Sukhrit Kaur
Graduate Student
TV Gems you might have missed
January 25, 2022
With an excessive amount of content being produced and uploaded daily across the various streaming sites, we subscribe to. I believe some of these shows missed their brief minute in the sun due to a lack of marketing and advertising. I have made a list of some of my favourite shows that I hope you might enjoy too. (In case you haven’t already)
No Spoiler ahead!
1. You’re the worst
Starring Aya Cash (The Boys) and Chris Geere (This is us) as the two leads - Gretchen and Jimmy. This sitcom is a masterpiece with complex characters that deal with tonally difficult subjects such as mental illness while not losing its touch of humour. The driving question of the series is the struggle between the ability and want to conform to societal norms or celebrate one’s individuality that might not match the picture in one’s mind. The appeal of both these possibilities and their contradictory realities is something that the protagonists and the viewers question periodically. If you are looking to see a love story between two morally grey characters that are real, messy and funny this show might be for you.
The beautiful video essay that introduced me to the show - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzKq8GbM0Ts
2. Derry Girls
Set in Ireland during the years of conflict, this show deals with nuances of the political, religious and ideological divide of the time. At its heart, Derry girls is a story of friendships and the trials and tribulations of growing up. Chances are you will both audibly laugh and cry in the span of 30 mins of an episode. Every episode is special and heartwarming in a new yet familiar way. The 2 seasons will leave a smile on your face and make one take a minute to appreciate and celebrate all the special friendships in our lives.
Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFmFuXH0IRY
3. Good Behavior
Starring Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) as Letty, an addict and kleptomaniac alongside Juan Diego Botto as Javier, the hitman in a complex tale of “trying to do better”. The show deals with aspects of morality and all the characters in the show much like in life fall in the grey area. With witty dialogue, neo-noir aesthetics, moments that drive one to the edge of the seat and character arcs that are rich and complex; this show is an absolute treat.
The central questions of the show are - Can two people considered as the outliers of society and traditionally bad influences be good for one another? Is the desire to fit into the picture-perfect image of normal that drives one further away from actually achieving it?
Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTmT2Cy2od4
4. North and South
Everyone that enjoys a good period romance, this 4-part miniseries produced by BBC is for you. Mr. Thornton, played by Richard Armitage a man who exudes Mr. Darcy energy is a mill owner in Milton, an industrial city in the north of England. Margaret Hale is from the agrarian and idyllic south who has moral objections to the way industrialists carry out their operations. The incidents that ensue when these two perspectives, worlds and people meet is the story portrayed in this show.
5. White Princess
Based on the book of the same name written by Phillipa Greggory this show is a dramatic retelling of the establishment of the Tudor Dynasty, with a pivotal focus on the role of women in politics during this time. Elizabeth of York, the central character is portrayed by the very talented Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) as she deals with pressing questions about where her loyalty lies as she is married to King Henry 7th, who during the War of Roses was an enemy of her family. This is a compelling tale that keeps one gripped from the first minute to the last.