Hello! We’re back from a quick break with a nice, long episode!
On this week’s episode of Criticism Is Dead, we discuss Physical and Evil, two shows about battling demons (both inner and outer).
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03:29 Physical, a polarizing dark dramedy on Apple TV+, is an incredibly thorny, often exhausting show, but one that so far is worth the watch.
This is not GLOW (RIP). Remove the friendships, the heart, the warmth. Keep the ‘80s-style aesthetic, leggings, hair volume. Add in a miserable protagonist, other unlikeable characters, and a truly vicious, damaging internal monologue defined by its self-loathing. There you have it, that’s Physical.
I don’t mean to be dismissive, I just think it’s a show where you should be fully aware of what you’re getting into when you start it. The constant, poisonous thoughts are a lot to bear, but this is also one of the few works of film/TV that fully get into the depths of what it’s like to have disordered eating and to hate yourself, your body, your image, and everything in your orbit. Aerobics is Sheila’s only salvation, and even that relationship is molded by the force of her desire to defeat her own body and its cravings.
21:22 Evil, streaming on Netflix (season 1) and Paramount+ (season 2), is a supernatural procedural that questions the gray area between skepticism and faith.
Satanic panic is back, baby!!! From the couple who brought you The Good Wife and The Good Fight, here’s another procedural that is about… faith? Or more precisely, the blurred lines between what can be explained and what cannot, e.g., the scientific/rational and the supernatural/demonic/divine.
There are some weaknesses — Pelin and I aren’t totally on board with each of the two protagonists and their actors, respectively, and the bad guy is a bit cartoonish — but the tone of the show ultimately makes it. Dark but zany, unsettling but warm in some ways, this kinda feels like the right show for the end of the world. As Pelin notes, it’s giving Buffy vibes, which can only be a good thing!!
37:58 Plus, culture notes about Britney Spears and the cruelty of a system designed to entrap and abuse.
I’m sure you’re already caught up, but here’s her full statement against conservatorship.
Bonus links
Here’s the Simpsons bit we mention in the intro because everything is fucked:
“All the right words on climate have already been said.” — Sarah Miller
Behind the scenes of the new Gossip Girl. Sounds like a bit of a mess, cannot wait!!
I know, it’s OLD by now but:
You heard her:
Happy Pride!
Just a note: We are off again next week for the holiday. Stay cool and see you the week after!
— 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