John’s top 10 TV shows of 2023
2023 television: A couple of old-school network shows break into the streaming-dominated list of my favorite series of the year.
Science Fiction
‘Strange Days’ (1995) rings in a future of untrustworthy institutions, virtual socializing
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): In terms of tech details, this Kathryn Bigelow-directed film might be James Cameron’s most prescient screenplay.
A look at ‘Firefly’s’ ‘Holiday Special’ (2021) and ‘20th Anniversary Special’ (2022)
‘Firefly’ flashback (Comic book reviews): The stockings are filled with old and new adventures for the Serenity crew.
Poor little rich cartoon: A look at the end of ‘TMNT’ Season 4 (1990)
‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): The back half of CBS’ Season 4 includes minor hits, near misses, and bizarre missed opportunities for action figures.
‘Blue Beetle’ should’ve been given the ‘Batgirl’ treatment
Movie review: The DCEU’s latest entry suggests there’s a decent movie under its carapace, but regularly hits wrong notes (except in its soundtrack).
‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ makes the end of the world thrilling
Movie review: It seems impossible, but the greatest action franchise of all time is still topping itself in its seventh film.
‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004) the all-time elite zom-com
Frightening Friday (Movie review): Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg get on the map in a big way with a dry comedy that takes advantage of zombie lore.
‘A Murder at the End of the World,’ ‘Fargo’ Season 5, ‘The Irrational,’ ‘The Spencer Sisters’
First episode impressions (TV reviews): “A Murder at the End of the World” goes to the head of the fall class of long-form mysteries, while “The Irrational” might intrigue procedural fans.
Missing Mona Lisa: A look at ‘TMNT’s’ early CBS episodes (Season 4, 1990)
‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): Season 4 episodes 14-26 introduce or bring back popular characters, but their impressions are fleeting.
‘TMNT’ Season 4 (1990) stumbles out of gate with syndicated episodes
‘TMNT’ flashback (TV review): Before the CBS episodes, Season 4 gets underway with a weird baker’s dozen.