What a show, what a journey, what a town! I started watching Northern Exposure during the week between starting the job of my dreams and leaving a really bad workplace (one that I was desperate to go to because I was fleeing a REALLY bad workplace) in March of 2022. I finished the series tonight, the eve of my departure for my adventure from Twin Peaks to Cicely. I have followed along with the Northern OverExposure Podcast (catch me on their episode on Season 6 Episode 4 The Letter) over this year plus and have had a wonderful time live tweeting my thoughts and interacting with Northern Exposure fans and the hosts of that show, Charles and Lee. I've lost track of how many people have responded to me watching the show, irl, with, "Oh I loved that show!!" My parents (My dad said, "you don't remember when we watched that?" and I had to remind him I wasn't alive yet), my boss (who "stopped watching when Joel left"-spoiler!), my coworkers (and their siblings), my friends (who are accompanying me to the Informal Moosefest this weekend in Roslyn). I've also been able to share the show with my loved ones (showing it to my step-sisters in Montreal and showing it to my sister- the episode where Maggie turns 30 (season 4 episode 1)-a month before my sister turned 30). The Thanksgiving episode (season 4 episode 8) will be a yearly rewatch for me and my family now (my aunt was willing to watch it twice this past year). This show is never ever predictable, but always self reflective, and incredibly quirky (dream sequences or a gimmick abound). The characters are beautiful and the storylines range from profound to bonkers. The representation for Native people, gay people, hypochondriacs, strong women, hip girlies, manic pixie dream boys, and wise, as well as unwise, adults, was crucial for the time it aired on TV (maybe not all of those archetypes really needed the representation but once I started thinking about this ensemble cast I couldn't stop). I will always love the Zydeco style theme for something set so far away from the home of that music, but that's what the show is about. Finding joy in a place that maybe isn't your home. I haven't even gotten to my ideal man, love of my life, absolute smart cute sweetie boy himself, Chris Stevens. I was already a John Corbett fan but his monologues as Chris sent me over the moon. Where can I get me one of those? And if I'm getting into character specifics I also need to mention Ruth-Anne and Ed's relationship. Ed interacting with anybody (whether on a spiritual plane (One Who Waits) or a physical person (Shelly)), is a great time, but him and Ruth-Anne just have such a beautiful connection. I'm looking forward to dancing on Ruth-Anne's grave this weekend. Also I loved Mike Monroe (sue me, HE'S A LAWYER!). This show did so much with what seemed like so little. It's a straight forward premise, as it's known to Spanish speakers, "Doctor en Alaska", but what unfolded to me was much much bigger. I can't say too much about the short comings of season 6, but I never hated it. Characters acted a little more strange than usual and things felt different, maybe sometimes a little stale, but it's still the same town. It's funny to me how a fictional place, so far away, can remind me of my own hometown and state. There really is something universal in the particular. I have loved (mostly) every minute of watching this show (Maurice took the longest to grow on me) and shouting my reaction to it into the void only to have others respond (thoughtfully and with enthusiasm). It's really indicative of where I'm at in my life and I feel incredibly lucky. So thank you, everyone involved in the making of Northern Exposure, the Northern OverExposure Podcast, and anyone who lets this town into their heart. You'll find me, and many others, there. Happy Moosefest everyone, antlers up! <3

Loki - Ouroboros

We release our conversations about The Expanse on Patreon first and so if you're wanting to hear episodes ahead of time you should come on over and support the podcast.

patreon.com/yumyumpod

DVD review: “Happy Valley: Series Three” (2023)

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Favourite TV Shows 2023

My Favourite Television Shows of 2023

It’s that time of year to reflect on the year and having already discussed my favourite theatre shows and my favourite films, it’s now time to reflect on another year of television and 2023 is a year in which there were some fantastic new shows, as well as returning series. I’m also going to write about my favourite television episodes this year in a separate post, so look out for that later. As…

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FROM SCRATCH: Captivating, But Overlong Romantic Drama with Strong Performances

From Scratch is a romantic drama limited series coming to Netflix October 21st. The series follows Amy (Zoe Saldana) as she meets and falls in love with the Sicilian Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea) while studying abroad in Italy.

Structure and Story

What sets From Scratch apart from similar romantic stories is how the series explores what comes next after the whirlwind romance between Amy and Lino. We get to see all the wonderful romcom moments before diving into their love story across many years--and how relationships and people evolve over time.

The performances in From Scratch help bring this entertaining story to life. Zoe Saldana and Eugenio Mastrandrea are wonderful and bring beautiful chemistry between Lino and Amy. We feel in touch with these characters and want to see what comes next in their romance.

With its structure of exploring a relationship across a large period of time, From Scratch has a lot of potential story to tell, but sometimes, the time doesn't feel well-used. At times, you wonder if the romance between Amy and Lino would have been better as a two-hour movie rather than an eight episode series.

Balance of Genres

From Scratch does a good job of showing the realistic elements of a relationship, while also exploring the drama we come to expect from a story such as this one. And amid all of this, the series still has a sense of humor and much-appreciated moments of levity.

From Scratch balances its comedic moments with heartfelt scenes that feel even more real because the performances add another layer to these complex and intriguing characters.

But, there are a few times where the dreams of the main characters get lost amid the drama. From Scratch is about Amy--an artist--falling in love with Lino--a chef--as she studies art in Florence, but as the series progresses, we see less and less of their professions. Story wise, it makes sense that relationships stifle their creative passions, but it would be nice to be reminded of their hopes and dreams more often across the eight episode series.

Cinematography and Location

From Scratch looks beautiful, especially when its showcasing the beauty found across the world. We see Italy through the eyes of a tourist as well as locals, showcasing different aspects of the culture and unique world.

The series also explores Los Angeles and how Amy finds beauty where she never expected it--and rekindling her love of art.

From Scratch does not spend enough time in Italy, but the moments in Italy are beautiful and will definitely appeal to anyone watching the series for its location.

Cultural Differences

From Scratch offers some interesting introspection into cultural and racial differences. Both Lino and Amy expect backlash from their families about who they choose to date. Amy is Black and her family is from Texas. Lino is Sicilian and he expresses that his mother wouldn't want him to date someone who is Black, an American, and not Catholic.

The series does a good job of showing how Amy is in unfamiliar territory with Lino in Italy. And it also explores how Lino doesn't quite fit in when he's in America. Both Amy and Lino experience cultural differences--and From Scratch explores how these differences impact their romance--both negatively and positively--as they grow closer together.

From Scratch also does a great job of showcasing parental relationships, the good and the bad, and offer heartwarming moments of reconciliation that are some of the most memorable scenes throughout the series.

From Scratch is a beautiful story about learning to accept yourself and find someone who will prop you up just as much as you prop them up. It's refreshing to see relationships where both partners want the other to follow their dreams.

Conclusion

From Scratch tells a familiar fish-out-of-water romance in a unique, but overlong, way--exploring how relationships can change over time. The chemistry between Zoe Saldana and Eugenio Mastandrea makes for a memorable romantic tale.

"Ted Lasso" is Full of Class-O!

https://syvonnecreative.com/?p=1674 Check out my review of Season 3 of #TedLasso! Truly a gem of a show!

Season 3 of Ted Lasso proves in the first four episodes that it’s worthy of the premier league. A show that has gotten better season by season keeps finding new ways to be relevant while endearing you to its key ensemble of characters.  (more…) “”

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All of Us are Dead

A zombie outbreak occurs at a high school and a group of students must fight to stay alive or become a zombie themselves.

I am about a year too late watching All of Us are Dead but after hearing so many people talk about it, including my zombie loving mother, I just had to check it out.

What makes All of Us are Dead work really well is that it's gory but not too gory, it has its moments but not too over the top. The other thing that just works is that they kept the high schooler's reactions what a high schooler would do in that situation...or at least what I would assume someone would do. They worry about who likes who, what their parents are doing, and grieving the loss of their friends. They don't try to make them act like adults, which is refreshing.

There are a few things I would change, like the unnecessary detective story. I get that his story was to get the army to the school but it just seemed disjointed with the rest of the story. Plus the baby was a little...unbelievable. And don't get me started on the YouTuber!

Overall, All of Us are Dead is a great weekend binge. Just 12 episodes to will keep you entertained and crying. Luckily a second season is on its way and I can not wait to see what they do! All of Us are Dead is streaming on @netflix.

If you have any recommendations or things you want us to watch, let us know!

As Seen On Screen: The Lil Screen: Jan - March 2023

I’ve been dabbling in some free trials and watching a bunch of TV shows, and in full honesty some of these, ok 1, I watched at the end of 2022 but to keep things looking all nice and consistent let’s just pretend I watched them ALL between January and March… The Bear – Created by Christopher StorerWatched on Disney+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5. I’ve watched this series twice since first watching…

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Star Wars: The Bad Batch - Confined

NOTES ON TELEVISION P.2

in chicken pox isolation, despite a long distance from t.v. shows in general and a will to read/watch films, i did end up consuming a lot of television. so here we go - this is from the last week or so, dating between 27th november to 4th december 2022. there are spoilers below. 

house of the dragon finale (repeat watch, hotstar) 

i rewatched the entire season and was very satisfied with spending more time in the GRRM universe, though here i’ll talk only about the finale. for an ending, it’s a pretty standard and solid delivery that, on my first watch, really kept the tension building towards the latter half very well -- on my second watch, though i knew what Vhaghar was going to do, just the visual of her overhead was enough to make me tense again. couldn’t quite connect with rhaenyra and daemon as a unit this time, especially when he does what he does. it seems a little out of line - was it just for the sake of unpredictability? or was this a development of his characterization? i don’t know. i think one more extra thing i love about HoTD was the music, the world building and production/costuming...just absolutely excellent. it’s still not quite as lived in a world as game of thrones but it could reach there. i think they need to stop hurrying so much? GODDAMN EMAA D’ARCY IS SO HOT. i’m very happy to see non-binary folks on screen. cannot wait for season 2, i’m a bit obsessed with the GRRM universe. ugh. 

the crown season 5 (netflix)

let’s be honest, this was a pretty shitty/average season. nobody except the actor playing diana was the least bit convincing - the camilla actor looked shockingly like her so really well done there. but the queen, the king, charles etc etc very average. i also found the narrative building/construction incredibly weak, loose and disconnected - what were the episodes moving towards? there was no direction to what i was watching and mostly, i skipped through the season only pausing to see diana. the season also seemed very pro charles-camilla, which was very odd and unsettling. definitely a waste of time, even someone as fucking brilliant as lesley manville seemed wasted in the show!!!! who cares to be honest, we could put this money into more interesting historical / period dramas now, really. awfully done. 

interview with the vampire (downloaded)

well well well, what a sexy little romp this was. there are some incredibly compelling things about it  - um, jacob fkn andersen for a start??? wow. also the beauty of being able to say a queer black man in a historical-supernatural setting, dealing with so many things, it was really fucking wonderful. sam reid is also incredible charismatic, would find myself wondering - ugh, why am i rooting so much for him??? the costuming was off the fucking charts. their child-sister was alright, improved later but not convinced by the actor tbh. i was also unconvinced by the lack of sexual intimacy/queer sex (hello???), it was always only ever suggested types, i thought the whole dubai set-up was too weirdly done, i didn’t find the actor playing Rashid/Armand very convincing or compelling (props for muslim representation but couldn’t we have picked another actor??) and the journalist also felt a little one note, not very COMPELLING.....especially for a show with so much promise!!!!!! music was lovely, the sexy vibes were almost perfect - but we could have seen more lore, more world building? idk. lots of fantastic queer, race and class politics!!! a mixed bag of being horny, happy and confused!!!

dead to me season 3 (netflix) 

this one started out okay, a little too on the nose with the hit and runs and overlaps to be honest but now it’s really dragging itself. it’s also like too much put together without much thought? jen is pregnant, judy has cancer, they’re making all kinds of claims to the fbi and the police? it’s getting harder and harder to take this universe seriously. before all the orchestrated chaos that seems to have little impact on the viewer, i was actually laughing. the dialogues were great first half, despite the hit and run gag etc, and i was living for this amazing female best-friendship on screen (YOU ARE MY FUCKING HEART! is something i want to scream at my best friend one day too!!!! its such a great moment) - but ya halfway through it seems to lose its steam, purpose and earlier energy?? why does jen’s house start looking like an ad shoot??? why is the fbi made up of only one agent who lives in a motel?? it’s like the show wants to create a number of different rules for its universe - campy? dark comedy? telenovela-esque?- idk, something’s off this time round -- or maybe i’m projecting too much realism? let’s see, two episodes left now. 

wednesday (netflix) 

ah! wheuew! after hearing so much from my flatmate, being shown that incredible dance sequence and the praise from my cousin as well as constant tumblr trending, i watched this in the span of a day or so. shouldn’t be so proud of super fast consumption but this was really very good!!! nearly excellent!!!! the music is absolutely exceptional, i will be hearing jenna ortega’s cello solo in my head for a while. she’s also absolutely PHENONEMAL. i love her and enid’s friendship, i was crying at that hug bitches. other characters are also great, though not given a lot of time to develop/gather depth. do agree that the black characters felt very detached from their racial identites even as racial politics is part of the show??? it was a lil weird. gwendolyn christie is a gorgeous one, though she stood often in only one pose. was this deliberate? catherine zeta jones did not fully convince me - but the 1990s casting was too good. that bee friend of hers was ok ok, some of the twists were expected, some were wildcards which i enjoyed. i really enjoyed this so much, surprisingly - i don’t really see the CW ties that many critics have pointed out, the tone is very much its own/certain/great. jenna ortega holds the whole damn thing together so perfectly. i would contest that the CGI/production is sometimes a little off and the narrative is weak in places, even the dialogue falls short at moments...but damn it, i enjoyed it so much. now im going to go back to my typewriter too!!!!!! 

Our latest episode is out now and it's an emotional one. Listen Here

Bad Buddy

TV review of the popular Thai series. #BadBuddySeries #OhmNanon #OhmPawat #NanonKorapat

The following review ran at the beginning of the year on SERENDIPITY after the first 11 episodes of the popular Thai series had aired. At that time, we were eagerly awaiting the finale because BBS gave a real cliffhanger. You probably know how it ended, but if you were one of the few who don’t know, GMM TV has started running the series again. The mini-series also continues to be available on…

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