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Andy K (10821 KP) rated Diagnosis in TV

Sep 2, 2019

Diagnosis

2019 | Documentary

7.0

(3 Ratings)

TV Show Rating

Fascinating and emotional TV

I never scroll through Netflix since I hate it so very much (I digress), but I did today so they got me.

I found this new very interesting and emotional docuseries about Dr. Lisa Sanders who writes a column called "Diagnosis" in the New York Times that she decided to take online to try and find a global "diagnosis" or answer for people with very rare and unusual medical conditions who are desperate and at the end of their rope to try and find answers.

Once published hundreds of responses pour in from both average people who maybe have been effected by a similar condition or their family has as well as various medical professionals spanning the globe with various replies. The results are then tabulated and discussed with the patient as far as possible treatment options.

The description sounds exploitative, but I don't believe it is. There is a disclaimer on the front of each episode saying everyone should consult their own medical professional before starting any treatment. The show is certainly made for entertainment, but also to inform and enlighten.

The result is gripping and emotional seeing those who have long suffered rare conditions and have been through the medical system only to be frustrated with a lack of treatments or even knowing what their condition is.

I cry during emotional commercials on television, so it doesn't take much for me to start balling. I was swept up in this show almost immediately even though I am only a few episodes in.

OK fine Netflix has one good show! 😜

Kudos

Erika (17788 KP) Sep 3, 2019

I've been debating watching this, now I'll probably try it. I'm glad I'm not the only one who can't really stand Netflix. But hey, at least they have the Great British Bake Off avail every Friday now.

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Andy K (10821 KP) Sep 3, 2019

For sure I watched the first episode yesterday!

Kudos

Lenard (726 KP) rated Late Night (2019) in Movies

Aug 26, 2019

Late Night (2019)

2019 | Comedy, Drama

6.4

(12 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Late Night is a well-written comedy about a non-white female hired to add diversity to the writing staff of a late night talk show. Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson showing the comic skills developed during her university days as Hugh Laurie's girlfriend) is a older sophisticated woman who hosts a show whose audience is dying off, literally in some cases and figuratively. If things do not improve, she will no longer be host of her eponymous talk show. So, in an unexpected but obvious hiring decision, Molly Patel is hired to join the writing staff. At first, seen as an interloper with little comedy or writing experience, Molly uses her Mindy Kaling charm to win over her co-workers and her boss. As Katherine starts to see a way to take advantage of her uniqueness and the youth of Molly, she challenges the status quo of late night.
The movie is charming. The characters are developed and not cardboard cutouts of caricatures thanks to the writing, Max Casella, Reid Scott, Denis O'Hare, Hugh Dancy, Amy Ryan, and John Lithgow have backstories and motivations. However, the movie never really goes after the boys' club landscape that late night television inhabits nor does it go after the concept of diversity hires. It simply turns Molly into some sprite who sprinkles enthusiasm into the mundane lives of the people she encounters. Late Night also begins the campaign for John Lithgow as this year's Best Supporting Actor, Not for this role as the mentor for Molly's transformation to strong woman and devoted husband of Katherine who learns the meaning of karma, but for his role later this year as Roger Ailes.