After a reader suggested I write about the importance of television viewing in our later years, I began publishing a list in January of Glen’s and my favourite TV series of the year. We enjoy programs for the conversations they stimulate, between us as well as among family and friends. Such exchanges often influence my opinion or interpretation.
Awhile ago our son Brandon gave me the idea to write about individual shows on my blog, hence the introduction today of TV Thursdays. There may be spoilers, so you must decide whether to read the post before or after seeing a show. Each program will receive a rating, five ♦ being the highest.
THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT (Netflix) ♦♦♦♦½
Who knew the Queen’s Gambit, Sicilian defence, Caro Kann and other bewildering names pertain to chess openings? Not me! But my rudimentary knowledge of the game didn’t impair my viewing of this hit show about a female chess prodigy, orphan Beth Harmon. Adjectives that come to mind: delightful, poignant, uplifting, nostalgic, satisfying.
This show has depth in its trip through the fifties and sixties, hinting at big issues to come, starting with feminism. Beth presents as a feminist in her ambition to dominate in a male-dominated game. But the show also reminds us why women sought liberation. Given the constraints of a patriarchal society, unhappy ‘housewives’ seek to escape through alcohol — or suicide in the case of Beth’s mom. We watch her adoptive mom, stifled in a sour marriage with a latent talent as a pianist, drink herself to death. Beth runs into a high school classmate who’s realized her dream — a husband, a house, a baby — yet also totes a familiar bag from a liquor store. Think “Mad Men,” another show set in the ’60s. It could’ve been called “Mad Women” for all it revealed about the inequality of women’s rights and opportunities at the time.
After Beth proves her remarkable ability by winning numerous championships, a journalist asks “aren’t you too glamorous to play chess?” Did anyone ask Ernest Hemingway if he was too good-looking to write? Or Andre Agassi too handsome to play tennis? Or Tiger Woods too attractive to golf? Actually, both Beth and Tiger had to break through barriers to realize their exceptional prowess.
The character of fellow orphan Jolene anticipates the civil rights movement. At the orphanage she says to Beth, “no one wants a black girl.” Despite her impoverished background, Jolene grows strong. It’s rather radical that a black woman saves a white woman, but that’s what happens. Jolene knocks unexpectedly at Beth’s door, helps her overcome her substance addiction, and loans her 3000 hard-saved dollars — in the name of family — for Beth to compete in the Moscow Invitational. (An aside about racism: the girls’ home state of Kentucky did not overturn its anti-miscegenation law prohibiting interracial marriage and interracial sexual relations between whites and blacks until 1974!)
The show also foreshadows gay liberation in the character of Townes. He and Beth feel mutual attraction, love even, but his sexuality, revealed awkwardly in a hotel room, prevents them from consummating a relationship. She’s upset. Heartbroken. However, because she develops her humanity, Beth is able to embrace Townes as a friend, not a lover, when he shows up in Moscow.
It wouldn’t be Moscow in the ’60s without alluding to the Cold War; a federal agent accompanies Beth to Moscow, likely scouting for would be defectors. The Russians are said to play chess communally. On a conference call (a stirring scene), a collection of Beth’s chess friends helps her during the adjournment. Ultimately though, her intuitive play wins the game. Score one for American individualism. And score another for civility in her rival Borgov.
Oh yeah. The show’s also about chess, and the exciting matches, so arrestingly filmed, may well inspire women, men too, to take up this challenging game.
AN INVITATION
Ideally readers will submit their views on this show in the comments and/or write a piece about a different one. Send it to pam@thewritelook.ca for TV Thursdays. BTW: you needn’t be as long-winded as me! •
P.S. While the show was shot mainly in Berlin, Toronto and Cambridge ON stand in for Lexington KY in some scenes.
P.P.S. Although Glen and I discuss programs, we don’t always agree on their ratings. He gives The Queen’s Gambit ♦♦♦½.
Glen Wickens says
As we watch Beth and Jolene rise above poverty and prejudice to succeed, we are reminded that The Queen’s Gambit is a kind of fairy tale, just the kind of viewing that serves as tonic during a pandemic.
Barbara Richardson says
I’m with Glenn. Definitely going against the trend on this one. I’m amazed by how much the show is getting raved about in press and social media. I thought it was entertaining and I enjoyed it but did anyone not know how it was going to end? Orphan girl becomes beautiful, lives glamour life and triumphs over the Russian? The clothes and settings (50s 60s decor) were fun. Acting? Meh. So I’m just not on trend I guess…🙂
Pam McPhail says
I loved the music too, as many songs located me in the sixties, as did the shots of cars, from sedans with big fins to compact VW Beetles. The production values are excellent.
Tim McPhail says
I’m with Pam. Also, as a former chess player, the chess strategies and games are very authentic and believable. It should be noted that Garry Kasparov, a former World Chess Champion, consulted on the writing.
Pam McPhail says
Did the series motivate you to renew your interest in the game? Maybe a little? You might not be as ‘obsessed’ in your mind these years — to play against an opponent with no board. Instead you can compete online.
Dale says
I am with Pam. We enjoyed the Queen’s Gambit and have recommended it to several friends.
Grant McPhail says
I’m with Dale, who’s with Pam. We liked it. I liked that it was short enough to complete before you forget the beginning. I’m also OK with predictable happy endings!
Pam McPhail says
I agree about easily remembering the story. In some crime series the plot is so convoluted I have trouble unraveling it, especially if I cannot recall its early stages.
Ian M Wallace says
Pam, this is a great ‘pandemic idea’, to highlight some of the TV viewing that you and Glen have been enjoying. I have to reveal that this series in unknown to me. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading your synopsis and, also, the individual opinions of your erudite readers. As for Patricia and myself, we are just finishing the 6-part BBC series, Pride and Prejudice, 1995. Better late than never! I rate this one: 🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜 (five lovebirds)
Pam McPhail says
Jane Austen — in print or on screen — offers engaging distraction from the negative news of the day. Great choice!
Linda Watts says
I haven’t seen this show yet Pam but am always looking for something knew. It does sound interesting and I am ok with predictable endings. After all I watch the Hallmark Christmas shows!
Pam McPhail says
Ha. Ha. Glen will not join me in viewing a Hallmark Christmas show, but go for any viewing that pleases you. Let me know if you enjoy The Queen’s Gambit. My prediction? You will!
Ken McLean says
Speaking of “queens”, the new season of “The Crown”, of which we’ve seen 6 of the 10 eps, is very good. Gillian Anderson is quite transformed in her impersonation of Maggie Thatcher.
Pam McPhail says
We look forward to seeing this next season of “The Crown” though Glen is disappointed Gillian Anderson is not presenting as the sexy, smart star of “The Fall.”
Ken McLean says
She certainly isn’t; the reverse in fact !
Pam McPhail says
At least she’s still smart, albeit unsexy, in her role as the Iron Lady and gets to show her fine acting chops!
Glen Wickens says
I am half with Barbara and, for reasons of domestic diplomacy, half with Pam.
Janet Anderson says
I haven’t seen the show but it is the talk of a few neighbours and my pickle ball group.
Alas, I do not have Netflix, Crave, Apple or others, and enjoy CBC when I do watch tv!
I’m pleased to hear it has a happy ending. Who doesn’t love that!
Janet
Pam McPhail says
Janet, Glen and I could not survive without Netflix and, since last March, Prime as our evening diversion. CBC will be happy to know you haven’t gone over to the dark side.
Deborah Etsten says
You’re a wonderful reviewer, Pam! Brilliant and thoughtful review. So glad Linda R turned me on to your blog!
Pam McPhail says
Make my day … and not in a Clint Eastwood way! You gave me a huge boost this morning, Deborah. Thank you!
Linda Richardson says
Pam, reviewing TV shows is a great idea for your blog. My daughter and I watched the Queen’s Gambit together and really enjoyed Beth’s journey., albeit a bit predictable. I don’t play chess, nor have a math mind but was still intrigued with the plot. Loved the sets and the costumes and also Beth’s persistence in a male-dominated field. Looking forward to your next review.
Pam McPhail says
Linda, Perhaps you will collaborate with your fellow viewers and send an opinion of a show to post on TV Thursdays? We always welcome recommendations and observations from the Island.
Linda Richardson says
I will definitely think about that Pam. Maybe I can encourage Rick to do the same.
Roderick MacArthur says
Enjoyed this series. Clearly the Queen’s Gambit appeals to a broad viewership as everyone at work enjoyed the production. Predictable….yes…but I would suggest that there can be a certain “comfort” in predictable and for some this might be an appealing part of the experience.
Believable characters…I also appreciated the authenticity of the chess match details. Many of the strengths of this series have already been carefully described. I would highlight “Mr Shaibel”….a wonderful example of how a mentor that invests in a student can have a profound impact on their future life. In our busy lives…it is so easy to leave these mentors behind until we realize one day that their time has passed and they are no longer with us. On that note…I think I will drop a note to Michael Johnson…a remote chemistry professor that made such an impression on an 18 year old student…mentored in the research laboratory and took a genuine interest in their educational experience and future success.
A real life “Mr Shaibel”….
Pam McPhail says
You make an excellent observation, Rod, about the vital role of mentors, for those of us who, like Beth and you, are fortunate to have benefitted from one or more. Today I sent a message of appreciation to one of my key mentors.
Ken McLean says
Having now finished watching the show, I now feel in a position to comment. I appreciated Beth’s progression to mastery in the then “male” world of chess. I don’t recall any women being in my high school chess club. I also liked the various locales. In one Lexington scene, Marie remarked that those lights look like the ones on Blair Road, Cambridge, very close to where she lived. I recall those same lights impressing me when i first arrived in Galt ( now Cambridge) in 1957. So those WERE the Galt lights ! (they can also be seen in some scenes in “Murdoch Mysteries” and “Handmaid’s Tale”) I did appreciate that some social context was given, but do have to agree with Glen that there is a very definite fantasy element. I do wonder that no reference, for example, is made to the Vietnam war.