5 days to go before lift off…

We are in the final stages of preparation for our big European cruise and I will then be taking the next 3 weeks off my usual blog, but hope to post some travel pics and commentary about our cruise as we go along. We are golfing today and I will be seeing family and friends back in the city for lunches and dinners, getting a last mani pedi, etc. This is our third attempt to take this trip, and serendipitously this now coincides with our 50th anniversary, so I’m really hoping nothing like Covid comes up in the next few days. Fingers crossed. Meanwhile, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

ABC

Jeopardy –  Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik are rotating between being regular hosts and tournament hosts. Mayim’s latest series of shows has featured great contestants, but her distractingly frumpy wardrobe, hair and makeup and her slightly delayed approval of responses is very off-putting. Ken Jennings should never be allowed to take vacation days. Apparently Mayim Bialik ended her hosting duties before the end of regular season play because of the writers’ strike so Ken will end up taking over the last week or so of shows. Meanwhile, you may catch him on TV talk shows publicizing his book: 100 Places to See After You Die: A Travel Guide to the Afterlife.

Apple

City on Fire  (8 episodes) A college student is shot in Central Park. The investigation connects a series of mysterious citywide fires, the downtown music scene, and a wealthy uptown real estate family fraying under the strain of the many secrets they keep. Binged the first 4 episodes and loved it! Stars Jeima Kirke ice Tortorella, Omid Abtahi.

The Crowded Room (10 episodes) In Manhattan in the summer of 1979, a young manis arrested for a shocking crime, and an unlikely investigator must solve the mystery behind it before the true criminal strikes again. Stars Tom Holland & Amanda Seyfried. A real downer so far.

Platonic (10 episodes) former childhood friends reconnect as adults and try to get past the rift that led to their falling out. Stars Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Luke Macfarlane. I’m enjoying it so far, even though I hate Seth Rogen and his silly giggle. Rose Byrne actually uses her own Aussie accent in this.

Silo (10 episodes) Men and women live in a giant silo underground with several regulations which they believe are in place to protect them from the toxic and ruined world on the surface where all the zombies live. Spooky!!! So dark and grim, but I have stayed with it.

Crave

Little Bird (6 episodes) This Canadian series is about the Sixties Scoop of aboriginal children taken from their families and a woman who is finding her family. It gives the viewers some insight into the great trauma that this caused for parents and children.

The Other Two (Season 3, 10 episodes) An aspiring actor and his sister Brooke, a former professional dancer, try to find their places in the world while wresting with their feelings about their teenage brother Chase’s sudden rise to Bieber-like fame. Great cast includes Ken Marino and Molly Shannon. Possibly the funniest show on TV right now.

Ride (10 episodes) So corny and Canadian (filmed in Alberta masquerading as Colorado). Follows the lives of the McMurays as they struggle to keep their beloved ranch afloat. Kind of a Canadianized Yellowstone with a big emphasis on Rodeo stuff. Nancy Travis stars and I love her regardless of the awful stuff she has been forced to perform in in the latter part of her career.

Billionaire Murders (4 episodes) This documentary follows the investigation into the deaths of billionaire and generic drug mogul Barry Sherman and his philanthropist wife Honey by Toronto Star reporter Kevin Donovan. Perhaps the most intriguing unsolved Canadian murders ever!

CBCGem

Savage River (from Australia, 6 episodes) When Miki Anderson returns to her hometown after ten years in prison she’s deterined to finally move on with her life but the close-knit community of Savage River is not about to let her forget the past that easily. Katherine Langford is great in the leading role!

Love Me (from Australia, Season 2, 6 episodes) Explores modern love as experienced by different family members at different stages of life. Hugo Weaving stars. I loved this very sweet series.

FX

Mayans MC (50 episodes, Season 5, 10 episodes) The madness and carnage continue as EZ takes the reigns and decides to go up against the cartel. It is delightful to see Michael Irby portray Bishop after watching him play the lovable Cristobal on Barry for the last few seasons. Who knew he could be intense and hilarious too?

The Secrets of Hillsong (Documentary, 4 episodes) Exploring one of America’s most successful megachurches ad the investigative reporting that lead to the dismissal of two prominent pastors. I really enjoyed this!!!

Netflix

Never Have I Ever (Season 4, 10 episodes)The complicated life of a first generation Indian-American teenage girl, inspired by Mindy Kaling’s own childhood. Sweet yet juvenile. Stars Mississauga’s own Maitrey Ramakrishnan.

Our Planet II (6 episodes, narrated by David Attenborough) Explores and unravels the mystery of how and why animals migrate, showing some of the most dramatic and compelling stories in the natural world through spectacular and innovative cinematography. Mesmerizing!

Arnold (documentary, 3 episodes) Follows the life of Arnold Schwarzenegger, from his days of liftng weights to his successes i Hollywood, his time serving as governor of California and both the joys and volatility of his family life. Great documentary!

HBO

The Idol  (6 episodes) After a nervous breakdown derailed Jocelyn’s last tour, she’s determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America. Her passions are reignited by Tedros, a nightclub impresario with a sordid past. Will her romantic awakening take her to glorious new heights or the deepest, darkest, depths of her soul? Stars Lily-Rose Depp, Toronto’s own The Weeknd. Supposed to be like Euphoria for adults. Oh my… I watched episodes 1 & 2 and if I stay with it, I will likely be hate-watching. Can The Weekend really act? You decide.

Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love (comedy special, 57 m) follows Sarah Silverman, New England native, showcasing her fearless chutzpah. Raw and irreverent! You either hate her or love her!

Closing Words

And now a few words from Maxine on being a senior citizen (the delightful illustrations were impossible to copy, but the text resonates):

Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not try to blame others.HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was NOT senior citizens who took: The melody out of music, The pride out of appearance, The courtesy out of driving, The romance out of love, The commitment out of marriage, The responsibility out of parenthood, The togetherness out of the family, The learning out of education The Golden Rule from rulers, The nativity scene out of cities, The civility out of behavior, The refinement out of language, The dedication out of employment, The prudence out of spending,The ambition out of achievement. And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!And, we DO understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country.YES, I’M A SENIOR CITIZEN!  I’m the life of the party…..Even if it lasts until 8 p.m.I’m very good at opening childproof caps….. With a hammer.I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.I’m smiling all the time,  because I can’t hear a thing you’re saying.I’m sure everything I can’t find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg.I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps. Yes, I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life!Now if I could only remember who sent this to me, I wouldn’t send it back to them. Or, maybe I should send it to all my friends anyway. They won’t remember, even if they did send it. Spread the laughter and share the cheer! Let’s be happy, while we’re still here.

 

Ethan turns 1 and has his first birthday party today…

We will head back up to Thornbury after the big party today to continue our packing for the trip. Back for a week of golf, walks, dinner with friends, our first organized discussion group, etc. It’s looking a bit gloomy out there right now, but hopefully the rain will hold off until today’s festivities are concluded. Here are some viewing suggestions for you:

The 76th Annual Tony Awards at 8 pm tonight on CBS: The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre. Tonight’s pre-show is hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin. The live show will be hosted by Ariana DeBose. Because of the Writers’ Strike, there will be more music and live performance than ever. This is one of the most entertaining award shows on TV.

On the big Screen

You Hurt My Feelings (1 h 33 m) A novelist’s longstanding marriage is suddenly upended when she overhears her husband giving his honest reaction to her latest book. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Tobias Menzies are wonderful as the couple and Michaela Watkins is terrific as the sister. So enjoyable to see a movie aimed at adults in the theatres these days. Look for Jeannie Berlin as the girls’ mother.

ABC

Jeopardy –  Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik are rotating between being regular hosts and tournament hosts. Mayim’s latest series of shows has featured great contestants, but her distractingly frumpy wardrobe, hair and makeup and her slightly delayed approval of responses is very off-putting. Ken Jennings should never be allowed to take vacation days. In hosting the Masters Tournament, Ken has been as entertaining and energetically paced as ever.

Apple

City on Fire  (8 episodes) A college student is shot in Central Park. The investigation connects a series of mysterious citywide fires, the downtown music scene, and a wealthy uptown real estate family fraying under the strain of the many secrets they keep. Binged the first 4 episodes and loved it! Stars Jeima Kirke ice Tortorella, Omid Abtahi.

The Crowded Room (10 episodes) In Manhattan in the summer of 1979, a young manis arrested for a shocking crime, and an unlikely investigator must solve the mystery behind it before the true criminal strikes again. Stars Tom Holland & Amanda Seyfried. A real downer so far.

Platonic (10 episodes) former childhood friends reconnect as adults and try to get past the rift that led to their falling out. Stars Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Luke Macfarlane. I’m enjoying it so far, even though I hate Seth Rogen and his silly giggle. Rose Byrne actually uses her own Aussie accent in this.

Silo (10 episodes) Men and women live in a giant silo underground with several regulations which they believe are in place to protect them from the toxic and ruined world on the surface where all the zombies live. Spooky!!! So dark and grim, but I have stayed with it.

Crave

Little Bird (6 episodes) This Canadian series is about the Sixties Scoop of aboriginal children taken from their families and a woman who is finding her family. It gives the viewers some insight into the great trauma that this caused for parents and children.

The Other Two (Season 3, 10 episodes) An aspiring actor and his sister Brooke, a former professional dancer, try to find their places in the world while wresting with their feelings about their teenage brother Chase’s sudden rise to Bieber-like fame. Great cast includes Ken Marino and Molly Shannon. Possibly the funniest show on TV right now.

FX

Mayans MC (50 episodes, Season 5, 10 episodes) The madness and carnage continue as EZ takes the reigns and decides to go up against the cartel. It is delightful to see Michael Irby portray Bishop after watching him play the lovable Cristobal on Barry for the last few seasons. Who knew he could be intense and hilarious too?

The Secrets of Hillsong (Documentary, 4 episodes) Exploring one of America’s most successful megachurches ad the investigative reporting that lead to the dismissal of two prominent pastors. I really enjoyed this!!!

HBO

The Idol  (6 episodes) After a nervous breakdown derailed Jocelyn’s last tour, she’s determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America. Her passions are reignited by Tedros, a nightclub impresario with a sordid past. Will her romantic awakening take her to glorious new heights or the deepest, darkest, depths of her soul? Stars Lily-Rose Depp, Toronto’s own The Weeknd. Supposed to be like Euphoria for adults. Oh my… I watched episode 1 and if I stay with it, I will likely be hate-watching. Can The Weekend really act? You decide.

Netflix

Never Have I Ever (Season 4, 10 episodes)The complicated life of a first generation Indian-American teenage girl, inspired by Mindy Kaling’s own childhood. Sweet yet juvenile. Stars Mississauga’s own Maitrey Ramakrishnan.

Prime

Deadloch (from Australia, 8 episodes) a feminist noir comedy set against a bucolic backdrop with a rising body count. Oh, so many lesbians… Not for everybody.

Showcase

Bupkis (8 episodes) Follows Pete Davidson’s life, combining grounded storytelling with some absurd elements from the worldview for which Davidson is well known. Stars Edie Falco, Joe Pesci, Brad Garrett, Chase Sui Wonders, Ray Romano, and many others). Willing to give it another chance! Pete Davidson is not one of my faves.

A Town called Malice (8 episodes) this intoxicating cocktail of crime thriller and family saga in the early ‘80s follows the Lords – a family of South London gangsters – who recognize a golden opportunity to re-capture their former glory on the Costa Del Sol. Stars Martha Plimpton, Jason Flemyng, Daniel Sharman, Lex Shrapnel, Jack Rowan and many others. Great 80s music. High energy show! Enjoying it so far.

Streaming

Master Gardener (1 h 51 m) A meticulous horticulturist who is devoted to tending the grounds of a beautiful estate and pandering to his employer, the wealthy dowager. Slow moving and mysterious. Not for the impatient viewer.

Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret (1 h 46 m) When her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence. Very sweet and tender. Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates star. Abby Ryder Fortson is perfectly cast as Margaret. A wonderful coming of age story.

Awkwafina is Nora from Queens (Season 3, 7 episodes) With help from her dad and grandmother, Nora Lum navigates young adulthood in Flushing, New York with her cousin. Stars Lori Tan Chinn (as grandma who steals every scene she’s in), Awkwafina, BD Wong, Bowen Yang, Jennifer Esposito. I love this crazy show!!

W

Funny Woman (6 episodes, from Sky in UK) A young woman from Blackpool finds her voice in the male dominated world of the 1960’s comedy, and in doing so takes London by storm. Stars Gemma Arterton, David Threlfall, Tom Bateman, Rupert Everett, archer Ali, Matthew Beard. Very entertaining!!! Maybe Gemma Arterton will finally become the star she was meant to be.

Everyone Else Burns (6 episodes) Follows a hyper-religious community. The show describes how an idiosyncratic family navigating modern life nowadays protects themselves from eternal hell fire. Stars Arsher Ali, Simon Bird, Kate O’Flynn. 

Closing Words

Have a wonderful smog-free week wherever you are! As the most enjoyable TV watch of my week I’m going to include the trailer to Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret:

Also, on the big screen, You Hurt My Feelings:

Countdown to 50th Anniversary Trip begins…

We have 3 weeks to go before we leave on our big trip from Barcelona to Southampton. Our first anniversary get-together with friends is this week as we celebrate with our longstanding friends who got married the same week we did 50 years ago. It’s an annual tradition that we look forward to! We are hosting our neighbours for cocktails and appetizers this evening. I’m spending a couple of days in TO this week babysitting my grandson as my daughter-in-law returns to work and we’ll be sneaking in a movie and dinner with friends, dinner with my friend who lives downtown in Yorkville and most importantly of all, my grandson’s first birthday party as he turns 1 year old. Time flies!! In the meantime, here are some entertainment suggestions for you:

ABC

Jeopardy –  Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik are rotating between being regular hosts and tournament hosts. Mayim’s latest series of shows has featured great contestants, but her distractingly frumpy wardrobe, hair and makeup and her slightly delayed approval of responses is very off-putting. Ken Jennings should never be allowed to take vacation days. In hosting the Masters Tournament, Ken has been as entertaining and energetically paced as ever.

Apple 

Drops of God (8 episodes) a woman discovers the world’s greatest wine collection that’s left by her estranged father and competes against a Japanese man to claim her inheritance.

Silo (10 episodes) Men and women live in a giant silo underground with several regulations which they believe are in place to protect them from the toxic and ruined world on the surface where all the zombies live. Spooky!!! I’m up to episode 4 and will keep watching.

City on Fire (8 episodes) A college student is shot in Central Park. The investigation connects a series of mysterious citywide fires, the downtown music scene, and a wealthy uptown real estate family fraying under the strain of the many secrets they keep. Binged the first 4 episodes and loved it! Stars Jeima Kirke ice Tortorella, Omid Abtahi.

High Desert (8 episodes) Peggy, a former addict, who decides to take a new start after the death of her beloved mother with whom she lived in the small desert town of Yucca Valley, California makes a life-changing decision to become a private investigator. I don’t know about this one. I’m still trying to get through the first episode. Very silly at points. It might have been a great vehicle for Jennifer Coolidge, but I’m not loving Patricia Arquette in this.

Platonic (10 episodes) former childhood friends reconnect as adults and try to get past the rift that led to their falling out. Stars Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Luke Macfarlane. I’m enjoying it so far, even though I hate Seth Rogen and his silly giggle. Rose Byrne actually uses her own Aussie accent in this.

Crave

The Other Two (Season 3, 10 episodes) An aspiring actor and his sister Brooke, a former professional dancer, try to find their places in the world while wresting with their feelings about their teenage brother Chase’s sudden rise to Bieber-like fame. Great cast includes Ken Marino and Molly Shannon. Possibly the funniest show on TV right now.

FX

The Secrets of Hillsong (Documentary, 4 episodes) Exploring one of America’s most successful megachurches ad the investigative reporting that lead to the dismissal of two prominent pastors. I really enjoyed this!!!

Mayans MC (50 episodes, Season 5, 10 episodes) The madness and carnage continue as EZ takes the reigns and decides to go up against the cartel. It is delightful to see Michael Irby portray Bishop after watching him play the lovable Cristobal on Barry for the last few seasons. Who knew he could be intense and hilarious too?

HBO

**The Idol (debuts tonight, 6 episodes) After a nervous breakdown derailed Jocelyn’s last tour, she’s determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America. Her passions are reignited by Tedros, a nightclub impresario with a sordid past. Will her romantic awakening take her to glorious new heights or the deepest, darkest, depths of her soul? Stars Lily-Rose Depp, Toronto’s own The Weeknd. Supposed to be like Euphoria for adults. Oh my…

NBC

Law & Order (484 episodes) I’m watching the latest incarnation of this series for one reason only: Hugh Dancy (Clare Danes’ British husband) who plays the latest DA. I love his soulful looks!

Netflix

The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties (Season 3, 8 episodes) A reality series about the family Kretz who sells properties to rich customers in France and the rest of the world. I love this decadent world and the family drama is beyond compare!! They are all lovable in their own way, especially Grandma who is 90 and still full of beans.

Rough Diamonds (in Dutch, Yiddish, French, English (with subtitles), 8 episodes) Follows a Jewish Ultra-Orthodox family in Belgium’s Antwerp Diamond square mile. I loved this terrific series! Action packed and a family drama as well.

Blood and Gold (from Germany, 1 h 38 m) At the end of WWII, a German soldier is looking for his daughter while an SS troop is looking for a Jewish treasure. So similar to Sisu, which I described last week, but not quite as nutty! Nazis have to have gold!!!

A Beautiful Life (1 h 38 m, from Denmark) Elliott, a young fisherman with an extraordinary voice, gets the chance of a lifetime when high-profile music manager Suzanne discovers him at a party. Stars the very dreamy Christopher, who, in real life, is actually pretty well known in Denmark. The bluest eyes ever!

I think you Should Leave with Tim Robinson (18 episodes) A sketch show where Tim Robinson and his guests spend each segment driving someone to the point of needing — or desperately wanting — to leave. There are no words to express the insanity of this comedy. So twisted, it hurts!!!

The Days (8 episodes, Japanese) Blamed by some, hailed as heroes by others, those involved with Fukushima Daiichi face a deadly, invisible threat, an unprecedented nuclear disaster. I lasted through 2 episodes. As opposed to Chernobyl, where the actors are fairly recognizable to us, this very serious series presents the disaster in great realistic detail. Too gruelling for me to watch, as it starts to become a little repetitious.

Fubar (8 episodes) a CIA operative on the edge of retirement discovers a famiy secret and is called back into the field for one last job. Unless you are a rabid Arnie Schwarzenegger fan, stay away… so stupid, such a waste of money…

Prime

Deadloch (from Australia, 8 episodes) a feminist noir comedy set against a bucolic backdrop with a rising body count. Oh, so many lesbians… Not for everybody.

Showcase

Bupkis (8 episodes) Follows Pete Davidson’s life, combining grounded storytelling with some absurd elements from the worldview for which Davidson is well known. Stars Edie Falco, Joe Pesci, Brad Garrett, Chase Sui Wonders, Ray Romano, and many others). Willing to give it another chance! Pete Davidson is not one of my faves.

A Town called Malice (8 episodes) this intoxicating cocktail of crime thriller and family saga in the early ‘80s follows the Lords – a family of South London gangsters – who recognize a golden opportunity to re-capture their former glory on the Costa Del Sol. Stars Martha Plimpton, Jason Flemyng, Daniel Sharman, Lex Shrapnel, Jack Rowan and many others. Great 80s music. High energy show! Enjoying it so far.

Streaming

Awkwafina is Nora from Queens (Season 3, 7 episodes) With help from her dad and grandmother, Nora Lum navigates young adulthood in Flushing, New York with her cousin. Stars Lori Tan Chinn (as grandma who steals every scene she’s in), Awkwafina, BD Wong, Bowen Yang, Jennifer Esposito. I love this crazy show!!

W

Funny Woman (6 episodes, from Sky in UK) A young woman from Blackpool finds her voice in the male dominated world of the 1960’s comedy, and in doing so takes London by storm. Stars Gemma Arterton, David Threlfall, Tom Bateman, Rupert Everett, archer Ali, Matthew Beard. Very entertaining!!! Maybe Gemma Arterton will finally become the star she was meant to be.

Everyone Else Burns (6 episodes) Follows a hyper-religious community. The show describes how an idiosyncratic family navigating modern life nowadays protects themselves from eternal hell fire. Stars Arsher Ali, Simon Bird, Kate O’Flynn. 

Closing Words

The Idol stole the show at Cannes this year and debuts tonight. Here is the trailer for it:

A week in the country…

After overdosing on doctor’s and dentist’s visits last week in Toronto, I’m looking forward to a quiet week in Thornbury. We will be kicking off the inaugural session of our Discussion Group, I’ll be hosting Mahjong and I am looking forward to my usual Friday morning Girls Just Wanna Have Fun golf group. There could be some serious bingeing on TV if some rain should fall. In the meantime, here are some entertainment suggestions for you:

Podcasts

I’m introducing a new category of entertainment this week, as I realized that I have come to depend on Podcasts to keep me sane during long commutes between Toronto and Thornbury, as well as for company during those wee hours when I have awoken in the middle of the night thinking it’s time to get up and then cannot get back to sleep. Here are just a few I have enjoyed recently:

Julia Louis Dreyfus: Wiser Than Me (Jane Fonda interview) Julia has decided that there is much to learn from older women and her first guest is Jane Fonda who at 85 has done a lot of living and reflecting. Very interesting interview.

Gavin Crawford: Let’s Not be Kidding Gavin relates stories connected with his mother’s Alzheimers journey. Much funnier than you would expect on this topic from Canada’s much treasured comedian.

Smartless: Matthew Rhys interview Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett interview celebrities whom you will come to know in a much more intimate way than you did before.

David Axelrod: (The Axe Files) Recent interviews with Gretchen Scott, Sen. Mark Kelly. Axelrod has a gentle yet persistent interview style.

Bari Weiss (Honestly): God, this young woman (formerly with the NYTimes) is incredibly smart as she profiles Senator Tim Scott, and previously Israel at 75 which are her two most recent podcasts.

Blogs & Zines

OK, since I write a Blog, I also enjoy reading them as well as Zines (online magazines and news sites, of which Airmail, detailed below, is one)

Airmail a weekly newsletter launched in July by former Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Gradon Carter and former NYTimes reporter
Alessandra Stanley. I love this newsy, gossipy newsletter as much as I enjoy Vanity Fair which I read electronically now with its daily newsfeed. There cannot be enough Celebrity Gossip!!!

Deadline – Hollywood Entertainment Breaking News (Deadline.com) Deadline Hollywood is an online news site founded in 2006. The site is updated several times a day with entertainment industry news as its focus. People ask me how I keep up with entertainment news and this is my main source for articles on the industry.

ABC

Jeopardy –  is back Mon – Fri, Ken Jennings is the permanent regular host, all is well with the world!!! New champions keep emerging every couple of days!!! Mayim Bialik is still the host of tournaments and specials. Great contestants, but her distractingly frumpy wardrobe, hair and makeup and her slightly delayed approval of responses is very off-putting. Ken Jennings should never be allowed to take vacation days. Thankfully, he has returned and the show is as entertaining and energetically paced as ever. The Jeopardy Masters Tournament, hosted by Ken, has been on this past 2 weeks in Prime Time and it has been thrilling to see the top contestants from the past few years go head-to-head. Evil supervillain James Holzhauer tries to steal the show in the recent Tournament.

Apple

Drops of God (8 episodes) a woman discovers the world’s greatest wine collection that’s left by her estranged father and competes against a Japanese man to claim her inheritance.

Silo (10 episodes) Men and women live in a giant silo underground with several regulations which they believe are in place to protect them from the toxic and ruined world on the surface where all the zombies live. Spooky!!! I’m up to episode 4 and will keep watching.

City on Fire (8 episodes) A college student is shot in Central Park. The investigation connects a series of mysterious citywide fires, the downtown music scene, and a wealthy uptown real estate family fraying under the strain of the many secrets they keep. Binged the first 4 episodes yesterday and loved it! Stars Jeima Kirke ice Tortorella, Omid Abtahi.

High Desert (8 episodes) Peggy, a former addict, who decides to take a new start after the death of her beloved mother with whom she lived in the small desert town of Yucca Valley, California makes a life-changing decision to become a private investigator. I don’t know about this one. I’m still trying to get through the first episode. Very silly at points. It might have been a great vehicle for Jennifer Coolidge, but I’m not loving Patricia Arquette in this.

Platonic (10 episodes) former childhood friends reconnect as adults and try to get past the rift that led to their falling out. Stars Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Luke Macfarlane. I’m enjoying it so far, even though I hate Seth Rogen and his silly giggle. Rose Byrne actually uses her own Aussie accent in this.

CBCGem

The Real Crown : Inside the House of Windsor (5 episodes) follow the personal experience of the Queen, as she navigated the events that shaped the fortune of the royal family and the history of the United Kingdom over the decades of her reign. Loved it and binged it!!!

Crave

The Other Two (Season 3, 10 episodes) An aspiring actor and his sister Brooke, a former professional dancer, try to find their places in the world while wresting with their feelings about their teenage brother Chase’s sudden rise to Bieber-like fame. Great cast includes Ken Marino and Molly Shannon. Possibly the funniest show on TV right now.

Sisters (6 episodes) It follows two women, one from Canada and the other from Ireland, who discover they are half-sisters. They embark on a road trip to find their alcoholic father. I found the first episode difficult to watch as it dredged up every Irish stereotype, especially about alcoholism. I don’t know what the Irish will make of this one. It grew on me as I watched it and actually will miss it if there is no sequel.

Love and Death  (7 episodes) Two churchgoing couples enjoy small town family life in Texas – until somebody picks up an axe. Great cast includes Elizabeth Olsen, Jesse Plemons, Patrick Fugit, Lily Rabe, Krysten Ritter, Elizabeth Marvel.

Being Mary Tyler Moore (1 h 59 m. documentary made for HBO Max) Mary’s vanguard career, who, as an actor, performer, and advocate, revolutionized the portrayal of women in media, redefined their roles in show business, and inspired generations to dream big and make it on their own. You will laugh and you will cry. Terrific documentary.

HBO

Succession  (Season 4, 10 episodes) This is the final season for this show where it will be determined who amongst the contenders to succeed Logan Roy will get the job. Hotly anticipated, the show will be full of the most internecine (look it up) squabbles one could ever hope for. Big twist in last week’s episode, so if you missed it catch up soon before it is ruined for you.

Barry (Season 4, 8 episodes) Bill Hader and the gang have returned for the last season of this very dark comedy!

Somebody Somewhere (Season 2, 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. Bridgett Everett, famed cabaret singer in NYC, stars and is surrounded by a great ensemble cast. Incredibly touching.

NBC

Law & Order (484 episodes) I’m watching the latest incarnation of this series for one reason only: Hugh Dancy (Clare Danes’ British husband) who plays the latest DA. I love his soulful looks!

Streaming

Sisu (From Finland with English dialogue, 1 h 31 m) when an ex-soldier who discovers gold in the Lapland wilderness tries to take the loot into the city, Nazi soldiers led by a brutal SS officer battle him. I kind of loved this extremely batshit crazy movie. Thoroughly entertaining!

Awkwafina is Nora from Queens (Season 3, 7 episodes) With help from her dad and grandmother, Nora Lum navigates young adulthood in Flushing, New York with her cousin. Stars Lori Tan Chinn (as grandma who steals every scene she’s in), Awkwafina, BD Wong, Bowen Yang, Jennifer Esposito. I love this crazy show!!

John Wick Chapter 4 (2 h 49 m) John Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes. I defy anyone to do a bodycount of fatalities for this high energy action flick. You hardly notice the 3 hour running time go by it is so adrenalin-packed. I was actually giggling by the end as the bad guys are such terrible shots!!!

FX

The Secrets of Hillsong (Documentary, 4 episodes) Exploring one of America’s most successful megachurches ad the investigative reporting that lead to the dismissal of two prominent pastors. I really enjoyed this!!!

Showcase

Bupkis (8 episodes) Follows Pete Davidson’s life, combining grounded storytelling with some absurd elements from the worldview for which Davidson is well known. Stars Edie Falco, Joe Pesci, Brad Garrett, Chase Sui Wonders, Ray Romano, and many others). Willing to give it another chance! Pete Davidson is not one of my faves.

A Town called Malice (8 episodes) this intoxicating cocktail of crime thriller and family saga in the early ‘80s follows the Lords – a family of South London gangsters – who recognize a golden opportunity to re-capture their former glory on the Costa Del Sol. Stars Martha Plimpton, Jason Flemyng, Daniel sharman, Lex Shrapnel, Jack Rowan and many others. Great 80s music. High energy show! Enjoying it so far.

Code 404 (18 episodes) A British detective killed in action is brought back to life using experimental Artificial Intelligence. I tried to watch this earlier in its run and kind of forgot about it. Not for everyone, although an intriguing concept! Stars Stephen Graham, Daniel Mays.

W

Funny Woman (6 episodes, from Sky in UK) A young woman from Blackpool finds her voice in the male dominated world of the 1960’s comedy, and in doing so takes London by storm. Stars Gemma Arterton, David Threlfall, Tom Bateman, Rupert Everett, archer Ali, Matthew Beard. Very entertaining!!! Maybe Gemma Arterton will finally become the star she was meant to be.

Everyone Else Burns (6 episodes) Debuts tomorrow night. Follows a hyper-religious community. They will ask: how does an idiosyncratic family navigating modern life nowadays protect themselves from eternal hell fire? Stars Arsher Ali. Simon Bird, Kate O’Flynn.

Closing Words

Have a wonderful week wherever you are. I am sharing the video trailer for Everyone Else Burns which will debut on the CW this summer in the US and on W in Canada tomorrow night: