When I turned Streaming Saturday over to Stuart Sweet a couple weeks ago, I imagined myself saying this…
Well, that time has come, streamers! I know you missed me while I’ve been gone. I’ve missed you too. I’ve also missed the control I once had over this weekly column. It looks like things got a little crazy since I’ve been away. I guess that’s what happens when I turn my column over to a bitter old man who hates everything. Well, the good news is that I’m back… and I couldn’t wait until Saturday to tell you.
Why You Need Me More Than Ever…
…Because Stuart wrote an overly-critical post about Disney+. Did you read it? I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t. It was a caustic read from beginning to end, which is an average day of working with him. (Trust me on this one.) In a nutshell, Stuart complained about Disney+, then my friends who complained to me about Stuart’s post. It seems they were eagerly waiting for the release of Disney+ and they felt that Stuart basically poured acid all over that.
Stuart doesn’t like Disney+ because it didn’t have enough content on day one. No kidding, dude! It’s not like Disney didn’t have its hands full launching an entire streaming service from scratch. I’m sure all the Marvel and Star Wars content will eventually find its way home, so to speak. He’s just got to give it some time. Unlike Stuart, I predict that Disney+ will become one of the top streaming service providers out there, at least until HBO Max comes out. HBO Max’s focus on new content should tip the scales compared to Disney’s nostalgia-focused approach.
To everyone who was offended by Stuart, I offer my heartfelt apology. I’d like to say “he’s not always like this,” but I don’t want to lie to you. He pretty much is always like this, and I think it stems from his childhood. Maybe his parents refuse to let him attend a Star Trek convention when he was a kid? That would go a long way to explain his bitterness. But enough about Stuart. Let’s talk about something more entertaining, like…
…I Never Stopped Streaming
It’s true I’ve been away from this column for a minute but I didn’t stop watching TV. Over the past few weeks, a lot of significant things happened in the streaming world. Let’s start with one of my HBO GO favorites, The Deuce. After watching its fourth and final season, all I can say is wow! While everything was great, the biggest takeaway for me was the ending of the last episode. It was power, poignant, and really got me in the feelz. This was a huge win for HBO and AT&T!
Showtime’s The Affair also had its series finale a few weeks ago. I’ve loved this series since its debut in 2014 and it’s not hard to understand why. It’s about a writer named Noah Solloway (Dominic West) who can’t help but to hurt the people he loves the most. In the final episode of the last season, we see Noah redeem himself by helping another character find some much-needed closure.
Mrs. Buckler and I also streamed the third season of Netflix’s Atypical. Let’s just say that we have an affinity for this heartwarming series about a young man with Autism. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael Rappaport lead the cast of mostly character actors who successfully transition into strong leading and supporting roles. If you’re looking for something heartwarming and refreshing, try this cute but quirky little series.
Streaming Saturday is Saved!
So, as you can see, I didn’t really go anywhere. And there are so many great shows to look forward to streaming. One of them is Beverly Hills Cop 4. Yes, Eddie Murphy is returning to his beloved Axel Foley role one more time. The movie, which is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, will be shown on Netflix. I saw the first Beverly Hills Cop at the theater back in 1984. Now, my wife and I can stream the fourth installment at home. I can practically hear the “Axel F” theme song in my head…
It’s Good to be Back!
It’s good to be back here at my weekly column. It feels like coming home and crashing on my couch after a long trip. I look forward to reporting on all things streaming in the months to come. With that said, I guess I’ll see you next week!
