While there wasn’t a lot in the way of new broadcast TV during the holiday period, as is normal, I ended up probably watching more TV than I normally would have during a time when I’d be doing big movie catch-ups. And a lot of that falls on Netflix for having so much stuff I’m enjoying.
The big new discovery this week was Derry Girls, a six-episode series based in 1992 Ireland as it deals with a group of mostly foul-mouthed girls and their problems. Placing it within the Troubles is definitely interesting (and eye-opening for some, weirdly nostalgic in some ways for others) and I found myself laughing far, far, too much at the shenanigans these girls into and what poor James gets put into position to deal with. So many characters, so many weird moments, that I can’t quite pin down a dark horse favorite character beyond Sister Michael and just the quiet exasperation of having to deal with all of this.
Before getting into that I finished off the rest of Hot Date and I must have been overtired because, like Derry Girls, I found myself laughing way too hard the further in it went. The final four episodes just had me giddy and I want more of this show ASAP.
I did take in the final couple of episodes of Travelers and that series delivered for me in full. I’m 50/50 about wanting more and wanting this to be a true closure point but I know I’ll always lean more into wanting more. It’s such a strong work that has so much more it can explore.
Netflix recommended the Flowers series to me based on my love of Olivia Colman but the show just fell far too flat. I barely made it through the first before I bailed.
I did, however, start watching a recent addition with Pine Gap. This one plays to some interesting politics in the present day between the US and Australia while focusing on the thriller/mystery part. That it’s just six episodes helps a lot because it’s more focused and with less fluff.
Beyond that, it’s now just the wait for shows to come back and new things to start up, like the new season for Brooklyn 99 and I’m Sorry as well as the final season of You’re the Worst. Lots of good stuff ahead!