Nothing Says Summer Like a B-Plus Show

As a film critic with a penchant for witty banter and a soft spot for B-movies that deliver big on charm, I find myself drawn to Apple TV+’s latest offerings this summer. The streaming giant seems to have stumbled upon a winning formula for the season – give us a dash of fun, a sprinkle of zany twists, and a generous helping of performances that make us do a double-take.

What are we looking for from a summer television show?

It’d be great to have some amusing entertainment, with an unexpected twist or two. Perhaps there could be scenes where the actor gives an over-the-top performance, as if they’re in a completely different production. This should spark some thought and curiosity, not leave you puzzled and perplexed. Nothing too serious, please. And let’s avoid lengthy sequences of the main character driving in the rain with a blue filter that tries to express moodiness and depth but can feel overused and cliche instead. I hope this helps!

Generally speaking, I’d say the perfect summer TV series lands around a B+. It might not be the highest accolade, but that doesn’t mean it’s anything less than respectable. In fact, a B+ is a commendable grade. It sits comfortably between shows that fall short and those that overreach. A B+ is often bestowed upon students who are putting forth their best effort or those who are doing well without pushing too hard. This quality makes both people and TV series worth appreciating.

Apple TV+ is hosting two engaging, B-grade shows this summer, one being “Presumed Innocent.” At first glance, it might not seem like a typical B-grade show due to its high-profile cast, heavy theme, and pedigree as an adaptation of a book previously made into a Harrison Ford movie in the 1990s. However, despite these prestigious elements, the series stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a tense prosecutor falsely accused of murdering a former colleague with whom he was having an affair, which lends it a pulpy and entertaining feel that you might not expect from such a production. Initially, there may have been a tendency to view it as a serious, high-brow drama; however, its unique blend of suspense, action, and character development makes it more than just that.

As the series “Presumed Innocent” progressed, it transformed into something more suited for a beach read rather than intellectual drama. The performance by Jake Gyllenhaal was nothing short of exceptional (complimentary). Peter Sarsgaard skillfully made his character detestable with his perfected smirks. O-T Fagbenle delivered enigmatic voice work, and there was a surprising twist every other episode. Ruth Negga occasionally appeared to prevent the story from drifting away into space. It was an enjoyable ride right up until the unexpected twist at the end. Was it the best show ever? Perhaps not, but watching it with someone in an air-conditioned room and discussing our disdain for Tommy Molto while the sun turned the pavement into a makeshift barbecue grill outside was certainly entertaining. A second season has been commissioned already, and I’m genuinely curious about how they will manage to sustain that momentum. I’m even hoping for seven seasons, with all of them debuting in July – what feels charming and quirky during hot weather might not have the same impact in colder months – and each one starting with Jake’s character being accused of a fresh murder. Why not go all out, right?

To achieve a B+ rating for a summer show, it might involve scenes of shouting, unexpected twists, and Bill Camp expressing his concern as chaos unfolds. However, there are other methods as well. This leads us to Bad Monkey, Apple TV+’s latest series, which poses the intriguing question: “What if Vince Vaughn portrayed a Fletch-like character who resided in Florida and was forced to work as a restaurant inspector because he had been suspended from his homicide detective role for attacking his lover’s husband with a golf cart?” A query that, upon reflection, we should have pondered earlier, given the indication that the answer would be quite enjoyable.

As a long-time fan of Carl Hiaasen’s books, I must say that this new TV show has truly lived up to its B+ summer credentials. It delivers everything one could ask for in a hot and humid August viewing experience – from severed limbs and colorful curses to wise-cracking detectives, coroners eating mango popsicles, and a plot that pushes the boundaries of believability. The show’s creator, Bill Lawrence, has nailed the tone perfectly, drawing on his decades of industry experience to bring this unique world to life.

Reflecting on the situation, it seems that Apple TV+ could potentially specialize in its content offerings, similar to how Prime Video focuses on high-quality Dad Shows. They already have shows such as Ted Lasso, a delightful B+ comedy with warmth, swearing, and mustaches, which soothes the soul. Slow Horses is set for a return in early September – still summer, technically! – featuring Gary Oldman’s character as a flatulent spy who consistently thwarts the most despicable individuals. Even The Morning Show, at times, can be considered a B+ show, albeit with an intriguing perspective: it’s like observing an overly excited C student who believes their work is exceptional, which could be bothersome if not for the charm in witnessing their hormone-fueled, overstimulated brain at work. In essence, there are numerous paths to reach the same destination.

Regardless of the circumstance, let’s all take a moment to relax and savor this period. As the days grow shorter and the mornings become crisp, the playful summer spectacle is nearing its conclusion. Soon, the world will adopt that dismal blue-tinged hue as the sun dips below the bare trees at 4:30. The season of frolicking monkeys and tempestuous Gyllenhaals will soon be behind us for another year. So, let’s pause and cherish it before it’s gone.

2024-08-24 00:54

Nothing Says Summer Like a B-Plus Show

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