I’m back with my thoughts on more shows that I’ve watched lately!

Cobra Kai

Network or Service: Netflix

Episodes: 30

Starring: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña, and Tanner Buchanan

IMDb Synopsis: Decades after their 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament bout, a middle-aged Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence find themselves martial arts rivals again.

What I Found: A really great return to form, especially in season one, and a fun continuation of another nostalgic ’80s property. All three seasons have such cheesy writing and hammy performances, but it becomes a warm helping of comfort food in these uncertain times. I’m here for the karate, first and foremost. Yet I was surprised to also find some decent dramatic moments and character work. Although, it’s getting harder to maintain suspension of disbelief as the show goes on (for real, a lot of these people should be getting arrested). That alone isn’t enough for me to drop the show!

The Queen’s Gambit

Network or Service: Netflix

Episodes: 7

Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Isla Johnston, and Christiane Seidel

IMDb Synopsis: Orphaned at the tender age of nine, prodigious introvert Beth Harmon discovers and masters the game of chess in 1960s USA. But child stardom comes at a price.

What I Found: Probably the best-looking TV series I’ve ever seen. Seriously. It’s beautifully shot, with amazingly detailed sets and excellent direction. Everything from the cinematography to the fashion is so stylized. I love it. I liked Beth as a character and her story, which were both tragic for much of the miniseries’ run. The actress who plays her totally killed it. The other characters are all exceptionally realized as well, and a lot of the writing was very good. And whoa, chess is super intriguing, too! I most likely wouldn’t have checked this one out had I not heard such good things about it, and I’m glad I did!

The Mandalorian

Network or Service: Disney+

Episodes: 16

Starring: Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Giancarlo Esposito, and Carl Weathers

IMDb Synopsis: Chronicles the travels of a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.

What I Found: Easily the best Star Wars property currently out there and one of the greatest TV space westerns ever (I’ll love you forever, Firefly). Season one of this show is almost perfect, in my opinion. It’s a respectful homage not only to Star Wars, but also to some of the most iconic filmmaking in the world, from spaghetti westerns to samurai classics. And it’s a simple story told in simple ways when you don’t need it to get terribly complex. Season two kind of becomes “Disneyfied”, as it brings in huge cameos, sets up spinoffs for other characters, and drops most Easter eggs than I could ever count. Yet Din Djarin and Grogu always remain the heart of the show, and as long as the creators stick with them, I’ll be happy.

A Recommendation: Firefly, because even though it’s arguably more popular than ever, I will still sing the praises of that show until I’m lowered into my grave.