Neanderthal master, human apprentice

VIEWING

Read King's novel a few times in my youth. I was happy with this adapto from last year. And by happy, I mean traumatised all over gain. Every death was painful. Come the end, my eyes were misty. You can thank the terrific casting and acting for that. OK, there were moments of overacting, but I found I could rationalise 'em away as atypical behaviour caused by the extreme circumstances of the story. The plot changes didn't worry me, and the depiction of a corrupted American heartland felt very real. Critics who wanted more explanation of the contest and its prize, Major and his soldiers etc. are idiots. "The Long Walk" is about resilience, mateship and free will, not technicalities. Closing ballad "Took A Walk" by Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. was an enriching bonus.

UNBOXING

Cha Hae-In from "Solo Leveling" arrived this morning.

ADMIRING

Frieren as Vermeer's "Girl With A Pearl Earring" by Tsukasa Abe.

LEARNING

Duolingo has added Chess instruction. While I've known the basics since I was a small boy, I'd never been formally taught a scrap of strategy (only picked up the odd tip from observing others). It's fun!