Hello. This has been quite the week. I started my intro to screenwriting class at UCLA (Roll Tide!). I was a little apprehensive because most of my stress dreams are about college- I either forget to attend a class all semester and then have to take a final or I say I’m going to return to the swim team but at the last minute can’t bring myself to go to practice. I shudder thinking about it.
What didn’t help was when I joined my zoom class, the professor immediately said “You’re not on my list. You’re not enrolled in this class.” Is this another nightmare?No… this is real life. He allowed me to stay while we sorted out the logistics but I was visibly shaken.
He gave us prompts to introduce ourselves (name, TV show currently watching, writing experience, what stood out to me about the class syllabus, pronouns, and how I want to be addressed). “Let’s start with Charlotte,” he said. I did my lil intro, with less pizzaz than I would had I had time to PREPARE. How will the class know how charming I am if I’m off my game?
When I got to the end of my middling introduction he said “pronouns and how do you want to be addressed?” I said “she, her…you?” and then I froze! I didn’t know what he meant by addressed. Is there a new rule I’m not aware of? So I asked him for an example and he said “what name would you like to be called?” “Charlotte,” I said. Defeated and filled with an icy cold dread (participating in class is one of the scariest things in the world to me). I felt like I needed a cigarette (I’ve never smoked one in my life but I needed one in this scenario).
Next week, I’m really going to have to bring my A game so that my delightful charm is conveyed. Whew.
Anyway, here’s some fun stuff to discuss.
Hijack (Apple TV+)- My current fave. I am on pins and needles waiting for next week’s episode. The British really know how to do a thriller, let me tell you. And Kalinda is on the case, of course!! You know when she’s in charge, good will prevail. 5/5
The Great (Hulu)- FML, this is one of those shows that 1 million people told me to watch three years ago and I stubbornly avoided it. It’s really funny and entertaining and the outfits are fab-u-lous. Sorry to those who pestered me all these years. Actually, I’m not sorry, it was kind of annoying. 4/5
And Just Like That (Max)- The ladies are being funny! It took them a while but I was genuinely laughing at Charlotte doing the kegel exercises with her husband and Miranda being a whacky werido. And Steve’s new boxing hobby! What I’m not laughing at is Che’s standup comedy which remains atrocious. 3.5/5
Betrayal: The Perfect Husband (Hulu)- A dece true crime documentary on Hulu about a woman who discovers her husband is leading a secret life (he had like 17 girlfriends at once on the side). As a former reality tv producer, I couldn’t help but notice the haphazard interview seating arrangements and angles which took me out of it slightly. It’s also a podcast and I listened to the second season yesterday (mentioned below). 3.5/5
The Night Film by Marisha Pessl- On my weekly quest to find a book that I love as much as The Likeness by Tana French, I stumbled upon this one from 2012. The characters are written so well!! It’s super long and winding about a reporter solving the mystery of the death of a famous horror director’s daughter. He is joined by a band of misfits. I feel like I’m part of the gang! I’m only halfway through so I can’t rate yet.
Betrayal Podcast Season 2- Do you like true crime? Do you like sassy ladies? Do you love Utah accents? If so, this podcast is the rill dill. Even the judge says “here’s the dill, you’re goieeng to jell.” God I love those accents so much. Listen to Betrell anywhere you get podcasts.
Ok bye!! TTYL!!