FIVE DAYS AT MEMORIAL Starring: Vera Farmiga, Cherry Jones, Cornelius Smith Jr., Robert Pine, Jessica Greco, Adepero Oduye, Julie Ann Emery, Michael Gaston, and Molly Hager Creators: John Ridley and Carlton Cuse JACOB It’s a tad structurally unsound, especially with the editing in the seventh episode and some plot placements, but Five Days at Memorial is nevertheless a thoroughly engrossing story, particularly for those unaware of its lesser known aspects. Those who remember Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath will be familiar with many of the newsworthy elements, but this series succeeds by focusing on the human elements that we didn’t witness. Standout performances from a terrific ensemble (notably Cherry Jones, Jessica Greco, and Robert Pine) elevate the series beyond simple dramatization into something truly special, and I would recommend it to anyone asking. QUENTIN Five Days at Memorial is a tough miniseries to review without sounding slightly heartless. The writers make Hurricane Katrina (and its aftermath) the star of the show over actual characters, attempting to appeal to viewers’ lowest common denominator of humanity; however, by telling the story through virtually nameless and undeveloped characters, it’s hard to make personal connections outside of recognizing the tragedy of it all. It’s too matter-of-fact, like a Wikipedia article come to life. Questions about medical ethics and morality are certainly interesting, but in being more about “general people” than “specific persons,” it didn’t move me as much as it probably should have.

SHINING GIRLS Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Wagner Moura, Phillipa Soo, Chris Chalk, Amy Brenneman, Jamie Bell, and Christopher Denham Creator: Silka Luisa QUENTIN Although boasting solid performances, an interesting serial killer hook (at least early on), and the right atmosphere for this kind of show, Shining Girls eventually buckles under the weight of its supernatural elements. It’s not that those aspects are silly (I mean, they are definitely silly, but you roll with it for the most part), but more so that the writers do a piss poor job of explaining the how and why of it all. It’s hard to talk about without getting spoilery, but the constant reality shifts minus those explanations make for a mostly confusing, nonsensical, and frustrating narrative. Perhaps the book is better.

THE MORNING SHOW: SEASON FOUR Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard, Mark Duplass, Karen Pittman, Nestor Carbonell, Greta Lee, Nicole Beharie, Boyd Holbrook, Jeremy Irons, William Jackson Harper, Jon Hamm, and Aaron Pierre Creator: Jay Carson NICK Although Season Three soured me on The Morning Show , I caught up with the latest season and was glad I didn’t walk away for good. Season Four is a bit of a rejuvenation for the series thanks to its latest power dynamic storyline and a new cast of characters. Actors such as Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, and Boyd Holbrook breathe new life into the show as it navigates new pathways for its original characters. Although there’s no guarantee Season Five will pick up where Four left off, I have a lot more faith in The Morning Show ’s future. Check out our reviews for Season Three HERE .

Previous Next January 3, 2024 WRITTEN BY: PAIGE Beantown has so much rich history ingrained into its roots that, of course, some of the best films ever made have this city as its backdrop. Now, before you jump ahead, I’m not saying all the films listed below belong in the “best films ever made” conversation, but they certainly do feel like the most authentic films set in Boston, from the accent (there’s nothing a Masshole hates more than a bad Boston accent) to the aesthetic of the city and its culture as a whole. Plus, some of these simply are amongst my favorite films, and they just so happen to be set in the best city in the world. Being born and raised in Massachusetts, these films hold such a special place in my heart, and they have influenced my overall love for cinema. Whether they are about our legendary sports teams or crimes set in the city, they do something that many films don’t, which is capture the stories’ setting in such a way that it is almost another character within the movie…and Boston is certainly a main character in all the films listed below. So, go park your car in Harvard yard and check out my favorite Boston-based films… FEVER PITCH (2005) Fever Pitch is one of the best Beantown comedies because so many Boston sports fans can relate to Jimmy Fallon’s character. We’re a die-hard sports city, and we’re dedicated to our teams, whether we win or lose, just like Fallon’s Ben Wrightman. And while, yes, we’ve been blessed over the last 20 years with stellar sports teams, it wasn’t really until around the time Fever Pitch was being made that we became blessed with our baseball team. In a sense, this movie has become a good luck charm for us and the Red Sox. We hadn’t won a World Series in more than 80 years, so when the Sox finally won the World Series in 2004, our city rallied around this movie. They even had to rewrite the ending to capture that special feeling and excitement of finally winning. It makes the movie truly something special to rewatch, even when some of the jokes don’t hit it out of the park. SPOTLIGHT (2015) While Spotlight is more of a journalism movie than a full-blown Boston movie with regard to its aesthetic, it is based on the true story of several Boston Globe reporters working together to blow the lid off the biggest criminal corruption that had been occurring within the Catholic church. Frankly, it’s no wonder this film won Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture at the Oscars. It’s extremely unsettling, but also a powerful film that reveals the truth of this tragedy. It does a fascinating job depicting this real-life story, and through its phenomenal writing and perfectly balanced ensemble, including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams, this gem really elevates the reputation of the reporters to hero status. Although these horrible crimes happened across the U.S., the fact that a Boston newspaper was able to break the case shows that Bostonians aren’t only tough badasses, but also are wicked smart. GONE BABY GONE (2007) This gritty mystery proved that Ben Affleck has what it takes to step behind the camera and become one of the best filmmakers working today. In his directorial debut, based on Dennis Lehane’s book, we get the other Affleck (Casey Affleck) as a private investigator looking into the disappearance of a little girl with the help of his girlfriend, played by Michelle Monaghan. Gone Baby Gone is one of those films that won't be gone from your mind after you see it. It’s a gripping crime thriller that is full of twists and turns you won’t see coming. Plus, it’s filled to the brim with dynamite performances from Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, and Amy Ryan (who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress), all of whom help bring Boston’s working class to life with their lived-in and raw portrayals. I must say Ben Affleck truly found his calling with this film, and it’s making stellar movies set in Boston. MYSTIC RIVER (2003) One of the most gripping Boston-set films is Clint Eastwood’s Mystic River . This Best Picture nominee has such a captivating story of three childhood friends (played by Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon, and Tim Robbins) whose lives are forever altered after a tragic occurrence. But Mystic River isn’t just another gritty film revolving around a criminal act in Boston; it’s so much deeper than that. The film explores themes of revenge, loyalty, and trauma that are delivered so well through its writing and performances, especially by Penn, who won Best Actor for this role. This is personally my favorite Eastwood movie, and while some of the Boston accents are hit and miss (I’m talking to you, Tim Robbins), there’s no denying that this film captures a rawness that a lot of Bostonians can relate to. THE FIGHTER (2010) Not only is The Fighter one of the best movies set in Boston, but it’s honestly one of the best boxing films to date. This sports biopic based on the professional boxer Micky “Irish” Ward, played by the Boston bad boy himself, Mark Wahlberg, is such a soulful story that will punch you right in the gut. This character-driven drama is heartbreaking and inspiring all at once, and it’s more than just a boxing movie - it's a movie about the struggles within this family unit. While the actual fights may take place in the ring, the real battle is going on outside the ropes amongst the family members, which is what really draws your attention to this stellar story. With a knockout cast including Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo, there’s no denying you're in for a treat. Both Bale and Leo won Best Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress, respectively, for their work here, giving maybe the best performances of their careers. They deserve all the praise for nailing the Boston accent too, which makes us Bostonians extremely proud. THE DEPARTED (2006) Contrary to popular belief, The Departed is not based on the famous Boston criminal Whitey Bulger, even though it sure feels like it. It’s actually a remake of the Hong Kong film Internal Affairs . This riveting gangster drama stars some of the biggest names in Hollywood, from Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio to some of our favorite Bostonian actors, Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg. In addition to its phenomenal ensemble (I'm still baffled at how Mark Wahlberg was the only actor in this masterpiece to get nominated for an Oscar), it’s directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, who directed the fucking hell out of this film, leading it to not only win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, but also netting Scorsese his first and (to date) only Best Director Oscar. This movie drips with authentic Boston vibes, from its nitty-gritty underground gangster crime story to casually throwing the F-bomb around 237 times. And, oh man, while that ending shot may be considered divisive (which baffles me), it’s personally one of my favorite symbolic endings in any film. At the end of the day, not only is The Departed a top-tier Scorsese film, it’s a top-tier Boston flick. GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997) The movie that birthed two of the biggest Boston names, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, catapulting them to Hollywood success, is Good Will Hunting . Without this film, we may have never gotten these two brilliant and talented men, a duo that ended up winning Best Original Screenplay for this gem. What they were able to capture in this coming-of-age story is not only raw but elegantly masterful. We also got one of my favorite performances from my favorite actor, Robin Williams, who deservedly won an Oscar for his portrayal as the therapist to Damon’s character. This story about a few guys from Southie learning the importance of thinking for themselves and overcoming the trauma in their lives is something that many can connect with, even if you're not from our neck of the woods. Overall, this film opened the floodgates to the Boston scene, and its existence has influenced many Boston-set films. I don’t know about you, but I sure as hell liked them apples and this movie! THE TOWN (2010) The most wicked awesome Boston movie on my list goes too… The Town ! In my opinion, it’s the most authentic Boston-based film, from the raw performances and stellar accents (Jeremy Renner gets two thumbs up in my book for the best Boston accent from a non-Bostonian) to attempting to pull off the most epic heist in robbing Fenway Park. Having shot these brutal action sequences in and around the neighborhoods of Boston makes this flick all the more rich and magical. Ben Affleck does a phenomenal job in front of and behind the camera in what I consider his best film to date, and what he’s able to capture in this tense and exhilarating drama makes it one of the best modern heist films. Loosely adapted from Chuck Hogan's 2004 novel Prince of Thieves , The Town follows a group of guys from Charlestown who gravitate towards a life of crime, robbing banks and armored cars, and the difficulties of being unable to escape their circumstances. The filmmakers even managed to work with real-life Boston criminals to provide in-depth details to make the story and robberies feel that much more enhanced and real. If that ain’t Boston enough for you, I don’t know what is. Photo Credits: Photo 1 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 2 - Open Road Films; Photo 3, 7 - Miramax Films; Photo 4, 6, 8 - Warner Bros. Pictures; Photo 5 - Paramount Pictures

THE PERFECT COUPLE Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Eve Hewson, Dakota Fanning, Jack Reynor, Billy Howle, Meghann Fahy, Donna Lynne Champlin, Michael Beach, Ishaan Khattar, Sam Nivola, and Mia Isaac Creator: Jenna Lamia QUENTIN The latest in the recent trend of “Nicole Kidman plays an unhappy, rich white woman with secrets,” The Perfect Couple feels too much like other shows to stand on its own. If you’ve seen Big Little Lies or The White Lotus , you’ve already seen everything this series has to offer…and seen it done better. However, at only six episodes, it’s not a waste of time. The whodunnit is interesting enough, and while I wouldn’t call it twisty, there are enough well-timed revelations to reel you in despite the underdeveloped characters. Overall, it’s like a dime-store beach read — an instantly forgettable yet easily entertaining (and predictable) distraction.

THE THING ABOUT PAM Starring: Renée Zellweger, Josh Duhamel, Judy Greer, Gideon Adlon, Sean Bridgers, Suanne Spoke, Mac Brandt, Katy Mixon, and Glenn Fleshler QUENTIN Between Renée Zellweger’s cartoonish performance as a murderous “Karen” (not to mention the distracting prosthetics) and a mishmash tone that seesaws between overly quirky and pseudo-serious, I wouldn’t call The Thing About Pam prestige television despite starring a two-time Oscar winner; However, it is oddly addicting in a guilty pleasure sort of way. It’s like Fargo (the series) mixed with the trashy tone of Tiger King . Given how ridiculous the true story is, the over-the-top flourishes weirdly work, but it takes an episode to fully buy what the series is selling. But once you do, it’s a wild ride.

MINX: SEASON ONE Starring: Ophelia Lovibond, Jake Johnson, Idara Victor, Jessica Lowe, Oscar Montoya, Lennon Parham, and Michael Angarano Creator: Ellen Rapoport QUENTIN Behind the groovy 70s sheen, bubbly personalities, and Jake Johnson’s affable magnetism, Minx delivers a sharp and funny (but not insistent) commentary on feminism, racism, and sexuality. For a show in its first season, it has a tremendous amount of confidence, which is aided by the cast’s stellar chemistry. Fair warning, Joyce (Ophelia Lovibond) is a tad unlikeable in the early episodes because of her buttoned-up, entitled naivete, but know that is just where her engaging character arc starts. Given that Minx was dropped on HBO Max somewhat unceremoniously (plus the sheer amount of dicks present), some might decide to skip it. Don’t do it.

SOLOS Starring: Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway, Anthony Mackie, Helen Mirren, Uzo Aduba, Constance Wu, Nicole Beharie, and Dan Stevens Creator: David Weil QUENTIN Another day, another Black Mirror -influenced anthology show. This one, however, boasts an absolute bonkers cast and is less conceptual than Charlie Brooker’s show. It's still tech-centric, taking place in a recognizable-yet-distant future, but Solos is more of an acting showcase. As the name implies, each episode is essentially a one-person stage show, giving the actors room to simply act and deliver monologues. The quality varies, with Tom and Leah being the standout entries by far, but with runtimes between 20-30 minutes, even the weaker ones never overstay their welcome. A fun little twist in the finale is kinda neat too.

Previous Next May 15, 2026 WRITTEN BY: PAIGE With so much content at our disposal these days, choosing what to watch can feel overwhelming. There are countless shows to pick from, with some requiring you to binge multiple seasons just to catch up. When time is of the essence, sometimes less is more. That’s where limited series come into play. Below is a list of my favorite limited series, broken down by genre. For my money, each one delivers an incredible and complete story with a relatively minor time commitment. And don’t worry, I won’t be spoiling these miniseries for you. I want this article to intrigue you, giving you more reasons to watch. So, let’s begin! HORROR: THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE (2018, NETFLIX) Not only is The Haunting of Hill House Mike Flanagan’s first outing as a showrunner, but it’s arguably his best show to date. Loosely adapted from Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel, this modern-gothic, ten-episode series does a phenomenal job of blending supernatural horror with family drama. It’s atmospheric horror at its finest. From its jump scares to its ominous somber moments, this ghost story will have you watching through your fingers. That said, not only is it a haunting show, it’s also deeply heartfelt. With such a large ensemble, each character is given their moment to shine, allowing the emotional weight of the story to land just as powerful as the scares. The Haunting of Hill House certainly solidified Flanagan as one of the great modern horror directors working today. SCIENCE-FICTION: MANIAC (2018, NETFLIX) I’ll admit that this show may not be for everyone, but if you're down for a thought-provoking sci-fi story that does something different, then it’s something you should definitely watch. Maniac isn’t your typical science-fiction show, as it’s far more character driven in its premise, diving into relatable themes of mental health and human connection. Cary Joji Fukunaga’s direction over the 10-episode season is bold, and he takes a bizarre yet fascinating approach to the material that fully embraces the show’s weirdness. Story-wise, Maniac follows two strangers, played by Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, who participate in a mind-bending drug trial to fix their personal problems. With dazzling visuals, a rad synth-heavy score, and captivating performances, this hidden gem will give you all the feels. It’s trippy, stylish, and authentic. In my eyes, it’s one of Netflix’s most ambitious series to date. BASED ON A TRUE STORY: CHERNOBYL (2019, HBO MAX) Chernobyl is one of those shows that will rock you to your core with the realization of how devastating this real-life event was. It’s a gritty and raw portrayal of the 1986 nuclear disaster, which creates a riveting and unsettling watch. As someone who didn’t know the fine details of these haunting events, I walked away having learned so much after these five episodes. There’s a reason this show received 19 Emmy nominations in 2019. It's one of those shows that has you feeling like you are on the ground witnessing the horrific event unfold firsthand. From its fierce writing and direction to its gripping performances, this story truly cements itself as one of the best limited series to ever grace our television screens. MYSTERY: DEFENDING JACOB (2020, APPLE TV+) Defending Jacob is the show that put Apple TV+ on the map for me, proving that the streaming platform was serious about making great content. Across its eight episodes, Chris Evans showcases his acting range in a far darker and more serious role than we are used to seeing from him. He plays a district attorney with a happy family whose world gets turned upside down when his son is accused of murdering a classmate. What makes the series so effective is how it allows the viewers to form their own theories of what might have happened. It’s more than just a simple whodunit, as this courtroom drama explores morals and how far one might go to protect their child. It will have you on the edge of your seat, questioning what happened and what you would do if you were in the same situation. I highly recommend it, and I am curious to find out where people land on this ambiguous show. ROMANCE: NORMAL PEOPLE (2020, HULU) Based on the Sally Rooney book of the same name, this beautiful series follows the relationship between Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal). Portraying these two tortured, lonely souls demands a lot from Edgar-Jones and Mescal, but my god, they are so phenomenal. They deliver such vulnerable and intimate performances, not to mention their chemistry is through the roof. As for the series, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions; a tender, raw, and powerful story that explores relationships and mental health. The writing and directing also are exceptional, and nothing is ever heightened for dramatic sake. While the pacing may be slow for some, it gives its audience room to breathe. This 12-episode series is a show I recommend to everyone, and I promise you’ll become fully invested in these characters’ lives. Just be sure to have some tissues nearby because you’ll definitely shed a few tears. PRESTIGE DRAMA: ADOLESCENCE (2025, NETFLIX) You may be eager to claim recency bias here, but Adolescence took 2025 by storm. If you haven’t watched it yet, then I don’t know what you are doing with your life because you’re missing out on masterclass storytelling. It’s a must watch, even though it’s not an easy watch. Each episode of the four-episode series is breathtakingly shot in a single take, featuring long and close-up shots that fully immerse you in the scenes. You’ll genuinely feel trapped in the same moments as the characters, and you’ll truly feel the unsettling tension in every scene thanks to its raw and authentic performances. This family drama feels painfully real as it doesn’t sugarcoat anything despite tackling such prominent themes of cyberbullying and the pressures of modern masculinity on young boys. This show rightfully earned every ounce of awards recognition it received. BONUS: FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC: DAISY JONES & THE SIX (2023, PRIME VIDEO) Daisy Jones & The Six is a fantastic adaptation of the New York Times best-selling book by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Told in a documentary style, this ten-episode series follows the rise and fall of a fictional 70s rock band named, you guessed it, Daisy Jones & The Six. What I love most about the series, aside from the phenomenal original music (which I highly recommend listening to), is that the show isn’t just about being a band. At its core, it explores ambition, addiction, love, fame, and what it can take from those who chase it. Along the way, every character sacrifices something, whether it’s a relationship, stability, or even themselves. It’s a compelling and raw depiction of the 1970s rock era, and if you’re a fan of Fleetwood Mac, the music and vibe will be your cup of tea. As you may have noticed, this list is full of book adaptations, which goes to show that books make for great limited series.

CLASS OF '09 Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Kate Mara, Sepideh Moafi, Brian J. Smith, Jon Jon Briones, Brooke Smith, Jake McDorman, and Rosalind Eleazar Creator: Tom Rob Smith QUENTIN Despite Brian Tyree Henry’s best efforts, not even he can elevate Class of ‘09 to something worth watching. The biggest issue is that the central gimmick – following the main characters over three timelines, identified as “Past,” “Present,” and “Future” – is more confusing than compelling. There are random subplots, both explicit and implicit, that are underexplored, and outside of Tayo (Henry) and maybe Poet (Kate Mara), the characters are poorly developed. Once you realize it’s trying to explore the dangers of artificial intelligence, which it does shabbily, it starts to feel like a Minority Report rip-off. Ultimately, this is merely stunt storytelling with faulty execution. PAIGE While the ideas and concepts presented in Class of ‘09 are intriguing, the way they are implemented is a hot mess. With a more grounded approach, this show probably would have flowed a lot smoother. As it is, it’s too all over the place with the timeline jumps to convey a compelling story for these characters. While the actors give the best performances they can, the writing leaves them high and dry. The show tries to be Minority Report , examining what happens when our trust in technology goes too far, but it ends up being a very sloppily executed story that carries no momentum throughout.

STRANGER THINGS: THE COMPLETE FINAL SEASON Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Sadie Sink Creators: The Duffer Brothers AMARÚ VOLUME ONE Even after years between episodes, once you return to Hawkins for each season of Stranger Things , series creators The Duffer Brothers quickly remind you why we have loved this show for so long. Their writing and directing aren’t off-the-wall unique or top of the line, but it’s everything we want from our favorite franchises: an absolute blast. Combined with a cast that, while hilariously older, injects charm and care into the perfect handle the Duffers have on their creation, Volume One of the final season ups the action, scares, scope, and stakes to bring us all back into the inevitable fold. It’s just so good. VOLUME TWO & FINALE Aside from an anticlimactic government side plot, I am glad that Season Five’s series finale landed much more solidly than Volume Two did, with the finale mostly prioritizing showing over telling after the (kind of) necessarily overlong and super-expository previous three episodes. With five seasons and nine years of epic storytelling to wrap up, the massive explanations were sluggishly knocked out before returning to the finale’s better pacing, more emotional character wrap-ups, and a fittingly hopeful epilogue that felt right for the long journey we’ve traversed. It had bumps that might irk some more than others, but I was satisfied with my last look at Hawkins. PAIGE VOLUME ONE After the long awaited return of Stranger Things , the first four episodes throw you right back into Hawkins without missing a beat. The fast-paced narrative can feel a bit convoluted, offering a heavy dose of setup and lots to take in, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this show is a true phenomenon because of its characters and scope. Volume One may be a lot to digest, but it leads to such an eventful and impactful moment to make it all worth it. With only four episodes left, I’m on the edge of my seat to see where The Upside Down will take us. VOLUME TWO & FINALE Stranger Things Volume Two slows things down to raise the stakes in the upside down. On the other hand, the finale plays it a bit safe whilst wrapping everything up in a sentimental bow. While the final battle felt brief, the epilogue delivered all the feels and a heartfelt send-off. After watching these characters grow and endure so much over five seasons, it’s clear the show is much more than its action or sci-fi spectacle. It refocuses itself to what mattered most, which is to the characters we learned to love. It may have felt underwhelming in some parts, but in the end I found it bittersweet to reach the end of these characters' journeys in the rightside up. QUENTIN VOLUME ONE Given its momentum-killing, decade-long path to Season Five, Stranger Things viewers probably fit one of two categories: blindly committed, eager to champion the series while ignoring its flaws; Or begrudgingly committed, determined to see how it ends while tolerating its flaws. I go back and forth, and Volume One epitomizes my wishy-washiness. On the blind hand, the action, gore, and stakes are elevated to series highs. On the begrudging hand, most everything is confusingly convoluted story setup, the release schedule is annoying, several actors’ performances have badly regressed, and the younger cast’s ages are laughably distracting. However, with six hours of story still to come, we’ll see… VOLUME TWO & FINALE …well, we’ve seen. The verdict? Very meh. Granted, this final run of Stranger Things episodes doesn’t reach Game of Thrones -levels of tragically bad, but between the overabundance of forced character moments (many of which feel unearned due to the long breaks between seasons), plot holes, logical fallacies, and the unnecessary military subplot that is ultimately abandoned, there are more things to dislike than like. That’s all without mentioning some terrible performances (Noah Schnapp and Millie Bobby Brown being the worst among them), the 50-minute epilogue in the two-hour finale, the absolute waste of Linda Hamilton, and complete lack of “oh shit!” moments. So, yeah…very meh. ROBERT VOLUME ONE When a hype train loses steam, it generally is hard to recapture it; however, Stranger Things managed to reclaim the center of the zeitgeist with Season Four. Going into Season Five, given another significant chunk of time between airings, it opened itself up to criticism despite the goodwill it regenerated. Yes, the kids are grown-ass people, but in long-form storytelling, kids mature and wear their hardships, which the Hawkins contingent does. While the series-creating Duffers lost me with how the whole gang morphed into super spies, they roped me back in with fabulous production design and thrilling horror action. No frowns for Upside Downs. VOLUME TWO & FINALE Volume One ended on such a high that excitement for Volume Two was palpable. Unfortunately, with a lot of break-pumping happening to work on galvanizing relationships, while it mostly worked it also grinded happenings to a standstill. By the finale, a plan was set and a boss battle for the ages was foreshadowed, but disappointment ensued as converging storylines did not meet as anticipated. The visuals remained top-notch, but the action lacked overall satisfaction narratively. Luckily, the epilogue (which was half of the finale) put our beloved characters in the emotional spots we needed as an audience. Overall, minus one Intelligence and plus one Charisma. Check out our reviews for Season Four HERE .

GANGS OF LONDON: SEASON ONE Starring: Joe Cole, Michelle Fairley, Brian Vernel, Lucian Msamati, Paapa Essiedu, Sope Dirisu, Jing Lusi, Narges Rashidi, Orli Shuka, Ray Panthaki, and Pippa Bennett-Warner Creators: Gareth Evans and Matt Flannery QUENTIN Gangs of London is a good show, but it may frustrate some viewers. The titular gangs are many and the storytelling is incredibly dense, so it requires your full attention to keep up with the narrative. Thankfully, that isn't really an issue because it's mostly riveting stuff, with nearly every episode having an extremely well-done and violent action sequence. If you've seen The Raid , you know what creator/writer/director Gareth Evans brings to the table in terms of sheer brutality. Overall, with its warring mob family plotlines, Gangs of London is like a modern-day Peaky Blinders meets Game of Thrones .