Sick Pilgrim
“People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort of thing they like.” — Abraham Lincoln
The world has gotten so heavy in the last couple weeks, and this blog has followed suit. We all need a break. As Jess is so fond of reminding us: Even St. Teresa of Avila said that sometimes you have to make life bearable. And summer (like fall…and spring…and winter) is a great time for escapism. Of course, even when Sick Pilgrims escape we’re thinking about the meaning and ultimate purpose of life. So finding a new, worthwhile series that challenges and entertains is a real treasure. Here’s a small list of a sick pilgrim’s recommendations for lesser-known TV series to take you out of yourself for a while. And then bring you right back again.
Not always, but sometimes, remember to treat yo self. –Matt
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On Netflix:
Bloodline (2 seasons). One of the most compelling elements of the beloved show Breaking Bad was the transformation of Walter White from a dorky chemistry teacher in season one to a power-hungry kingpin by season six. That always fascinating falling-from-grace character arc is the foundation of Bloodline. The Rayburn family is a respected family in the Florida Keys, yet each Rayburn has his or her own character flaw. Each character surpasses their expectations–becoming sometimes very understandable and sometimes very villainous. Human psychology is fascinating; plus the show’s setting in the beautiful Florida Keys brings a snake-in-the-garden homage that’s obvious, yet awesome.
Derek (2 seasons and a Christmas special). Ricky Gervais is widely known as a controversial, belligerent comedian. This series shows a different, tender side of him. As the titular Derek, a mentally disabled aide in a home for the elderly, Gervais becomes a sympathetic hero. The show balances bizarre and buffoonish supporting characters with heartfelt interactions and surprisingly deep themes, like grief and death (duh), altruism, family togetherness, service-oriented yet low-paying jobs, etc. Not since Scrubs have I seen this balance of ridiculous hyperbole with extreme sentimentality. Derek is a ridiculous but strongly heartfelt comedy.
On Hulu:
The Path. 
The focus on belief and doubt is a highlight of this show, which follows Eddie (Aaron Paul), a convert to a cult (errr … I mean “faith-movement”) called Meyerism. But Eddie is beginning to doubt his beliefs, which is grievous to his wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan), a zealous and faithful Meyerist, and Cal (Hugh Dancy), the ambitious and conniving rising leader of the movement. As Eddie begins to question the movement, the audience witnesses all the negative consequences of questioning strongly-held beliefs. The Path should be required watching for all of us sick pilgrims: not because it makes faith disappear, but because it makes faith authentic.
On HBO:
True Detective (2 seasons, but season 1 is a must-watch). Everyone seems to agree that season one of this miniseries is by far superior, though I enjoyed both. I’m sure that my being a morbid and mystic Cajun also has something to do with my great love of the first season, set in south-central Louisiana and following a serial killer based on victims found murdered in old Cajun, voodoo-influenced rituals. Starring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey in career-making performances. Also, Michelle Monaghan, for the second time on this list. Cajun, magic, morbidity, murder, mystery. Why wouldn’t you watch it?
The Leftovers (2 seasons and a 3rd in production). This show takes place 3 years after 2% of the world’s population disappears. The show doesn’t explain why or what happened, but focuses on the stories of those left behind. Some of the leftovers are angry, some have succumbed to ennui, some have abandoned faith and hope, and some have accepted an alternative belief system. The show is an intriguing look at existentialism and grief. Fans of Lost who like Damon Lindelof, be prepared for a supernatural and open-ended world which focuses more on the characters than on the unrealistic setting. Plus Liv Tyler is in it.
On the networks:
Orphan Black (BBC America, 3 seasons). This is
geeky, sci fi, edge-of-your-seat action. The amazingly talented Tatiana Maslany stars as Sarah and all of her…… “sisters?” The show is fast-paced and exhilarating, but mostly fun. It tangles with the basic question of identity, what makes you you, and it’s sheer pleasure watching multiple Tatianas, each with separate a mannerism and a distinct personality. The girl deserves an Emmy.
Mr. Robot (USA, season 2 in progress). Elliot (Rami Malek) is the unreliable narrator of Mr. Robot. He suffers from a host of mental disorders–including depression, social anxiety, paranoia–though he’s a skilled hacker employed by a cyber-security firm. This series will capture your attention in the first 5 minutes, and then you’ll be hooked. And that’s not a bad thing.
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Any other underrated existential shows that should be on this list? If you think you’ve found my new favorite, let me know in the comments! Happy escapism.
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