Reviews
I never thought I'd feel so sympathetic toward QE2, but this beautifully produced, smart show has made me really think about the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her childhood and young adult life. This is a woman who never asked to be queen, after all. Everyone in the cast is outstanding, but Vanessa Kirby is particularly fantastic as Margaret. (My favorite bit, however, is how bitchy Edward is made out to be.)
In some ways, this can be watched as a spiritual prequel to Catastrophe, albeit a harder, cringier version (if you can believe it). But still laugh-out-loud funny, thanks to incredible performances from the three lead actresses, especially Rebekah Staton as the daft but lovable Louise.
Noisier, twistier dramas tend to drum up more media attention and Twitter love, but "The A Word" has been consistently winning throughout its run. With so many interesting characters and paths to explore, I'm glad there will be a second series/season.
This has been on my "someday" list for a while. Well, "someday" was July 23. I'm only through the first two episodes, but I'm already (re) obsessed with the brilliant Maggie Gyllenhaal. And I am enjoying the slow rollout of Lady Stein's backstory and secrets. Well done.
In a period with no shortage of incredible dramatic performers, we have another one in Sarah Lancashire
In his first foray into television, Cameron Crowe shines a light on music's "unsung heroes." It's an interesting enough concept, and few people are as qualified to bring it to the screen as Crowe. But he hasn't exactly enjoyed creative consistency in recent years. ("Aloha," y'all.) So will he deliver here? The first episode is... solid. I don't think it will jump into the Emmy conversation, but it could become a pleasant addition to the "Thrones"-less Sunday night landscape.
Oh! What's occurin'? One of my favorite British exports, this show is a family-friendly charmer with an occasional bite. Lush, indeed.
Certainly the most original comedy of the year, and one of the best overall. Maria Bamford has found the perfect place for her unique timbre of comedy. This show is bananas, but in the best way.
SUNDAY FUNDAY! Much has been made of the second season's dramatic turn, which never felt heavy handed or phony. Sadly, this is too small a show on too small a network to get the acclaim it deserves, but I give major props to all involved. You're the best.
I go back and forth. The acting is great and it FEELS like a good/serious show. But really, the plotting is just as soapy as "Scandal" and the lack of real consequences for the Underwoods and the monsters who do their dirty work is starting to take its toll.