What to Watch and Skip This Week: Part One

    2025 is upon us and in order to decide what to watch and what to avoid, here are a few tips for the year so far in regards to new television.

    The most intriguing of the offerings, at least to me, is 'Going Dutch' on FOX, which premiered on January 2, 2025. In the series, "After an epically unfiltered rant, an arrogant, loudmouth U.S. Army Colonel is reassigned to the Netherlands, where he is punished with a command position at the least important army base in the world. After serving with distinction in every warzone of the last three decades, he now finds himself in charge of a base with no guns, no weapons and no tactical purpose. Instead, it has a Michelin-star-level commissary, top-notch bowling alley and the best (and only) fromagerie in the U.S. Army. Surrounded by a diverse group of underdogs, the colonel tries to reinstall military discipline and professionalism with the help of the base's previous interim leader, who just happens to be his estranged daughter." With a score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, the ensemble cast includes Danny Pudi, Denis Leary, and Joe Morton. But what did the critics say?

    Joel Keller of Decider says, "There’s potential in Going Dutch, though the pilot was less funny than we expected, given the presence of Leary and Pudi. Denis and Jack Leary are among the executive producers, with Joel Church-Cooper as the showrunner. Church-Cooper’s past series, with Brockmire being the most prominent, indicate to us that the potential we saw in this first episode is what is going to help it improve over time. In the first scenes, where the old-fashioned, un-PC-but-trying Col. Quinn can’t seem to process how he landed at Stroopsdorf, we get mostly standard gags about the tough commander railing against the perceived “soft” troops he’s inherited. Then there’s a scene when Patrick and Maggie have an actual heart-to-heart talk about their relationship, and how Patrick acknowledges that they’ll have to mesh their respective styles, where the potential of this show reveals itself. Leary is especially good in this scene, recalling his best work in his best-known series, Rescue Me. What we hope is that Church-Cooper can refine the show so that the “hard-ass commander vs. ragtag troops” trope becomes grounded more in character than anything else. There were a couple of chuckleworthy moments where we see soldiers making cheese and other non-military activities, but we know that for Going Dutch to succeed, we’re going to have to explore all the characters beyond what we saw in the pilot."

    On the opposite side of the coin, 'Beast Games' on Prime Video is a complete mess. In the series, "1,000 contestants compete in physical, mental and social challenges, for a chance to win a five million dollar cash prize; contestants use their strength and wit to stay in the game, with the hope of being the multi-million-dollar winner." Critics were quick to give it a score of 14% on Rotten Tomatoes, but what did they say?

   Chase Hutchinson of IGN Movies writes, "Beast Games isn’t just surprisingly dull. It's also almost entirely devoid of anything to get invested in. Though future episodes may delve deeper into competitors’ personalities and motivations – the bread and butter of any reality show – once their ranks are whittled down, the beginning of the series is so impatiently frenetic that we’re barely introduced to any of them. Some of this, again, carries over from YouTube, where MrBeast’s output often feels like a bunch of TikTok videos crammed together out of fear that you’ll get bored unless something new is thrown in your face right this second. But Beast Games is uniquely out of its depth. The spread of games is vast – they include contestants trying to convince their teammates to eliminate themselves and a block-stacking challenge – but they all prioritize breadth over depth. The ones that could be more psychologically tense have no weight, passing with breakneck speed so we can get to the next one then the next one and so on. They all feel like they were made up in five minutes, and there’s nothing memorable about them aside from how they steal the iconography and callousness of Squid Game. An ongoing TV series requires more than a YouTuber bludgeoning his audience with reminders of what’s at stake. Even when Beast Games stumbles into a potentially fun challenge – like a trivia game where we get to see the personalities of the players briefly shine through – each sequence is so edited to pieces that you don’t actually feel any of its impact. It’s headache-inducing rather than anything close to harrowing or humorous. When Donaldson jumps in to brag via voiceover how they have thousands of cameras on set (a weird flex if there ever was one), it made me wish he had fewer. An editor who could’ve built some breathing room into the proceedings would’ve been nice, too."

Photo by Georgia Vagim on Unsplash

Reboot of 90s Classic Misses the Mark

         On November 21, 2024, Prime Video released 'Cruel Intentions', which is a reboot of the classic film of the same name. Unfortunately, fate was cruel as the series failed to win over critics, earning a score of 36% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the series, "At Manchester College, step-siblings Caroline and Lucien work to stay atop of the social ladder; after a hazing scandal, they plot to seduce, Annie Grover, the daughter of the Vice President of the United States, to maintain power." The ensemble cast includes Zac Burgess, Sarah Catherine Hook, John Harlan Kim, Laura Benanti, and Claire Forlani. But what did the critics say?

        Kate Sánchez of But Why Tho? A Geek Community says, "Savannah Lee Smith as Annie Grover, Khobe Clarke as Scott Russell, Sean Patrick Thomas as Professor Hank Chadwick, and Brooke Lena Johnson as Beatrice Worth are all serviceable enough in their roles. Still, the siblings should be the leading force of the series. Instead, Sarah Catherine Hook’s Caroline and Zac Burgess’ Lucien are too timid and mild to even sit at the same table as their Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Gellar-Prince counterparts. The entire series feels like kids cosplaying adults trying to shock a viewer. And none of it is endearing. There is no charisma, no fashion touchstones, and absolutely nothing memorable. This is a property that should have stayed in 1999. Cruel Intentions (2024) is not good, and I see no real possibility of season two taking it beyond a limited series."

       Hannah J Davies of Guardian writes, "Really, this feels like a generic teen series by any other name. You can’t help but wonder what the writers might have come up with had they not been confined by the streaming economy’s desperate need for nostalgia." Continuing, "Neighbours alumnus John Harlan Kim also proves that Ramsay Street remains a finishing school for some of TV’s best actors, taking on the role of Janus-faced frat boy Blaise with a thrilling mix of icy detachment and desperate insecurity. Also working overtime is Savannah Lee Smith, previously seen in the Gossip Girl reboot. Her character, Annie, is a reimagining of Witherspoon’s Annette: a new Delta recruit who is swept into Caroline and Lucien’s sexually manipulative games to the sound of an Olivia Rodrigo megamix."

       Carly Lane of Collider notes, "This Cruel Intentions wants to wield the same darker, taboo elements that the movie unapologetically displayed 25 years ago, but ultimately shies away from any real ruthlessness, and therefore fails at having any teeth at all."

Photo by Thibault Penin on Unsplash

'The Creep Tapes' Reviews: "At its best, The Creep Tapes transcends its content-mill trappings and becomes something approaching a work of art"

         On November 15, 2024, AMC and Shudder released 'The Creep Tapes', which has earned predominantly positive from critics, currently holding at 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the drama, "A serial killer lures videoographers into his world with the promise of a paid job documenting his life; little do they know the mistake they made; as the tape rolls, the killer's questionable intensions surface with his increasingly odd behavior." It also can be seen on Amazon Prime Video. Read the full review round-up below.

       Jarrod Jones of AV Club says, "If Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass’ Creep must be a franchise, then The Creep Tapes is the optimum playground for it. Honestly, it feels like their found-footage horror series was preordained to be an anthology, given the finale of 2015’s Creep, where it was revealed that its serial killer lead, “Peachfuzz” (Duplass), was far more prolific than viewers may have initially grokked. His murder of Adam (Brice) was just the latest in an archive of video-recorded slaughter. Had Brice and Duplass attempted to wring a movie from each name in this death gallery (they originally planned a trilogy), they’d be making Creeps from here to doomsday. Luckily, their horror-comedy concept (deployed with even more creative zeal in 2017’s Creep 2) is tailor-made for streaming. And should the viewing numbers justify more seasons of this particular brand of weird, The Creep Tapes could prove boundless as an anthology. What’s more, the cult following that has since assembled around Creep shows it has a built-in audience, and Brice and Duplass’ elegant premise can easily sustain multiple rounds of Peachfuzz’s mirth and mayhem." Adding, "This endorsement shouldn’t suggest that The Creep Tapes is entirely without flaws. Its fourth episode, “Jeremy,” stinks, which explains why it’s stashed in the middle of the other vastly superior installments in this darkly compelling, frequently hilarious season. But it’s easy to ignore. “Jeremy” is the extreme version of Creep that all other installments (films included) threaten to morph into, a broadly sketched goof-off session where Duplass goes full ham and the frightening aspects of his conceit (co-written with Brice) wilt into nothing. Creep needs to be funny (it would be far too bleak otherwise), but it also needs to be scary. When the balance tips too far in either direction, Creep becomes neither. “Jeremy,” a quickie concerning an online “gotcha” artist (Josh Fadem) who confronts a bawdy priest (Duplass in a cassock), proves this with grating clarity. That episode notwithstanding, Brice and Duplass are showcasing their mastery of the anthologized format here. As a subgenre, found footage can be a tricky gimmick. The immersion required to be effective demands an attentive storyteller, deft camerawork, and committed performances. There’s also a fourth-wall-breaking element at play, as the viewer should feel they’re in on what’s happening onscreen. The Creep Tapes maintains the hand-held immediacy of the films—with those obnoxiously effective jump-scares, moments where Peachfuzz lets his mask slip (on or off) while his victim carries on unaware, and other subtle forecasts of doom—which makes it feel absorbing, even transgressive, as if one has clicked too deeply into the forbidding corners of the internet. At its best, The Creep Tapes transcends its content-mill trappings and becomes something approaching a work of art."

Photo by Lynda Sanchez on Unsplash

        Kaiya Shunyata of RogerEbert.com was less impressed, stating, "The first episode of the series, titled "Mark," unfolds similarly to how both films did. A man wielding a camera like a flashlight walks up to a nearly snowed-in cabin, greeted only by a sign on the door which reads: "Just double checking that you are already rolling! Further instructions await you inside!" He then enters the dimly lit interior before the camera jolts up, revealing Duplass' name-changing character, dressed as a vampire. Eventually, he's lured out into the cold and chased through the snow in an intense game of hide and seek. The cameraman's gasps and Duplass' gleeful cheers are the only things to be heard until he finally kills his victim with an ax. It's almost a direct rehashing of the previous two films, and while fun to watch, the beginning of episode two signals that this isn't going to change anytime soon. While "Creep" isn't necessarily a film that needs a prequel that examines why its villain is the way he is, blatantly recreating your franchise's "greatest hits" and selling it to your fans as a new product makes for a frustrating watch. While some episodes work and feel like fresh new products in the found footage genre, most do not feel so different from your average "V/H/S" film. It makes for a series that lacks depth, forcing you to question whether or not this show is coming too many years too late." Continuing, "Despite its lackluster storytelling, one of this series' shining qualities is that each episode has its own identity. While Duplass' jovial-but-sinister schtick gets old about halfway through each chapter, there's no denying that each still manages to make you feel uneasy. Although the first episode plays out too similarly to the films, the second comes along and proves that outside of a house or cabin, the villain of these stories is perhaps even more unhinged than he already was. But then, while still holding their own narrative, we're once again forced to watch these tricks play out similarly to the previous episode. With a runtime of around 30 minutes each, there's no reason for "The Creep Tapes" to drag, but there comes a point in each episode where you feel as if you're stuck in a groundhog-day scenario. It's unfortunate that the series' best episode comes so early in the six-episode run, breathing some much-needed life into a series that now feels like a product of its time. After a seven-year wait, some fans may be happy to see Duplass hamming it up on screen again, but unfortunately, that's the only thing this new series has to offer. The black humor is there, and so is the found footage that made the original films feel so cutting edge. However, the scares become redundant after the second episode until you feel this might have just been made into another film."

Movies that Deserved Better: 'A Biltomore Christmas' (2023)

         In 2023, Hallmark Channel released 'A Biltmore Christmas', which became a classic for the network but deserved a bigger reception due to the big screen quality of the proceedings. In the film, "A magical hourglass sends modern-day screenwriter Lucy Hardgrove to the set of the 1947 holiday movie classic "His Merry Wife!" However, before she can return to the present, Lucy must make things right or threaten to alter the future forever." The ensemble cast includes Kristoffer Polaha and Bethany Joy Lenz. It can currently be seen on Hallmark Channel, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Apple TV+. But what did the critics say? 

        Kristen Maldonado of Pop Culture Planet says, "A Biltmore Christmas! seamlessly weaves the glamour of old Hollywood into the world of Hallmark. The Biltmore Estate is a stunning backdrop, while the time travel aspect gives this film a wonderful balance of freshness and nostalgia." Adding, "While the end is a bit abrupt, this is definitely a stand out of the Hallmark holiday slate. I’d love to see a version of their black and white classic His Merry Wife! next!"

Photo by Toni Cuenca on Unsplash

       Maddy Casale of Decider praises the film, stating, "A Biltmore Christmas is a lot of fun! The movie felt like it flew by as we witnessed the many mishaps and entertaining moments that were a product of Lucy’s time traveling. Between the story, characters, and backdrop of the actual gorgeous Biltmore Estate, itself, this was a very unique kind of Hallmark movie that felt both nostalgic and current, and definitely seemed to be imbued with plenty of Christmas magic. The comedic moments hit throughout the film, but the romance between Lucy and Jack especially shines, as their different home times and backgrounds also kept me guessing and feeling invested over what the outcome of their relationship would be (and if you want to find out for yourself, you’re just going to have to watch the movie). The holiday season is often one where we feel the pull of the past while also making space for the new, and A Biltmore Christmas really seemed to understand all of this as it paid homage to old Hollywood and the famed Biltmore Estate while also delivering a clever and endearing finished product that feels very much of our present moment. There’s no shortage of holiday magic, self-aware cheesiness, and much merriness in A Biltmore Christmas, which makes it a pretty darn successful season movie in our book."

'Citadel: Diana' Reviews: Series "is astonishingly good at both action and spycraft"

         On October 10, 2024, 'Citadel: Diana' was released on Prime Video, earning predominantly positive reviews from critics, earning a score of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the series, "The global spy agency Citadel was destroyed by the syndicate, Manticore; since then, Diana Cavalieri, an undercover Citadel agent, is alone, trapped behind enemy lines; the only way out for her is trusting, Edo Zani, the heir of Manticore Italy." The ensemble cast includes Matilda De Angelis, Maurizio Lombardi, Lorenzo Cervasio, and Thekla Reuten. But what did the critics say?

        Isabella Soares of Collider says, "Back in 2023, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden played counterparts in the three-figure spy drama Citadel, produced by the Russo Brothers. Although the big-budget series was met with mixed reactions, it was still renewed for Season 2 and received Prime Video's approval for the making of international spin-offs. Citadel: Diana is a product of this Citadel Spyverse expansion, taking place in Italy with events paralleling the original series. Although I wasn't particularly floored by Citadel, its high-caliber cast and few twists and turns made it somewhat of an engaging watch. It was no Mission Impossible, but there were still qualities to be noted. As for the latest spin-off — which feels much less like a blockbuster — it doesn't amp up the stakes, nor does it bring a fresh take on the genre. In other words, if viewers were disappointed by Chopra Jonas and Madden's show, they'll probably be even more underwhelmed by this."

Photo by Alice Voigt on Unsplash

       Michael Clark of Epoch Times notes, "For me, if it ends here, fine. It all worked. If it continues, all the better, provided the writing remains of a high caliber. I can see it lasting for four or five seasons without any drop in quality."

       Kate Sánchez of But Why Tho? A Geek Community praises the series, stating, "More grounded than the first series, Citadel Diana is astonishingly good at both action and spycraft. Not without its science fiction edge, the series pulls on the reigns and brings the audience to a spy story steeped in romance and resiliency. The leads in this series are doing work, but they have a script that meets their talent in a way that resonates with every subsequent episode. The series is directed by Arnaldo Catinari and developed by Alessandro Fabbri, the head writer who wrote the series with Ilaria Bernardini, Gianluca Bernardini, Laura Colella, and Giordana Mari."

'House of Spoils' Reviews: "Delicious food, darkened bruja folklore, and Ariana DeBose? House of Spoils is a complete meal"

         On October 3, 2024, Prime Video released 'House of Spoils', which has earned a score of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the film, "From Blumhouse, House of Spoils follows an ambitious chef (Ariana DeBose) as she opens a restaurant on a remote estate where she battles kitchen chaos, crushing self-doubts... and a haunting presence who threatens to sabotage her at every turn." The ensemble cast includes Arian Moayed, Barbie Ferreira, Amara Karan, and Mikkel Bratt Silset. Read the full review round-up below.

        Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com says, "Jason Blum is a powerful, underrated force in the industry, but I wish he would empower his chefs to cook more interesting horror movie meals." Adding, "At one point, a restaurant critic (Amara Karan) destroys our heroine by telling her that her food has no risk, no soul, and no voice. I wouldn’t go quite that far in describing “House of Spoils,” but it’s fascinating to watch a movie that criticizes how creative people can be hampered by their refusal to take risks in a film that does exactly that."

Photo by Dyan Freedom on Unsplash

       Matt Donato of Daily Dead notes, "Delicious food, darkened bruja folklore, and Ariana DeBose? House of Spoils is a complete meal, albeit smaller bites. Filmmakers Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy lose themselves in witch’s brew of naturalistic psychological horrors, filtered through the cutthroat business of restauranteurship. Don't expect The Menu — Cole and Krudy find salvation in soil borne worship that connects with Mother Nature's literal roots. There's so much power in thematic ideas, yet storytelling feels restrained in unfortunate ways. Cole and Krudy replicate Chef's Table cinematography as immaculate dishes head to tables, juxtaposed against unappetizing rotten visuals. However, there's an apprehension that leaves the audience still craving something more."

       Belen Edwards of Mashable writes, "House of Spoils juxtaposes the lush world Chef enters with the cold, hyper-masculine cooking world she came from originally. It was her mentor and former boss Marcello (Marton Csokas) who made that claim about chefs tasting blood. He also asserted that cooking takes balls, a kind of masculinity Chef tries to emulate in her interactions with her co-workers, much to Lucia's disapproval. The sous chef describes fine dining as a "big swinging dick club" and decries some of Chef's "macho posturing." Contrast that with Chef's new gardening focus, which she and Andreas describe as "wild, feminine." In leaving the highly masculine world of her former workplace behind, is Chef discovering and embracing a new part of herself, one she didn't cultivate in favor of molding herself to the standards of other big shot male chefs?"

'A Very Royal Scandal' Reviews: "A Very Royal Scandal does Andrew no favours" as "Michael Sheen is able to embody his characters is a masterclass in acting"

         On September 19, 2024, Prime Video released 'A Very Royal Scandal', which has earned predominantly positive reviews from critics, currently holding at 71% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the limited series, Following journalist Emily Maitlis' jounrey to the infamous  journey leading up to her interview with Prince Andrew is examined. The ensemble cast includes Michael Sheen, Ruth Wilson, Claire Rushbrook, and Eanna Hardwicke. Read the full review round-up below.

       Anne Brodie of What She Said notes, "It wasn’t that long ago that Netflix released Scoop on the same topic – one night, one interview, shockwaves, etc. …Prime focuses on the landmark event from the points of view of BBC reporterEmily Maitlis, who served as an executive producer, and Netflix on a BBC booker who put everything out there to get the interview; she’s almost invisible in Prime’s version.  Another significant difference in Prime’s series is its depiction of Andrew’s close, loving and fun-filled relationships with his daughters and ex-wife Fergie.  Andrew is shown as deeply spoiled, having lived a Royal “frictionless life”, foul-mouthed, disdainful and thoroughly unlikeable.  His advisors bear the brunt of his constant anger and fear and refuses their advice not to do the interview.  His alleged victim Virginia Giuffre had come forward as an adult to tell her story with photos proving she’d been with the Prince; she claims they’d slept together on three occasions, all via his friendship with Epstein.  She was on a media tour, so he felt he had to fight back to defend himself.  A Very Royal Scandal does Andrew no favours – nor did Scoop – and scenes of Andrew and his friends gleefully killing 336 birds on a weekend shoot are awful, shot to emphasize the violent reality.  Not sure I’d watch if not to review because of the subject matter and Andrew’s deficient (seen here at least) character."

Photo by Megan Watson on Unsplash

        Romey Norton of Film Focus Online says, "The story is simple and offers more about what went on behind the scenes in the lead-up to the interview, rather than just re-enacting the event. The way Michael Sheen is able to embody his characters is a masterclass in acting."

       Kieran Burt of Ready Steady Cut writes, "The three episodes offer a broad look at the build up to the interview, the interview itself and the firestorm that followed, and let viewers get engrossed in what’s happening. While the show is based on the events themselves and not anything else, it offers a sense of authenticity, as Emily Maitlis herself is an executive producer. Maitlis’ perspective gets shown in-depth, allowing audiences in on the life of the journalist that managed to bring down a Royal. Amazon’s version of the infamous Prince Andrew interview is split into three parts, with the first episode dealing with the build-up and preparation of the interview, the second part showing the interview being filmed, and the third part showing the immense fallout that occurred for Prince Andrew but also Maitlis, which isn’t something that’s typically given much thought."

       Dan Einav of Financial Times praises the drama, stating, "While some scenes play out almost exactly as before... a shift in focus from Newsnight guest booker Sam McAlister to Maitlis herself here gives a richer sense of being in the extraordinary position of having the power to challenge a prince."

Second Season of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' "Remains a worthy backstory complement to Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning cinematic trilogy"

         On August 29, 2024, the second season 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' premiered on Prime Video to acclaim from critics, resulting in a score of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a Critics Consensus that reads, "The Rings of Power's sophomore season discovers new virtues while retaining some of its predecessor's vices, overall making for a more kinetic journey through Tolkien's world." In the series, "set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone." The ensemble cast includes Robert Aramayo, Morfydd Clark, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Owain Arthur, Maxim Baldry, Nazanin Boniadi, Ismael Cruz Cordova, and Charles Edwards. Read the full review round-up below.

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

        Nick Schager of The Daily Beast notes, "Remains a worthy backstory complement to Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning cinematic trilogy." Adding, "The Rings of Power elegantly balances its myriad points of interest, only faltering slightly with a Númenor thread that too closely resembles House of the Dragon. Still, unlike that TV rival, Payne and McKay’s series boasts no stagnant placeholder episodes; every scene and subplot moves with urgent purpose. Better yet, it exudes grandeur in its expansive panoramas of Middle Earth and conflicts between combatants big and small, and it rarely indulges in one-dimensional writing, such that even the Orcs are complicated creatures rather than merely snarling, rabid fiends."

       Jeremy Mathai of Slashfilm says, "Though it doesn't quite reach the heights of Tolkien's original novels or Peter Jackson's adaptations, "The Rings of Power" feels like the next best thing: a confident, thrilling, and gloriously nerdy return to Middle-earth." Continuing, "Thankfully, all this attention to technical detail means that even some of the more distracting flaws scattered throughout season 2 don't put too much of a damper on things. As much as the writers seem to have a better grasp on pacing and story structure, some old habits leftover from earlier episodes make like Sauron and prove difficult to fully die. The Númenórean arc takes some big swings, some of which are executed more questionably than others (like a politics-heavy plot featuring an attempted coup), but it can't help but feel lost at sea (if not an outright slog) without familiar faces like Galadriel or even Halbrand keeping us invested. But it's the handling of characters like Isildur (Maxim Baldry), Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova), and Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) that fares most poorly — a product of characters who have clearly overstayed their narrative usefulness or are stuck spinning their wheels for more important developments in the future. To put it another way, these issues hit a nadir in the lackluster third episode and only improve from there ... which perhaps explains why Amazon bundled the first three together in one supersized premiere."

       Angie Han of Hollywood Reporter was less impressed, stating, it "Falls prey to one of the most common afflictions of its kind. It starts to feel like a story shaped backwards from events we already know will need to transpire, rather than one driven forward by the motives and choices of its characters"

       Carly Lane of Collider praises the series, stating, "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power goes even darker in Season 2, but has difficulty giving all of its plots and characters equal weight." Continuing, "other characters, by comparison, seem to be moving in slow motion, remaining in place for as long as the story needs them to while those at the center of the bigger conflicts charge forward. As the Harfoots and the Stranger wander through Rhûn, the plot becomes as plodding and circuitous as the desert itself. Not even the long-awaited addition of a fan-favorite character from Tolkien's legendarium, Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear), can successfully inject the right amount of whimsy — and Kinnear's performance, overall, feels almost a little too restrained in terms of its eccentricity, although he does make an effective foil to Weyman's stoic Stranger in more than one episode. Veteran actor Ciarán Hinds, as an unnamed Dark Wizard, is set up to have intriguing potential as a formidable foe, but the season doesn't grant him enough opportunities to become positioned as a real threat."

‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Reviews: Series “will thrill those looking for a new, noir-inspired adventure with the hero as it builds on the character’s animated legacy”

        On August 1, 2024, Amazon Prime Video premieres, ’Batman: Caped Crusader’, which has earned rave reviews from critics, holding fresh at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a Critics Consensus that reads, “Marking Bruce Timm's long-awaited return to the Batman mythos, Caped Crusader is a hard-boiled and retro treat for fans of the Dark Knight's previous animated adventures.” In the series, the title character works to protect Gotham City, creating alliances and enemies along the way. The ensemble cast includes Hamish Linklater, Jamie Chung, Christina Ricci, Krystal Joy Brown, Diedrich Bader, Reid Scott, Jason Watkins, Tom Kenny, and Minnie Driver. But what did the critics have to say?

        Nicola Austin of Radio Times praises the series, stating, “The creative team has impressively replicated the distinctive nostalgic art style of the iconic ‘90s show, channelling a film noir sensibility in a vintage 1940s setting.” Adding, “Streaming on Prime Video - which is also home to adult animated shows Invincible, The Legend of Vox Machina and The Boys Presents: Diabolical - has clearly given Timm the platform to finally tell the stories which didn’t quite make it to B:TAS, given the younger audience of Fox Kids. This is certainly apparent in the standout Harvey Dent two-parter The Killer Inside Me and Savage Night, and also the creepy carnival setting of vampiric Nocturne.”

Jarrod Jones of AV Club notes, “Caped Crusader isn’t satisfied with merely exploring this well-trod two-man war on crime. Timm, again working with Justice League producer James Tucker, expands their purview with a broad swathe of iconic do-gooders and ne’er-do-wells rejiggered past the point of recognition. Strong focus is placed on Barbara Gordon (Krystal Joy Brown), a bleeding-heart criminal-defense attorney stymied by a broken justice system, and shallow, polished District Attorney Harvey Dent (Diedrich Bader), whose quest for the mayoral seat is rife with dark insinuation and foreshadowing. Their personal and professional lives move the series’ plotlines nearly as often as its marquee attraction, sometimes even more so.”

Allyson Johnson of But Why Tho? A Geek Community writes, “Batman: Caped Crusader will thrill those looking for a new, noir-inspired adventure with the hero as it builds on the character’s animated legacy. However, it stumbles in the mechanics.” Continuing, “The basic story format runs like many a solo Batman adaptation. Batman (Hamish Linklater) is at the start of his work as a vigilante; his name and presence are mere rumors at the beginning of Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1. As Bruce Wayne, he’s known as the playboy philanthropist. But at night, he haunts the streets of Gotham in his crusade for justice. Alfred Pennyworth remains a put-upon butler who must tend to his whims while the villains and allies allow for spins on old foes. Everyone from Harley Quinn (Jamie Chung) to The Penguin (Minnie Driver) gets intriguing updates. This is necessary, considering the villains are the most exciting part of the series in terms of characterization. Some, like Catwoman (Christina Ricci), are complete misses. Selina Kyle makes for such a rich character study, as we’ve seen everyone from Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, Anne Hathaway, and Zoë Kravitz delight in their interpretations. Animated series, such as Sanaa Lathan’s version in Harley Quinn or Adrienne Barbeau in Batman The Animated Series, also fare well. Here, she falls flat with no real drive behind her character motivations or design.”

        Angie Han of Hollywood Reporter says, “Like any icon who’s been around long enough, Batman has appeared before us in a nigh-infinite number of permutations. There are Batmans who fly solo, and Batmans who have Robins. There are Batmans who’ve been at this a while, and Batmans who are new to the job. There are campy Batmans and gritty Batmans, wholesome Batmans and scary Batmans, and every single shade in between.” Concluding, “The first task of any new version, then, is distinguishing itself from the others. Batman: Caped Crusader achieves that easily: It’s a noirish animated take set in the 1940s, not long after the character’s real-world debut in the comics. The second task is persuading us that this new iteration has what it takes to stand on its own, and in that sense its success is more mixed. With a sleek, simple style and a consistently moody vibe, the Prime Video series feels almost as steady Batman’s broad shoulders. But it rarely soars to the level of spectacular.”

Photo by Cassidy James Blaede on Unsplash