TV Show Recommendations #5

Is it just me or have there been so many good shows this year already? We're only at the end of April, but I feel 2017 is the year that procrastination will be at an all time high, courtesy of Netflix. With that being said, here is my favourite show of the month.

13 Reasons Why

Yep, I just had to write about potentially the most controversial show on Netlflix - but bare with me here. I'd seen people raving about it, so I had to see what all the fuss was about, right? I binge watched the show within three days, remember the whole procrastination thing I mentioned earlier? Well yeah, I found it that addicting. So I knew I had to write about it.

The story focuses on Hannah Baker, a high school teenager who ultimately makes the decision to end her life. Before her death, she records several cassette tapes which are then sent to various people in her school, one of them being fellow classmate Clay Jensen. Hannah's recording tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to take her own life and that he is one of them. The show looks at hard hitting topics such as bullying, self harm, sexual assault as well as suicide and it doesn't hold back. Some have suggested that it glamourises the issues and whilst I completely understand why, I feel that sugar coating the problems isn't an effective way of bringing them to light. 

The characters individual stories are an essential part of the show. Though their portrayal is mostly biased through Hannah's opinions on them, they show how their actions have such an impact on her physically and mentally.

I personally would have preferred if the show delved deeper into dealing with depression, which could have created more validation for Hannah's tapes. Some do think her actions are self centered, but the things that happen to her are very extreme and the mental illness itself can be very selfish with regards to taking into consideration friends and loved ones.

Whilst I did really enjoy 13 Reasons Why, if you suffer from mental health problems as a result of some of the issues that are addressed in the show, I would take this into consideration before taking the time out to watch it. The scenes involving sexual abuse and suicide are very graphic and could be very harmful to some people watching. The last episode showing her death really did have a big affect on me and I was left thinking about it for days after. I can honestly say a scene in a film or TV show which has had such an impact on me. Hopefully others who watched the show feel the same way, and I'd like to think the mass online conversation will help rid of some of the stigma around depression and suicide.

But whether you love it or hate it, you've got to admit it's had a huge online impact and social media has been rife with opinions. 

If you have been struggling with suicidal thoughts or just need someone to talk to, Samaritans are here to help.

Victoria

TV Show Recommendations #3

Yes, I'm back on the topic of period dramas. What with Game of Thrones coming back recently, I'm all about that dragon life again. But if you're into slightly more realistic/non-fictional TV shows, I may just have the thing for you.

Peaky Blinders

Let me start off by saying, this is a brilliant show to binge watch with their only being a few episodes per series. Peaky Blinders is set in Birmingham, 1919, just after the First World War - quite a crucial point to the plot. The Peaky Blinders are a violent gang, lead by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy). The story focuses on the Shelby family, and Tommy's ambition to set up a legal bookmakers in Birmingham, hoping to branch out to the rest of the UK and other parts of the world.

Throughout the series, you witness the gangs run in with the police and other groups whilst trying to protect their family and friends - leading to some very raw, gripping and emotional scenes.

The show also gives you a real insight into the hardships of the men who had some of the worst jobs in WWI, including tunnel warfare. This in-depth look at the brutality the men faced through flashbacks, really helps you understand their struggles and how the war changed them as people.

Though extremely violent and dangerous, you can't help falling for at least one of the Shelby brothers with their loyalty to their family and to the Peaky Blinders themselves.

With a big star cast from Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy to Helen McCrory, there's bound to be at least one person you've heard of. Though I will say, there is a fair amount of brutality in the show, so it is not for the faint hearted.

Ripper Street

Ripper Street is set Whitechapel, London in 1889 - six months after the Jack the Ripper killings. The story focuses on three detectives, living in the East End of London solving cases whilst having to deal with obstacles in their personal lives, which frequently intertwine. 

In the first series, The head of H Division, Detective Inspector Edmund Reid, unites with Sergeant Bennet Drake (big up Bronn) and Captain Homer Jackson - a former US Army Surgeon and Pinkerton. Together, they begin to investigate the murders of more women in the district.

The show doesn't just focus solely on the men either, Jacksons relationship with brothel owner Susan is one of my favourite parts of the show.

Again, this show can be slightly on the gory side - so I'd stay away if witnessing blood and organs isn't for you.

With Matthew Lewis recently being added to the cast, yes I do mean THE Neville Longbottom (Yorkshire represent), there's no reason why you shouldn't want to watch.

Victoria

Favourite shows of the month #3

I have a confession to make. It's one that may come as a shock to some and other's may be relieved with my admission, but I feel like I have to get it out there. Yes, I am obsessed with Period Dramas.

I've always found studying history fascinating and while most dramas I watch are of a fictional nature, there are some definitive real-life aspects to them too. So if you're looking for some shows to watch this winter, I can't recommend these highly enough.

Downton Abbey

If you haven't heard of this show, where have you been?! The show looks at Britain between 1912 to 1925 and focuses on The Crawley's, an upper class family who live at Downton Abbey. The show looks at life at Downton Abbey and everyone who resides there, from the family to the staff - everyone has a story line. The show can be a bit slow at times, so if you're looking for an action packed adventure you probably won't find it in this fictional Yorkshire village. However, some of the characters are based on real-life people. The main reason I watch it is for Maggie Smith. Her sassy one-liners give me life.

Always true.

I honestly could have just done a whole post on gifs of the best lines from The Dowager Countess.

The last episode of the series airs this Sunday, I know *sob* but there's always the Christmas episode to look forward to hope. Lets just hope no one dies this time, ahem.

Call The Midwife

Much to my grans disbelief, the show is in fact a period drama. She refuses to believe it is, as it's set in the era in which she had her children. If you then mention that she is no longer younger and care free, then let the lord have mercy on your soul.

The show is set in Poplar, between the 1950s and '60s and looks a group of midwives and nuns in Nonnatus House. The initial plot follows Jenny Lee newly qualified in midwifery and her life as she joins the women at Nonnatus. The series is based on the book written by Jennifer Worth and the highs and lows she faced while being a district nurse and midwife in the East End of London in the '50s. (It's definitely worth a read). Between the bubbly Chummy and no nonsense Sister Evangelina, the characters keep the show lighthearted even in the most harrowing moments.

#spiritanimal

Love her.

Basically any shows with sassy women and I am there.

I have so many period dramas which I love, but these two are definitely my top 2. If you want any other recommendations, feel free to leave me a comment!

Victoria ♥