Ooh la la… we’re back in Paris…

I just binged the 5 episode first season of The Parisian Agency about a family of realtors selling high-end properties in Paris. What a joyous family!! Loved it: the scenery, the fashion, the conflicts, the negotiations, etc. True escapism! We have just been through some torrential rain here in Thornbury with Tornado warnings and everything! It’s looking considerably calmer and sunnier at this point, but after getting caught in the rain yesterday when I got home soaked to the skin despite a rain jacket and an umbrella, I will stay close to home this sleepy Sunday. We just canceled our golf outing today as it is a walking day and the ground will be very wet. George has a very sore toe (probably a combination of too much red wine, red meat and golf) so he is recuperating in his office. Here are some viewing recommendations for you:

Streaming (Video on demand, Pay per View, etc)

Loki (from Disney +, 6 episodes) The mercurial villain Loki resumes his role as the God of Mischief in a new series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” I am not a fan of the Avengers franchise, but I sure am a fan of Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson who star in this. I am willing to stay with this series because I like the two leads so much. Two episodes in, not much has really happened, lots of special effects, but a story has yet to emerge.

The Good Fight (Season 5, 10 episodes) They are back for a brand new season! Diane has to decide on the fir’s future, after losing two leading lawyers. A crazy combo of real-life events and issues and the fictional world of Reddick Lockhart.

ABC

The View (1997-present) A panel of 4 women discuss news and politics. OK, full disclosure, I love Joy Behar and Anna Navarro. I despise Meghan McCain. Just watching her recent return from 3 months of maternity leave is hilariously suspenseful, as you can see her teetering on the edge of losing her shit as the only Conservative on the panel. She is a perfect model of white privilege as she daily touts her pedigree of Arizona royalty as the daughter of John McCain. I record this show daily and savour it over my lunch. George has also become addicted to it and sulks if I have watched it without him

CBC Gem

DNA (8 episodes) Five years after his daughter’s disappearance, Danish police officer Rolf discovers a fatal flaw in the DNA database and might finally be able to find her. From the co-creator of The Killing.

Global

When Nature Calls (only 1 episode in) The funny things that animals get up to in the wild. Although this is narrated by Helen Mirren, it’s the farthest thing from David Attenborough you could ever find. Very lame script has animals saying silly things as they go about their business. I couldn’t quite last through the premiere episode as it might not even be entertaining for children.

Netflix

Good on Paper (1 h 32 m) After years of putting her career first, a stand-up comic meets a guy who seems perfect: smart, nice, successful and possibly too good to be true. A true story, apparently, starring Iliza Shlesinger. I must admit, I snoozed through a little of this. Good rainy afternoon viewing.

Silver Skates (in Russian with subtitles, 2 h 10 m) If you love the music of the Russian composers, scenes of 1900’s St. Petersburg, fabulous costumes, etc., give this a try. The 20th century is just around the corner. In winter, St. Petersburg transforms into a fairy tale-like wonderland where frozen rivers and canals serve as the iced-over roads and bustle with skaters and markets. The city is home to 18-year-old Martvey who works as an ice-skating delivery boy at a local bakery. Enjoy!! I loved every minute of this gorgeous film.

The Parisian Agency (5 episodes) See my comments in the introduction. Great family drama set in the Parisian luxury real-estate world.

Amazon Prime

Breaking News in Yuba County (1 h 36 m) A woman takes advantage of her growing celebrity status when the police and the public think her dead husband is just missing. Stars Allison Janney, Mila Kunis, Awkwafina, Wanda Sykes, Allen Barkin, Matthew Modine, Jimmi Simpson, Juliette Lewis, and a host of other actors. A serious waste of talent in this very farcical black comedy of a film.

Apple TV Plus

Physical (10 episodes) A woman struggling in her life as a quietly tortured housewife, finds an unconventional path to power through an unlikely source: the world of aerobics. Stars Rose Byrne. This will take you right back to the 80’s music, fashion, hair, etc. Feel the burn!

Lisey’s Story (8 episodes) A widow becomes the object of a dangerous stalker, obsessed with her husband’s work. From the pen of Stephen King, expect many dark twists to this tale. A great cast is lead by Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Dan DeHaan and Joan Allen. Really dark.

YouTube

Various Mitford family documentaries and interviews. I am currently reading Diana Moseley by Anne de Courcey and will be doing a presentation on the fabulous Mitford sisters for my book group, so I am immersing myself in their lives and times. If you don’t know about this illustrious family of English eccentrics, please look them up immediately. Nancy Mitford was the novelist of the family, and one of her masterpieces, The Pursuit of Love, will be released on Amazon as a miniseries next week. It has been made into a film previously, and this one features an all-star cast, but you never know, it could be awful. Of the many short docs available on YouTube, the interview conducted between Charlotte Moseley and Deborah, the Duchess of Devonshire is quite touching and amazing. Netflix also currently is showing The Mitfords A Tale of Two Sisters featuring Jessica and Diana, two sisters who could not have been more unlike in their political ideologies (one an avowed Communist and the other a fascist). Enjoy!!!

CBS

Jeopardy (30 minutes)Simply the most enjoyable show on TV these days! In comparison with much of today’s dark programming, this show stands out as a beacon of hope in a pandemic world. Informative and exciting!

HGTV

Any of these shows give me the home decor fix I need to get through the day. They all inspire me, especially Home Town, which is the show with the most heart. I can’t believe how talented these people are and how they are able to make so many decisions so quickly! Full disclosure: we have been having some updates done to our Florida home while we are away and these shows are filling a serious gap for me.

Fixer to Fabulous

Good Bones

Love it or List it Vancouver

Home Town

Comic Relief

Real Time with Bill Maher has returned with new guests and actual in-person panels. Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, and Samantha Bee are all back. I catch up with Seth Meyers, and James Corden on You Tube. John Oliver has returned on Sunday nights on HBO! We are finding things to laugh about again that aren’t all about Trump or Covid!!!

Moment of Zen

CBS Sunday Morning (since 1979) I am about to reward myself by sitting down to my favourite weekly compendium of celebrity profiles and human interest stories. Always inspiring and informative.

Closing Words

The week ahead features lots of company with Mahjong, golf and dining outdoors in our backyard. We are hosting some out of town friends and will be participating in the town’s fundraising LobsterFest with a backyard lobster dinner with all the trimmings. Stay dry and well and enjoy the pleasures of the season!

To get you started on your Mitford exposure, I’m including a couple of links for you:

The first is a zoom chat conducted by a terribly charming and posh British historian:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/LbqZJUW1ejDWMOWjFSZ5iZI9kXmiUAlzHErkyZ1QY0_9DPJCRJOtnNZxhkasDyY.83pY_5B1kv1wFCu9

The second is a thumbnail summary of the 6 Mitford girls and their accomplishments:

New nordic noir appears…

I was delighted to find two new series from Scandinavia: Katla from Iceland on Netflix and DNA from Denmark on CBC Gem. My husband and I binged 8 episodes of Katla over a 2-day period and I had just started watching DNA when a brief power failure literally short-circuited my viewing. We are headed into Toronto today to celebrate Father’s Day, our son David’s birthday and our 48th wedding anniversary. Woo hoo!!! Here are some viewing suggestions for your:

Streaming

Together Together (1 h 30 m, available for rent at the iTunes store) When a young loner becomes the gestational surrogate for a single man in his 40’s, the two strangers come to realize this unexpected relationship will challenge their perceptions of connection, boundaries and the particulars of love. I loved this very sweet little movie that stars Ed Helms and Patti Harrison. Be warned: the ending left many viewers unsatisfied, but I found it very appropriate for this surprising and original little film.

Loki (from Disney +, 6 episodes) The mercurial villain Loki resumes his role as the God of Mischief in a new series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” I am not a fan of the Avengers franchise, but I sure am a fan of Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson who star in this. I am willing to stay with this series because I like the two leads so much. Two episodes in, not much has really happened, lots of special effects, but a story has yet to emerge.

Little Birds (from Sky Atlantic, 6 episodes) TV adaptation of Anais Nin’s infamous collection of erotic short stories. Strange and mysterious.

Netflix

Picks of the Week

Katla (8 episodes) One year after the violent eruption of the subglacial volcano Katla, the peace and tranquillity in the small town of Vik is dramatically disturbed. Uh oh, people are coming back from the dead…That never ends well.

Penguin Town (8 episodes) In a picturesque South African town, an eclectic group of endangered penguins flock together to find mates, raise families and mix with the locals. I dare you not to fall in love with these adorable creatures. What is it about penguins and pandas that make them so irresistible?

ABC

The View (1997-present) A panel of 4 women discuss news and politics. OK, full disclosure, I love Joy Behar and Anna Navarro. I despise Meghan McCain. Just watching her recent return from 3 months of maternity leave is hilariously suspenseful, as you can see her teetering on the edge of losing her shit as the only Conservative on the panel. She is a perfect model of white privilege as she daily touts her pedigree of Arizona royalty as the daughter of John McCain. I record this show daily and savour it over my lunch. George has also become addicted to it and sulks if I have watched it without him

AMC

Gangs of London (10 episodes) Tells the story of London being torn apart by the turbulent power struggles of its international gangs and the sudden power vacuum that’s created when the head of London’s most powerful crime family is assassinated. Incredibly dark and violent, I keep thinking I’ve watched the last episode as each one outdoes the previous one in terms of violence and mayhem. What a show! Definitely not for everyone. Kind of a modern-day Peaky Blinders.

Apple TV

Physical (10 episodes) A woman struggling in her life as a quietly tortured housewife, finds an unconventional path to power through an unlikely source: the world of aerobics. Stars Rose Byrne. This will take you right back to the 80’s music, fashion, hair, etc. Feel the burn!

Lisey’s Story (8 episodes) A widow becomes the object of a dangerous stalker, obsessed with her husband’s work. From the pen of Stephen King, expect many dark twists to this tale. A great cast is lead by Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Dan DeHaan and Joan Allen. Really dark.

CBC Gem

DNA (8 episodes) Five years after his daughter’s disappearance, Danish police officer Rolf discovers a fatal flaw in the DNA database and might finally be able to find her. From the co-creator of The Killing.

CBS

Jeopardy (30 minutes)Simply the most enjoyable show on TV these days! In comparison with much of today’s dark programming, this show stands out as a beacon of hope in a pandemic world. Informative and exciting!

HBO/Crave

Pan of the Week

Kajillionaire (1 h 44 m) A woman’s life is turned upside down when her criminal parents invite an outsider to join them on a major heist they’re planning. A great cast including Richard Jenkins, Debra Winger and Evan Rachel Wood are totally wasted in this very offbeat and almost unwatchable comedy. So weird!

Hacks (10 episodes) Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled outcast 25-year-old. Stars Jean Smart & Hannah Einbinder (daughter of Laraine Newman). Terrific!! The last episodes aired this past week and I can’t wait to see series 2.

Shrill (22 episodes) I originally watched Season 1 on Crave in Canada, but George had never seen it so I watched it again. A woman seeks out ways to change her life without changing her body. Aidy Bryant is a wonder to behold in this as the lead who is attempting to own her fatness. Remarkably funny and touching at the same time.

HGTV

Any of these shows give me the home decor fix I need to get through the day. They all inspire me, especially Home Town, which is the show with the most heart. I can’t believe how talented these people are and how they are able to make so many decisions so quickly! Full disclosure: we have been having some updates done to our Florida home while we are away and these shows are filling a serious gap for me.

Fixer to Fabulous

Good Bones

Love it or List it Vancouver

Home Town

Comic Relief

Real Time with Bill Maher has returned with new guests and actual in-person panels. Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, and Samantha Bee are all back. I catch up with Seth Meyers, and James Corden on You Tube. John Oliver has returned on Sunday nights on HBO! We are finding things to laugh about again that aren’t all about Trump or Covid!!!

Moment of Zen

CBS Sunday Morning (since 1979) I am about to reward myself by sitting down to my favourite weekly compendium of celebrity profiles and human interest stories. Always inspiring and informative.

Closing Words

A friend sent me this list of items to celebrate growing older (a privilege that not all of us have):

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short – enjoy it. 4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself. 7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone. 8. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. 9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 10. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present. 11. It’s OK to let your children see you cry. 12. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it. 14. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don’t worry, God never     blinks. 15. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 16. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways. 17. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger. 18. It’s never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else. 19. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer. 20. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.      Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 21. Over prepare, then go with the flow. 22. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple. 23. The most important sex organ is the brain. 24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’ 26. Always choose life. 27. Forgive. 28. What other people think of you is none of your business. 29. Time heals almost everything. Give time. 30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 31. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 32. Believe in miracles. 33. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 34. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young. 35. Your children get only one childhood. 36. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 37. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 38. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back. 39. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need. 40. The best is yet to come… 41. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 42. Yield. 43. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”

Ooh, Favourite series return with new episodes…

Well, despite my quick turnaround visits back and forth from Toronto for appointments, I have managed to fit in a few golf games, a local hike on the Beaver River Trail and, of course, some screen time. Here are some suggestions for you:

Amazon Prime

Flack (Season 2, 6 episodes) Returned this week with new episodes! Robyn, an American publicist working for a cutthroat London PR company that represents troubled celebrities, is adept at keeping her clients’ lives appearing in perfect order, while her own falls to pieces. Stars Anna Paquin and Sophie Okonedo. Dark and deliciously salacious!

ABC

The Good Doctor (Season 4, 8 episodes) The adventures of Shaun Murphy, surgical resident with autism.  
A disease of the week show with a difference! 

The View (1997-present) A panel of 4 women discuss news and politics. OK, full disclosure, I love Joy Behar and Anna Navarro. I despise Meghan McCain. Just watching her recent return from 3 months of maternity leave is hilariously suspenseful, as you can see her teetering on the edge of losing her shit as the only Conservative on the panel. She is a perfect model of white privilege as she daily touts her pedigree of Arizona royalty as the daughter of John McCain. I record this show daily and savour it over my lunch. George has also become addicted to it and sulks if I have watched it without him.

HGTV

Any of these shows give me the home decor fix I need to get through the day. They all inspire me, especially Home Town, which is the show with the most heart. I can’t believe how talented these people are and how they are able to make so many decisions so quickly! Full disclosure: we have been having some updates done to our Florida home while we are away and these shows are filling a serious gap for me.

Fixer to Fabulous

Good Bones

Love it or List it Vancouver

Home Town

Netflix

Agatha Christie’s Crooked House (1 h 55 m) In Agatha Christie’s most twisted tale, a spy-turned-private-detective is lured by his former lover to catch her grandfather’s murderer before Scotland Yard exposes dark family secrets. I had a feeling of deja vu while watching (i.e. snoozing through) this and realized at the ending that I had indeed watched it before. It features a great cast with Glenn Close, Max Irons, Christina Hendricks, Terence Stamp, Julian Sands, Gillian Anderson and a host of familiar British actors. Great for a sleepy Sunday afternoon!

Lupin (In French with English subtitles, 5 new episodes) Returned this week with new episodes! Years after a tragic injustice involving his father, Assane seeks to settle a score, and a debt, by stealing a diamond necklace. However, the heist takes an unexpected turn. Omar Sy is the star of this very stylish suspense series. Gorgeous photography of Paris.

Feel Good (Season 2 returned with 6 new episodes) Returned this week with new episodes! The series follows recovering addict and Canadian comedian Mae, who is trying to control the addictive behaviours and intense romanticism that permeate every facet of her life. Great cast includes Lisa Kudrow and, of course, Mae Martin.

The Kominsky Method (22 episodes) An aging actor, who long ago enjoyed a brush with fame, makes his living as an acting coach. Now that lovable Alan Arkin has departed from the show, I no longer feel much attraction. Michael Douglas has never been a favourite of mine, but I’ll tune in for the post-funeral exit of Arkin and see if the show still entertains me.

HBO Crave

The Souvenir (2 h) A young film student in the early ’80’s becomes romantically involved with a complicated and untrustworthy man. Stars Honor Swinton Byrne, Tilda Swinton, Tom Burke. This is the second time I tried to watch this much-admired art film. A warning: you will never get back the two hours it takes to watch this incredibly painful and slow-moving film. I adore Tom Burke (C.B. Strike), but honestly, this film is pure agony to watch.

Hacks (10 episodes) Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled outcast 25-year-old. Stars Jean Smart & Hannah Einbinder (daughter of Laraine Newman). Terrific!! The last episodes aired this past week and I can’t wait to see series 2.

Streaming

In the Heights (2 h 23 m) A film version of the Broadway musical in which Usnavi, a sympathetic NYC bodega owner, saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade as we’ve been waiting for the new blockbusters delayed by Covid to emerge, but this is one long musical. Featuring many lively production numbers, but not one memorable song. Lin Manuel Miranda wrote this before Hamilton and it is unrelentingly positive and life affirming. Not to be a curmudgeon about this, but if life is so gloriously sunny in Washington Heights, why does everyone aspire to leave? Make your own judgements, but it is so long…..and it has one last production number after the closing credits.

Cruella (2 h 14 m) a live-action prequel feature film following a young Cruella de Vil. Emma Stone and
Emma Thompson are both fabulous in this very enjoyable origin film about the young Cruella. A little on the long side, but full of fabulous fashion and London atmosphere. I loved it!!

Loki (made for Disney +, 6 episodes) The mercurial villain Loki resumes his role as the God of Mischief in a new series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” I am not a fan of the Avengers franchise, but I sure am a fan of Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson who star in this. I am willing to stay with this series because I like the two leads so much.

Younger (7 seasons, 84 episodes) After being mistaken for younger than she really is, a fortyish single mother decides to take the chance to reboot her career and her love life as a 26-year-old. Sutton Foster is amazing as the lead Liza. I love this series, although by the 7th season it is no longer the fresh and surprising show it once was and has started to endlessly repeat a romantic triangle and other sub-themes! The series aired its last episode this past week and nicely tied up all the storylines.

CBS

Jeopardy (30 minutes)Simply the most enjoyable show on TV these days! In comparison with much of today’s dark programming, this show stands out as a beacon of hope in a pandemic world. Informative and exciting!

AMC

Gangs of London (10 episodes) Tells the story of London being torn apart by the turbulent power struggles of its international gangs and the sudden power vacuum that’s created when the head of London’s most powerful crime family is assassinated. Incredibly dark and violent, I keep thinking I’ve watched the last episode as each one outdoes the previous one in terms of violence and mayhem, but I think tonight’s episode is actually the last one of Season 1.

Comic Relief

Real Time with Bill Maher has returned with new guests and actual in-person panels. Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, and Samantha Bee are all back. I catch up with Seth Meyers, and James Corden on You Tube. John Oliver has returned on Sunday nights on HBO! We are finding things to laugh about again that aren’t all about Trump or Covid!!!

Moment of Zen

CBS Sunday Morning (since 1979) I am about to reward myself by sitting down to my favourite weekly compendium of celebrity profiles and human interest stories. Always inspiring and informative.

Closing Words

We’re having longtime friends come to stay for a few days this week and we’re looking forward to hosting them and enjoying the area with them. I’m having my mahjong ladies over this week to play outside for the first time in over a year. There will be golf with my usual lady friends. Looking forward to another beautiful week here! Here’s an intriguing video for you to watch:

Ooh, bingeworthy…

I have been reading articles on the virtues of appointment television (new episode added weekly) versus bingewatching all episodes being made available simultaneously. Mare of Easttown (HBO) became a sensation this past 8 weeks or so by airing on Sunday nights and becoming addictive TV as each episode was so rich in content and complications. It seemed at one point that any character on the show was the potential murderer. It has been my pleasure this week to binge on a delightful, family viewing show called Sweet Tooth (Netflix). I have never seen a more touching, original show about a post-apocalyptic world following a pandemic. More on this below. Meanwhile, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

Netflix

Pick of the Week

Sweet Tooth (8 episodes) A boy who is half human and half deer survives in a post-apocalyptic world with other hybrids. Words really don’t convey how powerful this fantasy series is. Christian Convery (Gus) is a terrific child actor in the lead role, and Nonso Anozie (whom you have seen in many supporting roles) is wonderful as his unwilling protector. I am only 4 episodes in (started watching it way too late in the day yesterday), so leave yourself lots of time to watch this one, as you may feel compelled to binge as I did. It’s supposed to rain Monday and Tuesday, so throw yourself on the couch under an afghan with a cup of tea beside you and binge away.

CBC Gem

Fortunate Son (8 episodes) This Canadian show flew under my radar when it aired on CBC last winter. It is about espionage, political activism and love, loyalty and healing as it tells the story of draft dodgers who escaped to Canada. Great cast of Canadian actors including Kari Matchett in the lead role. Coincidentally, I am watching 1971 which is about the music of the period and am really enjoying the Vietnam war era songs of this series.

AppleTV

Lisey’s Story (8 episodes) A widow becomes the object of a dangerous stalker, obsessed with her husband’s work. From the pen of Stephen King, expect many dark twists to this tale. A great cast is lead by Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Dan DeHaan and Joan Allen. Really dark.

The Mosquito Coast (7 episodes) An idealist uproots his family and moves them to Latin America. Stars Justin Theroux and Melissa George. Hypnotically enigmatic as we start out unaware of what has caused this family to go on the run.

1971: The Year that Music Changed Everything (8 episodes) The musicians and soundtracks that shaped the culture and politics of 1971.

Crave/HBO

Pan of the Week

In Treatment (debuted in 2008 and returned this season with a new cast, 114 episodes) A psychotherapist questions her abilities and gets help by reuniting with her own therapist. Uzo Aduba replaces Gabriel Byrne in the lead role. I must confess that I am finding this show very painful to watch as I am not engaged by a single character. I just don’t want to know more about them.

Hacks (10 episodes) Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled outcast 25-year-old. Stars Jean Smart & Hannah Einbinder (daughter of Laraine Newman). Terrific!!

Oslo (1 h 58 m) Recounts the true-life, previously secret, back-channel negotiations in the development of the pivotal 1990s Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization that took place in Oslo, Norway. Stars Ruth Wilson and Andrew Scott (the hot priest from Fleabag). I watched this to gain some background for the recent events in Gaza which might not have unfolded as they did, if the spirit of this accord hadn’t been destroyed by the assassination of Yitzak Rabin and the subsequent unrest that created.

Spiral (1 h 27 m) There are currently 3 different dramas under this name. This one is a little Canadian suspense film which I think I recorded by accident and then decided to watch anyway out of curiosity. A same-sex couple moves to a small town to enjoy a better quality of life and raise their daughter with strong social values. But when neighbours throw a very strange party, nothing is as it seems in their picturesque neighbourhood. Kind of a Rosemary’s Baby remade for same sex couples. Derivative and slow.

ABC

Jeopardy (30 minutes)Simply the most enjoyable show on TV these days! In comparison with much of today’s dark programming, this show stands out as a beacon of hope in a pandemic world. Informative and exciting!

The Good Doctor (Season 4, 8 episodes) The adventures of Shaun Murphy, surgical resident with autism.  
A disease of the week show with a difference! 

The View (1997-present) A panel of 4 women discuss news and politics. OK, full disclosure, I love Joy Behar and Anna Navarro. I despise Meghan McCain. Just watching her recent return from 3 months of maternity leave is hilariously suspenseful, as you can see her teetering on the edge of losing her shit as the only Conservative on the panel. She is a perfect model of white privilege as she daily touts her pedigree of Arizona royalty as the daughter of John McCain. I record this show daily and savour it over my lunch. George has also become addicted to it and sulks if I have watched it without him.

NBC

New Amsterdam (Season 3, 49 episodes) New Amsterdam is still reeling from the pandemic as a plane crash lands in the East River. When investigators come to interrogate the flight crew, Iggy fights against the clock to help the pilot uncover the truth. Medical melodrama meets the headlines. I only watch this series because I am a huge Ryan Eggold fan and I can’t wait to see what heroic heights his character will rise to in each episode.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (Season 2, 9 episodes) It’s back for season 2! This show keeps flying under my radar. I love the concept that Zoey hears other people’s thoughts in big musical numbers, but this show is wackadoodle and may not be for everyone.

HGTV

Any of these shows give me the home decor fix I need to get through the day. They all inspire me, especially Home Town, which is the show with the most heart. I can’t believe how talented these people are and how they are able to make so many decisions so quickly! Full disclosure: we have been having some updates done to our Florida home while we are away and these shows are filling a serious gap for me.

Fixer to Fabulous

Good Bones

Love it or List it Vancouver

Home Town

Streaming

The Brokenwood Mysteries (30 episodes) Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd arrives on assignment in Brokenwood, New Zealand, a small town where memories – and animosities – run deep. A true slow-burn mystery series with very intricate murders to be solved.

Younger (7 seasons, 84 episodes) After being mistaken for younger than she really is, a fortyish single mother decides to take the chance to reboot her career and her love life as a 26-year-old. Sutton Foster is amazing as the lead Liza. I love this series, although by the 7th season it is no longer the fresh and surprising show it once was and has started to endlessly repeat a romantic triangle and other sub-themes!

Comic Relief

Real Time with Bill Maher has returned with new guests and actual in-person panels. Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, and Samantha Bee are all back. I catch up with Seth Meyers, and James Corden on You Tube. John Oliver has returned on Sunday nights on HBO! We are finding things to laugh about again that aren’t all about Trump or Covid!!!

Moment of Zen

CBS Sunday Morning (since 1979) I am about to reward myself by sitting down to my favourite weekly compendium of celebrity profiles and human interest stories. Always inspiring and informative.

Closing Words

Looking forward to a week filled with golf and hiking. Two more big medical appointments to head down to Toronto for and then I think my summer is free and clear. Here is a very short video for you to enjoy: