current season of “Hacks”? Heard mixed reviews.
I’m enjoying this season of “Hacks” so far. However, I do think the extreme love/hate relationship between the two of them is starting to feel a little forced. But I’m curious to see where they go with the Late Night show storyline.
I'm finding these days that if I'm not invested in a TV show after two episodes, it goes in the return pile. I rely on watching shows via DVDs from the library, so I avoid the hype that comes with marketing new shows, but when I find something you've reviewed, I enjoy being able to read your comments.
Two is a good number. And if some actor/character irks me or a show stresses me out too much it’s an easy 1 and done. ✔️ I can tolerate the stress eventually but it needs to come after the initial honeymoon period. Build up is key. Thanks for sharing!
Adore these deep dives. Love a good self-loathing John Hamm in Friends & Neighbors and a horny Michelle Williams in Dying for Sex. Cannot abide Catherine O'Hara ever since we had to deal with her management team on our last project--they are literally the most gargantuan hemorrhoids on the a*shole that is Hollywood, but it's a shame because I so used to enjoy watching her. My rule for shows is three episodes... I am happy Hacks is back. Excited Jean Smart is on Broadway this summer! :)
Thanks Alisa! Appreciate your words and shares. “Self-loathing” is the right word to describe Hamm! Love it. And oh no to Ms. O’Hara. That’s disheartening to hear. I haven’t started the current season of “Hacks” but I did a podcast a few years back on the Boomer-aissance of Jean Smart (The Jeanassiance)(https://open.spotify.com/episode/6F8BhJWUOwrYAD6WAChAtp?si=JQqiVwV9SXCkucMhC80fEg). She’s incredible.
I’m with you. Season 1 I needed a few episodes to get into it. This season I’ve only made it through one episode. I didn’t even include it here because of that but if I did it would be “still struggling”
I don't know how you do it! So many shows -- you are the most dedicated TV watcher I know. And your recaps/reviews are always thoughtful and detailed, and most of all, they are wholly you.
I want to watch Last of Us, but my wife refuses and so I'll likely end up skipping it.
I love The Studio. The first episode is by far the weakest. It's maybe not as critical or skewering of the movie industry as some would prefer, but to me it's hilarious, and the single-shot camera choreography is fantastic. I also love Curb Your Enthusiasm, so the cringe comedy works for me.
With the world craziness, I am spending more time with comedies lately -- The Righteous Gemstones, The Studio, Hacks and...damnit, I know there's one more that I'm forgetting. I have a cold, so it's all a blur.
I did watch the first episode of Black Mirror (season whatever this is). It was quite bleak, but so believable. The best stories tend to take our current world and tweak/exaggerate them to a creepily dark level. And I have a crush on both Rashida Jones and Chris O'Dowd.
Thanks for your kind note and your show shares. The Last of Us is a couples' show. I mean you can watch it on your own but it's more cathartic to watch with a loved one.
Re: The Studio - My husband had the same observation regarding episode 1 being the worst one. He's still watching. Cringe comedy is a good escape, all said.
I saw Chris O'Dowd was in the promo for Black Mirror and since I've been missing seeing him in "The Big Door Prize," I really need to get on that episode. Rashida's show was cancelled, and I'm glad to see her here. My daughter is into "The Office" reruns so I feel like I see her a lot anyways :)
“Gavin Drea in “Surface” and my resting face when forgetting why I came to the supermarket or just living life, in general.”
That line made me laugh, great rundown of shows, agree with others that Dark Winds sounds good, I remember seeing trailers for it and being intrigued but not wanting to invest time in something AMC might cancel.
Mike Milligan was such a great character in Fargo, that second season was so good I think it almost hurt the rest of the show since it will most likely never top it. I started the Jon Hamm season but haven’t gotten around to finishing it, it’s better than season 4 but also a bit messy. Jon Hamm seems to be in a new show every week with Landman last year and now Your Friends and Neighbours you covered in your post.
Cool reviews as always, Beth! Adding a few to my list. I've been easy-watching Ransom Canyon, because Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly have great chemistry in this cowboy-ranch drama. Tragedy, romance, underdog...lots of heart. Good comfort fiction watching over a dystopian news-reality!
Thank you, Victoria! I need to check out this show. It has all the ingredients I gravitate to when I'm not soaking in end-of-the-world shows. I saw it come up on my Netflix feed, and it seems like a wonderful guilty pleasure. I love Minka, and Josh is pretty easy on the eyes. Would you believe I remember when he was on a U.S. soap opera called "All My Children" in the 90s? I'm pretty sure his character's name was Leo, and I was like 13 at the time I watched Lol :) Perks of having an older sister. I started soap operas so young.
Speaking of guilty pleasures, I just read an advanced reading copy of a book by Jayci Lee, who writes romance featuring Korean and Korean-American characters. Her latest project is a modern-day adaptation of Jane Austen's "Persuasion," which prompted me to rewatch the recent Netflix adaptation starring Dakota Johnson. My commentary upon rewatch (similar to my initial sentiments) is that it was "meh" but I love the story.
Looks like "Death comes to Pemberly" is available on PBS Passport here! Ok, adding this to my list. I must have binged the 1993 BBC "Pride & Prejudice" like 5 times a few months back. This is like 11PM "me with my iPad" type watching
Some years ago I enjoyed the short series (4 episodes) Lost in Austen. A funny premise: modern-day Amanda (Jemima Rooper) goes back in time to the Bennet household and her presence inadvertently begins to affect the novel’s relationships. With the ubiquitous Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Bennet.
I see that this series is now on Prime Video. Might require a rewatch.
As always a strong line up of reviews! I'm curious about Dark Winds. It sounds like a show I would enjoy and I think a few people recommended it before. Next time I have holidays I'll probably try to check it out.
I totally get your take on the Studio. It's very gimmicky and relies heavily on all the big name guest stars. But so far I'm enjoying it! Let's see how the next few episodes go :)
Dark Winds is such a good show. It's definitely a slower burn, but it has a "Fargo'-esque quality to it (excellent writing and acting will do that), which keeps you engaged. I highly recommend!
I'll be sure to see what you have to say as "The Studio" as the season progresses. My husband really likes it.
Neither my husband nor myself enjoyed the season opener of the Last of US. Not sure we are even going to give it the 3 show rule.
Did not like The White Lotus this season at all but stuck with it just out of morbid curiosity to see who died. Want to see if the showrunner brings back some of the characters for season 4. Alot of unfinished business.
Going to binge watch Dark Winds season 3 now. Loved it when it first came out. So well done.
Your reviews are always an interesting take on shows.
I just caught a glimpse of The Last of Us episode 2 and I might have redact my Joel-Ellie and basically Joel anyone connection being the draw of this show or find another reason to watch. It certainly looks like the show’s creators are shaking things up!
The White Lotus wasn’t as good this season but the farther I get from the show, the more I miss it.
I haven't watched episode 2 yet but I saw spoilers and I've been waiting for that moment and the reaction from people who have not played the game. I'm glad they made it happen early on in the season (like on the game). Honestly I hope they don't screw this up but for me the game kept getting better after that.
Glad I imprinted the 3 episode rule on you. Hehe.
Great round up and reviews.
We love Your Friends and Neighbors. Hamm never disappoints. It’s well written, directed and leaves you wanting more.
Hubby loves The Last of Us. I couldn’t get into it.
Meanwhile, Hacks 4 has been awful. As Joan Rivers used to say, Can we talk?
Thanks for your shares. I need more Hamm! We just watched the third episode and I’m already jonzing for the next one. The Last of Us is a heavy watch but worth it imho. I need to catch up on the latest which I heard is a bawlfest.Not touching Hacks yet but may. TBD. I’ll let you know.
Mike Milligan was such a complex, nuanced character. Adored him. And to the point of the supermarket resting face - if I had a dime for everytime someone tells me, “you look lost” when I’m trying to make sense of new surroundings or just walking anywhere, I’d be rich. In fact, last time someone said this was just this past week in Vegas and I told the lady, “yeah I’m still trying to find myself”
Fargo - Kansas City was my favorite. I know I’m weird though.
There really is a lot of new good stuff to look forward to! Great list!
Thanks for this - great read! My only different perspective is The Studio. You're right that it's fluff, but it makes me laugh (a lot), so it earns its spurs for me.
Thanks Rob! You and many other trusted sources have recommended it. Some have also suggested it’s “an uncomfortable watch” Laughter is a draw. Righteous Gemstones does this for me big time
I was on the fence about starting “Your Friends & Neighbors,” but now I think I’ll give it a go. I’m currently watching the new season of “Hacks” and have not yet thrown in the towel on “The Studio,” although I almost did after the second episode. I’m also watching “Daredevil: Reborn,” which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I like it. “Mythic Quest” season four is on my queue. And just now I saw that there’s a second season of “The Rehearsal,” so I’ll be checking that out.
Definitely give Hamm a go. You won’t regret it. Episode 3 which I just watched tonight was probably its weakest but still good. I watched “Mythic Quest” for two seasons and then stopped even though I liked it. The pandemic quarantine episode which would be so dated now was particularly good. Oh how funny we all thought Zoom glitches were. How are you finding the current season of “Hacks”? Heard mixed reviews.
I’m enjoying this season of “Hacks” so far. However, I do think the extreme love/hate relationship between the two of them is starting to feel a little forced. But I’m curious to see where they go with the Late Night show storyline.
I'm finding these days that if I'm not invested in a TV show after two episodes, it goes in the return pile. I rely on watching shows via DVDs from the library, so I avoid the hype that comes with marketing new shows, but when I find something you've reviewed, I enjoy being able to read your comments.
Two is a good number. And if some actor/character irks me or a show stresses me out too much it’s an easy 1 and done. ✔️ I can tolerate the stress eventually but it needs to come after the initial honeymoon period. Build up is key. Thanks for sharing!
Adore these deep dives. Love a good self-loathing John Hamm in Friends & Neighbors and a horny Michelle Williams in Dying for Sex. Cannot abide Catherine O'Hara ever since we had to deal with her management team on our last project--they are literally the most gargantuan hemorrhoids on the a*shole that is Hollywood, but it's a shame because I so used to enjoy watching her. My rule for shows is three episodes... I am happy Hacks is back. Excited Jean Smart is on Broadway this summer! :)
Thanks Alisa! Appreciate your words and shares. “Self-loathing” is the right word to describe Hamm! Love it. And oh no to Ms. O’Hara. That’s disheartening to hear. I haven’t started the current season of “Hacks” but I did a podcast a few years back on the Boomer-aissance of Jean Smart (The Jeanassiance)(https://open.spotify.com/episode/6F8BhJWUOwrYAD6WAChAtp?si=JQqiVwV9SXCkucMhC80fEg). She’s incredible.
Another good one! I started Dying for Sex, but it didn't hook me. And I usually love anything Michelle Williams. I was so hopeful.
I hear ya. It’s subjective. Williams is hit or miss for me. I think Slate is the draw for this one but she’s a good complement
I’ve been trying like hell to get through season 1 of Severance. I just don’t get it….keep waiting for it to get good.
I’m with you. Season 1 I needed a few episodes to get into it. This season I’ve only made it through one episode. I didn’t even include it here because of that but if I did it would be “still struggling”
I don't know how you do it! So many shows -- you are the most dedicated TV watcher I know. And your recaps/reviews are always thoughtful and detailed, and most of all, they are wholly you.
I want to watch Last of Us, but my wife refuses and so I'll likely end up skipping it.
I love The Studio. The first episode is by far the weakest. It's maybe not as critical or skewering of the movie industry as some would prefer, but to me it's hilarious, and the single-shot camera choreography is fantastic. I also love Curb Your Enthusiasm, so the cringe comedy works for me.
With the world craziness, I am spending more time with comedies lately -- The Righteous Gemstones, The Studio, Hacks and...damnit, I know there's one more that I'm forgetting. I have a cold, so it's all a blur.
I did watch the first episode of Black Mirror (season whatever this is). It was quite bleak, but so believable. The best stories tend to take our current world and tweak/exaggerate them to a creepily dark level. And I have a crush on both Rashida Jones and Chris O'Dowd.
Steve,
Thanks for your kind note and your show shares. The Last of Us is a couples' show. I mean you can watch it on your own but it's more cathartic to watch with a loved one.
Re: The Studio - My husband had the same observation regarding episode 1 being the worst one. He's still watching. Cringe comedy is a good escape, all said.
I saw Chris O'Dowd was in the promo for Black Mirror and since I've been missing seeing him in "The Big Door Prize," I really need to get on that episode. Rashida's show was cancelled, and I'm glad to see her here. My daughter is into "The Office" reruns so I feel like I see her a lot anyways :)
“Gavin Drea in “Surface” and my resting face when forgetting why I came to the supermarket or just living life, in general.”
That line made me laugh, great rundown of shows, agree with others that Dark Winds sounds good, I remember seeing trailers for it and being intrigued but not wanting to invest time in something AMC might cancel.
Mike Milligan was such a great character in Fargo, that second season was so good I think it almost hurt the rest of the show since it will most likely never top it. I started the Jon Hamm season but haven’t gotten around to finishing it, it’s better than season 4 but also a bit messy. Jon Hamm seems to be in a new show every week with Landman last year and now Your Friends and Neighbours you covered in your post.
Thanks for the shoutout as well!
Cool reviews as always, Beth! Adding a few to my list. I've been easy-watching Ransom Canyon, because Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly have great chemistry in this cowboy-ranch drama. Tragedy, romance, underdog...lots of heart. Good comfort fiction watching over a dystopian news-reality!
Thank you, Victoria! I need to check out this show. It has all the ingredients I gravitate to when I'm not soaking in end-of-the-world shows. I saw it come up on my Netflix feed, and it seems like a wonderful guilty pleasure. I love Minka, and Josh is pretty easy on the eyes. Would you believe I remember when he was on a U.S. soap opera called "All My Children" in the 90s? I'm pretty sure his character's name was Leo, and I was like 13 at the time I watched Lol :) Perks of having an older sister. I started soap operas so young.
Speaking of guilty pleasures, I just read an advanced reading copy of a book by Jayci Lee, who writes romance featuring Korean and Korean-American characters. Her latest project is a modern-day adaptation of Jane Austen's "Persuasion," which prompted me to rewatch the recent Netflix adaptation starring Dakota Johnson. My commentary upon rewatch (similar to my initial sentiments) is that it was "meh" but I love the story.
'Death comes to Pemberly' With Matthew Rhys and Matthew Goode is a good watch - made as a sequel to Pride and Prejudice. It was on Netflix but just checked and it's gone now: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Comes_to_Pemberley_(TV_series)
I hear you on 'Persuasion' - it doesn't quite succeed as a 'talk to camera' comedy...but an easy watch.
And YES to easy on the eye Duhamel - Las Vegas!
Looks like "Death comes to Pemberly" is available on PBS Passport here! Ok, adding this to my list. I must have binged the 1993 BBC "Pride & Prejudice" like 5 times a few months back. This is like 11PM "me with my iPad" type watching
Some years ago I enjoyed the short series (4 episodes) Lost in Austen. A funny premise: modern-day Amanda (Jemima Rooper) goes back in time to the Bennet household and her presence inadvertently begins to affect the novel’s relationships. With the ubiquitous Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Bennet.
I see that this series is now on Prime Video. Might require a rewatch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaBlYKtEnXk
Also, a great P&P-inspired poem is here:
https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/pemberly/
Thanks! I saw this series come up on one of my queues. Must have been Prime. I’ll check it out after I finish Pemberly which I’ve just now started!!
As always a strong line up of reviews! I'm curious about Dark Winds. It sounds like a show I would enjoy and I think a few people recommended it before. Next time I have holidays I'll probably try to check it out.
I totally get your take on the Studio. It's very gimmicky and relies heavily on all the big name guest stars. But so far I'm enjoying it! Let's see how the next few episodes go :)
Dark Winds is such a good show. It's definitely a slower burn, but it has a "Fargo'-esque quality to it (excellent writing and acting will do that), which keeps you engaged. I highly recommend!
I'll be sure to see what you have to say as "The Studio" as the season progresses. My husband really likes it.
Neither my husband nor myself enjoyed the season opener of the Last of US. Not sure we are even going to give it the 3 show rule.
Did not like The White Lotus this season at all but stuck with it just out of morbid curiosity to see who died. Want to see if the showrunner brings back some of the characters for season 4. Alot of unfinished business.
Going to binge watch Dark Winds season 3 now. Loved it when it first came out. So well done.
Your reviews are always an interesting take on shows.
Thanks for the feedback and restack!
I just caught a glimpse of The Last of Us episode 2 and I might have redact my Joel-Ellie and basically Joel anyone connection being the draw of this show or find another reason to watch. It certainly looks like the show’s creators are shaking things up!
The White Lotus wasn’t as good this season but the farther I get from the show, the more I miss it.
Dark Winds still packs a punch! 🤛
I haven't watched episode 2 yet but I saw spoilers and I've been waiting for that moment and the reaction from people who have not played the game. I'm glad they made it happen early on in the season (like on the game). Honestly I hope they don't screw this up but for me the game kept getting better after that.