SCREEN TIME: Erika
“Although I have watched a decent amount of new tv/films over the pandemic, I decided to go with I Think You Should Leave, because it was one of the shows that brought me the most joy. It’s rare to find a show that makes you laugh so much your abs start to hurt, or to make you cry with laughter, to the point that you really can’t even mutter a word during your watching experience. The show is a sketch comedy, on Netflix, starring Tim Robinson (most people wouldn’t recognize him), and each episode is barely 15 minutes. Lots of famous guest stars. The humor is a bit awkward, but they really push the limits and take each joke as far as it will go, and most of the time it pays off.
Someone with good taste had mentioned I would enjoy the incredibly awkward experience of this show, but I put it off for at least a year. Finally, on a visit to see some married friends, my girlfriend’s husband suggested we watch it. He laughed a bit, while his wife sat stone-faced. I found it to be hysterical but also wondered if maybe something was wrong with me since they weren’t really laughing. A few weeks later I visited my brother and suggested we all watch it (my dad and sister-in-law were there as well). Again, there was a bit of awkward, light laughter by everyone except me. Literal tears streaming down my face. I finally found someone to join me in my rolling-on-the-floor laughing, after putting it on with a person I was dating at the time. We binged an entire season and then some. It was hard to stop. I feel that television shows like this are a good litmus test for the compatibility of yours and someone else’s sense of humor. Laughing like this during the pandemic was rare, and I hope we continue to see more unique, boundary-pushing comedies.” - Erika
Walking into Erika’s living room, you can’t help but notice it’s stylistic vibe of simplicity. Admittedly, there is a treadmill distracting from the rest of a well-cultivated space. The centerpiece is a reproduction of the Mario Bellini Camaleonda white modular sofa. With a marble-topped brass side table holding some wake-me-up espresso at arms-length, Erika sits ensconced in comfy sweats and layered blankets. Her screen is a wall. A large white canvas portraying life-sized actors that almost feel like they are in the room. The projector, sofa, table were all part of a dreamscape from her recent move into this designer apartment during the pandemic. Nana’s inherited midcentury modern coffee table butts up against the L-shaped sofa creating a division of the open room from the kitchen area. The tall windows bring gorgeous light during the day and act as a mirror of her shows at night. A gripping painted portrait by a friend’s brother fills the back wall and pulls the room together. In a small pink clay bowl rests sage and palo santo for burning. In keeping with a peaceful and relaxing space, Erika has a set of essential oils breathing out whatever her mood desires.
