Wondering what to do with your upcoming free time? Good thing we have some suggestions for what you should be watching, playing, reading, listening to, etc.
Ben’s TV Pick: Better Call Saul – I won’t say that the story of Jimmy McGill’s transformation from a scrappy, underdog lawyer to the go-to guy for Albuquerque’s criminal underworld is as good as the masterpiece that is Breaking Bad; what I will say is that it does occasionally reach similar heights, making it a truly great series that should please all Heisenberg fans. Bob Odenkirk continues to shine in the eponymous role, and the rest of the cast is outstanding from top to bottom, with newer actors lending their incredible talents to creating individuals who feel right at home in this world crafted by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, and BB veterans like Jonathan Banks and Giancarlo Esposito getting to dive even deeper into their characters, further fleshing out some of the best ever seen on the small screen. The biggest props of all should go to Rhea Seehorn, who plays Kim Wexler, Jimmy’s closest friend, and often the only one in his corner. The way Kim changes and evolves throughout Better Call Saul is nearly as impressive as Jimmy’s arc, and their relationship is one of the series’ biggest highlights throughout. I may have started watching Better Call Saul for the Breaking Bad backstory, but I stayed for the compelling drama that can certainly stand on its own as something special.
Bens Video Game Pick: Destiny 2: Season of Plunder – Destiny 2’s newest season is possibly my favorite so far, with its new to the franchise space pirate-theme (something I’ve wanted to see in Destiny since its very beginning), and the return of two of my favorite supporting characters, Spider and Mithrax, in a very significant role. Eramis, the darkness-wielding villain from 2020’s Beyond Light expansion, is also back, now seeking powerful artifacts that could help her win her war against humanity and the norbler Eliksni factions that have rallied to your cause. As of the time I’m writing this, I’ve gone treasure hunting, launched myself off jump-pads to board enemy ships, collected pirate-themed gear for my Guardian (an eye-patch made out of light is probably one of the coolest aesthetic choices I’ve seen on a piece of seasonal armor), and it’s all been great! I’m looking forward to seeing what else the Season of Plunder has in store for players in its last few weeks as the ominously-named Lightfall expansion draws near.
Lauren’s Video Game Pick: God of War – This is far from the first time we’ve sung the praises of 2018’s God of War on this site, but between my week plus of Covid fog where I only found comfort in old Critical Role episodes and my inability to find any new to me content that was better than just fine, ending the month by revisiting a near perfect game to prep for November’s sequel release was exactly what I needed. Though this entry into the franchise obviously plays differently than the original button mashing trilogy (never played the PSP games myself), the scope of this realm hopping adventure and its larger than life locations and boss battles that feel pulled straight from the pages of Norse legends fits perfectly with what came from the world of the Greek pantheon before. Don’t get me wrong, I was dancing in my seat any and every time we get hints at the man Kratos was all those years ago, from the allusions in certain music transitions to a return to form later in the game, but what really makes this game stand out is watching a man who was so self assured in his power, anger, and vengeance for so long not only struggle with becoming the father his young son needs, but struggle with allowing himself to feel deserving of evolving in that way given the memory of all that he has wrought before. With the theming of confronting the past and its consequences, the big reveal to end the game, as well as certain lore dumps that got dropped after I finally beat the Valkyrie Queen to get that platinum trophy, I absolutely cannot wait to see what lies ahead for this father and son come Ragnarök.
So what do you think about these picks? What content did we miss over the past two weeks while we were spending time with these? Be sure to leave a comment below letting us know about everything (both current and simply new to you) you’ve been consuming lately!
And while you’re here, be sure to check some of the site’s other recent content:
- A list of Ben’s Favorite Horror Video Games
- Zac’s review for the video game Dorfromantik, the film Cure, and his double feature write-up of Blonde and Tár
- Our “The Greatest Thing About…” podcast episode on Day Shift
Middle of the Row 