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heatherjillsmyth
Reviews
Scandal (2012)
Over The Top Ridiculousness, But Fun (For Awhile)
The first few seasons of Scandal were great fun. Snappy dialogue, sexy frissons, interesting storytelling, intriguing characters, and then...by seasons 6 & 7 it had become a parody of itself. Even fantastic sets and production values weren't going to save those last episodes. There were (beyond) ridiculous plots and the acting, oh my the acting; Joe Morton was ACTING. ALL. THE. WAY. TO. THE. BACK. OF. THE. ROOM. That's the way he spoke with each sentenCE gettING LOUDER AND LOUDER AND MORE STACATTO! Sigh. This is a good example of respected theatre actors forgetting to rein it in for telly. See also Jeff Perry. So much ACTING.
Oh, and I'm not sure that Olivia Pope would really love Fitzgerald Grant. The president was a pouting man-baby throughout. Mellie, on the other hand, was magnificent.
The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (2023)
Joyous
I don't think I've ever enjoyed a 'celebrity' travel programme as much as this one. Eugene Levy's droll wit and self-deprecating humour are what elevate The Reluctant Traveler. Despite Levy's trepidation, he tries activities many of us will never actually get to do, and he does them with a marvellously funny perspective. I laughed out loud many times, whilst learning interesting things about a different way of life. The people he meets are fascinating and full of warmth. In today's age of depressing politics, war, climate crises etc, this televisual delight is a breath of fresh air. Sign Mr Levy up for Season Two now! Just joyous.
Strictly Amy: Crohn's and Me (2020)
Thought-Provoking, Insightful and Uplifting
At the age of 48, I've recently been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and it has hit me very hard. I'm in the process of mourning a life that once was, and accepting I'll have to make major lifelong changes to continue as a healthy person. This documentary, whilst at times hard-hitting and difficult to watch, manages to focus not just on the challenges but on what Crohn's sufferers can still do. This was my overall takeaway. Crohn's doesn't have to be the end, but rather a New Normal. Amy does a lot to remind us - without explicitly saying it - that not all disabilities are visible, and to treat other people with compassion. Top marks.