Jeff Lubeck

Three Pines: Wonderful and Rewarding Mystery Series

In the era of overpromotion and pre-release hype, Three Pines, is a rewarding surprise for fans of the mystery thriller series. This eight episode series on Amazon Prime Video arrived with little fanfare. Do not let Amazon’s promotional blunder be your viewing mistake. If you enjoy procedural oriented works that include mystery and thrills, Three Pines is your kind of series.

Three Pines is based on the popular and prolific Inspector Gamache series of novels authored by Louise Penny.

Alfred Molina headlines as Gamache. Molina is simply superb in the role. Molina is almost always great in his performances, but he is exceptional Three Pines.

However, Three Pines contains a cast that reminds me of the best Reparatory groups. To watch this group of performers reminded me of the team and performances in the series Shitt’s Creek, or the works from the team associated with the films of Christopher Guest (think Best In Show).

The Night Agent – Standard Fare – Consumed With a Smile

Think of the Netflix Series The Night Agent as a restaurant. The restaurant is not pretentious, serves one of your favorite meals, accompanied with side dishes that are prepared exactly to your liking. In some ways what is about to be consumed is comfort food, fully satiating your appetite, and satisfaction will be high. The Night Agent is a not a weak derivative work. The foundation of the storyline and character types is time time tested to be a winner with viewers. The quality of the actor’s performances – in almost every role – insures success.

If you enjoy the early film versions of works by Tom Clancy or Robert Ludlum made for the Big Screen, The Night Agent is for you.

G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the making of the American Century

Beverly Gage has leveraged time and document availability to author a work for which any biographer and historian would be proud.

G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the making of the American Century is a biography that reveals the complexity and contradictions of the person who led the Federal Bureau on Investigation (FBI) for 48 years. She also does the same as relates to the United States during his life. Gage is brilliant for taking the time to provide this aspect. Context always helps a storyline – especially here.

Depending on the period and setting, J. Edgar Hoover (in the eye of the public and media) was the Super Hero of American Greatness and a singular example of the horrible implication of government overreach and personal vindictiveness. Gage’s exemplary work confirms both conclusions could rightfully be made.

Gage presents Hoover to us before-cradle-to-after-the-grave. The biography is as detailed as it its compelling. What you think you know about Hoover is confirmed. What you will learn you did not know, will be substantial and revelatory.

*** Jeff’s Thoughts and other Worthless Trivia ***

My goodness how does anyone navigate being subject to the choice (and whims) of 4 Democrat and 4 Republican Presidents?

Three Pines: Wonderful and Rewarding Mystery Series

The Night Agent – Standard Fare – Consumed With a Smile

G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the making of the American Century

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