Television for the downer
Frankly I’m a little annoyed with the depressing turn Downton Abbey has taken. And GIRLS. Even the new Community is sort of ick. Cheer up, drama writers! Take a nice sunny Mexico vacation and get back to us. I use television watching as a retreat, a thirty minute lapse into relaxation after a long day. It’s not good when that thirty minutes ends with me feeling more depleted than ever.
Soo I was delighted to finally watch something a little optimistic, something that said: let’s believe in the fantastical. About someone who could think of people outside himself. A true story and a real one, and a breathtaking one. We rented the documentary Searching for Sugar Man over the weekend and it was all of those things. Rent it (it’s $4 on iTunes). You’ll love it.
Have you watched anything cheerful and spirited lately? I’d love some ideas.
23 Comments
Annie Slocum
I was not thrilled with the end of the season of Downton Abbey but reading this helped me understand the dilemma the writer is in!!
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/18/julian-fellowes-discusses-a-season-of-comings-and-goings-at-downton-abbey/
Rachael Ringenberg
That’s a good interview. I’m still suspicious of J.F. His Gosford Park was so dark, I feel that he wrought this whole wonderful story and brought us in, and is now delighting these major character deaths.
Kerrie Taylor
Parenthood was the same this season…but! Have you seen Life in A Day or Babies? Both are colorful (literally) documentaries and full of human hope, in my opinion.
Rachael Ringenberg
Oh, thank you! I have seen Babies, but not Life in a Day.
I don’t watch Parenthood but it does seem that everyone who does is crying after every episode. : )
Erin
Good call. They put the down in Downton this season.
Bridget
I agree on the Downton front. I liked that it was mostly tragedy-less. Not so, anymore…
Caitlin Pelton
Excellent film! His music is worth the purchase also. I am so happy it is up for an Oscar fingers crossed it wins!
melissa martin
I heard they killed of Matthew because he wanted to leave the show. This made me feel a little better about things. The Mindy Project has made my life a little brighter and is my current laugh out loud show.
Rachael Ringenberg
yes! Forgot about her. I love it too. even Joe laughs. Something about the man characters in that show are refreshing. They are less… pathetic? than other NBC shows.
Hena Tayeb
I don’t understand why these actors want to leave the show. they get big heads and think they will be in such high demand.. only to realize after the character is already dead that they made a big mistake.. i can’t see mary with anyone else.. not sure if I even want to continue watching..
I second the Mindy Project.. laugh out loud funny.
Rachael Ringenberg
It must be weird though, to start getting offers and be like “is anyone else looking into other options here?” Like, the really important characters–the mom, the dad, the dowager–surely they’re getting offers too, right? It must make for some awkward lunch hours.
Emily R-C
I snuck the third season from the Brits much earlier than it aired over here, but when a friend spoiled the ending for me, I refused to watch the final episode because I knew how depressing it would be. Still haven’t seen it! But will probably cave soon.
Rachael Ringenberg
Yes, you should watch it because as he mentions in the above linked-to interview, the bad ending happens truly in the last seconds. I wish I hadn’t spent the whole episode dreading it (thanks Twitter, for that one).
Hannah
Parks and Rec is my personal favorite. Strong women, people in loving and committed relationships, jokes about Muncie…it doesn’t get any better than that. Leslie Knope is the most upbeat character on television.
Rachael Ringenberg
Hey, do you think that Muncie ice cream parlor that they filmed in once actually exists?
Hannah
I think it was supposed to be Cammack Station! We lived right next to it- it was actually where we had our first date.
https://plus.google.com/107431929977938843710/photos/photo/5817770619176396162?hl=en
Rachael Ringenberg
(the secret reason you love that show so much)
Rachael Ringenberg
Which is to say: I like it, and want to like it more, but Ben sort of drives me nuts.
joanie
You’ve Got Mail! It never fails!
Rachael Ringenberg
Speaking of everyone’s Mindy Kaling recommendation…I think she loves that movie.
Jessica Clare
We just watched Ai Wei Wei: Never Scared and I won’t say it’s light, but it is inspirational. Also, Parks and Rec always makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
Jessica Clare
meant Never Sorry, not Never Scared..
Rachael Ringenberg
Love this idea too, thank you. I’ve seen some of his art but not totally clicked with it, or how much I hear about him. I’d love to learn more.