David Wiegand

The entire cast is outstanding, and Simien’s script is masterful. On the one hand, he is dealing with very complicated identity issues with intelligence and directness. On another level, though, he’s writing exceptionally funny comedy, crackling with credible wit that often packs a not-so-secret weapon: thought-provoking points of view about how we deal with issues of race and identity. Or, in some cases, how we don’t deal with them.

It's difficult to imagine that even American broadcast TV would import the cliche-ridden melodrama of "Borgen," but if it captures the credible heart of the story - that moderation has a place in politics and can beat old-fashioned backroom deals - it holds promise.

The characters may be types, but what they do as back waiters, servers, bartenders and sous chefs is convincing.

Bobby Kennedy for President is not a definitive work. Yes, it has been carefully researched and is a very useful and important compilation of materials about who RFK was and what he did. In doing so, it captures the appeal of the man, especially to a generation looking desperately for a leader who would bring the nation peace, within its borders and elsewhere.

We’ve all heard the names of the series’ subjects so far (and next year’s subject, author Mary Shelley), and may know something about them — perhaps a lot about them. But the addition of solid performances and attention to production details of setting, design and costumes enhances our knowledge and goes a long way toward making us want to know--and see--more.

This is not only an important show, one that gets into your head as few TV series can, it is also pretty much a masterpiece. ... Once again, the performances are astounding. And once again, the most astounding is Emmy winner Moss. ... The rest of the cast is extraordinary.

The Searcher is a spellbinding and grippingly revealing documentary. On the plus side, it eschews the tiresome talking-head structure, but doesn’t always identify who is speaking, which only occasionally makes you wonder who’s speaking.

The show isn’t as satisfying as seeing Styles perform live, and Grimshaw may not add much to the party, but it is, after all, Harry Styles.

There is plenty of action and violence in the first half of the season, but what will empower the show’s longevity is its metaphysical theme, the exploration of the meaning and definition of human existence.

The show is watchable, but mostly for the special effects. The scripts are plodding and formulaic and the direction consistently flabby.