Media diet for Christmas 2016 up to February 2017

Short notes about things that have kept me entertained for the past months, inspired largely by Jason Kottke. Scores are largely subjective and absolutely not replicable. I watched most of them in Netflix at my parents' flat screen TV.

One of Us. Stirring account of a closed, secretive ultra-orthodox community told from the viewpoint of three ex-Hasidic Jews. One marvels at this community’s seclusion from the strong, secular influences of America. Left me wondering how we may share the gospel of Jesus Christ to them. (B+)

A Series of Unfortunate Events, season 1. Haven’t read Lemony Snicket’s book series, but I hear it’s great. Enjoyed Patrick Waarburton’s narration—full of cynicism and irony, delivered in a deep male voice. And I loved the kids, especially Sunny! (B+)

The Good Wife, season 1 (rewatched). One of the few TV series that bear re-watching. (A)

Mad Men, season 1 - 4. One of my favorites. Complicated characters, excellent writing. And I’m always interested in advertising. (A+)

Planet Earth, season 1. David Attenborough’s narration is the best! All scenes reminded me of God’s genius displayed in His creation. (A)

Whitney: Can I Be Me. Heartbreaking. I still wish Whitney were alive. (B+)

Dix pour cent. Call My Agent!, season 1 and 2. I enjoyed this very much. Juliette Binoche in the final episode was a thrill! (A-)

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman, on-going. I enjoyed the episodes with former President Obama and George Clooney. (B)

Au service de la France. A Very Secret Service, season 1. Agents of the French secret service want to reassert France’s world domination. Crazy funny. Can’t wait for season 2. (A)

Kramer vs Kramer. Watched this with my parents. Saw my father get teary eyed. (A+)

The End of the F***ing World. A different kind of romance—two anti-social kids get involved in what seemed like a murder. (A)

The Meyerowritz Stories (New and Selected), rewatched. I like films with a lot of talking. (A)

The Same Sky, season 1. A spy story, in the background of the growing tensions between East and West Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. (B+)

Black Mirror, season 4, USS Callister. I love watching Black Mirror. Each episode is like a short movie. Unfortunately, the themes are so rich and complex that that I can’t bear to watch everything all at once. (B+)

The Good Witch, season 3, on-going. Great feel-good series. I enjoy watching scenes of suburban America in perpetual fall season. (B+)

In-Lawfully Yours. I wonder if the pastor was ever disciplined for his behavior. (B-)

A Christmas Prince. Funny but pointless. (A)

Doctor Who, season 5 on-going. (B+)

Gaga: Five Foot Two. So much pain happens behind the persona. Moving. (A)

The Post. Great movie to watch in this age of disinformation. (A)

Lady Bird. Ambition, mothers, adolescence. Bravo. (A)

Productive months.