Best of 2013: It’s Not Just About Books #1
While it's true that the name of this blog is The Buzz…About Books, it is also true that Toronto Public Library has a lot of non-book items that are worth promoting. When I asked library staff members for their favourite books of the year, some people shared favourites in other formats, too. This is the response from AL, one of our resident television experts:
Don't have Netflix? Never fear, the library can assist you in your new year's resolution to finally go on a Breaking Bad binge! In fact, if you're thinking about staying inside for some marathon TV watching instead of venturing out on the wintry streets, we have many shows in our DVD collection suited for that weekend plan. Have you already seen every adrenalin-amped episode of 24 and watched every head-scratching hour of Lost? Here are some more shows best consumed without week-long waits between episodes:
Carnivàle, set in the Oklahoma Dust Bowl circa 1934, is the weird, maddening story of a travelling carnival and its colourful members and, incidentally, an ancient battle between light and dark. Run away to join this circus of creepy symbolism and disturbing dream sequences, but don't expect clear-cut resolutions.
After the Hulk-sized splash The Avengers made in theatres, you may have heard of Joss Whedon, pop culture's reigning god of geekdom. Many viewers who don't usually watch science fiction shows have been charmed by his space western Firefly, despite its untimely cancellation after only a season. Want more Whedon? You can access the complete series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff Angel with your library card.
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Reminiscing about the awkward halcyon days of high school? Even if you're not, Freaks and Geeks will make you chuckle and cringe and wax nostalgic about gym class, first love, and the early careers of James Franco and Seth Rogen.
Perhaps you feel like you haven't seen enough of the Bard on the small screen. New to our collection is The Hollow Crown, a BBC adaptation of four of Shakespeare's history plays collectively known as the Henriad. The impressive cast includes Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Patrick Stewart and Ben Whishaw.
Based on the late Elmore Leonard's work, modern western crime drama Justified recently had its end date announced, so you can start organizing your schedule to catch up on its early seasons. It's well worth it – and unexpectedly funny – to make the trip into the deep dark hills of eastern Kentucky, where you'll meet the assorted villains of Harlan County and the marshals who try to keep them in line.
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Rome wasn't built in a day, but you can'theoretically watch it in a day if you prepare food in advance, minimize bathroom breaks and forgo sleep. This expensive pre-Boardwalk Empire, pre-Game of Thrones HBO production hits all the familiar gritty, bloody and sensual notes.
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