Once again, seven shows enter the Rounup… sort of. One gets a rather interesting grade.

7) The Magpie Murders (PBS)

English Audio Description?: Not for me.

As I mentioned, I do occasionally check out PBS fare, and even though I’ve heard rumors that these programs have audio description, it never exists for me. That being said, aside from a lack of audio description, I can’t actually grade this show. It put me right to sleep. I maybe watched five minutes, and I was out like a light. No idea what this show is about, or who murdered the magpie, but it provided…

Final Grade: A Nice Nap.

6) Surface (Apple Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Closing out the season, I was intrigued by this show over the course of the season at many earlier points. But, it seemed like as more was revealed, it became less interesting overall. The ending, which rolls a gamble that a second season could possibly be as interesting as the first, makes a big swing, and I just thought it missed. It didn’t even resolve all of the questions from Seaosn 1, but now wants new questions and a new mystery. It reminds me of how Servant’s first season was great, and while it ended on a dire note, that was a tight season. It never needed more than that. Surface should have worked as a limited series. I’m not feeling confident about a second season, nor do I know if it even got renewed.

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

5) This Fool (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

In a fairly entertaining episode, two former gang members start up a beef again and want to settle this in a good old fashioned fight. But, the episode shows that the rest of the gang members have all moved on to different lives. The west side story boy was an odd joke to make, but I can’t say much about breaking the tone of the episode, since this was only the second episode of the series and it doesn’t have a fully established tone.

Episode Grade: B

4) LaBrea (NBC/Peacock)

English Audio Description?: Yes

As this series progresses, i realize more and more that it clearly wants to be the Lost for its generation. But it’s not as clever, nor is the acting as strong. It kind of reminds me more of if Terra Nova had been given the chance to explore beyond the first season. Choices made this week felt at times melodramatic, not surprising, confusing, and stretching for the sake of stretching. Turns out I was wrong about Gavin’s parentage though. Not that the reveal was earned, it’s hard to get excited about a brand new character no matter who they are.

Episode Grade: B+

3) Never Have I Ever (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

A pop up coffee shop allowed for shenanigans, and Davie made out with someone that made her ex possibly see her in a new light. Let’s be honest. This show clearly wants Davie and Paxton to be together, and Ben is just this massive distraction.

Episode Grade: A-

1) The Good Doctor (ABC/Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

In a very slow news day, The Good Doctor ended up on top. Really, because it just followed the formula that has worked in the past. Different medical mysteries, same cast. But what put this one over Never Have I Ever is the interesting arc that Lin is now in, where she’s angry for being in her situation, and not certain that if a different choice had been made she wouldn’t be walking. What isn’t crossing her mind is that a different choice might also mean she wouldn’t be alive.

Episode Grade: A-

no shows earned an A grade today.