#pabloderqui

Fosse / Verdon (FX) – Don’t expect to see a ton of musical theatre here ... while the show is about 2 MT superstars, the focus is on the drama of their relationship, and THANKFULLY all the work that Gwen Verdon did that she never really got proper credit for. I predict an Emmy for Michelle Williams. There was a slight fuss from people over the source material – Sam Wasson’s book – but as the show was overseen by Nicole Fosse I choose to believe its facts are true even if obviously the scenes are heightened for tv drama.

Shadow (Netflix) – South Africa. Well, he’s not a superhero, but due to a lightning strike he can’t feel any pain, so he still walks around with his chest puffed out like a proper vigilante. Episode of the week of save the damsel in distress (at least the first 2 episodes were) is a bit outdated for a premise.  But great to see so many talented SA actors.

White Dragon (Amazon) – UK/ Hong Kong. Hmmmmmmm... It wants to be really good UK dark mystery tv ... but it takes place in Hong Kong where they have very different acting and directing styles. Doctor Who fans will recognise John Simm ... or maybe you saw him in Netflix’s Collateral. If not, watch that instead.

If I Hadn’t Met You (Netflix) – Spain. Get out yer knitting, cuz this is no hurry to get anywhere. Pablo Derqui is wonderful as a man in the grip of the worst kind of grief, who suddenly takes a hard left into the world of alternate universes. Sort of like a really slow not funny Groundhog Day with physics.

The Code (CBS) – Like NCIS but its the Marine Corps. I couldn’t watch more than 20 minutes I was so bored.

Turn Up Charlie (Netflix) – UK. More fun than funny but probably the closest we will ever get to see of Idris Elba’s real life, as he plays a DJ and (sort of) Dad. Nice to see London depicted so colourful and fun!!

Weird City (YouTube) – If Black Mirror was a comedy. No surprise Jordan Peele is involved. Each episode is its own short story / slice of lives in this very weird city. Good laughs, lots of recognizable comedy actors.

Delhi Crime (Netflix) – India. Based on a true Delhi crime case, this is pretty intense. Long drawn out, closed mystery (as long as you don’t look up the real case.) Clearly made for binge watching.

Bless This Mess (ABC) – Who doesn’t love Dax Shepard? Who doesnt hate Lake Bell? But oh ho – imagine my surprise (and delight) to find the role reversal here. Even more delightful? The supporting cast including Ed Begley Jr, Pam Grier, David Koechner, Lennon Parham, and Susie Essman. Thats a heck of an over 40, brilliant, funny supporting cast. BOO YA.

Most Beautiful Thing (Netflix) – Brazil. Desperate housewives rejoice!! Here’s your chance to escape into the world of Rio in the 1950s and follow the impossibly beautiful Maria Cassdevall as she navigates life without a cheating husband or daddy’s money, and follows her dream of opening a music club and drinking all day long. (And perhaps meets a gorgeous musician or two.)

The Widow (Amazon) – UK. Oooooooo a mystery. Kate Beckinsale puts her scowl to good use as a woman who may or may not be a widow, depending on what her husband and several other mysterious characters are up to in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Don’t worry if you don’t like Beckinsale that much, there’s plenty of super talented African actors being showcased, as well as British fan favourites like Alex Kingston.

Osmosis (Netflix) – France. Weird people, cool sci-fi tech, and shady ethical choices. Check it out.

The Red Line (CBS) – I can’t think of a single reason why this show got made. If there was literally nothing else on TV, I would watch nothing.