Smoke and Stick on Apple TV+, DCC, Next Gen NYC and MORE
Apple loves to have one word titles that start with "s"
Ok hello I’m back.
I’m sitting here eating popcorn and getting really annoyed because each handful half the kernels fall on the floor. Then I have to clean up the debris and put it on my coffee table. But I don’t want debris on my coffee table because now the kernels have dust on them from the floor and now I’m mad at myself for not vacuuming enough. Do I have to do everything around here and walk all the way to my garbage can to get rid of the debris? I have to start my Roomba now and it’s really loud. Not good for writing!
I’m also listening to the new Lorde album and not quite rocking with it yet. I’m sure I will. But not yet. Otherwise things are good. I really like when Love Island is airing and we’re all talking about the same thing. I also like the summer and my birthday. It’s an overall nice time for me.
Ok, I have a lot of items on the agenda and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I continue to adore Poker Face. Show of the year for me.
Smoke (Apple TV+)- I actually delayed sending out this newsletter episode because I heard there was a new Taron Egerton joint in town and needed to get eyes on it. This one is about an arson investigator (Taron E) and a detective (Jurnee Smollett) who team up to catch two serial arsonists. The first episode feels off kilter and the edgy editing feels put on without a plot that I’m invested in. HOWEVER, episode two brings everything together in an interesting way. There’s a twist that has my attention. I’ll report back after more episodes. Greg Kinnear’s in it, so. B+
Stick (Apple TV+)- Apple loves to have shows that start with S and are only one word. Stick is like Ted Lasso but with golf. What doesn’t work is the cheesy, overly sweet plot lines. What does work is Owen Wilson. He’s incredible and has the best delivery and charm. I’m three episodes in and I think it will grow on me. B
We Were Liars (Amazon Prime)- Based on a book that I LOVE and have read three times (just because I forget what happens and know I like it). The series delivers wealthy WASPY Marthas Vineyard intrigue and extreme family drama. What it doesn’t quite deliver is good acting, and you know what, that’s ok! It’s hard to find kids who look like Chloe Grace Moretz with successful American accents and perfect pouts. Meryl Streep’s daughter Mamie Gummer is my favorite part. Her character is complex and lovable and she really looks like her mom. B-
Countdown (Amazon Prime)- An undercover task force of law enforcement agents have to uncover a conspiracy in Los Angeles before it’s too late. From the creator of Chicago Fire and FBI International… say less! This is the type of show I’ve been craving. Dick Wolf meets Jack Ryan (although nothing will ever live up to JR). Oh and all of the agents have complex back stories and Eric Dane is in it. Pretty good! B
Blue Ridge (Paramount+)- This is a real “let’s reach middle America with our content” type of a show and frankly, I’m loving it. It’s Longmire light without the complexity and layers but with some of the same actors! I love when a show takes place in a town, you know what I mean? I feel like I know the town of Blue Ridge in Appalachia. Just enough edge to not be Hallmark but not enough edge to be AMC, ya know? B
Next Gen NYC (Bravo)- I was involved with the early development of this show so I’m biased, but I really like it!! The editing is funny and I love to see how the cast has grown since I first met them. Ariana Biermann is a star and will see fame from this one way or another. I came for the look into lives of nepo babies and cool kids in New York and stayed for the blossoming friendships and hard conversations. A-
Love Island (Peacock)- I did my big one with Love Island in my previous newsletter episode, so I’ll keep it short. Let’s please send some couples home. Ace is on the wrong show and needs to try Traitors or Big Brother or something. Something is off with the girl dynamics. It feels uncomfy. And sorry sorry I like Huda and Chris together. Their moment at the end was cute. A?
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (Netflix)- I had high hopes since this was one of my favorite shows of last year. However, this season didn’t quite hit. I wish we had gotten to see more of the beloved characters we fell in love with last season like Reese. Chandi’s journey was interesting because I could tell how much she was holding back. We also can’t ignore how potato the boyfriends of these gorgeous cheerleaders are. Ugh. There was a satisfying season finale, though, so B.
Ok, I’m doing books next time because I have about 10 to update you on. Love you!! Bye! TTYL!
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