Derek Season 1 Finale

So I mini-marathoned the final four episodes of the initial Netflix run of Derek yesterday. As I have posted previously, this show is a tearjerker in crass comedy's clothing. Rather than wallowing in either, Derek makes more of a rapid-cycling manic depressive of the viewer. The shifts are so abrupt it is not uncommon to find oneself in a fit of raucus laughter before the tears from the previous scene have stopped flowing. 

The final episode is no exception with some heartfelt moments of reflection from Derek's friends on what makes Derek the man so much greater than his role in society. We hear how lucky Derek is that his limitations allow him to bypass the psychological pits and snares that drag the rest of us into disappointment and self-loathing. Likewise, he is praised for taking the best shortcut to happiness and fulfillment, kindness. 

Derek really is a beautiful little show and I can't wait to hear news of season 2. 

Derek celebrates his 50th birthday. (entertainment.ie)

Boardwalk Bye-Bye

Anthony Laciura's Eddie Kessler (http://boardwalkempire.wikia.com)

Sorry for the long hiatus everyone!

Last night I watched episode 4 of the current season of Boardwalk Empire. I write this in near shock at the abrupt departure of a long-time minor character and pleasingly emerging lead, Anthony Laciura's Eddie Kessler. Eddie began the show as series lead Nucky Thompson's discreet and faithful personal valet.

Eddie was always there in the background, providing the occasional moment of levity. That was it, until Eddie took a bullet during an escape with Nucky last season. Eddie demanded more responsibility in the organization and gained Laciura more serious screen time in the bargain. Unfortunately, Eddie's time in the sun was short-lived.

While on a mission which brought us some beautifully raucous, German-inspired drinking scenes with a Capone brother, Eddie is nabbed by an upstart FBI agent eager to impress new director J. Edgar Hoover. After cracking under the pressure of interrogation by Brian Geraghtey's expertly played FBI agent, Eddie tidies his room, writes a note, and steps out his top-floor bedroom window.

Eddie will be missed, but I am hopeful Geraghtey's and Ron Livingston's new-to-the-show-this-season characters will fill this new hole in the show. As I mentioned, Geraghtey is already doing his part. Livingston's character, on the other hand, is still shrouded in mystery, but I have the distinct feeling there is much more to come from him.