Did you know that I launched a Podcast? Bam. Going IN Blind with John Stark is now available on Spotify, because they’ll let anyone in. If you’d rather hear me talk to you about the Small Screen Diaries, that’s what I’ve been doing.
TV SHows Watched: From: S4E6 (MGM Plus) with audio description, Big Mistakes: S1E4 (Netflix) with audio description, Witch Hat Atelier: S1E9 (CrunchyRoll) with audio description, Half Man: S1E4 (HBO MAX) with audio description, High Potential: S2E17 (Disney Plus) with audio description, Million Dollar Secret: S2E3 (Netflix) with audio description, RJ Decker: S1E6 (Disney Plus) with audio description, Pop Culture Jeopardy: S2E1 (Netflix) with audio description, and The Lincoln Lawyer: S4E7 (Netflix) with audio description
From- An interesting conversation about death could be had between fans here, as the town has a chance to let someone die, or not. In this world, if you have a peaceful death, should someone try to save your life?The alternative could be much worse. Meanwhile, Henry seems to be on borrowed time after knocking back a few with Sophia. The audio description is solid, but Amazon keeps replacing the AD team after each season, so quality on From seems irrelevant if it is never rewarded.
Big Mistakes- Absolutely deserves a supporting actress Emmy nomination for Laurie Metcalf as the mom. The character Dan has created for her is much like what he did for Catherine O’Hara in Schitt’s Creek, by understanding why the actress is brilliant, and showcasing them in the perfect role. This episode was fun, funny, and well described. Who has that much Four Loco on them at any given time?
Witch Hat Atelier- AI voice, excellent writer.The show is so rich in description for an animated fantasy series, and compared to the AI slop on Mia from yesterday, this is on the better end, though still pretty noticeable as an AI voice. it sounds a little like if Roy Samuelson stopped giving a fuck about emotive description and did all his AD recordings while recovering from a cold and on a mix of ambien and allergy medication. Basically, if you sucked the soul from Roy, this voice is approachably monotone. It’s the quality of the recording itself, with no ducking, and the writing that really makes it soar. The AI voice on Deli Boys is emerging more into mimicking expression more than this is.
Half Man- I’ve been uncomfortable for four episodes. This show never lets you be comfortable. It has no happiness. it has no glee. It is like watching your parents have sex, and you don’t know why you’re there doing it, or why I just brought that up. Yet, somehow, you haven’t left the room. For some reason, I’m still watching. It must be the terrific performances, because this show is very dark, possibly even more than Baby Reindeer. The ending of episode 4 is a big mic drop moment though.
High Potential- Other than putting two people together I don’t need to be together, High Potential is flawless, and this Mother’s Day episode proves that. Caitlin Olsen is terrific. The AD by She-Ra, definitely feels like it has some gaps to fill, but isn’t the worst thing She-Ra has done.
Million Dollar Secret- Jumped back in to see if the Millionaire could survive another day, and if they do, they can move the money. He was SO WEIRD about having to follow Kevin around that I truly thought he was a goner. I don’t know why he didn’t just pull Kevin aside and have a 45 minute conversation with him. I feel like I could have had a 45 minute conversation with another player at this point, breaking down why we trust each other, who we think the millionaire is, and the clues, trying to build an alliance, start some plans. His entire thing is to just stand near Kevin. LOL. So freaking weird.
RJ Decker- It survived to see another season, and I could have done without it. Shockingly, ABC chose to put this in fall, basically by itself, while it holds both ROokie shows, High Potential, and Will Trent for midseason. I’m not sure RJ can swim on his own like that. I’m also pretty sure this is AI description, since the audio ducking is heavy and unnecessary.
Pop Culture Jeopardy- This was the best described game show when it was on amazon, and it still is apparently now on Netflix. The fact that AD teams, from what I assume are two different companies, both figured out how to nail this, brings shame to a host of other game shows, specifically Celebrity Jeopardy, whose audio description is nearly universally useless and atrocious.
The Lincoln Lawyer- Mickey now has an extra hurdle to work past in his case, and the system has clearly never wanted to punish him more. Season 5 should be Mickey just burning the damn city down. Lorna tries to get her client off, and Sisqo is following a potential witness. This is what Roy actually sounds like, and it sounds great. And, the debate about description over Spanish is answered as we get a fully described with an additional voice scene when Mickey’s mom comes to visit him in jail.
