Steve Greene

The latest hit Netflix docuseries finds chilling and effective ways to go beyond the standard true-crime expectations. Yet, even as it ends up at a broader message beyond the unusual circumstances of a single kidnapping case, it’s hard to shake the idea that the overall structure of the show and its “twisty thriller” framing are working against what could make this a truly worthwhile entry into an ever-growing subgenre.

There are tiny flashes of something interesting under the surface that keeps The Trust from feeling completely unnecessary. Fans of the genre will enjoy it – just don't expect something revolutionary.

There’s an overall pendulum swing between cheery optimism and jokey hijinks and eventual somberness that never feels like it’s all located within the same show.

The answer that “Platonic” gives for most of its season is a playful shrug. It’s shaggy, and sometimes admirable, but if you’re going to take that approach, you better have a stellar, top-to-bottom hangout crew to take it from there.

Any of “Fatal Attraction’s” attempts to put Alex’s choices into perspective are limp and fleeting, especially compared to the full tapestry of the Gallagher family. That Caplan holds her own without anything comparable is a testament to what she’s able to add that remains unspoken.

“Emergency: NYC” presents all of the realities of these jobs in a matter-of-fact way that serves both the show and the respect of the people they’re profiling. ... There’s intent here that takes “Emergency: NYC” beyond merely cutting together surveillance footage. Shatz and Barash find tiny symmetries in different operations or circumstances, showing how success in this field is a moving target.

For a long-awaited sequel with this much leeway to rewrite history, there should be more reasons to celebrate.

As a whole, this first season does leave room for exploration and improvement. But as a start, it’s more than enough to prove that “Extraordinary” has some special abilities to keep it going, whether or not its main character has them too.

“That ‘90s Show” is the equivalent of a great throwback burger joint with a short menu. The food might have a familiar taste, but it finds an efficient way to overdeliver on the basic expectations.

So even though most of “The Lying Life of Adults” hinges on the most basic ideas of jealousy and betrayal, that background gives all of those developments a grander feel. It’s disorienting at points, but the show does an effective job of capturing the feeling of major events in your life happening beyond your perception.