Escapism and Not Escapism

I know I've had a lot of posts lately that are angry or may even seem despairing about our current situation. 

Not coincidentally, I've been spending much of my time either gardening (when it's not too hot) and immersing myself in books and media that take place in the 19th and early 20th century... probably as a way to get away from all that.

I didn't do it on purpose, but it began because I started watching The Gilded Age (on HBO), and then it occurred to me that the character of Gladys — who is sent off to marry an English duke in about 1885 — is about the same age as Cora, the American heiress mother character in Downtown Abbey, who married the Earl of Grantham in 1890. 

So then I thought, I'll rewatch the first few episodes of Downton Abbey, what could it hurt? Well, I just finished rewatching all six seasons and the two movies. And the third season of The Gilded Age ended on August 10 as well.

As far as books go, I'm reading The Fair Botanists, which takes place in Edinburgh in 1822. It has enough in common with the social setting of the two television shows that it feels of a piece.

But never fear, there is contrast in my media diet. At almost the same time we've just rewatched all of Andor seasons 1 and 2, then Rogue One. Even if you're not into Star Wars (and I'm really not!), and you haven't seen these, they're worth it as commentary on our current dire predicament.

Unlike the escapism offered by The Gilded Age, Downton Abbey, and The Fair Botanists.