Merry Christmas!
I have some great recommendations for you this holiday week.
Beanie Mania (HBO Max) is a layered and riveting look at how a children’s toy spawned an unprecedented investment bubble and a frenzy of American greed. Still can’t believe people lost their minds over stuffed animals. I have always loathed stuffed animals. (December 23)
Miami Showdown Massacre (Netflix) was an attack on July 31, 1975 by the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), a loyalist paramilitary group. It took place on the A1 road at Buskhill in County Down, Northern Ireland. Five people were killed, including three members of The Miami Showband, who were one of Ireland's most popular cabaret bands.(Streaming now)
Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story (Netflix) details disturbing allegations of sexual abuse, violence and misconduct by big cat zoo owner Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, private zoo operator. Witnesses come forward to share their stories of abuse and intimidation that set him at the top of the food chain. I still can’t believe these weirdos were able to operate a private zoo. Why would anyone feel safe going to a private zoo?
$215 million dollars disappeared in 2018 when Gerry Cotten, CEO of one of North America’s largest crypto exchanges, died suddenly - or did he? Journalists, regulators and crypto enthusiasts are determined to discover what happened to Gerry and the fortunes of 115,000 creditors. Dead Man’s Switch: A Crypto Mystery (Discovery +) tracks a tantalizing unsolved story of deception, greed, corruption, and the potential of unregulated currency to be used for both good and evil.
Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer (Netflix) examines how the danger and depravity of New York’s Times Square in the late 1970s and early 1980s made it possible for one man to commit — and nearly get away with — unthinkable acts. (December 29)
New York Homicide (Oxygen) details the brazen crimes that could only happen in New York and the intense work by law enforcement and civilians who race to take murderers off the streets. I know, you are starting to feel like New York City is off your travel list with all these stories about murder there. (January 1)
Stories of a Generation – with Pope Francis (Netflix) is about Pope Francis and other men and women all over the world aged 70+ — both famous and everyday people — sharing their life stories with young filmmakers. (December 25)
Dateline this week is called “And Then There Were Three” centers 40 years after a high school senior is found stabbed to death in her car after visiting the mall days before Christmas, investigators identify the killer. (December 21)
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is interesting this week because Jen Shah has begun her PR campaign for empathy. Armchair psychologists will have a field day unpacking moments on screen with her husband. In addition Mary Cosby’s role in her church is unraveling.
Enjoy!