SERIES FINALES. “Succession.” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” “Ted Lasso.”

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No reason for me to crave for another Season of these binge-bait bothers, I am satisfied-cool although some of you may be hoping for a “Ted Lasso” return. Not for me. Done. So next! 


<>“Succession.” (HBO via Amazon) 4 Seasons. Although the demise of patriarch Logan Roy (always superb Brian Cox) was kind of unexpected, we knew there will be no successor to the throne of global media and entertainment conglomerate Waystar RoyCo. All three catfighting siblings are not qualified at all: Bothered yet intent Kendall (icy as scotch on the rock Jeremy Strong) unreliable forever child Roman (playfully effective Kieran Culkin) and confused Shiv (lookin’ good and convincing Sarah Snook).



        And so the winner was Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård, uhh channeling Elon Musk?) of Swedish Gojo and power player albeit subtly, Tom Wambsgans (focused Matthew Macfadyen). Greg (Nicholas Braun, funny) stays because he is so cluelessly “effective,” and Connor (Alan Ruck, basically Mr Ruck) remains an idiot. 

       My apologies for the spoiler, in case you haven’t been lured to the series yet.

       Anyhow, superb writing. Allusions to the Murdochs, Fox, Rupert, Lachlan, James, and Elisabeth are noted. But the Donald Trump election time side-step was misplaced. Not necessary. Do we have to go there, people? We already have a show here. I mean, Justin Kirk looked silly with that silly smirk. 

       Still, “Succession” is fine leisure for those who follow big guns media and its over over high-end politics. 🎥📺📽


<>”Ted Lasso.” (Apple TV+) 3 Seasons. An American college football coach is hired to coach an English soccer team with the secret intention that his inexperience will lead it to failure, but whose folksy, optimistic leadership proves unexpectedly successful. Certainly, a ride that fits Jason Sudeikis’ butt and drive. And it remarkably worked in Season 1. 



       But on Season 2, culture war and political moralizing ensued, and Keeley Jones (effective but overdressed Juno Temple) wrestles sappiness with mush cliche of Ted. And that Dubai Air/Nigeria bit is contrived, bereft of factual background, and “forced.” The Coach Beard episode was eerily long and lumbering though Brendan Hunt delivers a contained, comedy cool. In other words I wasn’t really looking forward to Season 3. But the “The Wonder Kid” Nathan’s transfer to West Ham United as head coach was worth the wait. Nick Mohammed seemed like a new star right there. 

       So in Season 3, save for the season-saving briefie romance substory, featuring AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton (gorgeously scene-stealing Hannah Waddingham) and some dude in Europe, the rest was frustratingly more maudlin, soapy, and predictable than Season 2. Sorry, Lasso fans! Roy and Jamie stayed one-dimensional whiners, and I am not impressed with Phil Dunster and Brett Goldstein. What, Emmy nominations? WTH. 

       The Trent Crimm (James Lance) thingy is okay as recurring character though unnecessary as major player, as did Dr. Sharon M. Fieldstone (Sarah Niles) in Season 2. But I dig the Richmond guys, they are THE actors in this series.  

       Alas, nothing really came out with the Nathan West Ham trip, and what’s that love story thingy? And then from Head Coach back to locker room boy? Aw, come on! Lastly, Ted’s endgame drama? Thank God, he didn’t stay and double thank God/dess, he didn’t sleep with Rebecca. Done, I am done. No more. 🎥📺📽


<>“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon Prime) 5 Seasons. I had a pleasurable ride with the 4 Seasons. But creators gotta do the denouement, as expected. Predictable. Everybody got old, Midge’s kids grew up into adulthood, and Susie stayed grumpy and cursing here and there. Etc etcetera. No untowardness, no surprises, no plot twists whatsoever. Just that, Finale.



       Certainly, the late 1950s and early 1960s backdrop, with the fashion chic and sentimental songs, those got me. I am old. Rachel Brosnahan’s Midge Maisel, Alex Borstein’s Susie Myerson, Tony Shalhoub’s dad Abe are the 1-2-3 punch of this lovable series. The swift pace, crisp editing, smart ensemble performance make the series truly marvelous. Watch it again maybe 7 years from now. 🎥📺📽

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