Reviews
I won't go as far as dissuading anyone from watching the show. The writing is decent, the opening graphics are creative, the casting is okay, but the arc of all characters will prove predictable after episode one. This last point is why my rating is so low and why I'm bowing out after 3 episodes--loads of stock characters whose redemption/downfall can be mapped easily. While I think this show will prove instrumental in David Schwimmer's resurgence (to the level of Friends), I think the subject is about five years too late. I still enjoy watching cooking shows, but aren't we post-messed up chef and on to all things dystopian or zombie? AMC knows how to craft a show, though nothing I've been interested in so far, and Feed the Beast may prove to be a critical hit, but only the writing can save it from being a summer slump for viewers. Today's June 16, 2016, so let's see how many things I can predict: (1) The boy will talk and he'll talk in front of the grandfather first, most likely in an emergency, and it'll be a while before his dad finds out; (2) Schwimmer's character and Pilar will hook up before he finds out how limited her restaurant management experience is; (3) the tooth fairy's father will be released and killed or killed in jail, with his son behind it; (4) Schwimmer's character will find out about the lawyer being the cop's daughter before the chef; (5) the contract will bite the guys in the ass, where they lose the restaurant either to the dad or the tooth fairy; (6) they'll lose their liquor license; (7) the restaurant will open, be a critical darling, and initially have barely any customers; (8) the chef will use the Asians' cocaine for financial gain or to get himself out of trouble; (9) the restaurant will be robbed to remind the viewer that it's the Bronx; (10) the boy will see the chef using. I could continue, but I think I've made my point. I will admit that the caregiver is an oddity for me. I don't know where the writers are going with her character. Is she family? A lover? And why the coveralls?
This is a good bit of television. But, some advice for future watchers, it appears disjointed at the start, but it turns into a proper web of suspense. Definitely give this a go.
I saw the trailer and I was excited, and then...I saw the first two episodes. I was so bored. Double yawn, bored. Who are the television writers these days? Does anyone know how to craft a story anymore? Agent X takes every espionage cliche, rolls them into a ball, and throws them at a wall where whatever sticks gets written into a lackluster (at best) episode. I'd say Agent X may be for children, but even they deserve better entertainment. I'd this show is bound for cancellation, but since it's (I'll never give up on what we think is a hit) TNT, Agent X may be around for a while. I just won't be wasting my time.
It's really good, but I don't know if I'll tune in for season 2. JANUARY 2016 UPDATE: I intentionally missed the first 10 episodes of season 2 because I wasn't moved to watch. Finally I decided to binge before the mid-season return, and I have to say I'm dropping this show from my roster. Oddly, it's for the same reason I stopped watching Glee. Jussie Smollett, like Lea Michelle, is being shoved down my throat. With every new scene he's singing. It got to the point that I'd fast forward through his performances until it looked like someone was speaking. The guest stars are amazing (Andre Royo, Chris Rock, Kelly Rowland, Marisa Tomei, etc), but the Jamal character is getting too much air time. This is weird for me to say because the man is gorgeous with an amazing voice, but it's just TOO MUCH of him on the screen. BALANCE, Lee Daniels, balance. Give some of the other stars/guests more singing time. I still love Cookie, though...and the fashion, girl hush!
I love the whole King Arthur story, so when I found this show, I was excited. It's lighthearted fun and is a pleasure to watch and rewatch. If that's enough for you, then tune in for Bradley James' jaw, that strong square jaw.
I enjoy science-fiction and this show has it all. You've got your funny, scary, weird, romantic, mysterious, and more. BUT, this show would be nothing without Walter. John Noble is a genius. The series ebbs and flows because of all of the close cancellation calls. A prime example is how Season 5 builds up this detailed story, but rushes to a blah ending when Fox cancelled the show.
It's good, so good that there is an American remake (which I haven't watched). Ian Richardson is funny. This is one miniseries that everyone should watch, just like The Usual Suspects is a movie that everyone should watch.
This is where I get my evening news. There is nothing better. Not all jokes hit the mark, but Jon Stewart is hilarious, smart, and on point. I know I need to keep up with the world, and The Daily Show is a fun way to do that.
Hear me now folks, this is the age of the Brits! There are more and more TV shows featuring British actors or British actors donning American masks. I like that this show focuses on the positive, Giles Coren doesn't end up writing 5 reviews, instead he just writes 1 really good, life-changing review. Also, I like that in this show, the sidekick (whose name escapes me) has personality. The first season has 6 episodes--3 take place in Canada and 3 in the US (oops Mexico, guess you aren't North American, maybe next season). I hope this show gets a second season for selfish reasons: 1) Giles Coren looks like Tom Ellis (Miranda and Rush) and 2) Giles Coren is funny. There is one thing that perplexes me: Coren is Jewish and doesn't feel right punching a dead pig but he buys and eats pork chops, pulled pork, and a pig's foot. This is a great waste of an hour and great way to plan a weekend if you live in or near one of the featured cities.
This is an amazingly crafted show. A definite must-see. My favorites are season 2 and 5. Idris Elba is a good looking bad ass.