You have a way of loading up my queue, Rob, and I first "had" to slow-binge-watch six seasons of "Longmire". Which was a pure joy, a series that didn't lose it for six seasons, never jumped the shark despite some truly bizarre story lines, whose characters kept my respect (well, admittedly, I never got used to Lou Diamond Phillip's portrayal of Henry as an android). The series ending seemed a little rushed, attempting to tie up everybody's story line in a naked happy ending, but that was OK too.

Altered Carbon spent a lot time naked, apparently attempting to outdo HBO WestWorld's semi-porn portrayal of artificial sex workers. That was one obvious influence. Everybody's commented on the Blade Runner stylistic homage. A pinch of whatever must've worked for Expanse. Throw enough tropes at the wall and surely something will stick.

Meh. There wasn't enough story there to stretch out across ten hours. That was a 90-minute movie at best. The rest was pandering, for eyeballs and prurient attention. The story was stretched out so far it lost coherence, for me--the double-cross near the end came out of nowhere, and the cliche scene where the detective reveals his conclusion to the collected suspects didn't actually help. For all that I invested ten hours in watching Altered Carbon, I don't think I could tell you the story of it. It just sort of happened at me.

Oh well, it wasn't actually horrible, and I'll keep on paying attention to your recommendations, Rob. Thanks, I guess ;-)

Here's an odd Netflix choice to check out: El Ministerio del Tiempo, from Spain, with subtitles. I'd describe it as an "offbeat time travel fantasy", and definitely fantasy more than sci-fi. Pleasantly entertaining.