Briar Barn Inn: Neat and Sedate Boston-Area Retreat

 

Although it is not safe to go back in the water, the Briar Barn Inn in Rowley, Mass. provides a good chance to get your feet wet. This Inn Credible New England perspective is from someone with an "underlying condition" that requires strong preventions against Covid.

The even better news is that the genuinely good folks at this boutique establishment offer an exceptional retreat in a setting that makes it tough to choose between relaxing in your room or on the well-landscaped grounds. 

The property having a tranquil spa and the gourmet Grove restaurant provides two more reasons to choose it for a break from our increasingly cold, cruel world. 

One of many "good citizen" aspects of the Briar Barn is offering graduates of the nearby Governor's Academy (my people call it Governor Dummer) an awesome discount. 

COVID SAFETY

The good news for right-thinking folks who take Covid into consideration when travelling is that the Briar Barn provides peace-of-mind that helps enjoy stays there. This begins with a cleaning protocol that leaves things sparkling and sanitary. 

Each room having windows that open allowed opening  mine on arrival and letting in fresh air for several hours; I left them open most of the day the rest of my stay.

The even better news this time is that every room has an individual HVAC unit that reduces concern as to breathing the same air as other guests. 

COUNTRY STYLE LUXURY 

The "little bit country" "little bit rock-and-roll" appeal of the Briar Barn comes from combining the quality of an upscale cookie-cutter hotel and staying true to the small-town rural location of Rowley, Mass. This burg being 34 miles from the Hub of the Universe (aka Boston) offers its own form of the best of both worlds. 

Getting the comfort of crisp clean bedding, Pottery Barn style furniture, and Lockwood of New York amenities that include awesome bath salts for use in the soaking tub enhances the experience. Artistically combining these elements in a manner that reflects the bucolic setting is the icing on this tasty cake. 

Having a separate sitting area with comfy chairs (or a sofa) provides further bliss by not making the just-right bed a multi-purpose space beyond its traditional uses. 

The value of this extends to almost certainly guaranteeing marital (or significant other) bliss. Personal and anecdotal experience shows that one person in such relationships wants room service and flat-screen televisions, and the other wants the charm of a B-and-B. The Briar Barn, which has EXCELLENT wifi service and hides behemoth screens in cabinets, does not require either person to compromise.

An apt aspect of this is that the Briar Barn earning its reputation as a coveted wedding venue almost ensures that the honeymoon period will last at least until the day after you effectively go to the chapel and get married.

An entirely friendly suggestion for the Briar Barn for the period when Covid and related staffing challenges are a thing of the past is that turn-down service is awesome. NOTHING beats coming back from dinner to find fresh fluffy towels, wiped down surfaces, and a soothing fragrance. Most of us also would not object to finding a small box of gourmet chocolates from nearby Harbor Sweets waiting for us. 

PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO 

As indicated above, the tranquility of the room is highly conducive for winding down from enjoying the numerous nearby activities. 

Folks seeking an urban experience (or are in the area for an interview at or visit to a college in the Athens of America) have the benefit of commuter-rail station five minutes from the hotel providing transportation into the proverbial historic north end of Boston. This line also stops in equally historic Salem, Mass. 

The numerous Boston-area colleges and prep schools are equally accessible by car. 

Guest who enjoy their boutique shopping and gourmet dining in a more serene setting can drive 15 minutes to Newburyport, Mass. Personal favorite eateries of this guy who is not fond of seafood are the Black Cow and the Mission Oak Grill. NOTHING beats the hamburgers at Lexi's or the pizza at Abraham's Bagels for cheap eats. 

Equally historic Portsmouth, NH is 30 minutes away; this small city has many of the same shops and dining establishments as Newburyport and quite a few more. 

The undisputed top choice for beaches is the large and pristine Crane's Beach in Ipswich. Mass. This also facilitates eating at the Clam Box along the way. Lists of the best places for fried clams in America almost always place this one in the head of the class. 

The Plum Island Beach outside Newburyport also has its appeal; it is not as nice as Crane's and can have parking challenges. 

The Joe's Playland arcade and other family-friendly attractions at Salisbury Beach a little further outside Newburyport may be the best option for families. 

These excursions, and a handful of related ones, makes it impossible to get bored while staying at the Briar Barn. 

An appealing aspect of this is that this environment facilities a busy day out, returning to your well-cleaned room for an afternoon rest and washing the filth off your body, then going to the on-site Grove restaurant or another dining establishment for a mellow meal, and then coming back for an early night before doing it all over again. 

HOSPITALITY 

The perfect blend of "country" and "rock-and-roll" at the Brian Barn already makes it ideal for visits to the Massachusetts north shore and New Hampshire seacoast. The literal going above-and-beyond provides a terrific reminder of the "good ole days."

Desk clerk extraordinaire Naomi personifies this hospitality. Her friendly greetings as you come and go help brighten the day. She really shined as to a special request.

The delight on checking in includes finding two bottles of tasty Voss water. The twist when making a "please, Sir; may I have some more?" request for additional water was Naomi bringing a six-pack of bottles to the desk.

Bottom Line

All of the above amounts to anticipation of an April 2022 visit to the Briar Barn surely helping ease the pain of a winter of almost complete lockdown discontent. 

'The Stand: Two-Series Collection' BD: King Meets Abrams

 

The unexpected joy regarding the CBS Home Entertainment October 5, 2021 BD release of both the 1994 miniseries and the 2020 Paramount+ limited series of the Stephen King novel "the Stand" relates to the latter greatly exceeding all expectations. 

It seems that the Trump administration and the Covid pandemic provided the cast and crew the necessary perspective to bring the material to life. This is not to mention the clear influence of the JJ Abrams 2004-10 series "Lost."

This release further aptly coincides with the debut of the CBSHE (reviewed) DVD set of S1 of the CBS network  procedural "Clarice." That series tells the tales of the titular fed a year after her adventures around which "The Silence of the Lambs" revolve. 

The following trailer for the 2020 version perfectly illustrates how all the elements combine to successfully bring this story that reflects our times to life. This is particularly apparent as to the performances of Whoppi Goldberg and her equally well-cast peers. 

Our story begins in the wake of the rapid spread of the "Captain Trip" virus that has eradicated 99.4 percent of the human population. The first "chapters" in this production with a strong novel vibe introduces us to the "leftovers" that will drive the primary action. This portion of the film evokes heavy vibes of the film version of  "The Mist" in which King revolves the action around a military experiment gone horribly awry.

These everymen are adjusting to their new normal when they either are assigned to a mission from God or are subject to temptation that leads to declaring that the devil made them do it. 

Goldberg shines (pun intended) as 108 year-old Mother Abagail, who takes a "Field of Dreams" approach to wishing her recruits into a childless cornfield in the most needy plea ever to visit Grandma at the nursing home. Goldberg stating in an interview for the truly special feature "An Apocalyptic Epic: Adapting 'The Stand'" that she has wanted to play Abagail since reading the novel 40 years ago helps explain how her performance is spot-on; this sister can act. 

Alexander Skarsgard does equally well in this portrayal of the Satanic Randall Flagg. The manner in which this quietly sinister stud visits his soldiers is much more of nightmare than a dreamscape. One spoiler is that one recruiting scene will make even the most devout vegetarian crave a roast-beef sandwich.

The good guy "Scooby Doobies" include good ole boy Stu Redman (James Marsden). His being the first identified member of the "chosen people" earns him the distinction of being a guest of the state. This unfortunate incarceration ends when the brass realizes that the virus cannot be contained.

Nick Andros goes from being crucified at the "New Vegas" capital of Flagg to being a mysterious messiah in Boulder, which is where Scooby gang has established their "village." 

The "Really Rottens" include Maineiac Harold Lauder (Owen Teague), who is a stereotypical Columbine-style excitable boy. His obsession with popular girl next-door Frannie Goldsmith (Odessa Young) provides a catalyst for a significant portion of the ensuing trauma-and-drama. 

Fine young cannibal Lloyd Henreid (Nat Wolff) is being driven crazy (and he just can't help himself) when Flagg makes him an offer that he cannot refuse. The manner in which Henreid revels as to his deluded sense of importance among the Vegas decadence is a series highlight.

The must-see gag reel proves that Wolff fully understands his character. This scene shows Wolff going from fully channeling Jack Nicholson in "The Shining" to HILARIOUSLY breaking character on making an equally amusing gaffe. This transformation shows that Wolff clearly should have a better fate than Lauder in the "marry, 'breed', kill" game. 

Amber Heard deserves special props for her portrayal of veteran foster child Nadine Cross, whom Flagg (rather than the Greek gods) destines for his version of greatness. The awesome source material this time is "Rosemary's Baby." 

In true novel fashion, roughly the first third of "Stand" tells the aforementioned backstories and puts the "chess pieces" in their respective positions. This leads to the main story that revolves around the buildup to the final showdown. Although epic, that battle royale turns out to not be so epic lightning in a bottle.

All of this concludes with a special treat for fans of King and "Stand" that further distinguishes it from the 1994 mini-series. The series-finale is an epilogue based on a script that King writes specifically for this production. This highly important Adam and Eve story can be considered the day after the day after tomorrow. We also get a taste of the evil yet to come that shows that you cannot keep a bad man down.

All of this amounts to the chance to compare-and-contrast both versions of "Stand" during the season-of-the-witch and any other time of the year. 

'Clarice' S1 DVD: Awesome End to Silence

 

The CBS Home Entertainment October 5, 2021 DVD release of S1 of the CBS 2021 procedural "Clarice" provides a good chance to discover this series that bridges the generation gap. This is on the ongoing heels of the Paramount+ original series, all of which CBSHE makes available on DVD and BD, that keep the "Star Trek" legacy alive. 

Speaking from the perspective of the "ranger" who directly aided the effort to keep the 2006-08 CBS drama "Jericho" alive, one can only hope that the further adventures of our titular heroine continue on Paramount+ if the series does not get a second season on the once (and future?) Tiffany Network. MANY CBS executives can thank your not-so-humble reviewer for having an ample supply of apple pies back in the day. 

Another aside is that CBSHE even more spectacularly contributes to brokering peace between Gen Xers and Millennials with its recent DVD and BD releases of both the old-school and modern versions of the Stephen King" classic "The Stand." Initial viewing for a pending review shows that the 2020 limited series is a terrific reimaging. 

The strong cast and the awesomely atmospheric cinematography of "Clarice" greatly facilitate "The Silence of the Lamb" fanatics who say "it rubs the lotion on its skin, or it gets the hose again" when we treat dry hands bond with the "kids" who come to this franchise via this series. The treat for us adults is to see how the titular FBI trainee is faring as a full-fledged agent a year after discovering that all's not necessarily well that ends well.

The following "Clarice" promo expertly communicates the theme of the series without providing any spoiler. The Cianti with the farva beans that will make you want to say "Hello, Clarice" is the inclusion of flashbacks to the "Silence" events. 

Our story begins one year after Clarice has gotten her sharp-dressed man. That case has made her the most famous fed since Eliot Ness. Not being untouchable prevents Clarice from avoiding a highly personal assignment to the newly minted FBI Violent Crimes Apprehension Program. The apprehension of our lead includes working for a man who has highly personal extreme prejudice against her.

The mission of ViCAP is to investigate the same type of psycho who is at the center of the "Silence" investigation. The predictable impact on Clarice is triggering horrific memories of both her childhood and of the hostile workplace that play a large role in "Silence," Stating in both cases that she is a lamb to the slaughter is highly apt.

In true 21st-century procedural fashion, the case around which the pilot is centered sets the stage for a season-long story arc. This pattern continues to the S1 final episode that wraps up everything serving equally well as a season or a series finale. 

The trauma this time revolves around discovering two dead women; of course, Clarice is the one to set the investigation on the right track. 

These nefarious doings lead to a literal send lawyers, guns, and money; Dad get me out of this situation. The well-played INTENSELY creepy psychological elements behind the facial corporate greed show that the insult behind the fatal injuries. The direct ties to mythology proves that everything is Greek to us mere mortals. 

The note-worthy side cases include one in which following the evidence leads to connecting the deaths of two boys several years apart. This investigation, like much of "Clarice," comes down to blaming the mother. This EPICLY is the case as to an episode that adds bodacious context to "Silence." 

The copious special features extend well beyond the deleted scenes that provide valuable exposition and the gag reel that lightens the equally psychological and thriller vibe. "The Silence is Over" centers around properly honoring the source material. "ViCAP Views" goes below the surface as to the A, B, and C stories of the S1 episodes.

These sublime elements make adding "Clarice" to your home-video library a no-brainer. 

'A Life At Stake' 4k & DVD: Hollywood Royalty Lupino and Rising Star Lansbury Do Hitchcock

 

Best buddy to cult film lovers Film Detective follows up its (reviewed) recent 4k and DVD releases of That '50s Hidden Scifi Gem "Flight to Mars" with the September 7, 2021 4K and DVD releases of the "from the vaults" indie noir film "A Life At Stake." Watching the 4K version on a Sony Bravia set with a Sony soundbar PROVES that viewing that edition is even better than seeing it on the silver screen.

The following Detective trailer highlights both the epic noirness of "Life" and reminds us of the range of Angela Lansbury. Her perfectly understated portrayal of femme fatale Doris Hillman shows that she is far more than a maternal teapot and equally motherly novelist who saves 100s of friends-and-family from a seat in Old Sparky.

The sultry opening scene of "Life" evokes very strong thoughts of Tennessee Williams. 

Bare-chested principled but disgraced architect/developer Edward Shaw (character actor Keith Andes) does his best James Dean, Tab Hunter, and Howard Roark as he starts his day in his room at a seedy boarding house. The subsequent interaction between "Landlady" (scene-stealer Jane Darwell) and attorney Sam Pearson provides the exposition that sets the game afoot.

The proverbial 25-words-or-less backstory is that the reversal-of-fortune of Shaw is fully attributable to someone who dun him wrong. Rather than hide behind bankruptcy laws ala a certain real-life pharmaceutical company owning family, Shaw is determined to live a life of quiet desperation until he can put right what once went wrong.

Pearson provides salvation in the form of an offer that Shaw (but not the audience) would have been better off refusing. Former real-estate agent/current real housewife Doris wants to back Shaw in a new development.

The initial meeting between Shaw and Doris demonstrates both that most noir couples strive to be Bogie and Bacall and that that legendary couple sets a high standard. However, our leads expertly straining the morality standards of the Hays Code in this scene shows that there is nothing wrong with being number two.

Andes and Lansbury do equally well portraying the parallel increased involvement in the bedroom and the boardroom. This sets the stage for the "Double Indemnity" portion of our program.

One of the best scenes in "Life" centers around a passionate negotiation as to the amount of a life-insurance policy on Shaw that is presented as providing Doris spouse Gus Hillman a safety net as to his investment in the venture. 

Lansbury augments her femme fatale role with domination of  Doris' younger sister in a manner that prompts strong thoughts of the career-high performance of the former in "The Manchurian Candidate." The role of the "innocent" is to introduce a sibling rivalry that triggers Hitchcockian paranoia in Shaw. A subsequent "accident" sets the stage for the rest of the film.

All of this climaxes with the typical Silver Age 11th hour resolution that fully embraces the Hays Code. The clear message here is that karma is an even bigger bitch than the femme fatale.

The accelerated rush to judgment further reflects a contrast that is a pet peeve. 

The brisk 1:15 runtime of "Life" is a literal nice change-of-pace compared to virtually every movie since roughly the '90s. Expressing that most films of the past few decades reflects frustration regarding undue filler, rather than a short attention span. Armchair editing easily proves that 30 minutes of montages and/or unnecessary narration in modern movies should end up on the cutting-room floor. 

Detective provides its typically awesome "drawing-room" wrap-up with a brisk 10-minute special-features documentary titled "Hollywood Hitch-hikers: Inside the Filmmakers." This Ballyhoo Motion Pictures production lives up the name of its best-brains production company. 

"Hollywood" tells the Lucyesque tale of Golden Age star Ida Lupino leaving Warner Brothers to prove that she knows Jack about making movies (and television series). This comes in the form of Lupino and real-life spouse Collier Young starting the Desiluesque production company The Filmmakers. We learn how the parallels with Lucy and Desi extend to marital woes that aptly involve Young hoping that Lupino would have gotten off her duff. 

Detective also includes a breezy informative "Biography, He Wrote" written essay by Jason Ney. Ney provides a figurative 25-words-or-less history on the b-movie career of Lansbury. 

'Flight to Mars' 4k and DVD: Live-Action 'Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space'

 

The aptly titled July 20, 2021 Film Detective separate special-edition 4k and DVD releases of the 1951 sci-fi classic Flight to Mars" continues the Detective tradition of keeping these cult classics in the public consciousness. 

This typically pristine remastering  of "Flight" is especially notable for evoking thoughts of the '70s Saturday morning cartoon classic "Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space." That spinoff of a "Scooby" clone has the titular teen bubblegum pop group (and their little cat too) experiencing hilarious earth-threatening perils as those far-out space nuts explore strange new worlds and seek out new life and new civilizations. 

On a more modern level, this release coincides with the heating up of the space race between Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. 

Once more, IMDb does the heavy lifting for your not-so-humble reviewer by providing an expert synopsis of "Flight." This recap is "five astronauts successfully fly to Mars where they encounter seemingly friendly and advanced inhabitants who harbor covert plans to use their ship to invade Earth." The element of sleeper agents, who are not our favorite Martians, further contributes to the awesome Cold War era vibe of the film.

The following Detective trailer for this release further highlights the awesome kiddie Saturday afternoon movie marathon aspect of "Flight."

Our story stereotypically begins with the best brains on earth making the final preparations to go where no one has gone before. The concern at this time ahead of both lunch and launch is whether this fantastic voyage will be a one-way trip. Of course, the intrepid crew includes the stoic military man, the dedicated scientist, and the token babe with the overlapping personal connections with the group-at-large.

B-movie legend Cameron Mitchell, whose IMDb profile lists 242 credits, stars as journalist Steve Abbott. Bud Abbott ventures into outer space a year later.

Steve  Abbott is along for the ride and to mac on the aforementioned modern woman. This allows us to see the extent to which Earth girls are easy. 

Of course, the group encounters the obligatory meteor shower on the way to the red planet. This leads to the equally required dramatic landing.

On arriving, the "pussycats" discover the same reason that Mars seems deserted that all humans learn. The first predictable spoiler is that the inhabitants of that planet have gone underground. The equally anticipated threat is that Mars requires a long-term solution to sustaining life more than it needs women. 

The ensuing delightfully cartoonish trauma-and-drama in this live-action film revolves around dissent among the leaders of the planets (think Jor-el v. Zod) as to the best course of action. Ala "Josie," a nefarious plot involves the earth ship being a critical element of a plot to establish Mars 2.

All of this culminates in the predictable final showdown just ahead of the final countdown, which includes an element of the Sherwood Schwartz failedcom "It's About Time." The latter has time-travelling astronauts contending with actual neanderthals.

Detective also comes through with its typically stellar extras. These include an insightful written essay on "Flight" and two documentaries on producer Walter Mirisch.

Boy Scout Confidential: The Profane and The Personal

The first disclaimer in this diversion into Blogland is that the above image of a scoutmaster is from a Google search for a photo for this "expose" of the Boy Scouts of America. The photo being from a newspaper article about criminal and civil charges as to claims of molesting scouts is apt. Your not-so-humble reviewer has no personal knowledge of this case beyond what the article reported.

The second disclaimer is that the BSA is VERY aware that I am not seeking anything tangible from them. I repeatedly have requested that the organization put me in touch with my regional director, whom I was able to track down to his 2011 BSA job, so that I can get his perspective. I also asked the BSA for a meaningful verbal apology as to my experience. It is clear that the BSA is unwilling to provide either remedy. 

The modern relevance to the following story as old as the first Bush administration is that things apparently never change at the BSA. The latest large chapter in the seemingly never ending story of scoutmasters preying on scouts has once more triggered memories of a horrific 18-month tenure as a district executive. This has culminated in a recent vivid stress dream from those bad old days. 

The callous disregard by current boy scout employees and volunteers literally has added insult to the old injury. Most current BSA officials whom I contacted this week ignored my calls.

When asked to respond to my report of regular emotional and verbal abuse by my direct BSA supervisor from the perspective of a human being, a scout executive, and a HR professional, a high-ranking national office staffer characterized my experience as "unpleasant." He added that no one is guaranteed a "nice" manager. I hung up on him.

The lack of response has included no follow-up as to a call for a hotline set up to address misconduct by scout volunteers and employees. 

As mentioned above, our story occurs in the era of clunky wireless landline telephones and MS-DOS. The names of the not-so-innocent have been changed or omitted to protect your not-so-humble reviewer from legal action by the evil scouting empire. 

I was a relatively fresh-faced recent college graduate with dual interest and experience in non-profit management and in making the world a little better place. This dated back to running the blood drives my junior and senior years at my boarding school. 

Meeting a BSA employee at a party led to what I thought was the "capital" idea of applying to that organization. I naively believed the hype that the BSA merely was an organization that let kids spend weekends in the great outdoors and that taught them the importance of being excellent to each other. 

This was just before the anti-gay and other offensive policies of the BSA made headlines. I soon learned of the broader fascist nature of the organization.

My boss being a retired Marine and not grasping the realities of civilian life warrants referring to him as The Great Santini. This also provides the perspective that the BSA provides a haven for former jarheads, squids, flyboys, and dogfaces without doing enough to get them to accept that the war is over.

It is worth noting that a BSA employee could have been fired in this era for living with a girlfriend. Santini told me as well that the fascism extended to ANY UNSUBSTANTIATED report of  ANY unscoutlike behavior also being a terminable offense without ANY chance to respond to such a claim. I would joke with friends that the BSA was lucky if at any one time I met two-out-three elements of the scout ideal of being physically strong, morally straight, and mentally alert. 

Conversely. numerous consistent statements as to a district-level female volunteer regularly sweating up the sheets with the married Santini and equally wed male volunteer did not cause any concern. My knowledge of these events is limited to what other volunteers told me. The behavior of my boss toward this woman and his habit of hulking out on me on a few occasions on which I dun her wrong PURELY in his mind is consistent with the word on the hiking path. 

My background made my service area of predominantly nice suburbs apt. Unfortunately, the BSA neglected to consider whether Santini would respond well to a typical boarding school boy who was a boy scout "virgin." His calling me "preppy scum" within five minutes of our meeting set the tone for the next year-and-a-half. 

The event that epitomizes the abuse that I endured and that INDICATES that BSA policies that are designed to protect scouts from pedophiles are not worth the paper on which they are written occurred roughly one year into my employment. These policies include a statement that essentially directs an abundance of caution as to a questionable candidate. 

The rest of the background as to this incident is that the BSA is designed to be an ENTIRELY volunteer-run organization. We over-worked and under-paid staffers are supposed to let them call the shots and to just provide the resources that they require to complete their labors of love (and sometimes lust). In that regard, I was an excellent and well-liked "soldier." 

My fateful trip into Hell this time began with returning a call from a man, whose name I do not recall but will call Mr. Horton in reference to a "very special episode" of the '80scom "Diff'rent Strokes." Horton reported that the volunteer who oversaw the merit-badge program, whose name I also do not remember, rejected his application to be a photography merit-badge counselor. 

My spidey sense was  tingling as to Horton appealing a decision to deny him a position that literally would allow him to be alone in a dark room with boys. Horton saying what sounded like a very creepy tone "I like working with boys" sealed his fate in my eyes.

I explained to Horton that volunteers decided such matters, but that I would call the volunteer. In speaking with that volunteer, it was very cleat that we were on the same page. I thought that the matter was resolved when I called Horton back and politely told him that his appeal failed.

I was sitting in my desk in the large cubicle farm where all district executives of every level "grazed" when Santini came blustering in as usual the next day. He walked up to my desk near stairs that allowed virtually the entire building to hear what occurred there and glowered at me as was oft the case.

Santini growled that Horton had called him; the fact that Horton was trying alarmingly hard to get in a darkroom with scouts apparently did not concern Santini.

In stating the reasons for my action, I told Santini about Horton stating in a creepy voice that he likes working with boys. The face of Santini got even redder than it typically did when he spoke to me, and he bellowed at the top of his voice that he likes working with boys. He then just as loudly repeated that statement at least five times, naming a different high-ranking volunteer each time.

For the record, I NEVER got a sense that Santini did bad bad things with scouts. 

Santini then told me to give him the merit-badge application, grabbed it out of my hands, scrawled his signature on it, and ordered me to bring it to the registration office. NO ONE in our office EVER responded to that misconduct.. I still sincerely hope that Horton never molested a scout and am deeply bothered that I never will get peace-of-mind as to that. 

The converse this time is that I once escorted one group of scouts and their leader on a trip  to a scout camp in Maine and another group back. My spidey sense did not tingle at all as to either scout leader.

BSA policies require that adult leaders shower separately from scouts and sleep in different rooms. I, but not the scout leaders, diligently adhered to those rules,. Although I have a strong level of confidence that nothing improper occurred as to either group, this journey INDICATED that adult leaders do not follow the rules. 

Other tales of the sordid lives of BSA employees and volunteers must wait for another day. These include Santini forcing me almost literally to the breaking point as to a back injury after I repeatedly told him this 5'8" 150 pounds (which still are my stats) guy could not do the assigned literally hard labor. 

'Your Honor' DVD: Cranston Does Classic Grisham

The CBS Home Entertainment June 15, 2021  Blu-ray and DVD releases of S1 of the Bryan Cranston drama "Your Honor" is the latest example of Showtime following the tried-and-true British model. Programs from across the pond fairly strictly adhere to the philosophy that producing 10-or-so high-quality episodes each series (my people call them seasons) is preferable to producing 22-or-so mediocre or bad offerings. 

The following trailer outshines the ability of your not-so-humble reviewer to convey both the spirit and the tone of this series that expertly sets a strongly Shakespearean story in New Orleans. The influence of a lesser scribe is in the form of "Honor" having strong overtones of the early classic novels of John Grisham. The following trailer conveys the concept and the intensity of the program in roughly two minutes.

Cranston stars as judge/widower/highly-symbolic marathoner Michael Desiato. His portrayal of this family man, officer of the court, and friend to virtually all perfectly showcases the range of Cranston, whose better-known characters include hilariously hapless sitcom dad Hal on "Malcom in the Middle" and very complex and conflicted parent Walter White on "Breaking Bad." The common thread as to these three very different roles is that any son (or daughter) could only hope to have as loving and dedicated a parent as the Cranston character if he or she is the victim (or cause) of a series of unfortunate circumstances.

The fortunate son in this case is the aptly named Adam Desiato. The original sin of this teenager with a license to drive is a fatal hit-and-eventually run of peer/motorcyclist Rocco Baxter. The rest of this story is that this accident occurs immediately in the wake of an unnerving encounter while Adam is honoring the memory of his mother on the first anniversary of her being the victim of random violence.

On arriving home, the instinctive behavior of Adam includes a spot-on scene straight out of "Macbeth" before fessing up to dad (aka King Hal). Michael keeps a surprisingly cool head and offers his son strong support while requiring that he does the right thing.

The game changer is an eleventh hour realization that Rocco is the son of crime boss Jimmy Baxter and his Lady MacBeth style spouse Gina. The portrayal of Gina by Hope Davis makes it a crime if she does not win an Emmy for that role.

Realizing that Adam confessing ensures that the boy literally or figuratively will end with a pair of cement Nikes prompts Michael to concoct a hasty plan to conceal the guilt of his offspring. The manner in which this plan unravels with massive collateral damage is the epitome of the butterfly effect.

The epic trauma-and-drama fully amps up when typical lower-class black teen Kofi Jones becomes the fall guy merely for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The manner in which the Baxters bring a weapon of mass destruction to a knife fight soon puts Michael in a very tough spot as both a father and a judge. 

The lengths to the courtship of Adam's father is endangered once again proves that our lead wants to ensure that his son, who constantly is his own worst enemy, has a future that is bright that he has to wear shades. The idea is not so much that a youthful indiscretion should no ruin a promising career than it is that the punishment would not fit the crime. 

Of course, all this leads to a season-finale climax that reflects the principle of such an episode serving equally well as the end of a season and of a series. The worlds dramatically collide in a manner that delivers what can be considered justice of Biblical proportions. This conclusion further proves that fools these mortals be. Whether we get a "Part II" remains to be seen. 

The special features consist of deleted scenes, many of which should not have ended up on the editing room floor. 

'Star Trek: Lower Decks' S1: Far Out Space Nuts

The CBS Home Entertainment May 18, 2021 separate DVD, Blu-ray, and steelbook releases of "Star Trek Lower Decks" S1 provides Trekkies, Trekkers, and "virgins" who do not subscribe to streaming service Paramount+ a chance to watch arguably the best "fun for all ages" animated series of 2020. This fun continues when S2 hits Paramount+ on August 12, 2021.

This release coincides with the wonderful CBSHE DVD releases of "Beverly Hills 90210" and "BH90210" Complete Collection and "CSI:NY" Complete Series." Reviews of both sets sadly have been destroyed along with the 1,000s of other posts on Unreal TV 2.0 (aka Matt Nelson Reviews) thanks to the resistance is futile business model of Weebly.

The following CBSHE "captain's log" as to "Lower Decks" expertly describes the concept of this brilliant and stunningly crisp series that is highly BD worthy. "Join rule-breaker Beckett Mariner, aspiring captain Brad Boimler, rookie D'Vana Tendi and part-Cyborg Sam Rutherford as they attempt to navigate the most mysterious corners of our universe with very little experience... and even less authority."

"Lower Decks" creator/writer Mike McMahan puts his time on the wonderfully subversive "Back to the Future" animated homage "Rick and Morty" to good use. Boimler (phenomenally voiced by Jack Quaid) and fellow grunt Mariner provide hilariously contrasting views and 'tudes as they go about their menial duties on Federation ship "Cerritos" that lacks the glory of the fleet flagship "Enterprise."

A prime example of the second-tier status of the "Cerritos" is a follow-up second second-contact mission that lacks the prestige of making first contact with a "new civilization." The hilarious opening credits that are full of pilot error further reflect this vibe. 

The wonderful blend of "Trek" lore and slackercom "Workaholics" is particularly strong in an episode that is centered around the "buffer time" that dates back to "Trek" OS. The concept is that the grunts exaggerate the amount of time that a task will take so that the bridge crew is impressed when it is completed ahead of schedule. A typical slip-of-the-tongue by Boimler results in Captain Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) comically tightening up deadlines.

Freeman gets one of the best lines of the series in a scene in which she states that putting Mariner in the brig does not do any good because Mariner likes the brig. A reference to "TOS" in a later episode runs a close second. 

The true genius of "Lower Decks" is how Team McMahan PERFECTLY serves up a tongue-in-cheek depiction of the otherwise exemplary performance of the Federation officers around whom the other "Trek" series are based. These include Boimler experiencing a comical effect of transporter mishap (poor Porthos) and an episode involving a life-threatening holodeck malfunction. We further get regular references to the heroic legends of "Trek" lore. Speaking of which, Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis awesomely reprise their TNG roles in the "Lower Decks" season finale.

The below-the-surface fun of "Lower Decks" relates to comprehending the aforementioned references. These truly run the gamut from the sublime to the ridiculous. One can only hope that this series lives long and prospers as it boldly goes where no animated series has gone before. 

'Irresistible' DVD & BD: Stewart and Carell Together Again

 

The Universal Pictures Home Entertainment separate DVD and DVD/BD sets of the John Stewart ("The Daily Show") joint "Irresistible" (2020) provides a great chance to see a film that truly is one for our dystopian times. The extreme divisiveness regarding every aspect of American society screams now more than ever for the impish wit and charm of writer/director Stewart. 

​Casting "Daily" veteran Steve Carrell as prominent Democratic campaign manager/spin doctor Gary Zimmer is the icing on this tasty cupcake. This "Office" guy puts his deadpan wit and condescending arrogance/exasperation to good use as a DC insider essentially living a self-imposed exile in Hooterville. Think Michael Scott  in a town full of Dwight Schrutes, 

The quasi Mary Matalin to Zimmer's James Carville is his Republican counterpart Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne). This "Irrestistible" aspect aptly adds a '90s vibe to this film that is a a mash-up of the politicom "Wag the Dog" and films"loosely based" on the Matalin/Carville relationship.

The following "Irresistible" trailer provides an excellent "25-words-or-less" synopsis of the wonderfully cynical themes of the film; we also get good doses of the well-produced humor that make this one worth adding to your home-video library.​

Our story begins on election night 2016 with the upset victory of Trump over Clinton; we all know how that worked out. Four years later, Zimmer finds a potentially game-changing online video of democrat/veteran/farmer Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper) raising a fuss at a council meeting in his rural Wisconsin town, Zimmer makes the hastings decision that his getting that man elected mayor will be an important step toward turning that swing state to the Democratic side in the upcoming presidential election.

Hilarity ensues as we witness the political games that are par for the course inside the Beltway but not the Bible Belt. We also see the aforementioned patronizing attitude of Zimmer towards the "hicks," and said "real Americans" show up that city slicker.

The success of Zimmer brings Brewster to town to create bad faith as to Hastings. This leads to Zimmer v. Hastings: This Time It Is Especially Personal. The fun here includes a manufactured scandal and a perfect example of the risks of relying on general demographics. All of this makes Topher "Dumb Ass" Grace ("That '70s Show") being a member of Team Zimmer apt.

Stewart saves the very best for last ala a series of twists that are straight out of Golden Age Hollywood. This awesome cynicism shows that you truly cannot trust or underestimate anyone.

The copious home-video bonuses include deleted scenes, a gag reel, and a couple of "making of" features.

 How Lois Lane Syndrome Exacerbates Covid Economic Impact

The inspiration for this detour into Blogland dates back several years; one thing that always has bothered me about "Superman" incarnations is that Lois Lane makes a big show of being so fearless but puts herself in precarious situations knowing that Superman will show up and save her. I always have believed that people should make their best effort to be self-sufficient before relying on the kindness of strangers. 

Another pop culture phenomenon is highly relevant to the topic of good faith as to contending with the economic impacts of Covid. An episode/failed spinoff pilot of the long-running NBC '80scom "The Facts of Life" has post-adolescent prep school girl/doctor's daughter Natalie abandoning Westchester to live La Vie Boheme in NYC. The response of this sheltered girl to a financial crisis of one of her many roommates in a one-room apartment is that no one likes asking their parents for money but that it sometimes is necessary. The reply to that suggestion makes it  VERY clear that not everyone can go running to Daddy when they lack money for last year's rent, this year's rent, next year's rent.

The recent expiration of the $600/week federal unemployment supplement is behind the current musings on reliance on a bailout. The unpredictable, rapid, severe nature of the shutdown justifies the additional benefit at a time that the consequences of losing a McJob are far more dire than merely getting comparable work at a competitor.

The July 31, 2020 cut-off of the additional amount reflects the belief of both the pols and the hoi polloi that our long national nightmare would have ended by then. Looking back two weeks, some form of additional aid seems reasonable. 

The other side of the coin is that it is known that some people took undue advantage of the supplemental benefits to either not return to their former employment when doing so was an option and/or did not look for alternative work when it became available. It is equally probable that a large percentage of people relied on an extension of the extra $600 after July.

This is a factor both as to many unemployment recipients being in a tough position and many Republicans advocating a more tempered response to the current need for this aid. 

Practicing what I preach has included cutting back and regularly taking short-term jobs during periods of unemployment. I also diligently applied for permanent work. I admit that even cold calling companies is better than a shift at McDonalds or WalMart. However, the principle of due diligence to earn a paycheck applies.

A side note is that I worked at Crate and Barrel style store and caterwaitered several times a week despite having a full-time job in the first few years after college. I did the extra work so that I could have some "wants" and would be in a better position if I lost my job. 

The big picture is that the "us" versus "them" mentality that pervades modern culture is more powerful than kryptonite as to "killing" a superhero.

​No one should have to beg for anything, but the same "kids" who often literally shout when they feel that the "adult" on the other side of the counter is asking for too much should realize that showing good faith in the form of demonstrating a willingness to do that part is a more effective way to get a raise in their "allowance" than sitting around texting and refusing to even try to do their fair share. 

'Like Any Other Kid' DVD: Documentary on 'Missouri Method' for Treating Juvenile Offenders

 Bullfrog Films, which services both the general and educational home-video markets, provides substantial food for thought as to the DVD release of the 2017 documentary "Like Any Other Kid." The underlying theme of the "Kid" is the debate almost as old as time regarding the extent to which prisons should punish in contrast to rehabilitate the folks who are guests of the state.

"Kid" studies young offenders who commit a variety of offenses; the focus is on "The Missouri Method," which believes that sparing the rod does not spoil the delinquent. 

The film visits several juvenile facilities that take the talking cure to heart; through this, we met both the troubled youth and the guards who are highly dedicated to finding out how they can reach their kids so that they do not embark on a life of crime.

One of the most entertaining scenes has two teen boys act out a "use your words, not your fists" improv that is as amusing to them and their peers as it is to those of us at home. Despite the flawed delivery, the message that asking for money owed rather than coming to blows (or worse) over the dispute is highly valid.

One excitable boy gets more screen time than most; he is distinguishable both for essentially "going over the wall" during a trust-based furlough and for subsequently breaking down in a discussion with guards and therapists. One of the guards previously having his time in the spotlight adds a good perspective.

The bigger picture, which is highly relevant at a time that COVID-19 has amped hostility among "us" and "them," is that "we" always respond better when "they" are reasonable and compassionate. A more basic way of understanding this is that one dog simply barking at an already agitated dog only will lead to both dogs increasing their volume and enhancing the possibility that one or both of them is going to walk away with a chunk missing out of his or her body. 

'My Best Friend' DVD: Siblings From Different Mothers Experience Brotherly Love

Breaking Glass Pictures  amusingly is a good buddy to film reviewers regarding the DVD release of the 2018 Argentinian gayish-themed coming-of-age film "My Best Friend." Writing about movies that hold your interest and that include proper portions of humor and drama is a nice contrast to sometimes literally losing sleep over how to state something nice regarding films that you would not feed to a dog.

The big picture (pun intended) about this film by Martin Deus is that it follows the pattern of a correlation between the amount of nudity and other sexual content and the quality of the film. The most prurient element in "Friend" is brief full rear and very partial frontal nudity in a high-school locker room. 

The more narrow perspective is that "Friend" (and the similar (reviewed) "Speed Walking") indicate that Breaking is softening its awesome edge as it enters its mature stage. A negative aspect of this development is that these films and others like them may give gay teen boys false hopes about getting in both the hearts and the pants of their best friend. A related element is that lovers of the full spectrum of indie fare from Breaking hope that any embarrassment of riches does not deprive of us the good, the lewd, and the brutally honest that characterizes many films from that distributor.

The two wins for performances and additional awards for "Best Narrative" and "Best Screenplay" at the 2018 OUT at the Movies Int'l LGBT Film Fest perfectly reflect what makes "Friend" special. The following YouTube clip of a trailer for the film validates those honors.

Our central character is everyteen Lorenzo, who is living a comfortable middle-class life with his loving parents and his adorable little brother Lucas. Lorenzo also is well-liked by both girls and boys and gets to hit it and quit it with the female object of his affection.

Trouble comes a knockin' when Lorenzo arrives home one afternoon to find Caito waiting outside with an expectation of a long visit. The rest of the story is that the father of Caito is a former football (my people call it soccer) star/ex-con, who is a childhood friend of the father of Lorenzo. This presumed defensive midfielder had called a few days earlier to ask if Caito could stay with the other family for a while because the step-brother of Caito was recovering from a bad motorcycle accident. This conversation did not seal the deal regarding Caito essentially becoming a foster child.

Lorenzo and the 'rents accept the situation and have Caito literally bunk with Lucas, who is surprisingly chill regarding the matter. This response also includes asking Lorenzo to subtly keep an eye on his new bro. Said dude not taking long to show that he is a bad seed prompts more surprising understated reactions regarding this development.

The rest of this story is that Lorenzo is quiet and studious; Caito is a tattooed relatively tough and sullen guy who is into sports. The boys connecting over a few common interests supports the theory that opposites attract. 

A bonding scene that involves literal pillow talk creates high expectations for at least 10-percent of the male viewers; another tender scene creates ambiguity regarding whether Caito is demonstrating mercy or is playing for the same team as Lorenzo. These moments and others like them provide good context for the behavior of Caito. 

Another memorable scene is between Lorenzo and his mother; she puts most other reel (and real) moms to shame in gently inviting her son to come out the closet if he is in it. This awesomeness includes respecting his wishes and not pushing the matter. This conversation further is contrary to the theory that every gay man has "a mother." 

The most cute moment comes via the 'rents essentially telling Lorenzo that they are going to get rid of the bad puppy, whose misdeeds include running feral, unless Lorenzo agrees to take more responsibility for this pet. Watching the younger and smaller boy assume control over the willing older and larger guy is very amusing.

This warm-and-fuzzy film with an edge stays true to the spirit of the movie by ending with a whimper (and perhaps a bang) after a final round of trauma and drama. Mainstream Hollywood may not have presented the ending, but everyone at least is a little older and wiser. 

Breaking further outdoes itself regarding the extras of which it always is proud. The highlight is the 24-minute Deus film "The Prisoner." This tale of high school boys slightly notches up the homoerotic meter from "Friend."

"Prisoner" begins with two boy scouts waking up with a pup tent. One of the lads, who is breaking his back, consistently calling his mountain companion "Sir" seems to be insincere until we soon learn that the expression of military-style protocol is genuine. 

The action picks up on the boys finding a nearly naked younger guy tied up and leashed. This newcomer (no pun intended) literally plays for the other team in that he is on the side of two groups that are playing war games.

The pair becomes a trio as the new captors bring their prisoner along with them. This leads to additional adventures that relate both to trust and to the Stockholm Syndrome. An apparent betrayal of that trust concludes with scenes that show that boys will be boys. 

Breaking also includes interview with Deus and his cast; a "Behind the Music" extra pays homage to the great soundtrack of "Friend." ​

Avoid Getting Inn Trouble V: Worst Hotel Stay Ever

The not-so-brave new world regarding travel is prompting the increased frequency of Inn Credible New England posts on this site. These articles also are reflecting the cited principles of the first "Avoiding Getting Inn Trouble" musings in this ongoing series. The awful truth is that business, personal, and mixed-use travelers all are going to reduce their trips for the foreseeable future; this makes choosing wisely more important than ever before. 

One huge spoiler is that aggressively bullying me into deleting my Trip Advisor review and making blatant threats of civil and legal proceedings in response to being vocal about my horrific experience is behind being this post being purposefully vague. Ala who dun Carly Simon wrong back in the day being convinced that they inspired "You're So Vain," guests who experiences mirror those described below surely will speculate as to the identity of the culprits. 

The abundance of proof as this company having no business operating hotels is that a recent online "out of curiosity" search revealed the name of a new ownership company. The joy on discovering this was short-lived. 

I quickly learned that the new company had the EXACT same leadership and owned the EXACT same properties as the place that caused extended trauma and drama. My conclusion is that the name change is to represent to folks who (as documented in Trip Advisor reviews) had the same distressing experience as me at one of those hotels that an non-existent reform occurred. 

A trip, which inspired the term "shabby broom closet," that will live in infamy checks all the right boxes as to a place that should be avoided like the plague. The owner being a behemoth corporate holding company is the starting point that years of experience shows warrants triggering a spidey sense. However, just as some attorneys are kind and ethical people, many for-profit businesses that offer boutique lodging are upstanding corporate citizens.

A starting point that past "Inn Trouble" posts do not address is a hotel not meeting pre-trip expectations. The hotel in question is a historic property with a modern addition, On speaking to an on-property employee, I was told that my preference for a room in the older part of the building would be honored. On arriving, I learned that the older building had been closed for months and that no one was even allowed in that area. 

A combination of the trip being a celebration of a major milestone birthday and occurring in a very stressful period prompted mentioning the birthday in this pre-trip conversation. The clerk promised a room upgrade and strongly hinted about a small gift as to the birthday.

We arrived at the hotel to no mention of the birthday; we also discovered that, despite paying a hefty sum, we were assigned the shabby broom closet. Someone standing between the bed and the door literally had to jump on the bed to let the other guest get to the door. There also was no drawer space, no place to store luggage, and a tiny closet. This was on top of the television being mounted to the wall and the cables dangling down from it.

Bringing all this to the attention of the desk clerk fell on deaf ears; even a token birthday t-shirt would have been nice. The two of us spent $150 at the onsite restaurant and did not get so much as a free slice of cake. 

This prompted a negative TripAdvisor review; that prompted a corporate executive with a distinctive accent (more below) to contact me and threaten action if I did not remove it. An odd part of that umbrage was unhappiness at my describing that hotel with meeting space, a well-equipped business center, and a large dining room as a convention hotel. The executive went so far as to call (and successfully) bully me through removing my TA post after I told him that I could not figure out how to delete it.

I live roughly 45 minutes from the holding company corporate office and was in a post-hotel-stay trip to a store in that area when I recognized the executive from his photo on the company website. Hearing his accent on his alarmingly yelling at his child convinced me that that was the guy. I did not approach him.

The distress as to the hotel stay continuing to weigh on my mind prompted calling the hotel years later on learning that it had a new manager. That manager had someone on the corporate staff call me; in speaking to that person, I shared all the details (including the random nature) of seeing the executive yell at the child in the store. I did so to support my argument that that man bullied me. 

I subsequently received a certified letter from the president of the company. That correspondence threatened civil and criminal action if I did not drop the matter and if I ever tried to stay at any of the hotels that the company owned. This document went on to accuse me of stalking the executive who happened to be at the same store at the same time as me and with whom I did not have any interaction. 

The bottom line this time is that booking any hotel stay runs the risk of a nightmare. The tips in "Avoiding Inn Trouble" post can help put the odds forever in your favor.​

'I Miss You When I See You' DVD: Coming of Age With the One Who Got Away

The Breaking Glass Pictures DVD release of the 2018 Hong Kong drama "I Miss You When I See You" follows the pattern of similar gay-themed Breaking films. The sad global truth is that teen (and older) boys who like other boys have it rough much more often than living a fairy tale (no pun intended) that precedes their (often) happy ending.

The following YouTube video of a highly stylized trailer for "Miss" showcases the art-house quality of this film about an "its complicated" relationship.

"Miss" opens in the 1999 school year of adolescents Jamie and Kevin. The former is a popular well-adjusted kid, and the latter is an awkward loner. The proper context for their character and friendship is a less extreme (and even more homoerotic) version of Zack Morris and Screech Powers, who have high-school sleepovers, of "Saved by the Bell" fame. 

Opening scenes revolve around Jamie sneaking out of class to meet Kevin in a boys' room stall apparently only to discuss the new book in a pulp fiction series. We also see that their classmate named Wong is a wang.

The action then moves ahead 12 years as Jamie travels to Australia to visit Kevin at the long-term residential facility where he lives due to his depression. This leads to a boys' night out that is a treat for both guys. 

Unbeknownst to Jamie, his visit prompts Kevin to follow his friend back to Hong Kong. The two become co-workers at the tutorial center that Jamie owns and operates with former classmates. They also become roommates at the apartment of Jamie. The especially creepy behavior of Jamie in the apartment shows that he has fond memories of a tender moment that experiences interruptus soon before his high-school-era move to Australia.

The rest of the story is that Jamie apparently is fully converted as his present-day relationship with girlfriend Elaine indicates. However, female intuition and a valid reason for asking Jamie to either fish or cut bait creates tension. One aspect of this is the price that giving the heart what the heart wants can cost.

History also is starting to repeat itself in the form of Kevin increasingly bonding with a troubled male student, who openly admits to being hot for teacher. This leads a a very bizarre and uncomfortable sitch for characters and audience alike dinner for Kevin, Jamie, Elaine, and the student. A more sweet aspect of this is that the boy feels real love, rather than merely lust, for his "daddy."

The artistry of "Miss" continues with a relatively anti-climatic climax. There are no tears and recriminations; Jamie, who is facing Kevin moving back to Australia, seemingly ends up with the one with whom he is fated to share his life until someone younger and cuter comes along.

Time constraints are behind not watching the almost-always included and always insightful and entertaining "making-of" featurette and cast and crew interviews in Breaking releases. The good folks at Breaking must determine if this warrants the still-used Chinese punishment of a bare-bottom caning. If so, it requires learning how to say  "please Sir, may I have another" in Mandarin.

'Del Shores: Sordid Confessions' DVD: Del-ightful Sins of a Minor Gay Celebrity

Being a HUGE fan of the public and private personas of writer/director/monologist/activist/chihuahua-lover/son of a preacher man/righteous dude Del Shores of (reviewed) "Sordid Lives " fame provides a good perspective for sharing thoughts on the Breaking Glass Pictures DVD of the 2012 Shores one (awesome) man show "Del Shores: Sordid Confessions." One spoiler is that this hilarious nowhere-ready-for-primetime special is far raunchier than the other Shores performances, all of which are subjects of posts on this site, that are available on DVD.

Shores discussing in "Confessions" that he is observed mentally filing away a sordid tale during a lunch largely sums up his style. His material is funny because it tells the truth about what fools these white-trash mortals be. This is especially true as to the latest (reviewed) Shores project "Six Characters in Search of a Play." 

A sincerity and a willingness to name names when warranted are another large part of the appeal of Shores. A prime example of this is a "Confession" about working with gorgeous young actor Randy Harrison during the tenure of Shores as a writer on the Showtime gay-themed drama "Queer As Folk."

Shores gives Harrison credit for being co-operative on the set but dishes about this thespian regularly publicly criticizing the writing on the series. Shores discussing the writers getting their revenge evokes thoughts of a QAF scene in which a nearly naked Harrison is drugged and placed in a sling during an orgy. The only personal criticism of Shores is that the writers do not have that incident lead to what should have been the inevitable conclusion. 

The raunch element particularly comes out (no pun intended) as to Shores, who has two wonderful daughters with his compassionate ex-wife, discussing his "slut" period in the wake of his marriage to a sordid man who majorly dun him wrong. The highlight of this part of the show is the tale of taking a relationship with a man glacially slow from the gay perspective only to discover that this guy has a cringe-worthy defect that will prompt every gay viewer to immediately Google images of that condition.

Being the righteous dude that he is, Shores still tries to please this Mr. Right (as opposed to Mr. Right Now) despite the seeming impossibility of turning a corner. 

Additional hilarity ensues as Shores confesses his macro and micro (no pun intended) fetish regarding short people as to whom he uses the non-pc term "midgets". The account of one such man with a long "third leg" but short temper provides additional entertainment regarding this topic. 

The big picture this time goes back to the same era as the filming of "Confessions."  A timely post on a DVD of a stand-up performance by British comedian Russell Brand SLAMS Brand for "sins" that include his act being an extended highly whiny therapy session as to which Brand not only saves the co-pay for that treatment but likely makes millions from folks who pay him to endure that almost unbearable catharsis. 

Shores openly and constantly admits that his "Mama's Family" style upbringing has provided him a career. The difference between him and lesser performers is that he knows how to tell his Bible Belt tales in a way that both entertains and lets us feel his pain.

Breaking does its usual stellar job as to DVD extras. We get a "behind-the-scenes" feature that includes Shores showing his inner circle what comes between him and his Calvins. This bonus further provides an inspiration for December 7 birthday gifts. 

A more "naughty" extra is footage of the photo shoot of the "Confessions" poster, which also is the DVD cover. This both allows hearing the beloved dogs of Shores and proves that he is hands-on regarding getting things right in a manner that makes one want to scream "me too".