The best thing about 2021 was that it took all of us away from 2020, even while things continued to be strange and exciting. It started with an uprising in the Capital and ended with a movie that may (or may not) involve every actor that’s ever been in a Spider-Man movie.
Here’s a brief look back on what was happening in 2021:
1. Gamestop Stock
At the end of January, a group of people attempted to increase the value of Gamestop stock for the dual purpose of saving the struggling business while sticking it to the Wall Street investors that were actively betting on its failure. And for a while, it worked; Gamestop stock rose in value, investors freaked out, and the people involved enjoyed victory.
It didn’t last for long, though. Regulators got involved, the guys behind the trading app that was used to facilitate the stock tried to restore order, and Gamestop stock was back to normal before March. As of December 2021, Gamestop continues to operate and the stock market continues to boggle the minds of everyone not actively involved with investing.
The sure-fire investment for 2022? Plastics. Or whatever Elon Musk is doing.
2. Cargo Ship Block Suez Canal
Speaking of March, the container ship Ever Given managed to get itself stuck in the Suez Canal. And when we say “stuck,” we mean “wedged in and thoroughly blocking all traffic in the Suez Canal.” Anyone that’s ever experienced a semi-truck freeway accident will understand the shock.
The effects were immediate and troubling, as millions of dollars in trade and global shipping were held up, a situation many would see again with the supply chain crisis occurred later in the year. But the odd nature of the situation – a big boat getting stuck – proved to be a fascinating subject for many, especially since the ship didn’t get stuck because of an oil spill, human error, or other disaster. Square ship, round canal.
3. Jeopardy! Host Controversy
See if you can follow this: the long-running quiz show needed a new host to replace the late, great Alex Trebek. The people’s choice? Former Reading Rainbow host and Star Trek legend Levar Burton, who gets the gig as a guest host for a week.
Done deal, right? Nope. The winner: executive producer Mike Richards, with actress Mayim Bialik on special episode detail. But before anyone has time to absorb that announcement, Richards gets tossed due to revelations of past work practices and legal baggage, not to mention the bad optics of the executive producer giving himself the gig.
As of the end of the year, Bialik and Ken Jennings share host responsibilities. But the way things have been going, don’t be surprised if show producers announce another host in 2022. The smart money is on Baby Yoda.
4. Squid Game!
Squid Game! Everyone’s talking about it! It’s a horrifying socio-political satire! It’s a hard-hitting work of fiction that captures the current mood of the country! It’s thrilling! It’s exciting!
And we still haven’t watched it. Sue us; we’re still working our way through Bridgerton, Cobra Kai, Succession, Wheel of Time, and ALL of those Marvel shows. But we’ll get it, hopefully before 2022 starts.