Me? I think I might be juggling a bit too many. But let’s face it, television series have become really, really, good. And there’s a lot of them. The problem in the pandora household is that I’m a binge watcher. Mr. Pandora is not. Which means… either I go at his pace (which is ridiculously slow, imo) or I ditch him and watch them on my own. Right now we’re doing a bit of both.
So which series am I watching? Right now I’m hooked on:
The Walking Dead – Mr. P and I watch this series when it airs because the internet will ruin it if you don’t watch it immediately. I absolutely love, love, love this show and could discuss it endlessly. FYI: It isn’t about zombies.
House of Cards – Can’t believe we haven’t finished this season yet. Have I mentioned my husband’s slow pacing? It’s killing me. Even though every character is awful, I love the show. I read somewhere that the two most frightening/tough characters out there are Claire Underwood and Carol from the Walking Dead. Agreed.
The Leftovers – I’m watching this series on my own. It’s really depressing, but super interesting and the acting is great. I just started this series (yep, binge watched it while Mr. P was away on business) and I have no idea where it’s heading, but the role belief and religion play in this show keeps you guessing.
How To Get Away With Murder – This show is a crazy ride, but I love every minute of it. I did like season one better, so far, but Viola Davis is an amazing mix of strength, arrogance and vulnerability. She really makes the show. When she’s on the screen everyone else fades in the background.
Breaking Bad – I might have to abandon Mr. P and binge watch this show. We’re still in season one and I want to move on. I’ll admit that right now I can’t stand any character other than Jesse, but I’m sure that will change. I’ll even admit that I’m having trouble going back to the show. It just hasn’t grabbed me, but I know it eventually will. Everyone I know loved this show and I respect their judgement. If you’re reading this, Mr. P, you’ve been warned. I’m moving on with or without you!
Game of Thrones – I started watching this show for the same reason I started watching The Walking Dead – I was looking for something that would appeal to my son. I love this show, and am considering re-watching all the episodes because I know I missed a lot. (Not sure how I’ll fit this into my schedule!) This is also a show you must watch when it airs or the internet will ruin it for you.
Orange Is The New Black – This show is amazing. Yep, I totally binged watched this season with my daughter and nephew. I re-watched it with Mr. P this fall. He did finish this season, so I guess that means he really likes this show!
Outlander – I started this series with my daughter (she banned her father from watching with us due to the sex scenes. LOL) and we binged on it. Talk about a guilty pleasure.
Sherlock – If you haven’t watched this series you are missing out. There’s a special airing on New Year’s Day and my entire family will plan our day around it. This show is so smart and funny. The dialogue is brilliant and the dynamics between Sherlock and Watson are perfect. Go watch it!
Mad Men – Just finished this series (binge watched with my daughter) and while I hated the ending I guess it made sense. But what I really liked was watching this with an 18 year old who thought all of it was fantasy (we’ve come a long way, baby!) and had no idea what a re-run was. When I explained a re-run to her she couldn’t wrap her head around a world without On-Demand, Netflix, etc.. She felt very sorry for us.
Transparent – I haven’t finished season one, but I think I will. On my own. Mr. P walked away from the show saying everyone was too messed up and he would have liked the show to focus more on the trans parent, and her struggles and accomplishments, and not make everyone so dysfunctional. He has a point. Everyone in that show has major issues. Everyone. And it does take away from the main character. It also sends a message that I’m not comfortable with. Perhaps if they had one well-adjusted character it would be better, and I would like to see a story where the focus is on the transition rather than the completely screwed up family. But I may be speaking too soon since I haven’t finished season one. So, yeah, I’ll go back and give it a chance.
Mozart In The Jungle – This is an Amazon series that all four us watched last winter. I liked it, but didn’t love it. That said I will watch season two. There’s an energy there, altho I’m not sure where it’s heading.
American Horror Story – I haven’t watched every season, and I’m way behind on this season (it just hasn’t grabbed me), but it’s rare to find a show with such strong, older female leads – Jessica Lange, Angela, Bassett, Kathy Bates, Frances Conroy. That’s awesome!
I’m sure I’m forgetting something and I haven’t included series I’ve finished a while ago (Dexter, True Blood, etc.) or series I gave up on several years ago (Downton Abbey, Reign) OR the series on my to-be-watched list (Fargo, Sons of Anarchy, The Wire). There really isn’t enough time in the day!
So… what are you watching? Are you like me, wondering if you’re watching too much TV? I haven’t watched many movies in the last few years. Given a choice I’m always choosing series.