Tag Archives: tv

Binge Worthy TV

IMG_0852IMG_0851So, did anyone else spend a good portion of the holidays relaxing and binge watching TV shows? We sure did! Ray and I haven’t had cable since we’ve been married (actually Ray has NEVER had cable) so we’ve been big fans of Neflix for quite a while. I love to hear what shows/movies/documentaries people are loving! By now I think everyone should know the cliche recommendations: The Office, Walking Dead, Parks and Rec, Orange is the New Black, Game of Thrones, etc. These are all wonderful and if you haven’t seen them add them to your queue now. Below are a few others (maybe slightly less talked about) I would suggest if you’re looking for something to binge-watch!

tvtv 2Netflix:
Turn – Turn is a revolutionary war-era drama based on the same-named novel by Alexander Rose. Picture this- British occupied New England states, spies, double agents, love triangles, lots of wigs.
Jessica Jones – A Neflix original, Jessica Jones is based off of the comic series Alias. This has been my favorite comic series by far! Jessica Jones is definitely dark, but also so so good.
Making a Murderer – There is so much hype right now about Making a Murderer. This show is a Neflix original documentary series focusing on Steven Avery, a man wrongfully accused and imprisoned for 18 years. Shortly after him being exonerated, he was accused of another terrible crime. Guys, if you love true crime this is for you!
Great British Baking Show – A huge hit across the pond, The Great British Baking Show is a reality show based around baking. Honestly, my favorite part of the show is that despite it being competition based, there’s no real drama. No sabotage, so bad attitudes, just happy British bakers!

tv3Hulu:
Wayward Pines – This is a TV show based off a novel of the same name by Blake Couch. It’s mysterious and sci-fi-y and I love it. The acting is surprisingly super high quality!
Scream Queens – GUYS, Scream Queens is by the creators of both Saw and Glee… if that tells you anything. Slasher movie meets sorority life. It’s so hilarious and campy!! You HAVE to watch!!

tv4Amazon:
The Man in the High Castle – This is what Ray and I just finished watching. It’s an amazon original and based off a Philip K. Dick novel. The Man in the High Castle takes place in 1962 and is centered around an alternate history in which the allies lost WWII. Germany occupies the east coast of the former United States, Japan occupies the west coast, and the Rocky Mountains and mid-west are a neutral zone. It’s so interesting!

What have you loved binge watching? I love TV!

Gossip Girl

For the past few weeks I have been unashamedly obsessed with Gossip Girl. I know I’m late to the game, but I am unable to resist the Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass relationship, love triangles, clothes, flip phones, waffle breakfasts, and the New York city backdrop.  Here are some must-haves for any true Gossip Girl fans:gg blog 2
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xoxo

Parks and Rec – Bye, Bye Lil Sebastion

p and rp and r 3Guys, I LOVE Parks and Rec. I was not a fan from the beginning, and in fact Ray had to convince me to start watching sometime during season 3. But, now it’s my favorite and I’m devastated it’s over. I have a really hard time loving sitcoms. I usually find them cheesy and with poor writing. HOWEVER, Parks and Recreation was different. P&R was definitely over the top, but in a somewhat believable way.  #neverforget
I’ll be honest, it took me a few days to watch the season finale. I just didn’t want it to end. Last night we took the plunge, made homemade waffles, and enjoyed the final episode. It was perfect! I loved how the final season was set in the future and I loved the flash forwards for each character. I don’t think I could have asked for a better ending. Did you see the little Star Lord cameo? Are you so happy for Jerry? Is anyone else still wondering about Mark Brendanawicz? p and r 2

Here are few things I would like us all to remember from P&R:

“The library is the worst group of people ever assembled in history. They’re mean, conniving, rude, and extremely well read, which makes them very dangerous” -Leslie

“It’s not my favorite shirt, but it is my least favorite shirt.” – Donna

“Nothing is wrong. Just do your job. And they would never cancel Game of Thrones. It’s a cross over hit. It’s not just for fantasy enthusiast, they’re telling human stories in a fantasy world.” – Ben Wyatt

“Treat yo self 2011!” – Tom and Donna

“I think Comic Sans always screams fun, right?” – Jerry/Garry/Barry

“April is the best. But she’s 20. When April was born, I was already in the third grade, which means if we were friends back then, I would have been hanging out with a baby. I don’t know anything about infant care. My god, I could have killed her.” – Andy

And a clip from my #1 favorite episode. #2 is the series finale. #3 is Johnny Karate. #4 is Treat Yo Self.

Gilmore Girls

GG1On October 1st Gilmore Girls became available on netflix streaming which is obviously one of the best things to happen to my recreational tv watching! I watched the series in its entirety as it was airing, but didn’t watch it while it was in syndication, so it’s been a really long time. I’ve enjoyed rediscovering the charm of Stars Hallow, the quirky minor characters, and the cozy feeling the show ensues. A few days ago I posted a status on facebook saying all I want to do is talk about Gilmore Girls, and after some thought I decided to write a blog about it!

A few reasons I think you should watch (or rewatch) Gilmore Girls:
*spoilers*

1. Romance!
– Luke. Oh, Luke. The one and only man that was consistent through out the series. Luke was always the winner for me. No one compared to Luke. Lorelai, with her poor decision making + bad luck, she sure ends up with some real losers… but there’s always Luke. Why is Lorelai the only one that can’t see that Luke is her soul mate? HE MADE HER A HUPPAH!
– Jess > Logan > Tristan > Dean
Poor Rory, Homegirl just can’t gt it together. Jess was obviously perfect for her, but I can see how it would be weird for Rory to be with Jess AND Lorelai be with Luke. In the beginning I thought Dean was a square but I didn’t hate him until he cheated on his wife with Rory. I just can’t get behind that.

2. Early 2000’s pop cultural references! Look forward to quotes like:
“I lost my Macy Grey CD.”
“Who do you like better, 98 Degrees or N’sync? Or the Backside Boys?”
“Oh wait, I’m getting a page!”

3. 2000’s fashion! This kind of coincides with the pop cultural references. Guys, the fashion in the first few seasons is BANANAS. Lots of high pant/short shirt combos, quirky graphic tees, swirly patterned blouses, rhinestones for days, and school uniforms. In the later seasons Rory steps it up a notch and is full on J. Crew! We’re all very proud.

4. Annoying as hell beginning credits song. The credits begin with cozy fall foliage, snippets of Stars Hallow, sweet moments between Lorelai and Rory, but it’s completely ruined by Carole King’s overpowering voice! Now, it’s not as bad as say the beginning credits of Son’s of Anarchy, but it’s still pretty bad. I hate it. I love it. I love to hate it!

5. Small town quirks. I LOVE small towns, especially the cozy, creative, perfect kind that Stars Hallow seems to be. I can’t think of a better place to live!

So, have you been watching Gilmore Girls? Who’s your favorite character? Are you team Jess or team Dean? Let me know!

10 reasons why you should watch (or rewatch) Twin Peaks

twin peaks 2 We started watching Twin Peaks this summer. Ray had previously watched the first season but it was completely new to me. Twin Peaks premiered in 1990 and despite it’s following, it was cancelled after only 2 seasons. It’s currently available on Netflix and I highly suggest you watch it! Here are a few reasons why:

twin peaks
1. Special Agent Dale Cooper. Before watching Twin Peaks I was not a fan of Kyle Maclachlan because the only role I really knew him from was Charlotte’s husband in Sex and the City. If you’ve seen Sex and the City you know he isn’t the nicest character and if you know me, you know I relate most with Charlotte because we both have brown hair. All that to say, I’m glad his role in Sex and the City didn’t taint him forever in my brain because his role as Special Agent Dale Cooper is amazing. SADC is smart, intuitive, quirky, lovable and a sugar addict. I love how he loves the town and people of Twin Peaks.

2. Twin Peaks is wonderful and strange. So very strange.twin peas 4

3. Twin Peaks is edgy and tame at the same time. To say Twin Peaks is edgy seems odd because we can turn on the tv anytime of the day and see zombies eating people or gratuitous sex scenes. Twin Peaks has an edgy story with edgy characters, something we DON’T always see in current tv.

4. Hour long episodes. While the show was cancelled after 2 seasons, the episodes are an hour, thus making it easier to prolong the Twin Peaks experience. twin-peaks-635

5. The wardrobes. Bolo ties, giant sweaters, classic suits, saddle shoes, diner uniforms, red lipstick, eye patches.

6. Rich minor characters. Even the most minor characters exhibit rich personalities. My favorite, of course, being the Log Lady.

7. This absolutely terrifying scene.

8. David Duchovny as a woman. No explanation needed.

9. Quotable and so many catch phrases!
– Fire Walk With Me
– “The owls aren’t what they seem.”
– “Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it. Don’t wait for it. Just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men’s store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot black coffee.”

10. Musical Scores. I’ll be honest, at first the music bothered me. It’s strange, a little slow and from 1990. As I kept watching the show I think the score started to become an additional character. Another odd and quirky character that I came to love.CATHERINE E. COULSON

Give this show a try! I can guarantee you’ve never seen anything like it!