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2020 Staff Picks: TV Series

By Skokie Staff Advisory Services

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Beecham House: Season 1
2020
Colonial India under British rule in 1795 and a former soldier of the East India Company are the backdrop for this wondrous series, a period in Indian history I know little about. The set, the costumes, the story line, and the acting are superb. I've watched it several times to take in the architecture and costumes alone. I can't wait for the second season! Recommended by Mary S.

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Cobra: Season 1
2020
An action-packed series about what might happen in the event of a major national crisis. In this case, it's the solar system and not terrorists, but the level of fear and intensity is the same. Featuring great performances by Robert Carlyle as the Prime Minister and Victoria Hamilton (The Crown) as his advisor, we hope this one will never be too close to home. Recommended by Cecilia.

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Fleabag: Season 2
2020
Everyone told me to watch this for the pet guinea pig, and although I love guinea pigs, I quickly grew to love Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character as Fleabag and her flawed but very human personality. Both short seasons came out on DVD in 2020 and make for a darkly humorous adult morality tale about love, grief, and so much more. This will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re looking for something quirky and blunt that just might make you feel the feels, give this a try. Recommended by Mandy.

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Flesh and Blood
2020
A great whodunit of a mystery with a bit of a twist: we don't know exactly who did what to whom. We know someone is harmed because we see paramedics and police talking to the main characters, but most of the episodes are flashbacks leading up to the criminal event. Kind of like character study meets crime drama. Excellent and very well acted by all! Recommended by Cecilia.

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Frankie Drake Mysteries: The Complete Third Season
2020
Though set in 1920s Canada, the episodes often resonate for current times, and the stories are women-led. The acting is fun and breezy, with lots of great costumes. As far as I’m concerned, this series just gets better and better. Recommended by Sharon.

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The Good Fight: Season Four
2020
The lawyers of Reddick, Boseman & Lockhart return to continue their fight against criminals, political hacks, corrupt judges, each other and, in a new twist, their seemingly demented corporate owners. The all-star cast, the squabbling, the wardrobe, and the always surprising plot twists and machinations make this TV show one of my favorite escapes. Recommended by Terry.

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Harley Quinn: The Complete First Season
2020
This rollicking animated series, very much intended for adults only, proves that villains can be so much more fun than heroes as the zany Ms. Quinn is joined by her long-suffering gal-pal Poison Ivy and a diverse pack of rogues who constantly threaten to steal the show. Come for Harley, stay for the gang of misfits surrounding her. Recommended by Steven.

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Looking for Alaska
2020
This TV series is based on the book by John Green. Outstanding performances by young actors and a compelling story line qualify this Hulu series as one of the best of 2020. Recommended by Mary S.

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Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears
2020
I have always loved the glamorous lady detective Phryne Fisher, who is normally found in Australia. This episode takes her to Jerusalem as well as London. It is a wild adventure, but she is as fun, chic, smart, and witty as ever. The story line is based on treasures, family secrets, spells, and intrigue. It is wonderful, light, and entertaining! Recommended by Mary S.

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Sanditon
2020
Costumes are authentic from the period, and the acting is outstanding. I was surprised at the ending because it seemed to take the viewer down the path of most Austen stories, but this one has a twist. Thoroughly enjoyable, and yes, the ball scene is well paced and the tension between the main characters is palpable. Recommended by Mary S.

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The Trouble with Maggie Cole
2020
A funny, darkly comedic look at small town life through the eyes of one of its main gossips. In the first episode, Maggie's tendency to spew local flavor to anyone who will listen comes back to haunt her in a big way. I love Dawn French's lighthearted, yet also dark and emotional performance here. Recommended by Cecilia.

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