Warning: The following contains spoilers. Don’t fall victim to one of the classic blunders.
Vintage Nostalgia is a series created by Taylor Pendleton that discusses film, music, art, and more. This week, Vintage Nostalgia shall highlight five television series and discuss what makes them memorable and a must-watch.
Lovesick
“You’ve tested positive for chlamydia,” she bluntly states. He replies, as his words stumble, “That doesn’t sound very positive.”
Created and written by Tom Edge, “Lovesick” is a British sitcom that follows Dylan Witter, as portrayed by Johnny Flynn whom audiences may recognize from “Emma” and “The Dig.” Discovering that he has contracted an STI, Witter is forced to contact his previous sexual partners. In doing so, “Lovesick” is told through flashbacks, of old lovers and riveting misadventures. In turn, audiences are introduced to Witter’s closest friends and flatmates: Luke (Daniel Ings), a womanizer who is secretly reeling from a devastating heartbreak, and Evie (Antonia Thomas). Since the beginning, Evie has covertly reserved feelings for Dylan, though they never truly came to fruition until later in the series, as Dylan is utterly obsessed with finding “The One.” This dynamic is completely turned on its head once Dylan realizes that he is in love with Evie. However, Evie decides to move on, meeting and soon becoming engaged to Mal.
“Lovesick” is a must-watch and available for streaming via Netflix.
BoJack Horseman
“BoJack Horseman ” contains multitudes. The critically acclaimed Netflix Original Series is not only a biting critique of Hollywood, or Hollywood as known in the BoJack universe, but an enlightening exploration of mental illness.
“BoJack Horseman” surrounds its titular character, an actor portrayed by Will Arnett. Having reached stardom in the 90s with the beloved sitcom “Horsin’ Around,” Horseman often lingers in the past. Notably, Horseman engages in risk-taking behaviors as well as substance abuse to cope with his mental illness and all-consuming thoughts of worthlessness. Perhaps such rhetoric stems from Horseman’s tumultuous childhood and the scathing denigration of his mother, Beatrice Horseman, and the unrelenting cynicism of his father, Butterscotch Horseman. As a result, Horseman throws himself into projects like “Secretariat” and “Philbert.” His personal relationships suffer with unfulfilled romantic pursuits of Princess Carolyn, his agent; Wanda Pierce, a television executive; Gina, his costar, and more. Thus he inadvertently perpetuates a dangerous cycle that is darkly comparable to a sitcom.
Nonetheless, “BoJack Horseman” can be deeply relatable, as audiences may come to identify with its many characters. However, “BoJack Horseman” implores audiences to consider critical life lessons. My favorite, being, “Sometimes life’s a bitch, but then you keep living.”
BoJack Horseman is available for your viewing pleasure on Netflix.
Tuca and Bertie
“Tuca and Bertie” is a colorful and imaginative sitcom. Created by those who brought us “Bojack Horseman,” this animated series, too, explores a world of anthropomorphic characters navigating their tumultuous lives.
Season One of “Tuca and Bertie” begins when Bertie (Ali Wong) moves into an apartment with her boyfriend, Speckles (Steven Yuen). This event strengthens her close friendship with the light-hearted Tuca (Tiffany Haddish). As the series progresses, the pair undergo obstacles within their friendship and personal lives, but their relationship remains resilient.
The heart and appeal of “Tuca and Bertie” is its originality and versatility. At times, the series is light and exuberant. At others, it is dark, yet truthful and relatable.
Season Two of “Tuca and Bertie” is currently being released by Adult Swim, but Season One is available for streaming.
The Keepers
Fans of true crime will enjoy this Netflix docu-series that unveils a sinister secret of one Baltimore neighborhood. The untimely death of Sister Cathy Cesnik inspired much mystery. Intelligent, thoughtful and kind, Cesnik was adored by many, especially her students who looked upon her with much reverence. For decades her case remained cold, until two former students decided to try and uncover the truth. Their investigations ignite a larger conversation about allegations of sexual abuse within the community. The gruesome murder of Cesnik remains unsolved, but “The Keepers” provides a wealth of information, interviews and stories, that keep audiences on the edge on their seat.
“The Keepers” is available for streaming on Netflix.
Black Mirror
“Black Mirror” is a modern, Hitchcockian series that explores the dark underbelly of human nature, society and technology. Envisioning devices that capture and store every memory (“The Entire History of You,” Season One) to services that revive deceased loved ones (“Be Right Back,” Season Two), “Black Mirror” questions, “When will technology go too far?”
“Black Mirror” contains mature themes, and thus, viewer discretion is advised.
Taylor Pendleton
Contributing Writer