REVIEW: True Detective – “Night Finds You”

True Detective Review

The following is a review of “Night Finds You” from the second season of True Detective, beware of spoilers.

The second episode of the second arc of True Detective began the ‘partnership’ that we had been waiting for, but also gave us some of the magical speeches that the show perfected in the first season. We had the first real cliffhanger of the season, and suddenly the Caspere-case is much more interesting. But the Fukunaga-less second season is definitely still finding its feet. Continue reading “REVIEW: True Detective – “Night Finds You””

REVIEW: True Detective – “The Western Book of the Dead”

True Detective Review

The following is a spoiler-free review of True Detective: Season 2 – Episode 1.

It’s that time of year – True Detective is back on HBO. I never wrote a full review of the first season, or any of the episodes, but I really loved it. When I was handing out ‘awards’ and praise in my annual IJR Awards back in December, Matthew McConaughey was my TV Actor of 2014 – and the first season made it my TV Show of 2014. Now the anthology crime drama is back.   Continue reading “REVIEW: True Detective – “The Western Book of the Dead””

REVIEW: Bloodline – Season One

I'm Jeffrey Rex - Bloodline Season OneBloodline is a new thriller-drama Netflix show that premiered on Friday March 20th 2015. Season One is up, and will probably be followed by a second season next year, seeing as this season is very entertaining. But I do have my qualms as this review should make clear by the end of it.

The show, made by the creators of the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning show Damages, is about a Floridian family with a strong reputation; but also with an estranged member – the black sheep of the family, Danny (played by Ben Mendelsohn). Danny Rayburn quickly makes the family uneasy. As the shameful secrets of the Rayburn family are revealed to the audience, choices have to be made by Danny’s siblings.

Of course, don’t read this review until after you’ve seen the season. I might not spoil everything in this review, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, here’s your spoiler warning.

Continue reading “REVIEW: Bloodline – Season One”

REVIEW: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – “Kimmy Kisses a Boy!”

I'm Jeffrey Rex Episode Review - Netflix - Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtThe following is a review of the fifth episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Expect some spoilers in the review.

Troll the respawn, Jeremy! – the fifth episode was instantly quotable, and featured some great hidden gems of comedy. In what was a surprisingly strong episode for all the main characters, drama and plot-movement were the key ingredients to a fun 23 minutes.

Continue reading “REVIEW: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – “Kimmy Kisses a Boy!””

REVIEW: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – “Kimmy Goes to the Doctor!”

I'm Jeffrey Rex Episode Review - Netflix - Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtThe following is a review of the fourth episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Expect some spoilers in the review.

Don’t cover up your problems. One of the biggest responsibilities of a sitcom is to be a stern moral guide, every single sitcom has those moments wherein they teach you about life. In the fourth episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt we’re taught how to deal with our problems, how we shouldn’t run from them – but fight through them.

The episode was really entertaining, and its top three jokes were the selfie-training, the Law Squiggle Order, and how Kimmy called the present the future. Continue reading “REVIEW: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – “Kimmy Goes to the Doctor!””

REVIEW: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – “Kimmy Goes on a Date!”

I'm Jeffrey Rex Episode Review - Netflix - Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtThe following is a review of the third episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Expect some spoilers in the review.

It’s been a mixed road so far for the new Netflix comedy. After a less-than-stellar second outing, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt still needs to find its footing.

This was a better episode than the last two, as it managed to make good use of every side of Kimmy – as well as have an entertaining B-plot. If you’ve read my reviews, you should know that I am very critical of the Titus character, but he really does a good job in this episode, as he teams up with Lillian – the landlord. Continue reading “REVIEW: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – “Kimmy Goes on a Date!””

REVIEW: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – “Kimmy Gets a Job!”

I'm Jeffrey Rex Episode Review - Netflix - Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtThe following is a review of the second episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Expect some spoilers in the review.

Heads up, binge-watchers – Netflix has released a new comedy series! After a good opening episode we’ll have to see if the Netflix Original Series can live up to its potential. As Kimmy is trying to resecure her job at the Voorheess, Titus is trying to get a refund on his Iron Man-lookalike suit.

Right off the bat, I should probably make it clear that I did not care as much for this episode as I did the opening one. With that having been said, I’ve seen a lot worse – and a supporting character ends up saving the episode. Continue reading “REVIEW: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – “Kimmy Gets a Job!””

REVIEW: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – “Kimmy Goes Outside!”

I'm Jeffrey Rex Episode Review - Netflix - Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtThe following is a review of the first episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Expect some spoilers in the review.

Now that Netflix is going all-in on original programming, they’ve planned out 2015 as their biggest year yet – having already released the third season of House of Cards, they, today (6th of March 2015), premiered the very first season of a Tina Fey comedy. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a Netflix Original Series.

So, you probably saw the trailer – but if not, let’s quickly open with the premise. Kimmy Schmidt was a member of an Apocalypse-Cult, and she is freed from an underground bunker in Durnsville, Indiana along with the rest of her female members. Then, the hilarity truly begins – opening with a little homage to the Schmoyoho-generation of autotuners. Oh and good news trailer-haters, I believe the trailer only contains scenes from the first episode. Continue reading “REVIEW: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – “Kimmy Goes Outside!””

REVIEW: Marvel’s Agent Carter – “Bridge and Tunnel”

I'm Jeffrey Rex Episode Review - Agent Carter
On the 18th of February 2015 Danish Netflix released the episodes that have aired on ABC of Marvel’s Agent Carter. This is my first time watching and reviewing it, though I am aware of the fact that most Americans have had the opportunity to watch it
.

We need more great female characters, and I fully expected one to come out of Agent Carter. One of the things I love about this show is how they write Carter as a strong female character – she’s equally smart, and like she proved in the premiere she doesn’t need anyone’s protection. She’s perfectly capable.

One of the great things about episodes following the pilot – and what’s great about sequels in general – is that they don’t have to explain themselves or their characters. This can help any show settle in, and in Bridge and Tunnel this show becomes much more settled. No actions are forced, and the plot is much more nimble and free-flowing on the screen.

I love The Captain America Adventure Program radio opening – it fits in perfectly with the time period – and I like to see how the general world is coping with people like Cap having fought for them. Having Carter as the star, the hero, when hearing the radio program later in the episode was also perfect. Atwell is great again, and her little attempt at finding the supposed photograph of her at the club was as fun as it should be.

I am beginning to really like Jarvis, who is actually quite fun in this episode. He wants to help, he feels that it is his responsibility – which doesn’t always jibe with the very capable loner, Peggy Carter. I want to see more from Lyndsy Fonseca’s character – and she did appear quite a lot in this episode – I really like that actress.

This show is really pleasing me, even though I don’t care a lot about Leviathan yet. The characters are interesting, and the way they write Peggy Carter is stellar – this show is entertaining, much more than Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was 2 episodes in.

B+

I’m Jeffrey Rex

REVIEW: BoJack Horseman – Season One (2014)


Recently, I decided to introduce season or show reviews for television shows, and coincidentally ‘BoJack Horseman’ popped up on Netflix as a fresh new binge-product. This will be my first season review of a television show ever – and as you should always do when reading my blog, expect SPOILERS. You’ve been warned, so without further ado – here’s my take on this new animated series starring Will Arnett and Alison Brie.

The show is centered around BoJack Horseman, an anthropomorphic horse. BoJack is a former actor best known for a sitcom in the 90s. BoJack lives in his Hollywood home with Todd (played by Aaron Paul), a friend of his. The show co-stars Alison Brie, primarily as Diane Nguyen a Ghost Writer for BoJack’s memoirs; Paul F. Tompkins, primarily as Mr. Peanutbutter, a rival of BoJack who has the same background as him; and Amy Sedaris as his Agent/ex-Girlfriend Princess Carolyn.

The show is incredibly ‘meta’, and features a lot of throwbacks to the golden age of US sitcoms. And though this show follows the feel of The Simpsons, Family Guy and American Dad, you will quickly notice that the show incorporates a linear narrative. Unlike the aforementioned animated television shows, this show is primarily about the sadness of celebrity, and you don’t expect a happy ending for ol’ BoJack. Inspite of the serious tone, the show is funny – though I find it much more poignant and strong, when the show leans on its depression-tone of storytelling.

The standout episodes for me are “The Telescope” (Episode 8) & “Downer Ending” (Episode 11) – with both episodes revolving around the very sad horse that BoJack is. One thing I wanted from this show was a heartwarming episode, not unlike many Futurama standouts, but the sorrow showed in the aforementioned BoJack standouts left me satisfied.

B+