Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Hijack’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one word to properly describe the new Apple TV+ series, Hijack, it would have to be… experimental. Because let’s be honest, there’s no other television show out there that’s made an attempt to do what this show does. Which is to tell a thrilling and gripping seven-hour journey with breaks in between, and the reason others shows have yet to try this feat, is because of the belief that in storytelling, thrills and tension and engagement have to be organic in nature with no breaks, so the viewer is along for one incredible ride. But the creative brain trust behind this series… truly wants to see if it is possible to tell an impactful grand and tense story in pieces, and usher in a new style of storytelling on television and well… it is safe to say the experiment is a success.
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In part because we’ve been captivated by this series from day one, and eager to know what comes next, and we all quickly tuned in first chance we had this week to see what would come out of that cliffhanger from last week, and well… what came next from hitting play… is what proved that this experiment has paid off in spades. Because in a matter of seconds, we were completely and utterly drawn into the tension that was presented to us in ‘Not Responding’. As though there had not been a week between episodes and just like that, found ourselves quite nervous. Because following that gunshot… there was shock aboard the airplane and a resetting of roles, since Stuart did indeed take control; by putting an end to the man that was trying to help Sam. 

Which meant our hero was alive and well, and that this nightmare would persist with him out of the game since he was quickly tied up, and just like that… it was business as usual on the plane and everyone was wondering what was to come next and as it turned out, more troubles and tension awaited everyone aboard. For KA29 was now flying over Romanian Airspace and without the captain speaking to the ground, the Romanian government saw this as a full-on problem. One where the capital might be attacked, so they dispatched fighter jets to intercept the plane and that led to a mad-dash fight for survival. One that required some intricate work from people on the plane and on the ground so that everyone would survive to see another day.

On the ground, that involved working to identify the hijackers and prove they were British Citizens, and that London was the target of any trouble. That way, the jets would be called off and the British government could handle this on their own. But that was no easy task since these villains did a fine job of hiding their identities. Which meant… the authorities needed more, and it just so happened that Sam was able to get them more. For an injured hijacker, the one who took a pair of small scissors to the ribs in the confusion and chaos of last week’s uprising, was badly bleeding and well, dying. Which meant he needed Sam’s full attention and that allowed for Sam to get loose and get his hands on the hijacker’s phone with the wi-fi turned on as he worked to save a life, and he thus was able to place a call to his wife, who in turn… got that voicemail to Daniel. Which saved the lives of everyone on that plane.
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For that did indeed allow for all the hijackers to properly be identified and that allowed for Romanian government to call off their attack. But of course… that’s a victory and happy moment that will be quite short lived. For there are still hours to go before the plane arrives in London and no one is safe. Since clearly Stuart will resort to murder if it means keeping control over the plane, and there appears to be new wrinkles and problems unfolding on the ground. Since Marsha was unable to locate her son, and that likely means the off the wall call she received related to that. Not to mention, this surprise paints Sam in a new light. Because without a second call to the ground from Stuart, how would anyone on the hijackers’ side know who Sam Nelson was and have a directive to go after his son at his home address?

Also, we would be remiss to not point out, that we are now minutes away from discovering just what the hijackers want. Because a list of demands was delivered to a member of government, and that will undoubtedly give focus to this story come next week. But while we wait to learn more about Sam, and those demands… we can revel in the wonder of a groundbreaking episode. One that really did hammer home that when done right, a thrilling story can endure week to week and draw us in and take us on an emotional rollercoaster, and that revelation just reminds us how special this show is and how well this format works. And it will be quite incredible to see how this show ramps up the tension and the storytelling as we soar toward the finale of this revolutionary series. Until next time.

It really is quite amazing how the travel show is evolving before our eyes. For after years of stagnancy and cliché, where hosts did the same old thing week in and week out, these shows are working hard to make traveling through the eyes of others… fun again. Which has given rise to supremely unique travel shows, the kind that mix things up, and feature different kinds of hosts. Ones that are genuinely eager to explore a new land and all it has to offer and one particular network that is leading in the way in transforming the travel show into something fun and dynamic again is STARZ. For Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham truly injected new life into such shows. In part by having two giant names (from Outlander no less) go around the world and see what it has to offer, but more so by having those adventures mean something.
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Because going that route allows for genuine experiences to be had, the kind that is special to both the stars and the audience, and that’s precisely what we got in season one of this series, and that of course… left us eager for more of this show and all the wonder it has to offer. And well… the good news is… we don’t have to wait that much longer to travel around the globe once again, with these men in kilts. For season two of the show is just around the corner and to give us an idea of how much fun year two is going to be, STARZ was kind enough to release a trailer and some key art, and some details on season two, that we will now share with all of you, to prepare us for more adventures around the world with these fine gentlemen.

‘STARZ has released the Season Two trailer and key art for its adventure-filled travel docuseries, “Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham.” The iconic “Outlander” duo will hit the road again on Friday, August 11, but this time the road trippers are venturing out of Scotland to explore the beautiful lands of New Zealand. “Same Kilts, New Zealand.” And though New Zealand seems far from Scotland, about 20% of the population have Scottish roots.
 
During the four half-hour episodes new season viewers will travel alongside the witty banter of Sam and Graham as they experience a taste of what New Zealand has to offer. Season Two promises to be full of shenanigans and adrenaline as they come face to face with apex predators, fall 300 meters in a swing, discover the vast history and culture of the Māori, and eat their way through the islands of New Zealand.
 
“Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham'' is set to premiere on Friday, August 11 at midnight ET on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and on the LIONSGATE+ premium streaming platform in the U.K. On linear, it will debut on STARZ on Friday, August 11 at 9:30 PM ET/PT in the U.S. New episodes will be available to stream weekly on Fridays at midnight on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and will air weekly on the STARZ linear platform.
 
Developed by Heughan and McTavish, the series is produced by Boardwalk Pictures, in association with Sony Pictures Television. Heughan and McTavish serve as executive producers alongside Alex Norouzi, Andrew Fried, Dane Lillegard, and Kevin Scott Johnston, who also serves as director.
 
“Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham” Online
Twitter: @MenInKiltsStarz 
Instagram: @MenInKiltsStarz 
Facebook: @MenInKiltsStarz
Join the conversation with #MenInKilts and #STARZ
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global 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. In 2018, STARZ launched its international premium streaming platform STARZPLAY, now LIONSGATE+, to provide subscribers access to bold, curated storytelling. LIONSGATE+, coupled with the STARZPLAY ARABIA joint venture in MENA and Lionsgate Play in South and Southeast Asia, has a footprint that extends across the globe. STARZ and LIONSGATE+ are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. 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. 
 
About Boardwalk Pictures
Boardwalk Pictures is an award-winning production company that has carved a unique niche within today’s media landscape. As creators and producers of some of the most recognizable premium, non-fiction TV shows and feature films, Boardwalk Pictures continues to push the boundaries of factual entertainment. Current projects include: Netflix’s Emmy-Award winning CHEER, CHEF’S TABLE, STREET FOOD, and Hulu's Grammy-nominated WE ARE FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME, amongst others.
 
About Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to managing one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, SPT is home to a thriving global content business, operating a robust portfolio of wholly-owned and joint-venture production companies across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, as well as linear and digital channels around the world. SPT is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation.’

One thing that fans of television can agree upon, is that Apple TV+ is leading the way when it comes to innovative programming. Because this is a network that releases bold television shows often, and they make a point to seek out stories that captivate and ignite our imaginations and go places that most television shows will not, and they have the credentials to back up that statement. Since they have Emmys in hand for their work, and even an Academy Award. All because they want to tell the most unique and compelling stories possible and well, it just so happens that another unique and innovative tale is about to arrive on the network.
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For earlier today, Apple TV+ released a first look at the upcoming series, The Changeling, which is… not only based upon the best-selling novel by Victor LaValle, but a genre bending series really. Hailed as a ‘fairytale for adults’, it will feature elements of horror, fantasy, and everything in between over its eight-episode, first-season run and well… it doesn’t get more innovative and bolder than that. But to give you a proper idea of what to expect for this series, you need more, and we have more to offer. Courtesy of those first look photos and details on a show that will wow us when it arrives on the airwaves this September.  

‘Apple TV+ today unveiled a first look at “The Changeling,” an upcoming eight-part drama series starring and executive produced by Academy Award-nominee LaKeith Stanfield (“Atlanta,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Sorry To Bother You,” “The Book Of Clarence”), and announced that the series will make its global debut with the first three episodes on Friday, September 8, 2023 on Apple TV+, followed by one episode weekly through October 13.   
 
Based on the acclaimed best-selling book of the same name by Victor LaValle, “The Changeling''  is a fairytale for grown-ups. A horror story, a parenthood fable and a perilous odyssey through a New York City you didn’t know existed. In addition to Stanfield, the series stars Clark Backo, Adina Porter, Samuel T. Herring, Alexis Louder, Jared Abrahamson, and special guest star Malcolm Barrett. 
 
“The Changeling” is written and adapted by showrunner and executive producer Kelly Marcel (“Cruella,” “Venom,” “Venom: Let There Be Carnage”). The pilot episode was directed by Melina Matsoukas (“Queen & Slim,” “Insecure”).
 
The series is produced by Apple Studios and Annapurna. Megan Ellison, Patrick Chu and Ali Krug are executive producers on behalf of Annapurna. Showrunner Kelly Marcel, the book’s author Victor LaValle, David Knoller, and director Jonathan van Tulleken executive produce alongside star LaKeith Stanfield. Director Matsoukas serves as executive producer through her De La Revolución Films. Sue Naegle and David Wolkis also serve as executive producer, Khaliah Neal as co-executive producer.
 
About Apple TV+
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 369 wins and 1,472  award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso,” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”’

It really is quite the amazing time to be a fan of television and popular culture in general. For adaptations are all the rage right now with peak television upon us, and that means incredible books and stories that we only thought would be truly enjoyed in the recesses of our imagination, are coming to life on the silver and small screen and that is bringing us… nothing but joy. Because we love a good adaptation of our favorite stories and it somehow makes what we love real, and well, it just so happens that another incredible adaptation of a story we adore is on its way.
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For Harlan Coben’s popular, New York Times Bestselling novel, Shelter, is being adapted into a brand-new series on Prime Video of the same name and well… today we came to learn that Prime Video has given this story great care. For the network released the official trailer for the series this morning, and clearly, a faithful and engaging adaptation of this wildly popular book is headed our way and well, you don’t have to take our word for it. Because we have that trailer, and some details on the show to share with all of you so you can prepare yourself, for another great story come to life via the magic of the small screen.

‘Today, Prime Video released the official trailer for the highly anticipated thriller series, Harlan Coben’s Shelter from New York Times best-selling author Harlan Coben. The first three episodes will premiere globally on August 18 exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, with new episodes releasing each Friday through September 22. Harlan Coben’s Shelter is part of the savings, convenience, and entertainment that Prime members enjoy in a single membership.
                            
Harlan Coben’s Shelter follows the story of Mickey Bolitar, after the sudden death of his father leads him to start a new life in Kasselton, New Jersey. Mickey quickly finds himself tangled in the mysterious disappearance of a new student at his school, Ashley Kent, which leads to uncovering unimaginable secrets within their quiet suburban community. With the help of his friends—the inventive Spoon and the secretive Ema—Mickey pulls back the sleepy facade of Kasselton to reveal a dark underground that may hold the answers to decades of disappearances, deaths, and legends … and perhaps even his own complex family history.
 
The series stars Jaden Michael as Mickey Bolitar, Constance Zimmer as Shira Bolitar, Adrian Greensmith as Arthur “Spoon” Spindell, Abby Corrigan as Ema Winslow, Tovah Feldshuh as Bat Lady, Sage Linder as Rachel Caldwell, Brian Altemus as Troy, and more.
 
Showrunners/executive producers Harlan Coben and Allen MacDonald are joined by executive producers Edward Ornelas and Erik Barmack. Charlotte Coben serves as a producer.
 
This marks Harlan Coben’s first collaboration with Prime Video.’
 
FOLLOW HARLAN COBEN’S SHELTER
Instagram: @Shelteronprime, @PrimeVideo, @AmazonStudios
Twitter: @Shelteronprime, @PrimeVideo, @AmazonStudios
TikTok: @Shelteronprime, @PrimeVideo
Facebook: @Shelteronprime, @PrimeVideo
#ShelterOnPrime

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Cannes Confidential’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the Acorn TV series, Cannes Confidential, is simply one of the most refreshing crime stories to hit the airwaves in years. Because not only is the show stylish, and sexy, and a wondrous throwback to the crime shows of the past… but it is a series that knows how to make the cases that Camille and Harry King investigate, fun and engaging. Well as it turns out, we aren’t done heaping praise upon this magnificent series. Because the next episode in this wonderful story, takes the time to inform us that this show can also be something of a chameleon. 
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Because ‘A Clear Conscience’ was a vastly different kind of tale. Granted, it had all the hallmarks of what we love about this series. Since there was still a progression of the plotline regarding Camille’s father’s case, and how those who want him permanently behind bars are eager to cause trouble to make their agenda come to light. Plus, the love triangle deepened here thanks to the fact that Lea is starting to become jealous of how Harry keeps finding his way to Camille, when she wants Camille all to herself. But outside of those moments, and some comic relief from the crime lab… this ended up being something of a more modern murder mystery. For the case this week… was a touch somber and scary. 

In large part because it seemed at first as though the victim in question, died of his own volition. But facts are facts and forensics began to reveal that the deceased in this tale, died of murder and that put both Harry and Camille into action. To uncover who would have killed someone that meant a great deal to a friend of Harry’s, and to garner the justice that Camille craves and what they uncovered was both fascinating and disturbing. In that, the deceased was trying to do the right thing and gather evidence of an ugly drug trade brewing off of the coast but was discovered by the nefarious folks moving those drugs and that led to an early end to his life. Something that truly echoed some of the horrors we see now on television, and in a way… the bleakness the world sends our way sometimes via the news. 

Not to mention… the story opted to take that darkness and push it just a little further. Because Harry really was hellbent on being the hero here. To the point where he found himself trapped behind enemy lines and deeply in harm’s way. And had it not been for Camille and the troops, who knows if Harry would have made it. But thankfully he did, and that dark moment led to more surprises. Such as an epic ending sequence that was packed to the brim with action and tension as Lea fought off a mountain of a man while Camille worked to arrest Harry’s attacker. Which of course… she did, and Lea won the day. Allowing for justice to be served and allowing for Harry to fight another day. But what mattered more about this engaging and epic story, is that it proved… that this show can be whatever it wants on a moment’s notice.

So, if it wants to be drama and/or a romantic tale… that’s not a problem. And if it wants to be fun, it sure can. Not to mention, it can hang with the darkest crime shows out there and the ones that love to offer up some gunfights and well… that’s just amazing. Because it speaks to a series and a creative brain trust that really do want to celebrate the genre and they most certainly are accomplishing that. Because thus far, we’ve seen all the hallmarks of the crime genre on display and well, all this does is leave is eager for more. So, we can see what other tributes and unique storytelling elements the next episode of this series is going to offer up, alongside what comes next for the mess with Camille’s dad… as year one of this magnificent journey continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Cruel Summer’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite amazing, how the Freeform series, Cruel Summer, continues to keep us on our toes. Simply because for a few weeks now… it has seemed as though the strange love triangle that Isabella, Megan, and Luke share… combined with some genuinely toxic behavior, were all contributing factors in Luke’s death. As though love and toxicity combined to create the perfect storm for murder. But even that… is nothing more than a mere piece of the puzzle. For this week’s episode of the show took the time to reveal, that there may have been other factors that contributed to his end, and other players might have been part of this mess as well.

For ‘It’s the End of the World’ offered up some unique truths about Luke and Ned. Because we came to learn here, that at one point in the Winter of 1999, a flustered moment between Megan and Ned, one that wasn’t of terrible concern… brought forth a pushing match between Luke and Ned. One filled with threats and posturing and they oddly… ran into each other often in the past year in a negative manner. All because Ned had little respect for Luke and his family, and truly saw them as spoiled brats that hid behind their standing and well… that suddenly puts Ned in an interesting and suspicious light, because that’s motive. Not to mention, Luke’s temper here, led to a critical reveal in this story.

Because in many ways… we’ve seen him as a gentle innocent in this story. The poor victim that had the summer and winter of his life, only to have it end for nefarious reasons. But here… we came to learn he isn’t all that innocent, in part through that fight but also… through lies. For one cannot forget that he told Megan that Isabella made an attempt to kiss him at the Plunge, wherein he pushed her away and scolded her for it, when it was him that tried to make a move. Which brought about tension and fury between Isabella and Megan in this tale, until Megan discovered the truth… through some toxic behavior. Wherein Luke was bragging to his friends about being able to land both of them if he wanted, and he confessed to trying to snag a kiss from Isabella, and this hurt Megan deeply and elicited some darkness from her and Isabella, and this inferred that a not-so-great guy might have gotten his just desserts in this story and that… the motive might have been revenge over passion.

However, while those two elements alone could have carried this story, it still had more surprises to send our way in the Summer of 2000. Since the Sheriff took the time to press fraud charges against Megan, which sent her scholarship out of the window and that put her in a tough place mentally… one where she might do anything to save her scholarship, including taking a plea deal with the information she has to overturn the charge. Plus, we also saw that the Chambers family still has a bone to pick with Ned, to the point where Luke’s dad and brother confronted Ned on his property because they could. And that, combined with the fight Luke and Ned had earlier, could imply that Ned had some involvement in the end of Luke as well. Which could explain why he and Megan were on such great terms here. Since they too share in a secret.

Either way, this was quite the eye-opening episode. One that truly painted Luke in a far different light than we expected. Since he is now a bit of a cad, and a jerk and that cannot bode well, especially since he crossed two unstable friends at the wrong time. Plus, we really are left wondering what the deal is with Ned and why he hates this family so, and well, all this episode did in the end, was remind us to expect the unexpected with this series. Because it will shock us at will and take us down new paths when we think we have everything figured out and truly… it will be genuinely interesting to see where this story takes us next. For we are in the endgame now, and the reveals await and those will undoubtedly blow us away and leave us in awe as we come to the end of this complex and curious journey. Until next time.

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that modern society is deeply fascinated by true crime. In large part because we cannot understand what drives people to take part in it, and commit such heinous acts, but also because… how these men are brought to justice is fascinating, and sometimes we are captivated by these stories, because they aren’t brought to justice. Their crimes simply persist and hang over our heads and one case that captives us in that manner, is that of the Zodiac Killer. Whom for those unfamiliar, brought forth a reign of terror in the late 1960s and early 1970s through a series of killings and taunting letters that baffled police and scared the general public, only for this killer to disappear without a trace… and never get caught.
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Which has brought forth… a mythos about this killer really. The kind that has given rise to all kinds of theories about who the Zodiac Killer was, and how they escaped prosecution. But despite the fine work of various authors and forensic experts, and even the true crime sleuths that populate the world today, no one has been able to truly pin down who this man actually was and that has kept the mythos of this killer alive for nearly fifty years, and there is no end in sight regarding that. In fact, that myth and that legend is so persistent that there are people now, curious as to whether or not… there is more to this story. As though perhaps, what we think of the Zodiac Killer case is wrong to begin with and the focus is skewed, as evidenced by some new theories put forth in a new documentary that is streaming on Peacock, Myth of the Zodiac Killer.

Which is a documentary directed by Andrew Nock that deeply explores the work of one Thomas Horan. Who has outright speculated… that perhaps the real problem in closing this case is not that the Zodiac escaped captured and likely has passed into the great beyond… it is that… he never existed to begin with. And yes… you read that right, and that is what this documentary focuses upon, the data that could provide law enforcement with the reality that the Zodiac was nothing more than a series of copycat killings and that the criminals’ use of the identity of the Zodiac threw things off, and that… other evidence should be examined to properly prove this theory and to properly bring closure to the cases in question and well, that bold theory does indeed bring forth, one fascinating documentary.

One that takes the time to reflect upon every single murder related to the Zodiac case. To provide balanced coverage that explores both sides of the proverbial coin. Wherein we learn exactly what law enforcement discovered and dealt with while examining the clues, and the inconsistencies that Thomas Horan has discovered in the case. The kind that does at times, provide the viewer with a compelling argument against the Zodiac being the monster involved in such horrible slayings, alongside some fascinating commentary on who may have been keeping the myth of the Zodiac alive for years on end. All of which gives the audience a lot to think about regarding this case and whether or not real due diligence has taken place because of the mythos of the Zodiac. Since his spirit hangs heavy over these crimes from beginning to end. 

But what truly makes this documentary so special, and so worth your while, it what it wants to accomplish. For this isn’t some fringe theory documentary out to stir the pot and create chaos and sow doubt in the case. It’s a documentary… designed to really ask why this case hasn’t been solved yet, since it is still active in every town where these murders occurred. So, it gets us talking, it gets us thinking and it also points out… that there are family members and friends and eyewitnesses, some of whom speak for the first time ever regarding these cases here, searching for justice for the fallen. Searching for closure and hopefully this documentary does indeed motivate movement and progress regarding an age-old case that has indeed become larger than life. Courtesy of its thought-provoking challenge to law enforcement to perhaps approach this case from a different angle, to bring forth the justice promised so long ago.

‘Myth of the Zodiac Killer’ is streaming now on Peacock.  

There are a great many reasons why gamers fell in love with Twisted Metal when it debuted on console ages ago. Such as the fact that it put a great spin on racing games and immersed us within a unique world that wasn’t afraid to surprise us or push the envelope. But above all, it was fun, and it was just a treat to play and well… it is definitely safe to say… that which made us happy when we played the game is precisely what we are hoping the television series will provide us with as well. Because that would make it the perfect adaptation of this beloved gaming series and well, judging by today’s gifts from Peacock, our hopes are going to come true.
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For earlier, Peacock released the official trailer for the show. One safe for work, one not safe for work and well, both of those trailers inform us that the fun is indeed heading our way and that the adventures that John Doe goes upon in this world, will be as wacky and as entertaining as they were in the game. But above all… that pushing of the envelope will still be part of the franchise’s lexicon, since this show clearly goes to some twisted places, and well… that means we are in for one wild and crazy, and genuinely faithful ride. One full of nostalgia and joy and with that in mind… here are those very trailers for you to enjoy as we begin the countdown to July 27, when Twisted Metal makes its debut on Peacock.

It is definitely safe to say, that the Apple TV+ series, The Afterparty, was nothing short of a breath of fresh air when it made its debut early last year. Simply because, this series… really did manage to inject new life into crime stories, courtesy of the fact that it was humorous in nature, since this genre of storytelling oft plays it straight and narrow. Not to mention, it offered up a unique and engaging way to explore who committed the heinous crime of ending Xavier’s life prematurely. All by allowing for us to see precisely how those at the afterparty, perceived their own journey through such a harrowing night in the most original manner possible. Since everyone involved in the story, told their tale through the lens of a particular film genre. 
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Which not only added an engaging way to solve this crime, but added depth and insight for each of the characters that we spent time with. Since it spoke to how they perceived their lives, this dark moment, and everything in between. All of which brought forth a ‘who done it?’ that we simply could not step away from and for a time… it seemed as though this was nothing more than a one and done really. After all, there was no way the success and magic of this first season could possibly be replicated in the slightest. But… the wit and creative might of producers and writers Christopher Miller, Phil Lord, and Anthony King, accepted the challenge and figured out how to continue this story, and that gave rise to a second season. One that is about to premiere on the network, and well, we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to preview season two of The Afterparty in a spoiler-free manner of course. 

Mainly because… there is a lot to celebrate when it comes to this new season of storytelling. Such as its inventiveness and ingenuity. Which comes forth via the show’s simplicity. Since this is a story that catches up with Aniq, Zoë, and Danner sometime after the end of the whole mess with Xavier’s murder, wherein it seems everyone has moved onto new phases of the lives. In fact, things are going so well, especially between the happy couple, that Aniq gets to meet members of Zoë’s family at a wedding. But of course… that’s where the joy comes to a close. For there is murder most foul at this wedding and once again, Danner will have to be the mastermind to figure out what happened and well… that is genius through and through. Since it is the perfect way to bring a new case to life in a manner that is both organic and inventive and the magic of this new season doesn’t end there.

For season two features a more intricate case, which is saying something when one considers how much there was for us to absorb in season one. But that’s how this new season challenges the audience and the characters returning to this world and… what’s equally as impressive… is that the creative team found new and exciting genres to explore via the stories the characters will tell, about their recollection of the night of the murder. Allowing for this series to continue to break new ground when it comes to homages and tributes and of course… it allows the season two cast to truly shine as actors and take part in wild stories that captivate and tell us just enough about the case at hand. For we can never forget that a murder is indeed at hand and that someone is indeed responsible and must be brought to justice for their crime.

But we will have a lot of fun along the way in solving that case, courtesy of some top notch comedy. Because the jokes are just as perfect and just as side-splitting as they were in season one and they are delivered by some of the finest comedians out there. Since this year’s cast includes Poppy Liu, John Cho, and the always electric Ken Jeong, and even Elizabeth Perkins stops by to impress. And they of course, compliment Tiffany Hadish, Sam Richardson, and Zoë Chao nicely, and well… all of these elements bring forth one incredible season of storytelling. One that keeps us guessing, draws us in and puts a smile on our faces, and the best news of all, is that we are days away from enjoying this dynamic new season. For season two of The Afterparty arrives on Apple TV+, tomorrow, with a two-episode season premiere, and we certainly hope you check it out and the rest of our pre-release coverage. Which includes an interview with Christopher Miller, Phil Lord, and Anthony King, as we count down the minutes to a new mystery from this refreshing series.  

One thing that television fans can agree upon, is that the anticipation of a second season of a beloved television show… is quite the unnerving experience. Simply because… time and time again, we’ve seen some strange things happen when a runaway hit returns to the airwaves for season two. Such as a reinvention of the series, or it become vastly bigger in scope when it doesn’t need to go that route. Or the status quo is maintained and there’s no growth for the story or the characters or the series just implodes over its success. Because there is a lot of pressure to deliver for the creative team and sometimes… that pressure can lead to mistakes. And well… the audience simply won’t be comfortable until they know that the creatives in charge are comfortable and confident with the story they are telling and know exactly where to take it. 
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If anything, that anticipation is top of mind today, simply because there are undoubtedly fans out there feeling that tinge of worry when it comes to the hit STARZ series, Heels. Because season one, was nothing short of an outright masterpiece storytelling wise. Lightning in a bottle if you will. For its storytelling was sublime, as was its explorations on the power of our dreams and the realities that come with chasing them, and it didn’t hurt that fine acting only added to that and well… that ending was something else. Since it featured a moment so powerful and so magnificent, that following it up seems akin to an impossible task. All of which, brings forth that anxiety and well, since we are a few weeks out from the season two premiere of the show, now is the perfect time to preview year two of the Duffy Wrestling League in a spoiler-free manner of course and… assuage your fears.

Because the fact of the matter is, season two of Heels, is utter perfection. Thanks in part to the fact that there is no more setup and introduction to be done here. We know the men and women of the DWL, we already relate to them and love them through and through… so now is the time for this series to just dive in and grow them in a manner that feels organic and right, really. Which the show accomplishes by perfectly continuing the story we left behind and exploring what comes next for the DWL and its loyal wrestlers. Which leads to some powerful moments this season, the kind that have us rooting for this crew like never before as they take on new challenges and use that big night to push forward in a manner, they weren’t sure they were capable of a year ago. And of course, since this series is eager to explore the human condition and what we face in life, it makes sure to use those moments to offer up a grand exploration of one powerful topic.

Specifically… what do we do, and who do we become when our dreams become reality. Because we saw how season one ended, with a packed house and fans clamoring for more, and that means… Jack Spade and his team made it. They accomplished the impossible and brought forth their dream… so now what? And that too leads to some powerful and fascinating moments and sequences. The kind that reflects upon the journey that brought everyone to this point, what it means to finally have what we want and what that success affords us. Which is how this show becomes bigger and bolder in nature, without ever deviating from what we love. Because that is a powerful concept to think about, especially since the prevailing belief is that life is peachy keen when we achieve our dreams. If anything, pondering on a such a deep and powerful concept only enhances this already incredible story further and it really does manage to invest us deeper into a world that we already cannot get enough of. Making this… a perfect second season through and through.

One that is of course, anchored by the finest writing and directing around, courtesy of a talented writer’s room and visionary directors led by Mike O’Malley and Pete Segal. Plus, this year’s acting… is the stuff of legend. Since every single cast member brings their A-game to the table this year courtesy of the passion they harbor for this series, and the best news of all… is that we are indeed quite close to the return of this series. For Heels is back on the airwaves on Friday, July 28, 2023, and we simply cannot wait to geek out with all of you again over this incredible series. Nor can we wait to share our interviews with cast members, Stephen Amell (Jack Spade), Alexander Ludwig (Ace Spade), Alison Luff (Staci Spade), Mary McCormack (Willie), Allen Maldonaldo (Rooster), Robbie Ramos (Diego Cottonmouth), and Trey Tucker (Bobby Pin) as we count down the days to the return of the most ambitious show on television.