With the release of many new shows, it can be hard to tell if they will bring something new and exciting or just a recycled idea. Here is an evaluation of three newly released series.
“The Runarounds”
“The Runarounds,” released on Prime Video on Sept. 1st, is immediately captivating. The story follows a group of high school graduates in Wilmington, North Carolina, as they come together to form a rock band. The relationships between the characters are well developed, and the dialogue is clever and charming. Lighthearted and refreshing, the show is cast with a fun ensemble of unknown actors who make the show feel authentic. One of the show’s strengths is the music, which features an incredible score that will have you adding tracks to your playlist. Royel Otis fans will enjoy the band’s original songs as they evoke a similar rhythmic vibe. “The Runarounds” encapsulates the carefree feeling of being a teenager beautifully. With the same creators of the beloved show “Outer Banks,” the excitement for its release was palpable, and met, if not exceeded, all expectations.
“House of Guinness”
“House of Guinness” is a period drama set in 1868 Dublin, a fictionalized story inspired by the real-life Guinness Family. Released on Netflix on Sept. 25th, the show quickly gained widespread popularity. “House of Guinness” follows four siblings navigating power struggles after the death of their father, Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness. One of the show’s strengths is its focus on rarely explored Irish history, making it unique and refreshing. The show has stunning cinematography and impressive costumes, making it easy to immerse yourself in 19th-century Ireland. However, the use of rap music in this period is off-putting. While sometimes the use of modern music in period pieces provides a beautiful juxtaposition, in this case, it is jarring and distracts from the setting. The first episode starts slow, but it begins to hit its stride and eventually finds its rhythm. Created by “Peaky Blinders” screenwriter Steven Knight, the show doesn’t quite meet its high expectations. It is a bit generic and a trope that has been visited way too often. It is an easy and somewhat enjoyable watch, but a forgettable one.
“Task”
Released on HBO Max on Sept. 7th, “Task” is an American crime television series. It follows an FBI agent (played by Mark Ruffalo) leading a task force to investigate a series of robberies and murders, along with the disappearance of a child in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The setting of Philadelphia gives it a unique dialect and sense of place. The acting is incredibly realistic and will make you forget you’re watching a show. However, the long and sometimes tedious episodes will bring you back to reality. The first few episodes start slow, but the payoff is worth it as each episode gets more engaging as the plot deepens. One of the show’s most interesting aspects is its use of multiple perspectives: the robbers, the cops, and the victims. All of their stories unfold over the episodes, and instead of focusing on one main protagonist, there is balance and depth on every side. A slow watch to start, but worth it in the end.
Overall, these three new series provide fresh and exciting ideas and storylines. “The Runarounds” is a great time for those who love music, teenage relationships, and comedy. “The House of Guinness” is an enjoyable – if a little boring – watch for period piece lovers, and “Task” is a great show, despite its slow buildup, for those who love crime dramas.
