Q: Disappointed in Russian Doll
I know I'm in a distinct minority, but I was underwhelmed by Russian Doll. I wanted to like it -- I want to support all half-hour dramas/dramedies. I think my main issue was with the casting -- I just didnt find Natasha Lyonne's or Charlie Barrett's characters very interesting. They both just seemed very one-dimensional and kind of dull. Also, what was up with that ending? It didn't seem to fit with the rest of the show. I was glad when it was over.
A: Hank Stuever
Well, we can always use a dissenting opinion around here. In my review I noted how I almost wrote off "Russian Doll" after the first episode and was glad I stuck with it. The ending, I agree, was kind of nebulous, but it worked for me -- I did want some resolution, nothing too profound.
Welcome back, TV chatters. Although I have a piece in this morning's paper (about "This Is Us") that has a Los Angeles dateline, somehow I spent yesterday in New York, with snow on the way up and snow on the return. What a world, where you can be so many places at once. Anyhow, it's been that kind of a week. I hope you'll have some patience as I paw through your submissions and get the chat rolling.
Q: Pen15 - Amazing!
Thanks so much for bringing Pen15 to my attention. I was in 7th grade 10 years before these women were but it appears the awkwardness and intensity of that age doesn't vary too much no matter what generation you are in. I also thought the actors were strong - the adults and kids - which made the series that much better.
A: Hank Stuever
Yes, everyone, do give "Pen15" a try, even if you feel rather removed from 7th grade (which was all the way 1980-81 for me -- think feathered hair, Juice Newton songs and Yoda Trapper-Keepers) and the drama of hormonal 13-year-old girls.
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Anyone else watch it? Thoughts?
Q: Tangental to "This Is Us" -- missing actors
Hi, Hank. Related to "This Is Us" this week, I wonder about episodes of anything where one actor is missing (in this case, most actors were missing). Do most shows have contracts where each actor is "let out" for one episode per season? Do actors have a play-hooky clause so writers write around them? Seems like this happens in most ensemble shows.
A: Hank Stuever
I think it's just understood in a show like that (big ensemble, deep dives on characters) that you may not be on every call sheet in every episode. But I think maybe you're paid anyhow? I feel like I learned that somewhere along the way.
If anyone knows, chime in!
Q: Russian Doll
I started submitting something and my page reloaded, so it may or may not have gotten to you but it was incomplete. Anyway, trivia for today, in case Russian Doll has raised anyone's appreciation of Harry Nilsson, when I saw the news that Peter Tork died I remembered that the Monkees did his song, Cuddly Toy. Nilsson deserves some new attention!
A: Hank Stuever
I would say biopic, but as Chris Richards so expertly explained in this morning's Style section, that's not always the finest tribute. (I'm also not averse to a little Nilsson every now and then.)
Q: Good Stuff Coming Soon?
Just curious what's on the way, especially on the streaming side of things. Looks like Amazon has Catastrophe and Fleabag coming back in March which is cool, to give some idea of what I'm into, anything else you're aware of along those lines on Netflix or Hulu?
A: Hank Stuever
"Catastrophe" is back March 8 on Amazon, but you have the wrong date for "Fleabag" (unless you're in Britain, or hacking British TV); it comes back May 17.
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So, other March shows, limited to just the main streaming outfits, then?
I am interested in watching the rest of "Shrill," the Hulu comedy (March 15) based on Lindy West's memoir, starring Aidy Bryant from SNL.
Also on March 15 there's "Turn Up Charlie," a Netflix dramedy starring Idris Elba as a past-his-prime DJ and cad who becomes a manny to his friend's child, which we can presume changes him somehow.
Not comedy, but "The Act" (Hulu March 20) is promised as an anthology series, beginning with that weirdo story (already told a year or so back in an HBO documentary) about the mother in Louisiana who puts her daughter through one hell of a Munchausen's-by-proxy ordeal; to the point that the daughter murdered her. Patricia Arquette is the mother.
Q: My pet theory of TV/movie writing...
especially when it comes to comedies, is that the writers are much too concerned about plot. I've watched too many shows that start off really well -- they're fun and entertaining and go by really quickly -- and then it's like there's a point when the writers are like, "Well, I guess we have to make this plot make sense." And then everything from there sort of drags because the writers are focused on making the plot work. But, especially with comedies, I don't care about the plot -- I just want it to be funny. I think I would prefer plotless- (or virtually plot-less) comedies. Does that make sense?
A: Hank Stuever
Maybe you should just watch stand-up, then? Lord knows, there's plenty of it.
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The rest of us, yes, do like plot -- especially since the best shows are really dramedies that are also very funny.
Q: The Village
I've seen ads for The Village. Have you seen it?
A: Hank Stuever
Q: Yes, I'm way behind, but --
I know everyone else discovered "Enlightened" years ago, when it was on HBO, but I never had premium cable and just found it on Prime. Wow. It's beautiful and funny and sad, and Laura Dern is amazing. Your reviews from way-back (which I read after starting the series) were spot on about it. I wasn't sure I'd like it after the first episode -- I wasn't sure what it was supposed to be, and I didn't see how they could sustain the conceit for an entire series (kind of like how I felt about "Russian Doll") -- but I needn't have worried. I'm almost done with season 1.
A: Hank Stuever
"Enlightened" remains one of my favorite shows that I've reviewed in my 10 years as a TV critic, which is saying something. I don't think I appreciated it enough when it was around. Thank you for chiming in and for taking the time to look up my reviews.
Q: The Kids Are Alright
I finally watched it. I didn’t realize it was about the gentle joys of growing up Catholic in the ‘70s. The entire concept made me uncomfortable, especially since the church is still rolling out its lists of abusers from that time period. (I’m from a PA diocese so I may be more sensitive than others.) And the title is either astoundingly tone deaf or gleefully ironic. The Kids Are Alright. Are they? Why is this on the air at this time in history? Even Hogan’s Heroes waited a few decades before cleaning up WWll for grins.
A: Hank Stuever
I admit I haven't watched more than a few episodes of "The Kids Are Alright," which creator Tim Doyle (who has worked as a writer and producer on a ton of sitcoms) presented as a semi-autobiographical work about his big-family/Catholic upbringing in the early 1970s.
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I also find myself wondering if a houseful of Catholic boys are going to make it through that era unscathed by predatory priests (that's how low our regard for the church has fallen), but, then I think, I was an altar boy in the 1970s through the mid-'80s and made it through with good memories and zero abuse.
Really, my only thought about "Kids Are Alright" is that, still and all, men of certain age are still getting their boyhood nostalgia turned into TV shows, after all the lip-service we've paid to diversity and redirecting at least some of the spotlight to stories about people who did not grow up in stable, two-parent, suburban households where white is the default setting. We already did "The Wonder Years" and everything else, up to and including "The Goldbergs," ya know?
I don't begrudge it, as much as I just mull that over.
Q: "Ozark"
I’m late to the series, recently read and agree with your review, but have thoroughly enjoyed binging. Your review’s comment section anecdotally suggest several Ozark natives apparently agree with the “Redneck Riviera” depiction. I agree the series has a dark, unrelenting, anxiety-laden atmosphere, unrelieved by much overt humor, but there is some cartoonish ultraviolence (a Navarro drug cartel lieutenant and associate are blown away by Ozark natives who strenuously object to being called “rednecks”); intelligent, entertaining dialogue (“There are no victims here, just volunteers.” “I’m fine skipping pleasantries.” “This is why crime organizes.”); dense, ultra-twisty plot; music, scenery, and well-drawn characters (generally gorgeous-ruthless); and some humorous implausibility (strung-out, lackadaisical FBI; counting cartel cash by weighing truckloads, but questioning whether “the $5,000” was cartel or private cash). The 10-episode S3 renewal joyously affirms there’s something for everyone in “peak TV”.
A: Hank Stuever
Thank you for this thoughtful and detailed breakdown of why you enjoy the show; it's a reminder to me that I need to go finish Season 2 and see if I have any new thoughts about it.
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And you're right -- with all these choices, just about everyone can find the show that speaks to them.
Q: True Detective
Apparently "True Detective" and "QAnon" are really invested in idea of the nation's wealthy well-connected elite have these secret organized pedophile rings.
A: Hank Stuever
Ugh, I know. What a lazy direction to go with that story, in a season that was already underwhelming.
Q: Unpopular opinion
Beth has never been my favorite character. Actually I'd put it that Beth has never been a character that particular catches my interest for her own sake. Obviously we have backstory and context for Beth outside of her being a secondary part of the other characters' storylines, but I don't think this week's episode change that. Again, just me.
A: Hank Stuever
No, not just you. For all the buildup, I think many of us were hoping for a more profound takeaway from an episode that's all about her past. I do like the character, though -- a lot.
Q: California
Did you have a favorite show or one you are anticipating to be a favorite at the meeting in California?
Share this articleShareA: Hank Stuever
Yes: "What We Do in the Shadows," premiering March 27 on FX.
Q: "Enlightened" is possibly the most underrated television show I've ever seen
Just completely fantastic and never got the attention it deserved.
A: Hank Stuever
So much doesn't, when you think about it.
Q: Re: missing actors
I'm no expert, but in listening to The West Wing Weekly podcast, I've learned that series regulars seem to get paid no matter what. So, being in the main story line of an episode, or having one scene or no scene, doesn't matter.
A: Hank Stuever
Yes, that goes with what I learned somewhere along the way. Same with producers, too -- even if they no longer work on the show but created or co-created it or retain a producer credit.
Q: The Village
Not... a series based on the M. Night movie, right?
A: Hank Stuever
No, it's not. (I love that movie, btw.)
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It's another family drama, which will premiere after "This Is Us" and then occupy its time slot. About a bunch of people who all live in the same apartment building. Like I said, I haven't seen it yet, so don't jump on me if I have that synopsis a little wrong.
Q: how bad of an Oscar ceremony are you expecting?
Trying to decide whether to skip the ceremony for the first time since I started watching it. Without a host and with little attention paid to some of the lesser nominees, I'm thinking maybe it's a good year to skip and I'll feel refreshed a year later
A: Hank Stuever
I guess it depends on why you ever watched in the first place. Was it really to pay close attention to the "lesser" nominees/categories? Was it really about the host's opening monologue? Was it because you go to movies and want to see what wins? Was it the celebrities?
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I think this would be the year to tune in just to see if it looks different or works better without a host. (Some of us have been suggesting that for years, mainly as a way to get the show going faster, sooner.)
But you can totally skip it and buy a Washington Post morning and read all about it instead.
Q: This is Us: Storytelling
I think what keeps me hooked is the way they tell different stories — especially stories that don't involve the Pearsons. The episode that moved me the most was in Season 1, the Big Day, about the day they were born. We learned more about the doctor who delivered the twins and the firefighter who brought baby Randall to the hospital. Characters we'll probably never see again but who were instrumental to creating this family. Same with the episode about Deja (MIA this season, though)—we learn about one child's experience with the foster care system and how painful and challenging that is. Will we see her mother again? I don't know, but I was interested in her story. And... Beth rocks!
A: Hank Stuever
Agreed. (And I take Deja's relative absence to be a sign that life has settled down for her. The child could use a stretch of time without any front-and-center drama.)
Q: throwback thursday
Rewatching Downton Abbey and though they weren't your recaps I've been tacking on Joe Heim's and they're delightful- I missed them the first time around. I do miss the gilt and glamour and high class dramatics that show provided
A: Hank Stuever
Although there is probably a less than 1 percent chance that Joe reads this chat, I hope he sees this! Hey, Joe! (Where you goin' with that recap in your hand?)
Q: The Village
So the TV show that used to be on after "This Is Us" involving the drams of sexy young prosecutors battling sexy young public defenders is no more? The fact that I forgot to I hadn't seen an episode in months and can't even remember the title of it was probably a sign is wasn't meant for this cruel world.
A: Hank Stuever
That's on ABC, not NBC. It's called ... anyone? ...
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"For the People" and it returns in a couple of weeks. Thursday, March 7, according to my calendar.
Q: Bluff City Law
I grew up in Memphis and just saw a headline about a new NBC show that will film there. An "elite" law firm takes on "David & Goliath" civil rights cases. I think all of us on this chat could come up with twenty better ideas. Good for Memphis to get the business but what a patronizing idea for a show.
A: Hank Stuever
It's pilot season.
Rando character's backstory episodes
I think if "This Is Us" is going to have the usual 22-episode season, instead of them stretching already really stretched-out storylines, I'd have have those one-off deep-dive into one side character's backstory. I think the backstory of William's childhood in Memphis with his war widow mom and them moving to the "This Is Us" Pittsburgh vortex" was a personal fav.
Q: Loving a lot of new shows
Hey Hank! Welcome back! Love your chats. Just wanted you to know i'm embracing and loving a lot of the new stuff. Russian Dolls was a quick binge with a few very good twists to keep things moving. True Detective is really grabbing me and i can't wait to see how they (hopefully) tie things up. Looks like there's a connection to past seasons so that could be interesting. The Other Two is sweet and funny and i took your advice on Corporate and now i can't stop watching! Sadly, its SO VERY CLOSE to my reality!!!
A: Hank Stuever
Did I recommend "Corporate"? I suppose it's possible -- was just thinking the other day how many shows I've reviewed vs. how many I watched and decided not to review. I simply can't remember what I might have once thought about "Corporate." Will have to nose around in the archives.
The other possibility: You've got me confused with another critic. Someone was thanking me, in person, for a review I wrote that pointed them to something they were watching and the more they talked, the more it became clear to me that they read it in the NYT.
Q: Better Things, yeah!!
Love your writing and comments, you are my fav part of the week. AND I could not have asked for a better birthday present than the return of Better Things. I've seen interviews with Pamela and it's interesting to hear her take on the Louis CK situation. I am sorry that they have had to part ways, I enjoyed their many collaborative efforts.
A: Hank Stuever
I've seen Season 3 and am here to tell you that she is just fine (and even better) without him, fwiw.
Q: You're the Worst
I know you gave up on this show and that many viewers were turned off when Gretchen being depressed became a major story line. This season is the final, and I am intrigued by the direction it is going. On the surface, it seems like a flaky departure - a romcom turn of wedding planning by two who would NEVER. But it has become an analysis of what makes people horrible and how horrible people can bring out the best in each other, despite being despicable to every other human being.
A: Hank Stuever
I didn't give up on it because of the depression storyline, I just moved on. I agree with your take, in lieu of having one of my own.
Q: Have we discussed Schitt's Creek?
I wasn't sure about it at the beginning, but it really grew on me. The characters evolve in a way rarely seen on a half hour sit-com. I recently recommended it to a friend who is going through some pretty brutal health issues and needs to stick to positive shows for the time being.
A: Hank Stuever
I think you can go through brutal health issues and wallow in the non-positive stuff, too. We all deal with the world in different ways.
"Schitt's Creek" has benefited greatly from its Netflix run, where viewers can feel like it's a personal discovery. Its charms still elude me.
Pen15 and Russian Doll
I tried Pen15, but just couldn't. I enjoyed the music a lot, and several people whose opinions I value very much enjoyed it, but it was too cringey for me, or maybe just hit too close to home? I don't know. I may give it another go though. Russian Doll, on the other hand, was right up my alley. It is by no means background tv -- you have to be watching it the whole time, but the eps are short and I honestly could have watched another 8. I enjoyed every character and nuance. I spent much of my Presidents' Day binging (bingeing?) it and it was a delight.
stretched-out storylines
For those chatters who are sick of stretched-out storylines, just watch Chicago Med. It now seems like every single episode is a season finale episode. Or watch 9-1-1. I need to take a breath after these shows. In college I watched a few daytime soap operas that could infuriatingly stretch a story line for months. I like this much better.
Q: Showtime's Black Monday
Any chance of you watching it?
A: Hank Stuever
And writing a review of it? Yes.
Well, it's 1 o'clock and we're down to the part where I have to do people's Googling for them, so let's call it a chat, shall we?
Meet back here next Thursday, Feb. 28, where, if nothing else, we'll at least know how the Oscars went.
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