Literally, the shortest list I’ve done so far. There’s actually almost no point to this list. That’s how sad it was. I was away from my television most of the day, obviously.

1) The Essex Serpent (Apple Plus)

English Audio Description Available?: Yes

In the 4th episode, I wanted to like this series more. Tom hiddleston seems really committed to not being Loki. Claire Danes is all about… something. There are things happening here that you could like. And it’s entirely possible that the entire point of this series is to showcase how entirely stupid people actually are. But, unlike the first three episodes of this show that have actually given some creedence to the creepy underlying subtext about the potential of a mythical creature, this 4th episode provided none of that. Instead, the residents of this… village? Well, they just are plain stupid, in that “Salem Witch Trial” way. They’ve never been less provoked, but I suppose because a dude had a stroke, and they still ahven’t gotten any other answers about the other occurrences, they’ve decided to lose their damn minds. I’m glad it seems like Claire Danes is getting the hell out of Dodge.

Episode Grade: B

2) Roar (Apple Plus)

English Audio Description Available?: Yes

While the final episode didn’t work for me, I have to say that the unique thing about Roar was that with its way of approaching storytelling, every single episode swung for the fences. It wasn’t really trying to make you laugh, or horrify you. It doesn’t really have a genre, except to say that it is thought provoking, a boundary pushing. It’s also inventive, even when it doesn’t work. Every episode stands alone for the story it’s filmmaker wanted to tell. I hope apple goes in on another season. It’s just creative enough to keep me coming back.

Episode Grade: B-, Season 1 Grade: b+