“Lioness.” Season 3. / “Spider-Noir.” / “Widow’s Bay.”

“Lioness” (Paramount+) spy thriller, created by Taylor Sheridan. In Season 3, hidden networks, foreign operatives, and personal betrayals collide as Joe balances her high-stakes duty with her home life. Guided by Kaitlyn and Westfield, Joe faces shadow enemies and a compromised national security system.

 

       First off, I must say I didn't agree with the first episode's use of dogs in a military assault sequence. While it is not based on factual (military) practice, it is uncalled for. There!

The given, as in the first 2 seasons: Everybody’s macho, including the women soldiers. They are invincible, aggressive, and non-faltering. 

       The storytelling in S1 and S2 is more textured and fleshed-out but the writing in S3 is smarter and tighter. Yet still, the focal attraction of this project are the action sequences.

       And Zoe Saldaña's performance here is more grounded, nuanced, and focused. 🎥💻📽

“Spider-Noir” (Amazon Prime) superhero noir series. Based on Marvel Comics featuring the character Spider-Man Noir, the series follows an aging private investigator and superhero in 1930s New York City who grapples with his past. 

       Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly / The Spider is pure comic-page noir dazzle. I can easily copy the way Nic/Ben talks, half-sleepy/half-drunk tone. This series is an enjoyable pulpy mischief, like turning the pages of an illustrated book. 

       The special (computer-generated) effects, textured set design, and sound editing are awards-savvy delights. 🎥💻📽

“Widow's Bay” (Apple TV+) comedy horror. A skeptical mayor of a New England town refuses to bow to the superstitions of the residents who claim that the place is cursed.

 

       This series received 19 nominations at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series, as well as acting nominations for Matthew Rhys, Kare O'Flynn, Dale Dickey, Stephen Root, Hamish Linklater and Betty Gilpin, and directing and writing nominations.

       I don't have any issue with the acting, individually or as an ensemble. But I don't think this derivative horror/mystery deserves the flood of accolades. 

       Rotten Tomatoes: "(Series creator) Katie Dippold successfully continues to invest in eccentricity with this outlandish horror-comedy that stokes the genre's well-worn tropes to winning effect, bringing scares, laughs, and a game cast.” I disagree but then, I digress. 

       Director Hiro Murai was cool in “Atlanta,” and Ms Dippold's writing was awesome in “Parks and Recreation.” But not in this series, nope. 🎥💻📽