Saved By The Bell – Season 1 (2020)

At first glance, Saved By The Bell might have you sceptical, and for a good reason. Another unwarranted ’90s reboot? Yes. A high school setting with an unbelievably good looking cast who look way too old to be in high school? Of course. An unrealistic take on a high school, focusing primarily on the superficial, social banter, and partying instead of study? Absolutely. Surprisingly, Saved By The Bell saves itself by prioritizing a no-holds-barred laughathon over attempting to disguise its glaring flaws and tropes. Original characters, such as A.C Slater (Mario Lopez) and Elizabeth Berkley (Jessie Spano), mesh with newcomers, such as Mac (Mitchel Hoog) and Principle Ronald Thompson (John Michael Higgins), to great comedic effect. So, see you at the unfathomably privileged Bayside High for some egregious one-liners and if you’re lucky, a little bit of heart.

7.5

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SAVED BY THE BELL

SEASON 1

Code 404 – Season 1

If you’re after some high-energy slapstick to wind down with after a gruelling workday, look no further than Code 404. It begins with the death of respected policeman John Major (Daniel Mays), who is subsequently brought back to life part human, part AI. He’s glitchy as all hell, but for the sake of comedy, is put right back on the force alongside his mate Roy Carver (Stephen Graham). Yes, the premise probably sounds a little brainless, however, it’s perfect for the unpretentious tone of the show. Major’s constant recklessness makes way for an unending stream of shenanigans that mostly hit the mark. The show is devoid of complexity or nuance, but the acting is joyous and more than satisfactory if you’re craving a light viewing. I mean the script was written by the guy (Daniel Peak) who wrote Horrible Histories, so what did you expect?

6.3

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CODE 404

SEASON 1

After The Night – Season 1

Watch out, here comes some seriously gripping exposure on one of Australia’s most harrowing serial killers: Eric Edgar Cooke. With Perth-born director Thomas Meadmore behind the camera, this four-part docu-series does not shy away from the nitty-gritty and unjust consequences of Cooke’s actions. If you’re unaware of this brutal slice of history, Eric Edgar Cooke (nicknamed the Night Caller) terrorised the tightknit community of Perth with at least twenty-two violent crimes, eight of them deadly. To make matters worse, two men were wrongly convicted of his crimes, with one (John Button) sentenced to 10 years. Find out how “the police covered it up”, what happened to the falsely accused, and more in this exceptional feat of filmed journalism. Fair warning, you may be left terrified.

8.0

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AFTER THE NIGHT

SEASON 1

The Moodys Christmas –  Season 1

Sometimes, a chaotic and hilariously flawed Christmas dinner bursting with somewhat-relatable family drama beats a mytholigised, unrealistic take. This is certainly the case for the American remake of The Moodys Christmas, starring Emmy Award nominees Denis Leary and Elizabeth Perkins. This three-part mini-series prioritises quick laughs and awkward situations over lesson learnings, making for much sharper comedic moments. Eccentric moments of tension, such as counting Grandma’s consumption of scotch and inconveniently timed break-ups, make this a cruisy couch viewing for the holiday season.

6.7

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THE MOODYS CHRISTMAS

SEASON 1

Des – Season 1

This pick is the furthest thing from a family viewing, yet, its tragic subject matter is handled exceptionally well. Des is a crime-drama detailing the true story of serial killer Dennis Nilson (David Tennant), who blankly admitted to murdering at least 12 young men after his arrest in 1983. Through miasmic discussions with police and bleak court scenes, this mini-series finds its weight in displaying uncomfortable truths, rather than unfolding suspense. Thankfully, Des doesn’t sensationalise the infamous killer. This is avoided by consistently showing the audience the “human cost of Dennis Nilson” (Lewis Arnold, director) as well as Tennant’s masterfully careful and commanding performance.

7.8

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DES

SEASON 1