Taylor Swift released a new album on Thursday. And in my opinion, it’s middling. I worry she rushed to release a 31-song (!!) album without sitting with the lyrics and the art of it all. Sometimes editing is good! It reminded me of when I write little poems in my notes app and think they’re absolutely astute and genius, but then go back and look two days later and realize only one of them is even repeatable. I don’t think she went back and looked in some cases :(
However, there are some songs that will grow on me. Ear worms if you will! Pray for our dear Tay as she confronts the court of public opinion.
Outside of being a music critic, I’ve been listening to Theo Von’s podcast and his genius banter, walking around town and playing tennis and stuff, and having realizations about life and society. I always thought it was illegal to wear a short sleeve shirt with a puffy vest but turns out it’s not and I’m considering it.
I have watched so much good TV in the last two weeks, I don’t even know where to start.
Under The Bridge (Hulu)- Based on a true story about a murder in Victoria, British Columbia. I read the book before the series came out, and I highly recommend it. Lily Gladstone (Montana girl thru and thru) stars with Riley Keough. I’m trying to track down any other books are podcasts about this story if anyone has recs. 5/5
Sugar (Apple TV+)- The new Colin Farrell show is LA noir creepy deepy nothing is as it seems. This is my favorite of the month. I couldn’t sleep after episode 1 because I was so freaked out by the world. There’s something amiss and there’s going to be a major twist partway through the season… I have theories if you want to discuss. 5/5
Baby Reindeer (Netflix) - OMG I just said that Sugar is my favorite of the month, but Baby Reindeer is my actual favorite of the month. Based on a one man show, the star, Richard Gadd, wrote a perfect series (literally 100% on Rotten Tomatoes) about his experience being stalked and kind of enjoying it. TW, it’s dark and affected me deeply. My heart broke for him as well as the stalker. I can’t recommend this enough and feel as though it’s a piece of art that I want to hang onto. 6/5
Palm Royale (Apple TV+) - A sleeper HIT! At first I was unconvinced, but Kristin Wiig’s character develops into a delight for the ages. I love the colors and the hair styles and the DRAMA. The only complaint that my friend Rach and I have is that Carol Burnett has a non-speaking role! We feel like her presence is slightly wasted. Still, it’s a boon. 4.5/5
Ripley (Netflix) - I’m almost done with this series. It’s in black and white and so beautiful. Everything seems to be meticulously shot. I made the note “is Ripley even talented?” after episode 1, and now believe that more than being talented, he’s just plain ruthless. Andrew Scott’s sociopathic expressions chilled me to the bone! I’m excited to see what’s to come. 5/5
Heartbreak High (Netflix) - Do you ever wonder what would happen if Euphoria or Riverdale went even more off the rails? I don’t really know what to say about this show because every episode something so shocking happens (crime, drugs, threesomes, foursomes) that I have to laugh! 3/5
Elsbeth (CBS)- My girl is back and has found herself in some fun antics and scenarios!! The guest stars are outstanding. Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jane Krakowski, etc! 5/5
Girls 5 Eva (Netflix)- The girls are back and on Netflix. I love the 30 Rock jokes and music, it’s just nice. My only complaint is that sometimes it’s too cheesy and season 3 is only 6 episodes! 4/5
Curb Your Enthusiasm Finale (HBO) - SO LONG to my favorite show of the 21st century (or of my adulthood, rather. We all know Veronica Mars is my favorite show of all time). The finale is exactly what we needed. We reminisced, characters from the last 20 years returned, Susie was Susie-ing, Larry and Jerry had a Seinfeld moment. It was the perfect bow to the perfect show. 5/5
Loot (Apple TV+) - They’re back, baby. I like but don’t love this show (similar to how I feel about Abbott Elementary) but it’s very calming and cute. 3.5/5
Fallout (Amazon Prime) - While I don’t enjoy video games (well, I’ve never actually played one, so maybe I would) or apocalyptic stories, against all odds, I like this show!! I’m only two episodes in, but I’m hooked. I’ve jumped and I’ve laughed and I’ve thought about the state of the world. 4/5
Bravo is bravo-ing, as per usual. Vanderpump is stale, Summer House is startin’, and The Valley is absurd.
I’ll talk about books next time because I’m so tired of typin.’
LOVE YOU, TTYL, TTFN TA TA FOR NOW! LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE AND SEND TO YOUR FRIENDS!
i'm so excited about Under the Bridge!