I checked out four new network shows this year: Stumptown, Batwoman, The Unicorn, and Perfect Harmony. You can find my list of everything else I’m watching over here. I’m writing this later than usual because of Batwoman‘s premiere date, so I’ll actually be reviewing the first two episodes of the other three shows. Since this was really my second introduction to Kate Kane and Gotham City (both appeared in last year’s Arrowverse crossover), I have a pretty good idea of what that show looks like going forward. To kick things off:
Stumptown
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Stumptown but ended up being pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the first 2 episodes. Quippy main character with a tragic backstory and not-so-secret heart of gold is a tried-and-true format, especially on network TV. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done well, and Cobie Smulders proved she’s up to the task. It doesn’t hurt that Dex isn’t dissimilar from HIMYM‘s Robin or Marvel’s Maria Hill, the two characters Smulders is probably best known for.
Charming as I find Jake Johnson, after the first episode I wasn’t sure how his Grey, a bartender and Dex’s best friend, fit in with the rest of the show. The pilot did a nice job of showing his importance in Dex’s life—mentioning her PTSD and trying to reign in her more dangerous impulses—but I assumed they’d have to work hard in the future to justify his presence.
Luckily, the 2nd episode proved me wrong. It turns out Grey has his own demons that fit in very well with Dex’s line of work. Episode 2 answered another question I had in the pilot which was if Grey and Dex had a romantic history. They do, though Smulders has good chemistry with both Johnson and Michael Ealy’s Miles. After the first episode, I thought Miles would be the main love interest, but now my money’s on Grey, especially because there are unresolved feelings on his part. That’s not to say Dex has to couple up with Grey or Miles, only that her conversation about love with her client in episode 2 suggested the show moving in that direction at some point.
The stuck tape in Dex’s cassette player was a fun bit that worked very well in the pilot especially, and the music choices in general give the show a unique, retro vibe. The fight sequences in both episodes were gritty enough to be realistic but also not out of place on Disney’s ABC. I also really appreciate that Dex doesn’t use a gun; give me hand-to-hand combat any day. Overall, Stumptown feels like the kind of show that could fill that slightly lighter Castle vibe ABC’s been looking for, even if Castle himself still works for the network.
Batwoman
I think this was a solid Arrowverse debut that hit all the beats it needed to with a couple of neat twists. Out of all the Arrowverse shows, its sepia-toned look and like Stumptown, focus on hand-to-hand combat remind me the most of Arrow. With that series ending this season and the Canaries spinoff not a guarantee, I’m glad Batwoman will be there to fill that void.
This pilot handled its characters well, with each one getting some time to shine. Character balance is something a lot of first episodes struggle with, but I already have a good sense of each character. Not to belabor the Arrow comparison, but I think Kate’s stepsister, Mary, and Luke from Wayne Tower will provide that Felicity/Curtis comic relief that’s needed in an otherwise dark show like this.
Another strength of this pilot was how well it used flashbacks: just often enough to help us understand Kate without bogging down the hour. The two big reveals were also done pretty well. I assumed Kate’s ex, Sophie, would be dating someone but didn’t think she would be married. This adds a devastating layer to Kate and Sophie’s already tough relationship. And, knowing nothing about the comics, I never guessed that Alice was actually Kate’s sister, Beth. It’s a cool choice to make the season 1 villain so personal.
It’s also worth noting that Ruby Rose was perfectly cast here. Despite the general Arrow vibe, I get the sense that she’ll make Kate a bit more fun than Oliver’s ever been. She was believable in the action sequences but also gave Kate a lighter, sort of smirky vibe in some scenes. I went into Batwoman planning on watching at least until this season’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. but I’m genuinely excited to tune in next week.
The Unicorn
The premise of The Unicorn is a bit limited, but 2 episodes in, it seems like the great cast and solid writing could eventually push it to be something more (not unlike Cougar Town, a favorite of mine with a similar setup). I didn’t laugh a ton in the first 2 episodes but still enjoyed the banter between the characters. The best shows make you feel like you’re dropping in on people who have existed and been friends for many years before, and this show did that well.
Of the four friends, Delia and Forest stood out to me the most, probably just because I’m familiar with Michaela Watkins and Rob Corddry. I was also charmed by the scene in episode 2 where they contemplate a quickie before work but decide putting it in their shared calendar is basically the same thing. But Ben (Omar Benson Miller) and Michelle (Maya Lynne Robinson) are great too, and their relationship with their kids is already fun and believable.
However, the moment that stuck with me from the first 2 episodes was when Wade’s oldest daughter, Grace, got busted for sneaking out to take photos by a pretty wall for Instagram. Initially, I sort of braced myself for yet another TV/movie scene that belittled teenage girls and their interests. Instead, I was treated to a neat little pivot, where Wade asked, “So, you’re doing this to be popular?” and Grace responded, “No, I’m doing it to be normal.”
It had nothing to do with Wade’s dating life but showed The Unicorn‘s potential for other interesting moments. It validated a young woman’s feelings, spoke intelligently about the expectation the social internet places on people, and was also just genuinely sweet (the scene ended with Wade and Grace taking pictures of each other in front of the wall). It’s the kind of scene that made me excited for what’s to come and also my way of saying don’t count this one out, even if you’re not that into the premise.
Perfect Harmony
I thought the pilot of this was charming but didn’t know what the show looked like going forward. One concern I had—and still sort of have—is that it would be forced into the Glee mode of spending a season prepping for a competition they would inevitably lose for some manufactured reason to justify the show’s continued existence.
Episode 2 did a good job of showing what a usual episode will look like but still relied on a big event important to the choir. I don’t really know how they overcome that reliance; in a small town, there can’t be an event or competition every week. I almost wish Perfect Harmony was about a regular church choir rather than a competitive one. As the member of a standard church choir, I can tell you there’s plenty of comedy there. Removing the competitive element makes for lower stakes but also feels more sustainable and very on-brand for NBC. Their Superstore, for instance, has very low stakes but strong and specific characters that make up the difference.
However, I get why they went the direction they did. If the choir’s not competitive, then they end up singing church songs every week, at which point they might as well remove the musical component all together. Despite any concerns I have about the show’s longevity, though, the characters grew on me through the first 2 episodes, and Conley Fork has a small town charm that could easily turn it into a Stars Hollow or Pawnee.
Overall, a pretty strong crop of new network shows this year. I look forward to checking out others that people recommend as the season goes on!
Just a Girl, Standing in Front of a TV... 