How To Keep Carol Happy And Other Matters

Tomorrow, I'll be doing an overview of the many shows I've seen and noting a few I need to catch up on. For now though, a final TV Jumble Blog.

All's Fair: The power of hate watching a show can certainly prove to be it's strength because this one managed to get a second season, in spite of it being universally panned. The second half of the season went through Allura/Chase's divorce, torpedoed Liberty's own nuptials, had Milan mostly in the background and Emerald briefly at odds with Dina before Carrington destroyed the latter. Carrington remained the consistent highlight of this show. Give Sarah Paulson all the awards.

Pluribus: I almost didn't watch this show. I felt maybe the overhype would leave me disappointed but I caved in and you know what, I get it now. I mean the first episode didn't blow me away but the more I kept with it, the more I found myself gripped by Carol Sturka. A lesbian romance novel writer who found herself being one out of thirteen people not taken over by an alien virus and who spent most of the season trying to reverse what happened to humanity. The dynamic between Carol and her chaperone, Zosia also added a complicated romantic element. Rhea Seehorn is fantastic.

SAS Rogue Heroes: Why yes, I did blitz through two series of this Jack O'Connell from Steven Knight. I'm convinced that man is the busiest writer for UK drama and this show was an absolute delight to watch. World War II era with O'Connell as volatile Northern Irish soldier Paddy Mayne and a brilliant supporting cast including Connor Swindells, Sofia Boutella and Dominic West. I'm glad it's been renewed for a third series, which is currently filming.

Stranger Things: With just one more episode to go, I have to admit that this fifth and final season, it's been a mixed bag. That whole coming out scene we got with Will should've been a big character moment but instead it became a source of mockery. I'll admit Ive enjoyed certain moments this season but I do think if maybe the show waiting too long to come back and the split season format has worked against it. I'm hoping the finale sticks the landing.

• FX's The Beauty, starring Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall will premiere with a triple bill from January 21st.
• Sarah Paulson has been confirmed to play Aileen Wuornos in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.
• Pluribus has become one of Apple TV's biggest hits and has been renewed for a second season.
• Filming for the second of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms has begun. The first season premieres on HBO from January 18th.
• Young Sherlock, starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the title role will be released on Amazon Prime from March 4th.
• Imperfect Women, starring Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington will premiere on Apple TV from March 18th.
• NCIS Tony & Ziva has been cancelled by Paramount+ after one season.
• Both Olympo and Boots have been cancelled after one season each by Netflix.
• Disney+ have dropped their gender swapped pilot for Holes.
• PONIES, starring Emilia Clarke will premiere on Peacock from January 15th.
• MGM+ have ordered an adaptation of The Magnificent Seven to series.
• The Elizabeth Olsen series Seven Sisters has been picked up by FX.
• Vanished, starring Kaley Cuoco and Sam Claflin will premiere on MGM+ from February 1st.
• The fifth and final season of The Boys will premiere on Amazon Prime from April 8th.