#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Altered Carbon (Season 2)

What on Earth did I just watch? Was good seeing Power's Lela Loren as Danica Harlan wearing clothes for once.

Also I enjoyed Anthony Mackie replacing Joel Kinnaman from season 1.

I watched series one way back when it first was loaded to Netflix in February 2018.

So two years later, I forgot completely where I was up to. Either way maybe sci-fi isn't for me. Here is a trailer of the second season.



There is some good action scenes and good looking talent, hello Anthony Mackie!

It was an easy watch, however definitely not the most memorable series from my #COVID-19-BINGE-FEST.

Season two landed February 27, 2020, so I am well and truly catching up on all my outstanding Netflix series.

I have however just started Elite, wow! Obsessed! Review to come...

April/May Finales - Homeland (Season 8)

At the start of the month during my #COVID-19-BINGE-FEST series I featured a preliminary post on this season of Homeland.

However as the season has headed into it's final ever (well like Dexter I do not rule out Showtime bringing this show back sometime in the future) episode the tension and suspense has built.

Carrie Mathison has become even more unhinged and Saul Berenson's past has finally (after 8 seasons) has been revealed.

In a gripping episode from the opening moments, war is on the horizon. The USA and Pakistan may go to war. There are references to the Bush years with the failed war following false information.

In 2020 a series has never been so important. Hugh Dancy as John Zabel is terrifying his like real life swamp beast Steve Bannon.


Homeland really has been a wonderful series for difficult times.

It's one of the biggest shows to conclude in 2020. Fellow Showtime series Shameless will also do it's swan song episode soon, leaving former Homeland lead Damian Lewis Billions to lead Showtime's programming line up.

However the new Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (follow up the the original Penny Dreadful series) is actually worth a look on Stan.

Yes streaming Sunday's on Stan the eight episode series just kicked off.

Homeland has now concluded on SBS on Demand which is only going from strength to strength. Despite Party of Five being rubbish, SBS on Demand has delivered some decent content this binge season.

I'm going to miss Homeland, however it had a great eight season run.

Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison will go down in history as one of the most interesting characters. The way the show leaves you in it's final moments, there could even be a future...

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Sorry

*** This serves as a mid year break for the (Mini) Monday Spotlight, returning Monday June 1st.

North London outfit Sorry last week scored the feature album on Triple J. They have recently released their highly anticipated debut album, 925.

So today let's just let the music do the talking for us. Apparently influenced by classic rock as they are hip hop, electronica, and even old school crooners. So in saying that there is something here for everyone.

Come back on June 1st for more of the best new music. Or for more music, head over to my other blog, Flashing off the Record.

Ciao

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - After Life (Season 2)

Strong language warning, After Life is back for season two. Ok Ricky Gervais has delivered a hit to Netflix, right at the time the streaming giant is having a massive boom in new subscribers.

Netflix is really delivering right now. Tiger King came at the right time, Hollywood the second Ryan Murphy Netflix series is coming this coming and the eagerly awaited second season of Dead to Me.

The second season of After Life only premiered on 24 April 2020. I have already binged the entire six episodes.



The first season was equally funny and heartbreaking. The second season is equally as funny whilst also having some very warm moments.

Ricky Gervais introduces us to some more interesting characters for his paper to interact with, but at the heart of the show is Ricky Gervais as Tony Johnson dealing with his wife's passing.

I loved this show. It's an easy watch, I laughed out loud a number of times. Just wait for a foul mouthed 100 year old. Her interview with Tony is a hoot!

This is beautiful, get on it now. If you haven't watched season one, it's an easy watch. Season two is equally as delightful.

Well done Ricky Gervais!

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Merlí: Sapere Aude

Following my glowing review of original series Merlí comes the spin-off Merlí: Sapere Aude.

The show is created by Héctor Lozano, it premiered on 5 December 2019 on streaming service Movistar+.

This series revolves around Pol Rubio (Carlos Cuevas), as he enters university. There is one awkward scene with former character high school professor, Merlí.

Along with the extremely handsome Carlos Cuevas as Pol Rubio returning for the spin off. David Solans returns as semi love interest Bruno, Ana María Barbany as Brunos granny Carmina Calduch, Boris Ruiz as Alfonso, Pol's dad and his new girlfriend Assun Planas as Glòria.

We get a few new uni student friends Pablo Capuz as Rai, Pol's classmate, Azul Fernández as Minerva and María Pujalte as Pol's new teacher/role model María Bolaño.

The series has been renewed for a second season which is great news as it actually it still at a much high standard than some of the other series I have watched lately.



Merlí: Sapere Aude, may not be as good as the original Merlí series, however it is a damn easy watch. Well Carlos Cuevas is beyond an easy watch, it's a pleasure looking at him.

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Party of Five

As I write this I have one remaining episode of the first and only season to go. Yes the 2020 reboot of Party of Five was given the boot after only ten episodes.

Airing in Australia on SBS on Demand where you can smash all ten episodes right now. In the USA it airs on the same network (Freeform) as the Josh Thomas series, Everything's Gonna Be Fine.


If you were a fan of the 90's version with the dreamy Scott Wolf, Matthew Fox and scream queen Neve Campbell this is completely different.

It takes on the a new family with a US/Mexico spin. It's not however the first spin off of the popular show. Before Jennifer Love-Hewitt was everyone's favourite 9-1-1 operate she starred in Party of Five, followed by Time of Your Life. This also only lasted one season with seven of it's nineteen episodes never airing. Wow that's a flop.

It did read this show may not have needed a second season once the finale aired, so I will soon find out if this is true.

I must say the second youngest Elle Paris Legaspi as Valentina Acosta is the type of character/person you would expect to be calling the cops on people not social distancing. Her character is extremely annoying to the point of me wanting to leave the room when she is on.

Brandon Larracuente as Emilio Acosta is the highlight for this ill fated series.

Look this is not perfect TV, but it's an easy watch. The USA has so many issues right now, this is just another one of them. Families torn apart, members of society falling through the cracks and families struggling to make ends meet. During this COVID-19 period, you may want something a little more uplifting.

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Little Fires Everywhere (miniseries)

Based on Celeste Ng’s 2017 bestseller, Little Fires Everywhere stars Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.


So if you are getting Big Little Lies vibes, you are not alone. Hello Sunshine is the production company behind this miniseries. It's Reese's company which was formerly Pacific Standard which also produced Big Little Lies.

The eight episode miniseries has just had it's monster finale. Wow DRAMA!

Reese really is exceptional as is Kerry Washington. Joshua Jackson joins in a supporting role alongside of a crew of others.

If you need some drama in the midst of this whole COVID-19, well Little Fires Everywhere could be for you. If you liked Big Little Lies, this is totally for you. Reese is now (literally) on fire with Big Little Lies, The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere all back to back TV smash hits.

I look forward to the five more upcoming Hello Sunshine productions across Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV+, Starz and the USA's ABC network.

More #COVID-19-BINGE-FEST coming soon, there is an entire weekend of #STAYHOME to get through incoming.

Stay safe.

April/May Finales - Empire (Season 6)

Breaking up the #COVID-19-BINGE-FEST's it's time for a number of shows to retire for the year (or longer, pending the COVID-19 crisis) or for good. In this case for good, it's Empire's 18th episode of season six.

Season six has not been good, let's be clear. The show once Fox's jewel in the crown has been plagued by drama on and off the set.

Lee Daniels and Danny Strong created a ratings blockbuster back in 2015. The first 12 episode season was gold! The season at it's final episode concluded with just over 23 million viewers. Now sadly the show hovers around 4 million viewers.

The above figures include DVR viewers. Live viewers (even with COVID-19) it's a much worse number.



You can read an interview HERE after you have watched this episode, however if you want to save 43 minutes of your life, give this a miss.

From one of my favourite shows to a show that just hung around for WAY too long.

Honestly we did not need another two episodes, as per the original order of twenty episodes in the final season. This would be the first season to feature 20 episodes.

Instead we got the regular 18 thanks to COVID-19.

The final season has been a bit of a red hot mess in my books. Cookie Lyon was one of the best and most fierce characters on TV, however this show's curtain with not many of it's original fans still waiting around for the final bow.

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Jessie Reyez

Jessie Reyez, from Toronto, Canada recently released her debut album Before Love Came to Kill Us. This follows a string of singles, EP's and songwriting efforts. Reyez has co-written songs for Calvin Harris and Normani. One of those just happens to be One Kiss featuring the pop queen of 2020, Dua Lipa.

Reyez received two more nominations at the 2020 Juno Awards, including Artist of the Year.

In her earlier days, her 2016 single "Figures" peaked at number 58 on the Canadian Hot 100 in 2017. Her 2017 EP, Kiddo, led to four nominations at the 2018 Juno Awards, winning Breakthrough Artist.

Her follow up EP, Being Human in Public, was released in 2018. It won R&B/Soul Recording of The Year at the 2019 Juno Awards and was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards.

Reyez album, Before Love Came to Kill Us, features collaborations with Eminem and 6LACK.
Before Love Came to Kill Us debuted at #13 on the Billboard 200.

So as we settle into week 146 in isolation, get yourself into the sweet sounds of Canadian Jessie Reyez. Jessie may even be your new favourite artist.

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Merlí

Who wants something with an international flavour this weekend?



It's Catalan series Merlí.

I cannot believe since this whole COVID-19 situation happened, I have blasted through all 40 episodes. Yes that is right 40!

Merlí is moving, great and the way all high school shows should be. Raw and over within three seasons. High School on Riverdale is heading into it's long fifth year. People are not in high school forever so nor should our TV series be in high school forever.

Unfortunately your youth doesn't last forever. Sadly.

So Merlí, it's a real ride through main character and Merlí is hired in Àngel Guimerà High School as the philosophy teacher.

We meet a number of students, teachers and family members over the course of the three seasons and my word is there some drama!

A spin off series Merlí: Sapere Aude aired late last year focusing on the very handsome Carlos Cuevas as Pol Rubio. It is also due to feature other main cast member and son of Merlí, David Solans as Bruno Bergero.

The show has romance, drama and real coming of age issues.

This is really one of the best shows I have come into contact with since I have been running the #COVID-19-BINGE-FEST. Expect this to be rated highly come the end of this whole thing.

Merlí comes highly recommended PERIOD.

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Everything's Gonna Be Okay

Everything's Gonna Be Okay is the second series by Aussie comedian Josh Thomas. Currently streaming on Stan in Australia, Everything's Gonna Be Okay is a short and sweet 10 episode first season run.

Following fan favourite Please Like Me, this has a more family friendly feel. After all it did premiere on US family friendly network Freeform on January 16, 2020.

The series is sweet, raw (at times) while giving you a few giggles along the way.



Whilst we are all at home more and more we are all craving new series to binge. Since this did initially fly under my radar, now is the perfect time to catch up on all those dramas on your "to watch" lists.

Will Freeform give this a second series? It could go either way really, it does wrap up nicely by the end of episode ten.

So if you want something light and easy to digest, Everything's Gonna Be Okay is streaming now!

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - The Secrets She Keeps

The Secrets She Keeps is based on the novel by Michael Robotham released on 10 Play early April.

The six-part series is set in the Blue Mountains starring Downtown Abbey star Laura Carmichael as Agatha, Australian Arrow star Jessica De Gouw as Meghan, Kiwi Michael Dorman as Jack and Mr Everywhere Ryan Corr as Simon.



Following the rather lame Channel Seven mini-series Secret Bridesmaid's Business last year, this could be mistaken for another female lead Australian bomb. Like Secret Bridesmaid's Business bringing in some international talent to little effect.

Lead Laura Carmichael is the typical anti-hero. You don't like her but you feel sorry for her. Kind of like Joe in You over on Netflix.

The show is the total stereotype of poor/fragile character becomes obsessed with rich, seemingly happy couple.

Channel Ten have long lead the three commercial networks with interesting short run series. Secrets and Lies did so well it was sold and rebooted over in the USA.

The show breaks no new ground, however the setting of Sydney (and surrounds) along with some good acting makes this a decent #COVID-19-BINGE.

Channel Ten did the right thing and threw this up online for a stay home binge fest. I'm interested to know how their paid streaming service Ten All Access is doing. With limited content and launching around the same time Apple TV+ and Disney+ did who knows how they are doing.

Apparently Disney+ has hit 50M subscribers worldwide, whilst Apple TV+ is sitting at around 30M. However like me many have one year free Apple TV+ subscriptions. Will I continue to pay for the service, most likely not.

So I am up to the sixth and final episode, this show gets better as the season goes on.

In other news, the (Mini) Monday Spotlight returns next week with Canadian Jessie Reyez.

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Bloom (Season 2)

Will Bloom make it to a third season? So far Stan has delivered some great content. The Romper Stomper series release back on New Years Day 2018, the two seasons of Wolf Creek (we are following a bit of Aussie movie to screen theme here right?) and comedy series The Other Guy.

Bloom won two Logie Awards back in 2019 for season one. This got the networks (and Foxtel scared). Can the Aussie streaming service start to steal all the Logies moving forward? As Channel Nine owns the main Aussie streaming player in a crowded market, this allows Nine to have a more edgy platform.

Channel Nine has always been known as aiming at an older market, whereas Stan aims younger. It's international shows are killing it right now.

The series stars Bryan Brown, Jacki Weaver, Phoebe Tonkin, Jacqueline McKenzie, Toby Schmitz and Bella Heathcote.

Missing from this season is mr everywhere Ryan Corr, however you can catch him on the new Channel Ten series The Secret She Keeps (review coming soon).



So is the second season any good? Well I wasn't the world's biggest fan of season one, however season two is a little more impressive.

Let's face it, the show only launched on Good Friday Eve, I was done by Easter Saturday. The six episodes did go by rather fast and I must admit I was rather fond of Rhonda Stokes.

Bloom seasons one and two are streaming right now on Stan. It's definitely been a Stan heavy #COVID-19-BINGE-FEST so far.

Until next time.

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - The Outsider

Strange times calls for stranger crimes, The Outsider mini series based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King from HBO is streaming now in Australia on Foxtel.

The ten episode mini series is dark, a little scary and at times violent. Critically acclaimed ahead of all things COVID-19, The Outsider was showing, HBO still had some pull in the golden era of TV.

With a huge cast, including Aussie Ben Mendelsohn as lead Det. Ralph Anderson,Bill Camp as Howard Salomon, Jason Bateman as Terry Maitland and the haunting Cynthia Erivo as Holly Gibney.


HBO had started 2020 strong, even with Game of Thrones, Veep, Silicon Valley, The Deuce, Divorce, Watchmen, Ballers and Big Little Lies all concluding recently they still had a number of strong titles.

Westworld is currently airing, whilst Insecure returns this week, The Undoing has moved to later this year with Nicole Kidman and Bill Maher has taken Real Time with Bill Maher home.

HBO really does lead the pack of US premium TV. When HBO MAX starts, look out Netflix!

The Outsider is a solid addition to HBO's already killer roster. I like the idea of these one season mini series and done ideas. Sharp Objects was a huge hit for HBO in 2018 as was Chernobyl in 2019.

The Outsider had solid viewership when it originally aired. No doubt with catch up viewing during COVID-19 this would only be increasing.

If you need something to watch this Easter, give The Outsider a crack, it's ten dark episodes showing Stephen King is totally in vogue right about now.

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist debuted in the USA on the number one network NBC very early January 2020. In Australia the show airs week to week on STAN. STAN has really stepped up with some of it's recent US series.

Like Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, STAN has also just grabbed the reboot of First Wives Club, All American, Ramy, City on a Hill, The Bold Type and Looking for Alaska.

STAN continues to lead the charge for my #COVID-19-BINGE-FEST. Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist joins, Younger and All American in mass binges for me.

However Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist is still in season stateside. I believe there is set to be 12 episodes making up the first season. Will there be a second? Well NBC are just behind The CW will the number of shows they have already renewed. The three Chicago series, This is Us, The Blacklist all have already been renewed for 2020-2021 seasons.

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist stars a fairly familiar cast with the lead from What/If Jane Levy playing lead Zoey Clarke. Joining Levy is Skylar Astin as Max, Alex Newell as Mo and from The OC Peter Gallagher as Mitch Clarke, Zoey's seriously ill father.

The show is a lot of fun and NBC do have a history with musical series, remember Smash anyone?

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist may not be the biggest new show of the 2019-2020 US TV season, however it is the kind of show the world needs now. Light and mega fluffy.

Take a look...

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness

Oh my god is all I can say after watching Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.

Released on Netflix on March 20, 2020 I had heard a lot of positive reviews of this insane true crime story. Like Making a Murderer before it in 2015 (the second season did not seem to be as insanely popular) this show is the talk of the isolation town.

With people forced inside, we are all discovering the madness of Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, popularly known as Joe Exotic.

We also meet Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue, and a number of other shady folks. Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness is the most addictive series of my recent series #COVID-19-BINGE-FEST. I will be ranking this highly on my upcoming #RATED series.

This has to literally be seen to be believed. Check out the trailer below, put six hours aside (look Easter is almost here GET ON IT!) and smash it!

(Mini) Monday Spotlight: Yaeji

Releasing her debut mixtape on Friday, today let's get to know Yaeji!

Since blowing my mind in a H&M store somewhere in the world, maybe Thailand or Singapore with her track drink i'm sippin on. Yaeji has been on my radar since 2017.

Exploding with the huge tune raingurl, Yaeji made her mark fast. Kathy Yaeji Lee is of course better known as her DJ/producer title Yaeji. Based in Brooklyn, her lyrics are both in English and Korean, giving her a wide fanbase.

Named in the BBC's Sound of 2018 long list in November 2017, playing Coachella in 2018, what else is left for Yaeji to conquer. Her new mixtape features the fantastic lead single WAKING UP DOWN.

Home isolation x Yaeji, what a perfect mix! Discover your next favourite artist right now!

Returning Soon & Ending Soon

All these shows are ending soon... My picks in BOLD and RED...

Better Call Saul: Monday, April 20

The Blacklist: Friday, May 15

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Thursday, April 23

Chicago Fire: Wednesday, April 15

Chicago Med: Wednesday, April 15

Chicago PD: Wednesday, April 15

Empire: Tuesday, April 21 (Final EVER episode!)

FBI: Tuesday, March 31

Good Girls: Sunday, May 3

Grey’s Anatomy: Thursday, April 9

Hawaii Five-0: Friday, April 3 (Final EVER episode!)

Law & Order: SVU: Thursday, April 23

Legacies: Thursday, March 26

Manifest: Monday, April 6

Modern Family: Wednesday, April 8

New Amsterdam: Tuesday, April 14

The Resident: Tuesday, April 7 (New Date)

Schitt’s Creek: Tuesday, April 7 (Final EVER episode!)

Superstore: Thursday, April 23 (New Date)

Will & Grace: Thursday. April 23 (Final EVER episode!)

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: Sunday, May 3 (Streaming in Australia on STAN, it's on my list to check out during this COVID-19 period)



Whilst these shows are returning soon...  All of which are MY picks :)

Bloom, Season 2, STAN - Thursday April 9 (Good Friday Eve)

Insecure, Season 4, Foxtel/Foxtel Now - Sunday April 12

Killing Eve, Season 3, ABC & iView - Sunday April 12

Mystery Road, Season 2, ABC & iView - Sunday April 19

After Life, Season 2, Netflix - Friday April 24 (ANZAC Day Eve)

Defending Jacob, Mini-Series, Apple TV+ - Friday April 24 (ANZAC Day Eve)

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, Season One, Foxtel - Sunday April 26

Hollywood, Season 1, Netflix - Friday May 1

Billions, Season Five, STAN - Sunday May 3

Yep there is a lot of returning favourites with some interesting looking new series on the way. If we are to be indoors for 3-6 more months at least we have some new content to checkout.

#COVID-19-BINGE-FEST - Homeland (Season 8)

Currently airing on SBS On Demand (for free) Homeland is in it's eighth and final season.

Claire Danes returns for one last time as Carrie Mathison. Having a place on our screens since October 2011, Danes has made this role as Carrie as a role of a lifetime.

Definitely shaking off her Juliet role for sure, this is the role that people will always remember Claire Danes for.

It's seventh season concluded in April 2018, so we have been waiting a while for this final season.

Commencing on February 9th of this year, the wait was long, eight episodes in, I am not 100% sure it was worth it.

I loved season seven, however this season was always promised to be ambitious, maybe in hindsight a little too ambitious.

Time will tell how the season pans out, we have four remaining episodes to go.

The finale airs April 26, 2020. It joins a long list of long running shows concluding in 2020. Also concluding soon, Empire, How to Get Away with Murder, Blindspot, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and Shameless.

After everyone talking... Tiger King I'm Coming for ya!

This has to be seen to be believed, bat shit crazy!



Review to come as part of my #COVID-19-BINGE-FEST series.

Yaeji (Mini) Monday Spotlight coming at ya on the other side of the weekend before the (Mini) Monday Spotlight has a short Easter break.

Stay safe, use common sense, keep fit and healthy whilst avoiding Bondi backpacker parties :)