Lately I've Been Watching

My latest mini TV and film reviews, with trailers and 'where to watch'.  

If you have trouble finding where any show/film is available in your country, this is a good site: Justwatch.  Just put the name of the show into the search, and choose your country further down, from the drop-down menu.  It shows where you can stream, buy or rent.  

If you can't find what you're looking for, try putting 'where can I watch (name of show)' into your search engine

If you would like to see more posts, please click here: Lately I've Been Watching.  If you get as far as the bottom, 'Older Posts' will take you to more.

Film: Living (2022)

5 stars plus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(UK & US Rent/Buy: Amazon, Google, Apple)  

A truly beautiful film - funny, touching, sad, though it never felt designed to tug at the heart strings; it just did.  Adapted from the 1954 Japanese film Ikiru, which was inspired by Tolstoy's novella The Death of Ivan Illiych, it's set in London in 1953 and tells the story of Rodney Williams (Bill Nighy), a senior official at London County Council, who discovers he only has six months to live.  It is at this point that he realises he has not been truly alive for many years, and sets about changing this.  In the wrong hands it could have been horribly schmaltzy, but this most definitely isn't. 

I adored the 1950s feel, the snapshot of an age gone by - and the opening titles sequence, in the style of a film produced in that era.

Watch it. Please!

(btw, my other favourite Bill Nighy performance was as ageing rocker Ray Simms in Still Crazy (1998).  Must have seen it about ten times!)

Series: The Last Of Us - Season 1

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(US & UK: HBO max; buy Amazon, Apple)

I waited until this was over before watching it all over 2 nights.  If you're a 'perilous post-apocalyptic journey' addict, like me, you'll love it.  Actors all great, story convincing, etc.  I very much liked how much time was taken up with the side stories of how certain situations came to be - they were every bit as good as the main one, and it showed the post-apocalyptic world from different points of view, which is always welcome.  Bit of a weak ending, but I really, really liked it.  And was still sad about Joel's daughter, right up until the end; she was so lovely.

Documentary: Paula

4.5*⭐⭐⭐⭐

(UK: All 4)

Two episode doc about dazzling super-flirt Paula Yates, who had huge charisma, was witty, sharp, amusing, entertaining, immensely likeable and always looked fab.  I liked how this documentary put paid to all the nasty stories about her during the time when she left Bob Geldof for Michael Hutchence, the love of her life - and afterwards, when he died.  RIP Paula.

Dark Comedy Series: Beef 

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Netflix)

Glenn is back!  Great to see Steven Yeun slaying it in these excellent ten episodes with Ali Wong, equally as first rate.  Starts off with a road rage incident between the two of them and escalates into all manner of domestic horror.  It's extremely funny in places, so well-written (by Lee Sung Jin), the acting is spot on and the send-up of privileged Californians is perfection.  Loved it, highly recommended.  

(Also, TWD lovers, Steven can sing up a storm, play the guitar as a pro, and his acting has matured so much!)

Series: Vikings: Valhalla - Seasons 1 and 2

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Netflix)

Takes place a hundred years or so after the story of Ragnar Lothbrok, Rollo, Loki, Bjorn and Ivar the Boneless.  I love it, but my husband thinks it's a lukewarm follow-up to the original with rubbish characters; I think his words were 'Thank God that's over', when it was.  Guess I'll be watching S3 on my own, then.  I do actually know what he means, in a way (in that Travis Fimmel has nothing to worry about) but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.  So there.

Film: Sunshine (2007)

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(UK: Disney+.  US & UK: Rent/Buy: Apple, Amazon) 

Dire warning about what happens when you try to play God with the weather.  Fun futuristic sci-fi, entertaining, definitely worth a watch.

Film: Sharper (2023)

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(UK & US: stream Apple+)

Enjoyable film about conmen and women.  Kept one on one's toes, working out who was conning whom.  Very much enjoyed it, but a bit of a rubbish ending.  Stars Julianne Moore, John Lithgow, Sebastian Stan.

Film: Fall (2022)

3.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Netflix)

Becky and Hunter are Extreme Climbing hobbyists.  Becky is traumatised by an event of a year ago, and has not left terra firma since it happened; she is a total wreck, drinking too much, etc.  Hunter, meanwhile, has monetised her sport by becoming 'Danger D' (or something) on You Tube, and doing her climbs in low cut tops.  Hunter persuades Becky to face her fears and do another climb with her - this time, up a disused TV signal tower.  3000 ft.  Of course, lots of terrifying stuff happens, none of which I will list here because spoilers.

This film is not for the faint of heart - sometimes I was actually forced to look away, and I love scary shit!  A definite 10/10 for suspense, special effects, etc.  So why only 3.5*?

Here's why:

1. Neither actress looked as if they spent their time doing anything more physical than clubbing, and certainly didn't have the sort of muscle that would have built up if constantly doing this sort of thing.
2. If Becky had been out of practice and on the piss for a year, why would she or Hunter think it might be a good idea for her to 'conquer her fears' with a dangerous, unresearched climb?  Especially as she clearly wasn't emotionally ready for such a feat.  Which leads me to... 
3. Surely the people who do this sport do a risk assessment first?  Yeah, I know that doesn't make for an edge-of-your-seat film, but .... something?
4. The consumption of something I won't name (spoilers) by one of the girls near the end apparently turned her into Superwoman.  I think it would have been more likely to make her severely ill.
5. The end was really, really weak.  Worthy only of a 1980s B movie.  No twist, no surprises (though there was an excellent twist in the last quarter of the film - totally unexpected!), felt like scenes were cut.

ON THE OTHER HAND!!!  Becky's lovely lovely father is played by lovely lovely Jeffrey Dean Morgan, so what else can I say but 'go watch it now'??!!

Cartoon Series: South Park - Season 26 eps 1 - 6 

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

(Paramount +)

I thought the first episode was weak, but the second one was the enjoyable piss-take about the Markles; since then, Season 26 has continued to be good.  Not brilliant like some other seasons, but good.  With a show that's gone on as long as this one, there are bound to be highs and lows.  

Documentary: Jared from Subway: Catching a Monster

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Discovery+, YouTube)

Living in England as I do, I had never heard of Jared from Subway (an obese, reclusive young man who lost stones on his Subway sandwiches diet, and became a national hero) until I saw the South Park episode about him, made before his paedophilia was exposed.  This 4 part documentary features the woman who first discovered the truth about him, and also the two girls who suffered as a result of their mother meeting Russell Taylor, Jared Fogle's great friend and the director of the 'Jared Foundation'.  

It was intricate in its detail, but I felt it was spun out for too long; could have easily told the story in 3 or even 2 episodes.  There was a bit too much foreshadowing that gave the wrong impression of what was to come.  Prepare to be grossed out.

Film: Boston Strangler (2023)

4*⭐⭐⭐⭐

(US: Hulu.  UK: Disney+)

Story of the (clue's in the name) in the late 1950s.  Stars Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon.  Good, I'd recommend, though not particularly memorable.  Interesting seeing, at the end, what happened to the real life journalists played by Knightley and Coon.

Series: Mayor of Kingstown - Seasons 1 and 2

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(US & UK: Paramount +.  Buy Apple, Amazon)

"Mayor of Kingstown follows the powerful McLusky family, power brokers in Kingstown, Michigan, where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry. Tackling themes of systemic racism, corruption, and inequality, the series provides a stark look at their attempt to bring order and justice to a town that has neither."

Liked this a LOT.  Co-created by Taylor Sheridan, who does lots of other good stuff like Yellowstone and Tulsa King.  

Series: Your Honor - Seasons 1 and 2

4.5*⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Amazon, Showtime, Paramount+, Now)

Judge Michael Desiato (Bryan Cranston, hurrah!) has his life crumble in an instant when son Adam kills the son of local gangster Jimmy Baxter (Michael Stuhlbarg, hurrah!) in a road accident, and flees the scene.  This leads to all manner of disaster, ruining the lives of so many.  

I watched the first season when it came out and thought it was excellent; watched it again before seeing S2, and felt that in the second series the story was a little dragged out, and the impact lost.  However, it's still jolly good.  Definitely recommend

Film: Most Dangerous Game (2020)

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Amazon)

This was thrilling, edge of your seat stuff, all the way through.  Chap with terminal health and money problems (Liam Hemsworth) is offered the chance to be the prey in a human hunt.  The hunts are arranged by a shadowy group, as recreation for jaded billionaire psychopaths.

The financial pay-off for Hemsworth's character is great.  Even if he gets killed, his pregnant wife will still earn handsomely.  If he survives 24 hours of being pursued throughout Detroit, he gets to enjoy his winnings, too.

Also watched the 2023 series of the same name, same principle, same smooth Miles (excellently played by Christopher Waltz) offering another young man with severe money problems the chance to make them all go away.  Boxer Victor's game is set in New York.  Each episode is short, often less than 10 minutes.  Works just as well as the film, hope there will be more!

Series: Da Vinci's Demons - Season 1

4 * ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(US: Amazon, Starz.  UK: Disney+)

Ridiculous fiction loosely based (and I mean loosely) on the life of Leonardo da Vinci.  Lots of action, much about the political state of Italy at the time, lots of really good-looking people performing amazing feats.  Works best if you see it for what it is - not so much a historical drama as a Renaissance Romp.  Most entertaining.

January Afternoon Sunshine (and an empty shopping centre)

🌳☼🌳 

Spot the dog :)

***

The collapse of the High Street retail trade? 

I was walking over to the main shopping centre in the next town - this is on a dry, bright, not very cold Thursday afternoon, at around 4 pm.  Underneath that church spire, above, you can see that the bus station and the bus are empty (my walk took me past it, on a bridge).

Around half the shops have gone - Argos, Pound Shop, bakers', a nail studio, a furniture shop, a shoe shop and many more.  

Before 2020, you'd see more people than this first thing in the morning, or on a Sunday.

Of course, South Park got it exactly right a few years back, in the episode about Amazon.  When there's a strike at the local depot, the boys try to remember where they used to obtain stuff they wanted before.  It's just a couple of minutes long, and very funny!

'Because they previously worked in a mall, 

they've had no human contact for some time'

Me outside Morrisons!  Still no people.

Lately I've Been Watching

The latest in my series of mini TV and film reviews, with trailers and 'where to watch'.  If you have trouble finding where any show/film is available in your country, this is a good site: Justwatch.  Just put the name of the show into the search, and choose your country further down, from the drop-down menu.  It shows where you can stream, buy or rent.  Or you can put 'where can I watch ***' into whichever search engine you use, or go to the programme's own site, if it has one.

If you would like to see more posts, please click here: Lately I've Been Watching.  If you get as far as the bottom, 'Older Posts' will take you to more.

3 part documentary: The Beatles: Get Back

5* plus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Disney +)

Peter Jackson's documentary in 3 parts, each around 3 hours, from footage of January 1969 as The Beatles recorded their final album, Let It Be.  Ends, of course, in the famous rooftop performance.  It's marvellous for so many reasons - we're given insight into how lines of lyrics, chords and melodies would come together and develop into magic, and into the real 'them' (I found myself liking Paul much more than I thought I would, though George is still my favourite!), how their creativity just flowed out like other people breathe, but alongside that it's such a perfect snapshot of that short time when the swinging 60s melted into the 70s.  Watching this is like taking a step back into the fairly recent past, that in some ways seems far longer ago than 53 years; it's a world lost to us now.  I was 10, so only saw it through the eyes of a child, but I'm still convinced it was a better time. 

We subscribed to Disney+ for the sole purpose of watching this, and it was however much it cost well spent!  I've never been a particular fan of their music, btw, but this made me more so; it really is so worth watching.

Comedy Special: 

South Park: Post Covid 

Exclusive Event

5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Paramount +)

Great stuff - into the future, when the death of an old friend sends Stan Marsh back to South Park - but who will he meet there?  How did the friend die?  How have they changed?  How has the world changed?  And who is the person in the asylum....?

You either love South Park or you don't; if you do, you'll love this too, and if you've never watched it, it's not too late.  But perhaps start at the beginning.  Or at least around Season 3 or 4.

Series: Wu-Tang Clan: An American Saga - Seasons 1/2

5* plus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Hulu) 

I watched Season 1 a couple of years back, but watched it again before Season 2, and loved it just as much as I did last time.  A group of young men from Staten Island who (mostly) scratched a living selling drugs and trying to stay alive and out of jail eventually utilised their not inconsiderable talents and became what many say is the most influential rap/hip-hop band ever.  Season 1 deals with before (including founder Bobby Diggs' - The Rza - first short-lived foray into being signed by a label), while S2 is how they come together as one, putting old feuds to bed and learning how to put the music first.  As before, I was in awe of the art itself.  And Rza's single-minded dedication to the music and the spirit of the clan, throughout.

One thing that struck me was that, as this all took place at the beginning of the 90s, there were no smartphones, no internet.  Made me wonder if it would have all taken place in the way it did it if social media and sophisticated video games had been around. 

One of the highlights of S2 was the depiction of their first big gig at Fever, which was attended by several music industry big shots, all of whom wanted to sign them afterwards (below, under the trailer, followed by C.R.E.A.M).  Can't recommend this too highly, even if you're not into the music, particularly.  Maybe you will be, after watching it; I keep looking them up on Youtube.

Documentary: Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Stream: UK: Sky, Now, Virgin.  US: Showtime, Fubo, DirecTV)

Four part documentary.  The original band members, now around 50 years old, talk about before, during and now - with the exception of ODB, who didn't last the course.  I've always thought Method Man a charismatic chap, and I loved hearing what he had to say (particularly about when Rza found the melody; it was like magic when he hit on it) I found that the other one I liked a lot was Raekwon, who seemed so honest and down to earth.  Interesting to see how the drama had differed from real life, and it was great to see them all together and know that past difficulties are mostly over, but I was saddened by where their fame took them, after the first few years.

I watch a lot of music documentaries and biopics, and there seems to be a pattern repeated over and over.  The happiest bit is just before they make it, and shortly after; there was a sweet scene a couple of years into their success when Raekwon was saying how good it was not to have to worry about paying bills anymore, but also being able to help out all their friends and family.  This is the 'riding high' phase - then, for so many, it turns sour.  Becomes all about egos and money.  The beauty of Rza creating his beats, Method Man coming out with the brilliant hook for C.R.E.A.M, the way they were always scribbling ideas and thoughts down in their rhyme books - that seemed to get lost.  But I loved seeing them all talking together again at the end.  

Documentary: JFK Revisited: 

Through the Looking Glass

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Stream - UK: Virgin. US: Showtime, Fubo, DirecTV)

More of stuff you've probably already seen and know about, but in this new-ish Oliver Stone documentary it's particularly well done.  Two hours long, most absorbing.  Beggars belief that they ever thought the official story would convince any but those of the lowest IQ.  I sometimes think this is where those-who-make-the-rules fall down: that they are so far removed from the 'little people' that they forget some of us are actually quite intelligent.

Series: 

Impeachment: American Crime Story - Season 3

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(US: Fubo, Sling.  UK: Sky.  Buy: Apple)

Ten episodes about the Lewinsky affair and the events that took Clinton to his impeachment.  Clive Owen is fairly convincing as Clinton himself, and Sarah Paulson is, as usual, at the top of her game as Linda Tripp, the Pentagon colleague and friend of Monica Lewinsky who taped all their conversations as evidence of the affair with the President.  I also liked the woman who played Paula Jones.

I was less sure about two other casting choices.  The first is Edie Falco as Hillary - yes, of course she did a wonderful job, as she's a fine actress, but to me she seemed too warm and likable to be Mrs Clinton.

The second is, to my surprise (or maybe not), not mentioned by any of the media reviews.  So I'm going to address the elephant in the room: why would they choose someone 5'1" tall and stones overweight to play a woman who was 5'6" and never any larger than not-fat-just-not-New-York-thin?

I'm not being sizeist; Beanie Feldstein can be whatever size she wants to be, as can anyone.  What I'm talking about is loopy casting.  Like the tall, beautiful, glamorous Annabelle Wallis playing Jane Seymour in the Tudors - she was recorded in history as being small, plain and insignificant.  The not-a-spare-ounce-of-flesh-on-him Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as Henry VIII.  And don't get me started about actors not even being the right ethnicity.

Bill Clinton came across as a weak, selfish man, ruled by his belief in his own importance and appeal to the world.  Linda Tripp: lonely, unappealing and rather pathetic.  Monica: obsessive, a slave to her out of control emotions, attention-seeking and manipulative, childish.  Hillary, however, was portrayed as the ultimate Strong Woman, virtuous, intelligent, wise, a role model for all, etc etc.  Which was, no doubt, the intention.

The unfolding of events is as compelling as people found the real story at the time and I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through, except that I was just not convinced by the version of Monica; this spoiled it for me.

Series: The Walking Dead World Beyond - Season 2

4* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(AMC+)

I've been a bit underwhelmed by this offshoot of the main series, but have watched it all because it's part of the complete story, and will lead into other aspects (like what happened to Rick!).  I liked Hope, Huck and Dennis, and the chap Iris was in love with, and Huck's mother played by Julia Ormond was good, but the rest of the characters I didn't find that interesting.  I was a bit bored in the earlier part, but then Jadis appeared, it kicked up a notch or two, and the final three episodes were extremely good.

Jadis is full-on baddie now, some years after rescuing Rick in a CRM helicopter, and she has a new haircut that brought to mind that old joke from school days: 'Tell me who cut your hair and I'll get 'em for you.'  Was nice in the finale to hear her talking about Rick, if not by name - a shred of decency stopped her giving him up to be experimented on, anyway!  The very, very end was highly intriguing, especially as it featured a blast from the long, long distant TWD past ... I won't name them, in case you haven't seen it!

To sum up, it's extra parts of the jigsaw that makes up TWD World, so it's worth watching for this reason!

Series: Absentia - Seasons 1, 2 & 3

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Amazon Prime)

FBI agent Emily Byrne has been missing for six years - what happened to her during that time is so horrendous that, when she is found, it colours her life and those of everyone around her.  Including her husband's new wife ... Emily was declared dead, in absentia.  Once she's back, it's all about finding who is responsible, but the plot goes far, far deeper than anyone can imagine, slowly unravelling over the three seasons, which brings it to a conclusion.

This is good, pretty compelling, and gets better as it goes along; sometimes it dragged a bit in the first season, but the third is great, all the way through, and it's one of those dramas that make you keep changing your mind about who is a baddie and who isn't.  I loved the character of Emily, which always helps.

Series: See - Season 2

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Apple TV+)

Season two of our world 500 years on, when the human race has lost the power of sight.  A very few people can see; they're considered witches, hunted down.  Season 1 ended with fierce tribe leader Baba Voss (Jason Momoa) taking his sighted step-children to meet their biological father, who can also see.  In Season 2, trouble is afoot in the Payan kingdom, with its crazy queen Sibeth (excellently played by Sylvia Hoeks), and threats from the rival kingdom of Trivantia, where Baba Voss's brother rules.

If you love stuff like Game of Thrones, you'll love this, too.  The fact that hardly anyone can see becomes a bit frustrating at times (and now and again, particularly when fierce warriors are feeling their way forward with sticks, it seems a little Pythonesque), but it's extremely well done, and I was aware, all the way through, how hard it must be to act as if one cannot see.  I especially liked the glimpses of the old world: ancient, rusting helicopters, cars, electricity pylons, wind farms.  

The last episode is worthy of 5 stars plus - a stunning battle that lasts for half the episode.  Set up nicely for Season 3, at the end.  Jason Momoa is as lush as ever, and another wolf whistle for the Witchfinder General who turns over a new leaf: Christian Camargo as Tamacti Jun. 

Series: Alias - Seasons 1-5

4.5* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Stream - US: Amazon, Hulu, Roki.  UK: Disney+)

Deep cover secret agent action thriller-type series made from 2001-2006, based in LA but with hundreds of other locations all over the world.  Stars Jennifer Garner as the kick-boxing, super intelligent Sydney Bristow in various wigs and outfits as she assumes different personas and leaps off buildings.  Much of it is completely ridiculous and far-fetched, but I enjoyed it all the way through, because the characters themselves were believable and compelling - mostly Sydney and the man she loves, agent Michael Vaughn, played by Michael Vartan, and also Marcus Dixon (Carl Lumbly), Will Tippin (Bradley Cooper) and Sydney's father Jack (Victor Garber).  Some fabulous super-baddies (Lena Olin, Ron Rifkin, David Anders). 

The very first episode, the pilot, is a bit too daft and I thought I wasn't going to like it, but by the end of episode 2 I was hooked.  The only downsides: whoever thought it would be amusing and cute to have tech wizard Marshall (Kevin Weisman) have a tendency to go (sometimes embarrassingly) off-topic every single time he spoke about anything should never be allowed to write a script again.  It grew tedious somewhere around the start of Season 1 episode 3.  Also, the big mystery running through all 5 seasons, about ancient prophecies and secrets from 500 years ago, was never really resolved.  But I loved Sydney and Vaughn's ending. They've become my third favourite TV couple, after Rick and Michonne, and Carrie and Brody.  I assume I don't need to name the shows ;)

Series: Nine Perfect Strangers - Season 1

4*⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Stream - UK: Amazon.  US: Hulu)

Nine people with messed-up lives (either by their own bad choices or circumstances, or a mixture of both) come together for 10 days in a spa retreat that hostess Nicole Kidman promises will change their lives.

I leapt on this when I saw that Michael Shannon and Bobby Cannavale were in it; Shannon was terrific as the father-in-denial about his son who killed himself.  My favourite characters were the writer who feared she'd come to the end of the road (and didn't mince her words) played by Melissa McCarthy, and the depressed former athlete (Cannavale).  I also liked a chavvy couple who'd won the lottery.

I thought this had great promise and loved the first half, but the second became less interesting and the plot disappointing, to the extent that I've already forgotten what happened.  As for the retreat itself, I think the writers should have used a bit more imagination re the exercises/classes, as it was meant to be an expensive, potentially life-changing ten days, an innovative place unlike any others of its type - but everything we saw them do was bog-standard to the point of hackneyed, and I can't imagine them having any benefit to any but the simplest of minds.  Hitting with a stick and shouting at a stuffed mannequin, pretending it's the person you're angry with, as therapy?  A sack race to break ice and bring forth the inner child.  Seriously???

Series: You - Season 3

3.5* ⭐⭐⭐

(Netflix)

The series about the sweet and charming Joe Goldberg, who becomes obsessed with women, stalks them and kills people.  Now he's married to Love Quinn, who's a sweet and charming psychopath, and they have a child.

There were some most entertaining aspects to this, such as the vacuous, latest-fad-lapping-up, image-obsessed inhabitants of the Californian suburb (neighbours Sherry and Cary were great - should have featured more), Joe is as endearing as ever and Scott Speedman (Baz in Animal Kingdom) as the mysterious neighbour was fairly heartbreaking, but generally I feel this series has jumped the shark, and perhaps should have ended after the excellent Season 1.  Actually, this whole genre of dark comedy including grisly murders in idyllic, brightly coloured settings is getting a bit old now ... there are better examples than this (e.g. Why Women Kill).

I quite liked this, but wasn't sorry when it ended and doubt I'll bother to watch the next season.  Also, not keen on the 'nudging' about anti-vaxxers.

Comedy series: Curb Your Enthusiasm - Season 11 episode 1

2* ⭐⭐

(Sky, Now, Virgin TV Go, Amazon etc)

Watched the first one of this series and didn't smile once, I don't think.  It just seemed like same old same old, like it was relying on the stuff that seemed so funny several seasons ago to still be as funny as it was, without any sort of development or new ideas.  Leon used to be hilarious, but the lines didn't work so well any more.  It happens.  Or perhaps it's just me.  Could be.  

Anything But Books ~ fun blog tag thingy from @ShelleyWilson72 and @BrizzleLass

I'm pleased to take part in one of those random questions things, after being tagged by writer pal Shelley Wilson ~ you can read her post HERE.  She in turn was tagged by Claire from BrizzleLass Books ~ I shall tag a few people later, too...

 Q1. Name a cartoon that you love.

There is no finer cartoon than South Park, ever.   I've watched some of them nearly as many times as I've watched The Walking Dead....  I have Eric Cartman on my mantelpiece and keyring!

Q2. What is your favourite song right now? 

I don't listen to the radio/watch music channels and have no idea what the popular music is these days, because about ten years ago I reached the point when I find chart/pop music mostly abhorrent (if you're younger than forty-five: you'll get there too, I promise!).  In our house we listen to all sorts.  Yesterday it was Rosemary Clooney.  Lately, there's been a fair bit of AC/DC.  Can never have too much.  😉

Film from 1970s of Let There Be Rock, which is one of my all time AC/DC faves... (note a few hours later: just found out that Malcolm Young has died...)

Q3. What could you do for hours that isn’t reading?

Watch The Walking Dead.  Can and DO!

 

Q4. What is something that you love to do that your followers would be surprised by?

I'm always stumped by questions that ask me to reveal something fascinating about myself.  I am possibly the most unfascinating person I know.  I've done a whole bunch of stuff but nothing I would want to put in a blog questionnaire.  Mostly, I just write.  And read, and watch telly.  Okay.  My husband says that doing the washing is my hobby.  It's true.  I get a little bit excited when, say, I come home from a rare few days away and there are at least four loads to do.  I love having all our clothes and bedding washed and ironed at all times.  There.  Told you it wouldn't be very interesting.  And ps, it's the only domestic chore that I do much of!

Q5. What is your favourite, unnecessarily specific thing to learn about?

History.  I read lots of non-fiction history, as well as the sort of historical fiction that teaches you about a time period (not the women in long dresses/castles/period unspecified historical romance type!).  I also watch lots of historical documentaries, read articles, etc.  Wish I'd developed the interest earlier and become a learnéd historian, or something.

Q6. What is something unusual you know how to do?

It’s not particularly unusual but (as per Shelley's answer), it's about the only thing I can do well that not everyone can.  I am very good at stuff like logic problems, and games on my tablet that require logic, like backgammon and Plague Inc.

Q7. Name something that you’ve made in the last year.

Made?  I don't make anything, except the bed!  I'm not arty.  I heat food rather than cook.  A friend came to stay for three nights last May, and I was panicking over what the hell I was going to give her to eat.  My sister has just stayed for three nights, too, and it was great, because she has the same attitude as me.  She had fish fingers and broccoli, every night.

Q8. What is your most recent personal project?

I became a vegan a few months ago.  I did so because I don't want to support the animal agriculture industry, which is the responsible for most of the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and, thus, a whole other bunch of crap things that are happening to the planet.  

 Watch....

Q9. Tell us something that you think of often.

My dad, who died in September.  Sorry, don't want to bring the mood of the post down, but it was my immediate answer.  And they're often happy thoughts, remembering all the lovely things about him.

Q10. Tell us something that’s your favourite, but make it oddly specific.

I will do as Shelley did, and name my current favourite TV shows.

The Walking Dead - of course!  A link to the many blog posts I've written about it HERE.

The Deuce ~ fabulous series set in early 1970s New York.  James Franco, nuff said. 😋 Read more about it HERE

Currently watching Mindhunter, terrific series set in 1977, in which two FBI agents visit lots of serial killers....

Just finished watching Tin Star with the fabulous Tim Roth playing an alcoholic cop who you loathe more and more as the series unfolds...

I'm tagging....

(Please don't feel obliged to do this, it just means I'm suggesting it to you!) 
 

My sister, Julia
My friend Andrea, because she has recently started up her blog again.
Book blogger chum Liz
Book blogger chum Abbie
Writer chum Georgia