A Few Good Things
My husband and I enjoy our movie/TV time in the evening. We've waded through some crap on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO, but there is always something worthwhile to share.
We watched Stranger Things, which I may not have paid enough attention to, so I'll have to give it a meh rating. If you can't pull me away from Trivia Crack and Home Design on my phone, you haven't captured my attention.
But Penny Dreadful did grab me. I blame it on Dorian Gray. The show brings this classic character to life and what book nerd doesn't love that? Though I see the characterization of this TV Dorian as a bit of a blend between the selfish, reckless book Dorian and his hedonistic mentor and role model from the story, Henry. But it's a blend that works and makes for an intriguing bad guy.
From IMDB: Explorer Sir Malcolm Murray, American gunslinger Ethan Chandler, scientist Victor Frankenstein, and medium Vanessa Ives unite to combat supernatural threats in Victorian London.
This show is sort of like Supernatural, sans humor, meets Game of Thrones. There is a lot of gore, few things are sacred, and sex is for sport and shock. But it's interesting and worth watching.
*I also found it interesting that a Penny Dreadful wasn't a character, but the name given to the sometimes tawdry, always sensational comic books published during Victorian England. They often cost a penny and were dreadful.
Need a snack while watching TV? I got one of these and I'm loving it. I love popcorn, but hate making it. I'm not a fan of bagged microwave popcorn. It's either too dry or too salty and greasy. I'm sure this is a money saver too. I can get a bottle of oil and a bag of popcorn for under $5 and that makes a lot of bowls. I also get to pick my oil, so a heart-healthy canola or olive oil makes this a healthier treat than the chemicals in the bags of popcorn.
Need more goodness? Dancing Lemur Press is offering all of their audibooks buy one get one free now through the end of October. Now is a good time to pick up some scary reads...or some sci-fi or whatever tickles your senses.
That's my small things check-in. Thanks to our hosts Lexa, L .G, and Tonja Drecker for this weekly reminder to look for the good things in life! What good things are new with you?
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| IMDB Page |
From IMDB: Explorer Sir Malcolm Murray, American gunslinger Ethan Chandler, scientist Victor Frankenstein, and medium Vanessa Ives unite to combat supernatural threats in Victorian London.
This show is sort of like Supernatural, sans humor, meets Game of Thrones. There is a lot of gore, few things are sacred, and sex is for sport and shock. But it's interesting and worth watching.
*I also found it interesting that a Penny Dreadful wasn't a character, but the name given to the sometimes tawdry, always sensational comic books published during Victorian England. They often cost a penny and were dreadful.
Need a snack while watching TV? I got one of these and I'm loving it. I love popcorn, but hate making it. I'm not a fan of bagged microwave popcorn. It's either too dry or too salty and greasy. I'm sure this is a money saver too. I can get a bottle of oil and a bag of popcorn for under $5 and that makes a lot of bowls. I also get to pick my oil, so a heart-healthy canola or olive oil makes this a healthier treat than the chemicals in the bags of popcorn.
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| Available on Amazon |
That's my small things check-in. Thanks to our hosts Lexa, L .G, and Tonja Drecker for this weekly reminder to look for the good things in life! What good things are new with you?
You didn't like Stranger Things? What's wrong with you, woman? Oh wait, I probably know the answer to that...
ReplyDeleteWe have an air popper and it makes awesome popcorn. I don't like the microwave stuff either.
In the show's defense, I was texting my niece about her upcoming wedding for most of the initial episodes. I may need to give it my undivided attention.
DeleteI need to check out Stranger Things. I've heard good things about it. But if it doesn't catch my attention, I might feel like you about it.
ReplyDeleteDon't play games or text through it and you'll probably like it better than I did. LOL
DeleteThere sure is a lot of crap to wade through these days. But you didn't like Stranger Things? Geez, the cat can't bring himself to even comment on that. Hmm whoops, I lied.
ReplyDeleteWell, since you and Alex have given me the comment scolds, I will have to rewatch the show without my phone in my hands.
Deletewhat kind of writer are you...pushing TV
ReplyDelete(shakes head...don't Americans watch too much as it is?)
[only half teasing...you know...on my part...]
That is a good point. Next week, I'll add a book to read too.
DeleteThe first eight seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm are on Amazon Prime, and the ninth season has started on HBO. I'm up to the beginning of season eight on Prime. My son said I would like it, and I do. It's Seinfeldesque.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I love Seinfeld. I'll have to check it out.
DeleteReal popcorn in a pot...that takes me back. :)
ReplyDeleteThis tastes just like it, without all the shaking back and forth.
DeleteNow you have me wanting to check out Penny Dreadful. ;)
ReplyDeleteI was a little disappointed in the ending. But I am very picky about my endings.
DeleteI didn't care for Stranger Things either, although my older kids loved it. I'll be hitting Penny Dreadful after reading this post. Sounds interesting! As to micro-wave popcorn...grrrr. It and I have a bordering on hate relationship. It's all air-popped in this household.
ReplyDeleteWe have an air popper, but that's just too healthy for my taste.
DeleteOh Penny Dreadful. This show has been HARD for me. My wife adores it and has watched it repeatedly but she wants me to watch the whole thing with her. I often find myself needing to take a break just because the show is so THICK. Good, but have to trudge through it.
ReplyDeleteI was disappointed in the ending. And some things did get a little dull-- like they would beat you over the head with the emotion, but all-in-all, I liked it.
DeleteI haven't even finished watching ep1 of Stranger Things, but I'm sure I WILL like it...when I get around to giving it my full attention.
ReplyDeleteI loved Penny Dreadful when I saw some of it in the U.S., but we don't have it on Aussie Netflix so I'm not able to watch it atm.
I was distracted during Stranger Things too. It's hard to judge fairly when you're not paying attention. My husband loved it.
DeleteI watched a few episodes of Penny Dreaful when they were aired in the UK and initially I loved it, but then it got so gory I found it too distracting! I really should try it again really because it is my kind of thing. I'm surprised you didn't really like Stranger Things - that was awesome LOL! I loved how they made it like a true 1980s style series.
ReplyDeleteSuzy xx
www.suzyturner.com & www.yogadocious.com
The first season was the best. The gore does get boring, but I watch a lot of horror, so it's sort of par for the course anymore.
DeleteI loved Penny Dreadful right up until the last season. That ending was just awful. Rushed. Not true to the characters. I still dig the show as a whole, though.
ReplyDeleteI just watched the ending last night and was like what the hell?!! Seriously disappointing.
DeleteThe only thing I can relate to here is the popcorn. We have an antique hot air popper, and it still does a good job. (Just have to add some melted butter and salt... I'm not THAT healthy!)
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any of the shows you mentioned. Most evenings, my nose is in a book and my hubby's next to me fooling around on Facebook. Saturday nights, we usually watch a movie or two. As long as it doesn't have any commercial interruptions, I'm happy. :)
You're such a nerd...must be why I love you. :)
DeleteI add butter and salt to my hot air popped popcorn too, which can be a lot of work getting it all distributed just right.
I enjoyed Penny Dreadful too, although it's been awhile since I've dedicated time to a series, it's getting to be that time of year, when popcorn and a good series, or movie is the way to spend the evening. Although I did, sort of, enjoy the Midnight series that just ended. Reminded me of Buffy the Vampire slayer, but the main character isn't so likable. A bit too scruffy! :) The vampire though, he's cool and his girlfriend even cooler!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of that one. I'll have to check it out. I started Merlin last night, but I'm not sure...
DeleteI, of course, knew what a Penny Dreadful was being from Limey Land. However, as you know don't watch too much TV anyway. I quite like the Orville individual bags which don't contain too many calories. Matt doesn't eat popcorn of any kind.
ReplyDeleteI watch in the evenings because it's Chad's favorite thing and I am a cheap date.
DeleteI read The Picture of Dorian Gray, which is the nearest I've come to seeing this film.
ReplyDeleteExcellent book. You chose wisely.
DeleteI keep hearing great things about Stranger Things, but just wish I had time to get into a series from start to finish! This is the reason I'm resigned to never catching up with Game of Thrones. However, I've been watching Electric Dreams, based on Philip K Dick's short stories. It's good because each one stands alone. Don't know if it's on your services yet, but it has many big names, both British and American.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check that out. I'm behind on Game of Thrones too. They keep killing the characters I like and it's disheartening.
DeleteI haven't read that book, but I hope you have lots to celebrate this week, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteYou too, Deanie. Thank you.
Delete