Happy Friday, my fellow suffering beings. Each week, I share two things I’m digging right now (books, TV shows, movies, music, and the like) plus one online video of nearly zero cultural merit.
Sunset Blvd., on Broadway: I have long disliked musicals. I simply can’t take seriously any plot where the characters break into song. But I also believe in the many benefits of having an open mind. So when my friend Maria invited me to see this Tony-winning play, I agreed. And I have to say: it’s pretty good. Yes, I struggled a bit with the overt theatricality, but the story was interesting and a few of the songs (including one at the top of the second act, which I won’t spoil for you) are transcendent.
Dept. Q, on Netflix: My meditation teacher, Joseph Goldstein, recently called to ask me for TV show recommendations. I’ll tell you what I told him: If you’re looking for a new cop show, this one might do. It is a solid B+ British crime yarn. It’s got all the tropes: a traumatized detective, a troubled teenage son, trusty sidekicks, etc. The show doesn’t necessarily elevate the genre but it does give you the thrill of watching interesting people figure something out.
This is my style of parenting:
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dept Q is a solid diversion if one needs it.
The prank played on the young boy? Mean. It only teaches him one thing: do not trust the adults. They want to try and make a fool of you. Pranks are never funny to the one they are aimed it.
I give DeptQ an A but I would watch Matthew Goode in anything. I’m looking for something else to fixate on if anyone (Dan) has another gritty series to recommend.