The Oscars are on tonight!!!!

For the last month or so, I have been polling my friends about whether they have done their Academy Award countdown yet. I usually get a blank or confused look. Which movies are nominated? Where do I see them? Etc. Last year’s show was virtually unwatchable as it was held in a room at the LA train station full of masked attendees. Hopefully, tonight’s show will at least have some memorable outfits, speeches, comedy bits, etc. that will make it worth watching. Many of the nominated films were made for streaming services and could be watched in people’s living rooms, so people are understandably confused about how a movie made for Netflix or Apple qualifies for an Oscar. It’s a whole new world!

If you wish to print off a nomination list to follow along with tonight’s telecast, here’s one for you from Vanity Fair:

Click to access vanityfair-oscars-2022-ballot.pdf

Here are some other viewing suggestions for you:

Apple

Suspicion (8 episodes) Five ordinary Brits are accused of kidnapping the son of a prominent US media mogul. They embark on a desperate race against time to prove their innocence, but will anyone believe them – and are they telling the truth. Stars Keira Knightley lookalike Elizabeth Henstridge, Angel Coulby, Uma Thurman, Noah Emmerich (The Americans). Finally finished this disaster of a miniseries last night. The ending was totally ridiculous. The whole plot became a muddled mess. So disappointing and another 8 hours of my life I will never get back.

Pachinko (8 episodes) Based on the NYTimes bestseller, this sweeping saga chronicles the hopes and dreams of a Korean immigrant family across four generations as they leave their homeland in an indomitable quest to survive and thrive. I enjoyed watching the first hour of this series. Unlike anything I have ever seen on the small screen before. I am intrigued.

Netflix

Bridgerton (Season 2, 8 episodes) Wealth, lust, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family. The break-out star of Season 1 is gone this year (the smouldering Rege-Jean Page). It’s all inanity now. What was once fresh and amusing (Regency balls where people dance to current day pop tunes) is now tired and meaningless. God give me the strength to look away from this one as there are only so many hours in the day.

CBS

FBI, FBI International, Good Sam. The fact that I watched all three of these formulaic shows illustrates the absolute lack of watchable content that was available this past week. The network television shows have absolutely deteriorated to dreck.

HBO

Bill Maher  (587 episodes) Returned for its 20th season. Comedian and political satirist Bill Maher discusses topical events with guests from various backgrounds. He is the sneeriest, snarkiest comedian on TV today! You either like him or hate him.

John Oliver (242 episodes, back for Season 9) Along with a series of comic comments on the daily events, Oliver selects a new topic to discuss at length every week. Professorial and profane.

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (10 episodes) The professional and personal lives of the 1980’s Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties – a team that defined an era, both on and off the court. I confess that I watched this under protest as both my basketball loving husband and son were keen to watch it. I was mildly amused. John C. Reilly Jason Clarke, Gaby Hoffman, Sally Field, Brett Cullen, Tracy Letts, Adrien Brody and Jason Segel star.

The Gilded Age (10 episodes) A wide-eyed young scion of a conservative family embarks on a mission to infiltrate the wealthy neighbouring clan dominated by ruthless railroad tycoon George Russell, his rakish son, Larry, and his ambitious wife, Bertha. Stars Cynthia Nixon, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Taissa Farjmiga, Christine Baranski, Donna Murphy, Morgan Spector, Blake Ritson, Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, etc. Rumours of a possible future crossover with Downton Abbey have been heard. I have watched the whole series so far and find it a little stilted, but beautiful to look at, and have been continuing to engage more with it through each episode.

My Brilliant Friend (In Italian with English subtitles, Season 3, 8 episodes) We are now up to the third book in author Elena Ferrante’s quadrilogy. The Neapolitan girls are growing up. One is now a published author and the other still struggles with life in hardscrabble Naples.

HBO Max

Gomorrah (5 seasons) This Italian crime series set in Naples ran for 5 seasons and I somehow missed it completely, so I caught up with Season 1 this past week. A great companion piece to My Brilliant Friend. The dark underbelly of Naples. One season of murder and mayhem was enough for me. I found the two lead characters to be completely repulsive, so no more for me.

Minx (10 episodes) In 1970’s LA, an earnest young feminist joins forces with a low-rent publisher to create the first erotic magazine for women. The first episode, where dozens of naked men bare their penises auditioning for the first centrefold nude picture, is not to be missed, although I found the next couple of episodes to be a little lacklustre. Truly, there has never been anything like that first episode on TV before.

FX

Better Things (Season 5, 10 episodes) An actress raises her three daughters while juggling the pressures of working in Hollywood and being a single parent. Pamela Adlon stars in this wonderful series about life in LA.

ABC

The Good Doctor (Season 5, 12 episodes) Well, as if diseases of the week weren’t enough for this floundering series, now the plot has evolved in exactly the same way as New Amsterdam, with the good doctors rising up to overthrow the corporate titan now running the hospital. I am no longer a big fan of this series about an autistic doctor.

Big Sky (Season 2, 14 episodes) Oh my. This show has deteriorated into an endless cat and mouse game between characters I no longer care about in the slightest. Too bad considering it stars Canadian actress Katheryn Winnick (Vikings) in the lead role. Just absolute dreck.

NBC

Law & Order (Season 21, 3 episodes available) It’s back! True confession: I have never watched a single complete episode of the original, which I found prosaic and predictable. I know that this show has always been hugely enjoyable for its many fans, so I gave this one a chance. In Episode 1, newly acquainted partners Det. Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson) and Det. Frank Cosgrove (Jeffrey Donovan) investigate the murder of a notorious entertainer (torn from the headlines about Bill Cosby). A dispute over throwing out a confession creates a rift in the District Attorney’s office. Hugh Dancy is now the lead lawyer for the prosecution, with Camryn Manheim supervising the detectives, and Sam Waterston as the DA presiding over the office. Again, I am finding this show kind of corny with its 1 hour format which neatly wraps up every case. I have now watched the first 3 episodes and if you love your mysteries tied up in a neat bow at the end of every episode, this is your show.

New Amsterdam  (71 episodes, now being broadcast sporadically) Talk about corny! This disease of the week show has become maudlin to the max! Ryan Eggold’s over the top saintly medical director is now feverishly trying to topple the evil new medical director played by Michelle Forbes who almost always plays evil bitches. I can’t look away from this guilty pleasure of a show.

Jeopardy – Weeknights (over 8000 episodes) This nightly venerable game show, is now once again hosted by Ken Jennings, and it continues to amuse, entertain and inform. Now that Ken is back in the host role, all seems right with the world! He makes the job look easy and knows the game inside out.

Streaming

Killing Eve (Season 4, 8 episodes) Oh make it end please. One season too many to tie up the loose ends of this increasingly nonsensical series that started as so fresh and new.

Peaky Blinders (Season 6, 6 episodes) Crime series set in 1930’s Birmingham, starring Cillian Murphy. Famous for its over-the-top violence, anachronistic music, and crazy haircuts, you either love or hate this one.

**Outlander (Season 6 premiere) Oh yes, it’s back, the sexy as hell series about a time travelling English combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. I can’t stress enough how romantic this series is. 

Raised by Wolves (2 seasons, 16 episodes) Androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious planet. Very atmospheric show from the production team of Ridley Scott, so very cinematic.

Special Mention

Also, my husband reminds me that I no longer mention my Sunday morning ritual of watching CBS Sunday Morning, the most enjoyable newsmagazine show on the air which has been airing since 1979. Now hosted by Jane Pauley, this venerable series never ceases to delight, inform and entertain with its stories about current events, celebrities, and human interest. I feel better each Sunday for having watched it.

Closing Words

As well as attending our street party later this afternoon, I am having some friends over to watch the Oscars with us. I’m off to a Yoga class this morning and the rest of the day will involve some party preparations. Enjoy the week to come wherever you are!

I’m adding a link to a very touching video about a musical prayer for Ukraine. Get out your hankies:

 

George goes to Orlando…

George is off to Orlando for his annual men’s golf trip for the first time since Covid played havoc with annual trips. There are usually 8 fellows sharing an enormous house and playing golf daily for 3 days. While he’s away, I will be exploring the Everglades with some lady friends and doing my usual activities. In the meantime, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

Streaming

The Good Karma Hospital (Season 4, 6 episodes) This lovely gentle series is set in India (Sri Lanka stands in) and is about a country hospital run by an expat British woman. If you like Call the Midwife (which I adore), this series is for you!

The Mayor of Kingstown (Season 1, 11 episodes) The McLusky family are power brokers tackling themes of systemic racism, corruption and inequality in Kingstown, Michigan (Kingston, Ontario stands in) where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry. Dark and gritty to the max! I started watching this series when it first premiered and have only now returned to it to see if I found it more palatable, the second time around. So far I am finding it strangely disjointed as though there are continuity problems with the editing.

Killing Eve (Season 4, 8 episodes) Oh make it end please. One season too many to tie up the loose ends of this increasingly nonsensical series that started as so fresh and new.

Peaky Blinders (Season 6, 6 episodes) Crime series set in 1930’s Birmingham, starring Cillian Murphy. Famous for its over-the-top violence, anachronistic music, and crazy haircuts, you either love or hate this one.

**Outlander (Season 6 premiere) Oh yes, it’s back, the sexy as hell series about a time travelling English combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. I can’t stress enough how romantic this series is. 

Raised by Wolves (2 seasons, 16 episodes) Androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious planet. Very atmospheric show from the production team of Ridley Scott, so very cinematic.

HBO

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (10 episodes) The professional and personal lives of the 1980’s Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties – a team that defined an era, both on and off the court. I confess that I watched this under protest as both my basketball loving husband and son were keen to watch it. I was mildly amused. John C. Reilly Jason Clarke, Gaby Hoffman, Sally Field, Brett Cullen, Tracy Letts, Adrien Brody and Jason Segel star.

Phoenix Rising (Documentary, 2 episodes) Actress and activist Evan Rachel Wood takes her experience as a survivor of domestic violence to pursue justice, heal generational trauma, and reclaim her story in a culture that instinctively blames women. The film intimately charts her journey as she moves toward naming her infamous abuser for the first time. Very tough to watch.

The Gilded Age (10 episodes) A wide-eyed young scion of a conservative family embarks on a mission to infiltrate the wealthy neighbouring clan dominated by ruthless railroad tycoon George Russell, his rakish son, Larry, and his ambitious wife, Bertha. Stars Cynthia Nixon, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Taissa Farjmiga, Christine Baranski, Donna Murphy, Morgan Spector, Blake Ritson, Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, etc. Rumours of a possible future crossover with Downton Abbey have been heard. I have watched the whole series so far and find it a little stilted, but beautiful to look at, and have been continuing to engage more with it through each episode.

My Brilliant Friend (In Italian with English subtitles, Season 3, 8 episodes) We are now up to the third book in author Elena Ferrante’s quadrilogy. The Neapolitan girls are growing up. One is now a published author and the other still struggles with life in hardscrabble Naples.

Real Time with Bill Maher (587 episodes) Returned for its 20th season. Comedian and political satirist Bill Maher discusses topical events with guests from various backgrounds. He is the sneeriest, snarkiest comedian on TV today! You either like him or hate him.

John Oliver: Last Week Tonight (242 episodes, back for Season 9) Along with a series of comic comments on the daily events, Oliver selects a new topic to discuss at length every week. Professorial and profane.

Netflix

The Last Kingdom (Season 5, 10 episodes) This is the last season for this show that follows the founding of Anglo Saxon Britain. I love the leading actor Alexander Dreyon who plays Uhtred, a Dane adopted by a Christian family. Based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell, this is an action series for those entranced by historical dramas with a bit of a Scandi twist as this one follows the settling of England by the Danes. I can’t believe we binged all 10 episodes last week. I will miss Uhtred!!!

ABC

The Good Doctor (Season 5, 12 episodes) Well, as if diseases of the week weren’t enough for this floundering series, now the plot has evolved in exactly the same way as New Amsterdam, with the good doctors rising up to overthrow the corporate titan now running the hospital. I am no longer a big fan of this series about an autistic doctor.

Big Sky (Season 2, 14 episodes) Oh my. This show has deteriorated into an endless cat and mouse game between characters I no longer care about in the slightest. Too bad considering it stars Canadian actress Katheryn Winnick (Vikings) in the lead role. Just absolute dreck.

NBC

Law & Order (Season 21, 3 episodes available) It’s back! True confession: I have never watched a single complete episode of the original, which I found prosaic and predictable. I know that this show has always been hugely enjoyable for its many fans, so I gave this one a chance. In Episode 1, newly acquainted partners Det. Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson) and Det. Frank Cosgrove (Jeffrey Donovan) investigate the murder of a notorious entertainer (torn from the headlines about Bill Cosby). A dispute over throwing out a confession creates a rift in the District Attorney’s office. Hugh Dancy is now the lead lawyer for the prosecution, with Camryn Manheim supervising the detectives, and Sam Waterston as the DA presiding over the office. Again, I am finding this show kind of corny with its 1 hour format which neatly wraps up every case. I have now watched the first 3 episodes and if you love your mysteries tied up in a neat bow at the end of every episode, this is your show.

New Amsterdam  (71 episodes, now being broadcast sporadically) Talk about corny! This disease of the week show has become maudlin to the max! Ryan Eggold’s over the top saintly medical director is now feverishly trying to topple the evil new medical director played by Michelle Forbes who almost always plays evil bitches. I can’t look away from this guilty pleasure of a show.

Jeopardy – Weeknights (over 8000 episodes) This nightly venerable game show, is now once again hosted by Ken Jennings, and it continues to amuse, entertain and inform. Now that Ken is back in the host role, all seems right with the world! He makes the job look easy and knows the game inside out.

FX

Better Things (Season 5, 10 episodes) An actress raises her three daughters while juggling the pressures of working in Hollywood and being a single parent. Pamela Adlon stars in this wonderful series about life in LA.

PBS

**Sanditon (Jane Austen inspired costume drama) and Call the Midwife return tonight for new episodes.

**Before We Die premieres tonight. (Crime thriller, 8 episodes) Detective Hannah Laing becomes deeply conflicted when she discovers her son is playing a crucial role as an undercover informant in the investigation of a brutal murder. Lesley Sharp stars.

TBS

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (188 episodes) It returned for its seventh season this past weekend. Comedian Samantha Bee (Canadian!!!) gives her own wry commentary to the contemporary issues of the day.

Fox

The Cleaning Lady (11 episodes) A whip-start Cambodian doctor comes to the US for a medical treatment to save her son, but when the system fails and pushes her into hiding, she uses her cunning and intelligence to fight back, breaking the law for all the right reasons. Loving this suspenseful series.

Special Mention

Also, my husband reminds me that I no longer mention my Sunday morning ritual of watching CBS Sunday Morning, the most enjoyable newsmagazine show on the air which has been airing since 1979. Now hosted by Jane Pauley, this venerable series never ceases to delight, inform and entertain with its stories about current events, celebrities, and human interest. I feel better each Sunday for having watched it.

Closing Words

Have a wonderful week wherever you are! Apologies for any typos, etc., as my proofreader has deserted his post and left for Orlando. I’m giving you your laugh of the day with a old Key and Peele skit about a substitute teacher who pronounces students’ names in a hilarious manner:

5 weeks to go in Naples…

Things seem to be coming to a gradual close here with all sorts of end of season festivities coming up. Tomorrow I will host my last official Girlfriends of Treviso Bay coffee party. We started having these 6 years ago when the club was very young as a way to meet each other. Now that the club has grown to include paid social events staff, we have decided to turn over many of our activities to the club staff. I look forward to hosting my movie club, attending our neighbourhood street party, closing Girlfriends afternoon tea, etc. over the next month or so. In the meantime, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

Apple

Suspicion (8 episodes) Five ordinary Brits are accused of kidnapping the son of a prominent US media mogul. They embark on a desperate race against time to prove their innocence, but will anyone believe them – and are they telling the truth. Stars Keira Knightley lookalike Elizabeth Henstridge, Angel Coulby, Uma Thurman, Noah Emmerich (The Americans). Very watchable so far!

Severance (19 episodes) Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. When a mysterious colleague appears outside of work, it begins a journey to discover the truth about their jobs. Directed by Ben Stiller ad starring Adam 
Scott. We are in a weird alternate reality world here, and I don’t generally enjoy alternate reality based programming, but I will keep watching.

HBO

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (10 episodes) The professional and personal lives of the 1980’s Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties – a team that defined an era, both on and off the court. I confess that I watched this under protest as both my basketball loving husband and son were keen to watch it. I was mildly amused. John C. Reilly Jason Clarke, Gaby Hoffman, Sally Field, Brett Cullen, Tracy Letts, Adrien Brody and Jason Segel star.

The Gilded Age (10 episodes) A wide-eyed young scion of a conservative family embarks on a mission to infiltrate the wealthy neighbouring clan dominated by ruthless railroad tycoon George Russell, his rakish son, Larry, and his ambitious wife, Bertha. Stars Cynthia Nixon, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Taissa Farjmiga, Christine Baranski, Donna Murphy, Morgan Spector, Blake Ritson, Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, etc. Rumours of a possible future crossover with Downton Abbey have been heard. I have watched the whole series so far and find it a little stilted, but beautiful to look at, and have been continuing to engage more with it through each episode.

My Brilliant Friend (In Italian with English subtitles, Season 3, 8 episodes) We are now up to the third book in author Elena Ferrante’s quadrilogy. The Neapolitan girls are growing up. One is now a published author and the other still struggles with life in hardscrabble Naples.

Real Time with Bill Maher (587 episodes) Returned for its 20th season. Comedian and political satirist Bill Maher discusses topical events with guests from various backgrounds. He is the sneeriest, snarkiest comedian on TV today! You either like him or hate him.

John Oliver: Last Week Tonight (242 episodes, back for Season 9) Along with a series of comic comments on the daily events, Oliver selects a new topic to discuss at length every week. Professorial and profane.

Netflix

The Last Kingdom (Season 5, 10 episodes) This is the last season for this show that follows the founding of Anglo Saxon Britain. I love the leading actor Alexander Dreyon who plays Uhtred, a Dane adopted by a Christian family. Based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell, this is an action series for those entranced by historical dramas with a bit of a Scandi twist as this one follows the settling of England by the Danes.

Vikings: Valhalla (24 episodes) If you enjoy The Last Kingdom you may also enjoy this follow-up series to Vikings set 100 years afterward and centering on the adventures of Leif Erikson, Freydis, Harald Hardrada and the Norman King William the Conqueror. I never watched the original Vikings, but I am a big fan of The Last Kingdom, so I am enjoying this series so far.

The Andy Warhol Diaries (documentary, 6 episodes) After he’s shot in 1968, Andy Warhol begins documenting his life and feelings. Those diaries, and this docuseries, take a peek behind his persona. Fabulous footage of him and his entourage, family, colleagues, etc.

Streaming

Killing Eve (Season 4, 8 episodes) Oh make it end please. One season too many to tie up the loose ends of this increasingly nonsensical series that started as so fresh and new.

Peaky Blinders (Season 6, 6 episodes) Crime series set in 1930’s Birmingham, starring Cillian Murphy. Famous for its over-the-top violence, anachronistic music, and crazy haircuts, you either love or hate this one.

**Outlander (Season 6 premiere) Oh yes, it’s back, the sexy as hell series about a time travelling English combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. I can’t stress enough how romantic this series is.

Raised by Wolves (2 seasons, 16 episodes) Androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious planet. Very atmospheric show from the production team of Ridley Scott, so very cinematic.

ABC

The Good Doctor (Season 5, 12 episodes) Well, as if diseases of the week weren’t enough for this floundering series, now the plot has evolved in exactly the same way as New Amsterdam, with the good doctors rising up to overthrow the corporate titan now running the hospital. I am no longer a big fan of this series about an autistic doctor.

Big Sky (Season 2, 14 episodes) Oh my. This show has deteriorated into an endless cat and mouse game between characters I no longer care about in the slightest. Too bad considering it stars Canadian actress Katheryn Winnick (Vikings) in the lead role. Just absolute dreck.

Law & Order (Season 21, 3 episodes available) It’s back! True confession: I have never watched a single complete episode of the original, which I found prosaic and predictable. I know that this show has always been hugely enjoyable for its many fans, so I gave this one a chance. In Episode 1, newly acquainted partners Det. Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson) and Det. Frank Cosgrove (Jeffrey Donovan) investigate the murder of a notorious entertainer (torn from the headlines about Bill Cosby). A dispute over throwing out a confession creates a rift in the District Attorney’s office. Hugh Dancy is now the lead lawyer for the prosecution, with Camryn Manheim supervising the detectives, and Sam Waterston as the DA presiding over the office. Again, I am finding this show kind of corny with its 1 hour format which neatly wraps up every case. I have now watched the first 3 episodes and if you love your mysteries tied up in a neat bow at the end of every episode, this is your show.

New Amsterdam  (71 episodes, now being broadcast sporadically) Talk about corny! This disease of the week show has become maudlin to the max! Ryan Eggold’s over the top saintly medical director is now feverishly trying to topple the evil new medical director played by Michelle Forbes who almost always plays evil bitches. I can’t look away from this guilty pleasure of a show.

Jeopardy – Weeknights (over 8000 episodes) This nightly venerable game show, is now once again hosted by Ken Jennings, and it continues to amuse, entertain and inform. Now that Ken is back in the host role, all seems right with the world! He makes the job look easy and knows the game inside out.

FX

Better Things (Season 5, 10 episodes) An actress raises her three daughters while juggling the pressures of working in Hollywood and being a single parent. Pamela Adlon stars in this wonderful series about life in LA.

TBS

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (188 episodes) It returned for its seventh season this past weekend. Comedian Samantha Bee (Canadian!!!) gives her own wry commentary to the contemporary issues of the day.

Fox

The Cleaning Lady (11 episodes) A whip-start Cambodian doctor comes to the US for a medical treatment to save her son, but when the system fails and pushes her into hiding, she uses her cunning and intelligence to fight back, breaking the law for all the right reasons. Loving this suspenseful series.

Special Mention

Also, my husband reminds me that I no longer mention my Sunday morning ritual of watching CBS Sunday Morning, the most enjoyable newsmagazine show on the air which has been airing since 1979. Now hosted by Jane Pauley, this venerable series never ceases to delight, inform and entertain with its stories about current events, celebrities, and human interest. I feel better each Sunday for having watched it.

Including a link to Hot and Streamy a great entertainment blog:

https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/1/messages/APrh2_gZroSCYiz0zAGCuEaSDI4?.intl=ca&.partner=rogers-acs&.lang=en-CA

I loved their description of The Batman as The Sadman. Very apt. Three hours of my life I will never get back again.

Closing Words

Have a wonderful week regardless of your weather!                 

Here’s a cheery video clip predicting Putin’s possible demise:

Beach day today…

I’m going to start my day today with an outing to Tigertail Beach on Marco Island. Some lady friends and I will stroll that beautiful beach together. It’s our son’s last full day here before he flies back to Toronto and he’s happy to chill for his last day by the pool. The weather has been perfect for the last two weeks and he’s thoroughly enjoyed Naples’ pleasures. We even went to the Zoo yesterday after enjoying the premiere of The Batman together the previous day. Of course we snuck in a little screen time while he was here, so here are a few viewing suggestions for you:

On the Big Screen

The Batman (3 hours, I kid you not!) When The Riddler, a sadistic serial killer, begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city’s hidden corruption and question his family’s involvement. Uh oh, this one is long and dark. Robert Pattinson only has one facial expression in this (morose?) and his handsome mug is covered by a mask for most of the film. Zoe Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell and Paul Dano also star in this long muddled tale. Three hours I will never get back, but we trotted over to the Cheesecake Factory across from the theatre, and we had a lovely dinner afterward.

Streaming

1883 (Paramount +, 11 episodes) The prequel to Yellowstone. Follows the Dutton family on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. Stars Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill. Beautiful and totally cinematic!! Gorgeous musical score.

Raised by Wolves (2 seasons, 16 episodes) Androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious planet. Very atmospheric show from the production team of Ridley Scott, so very cinematic.

Peaky Blinders (Season 6, 6 episodes) Crime series set in 1930’s Birmingham, starring Cillian Murphy. Famous for its over-the-top violence, anachronistic music, and crazy haircuts, you either love or hate this one.

**Outlander (Season 6 premiere) Oh yes, it’s back, the sexy as hell series about a time travelling English combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. I can’t stress enough how much I hate the time travel genre, however, I so love this very romantic series.

Drive My Car (from Japan with English subtitles, 2 h 59 m, nominated for 4 Oscars including Best Picture). We finally sat down and watched this one in two evenings. It is definitely not for everyone, as its pace is terribly slow and may mystify those who are unfamiliar with the play Uncle Vanya. Anyhow if you are interested in seeing it, it is about a renowned stage actor and director, whose wife dies unexpectedly, who then receives an offer to direct a production of Chekov’s Uncle Vanya in Hiroshima. There he begins to face the haunting mysteries his wife left behind. Melancholy and unsettling.

HBO

Real Time with Bill Maher (587 episodes) Returned for its 20th season. Comedian and political satirist Bill Maher discusses topical events with guests from various backgrounds. He is the sneeriest, snarkiest comedian on TV today! You either like him or hate him.

Euphoria (Season 2, 8 episodes) The agony of adolescence is over as all the kids at whatever high school from hell this is set at, fade off into the distance. I couldn’t believe the harrowing experience that these kids go through keeping up with social media and the devastating effects it has on them as they deal with dysfunctional families, drugs, peer pressure, etc. I was rather relieved when this series came to an end.

Somebody, Somewhere (7 episodes) Sam is a true Kansan on the surface, but beneath it all, struggles to fit the hometown mold. Grappling with loss and acceptance, she discovers herself and a community of outsiders who don’t fit in but don’t give up. Stars cabaret performer Bridget Everett. I loved the first episode of this. No one who is cast in this looks like anything but a real person. Very touching.

John Oliver: Last Week Tonight (242 episodes, back for Season 9) Along with a series of comic comments on the daily events, Oliver selects a new topic to discuss at length every week. Professorial and profane.

The Gilded Age (10 episodes) A wide-eyed young scion of a conservative family embarks on a mission to infiltrate the wealthy neighbouring clan dominated by ruthless railroad tycoon George Russell, his rakish son, Larry, and his ambitious wife, Bertha. Stars Cynthia Nixon, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Taissa Farjmiga, Christine Baranski, Donna Murphy, Morgan Spector, Blake Ritson, Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, etc. Rumours of a possible future crossover with Downton Abbey have been heard. I have watched the whole series so far and find it a little stilted, but beautiful to look at, and have been continuing to engage more with it through each episode.

My Brilliant Friend (In Italian with English subtitles, Season 3, 8 episodes) We are now up to the third book in author Elena Ferrante’s quadrilogy. The Neapolitan girls are growing up. One is now a published author and the other still struggles with life in hardscrabble Naples.

HBO Max

Gomorra: La Serie (fro Italy, 58 episodes) Ciro disregards tradition in his attempt to become the next boss of his crime syndicate. The internal power struggle puts him and his entire family’s life at risk. I am finally catching up with the 5 seasons of this juggernaut crime series and am immersing myself in Naples life (see above My Brilliant Friend).

The Tourist (6 episodes) When a man wakes up in the Australian outback with no memory, he must use the few clues he has to discover his identity before his past catches up with him. Stars Jamie Dornan, Danielle Macdonald, Damon Herriman. Loving this very noir and darkly comic mystery.

Netflix

The Parisian Agency (Reality TV, Season 2, 6 episodes) Reality series about the family Kretz who sells apartments to rich customers in France and the rest of the world. Oh how I love this family! Perfect viewing for a snoozy afternoon.

Vikings: Valhalla (24 episodes) Follow-up series to Vikings set 100 years afterward and centering on the adventures of Leif Erikson, Freydis, Harald Hardrada and the Norman King William the Conqueror. I never watched the original Vikings, but I am a big fan of The Last Kingdom, so I am enjoying this series so far.

Apple

Suspicion (8 episodes) Five ordinary Brits are accused of kidnapping the son of a prominent US media mogul. They embark on a desperate race against time to prove their innocence, but will anyone believe them – and are they telling the truth. Stars Keira Knightley lookalike Elizabeth Henstridge, Angel Coulby, Uma Thurman, Noah Emmerich (The Americans). Very watchable so far!

Severance (19 episodes) Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. When a mysterious colleague appears outside of work, it begins a journey to discover the truth about their jobs. Directed by Ben Stiller ad starring Adam 
Scott. We are in a weird alternate reality world here, and I don’t generally enjoy alternate reality based programming, but I will keep watching.

NBC

Law & Order (Season 21, 3 episodes available) It’s back! True confession: I have never watched a single complete episode of the original, which I found prosaic and predictable. I know that this show has always been hugely enjoyable for its many fans, so I gave this one a chance. In Episode 1, newly acquainted partners Det. Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson) and Det. Frank Cosgrove (Jeffrey Donovan) investigate the murder of a notorious entertainer (torn from the headlines about Bill Cosby). A dispute over throwing out a confession creates a rift in the District Attorney’s office. Hugh Dancy is now the lead lawyer for the prosecution, with Camryn Manheim supervising the detectives, and Sam Waterston as the DA presiding over the office. Again, I am finding this show kind of corny with its 1 hour format which neatly wraps up every case. However, I will give it a second chance.

New Amsterdam  (71 episodes, now being broadcast sporadically) Talk about corny! This disease of the week show has become maudlin to the max! Ryan Eggold’s over the top saintly medical director is now feverishly trying to topple the evil new medical director played by Michelle Forbes who almost always plays evil bitches. I can’t look away from this guilty pleasure of a show.

Jeopardy – Weeknights (over 8000 episodes) This nightly venerable game show, is now once again hosted by Ken Jennings, and it continues to amuse, entertain and inform. Now that Ken is back in the host role, all seems right with the world! He makes the job look easy and knows the game inside out.

ABC

Big Sky (Season 2, 14 episodes) This show about a private detective and ex-cop who team up to solve a kidnapping case in Montana had promise before it declined into an awful crime show. Almost over its second season.

Prime

Lucy and Desi (Documentary, 1 h 43 m) Directed by Amy Poehler, this film explores the rise of comedian icon Lucille Ball, her relationship with Desi Arnaz, and how their groundbreaking sitcom I Love Lucy forever change Hollywood, cementing hr legacy long after her death in 1989. Fantastic documentary!

FX

Better Things (Season 5, 10 episodes) An actress raises her three daughters while juggling the pressures of working in Hollywood and being a single parent. Pamela Adlon stars in this wonderful series about life in LA.

TBS

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (188 episodes) It returned for its seventh season this past weekend. Comedian Samantha Bee (Canadian!!!) gives her own wry commentary to the contemporary issues of the day.

Fox

The Cleaning Lady (11 episodes) A whip-start Cambodian doctor comes to the US for a medical treatment to save her son, but when the system fails and pushes her into hiding, she uses her cunning and intelligence to fight back, breaking the law for all the right reasons. Loving this suspenseful series.

Special Mention

Also, my husband reminds me that I no longer mention my Sunday morning ritual of watching CBS Sunday Morning, the most enjoyable newsmagazine show on the air which has been airing since 1979. Now hosted by Jane Pauley, this venerable series never ceases to delight, inform and entertain with its stories about current events, celebrities, and human interest. I feel better each Sunday for having watched it.

Including a link to Hot and Streamy a great entertainment blog:

https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/1/messages/AAjrMJJ-9kNLYiOzMwi6YAAgkqQ?.intl=ca&.partner=rogers-acs&.lang=en-CA

Closing Words

Enjoy the week wherever you are. This is our big breast cancer fundraising week featuring a cocktail party today and golf tournaments and many other activities through the week. As the daily horrors mount in Ukraine, and I know we are all thinking about this and wondering if we can help in any way, here are a couple of links for you to consider forwarded by a Ukrainian Canadian friend who is actively involved in monitoring events in Ukraine:

The first is the Canadian Red Cross which has already raised over $16mill and will receive $10mill in matching funds from the Canadian Government:

https://donate.redcross.ca/page/100227/donate/1?_ga=2.16232116.302436405.1645879013-151157070.1645879013&_gl=1*y0xzt9*_ga*MTUxMTU3MDcwLjE2NDU4NzkwMTM.*_ga_376D8LHM0R*MTY0NTg3OTAxMi4xLjEuMTY0NTg3OTAyNC4w

The second is under the auspices of the Canadian Ukrainian Congress, the umbrella organization of the Ukrainian diaspora. It has raised over $3mill including donations from several Canadian provinces:

Home – CANADA-UKRAINE FOUNDATION (cufoundation.ca)

I am also sharing a link to an ABC news report about Putin: