Here’s a look at 2 of HBO’s new shows:

 

WE’RE HERE

This show is the campy spawn of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the Netflix’s Queer Eye. HBO sends 3 fabulous, over-the-top drag queens (Eureka O’Hara, Shangela Laquifa Wadley and Bob the Drag Queen) to a small, conservative town to put on a show. In addition to running into the expected hostility, they enlist locals (male, female, straight, gay) to join them dressed up on stage. The queens spend most of the show listening to their subjects’ personal stories and going for the emotional moments. This sometimes works, but more times just “drags” down the fun of seeing their transformations. The smart, sassy and sincere personalities of the 3 queens is the show’s strongest asset. (6 one-hour episodes on HBO)

(3 / 5)

 

RUN

Merritt Wever plays a frustrated suburban wife/mother who gets a one-word text that sends her on romantic adventure with her college beau (Domhnall Gleeson). In this highly unlikely scenario, they meet at Grand Central Station and travel across the country, mostly on train. While the first few episodes slowly reveal the mysteries behind their motivations, the later chapters turn into a disconcerting adventure. Both actors are sufficiently interesting, although Wever’s trademark goofy comic charm is dialed back for this romantic role. The dialogue is never especially smart or engaging, which is a surprise considering Phoebe Waller-Bridge is an exec producer (and has a cameo). There are 2 more episodes in the season, so I’m sticking it out, even though it’s not that compelling or special. (Seven 30-minute episodes on HBO)

(3 / 5)

 

The 3rd new HBO show is I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE featuring Mark Ruffalo as twins, one of whom is bipolar. Judging from the first 30 minutes of the first episode, it’s gonna be a dark experience. (Not sure how long I’ll last)