In her superb true crime documentaries, Skye Borgman probes America’s war against its women and children.
Television
WATCH CLOSELY: “The Staircase”
This series presents a compelling perspective on the relativity of determining crime and punishment.
Television Review: “Menudo: Forever Young” — An Abusive Fountain of Youth
Given the pain they endured, it is admirable just how strong many of the Menudo members are.
WATCH CLOSELY: “Minx” is Sexy, Funny and Oh So Seventies
This clever, funny, sexy series from HBO Max is my pick for the best new feel-good retro comedy of 2022.
Book Review: “Building 46” — Much More than a Chinese Ghost Story
Author and journalist Massoud Hayoun’s novel Building 46 probes behind the air-brushed image of China’s capital city to offer a fascinating (and incisive) look into the everyday lives of Beijing dwellers.
Television Review: “Shoresy” — A Spin-off That Falls Short
The Canadian sports comedy Shoresy works as its own series, but it doesn’t match the sharp wit of its predecessor, Letterkenny.
Television Review: “Love on the Spectrum U.S.” Celebrating Autism — in America
Love on the Spectrum U.S. generates the same joy as its Aussie version: all of the singletons are enormously likable.
Television Review: “Ozark” — Nowhere to Go But Down
Ozark supplied some vital, if depressing insights, about what liberal Americans really value: money and power, rather than what they say they treasure, family and equality. The catch is that this is no longer news.
Television Review: “Senior Year” — A Mindless Trip Down Memory Lane
Like the films of the 2000s, Senior Year is filled with chuckles but eschews substance.
Television Review: “Hacks” — Even Funnier on Tour
It is not unusual for most series to hit a sophomore slump, but Hacks manages to avoid this fate, partly because of how deftly it expands on its original premise.