In which we tell you about awesome things that you must look into and enjoy.

We here at the popfilter podcast were recently tasked with watching the first season of The Wire, the critically jizzed on HBO series. I was not looking forward to having to consume all thirteen episodes in a limited amount of time but once I started, I was super bummed that it was over. The characters, the interweaving plots and the set pieces all make for a show that is better than whatever you are currently watching. This is not even a promise; this is a guarantee. You need to get some McNulty, Bubs and Stringer Bell in your life. If you know what I’m talking about, take the time to pat yourself on the back. If you don’t know, get yourself familiar as soon as possible. I will be accepting thank you notes at jasonnoble@yourpopfilter.com. – JRN

The Internet has made it easier than ever to independently produce your own work, and web series are a testament to this.  Of course, this means that a lot of crap gets produced by people with no guidance.  It’s because they don’t have studio execs telling them how to write their script, or cast their characters, or shoot their shit.  But here’s the other thing–once in a while, some of these people are those creative types that actually know what they’re doing, and don’t really need the “guidance” from those ignorant-ass big-wig assholes who have been continually cranking out purposely mediocre shit for three decades, thanks very much.  And so, once in a great while, you’ll find something like “High Maintenance” floating around cyberspace.  And it is delightful.

“High Maintenance” is a series created by Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, and has a channel on Vimeo.  It concerns a pot dealer in New York, and all of the neurotic clients he visits.  Each episode is a short character study of whoever requires our hero’s services that day–stressed-out personal assistants, couples with secrets, people who are incapable of being cruel to pests in their house, you get the idea.  (These roles must have been an actor’s delight.)  The dealer faces it all with an understated, firm grace.

I guess the only bad thing is that, after smoking a bowl, you’ll start to wonder if you’re one of these characters, and if you’ve ever…  heyyyy, I’m in the wrong column.  Sorry.-EW

http://www.helpingyoumaintain.com/episodes