Lynnandtonic BlogLynn Fisher’s blog about life, art, design, film, television, music, dogs, and more.2024-02-21T16:00:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/Lynn Fisherlynn@lynnandtonic.comBingo! Doggo DNA2024-02-21T15:00:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/2024/02/21/bingo-doggo-dna/<p>When we adopted <a href="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/05/03/meet-gravy/">Gravy</a> last April, the shelter suggested we get a DNA breed test for him. Maricopa County guessed he was Australian cattle dog mixed with chihuahua, but the shelter wasn’t so sure.</p>
<p>It took a bit for him to get comfortable with a mouth swab, but we finally sent one in. Turns out it’s not chihuahua, but rat terrier! Our sweet girl <a href="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/03/22/boomer/">Boomer</a> was also part rat terrier and this news made us feel really happy. We’ve seen some of her joyful energy in him since he’s been getting more and more comfortable with us.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/gravy-embark.png" alt="Gravy DNA results showing 43.9% Rat Terrier, 33.1% Australian Cattle Dog, 10.6% Supermutt, 9.4% Shih Tzu, and 3% American Pit Bull Terrier" /></p>
<p>I don’t know how accurate these tests are, but folks of the internet seem to think Embark is the best one. Adopting a stray at 4 years old with no known history can be tough, so it’s nice to feel like we know a bit more about him.</p>
<p>They also showed us another dog in the Phoenix area that has sibling-level DNA similarities with Gravy. Fun to think about our little guy having a brother nearby.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/gravy-doggo-dna.jpg" alt="Gravy, a little cattle dog mix, next to Mr. DNA from Jurassic Park who is saying “Bingo! Doggo DNA!”" /></p>
<p>Life with Gravy is so good and hopefully soon we’ll be finding another pup for him to hang with.</p>
My quick thoughts on chips2024-01-25T15:00:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/2024/01/25/my-quick-thoughts-on-chips/<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/eleanor-chips-salsa-miss-mouth.gif" alt="Eleanor from The Good Place on the couch eating tortilla chips and a glob of salsa falls off her chip before it reaches her mouth" /></p>
<p>Just joining the chip conversation that <a href="https://daverupert.com/2023/08/quick-thoughts-on-chips/">Dave Rupert</a>, <a href="https://snook.ca/archives/personal/quicker-thoughts-on-chips">Jonathan Snook</a>, and <a href="https://pmullen.com/posts/more-quick-thoughts-on-chips/">Peter Mullen</a> have been bloggin’ on their own blogs.</p>
<p>I am not very opinionated on what gets called a chip, so covering “snacks” here too.</p>
<p><strong>1. Tortilla chips should be as thin as possible.</strong>
Some chip breakage is just expected. Blue corn > white corn > yellow corn.</p>
<p><strong>2. Ruffles are made for dip.</strong>
Any non-nacho dip should be eaten with Ruffles. Wavy Lays not accepted.</p>
<p><strong>3. Salsa Verde Doritos are best.</strong> Pair with (Diet) Dr. Pepper.</p>
<p><strong>4. Pretzels are good if classic Snyder’s of Hanover.</strong>
Others accepted if covered in yogurt or milk chocolate. The only flavored pretzels are Dot’s honey mustard.</p>
<p><strong>5. Burgers should not be served with chips.</strong>
Sandwiches should be served with kettle-style chips. Unless a Subway sandwich, then crunchy Cheetos.</p>
<p><strong>6. Pringles are for eating on a boat on a lake.</strong> Fits perfectly in a cup holder and floats.</p>
<p><strong>7. All chips taste better in the car.</strong> Road trip meal.</p>
My favorite series of 20232024-01-09T16:00:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/2024/01/09/my-favorite-series-of-2023/<p>This year I questioned why I only include debuts on this list! Some of my favorite television this year was from returning shows including <em>The Afterparty</em>, <em>Mythic Quest</em>, and a brilliant season 2 of <em>The Bear</em>. That <em>Forks</em> episode, sheesh. I loved the endings for <em>Succession</em>, <em>Never Have I Ever</em>, and <em>Loki</em> (which really stuck the landing). And of course <em>LEGO Masters</em> is always a bright spot.</p>
<p>Maybe next year I will include returning series, but for now, here are my fave miniseries and series debuts from 2023.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/series-2023-cunk-on-earth.jpg" alt="Diane Morgan as Philomena Cunk standing behind foliage and in front of some ruins" /> 10. Cunk on Earth</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/series-2023-scott-pilgrim.jpg" alt="comic book style characters including Scott Pilgrim and pink-haired Ramona Flowers" /> 9. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/series-2023-silo.jpg" alt="characters in gold tinted monochrome including Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, Common, David Oyelowo, and Rashida Jones" /> 8. Silo</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/series-2023-willow.jpg" alt="illustrated collage of fantasy characters featuring Warwick Davis as Willow" /> 7. Willow</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/series-2023-platonic.jpg" alt="Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen laughing at a party" /> 6. Platonic</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/series-2023-lessons-in-chemistry.jpg" alt="Brie Larson in 1950s hairstyle and dress with a pencil behind her ear" /> 5. Lessons in Chemistry</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/series-2023-shrinking.jpg" alt="Harrison Ford using his fingers to make Jason Segel smile" /> 4. Shrinking</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/series-2023-beef.jpg" alt="Ali Wong and Steven Yeun angry with gritted teeth, sticking their heads out of their car windows" /> 3. Beef</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/series-2023-the-last-of-us.jpg" alt="Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey look back at the camera before a post-apocalyptic, overgrown city" /> 2. The Last of Us</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/series-2023-poker-face.jpg" alt="close-up of Natasha Lyonne lowering her sunglasses, a vintage blue car and open road are reflected in the lenses" /> 1. Poker Face</p>
My favorite movies of 20232024-01-08T15:00:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/2024/01/08/my-favorite-movies-of-2023/<p>This list was harder to narrow down than past years. I saw a lot of good movies, but they all seemed to be the same level of good? No major standouts for me! Because of a difficult first half of the year emotionally, I really gravitated towards comfort films and comedies.</p>
<p>Some honorable mentions include <em>Bottoms</em>, <em>Barbenheimer</em>, <em>Missing</em> (a spiritual sequel to 2018’s <em>Searching</em>), <em>Across the Spider-Verse</em>, <em>Killers of the Flower Moon</em>, and <em>Godzilla Minus One</em> (which was a surprise for me). I’ve also been really enjoying the <em>Wonka</em> soundtrack. Also Benny Safdie in <em>Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret</em>.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/movies-2023-dream-scenario.jpg" alt="bearded Nicolas Cage in a pullover sweater and holding a rake looks up at the sky with mouth open" /> 10. Dream Scenario</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/movies-2023-pinball.jpg" alt="Mike Faist with a 1970s mustache and tinted glasses in front of a 70s patterned background and a kid playing pinball" /> 9. Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/movies-2023-quiz-lady.jpg" alt="a basically dressed Awkwafina looks concerned next to a pigtailed Sandra Oh who is excitedly raising her arm in the air" /> 8. Quiz Lady</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/movies-2023-mi.jpg" alt="collage of cast members including Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, and Rebecca Ferguson" /> 7. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/movies-2023-joyride.jpg" alt="four young Asian women sit on their luggage and look exhausted; one is holding a small pig" /> 6. Joy Ride</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/movies-2023-no-hard-feelings.jpg" alt="Jennifer Lawrence squeezes the face of Andrew Barth Feldman" /> 5. No Hard Feelings</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/movies-2023-guardians.jpg" alt="Rocket the raccoon walking in front of the Guardians (whose legs can be seen)" /> 4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/movies-2023-the-holdovers.jpg" alt="Paul Giamatti in a sweater vest and bowtie, Dominic Sessa in an arm sling, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph in a winter coat" /> 3. The Holdovers</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/movies-2023-dnd.jpg" alt="collage of cast members including Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Regé-Jean Page all in their DnD garb" /> 2. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/movies-2023-past-lives.jpg" alt="Greta Lee and Teo Yoo look at each other on a train" /> 1. Past Lives</p>
The JFK Wedding Cake2023-09-24T16:00:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/09/24/the-jfk-wedding-cake/<p>I love wedding cake. The density of the cake is usually perfect with interesting fillings and real buttercream. A fluffy cake is nice, but I prefer a cake with some body. No whipped cream frosting here. I want the stuff that tastes like a grocery store bakery sheet cake but <em>fancy</em>.</p>
<p>I’ve tried cakes from a few nice bakeries around Phoenix for birthdays and other holidays, but the special occasion cakes just aren’t wedding cake. Good, but not the one.</p>
<p>Then I tried the JFK Wedding Cake.</p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/jfk-wedding-cake1.jpg" width="1000" height="996" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="round white cake with pink frosted decoration, a slice is cut out to show layers of white cake, pink frosting, and raspberry jam" />
<p>Montilio’s Baking Company in Boston has been making their Presidential White Cake for over 70 years. JFK and Jackie served it at their wedding (hence the nickname). It’s “three layers of white cake interspersed with raspberry preserves and raspberry frosting, and it’s topped with sweet vanilla buttercream.”</p>
<p>It’s perfect. And you can <a href="https://www.goldbelly.com/montilios-baking-company/jfks-wedding-cake">order it in the dang mail</a>. $90 is a bit rough, but it made for a special moment at my mom’s birthday brunch. And it was delicious.</p>
<p>Magnificent. 10/10 no notes.</p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/jfk-wedding-cake2.jpg" width="1000" height="10002" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="slice of cake with white and pink frosting and layers of white cake, pink frosting, and rapsberry jam" />
<p>Now I’m just counting down the days until the next birthday so I can order it again.</p>
Getting back into vinyl2023-06-25T17:40:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/06/25/getting-back-into-vinyl/<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/vinyl-records6.jpg" width="800" height="627" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="two small shelves of vinyl records" />
<p>Back in <a href="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/2010/08/23/crosley-portable-record-player/">2010</a> I bought my first record player, a suitcase-style Crosley for $50. We had a bunch of records Clay’s dad had given us and over the next years I casually collected a couple handfuls of albums—mostly from bands I saw live or special Mondo pressings.</p>
<p>Earlier this year we saw <a href="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/02/04/make-the-most-of-it/">New Found Glory play at Celebrity Theatre</a> and Chad mentioned that their album <em>Nothing Gold Can Stay</em> had been removed from Spotify, unbeknownst to them. It’s back now, but it reminded me why owning physical copies is valuable. It’s hard to balance that with wanting to own less <em>stuff</em> in general, but for my very favorite albums, it feels worthwhile to have them around.</p>
<p>(And now it sure seems like a growing trend with streaming services pulling films and series completely with no way to even purchase them. Thanks I hate it.)</p>
<p>Collecting records can get expensive fast, so I’ve been limiting my purchasing to albums I really, really love. It’s been fun tracking down ones that are now out of print and having lucky timing on cheaper or special edition represses. Lots of ’00s pop punk classics and gems from the ’90s.</p>
<p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/vinyl-records3.jpg" width="500" height="564" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="Crash Test Dummies “God Shuffled His Feet”" class="img-left" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/vinyl-records4.jpg" width="500" height="564" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="The Presidents of the United States of America self-titled" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/vinyl-records5.jpg" width="800" height="882" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="Drive Thru Records’ Welcome to the Family compilation" />
</p>
<p>I’ve been letting myself get a tiny bit obsessive with collecting all the 7" singles from my absolute faves like Fountains of Wayne and New Found Glory. I got this <a href="https://flipbin.com/products/model-45">FlipBin holder</a> for them and it’s great.</p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/vinyl-records1.jpg" width="800" height="774" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="metal tabletop holder that fits 7-inch records" />
<p>I think I’ll probably soon reach a point where I’ve got all the existing albums I want or can actually get (some albums are pretty rare and I just can’t justify spending so much 😭). Luckily lots of albums I love are getting special anniversary represses lately.</p>
<p>Besides the joy of collecting, this has made me actually listen to music. I’ve been sitting down and revisiting beloved albums and not doing anything else. For a while there I got in the habit of having music as background noise while doing five other things. It’s been fun to focus on listening the way I used to.</p>
<p>And finally, that little Crosley player eventually died and I decided it was time for an upgrade. I still wanted the convenience (and price) of an all-in-one turntable. I opted for an <a href="https://www.angelshorn.com/products/angels-horn-h019-hi-fi-bluetooth-turntable-with-built-in-speakers">Angels Horn H019</a>.</p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/vinyl-records2.jpg" width="800" height="562" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="woodgrain turntable with built in black speakers and clear plastic lid" />
<p>Thanks to some helpful YouTubers I was able to calibrate things, balance the tone arm, and get listenin’ in no time. It sounds pretty great for what I need and I also like that I can close the lid while it’s playing. So far so good!</p>
<p>Now all I need is for Mondo to finally press <em>That Thing You Do</em>.</p>
Meet Gravy2023-05-03T16:00:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/05/03/meet-gravy/<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/meet-gravy1.jpg" width="800" height="800" loading="lazy" alt="selfie of me in the car holding Gravy, a small blue heeler dog" />
<p>Two weeks ago we visited a local shelter and left with this little dude. We’re calling him Gravy. He’s a 4-year-old Australian cattle dog (blue heeler) mix. The county thought maybe a mix with chihuahua or something else small since he’s about half the size of the average cattle dog, weighing in at 19lbs.</p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/meet-gravy3.jpg" width="800" height="600" loading="lazy" alt="Gravy curled up and napping on the rug" />
<p>He was a stray and almost didn’t make it through the adoption system because of bad behavior. He’s very skittish and fearful, but we really loved him from the moment we saw him. We’re grateful <a href="https://homefurgood.org/">Home Fur Good</a> scooped him up from county so we could eventually meet him.</p>
<p>These first two weeks have been a bit of a ride. We’ve already worked through one allergic reaction, one ear infection, a case of giardia, and a harrowing escape chase through the neighborhood. He’s been pretty scared of just about everything, but with lots of patience, he’s starting to gain confidence and open up. We can already tell he’s such a sweet boy and we’re excited to see more of his personality surface.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/meet-gravy4.jpg" width="500" height="667" loading="lazy" class="img-left" alt="Gravy on the grass" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/meet-gravy5.jpg" width="500" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="Gravy on the grass, looking up with eyes closed" /></p>
<p>This has also been an interesting process for me personally as I’m still working through my grief with <a href="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/03/22/boomer/">Boomer</a> and <a href="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/01/03/helo-3/">Helo</a>. I guess that never really ends, but it has been an emotional time. It’s weird to think Gravy actually could have met them if timing had been different.</p>
<p>It’s been quite a change from the quiet, routine life with senior pups! He’s got us out walking a whole bunch which has been a nice push for this homebody. He’s learning to play with toys and to not be too freaked out by a car ride. We’ve got a ton of good nicknames for him already (Mr. Boat is a favorite) and we’re just really excited we’ve started our Gravy years.</p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/meet-gravy2.jpg" width="800" height="948" loading="lazy" alt="Gravy standing on the patio looking adorable" />
Boomer2023-03-22T15:20:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/03/22/boomer/<p>In early January we said goodbye to our pup <a href="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/01/03/helo-3/">Helo</a>. Since then it’s felt like time has been standing still and, at the same time, moving way too fast. We knew this day was coming soon and spent the last few months preparing and savoring every last moment. This past weekend we had to say goodbye to our first pup, our sweet Boomer.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer12.jpg" alt="Boomer, a black and white whippet/rat terrier mix pup" /></p>
<p>Over 13 years ago, we adopted her from the Humane Society when she was two. She’d been there for months, earning her the label <em>Lonely Hearts Pup</em>. It was obvious she had recently had puppies, which made her surrender by her previous family seem all the more unfathomable. But we fell in love with her instantly and brought her home. $30 all-in and the best money we’ve ever spent.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer01.jpg" alt="Boomer on her first day home, her face hasn’t shown any signs of aging yet" /></p>
<p>She was the opposite of Helo in basically every way. The extrovert of the family, she had a rambunctious joy for life and did everything at level 11 excitement. She loved to be outdoors and to run, taking hours-long walks and begging for more. And she maintained her signature energy well into her old age.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer21.jpg" alt="Boomer gleefuly rolling around in the grass" /></p>
<p>But what she wanted most was to be around people. She loved every person she ever met. She’d insert herself in your eye line, an inch from your face if she could. She’d thump you with her tail, wagging it with such vigor we often thought she’d injure herself. And she’d stand on your legs/chest with such intention it was physically painful. We’d joke she had 800 pounds of pressure in her paws.</p>
<p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer17.jpg" class="img-left" alt="Boomer up on the headrest of the couch inserting herself in between the camera and the television" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer19.jpg" alt="Boomer resting her head on the foot of a recliner staring at the camera" />
</p>
<p>Despite her assertiveness, she could also be a sensitive one. A light rain, a slightly cracked door, or a crumpled piece of paper could stop her in her tracks.</p>
<p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer09.jpg" class="img-left" alt="Boomer sitting in the hallway behind a long crumpled piece of butcher paper" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer11.jpg" alt="Boomer looking sad peeking through a cracked open door" />
</p>
<p>She was so trusting of people though. You could pick her up and hold her in any position and she’d never even wiggle. And when sitting together, she’d lean her entire weight against you.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer15.jpg" alt="Clay holding Boomer in the snowy forest" /></p>
<p>She could lay in the sun for hours, sprawled on the ground or claiming the sunny spot of the couch.</p>
<p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer14.jpg" alt="Boomer reclining on the patio in the sun" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer04.jpg" alt="Boomer sitting on the couch in a sunbeam" loading="lazy" />
</p>
<p>She loved to look out the window and would perk up as literally anything went by. She lived for a squeaky toy and finding stray crumbs as we cooked. If there was food around she could not rest, every inch of her body hoping for a bite of carrot or a Cheerio or two.</p>
<p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer13.jpg" alt="Boomer and Helo on the couch, Boomer is looking out the open window" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer06.jpg" alt="Boomer grabbing a pizza toy" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer05.jpg" alt="Boomer happily munching on some dog food" loading="lazy" />
</p>
<p>Her entire personality was being happy and Helo’s was being grumpy and the two of them became a wonderful duo.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer02.jpg" alt="Boomer resting her head on Helo’s back" /></p>
<p>Knowing we didn’t have much time left with her, we also ordered <a href="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/02/23/an-urn-for-helo/">a custom urn</a> for Boomer. It’s already brought us a lot of comfort.</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer20.jpg" alt="two ceramic urns that look like our two pups" /></p>
<p>We miss her so much, but feel such joy and gratitude when we think about our time with her. Rest in peace Boomer, our sweet whippet girl. We hope you and Helo are having a blast together again.</p>
<p>
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer10.jpg" class="img-left" alt="Boomer smiling big while laying on the tile floor" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer22.jpg" alt="Boomer sleeping on some pillows" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer18.jpg" class="img-left" alt="Boomer resting on our dining booth" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer16.jpg" alt="Lynn and Clay selfie with the pups" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/boomer08.jpg" alt="Boomer with a dumpling toy on her back" loading="lazy" />
</p>
TV shows should have episodes2023-03-16T16:30:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/03/16/tv-shows-should-have-episodes/<p>I know the way we watch TV has changed a lot since Netflix and other streaming platforms started releasing their own shows. And honestly I love it. I’ll binge a Netflix original in full and sit down weekly for an HBO prestige drama.</p>
<p>But a trend I’ve noticed lately is how a lot of reviews from friends are like:</p>
<blockquote class="small">“It’s slow and boring at first, but picks up around episode 4.”</blockquote>
<blockquote class="small">“I was ready to give up on it halfway through but someone told me to stick with it and it does get good.”</blockquote>
<blockquote class="small">“It takes forever for the story to get going.”</blockquote>
<p>I think this is a symptom of some TV shows fighting against their medium. The episodes are providing natural breaks for the viewer, but aren’t affecting how the story is being told.</p>
<p>A lot of recent shows are actually 10-hour 3-act movies.</p>
<p>This causes the feeling that nothing really happened or changed from the beginning to the end of an entire episode. It takes several episodes to see the story emerging and no single episode has an identity. The good stuff finally starts happening in act 2 or episodes 4/5/6. And when you get to act 3, the payoff does feel worth it. Unless of course there is no natural end to the season either and the show is actually a 20-hour 3-act movie. Hope it doesn’t get canceled before season 2!</p>
<p>I love a several-hours-long watch session, but I really love TV shows that use the medium well. Episodic storytelling is an interesting constraint that brings a lot of creativity. Some shows have single episodes that stick with you forever: that episode where you know the title, can recount the story it told, and love how it fits perfectly into the greater narrative.</p>
<p>Long live episodes.</p>
Brandhunter2023-03-02T16:20:00Zhttps://lynnandtonicblog.com/2023/03/02/brandhunter/<p>I saw a petition going around asking Netflix to finally make season 3 of <em>Mindhunter</em>. I doubt that will happen considering how costly that show was to produce, but I would love to see it.</p>
<p>It did jog my memory that I had started and never shipped a little project I intended to call “Brandhunter.” Like other Netflix shows, <em>Mindhunter</em> had some pretty intense product placement. Much more fun to spot in this show though, with really detailed 1970s and ’80s era design and packaging.</p>
<p>I ended up tracking all the brands that pop up—from many defunct companies and plenty of still thriving ones. I appreciated the more subtle world building some brands provided, but I especially loved the record scratch, take-you-out-of-the-scene product placement.</p>
<p>Maybe if they make a season 3, I’ll end up shipping this project for real, but in the meantime here are a few of my faves:</p>
<p><img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter01.jpg" alt="a group of guys at a gym, a vintage metal Igloo coolor off to the side" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter02.jpg" alt="Jonathan Groff as Holden Ford sitting in a dark room, his face illuminated by a giant Pepsi logo on a vending machine behind him" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter03.jpg" alt="Holden sits at a kitchen table next to a box of Cheerios" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter04.jpg" alt="Holt McCallany as Bill Tench lights a cigarette outside while holding a yellow vintage Coleman cooler" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter05.jpg" alt="Tench walks through the airport and passes a Coca-Cola advertisement that says “Have a COke and a smile”" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter06.jpg" alt="Anna Torv as Wendy Carr in a dark bar with a neon Miller High Life sign behind her, the sign is more centered in the shot than she is" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter07.jpg" alt="Holden interviews an inmate and can of Coke sits on the table" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter08.jpg" alt="Joe Tuttle as Gregg Smith doing paperwork and a green can of Sprite sits on the table" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter09.jpg" alt="Stacey Roca as Nancy Tench grabs a brown paper JC Penney bag" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter10.jpg" alt="a hand irons a shirt in the dark and a nearby lamp illuminates a can of boiled peanuts and two Pringles containers" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter11.jpg" alt="a man is making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with Skippy and Wonder Bread" />
<img src="https://lynnandtonicblog.com/img/brandhunter12.jpg" alt="a technician sits in a surveillance van next to a weirdly placed box of Bugles" /></p>