NEW SHOWS
This Is Us – “The Fifth Wheel” (A-)
Its resolution is much too tidy and it features an absolutely dreadful monologue from Randall, but the rest of the episode – most of it set in just two locations, plus one in flashback – is right up there with the best the show has ever done.
The Good Place – “Best Self” (A)
The show proudly burns it all down once more, setting up the rest of the season (and possibly Season 3), as our sextet forge into the real Bad Place in their attempt to escape to the Good Place. Possibly the show’s warmest episode to date.
CURRENT SHOWS & SPECIALS
Dave Chappelle: The Bird Revelation (C+)
There are moments when Chappelle stumbles into something brilliant about capitalism, racism and sexism in this country. Yet he undercuts his insights with weak, offensive jokes that he delivers with an “Ain’t I a stinker?” grin. It makes for an uneven special, one that’s not nearly as focused and funny as Equanimity.
The Good Place – “Leap to Faith” (A-)
The best party on TV, complete with a roast, double-crossing, a heist and DJ Bad Janet, who alternates between Puddle of Mudd’s “She Hates Me” and “Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer.”