television reviews Archives | Page 2 of 4

Stranger Things and the Problem of “Plotblocking”

By Andrew Matthews | August 24, 2016

Stranger Things and the Problem of “Plotblocking”

Writer-director Andrew Matthews on Netflix's smash hit series and a worrisome trait of that and a number of other binge-worthy shows.

Second Screen: Shades of Blue is One of the Best Cop Shows of All Time

Film

By Jim Hemphill | August 2, 2016

Second Screen: Shades of Blue is One of the Best Cop Shows of All Time

With echoes of classic Lumet and two outstanding central performances, Shades of Blue is a rare welcome addition to the crowded cop show genre.

Shamir Explains Why This Orange is the New Black Death Scene Bothered Him So Much

Music

By Shamir Bailey | August 1, 2016

Shamir Explains Why This Orange is the New Black Death Scene Bothered Him So Much

The singer-songwriter talks race, police violence and dangerous fictions.

Cameron Crowe’s Roadies is Basically a Baby Boomer’s Fantasy

Music

By John Colpitts | June 30, 2016

Cameron Crowe’s Roadies is Basically a Baby Boomer’s Fantasy

John Colpitts (Oneida, Kid Millions) finds the show to be nostalgic, pandering and disingenuous about its core: anxiety about the boomer’s relevance.

Across the Aisle: The Fosters Shows America As It Actually Is (Not As We Want It To Be)

Film

By Jim Hemphill | June 6, 2016

Across the Aisle: The Fosters Shows America As It Actually Is (Not As We Want It To Be)

Hidden away on Freeform (formerly ABC Family), one of the best political shows on TV right now isn’t even (overtly) about politics.

Adam Green on His Very Practical Love Affair with Impractical Jokers

Film

By Adam Green | May 24, 2016

Adam Green on His Very Practical Love Affair with Impractical Jokers

The horror and comedy director puts his heart on his sleeve as he talks about how four new hilarious "television friends" came into his life.

Checking in Late to Bates Motel

Film

By Lucky McKee | May 12, 2016

Checking in Late to Bates Motel

Horror director Lucky McKee, who's seen Psycho countless times, finally dives into its small-screen spin-off – and finds something remarkable.

The People v. O.J. Simpson is a Decadent Gumbo of Tabloid Excess and Cultural Commentary

Film

By Patrick Brice | March 18, 2016

The People v. O.J. Simpson is a Decadent Gumbo of Tabloid Excess and Cultural Commentary

Patrick Brice makes a case for the thrillingly playful (and human) true-crime show from Ryan Murphy and writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski.

Horace and Pete, or How Louis CK Saved Cinema with a Goddamn Web Series

Film

By Stephen Cone | February 22, 2016

Horace and Pete, or How Louis CK Saved Cinema with a Goddamn Web Series

Stephen Cone celebrates the multihyphenate genius' stealth project, which goes back to basics to create something entirely new and exciting.

Barry Jenkins (Medicine for Melancholy) Talks Steven Soderbergh’s The Knick

Film

By Barry Jenkins | January 6, 2016

Barry Jenkins (Medicine for Melancholy) Talks Steven Soderbergh’s The Knick

An appreciation of the best show on television as Soderbergh's stewardship on it sadly comes to an end.