Discover more from Criticism Is Dead

a weekly podcast about the film, TV, and culture we're consuming and what it all means (if it means anything at all). hosted by @jennygzhang and @onelongpiece

Perry Mason, The Big Door Prize, and Love Is Blind s4

L.A. heartbreak and small-town dreams, plus the messiest LIB season yet

Criticism Is Dead

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Jenny G. Zhang

Apr 11, 2023

Hello!

On this week’s episode of Criticism Is Dead, we discuss Perry Mason and The Big Door Prize, two shows about people reluctantly grappling with their life potential.

Click here to listen to the full episode on the web

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03:22 Perry Mason, streaming on HBO Max, returns for a second season that is vibe-ier and better crafted than the first.

As Perry Mason makes the complete transition from noir-style detective work to courtroom drama — and from one set of showrunners to another — its sophomore season proves to be even better than its slightly muddled first season. The excellent cast, rounded out by a few new additions, feel more like a cohesive ensemble. The details of life in the City of Angels are more sharply etched. The central mystery and the parceling out of information are well paced. It might take an episode to pull you in, but once it does, the series will never let you go.

18:56 The Big Door Prize, streaming on Apple TV+, is the right blend of lighthearted quirk, existential questions, and plain intrigue.

In The Big Door Prize, an irresistible premise — the arrival of a mysterious machine that tells people their “life potential” or destiny — is bolstered by a charming ensemble, great dialogue, and a solid mix of humor and something close to profundity. The way that each episode focuses on a different character feels refreshing rather than hack-y. Can’t wait to see where this goes!!

34:04 Plus, a little chat about the jaw-dropping mess (complimentary) that is Love Is Blind season 4.

It’s just… beyond words…

SUCCESSION SENDOFF

In this week’s SUCCESSION SENDOFF — our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season — we get into what happens on the boat and the plane. Plus, our recurring segments: Daddy’s Best Boy, The Disgusting Boy, and Death Watch.

EPISODE HERE!