What I’m Watching – TV
Here are 5 TV series that I have watched a season’s worth recently. They include The X-Files, Arrested Development, Grimm, The Office, and Girls Next Door.
The X-Files
Season 11 (2018) 10 episodes
My favorite show is The X-Files, which came back for an 11th season, and again starred Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny as FBI agents figuring out conspiracies. I grew up with the show, (my bedtime in fact kept getting pushed back as the show moved to late Sunday nights), have always loved the dynamic between the two leads (they keep each other in check), and the exploration of the supernatural (and natural too but mostly the alien/government conspiracy stories). Originally made in British Columbia, The X-Files boasts 217 episodes of science fiction fun which included episodes of all different kinds of genres (not just limited to a mystery sci-fi). I enjoyed these 10 episodes far more than the previous 6, the chemistry between the two was more on display, and the thrills were updated to a more modern setting. No word yet if the show will continue or if a third film will be made.
Arrested Development
Season 4 (2013) 10 episodes
I laughed a lot at the 4th season of Arrested Development starring Jason Bateman as part of a dysfunctional family, (this season was made by Netflix and they announced a 5th season is coming). The show is filmed and edited in a way that make the cuts part of the jokes, every episode has a frantic pace of keeping up with all of the characters, and this season really focused on one of them each episode. Everyone in the cast gets laughs, attention is paid to props and settings, and they have a number of cameos that were all fun to see. I have always appreciated the show’s approach to laughs, making them in every way they can, including the narration!
Grimm
Season 1 (2011) 22 episodes
My wife introduced me to Grimm as she is a huge fan of the entire 6 season fantasy horror series starring David Giuntoli as a Portland detective who also battles the supernatural. I found the Pacific Northwest setting focussed on a pair of investigators who battle both monsters of the week and an ongoing conspiracy familiar (see The X-Files above) but there are plenty of differences which make the show unique. The animal inspired special effects are a lot of fun, their are plenty of buddy cop moments, and there is a great balance of humor and drama.
The Office
Season 1 (2005) 6 episodes
I am a huge fan of The Office (haven’t yet seen the original British version), Steve Carell (Despicable Me series), and John Krasinski (A Quiet Place), and I am enjoying going through this again (planning on seeing all 9 seasons this time). The documentary style way of filming gives the actors chances to express their character’s feelings straight to the camera and like Arrested Development, the cuts help drive the laughs. The ensemble cast completes the setting of the show (about a group of office workers and their daily grind) and provides unlimited sources of laughs.
Girls Next Door
Season 4 (2007) 12 episodes
This 6 season show followed the lives of Hugh Hefner’s three girlfriends, Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt, and Kendra Wilkinson while they lived at the Playboy mansion. The show explores their lives and their families in addition to the public side of the business empire (such as a party at the mansion). Laughs happen at the girls expense (intentional and not), there are numerous cameos, and as you may expect, this is not a show for kids to watch. Light fun.