Welcome to the Q&A with TV critic — additionally identified to some TV followers as their “TV therapist” — Matt Roush, who’ll attempt to handle no matter you’re keen on, detest, are confused or annoyed or thrilled by in at this time’s huge TV panorama. (We all know background music is just too loud, it’s essentially the most frequent criticism, however there’s all the time closed-captioning. Take a look at this story for extra ideas.)
One warning: It is a spoiler-free zone, so we received’t be addressing upcoming storylines right here except it’s already frequent information. Please ship your questions and feedback to [email protected]). Search for Ask Matt columns on most Tuesdays.
Will We See Extra of The Penguin on HBO?
Query: Why are so many individuals speculating of their post-mortems of The Penguin a few Season 2? It was all the time said that The Penguin was speculated to bridge The Batman and The Batman Half II films. It looks as if the present is mainly unrenewable at this level. Matt Reeves has stated that they’re trying to do extra for HBO sooner or later, however the second movie is the subsequent factor. So any future TV present that happens on this universe must be after that and choose up from the top of it. They will’t actually do anything till after the subsequent film, which is scheduled for 2026. This present was very a lot knowledgeable by Carmine Falcone’s loss of life in The Batman, and it looks as if they’d need to let the subsequent film information their decisions for what to do subsequent on TV.
[Spoilers] Even when the subsequent present would concentrate on the character of Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell) once more, it must be a really totally different setup with a considerably new forged due to how excessive the physique depend from this season was. I’m glad they managed to maintain Sofia alive, and I hope we see her once more sooner or later. However this explicit story arc feels very closed to me. — J.L.
Matt Roush: The “why” has to do with HBO’s current observe file of asserting reveals as restricted collection (Huge Little Lies, The White Lotus), after which once they take off and are properly obtained, they magically get second seasons or extra. And properties derived from comedian books and superhero films are equally well-known for doing sequels. The Penguin is considerably totally different, being a self-contained story depicting Oz Cobb’s evolution into the enduring Penguin supervillain, they usually clearly left it open for each him and Sofia Gigante (as she’s now referred to as) to reappear within the Batman films and presumably different tasks. I’m content material for now to let this scheming Penguin relaxation as a one-and-done, but it surely wouldn’t shock me to see HBO revisit this I.P. whereas the Penguin buzz continues to be scorching — a Sofia and Selina Kyle collection, anybody?
For Disgrace?
Query: I used to be simply questioning if there’s any proof of actors being ashamed of their reference to reveals like The Rookie and Physician Odyssey, with their eye-rolling, ridiculously anti-real-world plots and dialogue? I wince somewhat each time I see Don Johnson on his new present and might’t assist questioning if he thinks about how far he’s fallen from the heights of Miami Vice — and even Nash Bridges. Do they ever admit to any embarrassment? — Jim
Matt Roush: Whoa, lumping The Rookie with Physician Odyssey is a daring assertion. (Not my doing.) The purpose right here being that a lot of what constitutes broadcast community TV as of late qualifies as responsible pleasures — “status TV” has moved to the streamers, principally — whether or not your consolation meals is the method procedural or the over-the-top melodrama. Physician Odyssey clearly falls into the second camp (and I do imply camp) — and to reply your query straight, it’s uncommon for a star to confess being embarrassed to be on a present whereas the present continues to be in manufacturing. Not an excellent look. In Don Johnson’s case, that sheepish grin he’s sporting because the ship’s captain means that he’s having a blast on a present that isn’t precisely taxing his performing muscular tissues. (I recall how good he was on HBO’s Watchmen not so way back.) That stated, I’m positive I’m responsible of wincing whereas watching him and Joshua Jackson banter. However hey, a job’s a job.
Will Lone Star Be Rescued?
Query: I do know that my favourite present, 9-1-1: Lone Star, has been canceled at Fox, however is there any probability it can get picked up by ABC, like 9-1-1? — Susan
Matt Roush: Sadly, no. Fox has set Feb. 3 because the date for Lone Star’s collection finale, and ABC is ranging from scratch, it could seem, to launch its personal 9-1-1 spinoff. Newest phrase is that Hawaii would be the more than likely setting.
Give the Man One thing to Do!
Query: Will FBI, both reduce Jubal (Jeremy Sisto) free or write some precise dialogue? I’m so sick of his “yeah, yeah, yeahs” whereas the workforce does all of the work. — Stacy
Matt Roush: This made me chuckle. I’m not an everyday watcher, and I do know the character of Jubal has had some private subplots like the opposite predominant characters, however any time I tune in I can’t assist however suppose that Jeremy Sisto (who I’ve loved in reveals as varied as Six Toes Underneath, Suburgatory, and OG Legislation & Order) is at the moment one of the crucial underused actors on TV.
Cult TV Alert!
Remark: I simply needed to say how a lot I like Inside Chinatown! Among the outright funniest moments I’ve seen just lately are in that present (and thus far I’m solely three episodes in). Thanks for the point out in your each day column. I additionally noticed Jimmy O. Yang on late-night TV this week, so I may need observed it anyway, however that is one I wouldn’t have needed to overlook! The scene during which Jimmy retains attempting to enter the police precinct whereas everybody ignores him is a contemporary traditional. Yang is superb, and Ronny Chieng simply retains going from nice scene to nice scene. — D.P.
Matt Roush: At all times take pleasure in passing on enthusiastic suggestions. (This month’s streaming glut has saved me from ending this collection, however what I’ve sampled could be very intelligent.) I agree that Yang (a favourite from Silicon Valley) is terrific, and Ronny Chieng is having a second. Not solely is he killing it on The Day by day Present and stealing his scenes in Chinatown, however he has a brand new comedy particular on Netflix (Like to Hate It) premiering Dec. 17.
And Lastly …
Remark: Whereas rising up within the Nineteen Eighties, I recall Debra Winger’s wonderful work (City Cowboy, An Officer and a Gentleman, Phrases of Endearment, and Black Widow amongst others) and was not stunned to be wowed by her splendid efficiency within the current episode of Accused. Her performing type continues to be essentially the most easy I’ve ever seen. She by no means seems like she’s working onerous to ship. It simply flows so fluidly. A really unusual asset. Her final awards and nominations had been positively earned, and I hardly must say that this look deserves recognition. — Fred
Matt Roush: This wasn’t my favourite episode of the anthology, however as traditional, the forged greater than made up for any of the contrived script’s shortcomings. I like how Accused provides not often seen actors some juicy materials to play, and Winger was properly supported by Mercedes Ruehl and Christine Ebersole.
That’s all for now. We will’t do that with out your participation, so please hold sending questions and feedback about TV to [email protected]. (Please embrace a primary title together with your query.)