Fall TV Roundup, Week 9

 


We're into November, and a number of the traditional networks are about to start their Fall programming. There are also a number of cable and streaming series coming, so November is typically a time when TV slows a bit, but this year it could pick up. So you're probably trying to decide how to fill your time, so let this weekly post be your guide. I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Fall. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Sunday Nights:
The Undoing, Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered October 25)
About: This latest mini-series is based on the novel, stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, and comes from David E. Kelley. It's about a New York therapist (Kidman) living an idyllic life that gets turned upside down by the murder of a parent at her son's school. She also soon discovers her husband (Grant) is not only involved, but has been hiding plenty from her. The first episode was mostly about introducing the characters and world, then setting up the problem. The second episode was about going down the rabbit hole, and I thought it was pretty compelling. The series is only six episodes, so it's not a big commitment, and at this point I'm curious to see where it goes.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Roadkill, Sundays at 10 p.m. on PBS (Premiered November 1)
About: This latest import for PBS Masterpiece stars Hugh Laurie as a conservative politician embroiled in scandal. As the pilot begins, he's just won a libel case against a big newspaper, clearing his name and reputation for a bit as he is on the cusp of a big promotion. But soon it becomes clear he's not out of the woods, and the big new position isn't all he'd hoped for. This one is a solid drama from David Hare, a four-part series that debut in England on October 18. So this is fairly fresh and has a good cast, which includes Helen McCrory as the Prime Minister. I like Laurie, and I liked the premier. PBS has been a source of some solid dramas from across the pond at times, and I think this one could be a nice addition that has a low-barrier for commitment as it should be over before Thanksgiving.
Pilot Grade: C+

Streaming Series:
Truth Seekers, Now Streaming on Amazon Prime (Premiered October 30)
About: The latest from Amazon Prime, Truth Seekers, seemed appropriate for the season as it dropped on October 30. It is a supernatural comedy series about a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. It comes from Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, who star in the series. And you'd be forgiven for expecting it to be pretty funny. The supporting cast includes Malcolm McDowell, and the set up seems like it should be funny. The thing is, it wasn't. I watched the first two episodes and I thought it was a little confusing, dry and dull. Part of the problem is there isn't much Pegg in the series, so if you're looking for the back-and-forth between him and Frost, that's not a big part of this series, at least in the early going. It's only eight episodes, each about a half an hour, but it didn't really work for me.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

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