Summer TV Roundup, Week 5

 


Happy Fourth of July! Hope you’re basking in the glow of the fireworks which, if your neighborhood is like mine, went into the wee hours of the morning. It might have given you time to catch up on some TV, but what new treasures should fill the void? This last week was calmer, likely due to the holiday, but it’s good to examine the options anyway. In these weekly posts I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Streaming Series:
Baymax!, Now Streaming on Disney+ (Premiered June 29)
About: I am a big fan of Big Hero 6, the animated feature that introduced the world to Baymax. He’s a delightful robot that seeks to help all those around him. Now, Baymax is back. This time in a set of animated shorts where he plies his skill in helping people in quick, 10-to-15-minute bite-sized episodes. Scott Adsit provides the voice here again in a series that was a bit of light-hearted fun. I enjoyed the first two and think this six-episode series is an easy binge watch for those who are interested.
Pilot Grade: B
Second Episode: B

The Terminal List, Now Streaming on Amazon Prime (Premiered July 1)
About: This eight-episode series stars Chris Pratt as a Navy Seal who is the lone survivor of a dangerous overseas mission. Arriving home, he comes to learn that the real danger might be the conspiracy he has yet to survive. This is based on the novel from Jack Carr, and it is a heavy topic. The first two episodes involve quite a bit of violence as the story unfolds. Pratt does a nice job in the lead role, with the supporting cast including Taylor Kitsch and Constance Wu, among others. You’re interest in it will likely come down to how you feel about the mystery at the heart of the story. I thought it was somewhat engaging but I’m not totally sold after two episodes. The production is strong but the story is somewhat dark and confusing. We’ll see where it goes from there.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

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