Screen Time

Sometimes watching tv is part of your homework in college. Here are some highlights to what I've been watching this summer, and some exciting new shows to look out for in the coming months.

Game of Thrones

Ok, so despite my conflicting attitudes towards various seasons, I am a super-fan and this year is no different. I binge-watched all previous 7 seasons before settling in and watching season 8. I lived for a few years in George R.R. Martin's hometown, met him, went to his movie theater, etc. so I'll just blame any issues anyone had with any aspect of Game of Thrones on anyone but him. I also highly recommend the audiobook of his novels, especially the ones narrated by Roy Dotrice. Warning for anyone still unaware of the Game of Thrones phenomenon: they are controversial and R-rated, so proceed with caution. Also, don't go to this show for historical accuracy... just don't.

Upstart Crow

British comedian David Mitchell (star of Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look, Back, etc.) stars in this comedy recreating the life of Shakespeare. Hilarious, especially if you've read a lot of Shakespeare. If you haven't, it might be a bit difficult to understand. One of my favorites. It also stars Gemma Whelan who played Yara Greyjoy (Theon's sister) on Game of Thrones.

Norsemen

I am going to preface this by saying this show is not for everyone. It's a comedy set (and filmed) in Norway about the vikings, and, interestingly enough, comes in two versions: a Norwegian version and an English version. Even better is that it features the same actors, but is not dubbed—the actors are bilingual—so the English version doesn't feel forced or awkward. And if you're into dark, adult comedy, it's hilarious.

The Spanish Princess

So this one is next on my list to watch, especially since I really enjoyed The White Queen and the The White Princess. The Yorks, Lancasters, and Tudors fall at the tail-end of the medieval era, but you can see a lot of its influence in their mannerisms, dress, and concerns.

The Name of the Rose (2019)

This one again, is not for everyone, but for completely different reasons than adult material or dark comedy. This is a very serious adaptation of Umberto Eco's book that is slow-paced and really gets into the details of medieval culture. That being said, it is a murder mystery set in a monastery, and the book of the same title, is a mystery classic.

(Coming Soon): The Witcher

Some are looking forward to this because it is lauded as the next Game of Thrones. Some are interested because Geralt is played by Henry Caville (from the Tudors). Some people are fans of the books. I am excited because Witcher III is my all-time-favorite video game. I hope it will not disappoint.

(Coming Soon): Britannia Season 2

I am so excited about this that I can barely contain myself! Season 1 was under-appreciated, but it was soooo good. Set in VERY early medieval Britain, it features druids, roman soldiers invading England, folk magic, female warriors . . . oh my!

Yes, I am a geek.