Forward to the past. The antithesis of Back to the Future, but that’s not on tonight even if it feels like nostalgia is in the air.

TV isn’t something I indulge in and when I do, I don’t feel guilty. In fact, I relish in being a temporary vegetable. For the longest time, I had spotty reception which my dad attempted to fix one day. After some tweaking, the big screen in living room received burst to life and I was blessed with free to air channels. 

When I do watch TV, my choice of escapism tends to be crime. Specifically British crime dramas. Think Heartbeat or Midsomer Murders. Law and Order S.V.U being an exception. Unfortunately, I’m not great if the suspenseful music is done really well. But I like the story line, characters, the setting and the fact that they have that ‘older’ look to the visual. That’s due to the shows being filmed from the 90s imbuing that slight grainy quality and the certain style of videography. Second place goes to property shows – Escape to the Country. Ugh I need my mystery house in the idyllic somewhere-shire. Noticing a pattern here? As a side joke, I’d probably be re-incarnated as Caucasian in another lifetime. Maybe that’s why my parents eschewed the practising of Bhuddhism. 

Anyway, I have a weakness for these kind of shows. 

Somehow when I watch these re-run episodes, I feel a strong sense of wistfulness and I don’t quite know why. I became fascinated by imagining how my life would be in the 90s although it could never be accurate. While I was around in the 90s, I mean to actually live life, to work, to travel, to experience. It seems so much more carefree and simpler. Why exactly I’m so drawn so strongly to this prospect remains unclear, but it feels like I am part of the show and existed in that time-space continuum. 

Technology has markedly improved exponentially since then but I think I could survive in a much ‘simpler’ time. No need to have instant access to everything at my fingertips, no inadvertent LinkedIn stalking and overall less overcrowding. Sure the meme and gif game would not really be strong but could be a trade off I’d be willing to make. Also, the PC police would not be as prevalent and out enforcing. I could be incorrect like Detective Troy but more accepting in nature. And definitely not knowing that obfuscate was even a word in the English language. 

The strong feeling of quasi-nostalgia is a movement being picked up and recognised by society.

Nostalgia is somehow becoming more prevalent. There is a steady yearn for ‘retro’ vibes and harkening back to earlier times. Pop culture such as music has fuelled the retro-ness by the recent resurgence of 80s and 90s music synth beats. I have to say I’m liking the disco inspiration. 

Does it provide comfort by following the tried and tested route? Appealing to memories of the good times. You know…pre 2020 saga. Or is it laziness by not push and develop anything new? Much like KFC going back to the original full Kentucky Fried Chicken or the Coca-Cola rebrand, it could appear that a lot of decisions today are risk adverse. Going back to your roots won’t rock the boat. Or are we just caught in a fashion cycle of recycling the literal trends of yesteryear ♪ over and over and over and over…♪ ? 

Maybe if I close my eyes, I can drift off and live my best life in the 90s. Cheers to that.