The holidays are coming, and between the dozens of specials and re runs of Christmas-themed episodes and movies, there’s also a lack of new episodes of current tv shows. To some we say farewell until March (like Revolution) while others we will see back in just a couple of weeks.
But, between the daily routine and the extra anxiety that comes along with the many activities (the office Christmas party, New Years Eve, gift wrapping, food making, family visiting etc) of this time of the year, there’s also the need to relax, enjoy a book, a movie, or catch up with that TV show you’ve been saying all year long you want to watch, but just didn’t find the time to do so. For this purpose, I have some shows to recommend:
- 5# The Walking Dead: Although it’s in its third season, the episodes short and timely cliffhangers always leave you wanting more. This season, the show's pace has improved considerably from the previous, and if you are looking for an action packed hour of zombies and people trying to survive and live as much as they can, this is your perfect choice.
- 4# Raising Hope is one of the few comedies that reflects the life of the lower classes in a pretty realistic way. The strength of the show comes from the strength of the family, who never gives up. Between the struggle and sacrifices they have to take, they always maintain a positive outlook in life and that’s the fuel that keeps them going. Their optimism is contagious.
- 3# Homeland has a perfect photography and script, but as a wise friend pointed to me, the best feature of this show is the plot driven by the characters (and not the other way around). It's one of those series that is ideal to watch all the episodes together, without having to wait between weeks.
- 2# Suits is not exactly a procedural, because the cases usually aren’t the focus of each episode but probably the trouble the two leads get in because of them (or life). It's a show about lawyers not going by the book. If you think the show is a male driven one, watch some episodes and you will see that the ladies in the firm, from the woman running it, the secretary and the paralegal are deeply entangled in the trouble the two leads get into and are indispensable for the plot too. The cast does a wonderful job, they own the characters and their dynamics. It comes back on January 17th.
- 1# Community Rescheduled by NBC for February, you have more than enough time to watch the 3 seasons and catch up for the show's return. It’s one of those comedies that in a couple of years we’ll look back asking ourselves why the networks let them disappear (and why, we didn't watch it when they were airing). It’s smart, quick, sassy, and I don’t think words can do justice to what Community represents. Is ‘cool cool cool’ as Abed would say. Watch it, you won’t regret it. #6seasonandamovie
Bonus:
Revolution - While the first half of the season had its ups and downs, if the rest of it comes close to what the mid season finale promised, you’re in for some well-paced, action-packed, intriguing new episodes. In addition to that, Elizabeth Mitchell’s and Giancarlo Esposito’s spot-on performances are worth watching
But If you can’t focus on one hour long dramas or even shorter comedies, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a modern adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice', vlog style. The heart-warming episodes don’t last more than 8 minutes. It's not just about the love story, but about the relationship between the main ladies, sisters and friends. Get used to the names of the main actresses, Ashley Clements, Mary Kate Wiles and Laura Spencer, because if things work how they should we’re going to see a lot more of them in the future.
Happy Holidays!
What about you? what shows would you recommend?
Also, You can find me on Twitter now (@optimious)
