TV Insider: Ask Matt – TV’s Biggest Fictional Jerk, Abbott Off Campus, Boston Blue, and More

Welcome to the Q&A with TV critic, known as the “TV therapist” to some fans, Matt Roush. He’s here to dive into whatever you’re loving, hating, confused, or thrilled about in today’s wide TV landscape. One thing we won’t be doing here is sharing spoilers, so no upcoming storylines unless they’re common knowledge. Drop your questions and comments at [email protected] and keep an eye out for Ask Matt columns on Tuesdays.

The Guy You Love to Hate
Question: I’m only five episodes into Peacock’s All Her Fault, but I have to say, Jake Lacy is killing it. He really shines as the ultimate jerk, and somehow, I can’t get enough of it. While some viewers might assume he’s as unlikable as his characters, I find myself oddly drawn to his performances. What are your thoughts on this? – D.P.
Matt Roush: Jake Lacy has truly made a mark with his roles, hasn’t he? From The White Lotus to his other standout performances, he’s become known for embodying some pretty unsavory characters. If you want to see a different side of him, check out his heroic role in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial. But yes, he does excel at playing jerks. And I agree, he’s fantastic at it. The reveal in All Her Fault regarding his character was not a huge surprise, but also not one I’ve had the time to delve into yet. To sum it up, Jake Lacy can’t possibly be as bad as the characters he portrays. His demand in the industry speaks volumes about his professionalism and talent.

School’s Out a Lot on Abbott Elementary
Question: It seems like there’s been less focus on the actual school setting in Abbott Elementary this season. While the show remains consistently funny and engaging, it’s interesting to see the teachers outside the classroom more often. What are your thoughts on this shift in focus? – Jake
Matt Roush: Abbott Elementary recently aired a standout episode centered around a “No Phones” day at the school, showing the staff’s hilarious reaction to such a simple rule. While it’s great to see the characters expand beyond the classroom walls, straying too far can sometimes disrupt the mockumentary style. The show’s name is Abbott Elementary, after all, so it’s important to balance the school-centric moments with the characters’ personal lives. As shows progress, they often experiment with settings, so a shake-up is only natural.

A Death in the Family
Question: In Boston Blue, they mention the deceased family member, Ben Silver, was murdered but don’t delve into the killer. Do you think this mystery will be explored in the show? – Caroline
Matt Roush: Without giving away any spoilers, Boston Blue hints at Judge Silver’s murder being a public event, so the focus may not be on solving the crime. Instead, the show could explore the reasons behind his death and how it impacts the family. As the series unfolds, we might see the Silver family grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy and the implications it holds.