Written by John Edward Betancourt It really is quite amazing what summer has become from a television viewing standpoint. For this once ghost town of programming has become a bastion for hardcore fans of television and casual ones alike. Courtesy of major releases that simply cannot be missed and for proof… well just look at what STARZ is doing this summer. Because July is going to be an epic month for the network, one filled with an incredible mid-season finale, the return of a beloved fan favorite and the arrival of one stunning documentary. Since the mid-season finale for Power Book II: Ghost will air in July, The Serpent Queen returns for season two, and Down in the Valley will debut this month, and educate us deeply on the realities of American life. All of which really is must-see television and reminds us of how important this month is now to TV networks. Because of how much people consume television in the middle of the summer, and of course, since you’re curious when all those episodes will air, here is STARZ’s July programming lineup for you to peruse… as you prepare your summer viewing experience. ‘STARZ announces its programming highlights for the month of July, featuring the series premiere of “Down in the Valley,” a documentary series inspired by the vibrant world of “P-Valley,” along with the season two premiere of “Serpent Queen,” and the season four, part one finale of “Power Book II: Ghost.” On the film front, She Said, Violent Night and Tár, along with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Avengers: Age of Ultron and several other notable titles join the STARZ app this month.’ STARZ Original Series All Key Art Courtesy of STARZ. The first half of the fourth and final season of “Power Book II: Ghost” concludes on Friday, July 5, at midnight ET on the STARZ app. On linear, it will air on STARZ at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 9:00 PM ET in Canada. Part two premieres on Friday, September 6, at midnight ET on the STARZ app and on STARZ at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 9:00 PM ET in Canada on linear. The final season promises to be explosive, with high-adrenaline twists and turns as everyone is on the hunt for revenge. Each character’s respective motivations fuel their power of choice to dive deeper into the game, fight their way out, or walk a blurry line between the two. As family dynamics are tested and tensions reach their peak, the unpredictable nature of this season will have viewers questioning who you can trust and if your own family will betray you.
 “Down in the Valley,” a groundbreaking new docu-series hosted by the dynamic and iconic Nicco Annan (“P-Valley”), will pull back the curtain on the surprising but always intriguing people and places that make the Deep South, a place where anything can happen and usually does. For six 30-minute episodes, the audience will dive into the fascinating duality of the Deep South from a kaleidoscopic marginalized lens, starting Friday, July 5 at midnight ET on the STARZ app. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 9:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 10:00 PM ET in Canada. Annan, best known as “Uncle Clifford” on STARZ’s critically acclaimed drama series “P-Valley,” will be immersed in the people, sensuality, music, culture, and stories of the South. From strip clubs to sex workshops, rap performances, and ancient hoodoo rituals, Annan, as well as the audience, will experience it all. "Down in the Valley" isn't afraid to tackle the taboo. The series confronts uncomfortable truths, challenges societal norms, and advocates for a more inclusive and enlightened future.
“Diamonds of Memphis,” goes inside one of Memphis’s newest strip clubs to learn about the lives of the women who work there. Nicco joins the OGs and the newcomers as they peel back the layers and give us a unique window into what it is to sell fantasy while living your own reality. (Editor's Note: This episode received an early release on the STARZ App and can be seen, now.)
“Saints and Sinners,” takes the audience on a joyful ride into the life of ShaRonda Parker, a woman determined to destigmatize sex in the South. As Nicco immerses himself in her world, he meets some surprising colleagues and a community of women who are ready to get free!
“Out the Mud” takes us into the life of an MC named Marley Santana. A gay Black man from one of Dallas’s toughest neighborhoods, Marley’s dramatic story of how he was outed and ultimately found self-acceptance and unconditional love is truly exceptional.
“From the Juke to the Junt” this episode takes us on a musical journey to meet both the current artists who create the music for P-Valley, and the previous generations that inspire them. Nicco immerses himself in multiple musical genres while he seeks to learn about the artists and all the joy and pain that inspires them to create.  “The Serpent Queen” tells the story of Catherine de Medici (Morton) who, against all odds, became one of the most powerful and longest-serving rulers in French history. In season two, Catherine de Medici is Queen Regent of France now that her son, Charles IX has come of age. Distracted by the personal conflicts of the Valois children, a new mysterious prophet named Edith gains a loyal following who vow to challenge the current religious establishment, sparking tension across the country. Feeling threatened by the rising strain, the divided court turn to their own schemes for selfish benefit. The Guises commit unholy acts while the Bourbons turn to a familiar foreign sovereign, Queen Elizabeth I of England in hopes of personal gain. As France falls into political and religious turmoil, Catherine struggles to maintain her power, but The Serpent Queen will do whatever she needs to regain control. “The Serpent Queen” is set to debut on Friday, July 12 at midnight on the STARZ app. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 9:00 PM ET/PT in Canada.
Catherine aims to unite France under King Charles IX, pushing her agenda of a secular state. The Bourbons present an ambitious trade deal with Protestant England. As tensions rise on the Privy Council, the Guise’s plan to reignite religious conflict.
With peace lying on a knife’s edge, Catherine attempts to calm tensions by allowing the Bourbons to pursue the trade deal with England, and she halts the investigation into the Duke of Guise’s arson involvement.
News of Edith’s miracle spreads throughout Europe, inspiring many to call her a Prophet. When France’s fragile political climate reaches Queen Elizabeth, the Bourbon’s trade proposal leverages an opportunity for England to exploit France. Catherine must return urgently to France when Anjou’s temper causes Hercule to be dangerously injured. Notable Film Additions to the STARZ app in July Available July 1:
Available July 5
Available July 6
Available July 8
Available July 12
Available July 14
Available July 15
Available July 20
Available July 25
Available July 27
Available July 30
Notable Film Stunts and Collections available on the STARZ app in July
Notable Marathons: STARZ
STARZ Encore
STARZ Edge
STARZ Encore Westerns
About STARZ STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.
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Written by John Edward Betancourt Ebony Vagulans and Lucy Lawless as Madison Feliciano and Alexa Crowe in Episode 403 of ‘My Life Is Murder’ – ‘Location, Location, Location’. (Photo Courtesy of Acorn TV.)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 403 of ‘My Life Is Murder’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
As we continue our journey through season four of the hit Acorn TV series, My Life Is Murder, it is becoming quite clear… what season four wants to offer us. In that, the show really wants to explore the more unique aspects as to why murder and crime happens in our world, in the plucky manner that only this show can provide. In order to educate the audience that murder is a fickle and sorrowful thing that can come together in the strangest ways imaginable and for proof… well just take a look at the next episode in Alexa Crowe’s adventures through the darkness of mankind. For ‘Location, Location, Location’ showcased what appeared to be a murder case grounded in the brutality of revenge. For a local up and coming real estate agent named Payton, turned up dead in a pool in a house he was selling, with a broken neck no less. Which made no sense considering how forensics played out. Which meant that Alexa and Madison were on the case and well, it did not take long for this duo to immediately square their focus upon Payton’s co-worker/rival, Baxter. Who did not get along with Paxton in the slightest and could have easily committed this crime in the name of revenge. But alas, it was revealed that while Baxter was a cad, and an insensitive jerk through and through, he was no murderer, and that prompted this duo to shift their focus to the house itself and its current owner to search for clues. The latter of which offered little information, but the house itself, captivated Alexa for certain. After all, it was home to seventeen different owners in its time and had quite the history, locally, as well. For back in the day, it was also a wildly popular brothel that always beat the rap and well, that left Alexa wondering if that somehow related to this whole mess. But alas, the current owner’s belief that it was haunted overshadowed that and prompted a brief paranormal investigation that allowed for Alexa to really dig deep into the history of the place and discover… that there were hidden tunnels and rooms all over the house, giving rise to the chance that someone could run about and hide for reasons unknown. Well, unknown until a deeper dive into history revealed what Alexa needed to know. In that, those tunnels were used to move women that worked at the brothel around, and that someone had to help keep them safe back in the day, and who better to do that, than the annoying neighbor, Leslie. Who was constantly expressing interest in the house and knew its history well, and… likely was promised riches untold for her services if she could find it. Which meant, she was likely moving about the tunnels often to find that treasure, and likely sounded like a ghost in doing so, and Alexa was right on all counts. Since she caught Leslie in the midst of moving about, and in doing so, was able to get her to confess that Payton died because he discovered those tunnels and was spooked by Leslie popping up in the midst of his own investigation and rather than tell the truth and have her riches be spoiled, she hid the body and committed a crime. Giving rise to a fascinating case for certain, one that kept us guessing. Since the episode did an amazing job of presenting potential motives, and the reveal was unique and solid and led to a proper ending. One that spoke to how one bad day and a few bad decisions can make anyone a criminal and perhaps could serve as a tragedy of sorts. For had Leslie paid closer to attention to her own gifts and worried less about money, her life may have taken a different path. But what mattered more, is that this season continues to present cases that are unlike any other in crime dramas right now, and that’s a wonderful thing. Since it is keeping us engaged and has us curious what other lessons about murder await us as season four continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘My Life Is Murder’
Key Art from ‘Deb’s House’ Courtesy of WE tv.
Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 103 of ‘Deb’s House’ contains spoilers.
Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 103 of Deb’s House on WE tv and ALLBLK, along with two refresher clips, and a summary of who has been sent home! Episode 103 – “Brand Yourself” – Premiered Friday, June 28th on WE tv and ALLBLK at 10pm ET The rappers head to NYC for a marketing challenge with fashion designer Willie Esco… leading to a house shaking elimination. The Golden Mic is introduced, with Dank being the first of the competitors to receive this honor. Eliminated Contestants Big Mali - 22, Henderson, NC - *Eliminated Episode 3 Billboard Baby - 29, Harlem, NY – *Eliminated Episode 2 Clip #1 – Who Gets the First Golden Mic Award?
Clip #2 – Deb Makes a Cut
Written by John Edward Betancourt Ebony Vagulans and Lucy Lawless as Madison Feliciano and Alexa Crowe in Episode 402 of ‘My Life Is Murder’ – ‘Tough Love’. (Photo Courtesy of Acorn TV.)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 402 of ‘My Life Is Murder’. To revisit the Season Four Premiere, click here.
There was a time where crime dramas explored the nature of murder in a supremely topical light. Wherein the person that committed such heinous crimes was just plain evil and wanted to impart pain and suffering and well, that was it. That was all there was to killers. Which granted, has merit, since murder is the darkest act people can commit. But not every single murder in this world is grounded in a desire for pain and suffering. Some come about because of a poor decision in a singular moment, while others, relate to self-defense or a sense that there is no other alternative to escape pain and suffering. And some… relate to the traumas we carry, as evidenced by the next episode of My Life Is Murder on Acorn TV. For ‘Tough Love’ explored the power of trauma and how it can indeed bring people to commit to the ultimate darkness if left unresolved and it accomplished this feat, by having Alexa and Madison dive into a case revolving around a seasoned tennis pro/coach. For this well-known coach died in a supremely mysterious manner. Wherein it seemed as though an automated tennis ball system managed to harm him and well, Alexa did not think that was possible, and she was right. For the device simply did not have the oomph to kill, and that prompted her and Madison to look into the usual suspects. Such as the glamorous wife that had it all, and of course, the pupil that everything to gain from his death from a revenge standpoint. Simply because the ol’ coach was tough on Taylor, to the point where he actually hit her with the ball machine as well, further proving its uselessness in murder. But a talk with Taylor revealed that there was no chance she committed such a crime. She just wanted to get back to her former glory before an injury and the wife, well… while she did enjoy the lavish lifestyle, there was no sense of disdain or fury to commit to murder. Which left perhaps the local tennis protégé at the club. The man that stood to gain everything from the coach’s death. In fact, the murder weapon was hiding in his desk, and that prompted Alexa to get close to him, with an annoying private investigator named Christine at her side. Since Christine was hired to check into infidelity regarding the coach initially, before she stayed on to solve the case, and that too… brought about nothing. Because none of them were responsible in the slightest. But the placement of that weapon, and the discovery of half of the device used to deliver it, gave Alexa an idea. Because while every clue and every lead were a waste of time, they seemed to arrive at just the right moment, as though someone was guiding her and carefully keeping watch to see who best might fit a clue or a lead. Which meant, someone was watching the case closely and working to control the evidence, which led Alexa to realize, that only an investigative mind could pull this off, and that prompted her to dig into Christine’s past. Wherein she learned, her fellow gumshoe was a former athlete, one that suffered the same abuse that Taylor suffered at the hands of her coach and well, that pain ran so deep, and was so devastating… that she decided to resolve her trauma and Taylor’s… by ending that coach’s life. Which truly did express how unresolved trauma can push people to do dark things. Since Christine clearly suffered greatly as an athlete and never once resolved the abuse she received. Which allowed for it to fester, grow and take control when she saw it happening again. To the point where the ultimate act wasn’t even a second thought in her mind. All of which made… for a fascinating and powerful episode. One that showcased a different path to murder and offered up, one hell of a mystery. Because we simply hadn’t a clue as to who did this or why, and the show did an amazing job of throwing us off track before finally revealing… that dark memories brought forth the end of two lives, since Christine will spend the rest of hers behind bars, over the choice to bury her pain… instead of facing and resolving it. Until next time. Watch ‘My Life Is Murder’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Mary J. Blige as Monet Tejada in Episode 404 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ – ‘The Reckoning’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 404 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one thing that each and every one of us believe we are not capable of, it’s harming our family. Granted, that’s not to say we won’t offend them or impart some emotional harm along the way, because that is part of family life and the mistakes we make as people, but we simply won’t cause that real, impactful harm. The kind where they are physically going to hurt or worse, and we don’t think we are capable of it because blood really is thicker than water and there truly is a connection that we share with family that runs so incredibly deep. So, at worst, we figure maybe we will fire off some sour words over creating great harm or step away from them if by chance our relationship becomes problematic. Yet, while we hold to that and think that others do as well, we hear far too often on the news… stories about people that crossed that line. That went and did unthinkable harm to their family, and we simply wonder… why? Why would anyone do that to their own flesh and blood and how can they live with themselves in doing so. Because it just seems so impossible, and well… those questions are top of mind today simply because they served as the focus and the central theme of the next episode of Power Book II: Ghost on STARZ. For ‘The Reckoning’ picked up shortly after Monet Tejada learned that her own flesh and blood tried to end her life and well… that led to a scary exploration of those questions. Simply because, just like that, Dru and Diana were on the run, and there was no escaping mom and Cane’s fury. In fact, they were so intent on making them pay, that Cane skipped out on an event with Noma and physical violence came into play often. Making it clear that there was a fair chance this fight would end in death. That this family was ready to tear itself to pieces over what happened and well… in between clues and interactions with one another, the story explored the why. Wherein it correctly pointed out, that the issue at hand was the game, the life, the path that Monet chose ages ago to put food on the table, because it took her and her kids down a unique emotional path.  Lovell Adams-Grey and Woody McClain as Dru Tejada and Cane Tejada in Episode 404 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ – ‘The Reckoning’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)
Wherein no one in that family, cherished life. Just the next big score, the next job and maintaining their honor through and through and that… allowed for the answers to those questions to come to life. In that, if a family is focused on the worst aspects of our world and values everything but one another and what matters… harm can and will come into play. Which made this sequence a cautionary tale of sorts, and something of a tragedy… one that might end in redemption. Mainly because Janet pointed out that lesson to Monet who took it to heart and did her best to bring the family back together to try and heal. In fact, she even gave Tariq a pass in trying to kill Diana, after he waxed Salim. To showcase different values and of course… to save her grandchild, who also happens to be Tariq’s future child.
All of which made for a powerful story. One that explored a corner of the game we don’t think about that often. Specifically, what the life does to a family and how it destroys basic human decency through and through, which is much food for thought and while there is now peace with the Tejadas, there is still trouble on the horizon. Since Detective Carter is playing dirty to stir up trouble, and in his quest to engage in revenge, Tariq may have crossed a deadly line. Since Noma’s daughter showed up to the concert where Tariq and Brayden were running drugs and Tariq was quick to introduce himself and work his charm, and it is only a matter of time before that pits Noma and Tariq against one another once more. But while we wait for more conflict, we can celebrate one brilliant tale. Because wow, this one really did offer up one hell of an original story. For this writer is hard pressed to think of any other crime story that has explored the consequences of the game in this manner. Which makes this a revolutionary episode of sorts, one that was anchored with just amazing performances with Woody McClain and Mary J. Blige leading the charge, since they sold the confusion and the frustration of the life they lead. And well, now that we’ve reached the end of this tale, it will be interesting to see how quickly the Tejada family can adjust to a life filled with value, over the darkness they have embraced for generations. Until next time. Watch ‘Power Book II: Ghost’
 Lucian-River Chauhan in "Me," premiering July 12, 2024 on Apple TV+. Please enjoy this Early Sneak Peek and Synopsis from Me, which debuts on Apple TV+ on July 12th, 2024! 'Apple TV+ today released a sneak peek clip from the upcoming live-action family series “Me,” an elevated cinematic coming-of-age story from Barry L. Levy (“Vantage Point,”) premiering globally on Friday, July 12. “Me” follows a 12-year-old kid named Ben who is in the throes of middle school (complete with bullies, crushes and school dances!), as he adjusts to a newly blended family, AND just realized he has super powers. Throughout the 10-episode season, Ben will go on a journey of self-discovery about what having super powers truly means. He finds an ally in his step sister Max, who helps him harness these powers and uncover the secrets behind the mysteries and tragedies of his community… all while trying to come to terms with what it means to be Ben. The series stars Lucian-River Chauhan (“Encounter”) as Ben Vasani, Abigail Pniowsky (“Arrival”) as Max Davis, Dilshad Vadsaria (“Second Chance”) as Elizabeth Vasani, Amanda Reid (“Miss Juneteenth”) as Carter Kennedy, Jessy Yates (“Pulse”) as Morgan with guest stars Kyle Howard (“Orange County”) as Phil Davis and Sharif Atkins (“NCIS Hawai’i”) as Darren Kennedy. “Me” is an Apple Original created by Barry L. Levy, who also serves as showrunner, executive producer and series writer alongside Michael Dowse, Amy Welsh-Hanning and Eben Russell. Aaron Carew is the supervising producer. Dowse also directs all 10 episodes.' 
Krysten Ritter as Lucy in Episode 102 of ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ – ‘Jules’. (Photo Courtesy of Sophie Giraud/AMC.)
Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode Two of Orphan Black: Echoes, which will debut on AMC, AMC+, and BBC America on Sunday!
Episode 2 – “Jules” – Premieres Sunday, June 30 at 10pm ET/PT on AMC and BBC AMERICA; available to stream on AMC+ Lucy drags Jules to Settlement House where she enlists Craig’s help in a haphazard interrogation Written by John Edward Betancourt Simon Pegg, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Jack Quaid as Hugh Campbell, Daphne Campbell, and Hugh ‘Hughie Campbell Jr. in Episode 405 of ‘The Boys’ – ‘Beware the Jabberwocky, My Son’. (Photo Courtesy of Jasper Savage/Prime Video.)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 405 of ‘The Boys’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the hit Prime Video series, The Boys, has delivered its best season to date. Courtesy of some amazing character development moments that have been intimate and powerful in nature. Alongside the pleasant surprise that is the show’s thoughtful commentary on Modern America, the rise of MAGA, how stupid that movement is and how best perhaps to combat it. All of which has given rise to a vastly different feel for the show, one that has pulled it slightly away from the outlandish and epic nature the show is known for, and well… it would seem the fans aren’t the only ones to have noticed this. For the writing staff and the creative brain trust were fully aware of the fact that going this route would change the tone of the show a bit, and perhaps surprise people in the process. Which was why, they clearly decided, that the next episode of the show would return it to its roots. For ‘Beware the Jabberwocky, My Son’ was indeed that ‘vintage’ episode of The Boys, one filled to the brim with epic moments and splatter galore, and its trademark heart, and it accomplished such feats by giving us three key plotlines to enjoy. One of which, involved dear Hugh ‘Hughie’ Campbell, Jr. who found himself dealing with quite the problem in this particular tale. In that, while his father had seemingly recovered from his stroke in a miraculous manner, to the point where he was pondering upon bringing the family back together to heal… there were some problems with the dose of Compound V he was injected with. For it was unable to heal some of the gaps that brain death created and it of course, gave him powers untold and those powers in combination with confusion… led to a bloodbath at the hospital. Wherein Hugh nearly brought harm to his own family because of his confusion. Which prompted Hughie to step in and work to calm his father down so the right thing could be done. Which was to mercifully end Hugh’s life and stop this second wave of suffering. Which wasn’t easy for Hughie to do, but he found the strength and was able to even say the words he always wanted to say to his beloved father.  Karl Urban as William ‘Billy’ Butcher in Episode 405 of ‘The Boys’ – ‘Beware the Jabberwocky, My Son’. (Photo Courtesy of Jasper Savage/Prime Video.)
Which made for one moving sequence of events, one that counterbalanced the outright madness in this tale. For while that was happening, the Boys assembled to go after the Supe Virus that Butcher had learned about. Which prompted a pardon for Stan Edgar so he could lead them to where Nadia/Vic would have taken the virus to deconstruct it and well, that led to the madness in question. For Zoe’s father, Dr. Sameer Shah, had to use Compound V to test the virus and that meant… our heroes and some of the villains in this tale, since Nadia showed up too, were immersed within the most messed up farm visit, ever. Because the good doctor tested on animals, and created juiced up super nightmares that craved flesh, and that meant some creative measures had to come into play to get the virus to kill them.
Meanwhile, the Seven were in the midst of hosting the V52 Expo, to showcase all the entertainment fans of the Seven could enjoy in years to come. And while that was taking place, Homelander was pondering up on a new way to reach his son and help him indulge in the darkness that would mold him into Homelander 2.0. Since the visit home did nothing to heal Homelander and he did indeed get his son to begin to indulge in evil… under the guise of heroism and of course… Sage and Homelander worked to expose the leak. Which A-Train and Ashley pinned on Cameron Coleman to avoid trouble, but Sage and Homelander may not have bought the lie, and may suspect A-Train after all, and that’s bad news for certain… since Homelander wants his team to be gods of wrath. All of which brought forth, one wild freakin’ episode. One filled to the brim with gore galore and incredible moments. Because it was a huge deal to see Hughie make the call that he did, see Frenchie turn himself in out of guilt and pain, and learn that Butcher is once again leaning into darkness by kidnapping Sameer to get that virus. Not to mention, it’s a little scary the direction that Homelander is moving in and well, this was just vintage The Boys through and through. Because big moments and emotional moments are the tenets of this series, and this episode delivered through and through and set the stage for a wild push to the finish line. Until next time. Watch ‘The Boys’
Written by John Edward Betancourt  All Photos from Season 4 of ‘Slow Horses’ Courtesy of Apple. For the most part, entertainment news in June, is heavily focused on what’s coming out in the summer, and rightfully so. For everyone is eager to beat the heat and knowing what shows and movies are hitting during the warmest season of the year, helps them to plan ahead a binge and avoid those triple digit days, and news about fall can wait until August when those cooler temps are on the horizon. But now and again, fall entertainment news sneaks into the summer season, especially when the show in question is super popular and super beloved, as is the one featured in today’s news. For earlier, Apple TV+ let it be known that the highly acclaimed series, Slow Horses, will be returning to the airwaves in early September. The fourth to be precise, and well, this is indeed news worth discussing now. Because there’s no other spy drama out there as good as this series, courtesy of its amazing cast, one led by Academy Award winner Gary Oldman, and writing that just draws you in. And well… since you’re undoubtedly ready to make some fall plans based upon this news, here’s all the details on season four and some first look photos, courtesy of Apple, to help you prepare for the return of this incredible series. ‘Apple TV+ today unveiled a first-look at the upcoming fourth season of its widely acclaimed, BAFTA Award-winning espionage series “Slow Horses,” starring Academy Award winner Gary Oldman. Adapted from “Spook Street,” the fourth novel in the CWA Gold Dagger Award-winning Mick Herron spy series "Slough House,” season four of “Slow Horses” will premiere globally on Wednesday, September 4 with the first two episodes, followed by one new episode weekly, every Wednesday through October 2, on Apple TV+. “Slow Horses” is a darkly humorous espionage drama that follows a dysfunctional team of British intelligence agents who serve in a dumping ground department of MI5 known un-affectionately as Slough House. Season four opens with a bombing that detonates personal secrets, rocking the already unstable foundations of Slough House. Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the brilliant but misanthropic leader of the spies, who end up in Slough House due to their career-ending mistakes as they frequently find themselves blundering around the smoke and mirrors of the espionage world. The returning ensemble cast also includes Academy Award-nominee Kristin Scott Thomas, BAFTA Scotland Award-winner Jack Lowden, Saskia Reeves, Rosalind Eleazar, Christopher Chung, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Kadiff Kirwan and Academy Award-nominee Jonathan Pryce. SAG Winner Hugo Weaving, BAFTA winner Joanna Scanlan, IFTA winner Ruth Bradley, Tom Brooke and James Callis join “Slow Horses” in season four. “Slow Horses" is produced for Apple TV+ by See-Saw Films and adapted for television by Will Smith (“Veep”). Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Jane Robertson, Julian Stevens, Douglas Urbanski, Gail Mutrux, Graham Yost and Will Smith serve as executive producers on the series. Season four is directed by Adam Randall. Fans can catch up on the first three seasons of “Slow Horses,” which all hold a Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, now streaming globally on Apple TV+. In addition to the upcoming fourth season, Apple TV+ recently announced a fifth season set to be adapted from the fifth novel, “London Rules.” Since its premiere in 2022, “Slow Horses” has won two BAFTA Television Awards while earning nine additional nominations. The 2024 wins were for Best Editing: Fiction (Sam Williams) and Best Sound: Fiction (Sound Team), and the nominations across 2023 and 2024 included Best Drama Series, Oldman’s first for Best Lead Actor; Lowden’s for Best Supporting Actor; Best Editing: Fiction (Zsófia Tálas); Best Editing: Fiction (Katie Weiland); Best Original Music: Fiction (Daniel Pemberton and Mick Jagger); Best Sound: Fiction (Martin Jensen, Joe Beal, Duncan Price, Craig Butters, Sarah Elias and Andrew Sissons); and, Best Hair and Makeup Design (Lucy Sibbick). The series also landed the award for Best English-Language Drama Series at the 2022 C21 International Drama Awards. 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 been honored with 496 wins and 2,171 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and 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, Apple Vision Pro, 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 $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*’ Written by John Edward Betancourt WE ARE LADY PARTS -- Episode 205-- Pictured: Sarah Kameela Impey as Saira -- (Photo by: Parisa Taghizadeh/WTTV LIMITED/PEACOCK/C4)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘We Are Lady Parts’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one particular moment that every creative dreams of, it is the moment they get to sign a magnificent contract with a mainstream company in their line of work. Because that… is the moment they have absolutely made it, and that… is when their life should change in so many incredible ways. For now, there’s money in the bank, and peace in mind and a chance to just create and do amazing things. But alas, while that is the dream, that’s not how it goes when the ink dries on paper. For that, is just another day where some things change, and a lot of things don’t. As evidenced by the next episode of We Are Lady Parts on Peacock. For ‘Funny Muslim Song’ saw the band finally ink their big deal with the label and start to record with all the people they dreamed of working with. Giving rise to the dream yes, but what happened in between recording sessions was a big deal. Because… life went on. For that doesn’t end when we reach our dreams and really doesn’t transform overnight and that led… to some intimate sequences for Bisma and Amina. Wherein we saw Bisma debate how best she should worship her faith and what might come from her just being more in her own skin over anything else. And where Amina handled some of the concerns in her love life because that needed to be addressed, and this was a fine reminder, that life goes on when our dreams come true. But what awesome about this sequence, is that it explored the other side of the coin as well. Because we also tend to think that if the dream ends, as it sometimes does, we end, and that life will be harder going forward, but Taz’s journey here let us know that would not be the case. For while she was wounded and trying to figure out how to live her life without Lady Parts in it, she came to understand that she was going to be okay. Because she was still building a business, and she could still find talent that would wow her energize her. Letting us know that life goes on when we don’t live the dream and that perhaps a different path will give us everything, we need from a fulfillment standpoint. However, while those elements would have been enough to carry this episode from beginning to end, that’s not this show’s style. For it wants to hit on everything it can in its explorations and that was why it also pondered upon… the responsibility of an artist. Because they do have platforms and a voice and that gives them unique opportunities to speak up… but should they? For audiences are divided upon the matter and there are sometimes repercussions for that. But also, again, that power is there and could do so much good, and that was a grand debate in this tale. One where both sides spoke on the matter, because Saira was inspired to do more because of what a hero told her in private. All of which made for another fascinating chapter in this journey. One that explored so much regarding the creative’s journey in a refreshing manner no less. Since there were no montages here of riches untold and joy to be found, just life, which never ends regardless of how much money or fame we have and that’s an important message to put on display. Since we tend to surround creatives with a magical mythos when they reach the top. Plus, kudos to this episode for speaking upon the responsibilities of those with a platform because we don’t have enough debate around that and well, it should be interesting to see, how that debate will impact the band and their lives in the season two finale of this magnificent show. Until next time. Watch ‘We Are Lady Parts’
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