Our Favourite Media of January 2022

[helloladies]

Each month, we look back over the media we loved in the previous month, from books to film to video games and more.

Anna

Dialect and Nationalism in China, 1860-1960 by Gina Anne Tam — I’ve been studying classical Chinese for about six months now, and in that time I’ve become much more aware of the history of Chinese languages, and how they have been used for political ends. So I was very excited to read this book and learn more about these topics, and this book did not disappoint! It was a super detailed and interesting look at how language and nationalism intersect.

Hilda, Season 2 by Luke Pearson — I loved the first season of this cartoon about Hilda and her friends and family, but only just got around to watching the second season even though it's been out for a while. The new season did not disappoint, I loved the next creatures we met and learning more about people and creatures that were introduced last season. The show continues to be delightful and charming!

Ira

Orphan Black, Seasons 2 and 3 by Graeme Manson and John Fawcett — I know I am very, very late to hop aboard the Orphan Black train but I'm here and I'm loving it. We finished the first season at the tail end of 2021, and Season 2 was a little less... breakneck? Merely 2-3 earth-shattering revelations per episode rather than every five minutes. However, the show continued to be very suspenseful and the pace picked back up in Season 3. Of course, the real treasure here is Tatiana Maslany, somehow demonstrating even more range and impeccable control over and creativity with facial posture. I think if she and Toby Stephens (Black Sails, epic queer pirates show starring a middle-aged bi man, Stephens himself!) ever worked on anything together the world might spontaneously combust from sheer concentration of acting talent.

Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye by Mobius Digital — In case you haven't heard, I love Outer Wilds. I was apprehensive when I heard there would be a DLC, as the original game felt so complete in itself and had such as, um, final ending that I couldn't imagine what a DLC expansion could possibly add to the game. Turns out? A LOT If you enjoyed the base game, I absolutely guarantee you will enjoy Echoes of the Eye. You may even love it as much as I did. I played this with my partners, just like the base game, and it was incredible to experience again the sheer joy of discovery and, in our case, collaborative problem-solving. Truly a highlight of 2022 so far.