Primetime TV Update - March 2017

Here's a quick description of all of the shows I've watched and completed in March 2017. Of course, as always, there is a possibility of spoilers for any prime time show I mention.

This month I finished a lot of shows, but most of them had few episodes, which made it easier to do. I think in some ways I prefer programs that have 12 or less episodes a series. (Ironic as a soap fan who loves things that go on for many years, but I like variety in prime time.)

On AMC, I finished the second series of "Humans", which is a co-production with a UK broadcaster. The show isn't renewed for a third year, but ended in a huge cliffhanger as the entire universe where the story took place has changed. If I share exactly what happened then it gives away the plot. Suffice to say if you like science fiction, it is worth the try.

On FX, I finished two programs: "Legion" and "Taboo".  "Legion" is part of the Marvel universe, but nothing like any other Marvel television series. This show was a cross between superheroes and "Twin Peaks". It is odd for lack of a better term, and has more mental than physical action. It is satisfying and eight episodes if you are in the correct mood to enjoy it. "Taboo" is a period piece that the BBC was involved in producing. It is a bit slow, but something that was violent in ways that it doesn't really fit the style of the imports on PBS. The story takes place after slavery stopped being okay by UK standards and there is a discussion of a fight about a piece of land in the Pacific Northwest.

On NBC, I finished the second half of the first season of "This is Us". This show is one of the few I watch that is extremely mainstream and popular. The episode where Randall and his biological dad took a road trip was stellar.

On PBS, I watched "Mercy Street" (season two) and "Victoria" (series one). "Mercy Street"'s second season was more enjoyable than the first, but they couldn't find a way to continue this show about life at a Civil War Hospital. This year there was more delving in the universe and not just about the white doctors and nurses. "Victoria" was about the early life of Queen Victoria up until the birth of her first child. Jenna Coleman aka Clara from "Doctor Who" plays the part, and the program is coming back. I will appreciate it when she's playing the character closer to her own age.

In the non-scripted category, I watched four shows: "America's Next Top Model" (23rd cycle), "Kids Baking Championship" (series three, I think), "Weird Wonders", and "Worst Cooks in America" (season eight). ANTM lacked Tyra Banks beyond a cameo for its move to VH1 as Rita Ora was the host with a new panel of judges and coaches. The show is continuing and Tyra will be back in her regular chair next time. We'll see how much the mentor/judge cast will change going forward. "Kids Baking Championship" was good as usual and not much changed from earlier seasons. "Weird Wonders" was a nature/technology with short stories about various "weird" or surprising things like why is the lava blue and not red on one island. If you like that kind of thing, this is fun, as the stories give you just a glimpse. "Worst Cooks in America" had its eighth season, though I don't know if that is counting the celebrity versions.

So that's what I've watched and finished during March 2017. Happy Viewing!