Below is my ranking of the Season One episodes of the HBO Max streaming series, "JULIA". Based on the life of television chef Julia Child and created by Daniel Goldfarb, the series stars Sarah Lancashire in the titular role:
RANKING OF "JULIA" SEASON ONE (2022) EPISODES
1. (1.02) "Coq Au Vin" - Facing mounting pressure from station executives at WGBH Boston, cookbook author Julia Child struggles to figure out how to present a complicated recipe on television.
Later, on-set flubs threaten the future of the show and Julia's career.
2. (1.07) "Foie Gras" - While in New York, Julia and her new show receive both accolades and criticism. While Julia's husband and close friend, Paul Child and Avis DeVoto forge an unlikely, the show's producer, Alice Naman, finds an unexpected connection of her own.
3. (1.04) "Petit Fours" - As WGBH reaps the rewards of their new star's efforts, a jealous rival threatens the station's burgeoning success. While Julia struggles with the price of fame, Paul begins to accept defeat, and Alice changes tack.
4. (1.06) "Breads" - While Paul and book editor Judith Jones experiment with baking, Julia tackles a different kind of "bread." As sleep-deprived producer-director Russ Morash tasks Alice with even more work, the future of Avis's position on the show is questioned.
5. (1.08) "Chocolate Souffle" - After suffering a terrible emotional blow from a hostile critic, Julia's future - and the fate of the show - hang in the balance.
6. (1.01) "Omelette" - In 1962, Julia boldly pitches a groundbreaking television series centered on demonstrations for the home cook - despite pushback from male station executives and her own husband.
7. (1.03) "Boeuf Bourguignon" - When the show goes over budget, Julia doubles down on her efforts to continue making her dream a reality. As Paul contends with his fearsome father-in-law, Alice struggles with her new assignment.
8. (1.05) "Crepes Suzette" - In San Francisco, Julia tests the waters of her newfound celebrity status alongside celebrated chef James Beard, leaving a brooding Paul to question the true cost of his wife's fame.
