March Media
Movies, Shows, Etc.
The Diplomat, season three
I’m not sure why I put this off so long, this season debuted last fall. Once I started, I figured I would knock it out in four or five nights. However, the early episodes were a little slow and drifted towards the soapy side, as this show can do at some times. Honestly, I was about to abandon it during episode three. It finally found its footing in episode four and I was again hooked. When this show is good, it is REALLY good, with lots of ‘OH SHIT!” moments. A lot of the political stuff is outrageous, over-the-top, and beyond the realm of reality. That’s what makes those parts so good. I still argue that while the relationship dramas within the show sometimes have way too large an influence on the political events, they balance each other enough that I could not help but cackle sometimes. The dinner scene in episode eight? Exquisite!
A-
F1: The Movie
Another thing I put off watching way too long. Hits pretty much every sports movie cliché – of course the old white guy ends up winning! – but was enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing along the way.
B+
Anthony Bourdain Shows, selected episodes
As mentioned in a Reader’s Notebook entry, I worked off a list of best AB episodes posted on Vulture just after his death. They were a nice representation of both the quality of his TV work and how it evolved over time. Still some work to do on this list so technically Incomplete.
A
Shrinking, season three
As I post this there are two episodes left, and the season while enjoyable, has seemed a bit unfocused. Hopefully the final two weeks bring it all together. We will discuss in four weeks.
Incomplete
Scrubs, season ten
I differ from some folks who watched the original Scrubs and have enjoyed the revival with reservations. I really, really like this. I’ve laughed more watching the first five episodes than I have at any new comedy in years. It’s been a tough balance between the OG characters and trying to give the new interns enough attention so you care about them. I don’t mind that. The heart and tone of the 2000s version, which separated it from other comedies of its era, are still there and they make everything work. Even S, who wasn’t a huge fan of the first iteration, has enjoyed these.
Also, strangely, ABC is calling this season one. Come on…
A-
Skyfall
Spectre
I watched both of these in parts over various nights while in Mexico. I would have added No Time To Die to the list, but Netflix glitched a couple nights. Skyfall is the most visually pleasing Bond movie ever. Spectre has some shockingly bad writing that holds it back.
A, B
Sunday Best
Devo
I watched these two music docs on our flight home. I had no idea that Ed Sullivan was such a champion of Black artists and outspoken proponent of equal rights for all. Surely CBS would have run him off, just like the man who occupies the theater that bears his name, if he was broadcasting today.
The Devo piece was appropriately weird and fun.
A, A-
The 2026 Barkley Marathons: The Strongest Field Ever vs The Course
Always cool to see how the course beats up on each year’s group of elite athletes.