What’s the Buzz: Teachers’ Picks

Image: Midwood Argus x ChatGPT

By THE MIDWOOD ARGUS

This month, we asked Midwood staff members, “What's a book, movie, TV series, album, video game, or something else you enjoyed over the last 12 months?” Here’s what they said:

Portuguese Cod Fish — Ms. Rodriguez

Cod is one of the most popular fishes in Portugal, where I traveled during the February break. I ate it in soup, I ate it in cracker form, I ate fried cod skin, and I even brought some home for my dog, little Ms. Isla Rae.

I love the different ways cod fish can be prepared. I also love the accessibility of it, the freshness, and the fact that although it is one of the most popular dishes (bacalhau) in Portugal, it’s mainly caught in the cold waters of the North Atlantic.

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast — Ms. Digianni 

It's a TV series about friendship, secrets, and unsolved questions. There are three women in their thirties trying to reconcile what happened to their friend both in the present and the past.

I loved the fact that it constantly kept me guessing. I had no idea what was going to happen next. I also really enjoyed the actors, as many of them also appeared in one of my other favorite series, Derry Girls. And finally, it was set in Ireland, so there are so many beautiful scenes that made me wish I was there. There are still some unresolved questions, but I actually appreciate that about the show; it gives me something to discuss with my friends. 

MapleStory  — Mr. Qiu 

MapleStory is a 2D, side-scrolling massive multiplayer online role playing game where you create a character and grind it out to be super strong. I enjoyed how you could put any amount of hours into it but also stop when you want, which makes it suitable for adult life. It also has cute graphics.

Mr. Nobody Against Putin — Ms. Nadal

This is a beautiful documentary about a guy in Russia and how the high school he works in changes due to the government's propaganda after Russia declares war against Ukraine. 

The story is lovely because of how the main subject loves his country and his town. He’s very brave – an amazing spirit – who’s critical of Putin’s propaganda. His relationship with his mother is especially touching.

Let God Sort 'Em Out (Clipse) — Mr. Evans

Let God Sort 'Em Out is a hip-hop album by Clipse (a duo of two brothers, Pusha T and Malice) released in 2025. The production by Pharrell Williams was nominated for a Grammy this year.

The album is top-level rap – extremely high quality – by two guys who have been in the game for a long time but haven't lost a step. It reminds me of what I listened to when I was a teenager.

Sinners — Ms. Giordano

Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, this film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as criminal twin brothers who return to their hometown in the Jim Crow South, where they are confronted by a supernatural evil.

I loved everything about this movie, and I typically do not watch or like horror movies. The cast, the story, the acting, and the music were all incredible. I loved the representation of the culture, the underlying message, and the setting.

Fringe – Mr. Liang

This show follows an FBI agent who investigates a series of scientifically impossible anomalies, uncovering truths about the universe that were never meant to be discovered. However, the deeper she digs her way down the rabbit hole, the stranger things become, until reality no longer makes sense.

Fringe is really gripping to me because the plot is, of course, fiction but it is so sound in its portrayal of experimental science that it makes you believe anything is possible and continuously gets me to question what's next.

Sullivan's Crossing — Ms. Katzoff

This is a drama series on Netflix about a successful neurosurgeon, Massie Sullivan, who goes back to her home town in Nova Scotia after a legal matter at the hospital disrupts her life in Boston. She returns to her father's campground and reconnects with her past family and a new love interest.

The show depicts a cozy, scenic community, and it’s centered on meaningful relationships, healing, and homecoming. The landscapes are beautiful, it’s easy to get involved in the character's personal growth, and the series features forgiveness and second chances, which makes it feel real.

Vie (Doja Cat) - Ms. Haight

Doja Cat’s new album feels different from her earlier music. It mixes pop and rap really well, and the lyrics are catchy and get stuck in my head. I like how it makes me feel; it reminds me of my engagement and all the memories I have of it.