I didn’t quite get through as much again today as I had hoped. However, I did watch this thing at night where a bunch of people gathered on a stage to squabble for two hours. There really isn’t a grade I could give that, so it’s not included.

6) Designing Women (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: Ended

I needed to kill some time. honestly, I’m acknowledging that I kinda watched an episode of this because I had enough time before the aforementioned event, but i really didn’t pay attention. Sorry, Women. It’s ranked last, and I feel pretty good that it still would have been had I paid attention the whole episode instead of just for parts of it. But, I am now officially on Season 2!

Episode Grade: None

5) Muscles and Mayhem (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Limited

The final episode of the American Gladiators docuseries that really just made me miss the show, and want a revival. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the intended effect. I didn’t remember all those Gladiators, but some of those names stood out to me. Oddly, I remember Tower, and he apparently wasn’t even on the show that long. But Sky? Nope. Nothing.

Episode Grade: B+

4) Ahsoka (Disney Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Unknown

I did check out the first episode. I feel like I will draw the ire of some Star Wars fans by ranking it 4th. It was actually a solid pilot episode, but it really just introduced us to the possibilities, and less so blew my mind. There were some terrific action sequences,and I’m sure the show will continue to be great. Also, such a nice touch to pay tribute to Ray Stevenson at the end. It’s not that this was bad, it’s that the 3 higher ranked shows were more memorable.

Episode Grade: A-

3) Only Murders In The Building (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Not Yet Renewed

While it wasn’t super thrilling to see Selena Gomez trapped in an Armoire for most of the episode, Martin Short was on fire this episode, and that song Meryl Streep sang was legit fantastic. Like, I want to figure out how I can download that song.

Episode Grade: A-

2) hijack (Apple plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Not Yet Renewed

in this “will they or won’t they land?” Episode, we learned so much vital information. Mostly about the fact that there’s something far more sinister than just a few hijackers on a plane, but rather how they got there. No spoilers here, but it was the shortest episode so far, and offered the biggest punch so far.

Episode Grade: A

1) The Bear (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Not Yet Renewed

This episode, “Fishes”, highlights what I’ve felt about this show for a long time. It’s not a comedy. I think we’ve expanded the comedy category too much to incorporate drama shows that have levity to them, and calling this show the “Best Comedy” is offensive to shows that actually are funny intentionally all the time. HOWEVER. I actually think Fishes brings up the best parts of what this writers room does consistently, which is bring realistic dialogue, and a true family dynamic to the show. This is highlighted in the sure to be nominated Christmas themed “Fishes”, which was a brilliant hour of television. Think about it this way. There are shows currently in competition in this years Drama categories that offer fleeting moments of humor or dark humor, or have been recently nominated. Does it feel more to you like The Bear belongs with shows like Better Call Saul, Bad Sisters, The Boys, Andor, and Succession, or with shows like The Other Two, What We Do In The Shadows, Only Murders In The Building, Abbott Elementary, and Jury Duty? I think the answer is pretty obvious. It’s a drama with a lot of heart, terrific performances, and a family dynamic so strong, so brash, and realistic, we are amused by how well it works. but the performance Jon Bernthal gave in this episode was dramatically great, not hilariously great. And Jamie Lee Curtis was absolutely stunning, and certain to be an emmy nominee next year. Probably also the winner. this was the best episode of the series so far. Careful though, it’s also twice as long, but totally worth it.

Episode Grade: A+