THE FIRST LADY – I’ve been looking forward to this series on Showtime for weeks. It’s an interesting depiction of three First Ladies – Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford and Michelle Obama. I like the way three distinct eras are showcased in every episode allowing us to compare how each First Lady handled (or didn’t) similar situations and events according to her own particular personality, background and time period. It’s also an education which I very much enjoy as a history buff. For instance, I never knew FDR’s disability was due to contracting polio as an adult while swimming in a lake. Gillian Anderson is marvelous as Eleanor Roosevelt. She seems to have a knack for portraying iconic political women. Michelle Feiffer is decent as Betty Ford. Viola Davis, while a talented actress, falls short as Michelle Obama. She constantly moves her mouth in a weird configuration I have never seen Michelle Obama do, and it is a major distraction and bothersome throughout the piece. O-T Fagbenle nails Barack Obama’s cadence and laid back demeanor, but there is no chemistry or passion between he and Viola like we see with the real Obamas. Plus it seems he is sometimes so focused on capturing Obama’s outward behavior that he isn’t believable delivering the lines. Keifer Sutherland also nails FDR’s cadence and mannerisms. Both he and Aaron Eckhart (as Gerry Ford) deliver decent performances. I’m watching for the history lesson. One toast to standout Gillian. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

DEATH ON THE NILE – this latest version of Agatha Christie’s who-dun-it is directed by Kenneth Branagh who also stars as Hercule Poirot. I’m not a big fan of Agatha Christie, or murder mysteries in general, but I enjoy Branagh’s films, so I watched. It’s the typical bit with the usual suspects, both the characters and the big names who portray them. Branagh and Rose Leslie (Ygritte from Game of Thrones) deliver great French accents, but there’s really nothing unique about this film to set it apart from countless others of the genre. Cheers. Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

THE CIRCUS: INSIDE THE GREATEST POLITICAL SHOW ON EARTH – this series began in 2016 when Mark Halperin, John Heilemann and Mark McKinnon put their collective political expertise to good use taking us behind the scenes with the presidential candidates, following them across country and venues as they vied for their party’s nomination. I don’t know how long the two Marks and John intended the show to run, maybe only up to the election, but it is now in season 7 and remains popular. I have heard good things about it since its inception, but resisted the temptation to watch because I am exhausted of all things political. This week I gave it a go. I am only on episode 8 of the first season, and I find it fascinating even though I know the outcome. In some ways, hindsight has made it that much more interesting. I am now eager to hear what these three have to say going forward, and what further details may be revealed, as I soldier on with them until arriving at 2022. Cheers Fellas!! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0; Villains/Scoundrels – plenty.

OUR GREAT NATIONAL PARKS – Marvelous documentary consisting of five episodes, each dedicated to a specific national park, mostly in other countries. Only one is in the U.S., Monterey Bay Marine Park off the coast of Monterey in northern California. Focused on conserving wildlife and environments, and narrated by Barack Obama, this piece allows us to glimpse rare animals and habitats up close while inspiring us to do our part to protect our planet for the good of all. Interesting, informative and enjoyable. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – all the animals.

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION – Yes, I know I’m late to the party for viewing this film. Based on the novella by Stephen King and released in 1994, the peeps rave about this picture. Michael has been after me for years to watch it. Finally I have. It is a decent film with great performances by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. There are brutal scenes though, and the story itself is a downer. Prison life always is. Some peeps aren’t bothered by this since there is something like poetic justice in the end. Mike toasts it, of course. Austin loves it. I say it’s decent, but I wouldn’t watch it again. Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

CHOOSE OR DIE – What was I thinking? This is not my type of film at all. A computer game, Curser, is able to interact with its player, read their minds, view their surroundings and wreak mayhem…..all in real time! Plus most of it makes no sense at all. Skip it. Zero toasts, boyfriends/girlfriends.

ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL – Latest series from David E. Kelley to drop on NetFlix. It was excellent – Dana agrees! A high profile member of British Parliament reporting to the Prime Minister is accused of rape by a co-worker with whom he had had a five-month affair. The captivating story plays out over six episodes during which we are treated to a huge twist. In addition, the significance of words, interpretation, actions and past behavior in sexual assault cases is readily on display. I actually learned a bit about the difficulty in prosecuting offenders when both sides present convincing evidence. The cast was top notch starring Rupert Friend (who always reminds me of Orlando Bloom) as the accused, Sienna Miller as his wife, Naomi Scott as the mistress and Michelle Dockerey (Downton Abbey) as the prosecutor. Josette Simon was superb as the defending counsel. An added plus for me was the opportunity to see how court is conducted in London. Toasts from the peeps. Cheers! Boyfriends – 0; Girlfriends – 1.