November Media
Video
Slow Horses, season five
A bit slower to start than some previous seasons, but a pretty fantastic ending. And plenty of Roddy Ho meant this might be the funniest season so far. At least one more season to come.
A-
The Lowdown
Lots of critical praise for this, which turned out to be pretty accurate. Other than a lull in the middle of the season, it was very good. Sterlin Harjo, who also created Reservation Dogs, was the main force behind this one. Quirkier than RD – it leans towards Coen Brothers territory – and not quite as moving, it does work up some powerful emotional moments in the final episode. Ethan Hawke was terrific.
A-
A Man On The Inside, season two
Solid, but lacked the charm and heart tugging moments that were unique to season one. The finale added some of that back but it wasn’t enough to make this season as good as its predecessor. Bringing in Ted Danson’s real-life wife Mary Steenburgen as his love interest was a nice touch.
B+
Being Eddie
I watched this Thanksgiving night and laughed quite a bit. Eddie Murphy has always been one of the most centered and well-adjusted mega stars. Even with this film obviously being highly reliant on his cooperation, it showed that he has some flaws, although they are flaws a lot of “normal” people have like anxiety. It also seemed like he might be kind of a lonely guy despite having 10 kids who he had strong relationships with. It seemed like that was by choice, but it still struck me. It hinted at another pivot to more adult comedy in his future. I hope that’s the case and even if it doesn’t reach his mid–80s peak, it provides some more highlights to his career.
A-
Cheers, “Thanksgiving Orphans”
We got rid of our last BluRay/DVD player over the past year. I assumed I could watch this on either Peacock or another network but had a moment of panic Thanksgiving night when I realized that was not the case; Hulu only carries seasons one-through-four. Luckily I was able to buy this episode for 99 cents – what a bargain! – from Apple and watch it for the 38th consecutive year. S and M watched with me and did not find it as hilarious as I always do. The pacing of the jokes leading up to the legendary food fight is exquisite.
A+
The Edmund Fitzgerald
Along with the podcast below, I watched this to honor the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Fitz. Two things jumped out at me: amazing that no one knows exactly what caused the ship to sink – there are at least three theories – and that there has not been a major shipwreck on the Great Lakes since then. I also did not know that Gordon Lightfoot’s song was recorded after almost no rehearsal and the album version was the first take the band put on tape.
A
I got rescued while filming a TV show
Don’t worry, not giving up on the Beau Miles bullshit. This one is pretty crazy.
Restoring our Italian farmhouse: We’re getting ready for take off! (#9)
First new video in this series in a month or so. And, sadly, not much progress. It’s starting to get a little annoying.
Is Maine the Culinary Capital of New England Food? | DIRT Maine
Maine has been on our list for years. One of these days we’ll make it.
Podcasts
Edmund Fitzgerald: 50 Years Below
A good pod from the Duluth News Tribune, where the Fitz was last in port before its final voyage.