Watch Before You Go: Masochist Escapism

Well, I don't know about you, but just when I think I am sufficiently desensitized to this world, something like this past weekend happens, and I just want to crawl into a hole and never leave my cozy little apartment.

While my apartment is blissfully now free of cable news, I haven't cut the TV cord. Oh no. My Amazon Fire TV has had me binging all summer like I've never binged before because there's no shitty mood of mine a little passive escapism can't cure.

That said, I have a terrible habit of not exactly picking the lightest shows to take me far, far away. Rather, like a good book, I tend to not be able to put down the heaviest, reality-based shows. Probably because at my core, I am a masochist. Wee!

So if you're like me (and many others, mind you), and you have find perverse pleasure in getting lost in not-so-far-from-reality fiction, here are some shows for you. AND GUESS WHAT? True to form, they all take place right here, in the "greatest country in the world."

HOUSE OF CARDS: WASHINGTON, D.C.

While I was recovering from my surgery this summer, Scott and I dove into "House of Cards." He had already watched the first four seasons, but I hadn't watched any, so he rewatched them with me. I am not proud to admit to the fact that we've gotten through FOUR AND A HALF SEASONS since my surgery in early June, but whatevs! THIS SHOW IS SO GOOD. It really is like a book I don't want to put down. There's been more than one night this summer when I've gone to bed later than planned because I NEED to watch the next episode. "House of Cards" has made me look at politics differently, and I'll never look at it the same again. And I don't know how far before the Trump era they filmed the most recent season, Season 5, but it is fucking prescient my friends. Added bonus: So much of it is filmed in Baltimore, and I have a blast spotting scenes done around town, including right next door to my building.

THE WIRE: BALTIMORE

I believe "The Wire" deserves every accolade its gotten, including the best television show ever. And I swear I'm not being biased just because it takes place in Baltimore. In fact...I kind of wish it hadn't because I know everyone outside of Baltimore seems to think that Baltimore IS "The Wire," and while parts of it definitely are, a lot of it isn't. That said, it was written by former Baltimore Sun writer David Simon, and each season investigates a different element of the urban struggle from the drug war to the local government. Frankly, I've never felt so bereft of hope as I did after watching Season 3, focused on the school system. LOVE IT!

TRUE DETECTIVE: BUMFUCK, LOUISIANA

I say Louisiana because frankly don't waste your time with Season 2. Season 1 is where it's at. Going back and forth in time, you learn the story of a case taken on by two detectives played by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson centered on the murder of a prostitute. There's crazy cult shit, major hillbilly drama, and you have to wonder how McConaughey's character ends up so grizzled and if he had anything to do with the murder. Gotta love the south.

BREAKING BAD: ALBUQUERQUE

OK, I haven't watched "Breaking Bad" yet, but with the opium crisis such a hot topic, I figured it would make a great addition to this list. Plus, I fully believe AMC makes some of the best shows on television. Walter White, a terminally ill high school chemistry teacher, decides to get involved in making and selling meth to make sure his family has money for the future. Hijinks ensue!

THE KEEPERS: BALTIMORE

OK so unlike the others, this one is not fiction based in reality...it is reality. And it's horrible and disturbing but also incredibly powerful. "The Keepers" is a documentary series that begins with the unsolved murder investigation of a Catholic nun who was killed in 1969 but turns into the uncovering of a massive sex abuse scandal that took place at one of the area's Catholic schools. Again, it's super upsetting, so proceed with caution, but it is incredibly well done and knowing the lengths the community has gone to to get justice for all the victims is touching. The way it ended made me think they were definitely going to have another season with any new events that have happened in the past year, but I heard the director on NPR say that that was going to be it. So -- easy seven-episode commitment for your binging queue.

What have I missed?

-Staci