Pilot Review: Deception

From the people who brought you every “I have an abnormal approach to crime solving” show who also saw Now You See Me and Now You See Me 2 comes a new show about a disgraced magician who helps the FBI solve the very abundant magic-related cases.

The good:

Well, it’s got a unique angle and I’m not talking about the magic stuff alone. Continue reading

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Pilot Review: Backstrom

Holy failure. This show is interesting but has no hope. Let me tell you why.

The good:

Some of the character (Valentine in particular) have amazing potential. If this show was called Stealing Pretty Things and Hitting On Hot Men with Valentine then maybe it could survive.

Sometimes the dark material is strikingly honest.

The bad:

Unfortunately, when I’m not bored by the stereotype of the breaking stereotypes female cop and distracted by the Allstate guy pretending he isn’t selling me car insurance I have to deal with a funny actor proving that just because a character is dynamic and controversial does not mean that that character should have an entire TV show.

With all the character potential the show is still pretty boring and doesn’t create plots that allow the audience to engage with them.

Verdict: Meh, don’t bother. It will be dead soon enough.

Score: 2/5, Valentine 5/5

Pilot Review: Fresh Off the Boat

Ladies and gents, I am pleased to inform you that I have a new half hour show to enjoy and moan about if it gets cancelled.

The good:

This show is well written and since it is based on a book we can laugh at another person’s culture and family issues without feeling like terrible people. The humor is delivered beautifully and the writing is trim in a way that still allows for exploration and social commentary without being heavy, serious, preachy, or boring.

The adults are doing a good job in their roles and the mother in particular is legit as all get out.

The bad:

There is no way the show can have a long run life and keep its light, self-deprecating tone.

The child actors are pretty bad. I mean, sure they are children, but there is no need for them to all be squinting instead of emoting and repeating instead of speaking.

Verdict: Give the show a chance. We’ll see how it evolves and grows into itself.

Score: 4/5