In praise of Regency melodrama as a reprieve from the news...

Apparently, my mind is craving period drama as a retreat from the horrific firehose of terrible news items that are threatening to engulf us all. I can't directly impact any single thing that is making my heart hurt, but I can, in fact, temporarily immerse myself in Regency period films that dip into melodrama. 

Last night, after Jeopardy (yes, I must be getting old-- I'm making it a habit to watch daily), I clicked into Britbox after making sure the Red Sox were not imploding in the first inning. They were not, so I was safe to venture into drama/melodrama/comfortably slushy film. I chose Mr Malcolm's List, which was delightful. Not one serious thing about it, really-- it was purely enjoyable, the costumes and settings were lovely, and I went to bed precisely at 10pm, having lost myself for a short time in an era that was ruled by high manners and minor scandals. 

See why I like it? The horror show that is the news cycle today offers little to no reprieve; disasters, danger, deceit, and all shades of calumny abound. In a period drama like the ones I've tumbled into willingly these last couple of days, an arched eyebrow spoke volumes. Trifling comments and barbed retorts are done in subtle tones, and don't really draw any blood. And yards and yards of fine fabrics are turned into capaciously draped gowns. In these stories, there's no real harm, and even reputational harm is turned aside when people apologize. And they do apologize, in gloriously floral terms. 

I don't think I'd like a steady diet of Regency Romance, but I do like a plain-spoken heroine who turns a phrase intelligently, and I love it when she wins the day. There's far too much tragedy in our real-time scrolling. A lost fan or a snarky word is little to contend with, compared with gutting civil liberties, starving children, and bloviating, dishonest, cruel people with far too big a microphone. 

I hope you have your favorite "comfort reading" --or watching-- and it is helping you through these dark times. 

Take care of yourself and your favorites. We need each other. Be present. 

C