Mother’s Day…

Heading back to town to have dinner with the family today. We are hosting and looking forward to having a little playtime with our grandson Ethan in a local park beforehand. This week, I’ll be seeing my gourmet group, heading to a few medical appointments, etc. before we retire to Thornbury for more mahjong and golf. Meanwhile, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

AMC

Parish (6 episodes) Follows a taxi driver whose life is turned upside down when he agrees to pick-up a Zimbabwean gangster mostly known for exploiting undocumented immigrants at the U.S. southern ports. Stars Giancarlo Esposito, Paula Malcomson, Skeet Ulrich. Looks very noir (from the network that brought you Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul), so far.

Apple

Sugar (8 episodes) Private investigator John Sugar examines the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the granddaughter of a legendary Hollywood producer. Stars Colin Farrell, Amy Ryan, Nate Corddry, James Cromwell, Anna Gunn. Fabulous and spellbinding! Noir to the max!

Dark Matter (9 episodes) A man is abducted into an alternate version of his life. Amid the mind-bending landscape of lives he could’ve lived, he embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from a most terrifing foe: himself. Stars Joel Edgerton Jennifer Connelly, Vice Braga, Jimmi Simpson. Mind bending is right! Really messes with the space-time continuum.

CBS

FBI, FBI International, FBI Most Wanted (Ok, this is all rather formulaic stuff, but I get a hoot out of the incredibly flat acting of all three series, which I think of as Original, Crispy and Extra Crispy). So amazing that the FBI can solve every case within a 1 hr time period. It is the formula that viewers respond so warmly to on the Mother Ship series Law & Order and all its spin-offs.

Elsbeth (10 episodes) Elsbeth Tascioni,, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD. If you loved Carrie Preston on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, etc., you will love her ditzy persona in this. I love her!!!

CBS News Sunday Morning (since 1979, 827 episodes) This is my Sunday morning mainstay as I find its magazine format extremely soothing featuring interviews with actors, political figures, athletes, musicians costume designers, fashion designers, etc. My moment of Zen.

60 Minutes (since 1968, 2198 episodes) Classic prime time TV Investigative news magazine. The hard version of CBS Sunday Morning.

Jeopardy (Nightly, 8892 episodes) I just realized that in Toronto, this syndicated show appears on CBS! Ken Jennings is back hosting! The Masters Tournament is now in full swing. Enjoy!!

Disney 

The Veil (6 episodes) Follows the relationship between two women playing a deadly game of truth and lies. One woman has a secret, and the other has a mission to reveal it before thousands of lives are lost. Elisabeth Moss, Josh Charles, James Purefoy star. Very intriguing so far…

Under The Bridge (8 episodes) Reena Virk, a fourteen-year-old girl, went to join friends at a party and never returned home. Seven teenage girls and a boy were accused of the savage murder. True Canadian crime story set on Vancouver Island. Heartbreaking story of a girl trying to fit in.

We Were the Lucky Ones (8 episodes) A Jewish family is determined to survive and reunite after being separated in World War II. A huge cast includes Joey King, Logan Lerman, Robin Weight, Lior Ashkenazi, Michael Aloni, etc. A harrowing tale of survival.

Culprits (8 episodes) After a heist the crew have gone their separate ways, but now they are being targeted by a killer one-by-one. I binged on this one (even through heist themes are not my favourite.) Great performances from Nathan Stewart-Jarret Kirby, Ned Dennehy and especially Gemma Arterton who often plays a delicate English rose and who is anything but in this as the heist leader.

NBC

Law & Order (892 episodes since 1990) Still solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice!!! Now starring Hugh Dancy and Reid Scott! I never watched this show in its heyday, but now I can’t resist its torn from the headlines plots. Spoiler alert: Sam Waterston has left the show after 30 years in the same role and was replaced by Tony Goldwyn who seems like kind of a snake in his early appearances!!!

Netflix

Bodkin (7 episodes) a group of podcasters set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three strangers in an idyllic Irish town. But when they start to pull the strings, they find a story much bigger and stranger than they could have imagined. Stars Will Forte, Siobhan Cullen and a host of Irish actors. Very enjoyable!

Purple Hearts (2h2m) having just watched Nicholas Galitzine in The Idea of You, I delved back into his video history. This by the numbers story of an arranged military marriage, where both partners benefit from the medical plan, etc. is so touching that it made this film the most watched Netflix video of 2022. Oh Nicholas, those lips, those eyes…

HBO/Crave

The Sympathizer (7 episodes) Near the end of the Vietnam War, a plant who was embedded in the South Vietnam army flees to the US and takes up residence in a refugee community where he continues to secretly spy and report back to the Viet Cong. This is one confusing story which stars Robert Downey Jr. in a number of character roles, only adding to my general confusion. You must watch this one with your complete attention or you will be hopelessly lost!

Hacks (Season 3, 9 episodes) The first episode has them in Montreal at the Just for Laughs comedy festival!!!

PBS

Call the Midwife (returning for their fourteenth season) Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London from the 1950’s to 1960. Tear jerking!!!

Guilt (Season 3) The reprobates’ trials and tribulations continue. Stars Mark Bonnar and Emun Elliott.

Maryland (3 episodes) Follows Becca and Rosaline, two sisters that were distanced, but that through tragic events, learn to love and respect each other again. Stars Suranne Jones and Eve Best.

Prime

The Marsh King’s Daughter (1 h 49 m) A woman seeks revenge against the man who kidnapped her mother. Stars Daisy Ridley, Ben Mendelsohn, Brooklynn Prince and Gil Birmingham. I would watch Ben Mendelsohn read the telephone book, and he doesn’t disappoint as the villain of this piece.

Showcase

The Tatooist of Auschwitz (6 episodes) Based o the eponymously titled novel this is the powerful real-life story of Lane Sokolov a Jewish prisoner who was tasked with tattooing ID numbers on prisoners’ arms in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during WWII. Touching beyond belief. Get out your hankies.

House of Gods (from Australia, 6 episodes) the life of a powerful Iraqi family in Australia, who confront new power, politics and privilege when their prominent patriarch, Sheikh Mohammad, is chosen as the head cleric of a local mosque. Seems very authentic!!!

Dark City – The Cleaner (from New Zealand, 6 episodes) Based on the bestselling book series by Paul Cleave. Seems very similar to Dexter, but set in New Zealand. Serial killer story with a twist that is apparent from the first episode.

Closing Words

Have a wonderful week wherever you are. I hope everyone gets to celebrate Mother’s Day in some way.

For those of you who enjoy a great action flick with overtones of a fever dream here is the trailer for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (George watched the trailer and said he had to see the movie):

Back in Thornbury…

The season has begun here in our little town on Georgian Bay: one golf game, one mahjong game, one play at a local theatre and a walk through our artsy neighbouring town, Clarksburg. Meanwhile, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

Live on Stage

Suburban Motel by George F. Walker at the Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg. From the Thornbury Community Theatre. Sadly, we only lasted through the first of two one-act plays. Painfully amateurish. It will delight members of the audience who have a friend or relative in the cast of these two short plays.

AMC

Parish (6 episodes) Follows a taxi driver whose life is turned upside down when he agrees to pick-up a Zimbabwean gangster mostly known for exploiting undocumented immigrants at the U.S. southern ports. Stars Giancarlo Esposito, Paula Malcomson, Skeet Ulrich. Looks very noir (from the network that brought you Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul), so far.

Apple

Sugar (8 episodes) Private investigator John Sugar examines the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the granddaughter of a legendary Hollywood producer. Stars Colin Farrell, Amy Ryan, Nate Corddry, James Cromwell, Anna Gunn. Fabulous and spellbinding! Noir to the max!

CBC Gem

In Limbo (from Australia, 6 episodes) It follows Charlie and Nate astray face how hard it is to let go of those they love especially when they are taken too soon and when they come back to haunt you. Kind of sweet, but did it need to have 6 episodes to tell its story?

CBS

FBI, FBI International, FBI Most Wanted (Ok, this is all rather formulaic stuff, but I get a hoot out of the incredibly flat acting of all three series, which I think of as Original, Crispy and Extra Crispy). So amazing that the FBI can solve every case within a 1 hr time period. It is the formula that viewers respond so warmly to on the Mother Ship series Law & Order and all its spin-offs.

Elsbeth (10 episodes) Elsbeth Tascioni,, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD. If you loved Carrie Preston on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, etc., you will love her ditzy persona in this. I love her!!!

CBS News Sunday Morning (since 1979, 827 episodes) This is my Sunday morning mainstay as I find its magazine format extremely soothing featuring interviews with actors, political figures, athletes, musicians costume designers, fashion designers, etc. My moment of Zen.

60 Minutes (since 1968, 2198 episodes) Classic prime time TV Investigative news magazine. The hard version of CBS Sunday Morning.

Jeopardy (Nightly, 8892 episodes) I just realized that in Toronto, this syndicated show appears on CBS! Ken Jennings is back hosting! The Masters Tournament is now in full swing. Enjoy!!

CNN

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner (three hours) Delightful monologues by Biden and host Colin Jost. Great tributes to reporters in the field and student journalists.

Comedy Central 

The Daily Show (since 1996 with several changes of host and hiatuses) It’s now back with Jon Stewart taking the host duties on Mondays and his regular anchors taking the other nights of the week. Political satire!! Sadly, no local networks are carrying this show, so I will haver to keep up with it via YouTube.

Disney

Life & Beth (Season 2) After an unexpected incident, Beth starts having flashbacks to her teen self and learns how she became who she is and who she wants to become. I loved this series and found Amy Schumer to have unexpected depth. Also stars Michael Cera, Laura Benanti, Michael Rapaport, Margaret Cho, Tim Daly, Amy Sedaris, etc.

We Were the Lucky Ones (8 episodes) A Jewish family is determined to survive and reunite after being separated in World War II. A huge cast includes Joey King, Logan Lerman, Robin Weight, Lior Ashkenazi, Michael Aloni, etc. A harrowing tale of survival.

HBO/Crave

The Sympathizer (7 episodes) Near the end of the Vietnam War, a plant who was embedded in the South Vietnam army flees to the US and takes up residence in a refugee community where he continues to secretly spy and report back to the Viet Cong. This is one confusing story which stars Robert Downey Jr. in a number of character roles, only adding to my general confusion. You must watch this one with your complete attention or you will be hopelessly lost!

Hacks (Season 3, 9 episodes) The first episode has them in Montreal at the Just for Laughs comedy festival!!!

PBS

Call the Midwife (returning for their fourteenth season) Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London from the 1950’s to 1960. Tear jerking!!!

Guilt (Season 3) The reprobates’ trials and tribulations continue. Stars Mark Bonnar and Emun Elliott.

Maryland (3 episodes) Follows Becca and Rosaline, two sisters that were distanced, but that through tragic events, learn to love and respect each other again. Stars Suranne Jones and Eve Best.

NBC

Law & Order (892 episodes since 1990) Still solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice!!! Now starring Hugh Dancy and Reid Scott! I never watched this show in its heyday, but now I can’t resist its torn from the headlines plots. Spoiler alert: Sam Waterston has left the show after 30 years in the same role and was replaced by Tony Goldwyn who seems like kind of a snake in his early appearances!!!

Netflix

A Man in Full (6 episodes) Follows an Atlanta real estate mogul as he faces sudden bankruptcy, and tries to defend his empire from those attempting to capitalize on his fall from grace. Great cast includes Jeff Daniels, Diane Lane, Tom Pelphrey, Lucy Liu, Bill Camp. I really enjoyed this very dark satire.

Unfrosted (1 h 33 m) In 1963 Michigan, business rivals Kellogg’s and Post compete to crete a cake that could change breakfast forever. Amazing cast includes Jerry Seinfeld, Rachael Harris, Christian Slater, Jim Gaffigan, Hugh Grant, Sarah Cooper, Kyle Mooney, Mikey Day, Amy Schumer, Max Greenfield, Jon Hamm, Melissa McCarthy, Jack McBrayer, James Marsden, Peter Dinklage, and too many others to mention. Very cute with lots of out loud laughs on my part.

Prime

The Beekeeper (1 h 45 m) One man’s brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful ad clandestine organization known as “Beekeepers.” Stars Jason Statham, Jeremy Irons, Josh Hutcherson. This action flick has a higher body count than the John Wick movies! Exactly what you think it’s going to be!

The Idea of You (1 h 55 m) Solene, a 40-year-old single mom, begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy bad on the planet. Stars Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzie. A romantic comedy that is exactly what you think it’s going to be!

Showcase

House of Gods (from Australia) the life of a powerful Iraqi family in Australia, who confront new power, politics and privilege when their prominent patriarch, Sheikh Mohammad, is chosen as the head cleric of a local mosque. Seems very authentic!!!

Dark City – The Cleaner (from New Zealand, 6 episodes) Based on the bestselling book series by Paul Cleave. Seems very similar to Dexter, but set in New Zealand. Serial killer story with a twist that is apparent from the first episode.

The Tatooist of Auschwitz (debuts tonight, 6 episodes) Based on the eponymously titled novel, this is the powerful real-life story of Lane Sokolov, a Jewish prisoner who ws asked with tattooing ID numbers on prisoners’ arms in the Auschwitz-birkenau concentration camp during World War Two. Stars Jonah Hauser-Kingm Melanie Lynskey, Harvey Keitel. I read the book a few years ago and am very curious about the mini-series.

Starz

Mary & George (7 episodes) The Countess of Buckingham who molded her son to seduce King James 1 and become his all-powerful lover, through intrigue, becoming richer, more titled and influential than England has ever seen. May be a little more frank in its sex and nude scenes than many viewers are ready for.  

W

Apples Never Fall (7 episodes) The Delaney family seems happy but Joy disappears, forcing her husband and four adult children to reassess their family history. From the novel by Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies). I did feel this story could have been told in less than 7 episodes. I don’t know that everyone will stay tuned for the big solution episode at the end.

Closing Words

Have a wonderful week wherever you are! The fruit trees are bursting into bloom here so it’s very pretty. The Tatooist of Auschwitz premieres tonight in Canada on Showcase. Here is a preview of it with some additional information about the making of the series and the historical context:

Home again…

Spent yesterday unpacking and travelling back and forth from a friend’s 80th birthday party in Port Hope, Ontario. Except for the stormy weather and gridlock traffic on the 401 Highway, it was a delight!! Today we are celebrating at a friend’s daughter’s baby shower in Guelph. Really hoping we can stay in the HOV lane as long as possible. We were amazed yesterday that in 3 days of driving back from Florida we never encountered the weather and accident delays that we faced yesterday. Fingers crossed! We were obviously very lucky on our trip back and hope that our friends who are currently travelling have smooth drives all the way. Meanwhile, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

AMC

Parish (6 episodes) Follows a taxi driver whose life is turned upside down when he agrees to pick-up a Zimbabwean gangster mostly known for exploiting undocumented immigrants at the U.S. southern ports. Stars Giancarlo Esposito, Paula Malcomson, Skeet Ulrich. Looks very noir (from the network that brought you Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul), so far.

Apple

Sugar (8 episodes) Private investigator John Sugar examines the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the granddaughter of a legendary Hollywood producer. Stars Colin Farrell, Amy Ryan, Nate Corddry, James Cromwell, Anna Gunn. Fabulous and spellbinding! Noir to the max!

Palm Royale (10 episodes) An ambitious woman schemes to secure her seat at America’s most exclusive table: Palm Beach high society circa 1969. Stars Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Carole Burnett. Delightful!

CBS

FBI, FBI International, FBI Most Wanted (Ok, this is all rather formulaic stuff, but I get a hoot out of the incredibly flat acting of all three series, which I think of as Original, Crispy and Extra Crispy). So amazing that the FBI can solve every case within a 1 hr time period. It is the formula that viewers respond so warmly to on the Mother Ship series Law & Order and all its spin-offs.

Elsbeth (10 episodes) Elsbeth Tascioni,, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD. If you loved Carrie Preston on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, etc., you will love her ditzy persona in this. I love her!!!

CBS News Sunday Morning (since 1979, 827 episodes) This is my Sunday morning mainstay as I find its magazine format extremely soothing featuring interviews with actors, political figures, athletes, musicians costume designers, fashion designers, etc. My moment of Zen.

60 Minutes (since 1968, 2198 episodes) Classic prime time TV Investigative news magazine. The hard version of CBS Sunday Morning.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert(since 2015). Broadcasts from the Ed Sullivan theatre in New York. I love his monologues!

CNN

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner (three hours) Delightful monologues by Biden and host Colin Jost. Great tributes to reporters in the field and student journalists.

Comedy Central 

The Daily Show (since 1996 with several changes of host and hiatuses) It’s now back with Jon Stewart taking the host duties on Mondays and his regular anchors taking the other nights of the week. Political satire!!

FX

Shogun (10 episodes) When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales and devastate his enemies. Stars Cosmo Jarvis. Absorbing!

Disney

Life & Beth (Season 2) After an unexpected incident, Beth starts having flashbacks to her teen self and learns how she became who she is and who she wants to become. I loved this series and found Amy Schumer to have unexpected depth. Also stars Michael Cera, Laura Benanti, Michael Rapaport, Margaret Cho, Tim Daly, Amy Sedaris, etc.

We Were the Lucky Ones (8 episodes) A Jewish family is determined to survive and reunite after being separated in World War II. A huge cast includes Joey King, Logan Lerman, Robin Weight, Lior Ashkenazi, Michael Aloni, etc. A harrowing tale of survival.

HBO

The Sympathizer (7 episodes) Near the end of the Vietnam War, a plant who was embedded in the South Vietnam army flees to the US and takes up residence in a refugee community where he continues to secretly spy and report back to the Viet Cong. This is one confusing story which stars Robert Downey Jr. in a number of character roles, only adding to my general confusion. You must watch this one with your complete attention or you will be hopelessly lost!

NBC

Law & Order (892 episodes since 1990) Still solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice!!! Now starring Hugh Dancy and Reid Scott! I never watched this show in its heyday, but now I can’t resist its torn from the headlines plots. Spoiler alert: Sam Waterston has left the show after 30 years in the same role and was replaced by Tony Goldwyn who seems like kind of a snake in his early appearances!!!

Jeopardy (Nightly, 8892 episodes) I just realized that in Naples, this syndicated show appears on NBC! Ken Jennings is back hosting! The Invitational Tournament is now in full swing. Enjoy!!

Netflix

Jimmy Carr: Natural Born Killer (59 m) An iconic comedian tackles controversial issues such as gun control, religion, cancel culture and consent through provocative humour. Definitely not for everyone!!

PBS

Call the Midwife (returning for their fourteenth season) Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London from the 1950’s to 1960. Tear jerking!!!

Guilt (Season 3) The reprobates’ trials and tribulations continue. Stars Mark Bonnar and Emun Elliott.

Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office (4 episodes) One of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history where hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting due to a defective IT system. Stars Toby Jones and Monica Dolan. Great reviews for this one, and I thoroughly enjoyed it so far.

Prime

Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel (60 m) German-born composer Hans Zimmer is recognized as one of Hollywood’s most innovative musical talents. He has written scores for Rain Man, Driving Miss Daisy, Gladiator, The Lion King, As Good as it Gets, etc. garnering him Oscars, Golden Globes, a Tony and two Grammy Awards.

Streaming

The Iron Claw (2 h 12 m) The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Amazing body building achievements from Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White. Maura Tierney and Holt McCallany also star. This one is very painful as a family self-destructs.

Closing Words

Tonight we look forward to seeing our children and our grandchild to celebrate a family birthday!! As I have recently found out that our grandchild has fallen in love with Bluey, an Australian cartoon show, I include a trailer of their best bits for you to enjoy. It is surely one of the sweetest family shows to grace TV:

Three days until lift off…

Some bags are packed. I will be attending my very last games of golf, fitness classes, etc. over the next three days and then we will leave dark and early on Wednesday morning to start our drive north. Sigh… it will be wonderful to see family and friends again, but the skies will likely be grey and the weather a little chilly. Meanwhile, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

Live on Stage at the Gulfshore Playhouse

She Loves Me by Harnick and Bock. A wonderful revival of the Broadway musical, and our last production at the old theatre before the new theatre opens next Fall. We have booked our Flex passes for next season.

Movie Club

Two for the Road (1 h 51 m) Starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney. Made in 1967, this non-sequential story was way ahead of its time as it traces 10 years in the marriage of this gorgeous couple as they motor around Europe. Beautiful scenery and nostalgic glimpses of an era gone by as telephones are brought to restaurant tables, cigarettes are distributed on airplanes, and cars are driven onto air ferries. Watch for Jaqueline Bisset’s debut as a beautiful choir girl, and be prepared to be moved by the poignancy of this romance as they weather the storms of infidelity, career pressures and parenthood. There is a lush musical score by Henry Mancini that underlies the entire movie. One of my favourite films of all time, and gratifyingly, none of the movie group had seen it before as it wasn’t an unqualified success when it was first released.

AMC

Parish (6 episodes) Follows a taxi driver whose life is turned upside down when he agrees to pick-up a Zimbabwean gangster mostly known for exploiting undocumented immigrants at the U.S. southern ports. Stars Giancarlo Esposito, Paula Malcomson, Skeet Ulrich. Looks very noir (from the network that brought you Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul), so far.

Apple

Sugar (8 episodes) Private investigator John Sugar examines the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the granddaughter of a legendary Hollywood producer. Stars Colin Farrell, Amy Ryan, Nate Corddry, James Cromwell, Anna Gunn. Fabulous and spellbinding! Noir to the max!

Palm Royale (10 episodes) An ambitious woman schemes to secure her seat at America’s most exclusive table: Palm Beach high society circa 1969. Stars Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Carole Burnett. Delightful!

Constellation (8 episodes) Jo returns to earth after a disaster in space and discovers that there are missing pieces in her life, so she sets out to expose the truth about the hidden secrets of space travel and recover what she has lost. Stars Noomi Rapace Jonathan Banks, James D’Arcy. Haunting and mesmerizing.

The New Look  (10 episodes) Explores the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior as he dethrones Coco Chanel and helps return spirit and life to the world with his iconic imprint of beauty and influence. Stars Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche and Maisie Williams. I love this series!!!

Manhunt (7 episodes) The aftermath of the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect the ideals that were the foundation of Lincoln’s Reconstruction plans. Tobias Menzies and Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air) star. Just finished watching this and found it very instructive about the difficulties of Reconstruction.

CBS

FBI, FBI International, FBI Most Wanted (Ok, this is all rather formulaic stuff, but I get a hoot out of the incredibly flat acting of all three series, which I think of as Original, Crispy and Extra Crispy). So amazing that the FBI can solve every case within a 1 hr time period. It is the formula that viewers respond so warmly to on the Mother Ship series Law & Order and all its spin-offs.

Elsbeth (10 episodes) Elsbeth Tascioni,, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD. If you loved Carrie Preston on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, etc., you will love her ditzy persona in this. I love her!!!

CBS News Sunday Morning (since 1979, 827 episodes) This is my Sunday morning mainstay as I find its magazine format extremely soothing featuring interviews with actors, political figures, athletes, musicians costume designers, fashion designers, etc. My moment of Zen.

60 Minutes (since 1968, 2198 episodes) Classic prime time TV Investigative news magazine. The hard version of CBS Sunday Morning.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert(since 2015). Broadcasts from the Ed Sullivan theatre in New York. I love his monologues!

Comedy Central 

The Daily Show (since 1996 with several changes of host and hiatuses) It’s now back with Jon Stewart taking the host duties on Mondays and his regular anchors taking the other nights of the week. Political satire!!

FX

Shogun (10 episodes) When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales and devastate his enemies. Stars Cosmo Jarvis. Absorbing!

NBC

Law & Order (892 episodes since 1990) Still solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice!!! Now starring Hugh Dancy and Reid Scott! I never watched this show in its heyday, but now I can’t resist its torn from the headlines plots. Spoiler alert: Sam Waterston has left the show after 30 years in the same role and was replaced by Tony Goldwyn who seems like kind of a snake in his early appearances!!!

Jeopardy (Nightly, 8892 episodes) I just realized that in Naples, this syndicated show appears on NBC! Ken Jennings is back hosting! The Invitational Tournament is now in full swing. Enjoy!!

Netflix

Baby Reindeer (7 episodes) The story follows the writer and performer Richard Gadd’s warped relatiohship with his female stalker and the impact it has on him as he is ultimately forced to face a deep dark buried trauma.

Midsummer Night (5 episodes) Carina brings her family together for a traditional Swedish midsummer, but the happy occasion goes awry when long-held secrets start to come to light. I wonder how the Scandinavians feel about this one which seems to cover every possible cliche about how we see Scandi culture.

The Beautiful Game (2 h 5 m) Advocates to end homelessness, organize an annual tournament for homeless men to compete in a series of football matches known as The Homeless World Cup. Bill Nighy and Valeria Golina star in this very cliche riddled British feel good movie. I couldn’t watch the whole thing.

Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver (2 h 2 m) Kora and surviving warriors prepare to defend Veldt, their new home alongside its people against the Realm. The warriors face their pasts, revealing their motivations before the Realm’s forces arrive to crush the growing rebellion. I actually enjoyed Part One very much so I stayed tuned to this whole thing only to be ashamed of myself by the end. So much yelling!!!

PBS

 

Call the Midwife (returning for their fourteenth season) Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London from the 1950’s to 1960. Tear jerking!!!

Alice and Jack on Masterpiece (6 episodes) Follows the story of a 16-year relationship between two imperfect lovers and its highs and lows (stars Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough) Enjoy!!!

Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office (4 episodes) One of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history where hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting due to a defective IT system. Stars Toby Jones and Monica Dolan. Great reviews for this one, and I thoroughly enjoyed it so far.

Streaming

12 Angry Men (1 h 36 m) It has been many years since I watched this 1957 classic jury room drama. starring an unbelievable cast that featured Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, E.G.Marshall, Jack Klugman, Jack Warden, Ed Begley and others. I watched this in tribute to the recently completed jury selection in the first Trump case. The jury in a NYC murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict. Nominated for 3 Oscars in its day, I hope young viewers will give this black and white film a chance as it is now viewed as a masterpiece.

Closing Words

A fond farewell to those of you we sadly say goodbye to in Naples as we head north to Toronto and Thornbury to reconnect with friends and family there. My first golf game is scheduled for May 3, I’m hosting our trivia group on May 21 and I’m hoping to keep up my momentum with fitness activities when we get home. I’ll be converting my discussion group into a movie group and I can’t wait to get together with my Mahjong group. Safe travels to our friends who are also headed home. Have a wonderful summer season wherever you are!

Enjoy the trailer to Two for the Road:

Serious countdown mode…

We start our drive back to Toronto in 10 days. It will soon be the last round of golf, the last fitness class, the last sunset at the beach, the last concert at the clubhouse, etc. It has been a wonderful season and I am going to miss our friends and activities here. All good things must come to an end. Meanwhile, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

AMC

Parish (6 episodes) Follows a taxi driver whose life is turned upside down when he agrees to pick-up a Zimbabwean gangster mostly known for exploiting undocumented immigrants at the U.S. southern ports. Stars Giancarlo Esposito, Paula Malcomson, Skeet Ulrich. Looks very noir (from the network that brought you Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul), so far.

Apple

Sugar (8 episodes) Private investigator John Sugar examines the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the granddaughter of a legendary Hollywood producer. Stars Colin Farrell, Amy Ryan, Nate Corddry, James Cromwell, Anna Gunn. Fabulous and spellbinding! Noir to the max!

Palm Royale (10 episodes) An ambitious woman schemes to secure her seat at America’s most exclusive table: Palm Beach high society circa 1969. Stars Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Carole Burnett. Delightful!

Constellation (8 episodes) Jo returns to earth after a disaster in space and discovers that there are missing pieces in her life, so she sets out to expose the truth about the hidden secrets of space travel and recover what she has lost. Stars Noomi Rapace Jonathan Banks, James D’Arcy. Haunting and mesmerizing.

The New Look  (10 episodes) Explores the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior as he dethrones Coco Chanel and helps return spirit and life to the world with his iconic imprint of beauty and influence. Stars Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche and Maisie Williams. I love this series!!!

Manhunt (7 episodes) The aftermath of the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect the ideals that were the foundation of Lincoln’s Reconstruction plans. Tobias Menzies and Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air) star. Intriguing first two episodes!

CBS

FBI, FBI International, FBI Most Wanted (Ok, this is all rather formulaic stuff, but I get a hoot out of the incredibly flat acting of all three series, which I think of as Original, Crispy and Extra Crispy). So amazing that the FBI can solve every case within a 1 hr time period. It is the formula that viewers respond so warmly to on the Mother Ship series Law & Order and all its spin-offs.

Elsbeth (10 episodes) Elsbeth Tascioni,, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD. If you loved Carrie Preston on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, etc., you will love her ditzy persona in this. I love her!!!

CBS News Sunday Morning (since 1979, 827 episodes) This is my Sunday morning mainstay as I find its magazine format extremely soothing featuring interviews with actors, political figures, athletes, musicians costume designers, fashion designers, etc. My moment of Zen.

60 Minutes (since 1968, 2198 episodes) Classic prime time TV Investigative news magazine. The hard version of CBS Sunday Morning.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (since 2015). Broadcasts from the Ed Sullivan theatre in New York. I love his monologues!

Comedy Central 

The Daily Show (since 1996 with several changes of host and hiatuses) It’s now back with Jon Stewart taking the host duties on Mondays and his regular anchors taking the other nights of the week. Political satire!!

FX

Shogun (10 episodes) When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales and devastate his enemies. Stars Cosmo Jarvis. So far, so good as I have watched the first two episodes. Absorbing!

NBC

Law & Order (892 episodes since 1990) Still solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice!!! Now starring Hugh Dancy and Reid Scott! I never watched this show in its heyday, but now I can’t resist its torn from the headlines plots. Spoiler alert: Sam Waterston has left the show after 30 years in the same role and was replaced by Tony Goldwyn who seems like kind of a snake in his early appearances!!!

Jeopardy (Nightly, 8892 episodes) I just realized that in Naples, this syndicated show appears on NBC! Ken Jennings is back hosting! The Invitational Tournament is now in full swing. Enjoy!!

Netflix

Ripley (8 episodes) A grifter named Ripley living in NYC during the 1960’s is hired by a wealthy man to bring his vagabond son home fro Italy. Stars Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn. Noir to the max! A masterpiece.

Scoop (1 h 42 m) How the BBC obtained the bombshell interview with Prince Andrew about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Great cast includes Billie Piper, Romola Garai, Gillian Anderson, Keeley Hawes, Rufus Sewell. I loved this!!!

3 Body Problem  (8 episodes) A fateful decision made in 1960’s China reverberates in the present where a group of scientists partner with a detective to confront an existential planetary threat. Stars Liam Cunningham. For Science fiction lovers! 

PBS

 

Call the Midwife (returning for their fourteenth season) Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London from the 1950’s to 1960. Tear jerking!!!

Alice and Jack on Masterpiece (6 episodes) Follows the story of a 16-year relationship between two imperfect lovers and its highs and lows (stars Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough) Enjoy!!!

Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office (4 episodes) One of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history where hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting due to a defective IT system. Stars Toby Jones and Monica Dolan. Great reviews for this one, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first episode.

Prime

American Rust (Season 2, 10 episodes) In a small rust belt town in southwest Pennsylvania, Chief of Police Del Harris investigates after a dead body turns up in an abandoned steel mill. Stars Jeff Daniels, Maura Tierney.

Fallout (8 episodes) In a future, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles brought about by nuclear decimation, citizens must live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits. A thrill ride of a show! Stars Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Leslie Uggams. Absolutely loving it!!

Closing Words

George and I fell down a bit of a rabbit hole this past week as we watched Ripley in its entirety and have been squeezing in Fallout episodes when he’s not watching The Masters golf tournament. For your delectation, I attach trailers of each:

Ooh, lots of new content…

It’s been a great week with company, golf, bocce, dinners out, you know, the usual. Today we are off to see the new revival of cult classic musical She Loves Me (music by Harnick and Bock, composers of Fiddler on the Roof) at the Gulfshore Playhouse. Terrific reviews, can’t wait. There are also quite a few new shows debuting on AMC (Parish), Apple (Sugar), PBS (Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office), etc. Meanwhile here are some viewing suggestions for you:

AMC

Parish (6 episodes) Follows a taxi driver whose life is turned upside down when he agrees to pick-up a Zimbabwean gangster mostly known for exploiting undocumented immigrants at the U.S. southern ports. Stars Giancarlo Esposito, Paula Malcomson, Skeet Ulrich. Looks very noir (from the network that brought you Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul), so far.

Apple

Sugar (8 episodes, debuts this week) Private investigator John Sugar examines the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the granddaughter of a legendary Hollywood producer. Stars Colin Farrell, Amy Ryan, Nate Corddry, James Cromwell, Anna Gunn.

Palm Royale (10 episodes) An ambitious woman schemes to secure her seat at America’s most exclusive table: Palm Beach high society circa 1969. Stars Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Carole Burnett. Delightful!

Constellation (8 episodes) Jo returns to earth after a disaster in space and discovers that there are missing pieces in her life, so she sets out to expose the truth about the hidden secrets of space travel and recover what she has lost. Stars Noomi Rapace Jonathan Banks, James D’Arcy. Haunting and mesmerizing.

The New Look  (10 episodes) Explores the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior as he dethrones Coco Chanel and helps return spirit and life to the world with his iconic imprint of beauty and influence. Stars Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche and Maisie Williams. I love this series!!!

Manhunt (7 episodes) The aftermath of the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect the ideals that were the foundation of Lincoln’s Reconstruction plans. Tobias Menzies and Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air) star. Intriguing first two episodes!

Comedy Central 

The Daily Show (since 1996 with several changes of host and hiatuses) It’s now back with Jon Stewart taking the host duties on Mondays and his regular anchors taking the other nights of the week. Political satire!!

Disney

Renegade Nell (8 episodes) A quick-witted and courageous young woman framed for murder unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th C England. When a magical spirit called Billy appears, Nell realizes her destiny is bigger than she ever imagined. Delightful! I binged the whole thing!! Probably not for everybody, as you have to be in the mood for a feel-good fantasy.

FX

Shogun (10 episodes) When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales and devastate his enemies. Stars Cosmo Jarvis. So far, so good as I have watched the first two episodes. Absorbing!

Netflix

Scoop (1 h 42 m) How the BBC obtained the bombshell interview with Prince Andrew about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Great cast includes Billie Piper, Romola Garai, Gillian Anderson, Keeley Hawes, Rufus Sewell. I loved this!!!

3 Body Problem  (8 episodes) A fateful decision made in 1960’s China reverberates in the present where a group of scientists partner with a detective to confront an existential planetary threat. Stars Liam Cunningham. For Science fiction lovers! 

CBS

FBI, FBI International, FBI Most Wanted (Ok, this is all rather formulaic stuff, but I get a hoot out of the incredibly flat acting of all three series, which I think of as Original, Crispy and Extra Crispy). So amazing that the FBI can solve every case within a 1 hr time period. It is the formula that viewers respond so warmly to on the Mother Ship series Law & Order and all its spin-offs.

Elsbeth (10 episodes) Elsbeth Tascioni,, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD. If you loved Carrie Preston on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, etc., you will love her ditzy persona in this. I love her!!!

CBS News Sunday Morning (since 1979, 827 episodes) This is my Sunday morning mainstay as I find its magazine format extremely soothing featuring interviews with actors, political figures, athletes, musicians costume designers, fashion designers, etc. My moment of Zen.

60 Minutes (since 1968, 2198 episodes) Classic prime time TV Investigative news magazine. The hard version of CBS Sunday Morning.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (since 2015). Broadcasts from the Ed Sullivan theatre in New York. I love his monologues!

HBO/MAX

The Regime (6 episodes) Kate Winslet stars in this limited series as the Chancellor of an unnamed Central European nation that is unraveling being the palace walls.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10 episodes) Larry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events. Cringe comedy!

Last Week Tonight with Jon Oliver and Real Time with Bill Maher both continue their runs on HBO satirizing politics and current events.

Tokyo Vice (Returned for a second season of 10 episodes) Hired as Meicho Shibun’s first American crime reporter, Jake Edelstein is quickly tasked with covering two cases the initially appear unrelated, but soon stakes his career – and life – on connecting the dots. Ansel Elgort’s Japanese seems pretty good to me! Last episode just aired and it was wonderful!!!

NBC

Law & Order (892 episodes since 1990) Still solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice!!! Now starring Hugh Dancy and Reid Scott! I never watched this show in its heyday, but now I can’t resist its torn from the headlines plots. Spoiler alert: Sam Waterston has left the show after 30 years in the same role and was replaced by Tony Goldwyn who seems like kind of a snake in his early appearances!!!

Jeopardy (Nightly, 8892 episodes) I just realized that in Naples, this syndicated show appears on NBC! Ken Jennings is back hosting! The Invitational Tournament is now in full swing. Enjoy!!

PBS

 

Call the Midwife (returning for their fourteenth season) Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London from the 1950’s to 1960. Tear jerking!!!

Nolly on Masterpiece (3 episodes) Exploring the rise and fall from grace of the inimitable British soap star, Noele Gordon (played by Helena Bonham Carter). 

Alice and Jack on Masterpiece (6 episodes) Follows the story of a 16-year relationship between two imperfect lovers and its highs and lows (stars Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough) Enjoy!!!

Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office (4 episodes) One of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history where hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting due to a defective IT system. Stars Toby Jones and Monica Dolan. Great reviews for this one, which starts tonight.

Prime

American Rust (Season 2, 10 episodes) In a small rust belt town in southwest Pennsylvania, Chief of Police Del Harris investigates after a dead body turns up in an abandoned steel mill. Stars Jeff Daniels, Maura Tierney.

Streaming

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent (10 episodes) Follows a squad of elite investigators who investigate corruption and high-level criminality in the Greter Toronto area. What a hoot! Toronto is playing itself in this one. Look for all the familiar and unfamiliar landmarks and references. The skyline as seen from the RCYC clubhouse, locations in the Kingsway and Rosedale. Aden Young is the most recognizable actor in the lead role, although employment is given to countless Canadian actors in smaller roles.

Closing Words

Hope everyone has a wonderful week wherever you are. I hear it’s still a little unpredictable up north what with earthquakes, floods, snowstorms, solar eclipses, etc. Three week countdown before heading north has started for us! Here’s a trailer for Mr. Bates vs the Post Office, debuting tonight on PBS:

Company coming today…

It’s Easter Sunday and friends are arriving to spend the next few days with us. Hoping to do a little touring, shopping and relaxing with them. Meanwhile Bocce, golf, trivia, fitness activities continue. In the meantime, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

Apple

Palm Royale (10 episodes) An ambitious woman schemes to secure her seat at America’s most exclusive table: Palm Beach high society circa 1969. Stars Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Carole Burnett. Delightful!

Constellation (8 episodes) Jo returns to earth after a disaster in space and discovers that there are missing pieces in her life, so she sets out to expose the truth about the hidden secrets of space travel and recover what she has lost. Stars Noomi Rapace Jonathan Banks, James D’Arcy. Haunting and mesmerizing.

The New Look  (10 episodes) Explores the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior as he dethrones Coco Chanel and helps return spirit and life to the world with his iconic imprint of beauty and influence. Stars Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche and Maisie Williams. I love this series!!!

Manhunt (7 episodes) The aftermath of the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect the ideals that were the foundation of Lincoln’s Reconstruction plans. Tobias Menzies and Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air) star. Intriguing first two episodes!

CBS

FBI, FBI International, FBI Most Wanted (Ok, this is all rather formulaic stuff, but I get a hoot out of the incredibly flat acting of all three series, which I think of as Original, Crispy and Extra Crispy). So amazing that the FBI can solve every case within a 1 hr time period. It is the formula that viewers respond so warmly to on the Mother Ship series Law & Order and all its spin-offs.

Elsbeth (10 episodes) Elsbeth Tascioni,, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD. If you loved Carrie Preston on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, etc., you will love her ditzy persona in this. I love her!!!

CBS News Sunday Morning (since 1979, 827 episodes) This is my Sunday morning mainstay as I find its magazine format extremely soothing featuring interviews with actors, political figures, athletes, musicians costume designers, fashion designers, etc. My moment of Zen.

60 Minutes (since 1968, 2198 episodes) Classic prime time TV Investigative news magazine. The hard version of CBS Sunday Morning.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (since 2015). Broadcasts from the Ed Sullivan theatre in New York. I love his monologues!

Comedy Central 

The Daily Show (since 1996 with several changes of host and hiatuses) It’s now back with Jon Stewart taking the host duties on Mondays and his regular anchors taking the other nights of the week. Political satire!!

Disney

Renegade Nell (8 episodes) A quick-witted and courageous young woman framed for murder unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th C England. When a magical spirit called Billy appears, Nell realizes her destiny is bigger than she ever imagined. Delightful! I binged the whole thing!! Probably not for everybody, as you have to be in the mood for a feel-good fantasy.

FX

Shogun (10 episodes) When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales and devastate his enemies. Stars Cosmo Jarvis. So far, so good as I have watched the first two episodes. Absorbing!

HBO/MAX

The Girls on the Bus (10 episodes) Four female journalists who follow the every move of a parade of flawed presidential candidates, finding friendship, love, and a scandal that could take down not just the presidency but our entire democracy along the way. Stars Melissa Benoist and Carla Gugino. I watched the first two episodes and found it flawed and cliched, but still watchable.

Tokyo Vice (Returns for a second season of 10 episodes) Hired as Meicho Shibun’s first American crime reporter, Jake Edelstein is quickly tasked with covering two cases the initially appear unrelated, but soon stakes his career – and life – on connecting the dots. Ansel Elgort’s Japanese seems pretty good to me!

The Regime (6 episodes) Kate Winslet stars in this limited series as the Chancellor of an unnamed Central European nation that is unraveling being the palace walls.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10 episodes) Larry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events. Cringe comedy!

Last Week Tonight with Jon Oliver and Real Time with Bill Maher both continue their runs on HBO satirizing politics and current events.

NBC

Law & Order (892 episodes since 1990) Still solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice!!! Now starring Hugh Dancy and Reid Scott! I never watched this show in its heyday, but now I can’t resist its torn from the headlines plots. Spoiler alert: Sam Waterston has left the show after 30 years in the same role and was replaced by Tony Goldwyn who seems like kind of a snake in his first appearance!!!

Jeopardy (Nightly, 8892 episodes) I just realized that in Naples, this syndicated show appears on NBC! Ken Jennings is back hosting! The Invitational Tournament is now in full swing. Enjoy!!

Netflix

3 Body Problem (8 episodes) A fateful decision made in 1960’s China reverberates in the present where a group of scientists partner with a detective to confront an existential planetary threat. Stars Liam Cunningham. For Science fiction lovers! 

Testament: The Story of Moses (3 episodes) Well it is Passover after all. Explore the life of Moses, his journey from outcast and murderer to prophet and liberator of the Hebrews from Egyptian oppression. Not bad. Narrated by Charles Dance.

Black Crab (1 h 54 m) In a post-apocalyptic world, six soldiers on a covert mission must transport a mysterious package across a frozen archipelago. Noomi Rapace stars. So weird. I can’t believe I watched the whole thing.

PBS 

Call the Midwife (returning for their fourteenth season) Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London from the 1950’s to 1960. Tear jerking!!!

Nolly on Masterpiece (3 episodes) Exploring the rise and fall from grace of the inimitable British soap star, Noele Gordon (played by Helena Bonham Carter). 

Alice and Jack on Masterpiece (6 episodes) Follows the story of a 16-year relationship between two imperfect lovers and its highs and lows (stars Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough) Enjoy!!!

Streaming

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent (10 episodes) Follows a squad of elite investigators who investigate corruption and high-level criminality in the Greter Toronto area. What a hoot! Toronto is playing itself in this one. Look for all the familiar and unfamiliar landmarks and references. The skyline as seen from the RCYC clubhouse, locations in the Kingsway and Rosedale. Aden Young is the most recognizable actor in the lead role, although employment is given to countless Canadian actors in smaller roles.

Prime

Road House (2 h 1 m) Ex-UFC fighter Dalton takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor McGregor, Billy Magnussen, Jessica Williams. Non-stop violence and cartoonish performances from all. I can’t believe I watched the whole thing!

Closing Words

Hoping you all have a peaceful and healthy Easter and Passover!! Special shoutout to all friends who are experiencing health issues at this time.

The season is wrapping up…

Bocce season is coming to a close, as is golf season and final dinners have been scheduled. I will host my last movie club in a new weeks, and today we are looking forward to the Treviso Bay Choir final performance. It’s kind of sad, but it has been a great season. Meanwhile, here are a few viewing suggestions for you:

Live on Stage

Six the Musical (at Artis Naples) The British mnemonic device for remembering the 6 wives of Henry VIII is as follows:

Divorced (Catherine of Aragon)

Beheaded (Anne Boleyn)

Died (Jane Seymour)

Divorced (Anne of Cleves)

Beheaded (Katherine Howard)

Survived (Catherine Parr)

The musical brings all 6 to life as they tell their stories to very contemporary music. Lively, but I found it a little long at only 80 minutes. Not in the same league as many other contemporary musicals we’ve seen lately including &Juliet, Moulin Rouge, Tina, etc. Always nice to celebrate musical theatre at Artis Naples.

ABC

Will Trent (Season 2, 8 episodes) Special Agent Will Trent was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. Determined to make sure no one feels as he did, he now has the highest clearance rate. So eccentric!

Abbott Elementary (Mockumentary, 50 episodes) If you’re not watching this workplace comedy, you are missing something truly delightful. Great cast, great scripts.

The Good Doctor (126 episodes) The autistic surgeon is now married with a baby!!

Apple

Masters of the Air (9 episodes) During WWII, five miles above the ground and behind enemy lines ten men inside a bomber known as a “Flying Fortress” battle unrelenting flocks of German fighters. Stars Austin Butler and Callum Turner (and newcomer Barry Keoghan, from Saltburn) lead a terrific ensemble cast. I was really transported by this period piece which features incredible scenes of the B-17’s in action. An Apple Original Series from Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman – the producers of Band of Brothers and The Pacific. During WWII, airmen risk their lives with the 100th Bomb Group, a brotherhood forged by courage, loss, and triumph.

Constellation (8 episodes) Jo returns to earth after a disaster in space and discovers that there are missing pieces in her life, so she sets out to expose the truth about the hidden secrets of space travel and recover what she has lost. Stars Noomi Rapace Jonathan Banks, James D’Arcy. Haunting and mesmerizing.

The New Look  (10 episodes) Explores the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior as he dethrones Coco Chanel and helps return spirit and life to the world with his iconic imprint of beauty and influence. Stars Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche and Maisie Williams. I love this series!!!

Manhunt (7 episodes) The aftermath of the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect the ideals that were the foundation of Lincoln’s Reconstruction plans. Tobias Menzies and Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air) star. Intriguing first two episodes!

CBS

FBI, FBI International, FBI Most Wanted (Ok, this is all rather formulaic stuff, but I get a hoot out of the incredibly flat acting of all three series, which I think of as Original, Crispy and Extra Crispy). So amazing that the FBI can solve every case within a 1 hr time period. It is the formula that viewers respond so warmly to on the Mother Ship series Law & Order and all its spin-offs.

Elsbeth (10 episodes) Elsbeth Tascioni,, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD. If you loved Carrie Preston on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, etc., you will love her ditzy persona in this. I love her!!!

CBS News Sunday Morning (since 1979, 827 episodes) This is my Sunday morning mainstay as I find its magazine format extremely soothing featuring interviews with actors, political figures, athletes, musicians costume designers, fashion designers, etc. My moment of Zen.

60 Minutes (since 1968, 2198 episodes) Classic prime time TV Investigative news magazine. The hard version of CBS Sunday Morning.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (since 2015). Broadcasts from the Ed Sullivan theatre in New York. I love his monologues!

Comedy Central 

The Daily Show (since 1996 with several changes of host and hiatuses) It’s now back with Jon Stewart taking the host duties on Mondays and his regular anchors taking the other nights of the week. Political satire!!

FX

Feud: Capote vs The Swans (8 episodes) I watched or snoozed through all 8 episodes of this series which does feature an amazing cast of actresses playing Capote’s coterie of society women. I have stayed with the show which is almost unbearably melancholy as it follows Capote’s self-destructive path.

Shogun (10 episodes) When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales and devastate his enemies. Stars Cosmo Jarvis. So far, so good as I have watched the first two episodes. Absorbing!

HBO/MAX

The Girls on the Bus (10 episodes) Four female journalists who follow the every move of a parade of flawed presidential candidates, finding friendship, love, and a scandal that could take down not just the presidency but our entire democracy along the way. Stars Melissa Benoist and Carla Gugino. I watched the first two episodes and found it flawed and cliched, but still watchable.

Tokyo Vice (Returns for a second season of 10 episodes) Hired as Meicho Shibun’s first American crime reporter, Jake Edelstein is quickly tasked with covering two cases the initially appear unrelated, but soon stakes his career – and life – on connecting the dots. Ansel Elgort’s Japanese seems pretty good to me!

The Regime (6 episodes) Kate Winslet stars in this limited series as the Chancellor of an unnamed Central European nation that is unraveling being the palace walls.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10 episodes) Larry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events. Cringe comedy!

Last Week Tonight with Jon Oliver and Real Time with Bill Maher both continue their runs on HBO satirizing politics and current events.

NBC

Law & Order (892 episodes since 1990) Still solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice!!! Now starring Hugh Dancy and Reid Scott! I never watched this show in its heyday, but now I can’t resist its torn from the headlines plots. Spoiler alert: Sam Waterston has left the show after 30 years in the same role and was replaced by Tony Goldwyn who seems like kind of a snake in his first appearance!!!

Jeopardy (Nightly, 8892 episodes) I just realized that in Naples, this syndicated show appears on NBC! Ken Jennings is back hosting! The Invitational Tournament is now in full swing. Enjoy!!

PBS 

Call the Midwife (returning for their fourteenth season) Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London from the 1950’s to 1960. Tear jerking!!!

Nolly on Masterpiece (3 episodes) Exploring the rise and fall from grace of the inimitable British soap star, Noele Gordon (played by Helena Bonham Carter). 

Alice and Jack on Masterpiece (6 episodes) Follows the story of a 16-year relationship between two imperfect lovers and its highs and lows (stars Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough) Enjoy!!!

Netflix

The Guv’nor (1 h 25 m) A feature documentary about the life of Lenny McLean, as seen through the eyes of his only son, Jamie. If you like Guy Ritchie films, this doc is for you as it’s about a typical street criminals rise in the East End of London.

Irish Wish (1 h 33 m) I watched this very silly romantic comedy on St. Patrick’s Day. When the love of Maddie’s life gets engaged to her best friend, she puts her feelings aside to be a bridesmaid at their wedding in Ireland. Lindsay Lohan is actually pretty good in this and there is beautiful footage of Ireland.

3 Body Problem (8 episodes) A fateful decision made in 1960’s China reverberates in the present where a group of scientists partner with a detective to confront an existential planetary threat. Stars Liam Cunningham. For Science fiction lovers!

Sex Education (32 episodes) A teenage boy with a sex therapist mother teams up with a high school classmate to set up an underground sex therapy clinic at school. I resisted watching this teen comedy when it first came out, but have actually enjoyed watching it this past week. Asa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson star. Watch for Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) and Anne-Marie Duff (Shameless) as moms and a surprisingly effective Jemima Kirke as an evil Head Teacher.

Closing Words

We just received word that our son David and his family will not be joining us in Naples because of recurring ear infections with our grandson. I am sad and was really looking forward to a visit with them, but we can now proceed to empty our fridge and pantry in preparation for closing the place down as we get ready to head home around April 24. For my last movie club, I am hoping to find All of us Strangers starring Andrew Scott, which has had rave reviews recently. Here is a trailer:

George is off to Orlando to play golf…

This is the 22nd year for George to head off to Orlando with his longtime buddies to play some golf. During that time I will be playing bocce, golf, going to fitness classes and maybe squeezing in a trip to the Everglades. I am going to host my movie club and will be showing Anatomy of a Fall, winner of the grand prize at Cannes and nominated for Best Film at the Oscars. Speaking of which, we had a lovely gathering for last week’s Academy Awards celebration and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Meanwhile, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

ABC

Will Trent (Season 2, 8 episodes) Special Agent Will Trent was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh common-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. Determined to make sure no one feels as he did, he now has the highest clearance rate. So eccentric!

Abbott Elementary (Mockumentary, 50 episodes) If you’re not watching this workplace comedy, you are missing something truly delightful. Great cast, great scripts.

The Good Doctor (126 episodes) The autistic surgeon is now married with a baby!!

Apple

Masters of the Air (9 episodes) During WWII, five miles above the ground and behind enemy lines ten men inside a bomber known as a “Flying Fortress” battle unrelenting flocks of German fighters. Stars Austin Butler and Callum Turner (and newcomer Barry Keoghan, from Saltburn) lead a terrific ensemble cast. I was really transported by this period piece which features incredible scenes of the B-17’s in action. An Apple Original Series from Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman – the producers of Band of Brothers and The Pacific. During WWII, airmen risk their lives with the 100th Bomb Group, a brotherhood forged by courage, loss, and triumph.

Constellation (8 episodes) Jo returns to earth after a disaster in space and discovers that there are missing pieces in her life, so she sets out to expose the truth about the hidden secrets of space travel and recover what she has lost. Stars Noomi Rapace Jonathan Banks, James D’Arcy. Haunting and mesmerizing.

The New Look  (10 episodes) Explores the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior as he dethrones Coco Chanel and helps return spirit and life to the world with his iconic imprint of beauty and influence. Stars Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche and Maisie Williams. I love this series!!!

Manhunt (7 episodes) The aftermath of the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect the ideals that were the foundation of Lincoln’s Reconstruction plans. Tobias Menzies and Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air) star. Intriguing first two episodes!

CBS

FBI, FBI International, FBI Most Wanted (Ok, this is all rather formulaic stuff, but I get a hoot out of the incredibly flat acting of all three series, which I think of as Original, Crispy and Extra Crispy). So amazing that the FBI can solve every case within a 1 hr time period. It is the formula that viewers respond so warmly to on the Mother Ship series Law & Order and all its spin-offs.

Elsbeth (10 episodes) Elsbeth Tascioni,, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD. If you loved Carrie Preston on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, etc., you will love her ditzy persona in this. I love her!!!

CBS News Sunday Morning (since 1979, 827 episodes) This is my Sunday morning mainstay as I find its magazine format extremely soothing featuring interviews with actors, political figures, athletes, musicians costume designers, fashion designers, etc. My moment of Zen.

60 Minutes (since 1968, 2198 episodes) Classic prime time TV Investigative news magazine. The hard version of CBS Sunday Morning.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (since 2015). Broadcasts from the Ed Sullivan theatre in New York. I love his monologues!

Comedy Central

The Daily Show (since 1996 with several changes of host and hiatuses) It’s now back with Jon Stewart taking the host duties on Mondays and his regular anchors taking the other nights of the week. Political satire!!

FX

Feud: Capote vs The Swans (8 episodes) I watched or snoozed through all 8 episodes of this series which does feature an amazing cast of actresses playing Capote’s coterie of society women. I have stayed with the show which is almost unbearably melancholy as it follows Capote’s self-destructive path.

Shogun (10 episodes) When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales and devastate his enemies. Stars Cosmo Jarvis. So far, so good as I have watched the first two episodes. Absorbing!

HBO/MAX

Tokyo Vice (Returns for a second season of 10 episodes) Hired as Meicho Shibun’s first American crime reporter, Jake Edelstein is quickly tasked with covering two cases the initially appear unrelated, but soon stakes his career – and life – on connecting the dots. Ansel Elgort’s Japanese seems pretty good to me!

The Regime (6 episodes) Kate Winslet stars in this limited series as the Chancellor of an unnamed Central European nation that is unraveling being the palace walls.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10 episodes) Larry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events. Cringe comedy!

Last Week Tonight with Jon Oliver and Real Time with Bill Maher both continue their runs on HBO satirizing politics and current events.

NBC

Law & Order (892 episodes since 1990) Still solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice!!! Now starring Hugh Dancy and Reid Scott! I never watched this show in its heyday, but now I can’t resist its torn from the headlines plots. Spoiler alert: Sam Waterston has left the show after 30 years in the same role and was replaced by Tony Goldwyn who seems like kind of a snake in his first appearance!!!

Jeopardy (Nightly, 8892 episodes) I just realized that in Naples, this syndicated show appears on NBC! Ken Jennings is back hosting! Tournament of Champions is in full swing. Enjoy!!

PBS

Tonight, three Sunday evening series begin new seasons starting with:

Call the Midwife (returning for their fourteenth season) Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London from the 1950’s to 1960. Tear jerking!!!

Nolly on Masterpiece (3 episodes) Exploring the rise and fall from grace of the inimitable British soap star, Noele Gordon (played by Helena Bonham Carter).

Alice and Jack on Masterpiece (6 episodes) Follows the story of a 16-year relationship between two imperfect lovers and its highs and lows (stars Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough) Enjoy!!!

Closing Words

Given that the Katherine Middleton photoshopped family photo has taken over the airwaves in a controversy I really don’t understand, I thought I’d post Piers Morgan’s take on this (in all honesty, the British media basically killed Princess Diana, drove Megan and Harry from the UK and now they are harassing Kate at a very difficult point in her life, WTF?!):

It’s the most wonderful night of the year…

Of course, it’s because of The Oscars!!! Tonight on ABC starting at 7 pm! I hope you are still trying to catch up with the 10 nominated films:

The Holdovers

Past Lives

Anatomy of a Fall

Barbie

Oppenheimer

The Zone of Interest

Poor Things

Killers of the Flower Moon

American Fiction

Maestro

They are all worth seeing, so I hope you manage to catch at least a few of them. Of course, the smart money is probably Oppenheimer which is a true masterpiece, but all are worthy nominees. Enjoy!! Meanwhile, here are some viewing suggestions for you:

Netflix

Damsel (1 h 53 M) A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family as recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. Dragons abound! Millie Bobby Brown is terrific in this. Totally enjoyed it!!

The Gentlemen (8 episodes) Eddie Horniman inherits a family estate, initially unaware it’s home to a drug empire run by a syndicate that has no plans to vacate. Theo James is wonderful in the lead role. James Bond casting director, look no further, he is a worthy candidate for the role!! Directed by Guy Ritchie who has great fun with this action/comedy/crime story. Vinnie Jones almost steals the movie as the faithful retainer. Also stars Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Ray Winstone, Giancarlo Esposito, etc.

The Abyss (from Sweden, 1 h 43 m, but seems much longer) I actually fell asleep during this Swedish action/disaster movie about a cave-in. Not a forte for the Swedes, unfortunately. Very understated.

Noise (Belgian, 1 h 29 m, but seems much longer) Another sleepy psychological thriller about a man who unveils dark family secrets. So dull and derivative.

Full Swing (Season 2, 8 episodes) OK, so I’m not the biggest fan of watching golf on TV, but I made an exception for this because I haven’t paid any attention to the whole Liv vs PGA controversy. This will totally fill you in. Plus you do get to see a lot of beautiful golf courses around the world.

ABC

Will Trent (Season 2, 8 episodes) Special Agent Will Trent was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh common-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. Determined to make sure no one feels as he did, he now has the highest clearance rate. So eccentric!

Abbott Elementary (Mockumentary, 50 episodes) If you’re not watching this workplace comedy, you are missing something truly delightful. Great cast, great scripts.

Apple

Masters of the Air (9 episodes) During WWII, five miles above the ground and behind enemy lines ten men inside a bomber known as a “Flying Fortress” battle unrelenting flocks of German fighters. Stars Austin Butler and Callum Turner (and newcomer Barry Keoghan, from Saltburn) lead a terrific ensemble cast. I was really transported by this period piece which features incredible scenes of the B-17’s in action. An Apple Original Series from Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman – the producers of Band of Brothers and The Pacific. During WWII, airmen risk their lives with the 100th Bomb Group, a brotherhood forged by courage, loss, and triumph.

 Constellation (8 episodes) Jo returns to earth after a disaster in space and discovers that there are missing pieces in her life, so she sets out to expose the truth about the hidden secrets of space travel and recover what she has lost. Stars Noomi Rapace Jonathan Banks, James D’Arcy. Haunting and mesmerizing.

The New Look  (10 episodes) Explores the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior as he dethrones Coco Chanel and helps return spirit and life to the world with his iconic imprint of beauty and influence. Stars Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche and Maisie Williams. I love this series!!!

CBS

FBI,  FBI International, FBI Most Wanted (Ok, this is all rather formulaic stuff, but I get a hoot out of the incredibly flat acting of all three series, which I think of as Original, Crispy and Extra Crispy). So amazing that the FBI can solve every case within a 1 hr time period. It is the formula that viewers respond so warmly to on the Mother Ship series Law & Order and all its spin-offs.

Elsbeth (10 episodes) Elsbeth Tascioni,, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD. If you loved Carrie Preston on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, etc., you will love her ditzy persona in this. I love her!!!

FX

Feud: Capote vs The Swans (8 episodes) I can’t imagine watching all 8 episodes of this series which does feature an amazing cast of actresses playing Capote’s coterie of society women. Update: I have stayed with the show which is almost unbearably melancholy as it follows Capote’s self-destructive path.

Shogun (10 episodes) When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales and devastate his enemies. Stars Cosmo Jarvis. So far, so good as I have watched the first two episodes. Absorbing!

HBO/MAX

Tokyo Vice (Returns for a second season of 10 episodes) Hired as Meicho Shibun’s first American crime reporter, Jake Edelstein is quickly tasked with covering two cases the initially appear unrelated, but soon stakes his career – and life – on connecting the dots. Ansel Elgort’s Japanese seems pretty good to me!

The Regime (6 episodes) Kate Winslet stars in this limited series as the Chancellor of an unnamed Central European nation that is unraveling being the palace walls.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (10 episodes) Larry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events. Cringe comedy!

NBC

Law & Order (892 episodes since 1990) Still solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice!!! Now starring Hugh Dancy and Reid Scott! I never watched this show in its heyday, but now I can’t resist its torn from the headlines plots. Spoiler alert: Sam Waterston is leaving the show after 30 years in the same role and is being replaced by Tony Goldwyn!!!

Jeopardy (Nightly, 8892 episodes) I just realized that in Naples, this syndicated show appears on NBC! Ken Jennings is back hosting! Tournament of Champions is in full swing. Enjoy!!

Closing Words

Fingers crossed for the best song category tonight. I favour the two nominees from Barbie:

What Was I Made For (sung by Billie Eilish)

I’m Just Ken (sadly, you can only watch this on You Tube, so look for the many versions there!

https://youtu.be/VDCnJHyMuyU?si=YSX79uCqtTdwJus4