NEW SHOWS
Sharp Objects – “Closer” (A-)
Calhoun Day was wholly invented for the show, but it’s a grand showcase for everything we’ve learned about Wind Gap so far, but also as tipping point for the characters, especially the trio of ladies. Camille finally bares her scars to her sister and mother, as well as Richard. Even Adora shows something resembling humanity. It’s not surprising that tempers flared on a hot, boozy day in small-town Missouri after a grisly murder. It was bound to blow up.
Who Is America? – “104” (B+)
The most consistently funny episode yet. Yes, Sacha Baron Cohen gets his participants to say some truly absurd things, but they often say it themselves without any provocation, like the Utah lawmaker who wants to make every adult who ever looks at pornography online to be a part of a trackable database. But he also nails the little details, like his YouTube personality who unboxes Shopkins toys (totally real) while getting Joe Arpaio to talk about how awesome Trump is.
Demetri Martin: The Overthinker (B+)
I realize now I’ve been watching Martin since I was in high school. Even if this special isn’t as clever as his past work, he still tickles my funny bone with his very dry observations and sketches.
OLD SHOWS
ER (Season 1) – “Love’s Labor Lost” (A)
My wife recently started bingeing this show on Hulu. While I don’t have the time to keep up, I knew I wanted to make time for this episode, which has appeared on dozens of “best episodes ever” list. It more than lived up to the hype. A devastating, heart-pounding hour masterfully directed by Mimi Leder and powerfully acted by Anthony Edwards. I can’t believe he didn’t win the Emmy.