The Quill #1: Bingeable TV

These two brothers have assumed multiple celebrity and ’80s hair rock identities to hide their secrets behind, while on the roadroad in the fan-favorite car. The 1967 Chevy Impala is referred to by Dean as Baby.  The car became so beloved by the viewers that it gave an opportunity for the show to center an entire episode around it, titled, “Baby” (Season 11, Episode 4). This episode was told entirely from Baby’s point of view, giving us one of the best brother- bonding scenes out of all 327 episodes when they sing and ad lib to the song “Night Moves” — further showing how even though they go through extremely dark times, they still are allowed these lighthearted moments.

Now you might be wondering why I mention these random episodes in particular. That’s because all of that wouldn’t have been possible without the structure of the 20-episode season. This structure allows time for these characters to build connections to not only each other, but also their audience. Using the small details of each character to create bigger stories that the new, rushed, 10-episode standard season doesn’t allow. While yes there are still boring filler episodes here and there, and seasons that fall flat in comparison to others, as a whole, the 20 episodes almost always will tell a better and more developed story and world. Available on Sling TV and Netflix. 

—Kendall Cox, TV Editor

Ugly Betty

Looking for an early 2000’s show with a relatable protagonist who critiques the beauty standards that plague us all? Well, Ugly Betty might be the next TV show for you to watch! Ugly Betty is an American comedy-drama series with four seasons and 85 episodes. Staring America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, the show dives into the life of Betty when she lands a job at the prestigious fashion magazine, MODE. Hired for her less-than-ideal looks, the unfashionable Betty is thrust into a world where she is suddenly the ugliest girl in the room. The show explores romance, drama, and humor for the whole family, all while examining difficult themes like the objectification of women and societal beauty standards.

For its time, the show was noted as being rather progressive as it starred Betty as an “unattractive,” braces-wearing, brown-skinned woman. It delved into Latin American issues and had characters who were openly gay and transgender. The popularity of the show in its time showed that audiences wanted to see diversity and representation in media instead of all-straight, all-White cast lists. The show received high acclaim and eventually won an Emmy “despite” its diverse focus. To this day, America Ferrera has been the first and the only Latinx actress to have ever won an Emmy for best actress. Stream on Netflix and Disney+.

If you are in the mood for a feel-good, easy watch, How I Met Your Mother is a great option that has about 20-22 episodes in each of its nine seasons. It centers around a group of friends living in the “greatest city in the world,” New York City, and follows the silly situations they get themselves into. Despite being very similar to other sitcoms, what sets this show apart is we are being told the story through the mode of a father recounting to his children the stories from his young-adult life that lead up to how he met their mother. (Hence the name.)

Ted is the main character and narrator of the show. He is a hopeless romantic who is obsessed with the idea of finding “the one” and is willing to go to some excessive lengths to do so. Some of his best friends are Lily and Marshall, a couple that are so cute, it is almost disgusting. Marshall is a law student who is working towards becoming a lawyer so he can fight to protect the environment, and Lily is a kindergarten teacher who aspires toward being an artist. Next is Barney, a stereotypical bro. By day, he works a corporate job where he makes tons of money but no one really knows exactly what it is that he does, and by night, he plots and concocts crazy stories to seduce the women of New York. Last but not least is Robin. She is the newest member of the group, joining the gang after moving to NYC from Canada to pursue a job in TV broadcasting. She is constantly deciding if she should put her career or her love life first, which can get her into some silly and sticky situations. The group dynamic makes for some hilarious happenings and is what gives the show its charm. Stream on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.