There are so many TV shows these days, it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, with a stellar Autumn line-up of shoes, led by the return of the Peaky Blinders, the choice will basically be made for us in the next couple of the month. In the meantime, there are still many shows that deserve to be seen, and the three featured in today’s post could not be further apart, but still have an abundance of potential to warrant a viewing.

Good Omens

This six-part adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s novel would not be what it is without the brilliant performances of David Tennant and Michael Sheen as demon Crowley and angel Aziraphale, destined enemies turned unlikely friends who conspire to put a stop to the impending apocalypse, set in motion by the birth of the anti-Christ. Both angel and demon have become accustomed to the comforts of Earth, so they team-up to stop this anti-Christ from leading Earth’s prophesized doom. The only problem, they were guiding the wrong child and so begins the bizarre sequence of events that see Crowley and Aziraphale urgently try to apprehend the real child, whilst also dealing with the suspicions and eagerness of Heaven and Hell to bring forth the ultimate apocalyptic showdown. The pairing of Aziaphaele and Crowley is at the heart of the Good Omens, and their presence is sorely missed when they’re not on screen as their banter, quirks, and centuries of history and friendship truly drive the show.

 Wu Assassins (Season 1)

In all honesty, it’s hard to come to a concrete conclusion about this show. There were moments of greatness, and after a shaky first half, the more addictive qualities of the show kicked in. More often than not, the action sequences stole the show, but it was when the four childhood friends finally came together to help Kai fulfil his Wu Assassin duty that the show really took off. Admittedly, the addition of Katheryn Winnick’s character didn’t feel necessary to the show and often her character felt out of place in the narrative. The concept of the Wu Assassin could also have been better executed, especially with regards to Kai’s training, which highlights the true fault in this show, the script. Too often did the writing feel clunky and awkward, but the cast did the best they could with it. As the lead character, Iko Uwais held his ground and kept viewers invested, especially when paired with the ever charismatic Byron Mann as Uncle Six, Kai’s adopted father and head of the Triad. The dynamic between father and son was the most compelling aspect of this show, demonstrated in episode 6 and 7, which put the focus on this complex relationship. The end of the first season set things up for the second, but where the path takes us is yet to be seen. The show definitely has potential, and if they can tighten up the script and develop the B-plots a bit more then I can see this show being quite dominant in the market.

Poldark (Season 5)

Even with two episodes left, this feels like an underwhelming conclusion to the Poldark saga. The fifth and final series deviates from the books as they explore the events taking place between the time gap between books 4 and 5. Most of these events centre on the trial and conviction of Ned Despard, Ross’ former army colonel, and whose presence brings about many conflicts for the Poldark family as revolutionary talk has the political powers on edge. Ned Despard is basically like an older, slightly more unhinged version of Ross Poldark, and you can see how Poldark’s loyalty to his friend clouds his judgement in the face of his many unpredictable actions. This storyline ebbed and flowed, but until its conclusion never felt like it presented something new to the story. Poldark is the epitome of a man willing to face the world to see justice prevail, and Despard’s story is basically a carbon copy of that, with the fallout serving as a warning to Poldark of the consequences such lengths can lead to. However, Dr Dwight Enys continues to prove that he is the only sensible character on this show, and the dynamic with his wife, Caroline, and their beloved pug remains to be a highlight of this show. Dwight also contributes to one of the shows most compelling plotlines as George Warleggan’s denial of his beloved wife’s death leaves him in a state of what would be deemed as insanity. Jack Farthing shines in these moments as his portrayal of grief is so compelling that viewers find themselves sympathising with the man we all love to hate. The final two episodes promise an action-packed conclusion to the Poldark saga, but with the first six episodes being lacklustre in its overall execution, time will tell if those two episodes alone can make up for what has been an inconsistent season.

Have you watched any of these shows?
What have you been watching?