Binged (January 2022)
Black Mirror, Season 1–Netflix
I am two episodes into the first season of Black Mirror. So far, I have watched the Prime Minister of Britain commit bestiality to save a member of the royal family. I also watched as a person enslaved to ride a bike for life, sacrifice his fortune so the woman of his dreams can chase her dream. Both episodes have been an eye-opening experience. Packed with moral quandaries that will force internal debate, this show demands you stand in the shoes of the characters on the screen.
Sex Education, Season 2–Netflix
I adore Sex Education. It has a lot to say about sexual liberation, freedom, and education. Using an English high school and its students as a setting to say these things is brilliant. As we watch each character struggle with the awkwardness of their teenage years, I found myself relating to their pain more than I would care to admit. These characters and the arch of their stories have me fully invested. Honestly, I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Killing Eve, Season 3–Hulu
Season 2 of Killing Eve felt underwhelming. The relationship between Eve and Villanelle is odd on so many levels. When Season 2 ends, I found myself with more questions than answers about their future. As Season 3 begins, we see Villanelle married and Eve attempting to put her life back together after the drama of the previous season. This restart is enough to keep me engaged. Eventually, I know they will invade each other’s orbits.
The Expanse, Season 6–Amazon
No offense to Star Trek: The Next Generation, but The Expanse is the best science fiction show I have ever watched. It is a sociopolitical drama played out in the expanse of space. In Season 6, we find Earth reeling from a series of attacks. Marco Inaros is public enemy number one, as he works to ensure “the Belters” never want for anything again. Those back on Earth are fighting for their very survival. With a full season to go, I cannot wait to see where this story goes next.
Frontline, Season 1996 - PBS
A month ago, I decided to watch every available episode of Frontline on the PBS app. So far, I have spent time with women exercising their right to an abortion, learned there are those who wish harm against abortion providers, and watched as American born Jew returned to his family’s former Polish village. Every episode has been about empathizing. Right now, the world could use more empathy.
Last Week Tonight, Season 8–HBO
I am drawing near the end of Season 8 of Last Week Tonight. After eight years, the formula still works for me on multiple levels. What makes this season so special is seeing John back in front of a live audience. In front of real people, the jokes feel funnier, and I laugh a lot more.
Orange Is the New Black, Season 1–Netflix
Orange Is the New Black is not the first show to take us behind prison walls. Deciding to focus on a woman’s prison dynamically alters a story we have grown to understand. Now, I know most people have already binged this series and moved on, but I am just understanding these characters. On the eve of finishing the first season, I find myself fully invested in their collective story.
The Goldbergs, Season 2–Hulu
The formula behind The Goldbergs is wearing a little thin for me. It is falling into a predictable pattern established by countless sitcoms that came before. I still laugh more than I should, but I wish for some real character growth or a dramatic event the changes the trajectory of the show. Any risk at all would be nice.
Mr. Robot, Season 3–Amazon
I am just not into Season 3 of Mr. Robot. The characters seem to meander, and so does the plot. As an audience member, they can only ask me to watch the world fall apart so many times before being forced to ask, “Okay, but what’s next?”
Be good to each other,
Nathan
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