Despite the heat, serialization – mind you, American – does not go on vacation. New games have been released in recent months, and some of them have garnered both attention and general acclaim. It’s not just comedies or more classic dramas. There are many genres, and this is certainly an important aspect. Especially after the announcement of the nominations for the Emmy Awards, where the most nominations went to specific stories that take place in post-apocalyptic or fantasy worlds, and in which, again, the script turned out to be the main element. And here we are with five recommendations for this summer: four episodes are available now; the fifth, however, will be streaming on August 16th.
Lioness (Paramount+)
The story universe created by Taylor Sheridan is expanding. After Yellowstone and its spin-offs, and after The Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness appeared on Paramount+, a spy story set between the United States and the Middle East. The main character, played by Zoe Saldana, works for the CIA. His task is to catch a dangerous terrorist who has no doubts about obtaining power and money. To do this, he hires a female soldier, played by Leisla De Oliveira, and prepares her for an undercover operation. In parallel, in another place, everyday life continues, with the tragedies of teenagers, their problems and the discontent of relatives and husbands. As in other Sheridan series, the tones here are tense, often excessive. But there is, primarily due to the work of the actors, a certain balance in the construction of the story.
Lincoln Lawyer 2 (Netflix)
This is one of the most viewed and rated series in recent months. This is the second season and the approach to the story and the way it develops are more or less the same as the first. Here is our main character and, of course, the twist. Which partially turns our point of view and brings us back to everything we thought we knew about the case. Why, even in this series there is – obligatory quotation marks – “case”: this is the most classic legal drama, with a lawyer who has to do his job despite a thousand difficulties. The series, based on the novels by Michael Connelly, is so named because the main character, played by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, rides on a Lincoln. Barra’s showrunner was created by David E. Kelly, a small screen veteran and hit writer.
Takeshi Castle (first video)
Unfortunately, things have gone quiet in Italy, but this is the return of one of the most beloved and popular programs on the Japanese small screen, not a TV series. Takeshi Castle also arrived in Italy many years ago in a double version. However, this time around, thanks to the spread of Prime Video, we have the original characters with their voices telling us exactly what’s going on. It’s a game. No more, no less. Takeshi Kitano, Japanese entertainment icon, actor, director and comedian, plays the Count; and various contestants must pass several tests in order to conquer his castle. This is not a program that wants to surprise with its effects or tricks. Bet everything on stories, small and very personal, about women and men who decide to challenge Kitano and his army, and on individual games.
Theft (Apple TV+)
This is the most classic thriller series. Here he is, played by Idris Elba, who wants to go home to talk to his wife about their failing marriage, and gets involved in a plane hijacking during a flight. In short: a group of terrorists takes control of the plane he is flying, and he, a hero who does not want to be a hero, is forced to do everything possible to survive. So: we have a high-flying thriller, a very good actor and a fairly simple plot. What matters, and why we recommend Hijack, is the writing. The ending is looking for a surprise effect that doesn’t happen, we don’t hide it; however, the path that the story takes, especially in its central part, is exciting. Secret by secret, we are faced with the inadequacy of a policy that is willing to sacrifice innocent victims in order not to be caught up in scandal, and the resilience of normal citizens.
Bear 2 (August 16 on Disney+)
There are very few TV shows like The Bear. A balanced, well-focused series, with an excellent cast and, most importantly, without rush to reveal everything in just a few passages. History here builds up layer by layer, like a cake. Episodes are short, twenty-five to thirty minutes long. Music is necessary, and it not only supports what is happening on the screen, but somehow manages to thicken it. It’s an open-air lab, Bear. Talk about cooking, yes, and at the same time talk about family, crises and aspirations. Talk about what it can sometimes mean to pursue your dream at all costs. The second season, which arrives on Disney+ on August 16, promises to be even more thoughtful and action-packed than the first. The same main characters return, and more or less the same restaurant returns.