TV Report Card: The Last Airbender, True Detective, Constellation, The Carnival and Mr and Mrs Smith

This week we’re taking a deep-dive into the world of The Last Airbender, trying not to get annoyed by the True Detective finale (is she alive? Dead?), hoping Constellation doesn’t jump the shark and urging everyone to get onboard with Mr and Mrs Smith.

A: Avatar: The Last Airbender (Netflix)

This series, based on an old cartoon, was not on my radar until last week when my son discovered Netflix’ new live-action retelling. He loved it so much, it led to hours upon hours revisiting the source material. Now we’re all hooked and hanging for each new episode. Young Gordon Cormier, who plays Avatar Aang, is absolutely sensational. If you have tweens at home, this is worth discovering together.

A: True Detective: Night Country (Binge)

So, what did we all think of the finale? I’m still scratching my head about it all. On one hand, I loved the ambiguity (where’s Navarro? Is she dead?), but I also felt conflicted that so much was left up in the air. Perhaps that was what creator Issa Lopez had in mind all along, as it played in so well with all those supernatural undercurrents? Overall, though, I really enjoyed dipping back into this franchise. A return to form.

B: Constellation (Apple TV Plus)

Another series that’s left me scratching my head (in a good way) is this sci-fi thriller, starring Noomi Rapace. I loved the dreamy (nightmarish?) quality of episode one, which left me questioning what was real, and what was imagined. Not sure if it can maintain pace, but if episode one is anything to go by, then sci-fi fans are in for a treat. Awarding extra points for James D’Arcy, who pops up playing Rapace’s husband — love him.

B: The Carnival (SBS)

Whenever I think of “carnival folk” I can’t help but think of that Austin Powers joke — if you know, you know. Which is a shame, as there is so much more to the families who travel with showground attractions, as this doco proves. By the end of this, I felt personally invested in the happiness of everyone in the Bell family — especially its younger generation. This series is perfect for a binge-watch via SBS On Demand.

B: Mr & Mrs Smith (Prime Video)

I keep asking around, but it seems no one else is watching this Prime Video series, based on the Brangelina film of the same name. I have no one to debrief with! Which is a bummer, as I’m absolutely loving dipping into John and Jane’s world. Maya Erskine and Donald Glover are absolutely fascinating as the couple at the centre of this — their chemistry! I’m six eps in, and I still have no idea what’s ahead for them. If you’ve not discovered this yet — hurry up, so we can talk about it!