SMALL SCREEN
The Vietnam War by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick (PBS)
With all the advance publicity, it’s hard to imagine any viewer is unaware of Burns and Novick’s monumental documentary about the Vietnam War. The range of viewpoints and interviews from all parties (Viet Cong, North Vietnamese Army, South Vietnamese Army plus civilians, American soldiers, generals, diplomats, and anti-war activists) is impressive while the visuals are graphic and mind-numbing.
For me, this is an especially meaningful viewing experience as I came of age during that era. Also I visited Vietnam only two years ago. Having been to Hanoi, Saigon, Danang, Hue, and Hoi An and having met several under-40 adults, I came to better understand that war’s destruction and devastation. I greatly admire the Crockers, mother Jean and sister Carol, from Saratoga Springs who so movingly shared the story of their son and brother, Denton, “Mogie” Crocker, an early casualty.
There is a lot of information to absorb and I find that having closed captioning turned on helps me better focus on the narration. I also like the use of 1960’s popular songs (think Dylan, Bryds, Simon & Garfunkel and others) as added color and texture to the action. Definitely worth the investment of time!
The Dr. Blake Mysteries (Netflix)
I find that Australian television has produced some very fine programs. Lately, I’ve become immersed in the Dr. Blake series. Set in the late 1950’s in a small town in Australia, the main character returns home after a long time away to take over his father’s medical practice and to function as the local police surgeon. In this latter role, he puts himself center stage in trying to solve suspicious deaths that are often murder. Lucien Blake is arrogant, sure of himself, and very outspoken, so much so that he makes life difficult for Police Superintendent Lawson.
Add in young, still green, constable Danny, district nurse Mattie who is smart and attractive, and Jean, Blake’s inherited housekeeper cum receptionist (she worked for his father), and you have a set of engaging and well-developed characters. What makes this series more than just the usual mystery-solving, though, is the depth and complexity of Lucien Blake himself. He was a prisoner of war in Singapore, lost his wife and child there, and is something of a solitary sort who yet can be compassionate. The relationship between him and Jean is a complicated one, and you can feel an undercurrent of intriguing tension in their interactions. I highly recommend it!
DINING OUT 
One of our favorite local eateries on Cortez Road, Village Idiot Pizzeria (or VIP), is back in business making very good pizza. They took a timeout and focused on smoked sausage and smoked fish and no pizza so their return is most welcome! And they’ve added some new tacos (beef brisket with kimchi) and a very spicy red curry coconut kingfish soup to the menu. They offered us a sample of the soup and it was excellent. I know we’ll become regulars again. Either eat in or take out.
BOOK REVIEWS
Inside section one, the New York Times has added some new features. Some people think using up space here is a waste of valuable real estate, but I disagree. I like doing the fast, and usually easy, Mini Crossword, and I glance at the list of most read, discussed and shared articles. But what I enjoy most is “Inside The Times,” a short interview with a Times reporter about the back story behind an article or review in that day’s paper. This one, “How a Critic Opens a Book,” provided some intriguing insights into how new daily book reviewer, Parul Sehgal, approaches her job. I particularly liked this quote:
“I don’t like when book reviews feel hermetic. I always want to open things up—to say that this is a book, but it’s also just a stage for certain ideas. So, what else is happening in the culture that’s related to it? What other books does it speak to from the past? What other debates does it recall? I want to prove that books aren’t enclosed, immured objects.”
HOMEGOING: ANOTHER VIEWPOINT
Some months ago, I commented on this first novel set in Africa and shared that I found it an exceptionally moving and important novel. Here’s a longer, thoughtful review by a fellow blogger who also found it noteworthy.
Photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved)
