M Ince – Google

I’ve read a few books on Atatürk and this one is more engaging and readable than most. The style is dated and dramatic. Accuracy is I strongly suspect not its strong suit. I would not consider it a scholarly work, like more modern efforts by academics. Pulpy journalism basically. But done with skill all the same. There’s some jaw droppingly racist, sexist, antisemitic turns of phrase which gives insight I suspect into the era it was written in and for. So, I would not use this book as a source of facts. But definitely questions. And also an insight into an era the others are too dry to bring to life. This alone perhaps makes it a worthwhile read and should not be underrated. They don’t write like this anymore and the fact they once did and people read it introduces much colour into my understanding of the past. Definitely worth it for those interested in the man. But do not believe everything you read. Be sure to also read the drier works of academics.

As a long time fan of the Fallout games I am biased in favour. But also likely to be incensed by a shoddy adaptation. In my view they got it all right. Hated the fact there are only 8 episodes though. In that time they told a story. All the leads sold their characters with skill. The actor playing Maximus especially did not even need lines. He can do pretty much everything with just his face. Exceptional. They put the game material front and centre and knew their target audience was fans of the game, and clearly set out to make us happy. I’m happy. Very happy. There was also a good story drawing on the lore of the game and even adding to it. There’s even a serious message about unbridled capitalism. But the show does not make the mistake, which is all too often made in contemporary shows, of putting the message first. The story came first, leaving me to muse on the message myself. This is inclusive story telling not an annoying political info dump on your head.

It echoes various games in pursuit of what I've come to think of as the 'Elite' ideal. Bit of no mans sky. It is Fallout in Space but maybe not so fallen. Contemporary commerce politics tropes are present but not forced. It leaves the user room for immersion. Aesthetic is Space 1999, early computing, Atari. Plus more. The Bethesda core: explore, exterminate, loot and level up cycle it there. Skills revamped, pared down: it does not matter how you start, or rather, you will scratch your level up itch but they are pushing for more character identification. So you have more immersion and a journey you remember.

I’ve seen every film iteration of this character and read most of the comics written about him. The lead makes the role his own. Like the character he plays I think this actor is easily underestimated. Very impressed. Gutted the House of the Mouse has not kept it going. Tip of the hat to the other actors: outstanding all round but the lead is exceptional. Also like how they’ve tried to keep a bit of realism. The punisher is not the unbelievable superhero of the comics. He’s a skilled and intelligent soldier with perhaps superhuman determination, but there’s a real effort to make it fly as real but with luck. It works. As for the cancellation, I’m no fan if a good show being flogged and milked to death until everyone is sick of it but I’d have liked an few more seasons. Maybe that’s the paradox of greatness: you have to leave the audience wanting more.