stevenbozek Reviews

Universe (2021)

Not Prof Brian Cox's best work...

[7/10 · 29 October 2021]

Update: This is pretty much the exact same show as PBS' NOVA Universe Revealed, they re-use the same graphics, locations, and storylines. I guess because PBS and BBC have a relationship, they both made the same show but with different hosts???

Given all of the solid folks out there making physics documentaries, he's probably the best host out there...although I learn more from watching prof jim al-khalili or matt o'dowd (pbs spacetime). Brian Cox's work is just far more entertaining than anyone else I watch. This review is only based on the first episode (will update if it changes)...and unfortunately, this is not his best work. It's really short on science. It seems more about having him make feel good statements about why the universe is so wonderful. It felt like they had nothing new to say, so they just filled the show with drivel.

How the Universe Works (2010– )

Well executed with the bonus of Mike Rowe's voice

[10/10 · 29 October 2021]

Overall this show is excellent if you appreciate space documentaries, and Mike Rowe is always amazing to hear. It's not quite as good as PBS' SpaceTime, but nothing I know of gives that much info in such a short time. They bring in quite a few experts, although it seems as if they press them to be funny and not too serious. I really wish they weren't afraid to use a little math in the show??? At times it can be repetitive, like they'll cover the same topic over and over, sadly it seems the science cant keep pace with the TV shows to give enough content each season. It is nice when they cover new items such as gravitational waves...or update past topics with new information. The visuals while impressive do come off as a bit contrived and over the top at times, but that's become the standard practice (even by NASA) to make space look a lot more colorful and active than it really is.

The Handmaid's Tale (2017–2025)

Not a believable story

[3/10 · 29 October 2021]

It just didn't seem like a plausible plot to me. If survival depended on a limited number of fertile women, I believe they'd be raised up and protected, not persecuted. Survival trumps everything, even religious zealotry. Even if someone chose to persecute a limited set of fertile women, you could just contain them in hospitals...there's no need to assign them to families like they do here. I really gave it a try, it just didnt pass the logic test for me.

Stargirl (2020–2022)

Pleasantly surprised

[9/10 · 29 October 2021]

I was expecting horrible, especially since it was DC, and I found it watchable, even enjoyable at times. Season 2 really slows down as far as story progression and action. Most of the young actors aside from stargirl and cindy arent very good performances...but overall it's a show one can watch to fill in between true favorites.

Cobra Kai (2018–2025)

No Good vs Evil in this one

[10/10 · 29 October 2021]

I really love how they didn't make anyone or any side good or bad. All people experience both good and bad moments, and no one's a perfect hero. It's quite the flip from the movies it's based on. Exception writing! Acting is so-so, with Johnny Lawrence being the exception...I had no idea he was so funny! His frozen in the 80s persona is hilarious! The samantha larusso actress just doesnt come off as athletic enough to perform karate, she just looks clumsy and uncoordinated to me, but I'm no expert. I really hope this show keeps this format and just continues to produce shows that focus on realistic entertainment.

Explained (2018–2021)

Not impartial, pretends to be a documentary

[2/10 · 2 October 2021]

Lots of woke messaging exists throughout, so much so that this is getting more and more difficult to watch. If you actually know anything about a topic, you'll quickly realize that this show doesn't really discuss things very deeply, in fact they spend more time on associated social issues than actually explaining the topic in detail. It really makes an effort to showcase everything from one (woke) perspective and really does a disservice to many of the topics they cover. I really wish it was just an impartial explanation, but I guess they didnt want anything that is too scientific.

The Boys (2019– )

Much needed take on super heroes

[10/10 · 2 October 2021]

A refreshing look at how life would be if super heroes really existed. Think how bad our movie/sports/pop stars are right now and how greedy and manipulative corporations are, but now imagine giving them super powers and see how much mayhem would ensue. Exceptionally casted with some very good performances. I just hope they can keep it up for a long time!

What We Do in the Shadows (2019– )

Truely hiliarious

[9/10 · 2 October 2021]

While the general plot isn't original, the way it plays out is super funny. Very clever writing dripping with wit and humor at every turn. This is a must watch for me. I've enjoyed that they've just made this show about pure entertainment and haven't attempted to drive any social messages down my throat with it.

The Rookie (2018– )

Really going downhill fast, just about unwatchable anymore

[3/10 · 2 October 2021]

Season 3 is trash with all it's woke messages dominating the show. Why cant we just be entertained anymore with good stories and acting??? Why does everything have to send a social message anymore? When September 11th occurred, most of Hollywood TV/Movies ignored it like it never happened...very few even touched it with a ten foot pole. However, George Floyd/BLM must dominate every police show now??? Both are tragic events, but I dont believe it must be the messaging in every cop show forever and ever. Another example is the covid pandemic...very few shows right now even acknowledge being shot during it, like it hasn't happened, no masks/no mention of it. I really dont understand why one storyline must dominate our entertainment??? I am for shows OCCASIONALLY exploring social issues (an episode here or there). I hoped season 4 would start fresh, but I had to turn it off as this show apparently has reached the ridiculous point already. It's such as shame as I love Nathan Fillion. His work, especially Castle is typically top notch. But I dont think even he can salvage this show.

Castle (2009–2016)

Best male/female police procedural ever!!!

[10/10 · 2 October 2021]

It's in the vain of so many others, Bones, the mentalist, Lucifer, etc., but by far the superior one. Nathan Fillion is totally what makes the show, and his perfect role. Hard to watch him on the Rookie, where the character just doesn't fit him. I can watch this show over and over and still be entertained. It's a shame it came to an end, especially so suddenly, but at least they sort of were able to give the main characters some resolution.

Lucifer (2016–2021)

2nd best male/female police procedural ever

[10/10 · 2 October 2021]

In the vain of the mentalist and bones it's yet another police procedural show, but not the best one. Castle takes that spot in my opinion. Every season aside from 6 is exceptional, where I think their writers went way off track. Ridiculous time loops that fail the logic tests and other characters are left basically in place just so others can attempt to get a happy ending. Honestly with just a few tweaks, season 5 would have been a far better series ending, as it was intended. I can barely stand to watch season 6.

The Expanse (2015–2022)

What SciFi should be

[10/10 · 2 October 2021]

Just a stellar show with riveting plot lines. Except for some overly meandering story lines around Naomi Ngata, the story usually progresses at a fast pace and maintains my interest.

Ted Lasso (2020–2023)

How are they not sued for stealing the plot?

[7/10 · 2 October 2021]

This is the plot for the movie "Major League" in essence, even using a jilted ex-wife as the owner. All that aside, it's still a decent show, not great, but good. Jason Sudeikis is really eye opening in his performance and worth it just to see him in such an unexpected way.