Written by John Edward Betancourt One would think in 2024, there would be little left to explore in our world. For we have accurate maps of the globe, we have a grand understanding of eco systems and have catalogued countless species on our world. Not to mention… we have even come to learn our own impact upon the planet from a carbon footprint standpoint. So, what then, is there left to explore? Well, plenty. For there are still oceans to map, and more to observe and learn about in our natural world and that is why… we continue to enjoy amazing documentaries about it. Because they expose new facts and explore familiar places in incredible detail, and that is why Sir David Attenborough is once again, bringing a powerhouse documentary to the masses, via Asia. A seven-part series that will debut in 2025 that will absolutely explore every corner of the continent so we can learn more about our world and understand how precious it is and the gift we’ve been given to be part of it. And to properly celebrate this news, here are all the details on this upcoming series, courtesy of BBC America. ‘BBC AMERICA and BBC Factual announced that renowned naturalist and three-time Emmy® Award-winner Sir David Attenborough (Mammals, Planet Earth III) will present Asia, a seven-part natural history series about the wildlife on our planet’s largest continent. Covering the length and breadth of Asia, the series will reveal its most remarkable landscapes and animals, and stories featuring dramatic, previously unseen behavior. Asia will premiere on BBC AMERICA and AMC+ in 2025. Filmed over the course of nearly four years, this is the first time that Asia has been the focus of a landmark BBC wildlife series. From the vast Gobi Desert, to the jungles of Borneo, and from the polar wilderness of Siberia, to the coral seas of the Indian Ocean, this series will showcase the breathtaking variety of Asia’s wildest places. Seven, one-hour episodes will feature dramatic wildlife stories from each corner of the continent. In Nepal, we’ll follow rhinos taking part in a bizarre courtship ‘kiss-chase’ ritual. In the foothills of the Himalaya, we’ll meet the red panda, Asia’s shyest (and possibly cutest) mammal – amidst forests of bamboo. Five thousand meters up on the Tibetan Plateau, we’ll witness a lone wolf hunting a herd of antelope, relentlessly chasing them for hours on end. In Sri Lanka, we’ll join elephants that have learned to become highway thieves – holding up buses to get food from the passengers. And in the rich waters of the Western Pacific, we’ll swim with sea snakes and fish that have learned to team up, in order to hunt together in huge shoals. Filming locations include Lake Baikal, the vast taiga forest, the Lut Desert in Iran, and the Arabian Peninsula’s Empty Quarter. The series also features several Asian cities – Tokyo, Bangkok, Taipei, Bhopal, Hanoi and Singapore. Asia is the largest continent, and no other place is as rich in superlatives. It has the highest mountain range; the deepest ocean the tallest jungles; and the biggest cave. Asia’s wildlife is equally impressive. The continent is home to six species of bear, three species of rhino and five species of big cat – more than Africa. It is also the land of the unexpected – the mysterious sea bunny, bizarre mudskipper, elusive purple frog, and fluorescent deep-sea squid. This contemporary view of Asia will celebrate the diversity of life on the continent but will also feature the conservation challenges and potential solutions. On a continent that is home to well over half the world’s human population, there is a growing movement within Asia to protect its wild places and animals – these stories of conservation heroes will feature prominently in the series. Iconic landscapes and intimate behavior will be filmed using the very latest techniques, allowing audiences to experience the beauty and wonder of Asia like never before. Asia, a 7x60’ for BBC One and iPlayer, is made by BBC Studios Natural History Unit, co-produced with BBC AMERICA, France Télévisions and ZDF, in deals facilitated by BBC Studios, who hold global distribution rights. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The Executive Producer is Roger Webb, the Series Producer is Matthew Wright and the Commissioning Editor is Sreya Biswas, Head of Commissioning, Natural History. About BBC AMERICA BBC AMERICA is a hub of innovative, culturally contagious programming including the Peabody Award-winning series Killing Eve starring Golden Globe® and SAG® Award-winner Sandra Oh and Emmy® Award-winner Jodie Comer. The network is the definitive television home and co-producer of the most iconic natural history series and franchises including Planet Earth, Blue Planet, Dynasties, Eden: Untamed Planet, Frozen Planet and Seven Worlds, One Planet. BBCA transforms every Saturday into Wonderstruck, a weekly destination for wildlife and wonder. A joint venture between AMC Networks and BBC Studios (the commercial arm of the BBC), BBCA’s influential shows such as Doctor Who, Orphan Black, Luther and The Graham Norton Show have attracted critical acclaim and earned Emmy® Awards, Golden Globes®, Peabody Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, NAACP Image Awards, TCA Awards and more. BBC AMERICA is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. BBCA on social: YouTube – Twitter – Instagram – Facebook – Tumblr About AMC+ AMC+ is the company’s premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV and full access to targeted streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as A Discovery of Witches, Creepshow, and Boyhood. The service features a continually refreshed library of commercial-free content, with iconic series from the AMC Networks portfolio including Mad Men, Halt & Catch Fire, Hell on Wheels, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Rectify, Portlandia, Orphan Black and series from The Walking Dead Universe, among many others. The service also offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, Dark Winds, and the first two series in a new Anne Rice universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. With new movies released every Friday, AMC+ is the newest destination for exclusive film premieres direct from theaters all year long. AMC+ is available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain and is available in the U.S. through AMCPlus.com, the AMC+ app, and a number of digital and cable partners.’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Under the Vines’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One the hardest struggles we will ever deal with when it comes to the quest to reset our lives and reinvent who we are… is that we won’t have a clue if we are making progress in our endeavors. Because there is no app, no gauge, nothing that pops up and tells us we’ve successfully reset our lives or that we have become the person we intended to be. Which is frustrating and can make this process quite cumbersome at times. Because we are beings that live on feedback and live on progress. But thankfully, not all is lost when it comes to reinvention. For there are ways for us to discover that we are making progress, as evidenced by the next episode of Under the Vines on Acorn TV. For ‘Life Is a Driveway’ saw Louis and Daisy struggling to know if they were moving forward, and their current situations in this tale only exacerbated such issues. For Louis was on the road and hanging with the boys for a Bachelor Party, and the lonesome vibe there, one that even Gus lamented, left Louis wondering if he was making progress. After all, he had failed in love in this part of the world, since he blew it with Daisy and of course… he thought lost his sharpness mentally through his desire for reinvention. Leaving him to feel he had taken a step back in life, really. As for Daisy, well she simply felt as though she had not left her past behind. In large part because a trip to get a dress with David’s daughter, Sienna, and a surrogate nephew… made her feel as though she was still fixated on the finer things in life. Because the sass she once embraced came back out, and she was looking at taking home a fifteen-thousand-dollar dress and spent an ungodly amount of money on lunch with that nephew. All of which showcased wonderfully how hard it is know if we’ve made progress in our endeavors and how old habits die hard. But thankfully, their lowest point allowed for them to find the gauge they so desperately sought. Because Daisy wasn’t good with being sassy and wasn’t good with spending that kind of money on a down-home wedding. Or even spending that much money on food. And well, coming to those epiphanies made it clear that she had changed. She had started to move in the right direction, and she found peace in that. Not to mention, Louis came to learn that he was indeed in a better place mentally by reinventing himself in this place. Courtesy of Don. Who lamented William and the IOU he wrote over the cruise and well… that helped Louis to understand that William was playing everyone and making moves to make a little empire with a new queen at his side. Which brought Don home to boot William out and helped Louis to call William out for lying. Because he knew that William signed Oakley back to Stanley and was doing his best to misdirect and Louis knew where the proof was and well… that helped him to understand that he was sharp again and able to do good with it, and that brought his journey into a comfortable place as well and set the stage for a lovely season three finale. Wherein Oakley will return to its rightful owner. But before we get to that, we can celebrate a lovely tale. One that informed us, that our actions, and key moments of inflection and objective observation, will show us that we are making progress in that grand endeavor to be more, to be better than we used to be, and that was lovely to experience here and just reminded us of how beautiful this show can be, courtesy of its unique life lessons. Until next time. Watch ‘Under the Vines’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Chicken Sisters’. When it comes to stories that feature broken families, certain storytelling elements will come into play. For instance, the shattered family in question is filled to the brim with good people, that have grown apart for foolish reasons that can easily be fixed. And fixing that family, and remembering what a family’s love entails, really are the central themes of these feel-good tales and these elements are present in these stories… because people love them. For they offer an escape. Since they never reflect the real reasons that a family will break to pieces, and they give us hope that what family life stands for, will always serve as a healing agent. Which is why the new Hallmark+ series, The Chicken Sisters, is of note. Because it in many ways… shatters those tropes and concepts to present us with a vastly different kind of family story. One grounded in how families shatter and how hard it is to bring them together when broken. But it sure doesn’t seem as though that is the case early on. Since ‘Welcome to Merinac, Y’all’ starts off in a far more lighthearted, traditional manner. Wherein we meet Amanda Moore, who is an innocent in the midst of a grand feud between her family and the Hillier family that has lasted for ages. One involving whose family chicken shack is the better one and oddly, there is a moment where Amanda thinks she will become the bridge between the two, when she marries into the Hillier family. A move that normally… would provide us with a lovely reconciliation story. But instead, that twist, changes the game for this tale. For we come to learn Amanda’s decision, put her and her family on one incredibly troubling path. Wherein Amanda’s sister May, leaves home and never looks back and where their mother, Gus, disowns Amanda more or less. Not to mention, life just doesn’t go the way that Amanda would expect. Since she finds herself in a loveless marriage and part of a business that isn’t growing. So, to shake life up and get something going… Amanda opts to get a reality competition show involved in everyone’s lives, entitled Kitchen Clash. Which will showcase the feud and net someone some money, and that does indeed energize everyone, and it even helps to bring May home. In part because May also lost her own reality show because of jaded moments. But what the arrival of the show does not guarantee, is fixing everyone’s problems and that is what makes this show so special. Because every single character here is estranged from one another for vastly different and personal reasons. Since May is embarrassed by her family and her upbringing, and Gus is simply lost in this life and bitter and willing to hold grudges over finding happiness and peace. And of course, Amanda’s marriage is on the rocks and her family life is a mess. Giving rise to a different kind of shattered family story. One where old haunts and misunderstandings mean nothing. Instead, the divide here is about trauma, pain, regret, and a desperate push to run from problems instead of resolving them. Which is about as real and as raw as it gets, and examining every aspect of those problems, can teach us so much. But before we ponder upon what that might look like, we can take a moment to applaud, a refreshing series premiere. One that truly made it clear that is going to be a unique family drama, grounded in real world elements and grounded in conflict that we can actually relate to. Since some of us have left family life behind for similar reasons or we have found ourselves in a position similar to Amanda’s, and it also doesn’t hurt… that this show just features an amazing cast. With Lea Thompson, Schuyler Fisk, and Wendie Malick just leading the charge and setting the tone for one incredible story. One that will hopefully showcase how families really heal, while an amazing and entertaining competition plays out. Until next time. Watch ‘The Chicken Sisters’ on Hallmark+.
Please enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of Episode 206 of Kold x Windy, in advance of the show’s return tomorrow on ALLBLK!
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Bad Monkey’ To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
It is definitely safe to say that the vast majority of crime stories, follow a very specific pattern/formula. It starts with the setup, wherein we meet our hero and our villain and learn what they both want out of life. Then the case that brings their paths together, plays out, and slowly but surely, the cat and mouse game they engage in, brings us to the grand finale. Where our hero chases our villain with impunity, and accountability is everywhere to be found in the story. Which is why, Bad Monkey on Apple TV+ continues to impress. For it consistently breaks those rules to provide us with a vastly different type of crime story, as evidenced by this week’s tale. Because ‘Yo, Would You Tell Ms. Chase I Still Love Her Like Crazy’, not only featured one epic title, but also featured some early accountability in this story, for just about everyone outside of Yancy and Rosa. Simply to offer up some satisfying moments, such as watching Eve and Christopher become incredibly uncomfortable over having their land scheme be exposed and exploited in a manner that didn’t benefit them. Which the Dragon Queen made happen. Since she used Egg and his desire for her, to bring her in front of Eve and Christopher, to inform them she owned land they would want. Which brought forth the little song and dance they often used to secure land, and that blew up in their faces. Since the Dragon Queen asserted herself here and called them to the carpet. In the hopes of landing the full amount she desired for the land and perhaps… to do her job as tasked by Neville, and this was quite the treat. Because when Yancy was chasing them, we never saw them this vulnerable and this uncomfortable and it is about damn time they were on their heels in this story in the right way. Not to mention, Bonnie also found herself being held to account. Because with Cory back in her life, she had to figure out what lie ahead. For her life was in shambles and there really was no future in the cards for her. So, she decided the time had come to reflect upon her actions, and maybe see if there was something there with Cory, by heading up to the Yancy cabin. Wherein she met Yancy’s father, Jim, and she received a lot of sage advice from him. The kind that informed her, she could no longer run, and that she had to own up to her mistakes and face them in order to move forward in life. Advice she ignored until she finally realized how much emotional damage she imparted upon Cory and that Jim was right. So, she decided perhaps she would indeed pay the piper and move forward through accountability. That is, after stealing Jim’s boat for one last adventure before the feds could bring her in. Which isn’t total accountability, but for a character as broken as Bonnie, this works. Of course, we would be remiss to not discuss the accountability that came forth in Yancy’s world. Because sadly, Mendez started off this episode looking like a hero. Because Sheriff Summers did indeed put the fear of God into Rogelio, and he was quick to turn Yancy in when he asked for help. Because he was at a point in his life where he just wanted to coast and enjoy a calmer life. A move that was sadly, going to come at great cost to Yancy. Because what Mendez had evidence wise, was enough for an indictment, and it didn’t help that there was zero evidence to back up Yancy’s claims regarding Christopher and Eve’s criminal empire. But thankfully, Rogelio held himself to account and knew that he had to do the right thing here, and he most certainly did right by his old friend and held Mendez accountable as well, since he was forced to flee for breaking more of the rules. All of which brought forth, a mostly satisfying episode. Mostly is used here, because we simply want more accountability than that. But it was a nice start. Because Christopher and Eve deserved this, and heavens knows Bonnie has needed some accountability in her life, as has Mendez. So, it was quite pleasant to see it happen here in some form or fashion, in a manner that poses questions. After all, the Dragon Queen’s smackdown of Eve and Christopher has us wondering if she will now hold up the resort, and if she will be okay, and of course… we don’t know if Neville will make it. Since he did face a brush with death because of Egg and the bad blood they share, and those questions of course, leave us eager for more of this wondrous show. To see what other shake ups to the crime story formula lie ahead, now that Yancy is free to continue the investigation. Until next time. Watch ‘Bad Monkey’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Women in Blue (Las Azules)’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one unsettling question about the human condition that we ask now and again, it would have to be… what motivates people to kill? Simply because so many of us outright understand the fact, that such an act is wrong. Because it removes a precious life, who others loved, relied upon and cherished, and their exit from this world through an act of such cruelty really is quite the unsettling thought. Yet, there are people who cross that line no problem, and seemingly do so with a measure of joy in their heart, and it just… does not… make sense. So, we turn to stories to comprehend such madness. Because in that realm we can have science explore such matters in a safe space, to help us understand this evil, to help us be vigilant and recognize behaviors and patterns of those who hurt others, to keep them afraid of acting on their darkness or to pass warnings off to the right heroes. If anything, this old question and the why behind it are top of mind today, simply because such matters were featured in the next episode of Women in Blue (Las Azules) on Apple TV+. A feat that ‘Rosa’ accomplished, by going back in time to explore Benito’s origin story, so that the team could finally lock down if he was The Undresser or not. Which they were able to figure out by pouring over every detail of his tragic and sordid life. Such as how he came to Rosa’s home out of tragedy. For his mother was brutally murdered at work, by his father no less, and he saw her body and was forever transformed. To the point where he was always silent and to the point where Rosa did her best to learn about what truly wounded him about that moment. Because she believed that just seeing a dead body would not be enough to traumatize a person into such a strange catatonic state and in this instance, she was right. For she also came to learn that abuse was in Benito’s household and that his mother tried to pull him away from that, and that… made it seem as though, he nothing more than a victim, and not a serial killer.
A possibility that was further enforced by the fact that the showed signs of promise. Since he participated with the other children in the house, and he eventually… opened up to Rosa more and more. To the point where she felt that finally… he was going to be on the right path and be a productive member of society. But that incident with the dog was too much to bear and revealed that Benito had more secrets that he kept hidden away from his adoptive mother. Such as the fact… that Benito was in consistent communication with his father before his mother died. In fact, he basically helped his mother die. Because his father taught him some stunning life lessons... the kind that no father should ever teach their son.
In that, he believed that women had a specific place in the home. To feed and serve and obey the man of the house and bear his children and care for them with a drive that could never be satiated. And to do otherwise, made them monsters, and made them individuals that needed to be punished. So, Benito followed those lessons and made his adoptive mother, his first kill. Making it clear, he is The Undresser while answering those questions. In that, the right amount of abuse and the right number of horrible lessons, especially imparted on someone who feels marginalized or is said to be, as was the case with Benito here… can push them to kill to enjoy power, to enjoy a sense of worth and that made for a fascinating and horrifying exploration. One that set up a scary truth. Because now that we know that Benito is indeed The Undresser, Gabina is in real trouble. Since she meets his mold and likely garnered his attention from that magazine article. Which means it may be a race against time to save a member of Las Azules. But before we ponder deeper upon that, we can celebrate… one powerful tale. For we truly learned a lot here and came to understand the savage mind of a killer that clearly… cannot be saved… and that made this as much a tragedy as a learning experience and such revelations also have us waiting on pins and needles for next week’s episode, to see how Las Azules will save Gabina from the machinations of a madman. Until next time. Watch ‘Las Azules’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 402 of ‘Slow Horses’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one thing that can be said of the phenomenal Apple TV+ series, Slow Horses, is that it doesn’t waste a single minute of screen time, and that’s a huge deal. Simply because it is what keeps this particular spy drama so fresh and so inviting. Since such a storytelling decision allows for the plot to chug along and for big reveals to come our way, and it also allows for answers to come forth about the mystery or villains at hand and well, never was the flawless nature of this more on display, than during this week’s brilliant episode of the show. For ‘A Stranger Comes to Town’ kept us on the edge of our seats, thanks to the answers and revelations it sent our way. Such as explaining what exactly happened on that fateful night at the Cartwright residence. Wherein we came to learn that poor David was genuinely confused and stressed. In large part because of the obvious, because some jackass came into his home claiming to be his grandson. Only to have his grandson show up shortly after that imposter took a shotgun shell to the chest. A move that forced River to work hard to calm granddad down and get him to relinquish the gun, so his panic and his fear didn’t harm the real River, and once that was done… River came to understand something was very amiss here and that there was real depth to this deception. Which prompted him to drop off David and head to France. But more on that in a moment. Simply because back in London, all kinds of revelations that tied into River’s quest came to pass. Some of which involved David and Jackson. Who we learned used to work together and that Jackson had great disdain in his soul for all things David. Because there were secrets to be had in their past, the kind that were beginning to bubble forth at MI-5. For an everyday employee that was digging into the whole mess, came to discover something unsettling about Robert Winters, the man responsible for blasting the mall and his apartment building to smithereens. In that, he appeared to have received a grand gift from MI-5 after the Cold War. One that would have given him a new identity and a new life, making it seem as though one of this agency’s assets had come back to haunt them.
Which of course, Taverner played off as a clerical error from an era long gone. But in reality, that was a cover story. For Winters was an asset, and this was a problem, and she made sure to maneuver about so that Claude would let her work hard on finding this man and his cohorts and of course… that means that Slough House is indeed involved in that search. Simply because Jackson was kind enough to share the good news with the group and speak to how he did his best to keep what River was up to, a secret. All of which will undoubtedly motivate the team to start moving toward understanding what’s happened here to help River, and of course… Jackson made his own moves here as well. Since he took the time to call out the new employee and their purpose for being at Slough House, implying deeply that her arrival might be related to this problem.
But while that was lovely to watch play out, since it spoke to how much the team loves River and how much they do enjoy being the hero despite being seen as cast offs, there was mention of more for River to handle in this tale. All of which came forth when he arrived in a tiny little burgh in France. A place that was filled with suspicion over people, and rightfully so. For up the way was some kind of training facility in an abandoned house. One that revealed the potential mastermind for this mess and that brought forth another juicy cliffhanger. Since the mystery man did enough to get River captured by someone with great interest in him and of course… this man revealed that he has a bone to pick with David Cartwright, and a man that used to work for him. Implying heavily that Jackson Lamb might be in trouble here. Simply because of his ties to David, and whatever their choices did to this man. All of which will of course be revealed later on since this episode is proof positive… this show keeps it moving and keeps the facts coming. Because now we know that old ghosts and haunts from MI-5’s past are part of the problem here and that revenge is what the Slow Horses will be trying to stop before things get out of hand. Which gave life, to one amazing tale. One that truly did engage us from beginning to end, and oddly, gave us peace. Because despite knowing that River was okay at the end of the last episode, spending time with him here just added much needed comfort, and of course… we are now beyond eager for more. Because this is getting juicy, and we must know why this man wants revenge and knowing this show, it won’t be long before we find out. Until next time. Watch ‘Slow Horses’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘The Anonymous’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
Perhaps one of the most fulfilling aspects of playing a new game and learning the rules as you go, is that you discover how best… to best the game. For every competition out there harbors an element that can give a player an edge or an inside track to win and well, we are watching that happen real-time via the new USA Network competition series, The Anonymous. For everyone has been trying to figure out solid patterns and methods to win since the game began and little twists and turns and awkward moments have mostly derailed that. But it turns out that a strategy employed early on in the show, one that was abandoned until last week’s tale… might be the part of the puzzle to winning this thing. For ‘The Price of Safety’ saw a plan that the women executed, come to its completion. In that, the ladies of show wanted to send home a man, and that did happen. For Wayne was sent home this week, after shocking everyone with his truth and well, his exit, and what Jack had to say about why he chose Wayne… revealed what might win this game. First, is unity. Since the push to get Tyrenna up for elimination and out, and the same for a man, worked like a charm. Plus, Jack did discuss how eliminations should be strategic but feel appeasing in nature, so that others believe they’re getting what they want and so that it doesn’t seem like any one particular power play is happening. But of course, fully employing such strategies won’t be easy. As evidenced by how this week’s challenge went down. For the competitors were tasked with another prize money challenge, and this one was a doozy. Wherein the task, for teams of two, was to stack foam blocks that would equal/total a specific amount of money. And if that stack held true for three seconds, it would be added to the prize pot. Which went, in a lot of wild directions. Since the big cash totals were hard to stack and hard to add up, and that meant a lot of the big money was left on the table. Replaced instead, by piddly totals. That added little to the prize pot overall, and in many ways reflected a desire for immunity over winning, and well, that managed to split the group right down the middle. Because now there was unity in wanting to remove anyone that didn’t contribute enough to the pot, while at the same time… there was part of the group eager to start removing potential winners from the board. Because the more that some thought about it, the more they realized that Xavier could win this whole thing with his experience. Which in turn, brought about the spiciest chat we’ve seen to date. Wherein both sides went after one another, and where Marcel took it personal enough that he basically revealed his handle. But the battle on both sides, was reflected well here. Since Xavier was indeed up for elimination, as was Dillian, whom Andy has not been pleased with for some time. The only question now, is what strategy The Anonymous will employ. For it is up to them to decide to once again, either smooth things over for the group or be done with a potential winner. While we wait to see how that plays out however, we can revel in one amazing episode. One that truly showcased some strategy at last, the kind that could indeed bring someone to the grand prize no problem. Because these strategies have been working, and if the right person becomes The Anonymous, they could easily move the needle in their favor. But that aside, there was so much more present in this tale that deserves our awe. Such as the fact that Jack isn’t quite flying under the radar anymore, and that so many are starting to claim agency in the game. Since clearly, everyone is starting to really understand the stakes and how the game is played and they’re aware… that the right decision could lead them to the grand prize, and that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode quite painful. As we wait to see how these strategies will further work and to learn whether a fan favorite contestant or a titan of reality television will be sent home. Until next time. Watch ‘The Anonymous’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
One would think in this modern day and age, that it would be near impossible for a criminal to evade law enforcement for an extended period of time. After all, we can track the GPS on a cell phone, and there are CCTV cameras just about everywhere you go. And of course, the sheer use of a credit card and the existence of tip lines, should allow for the police to close in and bring a criminal to justice, quickly, and that is often of the case. But now and again, criminals find ways to evade law enforcement from capture… for decades on end if they play their cards right.
Which is something that the infamous Chameleon Killer did, and their ability to disappear from law enforcement’s radar before staring their criminal cycle anew was so epic and went on for so long… that their story is about to be chronicled in a powerhouse, three-part series on SundanceTV entitled, The Hunt for the Chameleon Killer. Which will debut on October 18, and well, to properly prepare you for this sweeping story, one that will explore how a criminal was able to evade the authorities and continue their crime spree for ages on end, here are all the details on this series… and a trailer for the show, courtesy of SundanceTV. ‘The gripping, limited true crime docu-series, The Hunt for the Chameleon Killer, is set to premiere Thursday, October 10 at 10pm ET/PT on SundanceTV and will also be available as a full-series binge on AMC+ and Sundance Now the same day. Airing weekly on SundanceTV, the three-part series chronicles the global hunt for the identity thief and murderer dubbed ‘The Chameleon Killer.’ After a headless, handless body is discovered in a Florida canal in 1990, law enforcement begins a search for the killer which takes them all the way to London before the trail goes cold. What ensues is a string of stolen identities, wrongful accusations, and a twelve-year cat-and-mouse chase across multiple countries as authorities close in on the most wanted woman in the world. Exploring all the crimes of Elaine Parent, The Hunt for the Chameleon Killer uncovers every potential victim and determines whether law enforcement is correct in their belief that she was a serial killer. It shows how Parent claimed an interest in numerology, and that she could predict the future with the help of key numbers, to get her victims to divulge their personal details, which she then used to steal their identities. Ultimately, The Hunt for the Chameleon Killer answers the key questions at the very heart of the story: Who was Elaine Parent? And what drove her to commit these crimes? The Hunt for the Chameleon Killer is a Sundance Now Original Series, produced by Impossible Factual Limited, and executive produced by Steve Maher and Jonathan Drake, with Adam Luria serving as director and producer. Executive producers for CBS AMC Networks UK Channels Partnership are Jess Rampling and Sam Rowden. About SundanceTV Since its launch in 1996, SundanceTV has remained true to founder Robert Redford’s mission to celebrate creativity and distinctive storytelling through unique voices and narratives found in the best independent films. From delivering critically acclaimed Emmy®, Golden Globe® and Peabody Award-winning television featuring some of the world’s most talented creators and performers, to showcasing some of the most compelling and iconic films across genres and generations, SundanceTV is a smart and thought-provoking entertainment destination. SundanceTV is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.; its sister networks include AMC, IFC, BBC America and WE tv. SundanceTV is available across all platforms, including on-air, online at www.sundancetv.com, on demand and mobile. About AMC+ AMC+ is the company’s premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV and full access to targeted streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as A Discovery of Witches, Creepshow, and Boyhood. The service features a continually refreshed library of commercial-free content, with iconic series from the AMC Networks portfolio including Mad Men, Halt & Catch Fire, Hell on Wheels, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Rectify, Portlandia, Orphan Black and series from The Walking Dead Universe, among many others. The service also offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, Dark Winds, and the first two series in a new Anne Rice universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. With new movies released every Friday, AMC+ is the newest destination for exclusive film premieres direct from theaters all year long. AMC+ is available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain and is available in the U.S. through AMCPlus.com, the AMC+ app, and a number of digital and cable partners. About Sundance Now AMC Networks’ Sundance Now offers cross-genre escapism for insightful viewers seeking fresh perspectives, thought-provoking experiences and transportive journeys to far-off places. With a rich selection of engrossing dramas, imaginative fantasy, gripping mysteries, riveting true crime and international thrillers, Sundance Now is committed to authentic, one-of-a-kind of stories from around the world – all streaming commercial-free. Sundance Now houses critically-acclaimed and award-winning original and streaming exclusive series including enchanting supernatural dramas A Discovery of Witches (Matthew Goode, Teresa Palmer) and Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale (Elaine Cassidy); compelling international thrillers Riviera (Julia Stiles) and Black Snow (Travis Fimmel); riveting true crime series including The Long Shadow (Toby Jones, David Morrissey) and Des (David Tennant); acclaimed international dramas like Wisting and The Restaurant; and multi-Emmy winner State of the Union (Rosamund Pike, Chris O’Dowd; Patricia Clarkson, Brendan Gleeson). Sundance Now can be enjoyed for $6.99/month or $4.99/month with an annual membership. No cable subscription is needed. Facebook: @SundanceNow – Twitter: @sundance_now’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
It is definitely safe to say we are all a little downtrodden at the moment, and understandably so. After all, the world is at war again, political theater is in full swing, and everyone seems to be worried about themselves and nothing more. All of which is upsetting, all of which is disturbing, and it has us searching for something more. For moments that bring us joy and anything that will restore our faith in the reality that this too shall pass. Which is something that television helps with, since it often has stories that remind us that better times are always on the horizon and that people aren’t always selfish waffles, and one particular show that helps in this… is Acapulco on Apple TV+.
Simply because, it’s a lighthearted comedy that shows us a man working toward being more, and in the case of the next episode, being the best possible person they can be. Because ‘For Your Eyes Only’ saw Máximo make an incredible sacrifice for heartwarming reasons, that were motivated by the fact… that someone of serious note was at the resort. Because the best ophthalmologist in North America was staying at Las Colinas, and his arrival meant that there was a good chance that Máximo could have him examine his mother and figure out how to finally fix her eyesight. The only problem was… Máximo had to get Chad to sign off on having his mother and Sara at the resort. Something he refused to do, which made it seem as though this wasn’t going to happen. Especially after Nora spoke to her aversion to Las Colinas and held to her pride that this was something she could overcome. But a powerful speech from Máximo, wherein he expressed how wonderful it would be for her to see her grandchildren, was enough to get her and Sara to the resort. Wherein we discovered that Nora had cataracts, and that surgery would fix that, and that they could pay off said surgery over time. Which was wonderful news that came forth via great risk. Since Chad never signed off on that all-important day pass to get them into the resort, making it seem that Máximo put his job on the line for this, and that was likely the sacrifice in question. But alas, that was not the case. He got the day passes no problem, he just had to… help Chad properly apologize to Julia. For her birthday was near and she was of course, mad at Chad for being such a goof and for not seeing her for her. A move that initially inspired Máximo to have Memo and his family make one of her dress designs from scratch, that he would give to her on her birthday, to woo her away from Chad. But rather than go that route, Máximo offered up that gift to Chad, in exchange for those day passes. Which meant, Máximo straight up sacrificed his best shot at Julia to make sure that his mother would see again… and that was just beautiful to see play out and served as true inspiration in these trying times. Because it served to remind us that people are still capable of beautiful acts. Ones that benefit others through powerful sacrifice, and that, moments such as these, are likely happening in our world while we watch sour news play out on CNN or think about an unnerving and impending election. Which means… we should be focusing on that beauty and celebrating it. Because that’s the stuff that makes the world a better place, and the more we make that our focus, the more the world turns its attention away from loud, orange men that just won’t shut up. All of which made for a special and lovely tale, one that spoke to the wonder and heart of this show and how it truly does lift us up in these trying times… by reminding us of what we are capable of. Until next time. Watch ‘Acapulco’ |
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