More trans-Atlantic flights, more Ipad entertainment courtesy of Netflix, Amazon Prime and iTunes. Here are some of the shows I’ve been watching.
· Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In
My favourite TV series from the 60’s, 140 episodes from Beautiful Downtown Burbank – first aired as a pilot on September 9, 1967 – and a celeb tribute just aired on Netflix. I’m watching them all, show by show – a great commentary on those seminal 60’s/70’s years. The hosts, Arte Johnson, Ruth Buzzi, Lily Tomlin, Jo Anne Worley – all produced by George Schlatter (CFG – as he was referred to on set – which stood for Crazy Fuckin’ George!). Making me feel young again. Thanks Amazon Prime.
· Delhi Crime
On Netflix. Making me feel old again. Based on the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case. A fascinating look into the realities of life in a fascinating country.
· My Brilliant Friend
iTunes. From Fremantle. The first of four Neapolitan novels exploring female friendships – created by Saverio Costanzo. The second series, based on Ferrante’s second novel ‘The Story of a New Name’ has just been confirmed and commissioned.
· Killing Eve
I guess you’ve all seen this. Series Two is on air in the US. Brilliant acting from both leads.
· True Detective
Series Three on iTunes and HBO. The best so far – amazing performances from Moonlight’s Mahershala Ali.
· The Highwaymen
Thinking of True Detective got me thinking of Woody Harrelson. He stole the show in Netflix’ Bonnie & Clyde movie based on the true story and seen from the viewpoint of the former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault. I liked watching the two old grizzlies Costner and Harrelson having fun.
Three Netflix international series have passed away the miles for me:
· Carlo and Malik– A fun Italian cop/buddy series with a twist on racism.
· Wild District – a Colombian series showing the seamy side of government corruption – interesting not least because I’m off on my second trip to Colombia in November – to Cartagena and Medellin to speak at a WOBI World Economic Forum. I enjoyed my last visit to Bogota four/five years ago and I believe progress continues to be rapid.
And finally:
· When Heroes Fly – set in Colombia again – but made in that edgy creative hotspot, Israel.
I love watching these international dramas with their different cultural, photographic and pacing approaches. Production-wise, they’ve mastered doing more with less.
Finally, new series of The Bureau, Goliath, Berlin Station, The Son are all worth a go.
Can’t wait for Deutschland 86, and Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. (And a guilty pleasure – Keanu Reeves in John Wick 3.)
KR
