Current Obsession Wednesday: Dickinson (TV Show)

What: Dickinson is a period piece with a modern twist about Emily Dickinson growing up in Amherst Mass. It is funny and heart wrenching and has a great soundtrack.

Why: Did you go through your 14 year old obsessed with Gothic poetry phase? I didn’t. I mean there was a brief Poe phase, but it wasn’t by any means an obsession. If you are like me and need to make up for this lost milestone of your youth, then this is the show for you. I am completely obsessed with Emily Dickinson. I even wrote a couplet on my arm the other day.

It was not death, for I stood up
and all the dead, lie down

But more about why this show is amazing. This interpretation of the reclusive poet is personal. It brings her to life in a modern light and (I know my high school American Studies teacher would hate me for saying this*) makes her relatable for 21 Century audience. She has dreams and desires and lots of angst, just like teens today, and it is shown in a way that takes the stuffy barrier of the past away so you can just sit back and enjoy the beautiful hybrid piece.

Things to note: Wiz Khalifa plays Death and it is amazing. Also Emily is bi, and you know I love that representation. John Mulaney plays Henry David Thoreau. And most importantly this scene (sums up the whole vibe of the show)

*My AmStud teacher liked to tell us that he didn’t care if we could relate to a fictional character, and moreover, the authors who wrote these classics didn’t care if we related to them too. There were more interesting things to say about a work of literature than just “I totally feel you, man”