VIEWING
Still (Apple TV+)
This documentary about Michael J. Fox is ultimately a testament to one man’s steadfastness in the face of illness. Michael J. Fox was a hot young TV star in the 1970’s who then branched out to movies. He was funny, brash, and always in motion. It seemed the world was his oyster, until. As many know, he got a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease at 29, but kept it a secret from all but a few for a few years.
The film traces his growing up years, his striving to achieve despite his short stature, his marriage to Tracy, and the births of his children. Interspersed with his history are interview segments with him today at 61. He speaks frankly about himself, his condition, and his career. It’s a thoughtfully made film with occasional flashes of wit. Highly recommended!
Walter Presents
I have recently become acquainted with several series offered by Walter Presents. PBS Masterpiece is showing a few of them; I got curious about who and what Walter Presents is. It is a curated collection of international TV programs from different countries and in a variety of languages with English subtitles. Launched on the UK’s Channel 4 in 2016, it subsequently was offered in the U.S. and other countries. The man behind the selections is Walter Iuzzolino. Examples I’ve watched thus far include Astrid (French 2 seasons) and Murder in Sweden.
Murder in Sweden (PBS Masterpiece)
Detective Maria Wern works alongside Sebastian, another detective, on a small crime squad on the island of Gotland. Maria, a widow, is a complex person, hardworking, driven, and mother to two older boys. She’s also reserved with her feelings.
The murder cases are difficult ones requiring teamwork, but occasionally Maria goes rogue in her zeal to solve them. Her relationship with Sebastian is initially one of joking and bantering, but he would like more. How their interactions evolve over the series adds depth and tenderness.
Each episode is in 2 parts and I just have access to one season. It’s in Swedish with subtitles. Recommended!
SUPER SAVOR SARASOTA—DUVAL’S
Savor Sarasota is this city’s annual June dining out festival. Participating restaurants offer special menus usually at a discounted price. We dined at Duval’s downtown and had the best meal there ever and one that was superb in general. With four courses at forty dollars, the menu offered two choices for each course.
The Chief Penguin and I started with the salmon spread on crostini for me, the excellent gazpacho for him; then a green salad for me and tuna poke for him. We both selected the mahi piccata and the key lime pie as our entrée and dessert. The mahi was a lovely presentation, a tasty piece of fish served over julienned carrots and other veggies. And what’s not to like about key lime pie! The Chief Penguin was delighted that it came topped with a layer of whipped cream and more on the side. A glass of Chardonnay added to this wonderful meal!
Note: Header photo is the key lime pie at Duval’s from Facebook.
