Peter Petite

I watched Season 12, Episode 8, last night (thank you, PBS Passport), and once more experienced the joy, the pain, the sorrow, and the redemption, the laughter and the tears, I have learned to expect throughout the years of this fantastic show. The crash motif (I will say no more) may have been borrowed from Downton Abbey, but the writers adapted it ever so appropriately for Poplar. The show helps one regain faith in humanity, while learning all the more what it means to be human.

While not a "Swiftie," as I work in a school I thought I should see the Eras Tour, as no doubt many students will. I chose a late showing, not knowing what the theater crowd may be. It was nearly empty, but the young family near me, one with a young daughter, were having the time of their lives. The movie itself is beautiful in many ways, catching the energy, spectacle, and yet intimacy of this concert. I found myself smiling throughout. I even found myself saying to myself on several occasions, "Oh, that's a Taylor Swift song." Even the film clips at the end add to the flavor and quality of the film. Again, while not a Swiftie, I have for years admired Ms. Swift for all she has accomplished, as a singer-songwriter, producer, and businesswoman. In this she is truly remarkable. My only other performance experience with Ms. Swift and her music is her 20+ minute NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Most definitely not a spectacle, but warm and truly engaging. As she says, “No dancers." It's just her, her voice, an acoustic guitar and piano, her songs, and her delightful temperament. At the end of the Eras Tour movie, and during it, one also encounters Ms. Swift's graciousness and gratitude, something in short supply these days. So, while not a Swiftie, I became one for the evening. Kudos Ms. Swift, and thank you for what you offer the world.