Lisa Schmidt

Cancelled before it had much chance to build it's audience, Wicked City's 7 released episodes are well worth watching if you enjoy this genre. As you would expect with any tale of a serial killing or murder, the story line was violent but honestly not any more graphic than other prime time crime dramas in my opinion. I would have tuned in for a second season if one had been granted. The plot had satisfying twists and turns to keep the analytical mind of the viewer entertained. However it was probably the disturbingly compelling performances of Ed Westwick and Erica Christensen that truly brought the real electricity to this drama. I loved that these two characters were so intelliegent. layered, and complex not just one dimensional monsters.

I feel I need to weigh in on this one friends. I've watched both the Dare Devil and Jessica Jones series on Netflix, so I can't help have expectations or make comparisions. Having watched the first 4 episodes of Luke Cage, I have to say I don't think the writers really hit the storytelling sweet spot in this series until episode 4. This show would not likely have survived in a primetime network television time slot having had such a slow start. I hate to blame the writing, but I do think at the very least episode 2 & 3 should have been combined. If you plan to binge watch you have been given fair warning. I fell asleep during episode 3. That being said I will continue to watch and maybe even raise my rating when I have finished. Mike Colter's performance is solid, and I have to say Mahershala Ali brings a deliciously evil contrasting energy in his portrayal of Cottonmouth Stokes. The show is gritty which is to be expected, but I felt the female roles were adequate at best in the first 4 episodes. In all honesty their prescence contributed very little to moving the plot forward in my opinion until the 4th episode. I know Alfre Woodard is a wonderful actress but the first couple episodes didn't give her much room to really shine and that disappointed me. Perhaps I'm unable to believe her in a role as a corrupt character --only time will tell. On the other hand Frank Whaley was a real standout in his colorful portrayal of Detective Scarfe. I'm not a hardcore Marvel fan, so maybe I'm not the best judge of this genre but I hope the remainder of the series delivers more. I worry that parts of this story were slapped together too quickly. Mike Colter shined in his part of the Jessica Jones series storyline but I'm not feeling quite the same chemistry with Simone Missick as detective Misty Knight. My current opinion is that the Luke Cage series will be appreciated more by hardcore Marvel fans than any general audience.

It's just fun. The characters are loveable and quirky. It's like The Office @Walmart. It makes me laugh out loud. Most Sitcoms don't survive long but it would be a shame to loose this one. Plus it's great to have America Ferrara and Ben Feldman back on screen again.

This is a bit of a mixed review. As always Benedict Cumberbatch is fascinating to watch as he brings any character to life. and this show is no exception. I must be honest though the subject matter of heroin addiction and childhood trauma is pretty dark territory. Don't get me wrong, I have watched other dramas that have addressed similar topics but maybe none with such raw, tragic realism. I think these issues are definitely important and I am awed by Cumberbatch in this role, but I don't know if I will be able to keep watching this one. I am trying to imagine how it will be possible to manage such sensitive subject matter respectfully and still work in a balance of light positive moments to keep viewers from becoming so depressed that they switch channels.

Part of me hesitates to even try to describe this show because to do so would be putting it in a box. What I can say is that I found it to be a funny, artistic tale about love, sex, relationships, and self expression. It's very different from most mainstream television; the title should make that pretty obvious. I binge watched the whole 1st season in one day because it was so unique and honest. Just as love is...it was both fun and painful. I think viewers will either love it our hate it, but I feel the actors really did a beautiful job. The developing tension between the leading characters (played by Hahn and Bacon) was so interesting to watch. Artistic viewers may relate a little more to some bits, but anyone who has experienced how painfully vulnerable we must be to give love a chance, will appreciate this story.

Having just watched the pilot episode of Chance, I have to say I am intrigued. This tale starring Hugh Laurie, is the journey of a neuro-psychiatrist who has seen more than his share of darkness through exposure to a wide variety of emotionally damaged patients. The pilot episode establishes that Dr. Chance is a compassionate man who aches to help mankind in a more meaningful and practical way. As the series opens Chance's personal life seems to be a mess , but he's doing the best he can to pick up the pieces and go forward in spite of an unpleasant divorce and great financial setback. The first episode further hints that Dr. Chance 's need to help may at the very least put him in danger and most likely lead him down some questionable roads where moral and ethical boundaries will be tested. During the first episode a concerned colleague cautions Chance revealing that he once became overly invested in a former patient and it didn't turn out well. This revelation coupled with Chance's belief that fleetingly rare but critical moments in life present once in a life time healing opportunities, will clearly tempt him to become overly involved to try to rescue someone again. If you appreciate the talent of Hugh Laurie and are looking for a psychological thriller, this Hulu series may be worth checking out.

I just binged on the first 3 episodes of this one today. The show's promotional trailer was not very good in my opinion, but maybe that's because this was a movie retooled to run as a miniseries. I really only watched to see what Piper Perabo was working on after Covert Affairs. I am so glad I gave this one a shot, because thus far the show seems quite good. I honestly hope the writers can keep up with the pace they have set. I think it's brilliantly positioned to pull in the Scandal audience while Kerry Washington is taking some pregnancy leave. I also just read the Notorious was based on the "partnership" of real-life criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos and the Larry King Live news producer Wendy Walker. If this is true, I guess Larry's character got a serious makeover. If you like Scandal definitely check this one out. If it's set up as a mini series, it may not go more than a season, but you won't want to miss it.

UPDATED - I finished watching this one but it honestly lost some of it's appeal for me as it progressed. It felt like the creators were trying too hard and falling short. This did not come close to filling the shoes of Scandal or the Newsroom. The characters were not unique, believable, or interesting enough to make me truly care about the storyline as the series went on. Character development is a big deal to me so I was not too surprised that this series was cancelled.

I wasn't sure this show would be able to handle the issue of parenting with special needs kids and still be funny without being insensitive, but I was pleasantly surprised. After watching the pilot episode I kept going until I had completed the first 3 episodes. Minnie Driver's character and her wacky family are exaggerated but most parents would relate to the crazy humor. This show is actually reminiscent of Malcolm in the Middle in my opinion. It's simply good family entertainment.

I honestly don't feel like I always grasp or follow the full creative intent of this show but the mental challenge sure is interesting.

I just binge watched Claws over the weekend. The characters were superbly written and the acting topnotch. I loved every minute of this hot mess, and laughed a bunch too. The balance of dramatic and comedic moments was perfectly entertaining. This "guilty pleasure" had me hooked by episode two. The more I watched the better it got. The cast truly nailed it. Can't wait for next season.