The Tastemakers: Dexter Is Back and Better Than Ever?
Taran Armstrong (@armstrongtaran) and Grace Leeder (@hifromgrace) are The Tastemakers! Every week, Grace and Taran tell you about what’s on TV, which shows are worth watching, and which shows are worth skipping.
In TV news, J.J. Abrams’ show Duster was cancelled by HBO Max, likely due to a lack of traction despite favorable critical and audience ratings. Critically acclaimed reality series Queer Eye will conclude with its next season after a significant nine-year run. On the renewal front, the popular anime Solo Leveling is set for a live-action adaptation on Netflix. Apple TV+’s Murderbot received a Season 2 renewal. A Scrubs reboot with original stars has been ordered to series by ABC, prompting conflicted feelings from the hosts. Additionally, Dr. Heather Collins will not return for Season 2 of The Pit, possibly due to scheduling conflicts, a development that could be woven into the show’s narrative. In surprising news, Larry David is set to lead a history sketch show produced by the Obamas for HBO.
The hosts also reviewed several new releases. Dexter Resurrection (Showtime/Paramount+) is noted for its “campy tone” and the way it retcons the divisive ending of Dexter New Blood. Michael C. Hall and David Zayas return. Foundation Season 3 on Apple TV+ has begun, though its initial episode left the hosts feeling it wasn’t as strong as anticipated, with expectations needing a “reset”. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia premiered its 17th season with a “very funny” crossover episode with Abbott Elementary. The new Superman movie, directed by James Gunn, was highly praised for its “human portrayal of the character” and its timely social commentary, and is performing well at the box office. Poker Face Season 2 concluded positively, with its ending setting up a new reason for Charlie Kale to be on the run.
A significant portion of the podcast was dedicated to the New York Times’ Top 100 Movies of the 21st Century list. Parasite topped both the critic and reader versions of the list, a choice the hosts agreed with. The high placement of Mulholland Drive (number two on the reader list) was a point of discussion. Other notable films in the top ten included No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood, The Dark Knight, Interstellar, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Spirited Away, Get Out, The Social Network, Moonlight, and In the Mood for Love. The hosts shared their personal favorite films, with Taran’s list featuring films like the Vengeance trilogy, Sinners, My Sassy Girl, Call Me By Your Name, and Green Room, and Grace highlighting films such as The Banshees of Inisherin, Petite Maman, and The Green Knight.
Looking ahead, I Know What You Did Last Summer is returning as a timely horror movie. Ari Aster’s new black comedy, Edington, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone, delves into COVID-19 lockdown themes, with mixed early reactions. Finally, Taran announced his new book, “Behind the Mirror,” focusing on the reality show Big Brother, available for pre-sale, while Grace mentioned upcoming interviews and a new weekly recap series for Dark, her favorite scripted show.
0:00 Podcast Welcome and Overview
1:05 Cancelations and Renewals
10:14 Dexter Resurrection (Paramount+/Showtime) has released two episodes, and initial impressions are positive, especially compared to the first episode of Dexter: Original Sin, which felt like a parody.
16:30 Foundation (Apple) Season 3 has started with weekly episode releases.
19:25 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FXX/Hulu) Season 17 kicked off with the second part of its Abbott Elementa...