talkteav Reviews

Advanced TV Herstory (2015 Podcast Series)

Entertaining, eye-opening and Important. A great show!

[10/10 · 13 November 2023]

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams brings a genuine passion when discussing the history of women who worked in front and behind the camera. This show is not only informative, but it also celebrates the strength, creativity, and impact of women in shaping the entertainment industry.

After listening to Advanced TV Herstory, I gained a better understanding of women in film and their impactful roles that have, unfortunately, been overlooked. The guest shed light on the significance of women seeing themselves on TV and how difficult it has been to work in the industry, but also how it has evolved over time. It's an entertaining listen that offers an important opportunity to learn more about the diverse and influential roles women have played in television history.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2023)

Intriguing Blend of Mystery and Emotion

[10/10 · 6 August 2023]

Sigourney Weaver was able to display a vulnerable and empathetic June Hart, while at the same time giving off some serious Olivia Foxworth vibes with her commanding presence. Alyla Browne's performance breathes life into young Alice, amidst an enchanting backdrop. Director Glendyn Ivin masterfully unveils a tapestry of fantasy and farm life. Subtle dialogues and concealed emotions raise questions, adding layers of intrigue. A talented ensemble, led by Sigourney Weaver, crafts exciting, mysterious characters.

I can't wait to make my way back to Thornfield. There's so much to uncover about each character's history, and I'm eager to see how they all develop throughout the series.

Based on a True Story (2023– )

A Dark, Hilarious Thriller

[10/10 · 10 June 2023]

From the brutal start that felt like it was paying homage to Drew Barrymore's iconic murder scene in 'Scream' to the shocking moments that followed, each episode held my attention. Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina deliver magnetic performances, making their characters relatable and engaging. Tom Bateman's portrayal of the very scary Matt Pierce brings a chilling authenticity to the role of a serial killer.

The Peacock series pokes fun at society's obsession with murder, satirizing our fascination with serial killers and true crime podcasts. After the first episode, I couldn't resist binge-watching the rest. The fast-paced events and gripping plot kept me on the edge of my seat. Each episode flew by in minutes, enhanced by a fun soundtrack that heightened the chaotic atmosphere of the show.

It's a must-watch for fans of dark comedies and true crime podcasts. With its blend of lighthearted drama, and intense moments, it satisfies cravings for captivating storytelling. Cuoco, Messina, and Bateman deliver standout performances, creating characters that were, relatable, engaging and endearing.

Damian At TalkTeaV.

Primo (2023)

A Great Call Back To Sitcoms Like Family Ties and Roseanne.

[10/10 · 20 May 2023]

Primo is a great comedy series where no matter the age, all the characters are given room to grow. Watching each member of the Gonzales family approach life's thresholds open-mindedly to improve themselves was inspirational.

Ignacio Diaz-Silvario makes the most confusing, painfully funny expressions, and with every cringe-worthy mistake, I found myself laughing, wincing, and watching the television side-eyed.

Christina Vidal sets an inviting, fun-loving uplifting mood with her performance as the matriarch of the family. The uncles, Rollie, Mike, Ryan, Jay, and Mondo, are the kind of relatives viewers will quickly identify within their own family. The cast, writers, and showrunners perfectly utilize the adult characters and their behavior to create a funny, relatable journey for Rafa.

And now I'm wondering if I should be stashing money in my winter coats.

Thanks for making it this far, and if you watch this series, comment below, and let me know your thoughts.

Keep It Interesting and Stay Channel Surfing

Damian.

Class of '09 (2023)

The FX series Class Of '09 smartly layers the past, present, and future in telling this story.

[10/10 · 10 May 2023]

Introducing viewers to only two-time frames in the first five minutes made everything that happened in these first two episodes easier to absorb. Kate Mara's performance as Poet is so good that you are (easily) pulled into the third time frame (Present 2023) without it feeling disruptive.

You could argue that this story could have been just as good without the time jump. But it feels more attractive told this way and complements the dystopian part of the story set in 2034.

The showrunners, writers, and actors did a great job showing the good in 2009 and the ugly in 2034 offering only a glimpse of the bad that's about to happen with a great cliffhanger at the end of episode two. This direction made it thrilling and fun to watch.

Structuring a series like this is difficult and often loses focus with all the back and forth, but this new limited series from FX may be the exception. I look forward to seeing how this story plays out.

Thanks for reading Keep It Interesting and Stay Channel Surfing

Damian At TalkTeaV.

True Lies: Pilot (2023) Season 1, Episode 1

The Pilot Had Action, Gadgets, And Was Funny!

[10/10 · 2 March 2023]

With all the health-conscious people today, who says that a computer Salesman can't be physically fit? Arnold was pure muscle in the movie! (That was an actual complaint about the new series)

The pilot episode for True Lies gave me a great look at the direction and what I can hope to expect for this first season. The vibe felt familiar but had a faster pace telling Harry and Hellen's story when compared to the movie.

It will come down to a matter of preference, but (for me), I like that the showrunners are not wasting time stretching the story out with multiple lies and cover-ups between husband and wife, which is fine for a drama but often feels slow and disruptive when watching an action-adventure series. But no worries, because with two kids in the dark, there will definitely be more lies and cover-ups.

It was also a great choice to start Hellen off with a set of skills and throw her into the action early. I hope this means that while the show continues to pay its respect to the film, we will get more of a what happened next in Harry and Hellen's life as married spies.

The atmosphere of the pilot episode is upbeat, and five minutes in, we get action and gadgets. Yes! And keep it moving like this, please! We don't get a deep dive into each character on Harry's team, but I still enjoyed the little I did see of the ensemble. It's perfect for (flexible) fans who wanted a sequel to the movie or for anyone who loved shows like Mission Impossible, The A-Team, and Burn Notice.

I usually don't enjoy pilot episodes, but was honestly entertained by this first episode. I'm interested in the possible backstories we may get from the other characters and look forward to seeing how Harry and Hellen's working relationship develops.

As always, you made it this far, thank you for reading, and if you watch this series, or have recommendations, let me know your thoughts.

Keep It Interesting Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian At TalkTeaV.

Riches (2022)

Riches pulled me into the family drama from the start of episode one.

[10/10 · 2 December 2022]

The dramatic events caused by each family member's choices grabbed my attention. The showrunner created a situation for me where I liked and disliked each of the characters. The ensemble's performance was perfect, with each performer creating an atmosphere of disbelief, further piquing my curiosity. Deborah Ayorinde is inspiring as Nina Richards. Sarah Niles is a must-see as Claudia Richards, a character that makes you want to scream at the TV. Brendan Coyle never fails with his characters, who are always mysterious, trusting, and lovable. The set designs beautifully displayed wealth, but something was missing in conveying the family's power. I intended to watch two episodes but ended up watching the whole season, which is a good sign that Riches is a great show.

Viewers can expect to feel some of the emotions I described and more as the story opens to reveal a mystery that could destroy the family. If you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch Riches, let me know what you think.

Keep It Interesting Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TakTeaV.

Mythic Quest: A Dark Quiet Death (2020) Season 1, Episode 5

Mythic Quest is one of the best shows streaming today.

[10/10 · 9 November 2022]

Mythic Quest is one of the best shows streaming today. Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Megan Ganz's partnership continue to produce great content. The episode 'A Dark Quiet Death' took me back to when I first read Sherlock Holmes. 'A Dark Quiet Death' is a stand-alone story within the series, similar to how Arthur Conan Doyle created extraordinary backstories for many of the Sherlock Holmes cases. But honestly, each of the episodes throughout the seasons, while connected, feels unique. The show is always well thought out, addictive, and fun to watch.

I look forward to seeing more seasons and watching these characters develop over time. - Damian.

Reboot (2022)

from intrigued about the idea to laughing out loud

[10/10 · 20 September 2022]

With half a smile, I went from intrigued about the idea to laughing out loud and wanting more episodes. The actors each have unique comedic styles and a great back and forth. Reboot offered laugh-out-loud and heartfelt moments with more than a few plot twists. What I love most about the show is seeing Boomers, Xers, Millennials, and Gen-Z, all matching wits on the set of a sitcom series turned battleground. Watching these characters who are different in age and personality find common ground gives me hope and makes it feel like a classic sitcom.

As always, thanks for reading, and let me know your thoughts on Hulu's new sitcom Reboot.

Remember to keep it interesting, and Stay Channel Surfing!

• Damian at TalkTeaV.

NCIS: A Family Matter (2022) Season 20, Episode 1

This crossover had sexual tension, funny exchanges, and action

[9/10 · 20 September 2022]

While the episode was fun and exciting, the cliffhanger felt a little like finding out Maggie Simpson shot Mr. Burns, good, not great. The flirtation between Tennant and Torres left me wanting more crossovers. The action in NCIS was exciting but it fizzled out by the second episode. I was hoping to see an explosion in NCIS Hawai'i but Instead was given a Batman and Robin fight that was too short.

While I did not get everything I wanted in this crossover, it was still lots of fun to watch. I'm definitely enjoying the relationship drama on both shows and can't wait to see how they play out. I am also interested in seeing how the characters in NCIS Hawaii develop this season.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and let me know your thoughts on the NCIS Crossover.

Remember to keep it interesting, and Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: A Scandal in Bohemia (1984) Season 1, Episode 1

This is what I see when I use my imagination while reading a Holmes and Watson adventure.

[10/10 · 8 August 2022]

The period is romantic, with each scene displaying beautiful costumes and the perfect interior and exterior backdrops. This version of 'A Scandal In Bohemia' made me want to see more from these two actors. It will take less than fifty-two minutes for the director and actors to connect you to a classic story and its famous characters. In my opinion, as Holmes would put it when describing Irene Adler, Gale Hunnicutt is "The Woman." I have seen Batman movies where there is no Robin, but David Burke proved in this first episode that there is no Sherlock Holmes without Dr. Watson. Jeremy Brett offers the viewer a realistic version of Holmes. I could read the book now and see Brett as Holmes in each chapter. I have watched many versions of Sherlock Holmes on television and in the movies, but out of all of them, Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes is the one I always come back to every year since I was twelve. Each scene is the turn of a page while I sit back, sipping on my tea with the feeling of excitement at what happens next.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

Flowers in the Attic: The Origin (2022)

Not since Texas Chainsaw have I been so disturbed.

[10/10 · 23 July 2022]

It's a nightmarish glimpse into what life was like for women in the early 1900s. Jemima Rooper's performance connects you to fear. I watch scary movies often, I have never been so scared for a fictional character. Max Irons is scary as Malcolm Foxworth, a dressed-to-kill predator capable of creepily deluding his victim into a false sense of security. The talented ensemble created a jaw-dropping atmosphere that feels scary and mysterious. After watching this first episode, I am unsure of my feelings toward the future Olivia and what she eventually will do to her grandchildren. What she did was unforgivable, but will I be more empathetic towards who she will become? Flowers In The Attic: Origins is a well-told story that only requires me to sit back and listen.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

Moonhaven (2022)

Moonhaven's premiere offers viewers espionage and mystery with a beautiful view.

[10/10 · 7 July 2022]

The cinematography plays well into the intrigue as the story unfolds which can make this utopia seem attractive in one moment and creepy in the next. The lead protagonist to me was a little too difficult in the beginning, but great actors elicit emotions from the viewers, and Emma Mcdonald is the "tip of the sword" when it comes to this fact. The casting is perfect, each performance from the ensemble created an environment that felt cultish, mysterious, and dangerous. I look forward to watching this story through to the end.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

Maggie (2022)

Maggie feels like an original idea trapped in an outdated, overused template.

[6/10 · 6 July 2022]

A cookie-cutter series, with each scene feeling repetitive to past shows I have already seen, like a thirty-minute deja vu. Why watch reruns of Modern Family when you have Black-ish, why miss Pivoting when you have Maggie. Disney, Hulu, and ABC shows, always have these great twists that end up playing out in the same mirrored fashion. The main character is written in a way where she is such a sad person that laughing at a funny topic about her made me feel like a bully. The other characters are lovable, with a few funny moments in each episode that helped to keep the show somewhat entertaining. Maggie is a show that I like, but don't love, which is disappointing because it could and should be so much more.

The Terminal List (2022– )

The Terminal List: Chris Pratt's Action-Drama based on the novel by Jack Carr: 3 Episode Review

[9/10 · 1 July 2022]

Pratt's thousand-yard-stare is perfect, I honestly believe and feel that Reece is unstable. Kaitie Buranek (Constance Wu) and Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch) work well as counterweights to the question of the main character's mental stability. The series so far is reminiscent of Vin Diesel's A Man Apart or Denzel Washington's Man On Fire, combined with Homeland or 24. The showrunners did a great job making everyone look suspect, including the main character. The Terminal List, based on the novel by Jack Carr, is well written, and the talented cast performance elevates the story from action-drama to mystery-thriller. I am now far enough down the rabbit hole and need to see how this plays out because my suspicions need answers. That, to me, is an indication that this is shaping up to be a great story.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

Loot (2022– )

Ignore the rating on this one, (Not All) but some comments and reviews about this show are based on bitter ignorance of LGBTQ and Wealth status.

[10/10 · 25 June 2022]

I watched three episodes about a person living in someone else's shadow, who when she freed herself had no sense of direction.

Loot has a great story to tell if we look past the one percent wealth topic, which seems to be the second topic distracting some from what I think are very relatable messages. Rudolph and the rest of the ensemble deliver heartwarming scenes while also using comedy to point out moments where we can all seem a little tone-deaf to what is happening in front of us. What I like is that it's relatable regardless of how much money is in a person's pocket. Showrunners also do a great job at pointing out how easy it can be to lose your individuality once in a relationship. Loot succeeds at being a light-hearted, feel-good comedy equivalent to watching shows like The Office, Parks-And-Recreation, or The Mindy Project. I look forward to seeing how the characters and story develop over time.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

The Bear (2022– )

The Bear is a gritty, fun story about a family kitchen in chaos.

[10/10 · 24 June 2022]

The Bear is a gritty comedy with some of the best acting I have seen this year. Back in the day, to see it again, I would have walked eight blocks mid-winter to rent it from Blockbuster. Amid the chaos, there are moments of true artistic beauty. After witnessing all of the dysfunction and yelling, the showrunners give the viewer a brief scene of serenity as you watch these chefs cook. Each character was so believable, and if you felt anger, frustration, or love for any of them, it was because this ensemble performed amazingly. A kitchen nightmare filled with the pain of loss and daily struggles, happening in a family kitchen in any home. A story about Hard-working people pushing through the hurt to come together as a family. I loved it.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

The Old Man (2022– )

By the end of episode one, I was rushing to see what happened next.

[10/10 · 19 June 2022]

Had I not seen the trailer and knew nothing about the plot, I would still be laser-focused on this story just from watching the first ten minutes. Jeff Bridges' performance, as usual, has a magnetic draw to the character and story. The lovable actor John Lithgow raises the intrigue and intensity to an already interesting first episode. Vague conversations tend to be annoying unless you have two talented actors like Bridges and Lithgow, who have a great back-and-forth dynamic. The Old Man is whatever spy thriller you have loved in the past on steroids. Fingers are crossed, and my hopes are high for the upcoming Sylvester Stallone crime drama Tulsa King, but until then, The Old Man may end up being the best series to watch this year.

Dark Winds (2022– )

Dark Winds Murder and Secrets My Curiosity Is Piqued

[10/10 · 13 June 2022]

Dark Winds is in a perfect spot with AMC, which continues to show content that people once went to the movies to see. I think Actor Zahn McClarnon is one actor who always knows how to play it cool but wise. McClarnon and the rest of the ensemble are a great match-up. The showrunners (so far) are doing a great job getting me to connect with the characters through their stories. It feels like it's going to be a great series, and my curiosity is piqued, I honestly can't wait to see what happens next.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

First Kill (2022)

First Kill (The Musical) is probably a great story, but I couldn't really get into the story

[5/10 · 13 June 2022]

First Kill (The Musical) is probably a great story, but I couldn't really get into the story with all the distracting songs. Directors need to trust and believe that the writing and acting will connect viewers to the story. I counted at least fourteen (14) songs in the first episode, eight songs played in the first nine minutes. While I did like the songs, it was just too much and very distracting. I plan to finish watching but will need to take it slow to really give the series a chance.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

Outer Range (2022– )

I watched all of it but honestly lost interest after the third episode

[6/10 · 12 June 2022]

Lili Taylor, Josh Brolin, and Will Patton are the big draw to this series, and their performance helped to keep me interested. The scenes are filled with needlessly evasive conversations that go nowhere and add nothing to the plot, making it difficult to feel or build a connection to the characters or story. I tried grabbing on to something, but there was no shock, no thrills, and little to no intrigue. As the plot begins to unfold, It starts to feel like the directors worked against each other in telling this story. I would love to see all of these actors brought together again for a good story with a more seasoned team of writers and directors.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

Tokyo Vice (2022– )

Tokyo Vice Is Dark, Gritty Filled With Death Stares And Intrigue

[9/10 · 7 April 2022]

Tokyo Vice is a dark, gritty drama that builds intrigue from the very beginning. The criminals have deep traditions like the Sopranos. The police and the crimes committed are violent and shocking, similar to The Wire, and the cinematography is dark, like Boardwalk Empire. It's everything you want in a classic HBO Mobster/Gangster story with a very talented ensemble.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

Slow Horses (2022– )

A true underdog story wrapped in a whodunnit. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[10/10 · 6 April 2022]

River Cartwright (Jack Lowden) is fantastic at grabbing the viewer's attention. The first ten thrilling minutes were a reminder that I was still hungry for the days of Jack Bauer. Slow Horses is a return to spy thriller TV with a healthy balance of drama and action. The actors, writers, and showrunners created a show that offers a sophisticated Mission Impossible (1966 TV series) feel and the dark and violent physical force of '24'. Where it differs from other spy thrillers is that the story centers on what I can best describe as the D-team. A true underdog story wrapped in a whodunnit. I can't wait to see what happens next.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

The Outlaws (2021– )

The Outlaws is a motley crew that offers you touching moments of hope for humanity.

[10/10 · 2 April 2022]

The Outlaws is a story that while topical, will still allow you to escape, laugh, and offer you touching moments of hope for humanity. It can feel a little slow, but the character backgrounds keep the story interesting, leaving you with a desire to see what happens next. The showrunners did a great job telling a traditional story about personal struggles with relatable characters and issues. My favorite character is John Halloran (Darren Boyd), who kept my fingers crossed, praying that he would do the right thing in each episode. The talented ensemble delivers a perfect atmosphere of drama only to have each actor offer you some form of perfectly timed comedic relief. I'm looking forward to a second season and more of Christopher Walken's mischievous smile.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch the show, let me know what you think.

Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

Life & Beth (2022– )

It's real in the face of the surreal.

[8/10 · 25 March 2022]

Life & Beth is not pretty. I watched a crash happening in someone's life and I couldn't take my eyes off of it. It's real in the face of the surreal. One of the very few shows where I am convinced that everyone involved worked hard to keep it honest. The series keeps you interested with realistic emotions and believable responses. Beth (Amy Schumer) has layers of issues that make it possible for any viewer to feel a connection. But for me, my favorite character is Ann (Susannah Flood), who I wanted to see more of. The relationship between Beth and Ann was interesting and fun to watch. Life & Beth is perfect for anyone wondering if they are living their best life. A reminder that there is laughter even in moments of sadness.

Damian at TalkTeaV.