If you're as sick of modern TV and movies as the rest of us and want something that is just fun, engaging, and doesn't have all the messaging and cynicism of modern media, check out two series. Sharpe and Hornblower. Both are British military action adventure series from the 90s era. Sharpe, starring a young Sean Bean, is about a rifleman the Duke of Wellington's army as he fights in the Napoleonic Wars. Hornblower, starring Ioan Gruffudd, is about Horatio Hornblower, a sailor in the British Navy in the late 1700s.

Both are based on book series, and both are made in the typical British fashion of the time which is fewer episode, but each being nearly movie length in running time. If you liked Master and Commander, you'll like either of these series. Being the 90s, the 'effects' and sets aren't what you'd see from a modern movie. A lot of 'a few dozen extras meant to give the impression of armies of thousands' sort of shots, but the writing and character stuff is light-years beyond anything being written today. They are quintessential and unashamedly 'guy' action adventure shows. If you can get over the natural hokey nature of the production value of the 90s, you will feel good watching them, and even better having watched them. It is a great way to rinse off the sludge of modern TV and movies.