Today’s Rant No. 24: Television Show Edition

Summary

The web content provides a review of various television shows and documentaries, including "A Sinister Sect: Colonia Dignidad," "The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes," "Bad Sport," "The Bear," "A Teacher," and "Schitt’s Creek."

Abstract

In the latest edition of "Today's Rant," the author shares personal insights on a selection of television shows and documentaries. Among the documentaries, "A Sinister Sect: Colonia Dignidad" exposes the horrific crimes of Paul Schaefer, earning a B grade for its disturbing yet enlightening content. "The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes" delves into the actress's mysterious death, receiving an A grade for its compelling investigation. The sports documentary "Bad Sport" uncovers lesser-known scandals in the sports world, praised for its engaging storytelling and awarded a B+. In the drama category, "The Bear" is highlighted for its gritty realism and humor, earning an A grade and declared the best drama of the year. "A Teacher" explores a controversial student-teacher relationship but is criticized for its pacing and rushed conclusion, resulting in a C grade. Lastly, the sitcom "Schitt’s Creek" is lauded for its exceptional acting and blend of humor and heart, receiving an A+ grade.

Opinions

"A Sinister Sect: Colonia Dignidad" is recognized for its unsettling portrayal of manipulation and abuse but is recommended for its impactful storytelling.
"The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes" is highly recommended for its captivating use of previously unheard interviews to explore theories surrounding Marilyn Monroe's death.
"Bad Sport" is suggested for both sports fans and non-fans alike, as it focuses on the scandalous aspects of sports rather than the technicalities.
"The Bear" is praised for its realistic depiction of the food industry and the dynamic between its main characters, making it the standout drama of the year.
"A Teacher" is deemed interesting yet predictable, with criticism directed at its hurried resolution in the final episode.
"Schitt’s Creek" breaks the mold of typical

Today’s Rant No. 24: Television Show Edition — Part Two

There are quite a few hobbies I enjoy doing. Writing (of course). Eating (this is a hobby, right?) And, yes, watching television shows. I have recently watched some excellent documentaries. Netflix’s “A Sinister Sect: Colonia Dignidad” comes to mind. The six-part series covers the life of Paul Schaefer, a Nazi-era German soldier who had created a secret cult in Chile and sexually abused children there for decades. It is disturbing to witness how easily the human mind could be manipulated by a charismatic monster like him. He sadly had numerous supporters, which included powerful government officials, who publicly supported him despite his criminal activities. I recommend watching this program, although parts of it are certainly cringe-worthy. Grade: B

I love the documentary “The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes,” which is based on author Anthony Summers’ investigation into the mysterious death of the actress, singer, and arguably top sex symbol of the 1950’s. The show features phone interviews Summers had conducted with Monroe’s closest associates, such as film director John Huston, restauranteur Gloria Romanoff, and actress Jane Russell. Although Monroe’s untimely death at 36 has been officially ruled a suicide from a drug overdose, some conspiracy theorists have suggested she might have been the victim of murder, perhaps stemming from her romantic relationships with brothers Pres. John F. Kennedy and U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. Grade: A

I would recommend “Bad Sport,” a six-part documentary that highlights some of the world’s most infamous sport scandals. Non-sport fans also should enjoy this series as it focuses more on the controversies than the technical aspects of the sports themselves. Even as a sportswriter, I had never heard about most of these incidents. My favorite episode covers the 1994 Arizona State University point-shaving scandal. Two ASU basketball players, Stevin “Hedake” Smith and Isaac Burton Jr., had conspired with campus bookmaker Benny Silman and entrepreneur Joseph Gagliano to “fix” the scores of games in return for money. I would never condone point-shaving in any sport, but it is fascinating to see how easily it could happen with fans being none the wiser. Grade: B+

Besides documentaries, I also love a good drama series. If Kate Winslet’s “Mare of Easttown” is my favorite drama of 2021, then “The Bear” is undoubtedly this year’s winner for the same category. “The Bear” stars Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Ayo Edebiri. The show is about Carmen Berzatto (White), a talented chef who works in high-end restaurants. After his brother’s death, Carmen is tasked with operating his family’s blue-collar sandwich shop in Chicago. Carmen quickly learns the business has a talented, but also disorganized crew managed by the dysfunctional Richie (Moss-Bachrach). Carmen decides to hire a promising young chef, Sydney (Edebiri), to help him revamp and ultimately save the business. This show has a realistic grittiness that is offset with humorous quips between Carmen, Richie, and Sydney. The characters are edgy, yet still likeable and leave you wanting a second season. Grade: A

The 10-episode drama “A Teacher” is interesting, although also predictable. It stars Kate Mara, Nick Robinson, and Ashley Zukerman. The show is about Claire Wilson (Mara), a high school English teacher in her 30’s who engages in a sexual relationship with one of her students, Eric Walker (Robinson). While the show is intriguing with its racy sex scenes and harsh language, it also has a major pacing problem. The first nine episodes focus on Claire’s inappropriate behavior toward Eric and the psychological and legal consequences of their trysts. Yet, their problems are somehow magically resolved and tied up in a neat little bow in the final episode. An additional 1–2 episodes would have helped the show conclude with a greater sense of closure. Grade: C

I love, love and love the sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” which stars real-life father and son, Eugene and Dan Levy, along with Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy. The show is about the wealthy Rose family, who are forced to restart their lives in a small town called — of course — Schitt’s Creek after they lose their fortune. Normally not a fan of comedies as they all seem formulaic after a while, but I highly recommend this show. The acting is excellent, and I appreciate the mixture of humorous and heartfelt moments between the characters. Get your popcorn and tissues ready. Grade: A+