Usually I write about fabulous books and incredible authors, but I felt that it was time for me to share some inspiring TV shows that are well worth a watch. Often the TV that I binge reflects what I read, but not always. Today I wanted to write about three wonderful series that really managed to keep me hooked.
1) Mare Of Easttown
As a massive Kate Winslet fan, I was pleased that she had committed to a HBO limited series and had enough faith in it to also become the executive producer. When I eventually caught a glimpse of the trailer, I was unsurprisingly immediately drawn in.
Mare is a down-to-Earth detective in the kind of small town where everybody knows everybody else’s business. She has a lot to cope with: a deceased son, a grandson she cares for embroiled in a custody battle, a daughter feeling anxious about university and an ex-husband who lives opposite her with a new fiancee.
Haunted by an unsolved missing person case, Mare discovers a new tragedy which unravels in a complicated way. This hard to predict story had me desperate for more as each instalment was released weekly.
This was originally on HBO and Sky TV and it is reported that its audience grew week by week, which is a really rare outcome. Many now tip Kate and the series for many awards in the coming months. If you have access to this dramatic, twisted story, then definitely check it out.
2) War Of The Worlds
This Star original series on Disney Plus is a take on the well known space invasion story, but without the Tom Cruise element. It is a joint British and French television production and has a stellar cast including Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People) and Elizabeth McGovern (of Downton).
A scientific research centre in the Alps discovers sound patterns in space and before long some mysterious vessels have landed on Earth. They send out waves which wipe out millions of people, though our main characters have luckily found ways to avoid falling victim to this attack.
Each episode builds tension and the narrative is carefully woven, revealing nuggets of information slowly and leading to more and more questions needing answering. Can a couple of scientists, a refugee and a split family find a way to defeat these weird, unpredictable invaders?
3) Love, Victor
Now I can stick a YA tag to this show but it really appeals to all ages. From the incredible world of Becky Albertalli, this ‘Love, Victor’ spin-off has plenty of heart, humour and a really interesting storyline.
Victor is confused about his feelings and dates a professor’s daughter, but is side-tracked by a new guy who he comes across, working at the coffee house. The whole bunch of characters are fun, sparky and lovable. Victor’s mum is brilliantly played and has a challenging marriage to his dad. His neighbour soon becomes his best friend and confidante and his siblings have interesting storylines of their own.
I can’t put my finger on why I like it so much but it just generally has that feel-good factor. For my review of Becky Albertalli’s writing see my previous article: https://jamieadstories.blog/2021/06/01/5-talented-ya-writers/
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