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8 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JULY 2020 By Sherrie Chaparro, Resident With so much time on our hands, most of us are probably watching more television than ever. You are probably aware of many of the more publicized series, such as The Crown, Ozark, Big Little Lies, Victoria, etc., but I would like to direct your attention to some worthwhile entertainment you may have overlooked. (If you would like me to write about some of your favorites, please contact me at s.chaparro1@verizon.net.) Call the Midwife (nine seasons, Netflix): Nine seasons of one-hour episodes allows this series to run from post-war London up to the mid-sixties. The storyline follows a group of medically trained nuns and secular nurses as they minister to the impoverished inhabitants of London's East End through the British national health system. If you are looking for a warm, human drama which leaves you feeling hopeful and uplifted, I cannot recommend this series highly enough. The warmth, sense of purpose and devotion to their own community and the women they serve is very comforting, but do not be surprised if you shed a tear occasionally. Catastrophe (four seasons, Prime): These intelligent half hour comedy episodes chronicle the story of an American man who travels to London on business and engages in a brief, torrid affair with an Irish woman he meets there, only to learn later of the "catastrophe" which follows him home. The cast, including all the costars, are attractive, interesting, and quirky. I also love the way this series has unfolded. Very diverting and enjoyable. Modern Love (two seasons, Prime): These half hour episodes are based on true stories submitted to The New York Times column of the same name. Most of these stories do not deal with the traditional understanding of "romantic" love, but something that may be even more important these days: The various human connections that occur in all our lives. Dead to Me (two seasons, Netflix): This series consists of half hour episodes which straddle the line between comedy and drama, primarily because of the issues raised (death, guilt, friendship, abuse). As the series progresses, you learn more and more of what came before, which heightens both suspense and understanding. A big plus for me was recognizing areas of Laguna Beach where filming took place. Vera (nine seasons, Prime): If you like police procedurals like Law & Order, you will like this one. Episodes are 1 ½ hours long, which gives time to fully develop the plot line, including many red herrings. Each episode involves a homicide being investigated by Chief Detective Vera Stanhope (a woman of a certain age) and her team. It takes place in northeast England, and the accents may be a bit hard to understand, but I find it helps to turn up the volume. Television During Lockdown

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