Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Silo’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve received a comprehensive understanding of what life would be like beneath a repressive and controlling regime, courtesy of the Apple TV+ series, Silo. For this dynamic and refreshing new series, has explored in great detail how complete control of our lives and our daily habits would wipe away much of the beauty that humanity currently exhibits. Since art and creativity would fade away in the name of routine, structure, and the greater good, and the human spirit would in fact, become quite gray in nature. Since there was nothing to feed it aside from daily tasks and a fight for survival. But what has also made this series quite fascinating, is how it has pointed out that while such horrors would exist in this kind of world, the human spirit and all that it stands for wouldn’t totally be crushed. For curiosity would still persist, just in secret, and our desire for more and our desire to carve our own path, would also remain… even if such a nightmare went on for generations. Because eventually… we would want to fight to have truth and freedom prevail. But what would that kind of fight look like? Especially when the control in question is so tight and total? Well, it just so happens, that the next episode in this series takes the time to answer those questions, and that made ‘The Janitor’s Boy’ quite the fascinating and remarkable tale. Simply because it informed us that the only way to really break down a totalitarian regime, would be to play its own game and confuse it and force it to cannibalize and attack itself, and trick it so that it would expose its own lies and collapse in the process. A lesson that was made possible in ‘The Janitor’s Boy’ by having Juliette be put to the test. Because it turned out that Marnes was indeed murdered following that brief stare down with the intruder in his home last week, and that meant… that the new sheriff had a full-on crisis brewing on her hands. Because the mayor and a top deputy were dead, and fear was swirling about the Silo and that meant… Juliette had to dig in and catch the killer post-haste to keep order in the Silo, and that allowed for her… to come to understand the inner workings of the up-top and the executive brass, through the most unlikely of allies.
For Sandy was eager to explain how things work in the upper levels, and that Judicial wasn’t to be trusted, and tended to manufacture evidence and scenarios to make false arrests, and keep order in the Silo, and that was likely going to happen here. In order to swiftly end this investigation and give everyone peace, and that knowledge… gave Juliette great pause. For it implied that there was indeed some grand conspiratorial darkness at play here. The kind that likely brought about the end of a good mayor and a good deputy for reasons that weren’t clear just yet beyond one thing… in that, Judicial wanted total control. And they had no problem killing and doing what must be done to keep it and that put her and her plans in jeopardy as well. Since any plot to catch a patsy could be used to oust her and install Billings, her new chief deputy, as the new puppet Sheriff.
Not to mention, someone innocent would come to great harm and none of this sat well with Juliette. Especially since it could jeopardize justice for George… so she used this information… to play Judicial like a fiddle. Wherein she was able to oust of one their own as the culprit of these murders, which in turn… forced Sims to kill the man to keep the secrets of what happened buried as deep as the Silo. A move that left Judicial reeling because it made Juliette look as competent as the audience knew her to be, allowing for her to keep her job and gain trust and this set the stage for the real fight ahead. Wherein she can now use her clout and her knowledge of the artifacts she has found over the years to work within the system and use the fear of the past to shake Judicial to its core and give her the resources she needs to solve who killed George… and learn why Marnes and Jahns were killed and perhaps, end the stronghold upon the last vestiges of mankind without Judicial ever knowing how such a surprise could occur. Because those that want total control are often laser focused on said control and anything that feeds that narrative and desire, serves as their weakness, and that plan and everything that came before its genesis, brought forth one incredible story. One that catapulted the plot forward, and showcased Juliette’s brilliance and understanding of people and things, and this is a story that chilled us to the core. Since we now know that Judicial is a scary division and has plans for the Silo regarding control. The terrifying kind where no one is safe if they have concerns in the slightest and that’s all the more reason to love Juliette’s plan. Because it truly should confuse and confound and expose the truth and potentially free the people of the Silo from the oppression they face, and it will be interesting to see how this plan unfolds in the weeks to come. Until next time.
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
It is definitely safe to say that there is quite the buzz building for the upcoming Apple TV+ series, Hijack, and with good reason. After all, it’s basically a seven-hour summer blockbuster. One that features a compelling plot where we will watch a hijacking take place in real time. Not to mention, it features Idris Elba as its star, and you can never go wrong with a story that features Mister Elba in the driver’s seat. Plus, we’re going to find the series on Apple TV+, a streaming service that has proven time and time again that it is only interested in producing the best content out there.
But what’s truly amazing, is that this buzz has been generated off of a synopsis, images, and reputation, since we have yet to see a trailer for this upcoming new show. But that changed today, for earlier, Apple TV+ released the highly anticipated trailer for this series, and it is… about as epic as it gets. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Because we just so happen to have that trailer to share with all of you, and some updated details on the show. So, without further ado, here’s your first real taste of what Hijack is going to offer, courtesy of Apple TV+. ‘Apple TV+ today unveiled the trailer for “Hijack,” the upcoming, high octane thriller starring and executive produced by SAG Award-winner and Emmy Award-nominee Idris Elba (“Luther”). Created by George Kay (“Lupin,” “Criminal”) and Jim Field Smith (“Criminal,” “Truth Seekers”), who also wrote and lead directed the series respectively, the seven-part series also stars Emmy Award and NAACP Image Award-winner Archie Panjabi (“The Good Wife,” “Snowpiercer,” “Blindspot”). “Hijack” takes flight on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, with the first two episodes, followed by one new episode every Wednesday through August 2. Told in real time, “Hijack” is a tense thriller that follows the journey of a hijacked plane as it makes its way to London over a seven hour flight, and authorities on the ground scramble for answers. Elba will star as ‘Sam Nelson,’ an accomplished negotiator in the business world who needs to step up and use all his guile to try and save the lives of the passengers — but, his high-risk strategy could be his undoing. Panjabi will play the role of 'Zahra Gahfoor,' a counter terrorism officer who is on the ground when the plane is hijacked and becomes part of the investigation. The series also stars Christine Adams, Max Beesley, Eve Myles, Neil Maskell, Jasper Britton, Harry Michell, Aimee Kelly, Mohamed Elsandel and Ben Miles. “Hijack” is produced by 60Forty Films, the production company set up by Emmy Award-winning Executive Producers Jamie Laurenson and Hakan Kousetta ("Slow Horses," "The Essex Serpent") under its exclusive content deal with Apple TV+, alongside Kay and FIeld-Smith’s own production company Idiotlamp Productions, and also marks the first series to debut from Elba’s first-look deal with Apple TV+ and his Green Door Pictures. In addition to writing and directing, Kay and Field Smith each serve as executive producers alongside Elba, Laurenson, Kousetta and Kris Thykier. Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 365 wins and 1,452 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.” About Apple TV+ Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $6.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 311 of ‘Ted Lasso’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
We are taught from a very early age that second chances are rare in this life, and understandably so. Because our lives are indeed made up of singular moments and a bevy of singular choices. Choices that sometimes take us down a path we cannot return from, and those moments do indeed slip away. So, we learn that lesson… to make the best choices possible so we experience no regrets and take advantage of everything that life has to offer and so we never wonder what could have been. But alas, this is another one of life’s little lessons that we treat in a very black and white manner. Because yes, while there are relationships that will slip through our hands and moments and opportunities that will never come again… there are a lot of opportunities for second chances in this life. For instance, the universe loves to have us reunite with lost loves or people that we thought we would never have a chance with romantically, giving us a second chance to see where that might properly go now that we are armed with the knowledge there was something there. And one door closing in our career field isn’t the end all, be all finale. Because sometimes, that opens up a different opportunity in that field for us to take part in, giving us that second chance we’ve waited for, with new knowledge in hand to help us handle things differently. Because in the end, the universe isn’t always out to teach us the harshest of lessons and feed upon our failures. We’re here to learn and grow, and while we will fail hard, we really do get a lot of second chances in life, and some of them are very subtle or unique in nature, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+. Because ‘Mom City’ allowed for some second chances to come into play for several characters. Take for example, Jamie Tartt. Who last season, flamed out at Man City, and that brought him back to Richmond and allowed for him to be humbled and learn and grow and well… that was who AFC Richmond was playing this week and that terrified Jamie. Because this was the place… where he failed. Not to mention, there was a chance his abusive dad was going to be there. So, he was nervous and holding to the belief that he had blown his opportunity to play good soccer upon that storied pitch and enjoy love from the fans in that city. But a visit to his mother when they arrived there, alongside some support for Roy and Keeley and some stunning words from Coach Lasso… allowed for Jamie to have the second chance to be a superstar in Man City. For he won over the crowd, he won the game in a thrilling manner and let go of his pain, and even impressed his dad from afar.
Not to mention, a second chance was in the cards for Nate in this tale as well. Because the team was asking him to return. For the players really wanted him back and even Ted was willing to forgive and forget and move on. The only person that wasn’t was Coach Beard, but more on that in a moment. Because Nate rebuffed any requests to return, all in the hopes of staying at his favorite restaurant as a waiter to atone for his sins, and well… Jade knew this wasn’t where he belonged and that he would need a nudge to get back where he did. So, she arranged for him to be fired so he could go back to AFC Richmond and make amends and thanks to Ted’s powerful words to Coach Beard, forgiveness and a second chance was granted to Nate in the most powerful way imaginable. Through some honesty from Coach Beard and through that forgiveness and really, Nate’s journey informed us that sometimes… our second chances come from those we love and from those who understand we make mistakes.
But of course, the centerpiece of this lesson revolved around Coach Lasso himself. Because his mother came to London to visit and be the mom, we expected her to be, a spitting psychological image of her son. But there was a sense of resentment from Ted regarding her, the kind that was easily inferred to be related to the death of his father and his upbringing and how… it was clearly never discussed in their home. Since mom was all about good vibes and nudging and the soft guilt trips that only a mom can perform. Which gave Ted a chance to finally lay the hammer down regarding his feelings and give him and his mother a second chance at a healthy relationship that was grounded in communication and perhaps… a second chance at having the family life Ted has always wanted. Since that honesty seemingly helped Ted reach quite the epiphany at the end of this tale. One that we aren’t going to speculate upon or think deeper about, since this series will address it during next week’s finale. So instead, it is best we celebrate one moving tale. One that really spoke to how frequently second chances surround us and how easily we can obtain them with a little open-minded thinking, nudging or outright honesty and that made for one beautiful tale. The kind that also touched upon the power of generational trauma and how parents impart their sins upon their children, because that too… can create mistakes in life that leave us wanting desperately for a second chance, and well… all of those elements once again speak to a show that understands the human condition well, and will explore topics that no other show will, and it will be fascinating to see what lessons await us when the season three finale gets underway, next week. Until then. Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek of Season 2 of ‘Run the World’. Which kicks off tomorrow, 5/26/23 on STARZ! Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 5 of Silo, which debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow, (5/25/23). Written by John Edward Betancourt
One thing that fans of television can all agree upon, is that the Peanuts gang are absolute icons. Simply because Charlie Brown and his friends and family, and his beloved beagle, Snoopy, have captivated us for decades on end. To the point where some of their animated adventures have become yearly traditions in our homes. Because what’s Halloween without It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or the Holidays without A Charlie Brown Christmas, and this franchise is so important to pop-culture and our lives, that Apple TV+ has made a point to make sure that we have fresh Peanuts gang stories on our television screens.
Which is why today’s gift is of note. For earlier, Apple TV+ released a trailer for season three of The Snoopy Show. A wildly popular series that chronicles all kinds of fun and wild adventures with Snoopy the Beagle and his trusty sidekick, Woodstock. The kind that of course involve the Peanuts gang along the way, and well, since you’re a fan of this franchise and eager to learn what season three is going to offer… here is that trailer, and some additional details on season three. So, you can prepare yourself for more wonderful adventures with the most famous beagle in television history and the wondrous people that surround him, courtesy of Apple TV+. ‘Apple TV+ today released the trailer for season three of the original Peanuts series “The Snoopy Show,” premiering all twelve episodes globally on Friday, June 9. The world’s most famous beagle is back again for his close-up! Dig into new adventures with Snoopy, along with his best pal, Woodstock, and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Produced for Apple TV+ by Peanuts and WildBrain, the series is directed by Rob Boutilier (“Snoopy in Space,” “Kid vs. Kat”), and executive produced by Josh Scherba, Anne Loi, Stephanie Betts, Paige Braddock, Craig Schulz and Mark Evestaff. This delightful trailer comes on the heels of a slew of recent programming announcements from Apple TV+, Peanuts and WildBrain, including the new special “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” which follows endearing introvert Marcie as she helps her friends in her own unique way, premiering August 18, as well as even more classic Peanuts anthology titles on September 22. WildBrain and Apple TV+ also announced two more Peanuts originals “Camp Snoopy,” a new series featuring Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts along with Charlie Brown and friends as they enjoy an adventure-filled summer outdoors, plus the charming new “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin” special uncovering the origin story of one of Peanuts’ most treasured characters and how he ultimately makes friends with Charlie Brown and the gang. The award-winning slate of original series and films for kids and families on Apple TV+ includes this year’s Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; star-studded animated adventure film “Luck” from Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation; and, BAFTA Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated animated film “Wolfwalkers.” “The Snoopy Show” is a part of all-ages offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+, including the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” GLAAD Media Award nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” and “Harriet the Spy” from The Jim Henson Company, Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater,” “Helpsters” from Sesame Workshop, “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory” from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment, “Sago Mini Friends,” Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” from Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero, “Eva the Owlet,” Emmy Award nominee “Snoopy in Space,” and “Get Rolling with Otis.” Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award winner "Best Foot Forward," “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award winner “Life By Ella,” Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” from Sesame Workshop, and “Puppy Place.” Also included is “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times best-selling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award nominee “It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award nominee “To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” Emmy Award-winning “Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “For Auld Lang Syne.” Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have earned 364 wins and 1,460 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.” Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $6.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free. For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices. *Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘The Tower’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding domestic abuse and sexual assault, which may be triggering to some individuals.
More often than not, crime dramas that feature a heinous crime early on in the story, focus heavily on the manhunt that follows, and rightfully so. For a suspect is in mind and we are here to enjoy the thrill of the hunt for evil and the satisfaction that comes about with serving justice. So, sitting through a grand manhunt helps with that and keeps us engaged and truly leans into the entertainment aspect of storytelling. Since such a chase is vibrant and thrilling and absolutely isn’t realistic. Which isn’t an insult by any means, because we know what we are getting into when we tune in. But it is refreshing to see stories, now and again, that ignore the entertainment factor to lean into the realism of police work, since it offers up a break from the norm and when done right… can be just as compelling… and for proof, look no further than he next episode of The Tower 2: Death Message. For this particular tale had the opportunity to go the traditional route and take us on a thrilling manhunt that would be action packed and tense since Mark was out there with his little girl. But instead, this story slowed things down and looked at some unique aspects about murder and violent crime that are only now being explored in television. Specifically, the fallout that comes forth after a violent crime is committed. For instance, the moment when a family member must face the painful reality that someone harmed their loved one thorough violence. For Georgina’s mother had to be given the death message, and well that, brought some supremely powerful moments. Where we were able to see just how much such news will devastate a family member and sink them deeply, and there were more concepts in that line of thinking to explore in this story. Because Collins made significant progress on her cold case. To the point where she was able to sit face to face with Ray Walker and really show him the impact, he had upon his victims, in an effort to get him to finally admit to committing the crime in question. And while that was uncomfortable to sit through, and didn’t produce the desired effect, it was powerful, nevertheless. Because this sequence made it clear, that the lasting pain and damage that comes forth from the kind of sick actions that men like Ray take part in, is deep and devastating and we need to talk about that more in real life and acknowledge its ugliness in an effort to combat it. if anything, both of those sequences were stunning to say the least and really left us with plenty to think about and the show deserves a round of applause for taking the time to acknowledge the impact of crime and the realism didn’t end there. Because despite there being a full-on manhunt for Mark and some close calls in capturing him, the man continued to elude the Met, and there’s a lot of realism to that. Because officers of the law do have rules of engagement, and rules in how they approach a suspect, to maximize safety regarding the general public, and those were followed to a tee here… and that meant Mark was still free by the end of this tale. Which was as frustrating to watch play out as it is to hear about in real life, but the bad guys do escape and win sometimes in real life and that merely raises the stakes for this story and invests us further. Since we want to see this piece of trash behind bars. But above all, this too offered up some powerful realism to say the least, since it felt as though we were watching a real case play out in real time. All of which, made for another incredible episode from this series. One that really was unconventional and powerful and set the stage for so much more. Since Collins might have a new lead in that cold case and it would seem a violent showdown with Mark awaits since he believes the police are somehow at fault for his own disgusting actions. But while we wait to see how these cases played out, this episode really does deserve our awe. For having the tough conversations about domestic violence and sexual assault and for not shying away from the impact of that, and of murder, and if this episode is any indication, this journey is only going to get more difficult as the weeks roll on. Because this season of storytelling, is going to hold nothing back and take us on a devastating ride, one that is going to give us great pause from the lessons that lie ahead. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
It is definitely safe to say, that we love pop culture here at Nerds That Geek, it is simply in our blood because of the joy it brings so many, and one way that we keep up with it, is by watching Daily Blast Live. Simply because they love to explore pop culture in a fun and dynamic manner and they host some amazing guests to talk about their iconic roles and contributions to pop culture, and what is on the horizon for them, and for proof… look no further than today’s show.
For Seann Williams Scott, who became a pop culture icon by playing Stifler in American Pie, stopped by the show today to talk about that role and his upcoming project as well. And we here at NTG, thought it would be worthwhile to share a clip from today’s interview with Seann, so you too can share in what he had to say and to share the wonder of Daily Blast Live. Plus, as a bonus, here’s the remainder of this week’s schedule of the show, so you can plan which pop culture discussions you would like to enjoy, from a show that just gets it. Air Date: 05/24/23 GUEST LINE-UP & SPECIAL CONTENT Holistic plastic surgeon Dr. Youn is back joining us LIVE to give his take on the latest trend of people tattooing freckles on their faces and the best way to protect your skin from the sun this summer. Air Date: 05/25/23 GUEST LINE-UP & SPECIAL CONTENT This Is Us star Chrissy Metz joins us LIVE to give us the inside scoop on her latest film Stay Awake, playing a mother battling a drug addiction and launching her wine company Joyful Heart. Finance and budgeting expert Sarah Schweisthal joins us LIVE to give us money saving tips, how to cut down on grocery spending and eliminating food waste. Air Date: 05/26/23 GUEST LINE-UP & SPECIAL CONTENT Jurassic Park star B.D. Wong joins us LIVE to talk about his portrayal of Dr. Henry Wu in the Jurassic Park movie franchise, his beloved role in Father of the Bride and his new movie New Gremlins: Secrets of Mogwai. Written by John Edward Betancourt
When one hears the word, Cannes, one immediately thinks of glamour and glitz. After all, Cannes is the home of one of the world’s greatest film festivals and hearing about those films, seeing the stars pose on the red carpet and of course… hearing about the standing ovations that accompany the finest films at Cannes, has locked it in as nothing more than an entertainment town. But it is a city that offers so much more and is home to so many and well, it just so happens that a brand-new series on Acorn TV is prepared to show us what Cannes is REALLY all about.
For June 26 will see the debut of Cannes Confidential on the network. A show that will offer up a detailed look at Cannes through its unique plot and the various crimes that will be investigated by its main characters. Plus, it also has some romantic comedy elements to throw into the mix, oh, and it also features Jamie Bamber, whom everyone loves. And Acorn TV is so excited to showcase the wonder of Cannes and what this series has to offer, that earlier today, it released a trailer for the show and since you too are curious about Cannes Confidential, here is that trailer and all the details on this new series, courtesy of Acorn TV. ‘Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed streamer devoted to British and international television, today released the trailer for its all-new original international romantic crime drama, Cannes Confidential. Shot on location in Cannes and starring French TV-drama actor Lucie Lucas (Clem, Porto and Gloria), Jamie Bamber (Strike Back, Marcella, Battlestar Galactica), and singer/actor Tamara Marthe (Profilage), the six-part series will premiere with the first two episodes on Monday, June 26 on Acorn TV, with two new episodes premiering weekly every Monday through July 10. Created by Chris Murray (Midsomer Murders, Agatha Raisin), Cannes Confidential is a high-concept detective series centered on the bicker-banter relationship between no-nonsense detective Camille Delmasse (Lucas) and charming international conman Harry King (Bamber). Thrown together solving crimes on the French Riviera, Camille and Harry’s relationship lies at the heart of the show against a luxurious Cannes backdrop. Camille and Harry’s chemistry is complicated by Camille’s colleague and wing-woman, Léa Robert (Marthe), and a deal they make to free Camille’s ex-Chief of Police father from corruption charges. Set in the Cote d’Azur, Cannes Confidential had unprecedented access to film in the City of Cannes through an exclusive partnership and marks the first English-language procedural drama to be produced and set on the Cote d’Azur since the 1970s, blending comedy, mystery and crime within a love story. The series will introduce viewers to a rarely seen view of Cannes, beyond the yachts and A-listers, with its fishing boats, local tradesmen, and working-class characters. These two worlds and two versions of reality will collide and be reflected in the personalities of the two main characters, Camille and Harry. Cannes Confidential recently made its world premiere at the 6th annual CANNESERIES festival in Cannes. The series is executive produced by Patrick Nebout (Midnight Sun, Agent Hamilton), Henrik Jansson-Schweizer (Thicker Than Water, Midnight Sun), Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer of Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV’s commissioning, co-producing, and development division), International Drama Development & Artistic Acquisitions Department of TF1, Lotta Dolk of Viaplay, and produced by Daniel J. Cottin at Isolani Pictures. Camille Delamarre (The Transporters, Assassin Club, Netflix’s Into The Night) directed all six episodes. Acorn TV holds the exclusive distribution rights to the series in North America, New Zealand, Australia, and United Kingdom. Viaplay holds exclusive distribution rights in the Nordic region. Acorn Media Enterprises and Acorn Media International hold worldwide rights in all other territories.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘The Madame Blanc Mysteries’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One particular aspect of crime dramas that has become a staple if you will, is that the killer must be a remorseless monster. One that had solid reasons, in their mind, for committing the ultimate sin. A move that makes the story in question, a true battle between good and evil, wherein the evil is vanquished, and the hero can teach the killer and the audience a lesson in morality. Which leads to a satisfying story of course, one that does however leave us wondering… if it is ever possible for someone to be filled with remorse over murder. Because all we see in those stories is a form of bloodlust, of humanity at its lowest and understandably so. For murder is the ultimate sin, and there is no forgiveness or reconciliation that comes forth from taking a life, so perhaps there is no hope for those who kill. But the fact of the matter is, that portrayal isn’t correct and yes… people can in fact… regret the actions they’ve taken part in. Because sometimes… murder isn’t portrayed as it is on television. It isn’t some deeply calculated act designed to bring down a system or send a message or satisfy an unwholesome and evil urge. It’s something that happens in the heat of the moment, and regret can and will come into play. And those who commit it, are faced with real pain and real remorse over that which will now haunt them until the end of their days. But for entertainment’s sake… we look at that more sensational side and moral side, and rightfully so. But it is nice now and again, to find a story that takes the time to speak to the remorse one would feel in such a situation, as was the case in the next episode of The Madame Blanc Mysteries on Acorn TV. For the next chapter in Jean’s adventures, basically revolved around a cold case. For the death of a local theater legend, brought forth truth for the deceased’s daughter, Vivienne. In that, she was adopted, and her real mother was murdered years ago and she wanted Jean to figure out what happened to her mom. Which led to Jean’s toughest case to date, one that featured intrigue and a missing rare item as well, and it also brought forth more death. But as Jean continued to dig and deeply, she came to realize that the murderer, was nothing more than a jilted lover. One that killed his love in the heat of the moment for infidelity, and an unfortunate soul in the wrong place at the wrong time. But upon committing his original crime, Jules was wrought with guilt and wrought with pain over the fact that he killed someone he loved and… left a child in a bad place. The very child that asked to have this murder solved, and in a desperate effort to set things right and atone for that sin… Jules stepped up, and raised Vivienne as his own, even though her father was a different man altogether. Because the guilt of killing was quite real, and Jules had to carry that every single day and truly hoped to heal his sin by raising a good woman and helping her to live a good life. Granted, he was caught in the end and off to jail in his later years because Jean always uncovers the truth. But it was refreshing to see a killer have a heart in a story like this for a change and feel remorse and try to atone for the worst sin possible. Since it did remind us, that not everyone is a calculating serial killer, or a monster born of society’s ills. Sometimes a killer is just a killer, one that screwed up and feels great pain over their actions and should indeed be held to the letter of the law. All of which made for a refreshing tale really, one that also featured a big moment for Dom. For his ex was back in town in this tale, working a play at the theater as she worked to rebuild her life post marriage. Which allowed for Dom to finally confront her for her actions and hold her to count for her selfish nature and that was lovely to see. Since it let Dom grow, and helped him to heal and well, that too just added to the wonder of a magnificent story, one that really did surprise at every turn with its emotion and humanity. All because it worked to explore, the fallout of murder and the impact it has upon lives, which is vast and reaching… because of the impact a single life makes upon this world and robbing people of it… is outright devastating. Until next time. |
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