Stay up to Date with TV with Abe!

Apologies for the lack of updates in the past few months. I've been hard at work freelancing for a number of other outlets and haven't had much time to share the many reviews, interviews, film festival dispatches, and awards season coverage here. To stay updated, follow along with my MuckRack portfolio, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Interview with Abe: A.J. Catoline and Melissa McCoy

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominees A.J. Catoline and Melissa McCoy, editors for “Ted Lasso.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: David Klotz

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee David Klotz, music editor for “House of the Dragon,” “Stranger Things,” and “Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominees Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson, composers for “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Sean Porter

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee Sean Porter, cinematographer for “The Old Man.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Nona Khodai and Sabrina Plisco

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominees Nona Khodai and Sabrina Plisco, picture editors for “Ms. Marvel.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Ellen Christiansen

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee Ellen Christiansen, set decorator for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Check out our great conversation for Awards Radar.

Interview with Abe: Donna Zakowska

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee Donna Zakowska, costume designer for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Check out our great conversation for Awards Radar.

Interview with Abe: John Powell

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee John Powell, composer of “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.” Check out our great conversation for CinemaDailyUS.com below!

Interview with Abe: Catherine Goldschmidt

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee Catherine Goldschmidt, cinematographer for “House of the Dragon.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Nicholas Hatton

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee Nicholas Hatton, producer of “Jury Duty.” Check out our great conversation for CinemaDailyUS.com below!

Interview with Abe: Davina Pardo

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee Davina Pardo, director of “Judy Blume Forever.” Check out our great conversation for CinemaDailyUS.com below!

 

Interview with Abe: Tony Von Pervieux

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee Tony Von Pervieux, music supervisor for “Ted Lasso.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Dearbhla Walsh

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee Dearbhla Walsh, director of “Bad Sisters.” Check out our great conversation for Above the Line.

Interview with Abe: Cindy Chao and Michele Yu

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominees Cindy Chao and Michele Yu, production designers for “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Laura Karpman

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee Laura Karpman, composer for “Ms. Marvel.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Paul Cripps

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee Paul Cripps, production designer for “Ted Lasso.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: James MacLachlan

I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmy nominee, James MacLachlan, VFX supervisor for “Ted Lasso.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises

Emmy nominations are here! I looked at the most startling snubs and surprises for CinemaDailyUS.com - head over there to read more!

Emmy Predictions: Comedy Categories

I analyzed and predicted the comedy categories ahead of tomorrow's Emmy nominations for The Film Experience – head over there to read my predictions!

Emmy Predictions: Limited/Anthology/TV Movie Categories

I analyzed and predicted the limited and anthology series and TV movie categories ahead of tomorrow's Emmy nominations for The Film Experience – head over there to read my predictions!

Emmy Predictions: Drama Categories

I analyzed and predicted the drama categories ahead of tomorrow's Emmy nominations for The Film Experience – head over there to read my predictions!

Interview with Abe: Clare Kilner

I had the pleasure of speaking with director Clare Kilner about her work on “House of the Dragon.” Check out our great conversation for Above the Line.

Interview with Abe: Stephanie Holbrook and Douglas Aibel

I had the pleasure of speaking with Stephanie Holbrook and Douglas Aibel, the casting directors behind “Hello Tomorrow.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Jeff Cardoni

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jeff Cardoni, the composer behind “White House Plumbers.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Wolfgang and Sebastian Thaler

I had the pleasure of speaking with Wolfgang and Sebastian Thaler, the father-son DP duo behind “Transatlantic.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Moira Frazier

I had the pleasure of speaking with Moira Frazier, hair department head for “Abbott Elementary.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Ana M. Amortegui

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ana M. Amortegui, ADFC, about her work as a DP on “Quantum Leap.” Check out our great conversation for Below the Line News.

Interview with Abe: Naomi de Pear

I had the opportunity to speak with one of the creative minds behind the Prime Video series “The Power,” for CinemaDailyUS.com. Watch my conversation with producer Naomi de Pear below!

Interview with Abe: Michael Zegen

It was great to get to speak with some talented members of the ensemble of a beloved conclude series, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Michael Zegen below!

Interview with Abe: Alex Borstein

It was great to get to speak with some talented members of the ensemble of a beloved conclude series, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Alex Borstein below!

Interview with Abe: Reid Scott and Jason Ralph

It was great to get to speak with some talented members of the ensemble of a beloved conclude series, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Reid Scott and Jason Ralph below!

Interview with Abe: Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle

It was great to get to speak with some talented members of the ensemble of a beloved conclude series, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle below!

Interview: Caroline Aaron and Kevin Pollak

It was great to get to speak with some talented members of the ensemble of a beloved conclude series, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Caroline Aaron and Kevin Pollak below!

Interview with Abe: Douglas Hodge

I was thrilled to be able to talk to so many members of the cast of one my favorite shows, Hulu's “The Great,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Douglas Hodge below!

Interview with Abe: Adam Godley

I was thrilled to be able to talk to so many members of the cast of one my favorite shows, Hulu's “The Great,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Adam Godley below!

Interview with Abe: Gwilym Lee

I was thrilled to be able to talk to so many members of the cast of one my favorite shows, Hulu's “The Great,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Gwilym Lee below!

Interview with Abe: Belinda Bromilow

I was thrilled to be able to talk to so many members of the cast of one my favorite shows, Hulu's “The Great,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Belinda Bromilow below!

Interview with Abe: Phoebe Fox

I was thrilled to be able to talk to so many members of the cast of one my favorite shows, Hulu's “The Great,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Phoebe Fox below!

Interview with Abe: Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult

I was thrilled to be able to talk to so many members of the cast of one my favorite shows, Hulu's “The Great,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult below!

Interview with Abe: Antony Starr

I was thrilled to be able to speak with Antoy Starr about his terrifying performance as Homelander on “The Boys” - for AwardsWatch. Watch my conversation with him below!

Interview with Abe: Tomer Capone

I was thrilled to be able to speak with Tomer Capone about his work on “The Boys” - for AwardsWatch. Watch my conversation with him below!

Interview with Abe: Giancarlo Esposito

It was a pleasure to speak with actor Giancarlo Esposito again about his work in three different series this season - “Better Call Saul,” “The Mandalorian,” and “Kaleidoscope” - for AwardsWatch. Watch my conversation with him below!

Interview with Abe: Sabrina Impacciatore

I've had the pleasure of speaking with a number of members of the ensemble of “The White Lotus,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Sabrina Impacciatore below!

Interview with Abe: Beatrice Grannò

I've had the pleasure of speaking with a number of members of the ensemble of “The White Lotus,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Beatrice Grannò below!

Interview with Abe: Haley Lu Richardson

I've had the pleasure of speaking with a number of members of the ensemble of “The White Lotus,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Haley Lu Richardson below!

Interview with Abe: Aubrey Plaza

I've had the pleasure of speaking with a number of members of the ensemble of “The White Lotus,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Aubrey Plaza below!

Interview with Abe: Will Sharpe

I've had the pleasure of speaking with a number of members of the ensemble of “The White Lotus,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Will Sharpe below!

Interview with Abe: Meghann Fahy

I've had the pleasure of speaking with a number of members of the ensemble of “The White Lotus,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Meghann Fahy below!

Interview with Abe: Theo James

I've had the pleasure of speaking with a number of members of the ensemble of “The White Lotus,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Theo James below!

Interview with Abe: Tatiana Maslany

I was very fortunate to get to speak with the wondrously talented Tatiana Maslany about her work on “She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with her below!

Interview with Abe: Adam Scott

One of my favorite interviews from this past season was with Adam Scott about his career and returning to “Party Down,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with him below!

Interview with Abe: Elizabeth Bowen and Corey Reynolds

I was excited to have the chance to speak again with the stars of one of my favorite shows, “Resident Alien,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Elizabeth Bowen and Corey Reynolds below!

Interview with Abe: Alice Wetterlund

I was excited to have the chance to speak again with the stars of one of my favorite shows, “Resident Alien,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Alice Wetterlund below!

Interview with Abe: Bridget Everett

I was delighted to have the chance to revisit season two of “Somebody Somewhere” for AwardsWatch. Watch my conversation with Bridget Everett below!

Interview with Abe: Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller

I spoke with the stars of one of my favorite shows on TV ahead of its second season, “Somebody Somewhere,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller below!

Interview with Abe: Olly Sholotan

I spoke again with two performers from an underrated drama now in its second season, “Bel-Air,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Olly Sholotan below!

Interview with Abe: Jimmy Akingbola

I spoke again with two performers from an underrated drama now in its second season, “Bel-Air,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Jimmy Akingbola below!

Interview with Abe: Lisa Ann Walter

I spoke with two performers from one of this season's most acclaimed comedies, “Abbott Elementary,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Lisa Ann Walter below!

Interview with Abe: Chris Perfetti

I spoke with two performers from one of this season's most acclaimed comedies, “Abbott Elementary,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Chris Perfetti below!

Interview with Abe: Bel Powley

I spoke with two actresses from the National Geographic limited series “A Small Light” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Bel Powley below!

Interview with Abe: Ashley Brooke

I spoke with two actresses from the National Geographic limited series “A Small Light” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Ashley Brooke below!

Interview with Abe: Zach Braff

I spoke with some of the people behind one of the best new comedies of the season, “Shrinking,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Zach Braff below!

Interview with Abe: Michael Urie

I spoke with some of the people behind one of the best new comedies of the season, “Shrinking,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Michael Urie below!

Interview with Abe: Christa Miller

I spoke with some of the people behind one of the best new comedies of the season, “Shrinking,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Christa Miller below!

Interview with Abe: Ted McGinley

I spoke with some of the people behind one of the best new comedies of the season, “Shrinking,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Ted McGinley below!

Interview with Abe: Zoe Lister-Jones

I've been a big fan of Zoe Lister-Jones for years and loved the chance to speak with her again, this time about Roku's “Slip” and her other recent projects for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with her below!

Interview with Abe: Elizabeth Banks

I had a blast talking to Elizabeth Banks about hosting “Press Your Luck” and her other recent projects for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with her below!

Interview with Abe: Rainn Wilson

I enjoyed speaking with Rainn Wilson about his new show “Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with him below!

Interview with Abe: Judah Miller

I had a great chat with Judah Miller, showrunner for the recently-renewed Peacock comedy “Bupkis” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with him below!

Interview with Abe: Mireille Enos

I got to speak with an actress I've been a fan of for a while about her role in the AMC comedy “Lucky Hank” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Mireille Enos below!

Interview with Abe: Rose Byrne

I spoke with some of the great cast of the underrated Apple TV+ comedy “Physical” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Rose Byrne below!

Interview with Abe: Paul Sparks

I spoke with some of the great cast of the underrated Apple TV+ comedy “Physical” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Paul Sparks below!

Interview with Abe: Della Saba

I spoke with some of the great cast of the underrated Apple TV+ comedy “Physical” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Della Saba below!

Interview with Abe: Bradley Whitford

I spoke with some of the fantastic ensemble of the Hulu series “The Handmaid's Tale” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Bradley Whitford below!

Interview with Abe: Max Minghella

I spoke with some of the fantastic ensemble of the Hulu series “The Handmaid's Tale” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Max Minghella below!

Interview with Abe: Yvonne Strahovski

I spoke with some of the fantastic ensemble of the Hulu series “The Handmaid's Tale” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Yvonne Strahovski below!

Interview with Abe: Madeline Brewer

I spoke with some of the fantastic ensemble of the Hulu series “The Handmaid's Tale” for Awards Radar. Watch a clip from my conversation with Madeline Brewer below and follow this link to read the full interview!

Interview with Abe: Eve Hewson

“Bad Sisters” was the best show I saw on TV this past season. I got to speak with star Eve Hewson for Awards Radar - watch the conversation below!

Interview with Abe: Sharon Horgan

“Bad Sisters” was the best show I saw on TV this past season. I got to speak with star and creator Sharon Horgan for Awards Radar - watch the conversation below!

Interview with Abe: Annaleigh Ashford

It was an absolute delight getting to speak with Annaleigh Ashford about “Welcome to Chippendales” and her many past roles. We spoke for Awards Radar - watch the conversation below!

Interview with Abe: Martin Starr

It's been fun to watch Martin Starr do something different on “Tulsa King” and return in a familiar role in season three of “Party Down.” We spoke for Awards Radar - watch the conversation below!

Interview with Abe: Devan Long

I spoke with some of the talented cast of a great CBS comedy, “Ghosts” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Devan Long below!

Interview with Abe: Brandon Scott Jones

I spoke with some of the talented cast of a great CBS comedy, “Ghosts” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Brandon Scott Jones below!

Interview with Abe: Rose McIver

I spoke with some of the talented cast of a great CBS comedy, “Ghosts” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Rose McIver below!

Interview with Abe: Sian Clifford

I spoke with a very talented actress about starring opposite Rob Lowe in the Netflix comedy series “Unstable” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Sian Clifford below!

Interview with Abe: James Marsden

It's been a very busy season for James Marsden, who wrapped up “Dead to Me,” started “Jury Duty,” and appeared on “Party Down,” “Westworld,” and in “Disenchanted.” Check out our great conversation for Awards Radar.

Interview with Abe: Linda Cardellini

I loved getting the opportunity to speak with Linda Cardellini about saying goodbye to “Dead to Me” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with him below!

Interview with Abe: Milo Ventimiglia

His show, “The Company You Keep,” has since been cancelled, but I very much enjoyed speaking with Milo Ventimiglia for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with him below!

Interview with Abe: Kristin Chenoweth

I had the pleasure of speaking with a good chunk of the cast of the fantastic Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Kristin Chenoweth below!

Interview with Abe: Dove Cameron

I had the pleasure of speaking with a good chunk of the cast of the fantastic Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Dove Cameron below!

Interview with Abe: Aaron Tveit

I had the pleasure of speaking with a good chunk of the cast of the fantastic Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Aaron Tveit below!

Interview with Abe: Ann Harada

I had the pleasure of speaking with a good chunk of the cast of the fantastic Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Ann Harada below!

Interview with Abe: Jane Krakowski

I had the pleasure of speaking with a good chunk of the cast of the fantastic Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Jane Krakowski below!

Interview with Abe: Tituss Burgess

I had the pleasure of speaking with a good chunk of the cast of the fantastic Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Tituss Burgess below!

Interview with Abe: Cinco Paul

I had the pleasure of speaking with a good chunk of the cast of the fantastic Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with showrunner Cinco Paul below!

Interview with Abe: Jodi Balfour

I spoke with some standout members of the season three ensemble from “Ted Lasso” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Jodi Balfour below!

Interview with Abe: James Lance

I spoke with some standout members of the season three ensemble from “Ted Lasso” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with James Lance below!

Interview with Abe: Jeremy Swift

I spoke with some standout members of the season three ensemble from “Ted Lasso” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Jeremy Swift below!

Interview with Abe: Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez

I spoke with some of the talent from the wild new Peacock series “Mrs. Davis” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez below!

Interview with Abe: Chris Diamantopoulos

I spoke with some of the talent from the wild new Peacock series “Mrs. Davis” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Chris Diamantopoulos below!

Interview with Abe: Andy McQueen

I spoke with some of the talent from the wild new Peacock series “Mrs. Davis” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Andy McQueen below!

Interview with Abe: Jake McDorman

I spoke with some of the talent from the wild new Peacock series “Mrs. Davis” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Jake McDorman below!

Interview with Abe: Betty Gilpin

I spoke with some of the talent from the wild new Peacock series “Mrs. Davis” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Betty Gilpin below!

Interview with Abe: Debora Cahn

I spoke with some of the talent from the new Netflix political thriller “The Diplomat” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Debora Cahn below!

Interview with Abe: David Gyasi

I spoke with some of the talent from the new Netflix political thriller “The Diplomat” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with David Gyasi below!

Interview with Abe: Rufus Sewell

I spoke with some of the talent from the new Netflix political thriller “The Diplomat” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Rufus Sewell below!

Interview with Abe: Keri Russell

I spoke with some of the talent from the new Netflix political thriller “The Diplomat” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Keri Russell below!

Interview with Abe: Robert Wisdom

Robert Wisdom has been a formidable addition to the cast of HBO’s “Barry,” and I got to speak with him for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with him below!

Interview with Abe: Jess Wu Calder

I had the chance to speak with a director of one of the most underrated shows out there, Starz’s “Blindspotting,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Jess Wu Calder below!

Interview with Abe: Candace Nicholas-Lippman

I had the chance to speak with the cast of one of the most underrated shows out there, Starz’s “Blindspotting,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Candace Nicholas-Lippman below!

Interview with Abe: Benjamin Earl Turner

I had the chance to speak with the cast of one of the most underrated shows out there, Starz’s “Blindspotting,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Benjamin Earl Turner below!

Interview with Abe: Jaylen Barron

I had the chance to speak with the cast of one of the most underrated shows out there, Starz’s “Blindspotting,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Jaylen Barron below!

Interview with Abe: Helen Hunt

I had the chance to speak with the cast of one of the most underrated shows out there, Starz’s “Blindspotting,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Helen Hunt below!

Interview with Abe: Rafael Casal

I had the chance to speak with the cast of one of the most underrated shows out there, Starz’s “Blindspotting,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Rafael Casal below!

Interview with Abe: Jasmine Cephas Jones

I had the chance to speak with the cast of one of the most underrated shows out there, Starz’s “Blindspotting,” for Awards Radar. Watch my conversation with Jasmine Cephas Jones below!

What I’m Watching: The Company You Keep

The Company You Keep: Season 1, Episode 8 “The Art of the Steel” (B+)

I like that we’re seeing different members of the Nicoletti family interact with Emma, and that Bird wasn’t just there to challenge her but instead to point out that her perspective might be somewhat warped since being honest with her meant that he had put them at risk. That the two of them decided to work a con of their own together in service of getting Patrick released from jail was fun, as was the fact that Emma pretty much got to pretend to be Daphne. Getting to bail Leo out when he got arrested was a major win for her, and it’s a good thing that he has so many people looking out for him. Bird tracking him was a helpful start, and Charlie was more than ready to step in to play a caddy even though he didn’t know just moments earlier that his dad was pulling a job. I recognized Matthew Glave from past paternal roles in “Better Things” and “Rebel,” and the way in which he so eagerly bet thousands of dollars on each golf hole made him a worthy target of revenge. Fran seems very concerned about her husband’s well-being, and my concern continues to be that Daphne is going to just walk right in when Emma happens to be visiting the bar since they keep not meeting at a safer secret location. But Daphne also has her hands full at the moment, with Patrick well aware that Connor wasn’t the child who got him released from jail but also seemingly intent on only using her until she’s no longer an asset, something that’s sure to make her angry and even more eager to seize control of this empire before they push her out.

What I’m Watching: Lucky Hank

Lucky Hank: Season 1, Episode 5 “The Clock” (B+)

There was a lot going on in this episode, which used some clever dinner party-themed framing to anchor its events. Hank trying to get people to move the grandfather clock in was a great way of summarizing all of the relationships and personality dynamics at play, and by the time Tony was willing to help him, he didn’t even seem focused on the task at hand anymore. It was extremely uncomfortable to hear Hank so thoughtlessly dismiss Lily wanting to have a real conversation about taking the job that would be great for her, and that only got worse when Hank saw the text from Tom and then he expressly said that he wasn’t going even if she was. This was the definition of airing private affairs in public, and Lily hit right back with the happiness percentage game, which Hank failed miserably. Things took a much more serious turn when Hank started crying and flashed back to the memory of a suicide attempt, indicative of much greater trauma buried under his sarcastic personality. Paul’s unhinged desire to have Hank’s house was a lot, and he managed to redeem himself somewhat by telling an endearing story about affection that started with him being married to someone else. Gracie continues to be a lot, and I enjoyed her getting stuck when she wanted to come up with a good retort when Paul treated her just as he always does. Emma seemed ready to mess with Tony by telling him about June and Teddy’s open marriage, and they both took over making him squirm when he tried to ask just her out. I love that only Emma knows the by-laws even though, as she said, they’re really not very long or complicated at all.

What I’m Watching: Succession

Succession: Season 4, Episode 4 “Honeymoon States” (B+)

The aftermath of Logan’s death may not have been quite as emotionally devastating, but tensions were absolutely very high and there were some harsh words uttered by many members of the Roy family and their closest associates. Karl not holding back with Tom about what he really thought of him was particularly vicious, and Greg is doing a miserable job of trying to stay relevant when no one wants him around. That Logan wrote that he wanted Kendall to take over and then either crossed it out or underlined it is maddening, and seeing the three youngest Roy siblings weigh in on the situation is mesmerizing. Connor’s concern that Ron was improperly politically defining his father felt far from critical, and offering up $63 million to buy the place from Marcia felt intensely out of touch with the way everyone else, even his siblings, are operating. His swing states “honeymoon” is also a humorous concept, even if Willa is adjusting to the way living with his extraordinary wealth and delusion will change her day-to-day. Marcia was quite cruel to Kerry when she showed up at the apartment, and when Roman is defending someone, it feels as if a line has been crossed. Stewy showed his transparent loyalty to Kendall, who also directed Hugo to derail his dead father’s reputation despite the objection of his siblings. Matsson still wanting them to come to the retreat feels like an overreach, but these kids will do anything to stay in power, even while those who haven’t “pre-grieved” are still mourning.

What I’m Watching: Barry

Barry: Season 5, Episode 2 “bestest place on the earth” (B+)

Barry is going down a dark path, flashing back to his childhood and his first time meeting Fuches, and repeatedly apologizing to Sally when she came to see him show that he knows that people don’t see him as a good person, which is not what he wants. The trajectory of events in this episode was fascinating and also deeply stressful, since Fuches decided not to take his deal to stand by Barry while Hank planned to rescue him, and now that he’s the one cooperating with authorities, Hank is going to use his newly-gathered squad to kill Barry instead. That entire operation is so on brand for this show, with Cristobal and Hank preparing the ultimate presentation to convince sworn enemies to join together for a common cause at the Dave and Buster’s in Torrance. My favorite part was them admitting that they might not end up with a romantic connection like them as a “unicorn.” While Cousineau went to great lengths to (literally) string along Lon to get him to hear his story, his most potent scene was the one where Sally confronted him for not telling her his suspicions about Barry. I’m always pleased to see Matt Servitto, a mainstay from “The Sopranos” and “Banshee,” as Gale Winograd, the lawyer whose manipulative methods are surely inspired all too much from the real tactics of sleazy advocates who wish to hide the obvious guilt of their clients by putting on a show that makes a mockery of the legal system.

What I’m Watching: Barry (Season Premiere)

Barry: Season 4, Episode 1 “Yikes” (B+)

I had the chance to attend an FYC screening a few months ago that featured the fantastic season three episode “810N” where Bill Hader expressed just how bold a decision it was to send Barry to prison. And it’s playing out in a way that feels so uniquely like this show, with Barry isolated from the people he knows and wandering around in a world that he still fully doesn’t understand. He seemed sincere when he told Cousineau that he just wanted to protect him, and after his acting teacher responded in a very harsh manner, he ended up taking a dark turn by egging on a sympathetic guard by telling him he was a cop killer to bring on a beating. Fuches was ready to turn on Barry right away to save himself, but that shot of him pulling the wire out and cradling his old friend suggests that maybe he does really care about Barry more than anything. Sally is unsurprisingly spiraling, and her family seems more interested in being offended about her show than taking care of her. Hank, who is living a nice but boring life with Cristobal in Santa Fe, got spooked by someone else answering Barry’s phone pretending to be him, and he too is going to head right back into dangerous territory to try to protect an old buddy. I’m intrigued by Jim’s newfound relationship with Cousineau, and I’m thrilled to see a terrific and underrated actor, Patrick Fischler, join this season as a reporter who really wants to tell Janice’s story.

Pilot Review: Waco: The Aftermath

Check out my one-minute take on every new pilot, which is embedded below and you can also watch by subscribing to movieswithabe on YouTube.

What I'm Watching: Blindspotting (Season 2)

I had the chance to review the entire second season of “Blindspotting” for AwardsWatch - head over there to read my take on the complete second season.

Pilot Review: The Last Thing He Told Me

Check out my one-minute take on every new pilot, which is embedded below and you can also watch by subscribing to movieswithabe on YouTube.

What I’m Watching: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Season 5, Episode 3 “Typos and Torsos” (B+)

This episode offered the longest introduction yet to Midge as an older Jewish mother, interacting with a completely flummoxed Ethan, who couldn’t stand that his mother still wasn’t able to call his educational journey anything but “rabbi school” when she came by helicopter to visit him on a kibbutz in Israel in 1984. Joel seemed very set on not having Ethan go to a therapist, but we saw right away how that would eventually work out. Abe did enough damage after the embarrassing mistake of spelling Carol Channing’s name wrong when he told Ethan about all the things that should really have scared him. This was a big episode for meddling parents, with Shirley and Moishe driving Joel crazy at the club and then hiring a squad of Yiddish-speaking operatives to extract Mei from China when Joel told them that’s where she went. Susie as Rose’s muscle is a humorous concept, and one that has apparently enabled Susie to establish the kind of power she’s always wanted. Midge was quite shocked that they put in her joke, and her audible groan when Gordon messed it up on air was uncomfortable. He apparently finds her charm irresistible, and that ice skating scene was one of this show’s typically impressive glorious visual sequences. It creates a sense of magic and grounds the show in its time period setting, even as the future threatens to collide with the past as this show nears its end. I’m eager to finish it up but also want to savor it before it’s completely over.

What I’m Watching: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Season 5, Episode 2 “It's a Man, Man, Man, Man World” (B+)

I have strong flashes about future teases, and I think this show is doing a great job in its final season, showing fleeting glimpses that offer more context than we’re realistically going to get without ensuring that the events we see are so tied to where they end up. The older Midge has found success but also continued to live in chaos, with four husbands and a fallout with Susie, which all tracks. It wasn’t too surprising that no one believed that Midge had actually been hired by Gordon, and she had enough trouble trying to convince her new colleagues that she was now an employee. That office is an entirely different kind of ridiculous, but there’s such a fun cast involved, including Eddie Kaye Thomas as Adam, Michael Cyril Creighton as Mel, and Peter Friedman as the much-hated George. The bathroom song and her obsession with sitting outfits were highlights, as was the episode-closing emphasis that she knew her joke about Eisenhower and diapers was funny. I loved that she ran into - and tried to run away from - Sylvio on the train, and asking Joel if he shrunk because he was wearing someone else’s clothes was also hilarious. It’s good that even Zelda gets a secret relationship she wasn’t hiding that only Susie bothered to notice, and the romantic developments between Abe and Rose were quite awkward and amusing. Gabe’s reaction to Abe very directly asking him about what that touch on the leg meant was fun to watch, and I like that Abe’s first response to a near-affair was to take his wife to that same place to recreate the moment with her.