DEAD TO ME
(Netflix)
Starring Christina Applegate and Freaks And Geeks’ Linda Cardellini, Dead To Me chronicles the friendship of unemotional widow Jen, and tender-hearted Judy after they meet at a grief support group. As Jen strives to find out more about her husbands’ death, we begin to suspect that Judy may not be all she claims to be, and the series ends in an explosive climax. Both hilarious and heartbreaking, the show doesn’t shy away from the realities of life after losing a loved one – but also makes sure to tell viewers that even after the worst happens, it’s ok to laugh. Based loosely on the life of creator Liz Feldman, Dead To Me is a bingeworthy dark comedy encompassing grief, friendship, and how it’s alright to go a little crazy sometimes. **** words Fern Tregoning-Liddle
LOVE, DEATH & ROBOTS
(Netflix)
Arguably one of the best original series to come out of Netflix recently; Love, Death & Robots firmly takes hold of viewers in episode one of the 18-part series and doesn’t let go until it’s finished. Created by visionary Tim Miller, who brought us Deadpool, Love, Death & Robots includes a different insane storyline in each episode, each animated in a different style. To say the stories are quirky would be an understatement. Plots include a lost civilisation living inside a freezer, and sentient yoghurt taking over the world. As with any compilation series, some episodes are stronger than others, with the only downside of the show being that apparently even cartoon women need to be nearly naked at all times. Strongly recommended are Sonnie’s Edge and Good Hunting. **** words Fern Tregoning-Liddle
KNOCK DOWN THE HOUSE
(Netflix)
A rousing, hugely empathetic documentary, which follows four Democratic primary challengers as they aim to beat incumbent and establishment Democrats to gain a clear run at Congress in the 2018 US midterms. All four are women on the progressive side of US politics from working-class backgrounds; one of those women ends up being Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Hopeful yet tinged with sadness, this is a hugely moving documentary filmmaking that aims to light a way forward in the US’s moribund electoral system, however difficult and hard it may be. That it succeeds at all (and how were the filmmakers to know that AOC would end up becoming the star she became?) is testament to there being a glimmer of hope for many of us. **** words Fedor Tot
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE S11
(Netflix)
Shantay, please stay! Drag Race Season 11 has approached its grand finale, which will have most likely aired by the time you read this. The season has been a fierce and gagworthy mixture of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. With Brooke-Lynn Hytes literally walking the runway on her tiptoes and Yvie Oddly serving one of the best lip syncs in drag race herstory, Season 11 has been a fierce competition to watch and an asset to the exposure of queer performance. That said, some of the judges’ decisions have been questionable, as if keeping one eye on the TV viewing figures. Roll on Drag Race UK! **** words JA
GAME OF THRONES S8
(NowTV)
Game Of Thrones’ last season was a visual spectacle, and a cultural moment in and of itself to say the least. With awesome CGI dragons, to the epic battle in episode three against the Night King and his undead army, there was plenty to gawp at. But, and this is a big but – the story. The series spent nearly 10 years and eight seasons creating multiple storylines and character arcs based on George R.R. Martin’s books. Once the TV series reached the end of the books and began to create a different ending, the lack of direction became apparent very quickly. It left questions unanswered and many fans everyone frustrated. What was the Night King’s purpose? Why the big fuss over Jon Snow’s legitimacy? The sudden craziness in Daenerys? All in all, it goes to show the importance of great writing. For would-be producers, don’t spoil a great season with sloppy and rushed writing – it could ruin an amazing series overnight. *** words JA
