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Reviews
The Twilight Zone: Not All Men (2019)
Probably doesn't deserve a 4
This not much to add because other reviewers have also said it. I was very excited to see what Jordan Peele would do with the Twilight Zone, so I've watched through this episode. I liked Replay, despite the heavy handed commentary, because it had the Twilight Zone vibe and was interesting for most of it. However, I don't know if I can watch any more after this episode. I can't take the sledgehammer social commentary approach. Social commentary is fine, and even a part of the Twilight Zone, but what is this? It is clear early on that this episode is about masculinity and has negative things to say about patriarchy and so forth. That's great. It even has a Twilight Zone vibe to it. Obviously inspired by the classic The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street. I won't spoil the ending of this episode, but it is absolutely ridiculous. This is not storytelling, this is not entertainment, and it's not an interesting way to make the point that is trying to be made. I am not objecting to the viewpoint here. Just like the even worse episode "Wunderkind" the episode makes no sense, it doesn't really deal with the motivations of why the characters act as they do.
The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street was tapping in to the paranoia of the time and general human fears and failings, people could understand how the neighborhood could be manipulated into turning against each other. The motivation for the way the men in this episode act is explained, but it doesn't make sense. Basically, it simply is so unbelievable as to be absurd. Please get better writers for these episodes or just leave the modern Twilight Zone to Black Mirror, because this show has become almost a parody of the original Twilight Zone. I am seriously disappointed.
Norm Macdonald Has a Show (2018)
As good as it gets
If you're someone who likes irreverence or non-sequitur humor you probably already like Norm.
Norm is deceptively intelligent, even if he pretends otherwise and you can see he is having fun.
The show is similar to the podcast but more streamlined. Don't get the long Norm Macdonald story jokes, but the attitude is the same. Adam Eget is there to be abused, but I think he is a component.
For those who love political comedy ir don't abide adhd, non-sequitur, or ironic humor, you probably won't like this, but the again, you probably already know you don't like Norm.
I am certainly biased, as Norm has been brilliant to me since the mid 90s when I watched SNL mostly for his Weeken Update.
One thing I think Norm has added to his repertoire over the years is his deceptive charm, which can be seen in the Drew Barrymore and Jane Fonda interviews especially