We’re flying into August and we’re in the midst of a writers’ and actors’ strike. As you might expect, the waves of new content have slowed. But you might have more time than ever to check out shows. So, which are worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Mondays:
Son of a Crich, Mondays at 8 p.m. on The CW (Premiered July 24)
About: The CW is changing up its game plan, and not just due to the strike. A big piece of the plan is bringing in series from elsewhere. That’s the case with this comedy, which is set in Newfoundland in 1986. It features an older narrator sharing the POV of his childhood experiences in the 1980s. If that sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve had plenty of other shows like this. And we’ve seen this concept tackled better. The presence of Malcolm McDowell here as the wise grandpa is just puzzling. I watched the first two episodes, which premiered last week, and that was more than enough of a sample for me. This feels like ground that’s been trod before and done better. If you’re hard up for a traditional sitcom, this might fill the void. Otherwise, there’s little compelling here.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-

Streaming Series:
Twisted Metal, Now Streaming on Peacock (Premiered July 27)
About: Based on the Playstation game, this post-apocalyptic show is set in a very different America. While much of society has collapsed, milk men travel from settlement to settlement, risking their lives to make deliveries. Anthony Mackie plays John Doe, one such milk man who is tasked with making a very difficult trip to Chicago and back from San Francisco. Can he make it? The rest of the supporting cast includes Thomas Haden Church, Neve Campbell and Stephanie Beatriz, among others. The action and world building are in full effect, especially in the pilot episode. The season is 10 episodes, each about a half an hour and all now streaming. There’s violence and other colorful elements that are part of the game. The series should come with a built-in audience, but it was accessible enough that if you hadn’t played the game, you could see what was going on. I liked the shorter episode length. The first two move at a good pace and draw you into the larger world. There’s some strong potential for Peacock here.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Captain Fall, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered July 28)
About: The latest adult animated comedy centers on a mediocre sea captain, Jonathan Fall (Jason Ritter), who is recruited to captain a Brazilian cruise ship. His selection is so he can serve as a fall guy for a criminal enterprise running on the ship. But Captain Fall remains mostly oblivious. The series is 10 episodes, each about 20-25 minutes. It’s a quick watch. It has a voice cast that includes Anthony Carrigan, Adam Devine, Christopher Meloni, and Bebe Neuwirth, among others. The story is OK, and the episodes felt a bit dry to me. It’s a plot device that wears thin for me by the middle of the second episode. Fans of the genre might be pleased but this didn’t really work for me.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.