Summer TV Roundup, Week 2

 

We’re making our way through June and we’re seeing a lot of different kind of programming on the small screen. That includes reality, re-runs, and special engagements. That limits the number of new scripted series, and yet we have some. And of those new shows, which should you be seeking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Wednesdays:
Presumed Innocent, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV+ (Premiered June 12)
About: The latest for Apple is a re-make of a feature film from writer David E. Kelley. The film—starring Harrison Ford—was released in 1990. The series, which like the film is based on the novel from Scott Turow, features Jake Gyllenhaal as a prosecutor in Chicago who finds himself dropped into a powder keg with a young attorney in his office is found murdered. He’s assigned the case by the current prosecutor, Raymond Horgan (Bill Camp), who is himself in the middle of a contentious election. Rusty (Gyllenhaal) also fails to disclose he was having an affair with the victim. When Horgan loses the election, the new prosecutor Nico Della Guardia (O-T Fabenle) re-assigns the case to Rusty’s rival, Tommy Molto (Peter Sarsgaard). When the truth of the affair comes out, things explode and Rusty becomes suspect No. 1, with Horgan switching sides to be his defense attorney. This is an engaging and explosive story with a good cast. In addition to the four central lawyers, the series features Ruth Negga as Rusty’s wife, Elizabeth Marvel as Horgan’s wife, and Rene Reinsve as Carolyn, the victim whose relationship with Rusty we see play out in flashbacks. The series is eight episodes, each about 45 minutes. The first two dropped on Wednesday, with the rest dropping weekly. I thought the pilot was interesting, setting the pieces in motion. By comparison, the second episode is a powder keg that explodes the story and propels it forward. As the audience, we’re caught up in the action but also trying to find the truth. I enjoyed the writing, characters, and production, and I look forward to seeing this one play out.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: A-

Fridays:
Fantasmas, Fridays at 11 p.m. on HBO (Premiered June 7)
About: This quirky series from Julio Torres debuted on late night Fridays last week. The pilot introduced a lot of characters and threads, featuring some fun cameos while also following the character of Julio (Torres), a creative marching to his own beat. I noted with the weird, at times wacky pilot that this would likely appeal to people based on their interest in his sketches and comments on the world week-to-week. That certainly was true for me with episode two, where I found myself more drawn to some of the observational humor about the world. Torres himself remains an affable central anchor to the series, but this second episode has some tangents that I was more taken with, and I enjoyed it more. It’s still weird and probably not for everyone, but there are some wildly creative sequences.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C+

Streaming Series
Camp Snoopy, Now Streaming on Apple TV+ (Premiered June 14)
About: If you’ve got kids, or just feel like a kid at heart, Apple TV+ has you covered. The new home of Peanuts originals and specials is back with a new summer series, Camp Snoopy, which dropped all of its 10 episodes on Friday. The episodes run a crisp 20 or so minutes and have summer life themes. The first one focuses on Snoopy the wilderness troop leader, while the second episode puts more of a focus on Sally while at camp. They’re light, fun, and good for the whole family. If you’re a fan of snoopy, this is going to appeal to you in a big way. I liked the pace of the episodes, the humor, and seeing these characters come together. It’s a bit of fun.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+