Showing posts with label tv series. Show all posts

TV Show Recommendations #4

stranger things

If you've not heard about this Netflix show, have you been living under a rock? It's probably one of the hottest shows out there right now and with good reason!

I recently finished the first series after a few days of binge watching, yes it really is that good. Oh one more thing, the show is also ANOTHER period drama. Do I have a problem? Absolutely. My only defence here is that instead of the series looking at gangs or even upper class folk, there is a major Sci-Fi element. 

I'll hold my hands up right now, I'm really not even that into Sci-Fi shows/movies. Generally my only exceptions are shows like Doctor Who and superhero films. Anything else regarding aliens/space? No thank you. It's not that I actively have an intent to dislike them, I just find a lot of them are not for me.

This is why I felt compelled to write a post on this show. 

The series is set in 1983, in a fictional town in America called Hawkins. The story begins with a group of young boys and the events that occur after one of them goes missing. Along the way, strange things begin to happen with the inclusion of a girl with telekinetic powers, a strange military operated science laboratory and an investigation which goes beyond what the towns police chief could ever imagine.


The show has many references to '80s pop culture including games, films and music of the time which is what I believe really gives the series an edge over a lot of over shows that are out there now.


Also whoever cast Winona Ryder as the missing boy's mother is an absolute genius. Who better to have such a big role in a show, than a late '80s major film star. 


I can't delve too much into the different characters without giving some of the plot away, but the kids they chose to play the main characters are utterly brilliant. Some child actors can come off as a bit cringey due to lack of experience, but the relationships with their friends and family come across as very genuine and engaging to watch. 


If you are yet to watch this show and are a fan of fantasy/drama then what are you waiting for? 
It's that popular it has already been renewed for another series next year. There are some 'scary' elements and people who are easily squeamish may have to look away, but otherwise, have fun wishing you were a young telekinetic skinhead.

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 ♥

Favourite TV shows of the month #1 | TWD & GoT

I must confess, I'm a bit of a square eyes when it comes to watching things on my laptop.
I could literally spend a whole day slothing (did I just create a new word?) on the sofa, catching up on a ridiculous amount of episodes of my new favourite television series.
Probably on too many occasion I have insisted I'll go to bed at 11pm only to blink and it appears to be 2:30am.. Oops. 
After many years watching a variety of shows I have concluded that my definite favourites are Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead.


I first began watching Game of Thrones out of sheer boredom and procrastinating from schoolwork, ahem, to be honest but I'm so glad I did. I may be slightly bias due to the fact Sean Bean (Ned Stark) is originally from Yorkshire but the show has had me hooked from the first episode.
Anyone who watches will know that the style of the show is medieval fantasy which can seem slightly nerdy, even the title initially put me off (silly I know),  nevertheless it has completely exceeded my expectations and the emotional turmoil I'm left in with every episode has left me completely addicted.

The Walking Dead, as most of you will know, is based around the human race surviving a zombie apocalypse. The idea is slightly cliched I know but with one of the shows main focuses being on the characters and their development, this series stands out to many others.
I again initially thought that the show would not interest me due to the OTT fictional aspect, (I should probably stop being so pessimistic) but again I was proved wrong with emotional backlash I face by becoming over involved with the characters, sigh.

Both shows can be rather gory at times and they are definitely not for the faint hearted. 
However, if you are looking for a programme with sheer escapism I cannot recommend these highly enough.

Victoria ♥