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Reviews
The Blacklist: Raymond Reddington (No. 00): Good Night (2023)
Love and Hate
A loyal watcher of The Blacklist for 10 seasons, I reluctantly watched the series finale, not wanting it to end. The performances, especially by James Spader and Hisham Tawfig, were wonderful, and they deserve every accolade they receive. It was an emotional episode, and I was happy there was no ambiguity in Red's fate. I was surprised and disappointed, though, that the mystery that was so central to the storyline throughout the series was not answered. I feel like viewers, having invested so much time on this show and the characters, would want to know if their theories were correct or not. I certainly did and am not sure hints dropped, particularly in the last three seasons, were sufficient to make a solid conclusion. I loved this finale for the fun and the performances, but hated it also for the lack of clarity around the most important question raised during the series that I waited so long to find out the answer to. Nonetheless, I have enjoyed this show immensely over the years and think Red is one of the most intriguing characters to ever be on television.
Mayans M.C.: Slow to Bleed Fair Son (2023)
Satisfying Ending.
I was apprehensive about watching this episode but found the conclusion very satisfying. While I do think the end of the war was rushed, I felt the writers did a good job of wrapping up everyone's storyline with no ambiguity. Some were predictable but there were surprises. Clayton Cardenas in particular gave a stellar performance as Angel. It was hard to watch at times because you could clearly see and believe what his character was feeling. The chemistry he had with JD Pardo and his on-screen son was apparent and fun to watch. I was sorry to see this series end and hope there will be another one developed in the SOA universe.
Ted Lasso: International Break (2023)
One of the best episodes of the entire series
This episode really stands out from the others. I will definitely remember this one.
A lot of character development and moving the story along in a very satisfying way (and at times unexpected) in this one. My husband and I laughed out loud a number of times, and I couldn't help thinking, "Brilliant" more than once. I thought the verbal and non-verbal delivery by all the actors was superb.
Here, Ted takes a backseat to the other characters, as he really has all season. I have no doubt that was deliberate. Still, I miss his unwavering optimism, unconventional wisdom and his unique ability to inspire others, including me, to be a better person.
This episode is not to be missed, and I found myself cheering at the end.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 24: The Return (2023)
A Satisfying End To The Season
Episode 24 wrapped up a number of storylines we've been following for some time. And while this was a relatively short episode for a season finale, there was a lot going on from start to finish. There were several integrated action sequences that left me on the edge of my seat. And, there was plenty of screen time for the many of the characters we love. Din Djarin and Grogu, for example, may have taken a backseat in some of the earlier episodes this season, but not in this one. There really was something for every TM fan in this episode. Had this been the series finale and not just the season 3 conclusion (season 4 has been confirmed), I would be happy with how this ended.
Billions: Rock of Eye (2022)
The fun is gone
A big fan of Billions, I was sorry to see Axe leave but started this new season with an open mind that changes would have to happen. What is missing for me as I watch this season is a lack of real purpose. The positions of Chuck and Axe in seasons past were clear, and the love/hate relationship between them had substantiation, which made it fun to watch. I'm not sure why Chuck is really going after Mike. Two of the reasons I have really liked the show are the tension between characters and the smart, out-of-the-box moves they made to get ahead that were shocking at times. I'm not seeing any of that this season. I feel like Taylor and Wags, for example, have been reined in and are not the same bold characters doing unexpected things they used to be. Honestly, I think they should have ended the show when Axe got off the plane in Switzerland.
Dexter: New Blood: Sins of the Father (2022)
Disappointed in Sloppy Ending
I knew it was too much to hope for Dexter and Harrison riding off into the sunset toward their next adventure at the end of this mini-series.
A fan of the first series, I appreciate that Dexter's character had a firm conclusion this time around. And, I enjoyed seeing what happened to Dexter next in this mini-series. The acting was good, and the story lines were intriguing.
What bothered me most about this episode, and the mini-series in general, is Dexter did things his character simply wouldn't do. He is a very smart guy, and he made mistakes (e.g. Leaving a blood trail, easy to find injection marks) and choices (e.g. Killing Logan, asking Harrison to kill him) that were out of character and inconsistent with the previous series. Dexter explained some of these mistakes to being rusty, but really, I think it's just flaws in the storytelling.
I finished watching this mini-series wanting more.
The Blacklist: Misère (2021)
Waste of Time
I am a big fan of The Blacklist and have watched every episode. This is easily the worst I've seen. Except for the last 5 minutes, we didn't see anything new. Liz has become so unlikeable. It is hard to watch.
Frank of Ireland (2021)
Ugh
I started watching this show because I am such a fan of the Gleeson brothers. Unfortunately, this show is not for me. I just don't find it funny, and the plot is dull and overdone. It's hard to warm up so some of the main characters because they don't seem to have any admirable qualities and are generally unlikable. I tried hard to enjoy this but had to call it quits after 3 episodes.
Fear the Walking Dead: Things Left to Do (2021)
One of the best FTWD episodes ever!
This episode is the show we know and love! Simply excellent all around. The story, the acting and the character development were really great. I think this was of the best we've seen since season 2. What happened during this episode has been a long time coming, and it was very satisfying to watch. Makes me excited about what happens next.
Walker (2021)
Dull story with little action
A big fan of Supernatural and the original Walker Texas Ranger show, I was excited for this to premiere. Several episodes in now, I am still waiting for the action to start. The story moves along very slowly, and I have found it hard to warm up to the main character. It is an effort to keep my attention through each episode. It feels like this show is trying too hard to be something it is not.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 16: The Rescue (2020)
A Perfect Season Finale
I have loved The Mandalorian since the first episode in season 1. This season 2 finale took the show to a whole new level. I think this episode alone is better than any Star Wars show or movie in the entire franchise. It was nothing short of perfect. I laughed, cheered, and cried. I literally sat on the edge of my seat for the entire episode. I am so glad they gave Luke Skywalker the return he deserves. Being a big fan of Din and Grogu's relationship, I was sorry to see them part. But I think it was right for the story, and I believe we will see them reunited at some point. I am looking forward to what comes next. Many thanks to Jon Favreau for exceptional writing of this finale and bringing so many people pure joy with this series as a whole.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 14: The Tragedy (2020)
Wow! This episode has it all
This was such a fantastic, action packed episode. This was one of the shorter ones but really one of the very best so far. Exciting, emotional and full of surprises. I was sitting on the edge of my seat for most of it. Can't wait to see what happens next.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020)
A Disappointment for TWD Fans
Having been a TWD fan since the beginning, I was looking forward to this. So disappointed! I can best sum it up as simply boring. The storyline and dialogue could not keep my interest, and I haven't been able to connect with any of the characters. This is not even close to the quality show as TWD or even FTWD. I don't think I have the patience to spend any more time with this one.
Outlander: The Ballad of Roger Mac (2020)
Best Episode of the Season
A simply brilliant episode. Best of the season so far and among the best of the series. This is the Outlander I know and love. Excellent storytelling with surprises and heartache. A shout out to Sam Heughan and Duncan Lacroix for superb acting.