Squid Game, Faraway Downs, Fargo, Bodies: which shows pass and which shows fail? We’re casting judgment

Squid Game: The Challenge, Faraway Downs, Fargo, Bodies and Hannah Waddingham’s festive extravaganza — so much TV, so little time!

Thankfully most of it is passing muster this week, though we’re on the fence about Hannah Waddingham’s variety shindig.

Still, it is almost Christmas — perhaps we’ll be charitable?

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Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix)

Squid Game: The Challenge is the addictive reality show we never knew we needed. Credit: Supplied/Netflix

On paper, this sounds like a cynical cash-in. But this real-life Squid Game reality contest is so much more. And it makes for addictive television. I can’t remember when I was quite so obsessed with a reality series, and honestly, I can’t pick where this competition will end up. While 456 contestants are a lot to get to know, I already have my faves. And two of them are pictured here!

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Bodies (Netflix)

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This one slipped under my radar when it launched last week — but I’m so glad the Netflix algorithm flung it my way. This nailbiting, time-skipping detective drama had me hooked from the opening moments. Such a brilliant premise to have the investigation span different historical eras. And the last few moments of ep one — genius! Can’t wait to binge more.

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Fargo (SBS on Demand)

Jon Hamm stars as Roy Tillman in the latest series of Fargo. Credit: Supplied/SBS

Another great detective whodunnit! This one had me gripped this week, too. Ted Lasso’s Juno Temple is great as seemingly innocent housewife Dot, whose life is thrown into disarray after she inadvertently gets caught up in a fracas at her local school board meeting. Chuck in Jon Hamm, who is reliably awesome in every darn thing he’s in, and you have all the makings of a hit. A return to form.

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Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas (Apple TV Plus)

Hannah Waddingham is Home for Christmas with her Apple TV special. Credit: Supplied/Apple TV Plus

Some big Kerri-Anne Kennerley energy in this festive special — and I mean this with the utmost respect. It sees another Ted Lasso fave, this time a bespangled Hannah Waddingham (that’s girl boss Rebecca to Lasso fans), stepping up for an all-singing, all-dancing Christmas spectacular. Not sure whether to cringe or fully lean into the cheese — am choosing the latter. Christmas is a time for charity, after all.

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Faraway Downs (Disney Plus)

Faraway Downs is … a lot. Credit: Supplied/Hulu

I began this reimagining with such high hopes, and even found myself tearing up in the first two episodes. But sadly this lost me around ep four. Not sure I have the stamina to sit through more of the story, though it must be said that this is a devastatingly beautiful piece of television, cinematography-wise. Perhaps they should have completely gone back to the drawing board with this?