Tuesday 12 February 2013

Feeling sorry for oneself in the winter TV marathons

brideshead
BBC.
FoylesWar
ITV.
I've been quite a homebody for the past two weeks. We've been snowed in (nothing new there), the mercury went from -20C to about 0C (feels like summer, truly), and I spent a few sick days dragging myself from easy chair to bed to couch, feeling quite sorry for myself. Probably because of all of the above, every winter I tend to get really into a new tv show, that is preferably available somewhere online, and has run for a good many seasons already, if it hasn't reached it conclusion.

Last winter it was Brideshead Revisited (the 1981 series, conveniently available on youtube). I always feel a bit silly saying I like Evelyn Waugh (but often disagree with him nonetheless) after having read only one of his novels, and that a good two years ago. It just reminds me of how I could employ my free time better, to expand my knowledge of things that indeed do passionate me (but there are so many of them!!). Anyway, I really enjoyed Brideshead Revisited, and I strongly recommend it. The relationship between Charles and Sebastian is presented beautifully and subtly, the cinematography is excellent, and, well, it also helps that Jeremy Irons is quite handsome.

This winter's series marathon was Foyle's War (also conveniently available on youtube). You know I have a thing for British detectives and historical dramas, and Foyle's War ticks off pretty much every box when it comes to what I like in a mix of those two genres. It is fairly well researched, incorporates socio-political themes of war-time Britain in its plots, and has excellent costumes and decors. Honeysuckle Weeks as Sam Stewart is really enchanting--this might sound a tad silly, but I especially appreciate how resourceful she always is (amongst other things). Plus, season 8 has been announced for this year!!! The very last Poirot episodes are also coming out in the next months, so this might be the year I wear out my pink easy chair for good.

Now grab your 'horse blankets' (copyright my childhood friend Laurence) and your teapots (and tea-cosies, still need to knit myself one), and enjoy. Any recommendations to what I should watch next? I have a feeling winter won't be over for a while here, the weather's just being a tease.

4 comments:

  1. I've been feeling rather sorry for myself too, but because of the extreme heat on my side of the world. Strangely enough, our form of comfort is the same: Poirot and Foyle's War have been on my TV too, along with Midsomer Murders and Marple. These shows never fail to make me feel better, and they are so excellently made.

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    1. I hope the weather has gotten a bit better on your side of the world! I haven't watched Midsomer Murders yet but will very soon. I also really like Marple, especially the episodes with Joan Hickson and Geraldine McEwan, partly because the latter oddly reminds me of my grandmother.

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  2. I've been binge watching so many shows this winter as its been a pretty harsh one (relatively, for us). The ones I've been watching are pretty well known but favorites are: House of Cards, Girls, Arrested Development, Firefly, Twin Peaks, Breaking Bad...

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    1. I'm a big fan of Arrested Development and Twin Peaks as well, and I'll have to have a look at your other suggestions. Thank you!

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