Five Things So Lit
Oldies but Goodies
Hello friends. Remember the adage “everything old is new again?” (Jonathan Swift). This week, I am presenting to you a couple of “classics” Good lord, am I really that old? Wait, don’t answer that!
There is no denying that new discoveries are exciting, and I endeavor to maintain a sense of curiosity and openness throughout my days. I will not cease to seek out new authors, new filmmakers, new artists, new music, new ways of looking at things. However, there is solace in the familiar, and it is perfectly okay to revisit old favourites now and again.
Columbo (available for purchase on Apple or Amazon Prime in Canada, Peacock (U.S.), is the shrewd and observant homicide detective whose trademarks include a rumpled beige raincoat, unassuming demeanor, cigar, battered car, perpetual love of chili, and an unseen wife (whom he mentions frequently). He often leaves a room only to return with the catchphrase “just one more thing”. Killers underestimate him, mistaking his folksy demeanor for incompetence, always to their detriment.
I believe that young viewers, fans of cozy detective series, would delight in Columbo. Peter Falk remains an indelible onscreen presence. Falk also acted in films now recognized as classics, the John Cassavetes pictures are notable among his filmography. If you give Columbo a whirl, you’ll note that the 70s costuming is full on (big hair don’t care!), and every studio star and character actor of note appeared on the show; from Johnny Cash to Leonard Nimoy to studio era luminaries like Janet Leigh and Ida Lupino. Here is an article by Josh Spiegel, which highlights the show’s timeless appeal. https://www.brightwalldarkroom.com/2020/10/26/a-class-of-his-own-columbo/
Fun fact: Famous filmmakers who cut their teeth directing episodes of Columbo include Steven Spielberg, Jonathan Demme, John Cassavetes, and Ben Gazzara (all went on to illustrious careers). Spielberg directed the pilot episode.
Fun fact: The hit TV series, Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne, is directly inspired by Columbo, right down to the identical fonts displayed in the opening credits. If you are a fan of Lyonne, Columbo should be right up your alley.
X Files (Disney), was THE pop culture phenomenon of the 1990s. Everyone on the planet, or so it seemed, were held sway by the adventures of Mulder and Scully, two FBI agents investigating paranormal and alien encounters. I used to get together with friends for a weekly watch, in real time (this was before streaming, did I mention I am old?). I prefer self-contained episodes (usually featuring monsters or other creepy crawlies) over the overarching alien conspiracy storylines (convoluted for this viewer). Pick an episode at random to watch on a weeknight. X Files is suspenseful enough to prevent you from nodding off before your appointed bedtime, but not so scary as to provoke a bout of insomnia.
Fun Fact: X Files was filmed in and around Vancouver, BC Canada. Many locations are instantly recognizable.
Fun Fact: Vince Gilligan was a frequent contributor to X Files and scripted several episodes. Gilligan went on to helm Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and, Plur1bus.
I do not have five items for you myself this week, dear readers (family obligations) but here are some recommendations from documentarian Penny Lane (yes, that is her real name). Austin Kleon https://substack.com/@austinkleon brought Lane’s account to my attention. https://substack.com/@lennypane (Kleon and Lane host accounts that are worth subscribing to by the way, quality content)
Lane lists five documentaries for dark times (apt). I can vouch for Tabloid, which I have seen (you cannot miss with Errol Morris, all his docs are good). I look forward to watching Lane’s smartly curated selections.
Stay tuned for the next iteration of Dinner and a Movie, coming to you the last week of each month. The theme this year is women in film. In the interim, I created an anonymous survey that enables you, the viewer, to participate. If you wish to fill it out you will find it, here. You’d be doing me a solid. I did my best to make it fun, rather than onerous!
https://nadine3892.substack.com/survey/5960155
Until next time, my lovelies, take care of yourselves. I shall see you soon. xx
The X-Files is also available for free on Pluto TV. I’ve watched a few of the first series episodes and it still holds up well after all these years. Classic TV.
Funny thing, it took me a while to jump on X-Files with my first wife, but I eventually did and enjoyed it, but not ravenously. I did the husbandly duty and took her to the X-Files movie, got her books about X-Files, etc. My second wife? We both LOVE it now and binge the series 3-4 episodes at a time when we have the hankering.