Transparent (2014– )

Solid if unremarkable, the fourth season of Amazon's unique drama about transgender identity stumbles out of the gate. The urgency that led to the stirring finale of the previous finale is gone, replaced instead by a scene-to-scene dramatic inertia that threatens to overwhelm the narrative. The acting is solid and the series is exceptionally well directed as usual, and the show continues to use terrific music organically, which manages to smooth over some of the more glaring faults. Following a well-done but uneventful season may prove difficult for the show (in particular with the recent departure of lead Jeffrey Tambor), but hopefully the show will re-embrace the compelling dynamics that have defined the show next time.