The Unfettered Critic – March 2026

ONE OF OUR cable boxes recently stopped functioning. So the cable company promised to dispatch “Someone” to perform an “analysis.”

We thought the Someone simply would replace the box. A no-brainer, right? But after inspecting the numerous cables that over the decades had been dangled from the poles, dragged across the road, directed up the walls, and drilled into the house, he suggested replacing all the boxes with a streaming system. (Which, he explained, the company is transitioning to, with plans to transition all customers soon. There’s no cost, he added—and he could do it right away.)

Well… okay.

Happily, he pulled it off in one afternoon, and, also happily, the new system works! Our part in this, of course, requires only that we remember the new directions for actually getting a moving picture up on the screen.

Aye, there’s the rub.

Because the first message that shows up on the screen’s home page reads: “EXIT TO LIVE.”

To some viewers (think younger), this means that clicking the clicker will take you directly to LIVE streaming. But to folks weaned on too many episodes of THE TWILIGHT ZONE, it says, “Get out NOW if you want to survive!!!!”

Okay. Stop it. We’re grownups. Not to mention English majors. Be brave. Reinterpret!

So, we followed the instructions and got to the “live feed,” where we discovered all of our favorite shows and movies, and also some new stuff that we’re currently exploring in the hopes of passing recommendations on to you, Dear Readers.

Anyway, without further using up our word count, here’s some of what we’re currently streaming:

STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY (Paramount+)

We’ve watched Star Trek for a long time, and we know the way it works. The franchise is best when it looks ahead while reflecting upon current times. Created in the 1960s, The Original Series emphasized that mankind could move beyond the ignorant beliefs and hurtful prejudices of that era. This new iteration follows the same trajectory. While Academy sometimes emulates the formulaic antics of shows about teens and young adults, like Beverly Hills 90210, Dawson’s Creek, etc., it also upholds classic values. Along with new faces introduced in the student populace, the show features grownup characters: Academy Award/Emmy Award-winner Holly Hunter; the voice of Emmy/Peabody Award-winner Stephen Colbert; and Emmy Award-winner Paul Giamatti as a fun but sorta-over-the-top bad guy.

BRIDGERTON (Netflix)

We couldn’t be happier. This “alternate history regency romance” is back for its fourth season, and it’s just as gaudy, silly and fun as before. The production qualities are divine, with wigs and costumes looking scrumptious on the multi-racial cast of love-hungry women and randy men, all vying for the best match in ‘The Ton’s’ yearly social season. Clever social commentary and images of (Oh, my!) naked bodies keep us coming back. It’s good that there are eight siblings in the Bridgerton clan, promising more unlikely but inevitable matchups down the road.

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S SEVEN DIALS  (Netflix)

Ah, who doesn’t long for another “cozy” miniseries during the winter drearies—one written by Agatha Christie, no less?

The tale is based on one of Agatha’s earliest works (The Seven Dials Mystery), and with only three episodes, it may feel a bit thin compared to Agatha’s later works. But the cast, including Helena Bonham Carter, Sherlock’s Martin Freeman, and new-to-us Mia McKenna-Bruce as central character Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent, is up to the task. Better yet, the story closes with what seems to be a promise from the producers that there will be more tales of Bundle-solving tales of intrigue.

Wanna watch? Exit to Live!