Culture on My Mind
Narrative Diversions
(Winter and Spring 2025 Edition)
September 24, 2025
Narrative Diversions is a look at the various pop culture things I’ve been watching, reading, and playing over the last few months. This edition covers January 2025 through June 2025.
Since this edition is so far behind due to my work schedule, most of the descriptions will be shorter.
Movies
Wicked (2024) – PG
Based on the Broadway musical (which loosely interpreted the novel by Gregory Maguire), this movie covers the first act of the production. It’s a gorgeous film that spares no expense in bringing the vision to the screen, but I feel like it loses something special in the transition. It’s still a fun watch and I’m eager to see the second part this year, but I like the stage version a bit more.
Captain America: Brave New World (2025) – PG-13
I enjoyed this one, but it is flawed because of holes left by last minute rewrites and reshoots. The Serpent Society subplot was reduced to a small fraction of this story, and the Red Hulk deserved better. All of that leads to a high potential blockbuster with poor pacing. That said, I still love Anthony Mackie’s continuation of Captain America and want to see more of Danny Ramirez’s Falcon.
I also want an animated miniseries showcasing Isaiah Bradley’s story. Maybe a series called The Captains America exploring the interim between Steve Rogers’s disappearance and thawing.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2023) – PG-13
I refuse to call this one by its proper name – Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One – because they didn’t follow through. The sequel and continuation is subtitled The Final Reckoning, not Dead Reckoning Part Two.
Anyway…
This series is such dumb fun. The later installments have been long and complicated, but they’re pretty. I see a lot of the same growing pains that the James Bond series has: Is a series birthed by the Cold War still relevant? If so, how does it evolve and still remain entertaining? I enjoy them even though they aren’t high art. Perhaps that’s all that matters.
The Electric State (2025) – PG-13 [Netflix]
This Chris Pratt/Millie Bobby Brown flick is a good way to waste an afternoon. It’s fun but somewhat predictable and plays it safe.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) – PG
If you liked the first two installments, this is more of the same. I like how they portray Sonic and his crew. Jim Carrey is his normal over-the-top here, especially in a dual role as his own kin. I should probably watch the Knuckles miniseries to understand some of the connective tissue between Sonic 2 and 3.
La Dolce Villa (2025) – TV-14 [Netflix]
A cute if predictable Netflix romcom. The setting is beautiful and the plot is a bit off normal. If you’re a romcom fan, give it a look.
Bad Influence (2025) – TV-MA [Netflix]
Skip this dumpster fire. I stopped watching it because my wife and I were falling asleep, and I did myself the favor of looking up the ending. It’s as nonsensical as the rest of the meandering meaningless plot. Learn from my pain and give this one a hard pass.
Exterritorial (2025) – TV-MA [Netflix]
A clichéd conspiracy thriller. The greatest sin here is that it drags so much, and the acting doesn’t do much the buoy it back up. It could have used a US military consultant and a heavy-handed trim of about 20 minutes. Otherwise, it’s okay.
Snow White (2025) – PG
This Disney live-action remake has a 2-star rating on IMDb but a 70% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on my viewing of this movie, the RT score is more reasonable. The film is good looking overall and the actors did a great job with the material. I wasn’t a huge fan of the CGI dwarves, and it’s notable how this film could have easily cast little people in the roles without any problem.
Why is the IMDb score so low? We all know, and so does IMDb according to their banner reading “Our rating mechanism has detected unusual voting activity on this title.” The film’s release date was March 21, 2025, and many of the posted reviews are dated before then. I assume the star ratings are also pre-release, and we know that they’re likely linked to toxic grifters and their mindless audiences who want to disparage anything “woke.” The ratings are also linked to the fact that the lead actresses dared to vocalize their political views on Israel and Palestine.
Seriously, stop listening to the YouTube grifters.
Television
Superman & Lois – Season 4 [CW]
As the ending of the twelve-year era called the Arrowverse, it’s a good way to go. As the final season of this show, it was simultaneously rough due to obvious budget cuts and magnificent in reducing to the very core of what Superman & Lois represented.
This is my favorite live-action Superman series because of how it embodies the character ethos and combats the recent spate of darkness and cynicism surrounding the character. The show was pure of heart and contained brilliant messaging, often being far better than it deserved as a CW show.
And, yeah, the finale made me cry. I thought it was beautifully done.
Family Law – Season 3 [CW]
This show continues to entertain as it balances good character drama and timely stories about family legal cases. That’s where this show’s strength lies in what would otherwise be a standard legal procedural show.
Silo – Season 2 [Apple TV]
Season 2 of Silo took an interesting gamble in my eyes, and that was to isolate the main character and tell split stories between two locations. It was also fascinating to remember that this story has been happening over mere days. I’m intrigued by the revelations that came up as the season closed and where the show is going next.
Yes, I’m keeping this vague. Trust me, you’ll want to experience this show on its own.
Outlander – Season 7 [Starz]
This show continues to be beautiful, both in the design/locations and in the character studies. Season 7 continued to march through the American Revolution and flirts with the idea of how these time travelers can interact with history. The one thing I’m perturbed about is the insistence on putting Claire in mortal and/or physical peril. Can we dial that back?
Doc – Season 1 [Fox]
This show has an interesting premise – a superstar yet curmudgeonly surgeon loses the last few years of knowledge in a traumatic incident and must solve a related mystery – but it takes a backseat as yet another medical procedural. What saves this one for me is Molly Parker’s performance as the lead, Amy Larsen. I’ve liked her since Lost in Space, and she doesn’t disappoint here. At ten episodes, the first season (a mid-season replacement) is quick. It was also good enough to score a second season starting this fall.
Magnum, P.I. (1980-1988)
This was a huge part of the ’80s and lived in the pop culture background as I grew up. The watch over nearly a year was a fun time capsule and was pretty rewarding despite a lackluster final season.
The Recruit – Season 1 [Netflix]
We’re fans of The Rookie in my household, so this was a no-brainer since it comes from the same creative team. It was a fun ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously, although Netflix’s cancellation (on a cliffhanger!) is very disappointing.
Cobra Kai – Season 6 [Netflix]
Cobra Kai was an interesting idea that exceeded its creativity due to popularity. This wandering final season is the perfect example. It took a strange tangent that didn’t have any logical introduction, and the story lacked cohesion, which seemed to drive the publicity stunt of splitting the release into multiple parts. I really didn’t notice that it was back until I saw people talking about it.
I applaud the show’s core idea, but it should have either ended after three seasons or taken far more time to develop a more engaging throughline. In the end, I don’t miss it.
Doctor Who – Season 2 (or something) [Disney+/BBC]
I love Ncuti Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor, and the creative experimentation this season was a lot of fun. Sadly, it fell apart in the finale as behind-the-scenes happenings interfered with the on-screen plans, which resulted in a lot of unanswered questions and a few character assassinations.
The Last of Us – Season 2 [Max/HBO Max]
I really enjoyed this season and its morale-shattering twist surprise (for non-game players). This is Bella Ramsey’s show, and I’m intrigued by the promise of Season Three that was delivered in the final moments of the finale.
Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld [Disney+]
In the tradition of Tales of the Jedi and Tales of the Empire, this miniseries focused on two characters – Cad Bane and Asajj Ventress – and the events that shaped them. I must say I enjoyed Asajj’s storyline more, especially because it touched on Dark Disciple, but the miniseries overall was good. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this line.
The Handmaid’s Tale – Season 6 [Hulu]
How does one end this epic? By leading into an adaptation of The Testaments, obviously. I liked where this short season went and I’m glad the series had a chance to breathe.
FBI – Season 7 [CBS]
FBI: Most Wanted – Season 6 [CBS]
FBI: International – Season 4 [CBS]
The FBIs continue their walk down procedural lane. The sad part about this season’s offerings is how they killed off two shows, including the strongest character lineup (International) to start a new series in the franchise.
The Rookie – Season 7 [ABC]
The Rookie continues to be fun and seems to have found its footing again after recovering from the writers’ strike. Not much more to say about this comedic procedural.
Star Wars: Andor – Season 2 [Disney+]
This season rocked my socks off. It was an intense slow burn from start to finish, and lends itself well to an immediate rewatch of Rogue One. Also, that last shot… heartbreaking! If you see one Star Wars show, make it this one.
The Wheel of Time – Season 3 [Amazon]
It figures this series would get cancelled. As I’ve mentioned to some die-hard Robert Jordan friends, this was my perfect entry point for the story. I had a hard time reading the series and never finished it, but this was easier for me to “get” as a fantasy movie fan. Plus, Rosamund Pike was amazing in it. Alas, this series is no more.
Matlock – Season 1 [Paramount+]
This show is a must-see for us. Kathy Bates carries it, and the show is less of a reboot than one inspired by the classic legal series of the same name. It has heart and is more about character than being a strict procedural. I’m pleased to see it was renewed for a second go-round.
Daredevil: Born Again – Season 1 [Disney+]
I really enjoyed this season. It serves as a resurrection of the character and validation of the Netflix shows. Matt’s journey was shocking (that season catalyst was heartbreaking) and fulfilling, and I’m eager to see what Marvel does next with this title.
The Irrational – Season 2 [NBC]
I’m not surprised that this title was cancelled. The first season reveled in its potential and chemistry, but this collection floundered with lack of clear direction and narrative core. It seemed to meander quite a bit and I often found myself bored while watching.
Severance – Season 2 [Apple TV]
This season was can’t miss television. My eyes were glued to the screen the entire time as I looked for clues to the continuing mysteries. It was a season of victories and heartbreaks, and the ending was no exception. I need Season Three yesterday.
Tracker – Season 2 [CBS]
Tracker‘s sophomore outing continues the trend of being entertaining stories of the week, but also starts adding in more backstory and continuing threads as the world builds within the show’s universe. I miss Robin Weigert’s character of Teddi, but Fiona Rene’s Reenie is a good addition. Meanwhile, the IT support swap-out of Bobby and Randy was odd. Otherwise, this was another good season of adventure and intrigue.
The Floor – Season 3 [Fox]
It was a pleasant surprise to see this new season premiere so closely behind the second season finale. Brian O’Halloran of Clerks fame was on this season and is a master of trivia.
Grey’s Anatomy – Season 21 [ABC]
This powerhouse show keeping bringing in the audience. It’s about the same as always: Just a standard soapy medical drama.
Found – Season 2 [NBC]
Much like The Irrational, I’m not surprised this show is done. The second season was consumed by the internal drama of the team being fragmented and at odds, which is a plot line that should have been resolved within a few episodes. Instead, it put an anchor on a chain around the show’s neck and made me lose interest very quickly.
Books
A Happy Beginning – B. A. Richards
This urban fantasy tale is the debut novel from B. A. Richards. I reviewed it back in January upon its release, and our Dragon Con group is still talking about it. It’s worth the read.
Star Wars: The Han Solo Adventures – Brian Daley
Han Solo at Stars’ End
Han Solo’s Revenge
Han Solo and the Lost Legacy
Previously, I talked about the Lando Calrissian books and how much L. Neil Smith’s work didn’t feel like Star Wars. These are the opposite. Brian Daley knows Star Wars, and these novels are still as entertaining in 2025 as they were in the ’90s when I read them as a teenager. I vividly remember my English teacher, Mrs. Ludlow, positively remarking on my reading choice before class. This trilogy is one of my core memories from the Star Wars library and I enjoyed my return visit.
Star Trek: The Next Generation – Collateral Damage – David Mack
This was an interesting story that splits Picard and Crusher from the Enterprise as the latter undertakes a mission conflicting with Thadiun Okuna and Starfleet Intelligence. As a fan of Jim Wright’s work on social media, I loved the nod toward Stonekettle Station. Meanwhile, the JAG inquiry into Picard didn’t capture my attention, though I was happy to see Section 31 called on the carpet.
Star Trek: Discovery – The Way to the Stars – Una McCormack
I loved this Tilly prequel story, as evidenced by how fast I plowed through it. It follows Tilly’s teen years and the influences that pushed her toward Starfleet. It was a good tale and I highly recommend it.
Star Trek: Discovery – The Enterprise War – John Jackson Miller
Where was the Enterprise during the Federation/Klingon war in Star Trek: Discovery? This book is the answer, detailing the year long adventure with the Enterprise crew fragmented and scattered during a conflict between ancient enemies. You know how everything turns out, but the drama and character beats kept me engaged.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The High Country – Dayton Ward
What should be a simple mission to investigate a missing survey ship turns into a high-tension mission on multiple fronts. This was a good read.
Star Trek: A Singular Destiny – Keith R. A. DeCandido
Following the events of the Destiny trilogy, this story follows diplomat Sonek Pran as he finds a pattern in the chaos of a war-weary galaxy. It starts out messy but soon solidifies into a decent political thriller, setting the stage for the books that followed.
Star Trek: Picard – Rogue Elements – John Jackson Miller
I liked the idea of a story exploring the underused Cristobal Rios from Star Trek: Picard, and this fits the bill as a political thriller mixed with a character study of a broken man. I found myself growing a bit weary as Rios wallowed in his self-pity and kind of drove in circles, but then realized how the story was paralleling his recovery. He’s driven by events because he’s rudderless and directionless. I appreciated how the story made me frustrated and thus put me into the captain’s shoes.
Stage
Mary Poppins – Wesleyan Fine Arts
We were invited to attend this one since it was the last performance by one of our neighbors. I’ve seen a few high school productions in my life, but this was leagues beyond expectations. From a rotating set to showcase different settings with minimal stage changes to fantastic costumes and performances, this was a wonderful show.
Clue – Broadway in Atlanta
Mamma Mia! – Broadway in Atlanta
A Beautiful Noise – Broadway in Atlanta
& Juliet – Broadway in Atlanta
Parade – Broadway in Atlanta
Peter Pan – Broadway in Atlanta
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – City Springs Theatre Company
Shucked – Broadway in Atlanta
The Book of Mormon – Broadway in Atlanta
We also took in a lot of professional shows in those two quarters. The big winners in my book were Parade and Shucked, which are polar opposites in tone and humor. Parade was powerful and poignant, and Shucked was a modern retelling of The Music Man with corn fields and a ton of laughs.
While Clue was a retelling of the 1985 movie, it was still fun and humorous. Mamma Mia! was also a big highlight. Of these titles, The Book of Mormon was the only one we had seen before, so it was a list of new titles for me.
Games
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Nintendo Switch
I finally finished this one. While generally easy, I enjoyed the journey and the return to more two-dimensional Zelda titles. It’s a great entry title for newcomers, especially given how daunting Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom can be.
Next Time
The next installment in this series should be more timely, though I doubt it will be right on time with the typical late September/early October release. I’m picking up some of the pieces between a heavy summer season at work, Dragon Con, and coming home from con with COVID.
That said, I’m looking forward to looking back on what I watched and read from July through September. More to come soon.
Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.
Narrative Diversions sources poster art from various places, including The Movie Database (TMDB), Memory Alpha, Memory Beta, TARDIS Wiki, and publisher, distributor, and reseller websites. TMDB’s contents are available with a non-exclusive license for personal and non-commercial use. Fandom wiki materials are available with a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License 3.0 (Unported).
Many thanks to the fans who create and share their passion for entertainment and storytelling.
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