Grab bag: The Traitors, Babylon, Fleishman Is in Trouble, and more

Thirteen things we've been watching recently, from new releases to latest seasons

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Jan 17, 2023

Hello! This week’s episode of Criticism Is Dead is a grab bag episode, a.k.a. one of our occasional watchlist dumps. We’ve been getting through plenty of TV and film, not all of which can make it into our main episodes, so this is where it’s going!

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02:39 His Dark Materials s3 (HBO Max)

Although this season was probably the worst out of the three, there’s no denying that the series finale really hit.

05:47 Emily in Paris s3 (Netflix)

This show has successfully made it from “bad” to the sweet spot of “bad but fun/camp.”

07:59 The English (Amazon Prime Video)

A thoroughly excellent Western that’s both gripping and thoughtful.

11:26 Slow Horses s2 (Apple TV+)

Our consistent fave remains a grand old time of a spy thriller, with a sophomore season that might even surpass the first.

14:18 Gossip Girl s2 (HBO Max)

It hasn’t quite crossed the line between “bad” and “so bad it’s good,” but it may be on its way.

18:06 Babylon (theaters)

Guess what: PELIN LIKED IT!!!! This film’s three-hour runtime apparently flew by with how entertaining it is.

21:23 Single’s Inferno s2 (Netflix)

A tamer, more chill dating reality show experience (just skip the annoying commentary).

25:17 The Traitors (U.S.) (Peacock)

For fans of Survivor or The Mole — just good old cutthroat, strategic survival and betrayal!

28:22 SAS Rogue Heroes (Epix/MGM+)

Such a fun, raucous time, reminiscent of Peaky Blinders.

32:02 Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (Peacock)

Okay tea but… I didn’t like it.

36:03 The Stranger (Netflix)

A crime thriller that’s also a fascinating depiction of masculinity and threat.

39:04 Old Enough s2 (Netflix)

Watching this is just pure joy.

41:59 Fleishman Is in Trouble (Hulu)

This TV adaptation is faithful almost to a fault, but it’s still a pretty good watch.

That’s all for now! Thank you so much and see you next week.

— Jenny

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Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to criticismisdead@gmail.com.

Some credits:

Music: REEKAH
Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu

Criticism Is Dead