TV Show Review - Heated Rivalry (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Number of episodes: 6
Year: 2026
Starring: Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Robbie G.K.

Description: Two rival hockey stars at the top of their game face an unexpected challenge when they develop feelings for each other, complicating their careers and the sport’s expectations.

Review: This ice hockey series about hot and dignified love is the only logical response to a world ruled by fascist pedophiles.

“Heated Rivalry” doesn’t beat around the bush: it’s a very steamy series about two ice hockey rivals developing feelings for each other. It’s not accidentally exciting; on the contrary, it revels in it. There is no long, chaste courtship that last for seasons: they are getting hot and heavy within the first twenty minutes. The rest is love, fun, a little hockey, and above all, exciting, uncertain, painful desire. The series became unexpectedly and suddenly very popular, and rightly so.

Shane (Hudson Williams) and Ilya (Connor Storrie) are the captains and star players of rival hockey teams. The extreme competition forces them close together, on the hockey rink. This forced proximity allows the opposites to see themselves reflected in each other: how much work it takes to be the best, and the pressure and loneliness that comes with it. The homophobic macho culture of top-level sport reinforces these feelings, making it difficult, even unsafe, for them to be open about their sexuality, let along their love.

Off the ice, Ilya and Shane are also hard on each other, especially in the beginning. Closeness leads to friction. They are aggressive, controlling. They pus boundaries. At the same time, it feels safe and respectful; there is no loss of control or authority.

There is also a subplot about another, slightly older, player, Scott Hunter, who is also struggling with his sexuality, when he meets a young man named Kip and falling in love with him. Not wanting to come out yet. One episode is dedicated to his story and I am low-key obsessed with Scott and Kip. One specific moment, later in the season, made me cry so hard.

“Heated Rivalry” is moving and innovative simply by being honest about today’s world. The extraordinary chemistry between Williams and Storrie is the most enchanting aspect. Both actors are so believable in their desire.

TV Show Review - His & Hers (Mini Series)

Season: Mini Series
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 6
Year: 2026
Starring: Jon Berntal, Tessa Thompson, Sunita Mani, Marin Ireland

Description: A journalist (Tessa Thompson) investigating a mirder in her hometown clashes with a suspicious detective (Jon Bernthal). There are two sides to every story, and someone is lying.

Review: “His & Hers” is a psychological limited thriller series on Netflix, based on the best-selling novel by Alice Feeney. The book is one of my favorites in the genre and the series is overall very faithful to the source material, with some minor changes here and there.

We meet Anna Andrews, a journalist who comes back to her job after a hiatus. Her anchor job has been taken in the meantime, so she is going to try it as a field reporter. Her main story: a dead body found in her home town. There detective Jack Harper is in over his head, never having to deal with such a case before in the quiet town.

First of all I have to say that Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal have great chemistry. Thompson plays a fragile but determined Anna, while Bernthal as Detective Jack Harper strikes just the right balance between authority and a dark past. Their performance elevate the story to a higher level.

The unique concepts, the story told from both sides, his and hers, works surprisingly well for television. In a book is easily done by switching perspectives each chapter. But translating it to the screen is something else. It’s not as prominent, but it’s there. You don’t know who’s telling the truth or who’s hiding what. The series is only six episodes, but it could have been shorter too. But they chose a slow-burn pace and it works better for the tension.

I remember my jaw dropping to the floor when I read the twist in the book and I was really curious how they were going to do it in the show. And it’s definitely a twist you will not see coming. It’s very well done in the show. I can see people hating the twist, because it’s a pretty bold choice. But I think it’s cleverly done

I don’t mind that changes are made, when it comes to book adaptations. Some things work perfectly on the page, but don’t translate well to the screen. There is only one change I didn’t like for “His & Hers”. Anna’s characters in the book was written much better. She was even more complex and more unreliable. I feel like we can trust her side of the story more than the one of Jack, while in the book both sides are flawed and questionable.

If you are in for a quick binge-worthy series, with a mystery that has you hooked from episode one, I would recommend “His & Hers”. But I do think you should read the book first. The books is (almost) always better.

TV Show Review - The Wire (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 13
Year: 2002
Starring: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Idris Elba, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, John Domann, Clarke Peters, Andre Royo, Michael Kenneth Williams, Deirdre Lovejoy

Description: The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.

Review: “The Wire” is considered on of the most groundbreaking and realistic drama series every made, and it has been on my watch list for way too long.

“The Wire” is not a standard police series, where each episode a case is investigated and solved. Season 1 focuses on a single, complex drug and murder case in Baltimore over 13 episodes. It shows how both the police and the criminals are stuck in bureaucratic and hierarchical systems.

It’s not simply good vs. bad: the series stands out for its moral nuance. It’s not just black and white, no simple heroes or villains; both the cops and the gang members of the Barksdale organization are portrayed as complex, human characters with their own codes and shortcomings.

The start of the first season can feel a bit slow, but pushing through is definitely worth it. I heard someone describe the show as a visual novel. You have to take the time to know the web of characters; the reward only comes in the second half of the season when all the storylines come together.

The script, characters, and social criticism have depth and you really become invested in it once you’ve gotten through the first few episodes. “The Wire” shows a realistic view of justice. It’s a more layered crime drama and I will most definitely continue to the next season.

TV Review - Stranger Things (Season 5, Series Finale)

Season: 5 – Series Finale
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror
Number of episodes: 1
Year: 2025
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Priah Ferguson, Bret Gelman, Maya Hawke, Cara Buono, Linda Hamilton, Nell Fisher, Jamie Campbell Bower

Description: As Vecna prepares to destroy the worlds as we know it, the party must put everything on the line to defeat him once and for all.
 
Review: Oh how long we’ve waited for this moment. The final episode of not only season 5 of “Stranger Things”, but ever. “The Rightside Up” is one of the most impressive finales I have ever seen. For all the haters out there, you can skip, because I’m just going to rave about this episode.

WARNING! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

With the very last episode, the Duffer Brothers have achieved the seemingly impossible: ending a global phenomenon that is emotionally satisfying, terrifying and hopeful all at once. While the title, “The Rightside Up” is a direct nod to the first season, here it marks the definitive shift from darkness to restoration.

The heart of the episode lies not with the monsters, but with the characters we have all grown to love over the past ten years. The evolution of “The Party” comes to a beautiful climax. The chemistry between Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin and Lucas is more palpable than ever. In this episode we see how the traumas of the past (especially those of Will and Eleven) are finally transformed into strength. The scene in which the group reunites for the last time in the Wheeler family basement feels like a warm blanket for fans from the very beginning.

Technically speaking, this episode is a highlight. The integration of practical effects with CGI is seamless. The transformation of Hawkins – from a besieged town teetering on the brin of destruction to a place of reconstruction – is beautifully captured. The cinematography uses color to symbolize the victory of Vecna: the suffocating red and gray tones of the Upside Down slowly give way to the warm, golden light of a new morning.

Millie Bobby Brown really shines in this episode. Eleven’s confrontation with the ultimate evils is not only a display of brute force, but one of emotional maturity. The way she protects her found family perfectly completes her arc as a character. I loved the more intimate moments she had with Mike and Especially Hopper. Another actor I really want to spotlight is Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna/ Henry Creel/ Mr. Whatsit. His performance really blew me away and he was cast perfectly. Is it crazy to say he should win an Emmy for this?

There are so many moments in this episode that really got me, emotionally. As previously stated, the scenes between Hopper and Eleven really moved me. That moment were Steve fell, I literally stopped breathing. And how perfect was it that it was Jonathan, of all people, who caught him. The final battle was epic. Nancy really taking the lead in this, she was so good. And I felt like the Duffer Brothers choose the perfect character to finish Vecna off: Joyce. She got her moment and took it with both hands. And Eleven sacrificing herself to save everyone, was the way it was meant to be. Aside from her (and Mike), everyone got a happy ending.
The part that got me the most, was that final epilogue, which was about 50 minutes of this finale. This part will only really hit you if you’ve been part of this fandom since the beginning and you feel emotionally connected with these characters. From the heart to heart between Hopper and Mike, Dustin’s graduation speech (with an ode to Eddie, Dustin did exactly what Eddie wanted to do. And they played “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden), finding out Steve is a teacher and little league baseball coach, Hopper and Joyce finally having that Enzo date and the final toast that Jonathan, Nancy, Robin and Steve made agreeing on meeting each other once a month. Non-stop cries. But that very last scene is what hit me the hardest. Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will and Max playing one final game of Dungeons & Dragons. The show ends where it all started in 2016. And I know these kids can cry on cue, but I believe that everyone was actually showing their genuine feelings right at that moment (same for the rooftop scene by the way). And I couldn’t stop crying either.

The music was also on point. Off course the iconic synthesizers of Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. But they chose some epic songs; “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain” by Prince, “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac and using “Heroes” by David Bowie for the end credits (which are also worth watching until the end).

People who complained about this show’s final season, surely watched a different show and never really cared for these characters. “The Rightside Up” is more than just the end of a series; it’s a tribute to friendship, growing up and the power of hope against darkness. The episode takes the time for an extensive epilogue, allowing us to truly say goodbye to Hawkins”. Stranger Things” end here, but it will leave a lasting impression on my life.

TV Review - Stranger Things (Season 5, Volume 2)

Season: 5 – Volume 2
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror
Number of episodes: 3
Year: 2025
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Priah Ferguson, Bret Gelman, Maya Hawke, Cara Buono, Linda Hamilton, Nell Fisher, Jamie Campbell Bower

Description: The gang hatches an electrifying plan to reconnect Will to the hive mind. Tensions flare during a search of the Upside Down's Hawkins Lab.
 
Review: “Stranger Things” season 5, volume 2 is an odyssey through trauma, nostalgia and cosmic horror. I am shocked about the amount of negative reviews, we obviously watched a different show, because I loved episodes 5-7 very much.

WARNING! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

The first four episodes of season 5 were amazing, I rewatched them already and I couldn’t really fault them. The second volume does have some flaws, but every season has.

Hopper and Eleven broke into the military base in the Upside Down, discovering it wasn’t Vecna they were holding captive, but Kali, whom we met in season 2. Max and Holly are in Henry’s subconscious, trying to find a way out. Dustin, Steve, Nancy and Jonathan are in the Upside Down. And episode 4 ended with the most epic moment, with Will having powers and defeating three Demogorgons, saving his friends. Episode five picks up where we left off.

Episode 5-7 are a journey to get to that final battle. And they take their time for all the characters. Many things get resolved and explained, with some surprises here and there. The people who are calling this volume anti-climactic are missing the point. These episodes weren’t filled with action, but had a lot more build-up and character driven moments. We need certain things to be resolved before the end. And because the stakes are going to be high in the final episode, there will be no time in that final episode, which most likely will be action packed. People who didn’t like this volume probably have the attention span of a toddler.

The actors are doing a great job. Gaten Matarazzo, as Dustin Henderon, definitely stole the show in these three episodes. Especially the scenes between Dustin and Steve, which were very important and necessary, were a highlight of volume 2. Noah Schnapp, who already shines in volume 1 as Will, also deserves praise. His speech touched me to the core and his performance overall is strong. Also Nell Fisher and Sadie Sink, as Holly and Max, deserve attention. That one scene in the Mindflayer’s Lair was so good and both had a convincing performance. Rooting for both of them constantly. The moment Max and Lucas reunite was a favorite moment as well. Emotional and long-awaited. Episode 7, The Bridge, was overall a very emotional episode. One of the most memorable moments of this volume was where Karen Wheeler saved Robin, Vicky, Lucas and Max. Momma Wheeler kicked some ass again and I absolutely did not see that coming, until I saw the gas tank in the dryer. What a moment! And the return of Mr. Clarke, and a bigger role as well, also made me very happy.

I only had two problems with this volume. One being the scene between Jonathan and Nancy. Although a beautiful moment between the two, which was clearly a break-up (lots of people seemed to have missed this part, but I thought it was pretty clear), it would have been more logical if at least one of these characters didn’t make it out alive. Not that I wished for them to die, but they previously saw several people who died in the melting matter, but Jonathan and Nancy don’t. The second problem is Kali. I do like the fact that they are given that one episode from season more purpose. But I don’t think they are using her character like they should. I think we are now meant to believe Eleven will sacrifice herself to save everyone, but it will not play out like that. Unnecessarily trying to lead us to a certain path.

The people hating on these episode are, again, clearly missing the point. The fact that a main characters has yet to die is one thing that people are mad about. Because over all the seasons, they only killed off secondary characters, that were introduced to us in that season. But the Duffer Brothers have been very clear about the fact that “Stranger Things” is not like “Game of Thrones”, where they are going to kill off several main characters. It’s not that kind of show. Haters gonna hate. They are going to be mad if they won’t kill off anyone, they will be mad if they only kill off one character, and when it is their favorite character that dies they are going to be mad about that. You’re never going to do it right for everyone. But the hate “Stranger Things” season 5 volume 2 is getting, is unjustified.

So, to all the negative people. You are entitled to your opinion, but you’re clearly missing the point of it all. What the Duffer Brothers did for episode 5-7 fits the tone and atmosphere of the show. It has some flaws, but it’s definitely still very good. And I can’t wait for that final episode. Luckily not that long of a wait this time.

TV Show Review - It: Welcome to Derry

Season: 1
Genre: Horror/ Fantasy
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2025
Starring: Jovan Adepo, Bill Skrarsgård, Taylour Paige, Stephen Rider, Matilda Lawler, Amanda Christine, Clara Stack, Blake Cameron James, Arian S. Cartaya, Chris Chalk, Jame Remar, Madeleine Stowe

Description: In 1962, a couple with their son move to Derry, Maine just as a young boy disappears. With their arrival, very bad things begin to happen in the town.

Review: “It: Welcome to Derry” is a sequel series to the movies “It” (2017) and “It: Chapter Two” (2019). It’s the ultimate treat for horror fans and a masterful expansion of the Stephen King universe.
Where many prequel movies or series struggle to capture the magic of the original, “It: Welcome to Derry” succeeds in scaring viewers once again. The series serves as a bridge to Andy Muschietti’s films and delves into the dark history of the cursed town of Derry in a way that is both innovative and respectful.  

The beating heart of the series is Bill Skarsgård. His return as Pennywise is nothing short of spectacular. He brings a new layer of cruelty and otherworldly menace to the character that we didn’t full see in the films. He creeps me the f*** out.

The series takes the time to explore the cycle of It. We see how evil manifests itself over the decades, making the world of Derry much bigger and more terrifying. The 1960s setting is beautifully designed; the nostalgic atmosphere forms a stark and effective contrast to the bloody horror that takes place.
The series looks stunning, the cinematography is dark and atmospheric, and the brutal body horror scenes are cinema quality. The creators don’t shy away from violence, resulting in some memorable horror moments.

The friendship between the kids give the show emotional depth, just like in the movies. You truly care about their fate.

“It: Welcome to Derry” is an absolute must-watch for fans of the movies or book. It is a rare example of a prequel that enriches the source material, rather than milking it dry. One of the best series of 2025.

TV Show Review - The Four Seasons

Season: 1
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2025
Starring: Tina Fey, Will Forte, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, Marco Calvani, Kerri Kenney, Erika Henningson   

Description: Three suburban couples vacation together each season, but tensions arise when one couple splits up and the husband brings a much younger woman on subsequent trips.  

Review: A 25-year marriage is hard work, but the love is worth it, the group friends in “The Four Seasons” agree. Until one of them decided to end their marriage.

A trio of befriended couples can’t figure out how you define love after 25 years of marriage. Is it a soulmate? Or just devotion?

When the friend meet up in Spring, one of them decides he wants to leave their partner. He is unhappy and is marriage is boring, he tells his friends. We follow the group of friends a full year; during Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each season taking up two episodes.

You really fly through this series, since each episode is about 30-minutes long. And you will effortlessly care about these characters. Especially Danny, played by Colman Domingo, and Claude, a role by Marco Calvani, really stole my heart. “The Four Seasons” is a lighthearted, warm and comical series, without becoming bland. Not a series you would expect a shocking twist from, but it does happen.

It's a fun series, that will have a second season, which is needed after that major cliffhanger. A great assemble cast, that portray characters you really care about. Would recommend.

TV Show Review - The Residence (Mini Series)

Season: Mini Series
Genre: Mystery/ Comedy/ Crime
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2025
Starring: Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Molly Griggs, Ken Marino, Randall Park, Susan Kelechi Watson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Jason Lee, Bronson Pinchot, Jane Curtin, Julian McMahon, Kylie Minogue

Description: An inside look of the White House’s staff residence and the lives workers share with the First Family, and the brilliant detective (Uzo Aduba) hired to crack the case of the mystery death that has occurred.

Review: A murder, a number of suspects and multiple rooms and murder weapons; for fans of the board game (and movie) “Clue” this is right up their alley. I love this stuff. With “The Residence’ we get an entertaining whodunit, full of satire and eccentric characters. And while there is plenty to choose from when it comes to murder mysteries, this one is definitely worth watching.

During a gran state banquet at the White House, the head of the household is found dead. The country’s best detective, Cordelia Cupp, is called in to investigate and solve the case as discreetly as possible. Anything but inconspicuous, she sets to work in her own eccentric way.

The creators have found a perfect way to frame the story. Months after the incident, a hearing takes place in which a committee re-examines all the details of the case. People involved are questioned and through flashbacks the viewers get a better picture of the events. Little by little, new insights are revealed. In this way, time is played with and time jumps provide a dynamic progression.

At the same time it allows the committee’s interrogators to question Cupp’s distinct but highly effective modus operandi. Actress Uzo Aduba portrays her role of detective as an unflappable and perceptive character. Cupp is not intimidated by her surroundings or the influential people she interrogates. In her spare time, she is a passionate birder, ans those skills – patience, attention to detail and focus – come in handy in her work as well. In Sherlock-like fashion, she manages to paint a complete picture of a situation with just a few clues.

The pace of the series is fast, with quick edits and fluid jumps in time. This contrasts with the slower, more introspective scenes in which characters are explored. The White House is obviously the ideal setting for a murder mystery, because with its many beautifully decorated rooms, hidden hallways and intriguing hierarchy among the staff, much remains hidden. Cupp has the location locked down; no one is allowed our until the culprit is known.

With a cleverly constructed story, interesting characters and a great setting, the series remains engaging from start to finish. For every murder mystery fan, this is a definite must-see.

TV Show Review - You (Season 5)

Season: 5
Genre: Thriller/ Drama
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2025
Starring: Pen Badgley, Charlotte Ritchie, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Griffin Matthews

Description: A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man (Penn Badgley) goes to extreme measures to insert himself into lives of those he is transfixed by.

Review: In the penultimate season, we saw Joe take a trip to the United Kingdom, where he was inexplicably allowed to play the literature teacher. The members of his new elite social circle were not sure of their lives. His friend Kate, who came from a well-to-do family, knew about Joes secret, but like some of her predecessors, she found a way to deal with her lover's killing intent. If only because she only knew half the truth.
 
In season five, we are several years down the road and Joe has moved back to New York with Kate. Kate runs the prosperous family business Lockwood there, but soon finds herself in trouble. This prompts Joe to overcome obstacles in unconventional ways. In addition, he dusts off his old bookstore, where he finds an eccentric woman who calls herself Bronte. Joe decides to hire her as a bookseller, but soon develops an obsession with her.
 
WARNING! THIS REVIEW MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS!
 
It's just the same old story, told again, with some twists and turns here and there. So many things in this season make no sense. Why does Joe decide to become a public figure, with everything he has done? And why is Kate still surprised about Joe, when she knows what he is capable of? And another new woman who Joe claims to be “the one”…..?
 
Season 4 was already a mixed bag for me, but season 5 was just bad. I didn’t like it. It had some twists I thought were pretty good, but most of it was very predictable actually. And in the first couple of seasons I could still, kind of, understand why women fell for Joe. But not anymore. It becomes increasingly implausible that women fall head over heals for him. And I was just hoping, the entire time, that Joe would be exposed. Because he made so many dumb mistakes (this entire season is filled with dumb people and decisions by the way), it doesn’t really feel like Joe Goldberg anymore.
 
They tried, but they should have ended “You” after season 3.

Black Mirror Episodes Ranked - Season 7

“Black Mirror” is an anthology series exploring a twisted, high-tec multiverse where humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide. The show is known for the twists and how technology can sometimes be pretty scary. Season 7 was just released on Netflix and I’m ranking all six episodes. And this was a really strong season.

6. Hotel Reverie
Director: Haolu Wang
Starring: Issa Rae, Emma Corrin, Akwafina, Harriet Walter, Elliot Barnes-Worrell, Enzo Cilento
Description: A high-tech, unusually immersive remake of a vintage British film sends Hollywood A-list star Brandy Friday (Issa Rae) into another dimension, where she must stick to the script if she ever wants to make it home.
Review: Using modern-day technology to recreate an old classic movie, and an actress looking for her next big film. And of course things go completely wrong. It’s a very creative idea, however the episode is way too long and did not manage to keep my attention the entire time. Still a good episode, but my least favorite of the season.
 

5. Plaything
Director: David Slade
Starring: Peter Capaldi, Will Poulter, Lewis Gribben, James Nelson-Joyce, Michelle Austin
Description: In a near-future London, an eccentric murder suspect (Peter Capaldi) is linked to an unusual video game from the 1990s – a game populated by cute, evolving artificial lifeforms.
Review: During an interrogation, a man arrested for shoplifting, tells his story. This is a sequel to the film “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” and again revolves around a video game. “Plaything” is a very cynical take on technology and has plenty to say about human nature. This feels more like an old-fashioned “Black Mirror” episode. Where “Hotel Reverie” felt too long, “Plaything” could use a few extra minutes. But I did love the ending though.
 

4. Běte Noire
Director: Toby Haynes
Starring: Siena Kelly, Rosy McEwen, Michael Workeye, Hannah Griffiths, Ben Asheden, Amber Grappy,
Description: Confectionary whizz kid Maria (Siena Kelly) is unnerved when her former schoolmate Verity (Rosy McEwen) joins the company she works at – because there’s something altogether odd about Verity, something only Maria seems to notice.
Review: This episode has a great build-up, where we see how Maria is going from the strongest asset in her company hitting rock bottom. We feel what she feels, because we know she is telling the truth. But strange things seem to be happening and there is no explanation for these events. She, and also the audience, suspect that Verity has something to do with it. Because it all started when she joined the company. The plot twists are well put together, but the ending is way too abrupt.
 

3. Eulogy
Director: Christoper Barrett, Luke Taylor
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Patsy Ferran
Description: An isolated man (Paul Giamatti) is introduced to a groundbreaking system that allow its users to literally step inside old photographs – stirring powerful emotions in the process.
Review: Philip gets a call from a company called Eulogy, who collects memories for funerals. With the help of a virtual guide, he thinks back to a woman who was once very important to him. “Eulogy” is masterful. The idea is very original and the plot is not far-fetched. The surprised in the story are believable. This is also an episode that is mostly about the acting. And Paul Giamatti is amazing, as a man is is confronted by his past.
 

2. USS Callister: Into Infinity
Director: Toby Haynes
Starring: Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, Billy Magnussen, Osy Ikhile, Milanka Brooks, Jesse Plemons, Paul G. Raymond
Description: Robert Daly (Jesse Plemons) is dead, but now the crew of the USS Callister – led by Captain Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti) – are stranded in an infinite virtual universe, fighting for survival  against 30 million players.
Review: Season 7 had another sequel. “USS Callister” is still one of the most popular episodes of “Black Mirror” and a fan favorite. And this sequel, “USS Callister: Into Infinity”, continues where the original story ended. A deragned programmer had stuffed clones of his colleagues into a computer game and these clones must now survive in a giant online game. “USS Callister: Into Infinity” should only be seen if you liked the first part and want to know how the story ends. I loved this episode, and it still had some cool twists and turns. Not as good as the original episode, which is also an all-time favorite of mine, but a worthy sequel.
 

1. Common People
Director: Ally Pankiw
Starring: Chris O’Dowd, Rashida Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross
Description: When a medical emergency leaves schoolteacher Amanda (Rashida Jones) fighting for her life, her desperate husband Mike (Chris O’Dowd) signs her up for Rivermind, a high-tech system that will keep her alive.
Review: Without a doubt the best episode of season 7. When Mike decides to save Amanda’s life by signing up with Rivermind, because it was literally the only option to keep her alive, the couple become dependent on the healthcare system. “Common People” is a sharp satire on the American health care system in which making money is more important than someone’s actual health. The first episode of the season and  nothing beat it. It’s also one of the best “Black Mirror” episodes ever.
 
What did you think of season 7 and which episode was the stand-out for you?

TV Show Review - Adolescence (Mini Series)

Season: Mini Series
Genre: Drama
Number of episodes: 4
Year: 2025
Starring: Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Amelie Pease, Erin Doherty

Description: When 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) is accused of the murder of a classmate, his family, therapist and the detectives in charge are all left asking what really happened.

Review: One morning a police team invades a British family to arrest 13-year-old Jamie. He is suspected of stabbing a classmate. From that moment on his parents and his sister end up In hell. Meanwhile, the police investigate to gather enough evidence.

Actor Stephen Graham, who plays father Eddie, wanted to create a series in which each episode consists of one uninterrupted shot. And even though the show is amazing on its own, the way this series was shot makes the series outstanding and extraordinary and one of the best shows I have seen in a while.
You are literally walking and driving along with the characters, going through the hallways, driving from the house to the police station, going around a room. It’s so impressive. This makes the series realistic and raw and the story that is happening in front of you hits even harder. The camera work gets the viewer involved.

Whether Jamie is guilty or not is left in the dark for a while. That keeps the suspense going. But this series is more about the why then the what. Young Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie, manages to give away a very strong performance. Knowing that this was his first ever acting job, makes it even more impressive. And Stephen Graham, who has been a favorite actor of mine for a long time, proofs how fantastic he is. You feel his anger, pain and sorrow. He just makes you feel every emotion. I don’t understand why Graham doesn’t get more praise, he is such a fantastic actor, who has been around for many many year already.

Of all the shows that are coming out right now, “Adolescence” is the one you should watch. There is a reason why this show is being hyped up as much as it is, it really lives up to the hype.

TV Show Review - Apple Cider Vinegar (Limited Series)

Season: Limited Series
Genre: Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 6
Year: 2025
Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Aisha Dee, Mark Coles Smith, Tilda Cobham-Herbey, Chai Hansen, Matt Nable, Ashley Zukerman

Description: The life of wellness guru Belle Guru (Kaitlyn Dever), who had a large social media following, where she pretended she pretended to be suffering from cancer but keeping the disease under control using self-are therapies. She confesses that none of it was true.

Review: The Australian series “Apple Cider Vinegar” is loosely based on the true story of wellness influencer Belle Gibson, who was exposed by two journalists in 2015. Among other things, she led her followers to believe that she had cured her brain tumor with healthy eating, exercise and holistic medicine.

Every episode starts with a disclaimer, that Belle Gibson did snot ger paid for this telling of her story. And the rise and fall of Belle Gibson starts, where a true story is told, based on a lie.

On Instagram, everything seems perfect. After roughly fifteen years, the app still hasn’t lost that distorted view of the world. Meanwhile, influencers are under strict scrutiny, but that hasn’t always been the case. Belle Gibson’s story takes the cake. Australian Belle Gibson was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was 20. Fortunately, she is not sitting back and, like her great role model Milla, decides to take a different approach. No surgeries, no hospitals and no chemo, but healthy juices, vegan food and lots of exercise. That, according to Belle, is the cure for cancer. She shares all her findings with thousands of followers on Instagram, develops the app The Whole Pantry and is writing a cookbook. It sounds too good to be true, cure cancer with a nutritious diet. And that’s because it is. Where Milla is actually going through cancer, believing she can beat it by living a healthier life. Belle made it all up, just for some attention. And the whole world fell for it. Until her lies were exposed by journalists.

“Apple Cider Vinegar” tells a lot. It deals with Belle’s mental problems, the rivalry she has with Milla, the research the journalists try to do to expose the influencer, and with the story of Lucy, who has breast cancer, it also deals with a lot with the impact this disease actually has. Milla and Lucy are fictional, Belle is real. And even though the stories of Milla and Lucy are interesting, the story of Belle would have been enough.

Kaitlyn Dever does a wonderful job as Belle. It’s very easy to portray belle as an evil woman with an attention disorder. Dever doesn’t do that. She gives Belle depth and humanity, but at the same time she makes clear that the only one Belle really cares about is herself. This series wasn’t made to feel sympathy for Belle.

Although the series often shoors off in all sorts of direction, Kaitlyn Dever provides a clear focus for her character. A story so crazy, that’s you almost wouldn’t believe was true, if you didn’t know it.