The television set that nestles in the corner of my living room - all 32''/34"/36" of it (a bit like my waist, I have no idea of its actual size) - is really nothing more than a glorified monitor (do we still call screens monitors, even?). All I know is that it's not hooked up to an aerial or dish or indeed any other other bit of sundry metalwork fixed to the side of the house.
In that respect it's been a long time since Reginald Bosanquet and News at Ten has been seen on my telly. These days I get my news feed on Twitter and, maybe, 20 minutes of Radio 4's Today programme in the morning. Evening wise I've had to knock PM on the head: Eddie Mair left behind a perfectly reliable news vehicle (one mostly careful owner) before giving the keys to Evan Davis. And already he's wrapped it round more lamp posts and driven into more walls than can be possibly good for listening figures.
But back to the box. So we've established I don't do normal telly. But I do do Netflix. I know, who doesn't? This blog is full of nods and winks to dozens and dozens of binge watch classics.
And here's another one. After Life written by and starring Ricky Gervias. If you've not seen it, here's the trailer:
And here's another one. After Life written by and starring Ricky Gervias. If you've not seen it, here's the trailer:
I absolutely loved it. On more than one occasion I found I had something in my eye. Gervais has, it seems, come of age. It had me enthralled from start to finish. The writing, the cast, the jokes (yes, despite its dark leanings it's got some great gags), the soundtrack and a proliferation of the word cunt. It's got everything. Including a stellar performance from Penelope Wilton, despite her never moving from a graveside bench throughout - less being definitely more.
Of course I won't give anything away here, only that you'll find Cat Stevens in there. Perfect. Please tell me you'll watch it.
Cat Stevens - Lilywhite (1970)
I've heard several great things about it and it's definitely on my list of things to watch, but having not owned a TV since 2004 and never having had a Netflix account, I'm not quite sure how or when that'll be.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't do Netflix? Erm, me.
ReplyDeleteIt's lucky I know both TS and the BA; because, if I didn't, I'd think that the pair of them were holed up in some far flung jungle wearing fatigues, just a jerry can of water between them and convinced WW2 was still going on.
ReplyDeleteI've read great things about this too - and your post just adds to my desire to see it but, guess what - no Netflix here either! (We DO have a TV though... just hoping it comes out to one of the main channels or is released on DVD.)
ReplyDeleteC - Netflix costs me £5.99/month. After Life is worth that alone. It really is.
DeleteWe definitely do do Netflix (love the do do!) - But only because DD took out a subscription years ago and kindly lets us use it. I also get a free Amazon Prime subscription courtesy of my college course - Nowadays I would say we watch more than half our telly on those two media platforms. As mentioned in the earlier post though, I sometimes miss how the family used to all come together in the same room and just watch whatever came on, but be together, and chat as per The Royales. Now it’s all carefully sought out gritty drama and DD in another room. Will seek out After Life and add it to the ever-growing “must watch” list. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Jim Royle would've made of Netflix, YouTube et al?
DeleteBox Sets, binge watching or whatever label you want to give it is, like it or loathe it, the way forward. Appointment TV* is history. Not to be confused with the History Channnel.
* It's Friday, it's five to five, it's Crackerjack. Thursday nights 7:25, TOTP etc.
Memories, so many memories.
I may not own a telly or have a Netflix account, but I have, largely thanks to your good self, been digging deeper into the world of Podcasts just recently. This interview with Gervais is absolutely brilliant and well worth an hour of your time https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/full-disclosure-james-obrien/full-disclosure-with-james-obrien-ricky-gervais/
ReplyDeleteThanks TS. I'll give it a coat of looking at.
DeleteGlad I've been of help. So many good podcasts out there.