‘Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later’ (WORST)
Seasons: 1 season, 8 episodes. Starring: In addition to the returning cast, the show stars Adam Scott, Alyssa Milano, Jai Courtney, Melanie Lynskey, Anne-Marie Johnson, Joshua Malina, and Dax Shepard. Description: The series brings the gang back together after 10 years. It is set both at camp and in New York City. During the reunion, it’s clear how much they have all changed, and how much love still exists between them all. Beth announces her intention to sell Camp Firewood, and the group goes about trying to stop her through a set of mischievous tricks and antics.
Why it’s a stinker: Whereas part of us feel like this is a nice conclusion to a great story, there is another part which says its always better to finish things on a high. Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later leaves things on a bit of a low point. They don’t have all of the original cast, the jokes are stale, and there is no effort concerning plot or continuity. This is just an opportunity to see the same thing again, but with people wearing 90s outfits.
Marco Polo (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 20 episodes. Starring: Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, Zhu Zhu, Olivia Cheng, and Tom Wu. Description: Marco Polo is a historical drama based on his early years in the court of Kublai Khan, who was the Khagen of the Mongol Empire and created a famous dynasty called the Yuan who ruled from 1271 – 1368. The drama follows the life of Benedict Wong, who was the Kublai Khan. The story explores a world of war and greed.
Why it’s a stinker: The series was produced by the Weinstein company, so the cinematography and costumes are excellent. But this is not enough to mask the poor script and weak character development. The makers were trying to create another epic fantasy story, but instead ended up with a stale version of what already existed.
Disjointed (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 20 episodes. Starring: Kathy Bates, Chris Redd, Elizabeth Alderfer, Dougie Baldwin, and Tone Bell. Description: Disjointed tells the story of pot activist,Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, played by Kathy Bates. She employs her newly graduated son and a group of his friends to come and run a medical marijuana dispensary for her. Unsurprisingly, Ruth enjoys some recreational smoking too, and so the show has a chilled-out vibe.
Why it’s a stinker: The plot line isn’t clever, and the humor is pretty average with lots of obvious jokes and references to “sticking it to the man.” Kathy Bates carries the show, but her talent is wasted on a series like this.
'Gypsy' (WORST)
Seasons: 1 season, 10 episodes. Starring: Naomi Watts, Billy Crudup, Sophie Cookson, Lucy Boynton, Melanie Liburd, and Karl Glusman. Description: This is a psychological thriller in which Jean Holloway, played by Naomi Watts, is a psychologist who develops dangerous relationships by secretly infiltrating the lives of her patients. Finding herself completely entangled, Jean starts to behave more erratically as she tries to separate herself from this web of deception, struggling to differentiate between fantasy and reality.
Why it’s a stinker: The show was not renewed after its first season and received weak reviews overall. This was partly due to the fact that its title, Gypsy, can be used as a derogatory term for many Romani people. The cast was strong, but they seem to be dragged through this somewhat clunky storyline which never really takes flight.
She's Gotta Have It (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 19 episodes. Starring: DeWanda Wise, Anthony Ramos, Lyriq Bent, Celo Anthony, and Chyna Layne Description: The series is based on Spike Lee’s iconic book of the same name, which follows the story of a young woman in Brooklyn trying to juggle family, career, life, and love. Love itself seems enough to handle, as she tries to navigate three open relationships with Jamie, Mars, and Greer. Each has his own traits and characteristics, and despite her wanting to embrace this level of sexual freedom, it’s the men who struggle to accept her independence.
Why it’s a stinker: Anything written and directed by Spike Lee has the potential for greatness, but this new version doesn’t deliver on the original. However, it does a good job in capturing Brooklyn’s unique character. Bringing this story up-to-date is a tricky task, and despite not fulfilling its promise, the show was renewed for a second season. Let’s see if that one is any better than the first.