Consider the source

~ MaryG

These days everyone is encouraged to “look at the source” of information they take in. “Don’t believe everything you hear” is a common refrain.

Well, my husband and I have the same policy with TV and movies. Certain people are in the “respected recommender” category. If Alissa or Ann or Gina tell us we should watch something because we’ll love it, we listen. I even jot it down for future reference.

Other people are in “the grain of salt” category. We’ll listen to their recommendations, but we have to consider the source. They might be someone we like very much personally, but we just don’t share their taste in TV and movies.

Some people who were once under consideration to be respected recommenders have recently been categorized “grain of salt” based on highly touting a pretty stupid show on Netflix. (I’m not going to say the name of the show, because many are finding it delightful.)

Now that Boston Globe TV critic Matthew Gilbert retired, I feel a little lost sometimes. If you’re the kind of person that eagerly awaited each new episode of Succession and is sad that both What We do in The Shadows and Somebody Somewhere just ended forever, then I’m listening.

We’re already aware and are excited for new seasons of Severance and White Lotus starting soon. And I went ahead and bought tickets to see A Complete Unknown on New Year’s Eve, because even though it’s getting mixed reviews, Bob Dylan is Bob Dylan. And I like to see all the big rock biopics on a big screen, with that big Hollywood sound.

You feel me?

11 thoughts on “Consider the source”

  1. I’m a very odd TV watcher. Almost the entire time Succession was out, I didn’t like it. The show stressed me out because (albeit much smaller scale), I was reminded of the machinations of my ex’s family and the havoc the insecurities of one of his siblings caused–but I kept watching because of the acting. Then, with just a few episodes to go, it broke through for me. At the same time, I became obsessively interested in Twin Peaks and The Return, which few I knew were interested in, and those who tried it since I was watching, disliked. So, it’s just really hard to recommend anything. Maybe films. Have you seen The Substance yet??

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    2. I can see how Succession might have been too uncomfortable for you at first due to in-law situation. We loved Twin Peaks…we watched it all back when it originally came out (we’ve been together that damn long!) I don’t know the Return, but will look up. Thanks! Did you like The substance? (Another show I absolutely loved was Physical on Apple.)

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. I’ll be subscribing to Apple again soon, so will definitely check out Physical. The Substance is wild and I couldn’t get it out of my head for days. Kind of loved it. In the middle-ish I started to get bored, but then it took some new turns and omg. 🙂

        The Return is basically Season 4 of Twin Peaks – 25 years later. It’s Lynchian, so if you liked Lynch’s movies, not just the TV series, it’s worth watching.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Oh great, thank you for the recommendations Stephanie! We also enjoyed “Shrinking” on Apple. It’s about a bunch of therapists. Light/funny but also deals with some serious stuff. Plus, Southern Cali settings always appeal to me.

        Liked by 2 people

  2. I definitely can relate to consider the source. It’s so true. Succession was an uncomfortable train wreck that I just couldn’t look away. And just when I thought it couldn’t get more uncomfortable, of course it did. I don’t say OMG often, but I did watching that show. I didn’t think White Lotus would live up to the hype – but it did. I’ve made a mental note of the others on your list. I looked them up on IMDb. They look good, especially Severance. I may have to add more streaming options now.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  3. Pingback: White Lotus Avoidance Day | 50 Happens

Leave a comment