When And

I confess. I LOVE to stream, and I watch everything, or almost everything.

The new show was highly recommended in a national publication. After reading the review,, I indulged after dinner in a second cup of coffee and settled down to watch it in entirety.

As Episode one unfolded, I realized there were only two main characters; a man and his wife.

Both the actors are highly esteemed performers, and equally superb in their characterizations.

The husband is portrayed as overweight, and obviously, “out of shape.” His character appeared impatient and borderline rude when he interacted initially with the staff where the episode takes place.

The moment his blonde wife appeared on the scene, you immediately notice she is svelte and has taken meticulous care of her trim body.

It quickly becomes apparent the female lead is beloved by the servers in the small coffee shop where the action unfolds.

The sophisticated wife’s calm patience with her uncouth spouse becomes notable.

It is obvious as well that the female character is far more enlightened on the diverse contemporary issues discussed between the two adult characters.

By the time my coffee was finished and episode three had ended, I realized how increasingly uncomfortable I was watching this highly praised production.

It was my personal belief that the portrayal of male vs. female was subtle, but abrasive.

All marriages have challenges. Every husband and wife encounter bumps as their relationship flows and shifts.

Still this fictional couple, supposedly married for decades, seemed just to be just that; fictional.

It was difficult for this viewer to believe they had shared significant chapters of life together. I only sensed dislike as well as strident disapproval of each other in their conversations.

The utter void of any affection was striking.

The male lead had few social graces or physical attributes.

His goal in life appeared to focus on mere pleasure, golf, food, etc as well as extracurricular sex.

His wife was viewed as wiser, and a far superior human being, faithful, dependent and yes, physically attractive.

Yet their obvious financial success had been achieved through the husband’s ability and/or talent, as well as hard work.

The long suffering, patient, kind and considerate wife did not attempt to deny that.

As the segment ended and before Episode Four began I returned my now empty coffee cup to the kitchen.

Then I returned to streaming, but on another network.

I do confess. I LOVE to stream, and I watch everything, or almost everything, but

I will pick and choose when and if I want to be lectured.