My Latest Obsession: The Last Kingdom

It's been awhile since I last shared My Latest Obsession. So, what has been soaking up a lot of my reading time and my attention? The BBC's The Last Kingdom, which is now on Netflix.  

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It's based on a series of books by Bernard Cornwell called The Saxon Stories. Have any of you read it?  Here's my top five reasons why you should check out The Last Kingdom on Netflix.

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1.  Uhtred of Bebbanburg - If you like your heroes very Jamie Fraser-esque, he fits the bill. While he isn't a perfect hero by any means, he is tough, impulsive, loyal to family, fierce and a heck of a lot of fun. His character is played by Alexander Dreymon, and well, he's pretty hot.  

2.  The Time Period - The setting of 9th century AD when England is broken down into various kingdoms is a really interesting time and dangerous too.  The Anglo-Saxons are attacked the Danes (Vikings), but the Kingdom of Wessex remains steadfast.  There's a lot of violence, but also politics. If you enjoy British history or the TV show Vikings, you will enjoy this time period.

3.  Loyalties Are Tested - While I mentioned that Uhtred is loyal, his loyalties are constantly being tested. You see he is a Saxon nobleman, but as a child he was kidnapped by the Danes. As time goes by, he essentially becomes one of them, so now he is really part of two words. Does he care about his ancestry or does he care about the people who have become like family to him? What is his true identity? Is he a pagan or a Christian? All of these questions come into play in The Last Kingdom.

4.  King Alfred - The King of Wessex is a very compelling character and has some of the best lines.  “When a man dies,” he says, “if nothing is written, he is soon forgotten.”   He is juxtaposed by the Danes way of life where people don't know how to read or write and die by their sword.

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5.  No Fantasy - I think that many people might watch the first two episodes and think that it is very similar to Game of Thrones, but there are no fantasy elements in The Last Kingdom. It's all about England's history and life before it was unified. I love that it bring history to life so well and makes it so very compelling without dragons and zombies.

My only wish for the show is that there were more strong females. There are a few, but none that get a lot of focus.  I wish some of the more powerful women had more screen time!

Are you a fan of this show? Have you heard of the books? Let me know what you think and if you'll check out this show on Netflix. Season three will come out next year!

My Latest Obsession: The Crown

I've been absolutely loving The Crown, which premiered on Netflix in November.  So far, I like it more than PBS's Victoria.  I am thrilled there will be a second season of The Crown premiering November 2017.  I am glad that this show already won a few awards, including a Golden Globe for Best TV series (drama); this show is so deserving of all the awards!

I'm going to share my top five reasons why you should check out The Crown if you haven't already.

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1.  Claire Foy - Man, I love her. She is such a brilliant actress and truly brings the Queen to life. She definitely deserved the Golden Globe for her performance. It was so believable and memorable. I can't say enough good things about her. I also enjoyed her in Upstairs, Downstairs, too.

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2.  The Set and Costumes - I hear that Netflix spent an exorbitant amount on the production of this show and it definitely shows.  It seems so very authentic. I toured Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, and other memorable places just a few years ago and I thought the show captured it these important places brilliantly. The opulence and the sheer beauty are portrayed so very well. I especially enjoyed the show's portrayal of the Royal Wedding, Scotland, the Queen's world tour, and Westminster Abbey-- all done exquisitely.

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3.  John Lithgow - He plays the Prime Minister Winston Churchill and does a phenomenal job bringing his larger-than-life persona to the screen. Lithgow recently won a SAG award for his portrayal, which I agree was award worthy. Due to this show, I learned so much about Churchill that I never knew before (even though I toured his war rooms in London), such as his skills as a painter. He's a fascinating man for sure.

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4.  Historical Events - The show does a great job making this an accurate period piece/costume drama while still making it still very binge-worthy.  I found all the events depicted in this show to be so compelling. (The London Smog, Margaret's affair, the Royal Wedding, the Queen's tour, etc).

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5.  The Marriage - So, wow. Their marriage is super dramatic due to the stress of being a Queen. It definitely kept me intrigued. I wonder how the Queen and Prince Phillips feels about this portrayal since they are both still alive? It must be strange to see your life played out (whether they feel it is accurate or not) on the screen, especially since they are both so private.


I love all things Royal, so I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise that I love The Crown. If you haven't watched this show yet, definitely curl up with it this winter. It will hook you in for sure! Are you guys a fan of The Crown? Let me know your thoughts!

My Latest Obsession: Black Sails

After listening to The Scot and the Sassenach's podcast and their discussion of Black Sails, I knew it was time I finally check this show out. They promised that fans of Outlander will especially appreciate this show.  The final season of Black Sails starts this month, so I am sharing my top five reasons why I love Black Sails: (And don't worry I won't share any spoilers!)

1.  Pirates - Who doesn't love pirates? This show is a prequel to Treasure Island, so you get to "know" many real-life pirates, such as John Silver, Charles Vane, Blackbeard, Billy Bones, Anne Bonny, etc.

2.  The Setting - The setting of the Bahamas (but taped in South Africa) is pretty fantastic as is all the boat scenes. The crew absolutely does a fantastic job bringing not only the time period to life, but life in tropical Nassau.  

3.  Female Power - Even though this show seems to be about pirates (mostly male) there are a lot of women on this show that are freaking fantastic. They are girl bosses extraordinaire. I love how a lot of the women have power on the island and aren't just victims to the pirate's antics.

Billy Bones

Charles Vane (in center)

4.  Charles Vane - I knew this actor from The 100 and I am a huge fan. Let's discuss that body...if he doesn't motivate me to get buff in 2017, I don't know what will. And seriously. It's not just Vane who is in outstanding shape. Billy Bones is incredible as well.  But it isn't just about looks. Vane is intelligent, cunning, loyal, and passionate. He's my favorite pirate for sure.

5.  The Resistance - In the US, we have had a depressing go of it lately, so there's something inspirational and timely about their resistance to the English rule.


So, anyone else a fan of Black Sails? Will you be watching the fourth and final season this month?  Let me know what you think in the comments below.

My Latest Obsession: Why I Loved Season Two of Outlander

As most of you know, season two of Outlander on Starz came to a close a few weeks ago.  I love the series, so it has been a great experience to watch it all come to life. Here's some of my favorite things about season two: (Avert your eyes if you don't want spoilers!)

1.  The Honeymoon is Over - I love that in season two sh*t gets real. Jamie and Claire's relationship has never really been *too* easy, but this season depicts a marriage that has to deal with some serious issues, like the loss of their daughter, getting acclimated in France, and oh, trying to stop a war. NBD.

2.  Murtagh - He wins MVP for season two. I liked him in the books, but I seriously LOVE him on this show. His witty one liners are some of my favorite parts of the show. I loved how he said HE would marry Mary Hawkins...what a good guy.  How about his bad ass scene with the Duke of Sandringham?! Then of course my favorite is his response to Jamie killing Dougal, like it's no big deal. Hilarious! Plus, his dedication to Jamie is epic.  My favorite bromance ever. #Godfathergoals

3.  Fergus - I liked young Fergus in the books, but TV Fergus is so darn cute. The scene in the finale where Jamie says goodbye to him tore me up. My heart! Cue all the tears. 

4.  The Return to Scotland - I think the setting of France was visually appealing, but I was so happy to be back in Scotland after that. I think it made me appreciate it even more than before.

5.  Faith -  This episode was spectacularly heartbreaking. It was so well acted that I never once doubted Claire's deep sadness. I think that this show captured that kind of gut wrenching grief so well. It felt very real.

6.  The Worst Dinner Party Ever - This is one of my favorite episodes of the season due to the fact that it was so darn entertaining. This episode includes the worst dinner party in the history of dinner parties! I couldn't help but laugh at the end of the episode where Murtagh and Jamie fight off the dinner guests using everything and anything lying around. Good times!

7.  Roger - I think he is a perfect Roger. Yes, I know he isn't tall enough. Yes, I know he doesn't have black hair.  But I am not one of the naysayers. I think he is a great actor and it works. Brianna, on the other hand, could use some work in the acting department.

8.  Iconic Lines - I am so glad that they didn't cut out some of my favorite swoon-worthy lines from Dragonfly in Amber. *Swoon*

 “I will find you," he whispered in my ear. "I promise. If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you - then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes. For I have lied, and killed, and stolen; betrayed and broken trust. But there is the one thing that shall lie in the balance. When I shall stand before God, I shall have one thing to say, to weigh against the rest."  His voice dropped, nearly to a whisper, and his arms tightened around me.  "Lord, ye gave me a rare woman, and God! I loved her well.”

9.  Costumes -  The costumes while they were in France were so glamourous and beautiful. I think the costume department, namely Terry Dresbach, hit it out of the ballpark this season and now they are Emmy nominated. Well done!

10.  Podcasts - As you guys may or may not know, I had a few surgeries last month and am trying to regain my strength so I can take care of my little ones. My new favorite thing is to listen to podcasts while exercising.  I am loving Outlander Cast and The Scot and the Sassenach. It's fun to analyze the episode and hear other people's opinions. Plus, both podcasts are run by husband and wife teams. Love that!


So what were some of your favorite Outlander moments?  Are you looking forward to season three? I really liked Voyager and seeing it come to life should be very interesting, especially since the settings are so exotic and different. Let me know your thoughts!

My Latest Obsession: The 100

I've shared with you my TV obsessions in the past (Outlander, The White Queen, Poldark, etc) and now I'm sharing with you my latest: The 100.

About this time last year, my blogger buddy, Lea at YA Book Queen, recommended this show to me.  Season one is on Netflix, which means I could easily watch it and binge the show if necessary.  It's based on a series of YA books by Kass Morgan, but I have never read them. I loved the sound of the show and even though I am "over" dystopias, this one seemed too good to pass up.

I absolutely became addicted to season one and got caught up on season two immediately. Season three is currently airing on the CW, but guys, this show is so much better than just a "CW" show if you know what I mean.

Here's the gist: The 100 follows a group of teens and a few adults who are the first humans to return to Earth after a nuclear war. Having always lived in space, Earth seems like a scary place to them, especially when they come to realize that perhaps they aren't alone!

This show keeps me on the edge of my seat unlike any show on TV today and the special effects are top notch; in fact, it often feels like I am watching something on HBO, not the CW.   Plus, the cast of characters are really well developed and not stereotypical.  

If you are new to the show and decide to watch, keep in mind episode one and two are a little weak, but it gets better. A lot better. So stick with it!

If you love sci-fi and thrillers, you need to check out The 100 on Netflix immediately. It would be the perfect show to binge this winter season.  With that said, anyone else a fan? Let me know your thoughts! 

My Latest Obsession: Poldark

I've shared with you my obsessions in the past (Outlander, The White Queen, etc) and now I'm sharing with you my latest: Poldark on Masterpiece PBS.  

Five Reasons You Should Watch Poldark:

1) Aidan Turner - I read Ross Poldark a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the character of Ross. He's broody, tough, opinionated, determined...all those things you want in a hero.  He's like a tougher version of Mr. Darcy.  Well, for me, Aidan Turner is the perfect Poldark.  He encompasses all of Poldark's characteristics; it's just how I imagined him when I was reading the novel. Plus, Ross comes back from the war facing some harsh realities and not just when it comes to his romantic life. His family home, the farm, and the mine are all in a state of disrepair.  He needs to either start over somewhere else or get his life in order in Cornwall. I love a good underdog story.

2)  The Setting- Cornwall, England is absolutely gorgeous. I have been to England, but never Cornwall, and now I am kicking myself for not visiting. It reminds me of County Clare in Ireland and the Cliffs of Moher. The views are breathtaking, the ocean is a sight to behold and the beautiful cliffs are stunning.   

3)  Demelza - I am a fan of her in both the show and the book. I love her relationship with her dog and how she loves life.  She's whimsical, fun, and marches to her own beat. I am definitely Team Demelza.  

4) Crazy Family Dynamics - There's a lot of familial issues in Ross Poldark. The Poldarks are like the Kardashians.....always getting into it with each other. It doesn't help that Ross was once promised (even if informally) to his cousin Francis's current fiancé. How upsetting would that have been to come home from the war to find your cousin essentially stole your girlfriend?  Plus, Ross's uncle wants Ross gone from Cornwall for various reasons. Cue the drama. And this isn't the only rivalry in Poldark!

5)  The Novel- Anytime PBS brings a novel to life, it brings a smile to my face. Because of this show, I had the opportunity to read Ross Poldark, which was first published in 1945 and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are a bookworm like me, I encourage you to check out the novel as you watch the PBS show. You won't be disappointed.

Have you guys watched this show yet or read the book? Let me know your thoughts! To learn more, visit the official Poldark website. Also, next week I will be reviewing Winston Graham's Ross Poldark and hosting an amazing giveaway. So keep your eye out for it!

My Latest Obsession: Mr. Selfridge

From time to time, I like to post about my latest obsession. In the past it's been The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and Outlander to name a few, but lately it has been Mr. Selfridge on PBS. 

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Thanks to Amazon Instant Video, I was able to catch up and am now on season two, which means I will hopefully be caught up by the time season three premieres on PBS in March.

What I Love About It:

• Jeremy Piven is brilliant as Mr. Selfridge.  I've loved Jeremy Piven since he played Ari on Entourage. As Mr. Selfridge, he's charismatic, flamboyant, confidant and a go-getter. Plus, he knows how to dress! I don't agree with how he handles his romantic life; however, I can't deny that his successes and missteps are downright entertaining. The  speeches he gives to his employees make ME want to work for him.
• The time period is fantastic. It starts in 1908 and the second series is set in 1914. The costumes, the changing fashions, the setting of London, the issues surrounding the different classes, and the imminent danger of war all make for a captivating time period.
• It's a show that's about more than just Mr. Selfridge. There is his wife, Rose, trying to find her way in London; after all, they are Americans. Where do they fit in exactly? Also, she doesn't just want to always be in Selfridge's shadow. There's also Agnes, an up and coming employee at Selfridges. I love her and have been rooting for her since the beginning. And who doesn't love a haughty aristocrat thrown into the mix? Lady Mae is brilliant on this show.
• The opening music is perfect. I adore it and I guess other people do as well, because it was nominated for an Emmy. It captures the show and the Selfridge department store very well.
• Fans of Downton Abbey will really enjoy this show as it gives you another perspective on life during the early 1900s.  Through this show you get a better glimpse into life for the average Joe as opposed to Downton's view of only the upstairs/downstairs. Plus, there's the issue of women gaining more freedom during this time period, so that's interesting to watch it all unfold.
• I love that Mr. Selfridge is an American and a fish out of water sometimes in London. He has to prove himself to society, so it's been very compelling.

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Anyone else a fan of Mr. Selfridge? I only half way through season two, so don't share any spoilers with me, but let me know what you like about the show! If you haven't checked it out yet, I encourage you to do so if historical dramas are your cup of tea or if you need something to keep you entertained once Downton Abbey season five is over.

 

My Latest Obsession: Outlander

I sporadically post about my latest obsessions… Veronica Mars, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, The White Queen, and now Outlander.

Guys, you knew it was coming….a post in which I profess my love for Outlander, the new TV show on Starz. The mid-season finale is this Saturday (say it isn't so!!!) and I am completely smitten with this show.  

Sam Heughan/Jamie (Source)

Like any good bookworm, I was at first really nervous about how the Outlander series would translate to TV.  Would they include all the parts I love? Would they capture the beauty of Scotland? Would they make the time travel look cheesy? Would it be believable? Would Sam Heughan portray my book boyfriend perfectly or would he not live up to my version of Jamie?  The questions abound.

Now that we are halfway through season one, I am happy, so happy with the portrayal.  Ronald D. Moore did a fantastic job. The music (love the opening credits especially!), the costumes, the sets, and the way it is filmed are all spectacular.  And the acting….all well done, especially Tobias Menzies.  He's definitely a great actor and made Black Jack come to life in a way that I didn't even know was possible.

And yes, there are some moments that are in the Outlander TV show that are NOT in the book.  People are always asking me how I feel about that and people seem to get their panties in a bunch over a slight change or addition. I, on the other hand, don't mind the additions if it adds and gives depth to the story and characters.  So, without giving too much away, yes, there are added scenes/plot lines, but I can say they are done very well…so far!

There are some cringe-worthy moments in Outlander, the book, and I am wondering how they will be portrayed, especially the scenes towards the end of season one, but I think they are going to be able to handle it well.  The brutal violence that I have encountered so far (poor Jamie!) did make me turn my head and cringe, but it wasn't to the point where I had to turn off my TV.

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And let's talk about the wedding. Yes, the #OutlanderWedding. It had its own hashtag and people that weren't even viewers of the TV show or fans of the book were posting about it on Tumblr and Twitter.  I am loving that Outlander is capturing that much attention. I mean the above GIF is pretty swoon-worthy, right?  Last week's episode was pretty steamy. 

Claire's Wedding Dress - loved it!  (Source)

So, are you guys fans of the Outlander TV show, too? Have your read the books? How do you feel about the show and what did you think of the wedding?  Do you have any issues with casting or additions to the plot? And if you are a super fan, like me, is it everything you've hoped for? Let me know what you think!

Happy Friday,

My Latest Obsession: Veronica Mars

Ok, so, I know I'm a little late here, but I just started watching Veronica Mars (season one) and I am really enjoying it.  I was inspired to because of everyone fangirling over the movie on Twitter, (including one of my favorite authors, Sarah Dessen ) and I thought…what am I missing here? If so many people, whose opinions I trust, love Veronica Mars, then I need to check it out…probably yesterday.  

I am a little over half way through season one and I am really liking it.  Some things I love so far:

• Veronica is witty, snarky and tough. She carries a taser, people! I am also kind of obsessed with her hair.
• I love the overarching mystery that plays out in each episode.
• Neptune, California is by the ocean. That's my kind of town.
• I am digging Rob Thomas, the creator of the TV show. He is the co-creater of 90210 which pretty much guarantees that I am an instant fan.
• There's awesome acting…Kristen Bell is fantastic.
• There's brilliant writing and wry humor, which I really like.
• She's best friends with Wallace. LOVE that! 
• I also love that this show incorporates aspects of film noir, traditional high school angsty issues, as well as aspects of crime solving.

Are you guys Veronica Mars fans?  Have you seen the latest movie? I can't wait to catch up on all the episodes then watch the movie!