The failure of 'True Detective'’s second season

The show we deserve?

The tagline for the second season of True Detective was “We get the world we deserve.” I’m not sure what I did to deserve this mess of a season, but whatever it was, I’m sorry.

Paula Berman

Aug 18, 2015 · Articles · 5 minute read

USA Network’s ‘Mr. Robot’

Fight Club meets Macbeth

Don’t let the somewhat silly title fool you. Mr. Robot is one of the most intense and thrilling viewing experiences of the summer.

Jessica Friedman

Aug 18, 2015 · Articles · 4 minute read

Jon Stewart: An appreciation

Jon Stewart ate my homework

With a rich history of 20th-century political comedians speaking truth to power, Jon Stewart firmly held a standard of intelligence and hilarity that few have equaled.

Susan Beth Lehman

Aug 11, 2015 · Articles · 3 minute read

Jennifer Aniston in 'Cake'

Not just a pretty face

When Cake came out, people lauded star Jennifer Aniston — for not wearing makeup. That’s a daring choice? Would the same amazement and attention have been given to a man who made the same decision? And would I even have noticed she wasn’t wearing any if I hadn’t been told?

Tara Lynn Johnson

Aug 11, 2015 · Articles · 2 minute read

Woody Allen's 'Irrational Man'

Getting away with murder

In Irrational Man, his 46th film, Woody Allen continues to explore his favored themes of crime and punishment.

Carol Rocamora

Aug 11, 2015 · Articles · 3 minute read

The era of niche TV

Does (audience) size matter?

The Golden Age of TV may have ended with the finale of Mad Men, but that’s OK. There’s a new era of TV starting — the era of niche TV — and it may actually be better.

Paula Berman

Jul 30, 2015 · Articles · 5 minute read

Netflix’s ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ Season 3 (third review)

Disappearing acts: The real spine of Season 3

Griping because Orange Is the New Black doesn’t reveal the fate of your favorite characters? This narrative choice may be the season’s boldest and most compelling quality.

Alaina Johns

Jul 28, 2015 · Articles · 5 minute read

Matthew Heineman's 'Cartel Land'

Not-so-simple justice

In his courageous new documentary, Matthew Heineman investigates the death grip of the drug cartels in Mexico.

Carol Rocamora

Jul 28, 2015 · Articles · 3 minute read

'Ballet 422' by Jody Lee Lipes

A dance documentary that takes the cake

Ballet 422 is a tease, offering insight into the how, but not the what, of a new ballet.

Tara Lynn Johnson

Jul 21, 2015 · Articles · 2 minute read

‘The Bachelorette’

Is it love, or is it emotional abuse?

How do we tell the difference between love and emotional abuse? The dividing line is not always clear, as exemplified by the relationship between Kaitlyn and her suitors on this season of The Bachelorette.

Naomi Orwin

Jul 12, 2015 · Articles · 6 minute read