Allo all! I hope you are having a fine week. I haven’t been on the internet much the past few days cos I’m a sick puppy at the moment. It feels like I’ve been gone whole week. I checked my Google RSS reader this morning to find Richard Armitage blogs buzzing with Strike Back discussion (see links to RA blogs/sites under ‘RArmitage Reconnaissance’ in the sidebar). It’s nice to see that his latest project is sparking lots of conversation. I’ve not seen Strike Back yet and don’t plan and watching it any time soon, so I’m abstaining from reading too much in case of spoilers.

John Porter… doing his best “Officer Bob” impersonation.

Although I am always keen to see RA’s work, I’m not running to the torrents for this one. I’m always weary of how war, and masculinity in particular, is portrayed on screen. Even though I understand that this piece is not a glorification of war and has been done in a conscientious manner, I’m just not in the mood to digest this kind of story at the moment. I’m not adverse to military stories per se, some of the best pieces of cinema explore this subject. Some film/TV I watch for entertainment, and some I can’t help but watch with my critical social scientist hat on. When men/masculinities/military/war are depicted on screen I automatically revert to social/cultural analyst mode. I’m too tired to be analysing in my spare time at the moment. So I want to wait until I have the head space to take it in. I have, however, been gradually going through some of the RA Strike Back press for Spooks 9 intel. In the the next week or so I hope to post a summary of teasers for next season.

I finished watching all five seasons of Six Feet Under yesterday. It was simply one of the best TV drama series I’ve ever seen. Almost flawless, few false notes, amazing cast/performances, poignant, and full of triggers. It really got to me. I feel completely drained yet invigorated by it. If you don’t mind dark themes, I strongly recommend, no, actually, I INSIST you check it out (warning, you may fall in love in Michael C. Hall, he is completely adorable in it!). Has anyone else seen it? What did you think?

Apart from devouring Six Feet Under, I’ve been doing lots of this:

No! Not reading the Financial Times, or working in a cafe, or looking hot in a blue suit, just drinking liquid gold.

RA Screencaps from RichardArmitageNet.