Weekly TV Picks: A Mix of Laughter, Mystery, and Satire
This week’s TV picks offer a variety of content that ranges from the absurd to the serious. Whether you’re looking for a comedic escape or a gripping crime series, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the standout shows currently available.
The Miniature Wife
★★★★ (Stan)
The Miniature Wife is a marvellous blend of comedy and science fiction that keeps viewers entertained with its quirky storyline. Starring Matthew Macfadyen and Elizabeth Banks, this 10-part limited series is based on a short story by Manuel Gonzales. The show explores the dynamic between a couple whose lives take an unexpected turn when the husband accidentally shrinks his wife using a scientific invention.
What makes The Miniature Wife stand out is its clever use of farce and its ability to mix genres seamlessly. The show draws inspiration from classic comedies like the Coen Brothers’ Intolerable Cruelty and 1980s black comedies such as War of the Roses. It also has elements reminiscent of Marvel’s Ant-Man, where the protagonist goes on a journey while tiny.
The narrative is filled with inventive scenarios, such as Lindy battling a fly in a Thor-like action sequence or working with her husband to save their embittered daughter. The supporting cast includes Ronny Chieng, O-T Fagbenle, and Zoe Lister-Jones, who add depth and humor to the show.
With Greg Mottola directing, the series showcases the talents of Macfadyen and Banks, who bring a unique chemistry to their roles. The show may not stick to one genre, but it’s this flexibility that makes it so engaging.
Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole
★★★ (Netflix)
Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole is a Norwegian crime series that follows the character of Harry Hole, a detective known for his unconventional methods. The show, which is written by Nesbo himself, features Tobias Santelmann in the lead role. While the series has a strong foundation, it suffers from being overly lengthy, with multiple plots and subplots that stretch the narrative.
The show starts with a horrific bank robbery that Harry becomes obsessed with solving. As the story unfolds, a performative serial killer adds to the tension in Oslo. The character of Tom Waaler, played by Joel Kinnaman, serves as a foil to Harry, creating a dynamic that is both professional and personal.
Despite its length, the show benefits from a strong score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, as well as a compelling performance by Santelmann. A more concise second season would be welcome, allowing the pacing to pick up and the story to develop more effectively.
The Boys
★★★½ (Amazon Prime Video)
The Boys is a satirical take on superhero culture and corporate greed. The fifth and final season of the show continues the story of Homelander, a super-powered villain who now runs America, and Butcher, his cynical adversary. The show remains strong, with more gore and social media commentary than ever before.
The series has faced challenges as real-world events have sometimes overshadowed its fictional exaggerations. However, it continues to deliver a powerful message about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of accountability.
Aaron Chen: Funny Garden
★★★ (Netflix)
Aaron Chen’s stand-up special, Funny Garden, offers a unique perspective on American culture through the eyes of an Australian comedian. Filmed in New York, the special features Chen’s observations and riffs on various topics, including comparisons between the Statue of Liberty and the Big Banana.
Chen’s dry delivery and sweet laugh make for an engaging performance. While the special doesn’t have a grand concept, it relies on a stream of droll one-liners that keep the audience entertained.
Mike and Nick and Nick and Alice
★★½ (Disney+)
Mike and Nick and Nick and Alice is a cult movie nominee that blends action-movie bloodbaths with time-travel comedy. The film, directed by BenDavid Grabinski, attempts to mash genres together and offer warped twists on B-movie conventions.
While the film doesn’t always work, it has a madcap energy that makes it worth watching. The story involves a mob boss’s celebration and a time-travel twist that sees Future Nick enlisting Mike to kidnap his younger self.
Saturday Night Live: UK
★★½ (HBO Max)
The British edition of Saturday Night Live has been running for a month and is a mixed bag. The show closely follows the American format, including the musical guest and Weekend Update segment. While it’s a fair representation of the original, it needs to loosen up and find its own identity.
Tina Fey hosted the first episode, and subsequent episodes have shown some improvement. The show has the potential to become a hit if it can find its own voice and style.
Additional Highlights
- Aaron Chen: He has left Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee and won’t be drawn on Fisk, so what’s next for our favourite webmaster?
- Sally Wainwright: The former bus driver (yes, really) has written some of the best characters on TV. These are some of her best.
- MasterChef Australia: Judge Sofia Levin reveals the private pain that is driving her.
- Streaming guides: What to watch this month.
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