Love_Life_Laughter Reviews

Being Erica (2009–2011)

Moving depiction of love in all its forms and lessons we learn from it

[9/10 · 13 May 2024]

The incandescent Erin Karpluk brings to life the character of Erica, who bottoms out on her 32nd birthday when she is fired from her umpteenth dead end job and is dumped by her boyfriend to boot. But her rock bottom leads to the complete successful restructuring of her life through magical time-travel fueled therapy with Dr. Tom, who helps Erica to go back to the past and redo her list of regrets. As she undergoes this process, Erica - and we along side her - learn that redoing the past is not always so simple, and the new solution not so clear. I found this show to be very profound in the realistic portrayal of self-limitation through outmoded beliefs, and the unconscious havoc those old beliefs create when we act on them without awareness in present day relationships. As Erica goes on to explore her beliefs regarding family, friendships, career, and love relationships, the subtlety of the episodes becomes more palpable. Ultimately Erica and Dr Tom demonstrate the deepest of love for each other, while remaining within appropriate boundaries, letting go so each can grow in the way they need. The series has an epic quality that belies the gags and funny bylines that are sprinkled within each episode. It is one of the few that takes on - and succeeds -in depicting the process of emotional and spiritual growth. It is wonderful to learn along with Erica the subtle gray choices that life presents and the consequences of those choices, and to experience the warmth and tenderness of the Dr Tom relationship. Touching, enlightening, beautiful, endearing and fun. A big and sincere Thank You.

The Family Stallone (2023– )

Better Lives than Yours

[9/10 · 4 April 2024]

This modern take on family life of the Rich and Famous is hard to resist. It is a fortune built on mental toughness - the legend goes that the then unknown writer Sly Stallone's first script Rocky was turned down 100 times and when finally conditionally accepted with Sly not playing the lead, he turned THEM down. Now that is b-lls. Apparently even his almost impossibly beautiful and wealthy young daughters suffer from dating insecurity - I cringe and laugh in recollection. Note to much younger, 27-year-old self, don't sweat it so much, it will all work out! What is so endearing about this tribe is the undercurrent of appreciation they have for each other and for their hard-earned lifestyle. Sly remarking that the New York he remembers - sleeping on couches and even doorsteps - is not what his daughters experience, and the careful care he and his just as talented wife take in raising them for a tough world despite their privileges, is truly touching. Seize the moment, and love each other while you can, is the watchword of this family. An affirmation of life and of a life well lived.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Far Beyond the Stars (1998) Season 6, Episode 13

Oscar worthy material and performances

[10/10 · 25 March 2024]

Every once in a while within a long, high quality series, an outstanding episode just stands out as incredible. This episode portrays the cost of the modern world in such a compelling way that it rocks you back. The theme is the soul crushing impact of those in power refusing to acknowledge the humanity of thise they have power over. Often dowmplayed to more material considerations such as financial or voting disenfranchisement, this episode deals with the emotional and even spiritual impact of being treated as less than a human being. Avery Brooks character's pain is raw and shattering. Too bad the producers of this series were unable to take their own material to heart, making Terry Farrell as Dax so uncomfortable by allegedly subjecting her to comments on her bra cup size over the 6 years she was on the show, and treating her the woman as replaceable with little thanks or dignity. Two steps forward, three steps back.

Doctor Foster: A Woman Scorned (2015–2017)

Flawless Family Dynamics

[8/10 · 18 February 2024]

Suranne Jones is one of those rare actors who can project without words the lies we tell ourselves, fleeting emotions flitting across her face, until she finally selltles on a version of internal truth she can live with. Here she plays a mother who realizes, too late, that the prize she has been fighting for - her teenage sons affections, understanding and respect- cannot be won at the expense of besting his father, no matter how righteous her fight. It is a tragedy as old as Shakespeare, and not a word of dialogue or characterization feels false in this gripping, suspenseful world. Incredible acting throughout.

Really a tutorial on emotional co-dependency, the lead character, Gemma, is convinced she can outwit her way back to "normal," but has not factored in her own culpability- the years of emotional distance from her son, and her equally long period of denial regarding her deeply flawed husband. At the end if the journey, Gemma finally holds herself accountable, instead of as a victim, but at the ultimate price. A heart-rendingly accurate depiction of the emotional cost for parents who fight through their children and the lasting damage thst results. Gripping. Suspenseful and heart-wrenching.

WandaVision (2021)

Elizabeth Kubler Ross meets Superwoman

[8/10 · 21 January 2024]

Lots of unexpected subtlety here - in the depiction of the stages of grief, in the (admittedly ironic) reflection upon the role of escapist entertainment, and even a little bit on the path of self-discovery. All wrapped in bubblegum, served as childplay, but resonating more deeply nonetheless, as if encoded. Like The Truman Show, depicting the slow breaking down of false reality to heart-breaking truth: a movie with lots of layers. Gob-smacking, nuanced performances. Not what I anticipated - like finding a novel in a crackerjack box (remember those?). As a result, for me personally, a little creepy. I feel like I may be missing a layer or two. Not completely what is seems.

The Gilded Age: In Terms of Winning and Losing (2023) Season 2, Episode 8

Cliffhanger!

[9/10 · 11 January 2024]

It is interesting to see one of the leading British media moguls take on the history of the American upper crust. Pardon me for perhaps too hard on my own countrymen, but my impression is that they were not half so kindly (or THIN!! - especially those American steak guzzling men!) as portrayed. Sit next to any Harvard business school graduate on a plane in first class and the impression is a non-penetrable wall of self-satisfied, self-congratulary belief in personal superiority that evinces zero concern for anyone not of their class. Remember this is the generation of consultants that gleefully moved the salary inequality needle from the top 5% owning 98% of the wealth from 25 years ago to the top 1% of today with that percent. Perhaps that one episode regarding whites visiting a black restaurant, brazenly looking for trouble amongst the peaceful diners, was the closest this series came to revealing the mean underbelly of America.

My suspicion is that Mr.. Fellowes is just too nice a guy. The depiction of the real differences in wealth and lifestlye in this period of the US doesnt make for good TV storytelling, like not seeing too many depictions of the separation of infants from their mothers at the US border, perhaps never to be reuited. Puts a kind of damper on the whole mood in the room.

Having said that, what a great show and such a treat! Meticulous detail, and fully drawn characters, and compelling new storylines and background stories. Cant wait for the next season! I am reminded of another media leader, Seth MacFarlane, who similarly writes with such realism, wisdom, entertainment value, and faith in the better character aspects of humanity. What a collaboration that would be! At any rate, thank you Mr. Fellowes, for the wonderful entertainment, and the implied compliments on the American character!

The Pigeon Tunnel (2023)

The art of "exquisite self-hatred"

[9/10 · 7 January 2024]

The startling honesty of this fascinating interview reflects the shadow boxing interplay of John LeCarres ouevre. Mr LeCarre is the pre-eminent painter of quiet existential despair, the life of the double-dealing spy as metaphor for the lives of quiet desperation we all ostensibly live, reflecting the every day mask of propriety society demands of us all.

I for one complletely believe the utter guilelessness the famous author purports to evince here, and it is both fascinating and touching. His horrific childhood, bookmarked by a conscience-free, jailbait con-man father and the mother that abandoned him as a young child, is coined as the "credit card" for his art.

This is not the world of James Bond, but the gray world of betrayal without moral absolutes. In the end, this respectful interview hoping to get at the heart of this great author is as poignant as any of his beautifully crafted, universally sad novels.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Now THERE's a Movie!

[9/10 · 2 January 2024]

As humanity moves forward towards becoming what Gary Zukav would call multi-sensory beings, we collectively sense that our laboratories and other traditional perceptions of reality are increasingly outmoded. This movie bravely takes that on, and against all odds, succeeds. What to believe in when our traditional values and science just seem to lead us to trash the planet and ourselves with it? As our heroine moves from one multi-verse reality to another, for a brief moment it appears that the traditional definition of success - fame and fortune - is what winning means, even across multple realities. Then he say to her, in his fancy tux, "I would have loved to run a coin laundry in another life -- with you." And suddenly we are anchored, and we know what it is all for, the confusion and the fighting. As anyone who looks in at a loved one, even an annoying one, at the end of an long exhausting day, we know what its all for. True that! Michelle Yeoh is a bad--ss, the artistry of her discipline is breath-taking. Amazing.

Halftime (2022)

Hero

[10/10 · 13 December 2023]

A genuinely moving portrait of perhaps the hardest working, least narcissitic celebrity ever. Going in, I hadnt realized how much the media had shaped my view, creating a bubble in which Ms Lopez is portrayed as of interest primarily terms of her personal life, the ultimate insult for a woman of her achievements. D---med if you do, D--med if you dont. I so respect her for making a poltical statement, with the cages and children, in the Superbowl. It is still dumbfounding to me that anyone would follow orders to separate and cage children in this our United States. That the film industry ignores her is a declaration of victory for the misogynistic, belittling press. Apparently #metoo is a white movement. You keep climbing against the odds, you are bringing all of those young Latinas up with you.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Subspace Rhapsody (2023) Season 2, Episode 9

Open your heart...

[10/10 · 12 November 2023]

One of the most original and entertaining episodes ever in the Star Trek ouevre! This one is upbthere with the classic original series episode about visiting a planet where all if the crew got to live out their secret, unstated dreams. Love the sheer joy of self expression that suffused the cast. One or two of the "numbers" were on a almost Broadway scale. Such talent ! Who knew? Some of the songs were incredibly moving. Genuinely creative story telling that brings star trek to a new dimension - pun intended! Musical score and lyrics were superior, choreography lovely. Pissant belitting reviews banned for this episode!!!

Lessons in Chemistry (2023)

Mr Spock meets Gloria Steinem

[10/10 · 11 November 2023]

I have refrained from writing additional IMDB reviews in a largely irrelevent gesture of support for the Hollywood writers strike. So it is fitting to review this exquisitely funny, real and fresh show, which is all about the intelligence, bravado and sheer guts it takes to identify and fight "the system" (read stupid, narcissistic, spoiled rich - usually men- who pathologically measure the size of you-know-what by counting the meaningless numbers of zeros in their bank account - sound familiar SAG AFTRA?) Oops... I might be slipping inadvertently into the main character here- YOU get the effing coffee! - boy that felt good to say. I love the concept of the pretty blonde with a steel trap mind who logically and relentlessly refuses to pander for crumbs or second place, set in super-conformist 1950's US. I hope those on the other side of the equation take this as an opportunity to see how pitiful their greed and power games renders them. And a nod to Apple, (this is on Apple TV) whos Chief Executive took a paycut during covid rather than fire workers. History will denigrate those so-called recent leaders who went out of their way not just to fire workers but deliberately humiliate them by doing so en masse during a routine zoom meeting. You deserve all of the smarmy yes men and women thst remain around you. Super relevant, timely and fun entertainment thank you!

Endeavour: Exeunt (2023) Season 9, Episode 3

Poignant and haunting human tragedy

[10/10 · 24 August 2023]

Setting the tone for 36 years of delivery of the consistently highest arch of entertainment, it is befitting that this classic prequel ends with Shakespeare. There is no author that better reflects how the seemingly random foibles of fate can ruin the most promising and ardent of young loves. So it is with Morse and Joan Thursday. One feels they two belong together with every fiber of our being, but through a combination of stubbornness, PTSD, and plain old bad luck, have managed to miss each other completely. Since we know Morses future, we also know this is not something he recovers from. He remains alone, doomed to the occasional affair, a tragedy of epic proportions given Morses innate capacity for loving as well as his contributions to society. Thus the character study is complete, and incredibly moving. The love story- for that too is what it is- between Morse and partner Thursday has a similarly impactful denouement, Morse ultimately sacrificing his deeply held moral principles to shield his mentor and friend. The last scene between Morse and Thursday is worthy of the Shakespearean stage. Many a flower...

Madam Secretary (2014–2019)

Compelling, Intelligent and In-Charge Tea Leoni

[10/10 · 8 August 2023]

The quality of this series is truly outstanding, anchored by the beautiful and.intelligent Tea Leoni as both actress in title role, and one of the producers. Her husband on the show is her long term partner in real life. There is an ease of empowerment and self actualization to the lead character of Madam Secretary that reflects this built in politically empowering show structure and cast, so rare for a female actor (and so common for male lead actors).

Leoni's Madam Secretary capitalizes upon rather than apologizes for her feminity, never shouting, becoming quieter and more focused as the urgency of a given crisis rises. The other characters have to lean in to hear. Her intelligence is often emotional EQ, although she has plenty of the traditional IQ, and her ability to understand and predict human nature is what serves her US President time and again. It is the ultimate lesson in what most misogynists are missing.

The artful and realistic balance depicted here between the life of the family and the dangerous work of the government is totally new and unique. What a wonderful contribution to our lexicon. Leoni's Madam Secretary loves her family, loves her work, isnt perfect at either, and makes it work.

The writing is amazing: complex political situations are outlined simply but are never charicatures. Discussions are centered with an eye towards the moral high ground, but always in varying shades of gray, and with an eye to foibles of the involved personalities. Not only are situations not easy, neither are answers , and compromises as well as sharply unhappy endings often result. I cant think of a more subtle and intelligent presentation of the need for negotiations and compromises that are utterly believable as a part of daily governmental decision-making.

Totally binge worthy and surprisingly relevant to today. A poweful artistic forum.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

Surprisingly modern and touching love story

[8/10 · 9 July 2023]

Whatever else they are, the Bristish aristocracy are completely dedicated to their own preservation. In this clever and surprisingly fresh tale, the mystery of the so-called Great Experiment unfolds, with the young 17 year old Queen Charlotte at its core.

The stunning secret is this- young and handsome King George III is barking mad, the crown is at risk, and British Parliament are circling like vultures to unseat him.

The unspoken realization is that this affliction is from years of intermarriage across a very narrow bloodline. In their desperation, his mother the Queen selects as a bride the young German princess Charlotte, who for all intents and purposes is as far from the troublesome, incestuous typical bloodlines as possible- she is mixed race, and rather darked skinned with kinky hair. What ensues is fun to watch, as the Queen must bribe her way into her new daughter-in-laws life by granting more and more priviledges to "those people, who, though they have fortune and position, are STILL not like us." They do not factor in Charlotte, howver, who elevates her role above and beyond royal brood mare, ensuring equality for all of her subjects including the newly formed black aristocracy (created so Charlotte would not stick out quite so much), and rescuing her husband the King from the midievil tortures that passed for mental health treatment of the day. Most moving was the acceptance and support she shared with King George, providing for him a haven of love and acceptance even in his madness. In the end, historically, Charlotte prevailed, her son Edgar fathered the famous Queen Victoria the First, and there was no hint of madness from any of their 15 children (although it may have skipped a generation or two after Victoria).

What is so delicious is watching the fully drawn characters wheedle and manipulate. One may not always find them likeable, but has to admire their tenacity in doing whatever is necessary to hold on to what is theirs, including branding one's own son the King with hot irons.

Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise (2015 TV Movie)

Moody, mournful yet redeeming Robert B Parker mystery

[9/10 · 30 June 2023]

Author Robert B Parker is best known for his Spenser mystery series, about a self-desribed handsome thug of a Boston detective who dates a sexy Harvard psychologist. Spenser freely quotes classic literature and poetry while beating down the bad guys with his similarly well educated partner in "thugery", Hawk.

Parker's Jesse Stone series is set in a small sea side town north of Boston with the ironic name of Paradise. Beautifully shot, with an arresting and sad score, this series explores the hidden criminal underbelly of suburbia, in which even the good guys like Jesse fight addiction to alcohol and toxic ex-wives, returning home alone to similarly mournful pets. Tom Selleck and the rest of the incredibly on-point, well-casted crew hit just the right note, patiently journeying through life, being as kind and honorable as their life circumstances allow.

Parker has a nose for the surburban pretentious and lost, and for turning obvious judgements of morality on it's hesd, here painting the guy running high-end prostitution as having more feeling than the local dirty vice cop. Come for the action, stay for the richly painted subtly drawn characters and quiet, centered sense of self -reflection evoked in this beautiful and faithful rendition of one of America's most talented and prolific mystery writers. I miss you, Robert B Parker.

Dispatches from Elsewhere (2020)

Mensch

[8/10 · 3 June 2023]

Creative, revealing mirror of the artists journey. Wonderfully drawn rich characters and fun journey with a heavy dose of love of humanity - warts and all. In our day of post-Covid isolation, perfect celebration of what it takes to simply get out there again. Looking forward to more from this wonderful writer / actor. Noone does bumbling awkward self abegnation better.

Ends with a funny and fun self evaluation of the work itself eclipsing anticipated film critics view.

Only in the post Covid world could the true essence of philanthropic giving be to introduce four lonely people to make of them sweet friendships. Ultimately that appears to be what we as a society now crave, and rightly so. A sweet and true revelation.

Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)

The Power of Letting Go

[10/10 · 26 May 2023]

At once salacious and innocent, fantastical and wise. A story about the meaning of stories, and about the impact and human need for storytelling as told by two characters who embody the wisest story tellers of them all. The professor, the wily interpreter of stories, is the only one disciplined and smart enough to avoid the trap of wish fulfillment, which is just another way of saying, everywhere you go, there you are. Not too popular a message in our world, which turns on the incessant noise of instant graitification. Despite the twists and turns, the strong flavor of oriental musk and curved swords, the lead actors manage to bring out the sweetness and even the innocence of love, and the need to bestow freedom on the object of ones love, even if they are a genie with endless powers. A visually stunning, utterly engrossing, magical journey that left me with a smile.

Unforgettable (2011–2016)

Grace and Grit

[9/10 · 23 April 2023]

Poppy Montgomery magically manages to convey her character's superpower- 100% memory recall - as if she is just that much more awake and aware than the rest of us. While everyone is looking away, distracted, she is focused, often directly at the camera. She sees us see her. In this heightened state of awareness she brooks no B--llSh--t. She strides not strolls, flinging her long red hair (another superpower?). In navigating everything from threatening perps to the perhaps even more deadly office politics, she doesn't dim her in-your-face honesty, power, intelligence or innate sensuality. The victims she avenges are met first with her moving, deep compassion that quickly turns to unafraid determination to bring justice. She is the emotional Pippi Longstocking of women, all grown up. The compelling storyline is, will she ultimately be able to avenge her own sister, when PTSD has ironically erased that memory? A rare, creative, compelling portrait of the empowered woman in the workplace that is so comprehensive and unique I put it in a healing category. Played with incredible intelligence and sensitivity by Ms. Montgomery and an equally adept supporting cast of characters, writers, and even producers. An overlooked gem and a terrific #Metoo role model of empowerment.

Daisy Jones & The Six (2023)

Rock royalty portraying 1970's rock royalty

[8/10 · 9 April 2023]

Based upon the complex and compelling novel of the same name, this film is more or less faithful to the original book's narrative.

Some of more interesting themes include the impact of childhood emotional abuse, which the two main characters, Daisy and Billy Dunne, share. From that resulting anger and desperation Billy and Daisy both develop drug-fueled personas that give them the rock-n-roll "it" factor as well as an intransigent addiction to always being the center of attention, the one in control. "I am the fire" Daisy replies when her manager suggests adding pyrotechnics to their tour.

As they duke out who actually is the center of control and attention in the band, Daisy and Billy Dunne inconveniently fall in love. Inconvenient because Billy is in love with his wife, who is the basis of his hard-won, painfully maintained daily sobriety.

The denouement is touching and is resonant of true love.

What is missing for me, who actually lived through the 70's, is the total lack of social consciousness in these songs. True by the 1980's, the 1970's was close enough to the change-the-world 1960's that a rock band totally focused on love songs feels really unlikely. A small nit really. While I didnt find a top of the chart energy in any one individual song, I enjoyed the music as a whole, and also the subtle way the same song's performance shifted with the characters development and the films narrative. It takes an outstanding director to achieve that reflection of the story revealed in song. Also loved, loved, loved how the Daisy character was intent on being her own muse, shining her own star, and willing to fight for her well-deserved time in the spotlight. One imagines The King would be incredibly proud of his grand daughter. Robust and sensitive acting throughout. Authentic and searing.

Astrid et Raphaëlle (2019– )

Beautifully sensitive depiction allied, strong women

[9/10 · 26 February 2023]

In addition the wonderful opportunity to practice my high school French with subtitles, this layered portrayal of two women detectives is moving and riveting. Astrid is on the autism spectrum but often appears the most human and relatable of the team as she and her female detective buddy, Coste, together solve the latest Parisian murders. Gives me faith that there is more to Paris than the exhausting and ubiquitous rude cafe waiter, of which I have had my fill as an American. Love the respectful, kind sensibility, women who support each other in their intelligence, beauty, power, and personal demons with sensitivity and intelligence, the definition of "normal" debunked for the lie that it is.

Vienna Blood (2019– )

Sumptuous March Towards Doom

[9/10 · 12 February 2023]

Vienna Blood makes the most of it's inevitable march of time, as we the audience watch in the early 1900's as the Jewish Leibermann family devolve to their horrific fate under Nazi Austria 35 years in the future. The Austrians were particularly dedicated to their implementation of the Final Solution, early in the program before even the death camps, they simply walled them off and left them to slowly starve to death en masse, saving the bother of even expending a bullet. Living in one of the world's most beautiful cities, known for its intelligent, cafe culture, Max Leibermann the practicing psychiatrist is an early adopter of the avant garde, from Gustav Klimt to Freud. The Liebermann's live well, navigating through the dark, more and more frequent but unrelenting eruptions of anti-semitism as if dealing with a schoolyard bully. Max is handsome, elegant, radically kind, and brilliant; his family and community soft and welcoming. His collaboration with a local detective who is living on despite the worst kind of family tragedy make them together a kind of magnet as well as unusually able investigative team for this growing darkness. Where others turn away, repelled, Max Liebermann says to the perpetrators "talk to me- I want to understand." How can they know that he and his family are moving rapidly towards a future no one will ever understand?

Dead to Me (2019–2022)

Morally cringe-worthy

[7/10 · 31 January 2023]

Christina Applegate is the perfect super scary b---chy blond but this black comedy takes being in a perpetual bad mood to homicidal levels. Most of this audience will be too young but I kept on getting flashbacks to the sitcom Married with Children. For its time, that show was similarly non-PC, subjecting the then teenage actress to a constant barrage of totally inappropriate sexual innendos combined with dumb blonde jokes. This movie reflects that same moral thin edge, trying to make funny the totally inappropriately cringeworthy, like killing an obnoxious man in a rage because you are at the end of your rope from your dead husbands rejection. Part of you wants to kill the obnoxious, for sure, but finding it funny is just creepy.

This film kind of twists your mind, just like that old sitcom, and I cant decide if its a guilty pleasure or just creepy. Time will tell. Either way, it is clever, incredibly suspenseful, sophisticated, and you can't look away, even when you want to.

It is time to start looking beyond the shock value of cleverness to understand what is and isn't good for the soul. In retrospect the films of Woody Allen, depicting 50 year old men dating the barely legal as the liberal New Yorkers look on with benevolence, should give us pause. So many clever, creative, great story telling powerful men in Hollywood - Weinstein, Cosby, Allen - use us the audience, as dupes, to distract from their illegal, immoral activites. Let's be a bit more selective, folks. Just because its clever and interesting does not mean it can or should cut it in todays world where the rapes and God knows what else have been perpetrated.

Three Pines (2022)

Uncanny Deja Vu

[8/10 · 1 January 2023]

Stumbling upon this series amidst this new plethora of TV programming - what a creative renaissance we are enjoying in TV and film these days, as if the Universe is giving us a present for undergoing Covid! - it took me back a beat it was So Familiar.

I then made the connection to the quirky and charming book series I so loved and finished years ago. I want to move in and live in the neighborhood with Oliviers and eat Poutine!

The enjoyment of these interesting who-dunits lay in the character development of the dozen or so principals, each with a unique backstory. This community has created a haven of connection and unusually high quality of life under their protective, sometimes scary, Quebec forest. Human nature being what it is, however, they cant help befouling their nest from time to time with a revealing murder or two (or more). The satisfaction comes from the complexity and subtlety of the characters which are multi-layered and dimensional, with a real ring of truth.

Seriously, it is amazing how these characters were brought to life from these novels, as if they had read my mind. I am so happy, it is like discovering an old friend. (Will someone PLEASE make a movie / TV series with Matt Haig's books so I can continue my happy dance?).

So Satisfying!!!

Harry & Meghan (2022)

Casebook on institutionalized racism

[10/10 · 23 December 2022]

One only hopes that the dialogue in the US never turns as overtly cruel. What can we say, palace and UK? You lost them, the golden couple. May you be happy in the path you have chosen. Makes me rethink my rather blind love for all things UK. There certainly is an ugly side in all of those disgusting tabloids. Maybe next time theres a female royal superstar you as a country and institution wont chew them up and spit them out. Getting to be an old, tired, fear driven story.

Includes a riveting set of cameos by the incredible Tyler Perry.

Meghan is so calm and mature, Harry so clear and committed to protect his familly. So glad they got out of that incredible hotseat. Good for you!

Yellowstone (2018– )

Suggestion

[7/10 · 21 December 2022]

In the latest season, the show seems to be in a repetitive cycle. Take a page from Star Trek and other long-running shows. Nothing wrong with the main themes but each episode or so choose a supporting character to focus and weave a back story. How did the female wrangler get so desperate to be on the ranch? How come the singing cowboy never pursued that career when he was so good? What brought the other wranglers to jail? Are there unknown relationships that surface between, say, the wrangler families and atrocities committed on the reservation? What is the Chairman of the reservation back story and what drives him? How does the grandson interact with his schoolmates on the reservation having wealth and a white father? Lots to explore within the already compelling themes of corporate greed, intergenerational wealthy family warfare, and Beths lack of impulse control!