1. Calls - Not something that I expected to enjoy as much as I did. I saw the cast list, not knowing anything else about it - but once I started watching it, I was instantly put off by the fact that it's all phone calls, which means you never actually see any of the actors. I have such a hard time with this concept because listening to people talk without any visuals gives me a headache - I can't listen to podcasts, or audiobooks, or talk radio, and it's really hard for me to talk on the phone. I just have to have something for my eyes to focus on. So, for this, I really spent a lot of energy watching the sound waves that flow as the conversations take place throughout each episode and it definitely helps (as in, I didn't get a headache). The imagery becomes really mesmerizing. But, it's really the intensity of each "call" that holds it all together. The way it starts off so intense, but still increases that intensity throughout the series is just really spectacular and quite chilling. It's amazing how such short conversations (they are all less than 20 minutes each, I think) can convey so much. And I really love how the story all comes together in a really unexpected but completely coherent way. It's just put together really well.
2. Mare of Easttown - There's still one more episode left (that I think airs tomorrow night?), but overall, this mini-series is very solid. I have to admit, though, I was not sold after the first episode. I heard a lot about it before I started watching it, but after the first episode I was sort of left with this feeling of "is that it?". I didn't really connect with any of the characters, and I thought the acting was a bit rough (yes, even Kate Winslet). It all just felt really forced. But then after the second episode, I felt like it found its groove and everyone seemed to be a little bit more comfortable in their roles. They created a really strong character study within this murder mystery story. There's a lot of little intricate details that I really love. I'm still not sold on Winslet in the role - in one scene, she'll give the performance of a lifetime, then the next she'll sound like a cartoon version of a tough detective. Evan Peters makes the show for me. What a snack. It's totally the character and haircut, because I've seen him in multiple things and have never been attracted to him before, but he is yummy in this. I like that they spend each episode convincing you that you *know* who the killer is, and then they drop a bomb at the end of the episode that kills every theory. I'm still going with my gut (which is one of the earlier theories). Ok, now enough of my thoughts on the show - let's discuss *that* moment in episode 5 because I can't just ignore it. ***HUGE SPOILER ALERT*** Was killing off the best character really necessary? I had a feeling something bad was going to happen because I saw a few twitter reactions that were upset and I feel like he's the only person that people would be upset about (or Jean Smart because she's awesome - always and forever). But I was not expecting it to be so sudden. So emotionless. So definitive. I hate it.
3. The Underground Railroad - I've watched the first two episodes and I'm intrigued. I think the first episode moves a little slow and it feels like every other project about slavery. But, then the end shows the exploration and imagination that is exciting to witness. Then the second episode really takes it to another level. Barry Jenkins is really doing something special here. I liked Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, but not as much as everyone else seems to. But Jenkins is an exciting voice in the industry right now, and I'm interested in seeing what he accomplishes with this. Based on the 2016 novel, it's an alternate history type story that (so far) imagines an actual train that transports slaves towards freedom. I think it's important to continue to tell these stories that exemplify the harrowing history of slavery - I think younger people engage far more with films/tv than they do with books (I'm not saying that's a good thing...). I remember as kid being horrified by Roots, Mississippi Burning and Amistad - and I think I learned a lot more by these projects than by what I was taught in school. I also appreciate that Jenkins is actively trying to avoid the "torture porn" aspect that occurs when depicting slavery. I know it's difficult, but you can show the consequences and aftermath of a violent tragedy without showing the actual violence. I think it all depends on the project and the intent, but in this case, I think the implications are far more effective. Especially with such a strong lead actress - Thuso Mbedu is a star. She conveys everything that's needed for the scene. I think my only criticism of the series so far is the jarring music that plays during the credits. It doesn't fit the series at all.
4. Halston - I'm only a few episodes in and it's exactly as expected - I can't wait for Ryan Murphy to actually surprise me like he used to, but this is not it. It's exactly what you expect from a Murphy production about a famous fashion designer and his famous friends. Ewan McGregor is satisfying in the role of Halston (admittedly, I don't know much about him which is embarrassing because I work in fashion retail, and am fairly knowledgeable about the topic. But I find myself watching this and going "holy shit, did Halston invent the use of ultrasuede in fashion?", "Did Halston make Kaftans cool?" and, honestly, if I were rich and famous I would wear every single one of his designs). But THE reason to watch this is simple: Krysta Rodriguez as Liza Minnelli is mind-blowing. She's so good - and I feel like Minnelli is such a strong personality that it's really easy to over-do it. But she doesn't. There is something about the performance that is very understated, delicate, but then bursts with energy when she's on stage. It's really beautiful. I can't say that anything else about the show has really stood out, but if you are an acting enthusiast, I highly recommend watching this for this performance alone.
5. Tell Me Your Secrets - Such a trashy show, but I was highly entertained for the whole thing. I put it on more as background noise while I painted and redecorated my den (turned it into a game/media room), but I found myself fully engaged with the story which I wasn't expecting. The cast definitely elevates it - Lily Rabe, Amy Brenneman, Hamish Linklater, etc. all keep the story flowing, the tension thriving. I quite like the story arc for each character - all have moments where you root for them fully, but then you are are also left questioning which ones are actually evil people (all of them?). I think it's expected that there is a twist, but the twist in this actually makes sense and is really strong which is unexpected for a series like this. Overall, it's not something I would recommend to everyone - but if you like Lifetime movies/tv shows, then you will probably like this.
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