Day 31: Watching the gogglebox, endlessly

It’s interesting the way that things take on a different timbre what you apply play to them. Normally I could just slump down in front of the telly and watch a programme or two. But when I decided I’d try to mindfully binge-watch – the nation’s favourite pastime – it was much harder than I thought it would be.

For one thing, I was constantly on edge and watching to check social media, the news, etc.: perhaps a sign of quite how addicted I’ve become, as with so many, that I can’t lean into one diversion without being distracted by others.

For another, as absorbed as I was by watching half a season on Netflix in one go, I rather miss that episodic joy of having to wait a week to catch the next episode! Something is lost in instant gratification.

All that said, I was soon absorbed into the world of Bloodline, and a delicious distraction it was from the world around me too. It’s only in looking back at the photos now that I realise quite how much every scene in that show looks like every other. I feel like the Florida Keys must always be in a soft, glorious, oceanic light.

I’ll admit, too, that there’s something meditative about binge-watching. As reality dissolves you’re left just with that which is right in front of you. There’s empathy and seeing the world through another’s eyes. I suppose it depends what you watch, but it really feels like this could be a way to learn about the world.

I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book. ― Groucho Marx

Ease of play: 10/10 

Resemblance to play: 5/10 

Aggression: Low 

Speed: Slow-to-Medium

Enjoyability: Medium

Potential frequency of play: High