We are already a quarter of the way through the year. Based on how fast I review films thus far, I’ll see 80 films this year. Of course, I know I’ll see more, but it’s crazy how slow accumulating that at the beginning of the year really is.

7) History Of The World Part 2 (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

There were times in the first episode that the comedy did feel in the style of Mel Brooks, but most of this doesn’t feel like him at all. I did laugh at the Lincoln segment in the first part. Making tall jokes worked, and the bit about letting his son into the army right before the end of the war, the social commentary on that was biting. But some of the other stuff? Clearly not written by Brooks.

Episode Grade: B-

6) South Park (Comedy/HBo MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

A bit of a mixed bag, especially considering that parker and Stone have six days to air, and also used to be so on time with their satire. Now, we only get 8 episodes, and sometimes, they feel old. As amusing as it was to see Randy trying to force the boys to be his expectation of what a man is, the other half was just tired, sending Mr. Garrison back into the political foray. Meanwhile, this season could ahve tackled any number of the things happening in this country, and it barely scraped the surface. The last episode could have gone after book challenges, banning drag queens, or something that feels ripe for them to go for, but instead kind of just died on that last episode. I know these guys are capable of so much more, and I just want to see that as someone who has seen every episode of this damn show for 26 seasons.

Episode Grade: B-

5) Perry Mason (HBo MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

While the series moves forward, the third episode was pretty good. Rhys as Mason is still interesting, and it’s worth it to see him fighting an uphill battle where the judge doesn’t seem to be clear of bias.

Episode Grade: B+

4) Daisy Jones and the Six (Amazon)

English Audio Description?: Yes

This was a nice first episode. I do kind of wonder the longevity of this series, formatted like a dramatic version of what The office and Abbott Elementary have done so well. The first episode does a really strong job of establishing the characters, and their place in this world, and gives us a glimpse of where the show is headed. I’m surprised this isn’t a limited series, but I might be demanding more when I reach the end. Who knows?

Episode Grade: A-

3) Ghosts (CBS/Paramount Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

A relative of one of the Ghosts stops by for a night, but the funnier story turned out to be not even a main plot point. It was Thor, who throughout the episode would say things in his old Viking way, and then one of the Ghosts would keep pointing out that he thought Thor was just screwing with them. ‘So you learned stereo but not car?” Almost like it was a direct commentary from the writers on the choices they’ve made for Thor so far.

Episode Grade: A

2) Shrinking (Apple plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

I’m loving this show. not only is Ford being used so well in a grumpy role, but Eric is really blossoming as a character. his whole thing about the zombie Orchid was brilliant. I feel like this show has to get Emmy nominations this year.

Episode Grade: A

1) Poker Face (Peacock)

English Audio Description?: Yes

But the actress who deserves Emmy love the most right now is Natasha Lyonne, who was great in Russian doll, but is at a career best on Poker Face, which is a brilliant show. This week, Nick Nolte, Cherry jones, and luis Guzman joined in on the mystery of what happened on a film set back in the day. Just some really cool, really great stuff.

Episode Grade: A