Are any of you as tired of politics as I am? We all have our favorite candidate, but even when we see his – or her- smiling face on camera, we kind of cringe inside. Enough already! And when we see the face of the candidate we don’t want, the reaction is even worse. I’m amazed at how many news channels there are right now. And all of them are focused on the upcoming election. Consequently I’ve become an avid channel surfer. Thought I’d talk about some of my favorite non-political TV personalities.
This character is no longer around, but I loved Brian Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White. As a member of the viewing audience, I went from feeling desperately sorry for him, to being afraid for him, to distrusting every word that came from his mouth. What superb acting! Come to think of it, Maybe Walter should be running for president.
My new favorite complex character is Jimmy McGee, played by Bob Odenkirk on Better Call Saul. Talk about the guy you hate to love. But you just have to love him no matter what. Conniving, self-interested, without moral boundaries? Yeah, all that’s true, but he ends up doing so much good that we find ourselves in his corner.
In the female category, I’ve always admired Patricia Heaton from her days on Everybody Loves Raymond to her current role on The Middle. In her first series she played the sassy, outspoken wife we all want to be at times. As a mom in her current series, she is just to the right of being totally incapable, and because of that, we relate to her problems and root her on.
Another favorite of mind is Bridget Moynahan who plays Erin Ragan on Blue Bloods. Classy, educated, nurturing and cutthroat at times, she is the perfect woman, strong when she needs to be, giving when it matters.
So, what do I do when politics are getting me down? I turn on the tube to any channel that isn’t news. Or… I pick up a great book, like a Harlequin Heartwarming romance and settle in for hours of romantic imagining. A friend who is spiritual in nature told me that we all have the ability to hypnotize ourselves, and one example is when we get “in the zone” of enjoying a good book or watching an exceptional piece of film. So go ahead folks, self hypnotize. We all need it once in a while.
Please comment on your favorite "zone out" tv show, character, or book. Does anyone agree with my picks?
And for a book, if I might suggest this January RT top pick - or any Harlequin Heartwarming.
My new favorite complex character is Jimmy McGee, played by Bob Odenkirk on Better Call Saul. Talk about the guy you hate to love. But you just have to love him no matter what. Conniving, self-interested, without moral boundaries? Yeah, all that’s true, but he ends up doing so much good that we find ourselves in his corner.
In the female category, I’ve always admired Patricia Heaton from her days on Everybody Loves Raymond to her current role on The Middle. In her first series she played the sassy, outspoken wife we all want to be at times. As a mom in her current series, she is just to the right of being totally incapable, and because of that, we relate to her problems and root her on.
Another favorite of mind is Bridget Moynahan who plays Erin Ragan on Blue Bloods. Classy, educated, nurturing and cutthroat at times, she is the perfect woman, strong when she needs to be, giving when it matters.
So, what do I do when politics are getting me down? I turn on the tube to any channel that isn’t news. Or… I pick up a great book, like a Harlequin Heartwarming romance and settle in for hours of romantic imagining. A friend who is spiritual in nature told me that we all have the ability to hypnotize ourselves, and one example is when we get “in the zone” of enjoying a good book or watching an exceptional piece of film. So go ahead folks, self hypnotize. We all need it once in a while.
Please comment on your favorite "zone out" tv show, character, or book. Does anyone agree with my picks?
And for a book, if I might suggest this January RT top pick - or any Harlequin Heartwarming.
Cheers and happy voting!
Cynthia
I’m with you, sick of all the politics, the candidates and the constant promotions. I have an unlisted telephone number, yet I get calls (all prerecorded) from the governor, senators and the like asking me to vote for some candidate or contribute money. Ugh! I’m watching reruns of Numbers, Blue Bloods and my favorite, Law and Order, whenever I’m not reading, writing or practicing my guitar.
ReplyDeleteMarion, you play the guitar? My favorite instrument. I wish I had that talent to "take me away" from it all.
DeleteCynthia
Reading and writing are my favorite "zone out" activities, Cynthia. I like to stay informed, but the news is so depressing.
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved Everybody Loves Raymond. That show is guaranteed to chase away the blues.
I know, Jill. I'm kind of a news junkie but we all need a break sometimes, especially now. I remember the times Patricia Heaton called her husband "an idiot." I never did that, but found it oddly refreshing when she did it.
DeleteCynthia, Couldn't agree more. Our state voted yesterday, but over half voted early so we've been inundated with the same ads over and over for a month. I can't believe it will go on until November. Ugh! Fortunately it's either writing or reading time for me since I don't like a lot of the shows on TV. Sometimes I buy a movie. Loved your January book and all of Jan and February Heartwarmings and a lot of books from other lines as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roz. I probably watch too much TV. Currently into "Outlander" think it's well done. I got the gist of the news yesterday and then tuned out. Too depressing.
DeleteWhen I'm not reading...or writing...I watch old movies. This year's political circus makes "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" an auto-watch.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. Haven't seen that. Will find it on my streaming box soon.
DeleteMarion, I have your January book on my bedside table and can't wait to read it... Just have to finish this book on hackers for my next suspense. 😇
ReplyDeleteI keep my tv on the music channels. Elevator music actually. Lol
Sometimes there's nothing more soothing than elevator music. I'm a country and Irish junkie but the oldies and goodies are great.
DeleteAmen! Even on the Internet, when I open it, there's some candidates face there. Even yesterday after the Brussels bombing was all over TV, I still had to see a candidates face on my computer.
ReplyDeleteNothing against Hilary, but how many times has she been front and center on AOL? At least it's a good picture of her!
DeleteCynthia, I will admit to being a bit of a news/political junkie, but this craziness has been even getting me down! The news is usually my "background noise," but lately I find myself turning it off or changing the channel! I don't watch many TV series-type shows, but I recently (on recommendation of friends) started watching Breaking Bad while I'm on my treadmill. Wow. Have to agree about Brian Cranston. And Saul is my favorite character. Looking forward to checking out that show next.
ReplyDeleteCarol I think you'll love Saul on his own series. Starts with his rise in the legal profession and the creative way he rose to the top. So entertaining.
DeleteCynthia - couldn't agree more about political ads, and about Bridget Moynahan. Love Blue Bloods. Watch reruns of Raymond all the time, Big Bang Theory, Castle, Rizzoli and Isles. Glutting of Georgette Heyer recently and trying not to eat ice cream while I do it - but it does make it even better somehow.
ReplyDeleteOh, ice cream! I miss it so now that I'm on a low carb diet! Last night I was very, very bad and had a chocolate soft serve. Love that soft serve.
DeleteI'm sick of it but also embracing it. My next heartwarming coming in October is going to be "The Senator's Daughter" :) I don't watch the news on TV and ignore social media. That's the constant updating/blaring. Instead I'll read 1-2 newspaper articles to get a sense of what's going on so I can be an informed voter.
ReplyDeleteYour first line sums up my feelings exactly. And I'm glad to see someone still reading the newspaper. We need folks like you to keep the papers going.
DeleteYour first line sums up my feelings exactly. And I'm glad to see someone still reading the newspaper. We need folks like you to keep the papers going.
DeleteYes, I always vote by mail (I highly recommend it) but I'm so sick of the calls, the surprise visits from local candidates, etc.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite zone out show is any period drama I can find on Netflix. (I recommend Wind at My Back-- available on DVD). I read a lot too. No cable helps as well.
Thanks for the recommendation, JCP
DeleteSelf-hypnosis? Maybe that why sometimes, at the end of a good book, I experience that moment of disorientation. Where am I? Why am I here, in my house, instead of with the characters in the novel? Breaking Bad was one of those train wreck shows - I almost hated to watch, but couldn't seem to turn away from the tragic character arc.
ReplyDeleteYou summed it up so well, Beth. At the end of some books we feel the need to shake ourselves out of being absorbed. I think that's what my friend meant.
DeleteI've never heard the "self-hypnosis" thing before. I thought that was what gardening was all about. In any event...I plead guilty to all of the above. Reading, writing, watching Blue Bloods with and without ice cream. Old movies are the best and I watch romance films over and over in the morning when I'm on the treadmill. Talk about a zone! Loved your post, Cynthia! And loved your book!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeletethanks Catherine! Can't wait to read yours. I hadn't heard of self hypnosis either. I was supposedly hypnotised thirty years ago when I quit smoking but I don't think I really was. Gardening is one of my "zone" activities too.
I I usually don't have regular network television on, so I've managed to escape from the constant political bombardment. It's almost as bad as the continual prescription drug ads. I read, mostly Heartwarming books and mysteries, or watch older movies when I want some noise in the background while I'm scurrying about at home. Recently I watched First Wives Club. Another favorite of mine is The Holiday and You've Got Mail. I also watch I Love Lucy on DVD regularly, and Downton Abbey.
ReplyDeleteAh, Downton Abbey. I'm so sorry it's over. Was a wonderful series.
DeleteCongratulations, again, Cynthia on the RT Top Pick for A BOY TO REMEMBER! I really enjoyed sharing a release date with you. As for television shows, suffice it to say that I do not watch a lot of television, but I am almost embarrassed to say that I haven't even heard of most of the shows you mentioned. :-(
ReplyDeleteDon't be embarrassed, Kate. Many TV shows aren't worth watching. I like comedies right before bedtime so I can go to sleep with a smile. Sometimes reality doesn't allow me to do that.
ReplyDelete