The TV Series I Always Watched Downrange
Plus, The Weekly Wrap & Race Day!
Howdy,
By the time you get this, I should be kicking back, getting ready for a big race.
Let’s get into something really important: how to kill time downrange. As anybody who spent time downrange will attest, you’re not swamped every second. When trying to extend democracy (LOL), you must kick back and enjoy a TV series. For those young whipper snappers getting ready for your first push, I present the best TV series for deployers.
The Wire - The Dispatch’s Jonah Goldberg is one of my favorite public intellectuals. His Saturday Remnant is essential listening. He is one of America’s greatest conservative public intellectuals (even though he would probably dislike that label). However, he’s wholly mistaken about The Wire. I’ve read and listened to his argument—and not to be harsh—but it’s utterly sophomoric. Tell him that
Combat Veteran is ready to back up this talk anytime and anywhere.
- is fond of blaming poor ole Tony Soprano for the rise of the anti-hero. And while she’s not entirely wrong, all heroes are anti-heroes. That’s because heroes are myths peddled by Hollywood.
The Shield—If I had to pick only one TV series to get me through a horrible deployment, it would be this incredible gem. It’s got great acting and a believable storyline that ended on a perfect note.
Breaking Bad - This is my second favorite show of all time. I identify with Walter White so much that it scares the hell out of me sometimes. Throughout my time downrange, I befriended murderers, rapists, and pedophiles. Sometimes, I would catch myself forgetting who these men were. It happened often! Watching this show always reminds me how easy it is for any of us to break bad.
The Americans: Hands down the greatest and most accurate espionage series ever. Go ahead. Try and beat it. I will die on this hill today, and I don’t care what anyone says about it!
Guilty Pleasure: Narcos. I love the entire Narcos cinematic universe, but season 1 is still a classic.
The Weekly Wrap
One Last Thought on President Biden
Howdy, On my therapist's advice, I’ve been encouraged to let go of past grudges. So, I'll begin with one last comment about President Joe Biden.
Project Taliban
Grumpy Combat Veteran is joined by two of the most intelligent people on Afghanistan: Bill Roggio and Lynne O'Donnell. The trio discuss the latest and greatest coming out of Afghanistan, specifically Iran’s malign influence.
Some Overlooked Facts about the 2024 Southport Stabbings
On July 29, 2024, in the United Kingdom, three young girls were stabbed to death and ten others injured by a terrorist named Axel Rudakubana. This took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop at a dance studio in Southport called the Hart Space. Two girls died at the scene, and a third the following day, while eight children and two adults were injured, six children and the two adults in critical condition.
The Princess General is Thriving
Howdy, I had a wonderful time seeing my Princess General this weekend. As always, time with her is magical. I will write more about this in Letters to My Princess General. Nevertheless, her love does more for me than all the medications and trips to the shrink combined.
Our Friends
RACE DAY
Tomorrow is game day! We’re going to crush it, zmoongo andiwalaano. Everyone doing this grueling ruck is doing it in memory of someone. For me, I’m dedicating my race to the Afghan Air Force. Support the troops!
While downrange, I introduced my teammates to the greatness of Arrested Development, a wonderful distraction. We must have watched my Season 1&2 DVDs at least 30 times through. I had to replace them when I got home.
Have you seen Fauda? I love it but I'd be very interested in your opinion on it and I would think you'd be interested.