What I’m Watching: B Positive

B Positive: Season 1, Episode 12 “Canine Extraction” (B-)

Drew’s sudden infatuation with the dog that had made him miserable for quite some time felt like it came from out of nowhere, but I do understand that it was meant to be symbolic for how Drew felt about the loss of a relationship with his young, adoring daughter. It was entertaining to see how excited Drew when he told Gina about his planned dog-napping, and the genuine pleasure he felt when Gina acknowledged that she knew it was transference, a concept that he definitely didn’t think she would know. It did feel like Gina could probably have asked if she might be able to keep the dog or at least watch over it every once in a while. Samantha’s coldness followed by her turning into an instant sap when the dog came over and licked her was amusing, and she did her best to pretend that she might be interested in a doctor who wasn’t nearly as edgy as she had hoped. Gina getting caught between being the cool role model for Maddie and being a good friend to Drew led to an uncomfortable and short-lived situation, and Maddie definitely didn’t help matters by showing her disdain for the idea of hanging out with her father. It was sweet that she showed up with Gina at the end with Maddie in tow to recreate the important part of her annual memory, which was, of course, spending time with her father whether the ducks were present or not. This show’s endearing side is pretty charming and works well.

Pilot Review: United States of Al

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.

Take Three: Made for Love

Made for Love: Season 1, Episode 3 “Love Is Strange” (B+)

The way in which this episode was structured was very helpful in terms of filling in the backstory and getting us to the place where we are now. I was happy to see Nyasha Hatendi from “Casual” as Keegan James, the journalist eagerly sharing the opportunity to go inside the mystifying private residence where Byron and Hazel have lived since they first met. There were so many warning signs that Hazel wasn’t happy and that she wasn’t on board with Byron’s approach to both life and their relationship, but it’s likely that they were edited out of the aired interview. What the public knows and what they don’t may not be that important, since Byron knows that he can do anything he wants and exert unchecked control over anyone who gets in his way. I liked that it was the dolphin who saw and understood Hazel’s pain and showed her the way out, and I’m curious to know more about that compassion and understanding. Herbert may not be good for much, but him showing up to pitch a bunch of drawn-out ideas was just the right thing to distract Byron from being able to go after Hazel. Keeping a close eye on her turned out not to be a benefit, as she knew just what to do to show him how much she didn’t want to be with him. Talking her new friend through a weird but fulfilling experience wasn’t about him or her but about underlining her contempt for Byron, a message he definitely got but isn’t willing to accept.

Round Two: Made for Love

Made for Love: Season 1, Episode 2 “Another” (B)

I was wondering after watching the first episode of this show whether Hazel was always going to look frantic as she tried to run from something that was literally inside her head, and the answer is apparently yes. She has good reason to be panicked, especially considering that the one ally she does have, her father, thinks that she must have done something wrong and that Byron could be convinced to take her back. The flashbacks to earlier moments in their relationship are definitely disturbing, and seeing her pass out and then get strapped down and hooked up so that they could insert the chip into her head was an unnerving sight. Herbert seems to be a fan of the big plans that can’t quite materialize, and he has some baggage coming into town after being deemed a pariah due to his romance with an inanimate sex doll that he’d like to think is perfectly acceptable and just a little bit not normal. Herringbone is the henchman that keeps showing up and trying to convince Hazel that he’s just there to help, and Dan Bakkedahl from “Life in Pieces” and “Veep” is definitely the perfect person for the role, making him relatively creepy and slimy and most certainly not trustworthy. Hazel isn’t into trusting anyone else right now, and I have a feeling that her direct approach of telling Byron that she wants a divorce isn’t going to be particularly successful either, though at least it’s one way of confronting the problem.

Pilot Review: Made for Love

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: Generation (Mid-Season Finale)

Generation: Season 1, Episode 8 “The Last Shall Be First” (B+)

It’s good to know that this show will be back for more episodes since its first season is split into two halves, and sixteen episodes feels like a very generous and worthwhile count that will only be increased once this show is hopefully renewed for a second season. I like that we got a quick fast-forward from the main events we had been seeing to the quick flashes to the future bathroom birth rather than go through all of the time that happened in between. Chester really did not seem like himself, wearing traditional clothing and walking around understandably dejected after Sam told him that he would be working with a new guidance counselor, and it was very sweet to see his teammates rally for an International Chester Day by taking their shirts off and getting him to smile and do the same. He made a new friend who is unfortunately going to distract him from looking at Nathan in the way that he sees him, and I’m not sure if listening to that long, meandering voicemail is going to change any of that. Nathan did do a formidable job of standing up to his mother when she saw the video and called to proclaim her intent to go “Old Testament,” and I’m eager to see how his newfound confidence changes him. We only saw a few lingering shots of Greta in the rearview mirror, but it seems that Riley isn’t ready to move on and there may be hope yet for a romance between the two of them. This show is very well-done and has terrific characters, and I look forward to its return at some point in the near future.

What I’m Watching: Call Your Mother

Call Your Mother: Season 1, Episode 9 “One Bad Mother” (B-)

This episode felt even more exaggerated than this show usually does, but at least it was still entertaining. Sharon’s continued presence is making things awkward in a different way than I had expected, which is that her completely out-of-control behavior after she takes sleeping pills led to her crawling into Danny’s bed multiple times and cuddling with them. As someone who has frequently used sleep aids, I’ve never experienced anything like this, but I know it’s typically fodder for comedy, and it was most fun to see Danny freak out after he thought something had happened between them. The far more intimidating presence in the episode was that of Barbara, Lane’s mother, whose visit prompted him to purge any potentially vulnerable elements of his life. She was understandably upset when she heard Lane call her Mother Raines and saw a warm connection between the two of them, and I like that she responded to that by trying to steal Jean’s own children and provide them comfort, particularly the dejected Jackie who couldn’t catch a break. She’s usually much snarkier and more defensive of her actions, but here she was just all about stacking food and daring herself to eat it as she somehow didn’t feel a phone underneath her. Celia and Freddie should probably work on their communication since this all had an easy solution, though Freddie doesn’t seem great at mustering up the courage for confrontation, like the conversation he’ll never have with Celia about needing to shut down all of his games and devices before unplugging them.

What I’m Watching: Resident Alien (Season Finale)

Resident Alien: Season 1, Episode 10 “Heroes of Patience” (B+)

I’m very glad that this show has already been renewed for a second season since this would have been one hell of an ending to never get resolved. As I’ve been saying this entire time, it’s hardly a surprise that Max would have stowed away on the ship and ended up in space with Harry as he was hurtling back to his home planet, but that’s exactly what should have happened, and I’m so eager to see what happens next. Sahar and Max were clever in their unsuccessful efforts to outsmart Lisa and David, and ultimately it came down to Ben and Kate going nuts on them and reaffirming their marital connection through a shared defense of their family. Ethan appears to have been collateral damage who will likely be held or killed because they thought he was the town’s doctor, and that’s sad to me only because I like Michael Cassidy a lot and would have loved to see him featured more (which is still possible). Somehow, D’Arcy didn’t figure out that Harry was an alien even though she had Mike and Liv come to search his house, but she did help Jaye and enjoy the opportunity to get revenge on Jimmy for being such a terrible person. I also really liked that Liv was so touched by Mike getting her the Nespresso machine, something he tried to brush off as "for the office." Harry getting distracted from his mission by the appeal of pizza and conversations with the dead real Harry were entertaining diversions, and I enjoyed how Asta shifted from a sentimental goodbye to harried rushing of him when he casually said that his device was going to kill everyone in eighty seconds. The revelation that it was the real Harry who killed Dr. Hodges is intriguing, and I’m not sure what to make of it. But I do know that I really like this show, and can’t wait until it comes back for season two and beyond.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Alan Tudyk as Harry

What I’m Watching: Supergirl (Season Premiere)

Supergirl: Season 6, Episode 1 “Rebirth” (B-)

It’s strange to come back into this show a little bit later in the season than a few of its Arrowverse counterparts, and I’m honestly much more intrigued by what was going on in the last show to hold this timeslot, “Superman and Lois,” which is due back in a little under two months when this show in turn goes on hiatus. I know that this wasn’t intended to be the season premiere and all this Lex/Obsidian business was likely going to be wrapped at the end of season five, but it’s now all still going on as this show begins its final season. That’s also odd to know given that the other series have all been enthusiastically renewed for more, whereas this one is ready to sign off at just six seasons, which is two fewer than even the already-ended “Arrow” got. I am glad at least to see the characters evolving and that there’s a great team at play here, with Lena firmly deciding which side of this battle she wants to be on and encouraging Alex to be honest with Kelly since not opening up to close friends is exactly what pushed her away from Kara so viciously. M’gann and Hank seem to have a good bond going, and they’ll presumably lead the charge to find Kara and bring her back from the Phantom Zone. Now that she’s separated from her father and Obsidian control, it seems like Andrea is stepping back into the journalism business full-time, and it will be interesting to see where she directs William, especially in Kara’s absence.

What I’m Watching: The Flash

The Flash: Season 7, Episode 5 “Fear Me” (B-)

Every so often, this show likes to delve more into horror than I’d like, and that first shot of Cecile experiencing it was indeed unsettling and off-putting. The other nightmares were more specific, and it’s definitely fair to call them paralyzing. There is an overconfidence that Team Flash possesses every team they come face-to-face with a new villain, and it tends not to work in their favor since, inevitably, a handful of them are more than ready for the supposed defenses that aren’t actually going to work against them. Because we didn’t see his face under that purple mask, I had no idea that it was Ennis Esmer, a familiar actor from “Dark Matter” and “You Me Her,” as Psych, who was indeed one of the more formidable enemies they’ve faced in a while. Just like with the new timeline created when Barry ran into the past when the humans of this world started to get their meta powers, Killer Frost saw her greatest fear, which was being turned in to Joe by Caitlin, an event that now seems likely to happen imminently with the arrival of the government official with an intense background ready to put the wanted fugitive behind bars. At least Caitlin and Frost appear to be on good terms at the moment, and like Frost’s rehabilitation following her criminal debut, they’re likely to find a way to subvert fate and achieve a better outcome, which will probably be merging back together and convincing everyone that Caitlin can control her other half.

SAG Winner Predictions: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

The competition: Dead to Me, The Flight Attendant, The Great, Schitt’s Creek, Ted Lasso

For your information: Last year’s only eligible show, “Schitt’s Creek,” is back for its second consecutive nomination, for its final season. It has four performers nominated. Sophomore series “Dead to Me” is here for the first time, with two of its actresses cited. The other three freshman series have one performer nominated apiece. There’s not much other trivia to cite given the unique circumstances of this year and this mostly fresh list.

Who should win? I’m so happy to see “Dead to Me” and “The Flight Attendant” here since I don’t think enough attention is paid to their casts. It’s a hard decision between “Ted Lasso” and “The Great” for me, but I think I’d choose the latter.

Who will win? I don’t see any way Schitt’s Creek loses this.

SAG Winner Predictions: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

The competition: Better Call Saul, Bridgerton, The Crown, Lovecraft Country, Ozark

For your information: Last year’s only eligible series, defending champion “The Crown,” is back for its fourth bid. It has four performers nominated. “Better Call Saul” and “Ozark” both earn their second nominations after taking last year off the air. The former has one performer nominated, while the latter has three. Freshman series “Bridgerton” has one actor nominated, while another freshman series, “Lovecraft Country,” has none. Only “CSI” managed to win this prize, in 2004, with no performers singled out. Repeat winners are very common.

Who should win? I didn’t watch past “Bridgerton” episode one. This is a very solid list. I think I’d choose “Better Call Saul” or “The Crown.”

Who will win? I don’t see how The Crown falters.

SAG Winner Predictions: Best Female Actor in a Miniseries or Made-for-TV Movie

The competition: Cate Blanchett’s motivated activist (Mrs. America), Michaela Coel’s sexual assault survivor (I May Destroy You), Nicole Kidman’s troubled mother (The Undoing), Anya Taylor-Joy’s chess prodigy (The Queen’s Gambit), and Kerry Washington’s protective mother (Little Fires Everywhere).

For your information: Blanchett won previously for “Blue Jasmine,” “The Aviator,” and as part of the “Return of the King” ensemble. She has six additional individual bids and five ensemble bids, but this is her first TV nomination. Kidman won this prize in 2017 for “Big Little Lies.” She has seven additional individual bids and five ensemble bids. Washington was nominated in 2016 in this category for “Confirmation,” in 2013 for “Scandal,” and back in 2004 as part of the “Ray” ensemble. This is the first nomination for Taylor-Joy and Coel. Taylor-Joy defeated Blanchett and Kidman at the Golden Globes.

Who should win? I didn’t watch all of Coel’s work, though everything I’ve heard about it suggests it’s incredible. From the others, I would probably choose Taylor-Joy over Blanchett and Washington, though all three were very good.

Who will win? I think this is safely Taylor-Joy.

SAG Winner Predictions: Best Male Actor in a Miniseries or Made-for-TV Movie

The competition: Bill Camp’s chess-loving janitor (The Queen’s Gambit), Daveed Diggs’ Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson (Hamilton), Hugh Grant’s suspicious husband (The Undoing), Ethan Hawke’s passionate abolitionist (The Good Lord Bird), Mark Ruffalo’s twin brothers (I Know This Much Is True)

For your information: Hawke has two previous film nominations, for “Boyhood” and “Training Day,” as well as an ensemble bid for the former. Grant was nominated in this category two years ago for “A Very English Scandal” and in 2016 for “Florence Foster Jenkins,” along with an ensemble bid for “Sense and Sensibility” back in 1995. Ruffalo won this prize in 2014 for “The Normal Heart” and an ensemble award for “Spotlight” in 2015, in addition to earning both bids for “The Kids Are All Right” and a solo nomination for “Foxcatcher.” This is the first nomination for both Camp and Diggs. Five supporting actors have won this prize in this category’s twenty-six-year history. Ruffalo won the Emmy this past fall, though none of these men were in competition against him, and he defeated both Grant and Hawke at the Golden Globes.

Who should win? I only watched one episode of Hawke’s show. It’s hard to judge these very different performances. Ruffalo was indeed very good, as was Diggs in two roles in a filmed play, but I’d be so happy to see a minor but memorable performance like Camp’s recognized.

Who will win? Unless Diggs, who announced the nominations for this group, can surprise, I think Ruffalo wins without a problem.

What I’m Watching: Breeders

Breeders: Season 2, Episode 3 “No Connection” (B+)

That opening scene did seem a bit too good to be true, with all four members of the family sitting down to enjoy an appropriate beverage of their choice while they watched the ice skating series together. The reality was far more appropriate for this show, with no one wanting to other than Paul and him deciding to have a drink and unplug the router to get his revenge. Forcing everyone to watch later instead of other activities like, say, doing homework didn’t go all that well, and Ally seemed most flustered by his abandonment of the notion of consent. It was clear right away that Paul was not going to be a fan of George when he met him at taekwondo, and Ava seemed particularly embarrassed by her father’s sudden interest in the sport for the first time in that moment. Ally asking if Paul was having an affair when he brought her coffee indicated how rarely that happens, and though he hasn’t lost much of his temper, Paul does seem to be softening a bit as he thinks about what he really wants. His parents’ new neighbors calling the police on his mom and not understanding the request he had made on her behalf was an unfortunate development, and I can imagine that situation – and Paul’s patience – is going to devolve over time. We haven’t seen much of Ally’s work lately, but spending an entire day with a woman whose only job was to scream repeatedly into a microphone hardly sounds all that pleasant.