“I have always had biscuit dreams” – Carrie Morey, “How She Rolls”
It’s fun to stumble upon tasty little gems as I'm perusing Apple TV.
The PBS series “How She Rolls” follows Charleston, South Carolina, entrepreneur Carrie Morey as she juggles family life and the future of her business, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit (named for her mother, whose biscuit recipe is at the heart of culinary hand-made items served up).
As I was perusing the PBS app a couple weeks ago, I discovered “How She Rolls” listed in the app’s “Featured Shows” section. I decided to sample a few minutes of an episode (I inadvertently selected the season finale, but it didn’t spoil anything).
I thought it looked like something Bridget and I would enjoy watching together. We donate to PBS, and a perk is access to all the content available via the streaming platform.
As small business owners ourselves for more than 25 years, we enjoy programs focused on the entrepreneurial life. Staples in our streaming diet are series like ABC's “Shark Tank” and CNBC’s “The Profit.”
“How She Rolls” shows the challenges Morey faces as Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit looks to expand its mail-order and brick-and-mortar operations. They also have a charming food truck called “Butter” that is launched during the first episode.
“It’s not a biscuit company,” says husband John regarding his wife's business. “It’s way bigger than that.”
Indeed it is. Viewers gain insight into the the small empire that Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit has become over 15-plus years.
In addition to the typical challenges faced by businesses in the food space, much of the series was filmed during — and highlighted difficulties caused by — the COVID-19 pandemic.
We breezed through the 10-episode season in a weekend (each episode in the debut season runs about 25 minutes).
The danger with watching a food-based series is that you inevitably want to sample the treats featured. As I’m writing this blog post, I'm craving one of the Sausage Biscuits featured on the Callie's Hot Little Biscuit menu.
We looked to see if we could purchase any of Morey’s items in or around Omaha (the closest store carrying any items is 100 miles away), so we’ll have to have something shipped here.
She pre-ordered the items and picked them up at the Omaha Farmers Market in the Old Market (Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Oct. 10).
I enjoyed having the biscuits for breakfast over the next couple of days. You forget just how satisfying and comforting something as simple as a buttermilk biscuit can be.
“How She Rolls” is an intriguing look into the life of an entrepreneur, mixed with an ample helping of comfort food along the way.
It was nice to see the spotlight focused on a female-led business.
I’m hoping we'll get to see more seasons of “How She Rolls” on PBS (the first season left me curious about plans for future expansion). We had a terrific time learning about Carrie Morey, her husband, daughters, and extended family in the Palmetto State.
Check your local listings to see if “How She Rolls” is airing in your area. The series is also available via various streaming platforms — including PBS Living and to PBS Passport subscribers via the PBS app.
To learn more about Carrie Morey, the “How She Rolls” series, and Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, visit www.calliesbiscuits.com.
If your Facebook and Twitter feeds are like mine, then you have people talking about TV shows they are watching as “stay at home” orders and “quarantine” guidelines are in play across the globe.
While there are a number of popular series that seem to have captured the attention of homebound individuals (“Tiger King” anyone?) there are a number of shows that aren’t part of the current zeitgeist that are worth checking out.
Here are three “under-the-radar” series I’d recommend watching.
ABSTRACT: THE ART OF DESIGN
In an endless sea of junk food television, it’s nice to challenge yourself every once in a while with something that expands your mind.
“Abstract: The Art of Design” takes a look into some of the most interesting minds influencing the world of design. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of design — graphic design, product design, architectural design, apparel design, etc.
The series was created by former WIRED editor-in-chief Scott Dadich.
The overall vibe of the series owes a debt of gratitude to documentary filmmaker Gary Hustwit’s design trilogy of films from the early 2000s (“Helvetica,” “Objectified,” and “Urbanized”).
Whether it was intentional or not, “Abstract: The Art of Design” seems to draw considerable inspiration from Hustwit’s films.
My favorite episodes are “Paula Scher: Graphic Design” (Season 1) and “Jonathan Hoefler: Typeface Design” (Season 2). I handle graphic design duties in our business, and find it inspiring to hear other design professionals talk about their craft.
Both Scher and Hoefler are based in New York City and were featured in the 2007 documentary “Helvetica” (which focused on the history of the ubiquitous typeface).
“Typography is painting with words,” Scher says at the beginning of the episode that focuses on her graphic design career. In a world where type is often treated like white noise, it is nice to see the thought process that goes into selecting and designing fonts.
If you don’t have Netflix, the first season of the series is currently available to stream for free on the Netflix YouTube channel.
While some of the episodes might seem esoteric and wordy, it is nice to have a show that chronicles the intricacies involved in the creative process, and the intellectual complexities therein.
POLDARK
Bridget and I enjoy watching highbrow British dramas. The dramatic series produced by PBS Masterpiece each year (with British networks like the BBC and ITV) epitomize that sort of entertainment. Year after year, series like “Downton Abbey” have increased the overall appeal of PBS’s content library.
One of our favorite PBS Masterpiece drama series has been “Poldark” (which aired from 2015-2019). When Bridget and I watched the first episode on the PBS app in 2015, we were instantly intrigued.
It is based on fiction novels by author Winston Graham, which were also the basis for a PBS series of the same name in the 1970s (the actor who played Ross Poldark in that show appears in a bit part in the updated version).
“Poldark” is an 18th century period drama set in Great Britain between 1781 and 1803. It follows the exploits of Captain Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) after he returns home to Cornwall from fighting in the American War of Independence.
Throughout the show’s five seasons, Capt. Poldark has to deal with familial drama wrapped around economic and political intrigue of the era. Love, betrayal, revenge, and honor are common themes in the series.
Actress Eleanor Tomlinson is terrific as Ross’s wife Demelza. Her airy presence is a nice counterpoint to the brooding Ross.
In addition, the show’s storylines benefit from having conniving businessman George Warleggen (Jack Farthing) working to foil Poldark’s plans.
While the narrative can be melodramatic at times, the overall effect is an incredibly binge-worthy drama. The sweeping vistas are lovely (there are A LOT of wide shots featuring Ross Poldark riding a horse along the cliffs of Cornwall). The musical score by composer Anne Dudley is lovely and helps to set the show’s tone.
“Longmire” is the series that proved to be the catalyst that eventually led us to becoming cord cutters.
I remember seeing TV spots for the series (prior to the first season’s debut on the A&E network) and thinking, “that looks right up my alley.”
A few days later, I happened to be at The Bookworm (an independent bookstore in Omaha, NE) and saw author Craig Johnson’s series of Walt Longmire Mysteries on a display table.
I fondly remember that day. My mom and I had gone downtown to the Omaha Summer Arts Festival. The temps were steamy that day. As a result, we didn’t stay at the art show as long as we had planned, and made a trip to the air-conditioned comfort of The Bookworm.
My mom ended up buying me the first book in the series (“The Cold Dish”) and I was instantly hooked.
“Longmire” quickly became my favorite detective series when it debuted on A&E. It was also the highest-rated drama on the network.
Unfortunately, A&E decided to cancel the show after its third season in 2014 (despite solid ratings).
Netflix picked the show up and streamed three additional seasons. Upon hearing the announcement that the streaming giant had saved the series, we subscribed to Netflix (about a year before the fourth season debuted in 2015).
It was the first time we’d signed up for a streaming service of any kind. The experience led to us cutting cable TV entirely in 2015 and watching programming via streaming on Apple TV and “over-the-air” using an attic antenna.
“Longmire” follows the exploits of Absaroka County Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor), an old-school lawman fighting crime in the least populated county in Wyoming (which is the least populated state in the nation).
Walt’s supporting cast serves as the rough-hewn mortar that holds the series together. Two of those characters are of particular importance.
Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips) is a local bar owner, member of the Cheyenne nation, and a longtime friend who provides sage wisdom and support to Longmire.
Victoria “Vic” Moretti (Katee Sackhoff) is his sassy deputy. Her snarky wit is a nice counterpoint to Walt’s laconic tone.
The series is chock-full of good characters. During its run, “Longmire” had a deep bench of characters that provided texture to each episode. This is a show where the antagonists are just as interesting as the protagonists.
I love the fact that “Longmire” effortlessly infuses classic western archetypes into a modern-day police procedural. The “old school” nature of the sleuthing is compelling, and far more realistic than the current crop of detective series (there isn’t some “super computer” that magically solves the mystery for our heroes).
I can’t recommend “Longmire” enough.
I’d also recommend the books by Craig Johnson. I’ve had the opportunity to see the author three times at The Bookworm.
There are a lot of series out there to choose from. It seems like I’m constantly hearing about something new to watch from friends and family members. It’s a far cry from the days when I was a kid and there were only three TV networks to watch.
The three series I talked about in this post are ones that are a bit off the beaten path (the exception might be “Longmire,” which has developed a loyal following over the years). I picked them in part because I haven’t seen a lot of my connections talking about them.
As much as I try to focus on movies, TV shows, and books that are significant in popular culture, I also try to also focus on hidden gems people haven’t yet discovered.
“Abstract: The Art of Design,” “Poldark,” and “Longmire” are definitely worth your time.
“The day has dawned and the weather proves conclusively that God is a monarchist.” - Lady Mary Talbot, Downton Abbey
When PBS’s uber-popular period drama “Downton Abbey” ended its run in 2016, producers started teasing the possibility of a feature film revisiting the beloved aristocracy.
We’ve seen such musings fail to come to fruition in the past. The folks behind “The Sopranos” talked about a theatrical follow-up (viewers thought the inclusion of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” in the series finale was a clue), but it has yet to happen.
Bridget and I were fans of “Downton Abbey” during its six seasons on PBS, but I had my doubts as to whether we’d see a theatrical movie.
Here we are three years later, and “Downton Abbey” has curtsied its way into movie palaces across the globe.
In this chapter, we find the Crawley clan in 1927 (shortly after the events in the series) preparing to welcome King George V (Simon Jones) and Queen Mary (Geraldine James) to the privileged environs of Downton Abbey.
The king and queen are taking a royal tour through the country.
For those not versed in the Downton saga, the show follows the lives of the upstairs family (the Crawleys) and the downstairs staff at the majestic Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle is the real-life setting for “Downton”).
The drama in “Downton Abbey” isn’t built on “shock and awe” like edgier shows generating buzz the past decade. Most of the stories focus on societal norms and mores — wrapped in historical events — to pull the narrative forward.
Series creator Julian Fellowes knows this territory well. He won an Oscar for his “Gosford Park” screenplay in 2002, a murder mystery at an English country house in the 1930s.
Little moments provide the drama in “Downton Abbey.” The series — and movie — don’t strive to tell “big” stories.
The overall effect is like a Whitman’s Sampler box of candies — bite-sized chunks of drama designed to be nibbled in small doses.
For example, something as innocuous as the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) losing his paper opener (among other missing items in the house) could result in a member of the downstairs staff being accused of theft, setting off a domino-like chain reaction among the people serving “Downton Abbey.”
Or, a faulty boiler might mean there is no hot water at Dowton Abbey, so a brawny plumber (James Cartwright) comes to fix the ailing machine, inadvertently wrenching the affections of kitchen maid Daisy (Sophie McShera).
Those are the kind of tropes that fed “Downton Abbey” through six seasons, and are on full display in the new movie.
The filmmakers do their due diligence crafting a movie that integrates well with the series. Having been a fan of the show, I thought the overall effect felt like an extended season finale episode (or one of the series’ “Christmas Specials”).
I tend to have mixed emotions about popular TV series shifting to the big screen — especially one as well drawn as “Downton Abbey.”
Part of “Downton’s” charm as a series was the fact that focus could shift between characters in a more meaningful manner. A movie only allows for little sprinkles of plot development among those same characters. Inevitably, efforts like the theatrical “Downton Abbey” mean some characters are left holding the short end of the stick.
Some of the movie’s plot points feel rushed and contrived (an assassination plot against the royals is a fairly glaring example of this). Had those same plot points developed over the course of multiple episodes, they would have had room to breathe and grow in an organic fashion.
That said, Fellowes penned a screenplay that does a yeoman’s job of maintaining balance. While the movie isn’t as filling as the series, it should leave fans satiated.
“Downton Abbey” pulled in a healthy $31 million at the box office during its opening weekend (putting it in first place in the North American box office).
Whether or not the opening haul means fans will be treated to additional “Downton” dinner parties is up in the air at this point. Whatever the case may be, it is heartening to see a “grown-up drama” enjoying success at the box office.
“If you take all the elements that make good television — and do the exact opposite — you have ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’...” — Margy Whitmer, Producer
If you were a kid who grew up in the 1970s and 80s (like I did), you likely consumed a steady diet of shows like “Sesame Street” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” — child-oriented series that aired in the morning and afternoon on PBS.
The new documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” — focusing on the life and legacy of Fred Rogers — has generated quite a bit of buzz this summer.
The film itself is less a “documentary” and more a “tribute” to the lessons and values Rogers instilled throughout the decades via his series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” (Rogers died in 2003 at the age of 74.)
That said, the film still dives deep.
As a kid, I didn’t realize some of the difficult social issues Rogers tackled on his show — oftentimes played out allegorically in the “Neighborhood of Make Believe” (which featured puppets voiced by Rogers).
The show’s first week of episodes (which aired in 1967) dealt with the political and social turmoil surrounding the Vietnam War (those episodes are available to Amazon Prime subscribers in “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood — Volume 1”).
In that week’s episodes, things have been “rearranged” in the “Neighborhood of Make Believe” by Lady Elaine. As a result, King Friday XIII (who rules the “Neighborhood of Make Believe”) becomes paranoid about change, puts up a wire wall around the castle, and tries to fight back (his motto is “Down with the changers!”).
This is pretty heady stuff for children, but Rogers didn’t shy away from difficult topics on the show.
One other example is an episode where Rogers tackles racism. In the episode, Rogers is cooling off his feet in a small, backyard pool at his fictitious home. He invites Francois Clemmons — who plays a police officer on the show — to join him.
Rogers wrote this sequence because of a real-life incident where a group of African-Americans were told they couldn’t swim in a pool — and a man poured cleaning chemicals into the water to try and force the people to out.
His show also dealt with topics like assassination (in response to the death of Robert F. Kennedy) and divorce.
Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister. He believed the love (or lack thereof) was at the root of everything.
It is readily apparent that his guiding principle was “The Golden Rule” — treating others as one would wish to be treated.
One interesting tidbit is the fact that Rogers (who was overweight as a child) managed to maintain a steady 143-pound weight in his adult life. The number 143 had special significance for Rogers — the words “I Love You” have “1” letter, “4” letters, and “3” letters (respectively). Thus, 143.
It is also worth noting that Betty Aberlin (who played Lady Aberlin throughout the show’s run) isn’t featured in the documentary. Director Morgan Neville told AZCentral.com that he talked to her on the phone numerous times, but says the actress “felt deeply insecure about going on-camera.”
In addition to the myriad of accolades for “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” Rogers’s show also came under fire in the intervening years since his death. Some columnists and “talking heads” argued against a philosophy teaching all children that they are “special” — feeling it might thwart adolescent achievement in our society.
Whatever side you fall on, you can’t argue the cultural phenomenon that “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” became in our society.
One of the most salient examples of the persuasive genius of Rogers happened in the early days of the Nixon Administration — when the president wanted to cut $20 million in funding from PBS.
Rogers (a lifelong Republican) testified before a Senate committee on the topic. He spoke using the comforting monotone employed on his show. His words made a difference, and lawmakers made sure PBS had its funding.
Part of the reason the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” resonates with audiences has to do with the fact that Rogers preached understanding, patience, and pragmatism on his show.
We’d all benefit by having more neighbors like that...
When “Victoria” debuted on PBS Masterpiece in 2017, I wondered in my review if the historical drama was worthy of timeslot “Downton Abbey” once occupied. The first season had its strengths and weaknesses, but showed considerable promise.
I am pleased to report that the second season of “Victoria” is stronger than the first. The characters are fleshed out, allowed room to breathe, and the “historic tentpoles” seem less forced — even though the season includes ample political and social intrigue of the period.
I was able to binge watch all episodes of “Victoria” Season 2 with our PBS Passport subscription — which allows PBS donors the chance to view all episodes before they air on local PBS affiliates.
Jenna Coleman (best known for playing Clara Oswald on “Doctor Who”) has settled nicely into the role of youthful queen, bringing spunk and pluck to her portrayal, while turning in some surprisingly sophisticated performances during the season.
Her husband Albert (Tom Hughes) continues to forge his own identity beyond that of serving his queen. Despite some predictable instances of conflict between prince and queen, the writers have developed the pair into an amiable team.
There are moments this season where the two are able to set aside the noose of “pomp and circumstance” and pretend — at least briefly — that they are a common couple living a simple life. Those subplots rank among the best moments in “Victoria,” and add another dimension to the royal couple.
One aspect I enjoyed in season 1 was the focus on the “downstairs staff.” While the relationships and plot lines aren’t as involved as those in “Downton Abbey,” I enjoyed following Skerrett, Brodie, Penge, and Francatelli. In particular, the relationship with Mrs. Skerrett and Mr. Francatelli starts to blossom this season.
There are also new characters introduced to the “Victoria” universe. Diana Rigg comes aboard as the Duchess of Buccleuch — a crotchety old spitfire who provides moments of levity (similar in feel to Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess in “Downton Abbey”).
In addition, younger characters like the precocious Wilhelmina Coke (Bebe Cave), and fast friends Drummond (Leo Suter) and Lord Alfred (Jordan Waller) provide added depth and texture to the story arcs this season.
The storyline involving the “star-crossed” duo of Prince Ernest (David Oakes) and the Duchess of Sutherland (Margaret Clunie) continues to be the most “Jane Austen-esque” arc of unrequited love in the series. This season, things take a frustrating turn for the pair.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention “Victoria’s” gorgeous soundtrack — which frosts each episode like a sweet buttercream. The score is by Martin Phipps and Ruth Barrett (with soaring vocals by Mediaeval Baebes), and it is incredibly majestic.
Bridget and I recently ordered the “Victoria” soundtrack from Amazon. Here is a link to “The Suite” from the original soundtrack:
“Victoria” settles into a nice groove during its second season, fleshing out our characters and giving more attention to the interpersonal relationships. My hope is that the writers won’t feel a slavish duty to follow history to the letter, and will continue explore this fine cast in a meaningful manner.
If you haven’t yet viewed “Victoria,” you should consider checking it out. The first season is available on the PBS app (for donors via PBS Passport) and is also offered on Amazon Prime Video.
The lavish production is worth your time. “Victoria” illustrates once again why PBS’s co-productions with Britain’s ITV currently rank among the most compelling programming on television.
Here's where we're at... Twelve months. Seventy-one posts. Not the output I was hoping for during the first year of the blog, but I think it is a pretty good start. There were a number of fun things I experienced in life the past year because of this blog -- things I wouldn't otherwise have tried and written about. In honor of the first year, I am going to share with you all the "Top 10" posts this past year (in terms of traffic) on the blog, as well as six additional posts I really liked (which should have had more traffic). The Top 10 1. "Envelopening: What Happened to Dean Blais?"
In my mind, this ranks as one of the least exciting posts of the past 12 months. But, because it was an "unboxing" (well, envelope tearing) video about our UNO Hockey season tickets, we were able to share the post on our MavPuck.com social media channels. Dean Blais (who was the head coach of the team last season) wasn't featured in the ticket booklets, even though past players and coaches were included. Was that a snub? You'll have to decide for yourself, but it was almost prescient considering how "The Blaiser" was "let go" by the university this past season.
I did a number of movie reviews this past year, and I'd like to thank Aksarben Cinema for sharing this review I did when "Dunkirk" was released -- that really helped the traffic counts for this review.
I thought it was one of my better reviews, and I think it epitomizes the pattern and style I want to follow for future movie reviews.
********************************
3. "Utah Trip, Part 1 -- One Guy, Seven Girls, and an RV" This was a fun trip. This post, the first in a 4-part series, not only ranks as one of the most trafficked posts this past year, but it also one of my favorites.
********************************
4. "A Modern Day Treasure Hunt" This was a fun game. It also illustrates the power of social media, and raises questions about safety when it comes to anonymous "string pullers" sending people around the city in search of prizes. Kind of reminded me of the 2016 movie "Nerve."
********************************
5. "Why I Became a Cord Cutter" This post just keeps percolating along. I've done a few posts on the topic, and would like to do more posts, because people I talk to are increasingly interested these days in dropping traditional cable and satellite television subscriptions.
I was really fond of the "Emerging Terrain" grain silo project, and appreciated the efforts of Anne Trumble and her supporters as they tried to make aging and derelict parts of our city interesting. We need more people starting those sorts of "conversations" within our community.
********************************
7. "What Is A Pinning Ceremony?" The International Baccalaureate program is relatively new in high schools around the United States. My niece Lauren had my write a post on an IB tradition -- the "Pinning Ceremony"...
Don't hate me... I decided to do a fidget spinner post (at the height of the novelty's popularity) because I knew it would get clicks. But it turns out the post was kind of interesting...
********************************
9. "'Victoria': Is This Brit Import Worthy of 'Downton Abbey's' Timeslot?" There are two British period dramas focusing on the "Royal Family" that I enjoyed this past year (the other is Netflix's "The Crown," which I also reviewed). "Victoria" is a co-production of PBS's Masterpiece label, and Brit broadcaster ITV. Not only did I review the first season of "Victoria" in this post, I also outlined how Bridget and I were able to binge watch it on Apple TV via PBS Passport (which is available to PBS donors).
I liked this post because it was kind of snarky and biting. It also irritated some of my Facebook friends who are are grown-up coloring book afficionados... Bonus #2. "The Sightseeing Complication"
I learned last September that I am prone to having claustrophobic panic attacks in confined, underground rail systems... on humid days. Who knew? Bonus #3. "These Kids are 'Sharp...Cheddar Sharp'"
I absolutely loved this movie -- my favorite of the summer. I saw it four times at Aksarben Cinema (and wish that I'd seen it a fifth). I was able to pick out a lot more subtlety and nuance the more I saw the movie, and would have written a much better review after multiple viewings. But this review will give you an idea about why I loved this movie so much. Bonus #5. "I've Been Slimed!"
What's summer without a fun project? My niece Veronica is our family's slime expert. It's pretty cool. I just wish we'd done a "how to" video on making slime. Bonus #6. "'We Can Rebuild It. We Have the Technology."
There's nothing better than crawling up into the attic and running new coaxial cable from a long-forgotten, 1960s-era antenna to receive rock solid HD signals from the local TV affiliates! So there you have it! Missed my most recent blog post? Check it out here: "Eclipse Anomalies Create TV Reception Oddities?"
