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Dec. 1st, 2018 02:47 pmHaving digestive issues again -- which is mainly a big wake-up call that I can't eat or drink certain things any longer without massive digestive distress. Good to know. But it did screw up the plans I'd made today -- which was to go to a movie and go shopping at my Church's annual Christmas Fair. But maybe I can go to the movie tomorrow and shopping elsewhere.
Instead saw television shows...
1. The Connors (noticed Sara Gilbert who plays Darlene has taken an executive producing role and seems to have filled the place of Roseanne Barr -- she's a great change, and relatable in a way Roseanne never was.).
I'm really enjoying this series -- surprising enough. No one is more surprised by this than me. These types of series usually annoy me. But the writing is rather good, when it's not funny, it's comforting. And there's not a cringe-inducing scene or rarely one. Also it is kind without being annoyingly "politically" correct.
What I like about it -- is I feel like I know these people. And their jokes sound like ones I've heard in the hallways and at home. It's also, unlike 98% of the other series on television, featuring a working class family who is struggling to make ends meet.
And it probably helps that I have a huge crush on Darlene's new boss, the sarcastic local news editor/owner. (Apparently I've graduated from tiny lean, snarky philosophy guys, to big teddy bear guys with beards.)
But, the rest of the cast is just as good. Outside of the obvious veterans, John Goodman (Dan) and Laurie Metcalf (Jackie) who'd I'd watch reading the phone book, the actress playing Becky (who was the original Becky) and used to frequent a local bar in my old neighborhood, is quite good in this role. We don't see much of DJ, for DJ to matter, or Sarah Chalke (the 2nd Becky -- who plays Andrea now, and was only in one episode this season) to matter. The kids are good. As are all the supporting characters and guest stars.
Proof that only weak link in this series was Roseanne herself. When I stated last season that I'd have watched the series without Roseanne, apparently I was right. This reboot is the best I've seen this season.
2. Riverdale
The third season is definitely better than the first two seasons. We've moved away from the high school setting -- which had to happen, and gotten darker and more into mystery elements. And the parents appear to be the villains, with the possible exception of Archie's Dad. (Poor Luke Perry hasn't aged that well.)
What I found interesting is they used a song at the end that probably went over the heads of the target audience. ("Paladin" -- which was from the Western series "Have Gun Will Travel" and is the "holy knight" in D&D games.) Also shout-outs to the movies "Scream" and "Stand By Me".
3. This is Us
Wacky Fall Finale. My mother is watching it now...so I can discuss with her. Amazed she's following it. The series jumps around through time and point of view a lot. It started just jumping about from 1974 to 1990s, now it seems to be jumping from 1960s to 2021. But, yet, still able to follow, because the characters are well drawn and we are only really following the base set of characters. It reminds me a little bit of LOST in how it does the narrative flash-backing, although a bit more innovative and far more upbeat.
My quibbles with it are two-fold: The point of view is still solidly a male one. Women seem to support the male characters, often to their own detriment. And it is heavily emotionally manipulative. But these two quibbles are over-shadowed by real moment laced within, stand-out performances, and strong and complicated female and male characters dealing with delicate culture issues.
4. Great British Baking Show -- this is the 6th season, according to Netflix. Has Prue, and the new hosts, also a kinder and tanner Paul Hollywood.
I'm loving Kim Joy who is like a fairy tale princess. I really want her to win. Probably won't.
She's so much fun.
Instead saw television shows...
1. The Connors (noticed Sara Gilbert who plays Darlene has taken an executive producing role and seems to have filled the place of Roseanne Barr -- she's a great change, and relatable in a way Roseanne never was.).
I'm really enjoying this series -- surprising enough. No one is more surprised by this than me. These types of series usually annoy me. But the writing is rather good, when it's not funny, it's comforting. And there's not a cringe-inducing scene or rarely one. Also it is kind without being annoyingly "politically" correct.
What I like about it -- is I feel like I know these people. And their jokes sound like ones I've heard in the hallways and at home. It's also, unlike 98% of the other series on television, featuring a working class family who is struggling to make ends meet.
And it probably helps that I have a huge crush on Darlene's new boss, the sarcastic local news editor/owner. (Apparently I've graduated from tiny lean, snarky philosophy guys, to big teddy bear guys with beards.)
But, the rest of the cast is just as good. Outside of the obvious veterans, John Goodman (Dan) and Laurie Metcalf (Jackie) who'd I'd watch reading the phone book, the actress playing Becky (who was the original Becky) and used to frequent a local bar in my old neighborhood, is quite good in this role. We don't see much of DJ, for DJ to matter, or Sarah Chalke (the 2nd Becky -- who plays Andrea now, and was only in one episode this season) to matter. The kids are good. As are all the supporting characters and guest stars.
Proof that only weak link in this series was Roseanne herself. When I stated last season that I'd have watched the series without Roseanne, apparently I was right. This reboot is the best I've seen this season.
2. Riverdale
The third season is definitely better than the first two seasons. We've moved away from the high school setting -- which had to happen, and gotten darker and more into mystery elements. And the parents appear to be the villains, with the possible exception of Archie's Dad. (Poor Luke Perry hasn't aged that well.)
What I found interesting is they used a song at the end that probably went over the heads of the target audience. ("Paladin" -- which was from the Western series "Have Gun Will Travel" and is the "holy knight" in D&D games.) Also shout-outs to the movies "Scream" and "Stand By Me".
3. This is Us
Wacky Fall Finale. My mother is watching it now...so I can discuss with her. Amazed she's following it. The series jumps around through time and point of view a lot. It started just jumping about from 1974 to 1990s, now it seems to be jumping from 1960s to 2021. But, yet, still able to follow, because the characters are well drawn and we are only really following the base set of characters. It reminds me a little bit of LOST in how it does the narrative flash-backing, although a bit more innovative and far more upbeat.
My quibbles with it are two-fold: The point of view is still solidly a male one. Women seem to support the male characters, often to their own detriment. And it is heavily emotionally manipulative. But these two quibbles are over-shadowed by real moment laced within, stand-out performances, and strong and complicated female and male characters dealing with delicate culture issues.
4. Great British Baking Show -- this is the 6th season, according to Netflix. Has Prue, and the new hosts, also a kinder and tanner Paul Hollywood.
I'm loving Kim Joy who is like a fairy tale princess. I really want her to win. Probably won't.
She's so much fun.