Russian Doll

When you’re watching a show that you’re really into, there’s a certain magic to it. You know every character. You're attached. You look forward to the next time you get to sit down and sink into this alternate reality. You’re not in the story, but you could be. If you’re like me, you love shows that are considered realistic fiction. The ones that really hook me are some usually made up of mostly real life experiences, a bit of mystery, some amount of love story (of course), a touch of darkness, and a lot of whimsy. Whimsy, a noun that means playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor. Alternatively, a thing that is fanciful or odd. I think this is because I live a relatively “normal” life, but it’s fun to watch a show that explores and pushes the boundaries of my reality just a bit.

Back in early 2019, Netflix released the show Russian Doll. This was recommended to me a few times, even after I had already seen it. I am going to use this show as my starting point, working off an assumption that a lot of people may have watched this show, as it seemed to be quite popular. For those who have not seen it, it follows the story of Nadia, a woman living in New York. She’s witty and cool. From her attitude to her style, it did not take me long to be charmed by her. She somehow gets stuck in what seems to be a never ending loop that continuously lands her back at her 36th birthday party that is being thrown by a couple of her good friends. The details of the story are great, from the beautifully construed geode bathroom door to the mind game that is now her life. The mystery and intrigue is kept throughout the show as Nadia works her way through trying to figure out what exactly is happening to her. It took me a long weekend to watch the eighth 25 minute episodes. The only awful thing about this show is that there is currently only one season. In a way, the entire first season is a giant cliffhanger, leaving you wanting more - more Nadia, more answers, and more clarity. If you’re like me and need another show to be emotionally involved in after that one ends, I have a few great suggestions. Most, if not all, have multiple seasons to (hopefully) leave you more fulfilled.

My first recommendation is Six Feet Under. This follows the Fisher family in the aftermath of the death of the family patriarch. The family runs a funeral home in Los Angeles, and after the tragic death, the family is left to take on the duties that once belonged to him. As they navigate their new roles, they also navigate their grief. The characters weave together well, forming what I consider a realistic version of a modern day family- each character living out different points in their lives. It’s rich with dark humor and creates scenes that I’ve not seen executed in quite the same way before. The scenes often give off the feel of a fever dream, which is where the whimsy comes in. For something that is so dark at times, it’s also captivating in a lighter sense. From season one until the last episode in season five, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the Fisher family.

My next recommendation is Pushing Daisies. This was released back in 2007 and I probably watched it soon after that. I cannot tell you which streaming service I used or if I used Netflix’s DVD subscription service, but I know it was one of the first shows I binged from start to finish. Since watching all those years ago, I’ve done searches from time to time to try to find a place to watch this show. All attempts, until very recently, have failed. I discovered not too long ago that it is available on HBO Max. To tell you I was excited is an understatement. And guess what! This show holds up to my remembrance of it. It’s so well done, and I fell in love with the characters all over again. The show revolves around Ned and his mysterious ability to bring the dead back to life with just his touch. This seems beneficial when he decides to bring back his childhood love, but turns when it’s revealed that there’s a catch. He cannot touch her again, or that will cause her to die. This time forever, with no chance of Ned being able to revive her again. In the show, Ned opens up a pie shop that has the nostalgic feel of the 1950’s with a touch of dreamlike scenery. All in all, it’s a magical show that I wish had more seasons.

One of my last recommendations is Dead Like Me. This is a story about what happens between life and death. It’s a dark comedic drama that feels less fictional than it actually is. At 18, one of the main characters, Georgie, dies suddenly. She discovers that when some people die, they fill positions as Grim Reapers. It’s treated as if it’s just another job you had when they were alive, helping other people pass over. This sounds scary, but it’s more relatable than you’d think and I found it to be thought provoking and entertaining all at once. The subtle comedy comes into play as Georgie realizes that death does not offer a break from the mundane-ness that can sometimes be life.

While writing this, it was fun to relive the feelings and emotions that each of these shows revives in me. If you enjoy the recommendations above, I’d like to add a few more series that I think you’ll also enjoy. The End of the F***ing World is currently running on Netflix with season three in the works. I Am Not Okay With This, also on Netflix, is similar but maybe not quite as good as The End of the F***ing World. One last show I think you might enjoy is Dead to Me (similar title to Dead Like Me, but different show). While it is a little closer to a realistic storyline than some of my earlier suggestions, it has the darkness, drama, and everyday battles of the psyche that I love.