Trying is a series on Apple TV which is the very antithesis of Cape Fear.
That’s all I needed to be roped in. Got me at “not Cape Fear.” Plus, it has Imelda Staunton and she is marvelous, of course.
I should not be all in on this show, because I am not the demographic. It’s about a couple’s efforts to adopt children. But I am, because it consistently provides one belly laugh per episode — usually delivered by the dour sister or the male lead. (Most recently, he advises a child, “All the buttons on the microwave do exactly the same thing. Don’t waste your time. Press anything.”) There are also reliable snorts aimed at the sister’s insufferably pretentious boyfriend.
(Now, I am only as far as episode 3 of season 3, and that one kind of let us down a bit. There was action, and a chase scene, and you know I am not down for that.)
Gary and I have noticed there are themes that prompt conversation.
My theme: There have been at least two instances in which a female character has disposed of an object a male character loves.
I always say, “My god, who would DO that? Gary, I would never [give away your vehicle / throw away your accessories]. I don’t believe anyone would ever do that in real life.”
It doesn’t bother Gary as much as it does me.
Gary’s theme: There have been ongoing housing issues and engagement ring issues and Gary can’t let one pass without “I’m sorry I didn’t buy you a big house, hon,” or “I’m sorry I made us pick out your ring together instead of surprising you.”
This bothers Gary much more than it does me.
What does this mean? Could I blithely throw away his 1980s leather jacket? Will he someday take me to a big house that contains all our furniture and say, “This is where we live now, honey?”
Do we secretly long for / fear high-handed decisions that ignore the other person’s desires? I don’t know. I know I’m getting an adjustable bed I don’t particularly want at the end of the month. Is that actually charming?