Seasons: 2 seasons, 20 episodes. Starring: Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, Zhu Zhu, Olivia Cheng, and Tom Wu. Description: Marco Polo is a historical drama based on his early years in the court of Kublai Khan, who was the Khagen of the Mongol Empire and created a famous dynasty called the Yuan who ruled from 1271 – 1368. The drama follows the life of Benedict Wong, who was the Kublai Khan. The story explores a world of war and greed.
Why it’s a stinker: The series was produced by the Weinstein company, so the cinematography and costumes are excellent. But this is not enough to mask the poor script and weak character development. The makers were trying to create another epic fantasy story, but instead ended up with a stale version of what already existed.
The Rain (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 14 episodes. Starring: Alba August, Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, Mikkel Følsgaard, Jessica Dinnage, and Angela Bundalovic Description:The Rain is about a brother and sister who emerge out of a bunker six years after apocalyptic rains, which carry a deadly virus, cause most of the population of Scandinavia to be wiped out. The siblings leave the bunker in search of their father, who was a scientist, and left the bunker but never came back. Along the way, they meet other survivors, and together they go in search of a safe place as well as the sibling's father, who they hope has found a cure to the virus.
Why it’s a stinker: A post-apocalyptic drama is not an original concept, and although the barren wastelands of Scandinavia provide a beautiful backdrop for the series, the storyline itself is severely lacking. There are convoluted plot twists which are hard to believe, and there is weak character development. All in all, The Rain is rather forgettable, so we say, don’t waste your time on it.
Anne with an E (WORST)
Seasons: 3 seasons, 27 episodes. Starring: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson, Dalila Bela, Lucas Jade Zumann, and Aymeric Jett Montaz Description: Based on the book, Anne of Green Gables, written in 1908, Anne with an E tells the story of a young girl who is adopted by brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. They had thought they were adopting a boy, but upon arrival at the train station, they are presented with Anne, who is full of personality and boundless energy. After some initial problems, including the disappearance of Marilla’s brooch and Anne running away, they decide to reconcile, and Anne begins to settle into life with the Cuthberts.
Why it’s a stinker: Anne of Green Gables is a children’s classic, and unfortunately, this series does not do it justice. There is some lovely cinematography and staging, but the script doesn’t do anything to enhance the show, and is, in fact, quite dull. This show is more likely to put you to sleep than keep you on the edge of your seat, so sadly it’s a thumbs down. You’re better off reading the book!
Disjointed (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 20 episodes. Starring: Kathy Bates, Chris Redd, Elizabeth Alderfer, Dougie Baldwin, and Tone Bell. Description: Disjointed tells the story of pot activist,Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, played by Kathy Bates. She employs her newly graduated son and a group of his friends to come and run a medical marijuana dispensary for her. Unsurprisingly, Ruth enjoys some recreational smoking too, and so the show has a chilled-out vibe.
Why it’s a stinker: The plot line isn’t clever, and the humor is pretty average with lots of obvious jokes and references to “sticking it to the man.” Kathy Bates carries the show, but her talent is wasted on a series like this.
'Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later' (WORST)
Seasons: 1 season, 8 episodes. Starring: In addition to the returning cast, the show stars Adam Scott, Alyssa Milano, Jai Courtney, Melanie Lynskey, Anne-Marie Johnson, Joshua Malina, and Dax Shepard. Description: The series brings the gang back together after 10 years. It is set both at camp and in New York City. During the reunion, it's clear how much they have all changed, and how much love still exists between them all. Beth announces her intention to sell Camp Firewood, and the group goes about trying to stop her through a set of mischievous tricks and antics.
Why it’s a stinker: Whereas part of us feel like this is a nice conclusion to a great story, there is another part which says its always better to finish things on a high. Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later leaves things on a bit of a low point. They don’t have all of the original cast, the jokes are stale, and there is no effort concerning plot or continuity. This is just an opportunity to see the same thing again, but with people wearing 90s outfits.