What are we watching on TV?

Documentary recommendation for a one which aired recently on RTE about Nanci Griffith "From a Distance".

I was vaguely familiar with her songs, which I like, but hadn't realised that in the 1980s she was more popular in Ireland than in the US, although recognition did come there eventually. A tough watch at times when covering her personal demons.

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Absolutely loved Nanci Griffiths, thanks for the heads up @odyssey06

Slow Horses is one of the best series I've seen of late, cracking stuff and Gary Oldman is indeed superb in it. Ripley is one I really enjoyed last year, really slow pace but definitely one to sit back and appreciate.
The Penguin with the brilliant Colin Farrell is quite good. It's dark and grim which is in keeping with the Batman vibe.
The Diplomat on Netflix is a fun watch. Only finished season one so far but it's entertaining.
 
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Trying to remember what else watched...
Imported Channel 4 documentary currently on RTE2, Ancient Egypt by Train with Alice Roberts, close up look at the pyramids etc and informative.
 
Oh gotta say I do like Dr Alice Roberts, Haven't seen on telly for a long time so will probable give that a viewing ;)
 
Cervelo said:
Oh gotta say I do like Dr Alice Roberts, Haven't seen on telly for a long time so will probable give that a viewing ;)
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I know what you mean but I am so sick of the type of programme she appears in, where it feels like it's too much about the presenter over the topic.
The BBC isn't the worst in this regard, channels with ad breaks treat you as though you've the recall of Dory in Finding Nemo.
 
An interesting TG4 documentary on the early days of photography and film in Ireland, focusing on the Horgan brothers of Youghal.

Na Lumiere Gaelacha

www.tg4.ie

Na Lumière Gaelacha | Player | TG4 | Irish Television Channel, Súil Eile

This is the story of the Horgan Brothers of Youghal, photographic, cinematic and animation pioneers at the time of the Lumière brothers in France. It could be said that they made Youghal the home of Irish cinema.
www.tg4.ie www.tg4.ie
 
odyssey06 said:
Imported Channel 4 documentary currently on RTE2, Ancient Egypt by Train with Alice Roberts, close up look at the pyramids etc and informative.
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Thanks odyssey06 for that, the final episode appeared this morning on the RTE player so just watched it,
And very enjoyable, been to the pyramid's but nothing further on so might be a trip to Egypt in the future

jimmij said:
I know what you mean but I am so sick of the type of programme she appears in, where it feels like it's too much about the presenter over the topic.
The BBC isn't the worst in this regard, channels with ad breaks treat you as though you've the recall of Dory in Finding Nemo.
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I'm not complaining, can't remember if it's her or Sarah Beeny who's husband is the camera man so might explain why it's more presenter focused
But I like her style of delivery and just the right amount of interesting information without overload, very much a female version of Brian Cox

On Apple TV there's "Bad Monkey" with Vince Vaughan which I found entertaining with a good few one liners
On Now Movies the film "Upgrade" was a surprise watch, its about a quadriplegic and his desire to enact revenge on his wife's killers
 
There was a good documentary about Thomas Moore on TG4 over Christmas. It's available on their player. It does look at his life through a distinctly green-tinted lens but it's very informative nonetheless.

I was aware of his friendship with Robert Emmett but not that they were best friends. In many ways he personified our complex history; a secular Catholic who was married to a Protestant, an advocate for Catholic Emancipation who had a high regard for the role of the Anglican Church in Ireland, a Irishman who was also a loyal British subject and an English speaker who loved the musical and lyrical history of the country.
 
"Michael Lynn, The fugitive" was brilliant last night, its a 2 parter next episode next monday night, about Michael Lynn the rogue solicitor able to get multiple mortgages from different banks on the same property, the banks never checked because he was a "solicitor" so they trusted him just because of his profession which says alot about irish society. Also the banks were able to get paid out from their insurance policy on the money they lost. It was gripping viewing though we need more documentaries on this period and the celtic tiger as people are more prepared to talk honestly about it whereas before they were secretive and ashamed
 
Currently watching The Bear. It first aired a few years ago so I'm late to the party with this one. I've finished season 1 and half way through season 2. I can honestly say it's one of the best tv shows I have watched ever. The premise is pretty simple - set in a restaurant and it rarely leaves there. However it is very different from anything else I have watched. Some episodes are very short (<30 minutes) while others are closer to an hour. The short ones are very intense, this may be why they are so short! The characters in it are all flawed but all likeable in their own way. What really tops it off for me is the music - some brilliant songs mixed in with it. You don't have to like cooking to enjoy this show but do be warned that there is a lot of shouting and swearing and at times it seems like you are watching a bunch of people having meltdowns but it's gripping and if you stick with it I think you will really enjoy it.
 
Back in Action - Netflix - Cameron Diaz, Jamie Fox - Two hours of my life I’ll never get back after watching the whole movie. The plot is as believable as me becoming Miss Venezuela 2025. But, it’s pure escapism at best and pure rubbish to boot. But, if you enjoy hammy one-liners, give it a shot.
 
American Primeval on Netflix is worth a watch. It's set in Utah in 1857 and explores the Utah War between the Mormons and the US Government. The scenery is spectacular and the whole thing is reminiscent of The Revenant. There's a few weak plot lines that are a bit fanciful but on balance it's compelling as long as you don't mind the dirt and violence.
 
Paradise on Disney+ - well worth a watch, although they drop a new episode weekly so can't do that full binge! Easy to watch, twisted plot show but nothing mind bending!
 
Harriet - Netflix - Pre American Civil War where slavery was a terrible way of life for many. Minty was born a slave, her mother and grandmother were also slaves. Minty escapes slavery despite being chased by supporters of slavery including some Negro Americans (branded traitors). She makes it to freedom in the northern states and becomes an influential member of a group which aids slaves fleeing their slave masters. Minty becomes Harriet thereby shedding her slave name. She returns to South Carolina to assist groups of slaves in their escape attempts. The plot is mind provoking. Acting is under acted drawing the viewer into the lives of slaves and their plight. Lots of scenes are in the dark as most escapes happened at night. The film was loosely based on fact. You could be forgiven for thinking this is a re-run of previous Slave films. But, the cinematography is excellent and you’re kept on the edge of your seat for two hours. Don’t miss it.
 
Doubt - 2008 Film - Meryl Streep,Philip, Seymour - Set in a Catholic primary school in New York the year following the assassination of JFK. Fr Flynn arrives as the new priest in the parish. Sr Aloysius is school principal and runs the school along strict Catholic ways and has differences with Fr Flynn who thinks some changes are necessary to modernise the appearance of the school. Sr James becomes suspicious when Fr Flynn sends for a particular boy (the only Afro American student) who returns to class smelling of alcohol and appears upset. She confides in Sr Aloysius who sends for Fr Flynn who denies allegations of child abuse. The mother of the boy is interviewed by Sr Aloysius and appears to ignore the situation of her son. Fr Flynn is a buddy of the bishop and appears to be un-impeachable. Sr Aloysius does not accept what’s happening and builds a case against Fr Flynn despite sermons, internal pressure etc. Streep and Seymour are magnificent in their roles. Not a film for the squeamish or for people who think the Catholic Church is above criticism.
 
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