What I'm Streaming: Drop Dead Diva, Seasons 1-6

Momma Told Me: Drama is life.

Until recently I'd never watched a single thing on the Lifetime Network. I don't want to say I channel surfed with prejudice, but Momma was pretty heavy into 'women's networks,' when I was growing up and certain channels seemed to get a bad rap for only covering the stories of severely mistreated and neglected women. Female leads in entertainment have it bad enough, as it is, being sexualized and undervalued in their roles as female characters. Let's face it, most of the women are portrayed as ditzy, artificially enhanced, and aloof or a powerful and intelligent witch whose character will ultimately die alone in a high rise penthouse with 3 cats. However, through the magic of modern day streaming, I am subject to several viewing options I would never otherwise have come across, thanks to a sheer lack of network prejudice.

Drop Dead Diva, which ran for 6 seasons (wrapping in 2014) on Lifetime, is described by Wikipedia as an "American legal comedy-drama/fantasy" television show. I wish I could say that's a melodramatic description, but, alas, it is quite accurate. Drop Dead Diva seamlessly blends an almost cheesy tongue in cheek romantic sitcom cast with real life inspired court cases and legal arguments through the supernatural plot twist of a woman who died and returned in another person's body. To say that this show has a little something for everyone is an understatement- but to say that everyone who enjoys one aspect of this show's themes will enjoy the rest when ran alongside it, is a stretch.

Drop Dead Diva chronicles the story of a ditzy supermodel who died and came back to life as a well established top legal attorney. To complicate the drama and plot further, she happens to be resurrected in the same law firm her grieving ex-fiance works at, and keeps up a close friendship with her old persona's best friend, despite the 'rules' her guardian angel has enforced. Trust me, it sounds a bit hard to swallow at first; and I was initially invested as a casual watch while editing photos or cooking dinners. However, the show's real value for me was in the recurring cameos of well known celebrities and the real life inspired court cases from fairly recent modern times.

The show goes a little Grey's Anatomy with some flat-lined musical 'dream sequences' throughout it's 6 seasons, and the constant desire to slim down the plus size lead actress in promotional advertising and photos grew really frustrating. In all, once you are sucked into the show you will inevitably become invested in the lead character's romantic prospects and the identifiable struggle of fighting the material woman she once was versus the intelligent woman she now is. Silly 'supernatural' premise, aside, there are several great female lead roles and the appeal of intriguing legal arguments and cases to keep the flow of the sometimes absurd interpersonal relationships going. Catch all 6 seasons on Netflix, now.

What Daughter Says: Life may be dramatic but the only thing real about this show are the legal cases.

What I'm Streaming....Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Momma Told Me: Sometimes you just need a fresh set of eyes.

I don't usually watch 'current' programming. This is partly due to the fact that we do not subscribe to cable since giving it up for various streaming services a few years back. However, a new trend in streaming is occurring and streaming services, such as Amazon Prime and Netflix are becoming their own sort of networks with self hosted television shows. While some are disgruntled that their paid streaming services are now advertising internal programming, I rather like the idea of fresh, current, shows that I can still binge all at once. Of course I'm still waiting on that new season of Orange Is The New Black *cough, Netflix, cough* but the beauty in streaming is that there is always something to watch.

I waited 2 weeks before giving Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) a try. It seemed a bit silly and the promos were getting quite repetitive to the point they were annoying. When I take on a show in bulk I like to feel as though I'm discovering it, not reliving every highlight with the rest of the world.

Unbreakable, as we'll call it, was originally pitched to NBC by it's creators Tina Fey (who does guest star as a questionable defense attorney) and Robert Carlock. The off-the-wall premise casts The Office's redheaded Ellie Kemper as one of 4 women freed from an Apocalypse cult after living 10 years underground with their faithful reverend (Jon Hamm of Mad Men.) The intro to the show is very campy and borders silly at most points, so I encourage everyone to give this show a 2 episode chance. I can't quite tell why the plot skewed towards plain silly during the first episode but it does do a good job of setting up the series for the remainder of the season.

As you can imagine the story centers around Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper,) just one of 4 affectionately labeled mole women rescued from their 10 years of captivity underground. While Kimmy's underground friends do play a part in her story she is ultimately the star of the tale with her new-found larger-then-life aspiring performer and flamboyantly gay friend, Titus Andromedon. While the bulk of her story is focused on the reintegration of her life among the 10 year gap the plot also likes to poke fun at her character's naturally innocent, yet determined, and woefully ignorant, core characteristics.

In all I have mixed feelings about Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt- It was indeed entertaining and an easy watch. There were several times I found myself doubled over in laughter at key 'Did she really just say/do that?!' moments- however, there were also several over-the-top comedic attempts that just fell flat for me. As colorful as Kimmy is, all of the characters and situations in the show are equally exaggerated and while this can touch on comedic gold sometimes it also rounds tasteless and plain offensive. Watch cautiously, but definitely give it a try if you are a fan of anything Tina Fey, Saturday Night Live, or Parks and Recreation. You can catch the first season of Unbreakable streaming on Netflix now.

What Daughter Says: While I don't see Unbreakable as a new hit sensation it is a charming show worth the laughs.

What I'm Streaming: Bomb Girls- Netflix, Seasons 1-2

I won't lie, the last time I followed a show consisting of a primarily female cast in strong thought provoking roles it was The 'L' Word on Showtime. I generally don't get into fictional dramas focusing on female dynamics because, well, they always seem to skew the characters in a less than authentic manner. Modern women face much adversity today, even as free and 'equal' as we may seem at a general glance, and activists will argue that even the inspirational roles of female actresses are cannibalized in the spectrum of sex sells or propaganda. What's even harder to watch is when a woman, or group of women, are played to seem the victims of their circumstance. So, if you prefer a slightly gritty, truth inspired, fictional drama that offers a well rounded look at the evolution of women, look no further than Bomb Girls.

A Canadian drama that originally aired in 2012 with the intentions of being a mini-series, turned 2 season show, Bomb Girls is a beautifully cast period piece that tells the story of women at work during World War II. While the characters themselves are fictional, all were built upon the mold of real women and their unique struggle through a revolutionary period in time where women boldly moved forward in new roles outside the home. Centered around the workers of a Canadian munitions (bombs to be specific) factory, the characters range from a sheltered preacher's daughter with a dark past to a spoiled socialite struggling to find herself useful in a time of great need.

Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of this show (outside of the gorgeous wardrobe) is the way in which all of the Victory Munitions (VicMu) workers become truly a family despite each and every woman's unique individual struggle with their own identity. At a time where women had previously been resigned to the title of 'gossiping betties' at the local grocer checkout, the very real danger and importance of their present tasks and responsibilities makes from some genuine fireworks and ultimately moving triumphs. I especially enjoyed noting, while each woman had clearly defined strengths, none were without flaws. Sure Vera Burr's label as a 'Patriotute' is quite shocking even in today's time, but the emotional journey of her character alone was enough to keep me returning each episode.

Bomb Girls is a drama that has a little bit of everything from gorgeous young soldiers to determined women fighting for recognition and equal rights. My only real complaint is that the series wasn't picked up for a 3rd season and, despite promises for a 2 hour film conclusion, remains a bit unfinished at the end of the second season. In all, however, Bomb Girls has inspired me to delve a little deeper into the history behind these fictional characters and I've been truly inspired by the truth they were built on. It's indeed inspiring seeing how women have come so far, and fought so hard, even among the struggles of today! Catch seasons 1 and 2 of Bomb Girls on Netflix now.

What I'm Streaming: In Your Eyes (2014), Netflix

Momma Told Me: True love is hard enough to believe without Vampires in the mix.

If I used the term 'Supernatural Romance' today, you might be inclined to think of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Edward and Bella (Twilight Series) or The Time Traveler's Wife (2009). Many of you may have a natural reaction to put down this article right now, to stop reading altogether. After all, even the most famous and beloved Paranormal Romance film, Ghost (1990) featured the deceased Patrick Swayze wooing his grieving girlfriend, Demi Moore. I have a hard time wrapping my head round vampires and ghosts in love- no matter how great the actors portraying the romance, it always comes off as cheesy. And that's precisely why In Your Eyes  (2014) is a refreshing twist to the Supernatural Romance genre.

Something that had previously been reserved for over-the-top romance novels and science fiction, this particular genre is used ever so cleverly on an impressively natural level. Paranormal, in this case, deals more with the exploration of the tangible bond between two people who have never met. That is to say, if you believe in the existence of soul mates you are already on board with the plot's notion that two people destined to be together could in theory sense that connection no matter their distance.

At 105 minutes, with a true cast of around 10 characters, In Your Eyes is  genuine romantic film dedicated to portraying the story and love of two people who being the film as seemingly strangers. The actors, who have had some sucess on and off screen in minor roles are brilliantly cast within the clever quirks of their own characters. Playing with the classic romantic notion of forbidden love, Rebecca is the affluent wife of a medical researcher wasting away her life at cocktail parties and fundraisers while her on screen counterpart, Dylan, is an ex-con struggling to find himself. However the true compulsion to watch comes from the unique connection these otherwise strangers discover.

It turns out both Dylan and Rebecca have in fact known each other, quite intimately, their entire lives. This discovery leads to a complicated and intense relationship between the two as they attempt to hold each-other up, despite the miles. While the tie that bonds them is a bit cheesy at some points the characters are quite endearing and the film will challenge you to smile, and even cry throughout it's ups and downs. The storytelling is shot beautifully, and it's not hard to find yourself falling in love with the characters.

One of the successes of In Your Eyes is the beautiful soundtrack (which I in fact purchased) that brings the characters and the plot through it's ups and downs. Twinbed's The Trouble I'm In is a haunting melody that so elegantly brings one of the film' most satisfying scenes to a climax while Eddie Ray's Glad I Found You helps steer one of the film's more playful scenes. The soundtrack is indeed as diverse as the emotions portrayed and the depth of each character is unmistakable as the viewer is helplessly drawn in.

I would love to suggest In Your Eyes as a Valentine's Day stream for you and your sweetie, though most cynical men will have a hard time latching on to a film that otherwise reminds me of The Notebook. Consider watching this with some girlfriends, by yourself as a guilty please, or with a teen daughter (there really is nothing graphic.) And I must add that leading man, Micheal Stahl-David is simply smoldering as the hopelessly awkward and unaware bad boy turned hero! In all, the timing for this Netflix release proved just right and I look forward to owning a physical copy soon!

What Daughter Says: Characters Rebecca and Dylan are soul mates at their best!

 

What I'm Streaming: Black Mirror (Netflix)

Momma Told Me: There's nothing more fascinating than the human condition.

Aside from the mandatory claymation holiday specials, I've barely turned on a television over the past few weeks. I threw my back out the wee before I flew to Texas to surprise family for the holiday then brought back a nasty bug the kiddos had managed to farm prior to leaving school for Christmas break. Most 'normal' people might have waved the white flag at that, curled into a ball of heated blankets and locked the door for a few much needed days of hibernation. Instead, to keep myself from going mad, I threw myself into work, cleaning, and post-holiday preparation. That is until it all got the better of me Monday- and that's when I decided it was time for Netflix and I to reunite once again.

I can't really say why or how exactly I choose what I stream. Growing up my father was always adamant about watching movies and shows at random- he argued that the element of surprise alone (in not knowing the general plot) made even the worst of picks more tolerable. So it reasons to say I watch some pretty random things- only, in this case, half the world appears to have watched The Black Mirror before me. Only recently having arrived on Netflix, for American viewers, The Black Mirror consists of 3 seasons for a whopping 7 episodes (don't ask, it's a British thing.) With each hour long episode standing alone in it's own dystopian universe with singular characters and tales, this show most mirror the classic 'Twilight Zone' commentary so many of us love.

To describe The Black Mirror to you would probably be an injustice. The show's writer and creator, Charlie Brooker, defines the show as "the way we might be living in 10 minutes time if we're clumsy," a hauntingly accurate description. Essentially the focus of each independent episode is the progress of modern technology in contrast to the human condition, and the desires of those driving it's development. In every episode I guarantee you cringe as you find yourself contemplating the fine line between fiction and plausible reality. From a beloved cartoon character personality being cohered into running for public office, to an alternate universe where humans have permanent and immediate visual recollection of all events in their lives, the plots are almost impossible to turn away from.

Along with the poignant social commentary, the brilliant acting of several notable BBC actors truly brings to life the Black Mirror world. Viewers familiar with popular British television will recognize Rupert Everett (Love, Actually) and Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey) while nearly all streamers will spot cameos from the Game of Thrones, and even Mad Men's Jon Hamm. In fact, the seventh episode, featuring Mr Hamm, just aired in the U.S. on Christmas Day, and is expected to release to Netflix shortly, so there is plenty of time to fall in love with the Black Mirror series before everyone is discussing the 90 minute 7th episode special!

If you're on the fence about streaming The Black Mirror, my biggest suggestion is to watch them out of order. Perhaps read the little blurb defining each episode and pick those which intrigue you most first. You will spoil nothing in watching them this way- though the 7th, most recent, episode does indicate the Black Mirror universes may just be all tied together. My best tip for easing into this series is to begin with Season 1 E. 3 The Entire History Of You (Currently being adapted into a feature film by Robert Downey Jr.) then S1. E2 Fifteen Million Merits, followed by S2. E1 Be Right Back. Some of the episodes get a little dark, and these will help ease you into the style of social commentary Brooker has put forth. Have you seen or heard about The Black Mirror?

What Daughter Says: Sometimes taking a closer look can be almost painful to watch, but hard to take your eyes off of.

What I'm Streaming: Reign (CW- 2013+)

Momma Told Me: It's just a TV show-

By now you know that we don't have cable- our primary source of entertainment is subscription streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. However, viewing this way still presents someone with various networks to follow; it simply may take a day or two for the most current episode of your favorite show to appear. My point is that there are a few networks you love, a few you never use because you simply see no value in them, and a few networks you avoid at all costs because the content is clearly not marketed toward your demographic. The CW falls into the latter for me; I haven't watched it since high school and the days of Gillmore Girls and Smallville. The content is usually over-dramatic, littered with bare skin, and targeted towards the fantasies of teenagers.

In the past few years the CW has become particularly obsessed with supernatural themed spinoffs full of lusty vampires and demon slayers where the main characters  on and off again romance requires 2/3 of an episodes screen time. It's no wonder those shows go on and on, season after season! So, when I recently discovered a newer show, Reign, on Netflix I was quickly shocked to find myself becoming engrossed in the characters and their lives of intrigue. Loosely chronicling the younger years and rise of Mary, Queen of Scotts, this historical based drama is less absurd CG graphics and more scandalously compelling plots.

Reign has a few pros and cons; but I'll admit it quickly became a guilty pleasure for me. This was one I made time to stream straight through! The costumes and sets are gorgeous, as are the actors who portray the characters in them, and the dialogue is authentic enough not to lose its time, yet witty and tongue in cheek at the same time. The believability of these characters being in their early adulthood is plausible, thanks to the time frame, and the CW still manages their pillow talk and steamy scenes because of it. There is plenty of gossip and drama among the court and Mary's ladies, and each episode covers a smaller plot while making progress on the storyline as whole.

In all, I could do without the seemingly continual emphasis of Mary's innocence in Season 1, and find that the recently aired Season 2 premiere promises a much more dark and controlling Mary. I prefer my female leads to be in control of their story, not a pawn, so this will be especially enjoyable. The biggest downside, however, is that Mary's tale has been told as a character in so many programs and films that I sometimes know which road a story is heading. That's the benefit of being 'educated' I guess. Don't worry, having greater knowledge of the characters in Reign doesn't detract from the enjoyment one bit!

Update: 12/8/14- After having watched the majority of the current season airing, I am reprising my opinion that this s a must watch show for fans of intrigue, historical drama, and romance. The most recent episode dealt with some tough topics, but the cast and show continue to surprise with the way they tackle modern challenges across the centuries.

What Daughter Says: Even the History Channel and the BBC take creative rights with historical characters, it's what makes for entertainment. Try to enjoy it for what it is, not a history lesson.

What I'm Streaming: Arrested Development Seasons 1-4 on Netflix

Momma Told Me: You can't always pick your family.


I've been working a lot recently, and trying to get the house transitioned for Fall, so having a binge show I can stream in short half an hour segments and follow along without being fully invested in is great. And that's precisely how I landed on the 'did they really just say that?' laugh-out-loud comedy, Arrested Development. Now, you may recognize this series from the early 2000's, as it was actually first put out by FOX for a 3 season run, until it was ultimately canceled. As it turns out, the show had an amazing cult following, in part thanks to the wide range of cameos and guest stars that appeared through the years. Luckily for those of us, like you and I, hopping on the bandwagon late, it was purchased by Netflix in 2013 and renewed for a new season!

Arrested development is Seinfeld (TV) meets We're The Millers (film, 2013); and not just because Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a recurring character. It's the story of a once wealthy family run to the poorhouse on the feet of a major political and business scandal. With the patriarch of the family jailed and in prison, the eldest and most responsible son is left to help keep the helpless, and arguably certifiable, family together and the company afloat. The characters are beautifully composed with such absurd flaws and exaggerated personalities one never quite knows what is about to unfold next. And, while the story has the greater arc of the family journey, each episode brings a new zany scheme or plot.

I'll admit, I never paid much attention to Arrested Development because I tend not to watch FOX programming (outside of Gordon Ramsay series,) as it tends to be overly crass and largely skewed. However, this particular show has such a supporting cast of core actors and recurring stars it's hard not to give it a chance. I suggest trying out the first 4 episodes before you cast a verdict either way- one of the things this show is brilliant at is recurring inside jokes and jabs that truly lend themselves to true comedy gems. What I find most fascinating, however, is how some of the original characters are portrayed by actors (Michael Cera, Mae Whitman) that were relatively unknown at the origin of the series and sprinkled amongst the big cameos of greats like Liza Minnelli and Henry Winkler.

Sadly, the first season is the longest, with the most recent ending at just 13 episodes- but this makes Arrested Development a quick binge. My best suggestion? Watch it with someone who will later get the many references and qoutes you'll likely be dropping. Several of the themes an challenges the family face are recurring and every time the outcome is hilarious. Thanks to witty writing, I might even give the series another go through down the line.

What Daughter Says: Not only will this show make you feel so much more fortunate for the family you have, but you're sure to appreciate the hilarious ways these characters seem to make things work!

What I'm Streaming: Fringe, The Complete Series (2008-2013)

Momma Told Me: Challenge definition.

As someone who watched all 6 seasons of LOST ('04-'10), and was severely disappointed by the seemingly rushed dealing of the series multiple mysteries and questions, I was hesitant to dive into yet another situation when beginning Fringe. While I had watched the Fox network series when it first began in 2008, and for a season and a half after, the complicated plot and characters soon found themselves with little time in my schedule to follow along. It's not exactly the sort of series where you can skip an episode without missing something. While the majority of the first three seasons feature independent cases that wrap by episode's end, the character development and larger story is constantly being developed through subliminal reveals and subtle side-tracks.

There are, however, a few good things about having a series like J.J. Abrams' Fringe available as a complete series, today. For those, like Jay and I, who no longer subscribe to live-stream cable service, we look forward to watching a series where we will not have to wait several weeks, or even months to watch the next episode. Fringe offers 100, yes, 100, hour long episodes over it's 6 seasons. While the show itself is a strange hybrid of X-Files and (crime investigation style) Bones, it is put together quite masterfully by J.J. Abrams and Fox. With a generous budget, and wonderfully complex characters portrayed by amazing actors, some of the shows more 'unbelievable' aspects suddenly seem entirely possible.

The show's title, Fringe, is highly appropriate in that the show's main characters work for a highly classified government agency that deals exclusively with Fringe science; the classification of research and theory which lies on the outer 'fringe' of orthodox and mainstream concepts. Need some examples? Teleportation, rapid aging, sonic weaponry, mutation, and alternate universes are just a small cross-section of the cases and topics covered by the Fringe team. But, unlike most 'case and crime' style shows, there is a much bigger storyline wrapped around the core characters, their own cases have yet to unravel. One thing is clear, the world, as we know it, is ending, but who caused this, and how can it be stopped- that will remain a question until the very last episode!

Fringe is most certainly not a series than can be watched as background noise, which also makes it a good candidate for 're-watching.' As you are drawn into the lovable characters, each arguably with their own flaws, you sometimes miss the ingenious nods to the series themes of humanity, fate vs. free will, and even the human compulsion to play God. Fan of the series will also appreciate the several recurring 'gems' of special characters, Sci-Fi cameos, and multi-part mini-series events within the larger series as a whole. While the plot may be hard to follow at times, the show never gets dull with changes in creative styling, dramatic character re-imagining, and the show's quirky but lovable main character, Walter. If you're bored with the current prime-time lineup, or started the series back in 2008, and never had a chance to finish, I highly suggest Fringe!

What Daughter Says: Fringe may not convince you anything is possible, but it just might make you question what is.