Former President Obama shared the names of his favorite TV shows and movies of 2020 and ever since then, news channels as well as online media has been buzzing over the list. His choices represent a diverse range of genres, time periods and subject matters. What particularly captivated the former commander-in-chief is their intricate visual storytelling that he claims to have enjoyed regardless of their formats.
Understandably due to the current pandemic situation, people have been increasingly spending time on indoor activities such as reading or watching TV shows; Obama and his family are no exception. When considering Obama's choices, people might ask why they should watch.
Better Call Saul
The writing, direction, cinematography and phenomenal performance of Bob Odenkirk as the sleazy Saul Goodman cannot be overlooked. Yet it is the gradual character development and special attention to little details that might seem trivial but actually play a significant role in setting the tone, is what makes it so exceptional. The development of Jimmy’s alter-ego Saul, provides a lot of depth to the character itself, transforming the once buffoonish comic relief into a morally challenged criminal lawyer.
While the transition of Goodman could be compared to that of Walter White, this series has a darkly comic and multilayered universe gaining wide popularity and critical acclaim as a standalone.
The Queen’s Gambit
Set during the Cold War, The Queen's Gambit focuses mainly on the life and challenges faced by the central character and the gulf existing between her desire to be a socially withdrawn introvert in contrast to the reality of her celebrity status. Hailing from a small orphanage, the steady transition of that tormented little girl into a remarkable chess champion is anything short of extraordinary.
The use of chess as an extended metaphor gives the series a nuanced point of view that traces the mental journey of Beth Harmon and exposes her inner life in the most compelling manner. This was a delight to everyone irrespective of whether they loved a game of chess or not. The slow character development and the incredible cinematography including the top-notch production design, especially the choice of costume used for such a period drama, is irable. The story inspires, moves and thrills the audience such that they remain transfixed witnessing the enchanting spectacle.
I May Destroy You
Tackling a delicate subject such as sexual assault requires understanding and skills. Michaela Coel makes a stunning TV series despite the heavy nature of the topic. The way Arabella deals with the trauma of sexual assault and the nuanced portrayal of her experience as a survivor is what the drama focuses on.
It has a brilliant script, dark and witty humor that is both brave and sensitive while also keeping in mind the deeper scars or discomfort left behind by trauma. That ultimately leads to the pertinent question of consent in contemporary relationships and explores the thin line of difference between liberation and exploitation.
The Boys
The primary focus of The Boys is a band of very ordinary citizens with nothing to rely on other than their mere determination, grit and strength of character, trying to bring some corrupted superhuman beings down. It all boils down to what one chooses to do with their talents or gifts, use it for their personal gain or for overall good?
One of the most interesting points of this show is that one can’t simply categorize the superheroes under the label of “bad guys” because they are much more complex characters. Unlike usual one-dimensional villains, despite their extraordinary skills, the powered characters in The Boys are just as vulnerable as humans, and possibly also victims of some kind of a military experiment plan gone rogue. That makes fans sympathize with them as well as makes the series even more fascinating to watch.
The Good Lord Bird
Set in America, during the turbulent times just before Civil War, this mini-series follows a young teenager, Onion, as he gets involved with John Brown in the holy crusade against slavery and other abolitionist movements. Eventually he ends up taking part in the famous 1859 Harper Ferry Army raid. Tragedy interspersed with some comic relief, this series narrates the history of the ever-changing concept of race, religion and gender in the context of an American identity.
Ethan Hawke’s captivating performance in the show ultimately helps to emphasize on the question as to whether there should be freedom and democracy or direct evangelism and violent discrimination, majorly reflecting the crucial ongoing debates.
Devs
An existential sci-fi story that centers on a computer engineer Lily Chan who suspects that her boyfriend’s disappearance had something to do with Amay, a computing firm. The show reflects the impact of loss and grief on people and the serious technological implications that it can bring about.
Those who love to ruminate about theoretical physics or philosophize on the true purpose of life would absolutely enjoy it. Perhaps, a little bleak and at intervals quite touching, this series has found its own niche of audience who appreciate its thematic depth. Atmospheric and complete with vivid cinematography, Devs is definitely worth watching.
The Last Dance
One of those rare documentaries that don’t require the viewer to understand basketball to enjoy the show. Based on Michael Jordan’s journey as a young emergent player to a renowned star acquiring the status of global fame, this series poignantly covers both his and the iconic Chicago Bulls’ contributions as well as struggle towards winning the NBA championship.
It is intense, packed with emotional scenes, inspiring and probably work as the perfect motivational boost for sports enthusiasts during such a period of indefinite lockdown.
Mrs. America
Reinventing the 70s' political scenario in context with the Equal Rights Amendment, Mrs. America presents a spectrum of different characters brought alive through their staunch beliefs and strong opinions.
While Schlafly’s anti-feminist stance might irk some, it is important to consider her as a formidable opponent in the debate. She has problematic views and constantly tries to stop the liberal feminists but it is irable that the series shows us the characters as realistically as possible and does not strip them of their innate complexities by portraying them as simply evil or malicious.
The Good Place
In a case of mistaken identity, Eleanor unexpectedly reaches a town synonymous to Heaven despite having been a morally corrupt saleswoman most of her real life. With the help of her soulmate Chidi, she now tries to make amends to preserve her spot in ‘The Good Place’.
Lighthearted and almost flawless in both acting and screen writing, this series has a pleasant impact on the viewer providing quality entertainment while also carrying a deeper meaning within the story that is easy to grasp.
City So Real
Developed upon the upheavals caused during the 2019 mayoral elections in Chicago, the subsequent tragedy of George Floyd who was battered to death by police and the local impact of the pandemic makes this four-part documentary series quite relevant in modern times.
Unfortunately, racism still exists and so does unwarranted police brutality. But it is necessary to create a discourse among the people and discuss these issues, instead of letting them off into oblivion under the convenient guise of silence. The series plays a significant role in raising such important questions and sketching an overall portrait of the city.