Yes, Britain certainly has some less competition-drama-filled reality shows, I liked the BBC's post-GBBO Best Home Cook for that reason, though perhaps it's saying something that not enough other people did. Similarly, for US shows like Ink Master, it was interesting to learn about tattooing (given my previous ignorance) but the fuss between the contestants was just tedious and I was pleased when the winner of one season was someone who'd largely stayed out of that drama. I've enjoyed Beat Bobby Flay because, while the form of the competitiveness was there, it was also clear that it wasn't taking itself as seriously, at least it felt more fun. Kind of like the original Japanese Iron Chef where they're (politely) not smack-talking each other and such and, honestly, though it presents itself very seriously, I feel as if I'm also detecting an undercurrent of fun.

Now I think about it, I think early seasons of The Great British Bake-Off and Ink Master told us more about the process and I liked them more for that.

While I liked DS9 more than you, definitely agreed about B5, and B5 gave me far more to think about during and afterward, partly because of how it often had something to say about real themes.

Admittedly I am quite happy to laze around amid sun and sea. (-: For me that'd be a good side of if my family ended up leaving the West and living in SE Asia instead. In my teenage years in Cornwall I'd enjoy taking a novel to the beach on a summer day.

Definitely see your point re. sharing your art. I'm happy to simply take it for what it is. Personally I appreciate it because I find it interesting to see how an impressionistic approach can evoke so much. (Other artists I've known tend to go more for direct realism.) I never took much in the way of art classes myself and I've no idea how good you are but thank you for whatever you do choose to share.