Fall TV Roundup, Week 14

We're in December and, so, finally the Fall TV Roundup is ending with this edition. But don't worry. After a week off, new shows begin again and the Winter TV Roundup will kick off. As always, I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted shows this Fall. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Wednesday Nights:
The Moodys, a six-part special on FOX (Premiered December 4)
About: One of the special offerings this holiday season is "The Moodys," a six-episode comedy series set as a family gathers for Christmas. Each episode takes place on a single day, starting December 20 and moving through Christmas Day. FOX is airing the limited series in three one-hour blocks, and there's a possibility if it does well that it could return for future holidays. The first two episodes aired on December 4, with the second set on Monday night and the final two episodes tonight. The series stars Dennis Leary and Elizabeth Perkins as the parents, with François Arnaud, Jay Baruchel and Chelsea Frei as their three kids. Of course there's all kinds of problems going on in folks lives, from marriage problems, to job woes to health issues. But they're all trying to come together for a nice holiday, but naturally comedy and complications ensue. This is meant to be a funny and funny situation comedy, something Netflix attempted with "Merry Happy Whatever," which bowed on Thanksgiving. It works about the same here, and if you're so invested you just want a holiday experience, this will work. If you're looking for something compelling, this isn't it. And with its compressed roll out and experience, I would be surprised if this isn't our only outing with the Moody clan.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C-

Streaming Series:
V Wars, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered December 5)
About: Just what the world needs, another series about Vampires... This one is based on the graphic novel from Jonathan Maberry and focuses on a scientist (Ian Somerhalder) who finds something in the ice. It appears to be a virus, but he and a colleague don't get sick. Until one of them does, turning into a blood sucking creature, basically a Vampire. While Somerhalder's Dr. Swann is immune, most aren't, and this quickly devolves and spreads. And carnage ensues. I checked out the first two episodes of this 10-episode first season, and that was plenty for me. They aren't long episodes, in fact the second episode is just 36 minutes. The pilot is the longest at about 56 minutes, but the rest are between 36 and 47 minutes. It's a quick stream. It's also just not that engaging or engrossing. We've seen this story before, done in a more compelling fashion. If you're desperate for more vampire content, here you go. If you're looking for more compelling series, there are many, many other options.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-

The Astronomy Club, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered December 6)
About: This is another sketch comedy series, this one with the added hook of also being a faux reality series about the sketch comedy stars living together in a house. There are only six episodes, and each one is about 20 minutes. If you're a fan of sketch comedy, there are a few here that are interesting. There is also plenty of social commentary from this African-American sketch comedy troupe. It's not deep or complicated, but it's only about two hours to pour through all of this first batch of episodes.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Truth Be Told, Now Streaming on Apple TV+ (Premiered December 6)
About: A few years ago the true crime podcast Serial took the world by storm. Soon, more big podcasts followed suit. Now, "Truth Be Told" is a fictional series about a reporter who is doing a true crime podcast looking at the case of an inmate that might have been put away despite being innocent. The series is based on the novel from Kathleen Barber, and was created by Nichelle D. Tramble, who previously wrote for "Justified" and "The Good Wife." It has some high-profile producers, like Reese Witherspoon (who is also starring for Apple TV+ on "The Morning Show"), and a strong cast. Octavia Spencer stars as Poppy, the journalist looking into the story. Aaron Paul stars as the man behind bars, while Lizzy Caplan plays a duel role as twin daughters of the victim who have something to hide. As is the custom for Apple TV+, the first three episodes were made available at release, with subsequent episodes dropping each Friday. This will be a 10-episode season, and the episodes are right around 45 minutes a piece. I watched the first two, and I was taken with the format and the performances. This is a good cast, and a good concept. It's particularly effective if you like these kind of true crime stories. But this one, unlike "Limetown" released earlier this year on Facebook Watch, grabbed my attention with its story. I think there's potential here, and more proof that Apple TV+ is committed to staking a claim to the streaming market.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Reprisal, Now Streaming on Hulu (Premiered December 6)
About: This latest series on Hulu is a different kind of take. It's a noir about a woman (Abigail Spencer) who was nearly killed by a biker gang and returns, years later, with a plan to make them pay. But she has problems in her new life, too. Among those in the supporting cast are Ron Perlman, Mena Massoud and W. Earl Brown. The season has 10 episodes, with many right around the hour mark. This is a slow burn, as the first two episodes are mostly about building worlds, connections and setting up the action that's to come. Spencer is a fine lead, and does a nice job in kind of a darker, colder role. There is some potential in the premise, and obviously this is a swing from Hulu to branch out and establish a different kind of original series as a draw. There are moments of intrigue, but I thought the first two episodes were a bit too slow for my liking. But for those who are hooked, at least you can dive through the whole season without waiting.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C