NEW SHOWS
The Righteous Gemstones – “Better Is the End of a Thing than Its Beginning” (A) / season finale
A genuinely moving finale that also provided the biggest laughs of the season. The story Edi Patterson tells about Judy’s one past relationship enters the pantheon of great TV monologues, right up there with Jason Alexander’s story of George rescuing a whale on Seinfeld. This was a self-contained season, but it ended so strong that I’m excited to see where they take it next year.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – “The Gang Chokes” (B+)
There’s a fucked-up O. Henry vibe to this episode, as the put-upon waiter they frequently encounter saves the life of both Frank and Dee and the former repays him in a way that completely derails the semi-peaceful life he had. But there’s also a Phantom Thread parody going on in the background between Mac and Dennis that’s pretty amazing as well.
The Good Place – “Tinker, Tailor, Demon, Spy” (A-)
The first great episode of the season, as Glenn arrives from the Bad Place to sow discord among the group by trying to convince the gang that Michael is actually Vicky in a Michael suit. We may never know the real answer, but the Michael that’s present proves himself worthy, and Jason and Michael are now headed off on an adventure to the real Bad Place to try to level the playing field that Shawn has tried to screw with yet again.
BINGEING
Schitt’s Creek – Season 4 (A- average)
The show’s best season yet, as David and Alexis finally find true love. To quote the great Tina Turner, it’s simply the best.