My birthday gift is the gift that keeps on giving. You see, in our new house we’re still in the process of figuring out what works, what we’d like to change, and what we absolutely love. In my case, our en suite bathroom has become my refuge because of a lovely corner tub/jacuzzi. Escaping for a bubble bath is a true stress reliever but ever the multi-tasker, I was always reading a book or magazine. Then it occurred to me – what could become the best birthday gift ever – a TV on my en suite wall!
And my husband made it so.
Now, I can draw a steaming bubble bath and settle in to watch my favorite Netflix series. My husband and I watch several series together – we just finished all four seasons of “The Killing” which I’d recommend if you like crime-dramas without too much gore but a tangled web of lies to work through!
However, I also like having my own series to watch, sort of a guilty pleasure for me. After hearing many people suggest it on Facebook, I started watching “Revenge” in January. No spoilers please, I’m about halfway through the first season, but I certainly love Emily and her devious vengeful ways!
So, when Netflix introduced their latest Netflix Original, “Bloodline”, I was intrigued!
“Bloodline” is a dramatic thriller that explores the demons lurking beneath the surface of a contemporary American family. The Rayburns are hard-working pillars of their Florida Keys community. But when the black sheep son comes home for the 45th anniversary of his parents’ hotel, he threatens to expose the Rayburns’ dark secrets and shameful past, pushing his siblings to the limits of family loyalty.
I’ve only watched the first episode, but based on the foreshadowing given, I need to watch more to figure out the mystery of what happened to this family to make them into the people they are today! A note, definitely don’t watch with kids in the room as this is night-time-kids-in-bed programming, but it’s worth the wait until they’re snoring. You get the sense, while watching, that each of the four Rayburn children have their own past filled with secrets, and certainly one big one (or more?) that they all share. Sissy Spacek as Sally Rayburn, the matriarch of the family is endearing and heartbreaking, from the first episode alone. She loves all her children dearly but seems to have a soft spot for black sheep Ben. I’m curious to see how their stories unfold (you can binge watch Bloodline NOW!)
Teaching kids about lying and the consequences of dishonesty is also not a bad idea, so Netflix has some programming suggestions for everyone in the family:
For Adorable Little Liars:
Super Why!: S1,E15: Humpty Dumpty and Other Fairytale Adventures: Pinocchio
Curious George: S1, E19: Truth about George Burger
Clifford the Big Red Dog: S1, E26: The Kibble Crook
The Adventures of Chuck & Friends: S1, E9: The Pothole / Chuck’s Perfect Plans
I’ll admit, the first time I caught each of my three kids lying, it was pretty adorable. It’s interesting to me to see how their minds work, what is worthy of lying about, and their thought process in not only telling the lie, but the snowball it can become with their storytelling. Sure, when they get older it’s no longer at all cute or interesting so that’s why it’s important to address lying and consequences for it early. The above suggestions incorporate favorite characters into a story teaching a lesson on lying. These of course are not meant to take the place of parents, but they’re a great way to facilitate a discussion.
Have any of my recent Netflix favorites made your list?
Netflix while in a bubblebath? Sounds like heaven! I’m still working my way through Orange is the New Black and then want to start Marco Polo.