It is finally Autumn and rusty leaves are beginning to fall gently from the orange and yellow trees. This morning I realised that I forgot to produce a ‘Read, Watch and Listen’ post in September so perhaps I will do a double whammy in October.
This is the monthly article where I share something great that I am reading, a brilliant TV show or movie and a fascinating podcast.
Let’s not waste time and get straight into it. Let me know if you have found any of my suggestions relevant or interesting.
Read ‘Endgame’ by Omid Scobie
Now I may have mentioned being given this book by my Mum for Christmas but I kind of started it and left it for a while as work annoyingly took over my life.
Having restarted reading it recently, it is well worth sharing how relevant this book is. Covering the Covid period, end of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and tumultuous relationship between the Windsors and Sussexes, this book is interesting and insightful.
Omid used to be a royal reporter working from the palaces and touring with several of them. I was worried that he might be one-sided but, in fact, he is a combination of supportive and cutting. His book seems to look at controversial issues from both sides. He definitely doesn’t hold back any punches.
Watch ‘The Rings of Power’ on Amazon Prime
As the second series comes to an end, it is worth reflecting on this megalith of a TV programme which unpacks the early years of characters such as Gandalf and Galadriel.
In my opinion, when the first season came out the pace was weird and the story seemed clunky. As it reached the last few episodes, the writers seemed to get their stuff together and the narrative started to flow nicely.
The second series is far better. The writers’ room have drank some coffee and woken up to what we (the Tolkien lovers) want to see.
With Adar gathering Orcs and threatening the Eleven kingdom, Galadriel taking lots of risks and dwarf kings succumbing to the magic of one of the great rings, this season is spectacular and more rewarding for viewers.
With the growing threat of dark powers harnessed by Sauron and Gandalf wondering through the desert with two halflings, there is plenty going down.
I totally recommend giving The Rings Of Power a watch but you need to be invested as season one is harder to get your head around than the latest series, which is much much better.
Listen to ‘Scene Stealers’ Podcast
Recently I followed Tobias Turley after seeing him in Mamma Mia on the West End. I noticed he loved movies and was beginning a podcast with his TikTok mate Henry Calvert.
I thought it might be worth a listen because they both love film history and musical theatre. Each episode of Scene Stealers discusses movie, TV and theatre news. Last week they had interviews with the cast of the latest Marvel series, Agatha Again, for example.
Although it is in its early days, this podcast is blossoming and definitely one worth checking out. The two guys are humorous and knowledgeable, with great contacts in the business we call Show.
I suggest giving them a listen, especially if you like to know the latest entertainment news.
And Finally…
I really appreciate you reading about some of my latest TV, book and podcast recommendations. Perhaps you have a brilliant show that you would like to suggest in the comments.
Hopefully something on my list catches your attention and if not, then perhaps it would be worth looking at my previous lists:
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog.