Fall TV Roundup, Week 2


We’re making our way through September, which means into the heart of the Fall TV launch. We aren’t quite at the network launch yet, but we still have some interesting new shows. Which of them, however, are worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below, check previous weeks.

Sundays:
Task, Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered September 7)
About: This new series from Brad Ingelsby focuses an FBI task force led by a troubled agent (Mark Ruffalo) and the crew of thieves hitting stash houses led by a father (Mark Pelphrey) trying to make a life for his kids and his niece (Emilia Jones). The pilot moved at a good pace, creating an interesting world. The second episode dove deeper into the case, the characters, the world, and the backstories. I thought it was incredibly moving and emotionally engaging, which is a good sign for this seven-episode series. I loved the second episode, which made me more excited to see where all this is going. Ruffalo and Pelphrey are great here, as is the rest of the cast. This could be one of the best new series of the Fall.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: A-

Reunion, Sundays at 9 p.m. on Showtime (Premiered September 14)
About: Showtime has added a new series that comes over from the United Kingdom. It centers on a deaf man, Daniel (Matthew Gurney), who is in prison for a violent crime. He’s released and sets out to right the wrongs and discover why he was sent to prison in the first place. He connects with his estranged daughter (Lara Peake) to assist on the journey. The series has an interesting hook and a strong lead performance. The series is just four episodes, dropping weekly on Paramount+ on Fridays and airing on Showtime on Sundays. The episodes are about 45 minutes, making for a quick watch. I liked the pilot well enough, and I am curious to see where its going.
Pilot Grade: C

Streaming Series:
The Girlfriend, Now Streaming on Prime Video (Premiered September 10)
About: This new series for Prime Video is based on the novel from Michelle Frances. It centers on a woman (Robin Wright) who meets her son’s (Laurie Davidson) new girlfriend (Olivia Cooke). They don’t exactly hit it off, as there is more to this girlfriend than it first appears. The story is told from the point-of-view of each woman, often splitting the episodes and showing scenes or intersecting sequences more than once but coming to it from a different angle. The actresses are good, and the plot is somewhat intriguing. The series is six episodes, each about an hour, and all are now available to stream on Prime Video. This is good for those that like a soapy bit of mystery.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

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