Today December 22nd was the shortest day of the year and it's time for the sun to set at 15:04 here in Tampere.
To celebrate the darkest time of the year, here's my list of the latest and the greatest TV-series that I've seen. The one's that I've liked. Some more than others so I've added few remarks. Why I like it or why this particular one has lost it's touch a bit.
Anyway, these are my recommendations if you crave for something new / older to watch.
Watchmen
Absolutely loved it! It's not so much a superhero thing, although it is a continuance to the movie Watchmen. The story is built with such an awesome way that it always leaves you with a bunch of questions. Reveals things just at the right time.
Beforeigners
Weird and funny Sci-Fi detective series. One of the leading roles, a Viking detective, is played by a Finnish actor Krista Kosonen. Hope your Norwegian and Old Norse language skills aren't too rusty if you can't find English subtitles. Has vikings and cave men in it so you gotta love it. Trailer
Mr Inbetween
Hilarious dark comedy-crime drama about a contract killers everyday life. Love that Aussie accent.
The End of the F***ing World
Another dark comedy-drama. James believes he is a psychopath and decides he wants to try killing a human. Things just always go how you expect them to go.
His Dark Materials
Perhaps a little bit childish, but isn't all fantasy a bit childish. "One to rule them all." "The chosen one." Based on a book, as is the previous one too.
Chernobyl
As things happened minute by minute. I love accuracy. But have to accept the fact that Ulana Khomyuk, the female a nuclear physicist played by Emily Watson, is not based on a real person but several scientists, men and women. I guess it's easier for the viewer to follow the story with this choice. Although you know how it ends, the story is really entertaining.
Mindhunter
The early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling. Based on the book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit. Written by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker.
Taboo
Dark, dark and dark. The main character played by Tom Hardy, is always one step ahead of the people who mean to hurt him. Tom Hardy is an awesome actor and at his best in slightly deranged roles like Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders.
Peaky Blinders
Gangsters, shooting, bombing. who wouldn't love this. Yeah and there's some great acting in there also and a good script.
Stranger Things
Teenagers saving the world. Couple of adults too. Sinist government plans. Absolutely, definitely, ultimately strange things.
Rick and Morty
Deranged, witty, crazy, surprising. Goes where no-one has gone before. Well, perhaps few have like Futurama or Simpsons, but Rick and Morty go there again.
GLOW
80's. Women's wrestling. Starts slowly but it grows on you.
Game of Thrones
Dragons, strong women and men, kings, queens, knights, undead white walkers. Who wouldn't love it? The final episodes after Arya Stark's performance were a huge disappointment. I wish more people would have been killed. Kill your darlings, I say.
The Handmaid's Tale
Captivating. Infuriating. But the third season was somewhat absurd. I mean, who the heck wouldn't leave?! And if they didn't, in that kind of a world, who would survive after that decision?
Vikings
Vikings, knights, drinking, pillaging and fighting. Again, who wouldn't love it? I love dramatized historical series like this, but I do think that the writers went a bit too far with Ivar's character. My habit is with these historically so and so accurate series check things from Wikipedia and I have to say that I was a bit disappointed. Not with Wikipedia but with the series.
Russian Doll
Like Groundhog Day. Weird and hilarious. Natasha Lyonne is also awesome in Orange Is The New Black.
Orange Is the New Black
Witty, funny, hilarious, crazy. Sad, emotional, provoking. One character above everyone else: Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren.
Dear White People
If you like witty conversations and political correctness, this is for you.
Sherlock
Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock tops every Sherlock ever. Every episode tickles your brain.
Mr Robot
Insane. That's what Elliot is. In a sad and deranged way. Dark.
The Newsroom
Again witty conversations in a busy newsroom.
Limitless
If things just would be this easy. To get wiser with a pill. More brainpower in use.
Band of Brothers
Based on a book that is based on true stories. My humble opinion is that this is the best show ever that was made about war.
Not all of these are gruesomely dark. But each of these do show a little bit, or a little more the evil and not so pretty or fluffy side of humanity and the world.