Fall TV Roundup, Week 16


2017, and thus its fall, is nearly gone. So this is the last of the new shows this fall. But, don't worry, new winter series begin on Tuesday, January 2. In these weekly posts I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this fall. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

HBO Miniseries:
Gunpowder, a three-part miniseries (Debuted December 18)
About: Kit Harrington, of "Game of Thrones," stars in and produced this mini-series for the BBC which then aired on HBO over three straight nights. (It is available in HBO on demand, and has been replaying the last week.) It's about the gunpowder treason and plot from the 1600s, the plan to destroy the government hatched by a group of oppressed Catholics. It's an interesting historical story, and had a good cast. But there was an aspect of the production that was a bit dry. That could stem partly from it not being a part of our history and having to try and remember some of the politics of England, and Europe, in the 1600. Still, I like Harrington, and he's good in the part. Part of the passion stems from the fact his character — Robert Catesby — is his actual relative. For those that like the genre, this is worth checking out. It is just a three-hour commitment.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-

Streaming Series:
The Last Post, Now Streaming on Amazon Prime (Premiered December 20)
About: This is the latest series to debut on Amazon, and it's another import from British TV. This one is about a group of British military police in 1960s in South Arabia during the Aden Crisis. It follows a new captain that joins the unit, and explores the lives of the soldiers, officers, and their families in this locale. The first season is a crisp six episodes. The first couple episodes introduce the world and the characters, and it has a decent cast. I thought the action and narrative was a little dry in this one, but there's some potential. For those looking for a quick stream over the holidays, this is an easy one to get through.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

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