#tvreview — Public Fediverse posts

X-Men ’97 – Season 2 | TV Review

It’s always easy to remember how much the X-Men rule whenever you’re watching X-Men ’97. Season 2 has come and gone, and I can’t wait for season 3. What a fantastic show.

I know a lot of people are down on season two for whatever reason, and I of course agree that it didn’t have the same that moments in season one had. But, you should always expect the first season to be better than the second season of shows.

I really liked the stuff of Apocalypse, and I’m interested to see where he pops up next now that he’s essentially trapped. He is and always will be the ultimate villain after humanity.

Magneto’s death scene was wild. I wasn’t expecting it at all and just assumed that they would be rescued at the last possible second. My assumption will be that he will make his return in season three (similar to Gambit this season)

One of the great things about this show is how they made Polaris a big deal. She feels like a main member of the X-Men now, and they worked hard to get that across. It wasn’t just a “Well, she’s here now.” It was well earned.

My big complaint is going to be a big one for everyone in that it sure felt like Gambit’s return was rushed. It didn’t feel like they let you sit with it at all.

I don’t think this season had the highs of Season 1, but it certainly didn’t have the lows for me. Yes, I’m looking at you Mojo. I never need to see you again.

Bring on season three!

Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi – “A New Threat” | TV Review

I am finally getting around to starting Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, and I couldn’t be more excited. The first episode “A New Threat” is a fun, mysterious start to the series.

The Ninth Jedi was obviously one of these standouts in the first three seasons of Star Wars: Visions, so it was good news to see that the story would be the first getting a continuation into an actual season (Series?).

We pick up where we left off with Lah Kara traveling with Margrave Juro, Gramps, and Homen. Ethan is mysteriously absent. More on that later.

Juro is trying to recruit other former Jedi to his cause which leads our crew to the planet Makoma Ko to talk to Dunbai. There, Gennoh Ikagi begins attacking the city before all hell breaks loose.

The animation for this battle was tremendous. The droids on the ground and in the ship were a little bit creepy, and the action all looked great. I think they nailed this first episode.

The introduction of Gennoh as who will likely be the day-to-day antagonist of our heroes while General Nawaam is held back is a solid choice. He’s delightfully evil and seems to have excellent Force abilities.

Though, I must say, the way he departs at the end of this first episode — by jumping backwards like four times — had me laughing. What a ridiculous animation choice.

Then, we get the final reveal at the end. Ethan’s been sent on a mission to infiltrate Nawaam’s army, and he is almost discovered. However, that’s not the most important thing here. Nawaam’s lightsaber is revealed to be blue. He’s a Jedi? I can’t wait to see where this goes.

The Five Star Weekend Review

#TheFiveStarWeekend #drama #Peacock #JenniferGarner #DArcyCarden #GemmaChan #ReginaHall #ChloeSevigny #tv #tvreview

https://popculturemaniacs.com/the-five-star-weekend-review/

The Boys (Season 5 Review) | A Messy but Entertaining Final Season

https://wornoutspines.com/2026/05/20/the-boys-season-5-review/

The Boys (Season 5 Review) | A Messy but Entertaining Final Season

https://wornoutspines.com/2026/05/20/the-boys-season-5-review/

Tales From The Crypt – Season 3, Episode 14: Yellow (1991) – Review

We now seem to bring you a change in your regularly scheduled programming. If something feels a little off abd decidedly un-Crypt like for the season finale of season three, I’d like to assure you that it’s not just you. In fact, Robert Zemekis’ “Yellow” wasn’t originally planned to be a tale from the crypt at all, but instead part of a trilogy of stories that would go on to form the season premiere of a spin off show called Two-Fisted Tales. While the Crypt covered all those horror stories that EC Comics churned out in their heyday, Fisted would give that ironic twist to stories more geared toward the war, western and thriller based adventures. Needless to say, the pilot (directed by Zemekis, Richard Donner and Tom Holland) didn’t do so well and as a result the stories were folded into the Crypt Keeper’s roster of tall tales that started here and continued into season 4. But as I’ve recently started getting tired of episodes that go easy on the horror, can Robert Zemekis change my mind with an offering that takes place during World War I?

The year is 1918 and the forces of General Calthrob are getting hammered somewhere in France as they try to take a hill from the really determined Germans. While the hill itself doesn’t that much of a tactical advantage, the attack would divert the enemy forces enough to allow forces in the rear time to reposition, but the plan is ultimately scuppered by an unseen problem: Lieutenant Martin Calthrob. While Martin’s father is every inch the iron-nerved military man, his son suffers from cowardice that simply just won’t away and while his men are valiantly fighting and dying for the greater good, the constant mortar barrage and whizzing bullets causes him to break and order a premature retreat.
When the Genral learns from his men that his son is Yellow, he offers Martin a chance to redeem his honor and go out into no-man’s land with a small team to fix a broken communication wire.
However, once again that yellow streak kicks in and in his gibbering fear, Martin is too terrified to even warn his fellow troops about advancing troops and as a result they are killed and he escapes to spin a tale of tragic heroism. But when it turns out that there was another (temporary) survivor who outs Martin’s cowardice with his dying breath and leaves the General with no alternative but to severely punish his son and sentence him to death by firing squad. While Martin pleads with his father to spare his life, Calthrob assures his son that he’d never murder his flesh and blood and reveals a plan that will spare his life.
Revealing that the rifleman will all have unknowingly have blanks loaded in their weapons, all Martin has to do is stand fast and be brave in the face of his death and then he can play dead and collect a bag of supplies left in the grave behind him. However, during his big moment, believing himself to be safe, Martin does indeed face his (fake) execution with bravery, but too late he realises that he’s been tricked to restore honor to the tarnished Calthrob name.

To be honest with you, before watching Yellow I was 50/50 about whether I would actually accept it as a genuine Crypt. In the plus column it’s directed by one of Tales’ big three, Robert Zemekis, who has been conspicuous by his Crypt absence since the superlative “And All Though The House” back at the start of season one. However, on the con side, not only was it never supposed to be an official episode, but the WWI setting suggests that the usual recipe of creeps and chuckles may be in short supply and further worrying me is the last time one of the big three directed an episode, it resulted in Walter Hill’s rather leaden “Deadline” which showed a distinct drop in quality from his previous attempts.
However, despite all these things counting against it, Yellow proves to something of a incredibly pleasant surprise that not only sees Zemekis returning to the show with style, but giving it an expanded canvas that it’s never enjoyed before. This is an episode that still may be introduced by a Crypt Keeper in full WWI uniform cracking jokes about getting shot, but it also has full on battle sequences that give the show a sense of scale hither to unheard of as Zemekis shoots them in sweeping long takes that sees dialogue and plot merge with stunt men flying across the screen. It may not be Saving Private Ryan, or even Band Of Brothers, but for an episode of Tales From The Crypt, it isn’t that far behind. Also adding to that scale is the cast and while the Crypt has seen its fair share of familiar faces, seeing Kirk fuckin’ Douglas show up still feels like something of a massive get. What makes it cooler is that the episode is plainly riffing on Stanley Kubrick’s Paths Of Glory, which starred Douglas as a French officer also accused of cowardice and the actor also gets to perform opposite his actual son (no, not Michael – the other one, Eric) which adds extra tension to the scene even if Eric isn’t quite as talented as his old man.

In addition to this, we also get Dan Ackroyd and a returning Lance Henriksen (from Walter Hill’s magnificent “Cutting Cards”) to round things out, so it’s impossible not to feel spoiled with such Hollywood heavyweights getting stuck in.
However, the biggest surprise is that despite the starry cast, the more dramatic plot and an extended run time, Yellow isn’t afraid to stick to that old EC Comics tone and dally with the macabre when it gets the chance. There’s no real reason for a wounded Henriksen to suddenly reveal that he’s missing a stomach and he’s been using his helmet to hold his guts in, but Zemekis makes it happen in order to deliver an amusing shock of gore. Better yet, the twist ending is actually something of a belter that not only gives more of an emotional punch than your average Crypt, but still manages to retain that darkly amusing cruelty the show had become well known for. After detailing a complex plan to his son that will apparently save his life, we realise at the last moment that Calthrob has concocted a harsh counter plan to fool his jittery son into standing strong and proud in the face of death and no such salvation was ever going to take place. Worse yet (and by worse, I mean better) there’s a split second of realisation from Martin when he sees his father turn away when the order to fire is given, which means that an episode that wasn’t even meant to be an official Tales From The Crypt entry ends up being objectively better that more than half of the actual episodes. My confidence may have wavered in the big three as of late, but Zemekis brings it back with style.

What could have been a cheap attempt to salvage a failed pilot ends up giving Tales From The Crypt’s third season the big finish it so richly needed. While other episodes from Two-Fisted Tales would show up further down the line, Yellow is rousing proof that sometimes it’s hood not to be afraid of a little tinkering.
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Secret Service kept me hooked with tension alone 👀

Even when the story plays out a little too safe, the atmosphere and performances, especially Mark Stanley’s make it worth watching.

That ending though… I knew it 😭

#SecretService #SpyThriller #TVReview #BritishTV

Full #Seasonreview ↓

http://wornoutspines.com/2026/05/09/secret-service-season-review/

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord: “Chapter 10: The Dark Lord” – TV Review

The first season finale of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord delivered what I wanted from this show. “Chapter 10: The Dark Lord” was an excellent cap to a fun show.

Darth Vader is relentlessly terrifying.

There’s always a concern in a Star Wars property whenever you have a legacy character show up, especially Darth Vader. Is he too overexposed? Does he look too weak? Is the storytelling worth it?

I’m happy to say that this was excellent.

Darth Vader was a nearly omnipresent, omnipotent entity throughout this episode. He was everywhere, and he was unbeatable.

Seeing a character like Maul be determined yet spooked when facing Vader was such an excellent choice. We never got to see Maul face off against Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, but we knew it was coming based on comments in Star Wars Rebels.

Like any good slasher film, no matter what they threw at him, Vader kept coming. The moment when Vader punched through a wall after Maul was a delightful jumpscare.

This reminded me a lot of how I felt playing the Star Wars Jedi series of games. When you run into Vader as Cal Kestis, not fighting to defeat him. You were fighting to survive him.

Too good to be true.

I knew Maul teaming up with Eeko-Dio Daki and Devon was not going to be long lasting. For a little bit, I thought there was a chance we were going to get out of this episode with all of our main characters alive.

It wasn’t to be.

Maul saw that Devon was struggling in her battle against the Inquisitors, and he chose her over potentially defeating Vader. With just a little nudge, he shoved Daki ever closer to Vader and slipped away. The last time we saw Master Daki, Darth Vader put a lightsaber through his chest.

Daki was a was an interesting new Jedi character. It seems like he was a long-lived species, so who knows what stories may be able to be told through his eyes.

Now, with Devon by his side, what will Maul do next?

Horror.

I love the way that the show used the horror elements throughout the season, and that continued in this episode.

As I mentioned above, Vader was absolutely terrifying. The way he moved, the way he appeared, the way he fought.. All of it was done as an intimidation tactic as much as anything else.

I particularly enjoyed the way that they made the two inquisitors feel in this show. They were scary, too. The way that the Eleventh Brother would move to fight while screeching was incredible. What kind of creature is this former Jedi?

Captain Lawson is dead.

Or… Maybe he’s not.

One thing we’ve learned about Star Wars over the years is you should question a character’s death if you don’t see their body.

I lean more toward the expectation that Lawson is actually dead. I do mostly because I’m not convinced we’re going to be following up on the Lawsons moving forward.

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord: “Chapter 9: Strange Allies” | TV Review

It’s hard for me to even think how you would make the penultimate episode for season one of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord better than what was delivered in “Chapter 9: Strange Allies”.

Everything from the moment they reached the acid pit was amazing.

Once our main characters made it to the acid pools underneath the city, I knew that’s where we would have main confrontation with the inquisitors. What I didn’t expect was how terrifying it was when Marrok and the Crow came flying around that corner.

The First Brother and the Eleventh Brother fought with such an intensity that Maul, Eeko-Dio Daki, and Devon struggled to hold them back. A thing to remember is that we have no evidence that Daki and Devon are really anything more than just your average Jedi Master and Padawan. I’m all very clearly. Maul was doing most of the heavy lifting and showed that when he stayed being to hold them off.

RIP Spybot.

I liked that Daki gave in and accepted the help of Maul. I liked the lightsaber fight. I liked the shootout that was going on all around them as well. I liked that Maul didn’t betray them while they were fighting the Inquisitors.

I’ve been expecting Darth Vader to show up in this season, so it wasn’t a complete surprise to me. They’ve done such a good job of building up the horror elements to the show, that his Michael Myers-esque appearance was creepy.

I was curious how Dryden Vos would work here.

Heading into this episode, I was curious as to how Dryden Vos was going to involve himself in Maul’s problems if he was already the head of Crimson Dawn. Why would he? Maul is furious about their betrayal, and Vos could just let him die on Janix.

So, it makes total sense that Vos isn’t the leader of Crimson Dawn yet? “Boss Rintero” is, and I can’t wait to learn more about this person.

The Rook.

Listen, if you were Rook Kast, we knew you weren’t going to be long for this world. You were always going to be the person that Maul sacrificed in a big moment when he needed to survive.

I was prepared for Darth Vader to show up in that jungle. When Rook came back terrified, I knew what was happening. I’m glad she didn’t die by a lightsaber that we could see. It was much more terrifying having her dragged off through the jungle like that. Bravo.

The Book Of Boba Fett – Season 1, Chapter 7: In The Name Of Honor (2022) – Review

In The Name Of Honor brings The Book of Boba Fett to a large-scale, action-driven conclusion, delivering an episode that fully embraces spectacle while tying together the major threads established throughout the season. Following the momentum of Chapter 6, the finale feels focused and purposeful, paying off character arcs and conflicts in a way that highlights both the strengths and the ambitions of the series.

By this stage, expectations were firmly in place. The arrival of key figures and the escalation of tensions on Tatooine had set the stage for a full confrontation between Boba Fett’s growing alliance and the forces of the Pyke Syndicate. The episode commits entirely to that payoff, Leaning into its Western and crime-drama influences while still maintaining the larger mythic tone of Star Wars.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez, from a script by Jon Favreau, the episode wastes little time in launching into its central conflict. Boba Fett, portrayed by Temuera Morrison, stands at the centre of it all – not just as a warrior, but as a leader attempting to reshape his identity and purpose. That shift, from feared bounty hunter to protector of a community, is one of the defining elements of the series, whether the fans like it or not, and the finale leans heavily into it.

The battle for Mos Espa unfolds with a sense of scale that surpasses anything seen earlier in the show. Streets become battlegrounds as Boba’s allies, including Fennec Shand, played by Ming-Na Wen, and the returning Din Djarin, voiced by Pedro Pascal, take on the Pyke forces. The action is relentless, featuring Fett’s full range of weapons, shoot outs in the streets, and the introduction of powerful droid enforcers that raise the stakes significantly.

The episode balances large-scale action with character moments. Din’s continued involvement reinforces the bond established in The Mandalorian, while also grounding the chaos in something more personal. His dynamic with Grogu, who returns at a crucial moment, adds both emotional weight and a sense of continuity across the interconnected shows.

Grogu’s presence, in particular, becomes a turning point in the battle. His use of the Force highlights his growth while reinforcing the themes introduced in Chapter 6. Rather than simply serving as a plot device, he becomes an active participant in shaping the outcome, bringing together both the larger conflict and the personal journey at the heart of the story.

The episode also pays off the threat established by Cad Bane, voiced by Corey Burton. His confrontation with Boba Fett is one of the most anticipated elements of the finale, and it delivers both in terms of tension and thematic resonance. The duel between them is more than just a physical clash—it represents a collision between two versions of the same world: the ruthless bounty hunter past and the more principled path Boba is attempting to take.

By the conclusion, the battle is won, and Boba Fett stands not as a conqueror, but as a protector. His acceptance by the people of Mos Espa signals the completion of his transformation. It’s a resolution that aligns with the themes explored throughout the series: identity, redemption, and the possibility of change.

Looking at The Book Of Boba Fett as a whole, it’s a series defined by ambition and contrast. At its best, it offers a compelling reimagining of an iconic character, shifting the focus from myth to humanity. It explores what happens when a figure known for silence and efficiency is given space to reflect, to grow, and to choose a different path.

At it’s worst, the series struggles with balance. The integration of characters and storylines from The Mandalorian occasionally overshadows Boba Fett’s own narrative, creating a sense of uneven focus. Yet, those same connections also enrich the broader universe, making the story feel part of something larger and more interconnected. If it had been simply been titled The Mandalorian Season 3 – The Book Of Boba Fett some of these complaints would have been bypassed.

What ultimately defines the series is its willingness to take risks. It challenges fans expectations of who Boba Fett is and what his story should be, trading pure spectacle for character-driven storytelling, while still delivering moments of action and excitement when they matter most.

In The Name Of Honor delivers the large-scale payoff that’s expected from a finale, while staying true to the character journey at the core of the series. As a conclusion, it feels earned, bringing closure to Boba Fett’s arc while leaving the door open for future stories. the series stands as an intriguing and worthwhile chapter in the evolving landscape of Star Wars television, one that may not always be consistent, but is always aiming for something more than the obvious path.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

American Classic Season One Review

#AmericanClassic #AmericanClassicSeason1 #comedy #comedyseries #tv #tvreview

https://popculturemaniacs.com/american-classic-season-one-review/

The Copenhagen Test Review

#TheCopenhagenTest #scifi #spy #spythriller #tv #tvreview

https://popculturemaniacs.com/the-copenhagen-test-review/

The Rainmaker (2025) has everything: sharp legal drama, messy characters, courtroom chaos. It’s smart, frustrating, and seriously fun.

#TheRainmaker #TVReview #LegalThriller

Read my full #seasonreview here → https://wornoutspines.com/2025/10/29/the-rainmaker-2025-season-1-review/

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/10/29/the-rainmaker-2025-season-1-review/

Boots on Netflix is one of the most grounded and emotional pilots I’ve seen all year. It’s raw, funny, and moving. It has grit and heart.

#BootsNetflix #SeasonReview #QueerStorytelling #StreamingSeries #TVReview

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/10/12/boots-season-review/

Knights of Guinevere "Pilot" Review

#KnightsofGuinevere #YouTube #adultanimation #DanaTerrace #ZachMarcus #JohnBaileyOwen #psychologicalthriller #scifi #animatedseries #tv #tvreview

https://popculturemaniacs.com/knights-of-guinevere-pilot-review/

Butterfly pulled in me from the opening scene, but it isn't just about espionage. It's messy family ties with fast-paced, and high-stakes spy games.

#ButterflyOnPrime #Thriller #SpyDrama #TVReview

Read my full #SeasonReview here

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/09/07/butterfly-season-1-review/

I finished Ballard Season 1 and wow, this isn’t your average cop drama. Maggie Q delivers a layered performance, the cases are engrossing, and the ensemble is fantastic. Feels like Connelly’s universe just leveled up.

#Ballard #MichaelConnolly #MaggieQ #TVReview

Full #SeasonReview here 👇

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/08/24/ballard-season1-review/

Just finished Black Bird and I’ve got thoughts. The performances? Incredible. The atmosphere? Creepy and tense. But somehow, I wasn’t totally pulled in.

#TVReview #BlackBird #TrueCrime #AppleTVPlus #SeasonReview #TaronEgerton #PaulWalterHauser

Curious? Read my full season review 👉

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/08/15/black-bird-miniseries-review/

The Sandman Season 2 (Part 1) is a poetic fever dream.

From Lucifer’s quiet vengeance to Delirium’s perfect shoes, it’s rich with myth, mood, and emotional mess.
Here’s my mid-#SeasonReview:

#TheSandman #TVReview #NetflixOriginal #FantasyTV

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/07/24/the-sandman-season-2-part-1-review/

Finished The Irrational S2: It’s still got the clever psych tricks and puzzle-box cases, but this season leans *hard* into backstories and emotional reveals (some that really work... and some that don’t).
My full season review is live now. 🧠🔎📺

#TVReview #TheIrrational #CrimeTV #SeasonReview

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/07/09/the-irrational-season-2-review/

Just finished Ironheart and this is NOT your typical Marvel origin story. Magic meets tech, trauma meets choices, and Riri Williams is not here to be Iron man’s legacy.

#Ironheart #Marvel #MCU #TVReview #SuperheroDrama #SeasonReview #DominiqueThorne

My full season review is up now:

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/07/04/ironheart-season-review/

The Studio Review

#TheStudio #comedy #comedyseries #Hollywood #filmindustry #SethRogen #tv #tvreview

https://popculturemaniacs.com/the-studio-review/

Mayfair Witches Season 2 must be magic since it feels better than the first, yet it’s still missing the magic. 🧙‍♀️✨ Tight pacing, sharper visuals, but where’s the character depth?
My full review is live, check it out!

#MayfairWitches #AnneRice #AMC #TVReview #WitchyVibes #BooktoTV #BookAdaptations #Lasher

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/03/02/anne-rices-mayfair-witches-season-2-review/

Just finished Dexter: Original Sin, Patrick Gibson nails young Dexter, and the show is packed with dark humor, suspense, and Easter eggs for fans.

My full review is live, don’t miss it!

#Dexter #DexterOriginalSin #Showtime #TVReview #SeasonReview

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/02/23/dexter-original-sin-season-review/

I finally saw the Watson pilot, and I have thoughts. 🧐 Imagine House but with a Sherlock Holmes twist. The concept is interesting but… it’s complicated. That said, Morris Chestnut is a strong Watson.

Will I keep watching? Maybe. But I’m not sold yet. If you’re curious, check out my full review here ⬇️

#Watson #TVReview #SherlockHolmes #MysteryDrama #MorrisChestnut #MedicalMystery

http://wornoutspines.com/2025/02/04/watson-pilot-review/

Laid Review

#Laid #Peacock #romcom #StephanieHsu #ZosiaMamet #MichaelAngarano #TommyMartinez #remake #tv #tvreview

https://popculturemaniacs.com/laid-review/

Laid Review

#Laid #Peacock #romcom #StephanieHsu #ZosiaMamet #MichaelAngarano #TommyMartinez #remake #tv #tvreview

https://popculturemaniacs.com/laid-review/

Laid Review

#Laid #Peacock #romcom #StephanieHsu #ZosiaMamet #MichaelAngarano #TommyMartinez #remake #tv #tvreview

https://popculturemaniacs.com/laid-review/

Bad Sisters Season Two Review

#BadSisters #BadSistersSeason2 #AppleTV #IrishTV #comedyseries #blackcomedy #tv #tvreview

https://popculturemaniacs.com/bad-sisters-season-two-review/

Der Staffelauftakt von #SchnellErmittelt greift einen jahrelangen angeteasten Handlungsstrang auf und setzt ihn mit solch einer Wucht um, als wäre es ein Staffelfinale. Inklusive Wiedersehen mit alten Bekannten.
Sehr gut!

#SerienTipps #ORF #Österreich #tvreview #Krimi #Streaming #Fernsehserie #Fernsehen #UrsulaStrauss

#TheManFromUNCLE 14 (1964) - 9/10
Delightful episode.

1️⃣ And what a cast! #DavidMcCallum, #WilliamShatner, #LeonardNimoy, #RobertVaughn.

2️⃣ It plays like a light-hearted episode of #MissionImpossible and it gets very clever towards the end.

3️⃣ According to #IMDb users, this is the 2nd best episode of the series.

📺 My 762nd #TVReview of 2023. Averaging 1h49m of TV every day.

#ClassicTV #60sTV #espionage