Things that brought me joy (3)
Kaleidoscope, a limited series on Netflix about a heist with a fun twist: you can watch the episodes in any order you like (the only recommendation is to watch “White”, the episode about the heist itself, last). Netflix will randomly assign an order to you out of the 40,320 (yes!) possible combinations but you could choose not to follow that. I did, and watched it in the order of Green, Yellow, Violet, Orange, Blue, Red, Pink, White, which it turns out was mostly chronological. The ensemble cast is led by the phenomenal Giancarlo Esposito (of Breaking Bad fame) as the criminal mastermind and Rufus Sewell (who you’ll recognise from The Man in the High Castle) as the vault owner.
Enola Holmes 2, also on Netflix and a worthy sequel again following the exploits of Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister (Millie Bobbie Brown, of Stranger Things). What I didn’t expect was for this one to be inspired by actual events (the Matchgirls’ strike of 1888). Henry Cavill and Helena Bonham Carter return as Sherlock and matriarch Eudoria. Tons of fun. I recommend popcorn. Bonus: we finally get to meet Dr Watson.
Zoetrope, a 10-part audio drama starring Daisy Ridley as Tamsin, a banker who’s recently relocated from the UK to Singapore and after her welcome party at work ends up with her boss dead in her bathroom. Things escalate when a voice on her intercom starts blackmailing her. Everything else around her is also getting shady very quickly. I was hooked from the start and listened to it all in one day. It requires an Audible subscription but the actual show is free because it’s Audible’s weird definition of a podcast (so you could listen with a free trial).
Slushy, another 10-part Audible “podcast”. This one’s a work comedy set in Antarctica, told from the perspective of a new recruit who everyone thinks is a Penguin expert (though the truth – her complete lack of scientific knowledge – dawns on everyone quickly). It’s an ensemble of wacky but very lovable characters. It’s also written (and stars) Australians Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney, the comedic geniuses behind parodies The Katering Show and Get Krack!n. I listened to the whole thing in one hilarious afternoon.