One of my shorter lists, but I did manage a few movies instead of a long list of shows. It’s a trade off. Makes ranking a bit easier.

1) The Orville (Hulu)

English Audio Description Available?: Yes

This show doesn’t have the right to be this good. Seriously. The fact that it might end on Season 3 is bonkers to me, after watching them hit consecutive home runs on the first two episodes of the season. This one reminded me a bit of Event Horizon, with this ship in the middle of nowhere with no crew on board and just a distress signal. Of course, we were introduced to a new character, an Admiral, who I instantly kind of fell in love with, which is a huge credit to the actor. I had a feeling he would be a one episode kind of character, and sadly I was right. But there were so many quietly beautiful moments, that it really is hard to remember sometimes that this is a Seth Macfarlane creation. He needs this show to continue, if for no other reason than to keep expanding his own abilities.

Episode Grade: A

2) Fairfax (Amazon)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Again, love this show still. Principal faked his own death, and every single kid and character in the show was chasing death clout, trying to find the best way to pay tribute to someone who died, while boosting their social media presence. No one really cared that the principal died, but they were pissed when it was all a lie. Hilarious, and great stuff. Hopefully, Amazon keeps this one going.

Episode Grade: A

3) Love Victor (Hulu/Disney Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Finally starting the third and final season of the show, and I’m not going to start negative here. I will say that this first episode cast a wide net, trying to make people remember what was happening a year ago, and what Victor’s choice is. As this is the final season, the choices these characters make in their lives will be the permanent ending for them, so your enjoyment of the final season is going to be based largely on whether or not these decisions are earned, and whether or not it’s what the fans want. Surprisingly, it was Mia and Andrew who stole the first episode for me, even though neither character necessarily needs to exist on the show still since it’s based on Victor. but Mia visiting her mother, and being disappointed by everything, while being supported by Andrew, and ultimately her father, was a stronger storyline than Victor’s. Maybe that’s a problem, maybe not. It’s just the first episode of the final season.

Episode Grade: A-

4) Irma Vep (HBO/ HBO MAX)

English Audio Description Available?: Yes

I don’t know what I expected this show to be. The first episode references something about a decapitation in its title, the main actress is off to shoot a vampire film in Paris, but the heavy stylization of the pilot reminded me of some of the more off putting artistic choices a director like Nicholas Winding Refn makes with his films. I think my enjoyment of this film was affected largely with this unknown factor of what this was, and not being prepared for it.I’m interested in absorbing another episode before I decide whether or not to continue on. It’s a limited series, so it’s not like my watching this will help generate a second season. This thing is already done. But do I need to watch it? I don’t know. It may not just be for everyone.

Episode Grade: C