Here is another infrequent post of recommendations of stuff to watch on Netflix. Two new series have recently hit it that I am currently really enjoying.

The first I had dismissed when I read a description of it when first aired on the SyFy channel. But when I saw the teaser trailer on Netflix it appeared a lot more appealing.

Happy is a based on a graphic novel by Grant Morrison. The opening scene violently visceral and surreal sets the tone for whole series.

And I love it. A combination of live action and animation. It has some dark themes, it’s violent, it’s funny, the performances are fantastic. I’m a big fan of this show. I’ll be getting the graphic novel now to read for sure.

Friday evenings as a kid/teenager were along with Saturday mornings some of my favourite tv. 6pm Fridays if I remember correctly I’d be spoiled with classics of the time like The Water Margins and Monkey. Although I seem to remember them running for longer than they actually did apparently. I’ve looked at dvds of the complete series for both and there are far far fewer episodes than I remember.

Monkey had a light hearted approach to its material. But it was fun. Now Netflix has produced an updated version of the series. It’s struck an interesting route for an update. A lot these days go for the dark gritty reimagining. But this one has not gone that route, but it hasn’t also gone for copying the original either, they have hit a nice mid point. I actually like the route they have gone, and the choices they have made. I particularly like the actor who plays monkey and his portrayal. Casting Sandy as a female character an interesting choice, that works. The rest of the main casting choices and their performances are solid.