TV picks for Aug. 27-31: 'Diana and the Paparazzi,' 'Disjointed,' 'The Tick'

August 27, 2017 at 3:44AM
Griffin Newman and Peter Serafinowicz in "The Tick."
Griffin Newman and Peter Serafinowicz in "The Tick." (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Candle in the wind

It's nearly impossible to channel-surf these days without running into a Princess Diana special, most focusing on her death. "Diana and the Paparazzi" is no exception as filmmakers track the royal's love-hate relationship with the press, laying much of the blame for her death on the rabid photo takers and not the intoxicated chauffeur. The lopsided documentary is followed by "Diana: The Day We Said Goodbye," narrated by Kate Winslet.

7-9 p.m. Sun., Smithsonian Channel

Bad trip

Producer Chuck Lorre ("The Big Bang Theory") and Kathy Bates ("Misery") must have been high when they signed up for "Disjointed," a sitcom set in a Los Angeles pot dispensary. Turning the canned laughter up to "11" fails to drown out the half-baked dialogue and sketchy characters. There's an admirable subplot about a security officer with post-traumatic stress disorder, but his story gets lost in the haze.

Now streaming on Netflix

Great American hero

Patrick Warburton was so winning as "The Tick" during its short-lived 2001-02 season that it's hard to imagine anyone else donning that blue suit and super-annoying optimism. This new version avoids direct comparisons by putting the focus on the hero's wary sidekick (Griffin Newman). As for the title character, Peter Serafinowicz is a more than adequate replacement, bringing just the right combination of Superman and Dudley Do-Right. Those who prefer their comic-book adventures with a heavy dose of sly humor will be tickled pink.

Now streaming on Amazon Prime

Neal Justin

about the writer

about the writer