I used my Thanksgiving wisely. Not only did I knock off nine programs (plus jeopardy, which i don’t rank), but I also watched three movies. Satisfying indeed.

9) Star Trek Lower Decks (Paramount Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

So, the only reason this hit the bottom is that I’m sitting here right now, and I’m trying to recall everything I watched yesterday, and i literally cannot remember anything about this episode. Not one thing. So, I guess it wasn’t memorable enough like some of the other episodes. So weird. Maybe I watched too much TV yesterday?

Episode Grade: B-

8) The Good Doctor (ABC/Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

It’s a tough race, and while I enjoyed the back and forth between Sean and his new protege, this episode was a bit harder to follow since it was one that ABC decided i didn’t need to be able to follow. So, they withheld audio description, because it’s not important enough for me to cohesively follow an entire show. That would be asking too much I suppose.

Episode Grade: B

7) History 101 (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Yesterday, I learned more about IVF. Actually, this was somewhat informative. I did actually learn some things.

Episode Grade: B

6) Down To Earth With Zac Efron (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Due to the pandemic, Zac got stuck in Australia, and decided his entire second season needed to be there. While hearing Zac Efron talk about respect for Aboriginal tribes, while also treating them like they are something to go see… like a tourist… I’m not sure he understands. Would he talk about a regular Australian living in a house in Sydney the same way? These Aboriginal people are not a sideshow, and considering the rest of the episode centered around Koalas and Tasmanian Devils, one has to wonder if Zac has any clue what’s going on.

Episode Grade: B

5) The Masked Singer (FOX/Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

I’m not sure we advanced a singer to the final three, but I’m ranking this episode a bit higher, because I correctly predicted who was in BOTH costumes, and I did it without any of the visual clues. So, suck on that Nick Canon. Spoilers! But, I immediately knew it was Linda Blair. She had scream queen references, but was praised by critics, had to “bend over backwards” to get recognized by the academy, and quit acting a while ago. Her package was so easy. And the whole Blair Witch reference was just so obvious. She gave them her last name, and even one of the judges said it. I should be on that panel, if I can guess this good with no visual point of reference or audio description. That being said, i have no clue who Snowstorm is, but I believe she’s now up against Amber Riley and The Cheetah girls.

Episode Grade: B+

4) Last Week Tonight With john Oliver (HBo MAX)E

Mulish Audio Description?: no

A few times I needed audio description, but this episode followed mostly the human rights violations of Qatar, while they host the World Cup. Very informative, and important.

Episode Grade: A-

3) Reboot (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

At times, i was on the fence about this episode, because I wasn’t sure that the A-story with Keegan Michael key and Judy Greer filming an “in bed together” sequence was the strong point, but the whole storyline about trying to break up with Zack’s mom, and her telling us how that windshield got broken. Also, Paul Reiser’s off hand reference to being Eskimo Brothers with Don johnson, was the kind of silly humor perfect for his character who doesn’t understand why he’s not supposed to make fun of Eskimo’s. And the interjection of old writers, it was like everything but the main thing worked for me.

Episode Grade: A-

2) The mighty Ducks: Game changers (Disney Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Looks like everything is going well. Oh, look who is coaching the Canadian team. nice call back. Hopefully the Ducks prevail in the season finale, and hopefully Disney Plus sticks with this show for another season.

Episode Grade: A

1) Wednesday (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

First off, not for kids. Second, the audio description here is great, and makes a point of telling us the race of every character so we can see that Tim Burton finally cast a black actor… in a bad guy role. The rest is just pointing out that Jenna Ortega makes Wednesday her own, without being diminished by the terrific job Christina Ricci did in the 90’s (even right in front of Ricci). I also enjoyed Catherine Zeta Jones as Morticia. But mostly, i enjoy how the show is set up at this Nevermore Academy, and how Wednesday also has an ability while at a school full of monsters (vampires, werewolves, etc.) A unique twist that not everyone will like, but for a story told many times before, it was a nice touch. And it wasn’t so much that it totally distracted from the story like Rise Of The Teenage Mutant ninja turtles does by giving them magical powers they rely far too heavily on.

Episode Grade: A