#tv criticism

This might be interesting! All seasons of MASH are up for review on Rotten Tomatoes, with very little activity displayed so far. Here is season 8 in case you’re curious, for example.

Go ahead and give stars to your favorite seasons if you feel inclined. Or just give 5-star ratings to all the seasons, idc.

Julie and the Phantoms, Episode 3 ‘Flying Solo’ Review.

As I have mentioned, I am watching this series to surprise my sister, a Jatp fan. Initially I expected the main challenge to be stopping her from seeing that I’m watching the show, but I have since discussed the Jatp songs, which are incredibly catchy.

‘Flying Solo’, like ‘Bright’ began where the previous episode ending. Last episode I was cautious of the reaction and praying that the school’s questioning s didn’t turn into a total cringe fest. Fortunately, they did not.

Julie lied to hide her secret: she performed with ghosts. While many were convinced that they were holograms, Flynn didn’t and this posed a threat to their relationship. I believe the writers did an exceptional job, as always, to show the importance of Julie and Flynn’s friendship although there is no build up because they have been friends for a very long time.

I like how Flynn does find out, Julie rekindles their friendship, and they can share the secret together. Although we’re taught to never share secrets, I think Flynn will do a good job of keeping this secret. I hope the writers don’t ruin their friendship—one fallout is enough.

In my first review, I mentioned my dislike for mean-girl Carrie yet I think she was totally reasonable about Julie stealing the attention. I still don’t think Nick is worth Julie crushing over. What does he have? A varsity jacket? Sweetie, there are many boys like that.

One critique I have of this episode is about Alex and Willie. While it was the first time meeting each other but, as viewers, we know that Alex developed a slight crush on the skater, I personally believe the writers could have done a better job of showing it. However, I love that Alex’s relationship had its own scene to make it special.

My Review of Julie and the Phantoms: Episode 2— Bright.

Last Sunday, I watched episode one of the popular musical comedy-drama Julie and the Phantoms to surprise my sister. I enjoyed the episode ‘Wake Up’ much more than I had anticipated— previously expected to find it bland and overrated.

Episode Two is about Julie attempting to convince her music teacher, Mrs Harrison, to let her join the music program after the deadline. As a subplot, the ghosts perform at a local beach to focus on their new ‘lives’, Ray reconsiders selling the house, and Carlos becomes interested in the orbs from the photographs. Julie performs Luke’s original song ‘Bright’ at the school’s spring rally after Carrie.

While I enjoyed the ghosts visibly performing alongside Julie, I am weary that this may cause some cringy future plot points. However I know that the writers do have a magical way of making the show flow gracefully from scene to scene.

Characters Flynn and Alex have also grew on my liking: Flynn is exceptionally supportive of her best friend, which I personally find is admirable and shows the true meaning of friendship (friends are there for the good and the bad); and Alex seems to be very considerate towards Julie, for example, when he asks about the music program.

I still am not fond of Carrie, who performs a cringy song (sorry, I know some of you think differently), sends Julie constant death glares, and acts ditsily after her performance. Yet, every good story has an unpredictable antagonist so I will let this slide.

The episode ends, like the first, with Julie performing a song. While this is effective as it is like a finale scene to the episode, it becomes expectable and therefore less interesting. I hope that the ordering changes in the future.

I just watched the first episode of Julie and the Phantoms. For those who don’t know, my sister is a fan of JatP and I’m surprising her by watching them after weeks of telling her I won’t.

I honestly didn’t expect to like it as much as I do. So far, the plot is so well-written — the dialogue flows and the writers created great introductions to all of the characters which outline the main cast. The actors are incredible and suited the characters perfectly.

My favourite part is when Julie’s dad hears Julie playing her mother’s song. Also I like how the ghosts do not disrupt her so it can be her special moment. Perhaps the next episode will continue from there.

The episode ends with Julie singing a song on the grand piano, which her mother wrote. This song alone is very inspiring so if you do not have time to watch the show, give “Wake Up” by Anne Preven a listen; it is also available on the Spotify playlist.

However, there are some parts which I am not particularly fond of. Even though there was little of it, I did not enjoy the scenes at school— Carrie is already a pain, Flynn seems a bit immature, and I already know that Julie is going to end up with Nick, who honestly seems a bit lame.

Despite that, the first episode of Julie and the Phantoms is definitely worth the watch so I will recommend it as well as keep self-restraint so I do not binge it.

One of the things I wish more critics would realise is that not every TV show has to be “the best thing on TV”. It doesn’t need to be flawless and intricate and *serious*. It doesn’t even have to make sense half the time. It just has to be enjoyable. Otherwise what are we even watching it for??