Apple TV is officially launching tomorrow with shows from venerated creators and big stars. A lot of people are wondering what the service will have in store given its tech company backing. The first batch of shows were shared with critics and it was quite an adventure. Here’s some thoughts on the first batch of shows, with more coming on Monday (when this reviewer is not so busy).
Dickinson
With Dickinson, Apple TV has a show that’s sure to find a dedicated audience. I just wish that audience had something better to dedicate their time to. Hailee Steinfeld stars in this modern take on a period piece as Emily Dickinson, a young woman bristling against her status as a woman, her desires for another young woman (her brother’s fiance! Lo Scandalo!), and other period trappings. The problem with this series is that it’s relying on the modern aspects (rap and pop songs litter the soundtrack) to carry the weight of the comedy and the actors, try though they might, can’t sell it. For instance, Jane Krakowski is as gifted a comedienne as you’ll fine, but it’s as if she brought her Kimmy Schmidt character to the 1800s and expected it to work here. Hailee finds herself on the surest of footing, but as the lead she should.
When Wiz Khalifa showed up as Death I knew this would not be the series for me.
Verdict: Skip It
See
This show has one of the most frustrating pilots I’ve ever seen. While initially turned off by the premise (everyone in the world is blind?), the show does do some really inventive things with this, particularly the fight scenes and movement. It also combines interesting mysticism with Alfre Woodard’s character having some semblance of connection to the spiritual world. However, the second the show shifts to the Witch Killer clan it all but falls apart. Particularly as it comes to the Christianity angle (maybe there was a way to show how its changed rather than a woman masturbating during a prayer?), the show is jarring as hell. But at least it has cool fight scenes?
Verdict: Wait till the whole season is out
The Morning Show
Newsroom but for day time TV is I’m sure what the pitch was when this was greenlit. The Morning Show, ripped from the headlines on the #MeToo movement and Matt Lauer’s scandal, generated some headlines of its own as its among the most expensive series ever made. A few eps in and you can see where the money is going (it’s the actors). As far as what those actors are doing…your mileage will vary. I have not been the biggest Jennifer Anniston fan (or one at all really) but she acquits herself very nicely in this show, particularly as her character and acting ability are challenged by Tony and Oscar winning scene partners in Billy Crudup and Reese Witherspoon, who both turn in really lived in performances. The show is not as dire as I pictured it would be and is at least interesting subject matter wise.
Verdict: It might be worth your while.