It is definitely safe to say that the Shudder horror series, Horror’s Greatest, was quite the sensation when it debuted earlier this year. Simply because it offered up wondrous lessons to those unimitated to the genre, as to why they should partake in the terror that horror provides, and it also served… as a magnificent series of lessons to those who already love the genre. Since it dug deep into what makes the genre great through unique lessons and a fine showcasing of some of its best aspects. But, alas, we were only treated to a handful of lovely episodes, the kind that definitely left us ready for more and thankfully… Shudder understands that we are eager to explore more of what the genre has to offer.
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Which is why they recently announced the release date for a new season of the show, and they even dropped a trailer and key art for season two of a series that wonderfully ponders upon the majesty of the best genre around. And of course, since you are a fan of the show and want to know what to expect from a second season… here are all the details on year two of this show, and that trailer and art, so we can properly prepare for another year of quality exploration regarding the genre that captives us so.

‘Ring in the new year with Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, to celebrate the new season of Shudder Original series Horror’s Greatest debuting Tuesday, December 31. The streamer released today the trailer and key art for Season 2 which features interviews with David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), Kate Siegel (Fall of the House of Usher, The Haunting), Joe Hill (Locke & Key, NOS4A2), Tom Holland (Fright Night, Child’s Play), Jenn Wexler (The Sacrifice Game, The Ranger), Ted Geoghegan (Brooklyn 45), Dewayne Perkins (The Blackening), Jonah Ray Rodrigues (Destroy All Neighbors), Gigi Saul Guerrero (Satanic Hispanics, El Gigante), Alex Winter (Destroy All Neighbors), Tananarive Due (Horror Noire), Swanthula and Dracmorda Boulet (The Boulet Brothers Dragula), Joe Begos (Christmas Bloody Christmas) and more. The series, which is also available to stream on AMC+, comes from Marwar Junction Productions (Perfect Wife), the producers of The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time.
 
Horror’s Greatest is a deep dive into everything we love about horror -- from fresh looks at classics to unearthing scores of hidden gems, this series has something for every fright film enthusiast. A gallery of ghoulish pros, including actors, directors, writers, composers, and special effects artists, draw on their unique knowledge to answer the big questions: What are the must-see films in horror’s many sub-genres? What’s the appeal of horror tropes, and how do today’s filmmakers subvert our expectations? What shape does horror take in countries outside of the United States? The answers encompass the breath of the nightmares we watch for our entertainment.
 
Horror’s Greatest was produced by Marwar Junction Productions and showrunner/executive producer Kurt Sayenga. Joseph Freed and Allison Berkley are executive producers for Marwar Junction Productions.
 
 
SEASON 2 EPISODES:
 
Episode 1 – “Animal Attacks” – Premieres Tuesday, December 31 on SHUDDER and AMC+ 
A great animal attack movie pushes all of our human-against-nature buttons. From demented sharks to unhinged chimps, this episode sorts out the leaders of the cinematic pack. We also shame the worst horror pets (and give treats to the best).
 
Episode 2 – “Killer Dates” – Premieres Tuesday, January 7 on SHUDDER and AMC+ 
Dates in horror are worst-case scenarios that go way past awkward silences. Your lovemate is either a serial killer, a tormented psychic, or comes from a family that wants to hunt you for sport. Looking for love inevitably leads to blood and carnage.
 
Episode 3 – “Hidden Gems” – Premieres Tuesday, January 14 on SHUDDER and AMC+ 
What special film would you recommend to the ghoul who has “seen everything?” In this episode, genre mavens select 13 movies that have been forgotten, overlooked, unfairly maligned, or are hard to find – all bloody gems hidden beneath the floorboards.
 
Episode 4 – “Film Scores” – Premieres Tuesday, January 21 on SHUDDER and AMC+ 
From King Kong’s epic orchestra to the unnerving electronics of Under the Skin to the suspenseful muted strings in Psycho, composers have used every style of music to frighten audiences. Horror scores blaze trails, bringing new instruments and radical musical forms into popular consciousness.
 
Episode 5 – “Space Horror” – Premieres Tuesday, January 28 on SHUDDER and AMC+ 
Alien. 2001. Forbidden Planet. Many of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made are also horror films. The vastness of space, the claustrophobia of space travel, and the inconceivable horrors that might lurk in the void make for spine-tingling filmmaking.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Hysteria!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the magnificent Peacock and USA Network series, Hysteria!, has offered up a masterclass in how to present compelling commenary. Simply because week in and week out, it’s pondered upon very real problems in our world and how to recognize them and what creates them. In a manner so detailed that we simply want more, and we simply want to reach the finish line of the story to discover the greatest lessons of all related to this series. Specifically, what would happen if we let the marginalized seize power completely and win the day, and how would we stop the power of fear if we reached the point of no return?

All of which was indeed explored in ‘Heaven’s on Fire’ courtesy of a season finale that took the town of Happy Hollow to the brink. For we learned here that Tracy learned nothing from her folly, and rather than do the right thing and be a good Christian, she decided to seize power and make one last ditch effort to shift the blame for her actions to someone else, specifically Dylan. All by having the town assemble at church to witness the Exorcism of Linda Campbell. Which would allow for her to seize power, create accountability and make the townspeople her religious minions and well, with the good father away and the chief off to save Faith, her plan began to work.

Because everyone was so afraid and so ready for protection that they listened to all of her nonsense and demanded her help and were captive to the nonsense act playing out in front of them. Because somehow, they believed a demon would be cast out on this night. But it was the long game to get a mother under duress, to turn on her own son, and cast him to a dark fate through mob justice. But Jordy and Spud made sure that didn’t happen, and they exposed Tracy’s lies and that led to enough chaos to burn down the church while the Chief saved Faith’s life and brought the Reverend to justice at last. Which in turn brought about a full confession that put Tracy in some fancy bracelets after Jordy rescued her from the burning, despite the fact that the people were ready to revolt over her arrest.

But to Tracy’s credit, she asked folks to stand down, since she knew what she had done and with that nightmare over… life returned to mostly normal. Since Linda recovered and even Judith was ‘punished’ for her actions, and we were left with lessons in hand and answers to our questions. In that, if the Tracy’s of the world were given full power, they would cause great harm and hurt a lot of people on their way down from the top, for they would fall from grace eventually, and that the only way to stop this madness… is to stay vigilant and logical. And stand tall when the other Tracy’s of the world spout their madness into the world. So that rational thinking can come into play, because that is the last line of defense since this season showcased how far people will go to create the worst-case scenario when fear takes hold. For it is strong and it can accomplish anything that a terrified soul wants it to.

All of which made for a perfect ending to this incredible season of storytelling. For it brought every point together in a terrifying manner, and truly showcased the power of fear and mob mentality and how and why we are now in the situation we are in as a nation. For we are filled with fear from one fateful day in September and have been battling it since. But all commentary aside, this was also a great season of scares from an intelligent horror story that reminded us of the biggest and scariest monster of all, humanity. For we can do horrible things when we wish to, and that makes this a poignant story that hopefully gets a second season. So, we can explore the fallout of Happy Hollow’s incredible case, of mass hysteria.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Creep Tapes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Shudder series, The Creep Tapes, we talked a bit about quite the surprise present in that story. In that, Josef was a bit more open than we’ve seen him be before, and he potentially offered up some nuggets of truth about his origins as a killer, alongside an understanding about what drives him to kill in this format and that was just… fascinating. Because up until that moment, we’ve never known much about his madness or much about what finally brought him to such depths of depravity. But we had a sampling at last and we were definitely left wondering… if this was the bare beginning of more. If this series was going to further explore the man behind Peachfuzz’s mask.

Well at it turns out, that just so happened to be the case with the show’s next episode. For ‘Brandt’ allowed for us spend to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Josef in a hotel room while he waited for his prey to arrive and during that time… something unique took place. In that, Josef decided it was time to part ways with Peachfuzz. For he felt their relationship, while nonexistent, was toxic and codependent in nature. So, tonight was the night to purge the monster and go solo and kill without those teeth glimmering over his shoulder and well… that led to a unique exploration of Josef’s madness. Since this first, informed us of the fact that he uses Peachfuzz as an alter ego of sorts. Of the manifestation of the desires, he carries within to kill, and that somehow… purging that would add a purity to what he does.

But separation was just not possible. For so many killers are synonymous with their alter egos and their schtick. After all, Bundy had to offer up that nice-guy persona to complete his work, and Gacy was all about having that damn clown outfit, and the list goes on and on. Because these men outright need such things to create structure, that semblance of comfort and normalcy since they’re immersed in disgusting acts that do elicit a twisted emotional response. Which meant, Peachfuzz returned, and that led to some fascinating and uncomfortable moments that truly showcased how broken Josef is and how the concept of an alter ego helps him to cope and fuel his darkness. Courtesy of wild conversations between the two of them, and some murder role-play.

All of which informed us because of this unity, without satiation of the bloodlust at hand, the darkness in Josef will clash with the rational part of him that he uses to mess with his prey, and who knows? That might someday lead to Josef’s end. But for proof that murder is the only way to give peace to both entities, look no further than the ending of this tale. When they became one to launch an axe at the heart of the Brandt, ending his life and giving them what they need. Which made… for a fascinating story. One that on a larger level, really explored the duality of serial killers and the conflict they struggle with mentally because of their broken nature and how their twisted quirks help them to cope, but on a smaller level… this really did teach us a lot about Josef and what makes him tick and what drives him to kill.

Which brought forth the show’s best episode to date. Because this was just ridiculously engaging. To the point where the twenty-four minute runtime of the episode flew by and left us eager for more. Because this offered the answers we’ve never had when it comes to Josef, and it also… allowed for Mark Duplass to turn in some of his best work as the character, and that’s saying something. Since he’s chilled us to the bone as Josef for a decade now. But this was next level, and Mark truly showcased the shattered psyche of an outright monster. One that clearly is beyond salvation and immersed in a passion that few of us will ever understand, and it will be fascinating to see what the revelations from the last two episodes bring forth in the season finale of this brilliant series. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that fans of Anne Rice’s rich storytelling universe are excited for their prospects in 2025. After all, the third season of Interview with the Vampire will grace our screens with a story focused on the Vampire Lestat. Not to mention, we will dive into the world of the Talamasca via their own series. But before we enjoy either of those, we get to catch up with Rowan Mayfair and the unsettling trouble she is surrounded by, courtesy of season two of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches.
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Which arrives on AMC and AMC+ on January 5, 2025, and well… that really is quite the post-holiday treat. Since it kicks off a new year of horror, one grounded in a majestic universe that is finally getting its due on television and as an early holiday present for fans of this show and this franchise, AMC was kind enough to release some epic key art for season two of the show, along with a new teaser. Which we will share with you now in the spirit in the season, as we prepare to spend 2025 lost in a world of vampires and witches. 

‘AMC Networks released today the official key art and a new teaser for the upcoming sophomore season of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. Starring Alexandra Daddario, Jack Huston, Harry Hamlin, Tongayi Chirisa and Alyssa Jirrels, the new season debuts on Sunday, January 5 on AMC and AMC+. 
 
Based on Anne Rice’s Lives of the Mayfair Witches, season two of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches continues the journey of Rowan Mayfair (Daddario) after she has unwittingly given birth to the demon Lasher (Huston). She is determined to understand what he has become – human or monster? – and to use him to fulfill her purpose as a healer, but when tragedy strikes, she must put aside her own desires and fight to protect her family.  
 
Additional cast includes Ben Feldman, Ted Levine and Thora Birch, amongst others. The series is executive produced by Mark Johnson, showrunner Esta Spalding, Tom Williams, Michelle Ashford, Christopher Rice and the late Anne Rice, and is produced by AMC Studios.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Hysteria!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When the dust settles on what should be an explosive season finale for the Peacock/USA Network series, Hysteria!, the audience will have… an amazing understanding. For they will full well know, what brings mob mentality and negative movements to life in America, and how it all spreads. For this series has left no stone unturned in showcasing how this has happened in the idyllic town of Happy Hollow, and well, we here at NTG are not kidding when say the show is being supremely comprehensive on such matters. Because this week’s episode took the time to dive even further into such matters, by showcasing… how there is a point of no return for this problem, and that this town is shockingly close to that particular juncture.

Which ‘It’s Late’ accomplished, by putting Happy Hollow on the brink of disaster. Because when we caught up with everyone in town this time around, they were all afraid, and they were all worried what awful thing was going to happen next, and their very own clergy, turned out to be that next scary thing. Since he let it be known that possession was alive and well in this town, and he needed help in purging it. So, he was leaving the town to get reinforcements and well, that led to chaos in town. Because now everyone felt as though no one was coming to save them, and no one wanted to help them. So, they took matters into their own hands, by giving life to an angry mob and by rightfully firing off blame at Tracy for her fearmongering.

A truth that put her in a tough place for the first time in her life, especially when she came to learn that Faith still did not agree with her mother regarding any of their ‘unified’ actions and that was further compounded by the fact that the Reverend demanded more of her. Because Gilbert was in police custody and the plan to frame Jordy had not come to fruition yet. So, she felt akin to a failure and that sank her to a low as others… worked to stop a quickly spiraling situation. Which involved, at least for Dylan, taking the time to disavow the whole cult nonsense publicly, and he tried his best to stop the cult from doing more and showcase there was good in this town. Despite coming face to face with his mother in a state, that was utterly shocking. Not to mention, a plan was put in motion by Jordy to end this madness as well.

For she and Faith worked out a way to get the Reverend into the trouble he deserved. By having Faith return to his stead to be ‘cleansed’. Wherein she could plant the inhaler while Jordy went to the police. But alas, the point of no return is real, and fear was at an eleven in this town and that led… to more chaos. Wherein Tracy made her way to the Campbell household to ‘make things right,’ which will end in a wrong since Tracy is so marginalized and broken that she no longer understands what is just and unjust. Plus, Judith has gone off the deep end. Since she put forth more harm for not getting her way because of the ugliness of her actions and Faith, may lose her life trying to set things right since the Rev caught her trying to escape, and he could find the evidence she planted since he knows people so well.

All of which spoke to the fact that when fear spreads in this manner, and people buy into it and believe that something dark is at work, regardless of the facts, they will give into that fear and just do awful things to one another, and sow chaos and blame. And when that gets out of hand, real disaster strikes, and this town truly stands at the precipice of the point of no return. Where all that ugly will come forth by way of a singular moment, and that made for a brilliant tale. For this one pulled us into the chaos by offering up a story that was intense, scary, and chaotic in its own right as everyone raced to enact an agenda and a plan. Which is hard to create and replicate, but this show did it no problem and has us eager and ready to see if Happy Hollow can be saved… or if the evil that is fear will consume it with its own hellish fire. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Creep Tapes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
 
It really is quite amazing what the new Shudder series, The Creep Tapes, is accomplishing from a storytelling standpoint. For while these episodes all follow a fascinating similar format, wherein Josef takes the time to lure, tease, and torture his prey on camera before violently murdering them, they offer up something unique every single time. Such as creative characters for Josef to play, and some fascinating themes and ideas. Since the pilot worked to reintroduce us to this universe with dark comedy and twisted moments, while episode two showed us the brilliance and savagery of Josef, and last week’s adventure showcased how much he enjoys the kill.
 
If anything, this is top of mind today, simply because this week’s episode took the time to add to this richness. Since ‘Brad’ showcased a little more about Josef himself. Such as what he enjoys in this life when he’s not stabbing people, what might have transformed him into a monster and why he likes this format for killing. All of which was buried beneath a terrifying journey for a former documentarian that was once beloved by all of Hollywood. Because Brad went from hero to hard times and was taking this job to get some much-needed rent money, and it wasn’t long before he was trapped in one of Josef’s little funhouses of horror. Since our killer tasked Brad with solving a murder and bringing the bad guy to justice.
 
But of course, that went south and eventually Brad went from sleuth to victim and died horribly as all of Josef’s victims do. Which was harrowing and intense and twisted. Since Josef once again enjoyed the kill in front of him. But the little moments before that death mattered a lot. In part because Josef showed a real love for Brad’s work and documentaries in general. In fact, this might be the first time we did not see Josef bullshit his victim, because there was a real joy in his voice in meeting Brad and in how he admired his work and that spoke to the fact, he’s a cinephile for certain, and that is likely his hobby. Not to mention… he loves theatrics and loves the idea of having his work chronicled in a manner where it would show up on a major network somewhere down the line.
 
Which is why he constantly sets up a grand story for people to follow. So that they are treated to entertainment and connect with a story that ends so badly. Hence his love of acting, and his constant references to other movies he loves, and this was a nice twist to inject into the story. Since we know so little about Josef. But the crown jewel of this segment is that we might have received a touch of an origin story for Josef. Because what seems like a throwaway line when he first meets Brad here, wherein Josef mentions losing someone that meant something to him under ugly circumstances, is a clue. Because he was honest there. At least, he FELT honest there, and there is a fair chance that moment speaks to how he became a monster.
 
That could relate to how that trauma snapped him and turned him into a bloodthirsty killer trying to fill a void, or they were the first kill. The person that gave him a taste of what he needed all along. All of which, gave rise to a fascinating and intense tale. One that truly took us to new heights by having Josef open up for the first time. Or… he simply lied through his teeth. To really gain trust and get what he wanted. But you have to wonder… if there was more to all this. Because this story is calculated and deliberate and wants to accomplish specifics. So, only time will tell. But that added to the wonder of an incredible story that kept us engaged and nervous, and it will be interesting to see what other themes are explored and what other truths are potentially exposed, as season one of this series continues along. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of the Season Three Finale of Wicked City. Which debuts on ALLBLK, tomorrow, 11/28/24!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Hysteria!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It’s funny how sometimes, we miss things in our search for the truth. Granted, it makes sense as to why. Because when we want an answer, we are quick to latch onto the first one that comes our way. Because that gives us catharsis and direction and we feel a sense of satisfaction as well. But truly, we do miss more when the truth we seek is complex and grand in nature and well, this is top of mind today, because we missed another truth regarding the central theme of Hysteria! on Peacock and USA Network. Because for weeks, we’ve been searching for an answer as to what makes our modern society so divided and so broken, and so far, we’ve come to understand how fear relates to that.

But there are more things that go into division and ‘Speaking in Tongues’ revealed that truth. Courtesy of the fallout of the big dance. Because that brought the wrath of parents and the school and the police down upon our heroes and the potential cult members in this town and well, that heat led to all kinds of sad truth about what’s going on in this town. For instance, Jordy made a point to inform everyone that wanted to join up with evil, that it was all a ruse to bring about sales for the band. Which wounded so many and broke them, and it did so, because of what came out during the chief’s interrogation of everyone in the basement on that night, and in the band. For we learned… this is a sorrowful town, and the Hollow part of Happy Hollow relates to that. 

Because so many spoke to being marginalized and feeling as though they don’t matter and are not seen in this life and just go through the motions and they are desperate to be seen. Including Tracy and her little cult of Christianity. For she feels as though she’s been forgotten and that’s broken her as well and well… that allowed for the story to hammer home how being marginalized will push people to go to great lengths to be seen and be heard. Since it prompted Tracy to get the Reverend involved in her mess and craft a plan that would further push the agenda, she is so desperate to spread about town. One that involved Faith outright betraying Jordy, by planting the inhaler in Jordy’s bedroom. All because of the hideous leverage that Tracy had over her daughter.

Not to mention, it put Dylan in real trouble here. Because the popular misfits in the school believed that they needed to have Dylan atone for reminding them of what they no longer had, or thought they had. So, they demanded he make them whole again through spiritual sacrifice. Which of course, turned out to be actual sacrifice, since they locked him within a coffin and tossed him into the ground. Leaving his fate up in the air over the fact that he crossed the wrong kids and their needs, and even his mother… exhibited unique behaviors from not being seen. Because it became clear here that she has been a bit of a doormat in this town and might be taking part in the ‘evil’ that persists to be noticed and be cared for at a time when everyone is realizing, how little they have and how invisible they are.

Which made for a powerful tale for certain. One that properly explored the power of marginalization and how it does embolden people to do what they must to feel whole. Be it faking a religious crisis to be needed or speaking in tongues to be seen or killing someone to do the same… or giving power to boisterous morons that are also convicted felons in the name of Making Happy Hollow Great Again so one’s close-minded views can be heard. All of which made for a powerful episode, one that leaves us eager for more of this show. Simply because it is taking quite the turn and moving us into fascinating territory, and that will make the wait for next week’s episode, quite painful in nature. Since we must know what lie ahead for a town that is now on the brink of disaster. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Creep Tapes’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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One disturbing fact that we’ve all fawned over with morbid curiosity when it comes to serial killers… is that they… ‘toy’… with their victims. Ted Bundy for instance loved to put on a grandiose act to gain trust with his victims to make the strike somehow more satisfying for his f*cked up and twisted little mind. And there are other stories about the long con that these monsters take part in to make sure they can have what they want. But knowing this, always leaves that dark little part of our brain to wonder… what those games look like and if by chance… the killer derives any joy from this or takes great pleasure in causing harm.

Because that dark little part of us always wants to know the worst possible things and well, that’s why horror is a handy genre. Since it will show us what we want and make us regret it, and that is why the next episode of The Creep Tapes on Shudder is of note. For ‘Jeremy’ answered that question in the most direct and uncomfortable manner possible, by introducing us to a truth seeker named Jeremy. Who believed he was off to a meeting with a prominent priest that would lead to a grand exposé regarding the church. The kind of moment that would put Jeremy’s web series on the map and well, he most certainly got more than he bargained for in this episode. Since, the good father, was nothing more than a devil in disguise.

For Father Tom Durkin was Josef in disguise and he was very eager to mess with Jeremy and his mission and that led to one twisted tale. Wherein we watched Josef just toy with Jeremy like never before, by pushing the envelope of his expectations of how a priest should act. Courtesy of some wicked puns and wild behavior. Wherein Josef basically mocked religion and that really did unsettle Jeremy and take him off guard, and of course, since Josef is Josef, he made sure to take the mind games one step further. By making sure to blur the line between reality and faith, mostly by bringing Peachfuzz into the equation and well, that made for some screwed up moments that of course, ended with the ultimate kill and utter fear in Jeremy’s last moments.

But it is what happened in between the scares and the mind games that truly delivered what we were curious about. Because amid every single pun, every single surprise and every single twisted moment, there was a real glint in Josef’s eyes. Wherein he took incredible pleasure in messing with Jeremy, to the point where he struggled to contain the joy. Because at times he became quite boisterous and quite giddy, because he was having the time of his life, confusing his prey, by subverting his expectations and well, it was regrettable of us to ask that question. Because the end result, only added to the horror of this story, one where we watched a stone-cold killer relish in the fun of fear and the joy of the hunt and that made for a sobering ending for certain.

One that spoke to the reality that some questions are best left unanswered, and we need not ever think again about the joy that evil finds in toying with people. Which is a testament to Mark Duplass’ work in this story. Since he sold that evil in a chilling and believable manner and really immersed us in a moment that will stay with us for some time. Courtesy of a story that once again, outright impressed us. Because we simply did not know what to expect when we saw ‘Father Durkin’ standing before Jeremy and that really did bring about an unconventional story about fear, about evil and further deepened the mythos of this incredible killer. For now, we know, he takes great pleasure in what he does and finds real joy in messing with emotions, and it will be interesting to see what other forbidden questions get answered as season one of this brilliant show continues along. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 306 of Wicked City. Which debuts on ALLBLK, tomorrow, 11/21/24!