uncleclaw Reviews

America's Test Kitchen: The Next Generation (2022– )

Not ATK as we know it

[4/10 · 7 January 2023]

I was expecting more of the great analytical insight, experience and a little science behind what makes certain dishes "work" as they are intended... or dont work if not done right. A bit of deconstruction, alternate techniques, importance of certain ingredients and whatnot to achieve desired results (taste and texture). I was hoping to learn something.

This show isn't about educating the audience as before, but the contestants learning and growing - like any other cooking competition game show. And that's fine, except that hasn't been what ATK was about and what I was expecting. I found the 1hr slot seemed long and drawn out, whereas with the old ATK format time seemed to go by too fast.

It's not a bad show as far as a cooking competition goes, I guess, but it is not ATK as we have known it. It's just another cooking competition. But I must say the host kept me watching just to get a glimpse of her entirety... knowmsayn? She fine!!

But I am into the more advanced cooking competition shows, and kinda have a full plate on that subject, to make pun. Again, I was hoping for some insightful, educational cooking tips, do's and dont's, etc. Not delivered in that respect.

The Diabetes Solution (2021)

Wrong & Shameless Infomercial for BigPharma

[1/10 · 12 November 2021]

What is depicted is NOT the proper or safe way to manage diabetes. This does not explore any other method than consuming industrial levels of ultra-rapid insulin, then eating industrial levels of fast carbs. Using more insulin and eating junk-food is good for BigPharma. This is like a tug-of-war between two Monster Trucks with your blood glucose level as the flag in the center. Should your metabolism change for any reason (cold/flu, high exercise, menstruation, etc), then one of those Monster Trucks is going into the bleachers and you are in trouble that requires swift correction.

The safer way, per my experience and MANY others, is less carbs (and slower carbs) and less amount of a regular insulin (slower acting)-- making it more a tug-of-war between two golf-carts. Should your metabolism change, then one of those golf-carts is only going to roll a few yards, giving you more time to react/correct.... and so is much safer "Funny" that this dangerous "advice" portrayed here has the same title as the book by Dr. Bernstein (an 80+ y/o T1D with zero complications), which outlines a FAR more sensible approach.

The New Legends of Monkey (2018–2020)

Charming and funny.

[8/10 · 19 August 2020]

Pay no mind to the 'serious' detractors of a whimsical fantasy-based tale. This is a family-friendly and lighthearted take on the legend. The acting may not be big-screen caliber, but it's decent enough and I am happy to support new and budding talent. If you go into it knowing what it is, a fantasy-comedy-action show (and not an accurate account of history or serious portrayal of an ancient legend), you wont be disappointed. Great fun for the whole family.

Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005)

Best Star Trek series EVER

[9/10 · 5 May 2020]

Seasons 1 & 2 had some interesting missions, and they explained the origins of certain Star Trek tech like phasers and the transporter -- and the understandable apprehension toward using the transporter. I loved the retro-feel, but the graphics are far from retro - top notch. Also, they explained first contacts with the blue-skinned Andorians, the Klingons, and others. Mostly mission by mission episodes.

But in the 3rd season, oh my, this show kicked into high gear with a riveting continuous story-line into the "expanse", complete with awesome rendered and practical-effects/make-up beings that some of us heard about from David Wilcock and Corey Goode on Cosmic Disclosure -- reptilians, insectoids, aquatics, and arboreal primate beings, as well as trans-dimensional beings.

All-in-all, the spectacular graphics, story lines, galactic dogfights, sexual tension, and humor make this show a gem. I've always liked Scott Bakula and he makes for a great captain. Linda Park is an absolute doll and Jolene Blalock is the sexiest Vulcan ever. Dr Phlox, played by John Billingsley, is a riot at times and a primary source of unexpected humor -- best Star Trek doc, imo.

So much going on in this show. Just starting season 4, and it's looking to be interesting and also seems based on something we heard from Corey Goode. Four seasons is not enough... I hope they pick this up again.

The Blacklist: Redemption (2017)

A darker, bloodier version of Scorpion

[6/10 · 7 April 2017]

Instead of team of cute cuddly family-oriented geniuses, each with their own specialty, and no one ever gets seriously hurt... we have an elite team of tough hardcore spies, each with their own specialty, who go on covert missions and engage in high action bullet-flying bloody battles. I'm OK with that, and I enjoyed the first episode.

However, the next couple episodes seemed to play the same formula. I hope they can develop characters more and become more imaginative and original with the "formula" and story lines.