Melanie McFarland

Melanie McFarland is Salon's award-winning senior culture critic. Follow her on Twitter: @McTelevision

Shogun
"She knows her own destiny": Anna Sawai is her own savior in "Shōgun" Melanie McFarland
Manhunt
"Manhunt" explores the "what if" aspect of Lincoln's assassination that impacts the present Melanie McFarland
The Sympathizer
HBO's "The Sympathizer" is an enthralling sift through identity, memory and Vietnam after the war Melanie McFarland
O.J. Simpson
The rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, as seen on TV Melanie McFarland
Star Trek: Discovery
"Star Trek: Discovery" makes a case for Michael Burnham as the last great Starfleet captain Melanie McFarland
The Regime
"Regime" creator on a fitting end for Kate Winslet's dictator: "I feel like that could happen" Melanie McFarland
Parish
Giancarlo Esposito is serious about taking the lead in "Parish." In life, he's ready to lighten up Melanie McFarland
Mary & George
"Mary & George" may be shallow, but it's also a lusty, wickedly fun gallop through history Melanie McFarland
Saturday Night Live
"The whole world is wet – and we’re dry”: Why Ramy Youssef's feelings and prayers on "SNL" matter Melanie McFarland
Diarra From Detroit
"Diarra From Detroit" gives us everything we've been missing in the murder mystery genre Melanie McFarland
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
"It starts with dreaming": "Walking Dead" boss on manipulation, haircuts and a Richonne future Melanie McFarland
Parish
With "Parish" Giancarlo Esposito is finally the lead. If only this vehicle were worthy of his talent Melanie McFarland
Biometric eye scan and network
"NOVA: A.I. Revolution" urges us consider the benefits—and the drawbacks—of artificial intelligence Melanie McFarland
Resident Alien
"Aliens are hot right now!" So is Alan Tudyk, thanks to his astronomical appeal on "Resident Alien" Melanie McFarland
The Truth vs. Alex Jones
In "The Truth Vs. Alex Jones" a historic court win does little to repair the damage done to us all Melanie McFarland