And I don’t know which is more unbelievable! I never, ever miss one of my top three awards shows…Emmys, Golden Globes, and Oscars. I detox the day before to prep my liver for the cocktails and wine I put back during the all-important red carpet. I plan meals. I clean the house. I issue directives to those living with me. Everyone takes part in the preparation. Queer Eye, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Fleabag, The Crown, Game of Thrones, Russian Doll, I was super excited to root for my favorites and to watch the show.
But this year, I skipped it all, because I was completely engrossed in Unbelievable. I couldn’t turn it off. The story, the actors, the pacing, the dialog, the scenes, all of it was riveting. Based on a true story, the limited eight-part series is about a victim of rape who is not believed by the police. A brutal, intruder, stranger rape. Like anyone would ever make something like that up and then willingly endure the insensitive and invasive physical examination and marathon interviews. At the end of the show, (not really a spoiler), someone says that the police always believe other crimes…theft, assault, car-jacking, whatever. But a rape is questioned? Unbelievable. The fact that this was based on a true story is sickening. I wanted to reach out and save her so many times. My heart broke for all the victims as two dedicated police detectives in another state began an investigation.
The day after my viewing marathon and Emmy’s skip, I went to the gynecologist and reported this to her. We often have chatty visits. We once exchanged a peach salsa recipe during the physical exam. Interesting, I’ve been turned off peach salsa since then. Hmm. So I tell the doctor this and her eyes grow big, not because she’s thinking I’m crazy, but because she recently did the same! She stayed up until 4am to finish watching and had work in the morning.
The show is that good. Next year, I’ll be watching as the actors from Unbelievable line up to receive their awards. Among others, Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever, and Toni Collette. Wever and Dever….funny? No, just perfect casting.
Watch this show. But clear your schedule. Don’t go into surgery or deliver babies with no sleep. Not that anyone would. That would be…..