I may not love football, but I do love a cultural moment. So, you better believe I tuned in to the Super Bowl last Sunday just in time for the halftime show. Truly. I had a reminder set on my phone because I knew something big was coming after all the interviews about the significance of Bad Bunny (plus watching him pick up three Grammys on February 1).
If you don’t follow Bad Bunny, he’s been getting a lot of love lately, and of course, with that kind of visibility comes its share of criticism from people who, for one reason or another, don’t like your music, your message, or your wardrobe choices. There was a lot of curiosity about how this moment would play out. And if you missed it, the takeaway was this: he filled that stadium with joy, unity, and pure celebration (performing exclusively in Spanish), and ending with a simple message on the Jumbotron (in English): “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
That line instantly brought me back to Dr. King’s reminder (shoutout Black History Month!) that “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” a truth that shows up quietly and powerfully, again and again, all around us; in real life, and yes, in the stories we read and watch — including on PBS. A couple of moments came to mind from the dramas I love.
In Season 7, Episode 2 of Call the Midwife, Nurse Lucille Anderson faces overt racism in the delivery room and meets it with calm professionalism and grace. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to stay steady when ugly words are hurled your way, but she refuses to return cruelty with cruelty. Instead, she sees fear underneath the anger and nobly responds with understanding, a true example of love breaking the cycle of hate.
And over at Downton Abbey, we see a rare and tender shift between Mr. Carson and Thomas Barrow. For nearly six seasons, their relationship is strained at best. But (spoiler warning) when Thomas sinks into deep despair and attempts to take his own life, we watch that tension melt away. Carson demonstrates empathy and protects Thomas from potential scrutiny from the household. He shows compassion, regret, and a quiet humanity that changes everything for the two of them.
These scenes remind me that moments of transformation don’t have to be loud or choreographed. They can be small, unplanned, and deeply human. Sometimes it’s those quiet, stubborn acts of compassion and love that push us into realizing this world and the people in it are capable of changing the way we see one another.
DOWNTON ABBEY RETURNS!
Speaking of Mr. Bates and Thomas Barrow, last week, we learned that Downton Abbey is coming back to its rightful home at PBS! This series has been in and out of broadcast rights and streaming rights when it comes to the PBS app, but beginning March 1, all six seasons will be available to stream with PBS Utah Passport, and it will return to the on-air schedule beginning May 17.
This show was popular before I started working at PBS Utah, my friend would gather us once a week to watch this series at her house. It was SO much more fun watching it with my drama friends than by myself at home. If you like watching Masterpiece with other drama fans, read on!
JOIN US ON MARCH 17 FOR THE FORSYTES AT THE MURRAY THEATRE!
Last month, I mentioned that our normal home for Masterpiece screenings (Broadway Centre Cinemas) is undergoing a renovation, so our next screening will take place at the Murray Theatre, thanks to our friends at Salt Lake County! An official invite for an advance screening of The Forsytes hasn’t gone out to the public yet, but if you want to join us, you can RSVP with your name and how many guests you’d like to bring by replying to this email! No ticket necessary, but we do need your RSVP so we can have your name on our list. Here are the details:
Tuesday, March 17 | 7 – 9 PM
The Murray Theatre
4961 State Street, Murray
WHEN UTAH TURNED UP THE DRAMA
Where are my Gen Xers? If you lived through the 70s in Utah, you know there was lots of drama and division. Whether it was the Vietnam War, the Equal Rights Amendment, Blacks and the Priesthood within the LDS church, or the slew of serial killers, there was a LOT going on. PBS Utah worked with Con Psarras, an independent filmmaker, to produce this look back. Amidst all the drama of the 1970s, there was also a lot of fun!
The show premieres on Monday, March 9. We have a couple of events planned as well where we’ll have discussions around the film. Keep your eyes on the PBS Utah e-news for those or our events page at www.pbsutah.org/events
MY BACKSTAGE LIST
What I’m reading:
I’m a little more than halfway through Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last. I love how Leaders Eat Last frames leadership as service rather than status. Sinek makes a compelling case that teams do their most creative and meaningful work when they feel safe, supported, and trusted. It’s a reminder that great leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about creating conditions where people can thrive.
What I’m cooking:
My birthday was at the end of December, and I was out of town along with all of my friends, so I’m just barely getting around to gathering people to mark my birthday. I decided I’m going to finally try America’s Test Kitchen’s recipe for Beef Wellington. Have you made it before? They say it’s easy, but we’ll find out. Actually, I just re-watched the tutorial I linked there, and now I’m second guessing myself. Has anyone made this? I might need a pep talk…
What I’m listening to:
When I have time, I love to catch Masterpiece Studio. The last episode I listened to featured Gaia Wise who plays Charlotte on All Creatures Great & Small. When I first spotted her on the show, she looked so familiar. You probably all figured out she’s Emma Thompson’s daughter. The resemblance and voice are unmistakable. Listen for yourself! She seems delightful.
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