Where I ramble about all the TV shows and movies I’ve watched in the past week ….

I wanted March to be this super cool blogging month, but I just can’t seem to find the time/energy at the moment. The weather is getting better too, so I’m drawn to being outside when possible. Look at me go, that wouldn’t have come out my proverbial blogging mouth a couple years ago. Anyway, I still watch a ton of stuff, so here we go!

FINISHED TV SHOWS/SEASONS

The Last of Us (Season 1)

What an amazing show! People said that the ending would be divisive among viewers, but I don’t necessarily think that’s true. The way they built up the story, you can understand Joel’s motivations while not necessarily having to agree with his actions. The Last of Us managed to portray individual experiences and tragedies while still showing the big picture in many instances. I loved single episodes, but also the story as a whole. I was especially glad to see Ashley Johnson, who voiced Ellie in the game, as Ellie’s mom and Laura Bailey, who voiced Abby, cameo as one of the nurses in the end. Those were real treats for me – as a Critical Role fan and someone who can appreciate amazing voice actors and the work they do!

I’m looking forward to how they’re going to continue all of this!

Wolf Pack (Season 1)

I like a good werewolf show and while the plot lost me sometimes and got a bit repetitive in the middle, I would continue watching Wolf Pack in a heartbeat. Despite this starring an icon like Sarah Michelle Gellar and being made by the same people that did Teen Wolf, which blew up back in the day, I don’t believe this show has as many followers. While I think this is an interesting approach to the mythology and has potential to bring about really amazing pack dynamics, it also often felt a tad too polished. Especially the girls often seemed like their faces were covered with a beauty filter to seem extra spotless (and thus unreal). I haven’t heard talks of a renewal and I wouldn’t bet on anything, except maybe that the anonymous voice on the phone is Ian Bohen’s.

Shadow and Bone (Season 2)

When the first season of Shadow and Bone released, I was really happy. I was invested, I critically analyzed the changes and even wrote a detailed post about it (feel free to check it out HERE), but honestly … I’m just kind of pissed now? I was on board with most of the season, but the finale kind of ruined it for me.

I have absolutely no idea why they rushed through the story? They basically covered the first book in the first season, but somehow crammed 2.5 books into this one. Everything moved way faster and a lot of storylines from the source material went out the window. I once said that I care more about the accurate representation of the characters than faithfulness to the story, but they lost me with that season ending. There’s now a spoiler section ahead, where I will talk about some changes that miffed me. I don’t think I can do a whole new post like I did last season.

-SPOILERS INCOMING-

• They freaking killed David Kostyk and I have absolutely no idea why? That man is well and alive in the books and madly in love with Genya. I guess we didn’t see a body, but I don’t know where he’d hide?
• I love, love, love the twins! Tolya and Tamar are some of my favorite characters in the Grishaverse and Tolya was always aro/ace-coded, until now … They really went and hinted at him being interested in Inej, who is part of Kanej – only one of the most beloved ships in the whole series. That’s not to say that I don’t love having all the characters on the show and interact – I do! I also think the twins were cast perfectly, but I feel weird about this change.
• It’s not like last time. It’s been two years that I read any of the books and my memory is not that great, but what was that ending? When Alina destroyed the Fold in the books, she pretended to have died doing so and lived a quiet but fulfilled life with Mal. Here? She goes on to get shadow powers while Mal goes off to become a pirate (excuse me, privateer)???

There’s probably more, but I can’t think of it right now. This has me confused and sad and angry enough as it is … 

-SPOILERS ENDED-

The crows were always everyone’s favorite part of the Grishaverse, but them getting a spin-off show when they’re so ingrained in the fabric of this series now just feels weird. I don’t know if I’m still as on board as I used to be. I’m definitely grumpy right now! 

However, having now complained a lot, I also want to say that the actors all did an amazing job with the material they were given. I especially want to give a shout out to Freddy Carter as Kaz, because he carried a lot of this season on his back. The disability and chronic pain rep was also great.

WEEKLY TV SHOWS

Daisy Jones and The Six (Season 1)

People act like it’s news that Billy and Daisy are really unlikable, but that’s who they always were. They acted selfish in the book too, but got to tell *their* version of events, which will never be fully reliable. I’m still living for this show though … I’m full on in my Daisy Jones era, as shown by this post:

The Way Home (Season 1)

They really did it! They had the perfect kiss on the show!!! I’m going to miss this wholesome bit of television once the season is over, which is unfortunately soon. 

School Spirits (Season 1)

What a delightful surprise! The show has a super intriguing mystery, made me cry in the pilot episode and gets more complex as we go along. I adore the way ghosts “work” here and to explore what is going on. I’m genuinely just looking forward to more each week. 

Shrinking (Season 1)

While this show is terrible, terrible, terrible for therapy rep, it’s just so much fun to watch. Like … Paul should lose his license at this point … 

How I Met Your Father (Season 2)

I think this show doesn’t work as a weekly release for me, for some reason. Nothing’s happening and we’re not getting any closer to uncovering the mystery. It doesn’t *feel* like I want to do this for five more seasons.

Abbott Elementary (Season 2)

As always, a joy to watch! When the parents stood up for the teachers? I loved that!

The Mandalorian (Season 3)

The latest episode kind of felt a bit disjointed to me. I didn’t love the excursion we took, even if I get that was an important story to tell. 

Ted Lasso (Season 3)

MY COMFORT SHOW IS BACK! I’m beyond happy to watch what Ted will deliver in this final season.

9-1-1: Lone Star (Season 4)

Marjan is getting a bit of the spotlight now, but somehow it just never ceases to be the Owen show. Why doesn’t it feel like there’s the same kind of focus on Bobby on the regular 9-1-1.

Good Trouble (Season 5)

I wasn’t even fully aware that Good Trouble was coming back, but as long as I get to see Dennis and Davia be happy together,  I will show up!

9-1-1 (Season 6)

This was such a Buck-centric episode and I’m very proud of the performance Oliver Stark delivered. I get that many people hoped for different revelations and/or interactions during the coma episode, but I get where they were going. Did anyone else notice that almost all the patients in the background were pregnant women in labor during one of the shots? No? Just me … 

Station 19 (Season 6)

It’s hard to believe that Beckett was such a brilliant Captain at another station. I guess he never really gelled with 19, but he’s not gonna get any better now …

The whole sister storyline for Jack went into a completely different direction than what I anticipated and I’m not sure I’m a fan?

Grey’s Anatomy (Season 19)

The interns are still the best bit. I do not care about Owen and Teddy. 

MOVIES

As always, don’t forget to add me on Letterboxd if you want to be up to date on all my movie experiences! 

You’ve seen how many shows I watch, right?

Did you watch anything I’ve watched? Are there some more movies/shows I should take a look at? Let’s talk about that!

Where I ramble about all the TV shows and movies I’ve watched in the past week ….

I was super busy this week, so I’m sorry it has been somewhat quiet on here. I hope I can bring some new content to you soon, but for now, let’s talk about movies and shows I’ve watched.

FINISHED TV SHOWS/SEASONS

YOU (Season 4)

I was decidedly less excited about part 2 of the season than part 1. The fan theories went rampant with the second teaser and lo and behold they turned out ot be right and … I found that boring? Joe just always gets away with everything in the end and it’s so freaking tiring. Where are the consequences? Where is the karma? They’ve been alluding to season 5 being the final one and I think it’s time. We need to conclude these shenanigans. 

Aside from Joe having a psychotic break, I’m glad my instincts still work and I could guess most developments on the show. I usually adore Charlotte Ritchie, but am still uncertain how I feel about her character Kate. This role has weirdly aged her? I also am a huge fan of Tati Gabrielle, but somehow the Marianne storyline is still unfinished (I think, because is it truly over?). In the end, most of what I retained is that Lady Phoebe and I share a birthday … that’s not the best recap of a show, is it?

WEEKLY TV SHOWS

Daisy Jones and The Six (Season 1)

This show continues to be my joy! I’m listening to AURORA on repeat and just love where the show is going. There are some changes from the book, but I’m not mad at it (yet). I just want to make one thing very clear and I think this tweet of mine sums it up neatly:

The Way Home (Season 1)

I don’t think y’all understand how big my crush on Elliot Augustine is … If you need an incentive (aka a new TV crush) to watch the show, check out this clip.

The Company You Keep (Season 1)

There’s no way Emma’s work isn’t going to do thorough background checks on Charlie, right? He’s basically screwed, eh?

Shrinking (Season 1

So many of my friends were raving about Shrinking and I finally caught up, and – to no one’s surprise – they were right! It’s an amazing show and Apple TV+ has yet to miss and disappoint me with their shows. The casting is fun and quirky. I mean, if you want to watch Harrison Ford eat candy and sit on a bench being parental yet grumpy, this is the show for you!

Fire Country (Season 1)

The supposed arsonist better be a misdirect, because WTF? I was so sure it was the probie. 

Wolf Pack (Season 1)

I’m going to be real with you, I’m confused. I’m glad my theory was right in that the dad never survived the fire and it was the (potential) mother who was alive all along, but … what’s the end game here? There’s only one more episode left.

How I Met Your Father (Season 2)

Was this the Valentine’s episode? Can’t have been the best, if I already forgot it?

Abbott Elementary (Season 2)

Ayo playing Janine’s sister is a dream come true for me.

The Mandalorian (Season 3)

Finally we see Grogu take some real initiative to save his dad. Loved it!

9-1-1: Lone Star (Season 4)

We finally focused on some other cast members and I especially love seeing Paul get some deserved spotlight. But it also feels like too little too late in the season. I really would have liked for the stories to be more balanced.

9-1-1 (Season 6)

I mean, the whole internet was predicting coma Buck and now that we’ve got him, I’m definitely not going to say I’m happy about it. My boy is just in constant danger and they were making SO many allusions to his sperm donor storyline by showing him with kids constantly. I hate that storyline so much. It’s my least favorite thing.

Station 19 (Season 6)

I like Hughes and Ruiz working together and working on their relationship, because I don’t want to see any more unhappy couples. I kind of liked Jack meddling with Maya and Carina’s stuff. My boy cares.

Grey’s Anatomy (Season 19)

The interns are the best part about this show and I just need Teddy and Owen to stop getting screen time. 

MOVIES

As always, don’t forget to add me on Letterboxd if you want to be up to date on all my movie experiences! 

I’ve only watched one Austrian movie “Griechenland/Greece or Chicken on the Run”. It’s a fun comedy movie, but since there’s no subtitled trailer or anything, I’ve decided not to share it on here.

Did you watch anything I’ve watched? I’m off to check out School Spirits! Are there some more movies/shows I should take a look at? Let’s talk about that!

Where I ramble about all the TV shows and movies I’ve watched in the past week ….

I’m vibing with March so far and I hope you are too! Let’s not waste any time and jump right into what I’ve been watching this past week.

FINISHED TV SHOWS/SEASONS

Walker: Independence (Season 1)

I’m full on in my cowboy era and I have no regrets. Originally I tried to watch Walker, but didn’t make it until the end of season 1, I was much more invested in Walker: Independence from the start. It’s obviously a CW show, so we have to deduct points for realism and unnecessary drama, but I still had a lot of fun. I know Justin Johnson Cortez was very hesitant to take on the role of Callian, not wanting it to be a harmful stereotype, but the cast and crew were very open to working with him and making sure he felt the role was authentic. There was a language coach on set, teaching the indigenous language and dialect to the cast. They did put care into it and I think it showed.

You can also feel about the romance however you like, but they’re kind of doing an enemies to lovers thing here and people are eating it up.

While a lot of other shows already got renewed, it’s not looking too great for Walker:Independence, which makes me sad. I think it deserves more time!

1923 (Season 1)

Alrighty, so … where do I start? If you’ve been following me on Twitter since the release of this show, you will have seen me absolutely spamming the timeline with Spencer and Alexandra content. I shipped them so hard and they definitely turned into the heart of the story for me. But … I kept quiet about a lot of other parts of the show and that’s because I believe – despite the absolutely brilliant cast that was assembled – this is Taylor Sheridan’s weakest entry into the Yellowstone universe.

The three main storylines (the ranch, Spalex in Africa, the residential school) all felt very disconnected for large parts of the season. Sheridan has once again shown that he has a penchant for gruesome on screen trauma and sometimes he’s just taking it a bit too far or adding it unnecessarily. I think, to this day, some people don’t understand or want to comprehend the atrocities that happened at residential schools and I’m glad we’re not glossing over that part of history, but it’s a lot. He also added torture porn with sex workers in the final two episodes for … no good reason? We had already established that the bad guy was a ruthless bad guy after all.

By the finale, it was very clear that this story was never meant for just one season. The pacing was off and it didn’t feel like a finale at all, just another episode coming to a close. I really hope that season 2 will end in a better fashion (with closure to some extent? Like, I wasn’t complaining about the ending of 1883 and that was devastating).

WEEKLY TV SHOWS

Daisy Jones and The Six (Season 1)

I’m not apologizing for making this show my whole personality for the foreseeable future! I mean, come on, it’s basically Fleetwood Mac fan fic.

I didn’t even love the book the way so many people do, it was very much a mid read for me, but dang, am I here for the show. Prime Video has figured out the perfect streaming release schedule (which is three episodes per week) and they’re applying it for Daisy Jones and the Six as well. The cast, which is portraying a fictional band, has released a whole formidable album that I’m listening to on repeat. The first two episodes are likely the weakest of the season, but bear with it. It’s going to be EPIC!

The Way Home (Season 1)

Genuinely so surprised by how much I’m in love with this show! Hallmark is known for its corny romances, but The Way Home is a lovely time travel show with family drama and a built in mystery. I can only recommend it, especially since it has just been renewed for another season!

Also, it has one of my new TV show crushes:

The Company You Keep (Season 1)

Having so much fun with this one? The secret agent/criminal dynamic is always divine, especially when they don’t know about it yet. Can’t wait for the calamity that will ensue when they find out.

The Last of Us (Season 1

Man, this show is just forever sad, eh?

Will Trent (Season 1)

I love every bit of new information we learn about Will. I don’t think Angie is really his soulmate, but I’m always intrigued to learn more about their past.

Fire Country (Season 1)

They did really with the “we’ve lost her” in the beginning and then putting THREE female characters in mortal danger. That’s what I call a misdirect.

Wolf Pack (Season 1)

OKAY! I still wonder if that blond dude could be Sarah Michelle Gellar’s son somehow? I don’t know why I’m stuck on that theory. But are the twins triplets in reality with their current assumption? I’m digging the build up, although the body count is super high right now and I never expected that. 

How I Met Your Father (Season 2)

A lot of my friends are saying that they’re enjoying season 2 more, but I think I vibed with season 1 more? Weird times.

Abbott Elementary (Season 2)

Why is this show so funny? Not a dull episode in sight!

The Mandalorian (Season 3)

Daddy Din is back and while the first episode of the season didn’t blow me away, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. 

9-1-1: Lone Star (Season 4)

When are we finally done with the Owen show? This season has not been it so far with everyone but the Strands getting sidelined.

Station 19 (Season 6)

I’m glad Maya is getting help, but I was most heartbroken about the fact that Vic got put through trauma again. Although I’m really glad they addressed what loosing Ruiz and Montgomery would have meant for her.

Grey’s Anatomy (Season 19)

We’re echoing so many storylines from season 1 and I’m here for it. The soft reboot was a really good decision for this show, because it has finally become watchable again.

MOVIES

As always, don’t forget to add me on Letterboxd if you want to be up to date on all my movie experiences! 

Knock at the Cabin

Knock at the Cabin was one of my most anticipated movies of 2023, but I found it kind of lackluster. Some elements worked really well and I like that we were never shown the most gruesome things. Your imagination will always come up with worse things than what’s actually on the screen (and I personally don’t like gore). But I can’t quite put my finger on why this still didn’t work for me. There was no twist to it? It was exactly what was set up at the beginning of the movie and I felt like it was missing something? However, I love seeing Dave Bautista explore his range and I’m so rooting for this man to get a leading role in a romcom. 

Did you watch anything I’ve watched? Are there some movies/shows I should check out? Let’s talk about that!

Where I ramble about all the TV shows and movies I’ve watched in the past week ….

I’m really pleased with most things I’ve watched, although not all. Let’s dive right in, I’ve just gotten back from work and I’m doing this to clear my thoughts.

FINISHED TV SHOWS/SEASONS

Mayfair Witches (Season 1)

After the massive success that was Interview with the Vampire (a show that made it into my top TV shows of 2022 – check them out here) and AMC announcing that they’d expand on the Immortals Universe, I was really excited for Mayfair Wichtes. I had no previous knowledge from the books and wasn’t invested in any sort of faithful adaptation, I just knew I loved witches and stories about them, but dang … this season was a real drag. 

While you get shown several timelines, nothing felt really connected and I thought it might have been more impacting if they hadn’t shown tiny bits of the past all the time, but rather made a dedicated flashback episode. Rowan, as a character, wasn’t someone I cared about much and the stakes rarely ever felt high or important. The final two episodes finally got me a bit more engaged, but let’s be honest, that was a tad too late. I’m just really disappointed that this show couldn’t live up to my (probably too high) expectations.

Outer Banks (Season 3)

I LOVED season 1 of Outer Banks. It was a mix between The Goonies and the OC and just had a blast watching it. With season 2, I adored the addition of Cleo, but felt a bit more lackluster about other characters. So, while I was still interested in this new season, I didn’t think I’d manage to still be super invested. I was wrong. This season totally won me back – probably due to my adjusted expectations of what we would be dealing with.

I have to say, the treasure hunt getting bigger and bigger is my least favorite part of the show. I personally just loved to see the Kook/Pogue divide and the characters interact. I’ve been waiting for Kiara and JJ to happen since episode 1 of the show and am so glad for every scene we’ve got between them in season 3. They really delivered. John B and Sarah on the other hand … what a mess that turned into! I’m glad the real life break up of the actors didn’t affect the chemistry of the characters at all, but I didn’t love their storylines. What I did love was Cleo and Pope! Aside from Pope’s parents being the only parents on the show with any rights, I just adored how Cleo fit into the family and lived for her moments and blossoming friendship with and feelings for Pope. 

Without spoiling anything, there was a time jump in the final episode and I thought that would have been a really neat ending for the show, but it got renewed for another season even before this one got released. I’m SO confused by Netflix’ strategy, because they’ll renew something like this, which might get ruined in future seasons, but they won’t give others a chance (YES, I’m bitter cause there are still no renewal news on Lockwood & Co and many of my faves have been cancelled too soon in the past).

WEEKLY TV SHOWS

The Company You Keep (Season 1)

Shows like this, with a familiar storyline of a criminal and agent falling in love, need great casting to still feel fresh and exciting. The Company You Keep definitely delivered on that in the first episode and while I’m cautious in thinking it will get renewed, I’m definitely tuning in.

The Last of Us (Season 1

Each. week. is. just. so. good. My friends, who know I haven’t played the game, warned me that I’m not ready for the final two episodes.

Will Trent (Season 1)

Turns out that I don’t necessarily care as much about Angie being in Will’s life, but I did like the flashbacks. The actors were chosen well and had the mannerisms down.

Walker: Independence (Season 1)

I can’t believe Tom knew who Abby was all along?! Next week is going to be wild and I’m just in denial about Gus, okay?

1923 (Season 1)

Very little Alex and Spencer, but this upcoming episode is the finale for this season and I’m dreading it already. They better hurry up and film some more soon.

Wolf Pack (Season 1)

Theory time! Do we think that the werewolf that is killing everyone is maybe Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character’s son? I can’t read that lady at all, but I still think that the voice on the phone sounds like Ian Bohen.

How I Met Your Father (Season 2)

Again, another great episode showcasing individual friendship-duos. I just want scenes with all of them together though.

Abbott Elementary (Season 2)

AAAAAAH! IT HAPPENED! EVERYONE STAY CALM! MY SHIP IS SAILING!!!

9-1-1: Lone Star (Season 4)

This season feels so off to me. I mean … we’ve lost Marjan now or what is happening?

Station 19 (Season 6)

This episode was ALL OVER THE PLACE. We had Bishop’s storyline, which was really unethical doctor behavior, we had the elderly ladies and their scavenger hunt, which was fun but random, we had the police brutality arc continued, which was just nerve-wrecking and then we also had the potential Crisis One backlash, because Montgomery was running his mouth and potentially abusing information he learned on a call. So much heavy and weird “funny” bits. 

Grey’s Anatomy (Season 19)

Strangely, not as emotional as I thought it would be. Turns out, I didn’t care as much about Mer as the others, but I do love that half the interns are living at the old Grey house now. They’re really leaning into those season 1 vibes.

MOVIES

As always, don’t forget to add me on Letterboxd if you want to be up to date on all my movie experiences! 

Why Can’t My Life be a Rom-Com?

Look, I just saw two actors from Reginald the Vampire being in this and thought I’d check it out. It did not impress.

While it tried to be modern, it felt like it belonged in the long line of movies that released a while ago and didn’t seem timely then either. Some characters were straight up annoying and contradictory. It wasn’t the worst, but also not the best. A certain spark was missing for a lot of it though, even though I liked the main couple in the end.

Did you watch anything I’ve watched? Are there some movies/shows I should check out? Let’s talk about that!