Six shows go in, one show was very obviously on top.

1) The Orville (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

I’m going to say it. The Orville is better than Star Trek, at least the many versions of shows we have had. I realize that without Star Trek, there wouldn’t be The Orville, but I’m much more involved and interested in the weekly adventures of this crew than any of the current Star Trek programs (of which there are FIVE). It’s Seth Macfarlane at his best writing, and this episode, talking about the Machlan traditions, and revisiting the baby girl that was given a forced sex change because her alien race believes women are an abomination, came full circle in this episode where that young girl has grown up as a boy, always feeling that something was wrong. When they learn that they were genetically altered, they want to be turned back, which turns into a huge debate. It’s amazing how deftly Macfarlane navigated something we frequently have heated conversations about in real life, and showed a science fiction version of this that was relatable, and although happening to an alien race, surprisingly human.

Episode Grade: A+

2) Harley Quinn (HBo MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

In the fourth episode, Harley forms a rock band, Kevin is revived, and Ivy is exhausted. Eventually, all becomes typically nonsensical Harley Quinn madness, reminding us all why we love this show, and how there’s nothing like it on TV. That orgy? Joker having to deal with common core math? If HBOMAX cancels this show, we will be having problems. I can tell you that. Where are my Harley fans at?

Episode Grade: A

3) The Last Movie Stars (HBo MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

I was quite surprised that we were diving into Paul Newman’s battle with alcoholism. Sometimes, these fan looks at idols only present the endearing qualities, but we started looking at Paul through the lens of a liquor glass this week, and it made for a slightly more interesting hour.

Episode Grade: B

4) Virgin River (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Of course, they didn’t die. Did anyone think the series was going to kill off its lead characters mid Season 4? Not this show. I am getting a little worried about where Christopher is. Preacher seems so calm, like we’re supposed to eventually forget that storyline altogether. Meanwhile, that cliffhanger ending, with the grandson looking for drugs… ugh. I keep reminding myself this show is nice, pretty, and a guilty pleasure.

Episode Grade: B

5) Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Paramount Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

I feel like… I shouldn’t review this episode. My watching of this episode was interrupted quite frequently, and i didn’t always pause. But, this is about the same grade I’ve been giving the show thus far, and I did watch most of it, albeit broken, and this is where it landed. But, the respectful critic in me acknowledges I probably shouldn’t be giving a grade.

Episode Grade: B-

6) Everything’s Trash (Freeform)

English Audio Description?: No

Truthfully, I think there’s a better show here than i am grading it as. This is like how I could never go too high with Under The Banner Of Heaven. There are too many moments where my enjoyment of the show is affected by lack of audio description. Oddly, I’ll admit, this isn’t a problem for every show. Sometimes Iit’s a problem in the beginning, and once you absorb it enough, it works itself out. I’m not giving up yet, but this was my weakest experience yesterday, due almost entirely to a lack of audio description.

Episode Grade: C+