Playing on their strengths and working within the limitations of each medium, both The Dropout and Bad Blood pull us into the very American story of Theranos’ and Holmes’ rise and fall.
Television
Television Review: “Human Resources” — Self-Help for Monsters?
Human Resources isn’t for everyone. It’s even weirder than Big Mouth (which is saying something), though this spinoff series still packs, at times, the same heartfelt punch.
Television Review: “Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives” — Of Cons and Cults
Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. falls short because it is designed to be entertaining rather than useful.
WATCH CLOSELY: “Pieces of Her” — The Dangers of Privilege
This Netflix thriller takes some interesting twists and turns as it moves along its absurd way.
WATCH CLOSELY: “Inventing Anna” — Endless Scamming
Despite some occasionally far-fetched situations, Inventing Anna tells a fascinating story about conning the upper class.
Television Review: “Señorita 89” — Beauties in Revolt
Senorita 89 isn’t an easy watch because of its stinging depiction of misogyny, but it’s a powerful one.
Television Review: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” — Time for a New Set
This season The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel must confront a considerable challenge — Midge must not be allowed to tell the same tired jokes as her male counterparts.
WATCH CLOSELY: HBO’s “Landscapers”
Landscapers is a true crime series that compellingly weaves together dream and reality.
Television Review: “Pam & Tommy” — That Icky Feeling
What is the most depressing thing about Pam & Tommy? The series provides the most sympathetic portrait of Pam Anderson that is out there.
Film Review: “The Great Postal Heist” — Clear and Present Danger to a Great American Institution
This effective advocacy documentary charts the 21st-century decline of a great American institution (one established in the U.S. Constitution). It’s also a wake-up call alerting us that things didn’t have to happen this way.