Well, March came and went in unexpected fashion. I hope you took much needed care of yourself over the past few weeks. Surprisingly, given all the self-isolation happening this month, I really didn’t watch that many series. I figured I’d be bingeing through tons of shows, but my attention has been focused more on films and catching up with some I’ve missed in the last couple of years.
For this month’s “What I’m Watching”, I only have four series for you – one I couldn’t get into, one I’m embarrassed by, and two I absolutely loved and binged straight through.
Outlander (Starz, but past seasons are on Netflix)
This series premiered in 2014 and has amassed quite the following over the years. I’ve heard about it so much, I’m surprised I hadn’t given it a watch until now. The historical drama follows a former World War II nurse who finds herself transported to 1743 whilst on vacation with her husband. Stuck in this new, well, old world, she marries and struggles over her love of the two wildly different men.
While the series is popular, even winning many awards, I just could not get into it once I looked past the scenery/costumes. On the surface, I took it for something other than what it is. After a couple of episodes, I realized it was less historical drama. The romantic themes of the series are cumbersome, and it seemed a bit too soap-opera-like to me. It has some amazing performances, and I do recognize the worlds love of this series – it just wasn’t one for me.
Shrill (Hulu)
Shrill stars Saturday Night Live regular Aidy Bryant, who also serves as one of the executive producer’s and writer on several episodes. Bryant plays Annie, a young journalist idling through life. While it seems like everyone around her aims to make her feel less than, due to her weight, Annie sets off to change her own perception of herself.
Bryant has long been my favorite SNL cast member. She has an effortless comedic style and absolutely shines in this role. It’s less of a comedy in terms of hitting punchlines, and more about finding the real humor in everyday life – even the more painful parts that we laugh through. The two seasons comprise of 14 half-hour episodes, which makes it an easy binge-watch, but it’s one that will have your attention the whole way through.
Love Is Blind (Netflix)
Alright, hear me out. I’m not a huge reality show person, at all, and I certainly despise the likes of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but for some reason, this show has captivated me. By now you’ve likely heard the premise of this show: a group of men and women date from separate rooms, unable to see each other until they propose marriage. The show itself is the epitome of what a train-wreck is.
The format is ridiculous and the contestants, at times, are full-on painful to watch. I think what keeps you so engaged is of course the wacky nature of it all, but also a fascination as to why we as humans get so desperate to find love and companionship. Or at the least, how the “experiment” is justified by claiming it boasts a scientific purpose. Do I feel dirty enjoying it? Maybe, but I also have found such solace in how it made me feel a little better about myself.
Ozark (Netflix)
Yep, it took me up until the season three premier of this show, to finally cave and watch it – and I am hooked! The series follows financial advisor Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) as he relocates his wife (Laura Linney) and children from Chicago to the Ozarks, to sustain his job as a money launderer for a Mexican drug cartel. With the FBI hot on his trail, Marty and his family realize they have many enemies in quaint town.
I’m probably the last person to actually watch this show, and the accolades speak for themselves, so I’m only adding to the overwhelming consensus that this is one of the best series on television. It’s riveting, expertly crafted storytelling with an insanely talented cast. I’m well into season two and I cannot wait to power through season three, which was just released.
Jordy Reviews It 
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