Caution: This article contains spoilers for the First 60th Anniversary Special of ‘Doctor Who’. To revisit the Thirteenth Doctor’s final episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to enjoy the wonderous BBC America/Disney+ series, Doctor Who, we were left in utter shock. In part because the Master’s plan was about diabolical as it gets, but also because… we were treated to some amazing cameos from the Doctor’s past to properly send Thirteen off and when she did indeed regenerate, we were given yet another surprise. In that, Thirteen did not regenerate into the Fourteenth Doctor we expected. For Ncuti Gatwa did not emerge from the glaring light of that moment, instead David Tennant stood before us and uttered aloud what all of us were saying at home… ‘What!?’

Because we simply did not expect to see Tennant’s iteration of the Doctor, ever again in this capacity. But it happened and it left us with a bevy of questions. Such as why on earth the Doctor decided to choose an old face to regenerate into. For that is something that has never happened before in the history of the franchise. Sure, the Doctor has chosen familiar faces, as we saw take place with Twelve but this… this was something else and of course… there had to be a reason as to why this would happen. But alas, the first of three 60th Anniversary Specials featuring David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor, merely hinted at the possibility that the past is apparently weighing heavy upon the Doctor, and that prompted this particular twist.

But outside of that… there were few answers to be found regarding this in ‘The Star Beast’, instead… this episode made a point to have the Doctor and an old friend reunite to battle one incredible problem and resolve some unfinished business. Courtesy of the arrival of a creature known as the Meep. Which landed on Earth in the hopes of being rescued. But it didn’t take long for the Doctor to realize, that the Meep wasn’t being honest with anyone as to why it really landed here, and that led to the reveal that this cute little bugger… was in fact stark raving evil… and eager to bring harm to all. Which meant that the Doctor and Donna Noble, and her daughter, had to team up and save the day. Which they did because that’s how teamwork, works, and well, that’s really all we are going to discuss regarding the core plot today.

Because there are far bigger moments that we need to discuss. Such as the long-awaited reunion between Donna and the Doctor. For this is something that fans have wanted for ages, and it was as amazing as we hoped it would be. Because Catherine Tate and David Tennant did not miss a beat in rediscovering the chemistry, they shared on screen fifteen years ago and that made for one nostalgic adventure. One that reminded us of the wonder of the Tennant era, and one that finally resolved a longstanding worry. Since no one wants Donna Noble to die, but there’s no feasible way the story can support three episodes of confusion on her part. Which brought forth a clever solution to that problem, one that freed Donna, and her family, of her affliction and opened up all kinds of possibilities for adventure. 
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Plus, we’d be remiss to not point out, how wonderfully progressive this particular episode turned out to be. For we also came to learn in this story that Donna’s daughter was in fact, a transgender individual that made use of she/her pronouns and played a pivotal role in saving the Earth and saving her mother and herself from the power of the Time Lords that Donna absorbed so long ago, and this matters for one simple reason, in that… representation matters. Because storytelling should always be inclusive and show the world as it is, and this is a show that has always been about harboring space for all, and it was simply wonderful to see this series continue to embrace that and make an LGBTQIA+ individual be the hero and be seen. For television needs that right now, and this really was an important moment for certain, one that contributed to a delightful anniversary special.

Because this really was a slick episode through and through. One that was fun and adventurous and truly set the stage for something sinister at play. After all, the Meep made mention of ‘The Boss’, and one cannot help but wonder who that is. Not to mention, it really does seem as though the return of this Doctor’s face is related more and more to unfinished business. Which is interesting to say the least since so many of us really believed that the Tenth Doctor left this universe with little weighing upon his soul, especially when one considers that he bid proper farewell to so many. But saving Donna and Rose Noble’s lives and freeing them of their burden… speaks volumes to a resolution tour for Fourteen, and it will be interesting to see what else he needs to put to rest as these anniversary specials continue along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are some who could easily claim that Godzilla movies and Kaiju stories are more or less devoid of deeper meaning, and they would have merit to their words. After all, most of those movies do indeed feature Godzilla beating the living hell out of another Titan or Kaiju, and they’re fun and boisterous at times. But you don’t often hear people say such things, simply because once you get into the world of Godzilla, it becomes clear that these stories are often so much more than two Kaiju slapping each other around. For these are stories about mankind’s helplessness against nature, and how it can take charge when it pleases because the planet was here first, not us. Not to mention, these are very human stories about what matters most in times of crisis, and never was this more evident, than during the next episode of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on Apple TV+.

For ‘Secrets and Lies’ pondered upon both of those concepts, with the former even adding a twist to the matter, courtesy of Lee Shaw’s days back in the South Pacific in the 1950s. Since he helped bring Monarch to bear with what he learned on that wild mission to the heart of the Philippines, and he convinced the United States Government to fund it, so they could begin their humane work of coexistence between mankind and the Titans. But alas, that was nothing more than a pipe dream since the infamous Bikini Atoll test in this franchise was revisited to inform us, that it was an attempt to bring Godzilla and other Titans down. Giving rise to that enhancement commentary wise, since that act spoke to our arrogance regarding our place in the food chain, and how that arrogance can set the stage for surprises… as evidenced by G-Day. 

Which was some fine and timely commentary for certain, the kind that was wonderfully counterbalanced by the other element we spoke to. Since in present day, Colonel Shaw and Cate, and her friends… finally figured out their mission. In that, there was a fair chance that Cate and Kentaro’s father was potentially alive since Monarch kept everything secret and dealt in lies, and well… since Shaw wanted to do something more than just sit in a room clipping Bonzai trees, he led the crew out of that retirement home and into a thrilling cat and mouse game around the globe. One that brought them within inches of trouble in South Korea before an old friend bailed them out and agreed to fly them up north to Alaska. Wherein they could figure out what happened up there and what secrets and lies needed to be transformed into truth. 

As it turned out, there was a good chance that dear old dad ran into something surprising, something Titan related, and was unable to say or do much because of that surprise and well… that was indeed the case. For a strange storm and the arrival at a perfect landing site, revealed signs of life. Or at least, that someone once lived on this site. For there was wreckage present, and a tent, complete with hints of a father. But alas, that’s about as far as the group was able to get in fact finding. Since it was discovered that this icy place was home to a very dangerous Titan. An Ice Titan that lived beneath the snow and could in fact, turn anything frozen solid with its breath. A fact that came forth via its attack on the plane, stranding the crew and putting them in grave danger. All because… what mattered most in that moment for Cate, Kentaro, and Shaw… was the preservation of life and closure.

For in times of crisis, we truly do need that in some semblance and that made for a powerful story to say the least. One that even pointed out, how much more important that need was, than say… using Shaw’s knowledge and the data they collected to expose how Monarch threatened the world by keeping the Titans a secret, and by working with the U.S. Government to deflect and keep a status quo going. But that’s an issue for another day, for in the here and the now, we were treated to quite the tale. One that once again featured a surprise Godzilla cameo and took us on quite the ride. One that continued to reveal just how many Titans are around the world, and how they are suddenly so active after Godzilla’s reveal to the world, and now that we’ve reached the harrowing end of this intense adventure, we must wait impatiently to see what awaits our impromptu heroes now that they are stuck in the cold void of the world with no signs of help on the horizon. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 403 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are, a great many reasons to love the Apple TV+ series, For All Mankind. After all, this story really has offered up a dynamic exploration of what our world might look like had the space race gone in another direction. Not to mention, it features a bevy of incredible characters that we care about, and science galore and above all… good storytelling. In fact, the quality of the writing is worth mentioning for certain. Because this is also that rare series that doesn’t waste a single moment or a plotline. For every single moment matters and leads to something more, and for proof… then look no further than week’s magnificent tale. For ‘The Bear Hug’ took the time to expand greatly upon the day in the life moments that we experienced last week in a manner that propelled this story forward greatly.

For instance, this particular story made sure to revisit the struggles that Miles ran into during last week’s tale, by having him spring to action make some money. Because the shortfalls weren’t taking care of his family at all, so he paired with Ilya to do a little side work that padded his bank account nicely, and also brought about… quite the tall order/surprise. Because along the way, Miles’ attempt to be ‘the Man’ with his base friends… led to a problem with the Still. One that motivated him to do some ballsy maneuvers to get a part for the Still from the North Korean camp. Which in turn, prompted a request for help to keep that ruse a secret. One where Lee Jung-Gil, the real first man on Mars, demanded help in smuggling his wife to the Red Planet. Which really was quite the impossible twist, one that does pose all kinds of questions. But those will have to wait for another time, since we have other progressive plots to discuss. Ones that took place back home.

Because back on Terra Firma, Aleida and Kelly were out and about making their pitches to anyone that would listen to get their S.E.E.K.E.R search in motion, with great failure. For the world was focused on how to make use of the natural resources of the solar system. Which brought this duo to Dev’s doorstep to try and have him fund this visionary project, and despite some serious road bumps early on… they reeled Dev in. Because he forgot his inventive roots, and vision that space travel could be so much more for humanity and that led… to the brief return of Bill, who survived the bombing and lived away from public life now. And his return was paramount to helping Aleida be honest with herself, and garner the shares that Dev needed, to retake the company and put it on a bold new path of discovery and innovation once again. 

Yet, while that was quite the development, there were still more progressive plots waiting for us in this story. For Margot was in quite the pickle in this tale. For there was revolution in Russia. The kind that prompted a coup attempt really, and that put her in a tough place where others wanted to know more about her relationship with a high-ranking KGB officer, who that mysterious phone number connected to. Of course, she had no answers since she only met the woman that gave her that number once. But that didn’t stop revolutionaries and Gorbachev loyalists alike from pushing her to her physical limits to give her more. Thankfully… though, eventually she was released under harrowing conditions once the future of the U.S.S.R. was decided, and she met that woman again. Who turned out to be the new head of Roscosmos and she offered Margot, a job at her side.

All of which made… for more incredible television from this series. Since we truly were treated to some lovely plot threads that grew and grew before our eyes. The kind that featured genuine growth for the world and the people involved in those events, and well… one cannot help but wonder if the turmoil that our world has seen regarding the fall of the Soviet Union and unrest elsewhere and the push for change regarding what corporations stand for, is about to come forth in this world, courtesy of these plots. Which could lead to unique thoughts regarding how global unrest could change the landscape of space travel and space colonization. But while we wait, we can sit back and relish in another amazing episode that brilliantly explored the life and times of a world that sometimes feels all too familiar, and it will be interesting to see what comes next from this week’s stunning developments. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that fans of the hit STARZ franchise, Spartacus, are abuzz right now and rightfully so. After all, the franchise is reawakening, courtesy of the new House of Ashur series that was recently announced, and everyone wants to know more about it, what to expect from it and most important of all… they want to see it. But alas, all must wait, but STARZ is aware of the fact that everyone is excited about the franchise again and that’s why they’re taking the time to offer up a post-Thanksgiving meal gift.
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In that, this weekend will be host to a Spartacus: Blood and Sand Marathon. Which will of course, take us back to the moments where we fell in love with this iconic show, and further expand the excitement for the upcoming new entry in the saga. But above all, it gives us a taste of this franchise again, and this weekend really is the perfect time to do this marathon. Since everyone is home and snacking and well… what better way to work through the turkey… than with the excitement and the wonder of this iconic series, and of course… to properly inform you… here are all the details on this marathon, courtesy of STARZ.

‘STARZ recently announced it has greenlit ten episodes of “Spartacus: House of Ashur,” a drama series that will expand on its groundbreaking show “Spartacus,” one of STARZ’s most celebrated franchises, which aired for four seasons on the platform. In celebration of the new season, binge the epic first season over Thanksgiving weekend with a marathon on the STARZ linear platform or all four seasons available anytime on the STARZ app. The “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” marathon will begin on November 25 at 2:00PM ET/PT with episodes 101-106 and continue on November 26 at 2:10PM ET/PT with episodes 107-113.
 
“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” debuted on STARZ in 2010 and was followed by a prequel series chapter “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” in 2011 and two additional series “Spartacus: Vengeance” in 2012 and “Spartacus: War of the Damned” in 2013.
 
“Spartacus: House of Ashur” will be produced by Lionsgate Television for STARZ. Steveb S. DeKnight returns as showrunner and executive producer with Nick Tarabay returning as the villainous “Ashur.”
 
About “Spartacus: House of Ashur”
“Spartacus: House of Ashur” will be a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit. The series poses the question: what if Ashur, played by fan favorite Nick Tarabay, hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of “Spartacus: Vengeance?” And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting an end to the slave rebellion?
 
Nick Tarabay (“Stargirl”) returns as the villainous “Ashur,” the iconic role he originated in the series' original run. “Spartacus” creator, writer and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight (“Daredevil”) serves as showrunner and executive producer.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Hidden Assets’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the season two premiere of the Acorn TV series, Hidden Assets, was quite epic in nature. After all, we were treated to incredible follow up regarding the events of season one, and the stage was set for an equally as engaging second season. One where consequences weighed heavy and where someone… made it clear they are eager to wash their hands of everything that happened in season one, and if by chance that involved removing any parties attached to it, so be it. Giving rise to a real sense of urgency from our heroes… one that was further enhanced in the next chapter in this harrowing story.

For this week’s tale saw the CAB picking up the pieces from the cyberattack and planning their next moves regarding the strange reality that only the Melnick files came under fire, and well… it just so happened that a gift was sent their way. For Bibi, now going under the name Brannigan, decided to drop by the CAB to desperately ask for help. For she knew real trouble was on the horizon, and knew she needed protection, and if that meant opening up the case and getting the mystery assassin in trouble, so be it. So, she spilled the beans, let it be known who might be involved in the attacks, what Melnick did, all of it. Which of course energized Wallace because this was a grand chance at real justice.

So, she quickly got De Jong involved to aid in the case and send over intelligence to ensure this was all legitimate and shockingly for them, it was. Which meant, everyone was back on the case and digging into this and that also meant, some of Bibi/Brannigan’s intel needed to be checked out in De Long’s neck of the woods. Since Wallace came to learn, who purchased the rental car for the bombings and that he was under De Long’s jurisdiction and well… that led to more intrigue and trouble. Simply because, the party responsible for silencing people during the premiere, was also well aware of who made that purchase, and while the red tape was being sliced away, a visitor arrived at the suspect’s home for what seemed to be an innocuous visit.

After all, there were discussions of payment, future work, the usual nefarious stuff that is conducted by criminals. But there was an odd air to the end of those discussions, the kind that left the suspect worried that his visitor arrived for other reasons, and he was right to worry. For this was a hit, and a brutal one at that. One that raised all kinds of questions. Specifically, who ordered said hit, and who was trying so hard to wipe the proverbial slate clean. Which pushed De Long to try something a little bolder and pull security footage from the Melnick affair where Bibi confronted him about everything really, and that led… to some surprises and some leads. Since De Long came to learn there were connections here between the suspect and his killer, such as the fact that they all served together.

All of which brought forth, quite the compelling episode. For it truly expanded upon the web of intrigue that the season two premiere sent our way, since we are all now eager to know more about what’s going on and how deep this rabbit hole goes. Something that was further expanded upon by the reporter that asked some hard questions in this story, and it also resurrected a staple of season one. Because fast paced, intense stories are what we have come to expect from this franchise, and that’s what we got here. Courtesy of an unexpected cat and mouse game and an admission from the last person we expected and well, now that the case has been reopened and the stakes are high, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead as De Long and Wallace hope to finish what was started so long ago. Until next time.

It wasn’t that long ago, that we put a new series on our radar. Specifically, Monsieur Spade from AMC. Simply because, it’s a crime drama on a network that thrives in telling those kinds of stories. Not to mention, it has Clive Owen as its star and it’s a period piece. Making it a compelling story to say the least, one that we are beginning to learn more and more about, courtesy of AMC and the gift they recently sent our way.
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For the other day, they opted to release the official trailer for the show, and well… it looks nothing short of epic. Filled to the brim with big moments, shady characters and one stellar performance from Clive Owen as the iconic Sam Spade and well, since you’re undoubtedly eager to see more of this series, here are some updated details regarding the series, and that amazing trailer. To help you count down the days to what is shaping up to be one delightful new series from a network that truly celebrates storytelling.

‘AMC, AMC+ and Acorn TV announced that the highly-anticipated, limited crime drama, Monsieur Spade, is set to premiere on Sunday, January 14and shared an all-new trailer and additional series photography. Starring and executive produced byGolden Globe®, SAG® and BAFTA® Award-winner Clive Owen (Closer, Children of Men, The Knick) as the hard-boiled private detective Sam Spade, the six-episode drama is co-created, written and executive produced by Emmy® Award-winners Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit, Logan, Minority Report), who also serves as director, and Tom Fontana (City on a Hill, Borgia, Oz). 
 
Also announced today, Emmy®, Golden Globe® and SAG® Award-winner Alfre Woodard (Salem’s Lot, The Book of Clarence) and Dean Winters (Lost Girls, John Wick) have joined the series as guest stars, portraying Virginia Dell and Father Matthew, respectively.
 
Monsieur Spade centers around the infamous protagonist of American writer Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 classic novel The Maltese Falcon. The year is 1963, and the legendary Detective Sam Spade (Owen) is enjoying his retirement in the South of France. By contrast to his days as a private eye in San Francisco, Spade's life in Bozouls is peaceful and quiet. But the rumored return of his old adversary will change everything. Six beloved nuns have been brutally murdered at the local convent. As the town grieves, secrets emerge, and new leads are established. Spade learns that the murders are somehow connected to a mysterious child who is believed to possess great powers.
 
Shot on-location in France, previously announced cast for  Monsieur Spade  includes Cara Bossom (Radioactive) as Teresa, Denis Ménochet (Inglorious Basterds) as Chief of Police Patrice Michaud, Louise Bourgoin (The Romanoffs) as Marguerite Devereaux, Chiara Mastroianni (On a Magical Night) as Gabrielle, Stanley Weber (Outlander) as Jean-Pierre Devereaux, Matthew Beard(The Imitation Game) as George Fitzsimmons, Jonathan Zaccaï (Robin Hood) as Philippe Saint-Andre and Rebecca Root (The Queen’s Gambit) as Cynthia Fitzsimmons.  
 
Monsieur Spade is co-created, written and executive produced by Frank, who also serves as director, and Fontana. Barry Levinson, Teddy Schwarzman, Michael Heimler, Clive Owen, Caroline Benjo, Barbara Letellier, Simon Arnal, Carole Scotta, Carlo Martinelli and David Helpern also serve as executive producers. In conjunction with the Dashiell Hammett Estate, the series is produced by Black Bear and co-produced by Haut et Court TV (The Returned, No Man’s Land) who also handled local production services in France and Canal+. FilmNation Entertainment (I Know This Much Is True) handles international distribution outside of North America.
About AMC 
AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed original programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series with Mad Men in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before Breaking Bad won it in 2013 and 2014, and the network’s series The Walking Dead is the highest-rated series in cable television history. AMC’s current original series include Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, The Walking Dead: Dead City,Dark Winds, and the forthcoming series The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, Monsieur Spade and Parish, among others. AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand, mobile, and on AMC+, the company’s premium streaming bundle featuring content from across AMC and sister networks BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV as well as streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited.
 
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 Acorn TV
AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in premium British and international television. Acorn TV adds exclusive programming every week to a deep library of revered mysteries, dramas, and comedies – all commercial-free. Acorn TV’s recent slate is comprised of critically acclaimed commissioned and original series including popular New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder (Lucy Lawless), acclaimed Irish crime thrillerBloodlands (James Nesbitt, co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio), British crime drama Whitstable Pearl (Kerry Godliman), Emmy®-nominated Queens of Mystery, Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines and British detective drama Dalgliesh (Bertie Carvel), to name a few. Current and upcoming Acorn TV Original Series include UK detective drama Harry Wild (Jane Seymour), tasty murder mystery Mrs. Sidhu Investigates (Meera Syal), Signora Volpe(Emilia Fox), The Chelsea Detective (Adrian Scarborough) and many more. The above add to a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas including Agatha Raisin (Ashley Jensen), Jack Irish (Guy Pearce), Doc Martin (Martin Clunes), Deadwater Fell (David Tennant, Cush Jumbo), all 23 seasons of fan-favorite Midsomer Murders and highly-rated drama The Nest, among others.’

In this modern age of television, we’ve reached a point where networks have more or less established what they stand for and what kind of programming you can expect from them. For there are some that stand tall with horror, while others are all about medical dramas and as for STARZ… well let’s be honest… they are the undisputed champions of period dramas. For time and time again, they’ve given us incredible stories about incredible people from history, with The Serpent Queen being the latest to wow, and well… another is on the way.
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For recently, STARZ acquired the rights to the period drama, Mary & George. Which stars Academy Award Winner Julianne Moore, and Nicholas Galitzine as a scheming mother and son who did awful things to conquer the Court of England back in the day, and well… to make this announcement worth everyone’s while, STARZ went all out. By dropping some first-look photos, a juicy synopsis and a full-on trailer for us to enjoy so we can be full prepared for the madness that will ensure with this story, when it debuts on STARZ in 2024, and without further ado… here are all of those gifts for you to enjoy, courtesy of STARZ.  

'STARZ has acquired the U.S. and Canada rights to “Mary & George”, an audacious historical psychodrama starring Academy Award-winner Julianne Moore (Still Alice) and Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue), about a treacherous mother and son who schemed, seduced and killed to conquer the Court of England and the bed of King James I. Based on a scandalous true story, the seven-part limited series is created by acclaimed playwright D.C. Moore (“Killing Eve,” Temple) and is produced by Hera Pictures (The End We Start From, Temple)  in association with Sky Studios. “Mary & George” is set to debut in 2024 as a STARZ original in the U.S. and Canada.
 
“‘Mary & George’ is the perfect complement to STARZ’s provocative slate and we’re thrilled to partner with Sky Studios to bring this extraordinary series to U.S. audiences,” said Alison Hoffman, President of Domestic Networks for STARZ. “We can’t wait for the world to discover the untold story of Mary Villiers, who mastered the art of sexual and political conquests in a male-dominated society. And to have Julianne leading this remarkable cast is a dream.”

Julianne Moore plays Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, who in 17th century England molded her beautiful son, George, to seduce King James I and become his all-powerful lover. Through outrageous scheming, the pair rose from humble beginnings to become one of the richest, most titled and influential players the English court had ever seen, and the King’s most trusted advisors.  Nicholas Galitzine plays her son, George Villiers, a naïve romantic who alongside his ruthless mother was prepared to stop at nothing to get to the top. Tony Curran (“Mayflies”) stars as King James I, the target of Mary & George’s seductive scheming.
 
The ensemble cast includes Nicola Walker (The Split, Unforgotten), Niamh Algar (The Wonder, Malpractice), Trine Dyrholm (The Legacy, Queen Of Hearts), Sean Gilder (Sherwood, Slow Horses), Adrian Rawlins (Living, Chernobyl), Mark O’Halloran (The Miracle Club, The Virtues), Laurie Davidson (Masters of the Air, Guilty Party), Samuel Blenkin (Atlanta, The Witcher: Blood Origin), Jacob McCarthy (SAS: Rogue Heroes, The Tragedy of Macbeth), Tom Victor (Consent), Alice Grant (Anthem at Almeida Theatre), Amelia Gething (Emily, The Amelia Gething Complex), Mirren Mack (The Nest, The Witcher: Blood Origin), Rina Mahoney (Happy Valley, Cobra) and Simon Russell Beale (The Death of Stalin, The Outfit).

“Mary & George” is produced by Hera Pictures in association with Sky Studios.The series is written by D.C. Moore (Killing Eve, Temple), inspired by Benjamin Woolley’s nonfiction book The King’s Assassin. Liza Marshall is executive producer for Hera Pictures alongside D.C. Moore, Oliver Hermanus and Julianne Moore. Hermanus (Living, Moffie) also helms the series as lead director. Sam Hoyle serves as executive producer for Sky Studios.

The deal was brokered by Sky Studios. NBCUniversal Global Distribution handles international sales on behalf of Sky Studios.

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.

About Sky Studios
Sky Studios is the home of Sky Original Drama and Comedy. We develop, commission and produce unmissable programming for Sky’s customers across Europe. Our teams partner with the best indies and talent globally, to drive creative excellence and tell original stories that are loved by audiences the world over. Our Sky Originals include Emmy-nominated hit, Gangs of London, BAFTA-winning comedy, Brassic, Mary & George, starring Julianne Moore, The Day of the Jackal, with Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch, M. Son of the Century, directed by Joe Wright and Small Town, Big Story, created by Chris O’Dowd.
 
Alongside Sky Original Comedy and Drama, Sky Studios is home to an in-house Factual development and production team, and some of the world’s most exciting production companies including Blast! Films, True North and Love Productions. 
 
We also operate Sky Studios Elstree, the UK’s newest film and TV studio with 13 sound stages, representing a significant investment in the UK and European creative economy.   
 
About Hera Pictures
Founded in 2017 by former Channel 4 Head of Drama Liza Marshall, Hera Pictures is a fully independent production company established to produce bold, high-end, authored drama for a global audience. The company’s first series, TEMPLE, an eight-part drama starring Mark Strong, was Sky 1’s most successful drama of 2019 and chosen as one of the top TV shows of 2020 by The New York Times. The second season launched to critical acclaim in Autumn 2021. 2020 saw the launch of the critically acclaimed two-part ITV true crime drama HONOUR, starring Keeley Hawes and written by Gwyneth Hughes. Based on the case of murdered 20-year-old Banaz Mahmod, the drama was a chilling reminder of how society failed to protect a young woman from harm. Pre-production has begun on upcoming BBC Three/iplayer series WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR A GIRL, adapted by Paris Lees from her anarchic memoir of the same name, and a soon to be announced true crime drama will be in production summer 2024. On the film side, Hera’s adaptation of Megan Hunter’s THE END WE START FROM premiered at TIFF and the LFF to glowing reviews and 9 BIFA nominations. The film stars Jodie Comer and is adapted by writer Alice Birch (NORMAL PEOPLE) and directed by Mahalia Belo (THE LONG SONG, ELLEN). Hera is also producing a film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s multi award-winning novel HAMNET, Academy Award winning Chloe Zhao (NOMADLAND) is attached to direct.
 
Liza Marshall was previously Head of Drama at Channel 4 (BOY A, MISFITS, RED RIDING TRILOGY, TOP BOY), before going on to establish and run Scott Free London for Ridley Scott (TABOO, BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP, LIFE IN A DAY). Prior to this, she was a producer at the BBC (THE LONG FIRM, THE SINS, EROICA). Marshall produced Season One of RIVIERA for Sky Atlantic, as well as BAFTA-nominated THE STATE from Peter Kosminsky for Channel 4.'

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Planet Earth III’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Thus far, our comprehensive trip around the globe, via the BBC America series, Planet Earth III, has focused primarily on the coasts and our oceans, and rightfully so. For this is to be a powerful learning experience, and there is so much for us to learn about our oceans and the miles upon miles of coasts that make up the many continents that we live upon. But while it has been extremely enjoyable to explore the coasts and the depths of the oceans that sustain life, there is still so much for us to see and so much for us to learn about the tiny blue ball we call home. Which is why, this week’s episode made a point to shift gears and take us inland. 

Deep inland in fact, so we could see what the ‘Deserts and Grasslands’ of the world look like, and well… one fact we learned early on that should have come as no surprise, was that the deserts of the world… are a harsh, harsh environment. To the point where the sun bakes everything it touches, and where winds ravage so much land, that they make their own haunted symphony. One born of wind simply whipping across the peaks of dunes, reminding us why this isn’t a place that many people live, well that… and the giant stand storms that are generated out there often. But despite the inhospitable nature of life in the desert, believe it or not… life does persist… and struggles greatly to say the least. As evidenced by the struggles we were privy to.

Since we were able to bear witness to a how the ostrich works to keep itself and its newborn babies alive in the midst of the heat generated in the desert. For the parents must protect their little ones from the heat, and so they sit watch and wait for as many of their eggs to hatch as possible, before moving on and finding proper shelter, so they can actually raise their young. Leaving some of their young behind if necessary. For survival of the fittest is the name of the game in the deserts, to the point where even mothers must fight to find water, as we saw take place with a group of baboons that were traversing the dust in the hopes of finding shelter and food, and more of that water. Which… eventually finds its way to the desert.

For the rains eventually fall and create something of a grassland in some parts of the desert. Giving rise to new struggles. Wherein predators and prey battle it out to survive and see another day, and where new threats are posed. For eventually, the rains stop, and the grasslands become nothing short of a powder keg. Where a single spark will threaten lives and sometimes… it is humanity that causes that particular spark. Giving rise to the reality that we are as much responsible for the struggles of wildlife as much as the chaotic nature of mother nature is, and that was important to point out here… because some of what happens out there, is quite preventable. For if we did a better job with farming, we wouldn’t need to set fire to ecosystems. 

Not to mention, if we just… co-existed with nature, it would thrive, even in these difficult places. As evidenced by what happened when we stopped hunting elephants in some deserts and let nature just be. All of which made it apparent, that we have a great influence on nature that we’re not aware of, and we should step back. Because as we saw here, nature can handle its own, and it knows how to survive even in the toughest of environments. Which means we should instead, be doing everything within our power to ensure it has a climate that is stable and plenty of space to live as it has for generations. Which made this a poignant and important episode, one that offered up some fascinating lessons about a corner of the world that we don’t think about all that often. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’.
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When we think of epic monster movies, the kind that feature Kaiju, or perhaps more specifically… Godzilla… we think of epic stories. The kind that features stunning visuals and amazing battles within the heart of a major city. For that is just what happens during these stories, wherein Godzilla will duke it out with another Titan in the heart of Tokyo, or now San Francisco and save the day or be pushed back into the ocean by some kind of ingenious plan and well… that’s really all there is to those stories and that’s okay. Because it’s a formula that’s worked for decades on end, and we thoroughly enjoy how they play out and we are indeed taken on quite the ride. 

But as this era of incredible storytelling and peak television continues along, more and more… there are creatives pondering beyond what the basics have supplied us with for so long. Allowing for new corners of old stories to be explored and told and it just so happens that the world of Godzilla, and M.U.T.O.’s is indeed growing in that manner. For earlier today, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters made its debut on Apple TV+, and this fascinating series goes where few Godzilla stories have ever gone before… if it all. For ‘Aftermath’ and ‘Departure’ were a pair of stories that asked, what comes next for humanity when a being like Godzilla and his counterparts are discovered through the devastation of major city, and well… as it turned out… life would be very different for humanity for certain.

For through a character named Cate, who has made her way to Tokyo to handle her now late father’s affairs, we learn that the planet changed a great deal of its disaster practices following G-Day. Such as having Godzilla and Kaiju shelters in the cities of the world, alongside evacuation routes and other various new plans to keep people alive, and there was also vigilance. The kind generated out of fear, but vigilance none the less and well, this was just wonderful because it showed us that life would have to adapt accordingly and be prepared for some worst-case scenarios. But while it was nice to explore those new frontiers, there were more treats to be had in this particular tale.

After all, while the world saw Godzilla’s arrival as a true surprise, the audience has known for a long time that Monarch has known about the M.U.T.O. aka The Titan, for a very long time, and have done their best to keep it a secret from the world to maintain order and control and keep the world from panicking. But alas, that secret is now knowledge and well… humanity would not look kindly upon the fact that someone knew and could have used that knowledge to protect lives and save San Francisco. Which was why Cate was running into a bevy of trouble in this tale. Since her dad was part of that project and left secrets behind, and now for Cate, she is embroiled in a race against time to hold Monarch accountable for their shady actions before they slip away from accountability for all time.
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Something she and her newfound half-brother and friend will accomplish with a man known as Colonel Lee Shaw. Who, also spent a fair chunk of his youth, learning about such creatures. A reality that is oft explored in this premiere via some brilliant and unique flashbacks. Simply because, Kurt Russell plays Shaw in 2023, whereas his son, Wyatt plays the younger iteration of Shaw in the 1950s. Giving rise to a cool little trick storytelling wise, one that puts in perspective just how much Monarch knew and how many other monsters are out there… and are ready to defend their territory. The kind that they conquered long before humanity laid claim. All of which… brings forth one epic story.

One that truly fits within this new monster universe and offers a delightfully compelling story. Since we simply must know if Shaw and Cate can do the impossible and bring this ancient organization to bear and make them pay the piper for not telling the world about Godzilla sooner. But while we wait to see if that can happen, we must celebrate this magnificent opening chapter. One that takes us on an adventure through time and the globe, wherein we were treated to new monsters and cameos of course from the King himself and well… this premiere was so good and so much fun, that this writer is outright hooked and not alone. For this is the extended and sweeping story from Godzilla’s universe that we’ve been waiting for, and it will be interesting to see where it takes us in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 402 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the Season Four Premiere, click here.
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If there is one particular dream, we’ve all harbored when it comes to interstellar travel, it would have to be… what would it be like… to live on another planet? Because just like that… we would be millions of miles from home, and we could potentially, do anything, go anywhere and just see the universe if you will. Which is a dream that really does ignite our imaginations like never before and has given rise to countless incredible stories about such matters, some that are grand in scope, some that are simple and satisfying. But what none of them have explored until now… is that there’s a genuine possibility that if humanity were to travel to the stars and establish permanent colonies there, it might mot be what we expect it to be.

In fact, it might be pretty darn close to living on Earth, and that possibility is top of mind today, simply because that is precisely what the next episode of For All Mankind on Apple TV+ explores. For ‘Have a Good Sol’ saw Miles Dean and Danielle Poole arrive at Happy Valley and at first, it really did seem as though, interstellar living was quite amazing. For humanity was indeed firmly planted on Mars’ surface and there was plant life growing in controlled situations, and there was harmony and wonder. But alas… that was just what one would initially see, and behind the scenes… the unfortunate reality of the have and have nots existed as well. Which was explored through Miles. Who, had to take on a new role at Happy Valley since there was no asteroid to mine, and that put him in a miserable place.

Where he was disregarded by the majority of folks that worked for NASA or Helios and where he lived in just awful conditions. For his bunk was deep below the surface, and Helios was nickeling and diming him for every little thing from a cost perspective. Making it more expensive to work on Mars than it ever was on Earth, and that brought about a lot of tension on the below decks. Not to mention, they couldn’t talk with their families due to satellite issues that no one cared to fix. But Danielle was ready to make changes and went the extra mile to make life a little better for the folks that worked in the depths of the base, giving rise to some peace. But in reality, this felt akin to our modern Earth, and how exactly… we will get to in a moment. 

Because also need to talk about how the story handled some of the plot threads it introduced during the season four premiere. Specifically, how Aleida struggled badly with PTSD. Because those dark memories were indeed haunting her, and sadly… rather than get therapy as suggested by all, she opted to change career fields and join Kelly Baldwin’s search for extraterrestrial life as a way to heal. When it might not work, but this plot thread did make it clear, that in 2003, in any universe, people wanted more to escape their problems than face them. Plus, we also came to learn that Margot will soon be in a lot of hot water. Simply because something is happening in Russia, and she made a point to involve herself in it, and her life will never be the same because of it.

But of course, while those were interesting and engaging moments, it was the life on Mars stuff that truly dominated this story. Wherein we saw class warfare much like we have on our Earth now. Where the working-class lives check to check, and even then… that’s being generous, and where those we hold in a different class… live like royalty. Which in this case involved getting access to the finest coffee and even fine pasta, and well… let’s be honest… that means Happy Valley is a powder-keg waiting to explode. Unless Danielle can figure out how to really make everyone equals. But that aside, this was a fresh take on life in outer space, and what it could look like, and this show deserves a round of applause for pointing out… it probably would be close to what we already know, for we find comfort in the familiar to help us cope with change. Change as extreme as say… living on the Red Planet. Until next time.