Have you ever been at a loss as to what to watch? Too many shows to pick from? We’re here to give you our opinions on what we feel is worth watching. Check it out and then let us know in the comments below what you’re choosing for tonight!
Phoebe’s Choice
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has come a long way in the decade since the first Iron Man movie marked the inaugural moment in the time line, and in that time it’s spread from silver-screen to TV to newer platforms like Netflix. Tonight, the complex tapestry of that defines the furthest boundaries of the MCU take us to New Orleans for a new rendition of the classic Marvel troubled teen couple: Cloak & Dagger.
What’s that you say? The original book took place in New York, like you know, nearly every Marvel title in the 80s/90s except West Coast Avengers & Alpha Flight. They say that this was an intentional move to set it apart from so much of what is going on elsewhere in the continuity, but I think it was just cheaper to film there. (Similar economic circumstances led to last year’s Inhumans inexplicably being set in Hawaii.) But what does stay true to the original Cloak & Dagger story? Well, we’re not sure yet. All I’m given to understand is that they are still teen runaways but that their powers are interdependent and affected by their blossoming romance.
Way back when in the comics, they got their powers when a mad scientist experimented on them with synthetic heroin that was being developed for some of Spiderman’s enemies. They spent the greater portion of their time fighting drug dealers rather than any superpowered bad guys. So like Luke Cage maybe? TBH, the MCU has been severely lacking in convincing Big Bads since Jessica Jones season one, so not sure yet if this is a good look or a bad one. But just based on their powers alone, I think it will be fun to watch: he has a giant cloak that helps him contain the Negative Zone, a dimension we already are familiar with from Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; she can project hard light projectiles which are shaped as daggers. Very punny, eh?
The show stars Olivia Holt (Disney XD’s Kickin’ It) and Aubrey Joseph as main characters Tandy & Tyrone. It also stars Andrea Roth (13 Reasons Why, Rescue Me), Gloria Reuben (Mr. Robot, ER, Raising the Bar, Saints & Sinners), J.D. Evermore (Rectify, True Detective, Treme), & James Saito (Eli Stone), as well as Carl Lundstedt & Miles Mussenden.
There are two episodes tonight, airing on Freeform (an interesting choice of networks, really…). It’s worth checking out to see how they are handling the latest addition to the Marvel small-screen family.
On tonight’s first episode, “First Light,†two teenagers from very different backgrounds find themselves burdened and awakened to newly acquired superpowers which are mysteriously linked to one another. The only constant in their lives is danger and each other.
Then on the second episode, “Suicide Sprints,†Tandy and Tyrone try to grasp what has happened to them with their newfound powers, while Tandy’s past catches up with her and Tyrone becomes consumed with revenge; Detective Brigid O’Reilly works an interesting case that has ties to Tandy.
Don’t miss the two-episode premiere tonight on Freeform starting at 8/7c.
Other than this premiere, I’ll also be watching The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.
Jump with us to see else we think you should watch.
Kyle’s Choice
Tonight, the Paramount Network premieres the new half-hour dramedy American Woman, which is set in 1975 Beverly Hills, during the rise of second-wave feminism. Bonnie (Alicia Silverstone) is a suburban housewife with two daughters (Makenna James, Lia McHugh), who wants more out of life, but her husband, real-estate mogul Steve (James Tupper), forbids her from working – he likes her at home taking care of the house and the kids. But when Bonnie discovers that her husband is cheating on her, it finally gives her the courage and motivation to do something about it. As Bonnie undertakes her crash course on becoming an independent woman, she leans on best friends Kathleen (Mena Suvari) and Diana (Jennifer Bartels) for help. However, Kathleen may not be the best to give advice – she’s a rich Texan, happily living the rich life and unaware that her boyfriend is secretly sleeping with the pool boy. The sarcastic Diana, on the other hand, is more grounded – she works in a bank and knows what lies ahead for Bonnie.
I was a little nervous when I heard that this series was inspired by the childhood of co-executive producer/Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Kyle Richards. I am not a fan of that “reality†franchise. However, I really enjoyed tonight’s premiere. I didn’t realize how much I had missed Alicia Silverstone until I watched the episode. She is always so charming and delightful – even as her character’s life is falling apart. The series is mainly a comedy, with a few dramatic turns as Bonnie tries to figure out what to do with her life. Bonnie has a really fun rapport with her daughters, and there is a lot of humor in the dynamic between her and her best friends. I look forward to seeing how Bonnie takes her life back over the course of the 12-episode season.
On tonight’s premiere, “Liberation,†Bonnie’s life changes forever when she discovers her husband, Steve, is having an affair; with the help of her best friends, Diana and Kathleen, Bonnie figures out how to make it on her own.
Don’t miss the first episode tonight on Paramount at 10/9c.
I’ll also be watching/recording Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger.
