TV Show Recommendations for a Binge-Watching Session -- April 04, 2020

I understand that many individuals are facing unemployment and feeling bored due to being largely confined to their homes. Therefore, in this edition of the newsletter, I'm sharing a few series that would be perfect for binge-watching.

#1 Mad Men

Set in the 1960s, Mad Men is a portrayal of the advertising world in Manhattan. One fun piece of trivia, which even many fans might not be aware of, is the origin of its title. It stems from Madison Avenue, which was at that time the center of advertising activity, and those who worked in that field were referred to as 'Mad men.'

My takeaway from the series is that this was an era when the advertising industry was thriving financially, allowing the creative minds at the helm to have ample leisure time. This time was often spent trying to win the affection of women, especially by the central character, Don Draper. Yet, every character has their unique and compelling backstory.

# 2 Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul

It's well-known that Breaking Bad is a celebrated show, and it rightly earns all the accolades it has received. The characters and the screenplay offer a dramatic intensity similar to that of a Shakespearean play. Like Mad Men, this series maintains its quality from start to finish. I won't delve into the plot since it's widely recognized.

As many are aware, Better Call Saul serves as the prelude to Breaking Bad, primarily centering on characters Saul Goodman and Mike from the original series. As the show advances, additional figures from Breaking Bad make appearances.

Both of these shows are penned by the same team, creating a consistent feel across them. Although Better Call Saul lacks Bryan Cranston in its lineup, it introduces new characters exceptionally well. One standout for me is Michael McKean, who plays Jimmy's/Saul's brother, characterized by his acute sensitivity to electricity—though it may be psychosomatic. If I had to choose, Breaking Bad edges ahead, but for a prequel or sequel, Better Call Saul surpasses most alternatives. It may progress at a slower pace and lacks the violence of Breaking Bad, but it compensates for that with deeper character exploration and intricate legal narratives. If you haven’t watched either, I'd suggest starting with Better Call Saul to enjoy the storyline in chronological sequence.

#3 Black Mirror

In contrast to my earlier suggestions, Black Mirror isn't a continuous series; each episode functions independently, reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. In fact, Black Mirror shares many similarities with The Twilight Zone, but usually features themes involving robots with varying degrees of consciousness or the notion of digital consciousness. The series often explores the darker aspects of technological advancement.

I must emphasize a key point—avoid starting with the first episode! It differs significantly from the rest of the series and may deter many viewers. I'm not asserting it’s poorly made, but it's not representative of the overall tone of the show. Most would likely find the opening episode off-putting and might not want to continue. I recommend saving it until last.

As previously noted, each episode can be appreciated on its own, so here are some personal favorites:

• Be Right Back (season 2) - Fans of Ex Machina might be intrigued to learn that Domhnall Gleeson, who portrayed Caleb in that film, takes on the role of a robot in this episode.
• White Bear (season 2) - A woman awakens to find herself entangled in a sinister reality show where she plays the role of the antagonist.
• The Waldo Moment (season 2) - A crude cartoon bear, originally a comedian's gag, surprisingly rises as a serious contender in the political sphere.
• Nosedive (season 3) - Envision a future where social media metrics dominate reality, with anyone able to give likes or dislikes, where your social standing hinges solely on your average without an easy path to the top.
• Hated in the Nation (season 3) - In a chilling take on social media, a hacker takes control of artificial bees to hunt down those most disliked online, putting the whole world in the position of jury for who will be targeted next.
• USS Callister (season 4) - If I had to pick a favorite episode, this one might be it. It showcases a universe akin to Star Trek, where everyone except the captain is a digital replica of his real-life adversaries. With just a used coffee mug, he can capture their consciousness and imprison them in his sci-fi fantasy.
• Hang the DJ (season 4) - This installment centers on a dating service promising a 99% success rate. While it delivers on its promise, the method it employs is unsettling.
• Bandersnatch (movie) - I can't leave this one off the list, as it's the first interactive television experience I’ve encountered. I've invested countless hours exploring all the choices available in this 'choose your own adventure' style episode.
• Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too (season 5) - This might stir some debate, but I'm sticking to my guns. Yes, it has a more star-studded cast and a higher budget than usual, featuring Miley Cyrus in a central role, but don’t let that deter you from watching it. This one is intricate and challenging to summarize in a few lines, so I'll leave it at that. trailer do the talking.

I sincerely hope that some of my audience will find these recommendations entertaining enough to spend countless hours immersed in them. Regardless, please prioritize your safety and be kind." "Learn mathematically sound strategies and insights for various casino games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and hundreds more.

Written by: Michael Shackleford