Mid Season Starters
I’m not sure what they’re calling this January/February season but I guess it might be considered mid season. Whatever it’s called, there are a few shows that have just started that I trying out. And for the most part, they’re pretty good. Here’s a rundown.
Legion
I have hopes for this one and was not disappointed by the first episode. Granted, the first half hour was pretty artsy fartsy, but there are so many interesting questions raised by it, I’m hooked. This is written by Noah Hawley who did the wonderful Fargo TV series and brings the X-Men universe to prime time. As far as I know from the first episode, David Haller is potentially one of the most powerful mutants ever, but he’s been cooped up in an psychiatric hospital for a while and isn’t completely stable. While the focus is Haller, there are other mutants I’m sure we’ll learn more about as the season move on. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where this goes.
24 Legacy
So far I’ll say this is not the original Jack Bauer 24, but it’s better than a lot of things on TV right now. The premise is the same as the 24 of years past…some bad guy terrorists are looking to do some bad stuff to Americans and Jack Ba…I mean Eric Carter (actually I had to look up his name on IMDB) has to try to stop them. So far it’s pretty good if a bit formulaic, but that’s pretty much what I expected from a 24 sequel.
Taboo
This Tom Hardy vehicle is really good. Set in early 19th century London so far, they really do a good job with the sets and constumes. The story is slowly revealing itself as a battle for lands in Western Canada that are between the fledgling United States and the British Empire, but beyond that, the East India Trading Company is significantly interested and are willing to do anything to get the rights to that land. It’s interesting and my curiosity is definitely piqued – I really want to see where this heads and Tom Hardy is incredible.
Riverdale
I’ve never read any Archie comics but this looks interesting. Of course, being on the CW, you get a strong dash of teenage angst and his school tomfoolery, but there’s also a strong Twin Peaks vibe. Sadly, I’m one of the few who didn’t watch Twin Peaks, but if heard this is somewhat loosely similar in tone. Anyway, I’ve watched 2 episodes and it’s pretty decent so far so I’m continuing for now.