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katewalsh83
Reviews
Heels (2021)
Better than I expected!
I had seen Stephen Amell promoting this on IG so when it came to Netflix I immediately started watching it. I didn't know what to expect and I'm not a typical fan of wrestling but this is about so much more than wrestling. All of the characters are incredible - Chris Bauer as Wild Bill, Mike O'Malley as Charlie Gulley, and of course Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig - they all add so much backbone and heart to the show. I can imagine it would be hard finding a niche for this show as it's not your typical wrestling show (more drama and family dynamics) but my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I really hope Netflix picks it up (if it hasn't already)!
SEAL Team: Damage Assessment (2022)
A.J. Buckley deserves an award for this
My husband and I saw Clay's death coming a mile away - his leg getting blown off, him and Stella planning on moving away, him helping the kid at the vet center - however I was hopeful that once he got the gun away from Ben that all would be ok. Predictable? Yes. Still gut-wrenching? Absolutely - especially given the circumstances. This episode focuses on the aftermath and I have to say that A. J. Buckley gave the best performance of the entire show. To see him spinning out and boiling over with all the emotions, especially after all he and Clay had been through hit hard. He's come a long way from being Ed Zeddmore, the Ghostfacer from Supernatural! Excellently done, but I will miss Clay's character.
The Umbrella Academy: End of the Beginning (2024)
What the eff did I just watch???
I was so looking forward to this final season, my hubby and I binged it in a day. We used to love this show - some seasons were better than others but overall it was still pretty strong. But this final season was SUCH a disappointment. The villains were just s bunch of cult-like people? The "big boss" at the end was Ben and Jennifer coming together in a crazy lava monster (the irony of the names was not lost on me, especially when they literally merged into "Bennifer")?? And they had to literally be wiped from existence to make everything ok again? Nope, I don't like it. The season felt so rushed - and why was this 4 episodes shorter than the rest? They had the room to flesh it out more. I'm so sorry but this series finale was the biggest letdown since Supernatural.
Ghosts (2021)
Much funnier than expected!
First let me say I've not seen the British version. And I'm super behind on this show because my hubby and I just got Paramount to watch Tracker and when I saw previews of this I figured we'd check it out! I've liked Rose McIver since iZombie and Utkarsh Ambudkar since Pitch Perfect and The Mindy Project so we were off to a great start! This show is incredibly enjoyable to watch - I like learning about each of the ghosts' back stories (their characters are VERY well written, as well as their dialogue) and the scenes when we (the audience) see what's really going on when they're all in the room are some of my favorites. Rose and Utkarsh as Sam & Jay have good chemistry together and the writing is fun and lighthearted. We just started the other day and are already almost finished with the first season and I'm so glad we have 2 more to watch!
Unfrosted (2024)
Ok, but hear me out...
Some people are immediately going to bash this movie for having so many BIG stars in it. But knowing that Jerry Seinfeld directed it, and he asked who he did, and they all said yes, makes it mean that much more. So many SNL alums and amazing comedians, and little Easter eggs (the "Mad Men" homage with Jon Hamm & John Slattery?! Come ON!) just add to the enjoyment of this film. Will it win awards? Probably not. Is it groundbreaking in any way? Only in that it's a satirical history of the Pop-Tart. But is it fun to watch, funny, and endearing to see all these stars come together for Jerry Seinfeld's first time as a love action lead role? Absolutely.
American Horror Story: The Auteur (2024)
What the...
I was somewhat on board for this season but throughout I've just gotten more and more disappointed. Between Kim's terrible acting and the poorly thought out plot, I find it hard to believe this is the same show that once gave us Murder House and Coven. Also, Emma Roberts' acting has severely gone downhill IMO, and this last episode was definitely the worst. I understand the metaphor Murphy was going for but it felt extra disingenuous coming from Kim, a woman who (on the surface at least) seems to have it all. Additionally there were no plot twists at all - it was obvious from way back that the dad was involved. Come on guys, you know what the fans want, and it's not this garbage.
Ted (2024)
Fresh new take on the Ted story
Wasn't sure what to expect going into this but I loved Max Burkholder on Parenthood so I was excited to see him in something different - and he - and the whole series - has far surpassed my expectations! Some prequels aren't that great but this is hilarious! Max is fantastic in this and is believable as a young Mark Wahlberg, his mannerisms and cadence are SPOT ON. And of course Ted is adorable and so funny, and the animation is super impressive! I also love how Seth brought some of The Orville cast. Also the 90s references are amazing and bring me back to a simpler time :) Big props to everyone involved, I would love for there to be another season!
Being Human (2011)
I will never tire of this show
I've been such a fan of this show since it aired and every few years I rewatch it completely guilt free. My mom saw the original UK version but I couldn't get into it, but these three - Sam Witwer, Sam Huntington & Meaghan Rath - brought Aiden, Josh & Sally to life (so to speak) and made us care about them for 4 wonderful seasons. With an excellent supporting cast including the great Mark Pellegrino, this show adds a unique twist to the vampire/werewolf/ghost trope. The names of the episodes are clever (but hard to remember) and each episode itself is full of drama and twists and turns. I'm only sorry it didn't last longer than 4 seasons, but I do appreciate how it ended.
The Brothers Sun: Country Boy (2024)
Excellent cinematography
What an episode! I've been thoroughly enjoying this series, especially as a Korean girl who grew up in the 80s when there wasn't much Asian representation in TV - except the token Asian to mock or sexualize, or the occasional nerd. This episode takes it to a whole new level. I had started feeling wary about Grace some time ago and we find out her true colors here. The parody of John Chio's house is hilaruous. But that fight scene was "chef's kiss," as the kids say! The camera work made it feel like we were right there - I love how it moved around the action, allowing Justin Chien and the bad guys to fill up the space (and boy did they ever)! I'm sad there's only 2 more episodes to go, but very interested to see what happens!
The Night Agent (2023)
Grabs you from minute one
I had been wanting to watch this for awhile and finally convinced my husband to put it on - we were immediately hooked. Super suspenseful, inventive storylines and excellent cast. We binged the whole season in less than a week - I couldn't stop watching it! I didn't know Gabriel Basso before this but he's an excellent lead character and a phenomenal actor. Lots of red herrings and plot twists keep you guessing and wanting more. The very last episode had me on the edge of my seat gripping my husband's arm. Can't wait for season two, very curious how they're going to continue this. It's one of the top watched shows on Netflix for a reason!
Billions: Admirals Fund (2023)
One of the best endings ever
I've watched Billions since its inception and, like many others, I was quite disappointed with last season, so I was over the moon that Axe came back this year. He was the heart of the show and, as I said in my last review, he was written back in so brilliantly. I loved the "Suicide Squad" feel of the last few episodes and the culmination in this finale was one for the ages. I fully believed up until this last episode that Prince might win, but I hoped it wouldn't happen. Finding out that more and more of Mike's "inner circle" was with the Axe group the whole time was a pleasant surprise, and the scene with Chuck and Axe at the end was amazing. I can definitively say that this was one of the best series finales ever - thank you to the writers for the ride.
Billions: Enemies List (2023)
He's baaaackkkk....
So glad Axe was brought back for this final season! And in such an organic way - it's not like the writers went, "well, we should bring him back for this last season, but how? I know! Let's have a company picnic!" This whole "big bad" fight against Prince and bringing Axe in for it was SO clever. That scene where the two stand off in the square, and when Derek whispers details of his dalliance with Prince's wife - possibly one of the best scenes of the whole show. Very interested to see how this will all play out, especially with the unlikely Suicide Squad coming together to take down the enemy. Axe has always been the whole show and it just feels right that he's back, it wasn't the same without him.
The Crowded Room: Judgment (2023)
Tom Holland deserves all the awards for this
I didn't read anything prior to watching this show and it's been quite a ride. Tom Holland is INCREDIBLE. He was born to play this role, whether he's being Danny, Jack, Ari or the other "alters". The entire trial was suspenseful (especially when Candy denied the abuse - THAT spun me) and the final courtroom scene was extremely dramatic and well done, and when Danny went into his mind to finally find Adam, it was so emotional and beautiful. Amanda Seyfried also deserves numerous accolades for her portrayal of Rya, and the onscreen relationship she and Danny have is lovely (despite how it initially began). This review is all over the place but suffice to say this finale was the perfect ending to this amazing show.
The Righteous Gemstones: Interlude III (2023)
J. Haven Wilde steals the show
I usually love flashback episodes, if nothing else than to give us insight into a character's history or upbringing. This episode in general isn't anything special but the kid who plays young Jesse (J. Haven Wilde) KILLED with his portrayal of young Jesse. His cadence is on par with Danny McBride, so much that my husband thought it was really McBride's voice dubbed in. His mannerisms are perfect as well, he definitely studied Danny's actions and way of speaking a lot prior to this. Very impressed! I also appreciate this backstory into Amber & Jesse's relationship, Eli's complicated relationship with his sister, as well as a hard look at Judy when she was younger. Not the best episode but definitely far from the worst.
Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin (2022)
An amazing follow-up to the movies
I absolutely love Adam Devine and Sarah Hyland (both separately and together) so was extra excited to see them reunited in this series! Additionally I am so glad to see Bumper's story continue, as he was definitely one of the most interesting characters in the movies. I'm just now in the second episode but I love it already - the music, the storyline, and to have Flula Borg return as Pieter, but this time as an ally, is such a fun twist. It's infectious and makes me nostalgic for the movies, although I just might like this better... Especially if Bumper and Heidi end up together! Adam Devine doesn't get enough praise or recognition, he can go from silly comedy (a la Workaholics) to a musical romantic lead so effortlessly, and I am loving this show so far!
Sprung (2022)
Thank goodness, Garcia is back with another winner!
I'm such a fan of Greg Garcia's shows, ever since My Name is Earl tragically ended way too soon - I was actually rewatching Raising Hope when I came across this show on Garrett Dillahunt's IMDb page! So after celebrating for longer than I care to admit, I had to give Sprung a shot, and I'm so glad that I did! It definitely has some Garcia elements that we all know and love. I was just telling my husband that I had hoped he would come out with another show because I love all of them, and then here this is - AND it reunites our beloved Virginia and Burt Chance. It's only a few episodes in and I'm already hooked and can't wait to see what happens next!
Uncoupled (2022)
Fresh, raw and relatable
I just watched the entire season this morning and I absolutely love it! I've been a fan of NPH for quite some time so I was really excited to see him in a new show, and this one is just off the charts. (I do agree with another reviewer's take on it being a gay Sex in the City - even though I've never seen SITC, I feel it's very accurate based on what I've heard.) Firstly, talk about an opener - his boyfriend of 17 years breaking up with him right before the surprise party Michael had been working on for so long, for said boyfriend?! I was instantly hooked! As the season progressed, I really enjoyed each character's development, the relatability of being in your 40s and newly single, and also the fresh, honest take on gay relationships in the 21st century. Even my (very) heterosexual fiance watched the whole season and really enjoyed it! I really hope there's a second season, because they left us with quite the cliffhanger!
American Horror Stories: Dollhouse (2022)
Wonderful callback
The last minute makes the entire episode (which was already the best one of this mini anthology series). Trust me. Ryan Murphy is back, ladies and gentlemen!
The Bear (2022)
Intense but SO very goid
This show was a little jarring at first - extremely chaotic but also incredibly authentic; they really nailed the controlled chaos that is restaurant life. The stress, the feeling of being in the weeds, the excitement - it's palpable. I've been a fan of Jeremy Allen White since Shameless (as I'm sure many others have been as well) and he nails the character of Carmy, our troubled protagonist. To find that he attended cooking school prior to the show only makes me respect him more, and his schooling definitely shows! The storyline is heartbreaking but relatable (in one way or another) and each episode just got better and better. 10/10, PLEASE bring this back for another season!!
Also I wanted to disclaim that I have waited tables for over 15 years and my fiance has been a chef for over 20 years, so we love shows that revolve around cooking but can also be a little critical of them! This hit the nail on the head on all counts, no notes needed.
American Horror Story: Blood Buffet (2021)
Important backstory here
Ever since the days of Nip/Tuck, Ryan Murphy has always done incredible flashback episodes, and this is no exception. Here we get to see how The Chemist began her operation and how her first subjects fared upon taking the little black pills - one became a success and the other was patient zero for the pale people. Brilliant all around. Also, Evan Peters in drag - need I say more?
Sons of Anarchy: Balm (2009)
The last few minutes... Grab your tissues...
I know this review comes 12 years after the episode first aired but this show still holds up in 2021. The episode "Balm" as a whole is very good but the last few minutes are what I want to focus on. One thing about the SOA show as a whole is that there are some really compelling cold opens and finales that really hit home and make you think. The ending of this one is no exception. The fact that Gemma knew the only way to get Jax to change his mind was to finally open up about her attack is nothing short of brilliant. And I love how Tara was there for her, encouraging her - quite a far cry from how they felt about one another at the beginning of the series. The whole episode builds to this scene and it's just done beautifully.
Atypical: In the Dragon's Lair (2018)
Love Zahid & Sam's friendship
The main thing that got to me about this episode was Zahid & Sam's friendship - it really hit me in the feels. How Zahid told his parents (presumably) to make butter noodles, then he rushed to his defense when the cop was interrogating him, to staying by his side at the police station - really made this episode great. The Nate-Casey thing was predictable, as was the scene with the families, but the Sam-Zahid storyline was everything.
Lucifer: Is This Really How It's Going To End?! (2021)
The best and most unexpected episode of Lucifer
Quite different from the normally light-hearted show we all know and love but SO incredibly well done. Full of suspense (I still want to know what Lucifer whispered in Rob Benedict's ear towards the end!), so cleverly written (like the jab at Fox, who dropped the show), heartbreaking, emotional, fantastic visuals as always. 10/10.
Big Mouth (2017)
Funny, clever & relatable
OK, let's be real. Is this show a little over the top? Yes. Is it ridiculously raunchy? Definitely - but what do you expect when you put together a cast like Nick Kroll, John Mulaney & Jason Mantzoukas? But is it also totally accurate & relatable? ABSOLUTELY. With subjects ranging from getting your period for the first time, inappropriate erections, questioning sexuality, embarrassing and overtly sexual parents and the overall weirdness of puberty, I defy anyone to watch this and not find at least one scenario that they can relate to. I love how this show touches on any and every subject that teenagers deal with during puberty (as well as a few I hope that none ever have to) and both pokes fun at it and simultaneously makes you feel less alone. It's hilarious, genius, disgusting, heartwarming and adorable all rolled into one. (Also the voice actors are PERFECTLY matched with their characters, it really helps tie the whole show together.) There is nothing else like this on any streaming platform and I absolutely love it.
Supernatural: Drag Me Away (From You) (2020)
SO DISAPPOINTING
First of all, we are WAY too close to the end of the series for this much filler! A kid-eating monster in a hotel room? Didn't we deja this vu back in the second season?? Secondly, I used to love the flashback episodes - like maybe 5 years ago, or at least when they had GOOD actors playing the young versions of our heroes. You can't just slap plaid shirts and bootcut jeans on any young man and suddenly make them a Winchester! I long for the days of Brock Kelly's Dean and Colin Ford's Sam - these kids don't even come close. Even throwing the Billie wrench in the story didn't save it. I really hope the next (and, sadly, last) episodes are better than this, or a LOT of fans will be super disappointed.