“High Desert,” an Apple TV+ series, has been met with mixed reviews, particularly for its first season. The show, set in Yucca Valley, California, follows the story of Peggy Newman, portrayed by Patricia Arquette, who decides to become a private investigator after her mother’s death.

Despite Patricia Arquette’s strong performance, the series struggles with its writing, failing to effectively connect the dots and leaving viewers with a lackluster payoff. While the supporting cast, including Matt Dillon and Brad Garrett, delivers solid performances, some character arcs, like that of Weruche Opia’s Carol, remain underdeveloped.

The show’s attempt to balance multiple storylines and characters doesn’t quite pay off, resulting in a finale that leaves much to be desired. The overall journey of the characters isn’t bad, but the way it concludes affects the overall enjoyment of the series. In essence, “High Desert” is a show with potential that falls short in execution, making it a somewhat disappointing watch.