FEATURES

Binge-Watching on the Trainer...

Monday, 26 February 2018 23:20

As Netflix binge-watchers, the MTN Guys enjoyed Allie Burdick's article on usatriathlon.org about her five favorite shows to OD on during her trainer workouts. We have seen two of her recommened series---"Shameless" and "Ozark"--and agree that they are totally binge-worthy, especially Ozark because it features two of our favorite actors, Jason Bateman and Laura Linnie.

Burdick's other choices are "Mindhunter," "Master of None" and "Manhunt: Unabomber." We haven't seen those shows yet, but are anxious to check them out.

We have our binge-watching recommendations. Here's our current top 4 in alpha order:

- BREAKING BAD - We're going to come right out and say it: In our opinion, Breaking Bad is the greatest series ever. Outstanding premise, lots of moral and psychological grissle to chew on, outstanding writing, and finally, incredible acting, especially from Bryan Cranston (Walter White) and Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman). It's only flaw is that it only ran for five seasons. Trudles and I are still in withdrawal. Also: the spin-off "Better Call Saul," starring the amazing Bob Odenkirk, is also a great series that we highly recommend to fellow bingers....

- LIE TO ME - This fascinating series only lasted three seasons, which is a total shame. Here's Wiki's capsule:  In the show, Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) and his colleagues in The Lightman Group accept assignments from third parties (commonly local and federal law enforcement), and assist in investigations, reaching the truth through applied psychology: interpreting microexpressions, through the Facial Action Coding System, and body language. Roth's terrific character is quirky and jerky, bringing humor to even the most dire scenes. His partner, Dr. Gillian Foster, wonderfully portrayed by Kelli Williams, brings grace and sanity into LIightman's otherwise chaotic world. Secondary characters Eli Lokar (Brendan HInes) and Ria Torres (Monica Raymond) are also outstanding.

- NURSE JACKIE - Portrayed by the mesmerizing Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie is a world class emergency room nurse. She is also an drug addict. The love/hate relationship with her character begins immediately and doesn't let up until the final show. The 80-episode series honestly explores the heartbreak and sociopathology of addiction.

- WHITE COLLAR - We loved this series so much that the moment we finished the final episode in season six, we started over. WC is about a super-brilliant con artist, forger and thief, who is sprung from prison in order to assist the FBI in bringing down some the world's most evil white collar criminals. Tim DeKay (Agent Peter Burke) and Matt Bomer (criminal Neil Caffrey) are unique and awesome lead characters, as is the city of New York. Yes, the city itself is a character. Willie Garson as Neil's conspiracy theorist friend, "Mozzie," is a HOOT!