NEW SHOWS
Kevin Can F**k Himself – “Mrs. McRoberts Is Dead” (B+) / season premiere
Felt very reminiscent of Breaking Bad, in that the writers have painted themselves into a corner, then have to figure a way out of it. The first half felt a little forced and flustered, but the second half was a stroke of genius.
Only Murders in the Building – “I Know Who Did It” (A-) / season finale
A rousing, meta resolution to this season’s mystery. The show’s middle 10 minutes or so – at the “killer reveal party,” which is a killer party that reveals the killer – was some of the most purely pleasurable television of the year.
BINGEING
The Critic – Season 2 (B+ average)
Not as sharp as its first season, but Jay’s ongoing relationship with single mom Alice lets him reveal some rare human emotions. A shame this show didn’t last longer.
The Sandman – Season 1 (A- average)
Holy shit, they did it. After decades in development hell, this team pulled it off. They made the intricate stories and beautifully horrifying images come to life, all while updating the characters in ways that made perfect sense for 2022.