Gen V returns with its second season and proves that it’s a series that can stand on its own. Emma’s levity, Cipher’s intellectual villainy, and Slater’s chilling presence prove that Gen V is a strong, compelling show but fails when it reverts back to the weak characters and misjudged humour of its parent series. Gen V feels like a true team and has characters you will root for and the writers have shown that they can deliver when it comes to the drama and complexity of The Boys universe.

Amazon’s underrated gem, Upload ends with a four-part series final event. There’s a lot covered in the final episodes from sentient AI that turns evil, romantic triangles, corporate espionage and bizarre comedy, the final season doesn’t miss. Sometimes it can be rushed to get to the end point but it's a perfect end to a series that gives a deserved resolution to all characters and wraps up the world in a way that feels hopeful but nostalgic. It’s still a quirky and absurd show that tackles corporate greed and what it means to be human but the heart remains and feels like a kind goodbye. 

Outlander: Blood of My Blood will clearly stand on its own, if not become a more compelling story to watch. Each couple offers a different love story while their other plots to keep you rooted in the Scottish Highlands such as the brother’s political struggles, the Clan fighting. You feel more deeply rooted into the Scottish environment than Outlander. The character’s feel more defined and Blood of My Blood uses the beautiful Scottish scenery to its’ benefit.  Blood of My Blood feels more authentically Scottish, more deeply rooted in the land and lore and in Ellen MacKenzie, the show has already found a formidable lead who might just outshine those who came before.

An instant hit for Amazon, We Were Liars is character driven, showcasing the family dynamics in the wake of multiple tragedies and the secrets they hide from each other and themselves. The first half of the season has a dreamlike quality to it, narrated by Cadence as if she were telling a fantasy story about a princess who lived in a land of never-ending summer but it’s the second half that delivers everything from the show. There’s mystery, secrets, backstabbing and love that combine into a mystery with plenty of revelations and an ending that packs an emotional hit.

Bounty hunter Hub Halloran (Kevin Bacon) comes back from the dead, resurrected with the instruction to track, trap and send escaped demons back to Hell otherwise he returns to the torturous fate. It’s a fun series with unique demon kills that never gets tired. In the eight-episode run there is never a dull moment. It's action packed, fun, gory and has heart with the potential to be another great series for Amazon if they renew. All characters are well developed and fun to watch but it is Kevin Bacon who brings more layers to Hub and delivers the cliffhanger of the series. 

Clean Slate is an easy watch with its light-hearted and accepting undertone mixed with the over-dramatic antics of the residents of Mobile, Alabama. Laverne Cox perfectly carries the glamours and over the top Desiree with extravagant moments of exaggerated comedy that fit her and the plot well, but the best moments come from Laverne Cox and George Wallace who, by contrast, is much more grounded and grumpier. It’s a classic combination that works well for comedy duos but updated with themes of self-discovery and change that make Clean Slate an easy comforting watch. The only thing letting the series down is the short eight episode count and twenty-minute runtime, more episodes would allow for the comedy to thrive more and make the series more memorable.

As a police drama, On Call utilises technical aspects to ensure that it stands apart from other titles in the genre and uses creative camera work to make you feel the weight of every action and decision made by the characters. The short episode runtime makes for a well-paced and action driven series led by Troian Bellisario and Brandon Larracuente. They work great together and there’s a balance to their characters that offers new perspectives every episode as Diaz learns what it's like to be a cop, to navigate gangs and to keep to your morals led and tutored by Harmon who has her own burdens.

 Cruel Intentions was supposed to be a masterclass in manipulation and power, but the series fails to live up to its original movie's expectations. The Greek society houses' survival is lost in translation, while Caroline's choices are easily led back to her, and her character feels under-developed. Blaise Powell, the strongest part of the series, is the true mastermind of Cruel Intentions, but the series lacked depth and exploration.

While Cross follows similar formulas of police thriller dramas, it finds a way to feel new with exceptional performances from Aldis Hodge and Ryan Eggold. Some dialogue choices come off as corny, but it does not deter from a suspense-driven show that draws you in with the horror of a creative serial killer and an obsessive detective. The first two episodes can be harder to get through than most, but from then on, it is high gear full of risk and shifting power dynamics. It would have worked better without the stalker plot, but the rest makes up for it.

Some plots in Rings of Power flow with purpose and speed, while others drag on or, worse, circle back on themselves. Rings of Power has a hard time walking the tightrope between providing a sophisticated political fantasy setting and going into too much detail, which turns the game into more of a didactic than an enjoyable experience. In addition, you nearly feel deceived by the pointless side stories and acting, particularly following the scenes involving Sauron and Celebrimbor.