The Mercury News' Scores

  • TV
For 252 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 79% higher than the average critic
  • 1% same as the average critic
  • 20% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 10.3 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average TV Show review score: 78
Highest review score: 100 Half Man
Lowest review score: 37 Hello Tomorrow!: Season 1
Score distribution:
  1. Mixed: 0 out of 236
  2. Negative: 0 out of 236
236 tv reviews
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. “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.
  5. “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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. It’s their interplay and the two actors’ natural charisma that draw us in. The writing is as nimble and spirited as the leads — not a shock since the screenplay is by playwright David Ireland (“Cyprus Avenue”), who ditches the schmaltz in favor of tart, edgy interplay.
  10. This season takes risks galore and comes up a winner every time.
  11. You’ll gobble down all six episodes and crave even more.
  12. Aan absorbing, eerie brain twister that delivers a shocking denouement. (I’m sworn to secrecy). For mystery lovers, it doesn’t get much better than this.
  13. That’s a lot of names and narratives to keep track of, but the story lines intertwine nicely, even if you might need a list of the characters to reference. No matter. If you’re a kaijū fan and prefer jigsaw-puzzle-like storytelling, not to mention great action sequences, this one — or at least the eight episodes released for review — crushes it.
  14. This turns out to be even better than Season 1, with stronger animation, storytelling risks, dollops of humor and another dynamite soundtrack.
  15. As a storyteller, Doerr is a master at weaving all these threads and elements together while giving us more nuanced characters, but in this well-intentioned production the stitching and seams that we can see all too often.
  16. The three lead Latino characters, and the actors who play them, in Netflix’s breezy, Miami-set comedy/drama are so likable and charismatic you can’t help but kind of fall in love with them. I defy you not to.
  17. Magnificent. .... “Fellow Travelers” cycles through many time periods and historical LGBTQ markers — all vividly brought to life. But first and foremost, this is a love story, one that breaks your heart.
  18. My only beef about this intricately plotted season is that its eighth episode lacks a true ending, making us gnash our teeth for another season.
  19. “Lessons in Chemistry” could have been tighter (trimmed to six episodes), and a subplot about Black neighbor Harriet (Aja Naomi King) fighting racial injustice could be more developed. Still, “Chemistry” comes up with a winning formula in the end.
  20. The creepy production values are top-notch and the scares are not only frightening but disturbing. .... One of the best series Netflix has ever produced.
  21. Everything about “Bargain” is skillfully unhinged, with developments unfolding like new video game levels. Director/writer Jeon Woo-Sung’s expansion on a short film delivers on numerous counts, packing in more nonstop action and plot surprises than anything I’ve seen this year.
  22. This eight-episode spinoff of Amazon Prime’s R-rated superhero series “The Boys” is better than it has any right to be. That’s because it cribs from the best elements of “The Boys” — outrageous behavior, shocking violence and, of course, an irreverent attitude.
  23. “Shining Girls” is undeniably kooky, but the characters, situations and the city itself are so vividly brought to life that you’ll be dying to figure out what happens next. Just watch it with the lights on.
  24. We can say that director Albert Hughes (the first and last episodes) and Charlotte Brandstorm (the second one) keep the action and storyline lean and mean, and the body count high, allowing us to soak up every second of these 90ish-minute episodes. Wick devotees will walk away satisfied.
  25. Coleman and Jackson-Cohen give compelling performances, but they can’t overcome the listless plotting of “Wilderness,” which curiously steamrolls right through its final pivotal 10 minutes.
  26. It’s fun. It’s smart. And it has something potent to say.
  27. It’s Aniston and Witherspoon who really anchor the series. Both actors are on top of their game and not for one second lose sight of who their characters are and how they should react in dicey, unexplored situations.
  28. Centering it is Stanfield, who gives maybe one of the most nuanced and gut-wrenching performances you’ll ever see in a horror series or film. Few actors can make you feel the pain and anguish inside of a character with the ferocity that he can. He is the one driving this series over the finish line.
  29. Remarkable for its even-handed but “let’s-ask-the-tough questions” approach, “Wanted” unfolds like an unbelievable, pulpy financial thriller filled with decadent lifestyles, global corporate in-fighting, daring escape plans, shady financial moves and intriguing characters. .... Brilliant docuseries.
  30. The writing remains sharp as a stiletto, and the cozy mystery is puzzling enough to keep us guessing. Streep and Rudd make it even more entertaining. They’re having a grand time, and so will you.

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