Instead of being heavily self-important, The Looming Tower is swift and urgent, with an outstanding cast and zingy writing.

It's all very naturalistic, and at times, a little slow. But the affectionate, accepting atmosphere casts a warm glow over everyone.

“Stumptown” starts off strong, quickly introducing us to characters we want to get to know better, avoiding the usual private investigator clichés, and giving us a setting that’s fresh and brimming with story possibilities.

It may not be subtle, but thanks to razor-sharp writing, and dynamic performances by Giamatti, Lewis (as with "Homeland," deploying a persuasive American accent) and everyone in the strong cast, Billions is dark, edgy and outrageously entertaining.

As a saga about how Hollywood builds up idols and then throws them aside, Feud: Bette and Joan is no "Sunset Boulevard." But it's a delicious cocktail of nostalgia, gossip and star power.

Through it all, Ali is a marvel. Even when the dialogue lets him down, Ali imbues Hays with pride, tamped-down anger, sadness and so much humanity he makes True Detective something special.

Dawson is a confident lead. ... She’s joined by a beautifully cast group of eccentrics. ... “Briarpatch” isn’t weighty, and thank heavens for that. There’s something to be said for a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that goes down as easy as a frosty drink on a hot afternoon.

If “Jazz” was a combination of arts education and appreciation, “Country Music” is the Burns equivalent of a jukebox musical. The wonderful songs just keep coming. ... “Country Music” is at its best when it pauses to revel in the brilliance of greats like Johnny Cash, Parton and Hank Williams.

At times, the pace drags. Some scenes make the same points over and over again. Sticking with it may feel like eating your spinach. But the commitment is worth it.

Like its main characters, Good Girls, goes to unexpected places. Here’s hoping NBC viewers know a good, original show when they see it.

Loyal members of the "Evil Dead" cult won't be disappointed by "Ash vs Evil Dead," which kicks off with a romper stomper of an episode.

While Going Clear is unapologetically one-sided in its dim view of Scientology, the issues it raises--what is a religion? What motivates people to follow a faith, even when it comes under attack?--will make you think about the film long after it's over.

True Detective Season 2 may not be subtle ("this is my least favorite life," a performer mournfully sings at the Vinci bar.) But the actors provide enough light to make it worth navigating the gloom.

It's a surprise that Roseanne manages to recreate what was enjoyable about it the first time around while also feeling very much of the moment. Anything can happen, obviously, but so far, at least, the Conners are darned good company.

With its light touch and affection for its characters’ foibles, “Los Espookys” is refreshing, different, and best, of all, funny.

After four good, sometimes uneven seasons, "Better Call Saul” returns for Season 5 feeling like it finally knows where it’s going.

Coming at a time when everything seems stressful and difficult, the new “All Creatures Great and Small” feels as comforting as a cup of tea, as warming as a fleecy blanket on a cold night, and as welcoming as a fire burning indoors while the winter wind blows outside. ... The perfect show for this imperfect moment.

Overall, the TV-movie has the satisfying feel of a traditional historical saga. What makes it more than a well-told story, however, is how Saints & Strangers handles the perspective of the Native American tribes, who must decide whether to wipe out the settlers, or accommodate them.

All the Way shows so much of the backroom dealings, influence-peddling and strategic threats that typified Johnson's approach that it can be a bit plodding and talky. ... Fortunately, the events are so momentous, and the cast so outstanding, they keep the stakes high.

Poldark is juicy, romantic, melodramatic storytelling at its most enjoyable.

Once you start watching the eight episodes, it's hard not to get hooked on solving the mystery, even if the show lays it on a bit thick when it comes to opining about the impact social media has on young people growing up in a world that allows them--or is that forces them?--to construct online personas to broadcast their every move via smart phones, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and endless selfies.

Aside from a few off-key moments, based on the instantly compelling performances, and the novelty of the his-and-hers storytelling, The Affair has an appeal that may be hard to resist.

It's totally far-fetched, but the roles are so well-cast and the 1960s texture so evocatively re-created (Jake goes from starry-eyed nostalgia to shock when he sees segregated bathroom signs) that 11.22.63 makes the trip back in time both suspenseful and enjoyable.

Though many aspects of Williams’ life were sad, for two hours, Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind brings him back to life, showcasing the brilliance, impact, and vulnerability that made Williams special, and that make his death still feel like such a loss.

“Dopesick” feels urgent and immediate, and it moves forward with a propulsive energy.

With all this world-building going on, Legion doesn't, at least in these early episodes, make the most of Hawley's talent for letting his characters express themselves in distinctive, individual voices. And the horror of David's situation hardly lends itself to Hawley's characteristic wit. But those are small problems, considering that Legion is a trippy explosion of creativity.

[Stewart's] gravity, empathy and dignity ground “Star Trek: Picard,” and make it surprisingly moving. ... If the dialogue sometimes veers into the geeky, for the most part, “Star Trek: Picard” benefits from keeping the characters front and center.

Season 2 improves on Season 1 by broadening the story to give us the points of view of the wronged spouses, Noah's wife, Helen (Maura Tierney,) and Alison's husband, Cole (Joshua Jackson.) Tierney and Jackson are both so good, they left us wanting more in Season 1, and it's great to see their characters do some well-justified venting.