The new favorite pastime here at Boomer Brief HQ is binge-watching. We've discovered and rediscovered so many series and movies through the miracle of Netflix that watching episodic TV seems so...so...2014.
Our recent discovery is Mr. Selfridge, a British TV drama about Harry Gordon Selfridge and his department store, Selfridge & Co. The story kicks off in 1908 during a time when women were enjoying an ever-increasing amount of freedom and the world was rapidly changing.
Enter Harry Selfridge (Jeremy Piven) an American determined to change the way Brits - and ultimately the entire world - shop. But there's more to this retail tale than meets the eye. Harry's got a checkered past and more mistresses and misdeeds than even he can keep straight.
Piven's the Energizer Bunny whenever he's on screen. He's a master showman with a flair for over-the-top presentation and his storyline is chock full of drama and sparkling dialog.
But wait, there's more.
The series doesn't entirely focus on the retail savant, there are myriad plots and plot twists involving his family, store staff and competitors (think a less stuffy Downton Abbey).
It all adds up to great fun and a terrific binge-watching experience. If you like period dramas (especially the pre- and post-WWI era) check out Mr. Selfridge.
Seasons 1-3 are out now (Hulu, iTunes, Netflix, etc.) and Season 4 will air later this year on your local PBS station.
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