I did start up a new show yesterday, We Were The lucky Ones (Hulu). I knew nothing about it, but I wanted to at least have a pilot review. The show takes place just at the onset of WWII, before the Jewish population of Europe really is subjected to what we know is the historical ramification of this period. Obviously, it isn’t a happy show, but this does start with a little bit of naïveté in terms of believing what is still to come. We focus primarily on one family, and the characters in or adjacent to that family. the … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 03/29/24

This movie would have really popped in the late 80’s, early 90’s. That was the sweet spot when cartoons seemed poised to launch toys, and other things for kids to get excited about. Lunchboxes, junk food, comics, whatever. The Tiger’s Apprentice is actually based on a concept that could have launched a kids TV show, and sold some toys. there’s a lot of potential when your heroes are representative of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. So, each kid would want to collect their own favorite hero. Totally possible. I had the four Ninja Turtles, but there were all … Continue reading The Tiger’s Apprentice

In the third episode of Three Body problem (Netflix), we finally hear the phrase “Three Body Problem”, and learn what it is in relation to the show. There’s a very well described sequence at the end, where something is happening, and Darren Polish makes it very clear that this isn’t just something that isn’t being recorded on the cameras, but also a man outside can’t see it happening through the window. This show did not have a great pilot episode, but the next two episodes have been far better and more focused. If the first episode didn’t grab you, try … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 03/28/24

X-Men 97 (Disney Plus) is still blowing me away. I loved the section with all the nightmare fuel caused by the Goblin Queen, and how well described that all was by the team at Deluxe. This is excellent, top tier audio description. There was a lot of complex imagery thrown as the Jean Greys battled it out through astral projection, and the description was very well written and voiced. I appreciate it. I am enjoying Constellation (Apple Plus), which is doing a good job of balancing what is increasingly a weirder show. Clearly, there are two dimensions to work with … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 03/27/24

Another pretty slow day, as most weekdays are balancing work with TV watching. but, the Gentleman (Netflix) had our lead explore other venues to try and get the criminal enterprise off his property, by helping an actor with a blackmail problem. I would safely put this in the top tier now of audio description I’m listening to, if there are three tiers, Top, middle, or bottom. It hasn’t committed any sins that I can remember, and leans into the violent and Guy Ritchie tone of the show. The Completely Made Up Adventures Of Dick Turpin (Apple Plus) is the show … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 03/26/24

I finished Sexy Beast (Paramount Plus), and I’m not sure the world needed that. I really do want to rewatch the film, since it has been so long, it just doesn’t have audio description. I think the audio description for Sexy Beast really did try and get with the general dirtiness of the series, and I appreciated that attention to detail. It’s hard to describe a non-porn show that is so much about the porn industry. I also got through an episode of Avatar: The LAst Airbender (Netflix) that really gave more backstory to Zuko, making him seem more sympathetic … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 03/25/24

Well, it turns out that Showtime isn’t moving forward with the second season of Uncoupled after all. I don’t know why. I was so excited to see this show getting saved. Maybe Netflix will change its mind, and bring the show back? I immediately jumped in on a second episode of Three Body Problem (Netflix), which is narrated by Darren Polish, so I could have a better understanding of the show and its audio description. I think the show actually has really good audio description, which really comes into play as they spend a lot more time in the second … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 03/23/24

We’re gonna be famous 5 ever, cause forever’s too short. I know Community talked a lot about six seasons and a movie, but what makes sense to me is that Girls5Eva (Netflix) gets to Season 5. This new season is amazing, hilarious, and I love that even though they were on a streaming service before, they still feel like they have more creative control on Netflix. I think the show actually got better. Netflix, please, renew this. I think I’m now one episode away from the finale of Halo (Paramount Plus), as Master Chief could have killed the new guy … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 03./22/24

Lots of TV news to start the day. NBC has predictably ordered new seasons for all three Chicago shows, as well as two of the three Law and Order shows. This time, Organized Crime has been left on the bubble.Meanwhile, over at Peacock, the streamer has reversed its decision to do a second season of Butkus. Honestly, I’m not sure how much Joe Pesci wanted to really do another season, and he was the best part about that show. So, I’m not mad. I wouldn’t have watched a second season without joe. Netflix just launched their high profile Three Body … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 03/21/24