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Apple TV+19. Chapter
Fair or not, Apple TV+ has become a streaming company known for pouring huge resources (more than $20 billion, reportedly) into a host of stellar shows that not many people watch – but with the second series of this dystopian workplace drama, it’s become clear that it’s been hit by a real water cooler. Which is even more surprising, when you consider how strange Severance is. Its compelling high-concept premise—in which the consciousnesses of the employees of the evil Lumon Corporation are separated into office, or “internal”, selves, and home, or “external” selves—is one thing, but beyond that, it constantly takes the story down surreal rabbit holes, including, for example, the work of a mysterious “macro data miner” or a herd of goats. In fact, as this series progressed through its second half, it seemed to be a bit squiggly in its favor, and its climactic payoff could never quite match that of the first season. But it’s still a masterwork across the board, from the clever dual-identity acting (particularly from breakout star Britt Lower) to the stark visuals. Bring on a third season, and perhaps some solid answers about what it is truly Happens in Lomon. (His Majesty)
Available on Apple TV+ globally
Warrick Page/Max20. House
It may seem like just another medical drama, but this show about a trauma center in Pittsburgh revitalizes the drama genre with its attention to the stress on caregivers. Noah Wyle delivers a devastating performance as the head of the department, the dedicated, troubled, and emotionally shattered Dr. Robbie, who is still traumatized after failing to save his mentor during the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s surrounded by other doctors and a group of students and interns, each adding a different dimension, from Supriya Ganesh as a brilliant medical prodigy to Isa Briones as an abrasive intern and Taylor Durden as Dr. Mel, whose neurodiversity makes her especially empathetic to her patients. Unlike most medical shows, The Pitt never lets its personal melodrama overshadow the focus on its work. Set in real time during a 15-hour shift, each fun and fast-paced episode veers between the devastation of patients being lost and the relief of being saved. You might think that a series so frank about death would be depressing, but instead, The Pitt is exhilarating in its focus on people for whom life and death are everyday events. (CG)
Available on HBO Max in the US
Disney/Brian Roedel21. Paradise
It’s hard to discuss the strength of this show without revealing the major twist that comes at the end of the first episode. But it’s safe to say that it turns what started out as a relatively conventional political film on its head. Sterling K. Brown is the head of the US President’s security detail, who finds himself accused of murdering his boss – but on top of the murder itself, all is not quite right in the world. Created by Dan Fogelman, the man behind the TV series This is Us, it’s solid entertainment in the best sense of the word, with a sharp plot matched by some strong performances, from Brown’s tortured hero to Julian Nicholson as an evil tech billionaire. Plus, later in the series, there’s one particular episode that deals with really big stuff that’s simply amazing – but again, that’s all there is to say without spoiling things for those who haven’t seen it yet. The good news for those who have it is that it has already been rebooted. (His Majesty)
Available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally
BBC/Entertainment at the Stadium22. Wolf Hall: Mirror and Light
The lavish conclusion to this adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy blends a beautiful snapshot of escape into the opulent past of Henry VIII’s court with an evergreen depiction of the high personal cost of maneuvering for power and influence. Mark Rylance plays the king’s advisor, Thomas Cromwell, who questions his decisions, while the mercurial Henry loses confidence in him. Damian Lewis’ new interpretation of Henry is dazzling, and his voice and manner are eerily subdued even when issuing the harshest commands. Henry’s wives come and go, but the unraveling bond between these men, and their opposing paths – Cromwell’s self-doubt and decline and Henry’s iron will to eliminate anyone in his way – shape the story. Written by Peter Strawn, a recent Oscar winner for the screenplay for Conclave, The Mirror and the Light is even more resonant today than Mantel’s original book was when it was published in 2020. It feels entirely appropriate in a world where creeping authoritarianism is a global concern. (CG)
Available on PBS in the US and BBC iPlayer in the UK
Ingvar Keane/Koreo/Sony Pictures Television23. The narrow road to the far north
Since appearing in the HBO teen drama Euphoria, rising star Jacob Elordi has chosen his roles well — but perhaps nothing has served him better so far than returning to his native Australia to play the hero in this searing war drama. Adapted from Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, the film explores the life of army surgeon Dorigo Evans during World War II across three time periods: his time in Adelaide for military training, his hellish experiences as a prisoner of war in the Thai jungle, and his existence as a professionally successful but emotionally troubled war veteran (now played by Kieran Hinds), still unable to process the events of decades ago. Brought to poignant visual life by Justin Kurzel, known for his visceral studies of big-screen male violence such as Snowtown and The Order, it is simply one of the best evocations of the horrors of conflict ever brought to screen. But at the same time, it takes as much care in its exploration of emotion as violence, as the chemistry between Elordi’s young Dorigo and his uncle’s wife Amy (the wonderful Odessa Young) ignites on screen. Given some scenes of sadistic brutality, it is of course a difficult watch, as it should be, but it is also one whose sheer artistry offers a kind of transcendence. (His Majesty)
Available on Prime Video in the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada and BBC iPlayer in the UK
Apple TV+24. Your friends and neighbors
Jon Hamm has never been better, expertly mixing comedy and drama in this series about a hedge fund manager named Coop, who loses his job. He plans to keep up appearances in his wealthy society, only to discover a new sense of himself. The show has a broad comedic element, as Coop turns into a cat burglar, solving his financial problems by stealing luxury items from his neighbors. But the series is best in its bold take on what he calls, in one of his biting voice-overs, “the quiet desperation of wealthy middle-aged men,” and in its depiction of his complex relationships. He remains emotionally attached to his ex-wife (Amanda Peet), who left him for a friend, and struggles to connect with his two teenage children. He has a tender and supportive bond with his emotionally fragile sister (Lena Hall, a standout in the cast). Hamm hasn’t played a role this rich since Don Draper in Mad Men, another flawed but sympathetic wizard who makes some very bad decisions, and defines the character so perfectly that it’s hard to imagine anyone else at the center of this elegant but compromised series. (CG)
Available on AppleTV+ globally
Channel 425. Big boys
It may have made a little less buzz than ‘Teenage’, but here’s another British show about masculinity that’s really worth watching. Jack Rock’s semi-autobiographical show about two university students who form an odd pair friendship – nerdy gay man Jack and Jack the lad Dan – has been an incredibly witty mix of risqué humour, complete with delightful niche pop culture references, and poignant drama – covering sexual awakening, depression, dementia and more – since its debut in 2022. But this third and final series has undoubtedly been its strongest, starting with a funny episode on a group holiday in Greece but becoming more serious As it continues, Danny’s escalating mental health problems are dealt with with particular skill. Boy, does Rock know how to break an audience’s hearts? The final episode is a great emotional masterclass, including an important cameo from the man himself. Hopefully it will release its extremely talented creator in time. (His Majesty)
Available on Hulu in the US and Channel 4 in the UK
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