We’re into October and the writers’ half of the strike is settled. While we won’t see an impact on the Fall slate, this could portend interesting things moving into the Winter and Spring. We shall see. For now, we still have new show options, and the question is what is worth using your time to watch? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Mondays:
The Irrational, Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC (Premiered September 25)
About: Jesse L. Martin takes the lead in this series, that follows a very familiar procedural type of pattern. We get a case of the week, some character development and a long-term story to sprinkle in. I liked the way the pilot set things up and the performance we got from Martin in the lead role. The second episode played out similarly. I like the cases and the approach, and I like the long-term story that is also unfolding. Mostly it works because Martin is likeable in the lead role and that’s usually what separates these kind of network series from the pack.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: C+

Wednesdays:
American Horror Story: Delicate, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX (Premiered September 20)
About: The latest installment of AHS—the 12th such season—focuses on an actress (Emma Roberts) who is batting infertility and some mental issues. Could the two be linked? That’s the question posed by the series which has been a bit lighter on scares and some of the darker elements that have been hallmarks of the series in the past. This one also mixes in some new players, like Matt Czuchry and Kim Kardasian. We’ve seen these stories involving pregnancy and new mothers before, and sometimes done a little better. I’m not taken with the characters, or the drama being created here. It’s likely building to something, but it’s been too painfully slow to develop a story and characters through two episodes.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C-

Fridays:
The Continental: From the World of John Wick, Streaming Fridays on Peacock (Premiered September 22)
About: This spin-off from John Wick takes the action back to the 1970s and focuses on Winston (Colin Woodell) as he builds his empire and takes his place at the iconic hotel. That puts him at odds with Cormac O’Connor (Mel Gibson), who runs the Continental and controls the city. The first episode was about laying out the characters and world, helping to give some color to Winston’s story. The second episode was some throat clearing, putting all the pieces in place. My guess is the final episode of this three-episode mini-series will be more action-oriented. At least that’s the hope. This lacks the style and pop of the four feature films. We also miss a more sympathetic hero, like John Wick. The episodes are 80 to 90 minutes and feel longer than they need to be. There are some stylistic elements, but this feels like the kind of effort that could have been a 90-minute movie at this point. Maybe the finale will tie it all together better.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Gen V, Streaming Fridays on Prime Video (Premiered September 29)
About: From the creators of The Boys, and set in that world, this spin-off focuses on young superheroes with aspirations in a superhero college of sorts. Our entry point is Marie Monroe (Jaz Sinclair), who has a grim sort of blood-related power and an even darker backstory. That landed her as an orphan of sorts and getting into this school is her chance to make a real life. The pilot introduces the world through her eyes, showing us the assorted cast of characters and ending with a wild third act meant to launch the story forward. The Boys is known as a series that is big and brash, with plenty of over-the-top content. Gen V follows that playbook. We have plenty of sex, violence and language. If the style of the original series speaks to you, this follow up likely will as well. I’m not a fan of the mothership so, unsurprisingly, two episodes was plenty for me with this spin-off. It will likely do decent for Prime Video, but your interest in it will depend on your excitement for this kind of storytelling.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Streaming Series:
Django, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered October 1)
About: Django is a 10-episode western from overseas that focuses on a gunslinger seeking his daughter in the old west. Its cast features Matthias Schoenaerts, Nicholas Pinnock and Noomi Rapace, among others. The action is fine, and the story is OK. I wasn’t taken with the characters or the world in the episodes I watched. If you’re a fan of westerns and looking for a new streaming binge, this might hit the spot. Otherwise, it didn’t offer enough that was compelling to hook my interest.
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.