Is there a transgender women demographic in tennis necessitating the one-time genetic sex testing policy?
Binge-watch Worthy: “Prime Suspect”(UK) is nearly flawless!
Who doesn't love a good binge-watch? New or old, recommended or found, leisurely watching a show beginning to end is one of my favorite pastimes. Every year, I find myself re-watching The Wire .an undeniable masterpiece. This year, for the first time, I binge-watched Prime Suspect (1991-2006) instead. I was struck by how relevant the … Continue reading Binge-watch Worthy: “Prime Suspect”(UK) is nearly flawless!
“Elsbeth”‘ season three finale is an intriguing episode for controversial Broadway legend Patti LuPone!
The decision to showcase Patti LuPone on "Elsbeth" is audacious after her public dressing down by her Broadway colleagues. This episode lands like a CNN piece attempting to be fair and balanced. But this meta script blinked. Essentially playing herself, at least her public self, the writers refused to delve into Lupone' racist labeling, choosing instead to have quite a few people of color (Captain Wagner, Detective Kaya Blanke and pianist Jolly) on deck. Cheeky and rather telling! Whether this Patti LuPone send-up is a gift or a nail in her coffin is yet to be determined...
Everything wrong with the church in less than two minutes!
I grew-up Catholic. Participated in all the rituals–Christening, Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation... But I also visited Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, Seven Day Adventist, non-denominational and a slew of other houses of worship as a young adult. At my very big age now, I am not affiliated with any religion, church or guru. I am not an … Continue reading Everything wrong with the church in less than two minutes!
Review: Is “M.I.A.”‘ Etta Tiger Jonze a badass or just another stock character on an unimpressive American reimaging?
Who doesn't love a badass lead? You know the kind of character we root for even when her flaws are troublesome, values questionable and waist unreasonably tiny. She is no damsel in distress. She suffers no fools. Capable and compassionate, she aims to right wrongs and serve justice. She is the best and worst of … Continue reading Review: Is “M.I.A.”‘ Etta Tiger Jonze a badass or just another stock character on an unimpressive American reimaging?
Unpacking Symone Sanders-Townsend’ Performance on MS NOW (“The Weeknight” and “Clock It”)
Competent at political commentary, Sanders-Townsend' ceiling is fixed on traditional media like MS NOW. She is part of new media that is trying to operate inside of an old box that is too restrictive. Ever the maverick, she shuns talking points for authenticity, button-up demeanor for personality, political lingo for signature or cultural phrases, traditional attire for a vibrant personal style. Her goal isn't legacy political commentary. She wants to be Oprah not Rachel Maddows!
Season two of “The Pitt” holds-up a mirror for America to see itself in 4K! –SPOILERS–
"The Pitt" isn't your ordinary medical drama. It is not heavy on romance and gossip. No, this is much more substantial. The cases are as weighty and realistic as the show' commentary of our country' precarious position. If "Law and Order: SUV" is ripped from the headlines, "The Pitt" is a reflection of our endless traumas since COVID!
Review: What really bothered me about Justin Hartley’ “Tracker” on CBS
I recently watched CBS' Tracker with Justin Hartley (This Is Us) and the only way to describe it is annoyingly mediocre– a megadose of melatonin. Worst, it reeks of an executive or egomaniac who truly believes he is the center of the world. Other than a star vehicle for Hartley and a money maker for … Continue reading Review: What really bothered me about Justin Hartley’ “Tracker” on CBS
Review: “The Madison” is Taylor Sheridan’ meditation on grief and loss!
For creator/writer Taylor Sheridan, the open vista of Madison is the best medicine for all that ails humanity (grief, familial dysfunction...). It is no surprise that on "The Madison" NYC is but a grandiose pit stop to nirvana. "The Madison" is as much about love, grief and family as it is a rebuke of capitalism and city life. But the awkward handling of race, ethnicity and land rights seems like a BIG concession to the MAGA cult.
Review: “One Battle After Another” forgoes depth for breath delivering a critical darling and a box office flop!
Falling short of the magnum opus descriptor writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson desperately wants, "One Battle After Another" may have fared better had VP Harris won the 2024 Presidential Campaign. But the film' gender and race issues cannot disappear with the mere presence of a woman of color in leadership. Mirroring our reality is not an antidote to fascism!
Curated Ramblings 