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

[vgerdes]

Fantasy is my favorite genre, whether it be TV, movies or books, with mysteries being a close second. The Sandman and Moonhaven are recent favorites, and Lord of the Rings is my all time favorite on the big screen. But I also love a good historical drama, a la Vikings or The Last Kingdom. I also have an enduring allegiance to all things Marvel.

I agree with Japanfan about sci fi being a bit too technical at times. But when it's done well, I enjoy it very much.

 

[made_in_canada]

I like both but what I really enjoy is when a series can be called quirky. So "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency" or "Made for Love" or "Resident Alien" is more in my wheelhouse. I liked fantasy more as a younger women and science fiction as I aged. I have no idea why.

Dirk Gently was so much fun! I don't generally like science fiction, but that I liked. I also really like The Orville, especially now that it's found it's groove.

 

[Bunny Hop]

I was a big science fiction fan but then over the years the genre was overrun with science fantasy and it's just not my thing. I don't hate it all. But I prefer more grounding in reality.

My problem with science fiction TV in recent years has been the lack of what I consider 'real sci fi' i.e. distinctive characters in spaceships having adventures. Which is also why I was grateful when The Orville came along, because once I got past it being Star Trek fan fiction it was exactly what I was looking for. Also why I have fully embraced Strange New Worlds.

I can't read historical fiction anymore but I can get into on TV when it's well dramatised, although I sometimes feel like screaming when they change the real story for something that is (in my opinion) less interesting. I think I enjoyed The White Queen because it was a period I didn't know so much about (but it made me go out and get some non-fiction books), whereas it took me a while to get into The Tudors because it went so far off track, particularly in season 1. Once I just embraced it as being completely bonkers I enjoyed it much more (enough that I'm currently re-watching it on Britbox).

 

[Buzz]

I love sci-fi and fantasy stuff. It’s pure escapism for me. But for some reason once I fall out of love with something I don’t go back. That’s the way it is for me with The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones.

 

[Jimena]

I finished season 2 of Never Have I Ever. I was disappointed. It has to do with the acting. I don't think the actress who plays Devi is that good. And a lot of the other "teens" are not that great either. The actress who plays Neesa is an exception.

But I'll watch season 3. Quickly.

 

[clairecloutier]

I generally prefer sci-fi to fantasy. A lot of my favorite-ever movies and shows are science fiction. The possibilities of the future and the unknown in space really interest me. I do like there to be some grounding in technical details, but I don’t want that part to dominate. I don’t like all sci-fi, either. For example, I’ve never been into Star Trek. I’ve watched various Trek series and movies, but never go back to any of them. Overall I’m not really into the franchise, and it’s hard to say why exactly, when there are so many other sci-fi shows that I love.

Fantasy has to be really well-done for me to get into, like at the level of Game of Thrones or the LOTR movies. With good acting and writing.

I enjoy historical fiction shows and movies too, and generally don’t mind when they change some of the real-life details. In fact, it can be kind of interesting to look at what exact changes they made. If it gets too far off course, though, then I’ll start to lose interest. Like we watched the first season of The Great but haven’t bothered with the second season, because the show was so ludicrous historically, and I felt like I had already kind of gotten the “joke” or the conceit with the first season, so no real need to go on.

 

[vgerdes]

I love sci-fi and fantasy stuff. It’s pure escapism for me.

That's it. Exactly. I want to lose myself in a different world.

 

[sk8pics]

My problem with science fiction TV in recent years has been the lack of what I consider 'real sci fi' i.e. distinctive characters in spaceships having adventures. Which is also why I was grateful when The Orville came along, because once I got past it being Star Trek fan fiction it was exactly what I was looking for. Also why I have fully embraced Strange New Worlds.

I’m enjoying Strange New Worlds too. I’ve watched 4 episodes so far and will finish the rest over the next week. Maybe I’ll try The Orville next.

I am enjoying SNW’s take on the early history of some of the classic Trek characters, but I get a bit confused at times, because some things are not quite right. I need to read up a bit on the series to figure out the exact setting and scenarios they’re starting with, but I’m going to wait until I finish the episodes.

 

[Bunny Hop]

I don’t like all sci-fi, either. For example, I’ve never been into Star Trek. I’ve watched various Trek series and movies, but never go back to any of them. Overall I’m not really into the franchise, and it’s hard to say why exactly, when there are so many other sci-fi shows that I love.

I am like that with Star Wars. On paper I should love it, but it's never grabbed me. I'll watch, but I don't go back to them again.

Maybe I’ll try The Orville next.

Maybe start with season 2, as they've got rid of most of the crude humour by then. It's not one where you really have to watch from the beginning to pick up what's going on. S1 is fine, but bear in mind there's a jump in script quality in S2.

 

[Cachoo]

That's it. Exactly. I want to lose myself in a different world.

I like fantasy within our present world. That is part of the charm of the Potter books.
Years ago I did a class-required thesis in a popular culture class about elements of fantasy on tv and film. I selected one tv show (Northern Exposure) and two films (Local Hero and Some Girls (1988) because they included contemporary settings mostly grounded in reality with these hints of fantasy. And they all had quirk ( I love quirk.) Give me that sort of fantasy.

 

[Spikefan]

We didn’t know what to watch tonight and I’m tired of ruling things out based on a preview, so I randomly selected Bad Sisters on Apple. So far so good, Big Little Lies vibe.

 

[puglover]

I am probably giving away my age but I feel so many good shows are ruined by constant swearing. Not just here and there to express an intense emotion but the writer's job seems mighty easy.when you reuse a few words every sentence. I watched "The Thief, the Wife and the Canoe " on BritBox and quite enjoyed that. It is actually a true story and the acting was excellent and very believable.

 

[LeafOnTheWind]

I finally got around to watching The Mind of a Cat.

1. It's a shame really that cat research is about 15 years behind dog research but I'm glad there are people who are determined to catch up.
2. I am fascinated that cats act differently in Japan and America and appear to be more socially adaptive than people thought they were.
3. I always knew cats were smarter than dogs. They know to greet by touching noses rather than sniffing butts. Just saying....

 

[sk9tingfan]

Just started watching Partner Track on NetFlix, about an Asian woman who after 6 years at an M & A law firm in Manhattan is trying to make partner. Lots of different angles but especially focuses on politics and how male associates continuously try to outmaneuver her. I'll continue to watch.

 

[Ananas Astra]

I got up last night to watch the new episode of "House of the Dragon" at 3 a.m. here in Europe and it was absolutely worth it.
I liked it even better than the series premiere.

 

[Buzz]

137 Shots - A documentary about the fatal police shooting of Malissa Williams and Tim Russell. So heartbreaking. It’s on Netflix.

 

[made_in_canada]

We watched The Rescue last night. I didn’t pay attention to the whole thing very closely when it happened but I knew everyone got out. Still found myself incredibly tense and holding my breath a lot. Both mr. mic and I had to watch something light before we could go to sleep afterwards. What a nightmare.

 

[Cachoo]

I decided to do a TUBI dive. Of course "Persuasion" popped up and though I have seen it repeatedly it is always a welcome film. Always. I moved on to "Mary Shelley" and I enjoyed that as well with some fine, young actors. Elle Fanning has a face for these period dramas. I'm a fan of Bel Powley and she doesn't disappoint as Mary's half sister. And then it was time for the television series called "Case Histories" based on the Kate Atkinson mysteries and starring Jason Isaacs. This was a treat...I didn't know of it before and this did a great job of staying very close to the books. Wonderful! And finally there was "Submergence" staring Alicia Vikander and James McAvoy and directed by Wim Wenders. I thought if I didn't like the film I could just sit at stare and Alicia and James. They are ridiculously beautiful imho. But this was a thoughtful and somber love story. I can see why some may not enjoy it. But I'm glad I watched it. And those two are truly ridiculously beautiful. Next weekend I need to DO something but I enjoyed my deep dive. TUBI

 

[Aussie Willy]

Killing Eve has been on my watchlist for quite a while and started watching it on the weekend. So glad I did. It is so good.

 

[text_skate]

Just started watching Partner Track on NetFlix, about an Asian woman who after 6 years at an M & A law firm in Manhattan is trying to make partner. Lots of different angles but especially focuses on politics and how male associates continuously try to outmaneuver her. I'll continue to watch.

I've watched it and enjoyed it. It's light. The lack of chemistry between the lead and her main love interest is what annoys me most. I think, they could've done better. The premise is really good. Hopefully there will be a second season. The ratings aren't great, the reviews very mixed.

 

[VGThuy]

I started reading the book, but then I saw they were turning it into a Netflix show. Once I saw the trailer, I no longer had an interest in reading the book or watching the show. Maybe I'll give it a chance.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

I watched the first five minutes of Partner Track and already knew it wasn’t my jam. The female friend was already annoying me.

 

[Jimena]

I finished watching Never Have I Ever. The third season was truly the best of them all. I have to say that I still find the lead's acting skills mediocre at best. But there are strong performances around her that make up for her shortcomings and make the series worthwhile.

 

[sk8pics]

I just finished watching Star Trek Strange New Worlds. Wow! I loved it! Loved the interaction of the characters. Loved Pike cooking for his crew. Loved the way you see explanations for things that occurred way back in the original series. I do feel like there’s some discrepancies, though, maybe this is a slightly altered timeline? Like Pike and his crew encountering Romulans and seeing what they looked like… although as I type this, I think that was an altered timeline, so never mind. Loved the final interaction between Pike and Spock in the season finale; you see where Spock’s sacrifice for Pike in the original series is rooted. Loved it!

 

[Buzz]

Inventing Anna: Rachel DeLoache Williams sues Netflix for defamation

Rachel DeLoache Williams says the true-life series caused "catastrophic damage" to her reputation.

www.bbc.com

 

[VGThuy]

Honestly, was it really the series that caused “catastrophic damage” to her reputation?

 

[MacMadame]

I do feel like there’s some discrepancies, though, maybe this is a slightly altered timeline?

I loved the series but some of the discrepancies in these prequels do bug me a bit. ST: Discovery too with Spock suddenly getting a half-sister. I tend to be pedantic though.

 

[sk9tingfan]

Finished The Partner Track. Somewhat predictable in general but especially the cad the lead character fell for who knifed her in the back three times before the end of the season. Her tendency to trust those who only used her dominated. And she foolishly dumped the fiancé, a really good guy who adored her for the cad. It will be interesting to see if it is renewed for a second season.

 

[Bunny Hop]

I loved the series but some of the discrepancies in these prequels do bug me a bit. ST: Discovery too with Spock suddenly getting a half-sister. I tend to be pedantic though.

This. How many frickin half-siblings does Spock have?

 

[sk8pics]

This. How many frickin half-siblings does Spock have?

I am thinking that Discovery is an altered timeline, or isn’t it? Anyway, Vulcans love so much longer than humans it’s not really shocking that there could be some half-siblings.

I also have enjoyed the couple of episodes of the Ready Room that I’ve watched.