Hunkering down after Thanksgiving…

As we prepare to board a flight back to Toronto this week, I’ve been staying close to home to avoid the super spreader after Thanksgiving surge and that has allowed me to catch up on all sorts of viewing. Here are some suggestions for you:

The New York Times has thoughtfully supplied a list of the top series we need to catch up on:

ABC

Big Sky (10 episodes) A private detective teams up with an ex-cop to solve a kidnapping case in Montana. Ryan Phillippe, John Carroll Lynch and Katheryn Winnick star. From the production team of David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, Ally McBeal, LA Law, The Practice), this series is pretty edgy for ABC. Watch for the big twist ending in the first episode. I really didn’t see it coming. Perhaps, an indication that we’re not in usually broadcast comfort TV world anymore.
The Good Doctor (60 episodes) It’s back and in the first two episodes we were dealing with the COVID pandemic. We have now moved on from the world of COVID and are back in disease of the week territory. However, I do root for this autistic doctor. Ironically, Richard Schiff and his real-life wife, Sheila Kelley, have both been very ill with Covid over the past few weeks, but both have recovered.

Amazon Prime

Uncle Frank (1 h 35 m) In 1973, when Frank Bledsoe and his 18-year-old niece Beth take a road trip from Manhattan to Creekville, South Carolina for the family patriarch’s funeral, they’re unexpectedly joined by Frak’s lover Walid. This very sweet coming of age drama stars Paul Bettany, Steve Zahn, Judy Greer, Margo Martindale, Lois Smith and Stephen Root in its ensemble cast.
A Most Beautiful Thing (Documentary, 1 h 35 m) Narrated by Common, this film chronicles the first Africn American high school rowing team in this country (made up of young men, many of whom were in rival gangs from the West Side of Chicago,) coming together to row in the same boat. Incredibly touching and inspiring.

BBC America

Earth’s Great Seasons  (4 episodes) This wonderful BBC documentary explores wildlife and plants throughout the year. This programme focuses on all 4 seasons. Amazing photography!

CBS

60 Minutes (2008 episodes) The classic long-running prime time TV investigative news magazine. 
CBS News Sunday Morning (633 episodes) This gentle newsmagazine has been airing every Sunday morning for over 40 years.  Informative and inspiring, it is my weekly Zen moment.

FX

Black Narcissus (3 episodes) Adaptation of the 1939 novel by Rumer Golden. A group of nuns face challenges in the hostile environment of a remote old Himalayan palace that they wish to make a convent. Stars Gemma Arterton, Jim Broadbent, Alessandro Nivola, Diana Rigg. A remake of the 1947 classic film. If you want to lose yourself in a BBC produced period piece, this is your miniseries! I totally enjoyed it in a Masterpiece Theatre kind of way.
Fargo (41 episodes over 4 seasons, Season 4, 11 episodes) The head of an African American crime syndicate goes to war with the Italian mafia in Kansas City, Missouri during the 1950’s. Starring Jessie Buckley, Timothy Olyphant, Jack Huston, Ben Whishaw, Chris Rock, Jason Schwartzman, Glynn Turman. Looks like we’re not in North Dakota anymore! This series takes its darkest and bleakest turn yet with each crime family being headed by unredeemably awful characters.

Netflix

We Are the Champions (Documentary, 6 episodes) Explore an array of unique competitions, from the quirky to the bizarre, and meet their passionate communities in this docuseries. I loved the Dog Dancing Competition! Narrated by Rainn Wilson, this is a very tongue in cheek reality series.
Hillbilly Elegy (1 h 56 m) A Yale law student drawn back to his hometown grapples with family history, Appalachian values and the American dream. This unrelentingly grim film features an ensemble cast that stars Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Haley Bennett, Freida Pinto. I enjoyed reading the book this was based on, which gave some insight into the mindset of many of those in the rustbelt states that elected Trump, but found this dramatization to be very hard to watch. So grim.
Suburra: Blood on Rome (Suburra – La Serie, original title, 24 episodes) In 2008, a fight over land in a seaside town near Rome spirals into a deadly battle between organized crime, corrupt politicians and the Vatican. I can’t believe I watched the whole thing!!! If you loved Narcos, Money Heist, etc. you may love this Italian crime series. Addictive!
Virgin River (Season 2) There is only one reason to watch this very lame and predictable romance series and his name is Martin Henderson. This Aussie dreamboat has inexplicably never become a major star in the US and he plays an American here. I have no excuse for watching the entire first series, but I only lasted two episodes into the second season before I gave up in disgust.
Inhuman Resources (6 episodes) Alain Delambre is a senior executive worn out and humiliated by six years of unemployment. So when a prestigious company selects him as a candidate, he is prepared to betray his wife, steal from his daughters, hit his son-in-law and even take part in a role-playing game in the form of a hostage-taking role-play scenario. He knows that, if he is hired all will be forgiven. But nothing will go as planned. Ooh, dark! Eric Cantona stars as the beleaguered HR professional and he is magnificent.

PBS

Great Performances: Lea Salonga in Concert (442 episodes since 1971) I loved this concert from the Sydney Opera House. Watch for the closing number: This is Me from The Greatest Show. Salonga’s voice will wow you! This amazingly talented Broadway and Disney star is inspirational as she talks about her Filipina roots. Her brother is the conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Nature (documentary 39 seasons) I have been recording and watching this season’s shows at leisure including Australian Bushfire Rescue, Wild Pandas, Rabbits and Hares, Cuba, etc. So beautifully photographed and narrated. It is a moment of tranquility in a sea of turbulence.

Streaming

Us (BBC, 4 episodes) The poignant and hilarious story of the Petersen family during their vacation across Europe where the father Douglas tries to win back the love of his wife Connie and become reconciled with their son Albie. So touching!
Let Him Go (1 h 53 m) A retired sheriff and his wife, grieving over the death of their son, set out to find their only grandson. The great cast includes Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Lesley Manville, Jeffrey Donovan. If you love Kevin Costner in Yellowstone, you will love him in this modern day Western.
Happiest Season (1 h 42 m) A holiday romantic comedy that captures the range of emotions tied to wanting your family’s acceptance, being true to yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas. I can’t believe I got sucked into watching yet another completely lame Christmas movie. This one does have a Lesbian theme and stars Kristen Stewart, Mary Steenburgen, Victor Garber, Alison Brie and Aubrey Plaza, but despite some positive reviews it is absolutely godawful! Be afraid…very afraid.

The Mandalorian (Made for the Disney Channel, Season 2, 8 episodes) The Mandalorian is drawn to the Outer Rim in search of others of his kind. Wow: we just learned the actual name of The Child and have more clues to his origins as The Mandalorian continued his quest to find the Jedi and a home for The Child (now known as Grogu). Sorry about the spoilers! My children will be very annoyed with me.

HBO

The Undoing (6 episodes) Life for a successful therapist in NYC begins to unravel on the eve of publishing her first book. Stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. Full disclosure: I will watch anything with Hugh Grant in it. 

*Murder on Middle Beach (documentary, 4 episodes) A young man is determined to solve an unspeakable crime and absolve the people he loves, while looking for answers within his fractured family and community.

Industry (8 episodes) Young bankers and traders make their way in the financial world in the aftermath of the 2008 collapse. 

HBO Max

The Flight Attendant (8 episode) A flight attendant wakes up in the wrong hotel, in the wrong bed, with a dead man – and no idea what happened. When questioned by FBI agents and still unable to piece the night together, she begins to wonder if she could be the killer. Stars Kaley Cuoco and Michiel Huisman. I loved the first three episodes of this! Full confession: I have never watched a single episode of Big Bang Theory, so I have no previous experience of watching Kaley Cuoco, but I think she’s wonderful in this. Off to a great start!

Showtime (CRAVE in Canada)

*The Reagans (Documentary, 4 episodes) A four-part documentary series that explores the many surprisingly unexamined aspects of the Reagan White House, and how Nancy Reagan’s paper-doll image was at odds with the power she ultimately wielded throughout her husband’s presidency.

Comic Relief 

Most of the comedy shows have returned including Colbert, Noah, Samantha Bee, Jon Oliver, Bill Maher, Saturday Night Live, etc. You have to give all the writers and performers credit for trying to lift our spirits as well as inform during these trying times.

Closing Words

I’m living very quietly this week as I don’t want to miss my flight home due to potential Covid exposure. We’re arriving back in Toronto on Thursday afternoon and our plan is to drive our fully grocery-loaded car straight from Toronto to Thornbury where we will quarantine for 14 days before returning to Toronto for appointments. I know that that all doesn’t sound like much fun. I actually started reading a book in print yesterday as I anticipate that I may have managed to watch all of Netflix by the time I finish quarantining myself. Have a wonderful week wherever you are!

Here are two lovely videos from BBC to calm and inspire for the week ahead:

And here’s a funny prayer about getting old:

American Thanksgiving is almost here…

We will be joining our neighbours here for a small and friendly gathering. Fingers crossed that weather will be conducive for some outdoor dining and social distancing. Otherwise, this country may be in for tens of thousands of super spreader events. I have just heard that our next door community in Ontario, Collingwood, has a restaurant that has banned diners from “Red Zone” municipalities from dining in their restaurant. Hmmm… must people present ID showing that their primary address is not in a “Red Zone” community? An interesting development in the prevention of Covid spread. Anyhow, as you self isolate, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

Netflix

Suburra: Blood on Rome (from Italy with English subtitles, 24 episodes) In 2008, a fight over land in a seaside town near Rome spirals into a deadly battle between organized crime, corrupt politicians and the Vatican. Prepare to be entertained by this marvellous series which resembles an Italian version of The Wire as it takes a multifaceted behind the scenes look at life in Rome and the crime that underlies it. Addictive! We have finished Season 2 and have one last season to go.
The Crown (Season 4, 10 episodes) Follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth’s reign and the events that shaped the second half of the twentieth century. Season 4 begins as Elizabeth welcomes Britain’s first woman prime minister and Charles meets young Diana Spencer, and an IRA attack brings tragedy to the royal family. Stars Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Gillian Anderson, Emma Corrin, Charles Dance, Emerald Fennell, Tobias Menzies, Josh O’Connor and many others. We did a full binge and consumed the whole season in 2 days. I can’t get enough! Bring on Season 5 which will bring another change in casting of Elizabeth and Philip.
The Duchess (6 episodes) A single mom tries to raise her daughter in London while wondering if she should have another kid. Stars Canadian stand up comic Katherine Ryan. Full disclosure: I now totally dislike Ryan. I had found her stand up routine (also available on Netflix) a little tiresome, but found her to be totally loathsome in this series. Her daughter Olive, played by young British actress Katy Byrne, on the other hand, is wonderful!
Voices of Fire (6 episodes) Pharrell Williams’s hometown community leaders attempt to build one of the world’s most inspiring gospel choirs. I loved this series, and watched the whole season in 1 evening. Very touching as the participants open up their personal struggles to all. If you have ever watched Gareth Malone’s British series The Choir, you may admire this very inspiring series.

Showtime

The Children Act (1 h 45 m) As her marriage crumbles, a judge must decide a case involving a teenage boy who is refusing a blood transfusion on religious principle. Stars Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Jason Watkins, Ben Chaplin. From the novel by Ian McEwan. Emma Thompson projects intelligence more than any other actress I have ever seen. A very unsentimental look at how a judge tries to detach herself from her personal feelings.

ABC

Big Sky (10 episodes) A private detective teams up with an ex-cop to solve a kidnapping case in Montana. Ryan Phillippe, John Carroll Lynch and Katheryn Winnick star. From the production team of David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, Ally McBeal, LA Law, The Practice), this series is pretty edgy for ABC. Watch for the big twist ending in the first episode. I really didn’t see it coming. Perhaps, an indication that we’re not in usually broadcast comfort TV world anymore.
The Good Doctor (60 episodes) It’s back and we’re dealing with a pandemic. I can’t help feeling that with so much real-life coverage available that the fictionalized version seems even more artificial and emotionally manipulative. However, I do root for this autistic doctor. Thankfully, by episode 3, we appear to have moved past the pandemic. Ironically, Richard Schiff and his real-life wife, Sheila Kelley, have both been very ill with Covid over the past few weeks, but both appear to be recovering.

Streaming

Class Action Park (Documentary, 1h 30m) A documentary that focuses on a dangerously legendary water park and its slew of injuries, deaths and crimes along with child safety concerns. You won’t believe your eyes as you watch this story of an entrepreneur run amuck in 1980’s New Jersey.
Peninsula (Train to Busan 2, original title, 1 h 56 m) Full disclosure: I loved the original Train to Busan which this is a sequel to, but found this sequel awfully hard to watch. A zombie virus has in the last 4 years spread to all South Korea. Four Koreans in Hong Kong sail through a blockade to Incheon to retrieve USD$20,000,000 from a truck. I hated this heist team to be a lame premise when it was used recently in Spike Lee’s film Da 5 Bloods. Now imagine the team fighting off blood thirsty zombies. This film lacked the surprising emotionality of the original, where you actually cared about the survivors.
The Right Stuff (produced for Disney, 8 episodes) US fighter pilots are recruited to test experimental aircraft and rockets to become the first Mercury astronauts. TV adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s book. “The Right Stuff”. I do feel that this series exemplifies how long form television can extend stories to outrageous length. I fondly remember the original 1983 film which concentrated on the space race itself. This series is concentrated much more on the interpersonal relationships between the astronaut team members, their marriages and the pressures the astronauts faced as they became celebrities. Great performances from the lead actors Patrick J. Adams, Jake McDorman, Colin O’Donague.
The Mandalorian (Made for the Disney Channel, Season 2, 8 episodes) The Mandalorian is drawn to the Outer Rim in search of others of his kind. The great Timothy Olyphant guest stars in the initial episode called The Marshal. Terrific climactic battle scene!! The second episode also featured a climactic battle scene with alien creatures and the third episode returned to form as The Mandalorian continued his quest to find the Jedi and a home for The Child (aka Baby Yoda).

HGTV

Should I Stay Or Go (9 episodes) Brad and Heather Fox help people who choose to renovate their old house or move and renovate another house. Sometimes their decorating choices scare me! Another take on Love it or List it.
Fixer Upper (80 episodes) Chip and Joanna Gaines take on clients in the Waco, Texas area, turning their fixer uppers into the homes of their dreams. Spectacular renos!!! I can’t believe I just discovered this series!!

HBO Max

Downhill (1 h 26 m) Remake of Force Majeure (2014). Barely escaping an avalanche during a family ski vacation in the Alps, a married couple is thrown into disarray as they are forced to reevaluate their lives and how they feel about each other. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell star. Watch for Kristofer Hivju to recreate his role from the original as the annoyed and dismissive head of Safety at the ski resort. You will also recognize him from Game of Thrones! Considered far inferior to the Swedish original, I actually enjoyed this film which is not a comedy although Will Ferrell does try for some comic moments and there is a bit of a Hollywood ending. Julia Louis-Dreyfus gives an amazing performance as a wife who realizes that her husband fails at his duty to protect his family and may not be the man she thought he was.

FX

Fargo (41 episodes over 4 seasons, Season 4, 11 episodes) The head of an African American crime syndicate goes to war with the Italian mafia in Kansas City, Missouri during the 1950’s. Starring Jessie Buckley, Timothy Olyphant, Jack Huston, Ben Whishaw, Chris Rock, Jason Schwartzman, Glynn Turman. Looks like we’re not in North Dakota anymore! This series takes its darkest and bleakest turn yet with each crime family being headed by unredeemably awful characters.

Showtime (CRAVE in Canada)

*The Reagans (Documentary, 4 episodes) A four-part documentary series that explores the many surprisingly unexamined aspects of the Reagan White House, and how Nancy Reagan’s paper-doll image was at odds with the power she ultimately wielded throughout her husband’s presidency.

The CW

Coroner (18 episodes) I started watching this very strange series on CBC Gem and was shocked to find it in the CW listings. It is unapologetically Canadian featuring many indigenous actors and follows a newly appointed coroner who investigates a string of mysterious deaths in Toronto. I am amazed to find this unlikely offering on The CW which usually caters to a young demographic for its viewership.

PBS

Roadkill (4 episodes) Politician Peter Laurence’s private life is falling apart. Shamelessly untroubled by guilt or remorse, he seeks to further his own agenda whilst others plot to bring him down. Can he out-run his own secrets to win the ultimate prize? Stars Hugh Laurie, Helen McCrory, Sidse Babett Knudsen.

Nature – Primates (documentary 39 seasons) I have been recording and watching this season’s shows at leisure including Australian Bushfire Rescue, Wild Pandas, Rabbits and Hares, Cuba, etc. So beautifully photographed and narrated. It is a moment of tranquility in a sea of turbulence.

BBC America

Earth’s Great Seasons  (4 episodes) This wonderful BBC documentary explores wildlife and plants throughout the year. This programme focuses on all 4 seasons. Amazing photography!

CBS

60 Minutes (2008 episodes) The classic long-running prime time TV investigative news magazine.
CBS News Sunday Morning (633 episodes) This gentle newsmagazine has been airing every Sunday morning for over 40 years.  Informative and inspiring, it is my weekly Zen moment.

Comic Relief 

Most of the comedy shows have returned including Colbert, Noah, Samantha Bee, Jon Oliver, Bill Maher, Saturday Night Live, etc. You have to give all the writers and performers credit for trying to lift our spirits as well as inform during these trying times.

Closing Words

To my American friends, stay safe and well this week as you celebrate Thanksgiving. To my Toronto friends, I know the new restrictions of returning to a Red Zone are going to be frustrating to deal with as the isolation from family and friends becomes an ongoing source of sadness and loneliness. I know you are thinking ahead to Christmas and how sad it may be to be Zooming with family instead of gathering together as bubbles are now truly restricted to those living under the same roof. These are difficult times, but not unprecedented as the video below shows:

On a much brighter note, Randy Rainbow satirizes Trump’s reluctance to leave the White House by adapting Stephen Sondheim’s brilliant patter song from Company (Not Getting Married Today):

The Crown makes its majestic return…

Today, The Crown returns for its 4th season on Netflix today. I really believe that this is the best program I have ever watched on TV (okay, The Queen’s Gambit follows closely). Apparently the young actress cast as Diana will steal your heart and Gillian Anderson apparently does a marvellous Margaret Thatcher. I can’t wait!! Meanwhile, here are some other suggestions for you:

Netflix

*The Crown (full season 4 available today, 10 episodes) Follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth’s reign and the events that shaped the second half of the twentieth century. Season 4 begins as Elizabeth welcomes Britain’s first woman prime minister and Charles meets young Diana Spencer, and an IRA attack brings tragedy to the royal family. Stars Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Gillian Anderson, Emma Corrin, Charles Dance, Emerald Fennell, Tobias Menzies, Josh O’Connor and many others.
Love and Anarchy (from Sweden with English subtitles, 8 episodes) I can’t admit to loving this one, but I do love the Swedish vibe in the absence of any new Scandinavian noir series to fall in love with. This social satire is a little arch for my tastes.
Hinterland (from Wales, 13 episodes) A noir crime drama set in Aberystwyth, Wales, where troubled DCI Tom Mathias solves murders while searching for redemption. Very, very dark. Not your cozy British crime drama.
*Dash and Lily (8 episodes) A whirlwind holiday romance builds as cynical Dash and optimistic Lily trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations all across NYC. Kind of a Gossip Girl mixed with a Hallmark Christmas movie aimed at teens. If you are looking for lightness in the time of Covid, you may like this series.
*The Life Ahead (1 h 34 m) Sophia Loren plays a former sex worker caring for an orphaned child in this sometimes formulaic tale directed by her son. I wanted to love this remake (Madame Rosa from 1978 with Simone Signoret) but found it lame, predictable and slow. If you want to see what Sophia Loren looks like at 86, go for it!
Schitt’s Creek (80 episodes) When rich video-store magnate Johnny Rose and his family suddenly find themselves broke, they are forced to leave their pampered lives to regroup in Schitt’s Creek. I finally watched this series which I did catch sporadically when it had its initial run on CBC in Canada. Having just watched the total series, I was incredibly moved and charmed by the evolution of this family as they go from initially clueless to fully engaged with each other and the community they come to love. A sheer delight! Catherine O’Hara will leave you breathless with laughter with her unique diction!
Suburra: Blood on Rome (from Italy with English subtitles, 24 episodes) In 2008, a fight over land in a seaside town near Rome spirals into a deadly battle between organized crime, corrupt politicians and the Vatican. Prepare to be entertained by this marvellous series which resembles an Italian version of The Wire as it takes a multifaceted behind the scenes look at life in Rome and the crime that underlies it. Addictive!

BBC America

Earth’s Great Season -Summer  (4 episodes) This wonderful BBC documentary begins with Spring as it explores wildlife and plants throughout the year. This programme focuses on all 4 seasons. Amazing photography!

HBO

The Undoing (6 episodes) Life for a successful therapist in NYC begins to unravel on the eve of publishing her first book. Stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. Full disclosure: I will watch anything with Hugh Grant in it. 
*Murder on Middle Beach (documentary, 4 episodes) A young man is determined to solve an unspeakable crime and absolve the people he loves, while looking for answers within his fractured family and community.
*Jim Jeffries: Swear to God (58 minutes) I loved his short lived comedy series on Comedy Central and look forward to his latest stand-up special. He is one incredibly outspoken and politically incorrect Australian.
Industry (8 episodes) Young bankers and traders make their way in the financial world in the aftermath of the 2008 collapse. 

NBC Peacock

Save Me (from Sky Atlantic, 12 episodes) Nelly hasn’t rested trying to find his missing daughter Jody, he won’t give up, and he will do anything to find out what happened. discovering things about him and those around him, things he never imagined. For fans of Lennie James, Stephen Graham and Suranne Jones. I’d imagine that American viewers will find this very down market London-based series a bit dark and heavy-going for most tastes. From the producers of Line of Duty, but not in the same league, in my opinion.

NBC 

Dateline NBC: Tallahassee Trap (1163 episodes) I was keen to watch this particular episode which wrapped up the investigation into the murder of Dan Markel, a Canadian law professor at the University of Tallahassee who was mysteriously murdered in a killing for hire. I had missed its original airing and caught up with it here on demand. Very, very sad depiction of how an affluent South Florida family is able to evade being charged in this murder because of their access to fine legal representation despite a tenacious investigation by law enforcement.

Amazon Prime

The Restaurant (from Sweden with English subtitles, 32 episodes, season 1 available now) This charming series begins as peace is declared in Europe in 1945. A spontaneous kiss between two strangers, during the celebration at Kungsgatan, will have major consequences. Often compared to Downton Abbey, this family saga focuses on class and income differences and is a very romantic period piece. I’m now addicted and am waiting impatiently for Prime to air seasons 2 and 3.

CBS

60 Minutes (2008 episodes) The classic long-running prime time TV investigative news magazine. Tonight: Obama is interviewed.
CBS News Sunday Morning (633 episodes) This gentle newsmagazine has been airing every Sunday morning for over 40 years.  Informative and inspiring, it is my weekly Zen moment.

ABC

The Good Doctor (60 episodes) It’s back and we’re dealing with a pandemic. I can’t help feeling that with so much real-life coverage available that the fictionalized version seems even more artificial and emotionally manipulative. However, I do root for this autistic doctor.

*Big Sky (10 episodes) A private detective teams up with an ex-cop to solve a kidnapping case in Montana. Ryan Phillippe, John Carroll Lynch and Katheryn Winnick star. I suspect this may fill a gap for those who are impatiently awaiting the return of Yellowstone, the Kevin Costner present day Western set in Montana. This series has awfully big shoes to fill.

HGTV

Home Town: Our Little Secret: A Town To Call Home (49 episodes) I love this series which has more heart and warmth than most of the other home reno shows as they help to revitalize their home town of Laurel, Mississippi and this year branch out to a new town in Alabama.

PBS

Great Performances (442 episodes) George and I really enjoy catching up with previous episodes of this amazing series. Most recently we watched their Fiddler on the Roof show. Wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles! What a great tribute to this wonderful show.
Roadkill (4 episodes) Politician Peter Laurence’s private life is falling apart. Shamelessly untroubled by guilt or remorse, he seeks to further his own agenda whilst others plot to bring him down. Can he out-run his own secrets to win the ultimate prize? Stars Hugh Laurie, Helen McCrory, Sidse Babett Knudsen.
Secrets of Royal Travels (1 hour) Pack your bags for a rare look at the monarchy’s luxurious private planes and trains.
Nature – Primates (documentary 39 seasons) I have been recording and watching this season’s shows at leisure including Australian Bushfire Rescue, Wild Pandas, Rabbits and Hares, Cuba, etc. So beautifully photographed and narrated. It is a moment of tranquility in a sea of turbulence.

Showtime

*The Reagans (Documentary, 4 episodes) A four-part documentary series that explores the many surprisingly unexamined aspects of the Reagan White House, and how Nancy Reagan’s paper-doll image was at odds with the power she ultimately wielded throughout her husband’s presidency.

The CW

Coroner (18 episodes) I started watching this very strange series on CBC Gem and was shocked to find it in the CW listings. It is unapologetically Canadian featuring many indigenous actors and follows a newly appointed coroner who investigates a string of mysterious deaths in Toronto. I am amazed to find this unlikely offering on The CW which usually caters to a young demographic for its viewership.

FX

Fargo (41 episodes over 4 seasons, Season 4, 11 episodes) The head of an African American crime syndicate goes to war with the Italian mafia in Kansas City, Missouri during the 1950’s. Starring jessie Buckley, Timothy Olyphant, Jack Huston, Ben Whishaw, Chris Rock, Jason Schwartzman, Glynn Turman. Looks like we’re not in North Dakota anymore! This series takes its darkest and bleakest turn yet with each crime family being headed by unredeemable awful characters.

Streaming

The Mandalorian (Made for the Disney Channel, Season 2, 8 episodes) The Mandalorian is drawn to the Outer Rim in search of others of his kind. The great Timothy Olyphant guest stars in this initial episode called The Marshal. Terrific climactic battle scene!! The second episode also featured a climactic battle scene with alien creatures and the third episode returned to form as The Mandalorian continued his quest to find the Jedi and a home for The Child (aka Baby Yoda).

Comic Relief 

Most of the comedy shows have returned including Colbert, Noah, Samantha Bee, Jon Oliver, Bill Maher, Saturday Night Live, etc. You have to give all the writers and performers credit for trying to lift our spirits as well as inform during these trying times.

Closing Words

With no hurricanes in sight to hunker down for, it looks like a more predictable week of golf and beach walks ahead. We have resisted dining out experiences but we did attend the outdoor Saturday morning market on 3rd Street and were relieved to see that all vendors and most patrons were wearing masks and practising social distancing. We also had a shopping experience at The Mercato including a visit to Nordstrom Rack and Whole Foods (masks and distancing were in practice) and we dined outside at Rocco’s Tacos our current favourite upscale Mexican eatery in Naples.

For those of you who missed this viral nature video, here’s a fairly common sight in Florida:

Here’s a great link to a summary of the must see items on Netflix right now:

https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-netflix-shows-and-movies-to-binge-watch-now/

Get out your hankies for this very sweet video about a child born with spina bifida and his indomitable spirit:

Hunkering down for the hurricane…

We have cleared our furniture off the unprotected side of our lanai so that we can close our hurricane screen and people are preparing for power outages by charging all their devices and stocking water, batteries, etc. The golf course has closed down for the next two days as we await Storm Eta which is currently a tropical storm but has the potential to become a Category 1 Hurricane as it nears Florida on its path from the Caribbean. We’re still recovering from the storm that was the election but people are anticipating that the transition will not be as turbulent as Trump threatens to make it. My fingers are crossed that the heavy wind and rain that is anticipated over the next few days will not cause much damage and that it will result in some terrific viewing for everyone! Here are some suggestions for you:

Netflix

Love and Anarchy (from Sweden with English subtitles, 8 episodes) Sofie, a career driven consultant and married mother of two gets an assignment to modernize and old publishing house where she meets young IT tech Max and an unexpected flirting game begins.
Last Tango in Halifax (24 episodes) Re-united after 50+ years apart, Celia and Alan decide to marry. At age 16, Alan’s late wife failed to pass on a letter from Celia, his longtime crush, with an apology for missing their first date and her forwarding address. Both now have daughters with lover troubles. I resisted watching this sweet and soothing British series which has long been a mainstay on PBS, however, I finally gave in and watched the available episodes on Netflix and found it to be very charming. Not as funny as the Australian series Offspring (which it somewhat resembles as a family saga) but endearing in its own way and very sweet in its depiction of love between senior citizens. As my parents were from Manchester in the north of England, the Lancashire accents here really remind me of them and I have to fight the impulse to “put kettle on” as the characters are constantly self-medicating with endless mugs of tea. This is very good pandemic and hurricane preparedness viewing.

Amazon Prime

The Restaurant (from Sweden with English subtitles, 32 episodes) This charming series begins as peace is declared in Europe in 1945. A spontaneous kiss between two strangers, during the celebration at Kungsgatan, will have major consequences. Often compared to Downton Abbey, this family saga focuses on class and income differences and is a very romantic period piece.
The Second Time Around (1 h 47 m) In this heart-warming story full of hope, dreams and second chances, two seniors meet and discover that it’s never too late to fall in love again. I was surprised to find this very Canadian telefilm on Prime. It stars Linda Thorson (who succeeded Diana Rigg on The Avengers. I admit I found it a little cloying in its depiction of life in a retirement home but the novelty of finding Canadian content on Prime made me give this one a chance.
Wiener-Dog (1 h 28 m) A dachshund passes fro one oddball owner to oddball owner whose radically dysfunctional lives are all impacted by the pooch. This strange little film has an amazing cast that includes Greta Gerwig, Tracy Letts, Julie Delpy, Kieran Culkin, Danny DeVito, and many more. It was on the film festival circuit when it came out and if you’re a dog lover, it’s a must-see.

The CW

Coroner (18 episodes) I started watching this very strange series on CBC Gem and was shocked to find it in the CW listings. It is unapologetically Canadian featuring many indigenous actors and follows a newly appointed coroner who investigates a string of mysterious deaths in Toronto. So not the teen fare you expect on The CW as it is a very dark show.

HBO

*Industry (8 episodes) Young bankers and traders make their way in the financial world in the aftermath of the 2008 collapse. Starts Monday.

How To with John Russell (Documentary comedy, 6 episodes) An anxious New Yorker who attempts to give everyday advice while dealing with his own personal issues.
The Undoing  (6 episodes) Life for a successful therapist in NYC begins to unravel on the eve of publishing her first book. Stars Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, Donald Sutherland, Lily Rabe, Edgar Ramirez. Two words: Hugh Grant. I’m in!

Showtime

*Moonbase 8 (6 episodes) Fred Armisen, Tim Heidecker and John C. Reilly star in this new comedy series as three astronauts trying to qualify for their first lunar mission. They encounter obstacles along the way including loneliness self-doubt and incompetence. Starts tonight! Here’s what the NYTimes had to say:

“This new comedy feels light enough to float away, more like a web series than a premium-cable comedy — somehow an appropriate serving for such joy-starved times, like eating ice chips when you’re too weak to swallow. Tim Heidecker, Fred Armisen and John C. Reilly, who created the show with Jonathan Krisel, star as earthbound astronauts training on a simulated lunar base in Arizona. Petty grievances and bureaucratic minutiae abound, but the show feels easy and fun and silly. If that setup sounds cool but you want something more substantive, try the fantastic nonfiction podcast “The Habitat,” about volunteers who live in a faux Mars outpost as part of a NASA study.”

BBC America

Earth’s Great Seasons – Spring (4 episodes) This wonderful BBC documentary begins with Spring as it explores wildlife and plants throughout the year. This programme focuses on the spring, when hibernating animals awake and many species search for mates.

PBS

Nature (documentary 39 seasons) I have been recording and watching this season’s shows at leisure including Australian Bushfire Rescue, Wild Pandas, Rabbits and Hares, Cuba, etc. So beautifully photographed and narrated. It is a moment of tranquility in a sea of turbulence.

Roadkill (4 episodes) Politician Peter Laurence’s private life is falling apart. Shamelessly untroubled by guilt or remorse, he seeks to further his own agenda whilst others plot to bring him down. Can he out-run his own secrets to win the ultimate prize? Stars Hugh Laurie, Helen McCrory, Sidse Babett Knudsen.

CBS

B Positive (3 episodes) A man in need of a kidney and the organ donor he meets by chance develop an unlikely bond. Starts Annaleigh Ashford and Thomas Middleditch. I so wanted to like this show as it stars two actors I really like, however, the laugh track drove me nuts and it comes from Chuck Lorre (Two and 1/2 men) so I found it to be way too sitcom for me.

CBS Sunday Morning This gentle newsmagazine has been airing every Sunday morning for over 40 years.  Informative and inspiring, it is my weekly Zen moment.

ABC

The Good Doctor (60 episodes) It’s back and we’re dealing with a pandemic. I can’t help feeling that with so much real-life coverage available that the fictionalized version seems even more artificial and emotionally manipulative. However, I do root for this autistic doctor.

Comic Relief 

Most of the comedy shows have returned including Colbert, Noah, Samantha Bee, Jon Oliver, Bill Maher, Saturday Night Live, etc. You have to give all the writers applause for wringing some humour out of today’s headlines.

Closing Words

I do apologize for listing programming that may not be available to everyone. Some shows are only available on the American versions of Netflix or Prime. I know many of my friends do not subscribe to any specialty channels and only stream via Netflix so they have no access to HBO, Showtime, etc. Hopefully, at some point, you will catch these shows on Broadcast TV where many eventually appear.

Now that the election is over (but not done with), hopefully people can relax and focus on more entertaining TV viewing.

Here’s a hilarious send up of British mysteries from The New Yorker:

British Mystery Shows That I Would Watch
Read in The New Yorker: https://apple.news/AgQ7OgKebSo6lASYXNMntIA

“The Hot Vicar”

Samuel Wellington is a man of the cloth, with six-pack abs underneath it. When he’s not delivering sermons or explaining the difference between a vicar and a priest, he’s investigating crimes in the sleepy village of Helenmirrenshire. The reverend has a knack for solving complex mysteries but has yet to crack the biggest case of all—it’s 2020, so why are there only white people living and working in this town?

“Lonely Lady Detective”

Set in England during the interwar period, the show focusses on Mary Wordsworth, a genial but lonely spinster residing in the coastal town of Biscuits-by-the-Sea. What she lacks in sex appeal, she makes up for in amateur sleuthing skills and an ability to intimidate suspects with a mere glimpse of her unmarried face. She can also slip into crime scenes and police precincts undetected, as her spinster status renders her invisible to society. In the series finale, Mary reveals that she is twenty-nine years old.

“Baker’s Dozen (Murders)”

The cozy hamlet of Shortbread-upon-Avon is put on high alert when residents begin receiving anonymous death threats. The town’s only hope is Liam Baker, an amateur sleuth/professional bread baker/former Royal Air Force commander with a dark past. (Viewers should watch the eight-hour prequel, “Active Yeast on Duty,” for his full backstory.) In the season finale, a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase takes place in his bakery, ending with a thirty-minute climactic scene in which Liam sensuously kneads dough.

“Not My Cup of Tea”

Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch characters pour cups of tea and then sip cups of tea. When the protagonists aren’t putting a kettle on, they’re gazing out windows or tending their gardens. Aside from the occasional character being poisoned by cyanide, this is a very relaxing show.

“No. 1 Suspect” Series 45

In this long-running series, the private investigator Andrew Beefeater interrogates murderers and thieves, frequently muttering his iconic catchphrase, “You’re my No. 1 suspect.” When he’s not chasing bad guys, he’s drinking from a bottomless bottle of whiskey and snapping at his female assistant, who hasn’t received a raise in years. The series concludes with a dramatic cliffhanger—might there be other types of complex characters we could devote an entire TV series to?

“Where Do I Know That Actor From?”

During the pilot episode, you’ll ask yourself, “Is that the guy from ‘Game of Thrones’?” You’ll then spend the entire season wondering if it is indeed Robb Stark or just someone who looks a lot like Robb Stark. Midseason twist: the actor is actually from “The Crown.”

“The Midwife Searching for Jack the Ripper”

When Mary the Midwife isn’t investigating Jack the Ripper’s gruesome murders, she’s delivering babies in London’s East End. This show is basically for fans of “Call the Midwife” whose main gripe with that television drama is that it isn’t a murder mystery.

“Maths and Murders”

A university maths professor moonlights as a private detective because it’s hard to make a living in the Margaret Thatcher era. His sidekick is an American exchange student who excels at solving proofs but fails to remember that in England you say “maths,” not “math.”

We made it to Florida…

It was a suspenseful trip down from Thornbury to Naples. Thursday morning with a fully loaded car, sadly our 3-year-old Ford Explorer refused to start. A call was made to the CAA roadside assistance which resulted in a quick boost to our battery and the diagnosis that our battery needed to be replaced. The local garage there was kind enough to install a new battery for us and we were on our way.

We made it to a very crowded Toronto airport and stood in the longest security line we’ve ever experienced. Three flights to Florida were leaving at the same time. There were very few staff to help with operating the luggage tag machines and to help those poor souls who hadn’t printed off their own boarding passes at home. We boarded the plane about a 1/2 hour late to find that the navigational systems were not operating properly. After a 2 1/2 hour wait on the plane, we took off. For the first time in my life, I was seated beside a mentally unstable woman who thrashed about in her seat, yelled at the woman beside her who had timidly asked the woman to adjust her mask above her nose, and who verbally abused the flight attendants who calmly ignored her (some kind of de-escalation technique?). I was able to change my seat as George was on the other side of the aisle with an empty seat beside him and the crazy lady was able to move into my seat giving her some space from the terrified woman on her other side. She continued to grumble and moan through the rest of the flight and insisted at one point on getting the three passengers in the row ahead to search under their seats for her water bottle cap. She mostly ate and drank her way through the rest of the flight (of course without a mask). Not my best flight ever. Anyhow, we arrived in Naples about 3 hours behind schedule with a car waiting for us and made it back to our place with only a few conspiracy theories being spouted by the very pleasant driver who picked us up. All was well on our arrival except for our little car which although it had been on a trickle charger for the last six months while it sat in the garage, refused to start. Deja vu re dead batteries has set in.

Anyhow, we’re safe and sound and will hunker down this week in 85 degree heat and sun to attend to some chores and some golf and, of course, get in a little screen time. Here are some suggestions for you:

Netflix

Strange But True (1 h 36 m) Very Hallmark suspense film! Good cast includes Amy Ryan, Greg Kinnear and Brian Cox in an odd little film about a woman who surprises the family of her deceased boyfriend by telling them she’s pregnant with his child. Quite the surprise twist ending!!

Holidate (1 h 43 m) Another very Hallmark rom/com. Sloane and Jackson hate being single on holidays where they face constant judgment from their meddling families. So, when these two strangers meet, they pledge to be each other’s “holiday” for every festive occasion in the year ahead. Predictable to the max! Emma Roberts and a very cute Australian named Luke Bracey star.

Dick Johnson is Dead (Documentary, 1 h 29 m) A daughter helps her father prepare for the end of his life. Very poignant depiction of a daughter’s love for her declining dad.

Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine (49 m) A variety special full of issues of politics, race gender and class. Sarah will also be joined by special guests who include Winona Ryder, Aubrey Plaza, Marisa Tomei, Ben Stiller, Maya Rudolph, Helen Mirren, Jon Hamm, Jane Lynch, Whoopi Goldberg, Fred Armisen, etc. Very cute!

I am Woman (1 h 56 m) The story of 1970’s musician and activist Helen Reddy. Surprisingly old fashioned biopic. Stars Evan Peters, Chris Parnell and Danielle Macdonald. My Netflix download was sadly out of sync which really detracted from a musical where the lead actress is mouthing the words to the songs just out of sync.

HBO/Crave

*Agents of Chaos (Documentary, 3 h 59 m, in two episodes) Was there Russian interference in the 2016 election? This two-part documentary directed by Alex Gibney is a product of years of reporting on that disturbing question. With never-before-seen footage inside Russian troll farms, and videos unearthed from the Russian deep web, the film digs into the sophisticated plans to undermine democracy. Terrific documentary that will make you fear for this upcoming election and how easily it can be manipulated.

*The Soul of America (Documentary, 1 h 20 m) Present-day, fraught political reality explores historical challenges of the past. Based on the book by renowned historian and presidential biographer Jon Meacham. A fabulous documentary that makes history come alive and tells us that this particular era is difficult but not unique.

Gretel and Hansel (1 h 27 m) A long time ago in a distant fairy tale countryside, a young girl leads her little brother into a dark wood in desperate search of food and work, only to stumble upon a nexus of terrifying evil. A new take on the fairy tail! Alice Krige stars as the witch.

The Undoing  (6 episodes) Life for a successful therapist in NYC begins to unravel on the eve of publishing her first book. Stars Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, Donald Sutherland, Lily Rabe, Edgar Ramirez. Two words: Hugh Grant. I’m in!

CBC/Gem

The Sounds (Canada/NZ co-production, 8 episodes) Maggie and Tom Cabbott move to the town of Pelorus to escape the oppressive influence of Tom’s family, but when he disappears, unsettling facts about Tom soon come to light and the search brings long-buried wounds to the surface. Stars Rachelle Lefevre.

Trickster (6 episodes) Described as a “darkly humorous coming-of-age story”, Trickster is a supernatural thriller that follows an Indigenous teen named Jared who struggles to keep his family afloat when a stranger named Wade ruptures the balance. “What begins as an unnerving slow burn of strange events in Jared’s already-messy life crescendos to an epic clash of magic, monsters and mayhem,” said the CBC in a press release. Canadian!!

War of the Worlds (British/French co-production, 16 episodes) Set in contemporary France, this Anglo-French reimagining of HG Wells’ classic in the style of The Walking Dead follows pockets of survivors forced to team up after an apocalyptic extra-terrestrial strike. Stars Gabriel Byrne.

The Witch: A New-England Folktale (1 h 32 m) A family in 1630’s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic, and possession. Strs Anya Taylor-Joy who is the star of The Queen’s Gambit (the best show on Netflix right now). You can see in this early performance how powerful this young actress can be.

For the Love of Goats (Documentary, 50 m) Very sweet look at the young people who raise and show goats in fairs around Ontario, culminating in a visit to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. A kind and gentle type of documentary that celebrates these quirky creatures.

Streaming

The Mandalorian (Made for the Disney Channel, Season 2, 8 episodes) The Mandalorian is drawn to the Outer Rim in search of others of his kind. The great Timothy Olyphant guest stars in this initial episode called The Marshal. Terrific climactic battle scene!!

Amazon Prime

Radioactive (1 h 49 m) The incredible true story of Marie Sklodowska-Curie and her Nobel Prize-winning work that changed the world. Stars Rosamund Pike and Sam Riley. Reviews of this little biography were very harsh as it had a number of flash-forward scenes showing how the discovery of radium changed the world and blamed Curie for latter day events like Hiroshima and Chernobyl. I thought Pike’s performance was terrific!

Air Canada

Spinster (1 h 27 m) After her partner breaks up with her on her 39th birthday, Gaby tackles her fears of loneliness as well as preconceptions of what it means for a woman to be single. Chelsea Peretti stars in this very charming little film that was filmed in Nova Scotia!

Apple

Tehran  (8 episodes) A Mossad agent embarks on her first mission as a computer hacker in her home town of Tehran. For those of you who are missing Homeland, this may be just what the doctor ordered as its non-stop suspense in the Middle East is riveting.

PBS

*Roadkill (4 episodes) Politician Peter Laurence’s private life is falling apart. Shamelessly untroubled by guilt or remorse, he seeks to further his own agenda whilst others plot to bring him down. Can he out-run his own secrets to win the ultimate prize? Stars Hugh Laurie, Helen McCrory, Sidse Babett Knudsen. Here’s a great review from the NYTimes:

W

Devils (originally made for Sky TV in the UK, 10 episodes) Starring Patrick Dempsey, Ben Miles. A worldwide financial conspiracy is discovered by a group of traders of a large investment bank. Based on an Italian novel by Guido Maria Brera. I’m trying to give this one a chance, but after 2 episodes, I admit I’m feeling a little Da Vinci Code conspiracy vibe from this and I hate Dan Brown’s novels. I’ve watched the first two episodes and am not in love with this one so far. Every few seconds we’re in a scene in a different country and then we have short choppy scenes of unconvincing dialogue between scenes on private planes and yachts.

FX

Fargo (41 episodes over 4 seasons, Season 4, 11 episodes) The head of an African American crime syndicate goes to war with the Italian mafia in Kansas City, Missouri during the 1950’s. Starring jessie Buckley, Timothy Olyphant, Jack Huston, Ben Whishaw, Chris Rock, Jason Schwartzman, Glynn Turman. Looks like we’re not in North Dakota anymore!

CBS

CBS Sunday Morning This gentle newsmagazine has been airing every Sunday morning for over 40 years.  Informative and inspiring, it is my weekly Zen moment.

Comic Relief

Most of the comedy shows have returned including Colbert, Noah, Samantha Bee, Jon Oliver, Bill Maher, Saturday Night Live, etc. You have to give all the writers and performers credit for trying to lift our spirits as well as inform during these trying times.

Closing Words

Looking forward to a week of tranquility (well maybe except for Tuesday, US Election Day). We thought long and hard about whether it would be a good idea to be in Florida at this time. Anything could happen, including a less than peaceful transition regardless of who wins. Fingers crossed for this country and indeed the whole world, that we have a decision soon and that it is one that is positive and can help us all move forward from this very dark period of uncertainty and disruption. On a much more reflective note, here’s an obituary from USA Today on the passing of an icon, Sean Connery:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/10/31/sean-connery-dead-james-bond-star-was-90/331430002/

And for lovers of Randy Rainbow, here is his latest video:

Parody based on “How will you know” from the film Enchanted!