arts // no. 8 theotherpress.ca My five favourite shows this decade » The highlights of television since 2010 Jerrison Oracion Senior Columnist A: another decade is about to end, the world is radically different now compared to 2010. In the TV industry much has changed: most must-see TV is shown on premium-cable channels, reality shows and live programming are shown on network TV, and more streaming site options are at your convenience every day. When Netflix started offering original shows (beginning with House of Cards) the service revolutionized the way shows are aired. This decade created some of the greatest shows of all-time—including Game of Thrones, Veep, Breaking Bad, Modern Family, and Stranger Things. But, there were also other successful shows this decade, and here are my top five picks: Downton Abbey (2010 to 2015) My favourite show this decade is Downton Abbey. It is a period piece, and it is much like Game of Thrones—except without the controversy and graphic images. The show follows the aristocratic Crawley family and the staff that works in their house after the original heir of the Downton Estate is drowned in the sinking of the Titanic. Throughout the show, they represent the progress of technological advancements and other major historic events. The writing of the show, by Academy Award winning screenwriter and creator Julian 6¢ Fellowes, is brilliant and clever. The movie— Downton Abbey (2019)—has recently proven to bea surprise hit. Kim's Convenience (2016 to Present) My favourite comedy this decade is a show that ] have written about for this newspaper a lot. The show involves Mr. Kim (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) handling his convenience store in downtown Toronto. Such a funny slice-of-life series has the power to resonate with everyone. I find a connection with the show because the Kim family is like my family. Recently, the show got Most Popular Foreign Drama in the Seoul International Drama Awards (essentially the Korean version of the Emmy Awards) making it the first Canadian show to get the award. It is one of those comedies that you keep you interested, and you have to watch every episode of it. Unforgotten (2018 to Present) This PBS show from the “Masterpiece” franchise is one of the surprise hits this decade. In the show, detectives Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) and Sunil “Sunny” Kahn (Sanjeev Bhaskar) solve cold cases. Because their cases are cold, the suspects that they interview cannot recall events from when the case happened. Both Cassie and Sunny are likeable people and they have their own personal problems to solve throughout the show (both with their families). The most recent season talks about how fake news can mislead people and have dire consequences. The season finale is so good, watching the entire season is worth it simply for that payoff. Episodes (20n1 to 2017) If you'd like to see how the TV industry works, there is this comedy. The series involves a couple from England bringing their hit show to the US. When the network executives wanted an American to play the lead character in the US version of the show, they cast Matt LeBlanc—he plays himself in this quirky comedy. While the couple and LeBlanc do not always get along, they both agree that the industry is bad. There are a lot of funny moments in Downton Abbey' promotional image the show, though it could be considered offensive. The Durrells in Corfu (2016 to 2019) Another surprise hit this decade is this comedy drama that takes place in Greece. Based on The Corfu Trilogy by Gerald Durrell, this PBS “Masterpiece” show follows the Durrell family leaving their less exciting lifestyle in England and embracing the Greek island of Corfu as their new home. With the help of the locals in the area, they expand their knowledge and build a zoo (with a few mishaps along the way). It is a feel-good show that everyone can watch, plus there are a lot of animals shown throughout the series. My favourite show this decade is Downton Abbey. It is a period piece, and it is much like Game of Thrones—except without the controversy and graphic images. Feelings with Mr. Rogers » ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ Review Jerrison Oracion Senior Columnist keen hen I was young in the 1990s, I used to turn on the TV after school and watch Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. In the show, Mr. Rogers explains life lessons in a calm way. He would also address the major events that were happening in the world, offering an understandable explanation of big issues for kids. The show is like getting therapized by a trusted friend. Last year, the documentary on Fred Rogers— Won't You Be My Neighbor?—explains the beloved host’s life, the development of his show, and includes many interviews from friends, family, and himself. Now, the biopic A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood tells the true story of Rogers’ influence on journalist Tom Junod. The start of the film is an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, with the opening of the show being played and Fred (Tom Hanks) putting on his sweater. When he shows a frame filled with pictures of familiar characters in the show, he shows a picture of Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) after he got punched in the face because of the dispute he had with his father, Jerry (Chris Cooper), at his sister's wedding. The scene confuses the audience, making us wonder if this is reality or a dream. The film transitions from the neighborhood to New York City—showing us how Vogel ended up in his current situation. Lloyd and his wife of eight years, Andrea (Susan Kelechi Watson), are going through the early stages of parenthood. The next day, the journalist and new father gets an assignment to doa story on Rogers for Esquire’s heroes issue. As Vogel interviews Fred, Fred interviews the journalist back, asking about what Lloyd is going through. The film goes back and forth between reality and the show so much so that the films feels like a parody of the iconic children’s show—except it is not trying to make fun. Also, the movie has a nostalgic look, especially noticeable during the transitions. For example, there is a miniature version of the neighborhood, and other places Mr. Rogers goes to. When Rogers films the show, he takes his time when interviewing people—even though they have a tight schedule, to ensure quality. He also attempts to do activities that should be impossible at his age, and puts those silly antics in the show. Even though his fame is huge and he is seen champion for children and kindness, Rogers does not think of himself asa hero. When Rogers interviews Lloyd, he speaks to him as if he were talking to his viewers. Hanks’ portrayal of Rogers has Winnie the Pooh’s sweet charm— and is definitely less clumsy. To prepare for the film, Hanks went to museums about Fred Rogers, watched a lot of episodes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, watched archival interviews, and even watched Won't You Be My Neighbor (which is a great documentary you should see). While Hanks and Christian Bale (for Ford v Ferrari) could get Best Actor in the Academy Awards next year, they are going to have to battle Joaquin Phoenix for his portrayal of the Joker in Joker. When you Illustration by Athena Little see someone having a tough day due to personal problems, talk to them and give them a bit of kindness. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is like watching an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for adults—it is a meaningful and nostalgic visit to our childhoods.