This week in television served up a smorgasbord of genres and themes, from biting Hollywood satire to sobering political commentary to a celebratory music documentary. Here’s a rundown of the most notable offerings:
Superhero Satire Skewers the Hollywood Machine
Leading the pack was The Franchise, a new comedy on Sky that takes aim at the superhero movie industrial complex. With an all-star creative team including Armando Iannucci (Veep) and Sam Mendes (Skyfall), the series follows the beleaguered crew behind a minor superhero flick as they navigate egotistical actors, meddling executives, and the soul-crushing realities of blockbuster filmmaking.
While the show occasionally struggles with pacing and focus, it shines in its scathing depiction of the nonsensical nature of modern franchises. Richard E. Grant and Billy Magnussen steal the show as a pompous thespian slumming it and a himbo action star, respectively. Though the superhero genre may be reaching a saturation point, The Franchise proves there are still laughs to be mined from its excesses.
Unpacking Trump’s Post-Election Antics
On a more serious note, BBC Two aired Trump: The Criminal Conspiracy Case, a documentary examining the former president’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the subsequent legal fallout. While it doesn’t unearth much new information, the film serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of accountability.
The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.
– Martin Luther King Jr.
The documentary traces the timeline from Trump’s baseless claims of fraud to the January 6th Capitol riots, featuring interviews with key figures who found themselves in the crosshairs. It’s a chilling account of how close the nation came to a constitutional crisis, and a warning of the dangers of a Trump revival in 2024.
Springsteen Brings the Thunder
On a lighter note, Disney+ debuted Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, a documentary following the rock icon’s latest tour. Eschewing the intimate, confessional style of many recent music docs, Road Diary is a no-frills celebration of Springsteen’s enduring artistry and his bond with his legendary backing band.
The film captures the energy and camaraderie of the group as they tear through classics like “Born to Run” and poignant newer material addressing loss and mortality. While it may not win over those skeptical of Springsteen’s heartland rock sincerity, for the faithful, it’s a rousing testament to the power of rock and roll to provide solace and connection.
Creepy Kid Tropes Abound in Derivative Horror
Rounding out the week was Before, a psychological horror series on Apple TV+ starring Billy Crystal as a grieving therapist tormented by a spectral child patient. While young Jacobi Jupe delivers a suitably unsettling performance, the show quickly devolves into a grab bag of genre clichés, from creepy kids speaking in tongues to ominous tendrils of darkness.
Still, for those who can’t resist a good old-fashioned possessed child narrative, Before scratches that itch, even if it fails to bring much new to the table. Crystal, stepping outside his comedy comfort zone, proves a capable dramatic lead, selling his character’s unraveling with weary gravitas.
Something for Everyone
From cutting comedy to political intrigue to crowd-pleasing nostalgia, this week’s TV landscape demonstrated the medium’s range and versatility. As the lines between television, film, and streaming continue to blur, viewers have an embarrassment of riches to choose from.
Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh, a cathartic cry, or a thought-provoking deep dive, there’s no shortage of options. The only downside? Trying to keep up with it all. But that’s a problem we’re happy to have.
