Life Lately And TV Suggestions, Now and Coming Soon

I hope you had a relaxing few weeks. I’m slowly emerging from my lair into normality. The cold weather encouraged me to stay indoors. I haven’t succumbed to any dreaded virus, yet, but the hubs has and, needless to say, he’s feeling pretty rubbish. I’ve been doing my Florence Nightingale bit by clearing the local stocks of Strepsils; Jakemans lozenges; Lemsips and the legal quota of pain killers. The oversized dressing gown I bought for his birthday, last month, has been in constant use. You know the term that is coming to mind? And, apparently, it really is a thing (man flu). But, jokes aside, it is no fun when one of these viruses takes hold. I’m hoping it doesn’t linger on for too long. Plus, I’m missing my partner in crime firing on all four cylinders. I’ll be keeping my distance, though.

I’m not one for resolutions. But, a few good habits have slipped lately.

I need to:

• Keep moving (I walk for 45 minutes most days) usually with weights. Right now, it’s snowing and very cold and icy, so I haven’t ventured out much. Hopefully, the cold vortex will vamoosh, soon!

• Get to bed earlier – the Netflix habit of “should we watch another?” has to go.

• Fully accept that I find the IT side of my blog boring – hence, daydreaming easily creeps in. Small and steady chunks of information are the way forward.

• Plan more. It doesn’t have to be anything big. We have friends who plan throughout the months ahead. We tend to be “last-minute.com”. It’ll give us things to look forward to

• Have more fun – we’ve both agreed we need more “feel-good” experiences.

• Buy crisps and chocolate less, or, better still, not at all. I’m not sure if I am ready for that sacrifice.

We have been lolling around watching a few decent TV shows over the past months – some old, some new. Here are a few to ponder – incl some that are imminent. I’ll avoid spoilers.

TV Series

Mr Mercedes (watched) – 3 seasons in total. Available to watch on Prime TV or video

About
“A demented killer taunts a retired police detective with a series of lurid letters and emails, forcing the ex-cop to undertake a private, and potentially felonious, crusade to bring the killer to justice before he can strike again.” (IMDB)

A friend recommended this series to me. It ran from 2017 to 2019. My curiosity was spiked regarding this series when I learned that Stephen King, who I am a fan of, had based one of the main characters, “Bill Hodges”, on Brendan Gleeson, who I have to say is amazing in it. I hesitated, at first, because of my past experiences regarding Stephen King’s TV/Film adaptations – they don’t usually live up to the book.

Talking about Stephen King and the good old-fashioned art of reading. The younger generations seem to have abandoned it from what I hear. What a huge shame!! Because it’s rare for a film or TV adaptation from a great book to beat the characters and images we create in our own minds. It is still the best form of escapism for me.
Score 4/5

Red Eye (Watched). It has 2 series, so far, and is available to watch in full on ITVX.

About
“A race against time, a deadly flight. A dedicated Dedicated Constable (DC) drawn into a dangerous conspiracy with far-reaching consequences. “ (MDB)

I have watched both series one and two. This is an easy, formulaic and predictable series, which some may not enjoy. But it kinda works for me as an enjoyable ride of easy escapism. We both enjoyed this, sometimes gripping, series. But, we do wonder where the story will go, next.
Score 3.5/5

The Night Manager (Watched 3 episodes of Season 2, so far) BBC 1

About

“The night manager of a Cairo hotel is recruited to infiltrate an arms dealer’s inner circle.” (IMDB)

I have tuned in for the second series hoping that it will match the gripping, intelligent, well-executed plots of the first. The gap between series one and two was a little long and I had forgotten what happened at the end of the first series. It’s very stylish and glossy. I’m looking forward to the remaining episodes!
Score 4.5/5

Trigger Point (Watched) on ITV X

About
“Drama series following Lana Washington, an experienced bomb disposal officer working for the Metropolitan Police.” (IMDB)

This series was recommended by some friends. Following a few episodes, I wasn’t fully drawn into the storyline as I found the first few episodes a little repetitive – find bomb, clear area, bomb discharged. There wasn’t much choice, viewing-wise, at the time, so persevered. I’m glad because the story did pick up. I did find it a tad unrealistic because Vicky McClure’s character, who was the number one bomb squad person, was also solving the crime even though she was surrounded by detectives, commanders, armed response, and Counter Terrorism.
Score 3/5

Nuremberg (Watched) available on Sky Cinema and Now TV

About
“A WWII psychiatrist evaluates Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials, growing increasingly obsessed with understanding evil as he forms a disturbing bond with Hermann Göring.” (IMDB)

I knew little of the finer detail surrounding the Nuremberg war trials before watching, though I had seen photographs from these events following the atrocities that took place.

Both Russell Crowe and Rami Malek delivered thought-provoking performances, offering an insight into the humanity, morality, and legalities at play. The story is heavy as it should be, and the cast made everything feel genuine for the era.
Score 5/5

Trespass – (Watched) Available to watch on Channel 4
About
“A Catholic teacher and a Protestant solicitor defending IRA members engage in a forbidden relationship amidst the tensions of 1970s Northern Ireland in this adaptation of Louise Kennedy’s award-winning novel.” (IMDB)
Score 4/5

The Girlfriend (Watched) Available on Prime Video
About
“Laura’s idyllic life is shattered when her son’s new girlfriend appears suspicious. She’s determined to protect him, but her actions spiral out of control. Is she justifiably cautious or consumed by paranoia?” (IMDB)

I am a fan of Robin Wright, so I was curious to give this a watch. She also produced, directed and starred in this thriller. I found it to be glossy escapism, and there are some nice little twists and turns, but a few downturns too, still worthy of a watch.
Score 3/5

Other Series watched and to come….

“Task” – starring one of my favourite actors Mark Ruffello (Watched). Score 4/5

“It’s All Her Fault” – starring Sarah Snook from the series Succession (Watched) Score 4/5

“Girl Taken” – has just started and stars Jill Halfpenny – available on Paramount+ (not fully watched – good so far)

“Hijack” – (TV series), starring Idris Elba – begins on February 14th (Apple TV) (not watched)

Films

Wake Up Dead Man (Watched) Available on Netflix

About
“Detective Benoit Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest to investigate a perfectly impossible crime at a small-town church with a dark history.” (IMDB)

This is the third instalment of the Knives Out film series. I enjoy a good old-fashioned “whodunnit”, and this film ticks all the boxes. Daniel Craig, with his affected Southern accent as Detective Benoit Blanc, is very believable and in true Knives Out fashion, everyone is a suspect. Blanc has to unravel the truth in his own inimitable way. Pure pleasure for a few hours of escapism.
Score 4/5

Frankenstein (to watch) Available on Netflix

About
“Dr Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist, brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.” (IMDB)

Real Life Crime

Murder at the Post Office (watched). Available to watch on Sky Documentaries, and to stream on NOW (Watched).

About
“In 2010, the Yorkshire village of Melsonby was left in disbelief when postmistress Diana Garbutt was found murdered in the flat above the post office she ran with her husband, Robin.” (IMDB)

I was interested to watch this follow-up as we watched this crime play out in real time. It gives a good insight into what has taken place, since.

Documentaries

The Beatles Anthology (watched three episodes). Available on Disney+

About
“The Beatles candidly tell their own story with all its complexities and contradictions.” (IMDB)

I was late getting into the Beatles music. A musician friend of mine, who is a huge fan, downloaded all of their music for me to see if they appealed. I was going on holiday, so I had the opportunity to have a good listen. I was in my forties at the time, and I was smitten, immediately. This is the best account of the very best band ever, The Beatles
Score 5/5

Girl Bands Forever (Watched). Available on BBC iPlayer

About

“Girl power and killer harmonies. Stars from All Saints, Mis-Teeq and more take a trip through the highs and lows of 90s pop and beyond – from adoration to the flip side of fame.” (IMDB)

Most of us are familiar with the girls featured in this documentary. It was interesting to gain an insight into what really happened behind the scenes. Not all good – it is worth a watch for nostalgia, even if they, the bands, were not your thing. I have a soft spot for the Sugababes and All Saints, and still dance around the kitchen to a few of their tunes.
Score 3.5/5

Mr. Scorsese – This documentary is available on Apple TV (yet to watch)

About
“Follows the life and career of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese.” (IMDB)

I am a huge fan of Martin Scorsese – so I’m excited to find out how he developed his love for movies and the craft of acting and filmmaking.

I hope you have enjoyed my post, which is not sponsered.  If you have any comments or recommendations yourself, please let me know in the comments as I/we go through a lot of TV series and films, in our household.  Share my post (below) with anyone who may find it useful, hopefully enjoyable.

Until the next time!!

Alison