The Paradise

Some of my girl friends recently told me about a BBC drama that has totally consumed me...

The Paradise, starring Emun Elliott and Joanna Vanderham, is a two-season series that dramatizes the life and culture of the first department store. It is loosely based on the novel by Émile Zola, Au Bonheur des Dames.

Denise (Vanderham) is a shopgirl who comes from a small town. Seemingly out of her league in the metropolitan atmosphere of the Paradise, she proves herself resourceful and graceful. With never-ending ideas, though, she threatens others above her; entrepreneurial, independent woman are not part of 1870s culture.

The owner of The Paradise, Mr. Morray (Elliott), is a devilishly handsome and enterprising man. He captures the hearts and loyalties of everyone with is dimples and inventive ideas. While he is engaged to be married, he and Denise have an undeniable chemistry as like-minded members of The Paradise staff.

So what all will happen? While drama and romance have their moments, the most exciting part of The Paradise is the novelty. The staff must come up with different advertising campaigns, sale schemes, and funding. They host the first one-day, store-wide sale; a special ladies' night for lingerie (which would be too uncouth for everyday display); the creation of a confectionary attached to the department store. It's revolutionary and romantic.

Also, the lighting and color-scheme are gorgeous, and the costuming divine.

Watch the first season on Netflix and the second on iTunes!

Photos via: 1, 2, 3, 4

Being Critical of Comedies

Friday Night Dinner

Our era appears to be in a new golden age of television series and films; everything champions "critically acclaimed" reviews. This critical acclaim, however, is extraordinarily exclusive to dramas. Yes, I love a good drama. But do you ever feel like those amazing comedies are being left out? It's like they're the losers of entertainment.

Yet comedies often show great intelligence, art, and truth. Remember Gilmore Girls? A remarkable comedy that really pioneered the portrayal of unique families, and rejoiced in the mother-daughter relationship. It dealt with real emotion, real issues, and kept you thinking, while still laughing. 

Likewise, The Office (both the UK and US series) is a hilarious look at workplace relationships. And while exaggerated to impossible stretches, every episode asks us to appreciate the nutty, the uptight, the bland, the dimensions of love, and the humor in life.

Both are gut-busting, with smart writing and honest characters. But not considered worthy of the elitist criticism. It seems as though those stomach-churning dramas that thrive off of little dialogue, overzealously peppered with gunshots, explosions, and blood show a "true genius." 

Because it's so difficult to make a crime scene interesting. And it's believable, too. Let's face it: some dramas are insanely genius. They're breathtaking and intricate. Let's not forget, though, that in times of crisis and distress, comedy often prevails with truth and comfort. (Remember: SNL aired after 9/11. Similarly, comedians are often considered the truth givers of our society; that we get the most honest information from comics.) 

So have a laugh, but think critically. You're probably enjoying a beautifully crafted, artful composition of language, cinematography, music, and acting. 

Photo via 

Arrested Development

I know I'm late to the party, but Arrested Development is pretty much the greatest. After The Office ended, I was feeling a little saddened. One of our friend's visited over the long weekend and introduced us to the series, which Abby and I have quickly enjoyed. It's a smart, funny show that plays up every family quirk we love to hate. There's a perfect mix of dumb humor with witty commentary, and I must say that the best part of the show is the mysterious narrator. 

Also, my favorite line from the show: "No touching!" Jeffrey Tambor is awesome. 

I always get hooked on shows after they've been out a while. Do you do the same, or are you generally on top of the "it shows"?

P.S. Awesome AD posters from Netflix...

Top photo via, posters via.

The Newsroom

Ever since I started my internship, my interest in news has flourished. It's no wonder; I scour news sites, blogs, and watch the nightly news every evening with my roommates. But something I've really gotten into is The Newsroom on HBO for times when I want a little less work. Jeff Daniels is amazing as the lead anchor of a cable news broadcast, and the writing is fantastic. 

The coolest part of the series is that they integrate real news events, like the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the missing Apple iPhone prototype, etc. It's fascinating because the series is set up to look at the events as if they are reporting on them in real time, but there is definitely an influence of hindsight, allowing viewers to be relive and reflect upon past news. 

Also, it's incredible to see how much work it is to put on a news program that is factual, not sensational. Seriously, watch it. Your mind will be happy. I would highly recommend it.

Photos via 1/ 2

The Americans

Have you seen The Americans on FX? After only one episode, my roommates and I are completely hooked. There's nothing better than a period drama, and The Cold War makes for a completely fascinating story. Not to mention, the show features groovy music, kudos to the music director! I'm usually several seasons behind when it comes to TV series, always watching reruns until I get into it, but this one has captivated my attention!

P.S. Keri Russell's Russian accent it amazing and she's completely gorgeous. 

Photos via here and here.

{Weekend Update}...TV Drama-Rama

Wow, this weekend was seriously cable-heavy. In the bitter winter, I always dream that amazing movies will air on TV, because broadcasters will feel bad for the chilly Midwesterners. However, once again, She's the Man and Easy A were on. So, we hunkered down with our favorite HDMI cord and watched copious amounts of Grey's Anatomy. Yes, it's still on. Yes, I still like it! Roommate made an enormous pizza, while I read Shakespeare and ate half a tub of garden hummus.

Top photo via

Bottom photos via Instagram