Media Diet: July 2025

Another busy summer month, including 2.5 weeks in Japan, with some work and a good amount of vacation. Almost all of my TV watching took place on flights!

The Old Guard and The Valkyrie Stratagem by Glynn Stewart - Continuing to enjoy all of Stewart’s books thoroughly. They’re very engaging and fun reads. Perfect popcorn for the brain. (A-)

Pokerface Season 2 - The first season was near-perfect TV, and I wasn’t sure if they’d be able to live up to that standard. With the second season, they’ve managed to make some twists to the formula to elevate the show to another level. (A)

Murderbot Season 1 - I am a massive fan of the book series and enjoyed the show! I’m thrilled they adapted the “show within the show” so successfully. (A-)

Stone and Sky (Rivers of London, #10) by Ben Aaronovitch - A diversion from the normal course of the series and was a bit dull for it. (B-)

Adolescence Season 1 - Absolutely incredible TV. Just watch it. (A)

Forever Season 1 - Cute, sweet, easy watching. Love coming-of-age content. Some time on flights goes by quickly. (B+)

The Lies Arcana (Starship’s Mage, #17) by Glynn Stewart - Another Stewart book! Not the best he’s made, but perfectly serviceable. (B+)

Stick Season 1 - My favourite part of the show was just seeing Marc Maron acting some more. Overall, it’s just okay television, predictable, but easy to watch. (B)

Such Brave Girls Season 2 - Continues to be some of the most incredible unhinged TV coming out of the UK. (A)

Happy Gilmore (Rewatch) - Hadn’t watched for at least a decade and thoroughly exceeded my expectations. Such a fun film. So much nostalgia. (A-)

Rick and Morty Season 8 - The last few seasons haven’t been that great, but this was a return to form! Some classic episodes. (B+)