EPISODE 924: I THOUGHT THE RACE WAS OVER, BUT THEY JUST KEEP MOVING THE LINE

Also: You are officially haunted.

Jul 15, 2024

POP CULTURE SPIRIT WOW

So I got about halfway through my Complicated Feelings about Child Saints on Wednesday, when this happened.

(That’s actually from 4 days later, but apparently it’s still a positive, argh.)

So I was thinking I wouldn’t do a normal Wow this week, or maybe just repost this piece I wrote about Biden’s situation. (Remember when we were talking about that?)

But then this happened.

And now this is happening.

And also this has been happening.

And I’m not sure I have much to add, but I just wanted to say I’m here.

Actually I can’t help with dogs or lavender, but yesterday I went outside before it got too hot and sat on a bench to get some fresh air. And out of the blue this happened.

They stayed a long time, too. They were just beautiful.

I HAVE FINISHED SEASON 3 OF THE BEAR, CHEF

Covid is good for two things: Feeling sleepy and catching up on television.

As per the assignment, I dug into season 3 of The Bear, aka the show that every Chicagoan watches and goes, No one takes a beef joint and turns it into fine dining, but otherwise this show is totally realistic. It’s a little less focused than other seasons, in part because of the story they’re telling (which I will not spoil), and in part because they took such an unusual approach in season 2, with a lot less NO #!%! YOU COUSIN and a lot more but what if someone spent an episode in amsterdam tho, and it worked so well, that now they’re trying to find a new way of telling their story. I definitely think season 4 will fascinating.

High Points:

Tina
The finale, for so many reasons.
Absolutely everything to do with haunting.

THREE OTHER SHOWS TO WATCH TO AVOID FEELING ON FIRE

BORGEN (Netflix): A 2010s drama from Denmark, Borgen is about the female head of a small and idealistic political party who unexpectedly finds herself made prime minister. It’s an exquisitely acted show, a little more realistic than the West Wing, but still wonderful. (I particularly recommend Season 3, which requires no prior knowledge and so far is giving many hope feels.)
STAR TREK: PRODIGY Season 2 (Netflix): My nerds, imagine if Star Trek: Voyager got melded with Doctor Who, Time Bandits and was about six kids of different species who steal a starship. Prodigy season 1 was good, but the storytelling of season 2 is one of the best Star Trek seasons ever. Like Picard good.
SMASH (Netflix): In anticipation of the Broadway musical adaptation coming next year, Netflix now has the original two season show, which is perfect for anyone who needs some silly escapism. Also, tell me this isn’t America right now.