Your random TV news for the day is for Blue Bloods fans. Not surprisingly, CBS finished contract negotiations and ordered a 14th season of the show. CBS required massive cost cuts, which meant the returning actors who have been on the show for 14 years had to take a pay hit. So now Tom Selleck really needs you to buy his reverse mortgages. I do expect them to close a new deal for SWAT (they’d be stupid to not renew a series that is climbing in the ratings), and I really don’t know what will happen with East New York, but True Lies isn’t getting renewed. I don’t even think they are bothering with preliminary negotiations.

7) The Arc (Syfy/Peacock)

English Audio Description Available?: Yes

I was thinking about giving this episode that trending upwards mobility, because I am starting to be more invested in the show as of the 6th episode, but I couldn’t help but shake that the whole thing about the sails was just done in For All Mankind. I’m not sure that was the first time that concept was used, but it felt incredibly derivative, and the cast still mostly are not good actors. So, I think I’m enjoying this show about as much as possible.

Episode Grade: B

6) Velma (HBo MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

What to say about Episode 8? I mean, Fred’s simplicity and being stuck with brains, literal brains, for the duration of the episode was funny. Even the fact that the search party left the others in their precarious spot so they could rescue the rich white kid. There are good jokes here. But they can get bogged down by nonsense. I’m not a Velma hater, it just never blows me away. There’s always a part to it that is clever, and a part that isn’t.

Episode Grade: B

5) The Daily Show With John Leguizamo (Comedy/Paramount Plus)

English Audio Description?: No

So, I don’t think Leguizamo fits this format perfectly, but it did make me want to see a program featuring him on the air. Can we do Real Time with john Leguizamo? Bill lost his mind years ago, and john could really provide interesting conversation in that element. I think something like that is where he belongs. Also, he had the unenviable task of having to talk about the Nashville shooting, which he handled quite well.

Episode Grade: B+

4) 911 Lone Star (FOX/Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

I need audio description for this show. I didn’t even know what was happening in the opening crisis. Later on, when the explosion happened, I didn’t understand that either. I also thought they made Rob Lowe’s Strand a bit dumber than usual, since he assumed both checks were for sex. That’s a lot of money for sex. I’ve never thought about becoming a sex worker, but I think if people were getting paid 100K a night, more people would be doing it. I love that he couldn’t just assume that she meant for it to go to charity. But, even while all that was going on, the plot about privatizing emergency rescue was pretty pointed, and I enjoyed that.

Episode Grade: B+

3) The Mandalorian (Disney Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

The Mandalorian were summoned to help save Mando’s old buddy from space pirates. Aside from Tim Meadows and some awful line readings, this was the best episode of the season so far.

Episode Grade: A

2) The Rookie (ABC/Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Well, the case of Selina’s sister got solved. Everything worked out. IT’s a great way to endear her to audiences if she’s going to stick around like Aaron did. Even though it was incredibly obvious where it was going, something the episode didn’t hide either by having Nolan become instantly suspicious, it was a strong hour.

Episode Grade: A

1) Ted Lasso (Apple Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

First, Zava was perfection. Second, Rebecca’s response to the psychic when she mentioned kids was obviously a deep cut. Third, this just was a great episode, but the thing that put this over the top for me was Ted trying to be a good dad and calling home to wish his son a good game, only to find out that his therapist is dating his ex. You could tell Ted was on the verge, but some incredible goals from Zava snapped him out of his funk. I love how Jason Sudekis isn’t afraid to have his male lead be incredibly vulnerable when he needs to be.

Episode Grade: A