Matinee Minutiae

Mulberrry (1992)


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Ringing in the new year from the "Gopher Gulch" video store, DJ and Matt take a time-traveling trip back to 1992. After reflecting on the historic shifts and cinematic blockbusters of the early 90s, the duo dives into the hidden gem of British television: the supernatural sitcom Mulberry. They explore themes of compassion, the "family business" of death, and why a show about a cheerful apprentice Grim Reaper remains a poignant watch decades later.

Timeline & Key Highlights
  1. 00:00 – New Year at the Video Store: Banter about the "office party," the controversy of "fun-sized" Snickers, and the legendary Lula Mae.
  2. 02:14 – Holiday Chaos in Gopher Gulch: A recap of local trailer park drama involving "Cooter Jack," moonshine eggnog, and unexpected bonuses.
  3. 03:22 – Destination 1992: The "Time Traveler VCR" sets the stage with a look at 1992—a year of LA Riots, the end of the Cold War, and the birth of future stars like Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus.
  4. 04:06 – 90s Fashion & TV Curiosities: A discussion on the "macho man" basketball shorts trend and the original Saved by the Bell pilot starring Hayley Mills.
  5. 06:52 – The Class of ’92 at the Movies: Revisiting the year’s heavy hitters, including Aladdin, The Bodyguard, Basic Instinct, and Lethal Weapon 3.
  6. 11:03 – Memorializing a Legend: A quick tribute to French film icon and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot.
  7. 11:41 – Feature Discussion: Mulberry (1992): An in-depth look at the British sitcom following a cheerful apprentice Grim Reaper who takes a shine to an "acerbic spinster".
  8. 18:17 – The BBC Cancellation Mystery: Why the show ended after two seasons and the "heebie-jeebies" that led a high-ranking official to pull the plug.
  9. 23:16 – Transformation & Symbolism: How the character of Rose Farnaby "comes to life" through the show's set design and color palette.
  10. 31:30 – The Art of the Obituary: A concluding reflection on personal legacy and why everyone should consider drafting their own highlights.

Featured Series: Mulberry
  1. The Premise: Mulberry, the son of Death and Springtime, is sent on his first mission to escort the bitter Miss Rose Farnaby to the afterlife. Instead, he poses as her manservant to help her rediscover joy.
  2. The Vibe: Described as "Dickensian" with a touch of Greek mythology (Hades and Persephone), the show balances dark themes with gentle, British humor.
  3. The Verdict: A compassionate look at dignity in death and the potential for late-life change.

Notable Mentions & References
  1. Movies: The Preacher's Wife, The Bishop's Wife, Home Alone 2, Titanic.
  2. Music: "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston (and its inescapable 1992 dominance).
  3. History: The Rodney King verdict, Bill Clinton’s election, and Hurricane Andrew.

Closing Motto: "Be kind. Rewind".

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Matinee MinutiaeBy DJ Starsage & Matt Burlingame

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