Peggy is your consummate weirdo, and Arquette nails the vibes. To watch her try to pull one over on a world that rewards sensibility is extraordinarily fun, and the rest of the show keeps pace one perfect half-step behind the viewer.
She may sound unbearable. She can certainly cause a cringe or two. But because she's played with such brazen, blowzy, oxygen-bogarting abandon by Patricia Arquette, Peggy is a real original.
What may, at times, feel like too much, always stays true to its own kooky vision, and as a showcase for Arquette (who also executive produces), “High Desert” provides an ample spotlight. It won’t be for everyone, but neither is a 75-degree Thanksgiving.
As much as Roach gets the job done here, I wondered if Stiller might have pulled the pieces of this inconsistent effort together with a more needed flair. ... Arquette rocks here yet again, holding “High Desert” together even as it threatens to wander off into the barren TV landscape.
High Desert’s early aimlessness evolves by midseason into a likable shagginess, warmed by a surprising amount of heart.
Patricia Arquette is not the only reason to watch “High Desert,” a new comic thriller premiering Wednesday on Apple TV+, but she’s the best reason, and all the reason you need.
What keeps “High Desert” from greatness (though there is hope, if it gets another season!) is a failure to unite the farcical stuff, much of which is delightful, with the deeper story. The plot starts to feel so crowded, rushed and messy that the finale (critics got all eight episodes) at times feels as if it was written by — rather than for — Peggy.
While there’s an ensemble of kooky characters around her, this is a showcase for Arquette’s unique energy. There’s a vulnerability at her core, but also the frankness of someone who has spent most of her life operating on survival mode.
[High Desert] is ramshackle in the right ways, led by Arquette’s tour-de-force of mad, messy, brazen desperation and determination.
The show might not be everyone’s cup of tea because it demands fortitude. While the early episodes are enjoyable, High Desert shapes itself into a more insightful version over the remaining tightly paced outings.
This may be the best new show on TV this year. You can't take your eyes off Arquette, who's perfect in the lead role. High Desert is a quirky, funny ride and you never quite know where it's going next. Yes, there's a mystery/crime element but the main draws are the characters and the setting. This show feels a little different than anything else on TV right now. Here's hoping it gets a few more seasons.
Looked pretty good from trailers and I enjoyed the first episode. Second, less so. By episode 3 I basically rage quit the show. Arquette does a great job but I think that's th problem. She's too good. By episode I was so annoyed by the actual character I couldn't anymore. Perhaps it's because I've known people like that.
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