Two new shows started today and thrown into the mix. I am so backlogged.

1) The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

It takes a great actress and some amazing writing for you to hate a character like Serena, someone who has clearly been programmed so strongly in her belief system there is no possibility of reprogramming. She’s just now the big bad, inheriting all the menace of her late spouse, and the utterly absurd decision to grant her request to return home and give her rapist husband an honor funeral was a bit much. She’s a prisoner still, and she’s walking around her homeland like the Queen of Pride Rock. But that last moment was the only way she could get to June, the only reminder of any leverage she has. but, as we saw a little of even in this episode, the men, the commanders, will never consider her on their level, no matter her loyalty. I loved when she asked how he got it done, and his response was “By not being a woman.” A nice reminder of her real place in this home she yearns so much for. Also, Janeane might be dead. So there’s that.

Episode Grade: A

2) New Amsterdam (Peacock/NBC)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Surprisingly, Peacock made sure the audio description was there. And much like it usually does for me, the final season opener hit my emotional button hard. Was it Iggy’s heartbreaking attempt to text home? Was it his work with the autistic young man? The triumph over a company that promotes ideals opposite and contrary to Max? Any of those things? No. I felt that pre-cry choking up when they made a wish happen. That was fucking beautiful. They cast this adorable kid, which made it even worse, and as a lover of film myself, his speeches about what he loves about film, reminds me so much about that spark I got as a kid. To think that so many sparks like that go out far too early, really got me in the feels. I will be sad to see this show go.

Episode Grade: A

3) Andor (Disney Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

before the Star Wars fans start jumping on me, I want to acknowledge that I fully believe Andor will be as good, if not better than The Mandelorian. I think it has that level of potential. How soon? I don’t know. Right now, the only reason this Cassian prequel didn’t get that perfect A was the somewhat lazy way we’ve created an antagonist, a relentless detective on the case to find the killer of two dirty cops. But as the episode lays out, and his boss directly tells him, they can’t investigate this. He tells him why, and it actually makes sense. But, yet, he persists. He even threatens someone’s job. But we are never given a direct reason WHY? Is he just the type known for the relentless pursuit of justice? Were they his friends? Is this a power move? What is his motivation for wasting resources, and potentially his job, on this case? When his boss returns, if he has nothing, he could lose his job for not doing as instructed. As much as I love whatever Create-A-Villain workshop he fell out of, this was not fleshed out enough.

Episode Grade: A-

4) Trying (Apple Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

It takes a special episode to make me not like Trying even a little. But Jason’s move, basically everything he did except help Tyler bury that stuffed animal, was so against his character. It felt idiotic, Whether it was giving away their savings they had built up so they could get the larger house and keep both Tyler and Princess, or the fact that he opened up to someone who CLEARLY wants her kids back. Like, why on earth would he tell her that stuff? What in the holy hell, man? I hope this series doesn’t take a downwards turn. It’s so totally optimistic all the time, that’s why I love it. But this… is heading in the wrong direction. Slightly saved by the adorable funeral.

Episode Grade: B+

5) Pretty Little liars: Original Sin (HBo MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

I’ve been trying to figure out who the figure is. The seem pretty strong. Remember, Tyler was a football player and he got overpowered quickly. It’s likely a guy, as they would want us to believe it’s a girl, with the Angela angle. I’m leaning toward creepy movie theatre manager. Anyway, when faced with certain death, Kelly maintained she was Kelly. At least we know, she’s not behind this. So, the squad could bring her in and let her know what’s going on. Although, her father is certifiable… a certifiable bad actor that is. Come on now, what city pays a guy to live in a train car to keep the others from being burned down? What a shit alibi. And, who introduces themselves to teeen girls as Crazy anything in a secluded location and expects them to follow them? And what girls ACTUALLy follow him? Jesus. Have they never watched a horror film?

Episode Grade: B

6) The Bear (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

As I’ve finally received confirmation that the entire season of The Old Man now has audio description, I now hope The Bear gets it, because I feel bad rating this show so low every week, but I’m trying my best to follow the madness. I know that the tax records are a problem, and likely the worst cousin in the world is responsible, or at least has knowledge, but I always feel like I’m missing something. And that something, keeps The Bear always on the low end of my list.

Episode Grade: B-