Rob Owen

While not quite as thoughtful in its explorations of themes – “Watchmen” centered on race, “Lanterns” is more about fathers and sons, mentors and mentees — “Lanterns” easily outsmarts the average superhero show.

Once the story shifts to England in episode two and the show introduces a raft of new characters on the women’s team, the fourth season of “Ted Lasso” begins to better justify its existence.

Totally trashy but often entertaining, “The Shards” is Ryan Murphy at his Ryan Murphyest.

More semi-comfortable than cozy, at least this mystery series, shot in Alberta, Canada, looks like the place it’s supposed to be set, unlike last year’s USA scripted drama “The Rainmaker.”

At some point, these lighter tangents became the rule rather than the exception, and that continues to be true in season four, which features dinosaurs, No. 1 (Rebecca Romijn) singing “Total Eclipse of the Heart” in Klingon and an episode where the crew gets turned into puppets.

“SFTSTU” is probably funnier if you know the characters from “Big Bang” and the show’s sci-fi-ish high concept may limit its appeal, but fans of “Big Bang” who tune in will be rewarded with entertaining twists on familiar characters.

In keeping with more modern TV sensibilities (and real life), characters are more complex — grayer and more nuanced, less black and white.

Overall, the final season offered a warm, humanistic portrait of characters trying (and largely succeeding!) in improving themselves, leaning into kindness over chaos, love and camaraderie over fear and disgruntlement, which ultimately makes “The Bear” a welcome salve in a time of division.

Cute but instantly forgettable, “Elle” isn’t awful, but it plays like unnecessary fan fiction.

As with most sketch shows, some sketches hit and some miss, but David’s batting average here is decent (unless a viewer really tires of his style of humor).