Series Binge: January-June 2021
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I got this pair of earrings today. Green is not really my color, but I like how this one pops.
I also got this blazer (lol). I don’t really need one since it’s so hot over here, but this might come handy for when I return to school later this year.
After college, I never really stopped working. I’ve always wanted to go to graduate school, but didn’t have the time nor resources for it.
When I was still working as a reporter, I planned on juggling work and school. I was supposed to pursue a Master’s in Women and Gender Studies, but my editor advised me to only take three to six units per semester, which meant it would take me years to finish the program. Turns out she was right, I didn’t really have the time (nor energy) to pursue a graduate degree given my schedule and workload back then.
Now that I think about it, I couldn’t even possibly afford graduate studies then. I barely made enough as a journalist — everything went to rent and bills. It was my dream job, but I literally couldn’t afford to keep it.
Life’s sad trade-offs, ha!
After I made the switch to the development sector, I thought I could finally pursue grad school but I just can’t find the proper balance. Work was taxing (in many ways), I was also away a lot. All I wanted to do after work was sit back, play videogames, read books at my own leisurely pace, and eat without shame (lol).
Late last year, I finally got the courage to apply to graduate school overseas — through a scholarship. I was afraid of rejection, I always am. I waited several months for the final results. I was anxious the entire time.
Luckily, I got it.
As per my default setting in life: I am both happy and nervous (lol).
This photo was taken shortly before I received my first dose (COVID-19 vaccination). I’m still waiting for my second jab, still endlessly waiting to hear back about the final schedule. I have so many feelings about the pandemic and the way my government is [mis]handling it. But today’s not the day to discuss that…
Instead, I want to list down the television/online series I binged on during the first half of 2021. Yes, escapism is great (lol).
I also want to thank my dog, Pepper, for keeping me company during the entire lockdown. He really is my best friend (lol).
Okay, here I go!
January
- Queer as Folk (2000–2005)
What a discovery! I’m 21 years too late, but I’m so glad I finally got to watch this! Story follows a group of friends: four gay men, a lesbian, and a bisexual woman — the latter two are a couple. Each of the characters have their own story arcs to deal with such as their careers; family drama, love, sex, and relationships; coming out; homophobia; and the general ups and downs of wading through life as a 20-something queer person. I love this show, I really do. I first learned about this years ago, from my LGBT Psychology professor back in college, I just never got around to actually watching it. I watched the first season in January, then took my time with the rest of the four seasons — evenly distributing them throughout succeeding months. - The Flower of Evil (2020)
I randomly found this Korean drama on Netflix. I didn’t get to finish the whole season because I got busy…and also because the male lead annoys me. He annoys me so much, I just had to stop watching the show (lol). One thing that certainly got my attention was the cool flip phones (haha). - Let’s Eat (Season 2, 2015)
This is another Korean drama I randomly found on Netflix. I watched this for the food! I didn’t really care about the romance aspect (lol). Story follows two neighbors — a man and a woman (yawn!) — who are both foodies. Together, they go on food trips and eventually fall in love (yawn lol). I really enjoyed this show because of the food!
February
- Izakaya Bottakuri (2018)
I love this show so much. I found it on Netflix while looking for shows similar to my faves, Midnight Diner (2009–2019) and Samurai Gourmet (2017). Story follows two sisters who run a small izakaya in Tokyo. Each episode features the sisters’ interaction with a particular customer (or a group of customers). In one episode, we might meet a customer yearning for her mother’s cooking; in another, the story focuses on a customer who hates tomatoes but eventually learns to love it through the sisters’ cooking. There’s just something about this show that’s so calming. I haven’t finished all episodes yet, I’m saving them for stressful days. - Our Sister’s Soulmate (2020)
This was a cute little show! I have to admit that I only sought this one out because it stars my boy-crush, Kento Hayashi (lol). But I ended up really loving it — and this is despite the fact that I don’t normally watch shows focused on hetero-love stories.
March
- Bloom Into You (2018)
Right after watching this anime series, I started reading the manga (hihi). This is a love story about two girls. That’s all you really need to know, it’s a good show. - Shtisel (Seasons 1 & 2, 2013–2015)
This was my first ever Israeli series. Story follows a Haredi Jewish family in Jerusalem. I also watched the third season (2020) when it came out on Netflix sometime later. - Allen v. Farrow (2021)
A documentary series examining the child abuse case against Woody Allen: he molested his adopted daughter. I was angry the entire time I watched this. Wealthy and powerful men get away with so many evils and crimes. Why? Because their enablers allow them to do so. Disgusting.
April
- Teen Mom 2 (2011)
I refuse to discuss this show, it’s a guilty pleasure, I have no shame (lol). But on a serious note: all teens really deserve to access SRHR (sexual and reproductive health and rights) information and services as soon as possible.
May
- My Love: Six Stories of True Love (2021)
I haven’t watch all stories yet. So far, I’ve seen the ones from Brazil, Japan, and South Korea. My favorite, of course, is the Brazilian couple — they’re both women. We hardly see this representation in mainstream media. Nicinha and Jurema have been together for 43 years, wow. That’s love. - It’s a Sin (2021)
- The Flight Attendant (2020)
- Special (Season 2, 2021)
- Tales of the City (1993)
- The Girlfriend Experience (Season 1, 2016)
June
- High on the Hog (2021)
Absolutely loved this docuseries. I learned so much about African-American cuisine, history, and foodways. - Feel Good (Season 2, 2021)
Such a well-written show. Just brilliant. - Queen’s Gambit (2020)
- Pose (Season 3, 2021)
- Trese (2021)
- Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020)
- Fleabag (Seasons 1 & 2, 2016–2019)
A new favorite. I just love everything about this show, gah!
It seems I went on a crazy binge from May until June. I don’t know how I was able to watch all those shows! I am employed and I have a life outside these shows, I swear (lol)!
I better get going. I have a scheduled video-call with an old friend later this evening. It still feels quite weird that this is how we communicate now. I do miss the old days. Alas, there’s no other way.
