Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Quick Television Review

I watch a lot of television shows, whether on TV, DVD, or Netflix, and I've been going back and forth on whether I should treat some of these shows like anime and movies. As much stuff as I watch, sometimes I just don't have enough words to describe them to fill a single post for each show. I want to share them and get their quality out there to you guys, but obviously, I caved into my desires for some quick television reviews to satisfy my need to share. Just because these shows are in a quick review does not mean that they're bad, it's just that I don't have a lot to say about them good, bad, or in between.



Lucifer Season 1 (13 episodes) | Status: Renewed
Rating: 4/5

Not only have comic books invaded the cinema, but now they're taking over our homes through television and Netflix (and other streaming mediums). While I haven't delved into DC and Marvel heroes too deeply, I'm pleased with the few comic book adapted shows I have seen so far. I didn't know this show was a comic, until after the first episode, so I'm looking forward to checking out the source material, even though a co-worker confirmed that the show and comic are different. I don't mind that as I was very entertained from this first season. Tom Ellis was the perfect devilishly, charming gentleman that you wouldn't mind committing a few sins for. I skimmed through a Yahoo! review [which I think people should take with a grain of salt] that the show was your typical criminal of the week type of show and while it seems that way, there's so much more offered. There's crime and the supernatural, a supernatural element that majority of familiar with. There's plenty of biblical references littered throughout the show and it really made me think as Lucifer Morningstar struggled within himself on how he feels about his newfound crime partner Detective Chloe Decker as well as his past relationship with his heavenly Father and ties to hell. Each crime was an interesting adventure, but what kept me was the character development our main cast of human and demonic characters. They have great chemistry among each other and I really enjoyed watching them interact and react to each other. If you haven't watched it, I would definitely check it out. I know I'm very happy that it has been renewed for a second season and once again I am looking forward to checking out the source material soon.



How to Get Away With Murder Season 2 (15 episodes) | Status: Renewed
Rating: 4/5

First of all, I want to say that I have a newfound admiration for Shonda Rhimes and I highly recommend fans of hers to check out her book, Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person. Now, you're probably surprised that I'm not doing a follow up full length review of the second season, since I did one for the first. Annalise Keating and company are back with another rollercoaster of emotions, borderline criminal activity, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes! This second season does not hold back with the relationship conflicts. The biggest thing on trial in this season is trust. While most of Annalise's students seem mostly resolved with the results of what happened with Annalise's husband and Rebecca, another huge problem occurs that seems nearly impossible for mother bird to deflect. Yes, this season keeps me extremely hooked to the drama and I just can't believe how they're able to escape each corner they're placed in. Of course, all this protection comes with a price and the stress clearly shows for Annalise and her associates Bonnie and Frank. This season Annalise shares the spotlight with Wes, which can be good and bad for some viewers as he can be a little annoying, but his buried past is somehow intertwined with his teacher and that also helped hook me even further into this show...not that it needed to. There's still a few trials laced in this crazy story to keep you in awe of Annalise's arguing abilities, so the premise isn't lost in who's sleeping with who and character confrontations. The season finale definitely was a killer for me and I am dying to know what Wes and Annalise's fate is in season three. One little criticism though, I do wish there was less sexual encounters or switching of partners. While the romance aspect of these characters are entertaining, I don't want the intriguing, heart hitting content to get lost in lust.



Gaycation (4 episodes) | Status: Renewed
Rating: 4.5/5

I've been following VICE on YouTube for years and the webseries that I've followed have been very informative and entertaining for me. When I saw commercials for a new channel called Viceland, I was excited to see what unique, informational, and eye opening content they would provide on television. This show was a good reason to check it out. Actress Ellen Page decided to go on a mission with her best friend Ian Daniel around the world and learn about a different culture and their LGBT+ community. I wouldn't want anyone else but Ellen to host a show like this and her and Ian did a respectful job of explaining and displaying cultural differences between one country and America's. While I'm sure someone is gonna call appropriation, white privilege, or something extremist SJW, hear me out. The dialogue used by both Ellen and Ian, but mostly Ellen as she narrates this series, is handled with so much care. She says exactly what we're thinking, then breaks it down in a way for viewers to understand that country's point of view. The first episode takes place in Japan, which made me excited. For those who are into anime and know what fujoshi are, then think of the best way to explain the popularity of yaoi content compared to the way society treats citizens part of the LGBT+ community to a friend, acquaintance, or family member. Difficult, right? Not only do Ellen and Ian hangout with two fujoshi, they also come along to support a gay man coming out to his mother, which is something that is usually kept secret or covered by marriage. This show doesn't hold back with its content, good and bad. Some of the things people have to say about homosexuality, transgenders, and other LGBT+ issues is just mindblowing. After seeing Ellen trying to take down former presidential candidate Ted Cruz and delving into her own public coming out as an actress with her agent in the final episode, I was kinda distraught that this worldwide trip had ended. I anxiously checked Wikipedia and VICE for any hopes of a second season and as I write this, it has been confirmed for a second season. I highly recommend this LGBT+ positive docu-series which covers Japan, Jamaica, Brazil, and the USA!



Night Manager (6 episodes) | Status: Completed
Rating: 3.5/5

The last TV mini-series I saw was Syfy's Childhood's End, which was an interesting and really focus intensive show with some very intricate visuals. I was hoping this mini-series would go a little easier on my mind in comparison. For the most part, I frequent AMC around The Walking Dead season as well as Fear the Walking Dead, but seeing commercials for this John Le Carre adaptation made me excited. Not really because of it being an adaptation of a book as I most likely won't be reading it any time soon, but because it starred two actors I adore, Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie. Or in my mind: Loki and House! Aside from their iconic characters, they are fantastic actors in their own right as well, so naturally I was excited to see them on the same show together and boy, was I not disappointed! While the show does require some focus to catch the intricate spy details and nuances, it was a very mature thrill ride of great wits. Richard Onslow Roper definitely kept Jonathan Pine on his toes with his plans, but Jonathan was always one step ahead, even though a little bit of romance couldn't be ignored. Whether this was a faithful adaptation or not, I couldn't say, but the few snippets of an interview I caught while browsing through On Demand sounded very passionate and dedicated from the cast, especially Laurie. With such a great cast, I have no doubts that they put their all into this project. If you're looking for a mature, spy thriller, then check out this AMC miniseries.



Telenovela Season 1 (11 episodes) | Status: Cancelled
Rating: 3.5/5

I know Eva Longoria has been quite busy after her recognition from Desperate Housewives, a show I've started since its television premiere that I've never finished quite yet. I've also been suggested Jane the Virgin by a co-worker who describes it as a parody of telenovelas. Obviously, this show does the same thing, but unfortunately didn't gain the same positive stats as "Jane". I casually enjoy telenovelas and what I've seen of Ms. Longoria's work, I've enjoyed her as well. I had a feeling that this show wasn't going to be that big of hit, but I followed it all the way to the end of the season wanting more humor and over dramatic shenanigans. Despite not watching telenovelas often, I am familiar with the tropes and if you're not in the demographic or not familiar with telenovelas, then you're not going to understand a lot of the humor and satire of this show. I enjoyed the over the top acting and the dramatics of Longoria's character and cast mates, even the fact that she doesn't know Spanish is amusing! The campiness and craziness was absolutely perfect and appropriate for such a topic and it's unfortunate that the show's run was cut off so short. Comprobar que funciona cada vez que tenga tiempo.



If there's something you want me to review (or want a more in depth review of the movies above or previous ones), check out this post on how you can submit requests.

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