Hi, I’m Maggie, and welcome to Tender Forms Off-Camera: a weekly newsletter on all things slow: beauty, fashion, living. Links in this newsletter may include affiliate links or discount referrals. If you enjoy and would like to support this newsletter, click the button below or shop through my links! No pressure but thank you if you do.
It turns out I couldn’t combine both Film and TV into one newsletter (length of a novel), so here’s a bonus newsletter! We’re kicking off the most memorable entertainment of 2021 with the best television series (either new-to-me or released in 2021). Though television definitely picked up in 2021, only three shows were top of mind when compiling this list. This year, I’ve also included standout episodes within each series. These were either extremely enjoyable or stuck around long after viewing.
*I’ve tried to link those available on popular streaming services. If not available there, you can find them for rent on all the usual platforms.
1. Mare of Easttown (HBO) ★★★★½
I couldn’t possibly think of another series that could take the number one spot of 2021. (Okay, maybe the one coming up.) My life revolved around this limited series every Sunday evening. This was an absolute joy to watch: equal parts drama, mystery, and slice-of-life. Tremendous performances from everyone in this series. Of course, Kate Winslet, who plays the titular role, has outdone herself again. As she has said, this character feels most like her in real life: honest, loving, hardworking, a tad awkward, and a bit of a potty mouth. Evan Peters stacks up well next to her (his best yet), the inimitable Jean Smart brings unmatched comedy to places you didn’t know you needed or could. Julianne Nicholson’s heartbreaking tightrope performance (in her second mother role in an HBO series, previously in ‘The Outsider’) gives the series incredible buzzing energy from beginning to end. And I have to say, watching this really made me miss the East Coast. I just miss how cold and dreary it gets and the people’s no-nonsense, heart-on-their-sleeves, constant cussing. (It’s the New York/Jersey in me.)
Standout Episodes: ‘Miss Lady Hawk Herself’ (Episode 1), ‘Fathers’ (E2), ‘Illusions’ (E5), and ‘Sacrament’ (E7).
2. Succession: Season 3 (HBO) ★★★★½
If you’ve been around since the beginning, you know ‘Succession’ is one of my all-time favorite television series. I tried not to get my hopes up in the case that it just wouldn’t be the same after COVID, but luckily, it delivered, as always. While it is very much the same of everything, there’s a reason it never gets old. The oedipal epic continues in Season 3 with some well-diversified episodes and another incredible guest list. All the Roys and the extended family are back this season, and I can’t express the giddiness I feel seeing Jeremy Strong’s Kendall again. But what’s perhaps the most fun is seeing the siblings interact with others outside the family. That list included Alexander Skarsgård (my favorite guest stars), Adrien Brody, and Harriet Walter (who returns as Caroline, the mother). The best line of the season was delivered by Skarsgård when he shared the three P’s to live by (if you know, you know).
Standout Episodes: ‘Mass in Time of War’ (Season 3 Episode 2), ‘What It Takes’ (S3E6), ‘Too Much Birthday’ (S3E7), and ‘Chiantishire’ (S3E8).
3. Loki: Season 1 (Disney+) ★★★★
Ah, glorious purpose. ‘Loki’ was not at all what I imagined it would be; it was better. Tom Hiddleston, our main Loki, reprises his role and takes it further than he’s had the chance to in the MCU. A joy to watch for his precise line delivery and facial reactions, Hiddleston is the show. However, a newcomer to US audiences, Sophia Di Martino, who plays Sylvie, is a revelation. Particularly enjoyed her physicality and being the grumpiness to Hiddleston’s schoolboy mischief. And lest we forget Owen Wilson, the man who quietly steals every scene he’s in.
‘Loki’ is by far the smartest Marvel television series yet. As with the rest, the production quality is highly sophisticated, but it takes everything to another level: post-production, production design, costume design, the end title sequence is spectacular. Not so much for the visuals (though they’re great), but for its brilliantly adaptable edit, in which the pace never changes. It oozes and meshes with each song so perfectly that you can’t imagine it with any other (until the next episode’s, of course).
Standout Episodes: ‘Lamentis’ (S1E3) and ‘Journey into Mystery’ (S1E5).
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):
Insecure: Season Byve (HBO) ★★★
First, the season title is hilarious. Second, I can’t believe the series is over! I definitely cried at the end and loved how they chose to end it. Enjoyed each progression of the season, the show, and its characters; a glow-up on every level. This is one of those few shows that makes me laugh from deep within. I will forever miss the jokes, Mirror Bitch (she was savage this season), and the people. I’m sad there won’t be any new seasons, but I’m glad I can rewatch the series whenever.
Standout Episodes: ‘Pressure, Okay?!’ (S5E3, got to love a good Lawrence episode), ‘Tired, Okay?!’ (S5E6), and ‘Chillin’, Okay?!’ (S5E7).
Hacks: Season 1 (HBO Max) ★★★½
A sleeper hit. Jean Smart was the only reason I watched this in the first place, but the chemistry. Wow! The chemistry between Deborah (Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) is electric. Enjoyed every single unique second of this series and am thrilled a second season has been ordered. I can’t wait for this dynamic duo to return.
Standout Episodes: ‘Primm’ (S1E2), ‘D’Jewelry’ (S1E4), ‘New Eyes’ (S1E6), and ‘I Think She Will’ (S1E10).
The White Lotus: Limited Series (HBO Max) ★★★
This series is not at all what one would expect, but it’s wickedly fun to watch. Aside from the incredible cast, I especially loved the sound design and color grade. Never felt bored and loved all the twists and turns. A word to describe the series would be “unafraid,” primarily (most likely) because it was a very run and gun series. Mike White (creator, writer) wrote it in August; it was filmed entirely during COVID starting October 2020, before releasing last July. This show proves that the first instinct can be the best instinct.
Standout Episodes: ‘Arrivals’ (E1), ‘Mysterious Monkeys’ (E3), and ‘Departures’ (E6).
What We Do in the Shadows: Season 3 (FX on Hulu) ★★★
Another long-awaited series after COVID hit; I’m so glad they still brought that dark comedy vampiric energy I needed. This season was significant for Nandor and Colin Robinson, and it was absolutely delectable.
Standout Episodes: ‘Gail’ (S3E3), ‘The Casino’ (S3E4, takes place in Atlantic City, as a Jersey girl, had to), The Wellness Center’ (S3E8), and ‘The Portrait’ (S3E10).
The X-Files: Seasons 1–beginning of 3 (Fox) ★★★
I know it seems impossible that I’ve never watched The X-Files. I’ve tried repeatedly throughout the years, but it never stuck until now. It’s as impressive as everyone says it is. We watched just up to S3E5, which is a lot, considering each season consists of around 24 40-minute episodes. Having worked at Showtime, I only knew of Duchovny as the playboy in ‘Californication,’ so it’s been both challenging and a delight to reorient Duchovny as the lovable nerd. Gillian Anderson remains a tour de force, especially with her killer makeup looks. Those brown, red, nude lips, wow! I’ve learned so much from just the first two seasons. The truth is out there, my friends.
Standout Episodes: ‘Conduit’ (S1E4), Beyond the Sea’ (S1E13), ‘The Erlenmeyer Flask’ (S1E24), ‘One Breath’ (S2E8), Die Hand Die Verletzt’ (S2E14), ‘Død Kalm’ (S2E19), and ‘The Blessing Way’ (S3E1).
The Crown: Season 4 (Netflix) ★★★
I can’t recall if I watched this exactly when it premiered at the end of 2020 or early 2021. A quick search through my newsletters didn’t give me an answer either, so since I haven’t written about it, I might as well do it now. ‘The Crown’ Season 4 overall was a disappointment. Not in the filmmaking but in the characters. I truly despised both Prince Charles and Princess Diana, which made watching the season more a chore than I thought it would be. Both actors did a stellar job and were, naturally, the most memorable from this season. But their darkness loomed everywhere, even overshadowing the almighty Gillian Anderson and her incredible portrayal of The Iron Lady. Unfortunately, something got lost in translation. Having felt zero empathy for either Charles or Diana, the season couldn’t hit the right note.
Standout Episodes: ‘Gold Stick’ (S4E1, the only moment I was charmed by Diana), ‘Avalanche’ (S4E9, can’t remember cringing harder over a scene than to ‘Uptown Girl’), and ‘War’ (S4E10).
The Other Two: Season 1 (Comedy Central) ★★★
This originally aired on Comedy Central back in December 2018, and I can’t believe I only just found it in 2021. It’s hilarious. Filled with incredible comedic actors: Heléne York, Drew Travers, Ken Marino, Molly Shannon, and Wanda Sykes, this had me crying (laughing).
Standout Episodes: ‘Chase Gets the Gays’ (S1E4), ‘Chase Shoots a Music Video’ (S1E6), and ‘Chase Drops His First Album’ (S1E9).
Sticking with last year’s format, I thought I’d provide a little Winter skincare update! These are some items I’ve swapped into my routine the last few months.
Wildcare Singing Leaves Cleansing Oil ($43, 50ml | 1.7floz)
There’s been a new first cleanse in town! I have been waiting for Cortney to create a gorgeous, Wildcare cleansing oil, and of course, she has done it. My very first impression using this was, wow, my skin looks and feels so plump! As you know, if you’ve read my Skincare 2021 Index, I had gravitated towards non-rinsing cleansers last year. But this instantly reminds me why I love rinseable ones too; they’re just so easy to use, one cleanse, you’re done. This one is incredibly balanced in all the right ways. Scent-wise: it’s beautifully grounding and, as with all of Wildcare, has a hint of that fresh flora sweetness. Texture-wise, it’s luxuriously substantial and bouncy yet doesn’t feel heavy on the skin (during or after). When I am wearing a lot of sunscreen and makeup, I do find I need to use more (at least 4 pumps) or double cleanse.
Wildcare Special Edition Hydrosol Tulsi Sweetgrass* (gifted, $26, 50ml | 1.7floz)
If you’re a longtime subscriber, you know my love for the Wildcare Hydrosols. I’m not the biggest Tulsi scent fan, but I love this one. I found this one more astringent on my skin, so I started using it as the last step in my skincare. I love it this way, but I’ve also been using it on my hands a lot during the colder months. My hands have been super dry, so this not only gives them the extra hit of moisture, but it also is antibacterial, plus the scent is so calming. Great for using during a busy, crazed workday, often every day.
Earthwise Beauty Nap In The Meadow* (gifted, $96, 50ml | 1.7floz)
This is incredibly cooling, making it somehow the best to use both morning and evening. When I get to this skincare step in the mornings, it just wakes me right up without shocking me, of course. The scent also pairs perfectly with mornings: fresh, herbaceous with a hint of mint. The scent and cooling sensation provide that big sigh of relief in the evenings. In the evenings, I also mix my face oils in with two pumps of this, and my face has been very happy.
Earthwise Beauty Black Locust Firming Concentrate* (gifted, $86, 15ml | .5floz)
When I first used this, I was shocked by how plump it made my skin. It was instantaneous. And this is indeed a concentrate as I only need two drops max. As I used it more, I didn’t feel like my skin particularly required it at this moment in life. Wrinkles and firmness aren’t areas I’m targeting yet, but I think I would enjoy this formula more when I’m older! Plus, as the weather grew colder, I found I needed something more moisturizing. This leads me to this next one…
Earthwise Beauty Ferns and Moss Face Serum* (gifted, on sale for $42, 15ml | .5floz)
What. A. Beauty. This has been my perfect winter facial oil. It’s such a delight to use. First, the scent is breathtaking and hits one of my favorite, rare notes in skincare: savory. To me, it smells like a more grounded Chinese celery, with a whisper of something floral. It’s lovely. And the texture is the definition of nourishing: thick, silky, substantial. I add three to four drops of this in with Nap In The Meadow, and that’s my face serum/oil/moisturizer for the evening. I wake up to happy, even, no dry-patch-in-sight skin.
In case you’re in need of a facial oil, this one is currently on sale. You can also use my champion code “tenderforms” for an extra 10% off!
Earthwise Beauty Yasuni Face Balm* (gifted, $100, 30ml | 1oz)
This I’ve secretly been using for a few months already, and here’s what you need to know: I love everything about this balm. Yes, I’m making the prediction at the start of the year, but this will most likely be my favorite balm this year. More to come soon!
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed today’s bonus newsletter. What television series did you discover in 2021? I’d love to know and add them to my watchlist. You can comment or reply directly to this email to chat one-on-one!
As always, I hope you have a great start to your week. See you next Sunday!