Fall TV Roundup, Week 5

 

We’re into October and while we got some new shows this week, it’s the mini-lull before the next wave of premiers mid-month. Still, there’s a lot on the air right now, which can make it difficult to know what is worth the investment of your time. That’s where this series comes in, as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series and select unscripted series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Tuesdays:
Murder in a Small Town, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on FOX (Premiered September 24)
About: This new crime series features Rossif Sutherland as a former big city detective now Chief of Police in a small town. But murders have followed him to his new home. We get a case-of-the-week format, with some big guest stars, such as James Cromwell in the pilot. But the main focus is on Sutherland and his new paramour, played by Kristen Kreuk. I like Sutherland in the lead role and the premise. Your interest in each week will largely depend on the crime and the players. The pilot had a good, tense story. The second episode was a little more predictable. Still, for those that enjoy a murder mystery, this is a nice addition to the television landscape.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: C+

Wednesdays:
Joan, Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on The CW (Premiered October 2)
About: For the past few years The CW has supplemented its lineup with International co-productions. That’s the case with Joan, which is a six-episode crime series from England. It focuses on Joan Hannington, who was known as The Godmother in England. The series is about her transformation from simple housewife to criminal master thief. Sophie Turner stars as Joan as the pilot sets out to show how she was pushed from an average life into a life of crime. Turner is fine in the lead role, but the pilot felt a little plodding. Hopefully subsequent episodes will move at a better pace, but the six-episode season isn’t a big commitment for those who are interested in the story. The pilot wasn’t great, but this has potential a slow build.
Pilot Grade: C-

Thursdays:
Doctor Odyssey, Thursdays at 9 p.m. on ABC (Premiered September 26)
About: This show feels like a great companion to 9-1-1 on ABC’s new Thursday night. It comes from creators Ryan Murphy, Jon Robin Baitz, and Joe Baken, and follows a new doctor on a luxury cruise liner. I like Joshua Jackson in the lead role, and the cases through two weeks have been fun. The series captures the vibe of a cruise ship in the best possible way. Don Johnson, Phillipa Soo, and Sean Teale work well in the supporting roles, too. For those that like a little escapist fun with some medical cases and some luxury settings, this will hit the right note.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-

Dandadan, Streaming Thursdays on Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll (Premiered October 3)
About: This new anime series is actually debuting weekly on a trio of different streaming services. The series is based on a popular Manga about two young people—Momo (Shion Wakayama) and Okarun (Natsuki Hanae)—who are drawn together but have a philosophical difference. She believes in ghosts, he believes in aliens, and they set out to prove who is right. That leads them on a wild adventure. The episodes are about a half an hour and dubbed for those that don’t want to read subtitles. The animated style matches the classic look of anime that audiences are looking for. This could be a hit for those into the style, the storytelling, or are fans of the classic Manga.
Pilot Grade: C

Sundays:
The Franchise, Sundays at 10 p.m. on HBO (Premiered October 6)
About: This new comedy series comes from Armando Iannucci, Jon Brown, and Sam Mendes, who directed the pilot. It’s about a group of actors, directors, producers, and crew that are making a big, superhero franchise film. The question is whether they’re making are and making their dreams come true, or whether it’s a living nightmare. The cast includes Himesh Patel, Aya Cash and Billy Magnussen, among others, with Daniel Bruhl and Richard E. Grant among the supporting players who appear in a handful of episodes, including the pilot. The series is a half hour and features snappy dialogue, a fascinating behind-the-scenes look, and plenty of onset drama. I enjoyed the pilot presentation and I have enjoyed Iannucci’s series in the past. This feels like a solid addition to the lineup and one that will make for a fun pairing with The Penguin on HBO’s new Sunday night lineup.
Pilot Grade: B-

Streaming Series:
The Last Days of the Space Age, Now Streaming on Hulu (Premiered October 2)
About: The series is set in Perth, Australia in 1979. The town is enduring a power crisis, thanks to a strike at the plant, and preparing to host the Miss Universe pageant, while the crash of Skylab is eminent. The series focuses on a family at the center of it all—specifically Judy (Radha Mitchell), now the Executive Director at the plant, and her husband Tony (Jesse Spencer), the leader of the striking workers. The first two episodes are slow, laying out the world and building up conflict at the plant. It feels like a small story at this point, but there is potential for it to be aligned to the larger story of the country and the times. The performances are fine, and the episodes move at a good pace, mostly under 40 minutes. It’s an eight-episode season, with all episodes now streaming for those interested in a quick binge.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C