With Halloween upon us once again, it’s an opportunity to take another look at this suspenseful series, which tells the origin story of asylum nurse Mildred Ratched, who we first met back in 1975 in the classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. This story is set back in 1947, when Mildred arrives in Northern California to seek employment at a leading psychiatric hospital where new and unsettling experiments have begun on the human mind. On a clandestine mission, Mildred presents herself as the perfect image of what a dedicated nurse should be, but the wheels are always turning and as she begins to infiltrate the mental health care system and those within it. The story does go a little over the top at times, and possible could have got to its conclusion quicker, but it is still worth a look. The highlight would have to be Judy Davis as Nurse Betsy Bucket. What a talented lady she is. Plus, we have the glorious setting in Monterey, California.

This drama series out of Australia has been described as neo-Western. There appears to be a trendy word for everything. It is a story set in what is called “The Top End” by most of the population, which is the Northern Territory. I can’t see the Western connection. There are guns aplenty, but there’s certainly no gunfight at the OK Corral here. The massive Lawson cattle station is without an heir and the rival factions consisting of cattle barons, desert gangsters, Indigenous elders and billionaire miners, are circling to seize control, which threatens to destroy their dynasty. The vast scenery is beautifully shot, which I’m sure will have tourists planning trips to see this remarkable land. Entertaining viewing with a wealth of Australian talented actors attached, except for Michael Dorman who is from New Zealand.

I would think there are not many people who haven’t watched wrestling on TV at some point. This is an interesting documentary which chronicles the life and times of Vince McMahon, the controversial businessman and co-founder of WWE, which experienced record-breaking highs and crushing lows under his leadership. There are interviews with McMahon, his family, many of the wrestlers who have become house-hold names and his associates. Some of the revelations are well known, but I did learn of some of the behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing that occurred, which I found intriguing, and the toll it took on some of the wrestlers.

I had put off watching this political drama as US elections have saturated the media over the last few years, but with Kiefer Sutherland and Natascha McElhone in the lead roles, I have ventured in. There are now three seasons available. It is an interesting situation that could possibly arise, where a lower-level cabinet member is suddenly appointed President of the USA after a catastrophic attack on the Capitol Building during the State of the Union. Tom Kirkman will struggle to keep the country and his own family from falling apart, while navigating the highly volatile political arena and while leading the search to find who is responsible for the attack. It appears no one is to be trusted in this scenario.

There’s lots of action with this sci-fi drama when a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force and, Kora, a mysterious stranger living among the villagers, becomes their best hope for survival. Tasked with finding trained fighters who will unite with her in making an impossible stand against the Mother World, Kora assembles a small band of warriors who share a common need for redemption and revenge. There’s a lot going on with this one, and many different characters, so your undivided attention is required. In Part 2, Kora and surviving warriors prepare to defend Veldt, their new home, alongside its people against the Realm. Refreshing to see such a strong woman at the forefront of the action.

You’ll be running to the supermarket for noodles of any variety after viewing this series of Chef’s Table, which tells of four masterful chefs who explore noodles’ rich, diverse world, delving into traditional and innovative techniques. Immerse yourself in this delicious, luscious journey. Peppe Guida’s lemon pasta is the first on my list to attempt… or perhaps I’ll just get my Chef son to whip this one up.

Having viewed several documentaries and dramatisations of the Zodiac killer, I decided to add this true-crime docuseries to the list. The revelations exposed are quite remarkable, although there are some inconsistencies surrounding the investigation. At the heart of the disclosure is the Seawater family who’s increasingly chilling relationship with suspect Arthur Leigh Allen promises to connect him to the infamous Zodiac murders.

Season 3 of David E. Kelley’s excellent crime/legal drama has arrived, based on Michael Connelly’s novel, The Gods of Guilt. The TV series based on the movie based on Connelly’s novel The Brass Verdict, follows Mickey Haller, an iconoclastic idealist, who runs his law practice out of the back seat of his Lincoln. The story begins with Haller investigating the murder of Gloria Dayton after she divulged details about the Mexican drug cartel. This one is personal for him as he feels responsible for Gloria’s death. There’s lots of action as Mickey looks for answers.

Season 2 of this political thriller has arrived. Keri Russell stars as Kate Wyler who, in the midst of an international crisis, lands the high-profile job for which she is not really suited, which has implications for her marriage and her political future. Season 1 left us with an intense final scene. Kate has inferred Prime Minister Trowbridge has been involved in corrupt dealings and this series follows her seeking evidence of this and the whispers of her being up for the role of Vice President come to the fore.