Fall TV Roundup, Week 2

 

We're into September and starting to get the Fall content that's going to come out. So far, it's a lot of streaming shows and a few imports to fill the network air time. In these weekly posts I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series airing this Fall. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Tuesday Nights:
Transplant, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC (Premiered September 1)
About: This medical show focuses on a doctor who learned his trade in a war zone but had to flee to Canada to protect himself and his little sister. Now, thanks to some heroics while working as a line cook, he's getting a chance to make it as a doctor in a real hospital in Canada. But expect some bumps along the way. NBC, like the other major networks, is looking for shows this Fall. "Transplant," which already has a complete first season, fills the medical show hole, currently airing where "New Amsterdam" typically airs. It's not incredible, but the first two episodes have been solid and I think this will be a nice addition to the landscape this Fall.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Streaming Series:
Noughts + Crosses, Now Streaming on The Peacock (Premiered September 4)
About: Peacock is a streaming service that seems oft forgotten. They were last to the party, launching in July, and also haven't brought much in the way of original content. Most of their series, like the new "Noughts + Crosses," is culled from overseas. This one comes from England, and is set in an alternate future when African armies colonized most of the world, including England. It's an interesting reverse world where racial tensions among government, police and citizens exists and is magnified, but in the inverse of our current society. That makes this one an intriguing addition during the current cultural climate. The series also features a "Romeo and Juliet" type romance between the wealthy daughter of a local politician and the son of his housekeeper. There's a lot to potentially unpack here as the series hits on contemporary themes with a twist meant to grab people's attention. That being said, I struggled to connect with the characters and the way the story is being told. It's a lofty idea but in this world of content overload, it wasn't compelling enough to keep me hooked on seeing where it goes.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Julie and the Phantoms, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered September 10)
About: This Netflix series is a musical series that's aiming for something family-friendly. It starts in 1995 as a local band is about to have their debut performance. When the lead trio eat some street hot dogs, they end up passing away. Fast-forward 25 years later and the three re-appear in ghost form to a young girl, Julie (Madison Reyes), who lost her mother and needs some musical inspiration to maximize her talent. The ghosts help get her there, and more, when it turns out they can only be seen and heard when they're performing. The series features nine episodes in its first season, each about a half hour. The music in the pilot and second episode was more compelling than the acting or story, which feels pretty familiar aside from the ghost band. The second episode ends with an interesting cliffhanger to pull folks into the show more, so it remains to be seen how the plot develops. The first two episodes are mostly about establishing the characters, larger conflicts, and the world. I thought this one was interesting and not a bad watch at its length and story.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Woke, Now Streaming on Hulu (Premiered September 11)
About: This latest comedy centers on an African-American cartoonist that is about to enjoy his big break. When an incident happens in his life, it awakens him to the racism and injustice in the world, and changes the course of his career. Lamorne Morris stars in the series, and he's a comedian and actor I've always liked. He was great on "New Girl," and has appeared in a few other projects where he was always funny and likeable. I had hoped for some of that with "Woke," but the story doesn't really grab you, nor does the character. The first season is only eight episodes, around a half hour each, so it's not a big commitment. But it feels like a show that might have been better served coming out prior to the summer and fall we've had in this country. I could also do with some more character development and jokes. I'm glad Morris is getting his own starring vehicle, but I'd like to see him in something a little better.
Pilot Grade: D
Second Episode: D

The Duchess, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered September 11)
About: This latest comedy focuses on Katherine Ryan as a single mother living in England and thinking about having another child. Ryan is a stand up comedian who created the series, and it feels a little closely based on her own life. She's a Canadian now living in England with her child. The plot and jokes here are pretty outrageous, and how you feel about them will probably determine how you feel about this series, which offers a six-episode first season about a half hour per episode. I wasn't taken with the comedy or the story here, as in fact I found it to be one of the worst new entries I've seen this year. This wasn't my kind of show or my kind of humor, but if you like comedy that pushes way past the line, this might work more for you.
Pilot Grade: D-
Second Episode: D-