Well, this is one of those days. Lots of shows. I’m trying to get to see some shows because I’m doing my Best of 2022 lists, and there are a few titles I still need to see. So, today I only watched 1 film, and a lot of TV.

9) His Dark Materials (HBo MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

It’s been such a long time since season 2, that I had a hard time remembering what the hell was going on. i think that was really the only real problem. Sometimes, when you have these massive casts, in these big shows, and you go away for two years, I need more than that two minute warm up. I was so lost this episode, and I just cannot be expected to rewatch two seasons to prepare for the third. Maybe pieces will start to come together. I forgot who the lead of the show was. When those two girls were talking in sign language at the top of the show… I was like, who are these people?

Episode Grade: B-

8) Gossip Girl (HBo MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Listen, i love this show. But episode 2 is a hot mess. I know that might also be the intention, but this was all over the place, and resulted in several bizarre lines of dialogue. I’m sure this will find its groove again, but after the opener, I really don’t know what they were shooting for here. Obviously, comedy. But some teen orgy going on while this stuffy old lady is extremely predictable, plus the whole pretending to be poor storyline, I just wonder…. Why?

Episode Grade: B-

7) Fleischman Is In Trouble (Hulu)

English Adio Description?: Yes

This was a quirky start to a limited series. I’m definitely interested in the possibilities. I wish they’d avoid the trope of these “I’ve been married so long I don’t know what Tinder is” people. Eisenberg isn’t old enough to not know what social media and dating apps are. When he references J Date, I remind myself we are the same age. We should ahve the same knowledge. He should be aware of, and familiar with the concept, even if he still has to be seen creating a profile. Just a little thing.

Episode Grade: B

6) The Sex lives Of College Girls (HBo MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

These College Girls decided to help out their old Frat friends by having them magic Mike to save the planet. It was silly, and when the Dean came in and started to shut things down, I thought there was no way they could make it… wait. 11K? They raised 11K from college students to see a frat strip? Come on now.

Episode Grade: B

5) Slow Horses (Apple Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Just like with his Dark materials, I’m having to slide my way back into Slow Horses. This is like escargot, not for everyone, but those who get it, really get it.

Final Grade: B+

4) Riches (Amazon)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Oh look. Amazon made a really fun trashy soap drama. And I’m very much here for it. It reminded me of our kind Of People, the short-lived FOX drama. Very sassy. This one could be a lot of fun.

Episode Grade: A-

3) New Amsterdam (NBC/Peacock)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Well, poor Tennessee. But, we got a lot of character growth, and I think Max made the right call. Iggy does some great acting on this show. Both Ryan Eggold and Tyler Labine were fantastic this episode.

Episode Grade: A

2) The Peripheral (Amazon)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Bob The Butcher is a fun new entry. Still no bodies for Finn’s brother or buddy, but that fight at the end was badass, and the car crash with the huge question mark over it makes waiting until next week really fun.

Episode Grade: A

1) Cobra Kai (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Cheesy as all hell. But wow. We pulled in every single cast member. In so many ways, it felt like a series finale, but they managed to make it not that. I’m so excited for the possibilities of Season 6, with only one dojo, and a villain who can’t really show his face.

Episode Grade: A, Season 5 Grade: A