The Netflix Logjam

It happens to us all. Or at least most of the people I know.

I’ve had the same movies from Netflix sitting next to my TV for probably over a month now. Like a clear, pristine stream that runs healthily along then suddenly gets blocked, becomming a brackish, stagnant pool of water, these movies are beginning to develop a ’stench’ all their own.

What I mean is, the longer I have a movie from Netflix, the harder it gets to watch it. Why is that? The ones I have are good movies too, ones I definitely want to see. The Wrestler, which I watched and reviewed not too far back was what I was hoping to be the first break in the levee, after which others would flow freely. It didn’t happen that way though. I have no good excuse. I’m also struggling and fighting to make it through the 800-page book I’m currently reading, so apparently the problem is contagious.

One thing that does make this all more challenging is the fact that my wife got into our Netflix account and then was able to create a ’sub-account’ where one of our rentals is reserved under her control. I didn’t know that was possible. Of course, she’s bringing in the predictable girl stuff. But all I know is, that copy of Howard’s End that she got as her last rental has been in our house even longer than the ones I’m responsible for. (She’s not a good Netflix-er and refuses to admit it. Sorry Honey, but it’s true.)

Anyway, that’s a key part of the problem because variety is the key to keeping a good Netflix flow. A queue with one less available slot is like one of those three-legged dogs you occasionally see. Sure it moves around for the most part, but not as well as it’s supposed to.

Tags: DVD rental, Netflix