I recently re-discovered Home Improvement. As a kid, I watched the occasional episode, but I recently discovered the complete series on Hulu this past month. The show aired from 1991-1999 and follows the life of Time “The Toolman” Taylor as he struggles to navigate family and work. Tim is the host of a television show – Tool Time – that is known more for its comedy, not so much its educational value. Tim is always blowing something up, breaking something, or getting injured. In addition to his television show, Tim and his wife are raising three boys, who add to the chaos of life. Tim seeks advice from his next door neighbor, Wilson, who always has some philosophical advice to offer.
Packed with humor and good family values, this show is a breath of fresh air when compared to a lot of the other content on television today. This is definitely a must watch for any Tim Allen fans or for those who just want some good, clean, fun!
These last two months, I’ve binge watched 12 seasons of New Tricks on Amazon Prime.
New Tricks is a BBC show about a British task force that investigates unsolved crimes and open cases. The leader of the Unsolved Crimes and Open Cases Squad (UCOS) is Sandra Pullman who was given the responsibility of establishing and running the unit after a PR fiasco involving the shooting of a dog during a hostage situation.
Pullman views her new position as a punishment, even more so when she learns that her staff will be comprised of retired police officers. These police offers are old men used to the police work of the 70s, when policy and procedure were lax and the idea of women on the force was out of the question.
Needless to say the combination of old and new policing, coupled with the cast’s quirky personalities, makes for a great story, some good laughs, and endearing characters. Definitely worth checking out!
A couple of days ago, I was really grumpy and decided it was best to avoided human contact. So, I barricaded myself in my room and watched 3+ hours of Raising Dion, Netflix’s new TV series. I had started the series the week before and was about halfway through. Those 3+ hours of binge watching took me to the end of the series.
The series is about a boy named Dion (in case you didn’t figure that out) who finds he possesses magical powers. Together with his mother, Dion must learn to manage his powers while facing a mysterious magical creature (The Crooked Man).
There are so many things I liked about this show that it is impossible to list them all here. The show is well-acted, intense at times, and filled with humor. But my favorite aspect of this show was the values. Two things in particular stood out to me:
“You can’t shrink yourself to make other people comfortable.”
“You can be a hero if you want.”
“You can’t shrink yourself to make other people comfortable.”
This was said to Dion when he was suppressing his powers so he wouldn’t scare his mom. He was afraid the added stress of his powers would make his mom feel sad.
I thought this quote was appropriate because in today’s society, we focus a lot on changing who we are to make other people comfortable. We tiptoe around certain topics and avoid certain words because we are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings. However, in reality, we are not responsible for other people’s feelings.
This does not mean we can be rude and insensitive. This simply means that we are allowed to have opinions and values that differ from others, and if they are offended because we don’t agree with them, that is their problem and not ours. We should not feel obligated to hide our opinions, beliefs, or values simply because other people may feel upset.
The conversation continues in which Dion is told that his mom “is allowed to feel sad,” which I thought was a good reminder for us. It is okay if we feel sad or angry or scared. Just because a feeling is unpleasant doesn’t mean we should ask other people to shrink themselves by changing their values, beliefs or opinions, so that we can avoid experiencing an unpleasant feeling.
“You can be a hero if you want.”
Dion says this to Charlotte, another individual with powers, who lives in fear The Crooked Man will get her.
This particular quote stood out to me because we can all be heroes if we want to be. Our past does not determine our future. We have the ability to choose where we want to go from this point in our life. Our circumstances, no matter how dire, do not confine us to one outcome. If we want something, we can choose to go after it, to become it. We can choose to overcome despite the fear, the challenges, and the struggles in life. Our present and future are what we choose to make it.
If you are looking for a good show to watch, you might consider checking out Raising Dion. I know I am looking forward to seeing what the second season brings.
Sensitive Reader Alert: For those of you who have not discussed same-sex attraction with your children, you might want to skip episode 7. Kat Neese, Dion’s aunt, is a hard working woman who will do anything to help her sister and her nephew. There is a scene in episode 7 when Kat and her girlfriend are cuddling in a bed. While this scene is mild in terms of relationship scenes – clothes are on, there is no sex – if you haven’t discussed same-sex relationships with your children, it will raise questions.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but that’s because I haven’t been reading or watching anything new. Although, a couple of new seasons for two shows I enjoy aired in the last couple of months – Worst Witch, Season 3, and 3Below: Tales of Arcadia, Part 2.
Worst Witch, Season 3 is just as cute and fun as the first couple of seasons. Mildred’s mother plays a larger role in this series, so you are able to see more of the mother-daughter dynamics. For those of you who like Ms. Hardbroom, you even get some of her backstory.
3Below: Tales of Arcadia, which is not as good as it’s predecessor – Trollhunters – still is enjoyable. What I like about 3 Below is Steve’s character arc. Initially a bully when we first met him in Trollhunters, his character continues to develop in 3Below, and you get to see him grow into something more than a bully. That is probably my favorite aspect about this TV series – Steve’s path to finding friends and a purpose. To quote Aja, the Queen in Waiting, one can say that this show is “lively!”
Anyway, if you are looking for some lighthearted and fun shows, check them out!
Another reason I haven’t been posting lately is because I’ve been busy enjoying Death in Paradise. This murder mystery is more my style (unlike DCI Banks). Not nearly as graphic as DCI Banks, this show presents a good mystery with a little humor. I will admit, at first, I didn’t like the show. I watched it simply because it was clean and I needed something to watch. However, after several episodes, I found myself becoming attached to the characters. (I will say, that this show earned a spot on my “favorites” list with the arrival of the second detective inspector in season 3. He brought a level of levity to the show that wasn’t present before.)
I will say Death in Paradise has a very strong cast, especially in the first several seasons (it is always hard when some of your favorite’s leave the show). I enjoy watching it for the characters. And for those of you who like strong female leads, you will enjoy the character Camille Bordey, an outspoken woman whose not afraid to stand up for herself or others, and yet remains a caring and compassionate.
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