deaeight Reviews

Only Murders in the Building: Double Time (2021) Season 1, Episode 9

Lynch pouring cold water on proceedings

[6/10 · 28 September 2022]

Why? Why has this new character been introduced now!? Lynch is annoying, over acting horribly and trying way too hard to "impress" her bosses and peers. You're acting opposite Steve Martin! Please graciously accept 2nd best off the bat! Also, why is the (white) landlady" "insulting" Charles by calling him "whitey". So, being a white woman is ok but a white man is an insult? Give me a break.

Thankfully "Zaz" isn't in the entire episode. I really hope she doesn't become a regular. Amy Ryan has irresistible charm and is a welcome addition which is why I am so surprised Lynch's presence is a major misjudgment. It's nothing new though. I get the same about Craig in Parks and Recreation.

Awful and nearly made me quit watching.

Rick and Morty: The Ricklantis Mixup (2017) Season 3, Episode 7

Timeless Masterpiece

[10/10 · 20 September 2022]

The title may sound a little hyperbolic but this is The Mona Lisa. This is Mozart & Beethoven. Sound even more hyperbolic!? I know! It sounds infeasible in every way from a show known for creative, yes, but very far from deeply poignant or meaningful or inspirational writing. The kind of writing that raises the bar, Sets the tone. Gets talked about. A lot. True and actual Art in other words. Well for real, authentic art with a good head clearing amount of spice and a modern cocktail of crazy (which is delicious to most but not so to others) then look no further than this 22 minutes ans 14 seconds of TV. It's all here and in abundance previously thought impossible. An astonishing piece of artistic genius.

Cobra Kai: Survivors (2022) Season 5, Episode 9

Outstanding

[9/10 · 18 September 2022]

There is much to admire. The visuals, direction, acting & cinematography are top notch. Most praiseworthy for me though, is the Incidental Music and soundtrack. The best in the world in my opinion. The nostalgia isn't over blown. It feels indulgent and luxurious, rather than cringe. That is much harder to achieve (ie balance) than it seems, as so many countless other shows clearly get it so horribly wrong in my opinon. I couldn't happier for the cast too. They are clearly having the time of their lives. I'm particularly happy for Zabka & Ralphy Boy. They deserve this. As an 80's kid, the karate kid movies had a decent impact, but this show has cemented and amplified that legacy in a way that is kind of miracle. The kismet of it all is heartwarming. Nuff Said!

The Orville: Domino (2022) Season 3, Episode 9

Superb

[10/10 · 1 August 2022]

1) A brilliant stand alone Sci Fi movie.

2) outstanding double episode of the Orville 3) the Star Wars movie we should have got from Disney Star Wars but never did. Man they didn't even come within a parsec of this!

4) the best Sci Fi writing in recent years by a country mile (or another parsec, whatever) 5) the Star Trek we should have gotten from Kurtzman but never did (because he's a con man)

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Hard Time (1996) Season 4, Episode 18

Good but...

[8/10 · 25 July 2022]

....for me, spoiled a bit by Alexander Siddig's awful acting. I mean AWFUL! He's perfectly acceptable as Julian the Doctor, normally (which is what makes it so jarring), but in this episode he is terrible!!! It's not vaudeville, it's half decent Sci Fi! He sapped the escapism out of it, he was so bad. A Good story though, overall.

The Orville: Mortality Paradox (2022) Season 3, Episode 3

Iffy

[6/10 · 12 July 2022]

It was ok but not great. Writing was a bit ropey I thought in places. At one point, Mercer says "we should never have left the ship. We should have known something was wrong." Really bro? Aren't you all supposed to be explorers? How on earth could you anticipate something "being wrong" and resist the urge to find out for yourself? In the previous episode, they all couldn't wait to explore a new area of space that had just been opened up by a new alliance with another race. Now, Mercer is all, "let's stay on the ship!?" Can you imagine Kirk or Picard saying that? No way.

Also, early in the episode, the (decent enough) Mystery is in full effect and Kelly says "we need answers." Thanks, genius!

Summary, it's ok and not without its charm but the script is a bit rough.

Bob's Burgers: Wag the Hog (2016) Season 6, Episode 13

Brilliant

[10/10 · 25 June 2022]

"Talkin' on a Butt Phone" is the greatest funk track in the history of music. For that reason alone, this episode is a 10. Critics of this show need to have more fun. This show makes me feel happy to be alive, so it's worth a 10 just for that!!

Charmed to Death (2021– )

Decent

[8/10 · 21 May 2022]

Not the best true crime show out there (murder tapes, first 48 etc), but it's good. Stories are varied in terms of victim backgrounds and circumstances, but they all share a common theme involving one person charming the other into marriage, only for everything to fall apart with the charmer murdering the charmee. Interesting cases and good, if a little basic, analysis.

Bob's Burgers: Some Like It Bot Part 1: Eighth Grade Runner (2022) Season 12, Episode 21

A masterpiece?

[10/10 · 19 May 2022]

As weird as this will sound, I think this is, legit, a modern animation masterpiece. Fans of Sci Fi, in particular, will be utterly seduced and left speechless at the end. The outro music is, I honestly believe, the best tribute to 80s Sci Fi currently in existence and an iconic piece in its own right. The song near the end is also very high quality and welcome. No spoilers, just do yourself a big favour and watch. The shock at how good it was lasts a satisfyingly long amount of time. Bring on Part 2!

The Others (2001)

An absolute must for ghost story lovers

[9/10 · 10 May 2022]

This is a classic. No question. Anyone interested in ghost stories should consider this movie absolutely essential viewing. A foreboding atmosphere combining with heart felt and skilful performances from the entire cast, produces the perfect level of immersion which gives jump scares their maximum impact. A modern masterpiece.

Floyd Around the Med (2000– )

A tragic tale, despite the veneer.

[7/10 · 6 May 2022]

This is a very sad show to watch. Alcohol destroyed Keith Floyd. Knowing this undeniable fact, it makes it very difficult and painful to watch a man already in the grips of a ferocious addiction and unable or willing to fight it. I loved all his shows but especially Floyd On Africa, Floyd on Italy and Far Flung.... By the time he did Floyd around the Med, you can see and hear that he had succumbed.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Absolute Garbage

[1/10 · 5 May 2022]

Messy, confused, conflicted, muddled. I could go on but just imagine I list of a load more adjectives like those. Marvel has lost its way. Kevin Feige's ego is now burning out of control. My prediction is a huge crash (and dose of reality) is coming for both him and Disney. In summary the movie is a great concept squandered & bungled by Fiege.

Severance (2022– )

Original and compelling if a little slow at times.

[9/10 · 17 April 2022]

The slowness is actually not as bad as it would be in other shows. It fits the style and the somewhat plodding pace is deliberate. It's a slow burn in the truest sense. The payoff is excellent and definitely worth the wait. I cannot think of a show more thought provoking, original, perplexing, disorienting and compelling than this. I found myself thinking about it in between episodes even though I binged it in less than a week. That has happened before but only with the highest tier shows like The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. This isn't quite on their level, but it's really not that far off. To enjoy fully, it helps if you're patient, though...

Ted Lasso (2020–2023)

Charming but prone to "schmaltz" and "cheese"

[8/10 · 16 April 2022]

There is no denying this is feel good TV (overall) but in focussing so strongly on that, it more than occasionally gives way to overly indulgent "schmaltz" as the yanks would say. I feel harsh saying this, given the genuine heart this show undoubtedly has, but it has to be said. Turn down the cheese and schmalz a little, this would be a 9. Having said that, these days, 8s and 9s are rare in comedy. Nuff said.

Unusual Suspects: Dark Place (2013) Season 5, Episode 11

Alternative episode name

[8/10 · 10 April 2022]

This episode is also referred to as When Evil Strikes. Definitely in the top tier of True Crime series and this is a solid episode. It's a shame shows after around 2016/2017 didn't follow the same formula and instead chose shock and tabloid tactics for views instead.

Unusual Suspects (2010–2016)

One of the best true crime shows

[6/10 · 29 March 2022]

This has become the template for modern true crime shows, so in that sense it is ground breaking. Rather than the relentless teases at the start and before each ad break we now get (which is ridiculous by the way), this show doesn't feel the need to constantly dangle carrots in a desperate bid to keep you watching. This ran from 2010 - 2016. Whether it's a reflection of the times or not, I appreciate that there is no "hard sell" or overly salacious cases to shock the viewer into watching or trying to get the audience to endlessly pour over grisly details. True Crime competition increased exponentially in the years this show aired and by 2016 there was an ocean of choice. If you're interested in quality true crime, start here and avoid the "tabloid" shows. This is where it's at. One of the true and best originals.

Bob's Burgers: Manic Pixie Crap Show (2021) Season 12, Episode 1

Outstanding

[10/10 · 19 March 2022]

For those that expect this to be "laugh-a-minute" TV, let me try to explain (or at least give you my 2 cents). The genius of Bob's Burgers is not "how funny is it?". The genius is the immersion into the world and the overall quality of its entertainment and writing. The stories are not capers and other outlandish shenanigans like American Dad / Family Guy. This is a completely different approach. This is writing with soul, finesse, heart (so much heart!) and warmth, with the most stunning achievement, in my view, being its ability to imbibe the viewer with joy. Such a thing is actually miraculous. It is the TV version of resting in a bed of goose down comforters while simultaneously receiving a neck massage, foot rub and being fed an ice-cream sundae. The characters, dialogue, outstanding animation and voice acting combine to produce the most stunning fine and complex wine. One that will be viewed in years to come as an unforgettable masterpiece which, though recognised, was under-appreciated in its time.

Seinfeld: The Cartoon (1998) Season 9, Episode 13

The most under-rated Seinfeld episode of them all.

[10/10 · 12 March 2022]

This has me in fits from just one single line. "Man love for the She-Jerry." Absolute genius. Michael Richards as Kramer is miraculous. Imagine for one second reading the script and having to be Kramer in the scene in which the above line features. He brings Kramer to life in a way that I truly believe no other human, living or dead, could better. God Bless Michael Richards and Larry David and to a lesser extent, Jerry Seinfeld (harsh but fair. He is not on David or Richards' level),

Detective Diaries: The Woman Haters Club (2021) Season 1, Episode 5

Interesting story ruined by virtue signalling

[1/10 · 1 March 2022]

We are here to watch a detective story. We are not here to be lectured with "men ruthless evil murderers, women innocent victims". Even the title! Women haters club - something which apparently the detective quipped after being randomly assigned the case. Of course the detective is a heroic female and she's here to show those evil men a thing or two! It'll be child's play to out manoeuvre the moronic, evil male murderer!

Hollywood is killing itself with this stuff. It is not welcome there and it's not welcome in an otherwise decent true crime show. Notice the difference in the rating for this episode compared to the others, too. Yeah, exactly.

Arcane (2021– )

An astonishing attack on the senses.

[9/10 · 3 February 2022]

This show has it all. Great writing, characterisation and is also visually spectacular. If that wasn't enough the soundtrack is consistently and satisfyingly epic too! This is reminiscent of a flawless diamond which has been meticulously polished by a Master Jeweller. Precious indeed and absolutely top tier entertainment.

Ozark: Sanctified (2022) Season 4, Episode 7

Spectacular Julia Garner

[10/10 · 3 February 2022]

Wow the ensemble is excellent as always but man, Julia Garner is on fire! As good a performance as I've seen from a female actor since Edie Falco in the Sopranos. After burners are on maximum burn. She is absolutely brilliant. Worth watching Part 1 just for her, but this is well rounded show and, as stated, a superb ensemble. One of the best Netflix shows ever and a strong contender for the Number 1 slot. Standing ovation for all involved. Must also mention, Jason Bateman & Laura Linney also continue to dazzle.

After Life: Episode #3.1 (2022) Season 3, Episode 1

Why the change in tone??

[5/10 · 18 January 2022]

Wasn't Tony looking much more positively in his life outlook at the end of series 2? Why the switch back to wallowing and gloom? Why is he now so cold towards Emma when the ice was definitely melting at the end of season 2? No explanation given. This ep was also steeped to the max in sentimentality and worship of the oh so perfect dearly departed Lisa. Disappointing.

Undercover: El Dorado (2020) Season 2, Episode 1

Disappointing

[6/10 · 15 January 2022]

Very very little Ferry & no Danni. That's annoying in itself but the tone of season 2 is completely different to one. I understand why they would want to make it different but all of the magic of season 1 has evaporated. All the air was sucked out of the room when Kim died. As another reviewer says, it was a cheap trope we've seen a million times. "Get revenge for the murder of the close friend & ex colleague" yarn. I'll stick with it but man do things need to improve. No more dynamic between Kim and Bob, no more dynamic between Ferry and Bob, no more dynamic between Danni and Kim. No more dynamic between Bob, John and Ferry. It just goes on and on! No beautiful camp site setting which felt relaxing just to observe! We get dingy, miserable Ukraine instead, Great. Right now I'm feeling like too much has been lost...

Undercover: Camping Zonnedauw (2019) Season 1, Episode 1

Good Pilot!

[8/10 · 12 January 2022]

I thought this pilot was strong. Well drawn characters. Logical, competent writing and intriguing setups which I already want to see through to their conclusion. I think the lead villain over does the "baddy boss" shtick a touch, but it's tolerable. Clearly influenced by Gandolfini's Tony Soprano and not in the same league writing or acting wise, but still genuinely watchable, entertaining and intriguing.

The Witcher (2019– )

Had good potential but....

[3/10 · 12 January 2022]

...it has been ruined by intersectional feminism. The show runner is far more interested in her Uber Feminist messsging than she is in entertaining the audience. This show could have been huge. If nothing changes with the current writers, it will die on the vine. What a waste.