DC's Legends of Tomorrow

 

*photo from wikipedia.org

DC's Legends of Tomorrow is the TV Show I turn to when I am in the mood for a light and breezy time.  The series started off with a heavy "save the world" premise against a major DC villain (Vandal Savage), but the later seasons have a carefree blend of aliens, magic, time travel and sci-fi elements.  To some, it may seem like a hodge-podge mess, but I think it's fun and easy to follow.  I read that Season 7 is coming up this month; can't wait to check it out.

Foundation

 

It's the saga of humanity.  Not just the rise and fall of civilizations, but the story of humanity, told over tens of thousands of years.  I have been a long time fan of Asimov, and this Apple TV series is a much welcome addition to the epic storytelling tradition in science fiction.  I'm actually surprised that the novels haven't been made into TV shows or film sooner.  It's a fascinating idea, the Encyclopedia Galactica--to condense the histories, abstract ideas and learning of all humanity, which at the time of the TV series, comprises some 8 trillion individuals spread across the galaxy.  It's also a great theme to begin with, how humans sow the seeds of humanity's demise, and how humanity ultimately survives its own excesses, i.e. the excess of success.  

You will empathize with the performances of Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell and Leah Harvey.  While at times the pace of the show moves slowly, the beautiful imagery and striking cinematography is an ever-entrancing delight to watch!

Altered Carbon

 

The extended quarantine has left me with some time to check on what's available at Netflx.  I was lucky enough to stumble upon the sci-fi series Altered Carbon, and I have been hooked!

* pic from imdb.com

Binge-watching anyone?  It's set 300 years into the future when anyone's consciousness can be uploaded onto a hard disk and implanted on any available human body (a sleeve).  Great premise; the story kept me glued to my seat.  You cheer for the characters.  The props and effects are world class.  Extremely satisfying!

WandaVision

For the first few episodes, the show seemed more of a novelty, playing on the television standards of the fifties, sixties and seventies that we grew up with.  It was a lovely throwback, with glib lines, a touch of situation comedy here and there, of course with its own charm.

* photo from imdb.com

By mid-season, the plot thickens and the series becomes firmly intertwined with the story arcs of the MCU.  As the mini-series ends, things are pretty evident, which leaves the audience craving for more.

The parts have been wonderfully cast, and the actors give an excellent performance! I'd give the script writers five stars outright.  I enjoyed watching and hope that more good things come from Marvel.

Wonder Girl

Marimar

*from wikipedia.org

Monique was just a baby then, and the Mexican version of Marimar was part of everyone's daily routine.  Thalia played the part with such perfection!  How would she ever get her revenge?  Will she get back together with her husband?  Those were the questions on everyone's mind.  And who can forget Pulgoso?  I think that was the most highly rated telenovela ever to grace Philippine airwaves and if I remember correctly, everyone, including myself, was excited to see her visit Manila.  That was quite fun!

Supergirl

 

* pic from pinterest.ph

The lovely Melissa Benoist plays one of the most loved superheroes in the DC universe, Supergirl.  The TV persona of our heroine seems to be well fleshed-out and nuanced as compared to her half-a-century of appearances in comics, in which she was always second-fiddle to her mighty cousin Superman.  Set in the CW Arrowverse, her adventures and love life keeps me smiling with each episode.  I particularly like the way the producers capitalize of Benoist's skills in music and dance; this gives much appreciate sunshine-spunk into the character of Kara Zor-El!

Five stars for me!

Meteor Garden

* picture from wikipedia.org

The Flash

 

* photo from denofgeek.com

The Good Place

* photo from wikipedia.org

Monique was hooked and got me to watch this show.  I am very happy that I took her advice.  The Good Place is one of the most thought provoking TV comedies that I have watched in a long time.  How do heaven and hell look like?  Starring Ted Danson and Kirsten Bell, the show delves into some 800+ versions of the afterlife, with plenty of accompanying wit, plot twists and teary-eyed moments that will give you a fresh new way of looking at life.  Much recommended for stay-at-home video binges!

Dove

*from pinterest.com

I wasn't familiar with the comic book characters Hawk and Dove at all, despite having had an affinity for DC comics since the seventies.  However, once I saw the Titans TV show, I was very happy with their story arc; Hawk was the bouncer, while Dove was the cooler.  Generally sweet and charming, but with a no-nonsense attitude when irked, Dove was a scene-stealer and the lovely actress Minka Kelly was perfect for the role!  Furthermore, what amazed me was how she could move gracefully with the Dove costume, combining ballet, gymnastics and judo moves while wearing an avian costume that was true to the comic books.  Nice one there!

The Mandalorian

*pic from wallpaperaccess.com

It seems that the Star Wars universe has expanded itself onto the streaming world with The Mandalorian, a TV series starring Pedro Pascal of GOT fame.  Set in between the timelines of the sixth and the seventh Star Wars chapters, the series promises a lot of side tales of how the remaining tension between the fledgling New Republic and the remnants of the Sith Empire is resolved.  While lacking the battle grandeur of galaxy class star ships, the intimate fight scenes are still exciting and visually fun to watch.  The story line flows much like the Japanese samurai shows in the early 70s, in which a travelling swordsman swears to protect a lovable boy-prince.  I wonder how the story will develop in the coming season...

Star Trek: Picard

* from imdb.com

Star Trek: Picard, released early this year.  Most heartwarming, entirely lovable.  This television series is right up there with the best of the best in science fiction.  Imagine a 94 year old protagonist with deep moving characterization paired with a simple but compelling story arc.  Throw in excellent special effects, luscious cinematography and moving musical scores, and you will have a winner. Older fans will surely have plenty of reminiscing time with familiar characters and newer fans will find an interesting mix with its fresh crop of actors taking on exciting roles.  I recall reading something about Gene Roddenberry's hesitation to cast Patrick Stewart as captain of the Enterprise, but for this series to be so well anticipated many years after the end of Star Trek: The Next Generation speaks volumes of Sir Patrick's contributions.  I hope they come up with a second season!

Champoy

* photo from rappler.com

Quincy, ME

* photo from imdb.com

In the late seventies, there was a TV show which featured a different series each week on a rotating basis--McCloud (Dennis Weaver), McMillan & Wife (Rock Hudson and Susan St. James), Banacek (George Peppard), Columbo (Peter Falk) and of course, Quincy, Medical Examiner (Jack Klugman).  Quincy, ME was the forerunner of forensic medicine TV shows like Crime Scene Investigators, and I loved the process of how the doctor would unlock the mystery.  I liked it best; for me Columbo was just another cop show that derived the solution from a detective's point of view, but in contrast, Quincy focused on the medical evidence, which was something new to me at that time.  Of course, I loved the quizzical, disbelieving, don't-bullshit-me look that Jack Klugman would make, as you can see in the picture above!

Little House on the Prairie

 

* picture from cnn.com

Kojak

UFO

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

Mongolian Barbecue

* photo from inquirer.net

I remember the zany antics of Mr. Shooli of Mongolian Barbecue.  It was such an interesting talk show to watch.  I loved the wit of the dialogue and the wealth of socio-political comment that came along with it.  Jun Urbano, who played the character, is a well-respected ad executive with numerous TV commercials to his credit.  Splendid comedy!  How I wish I could see the show back on the air.