The Decade(s)-Old DVR: Netflix

I’m not much of a TV watcher—it just doesn’t seem to fit into my life the way it did when I was 10. But on multiple recommendations from friends, we became Netflix subscribers about a year and a half ago. Ever since, I’ve been catching up on all the good shows I’ve missed in the past decade (or two). Such as (in approximate order of discovery)…

Lead actors from Daniel Deronda, number 5 on my Netflix list

 1)      Felicity—This show depicting the life of a college girl (portrayed by Keri Russell, of whom I’m a fan) began airing just after I left college. I related to some of the title character’s roller-coaster relationship issues…so much so that I think it would have been a bit too painful to watch when it originally came out. Like many series, I liked the beginning better than the end.

2)      The Office—I’d heard gobs of people gab about this show, of course, but I’d never seen it. And now I understand what all the fuss was about. Very funny. Michael Scott has a doppelganger in my life (in personality more than physical appearance), but I won’t say who it is.

3)      Drop Dead Diva—Odd premise but clever show. I liked the lead character, Jane Bingham, more, not less, as time went on.

4)      North & South—Outstanding British period drama. Watched the whole miniseries through twice because it was that good.

(As an aside, my regard for this show and Downton Abbey prompted a couple of friends to recommend another British series, Lark Rise To Candleford. It’s not on Netflix, but I’ve borrowed a few seasons through my local library, and enjoyed them.)

5)      Daniel Deronda—A compelling adaptation of the George Eliot novel. Rather dark, but riveting and well done.

6)      Dance Academy—This Australian drama, aimed at the teen set, drew me in. I didn’t care for the lead character, Tara, as much as some of her “frenemies.” Catchy theme song, too.

7)      Life Unexpected—Only the first five or six episodes were really worth watching. (But of course I kept watching because I wanted to see how things ended up.)

8)      Once Upon a Time—Really interesting twist on fairy tales, and good production qualities (costumes, makeup, sets, etc.). Scary, though—not for kids.

9)      The West Wing—Where have you been all my life? I just discovered this fascinating, well-written show last week…about 10 years after the rest of the world, I know. I’m a few episodes into Season 2 already, with plenty to go. No spoilers, please!

And since I couldn’t come up with a number 10 in the TV category, I’ll mention one movie I stumbled across and liked very much:

10)   Arranged—This tale of two single women teachers—one an Orthodox Jew, the other a conservative Muslim—reveals their struggles to find husbands, as well as their place in a faith-averse culture, from a different perspective than is familiar to me. And yet, I strongly identified with both characters. Narratives that reveal universal human experiences such as uncertainty, hope, humor and courage, are the best sort of stories, don’t you agree?

Disclaimer: Please note that I’m not necessarily endorsing all these shows. I’m just saying that I enjoyed them. Maybe you will, too. (And while I don’t want spoilers, I will take recommendations. Got some???)