The Midlife

It’s that time of year, readers. You know the time. When the temperatures hit above 80 degrees, your bathing suit is in the laundry basket (or you just don’t want to play Chase the Chaise Lounge at your public pool), and your AC feels delicious. TV time. What follows are my recommendations ranked according to mood. I’m starting from sad to happy. Enjoy!

For when you want to feel better about your high school experience, watch the final season of Euphoria.

First and foremost, the main reason I tuned in for this depressing series is simple: Zendaya. Zendaya is up there in pure Goddess Status, which is a very limited group of people in my view. (Beyonce is on this list, as well.) Zendaya’s acting chops are so on point and profound; she deserves every award and accolade.

Season three follows a group of young adults five years after high school, all of them in some of the most difficult life challenges anyone can face. Drug addiction (in particular, the opioid crisis), sex work, adultery, debt, fame at all costs, and the test of true faith in a higher being. There are deaths of major characters, which have been mourned online in droves. And while I believe you can watch the third season as a stand-alone watch, following the back story of the prior seasons adds to the experience.

I don’t want to give away a great deal here. However, I want to note a few things. Season three has a Quentin Tarantino-esque vibe (with the music choices and closing credits). Not since Breaking Bad have I seen one of the most grisly death scenes ever. Overall, the acting is superb. Aside from Zendaya, this season highlights the sensational acting of Colman Domingo, who is absolutely crushing it in various TV series and films. Lastly, if you are squeamish about seeing appendages cut off, I suggest you skip this or watch it during the daytime hours.

When you need a forecast of midlife and relationships, watch season two of The Four Seasons.

Season two, which could stand alone, follows long-time friends and a grieving pregnant mistress, as they start off with a trip to sprinkle the ashes of their friend who died at the end of season one.

The Tina Fey-created series based on the Alan Alda film by the same name is about three quarters comedy to one quarter drama. All acting is great, with specials shouts to King Colman Domingo and Kerry Kenney-Silver, who you may remember from the beloved The State on MTV (and Reno 911). If you like shorter episodes with lasting emotional impact, check it out. Of all the series I am recommending, this reads most like real life, albeit a quippy and funnier version.

If you are into detective series that are extremely well-written (with both funny and serious, rich storytelling), watch Will Trent.

I’m not sure why more people aren’t talking about this series in its fourth season on ABC (with next-day streaming on Hulu). I am ranking this as my favorite series I’ve watched this year. I said what I said.

Special Agent Will Trent is the main character played with quirky sexiness by Ramón Rodríguez (an actor I don’t hear people talking about enough). Will represents the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation). He is a dyslexic master crime solver and survivor of a rocky upbringing through the foster care system. One of his long-time friends (and loves), Detective Angie Polaski, adds to the dramatic sizzle when they work alongside one another for the greater good. Polaski, played by the always wonderful Erika Christensen (of one of my all-time favorite teen scary films: Swimfan), has personal battles of her own.

Will Trent is based on the book series by Karin Slaughter and has a sensational cast (the velvet-voiced Sonja Sohn is a star) and fantastic writing. Arcs with Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Saved by the Bell) and Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) are stand-outs. I binged four seasons in a couple of weeks. Do with this information, as you see fit.

Well, dear readers, that sums it up for me TV-wise. What are you recommending? I would love to hear them in the comments. Until then, stay cool!