Newsroom

Netflix has really been putting out compelling programming lately. We were already addicted to “House of Cards” and “Orange is the New Black.” Due to the fact that Netflix releases an entire season at once, Chris can be a binge watcher and wants to keep watching since it is all available right away. I am more of let the ice cream melt mentality. What does ice cream have to do with watching Netflix? As a kid we did not have desserts or sweets very often. Mostly just when we spent time with my grandma. On rare occasions when we would have ice cream, I would often eat it so slowly that the last half of my bowl was runny and soup-like. I was trying everything I could to let it last longer and longer — even to go to such lengths as using a smaller spoon to eat tiny bites. It was such a treat I wanted it to last longer.

I want the same for when I watch a good show. So while I do not want to wait a week to see the next episode, I might only want to watch 1-2 a night and then let it all soak in and start again the next night. Recently we happened across a new show called: “Grace and Frankie.” We watched it like I used to eat ice cream. Enjoying it along the way. We watched the last episode on Saturday and I have to say that I am a bit bummed that we are done with the first season. The show is about two couples, and well…I do not want to give away what happens with these couples, so you will have to watch. Just know that the two couples are played by Martin Sheen, Sam Waterson, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. Having just finished watching “Newsroom” with Jane Fonda and Sam Waterson, and having loved West Wing, we were hooked. The first episode is a little slow, but it gets better. I also relate to one of the daughters, Brianna, as she is the sassy one.

The episodes are thirty minutes so it is a quick season to watch. I hope it does well for Netflix because I would like to see Season 2. This weekend, we get to start watching the next season of “Orange is the New Black.” Better make sure we have ice cream.

Are you a fan of the show: The West Wing? I was. Am. Will always be a fan.

If you are, then you have to check out the new show on HBO called “The Newsroom.” It is another Aaron Sorkin show, starring Jeff Daniels and Emily Mortimer and it has similar tones to The West Wing. All the news that happens on the show actually happened in very recent times. We know as an audience how certain events happen, and the characters do not have this information. So the audience has a context of what happens, while watching the characters unravel the world events happening in a newsroom and it makes for a very interesting and dynamic storyline for the viewer/audience. An example: the BP oil rig explosion in the Gulf and the newsroom is putting all the pieces together to report on this breaking news.

A quote my hubby shared with me of his thoughts: “It is a reboot of West Wing, clever, crafty, and with massive amounts of dialogue, very character driven in one setting. Very similar to Sports Night.”

Only two episodes have aired, and I am already writing about it, so those of you with HBO – watch it. Those of you who do not have HBO, add it to your list for when it comes out on DVD. Like with The West Wing, where they would have dialogue while walking through The West Wing halls, the dialogue also happens while walking. This time it is on the streets of New York. Here is a review of the show from The New Yorker.

Looking forward to future episodes! Would be curious to hear what you think.