What I’m Watching: Your Honor (Series Finale)

Your Honor: Season 2, Episode 10 “Part Twenty” (B-)

Now we’re at the very end, and I’m not convinced that this season was necessary. It’s not that it was bad, since it’s certainly more compelling than a good portion of what airs on television these days, but it just didn’t feel impactful or interesting enough at any point. Just as in the first episode when Adam hit and killed Rocco, it was about people caught in a destructive spiral who were affecting each other negatively without any intention to do so, and the actual villains taking advantage of the situation. Eugene telling Michael that he was sorry about Adam should have been enough to end this whole charade, but the truth is that innocent people got hurt as a result of Michael’s actions even more than Adam’s, since the cover-up then caused the Baxter family to retaliate against the alleged offender, who in truth had nothing to do with any of this. Charlie was mostly absent from this finale and got away without any consequences, while Eugene was offered witness protection, something he deserves because he could actually start over and make a good life for himself. Michael confessing Adam’s guilt didn’t really help anyone, nor did it have much of an impact on anyone. It’s not surprising that Gina would wield her father as a weapon against her husband, taking them both out of her life but apparently not killing Jimmy off just yet, and allowing Big Mo to operate as long as she didn’t have to see her. I can’t imagine a third season is in the works given the very purposeful announcement of this season as the show’s last, and even though I watched this whole run, I could probably resist tuning back in for more of the same.

Season grade: B-
Season MVP: Hope Davis as Gina

What I’m Watching: History of the World, Part II (Series Finale)

History of the World, Part II: Season 1, Episode 8 “Part VIII” (B+)

I’m considering this the series finale even if I do hope that a second installment comes through, especially given the trailers we saw at the end which were similar to the same teaser at the close of the 1981 film so many decades ago. I think that “Jews in Space” was one of the strongest and funniest segments of the whole series, with Sarah Silverman not being able to fly when it might always be sundown and Ike Barinholtz putting the lox on the controls. Nick Kroll asking Wanda Sykes if she was allowed to be there was also another highlight, and we got a great send-up of the way Jews are portrayed in history with Jillian Bell’s marketing meeting for the Jesus movie, which saw them recast him as more “fair-skinned and relatable” and make it clearer that the Jews and not the Romans were the bad guys. Christianity really has been an effective target of this show. Barinholtz’s Teddy Roosevelt workout routine was sort of fun, and we got one more Shirley segment to bring it all home. I appreciated the opening bit with Lennon Parham trying to hit through the Berlin Wall and it ending up being just Kroll’s bathroom. Those short bits are really the best, and I’d love to see more of those in a theoretical season that should go into production right away while the energy is still hot and this series is hopefully attracting new fans who definitely weren’t even born (myself included) when part one was released.

Series grade: B+
Series MVP: Nick Kroll

What I’m Watching: Hunters (Series Finale)

Hunters: Season 2, Episode 8 “The Trial of Adolf Hitler”

After the penultimate episode diverged considerably from this show’s central characters and storyline, I was pleased to see an installment that felt as satisfying as possible given this show’s truncated conclusion and the scope of what it was trying to do. Seeing protesters outside Hitler’s trial with white power signs was very disturbing, as well as the indication that the chief justice might be biased and allow for very strict readings of the law that might allow him to actually not be held accountable for all he did. Hearing from Mindy and other survivors was very powerful, and having a Jewish defense attorney, played by Josh Zuckerman, added a whole lot to the importance of what was happening. Nyasha Hatendi was very memorable as Oliver Frankel, the prosecutor, who was standing for nothing and continued pushing, and, as is often the case in real life, self-righteousness and a desire not to be thought of as weak was ultimately Hitler’s undoing on the stand. Using a direct Mel Gibson quote and ideas that Donald Trump expressed caught me by surprise, demonstrating just how cyclical things can be, and I found that to be a very emotional and worthwhile creative choice. After the guilty verdict was rendered, this show kicked back into full gear for one last extended sequence, which fortunately did fell the still-alive Travis, have Eva die in the process, and put Hitler in prison as an anonymous number, the worst fate for someone with such an ego. The confirmation that Meyer was Ruth’s killer was an interesting wedding gift from Harriet to Jonah, especially since the show ended with him still trying to track down the Nazis who were still out there. That was a fitting way to close out the show, with most of the characters getting happy endings but the resounding knowledge that evil still exists in this world. I might have been open to more of this show but I’m glad that this second season was very strong, better even than the first, and I’ll remember it fondly to recommend to those okay with seeing more than a bit of brutality on screen.

Series finale: B+
Series grade: B+
Season MVP: Jennifer Jason Leigh as Chava
Season grade: B+
Series MVP: Al Pacino as Meyer
Best Season: Season 2
Best Episode: “Only the Dead”

What I’m Watching: Fleishman is in Trouble (Series Finale)

Fleishman is in Trouble: Season 1, Episode 8 “The Liver” (B)

This show has been one of the most interesting series I’ve watched in a while, and that makes this final episode a bit of a letdown. It felt strange to not see Rachel at all aside from that closing moment after the superb showcase she got in the previous episode, and I wish that this could have been a longer series rather than just a limited series, though I guess it’s still possible that more episodes could be commissioned if it’s viewed as a success. Shifting into “I could not tell you what Toby did next” was an unexpected transition since he’s always been the focus of the show, but Libby took over with her own problems and finding a way to get back into the rhythm of a life she had all but abandoned. Telling Toby that she was writing a book about him and him acknowledging that he hadn’t been a good friend to her lately was a worthwhile moment, especially as they both managed to be lackluster friends for Seth when he wanted them to be there and happy for them as he proposed to Vanessa at the party. The interpersonal relationships on this show have been fascinating, as have the smaller moments, like Hannah deciding she doesn’t want a Bat Mitzvah and Toby explaining to her why he believes it’s important. This was a perfect role for Jesse Eisenberg and I’m just as pleased to see Lizzy Caplan get a terrific part, along with Claire Danes, Adam Brody, and Josh Radnor. Despite this finale not feeling like the conclusion the show deserved, I will remember it quite fondly and sing its praises heading into Emmy season.

Series grade: A-
Series MVP: Jesse Eisenberg

What I’m Watching: His Dark Materials (Series Finale)

His Dark Materials: Season 3, Episode 8 “The Botanic Garden”

I took a little time between the final two episodes of this show even though they aired back-to-back, and they’re definitely very different tonally. Episode seven was all about action and featured a very dramatic death from Lyra’s parents as they acted together and sacrificed themselves to defeat Metatron, while episode eight was much quieter, even though it also had to do with sacrifice. Lyra kissing Will was sweet since their relationship has never really been about romance but has apparently led there anyway, and it seems that young love was enough to reset the universe on the right path. Knowing that they would never again get to be together but that they could both come to the same place in their different worlds on the same day each year so that they could be together was a nice idea, and a great note on which to end this show. Father Gomez’s death at the hands of an angel because his murderous quest was not actually holy is, like so much of this show, a resounding condemnation of aggression in the name of religion, and that dimension of this series and its source material is particularly fascinating, giving angels certain powers but also certain limitations. This show has been worthwhile and engaging, and its visual components have also been quite strong. I think its themes will stick with me most. I look forward to seeing what Dafne Keen does next and will appreciate most the rich, unforgettable performance by Ruth Wilson as Mrs. Coulter.

Series finale: B+
Series grade: B+
Season MVP: Ruth Wilson
Season grade: B+
Series MVP: Ruth Wilson
Best Season: Season 2 

Best Episode: “Æsahættr”

What I’m Watching: Dead to Me (Season Finale)

Dead to Me: Season 3, Episode 10 “We’ve Reached the End”

I’m not sure this show could have offered up a more fitting finale, one that highlighted the friendship that Jen and Judy have built and how, despite its unfortunate origins, neither of them would have traded it for anything. Judy scaring away the Greeks when they were following them at the start was comical, but it was true that they couldn’t do much to her since she had little time left. That time was well-spent, and Judy got to embarrass Jen a few more times and then find a way to leave that didn’t feel too painful. Jen was able to go back without any consequences to her, though that final line of the episode suggests that things may be forever changed by her likely confession to Ben about having killed Steve. But Ben is such a nice guy and reacted so well to the news that he was going to be a father that he’ll likely get over it, even if it does take some time. It is nice, however, to see such a happy family, and to see how they’re constantly reminded of Judy, whether it’s because of the one thousand cranes she literally made or her daughter, who she didn’t name Jduy because she’s still Jen and thought that would have been creepy. Driving back to the United States in the reconstructed car also had its own meaning, and makes things feel quite circular in a good way. I’m sure it would have been nice to get to have season after season of this show, but I’m pretty satisfied, and I hope that these actors get deservedly recognized one last time when the Emmy nominations are announced this summer.

Series finale: B+
Series grade: B+
Season MVP: Linda Cardellini as Judy 

Season grade: B+
Series MVP: Linda Cardellini
Best Season: Season 2
Best Episode: “If Only You Knew”

What I’m Watching: Atlanta (Series Finale)

Atlanta: Season 4, Episode 10 “It Was All a Dream”

This isn’t the kind of show that was going to end in a way that actually wrapped up any of its storylines, and therefore ending on an uncertain note that felt a lot like “Inception” was oddly appropriate. It’s hardly surprising that Darius would be into sensory deprivation since he’s always colored outside the lines. He did get a bit too into it in this case, and his Judge Judy test of his reality wasn’t as reliable as he had hoped. It was jarring to see him come out of the tank twice within a few seconds, and he was intent on telling others that they either were in that imagined mode or not, which didn’t seem to be the case. Running into his ex was quite the wild experience, and then he burst right into that Black-owned sushi spot to save his friends from some weird fate in the fancy pink car he stole from the valet. Van encouraging Earn and Alfred to try the restaurant even though she wasn’t even into it and they were constantly thinking about the Popeye’s across the street was a peculiar endeavor to dominate this show’s final outing, but it also felt totally on-brand, especially as both Van and Alfred tried to get away from the horrific experience while Earn continued to try to find a bright side. This show hasn’t always been consistent, but when it has, it’s been hard to forget. I’ll be eager to see what all these people do next, particularly Donald Glover’s subsequent projects behind the camera.

Series finale: B+
Series grade: B
Season MVP: Zazie Beetz as Van
Season grade: B+
Series MVP: Zazie Beetz
Best Season: Season 1
Best Episode: “Cancer Attack”

What I’m Watching: The Patient (Series Finale)

The Patient: Season 1, Episode 10 “The Cantor’s Husband” (B-)

This finale didn’t change anything for me other than to feel that it just hasn’t been worth it. To have things end like this was miserable if predictable, especially since Alan did the one thing he hadn’t until then that made him an acceptable person to kill: threaten his mother’s life. Going to kill his father turned out to be a big nothing since he ultimately just choked him and decided not to kill him, but his solution to that big breakthrough moment was to set Alan up to be permanently moved in to the basement. I don’t think there’s a scenario in which Sam would ultimately have let him go, but this was still an unpleasant resolution for everyone. Having Alan open his eyes and remember being with his son’s family while they were singing the start to the Grace after Meals (a melody I’ve sung many times) was the last bizarre callback to religiosity that didn’t really define Alan’s life even if he was haunted by memories and nightmares before and during his captivity. Sam sending Alan’s letter to Ezra and Shoshana made for an emotional ending, and having the last scene feature Ezra going to therapy to talk about his own issues was an intriguing endpoint that also felt somewhat manipulative. It seems that I’m in the minority when it comes to my impression of this show and its Jewish content, but I think this might have been more interesting if Alan wasn’t already coming in with his own arduous drama. The show’s creators have confirmed that this is indeed a limited series and will not be returning, and I think that’s fine given that it’s more than explored a premise I didn’t feel was quite as fascinating or well-done as most.

Series grade: B-
Series MVP: Domhnall Gleeson as Sam

What I’m Watching: Kevin Can F**k Himself (Series Finale)

Kevin Can F**k Himself: Season 2, Episode 8 “Allison’s House”

I had hoped for it all along, and then it finally happened, and was so worth it. Allison returned to tell Kevin she was alive, and then as soon as she told him she wanted a divorce, the laugh track suddenly disappeared. I have to commend Eric Petersen on his subtlety in that scene, no longer a caricature but instead someone capable of nuanced gaslighting and abuse. Threatening to destroy had a terrifying intentionality to it, something that we haven’t typically seen from him, and it was the perfect way to say goodbye to a character who, in a different light and with people laughing, didn’t seem nearly as toxic and horrible as he was. That the show ended on Allison and Patty and not on Kevin was also purposeful, and the notion of them dying alone together highlights the worth of healthy friendships over toxic relationships. No one got a particularly happy ending, with Tammy and Patty breaking up because Patty just couldn’t leave her home and Neil told to move out and dumped by Diane when he tried to make their relationship too real. Molly’s presence felt sudden but she was gone just as quickly, namely because she really was just a plot device for Kevin not to feel alone, and meeting Allison and understanding the absurdity of his manipulation was enough to send her running for the door. This show has certainly been creative and memorable, and I’m glad to see it end on such a poignant and worthwhile note.

Series finale: B+
Series grade: B+
Season MVP: Mary Hollis Inboden as Patty
Season grade: B+
Series MVP: Annie Murphy as Allison
Best Season: Season 2
Best Episode: Series finale

Emmy Catch-Up: Scenes from a Marriage (Series Finale)

Scenes from a Marriage: Season 1, Episode 5 “In the Middle of the Night, in a Dark House, Somewhere in the World” (B)

Once again, we tese two people coming back together to rehash many of their old problems, albeit in a very different context. Returning to the home they used to own which is now being rented on Airbnb was a jolting move, one that makes you consider whether or not that kind of thing happens in real life, with previous owners coming back to places they used to live and know where secret doors or vulnerabilities might be. The intentions of this once-and-future couple weren’t quite as nefarious, at least not towards the house, though their relationship continues to be toxic since they’re never on the same page about exactly what they want. Jonathan expressed a sentiment to his mother that she didn’t welcome after his father died, one that felt much more like Mira’s sense of relief at no longer having to be with Jonathan since they didn’t have the same expectations about what their partnership should be. Tovah Feldshuh’s Miryam wasn’t at all pleased with that question, yet Jonathan wasn’t startled enough by her negative response to do anything differently. The emphasis on Jewish traditions and interpreting them differently came up once again, with Mira reappropriating the mourning process of shiva as something to acknowledge the death of their marriage. This has been an interesting experiment, but having actors Oscar and Jessica walk back to their dressing rooms at the end of the episode as themselves made it feel a bit too staged. Perhaps a more expansive universe with other characters in it like the first episode might have made it slightly more impactful.

Series grade: B
Series MVPs: Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain

Emmy Catch-Up: Dopesick (Series Finale)

Dopesick: Season 1, Episode 8 “The People vs. Purdue Pharma” (B+)

I think any disappointment I found in this finale, which is Emmy-nominated for both its writing and directing, is that things never culminated in the way they should because that’s not how history went. Getting a few important people to take the fall and the company to pay out a huge settlements were the best wins they could have hoped for, and seeing the protests in 2019 with people declaring “Shame on Sackler” and demanding that the name be taken off buildings and other institutions was powerful. It was also upsetting to see Billy called into a room to be let go and pressured into signing an NDA so that he could get a severance package or forfeit any compensation or legal protection on the spot if he refused to do so. Fortunately, he made the right choice, but that was surely just one instance of a high-pressure technique that worked all too well to intimidate people into submission. Hearing all of the charges that John, Rick, and Randy were ready to file showed the scope of all this and how there were so many issues with what Purdue was doing regularly. This episode is Peter Sarsgaard’s Emmy submission, and while he does do fine work, I think he’s pretty consistent across the whole series and could have chosen any installment. I do think, in addition to supporting actress Kaitlyn Dever, who played Betsy, and lead actor Michael Keaton, who played Samuel, both of whom have been collecting prizes and are likely to win Emmy too, Will Poulter would be my choice from the supporting actor field for his portrayal of Billy. This show is both very well-done and highly informative, and it’s ultimately just a shame that it had to be made given the horrible history it recreates.

Series grade: A-
Series MVP: Kaitlyn Dever as Betsy

What I’m Watching: Better Call Saul (Series Finale)

Better Call Saul: Season 6, Episode 13 “Saul Gone”

This made for a very compelling finale, giving us a few worthwhile flashbacks and character appearances that felt relevant and poignant while giving Jimmy an ending only he could have preordained. Opening with Jimmy and Mike talking about what they would do with a time machine was an excellent way of framing this final episode, positioning Jimmy as someone who’s all about the money rather than actually having any sincere relationships. Facing life plus 190 years was a steep sentence, but he showed his true colors when Marie came in to chew him out for what he had done. He didn’t even try to hide what his goals were when he was asked if he thought a jury would buy that, and we quickly saw an offer of thirty years go down to seven and a half years plus his preferred ice cream flavor every Friday. It’s too bad Kim’s conscience got to her before Jimmy got caught in a dumpster, and ultimately that was what tipped the scales and got him to go overboard on confessing things to completely negate his deal so that she could be cleared of any wrongdoing. The flashbacks to Walt and to Chuck were particularly enlightening, and Walt assessing that he was always like this showed just how much he was able to read Jimmy’s inability to take things seriously. Getting sent to the maximum security facility he had said was a terrible place was a fitting fate, and having him do his signature move as Kim walked out after his fellow inmates made a beat to his slogan was a very memorable way to go out. I’m so glad that this show was a success, and after meeting many of the people involved over virtual interviews and in-person at the Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards, I’m very hopeful that they’ll be duly honored for their achievements at this year’s Emmys and the next.

Series finale: A-
Series grade: A-
Season MVP: Bob Odenkirk
Season grade: A-
Series MVP: Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn
Best Season: Season 5
Best Episode: “Bad Choice Road”

Emmy Catch-Up: Maid (Series Finale)

Maid: Season 1, Episode 10 “Snaps” (B+)

Opening this episode with Alex watching her mother and seeing that she was fabricating a life that she didn’t actually have felt like it might be the last obstacle for her to face before leaving, but that was not the case. Despite Tara’s repeated assurances that this case would be very easy to win, it was unsurprising to hear that Sean was challenging what she had put into place. I was extremely concerned when, after Sean reacted negatively to having to meet Maddy at a playground with Paula there to supervise, he drove to the shelter, a location he shouldn’t have had. But that turned out to be an important turning point where, because he does still have decency in him, he recognized that he shouldn’t be around Maddy and decided not to contest anything. That leaves the door open for a possible future where, unlike Hank, who wasn’t willing to confront his past to help his daughter, Sean is determined to get better and not to be around Maddy until he knows that he is. Paula deciding not to come made some sense too since it’s hard for her to get out of her repetitive and problematic routine, and Alex is finally setting out on her own journey. This has been a very worthwhile and strong series, and I’m glad its Emmy nominations compelled me to finally watch it. This episode is up for directing while the previous one contends for writing and Margaret Qualley is in the mix for her performance, and while I don’t think it will win any of those trophies, I’d be very happy if it did happen.

Series grade: A-
Series MVP: Margaret Qualley as Alex

Emmy Catch-Up: Station Eleven (Series Finale)

Station Eleven: Season 1, Episode 10 “Unbroken Circle” (B+)

I think I expect that reunions should be dramatic and full of conversation about what’s happened in the many years since the people involved have seen each other, but that’s just not always the case. I think it was fitting that Jeevan and Kirsten just recognized each other and hugged, and that they only asked each other a few questions before they parted ways, hoping to reunite in a year when Jeevan brought his family to the performance when the Traveling Symphony returned to its new Wheel stop of the Severn City Airport. Jeevan did exactly what he needed to do in his role as doctor, suggesting a treatment for Clark and being there to tell Sarah that it was okay to let go. Tyler playing a role in the play with Elizabeth and Clark also acting was deeply therapeutic for everyone involved, and it was nice to see Elizabeth agree immediately to leave with Tyler when he asked, giving them both a happy ending even if it’s not as comfortable as the airport existence that Elizabeth had previously been living. I wasn’t sure if we’d find out that Miranda was also still alive, but instead, we got to see how she made an important phone call to ensure that Clark, Tyler, and everyone else didn’t die by convincing the pilot not to let his passengers off the plane. That action and her book were deeply influential for the next twenty years, making for a very creative and highly involving series. This finale earned Emmy nominations for writing, editing, and music, all of which I’d say it deserved. This has been a unique and interesting ride.

Series grade: B+
Series MVP: Mackenzie Davis as Kirsten

What I’m Watching: Ms. Marvel (Series Finale)

Ms. Marvel: Season 1, Episode 6 “No Normal” (B+)

This finale did a good job of tying up its specific storylines while preparing Kamala for a much bigger adventure in the upcoming film “The Marvels.” I had a feeling, as I’m sure most viewers did, that Brie Larson would show up as Captain Marvel, but she seems to have done so right after Kamala got sucked away to some other place by the bangle, and she was understandably startled to be surrounded by so much fandom about herself. This was a celebratory occasion for the superhero who has yet to fully declare her identity as Ms. Marvel, ensuring that no one got hurt when they had to defend the school from being attacked by Damage Control and Kamran not being able, or not wanting, to control his powers. Having her family and friends, plus the new addition of a more enlightened Zoe, help figure out clever ways to stall was fun, and it was cool to see the gathered crowd run forward to protect her when a desperate Agent Deever tried to take her out one last time. Kamran managed to get what appears to have a happy ending, reluctantly teaming up with Kareem to figure out what’s next for the two of them. Muneeba getting her daughter a costume was the ultimate show of support, and now she’ll be ready to suit up for whatever is in store in the upcoming MCU movie. I’ve enjoyed this show and would be happy to see more of it, and it will definitely be fun to see Kamala back in that film and hopefully more after that.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Iman Vellani as Kamala

What I’m Watching: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Series Finale)

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Season 1, Episode 6 “Part VI” (B-)

Well, here we are, and there wasn’t ultimately a point to all of this. Reva went to the trouble of terrorizing people on Tattooine and tracking down Luke only to decide to leave him alone and then carry him back to his aunt and uncle. The only thing this really did serve to explain is why it took Darth Vader so long to find Obi-Wan since he was told by Palpatine that his obsession with his old master was making him weak. I am impressed that Ian McDiarmid continues his streak of playing Palpatine in so many projects, and it’s crazy to think that the actor is only seventy-seven, which seems young given how old and frightening he looked when he first made an appearance in the original trilogy. Ultimately, this was all just about bringing back characters for another filler adventure, one whose nostalgic nature was only emphasized by the ending scene with Liam Neeson reappearing as Qui-Gon. There are worse ways to spend time, to be sure, but I’d rather follow new characters on other adventures, or at least have something like “The Mandalorian” or “The Book of Boba Fett” which have their own character arcs and subplots that exist separate from this established mythology. Reva and the Grand Inquisitor were worthwhile enough additions, but they never had an opportunity to do much other than exist in Vader’s shadow. I’d be fine with a pre-prequel that looks at a time when Jedis thrived or even before they were renowned for their abilities, and I have a feeling we’ll see that at some point down the road. I just wish this had felt more transformative.

Series grade: B-
Series MVP: Moses Ingram as Reva

What I’m Watching: The Offer (Series Finale)

The Offer: Season 1, Episode 10 “Brains and Balls” (B+)

I liked that this episode opened with Evans purporting that he’s always calm, something that was not at all the case just one month earlier when they were trying to figure out a way to get the movie out and have it be a success. The idea of block booking a huge number of theaters so that the first day would be a juggernaut and everyone would see it at the same time was a bold move, but one that paid off spectacularly well. It did help Evans’ mood that, even though Ali showed up to his exquisitely-catered dinner with divorce papers, she opted to attend the premiere with him to give the press something to write about one last time. Kissinger changing his plans from Moscow to come to the premiere was a boon for both the film and for him given its resounding success. I know the Oscar history and how Bob Fosse defeated Francis for the Best Director prize, but this brief snapshot of the show with the belief that “Cabaret” was just too popular and would eclipse “The Godfather” for the top prize was effectively edited and poignant. Ruddy deciding not to do the sequel so that he could trade the rights for the projects he wanted to do was a surprising but smart move, and it’s nice to know that he had a long and prolific career that included another Best Picture trophy for “Million Dollar Baby” three decades later. It was nice also to see that Ruddy invested in Bettye’s next step, and that she was able to have her own wondrous success in the wake of all this. I’ve very much enjoyed and appreciated this series, and I hope it earns some deserved recognition for its supporting players when Emmy nominations are announced.

Series grade: A-
Series MVP: Matthew Goode as Bob Evans

What I’m Watching: Gaslit (Series Finale)

Gaslit: Season 1, Episode 8 “Final Days” (B+)

There have been so many limited series recently that have started out so well and then ended with a bit of a whimper and I’m pleased to report that, even though I wasn’t entirely fond of the episode before this one, this was a very strong finish. Opening with Martha Kelly’s Rose Mary Woods showing scientifically how she must have pushed the wrong button while she was stretching to erase the tapes highlighted the absurdity of all this in an episode that wasn’t quite as over-the-top as the rest. Paul and Angelo were thrilled to be able to come arrest John and parade him out in front of the press, though somehow he managed to escape severe punishment despite his explicit role in all of this. Seeing Dean and the other top dogs, including Halderman, Colson, and Magruder out working in the prison yard discussing whether they were guilty or whether, as Dean put it, they were “all Nixon,” was an interesting reflection on their degrees of complicity. Liddy being in the same room at the courthouse with Dean and telling him how he had learned how to kill a man using just a pencil was a perfect coda for those two characters and the way in which they’ve both played a part in all this. It’s sad to see Martha’s fate, but at least Winnie tried to pay tribute to someone she judged initially but then really got to know when she gave her a chance. This has been quite a ride, with such a terrific cast and a great way to learn about a relatively exaggerated but still worthwhile chronicle of history.

Series grade: B+
Series MVP: Shea Whigham as Gordon Liddy

What I’m Watching: The Staircase (Series Finale)

The Staircase: Season 1, Episode 8 “America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time” (B+)

It’s definitely been easy to get lost over the course of this series regarding the specific moment in time being portrayed, and that was absolutely still true in this final episode. But what this hour did exceptionally well was to show how the passage of time really wears on someone, with Candace reading that same letter and a much more wearied, older Michael hearing it as he was finally about to have any penalties related to his alleged role in Kathleen’s death removed. It’s jarring to think of just how long this all went on, and to see the way that his family all reacted when he was released pending a retrial in 2011. But Clayton got that first reminder that it didn’t mean he was cleared, and his favorite restaurant was very ready to stand on ceremony that it wouldn’t seat convicted killers. But Michael also revealed his crueler, colder side when Margaret couldn’t decide what dessert she wanted, a reminder that, even if he is innocent, his demeanor doesn’t do him any favors. That was most on display when he was supposed to leave for Paris and lashed out at Sophie for being ready for something they had planned for so long. Ending on the note of him recalling the fact that he had to hide he was gay only served to emphasize that it’s hard to know who he really was since he always hid so much of it from the rest of the world. There remain many unanswered questions after this show, but it’s been very interesting and enlightening, with some terrific performances in the ensemble.

Series grade: B+
Series MVP: Colin Firth

What I’m Watching: Under the Banner of Heaven (Series Finale)

Under the Banner of Heaven: Season 1, Episode 7 “Blood Atonement” (B+)

I’m not sure what I expected to see in this finale, but it was unnerving how simple everything was and how easily it happened. Brenda saw Dan coming in and tried to stop him, and then she was helpless to do anything else when he overpowered her. The fact that no one even tried to step in when Dianna was crying out for help as Samuel tried to take Matilda aware to face her own divine punishment was very disturbing, and that explains how the brothers were able to get away with all this, since no one bothered to do anything and they just marched on with their alleged religious orders. Dianna demanding that he bear his testimony was an important indicator of how she, like Pyre, still believes after all this in the tenets of their religion. Bill rejected efforts to make his people’s history one of cooperation since that wasn’t the story he had heard, and didn’t appreciate the lies they had been told and the way it had been spun to make it seem like they weren’t manipulated victims. After some prodding from Bill, Pyre was able to realize that Ron’s next move would be to kill Dan, or the other way around, and it was telling that, when they were finally arrested, Ron remained stoically silent and Dan once again cried out to those around him to ask what laws of heaven he had broken. Ending on Pyre coming back to his family was a strong choice, emphasizing the heart of this harrowing but very well-told series.

Series grade: B+
Series MVP: Andrew Garfield as Pyre and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Brenda