Flashing Palely in the Margins
Media Diet: May and June 2025
A quick look at the movies, television shows, music, and books that have captured my attention over the past month.
What You Are Looking For is in the Library
A short book that I was able to finish from start to finish on a quick plane ride, Michiko Aoyama’s collection of small vignettes is a delight to read. The stories are held together by one central character, a librarian at a community centre, and all revolve around each character finding their way out of ennui and into purpose. A little too optimistic and positive, perhaps, but the book does remind you that all things can be overcome, usually with the help of a librarian. I think I would have enjoyed this even more if I could have read it in its original language and not in translation, but it was a delight nonetheless.
Hacks, Season 4
This season was a return to form with a hilarious yet heartfelt storyline, non-stop one-liners, new and exciting characters, and fun celebrity cameos. The relationship between Deborah and Ava is much more mature as the season develops, and the major turn of the season is unexpected. Jimmy and Kayla remain the MVPs of the series, and the addition of Randi to their twosome is inspired. I laughed, a lot, and can’t wait for next season.
Great British Baking Show, Season 15
There’s not much I can say about this show that I haven’t said before: its reality tv at its sweetest (pun intended) and perhaps best. You grow to love every contestant, are enamored by the judges and hosts, and the baking is always mouth-watering. This season, however, was probably the first where, after the first few episodes, I had no idea the eventual winner was going to win. Was a lovely result.
Another Simple Favor
There was a moment, about a third of the way through the movie, when we contemplated giving up on the film, but decided to give it a little bit more to see if it got better. It didn’t. And despite that we watched the whole thing. The writing is pure schlock and the outfits weren’t even as good this time as they were in the first film. Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are usually fun to watch, but this material is abysmal rendering the two leads barely watchable. Did make me want to go to Capri, though.
Severance, Season 2
Undoubtedly, a second season of a series will be compared to its first, but in this case, the comparison would be inapt. This season of Severance is wildly different than the first, making it better and worse at the same time. The show keeps its tone and timbre, and the look stays the same, but the story goes to places you couldn’t imagine. Season one left us with some cliffhangers, and those are aptly dealt with in season two, which introduces new plot twists and characters and setting all with intrigue and mystery. I really hope they don’t keep us waiting three years for the next season.