Always Be Streaming... True Crime Podcasts
New drama Based On a True Story is the highlight of the weekend.
The opening 20-30 minutes of The Idol is far and away the best thing you will see on TV this week. It’s really out there. With a Robert Altman-esque opening introducing a broad cast of characters satirising the entertainment industry, with perspectives and dialogue layered over other perspectives and dialogue, the show has a super frenetic, bold, sexy, and really engaging opening.
But then the back half of the episode is the worst thing you will see on TV this week. It is dull, turgid, and completely lacking in anything that approximates entertainment. Coincidentally, this is when co-star and co-creator of the series The Weeknd enters the show - he is a charisma black hole and no light or energy in the show can escape him.
Thankfully, there are other notable shows this week more worthy of your attention. Notably the dramedy Based On a True Story which has a suburban LA couple facing financial struggles seeking a way out by launching a true crime podcast with a serial killer. The show won’t be making its way to a top 10 end of year list, but it is a light-on-its-feet light comedy with a pair of hugely likeable stars in the form of Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina.
Over on Disney+ there is the feature directing debut of Eva Longoria with Flamin’ Hot, a film based on the story of a janitor who became an exec at snack company Fritos after coming up with the idea of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. A few years ago it was revealed that the account of Richard Montañez wasn’t quite as he told it, but the film instead holds onto the myth of the man - an otherwise slight film just loses its authenticity with that knowledge on board.
Maybe just do as I plan to and skip past the film to instead watch the Indiana Jones films, which are now streaming on the service.
