“The Sympathizer” walks a tightrope but is fearless about tackling uncomfortable subject matter. It’s smart and mesmerizing.

“Fallout” never lags for one second and dangles from one cliffhanger to the next. The cast makes it all engaging — Goggins, in particular, rips into the show’s juiciest part and does wonders with it. This’ll be a major hit, and it deserves to be.

Never staid and often kinky, “Mary & George” stumbles halfway through but remains chew-up-the-scenery entertainment, a spicy affair that gets more outlandish and wicked with each episode. It helps that Moore and Galitzine are so good at forming this chess-like alliance and that a trio of top-notch directors — Oliver Hermanus, Alex Winckler and Florian Cossen — never let the high drama topple over into outright camp.

While some might be put off by “Ripley’s” measured tempo and its detached icicle of a protagonist, noir fans won’t be and will admire how effectively it revives an often overworked genre. Simply put, “Ripley” nails it.

Season 2 finds love and lust commingling for Molly (the episode with her exhaling at a blissed-out retreat with Benjamin Bratt is the season’s high point) as well as for her crew.

It’s an exceptional documentary, even if the second half can’t quite keep up with the first.

Unlike some series, the extended length of this one benefits the decades-spanning story arc, with each episode cycling us through Russian history and showing how the changing political winds whisked away some in power leaving the powerless to find strength, love and greater meaning.

“Renegade Nell” gallops ahead of other Disney+ offerings by telling a new story tremendously well, and giving us a young woman who defies the ruling class to gain not only justice but freedom.

Not having a strong central character sets the series adrift with nothing for the audience to cling to. “Palm Royale” never comes together, and that’s a shame, given the tone-rich performances by Burnett and Martin.

“Apples Never Fall” is definitely watchable, but its plot jumps off the deep end and there are so many implausible moments you’ll feel like you were duped of your time.

“The Regime” hammers on and on at the same note until it becomes more of a chore to watch instead of the clever takedown of vile and vain leaders it wants to be.

It’s cheeky, irresistible and undemanding from start to finish. Hopefully, there will be a Season 2.

“Shōgun” is a stirring and meaty historical series that matches its spectacle and scale with its emotion and intelligence as it ponders deep philosophical discussions about life, sacrifice, valor and death. It’s epic, in the very best way.

Both Binoche and Mendelsohn handle their larger-than-life characters with grace, never slipping into caricature mode. Mendelsohn, in particular, gives a tender, calibrated performance, one that’s particularly strong in early scenes involving his attempt to find his sister Catherine (Maisie Williams) during the occupation.

Is this great TV? Oh, no. But it is undemanding, enjoyable, and has potential for further development. It’s easy on the brain and, oh yes, the eyes. Which kind of makes it perfect post Super Bowl viewing.

By giving more weight to the personal side of the men’s lives and what Coretta and Betty contributed to the movement makes “MLK/X” one of the more well-rounded personal portraits of each.

Series TV doesn’t get much better than this.

Unlike other series, “Sexy Beast” never feels like it’s overstaying its welcome, even at eight episodes, as it feeds in backstory and psychological details that we all but gulp down in voyeuristic fascination. It’s one of the biggest surprises of this new year.

“Griselda” doesn’t necessarily elevate the bar for drug-running dramas — except for Vergara’s performance, Knut Loewe’s exceptional production design and the dead-on costume designs and hairstyles. But its mission is accomplished with such ferocity and clarity of purpose. Dig out that old pair of angels flight pants and just enjoy.

While “Masters of the Air” will get compared to HBO’s “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” it stands on its own, even if it doesn’t as often reach the same dramatic heights. Regardless, it’s a polished and well-crafted epic that earns its wings as well as your respect, and undoubtedly will leave you with a big lump in your throat.

Each outlandish episode is filled with wicked wit and even busts out with a bit of song and dance. A revolving team of guest voices descend to these fiery pits of what will likely turn into a cult sensation.

An ace meld of mythological elements and outlandish action sequences. It’s a mashup of “Stargate” and a superhero series as “hunters” stalk and take down evil entities itching to get out of their alternate dimension.

More than a meticulous procedural as it exposes a legacy of layered coverups while exploring the emotional frailties of these two unlike but smart characters. Both Jumbo and Capaldi give extraordinary performances in a series that digs deep into the complicated home lives of both. “Criminal Record” deserves to become a hit and here’s hoping for a second season.

“The Brothers Sun” does ramble on, but when Yeoh and Chien bust out those fancy moves and gather around the family table with Song Li, its pure action/drama magic.

“Monsieur Spade” is rich in period details and is really the equivalent of a jigsaw puzzle, one with numerous pieces that might seem all but impossible to connect before Spade sweeps in and fits them into place with just the right amount of aplomb and snark. Get ready to give those brain cells a workout and witness Alfre Woodard steal the show in its final episode.

What distinguishes this is how it opens a window into American Indian culture and heritage while telling a brisk, exciting mystery that steers Disney+ to a new horizon of not only more complicated and edgier storytelling but one told from an often overlooked perspective.

A return to form for “True Detective” in a season that’s as bold and original as the first one with Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey.

Two theatrical films (both received poor reviews and not the blessing of Riordan) preceded this impressive eight-episode spectacle, which wields a Riordan-approved (he executive produced) Midas touch that’ll appeal to kids and Bullfinch-loving adults.