Must Watch: Marcella, Hidden, Mrs. America

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I admit it Tomatoes, I am a television addict since my childhood, and I thought I should put this fact to good use.  I love the art form when it is very, very good and I have my particularly discerning and sometimes unique tastes of what deserves a looksee. Remember, it is just one Tomato’s perspective and it might help guide you through all the streaming services available and the overwhelming vast array of series offerings. Here are my current picks.


“Marcella” Season 3 just premiered on Netflix as well as “Hidden” Season 2 on Acorn and I am tickled pink.  I adore both shows especially with incredible actresses starring in them whose performances absolutely rock.  And Wow, “Mrs. America” on FX/Hulu is not to be missed either.

Though both Marcella and Hidden are set in Britain, both series have their own unique styles, compelling storylines and really interesting and diverse characters. Both are addictive and definitely worth watching if you like crime thrillers starring flawed but amazing women.

Marcella: Netflix

https://youtu.be/W5hh5MzVLlI

Despite marriage woes, a tragic loss, memory blackouts with violent outbursts and her struggles as a mom, a London detective excels at what she does best: catching killers. It is a stunning series and I am so glad I rewatched the first 2 seasons before delving into Season 3. All seasons are spell binding on so many levels especially the unique and Nordic noir style storylines and the all-round performances, but Anna Friel’s performance & portrayal of the extremely complex and deeply troubled Marcella throughout the entire series just blows my mind.

Hidden: Acorn 

When a young woman’s body turns up with evidence that she had been held prisoner, the investigation leads DI Cadi John (Sian Reese-Williams, Requiem) to a string of disappearances in a remote yet striking corner of Wales.  Yes, I love crime noir mysterious thrillers especially when they star incredibly interesting women characters with extraordinary performances. Season 2 just premiered on Acorn TV and I loved both seasons.  And yes, again, I re-watched Season 1 before checking out Season 2. I enjoyed the heck out of both seasons and can’t wait for the next.

Now the series, Mrs. America, is a whole other kettle of fish altogether, Tomatoes, and again the actresses starring in the iconic historical roles are jaw-droppingly good. But, boy, did this show make my blood boil. 

Mrs. America:  FX & Hulu

Mrs. America tells the story of the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and the unexpected backlash led by a conservative woman named Phyllis Schlafly, aka “the sweetheart of the silent majority.” However, this limited series that is the story of the fight for and against the Equal Rights Amendment is a masterful & very smart complex creation with a plethora of storylines seamlessly woven together that you can’t get enough of.

And though there is an element of tragedy and heavily dramatic themes and moments, it’s also just plain fun and entertaining bringing much humor sprinkled throughout and packed with so many memories of that time. I couldn’t help myself hoping the true devasting ending would be different somehow.  But, alas, we still don’t have the Equal Rights Amendment.  It was my daughter, who urged me to watch and I’m so glad she did. It was a valuable visit to the past and made me think about it all again. A reminder to all generations of women….we still need to get that darn bill passed.

The Three Tomatoes LA Life editor, Debbie Zipp is your friendly guide to the best of everything in LA with a tomato style perspective. Debbie is an actor, producer, and writer. She is best known for her recurring role as Donna on the CBS series "Murder She Wrote" starring Angela Lansbury. She has had many other TV and stage roles and has starred in over 300 national TV commercials. As head of In The Trenches Productions, Debbie produced, directed, acted in many short films for her company. Her book, The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known was recently published.

Buy her book: The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known

Debbie Zipp

The Three Tomatoes LA Life editor, Debbie Zipp is your friendly guide to the best of everything in LA with a tomato style perspective. Debbie is an actor, producer, and writer. She is best known for her recurring role as Donna on the CBS series "Murder She Wrote" starring Angela Lansbury. She has had many other TV and stage roles and has starred in over 300 national TV commercials. As head of In The Trenches Productions, Debbie produced, directed, acted in many short films for her company. Her book, The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known was recently published. Buy her book: The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known

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