Netflix/Prime/Hulu/BritBox Binge Watching: Coronavirus Edition

[clairecloutier]

I thought there was some significant criticism of this series for it's unrealistic portrayal of the period?

It was not meant to be a realistic portrayal. The series explored the historical construct of slavery, created and enforced through law in the American South, through the lens of fiction and using fantastical/surreal elements. It was not a historical but magical realist kind of approach.

I think this is one of the reasons the show didn’t find a big audience—people didn’t understand what it was, or it wasn’t what they were expecting.

 

[Seerek]

Speaking of this, I was upset the British anthology series, Small Axe, directed by Steve McQueen, did not receive any nominations whatsoever. I don’t know if it was too British for American audiences (then what is The Crown?) but it was one of the best things I’ve seen. Film critics of all people loved it so much that they put either the whole thing or individual parts on their best films of the year lists for 2020 thinking it “transcended” television (not sure I agree with that because why can’t television be as artful as cinema?). It was probably the most heralded “film” of 2020 behind Nomadland.

Prime Video (where Small Axe aired) seems to be lagging a bit to the other services as far as nominations go, and the Miniseries/Movie category was pretty stacked this year. John Boyega still should have been nominated.

 

[clairecloutier]

Looking back on the Emmy nominations, I would've really liked to see some nominations for For All Mankind. Season 2 of this show was really good and thought-provoking IMO. Honestly, I'd personally put it above either Bridgerton or The Mandalorian. It would've also been nice to see some of the actors from the show nominated, especially Michael Dorman and Sarah Jones, but Sonya Walger and Joel Kinnaman were very good too. I hate how certain shows just wipe up all the nominations, leaving nothing for less well-known series. Like, did Emerald Fennell really need to be nominated for The Crown? Her part was pretty small.

 

[VGThuy]

I liked Ferrell a lot in The Crown but I agree with you. That show really isn't that good to be dominating all the awards.

 

[Buzz]

Invasion - Official trailer

Invasion — Official Trailer | Apple TV+

We are not alone. Extraterrestrial beings have made their way to Earth from across the universe. Civilization could collapse. And survival is up to you. Feel...

www.youtube.com

 

[Cachoo]

I watched "Wait for Your Laugh" and was blown away from the history in the life of this entertainer. The focus was Rose Marie and her colorful, busy life. It was a lot of footage that was included in the film and a lot of interesting characters (Al Capone!) that were in and out of her long life. If you like 20th century entertainment history (vaudeville, radio, movies, Vegas, television, touring) this woman has done it all. Very interesting. https://youtu.be/GHrXsf-Z3dw

 

[Buzz]

Steve Ditko’s estate is suing Marvel and Disney to regain the rights to Dr. Strange and Spider-Man. The film rights to Spider-Man are owned by Sony which is not named in the lawsuit. Marvel says Ditko worked for them and created the characters on their behave so the lawsuit has no merit. We will see.

Steve Ditko Estate Attempts to Reclaim Spider-Man, Doctor Strange Copyrights

The estate of comic legend Steve Ditko is attempting to reclaim copyright on Ditko's co-creations, Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, from Marvel Comics

www.cbr.com

 

[VGThuy]

Thanks for the article! It brings up such an interesting legal issue and some muddy waters for both artists and their employers.

 

[Cachoo]

Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson! YASSS! https://youtu.be/trwq3CNCMkU

Anyone watch "Foundation" yet? https://youtu.be/GCtQ70knyeo

 

[MacMadame]

Anyone watch "Foundation" yet? https://youtu.be/GCtQ70knyeo

I'm trying to decide if I should re-read the books first or if that is a very bad idea.

 

[Cachoo]

I'm trying to decide if I should re-read the books first or if that is a very bad idea.

I don't know...I'm usually disappointed especially if I loved the book.

 

[cygnus]

I thought there was some significant criticism of this series for it's unrealistic portrayal of the period?

The book has been described as "afrofuturism"- it's not meant to be a historical depiction, but a fantasy based on the period, based on true situations and events. For example the railroad is a literal underground railroad- it's not trying to portray history- that's not the point.

edit- oops, I missed clairecloutier's response, which basically says the same thing

 

[MacMadame]

I don't know...I'm usually disappointed especially if I loved the book.

Yes but these kinds of series often need context to follow them. So it's a conundrum.

 

[Cachoo]

I'm a fan of "The Expanse" and I know people who've read the series and know what is coming: I like not knowing and being surprised along the way.

 

[kwanfan1818]

I recently subscribed to Britbox, and I binge-watched the new Father Brown and then the lone season of the old Father Brown, and they are so, so different.

Now I'm on Vera. of missing seasons 1-2 and 5-6. But the worst is that there's a phrase of the theme music that reminds me of the "Paint it Black" phrase, and now both are alternating earworms

 

[Cachoo]

I recently subscribed to Britbox, and I binge-watched the new Father Brown and then the lone season of the old Father Brown, and they are so, so different.

Now I'm on Vera. of missing seasons 1-2 and 5-6. But the worst is that there's a phrase of the theme music that reminds me of the "Paint it Black" phrase, and now both are alternating earworms

I’m watching Vera tonight. I am almost out of episodes. This who done it has the kind of twists and turns I like in a mystery. I also liked Unforgotten. When Michael K Williams died I went back and watched different scenes from The Wire….just an amazing show.

 

[Japanfan]

I’m watching Vera tonight. I am almost out of episodes. This who done it has the kind of twists and turns I like in a mystery. I also liked Unforgotten. When Michael K Williams died I went back and watched different scenes from The Wire….just an amazing show.

To me, it seems there have been so many Vera episodes. I loved Brenda Blethyn and her character (also loved her in 'Secrets and Lies'), and the series is very well-done and intriguing. But the series was a gift that just kept giving, and I didn't like it all that much. But now we've run out of episodes.

Are there another season coming?

 

[Buzz]

Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson! YASSS! https://youtu.be/trwq3CNCMkU

Anyone watch "Foundation" yet? https://youtu.be/GCtQ70knyeo

I really want to watch Foundation but I am waiting until more episodes drop.

 

[Cachoo]

To me, it seems there have been so many Vera episodes. I loved Brenda Blethyn and her character (also loved her in 'Secrets and Lies'), and the series is very well-done and intriguing. But the series was a gift that just kept giving, and I didn't like it all that much. But now we've run out of episodes.

Are there another season coming?

I thought BritBox had recently released a few episodes of Season 11?? So more to come?? I’m not sure.

 

[sk9tingfan]

And my best escape has returned; The Great British Baking Show! So camp!

 

[text_skate]

To me, it seems there have been so many Vera episodes. I loved Brenda Blethyn and her character (also loved her in 'Secrets and Lies'), and the series is very well-done and intriguing. But the series was a gift that just kept giving, and I didn't like it all that much. But now we've run out of episodes.

Are there another season coming?

This Augsut/September itv aired the first to episodes of series 11. The remaining 4 eps will most likely air early in 2022

Vera season 11: release date, cast, trailer and latest news

Brenda Blethyn returns as DCI Vera Stanhope in the final episodes of season 11 of the ITV drama.

www.radiotimes.com

 

[MacMadame]

I really want to watch Foundation but I am waiting until more episodes drop.

I probably should have done that.

I'm not sure how I feel about it. There's only 1 character I actually liked and they are gone already.

 

[Buzz]

Stranger Things season 4 trailer:

STRANGER THINGS Season 4 Trailer (NEW, 2022)

STRANGER THINGS Season 4 Trailer (NEW, 2022) Creel House© 2021 - Netflix

www.youtube.com

 

[clairecloutier]

I was excited to see Foundation, but the first 2 episodes left me cold. The show is visually resplendent but boring. I didn’t feel drawn to any of the characters, and I didn’t understand their interactions in many cases, particularly in regard to the storyline around the professor. The emperor, as played by Lee Pace, seems like a standard egotistical baddie, and I couldn’t be less interested in what he does next. The episodes felt very long. I don’t know if there’s a chance it might improve, but I don’t think I can sit through much more of it.

ETA: obviously this is JMO. I was scanning reviews on Google, and many people there liked it much more than I did.

 

[MacMadame]

I was excited to see Foundation, but the first 2 episodes left me cold. The show is visually resplendent but boring. I didn’t feel drawn to any of the characters, and I didn’t understand their interactions in many cases, particularly in regard to the storyline around the professor. The emperor, as played by Lee Pace, seems like a standard egotistical baddie and I couldn’t be less interested in what he does next. The episodes felt very long. I don’t know if there’s a chance it might improve, but I don’t think I can sit through much more of it.

It's all very esoteric too. It's hard to film stories based on math and philosophy and I don't think they've managed it.

Now that you mention it, I do like some of the tension between the 3 leaders who are all the same guy only not exactly.

 

[annie720]

Is anyone watching the newly released Korean drama Squid Game? It's apparently very popular on Netflix. It has sort of a Hunger Games plot and the first episode may be the most violent thing I've ever watched. We're intrigued, though, and will at least watch the second episode.

 

[Jimena]

And my best escape has returned; The Great British Baking Show! So camp!

I so love this show. I'm so glad it's back. Loving Jurgen and Giuseppe already.

 

[kwanfan1818]

Having run out of BritBox Vera episodes, I'm now binging on Gavin and Stacey.

In episode 2, season 3, I have now become a Smithy uber. In it, he goes on a rant about being expected to share what he's ordered whenever anyone orders Indian or Chinese food. A man after my own heart, even if he is an arsehole in general.

Of course, Nessa is on the same page, but Nessa is my TV goddess. Especially after she ordered in Italian.

It all comes back to food in the end.

 

[manhn]

I finished the final season of Dear White People. The musical concept is not well liked and I can’t say I loved it, but ultimately I found this season better than the third season. The overall story arc was more compelling (I don’t care about The Order) and the ensemble felt more cohesive. Joelle will be one of my favourite characters on television in the last few years.

 

[manhn]

I now just finished The Chair. I watched because it stars Sandra Oh, but the show ended up being about the stereotypical middle aged white male charming but irresponsible professor. Ugh. Too bad.