It took me longer than it should have, but I finally finished watching the miniseries adaptation of Celeste Ng’s novel, Little Fires Everywhere. Ultimately, I think it took me so long because I didn’t really find it all that enjoyable. Maybe it’s because I read the book first, or because I didn’t wait long enough in between reading it and watching it that it didn’t feel fresh or compelling? Those are both very valid reasons, and probably both true to some degree. Let’s dig in a little bit.
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Hollywood Miniseries Review
As I slowly roll through the Emmy nominated shows of 2020, I’ve managed to actually finish one! I decided to start with the Netflix miniseries created by the television genius that is Ryan Murphy, Hollywood. As I heard Darren Criss say in several interviews, this show “gives Hollywood the Hollywood treatment.” Indeed!
Read moreUnbelievable Miniseries Review
This is going to sound tired, I’m sure (especially since it’s been out for almost a year), but Unbelievable was unbelievable! Unbelievably good that it! Yes, you can take that corny admission for what it’s worth, but I’m not joking. Following the true story of two cops who try to take down a Washington State and Colorado serial rapist, this story was gripping! At this point I feel that the show has been on Netflix long enough that if you haven’t watched it yet you might not ever (excluding me, of course), so prepare yourself for spoilers!
Read moreThe Alienist: Angel of Darkness Season Finale
Welp, the final two episodes of The Alienist: Angel of Darkness aired, and I’ve come away from it wholeheartedly disappointed. It honestly seemed like such a mess that I’m surprised anyone actually liked it. I know that I kept trying to trick myself this past month into thinking that it was still good despite the GLARING differences from the book, but I will tolerate it no longer. And that’s all because of the trash fire that was the final two episodes.
Read moreNormal People TV Series Review
Well people, it didn’t take me long to knock out the television adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel Normal People, and for that I am proud! This will be a somewhat short review because honestly, this might have been one of the most pure adaptations I have ever seen. Having twelve episodes to tell the story definitely had a lot to do with that. No small nuance within the book was overlooked and I think that is a true achievement. I imagine Rooney is very happy with how this adaptation played out.
Read moreIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – Seasons 13 & 14
Even though I somewhat predicted it, I was still no less surprised with how quickly my eyes consumed the last two seasons (currently available) of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. At first, I was a little bummed with how the last episode of the fourteenth season ended until I remembered that there’s more coming! When that “more” is coming is yet to be seen since 2020 has been such a crap-shoot. Either way, reminding myself that this is a show that’s still on the air put my mind at ease.
Read moreThe Alienist – Episodes 5 & 6
Well, next week is already the season finale of The Alienist: Angel of Darkness, and once again, I am mildly disappointed with all the creative liberties they’ve taken. I’ve come to the conclusion that having only eight episodes to tell the story had a lot to do with it, but still. Anyways, here we go.
Read moreIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – Seasons 11 & 12
At the rate I’m going, I’ll actually be finished with all 14 seasons of It’s Always Sunny is Philadelphia by the beginning of next week. That’s crazy. In just about two months I managed to watch 154 episodes of, if I’m being honest, pure genius comedy. Again, that’s crazy. Especially considering that I watch a lot of other shows and movies besides Sunny. Either way, this is about seasons 11 and 12 of the show, and they just keep one-upping themselves on ideas! These seasons is also where I’ve seen the most reference to prior season events than ever before. While you could watch an episode and still know what’s going on, it’s a nice little nod to fans who’ve watched all the way through.
Read moreThe Alienist Episodes 3 & 4
As I said last week, while the scenes are extraordinary and the acting is superb in The Alienist: The Angel of Darkness, I could kick myself for reading the book first! It is clear that I would be enjoying this second season so much more if I’d followed my own rules. Even though they are different, the book is the source material, and therefore it is “law.” So if I’d only found myself watching this with no background, I know I would be enjoying it so much more!
Read moreDirty John: The Betty Broderick Story Review
Last year after watching Dirty John, I was under the impression that this well crafted dramatization of a real-life con artist and killer was going to be a limited series, and it had run its course. Garnering a handful of well-deserved nominations (Connie Britton was fabulous), I figured it was a job well done and a nice closing of a chapter. But I was wrong! Turns out they are going to possibly take many Lifetime-esque stories and expand them into series that are a little more polished than that network usually provides. Although, similar to You, Dirty John did undergo a network change from Bravo to USA, which was only mildly confusing. I also think the creators of this show didn’t think there’d be another season, because they kept the show’s original name then tacked on the new twisted tale’s tagline. Strange, but not unheard of I suppose. But I do think that gives it more of a Lifetime feel.
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