Resolutions – The Resume

Since it’s a new year, I figured it was finally time to get some resolutions on the books.  Because really, is there anyone who can’t use some self-improvement? 

Of course I’m limited in my vision.  I’ve got to build up momentum before I attempt any meaningful change.  So this first resolution is really about doing some queue-cleaning; I need to figure out if I’m going to keep watching some shows. 

In Defense of The Killing

I'm a huge fan of AMC's original programming.  While I initially began watching Mad Men with my knives sharpened, I fell in love with the show before the pilot was over.  And I was down with Breaking Bad from jump.

From there I sort of dropped the ball.  I watched the first episode of Rubicon, but sadly I can't track any other episodes down.  And I didn't even give Hell on Wheels a shot because of my general boycotting of Common doing anything other than rapping.

But then I saw The Killing was available on Netflix.

Recommended Movie Marathon

I'm a pretty picky guy and I've got particular taste.  I'm also a jerk who thinks he's better than everyone else.  As such, I don't take recommendations all that often.

Honestly, most people suck.  It's the reason why Jersey Shore kills Breaking Bad in terms of ratings.  It's the reason people rave about Sons of Anarchy while Terriers gets cancelled.

But the other day I decided to watch five movies based on recommendations from others.  I mean I had the day off and they were on Netflix. What's the worst that could happen?

Oh, admit it; you're curious what happened.

Thanks Netflix! - Luther

I think the first time I was aware of the BBC program Luther was when I saw an ad in something I was reading.  And the first thing I thought was "oh snap; it's Stringer Bell!"

Of course at the time I didn't have cable or a television, so I didn't get a shot to watch it.

But now that I've got a television and while I don't have cable, I am doing the whole Netflix free trial thing and Luther is available on the Instant Queue.

Six hours later, here are my thoughts.

Five Shows We're Glad Are Not Available on Netflix Instant Queue

Netflix has devastated our free time.  We're talking an ugly back alley beatdown  involving elbows, brass knuckles and possibly a sock full of nickels.  It's ugly how much time we're spending glued to our respective and occasionally collective televisions.

But things could always be worse.

Case in point, there are some shows that lasted for multiple seasons which aren't available with the Instant Queue option.  We'll share with you five shows that could totally ruin any of our summer plans.



Quincy M.E. - Look, despite the fact that every February we at F&S predict the death of Jack Klugman, we really love the guy.  And that's one of the reasons why we're glad Quincy M.E. isn't available on Instant Queue; because we can't get enough of the guy.  

Other reasons; Quincy M.E. is awesome.  Murder.  Corpses.  An awesome theme song.  Quincy's assistant Sam.  Seriously, just writing this and thinking about the show has us lamenting the fact that we can't watch it right now.


Barnaby Jones - How cool is Buddy Ebsen?  The Beverly Hillbillies ends and he takes a year off before jumping back with the hit show Barnaby Jones.  That is star wattage.

Barnaby Jones was cool because it conformed to some cliches of the tv detective drama while rebelling against others.  Barnaby was a retired P.I. who came out of retirement to get justice for his slain son.  On the other hand Barnaby didn't drink anything stronger than milk.  Admit it; you're frustrated you can't experience this show for yourself.


The Odd Couple - Did you not understand when we said we couldn't get enough Jack Klugman?  Seriously, we are diehard Klugmaniacs.

But we also love (and sorely miss) the late Tony Randall.  We met the guy once and it was one of the realest moments of our lives.  So, yeah, if we had the chance to watch The Odd Couple featuring two of our favorite actors of all time, we'd do nothing else.


The Bob Newhart Show - Being the students of comedy that we are, we've got the upmost respect for Bob Newhart.  In addition to directly influencing us, he's influenced us indirectly by influencing some of our favorite comics.

Um, plus the show was darn funny.  It featured sitcom director Peter Bonerz in front of the camera and The Simpsons' Edna Krabapple as Bob's receptionist.  Also, it's a damn funny show.    


Police Story - It's a cop show.  It's an anthology.  It's a precursor to the modern cop ensemble.  It's Police Story, the best show you've never heard of.

Ok, we'll admit that of all the shows we've listed, this is the one we've seen the fewest episodes of.  That's why we wish this show was on Netflix; we've only seen glimpses of it's glory and we want more.

We implore you; if any of you readers have the chance to watch only of these show you should drop everything and jump at it.  Trust us, you'll be glad you did.

Thanks Netflix! - 30 Days

So, I  recently signed up for the whole Netflix 30 day free trial, which means that I'm not going to be doing productive for the next 30 days.  Seriously, my queue is pretty stacked right now.

In an effort to try to keep Fish & Spaghetti afloat, I decide that I'd do my best to write up what I'm clearly going to be spending too much of my time watching.

And I figured that since this was a 30 day trial, it's start things with the docuseries 30 Days.