Summer TV Roundup, Week 8
We're in the heart of June, approaching the official start of summer and the longest day of the year. Normally we're in the midst of a swirl of new content, a mix of reality, game shows and scripted fare. Like everything else, this year is different as a result of filming constraints. We have some new shows, but not the flood we sometimes have, even during the summer. But let these weekly posts be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted fare this summer. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.
Sunday Nights:
I May Destroy You, Sundays at 10:30 p.m. on HBO (Premiered June 7)
About: This new series from Michaela Cole, who takes the lead role, is set in England. It follows a writer of some renown who is facing a deadline but decides to head out for a night with friends. The next morning, she finds an injury and fractured memories, but she doesn't know what happened the night before. That is mostly how the pilot ends, but the second episode picks up as she tries to piece together the night and, finally, arrives at the conclusion she was drugged and assaulted. I said last week my biggest issue with the series after the pilot is I wasn't sure what I was actually going to be watching, as it seemed like the true plot wasn't really coming into view until the pilot ended. From that standpoint, I found myself more drawn to the second episode. The emotional gymnastics required for Cole in this role aren't easy, and she handles it well. She creates a compelling character and story, and the supporting actors do quite well, too. In fact, I was moved by the reaction of her friend Terry (Weruche Opia) near the end of the episode, which ended up being quite effecting. Cole's performance during the police questioning, too, was quite compelling and effecting. Overall this is shaping up to be a powerful exploration, though likely not an easy one to watch. But this could end up being one of the more under-rated series of the summer.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: B
I May Destroy You, Sundays at 10:30 p.m. on HBO (Premiered June 7)
About: This new series from Michaela Cole, who takes the lead role, is set in England. It follows a writer of some renown who is facing a deadline but decides to head out for a night with friends. The next morning, she finds an injury and fractured memories, but she doesn't know what happened the night before. That is mostly how the pilot ends, but the second episode picks up as she tries to piece together the night and, finally, arrives at the conclusion she was drugged and assaulted. I said last week my biggest issue with the series after the pilot is I wasn't sure what I was actually going to be watching, as it seemed like the true plot wasn't really coming into view until the pilot ended. From that standpoint, I found myself more drawn to the second episode. The emotional gymnastics required for Cole in this role aren't easy, and she handles it well. She creates a compelling character and story, and the supporting actors do quite well, too. In fact, I was moved by the reaction of her friend Terry (Weruche Opia) near the end of the episode, which ended up being quite effecting. Cole's performance during the police questioning, too, was quite compelling and effecting. Overall this is shaping up to be a powerful exploration, though likely not an easy one to watch. But this could end up being one of the more under-rated series of the summer.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: B
Streaming Series:
Crossing Swords, Now Streaming on Hulu (Premiered June 12)
About: Are you into adult cartoons? How about odd sex jokes with stop motion characters made of simple blocks? Well, if you answered yes, than this series is for you! This one comes from John Harvatine IV and Tom Root, and Nicholas Hoult voices a kind-hearted soul who becomes a Squire only to learn it isn't the dream job he'd hoped for. The voice cast is strong, including Adam Pally, Tony Hale and Luke Evans, among others. And there are some jokes that landed, but overall the hook here is the level of vulgarity and shock value they can get out of these simple block characters. It almost feels like the appeal that was used to sell "Team America" many years back. This will be appealing for some, and it is certainly aiming at an adult audience. Episodes are about 22-24 minutes, and the first season is 10 episodes that are all available now. It was different, but ultimately not for me.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-
Crossing Swords, Now Streaming on Hulu (Premiered June 12)
About: Are you into adult cartoons? How about odd sex jokes with stop motion characters made of simple blocks? Well, if you answered yes, than this series is for you! This one comes from John Harvatine IV and Tom Root, and Nicholas Hoult voices a kind-hearted soul who becomes a Squire only to learn it isn't the dream job he'd hoped for. The voice cast is strong, including Adam Pally, Tony Hale and Luke Evans, among others. And there are some jokes that landed, but overall the hook here is the level of vulgarity and shock value they can get out of these simple block characters. It almost feels like the appeal that was used to sell "Team America" many years back. This will be appealing for some, and it is certainly aiming at an adult audience. Episodes are about 22-24 minutes, and the first season is 10 episodes that are all available now. It was different, but ultimately not for me.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-
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