Recommendations, Resources and WTF Did I Just Watch!
Summer doesn't end until late September, so more summer thoughts!
Alive at the End of the World: As the US Government has expanded its military and law enforcement presence across the country from Los Angeles to Washington, DC and everywhere in between, as people and families are disappeared, and as they threaten to overwhelm more cities with lies about crime prevention, I wanted to re-share resources to support all of us and our loved ones. Please take a moment to revisit this resource document, share it widely, and remember: none of us are in this alone.
Immigration/Citizenship including protecting yourself around ICE, and traveling the world and re-entering the country
Recommendations!
Documentary: Sally (Hulu): This documentary offers an intimate look at Astronaut Sally Ride’s life, with insights from her family and longtime partner. It’s revealing, not just about what it meant to be the first U.S. woman in space, but also her disillusionment with NASA after the Challenger disaster and corruption, and the weight she carried to keep her personal life private until her passing. As a GenXer, Sally Ride was a touchstone in my own understanding of women in STEM. Watching this was both illuminating and bittersweet.
Limited Series: Hostage (Netflix): This political thriller was a good time pass about the UK and French Prime Ministers having a summit and dealing with a terrorist attack. The cast is great and the political intrigue was sadly familiar but plot kept it moving.
Documentary Series: And So It Goes (HBO): Billy Joel was a big part of my growing-up soundtrack, so I couldn’t resist this documentary and it didn’t disappoint. With Joel and much of his family participating (including ex-wives), there’s definitely a strong point of view, but he’s surprisingly candid about his struggles, missteps, and the choices that shaped his career. I came away learning so much I didn’t know about the making of his songs, the arc of his success, his financial struggles, and yes, even the drama with Elton John during their joint tours. If Billy Joel was ever on your playlist, this one’s worth a watch.
TV Series: Fisk Season 3 (Netflix): Season 3 of a perennial best of from Sujata Said…dropped last week and was, once again, a joy to watch - and this season, George was the best! I continue to love this Aussie comedy written by the star. And if you’ve never watched it, it’s now three seasons to make you laugh and cringe! Who doesn’t need that in these times?!?!?
Movie: Thursday Murder Club (Netflix): Look, a cozy British mystery in an awesome location with these 4 excellent actors AND Naomi Ackie, directed by Chris Columbus of Home Alone fame? Yes Please. It was fun and charming and a lovely time pass. It’s based on a very popular book series, so I’m hoping that there are more to come with this cast! There are other excellent and well loved British stars in it as well! And look, this was a great palate cleanser after watching Pierce and Helen in the uber violent series Mobland earlier this year.
WTF Did I Just Watch?
SMDH: The Licari Cyberbullying Story: I read the original New York Magazine long read on this teen cyberbullying case months ago and couldn’t believe what I was reading. Now there’s a Netflix documentary with real footage and interviews. It’s every bit as unsettling.
What’s shocking isn’t just the twists of the story, but what it says about the culture we’ve created: a world where obsession, control, and cruelty can flourish behind screens. If you want a window into how far this can go, read and/or watch!
BAD: TV Series: Hunting Wives (Netflix): This is now one of the most watched series in Netflix history and I understand why (sex, guns, MAGA America), but I found it really bad, and not good bad. I didn’t even enjoy hate-watching it! Yet I finished it. I’m the problem, it’s me. Dermot Mulroney cracked me up though, and Malin Ackerman’s wig is a character of its own!
BAD: TV Series: Keeping Faith (AcornTV): I love my British TV but this Welsh series made me crazy. I didn’t like anyone, and hated quite a few of the major characters, including the folks we were supposed to root for and like - the main character was really not it for me. And I didn’t have any desire to ‘ship the couple that was supposed to be endgame, there was no chemistry and it was weird. Anyway, only the kids deserved my love and support. And yet, I finished it. I’m the problem, it’s me.