TV Watch

I checked out the first episode of the new Chucky series (I liked the movies as a whole; did not watch the third and thought the last a bit garbled). It starts off on an impressive footing, with good performances, writing, music, and atmosphere. It also appears that you are allowed to say "fuck" on USA Network. The series has received some kudos as well for being GBLTQ friendly. Jennifer Tilly will be back. Maybe, they can get Catherine Hicks!

All Rise, the diverse crime drama led by a black woman judge appeared to have been cancelled after a two season run on CBS. The show had some behind the scenes drama with the showrunner, but ended fairly well. It in fact will return on OWN Network, which I hopefully have. We will see how this goes, but sounds good. The range of possible networks and platforms allows salvaging such worthwhile material.

A Taste of Honey (along with another film with the young British actress in the lead) was on TCM. It is a B&W film from 1961, which has some Mike Leigh in it. In that, I mean a realistic look at the working class without bells and whistles. It's well acted with people who seem like real figures (including a sympathetic gay character), not performers. This includes flawed characters and a somewhat downbeat ending [see link] though that part is not really totally necessary for things to be realistic. The actress still is acting today.