tv review

Reviews of politics-centered TV series about White House politicians, cybersecurity, history, controversies and more.

How Lockdown Saved “Question Time”
I’ve long been a fan of ‘Question Time,’ and often apply to be on it, but in recent years its flaws had really started to come to the forefront. The ‘Question Time’ audience lend themselves to parody, with their stereotypical and unoriginal opinions and comments, parodied very well by comedians and impressionists such as Harry Enfield. The panel’s increased need to have someone controversial or reactionary is also well parodied in British comedy, going back to Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge parody Lieutenant colonel Kojak Slaphead III.
By Matty Long5 years ago in The Swamp
Hey Jen Whatcha Watchin?!
April 19th 1993.... How old were you? I was almost 15 years old and remember my Mother watching the news and bawling her eyes out that so many people lost their lives. I didn’t really comprehend what was going on in Waco, TX with The Branch Davidians, I just knew it was tragic and my mama was sad. I was young and doing my own thing at the time. It didn’t affect me then, like it does now. And I’m sorry for that.
By Jen Ellis5 years ago in The Swamp
The Comey Rule, Part 2
The second and concluding part of The Comey Rule, just concluded on Showtime, was every bit as powerful as the first. By which I mean to say, brilliantly acted and staged.
By Paul Levinson5 years ago in The Swamp
The Comey Rule, Part 1
I had planned on waiting until I saw all of The Comey Rule on Showtime -- the two parts -- before I reviewed it. But there are too many things I want to say about first part, on last night, to wait until tomorrow.
By Paul Levinson5 years ago in The Swamp
The Handmaid's Tale
As we await season 4, which is scheduled to premiere some time in 2021, I have found myself revisiting past seasons of the critically acclaimed series The Handmaid’s Tale. Although production began in 2016 before the election of Donald Trump, it nonetheless became quite clear this was more than an adaptation of a 1985 book by Margaret Atwood, but a relevant commentary on modern society. From the costume choice, the acting, the plotline which extends beyond the book, the series is an exquisite reminder of what we have to lose and issues that currently face us.
By Kayla Bloom5 years ago in The Swamp
Sex Tape Titles and the Never-ending Dilemma
First let me start by saying that I actually really enjoy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, having seen it a many times over. I am looking forward to another season. It has witty humour and is funny, but it is certain elements such as those pointed out in this article that affect the real world in ways that are harmful to certain individuals in our society.
By Snookeronidjon5 years ago in The Swamp
Noughts & Crosses - A Must Read
In my own flat, I don't have a TV or Netflix or any kind of streaming service. I read more than I watch, and if I do watch something, it'll be on YouTube or All4.
By Laura McCann5 years ago in The Swamp
Space force is THE comedy we need right now
With the world in its current state, it's easy to get lost in it all and feel constantly overwhelmed to the point of needing some sort of escape. With so many platforms to chose from these days, it seems as though we're seen it all. From watching the totality of Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus, there never seems to be enough to fill up the need for something new. But, I feel as though I've stumbled upon one Netflix show that could be our saving grace. Who knows, it may even come face-to-face with everyone's beloved Office binges.
By Tim St Aubin6 years ago in The Swamp
The psychological lesson we learn from Prince Phillip's mid-life crisis on Netflix's The Crown
(SPOILERS AHEAD) So if you haven't watched the entire 3rd season of the Crown yet, stop reading this right now. I don't know what episode you're on, but I'm not taking any chances with your lively hood, or mine. If you haven't watched it, stop reading now and go read about Trump, dating advice, or whatever you read. I don't want to be "that guy" who spoils shows for people. Thank you, please enjoy the show- I mean blog post.
By Landon Girod6 years ago in The Swamp
Talking Brook: 'Yaron Brook Show: Economic Lies—Wages & Productivity'
After some technical difficulties, Dr. Brook outlines the show. He wishes everyone a happy Columbus Day and sets the tone for the show. He will be talking about economics, something that some people may find to be dry and boring. But not with Dr. Brook. He enlivens each talk about this subject with easy-to-follow examples, and he explains big words so that anyone can understand the arcane terms. Dr. Brook points out that if an employer doesn’t pay you for the work you do and you deserve it, then you should go to the intelligent employer or remain at the level for which the original employer will pay you.
By Skyler Saunders6 years ago in The Swamp
Review of 'The Loudest Voice' 1.5
The fifth episode of The Loudest Voice makes clear what the series has been more than hinting at all along: it was Ailes more than anyone else who put Trump in the White House. Or, at least, the coming attractions do, after we see Ailes do his utmost to get Obama to lose in 2012. Ailes blames his failure on that score to the lameness of Romney as a candidate.
By Paul Levinson6 years ago in The Swamp
Review of 'The Loudest Voice' 1.4
Another powerful episode of The Loudest Voice last night—1.4—in which Roger Ailes lays bare the basis of fake news: "we create the news'. I should say, the basis of real fake news—that is, news that is fake. We need to make this distinction because Trump now daily bashes our legitimate news media as fake news—which would be fake fake news—a tactic that comes right out of Hitler's denunciation of the press in 1930s Germany as the Lügenpresse (the lying press). When you're trying to replace democracy with a totalitarian regime, it's wise to discredit and get rid of the people who can call you out on that and let the rest of the country know—the press (See my short book, Fake News in Real Context, for more).
By Paul Levinson6 years ago in The Swamp