tv-block? tv-slump:

[rose_griffes]

I’ve been in a TV slump. TV block? Nothing sounds appealing on the two platforms I’m currently paying for, even though I just rotated to one of them specifically to watch, er, stuff. Bah.

At any rate: I have read stuff and watched things over the previous three months, so here’s a catch-up post about that.

I’m continuing my Barbara Hambly dive, alternating between her James Asher series and her Benjamin January series. Both excellent, by the way, although I feel like the fourth Benjamin January book, Sold Down the River, is where things really came together for me. (I’ve gotten through book 5 on that series, and am currently reading number six in the James Asher books.)

Mimi Matthews is a popular historical romance novelist; her stories often focus more on historical elements than the actual romance, which I appreciate. I’ve read three of her “Belles of London” books - The Belle of Belgrave Square was a bit gothic in a fun way. Edging towards Brontë territory without full-on Rochester for the male lead.

Still in the historical romance (emphasis on historical) side of things: Alison Goodman’s The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies worked for me as a collection of mystery stories with the beginning arc of a romance. No sequel yet, which means no resolution for that arc, but I was fine with that.

What all of these books have in common: a strong element of “here’s the history” included in the tale. That may not be your thing, but apparently I’m good with it. So... yay? At least there’s something (books) where I’m not blocked, as opposed to television, where I am.

The movie The Fall Guy was a semi-flawed but entertaining summer outing sort of film. I had a fun time and the actors appeared to as well.

Before canceling Disney+ the most recent time around, I did finish the Ahsoka series. My grade for it hasn’t changed; it’s a mid-range show that might be worth watching if you’re into the characters or that specific time frame. Otherwise… eh. A bit frustrating, to be honest: the cast is excellent, but the other elements didn’t coalesce around them effectively.

And that’s the update. Feel free to tell me what I should watch on Netflix, if you’re so inclined. I have a list! Alas, it’s uninspiring to me at the moment!

Comments

[grav_ity]

On Netflix, I am still pretty committed to documentaries, because I can cross stitch while they're on. We liked Blown Away (a competitive glassblowing show) because it was low investment.

[rose_griffes]

Ooh, that might be my speed while doing some crafty stuff. Thanks!

[goodbyebird]

I left Netflix last month so not much help there... I'm currently making my way through AppleTV, keeping up with certain stuff on Disney+, and grabbing a couple of things on the sly.

My fave show running currently is Interview With The Vampire, nearing the end of its second season.

[rose_griffes]

IWTV is like my show-in-law twice removed. I'm so happy y'all are having fun with it!

I may try Apple in July; I've literally never subscribed to the service, so my list of potential shows is long enough. And some of them count as "prestige" (or close enough), which might get my brain interested enough to give it a shot.

[yourlibrarian]

I really enjoy historical fiction, though romance not so much. I also like it when the fiction is set somewhere other than Europe which seems to be a big default.

Unfortunately without looking back at my comments in tv_talk I probably couldn't tell you what I watched in the past year! I have two shows I plan to watch the next time I get Netflix but I can't at this time recall anything I plan to continue viewing when I'm back on it. There's stuff I've been liking but nothing I'm really fannish about.

[rose_griffes]

One of the James Asher novels actually takes place in China, which was a pleasant surprise. And another in Russia, which is far more common but still less so than western Europe.

[brickhousewench]

I’ve read three of her “Belles of London” books

I also read and enjoyed those three.

I kept meaning to try to get out to see The Fall Guy, but I think I missed it in theaters.