Memorial Day weekend is ideal for streaming fans. The extra day off gives us a chance to binge watch our favorite shows. With so many streaming service providers, there’s bound to be something I’d like to see. This weekend, there are two series that I’m excited to finish and both of them are on Netflix. The shows are Safe, and the second season of 13 Reasons Why. This should be fun, mainly because it’s been a while since I talked about any Netflix shows.
Netflix’s Safe
Safe is a French-British TV drama series from popular crime author, Harlan Coben. Fans might recognize the series’ lead, Michael C. Hall, from Showtime’s Dexter and HBO’s Six Feet Under. In Safe, Hall plays Tom Delaney, a surgeon and widower who’s oldest daughter goes missing after her boyfriend is found dead. Tom’s search for his daughter uncovers some deadly and unresolved events from the past that might involve his deceased wife.
I’m only three episodes into Safe’s eight-episode run and it’s already a wild ride! It’s amazing how one incident triggers so many other things, and sets into motion a mystery that is at the center of the series’ plot. I don’t want to be the guy who has all the spoilers, so I’ll just gloss over the some of the highlights: a murder and a cover up are all interwoven into the dizzying series of events that take place after Jenny Delaney (Amy James-Kelly) disappears.
I’d like to say I know where this is going but I honestly don’t. Each episode of Safe unveils new secrets and surprises that have left even this jaded movie lover confused and wanting more. In other words, Safe isn’t predictable, and its twists and turns are believable. If you’re looking for something to binge watch over your long weekend, look no further than Netflix’s Safe.
Here’s a look at the Netflix show that’s captured my attention:
13 Reasons Why, Season Two
When I finished the first season of 13 Reasons Why, I assumed that was the end of it. When I heard a second season was slated, I was shocked. I thought, what more is their left to say? I quickly changed my mind on that after I watched the first episode of 13 Reasons Why’s second season. This brought everything into focus for me.
The story didn’t end with Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) listening to the tapes made by Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford). In many ways, that was just the beginning. Hannah’s mother, Olivia (Kate Walsh), is suing the school. This lawsuit has emotions running high because it’s forcing everyone to relive Hannah’s suicide and their involvement in it. It also has Clay looking for more answers, while a mystery person is threatening people from testifying at the trial.
I’m only a couple of episodes in and I’m already intrigued with 13 Reasons Why’s second season. First of all, I’m glad to be watching a show with a cast of Millennials that isn’t some silly reality TV drivel. Secondly, there’s enough suspense, intrigue, and stakes to make the new season entertaining. One thing I find odd is the “ghost” of Hannah interacting with Clay. This is probably a manifestation of his own guilty conscience. Whatever the case, it’s a somewhat strange interjection into a series that’s otherwise steeped in realism.
So far, the second season of 13 Reasons Why has proven interesting enough for me to want to binge watch it over the weekend. Oh, who am I kidding? I’m hooked on this show. It has many interesting characters and story arcs that I need to see to the end. (Yes, I know I don’t really need it, but it sure feels that way.)
If you haven’t already jumped right into this Netflix show’s second season, here’s a sneak peak:
Netflix Still King of Original Content
Last October, we reported that Netflix was increasing its original content. The streaming service provider’s goal was to have 50 percent of its content be original series and movies. Reports at that time indicated Netflix spent $8 billion on new content for this season. With the release of Safe and 13 Reasons Why (second season), we’re starting to see the beginning of Netflix’s summer lineup. Hopefully, a new season of Orange is the New Black is coming soon. Netflix made no announcement about how many originals it plans to release this year. I’m only hoping that it will be a lot!
Two Netflix Shows, One Weekend…
So, I have two Netflix series to watch and only so many days to see. Sure, I have an extra day, but it’s not as much as you think. The pool opened up this weekend so we’ll be spending a lot of time there. We’ll also have at least one cookout, and maybe even set off some fireworks. This means I’ll probably only have enough time to watch one of these series. Which one will it be? Whatever one Mrs. Buckler decides to stream, of course!
