Clean Slate
Clean Slate is an easy watch with its light-hearted and accepting undertone mixed with the over-dramatic antics of the residents of Mobile, Alabama. Laverne Cox perfectly carries the glamours and over the top Desiree with extravagant moments of exaggerated comedy that fit her and the plot well, but the best moments come from Laverne Cox and George Wallace who, by contrast, is much more grounded and grumpier. It’s a classic combination that works well for comedy duos but updated with themes of self-discovery and change that make Clean Slate an easy comforting watch. The only thing letting the series down is the short eight episode count and twenty-minute runtime, more episodes would allow for the comedy to thrive more and make the series more memorable.
On Call
As a police drama, On Call utilises technical aspects to ensure that it stands apart from other titles in the genre and uses creative camera work to make you feel the weight of every action and decision made by the characters. The short episode runtime makes for a well-paced and action driven series led by Troian Bellisario and Brandon Larracuente. They work great together and there’s a balance to their characters that offers new perspectives every episode as Diaz learns what it's like to be a cop, to navigate gangs and to keep to your morals led and tutored by Harmon who has her own burdens.
Cruel Intentions Review
Cruel Intentions was supposed to be a masterclass in manipulation and power, but the series fails to live up to its original movie's expectations. The Greek society houses' survival is lost in translation, while Caroline's choices are easily led back to her, and her character feels under-developed. Blaise Powell, the strongest part of the series, is the true mastermind of Cruel Intentions, but the series lacked depth and exploration.
Cross
While Cross follows similar formulas of police thriller dramas, it finds a way to feel new with exceptional performances from Aldis Hodge and Ryan Eggold. Some dialogue choices come off as corny, but it does not deter from a suspense-driven show that draws you in with the horror of a creative serial killer and an obsessive detective. The first two episodes can be harder to get through than most, but from then on, it is high gear full of risk and shifting power dynamics. It would have worked better without the stalker plot, but the rest makes up for it.
Rings of Power: Review
Some plots in Rings of Power flow with purpose and speed, while others drag on or, worse, circle back on themselves. Rings of Power has a hard time walking the tightrope between providing a sophisticated political fantasy setting and going into too much detail, which turns the game into more of a didactic than an enjoyable experience. In addition, you nearly feel deceived by the pointless side stories and acting, particularly following the scenes involving Sauron and Celebrimbor.
Batman: Caped Crusader Review
Batman: Caped Crusader will be a treat for fans of the nostalgic style of the 90s animated series, but the plot offers nothing compelling to excite viewers. At times, Batman: Caped Crusader struggles to find its audience, often focusing on more adult themes but then reverting to a more classic style.
Dinner With Parents: Review
Dinner With Parents is a comedy series about the Langer family's weekly dinner party, which is filled with chaos and fiascos. The Langer family is at odds with each other, leading to chaos at Friday night dinner. The show's situational humour has been lacking in every episode, with small roles like Grandma Rose providing nothing new or refreshing. There was potential for a light-hearted short comedy show with enjoyable family antics, but it was wasted, with the characters being reduced to stereotypes and not providing much entertainment.
Fallout: Review
Fallout is a fantastic series that stays true to the beloved video game series while standing on its own two feet. Having characters like Lucy MacLean and The Ghoul lead the show offers viewers rare different perspectives of a harsh world while still seeing the hope of a future that was despite the weaker storyline of the Brotherhood of Steel, this is a must watch and a new take on the post-apocalyptic genre.
The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy: Review
The Second-Best Hospital in the Galaxy had potential to be a big hit like Amazon’s other animated series, but lacks personality due to repetitive humour. Despite its flaws, Culkin and Rudoph's characters and interesting patients lift the show out of mediocrity, but not enough to engage its viewers. The Second-Best Hospital in the Galaxy is an easy watch, but has nothing of comedic or storyline substance.
Five Blind Dates: Review
Five Blind Dates fails to be both romantic and comedic. Despite a good performance from Shuang Hu there is nothing else that provides anything interesting. Overall, it is dull with tried and tested stereotypes that still fall flat.