I have to admit, I saw this pop up *many, many, MANY* times as a recommended show for me. And, I ignored the recommendation; I thought "this is going to be corny as all get up, no thanks." Well, jokes on me. I've been binge watching it non-stop. It has the feel goods, the corny (military stuff makes this veteran roll her eyes), the relatable, the entertainment factor (of absolute non-realistic things), all rolled into one show. I think the most real plot is with Mick's opioid addiction. The show has also touched on things like the gender pay gap, while avoiding any topics or scenes which would make the show "not family friendly".
Reviews
79 Reviews
For All Mankind
(2019– )
How is this not talked about more?!
11 January 2024
Why aren't people raving about this show?! This is... beyond good. Like so good you almost want to cry over how entertaining it is. I feel like I'm watching something that's never been done before. I looked up awards and I'm in utter disbelief that it hasn't swept the award shows. This is truly, easily, the best show in decades if not ever. (And I loathe sci-fi and space stuff-like Star Wars and Star Trek, not my jam.)
100 percent BINGE WORTHY.
And apparently I need 130 more characters. The alternate timeline this provides mixed with AI and real events, is pretty darn cool. The actor selection is superb!
100 percent BINGE WORTHY.
And apparently I need 130 more characters. The alternate timeline this provides mixed with AI and real events, is pretty darn cool. The actor selection is superb!
Okay.... let's change this
15 December 2023
A PERSON *IS* NOT BIPOLAR, just as a person *is* not cancer. STOP THIS. JUST STOP.
I have BiPolar II; this episode doesn't even discuss the difference of BPD I and BPD II. (Spoiler: they're not levels, one is not "worse" than two.) I suspect Anne's character falls into BPD I. Her acting is phenomenal and she definitely shows an extreme version of BPD, that *some* people with bipolar experience. It varies from person to person, but the shame is all the same, that's for sure.
Bipolar manic episodes are truly phenomenal, it's what happens after that which sucks. It's almost like coming off of high, actually it's exactly like that.
Hyper sexuality, over-confidence, over spending, lack of ability to handle basic human necessities, lack of interest is all part of the situation. Finding a partner who gets it, and sticks with you, is amazing. (I'm fortunate.)
As hard as it is, and it's HARD, routine is key. And avoiding drugs/alcohol, save for taking your BPD meds. (I'm notorious for going off my meds every 12-18mos thinking "I'm doing great, I don't need these" only to slide about 4mos later and wonder how I got myself into debt, fat, on the couch, mad at everyone around me).
Point being: if you're only getting information about BPD from this episode... well, that ain't the thing. Read about it on NAMI.
I have BiPolar II; this episode doesn't even discuss the difference of BPD I and BPD II. (Spoiler: they're not levels, one is not "worse" than two.) I suspect Anne's character falls into BPD I. Her acting is phenomenal and she definitely shows an extreme version of BPD, that *some* people with bipolar experience. It varies from person to person, but the shame is all the same, that's for sure.
Bipolar manic episodes are truly phenomenal, it's what happens after that which sucks. It's almost like coming off of high, actually it's exactly like that.
Hyper sexuality, over-confidence, over spending, lack of ability to handle basic human necessities, lack of interest is all part of the situation. Finding a partner who gets it, and sticks with you, is amazing. (I'm fortunate.)
As hard as it is, and it's HARD, routine is key. And avoiding drugs/alcohol, save for taking your BPD meds. (I'm notorious for going off my meds every 12-18mos thinking "I'm doing great, I don't need these" only to slide about 4mos later and wonder how I got myself into debt, fat, on the couch, mad at everyone around me).
Point being: if you're only getting information about BPD from this episode... well, that ain't the thing. Read about it on NAMI.
Leave the World Behind
(2023)
Seriously... what?
10 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
What did I just spend 140min watching? And the ending? Spoiler alert... the daughter is oddly able to sense what is going on, and winds up in the house that has the secret basement bumper. Literal ending is of her watching Friends on DVD-because the world has collapsed and she "discovered" DVDs. The entire time home owner dude (Mahershala Ali) knew what was going on, but chose not to fill in the couple (Julia Robert's and Ethan Hawke)... so once he did, thus filling in the viewers, you can't really help but feel like "really? I just wasted 2hrs for you to tell me what's going on, because I literally wasn't sure where this plot was going?!" I've seen a lot of bad movies in my time, and this is most definitely one of them. How did they get the likes of Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon to sign on to this garbage? We know they don't need the money. So....
Yeah, TL;DR? PASS.
Easter Egg: ALOMA WRIGHT
24 November 2023
Ahhh!!! I am so stoked about this episode! I just heard a voice and immediately recognized it to be none other than Aloma Wright, who played Gretchen on Suits. Fabulous!
This particular episode and a couple previous ones in S6, really bring out the brilliant acting of David Hyde Pierce. I'm not sure if he was fully appreciated for his skill craft back then, but watching him now is like... pure art. He may very well be my favorite character on this show. That all said, I've watched the reboot of Frasier (2023) and it's just as wonderful, even with recasting. I do genuinely hope to see more of Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith. One of my favorite characters (and actresses) of all time.
This particular episode and a couple previous ones in S6, really bring out the brilliant acting of David Hyde Pierce. I'm not sure if he was fully appreciated for his skill craft back then, but watching him now is like... pure art. He may very well be my favorite character on this show. That all said, I've watched the reboot of Frasier (2023) and it's just as wonderful, even with recasting. I do genuinely hope to see more of Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith. One of my favorite characters (and actresses) of all time.
The Wedding Veil
(2022 TV Movie)
Stop trying so hard
13 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Kevin McGarry's attempt at a Boston accent could be palpable *if* it was consistent. It got more pronounced as the movie progressed, and in a cringeworthy way.
As for the storyline, I will say it is a fresh take on romance mcoies. (I'm looking forward to continuing the series.) That all said, I knew immediately that the portrait was of the actual veil purchased in San Francisco (by the way, I'm typing this as I'm watching the unveiling of the painting-so it hasn't actually been divulged or realized yet, but mark my words!).
The plot moved at a decent pace, which was nice. I didn't feel the need to take breaks out of boredom.
As for the storyline, I will say it is a fresh take on romance mcoies. (I'm looking forward to continuing the series.) That all said, I knew immediately that the portrait was of the actual veil purchased in San Francisco (by the way, I'm typing this as I'm watching the unveiling of the painting-so it hasn't actually been divulged or realized yet, but mark my words!).
The plot moved at a decent pace, which was nice. I didn't feel the need to take breaks out of boredom.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
(1993–1998)
Well this is surprising
16 September 2023
I watched this show when it was originally airing, and here I am thirty years later.... THIS SHOW IS SURPRISINGLY TIMELESS. I forgot I was watching a show from the 90s. Further, watching it through today's culture climate lense-and the topics we are discussing today, this show has those elements. Women empowerment, equality to all, anti cruelty towards animals, death penalty, racism, alcoholism, etc. It's seriously shocking that a show can span the decades without being cringy. THIS SHOW IS BINGE-ABLE!!! When you consider the 90s, diversity is one of the last things you think of. This show has diversity and MANY familiar faces that you've seen in other modern shows, like Longmire for example. I'm tickled pink that I wasn't bored by watching this (again).
30 years later...
5 September 2023
... if you're uncomfortable watching this in 2023, well... welcome to it. Historically inaccurate according to another review, and that author may be accurate in stating that-I'm unsure. But the point the show was making rang true then and rings true now. If this episode doesn't make you uncomfortable, then you're probably part of a big problem we have. It's amazing how much of this show is still relevant today. And not in a cringey way either, but a relatable way. It shows the best in humanity, and the worst. It shows struggle from race and from gender. I wish this was on television today, and not merely as a streaming option for the bygone era.
Gaffe? Improv?
26 August 2023
Picture it, in the Queen of Hearts Saloon for Ned Yost's bachelor party. All the men around the table, discussing the Nichols & Dimes Barber shop and Ned throws out this one liner:
"Nevermind that I've been driving with the top down since my thirties."
Bill Avery, played by Jack Wagner, looks down with a furled yet puzzled brow before looking at Ned then looking away. It appears he's trying to grasp what was just said in relation to a literal timeline. (The actor, not the character.)
Was this a gaffe? Or impromptu? Was this saying around in 1919? (Show started 1910 and it's now season 8, so 1919 is a guesstimate.)
I think it was Hrothgar Mathews' (Ned Yost) actually responding in a way he does in his actual life, albeit by accident. And they just kept it because the only one who caught it but let it slide was Jack Wagner. Great Easter Egg if you ask me!
"Nevermind that I've been driving with the top down since my thirties."
Bill Avery, played by Jack Wagner, looks down with a furled yet puzzled brow before looking at Ned then looking away. It appears he's trying to grasp what was just said in relation to a literal timeline. (The actor, not the character.)
Was this a gaffe? Or impromptu? Was this saying around in 1919? (Show started 1910 and it's now season 8, so 1919 is a guesstimate.)
I think it was Hrothgar Mathews' (Ned Yost) actually responding in a way he does in his actual life, albeit by accident. And they just kept it because the only one who caught it but let it slide was Jack Wagner. Great Easter Egg if you ask me!
From Scratch
(2022)
Eugenio Mastrandrea!
11 August 2023
Oh wow. I haven't seen an seemingly unknown actor so good at their craft in soooo long. Eugenio Mastrandrea is truly amazing; I felt able to connect with his character throughout this show. I wasn't expecting to even like the show, let alone find a gem! Don't let the title fool you into thinking you're going to watch a cheesy Hallmark style miniseries or movie. This is actually done really well and lacks cheese; thankfully. I still have another episode or two, but I'm already hoping it's set up for a continued season. But it's listed as a limited series, so my hopes and dreams are probably already dashed.
Seriously, again?! Whyyyyy
1 April 2023
Why do y'all keep doing these stupid types of episodes. I don't want to watch a show within a show. And how realistic is this type of plot anyways?! So, not just one doppelgänger, not two doppelgängers, but two couples of doppelgängers and one set are criminals and the other set are cops. Like come on man. On top of that, this particular precinct is soooooo special that they've had multiple documentaries and reality shows about the characters? This is absolutely beyond all belief. I mean, I'll give a pass if all of these style of episodes were filmed at the same time. It allowed for social distancing I suppose, so maybe they were all filmed in 2020. Lol.
Super NOT Cool
31 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Marwani initiates a 911 call via Siri and.... IT WILL INTERACT WITH YOUR HOME POD AT HOME. Usually when there's an AI involved, there's some sort of embedding that prevents the show from interacting with viewers' AI systems in their homes. I've never had an issue before now with Siri responding to a tv show, Alexa on the other hand was notorious. VIEWERS BEWARE.
As for the show, it was awesome as usual. I prefer this over the original 9-1-1 believe it or not. This particular episode has Gabby Petito and Brian Laundries vibes. As did the past few with this couple. Marwani is returning to the 126!
As for the show, it was awesome as usual. I prefer this over the original 9-1-1 believe it or not. This particular episode has Gabby Petito and Brian Laundries vibes. As did the past few with this couple. Marwani is returning to the 126!
Your Place or Mine
(2023)
Wow. It's been awhile.
19 February 2023
It's been quite some time since I've been able to watch a movie without stopping and doing something else because I've lost interest.
This is Reese from Sweet Home Alabama meets Ashton from Butterfly Effect (assuming my memory is working). Cute Reese and not overly annoying Ashton I suppose. Lol
Steve Zahn's character really provided nothing to the show, but that's what made it so brilliant! They cast the absolute perfect actor for that role. As soon as his face came up, before opening credits even, I was like "YESSSSS STEVE ZAHN!!!" His role and acting gave the movie a nostalgic feel and I just loved it.
Tig was great, and also much calmer than in other roles. The movie in general was quite calm because it's a Rom-Com, but it was seriously entertaining. I didn't want to pause it once!!!
This is Reese from Sweet Home Alabama meets Ashton from Butterfly Effect (assuming my memory is working). Cute Reese and not overly annoying Ashton I suppose. Lol
Steve Zahn's character really provided nothing to the show, but that's what made it so brilliant! They cast the absolute perfect actor for that role. As soon as his face came up, before opening credits even, I was like "YESSSSS STEVE ZAHN!!!" His role and acting gave the movie a nostalgic feel and I just loved it.
Tig was great, and also much calmer than in other roles. The movie in general was quite calm because it's a Rom-Com, but it was seriously entertaining. I didn't want to pause it once!!!
That '90s Show
(2023– )
Yuhhh. Essss. Puhhhh. Leeees.
20 January 2023
Red, Kitty, Donna, Eric, Jackie, Kelso, FEZ... almost forgot that Foreman was even on T70S. The grandkid storyline creating the bridge from 70s to 90s is well balanced with the nostalgia of T70S; super happy about that. The actor playing Kelso's kid, is PERFECTLY CAST. I could do without the odd friend who stepped into FEZ's role from T70S though if I'm being honest. He doesn't quite fit the show's vibe, in my opinion. This is by far the best continuation of a show (it really is too good to be even called a reboot). If you liked Fuller House, you'll love T90S! I'm excited to see how this goes-sign me up!
Night Court
(2023– )
It needs...
19 January 2023
... Richard Moll and Marsha Warfield. BOTH OF THEM.
Without those two, honestly, this just feels like John Laroquette having an end of life crisis and trying to relive his glory days.
I really was hopeful... it's just so cheesy, that it's really bad. I can't even think of a 30min show to compare it to, to give a proper idea of just how not good this is.
I feel bad for Melissa Rauch. Also, I must admit that I was really hoping for the Bernadette voice. It might have actually made it more palpable.
I might give this another shot next week, just to ensure it wasn't "just a bad pilot". I hated La Brea at first....
Without those two, honestly, this just feels like John Laroquette having an end of life crisis and trying to relive his glory days.
I really was hopeful... it's just so cheesy, that it's really bad. I can't even think of a 30min show to compare it to, to give a proper idea of just how not good this is.
I feel bad for Melissa Rauch. Also, I must admit that I was really hoping for the Bernadette voice. It might have actually made it more palpable.
I might give this another shot next week, just to ensure it wasn't "just a bad pilot". I hated La Brea at first....
Couldn't Do It
29 December 2022
I'm watching the entire Bones series, and surprisingly enough, I think this is the first and only episode I couldn't get through. I got about 15min in and backed out and moved on to the next episode. I had a feeling I wouldn't be a fan even before opening credits, but figured I'd give it a go and not be "one of those people" who complain on IMDB. But, if I wanted to watch a documentary or uncomfortable interviews, I'd turn on TLC. Nothing about this episode was entertaining, to me. The only upside to this episode was seeing (now) familiar faces from shows like Graceland and Law & Order SVU. Pass.
Terrible 1940s Acting Rendition
15 December 2022
Carla Gallo was the only saving grace on this episode, which isn't surprising as this wasn't her first rodeo with period acting. (Mad Men) TJ Thyne came in right behind Carla Gallo with a believable portrayal. That all said, this episode felt more like satire than an actual attempt at recreating 1940s stylized acting. The main distraction from the storyline was the back and forth between 1940s acting and modern acting methods. Stick to one, for the love of all things cinema. Lol
The props and wardrobe for the show were en pointe and awesome, for the most part.
Ultimately, it was just a super weird way to commemorate a 200th episode.
The props and wardrobe for the show were en pointe and awesome, for the most part.
Ultimately, it was just a super weird way to commemorate a 200th episode.
Gutsy
(2022– )
Push through your discomfort
13 September 2022
I almost shied away from watching this because of the poor reviews. Listen, some of this was absolutely scripted-to a point. Meaning, they had talking points to hit on but it wasn't a line-for-line scripted show. My guess is the majority of negative comments are from cisgender-hetero-males (or females who have been in a world with them, indoctrinated). Woke? You say it like it's a bad thing. I'd rather be aware of differences in experiences than with my head in the ground like a privileged ostrich.
Ignore the haters, give it a shot-with an open mind and heart. Uncomfortable? Push through it. That's where growth happens.
Ignore the haters, give it a shot-with an open mind and heart. Uncomfortable? Push through it. That's where growth happens.
Five Days at Memorial
(2022)
Nauseating
13 September 2022
I didn't fully comprehend the human suffering or issues at hand back in 2005, in part to being in my early 20s and also slightly jaded from being in the military-where we always help and leaving people is unfathomable. Watching this show, well... I've had to watch in bite size pieces. It literally nauseates me and gives me such anxiety.
The despair. The decisions being made. The decisions being made because of the despair. It was a no win situation. I can't imagine having to decide between my life, another's life, whether leaving them behind is the answer, or helping them go quicker to ease pain and suffering. It really puts the Hippocratic oath to test-first do no harm, right? Very subjective. If the harm is that the patient will be left behind to die, then helping to end that suffering is the right choice, right? But they could survive, we don't know if more help will come tomorrow once we evacuate, right? Is there a right? Is there a wrong? The only wrong during the aftermath of Katrina, was doing nothing. And we saw a whole lot of that, as we see here in this docuseries.
I can't imagine. I just can't.
The loss of the pets; first, I don't comprehend how there were pets in a hospital in the first place. All I know? If it came to leaving my best friend (4 legs) to fend for herself, putting her down, or staying with her to surely die myself... I know which I'd chose-the one I could live with, no matter how short that would make my own life.
I'm so sorry to those who lost loved ones, who had to witness such despair, or make such gut wrenching decisions. Perseverance isn't for the faint of heart.
This show, sucks.
The despair. The decisions being made. The decisions being made because of the despair. It was a no win situation. I can't imagine having to decide between my life, another's life, whether leaving them behind is the answer, or helping them go quicker to ease pain and suffering. It really puts the Hippocratic oath to test-first do no harm, right? Very subjective. If the harm is that the patient will be left behind to die, then helping to end that suffering is the right choice, right? But they could survive, we don't know if more help will come tomorrow once we evacuate, right? Is there a right? Is there a wrong? The only wrong during the aftermath of Katrina, was doing nothing. And we saw a whole lot of that, as we see here in this docuseries.
I can't imagine. I just can't.
The loss of the pets; first, I don't comprehend how there were pets in a hospital in the first place. All I know? If it came to leaving my best friend (4 legs) to fend for herself, putting her down, or staying with her to surely die myself... I know which I'd chose-the one I could live with, no matter how short that would make my own life.
I'm so sorry to those who lost loved ones, who had to witness such despair, or make such gut wrenching decisions. Perseverance isn't for the faint of heart.
This show, sucks.
Monarch
(2022)
Snooze-fest
13 September 2022
If you take Dynasty (new) and Nashville, mash it up and leave the good parts out, I imagine this is what you'd be left with.
It's just incredibly unbelievably cliche. I'm only 10mins in and I'm bored. This isn't typical. Do I keep watching or cut my losses and see if they prove me wrong? Jk, this show won't make it to another season, assuming it doesn't get cancelled mid-season.
It's bad guys. (And that kills me-I love 90s country through and through.)
Maybe DW Moffett will bring some life in? I love that guy! But seriously, not everyone in country music has an accent-in fact, most don't. There's good music played in the background, so that's a plus. Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Tanya Tucker, and Little Big Town make appearances, so there's that.
It's just incredibly unbelievably cliche. I'm only 10mins in and I'm bored. This isn't typical. Do I keep watching or cut my losses and see if they prove me wrong? Jk, this show won't make it to another season, assuming it doesn't get cancelled mid-season.
It's bad guys. (And that kills me-I love 90s country through and through.)
Maybe DW Moffett will bring some life in? I love that guy! But seriously, not everyone in country music has an accent-in fact, most don't. There's good music played in the background, so that's a plus. Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Tanya Tucker, and Little Big Town make appearances, so there's that.
Relatable
12 September 2022
If you can't feel NPH's portrayal of Michael, then chances are you've never had your heart ripped out by someone who is cold and uncaring. (Lucky you.)
NPH did an amazing job on this episode; I'm hooked. He had optimism, love, fear, concern, and then a physical, literal gut wrenching, experience. It is so rare, IMO, that an actor can take their audience on such journey in a sub 30min episode. (Most can't do it in a 2hr blockbuster, unless it's Kate Winslet and Leo.)
I'm definitely here for this show. Such depth of NPH's capabilities, from Barney Stinson.... This actor is amazing.
The other character development is still in the works, but I'm positive it'll be awesome. Lots of familiar faces. Marcia Gay Harden, for one. Love her in everything!
NPH did an amazing job on this episode; I'm hooked. He had optimism, love, fear, concern, and then a physical, literal gut wrenching, experience. It is so rare, IMO, that an actor can take their audience on such journey in a sub 30min episode. (Most can't do it in a 2hr blockbuster, unless it's Kate Winslet and Leo.)
I'm definitely here for this show. Such depth of NPH's capabilities, from Barney Stinson.... This actor is amazing.
The other character development is still in the works, but I'm positive it'll be awesome. Lots of familiar faces. Marcia Gay Harden, for one. Love her in everything!
Welcome to Wrexham
(2022– )
Only Ryan Reynolds
26 August 2022
Okay, docuseries are like snoozefests to me-usually. On top of that, my initial impression was this was gonna be a rip off of Ted Lasso, but I gave it a shot. Then, as Ryan and Rob are talking on the field in the first few minutes I'm thinking "they're not scripted at all, seems like a normal convo".... "Oh wait, they're using their real names? I need to google this sh-." Turns out these two geniuses actually purchased this soccer team in 2021 and decided to document the process from the very beginning without ever meeting one another in person before. Mind blown. So yeah, this isn't some Ted Lasso rip off or a crap docuseries. Sure Rob is cool and funny, but seeing just how the heck Ryan gets into these off-the-wall ventures is what has me intrigued. Aviator Gin, Mint Mobile, a Football Club... talk about diversification. I'm thoroughly enjoying watching this and I'm only 15min in to episode 1! I had to pause and get on here to share so anyone wondering if they should watch it could get their sign from me-THIS IS A MUST WATCH.
Tone Deaf Even for 2008/9
18 August 2022
The "squints" are overly concerned with assigning Dr. Tanaka with an "either or" gender pronoun; meanwhile, Dr. Sweets literally described the situation of gender very well and the team ignored him. The writer's had a missed opportunity here for how they led this topic. Ultimately, I think they should have focused on Dr. Sweets educating the squints rather than the squints trying to gender assign Dr. Tanaka. But hey, it's 2022 now and we've come so far. (Yes, and no. Sarcasm but also not.)
Multiple episodes have had some cringe to them, with regards to male masculinity, lesbian relationships, etc. But this one just took the cake. When writer's know full well that they're perpetuating harm and furthering misunderstanding through their work-INTENTIONALLY-it's just gross, regardless of what year we are in.
I hope they all strive or have striven to do better in the past 14yrs.
Multiple episodes have had some cringe to them, with regards to male masculinity, lesbian relationships, etc. But this one just took the cake. When writer's know full well that they're perpetuating harm and furthering misunderstanding through their work-INTENTIONALLY-it's just gross, regardless of what year we are in.
I hope they all strive or have striven to do better in the past 14yrs.
The Black Phone
(2021)
Well... that happened
13 August 2022
This movie feels like it was trying to cash in on the "throwback" Stranger Things setting. It achieved that. The acting was perfectly fine, great even-by all characters. The boredom came from the lack of suspense or storyline.
I literally turned this on to see if it could help me fall asleep at 4am or keep me up for the day. (Sleep roulette is what I'd call this game.) Well, the wheel lost and I was able to go back to sleep.
I'm glad I didn't waste my time seeing this in the theater. I watched on Peacock for free with my $9.99/mo subscription. Do that, if you can't sleep.
I literally turned this on to see if it could help me fall asleep at 4am or keep me up for the day. (Sleep roulette is what I'd call this game.) Well, the wheel lost and I was able to go back to sleep.
I'm glad I didn't waste my time seeing this in the theater. I watched on Peacock for free with my $9.99/mo subscription. Do that, if you can't sleep.
I'm geeking out!
10 August 2022
Erik Von Detten (Days of Our Lives), Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire/PD/Med), AND Makia Fox (The Rookie, Chicago Med) on ONE episode of Bones-TOGETHER?! Each was in their mid-20s during filming, but played high school basketball players and a cheerleader, respectively.
For anyone who LOVES to see actors in their early years or childhood actors growing their skills ... this is a great episode!
For anyone who LOVES to see actors in their early years or childhood actors growing their skills ... this is a great episode!
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