Kathleen Beach

In the comedy/drama series, "Servant of the People," we step back 7 years to meet Zelensky as he portrays a popular history teacher who becomes President of Ukraine. In real life, Zekensky parlays that role into actually becoming...wait for it...the President of Ukraine. This engaging show introduces us to the humor, the character and the heart of a President who stands up to tyranny. Today, Zelensky is the "Little Engine who Could," inspiring Ukraine to battle Putin's military invasion as they endeavor to hold onto democracy. Servant of the People is expansive with brilliantly funny shtick weaving throughout captivating drama. The settings are fantastic: gorgeous scenery and detailed interiors. The characters are endearing, intriguing, colorful. The writing is absolutely spot-on. If you enjoy binge-worthy entertainment, this show hits on every note. If you're interested in the man who created a character so inspiring that he actually becomes President of Ukraine, Servant of the People is better at painting this portrait than a million news stories ever could.

Sometimes a character is so compellingly unpredictable, the reader becomes akin to a captivated little mouse, secretly following the character around. The Guest presents that kind of story: we aren't sure if even the universe knows how things will play out, so we just keep following. I found myself constantly wondering, what's Alex going to do NOW? I was traipsing around Long island with her, looking around corners and under rocks for a solution to Alex's seemingly endless week. We never find out how an "Alex" happens. She's a sociopath, yet she shows a capacity to be kind and nurturing when animals or children are involved. The Guest is a seemingly simple story, with Alex's world being one of sheer survival. Yet her story is anything but simple. The Guest made me wonder who failed to provide a moral framework for her, and then concluded Alex must have grown up in foster care in many, many households. Always a guest. We'll never get that answer. Yet Alex is a character I won't soon forget.