Written by John Edward Betancourt We really are living in quite the unique time when it comes to the world of television. For not only is there more content than ever before, the kind that features something for everyone, but we are also in era of television where cancellation doesn’t mean the end for a television show. Because on several occasions, a series that has been announced as cancelled at one network, is saved, and moved to another. Wherein it thrives, fades, or comes to an appropriate conclusion and well, it just so happens that AMC Networks has made strides for the last of those options to take place for a beloved series. For AMC has rescued Snowpiercer, from the jaws of cancellation so that the series can conclude on its own terms with a fourth and final season, and well, the time draws near to send the series off, in style no less. For earlier today AMC announced when the first three seasons will stream on AMC+ and when the fourth and final season will debut on the network, along with offering up some first look photos at season four and details on this farewell season. And well, since you’re here because you’re a fan of this series and are eager to see how it is going to end, here are all those details and those first look photos, so you can properly prepare yourself for the end of this epic four-year journey. ‘The eagerly anticipated fourth and final season of the gripping hit drama Snowpiercer is set to premiere exclusively on AMC and AMC+ Sunday, July 21 at 9pm ET/PT. Seasons 1 and 2 of the critically acclaimed thriller will be available to stream exclusively on AMC+ beginning Saturday, June 1, with the third season debuting on the service Saturday, June 8. Snowpiercer stars Oscar® winner Jennifer Connelly, GRAMMY® and Tony® Award-winner Daveed Diggs, Sean Bean, Rowan Blanchard, Emmy® nominee Alison Wright, Mickey Sumner, Iddo Goldberg, Katie McGuinness, Tony®Award-winner and GRAMMY® nominee Lena Hall, Sam Otto, Chelsea Harris, Mike O’Malley, Roberto Urbina and Sheila Vand. Previously announced new cast members for Season 4 include Clark Gregg (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Avengers, Thor) and Tony® Award-winner Michael Aronov (The Drop, The Americans, Operation Finale). “We can’t wait to share the final season of this thrill ride of a series with this vibrant fan community and new viewers starting July 21 on AMC and AMC+, with plenty of time built in to catch up on previous seasons on a variety of on demand platforms and AMC+ before then,” said Courtney Thomasma, Executive Vice President of Streaming for AMC Networks. “Snowpiercer is an entertaining drama with a great cast and seeing how the ride ends will be a highlight of summer viewing worthy of a 1001-car train.” Set more than seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, Snowpiercer centers on the remnants of humanity who inhabit a perpetually moving train, with 1001 cars, that circles the globe. Class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out in this riveting television adaptation based on the graphic novel series by Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette, and the film from Oscar®-winner Bong Joon Ho (Parasite). The action-packed finale of season three left a split of the train with Melanie Cavill (Jennifer Connelly) leading the Eternal Engine and those passengers who chose to stay aboard Snowpiercer for relative safety, and Andre Layton (Daveed Diggs) leading the others on Big Alice who chose to adventure to the unknown, outside world of New Eden. Snowpiercer Season 4 is executive produced by Paul Zbyszewski (Lost, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Helstrom), Christoph Schrewe; Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements and Alissa Bachner through Tomorrow Studios; Matthew O’Connor, Ben Rosenblatt and Scott Derrickson, along with the original film’s producers Bong Joon Ho, Miky Lee, Jinnie Choi, Park Chan-wook, Lee Tae-hun and Dooho Choi. The show is produced by Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios partner) along with CJ Entertainment. ITV Studios distributes Snowpiercer internationally. About AMC Networks AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios, which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv; and film distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. The company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite originals including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe; and AMC Networks International, its international programming business. About Tomorrow Studios Tomorrow Studios, a partnership with ITV Studios, develops and produces compelling scripted television series with top tier talent for a global audience. Spearheaded by CEO/Founder Marty Adelstein and President/Partner Becky Clements, the leading production company has amassed critical and popular success for its network, cable and streaming series including award-nominated live action adaptation of the classic manga ONE PIECE (Netflix); PHYSICAL, starring Emmy® nominee Rose Byrne (Apple TV+); Emmy® nominated SNOWPIERCER, starring Oscar® winner Jennifer Connelly and Grammy® and Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (AMC); and the critically acclaimed adult animation series 10 YEAR OLD TOM (Max), written by Steve Dildarian, produced by their animation JV label Work Friends. The studio has first look deals with Julia Garner’s Alma Margo, Frank Spotnitz’s Big Light Productions, Craig Gillespie, and Midnight Radio. Projects are also in development with Stephanie Laing and Scott Free Productions. Previous credits include Emmy® nominated COWBOY BEBOP (Netflix), LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (Showtime), LAST MAN STANDING (FOX), GOOD BEHAVIOR (TNT), and AQUARIUS (NBC). More information can be found at https://www.tomorrow-studio.com.’
0 Comments
Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Green Veil’. Time and time again, we’ve heard about how important it is to understand history, so that its mistakes are never repeated again, and that lesson has been popping up more than ever lately. Because just like that, there is a strange obsession in the United States, to return to a ‘simpler’ time, to that era of Americana where supposedly life was just amazing and nothing was wrong with America. Unless of course you count, the physical and mental abuse so many underwent in that era, in the name of the perfect family mode, and the wanton racism and disgusting views toward BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals that ran rampant. But somehow, that’s been forgotten, and we need to be reminded of it, and storytelling is thankfully helping with that. For instance, The Network series, The Green Veil, showcases the ugliness that is Americana by plunging us into the everyday lives of the Rogers family. A perfect family unit composed of Gordon, Mabel and their adopted daughter, Abigail. Well, that is… a perfect family unit in Gordon’s mind. Because he is the breadwinner in the family as an FBI Special Agent, so what he says goes. Which means, Mabel and Abigail are best seen and not heard, and they are expected to put on a constant show of that perfect family life. But while behind closed doors, there is abuse and suffering and downright ugliness in the home. A fascinating twist that allows for ‘Your children are my children’ and ‘Your country is my country’ to perfectly express how this was an awful time in American history, one motivated by nonsense really. Nonsense in the respect that Gordon has suppressed his pain and his own emotions over his childhood trauma of being ripped away from his Native American family, a practice from that era, out of the belief that Americana will heal him. Which helps to give rise to a hollow and sorrowful household. One where Gordon only knows anger and demand, and where Mabel only knows boredom and a desperate longing to feel and be more than Gordon’s sex toy. And Abigail, is merely caught in the middle and eager for her own catharsis and freedom from a family life that is meddlesome and pathetic, and filled with ugly through and through. All of which gives us… that fascinating lesson as to why ‘Make America Great Again’ is a stupid phrase. Because we weren’t great then and we have lots of work to do now. But while it is indeed fascinating to showcase why we don’t want to go backwards and why doing so would cause great harm since it would enable all the awful things, we see in these two-opening tales… there’s more to this story than a mere walk, through a lobotomized portion of our history. For Gordon is also investigating some odd extraterrestrial accounts in the area. That have resulted in missing persons and odd occurrences such as crop circles and strange lights in the nighttime sky. Which gives rise to many questions as to whether or not, Gordon and his team are onto something real or if this is nothing more than allegory for a deeper exploration regarding our xenophobic fears as a society or if its cover to rob more families of their children. Time will tell of course, but while we wait to see what the deeper meaning is, we can revel in some brilliant opening chapters. Ones that truly immersed us in a time and a vibe composed of pure and utter lies, and reminded us how Americana’s death truly benefitted all since it did lead to progress. Not enough mind you, but progress, nevertheless. All of which compels one to continue this fascinating journey. To see what other nightmares await the Rogers family within the walls of their own home and beyond, as they continue to be subjected to ideals and concepts that were out of date when put in place. Courtesy of a society that was desperate to impart peace instead of building it in a lasting manner. Until next time. Watch ‘The Green Veil’ on The Network. Written by John Edward Betancourt It is definitely safe to say that the Acorn TV series, Harry Wild, has outright taken the television world by storm and understandably so. After all, this is that rare crime drama that features a supremely relatable main character. Because Harry Wild is a brilliant character that made quite the career change, one that she excels at, and that is something familiar to a lot of people and allows for the character to be down to earth and accessible. In fact, the writing and the depth of the characters are other reasons why this series is so beloved because everyone here feels real and feels akin to people we know, and there are still more reasons why this show is so extremely popular. Because it also, features incredible cases that are supremely human in nature and are complex and hard to solve, and of course, it features some amazing acting. Courtesy of compelling and dynamic performances from Jane Seymour and Rohan Nedd, who play Harry and Fergus respectively, and well, the good news… is that we are but a week away from enjoying more of all of these amazing elements that have left us addicted to this show. Because May 13, will bring about the third season of this beloved show and we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to spotlight some of the best aspects that season three has to offer, in a spoiler-free manner of course. Because spoilers before airtime are just cruel. But what we will talk about, is how in many ways, this is the best season of the show to date. In large part because the writing is at its best, and that’s saying something when we consider what came before. But this season, the writing from a character development standpoint is simply sublime and offers growth and supremely personal moments that allow for us to care about these characters even more than we already do. Because there’s a real comfort in the writer’s room this year, the kind that allows for the moments that we live for to offer incredible gravity and weight, and that’s a wonderful thing. Since it reinforces the fact that the writers understand the characters are what matter most here and are what brought us into the fold and that important foundation leads to the next best thing regarding season three, the cases. Because this year, they are bigger than ever, they are bolder than ever, and more complex. Which brings forth engaging mysteries that genuinely keep us guessing from beginning to end and truly take full advantage of the character’s skill sets and outright synergy. Which means there’s no solving the cases that lie ahead without both Harry and Fergus working together as one giant brain and that too, is engaging and wonderful to watch. Since it allows for these iconic characters to work seamlessly together with a level of trust and understanding that only the greatest of private investigators have enjoyed in the history of television and those elements really do bring forth a slick and well-produced third season. One that really is the best we’ve seen from this franchise. For everything works here, and the humor is still spot on, and the acting remains incredible. With Jane Seymour leading the way once again since she continues to tap into new aspects of Harry, we didn’t know existed in the first place, and the best news of all, is that we are so close to enjoying more of this amazing franchise. For Monday, May 13, 2024, will bring us more Harry Wild, and we here at NTG cannot wait to geek out about it with you nor can we wait to share our Red Carpet Interview with Jane Seymour, as we continue to count down the seconds to another chapter in this amazing and dynamic mystery series, that has captivated us in ways we never thought possible. Written by John Edward BetancourtOne particular aspect of storytelling that is supremely difficult to achieve, especially in the world of television, is finding ways to keep a long-running story/franchise, fresh and inventive. Because routine can settle in, and the ideas can grow stale, and that is why only a handful of franchises out there have been able to pull off this particular feat, and even then… those shows encounter moments where people wonder if by chance the show in question is running out of steam. But of the many shows that work to keep their stories refreshing for years on end, only one has found the true answer to making that happen. Courtesy of the fact that Doctor Who more or less resets and reinvents itself now and again, in vastly differently ways. In part because its main character, the Time Lord known only as The Doctor, can regenerate their physical body into a new iteration of itself. Allowing for a new actor to take on the role and provide a fresh take on this old soul of a character. And that change, also benefits the showrunner and their writing staff. For now, they can try new things with the story and cater to the actor’s strengths and that has brought forth, sixty-plus years of amazing storytelling and moments and well… Doctor Who and its ability to pull this off, time, and time again (pun intended) is top of mind today… because it is about to debut its biggest reinvention to date. For May 10, 2024, will see the show return to the airwaves on Disney+, with a new Doctor and a new season of storytelling that outright impresses and feels refreshing for a bevy of reasons. For in many ways, the arrival of the Fifteenth Doctor and their new companion, Ruby Sunday, feels like a hard reset for the franchise, one led by the man who brought the new era of Who to life, Russell T. Davies, and that reset is driven by way of some amazing writing for Russell and his team. Because the Doctor and Ruby go on refreshing and original adventures that are filled with wonder and awe, and that leads to amazing moments and amazing ideas that have never been seen in the history of the franchise, and the wonder of this new season doesn’t end there. Because it also does something that is rare for the saga, in that, it truly works to make the mythos that has surrounded the Doctor over the past nineteen years, less of a focus. In order to move the character in a new direction that is revitalizing and supremely positive. That’s not to say the Doctor was all darkness before, but they have seen some tough days and clearly, this new season is a chance to shed that pain and show us a healed character that once again is ready to explore the wonder of the universe, and this is welcome for certain. Because it injects a new sense of fun into the series and lets positive vibes permeate every single story, and it also doesn’t hurt, that this journey into awe is driven by way of some incredible acting. For Ncuti Gatwa is a revelation as the Fifteenth Doctor, since he approaches the role with a childlike and joyous wonder that we’ve never seen present in the role, and he is wonderfully counterbalanced by Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday. Since she too is eager to see the universe and all of time and space and that feeds the joy present in the Fifteenth Doctor’s two hearts and well, in the end, this is simply a magnificent new way to reset the franchise and reintroduce the Doctor to the world. But the best news of all, is that you only have to wait a few more days to enjoy these new adventures. For Friday will bring the Doctor and his new companion back to the airwaves and it will be a true treat to geek out with all of you regarding the most refreshing iteration of this iconic franchise to date. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Parish’. To revisit Season One’s Penultimate Episode, click here.
Often times, crime stories that feature a moment of brinksmanship for the antihero of the story, use that moment to transform them into the hero of the story. Because everyone loves a tale about an underdog and also because… we firmly want to believe that salvation comes for all. For this is a world filled with beauty, and it only makes sense that even the evil of the world, or those who walk in the gray areas of it… can step into the light and find redemption and a better way forward. But while that is nice to enjoy in a story, let’s be honest… that is nothing more than pure escapism as a concept. Because sadly, not all can be saved in this world and some… will commit to the darkness or the gray, as evidenced by the season one finale of Parish on AMC. For ‘A Good Man’ put Gracián ‘Gray’ Parish at a crossroads in this story. Wherein he had to make quite the choice. In that, he could turn around from his son’s memorial marker and return to Rose and Makalya and start over fresh at last after facing his past and being honest with them. Or… he could take revenge upon all who caused harm to his family. Thereby committing himself to the depths of revenge we have hoped he would steer clear from and for a time, he wavered between the light and the dark. Because he agreed to Shepherd’s terms of revenge and sought out old friends to get information regarding the exact identity of who killed Maddox and came to learn it was a man named Travis that pulled the trigger. So, of course, Gray made his way to his mark, making it seem as though redemption was not in the cards. Yet, Gray didn’t commit to bloodletting despite having opportunities to strike. Instead, he followed Travis about and came to learn a lot about the man. Such as the fact that he was a father, and that he struggled with substance abuse. A truth that came to light when Gray followed him into his support group and well, this is where it seemed redemption was going to come into play. Since Gray looked Travis straight in the eye and outright spoke to the pain in his heart. But alas, that was just the appetizer for the main course, and it helped to get Travis isolated so Gray could put terror into his heart before putting a bullet into his head and well… that harrowing moment led to a confession that finally prompted Gray to choose his path.
For Travis let it be known that the district attorney that Anton was backing, helped to cover up the whole mess at Anton’s request, and well… that was enough for Gray to commit to utter darkness. For this could not stand and the pain was too great to bear. So, Gray let Travis go with the understanding he would confess for his sins and once he was off to tell the world of what happened, Gray found Anton and imparted revenge at last. By brutally wounding the man before letting him burn to death in a car explosion. Pushing Gray out of the very place he often operated so he could commit forever to the darkness, to the fury that he felt within and while that alone would have carried this story, there was still more for Gray to handle in this finale. Because after all, to get to this point, he needed Shepherd’s help and that meant a debt was due.
Because Shepherd still had plans to run the family business, and while he and his sister Shamiso schemed and pushed their way into closing a grand deal to secure the family’s future by using people as currency, Gray made his way to Zenzo and isolate him with the intent of killing him. But all Gray wanted on this night was revenge and a chance to be free of any commitments to the Tongai family going forward and that was why… he let Zenzo live and let the family sort the matter out. So that there were no more problems hanging over his head. But what mattered more here, is that this story ended on a shockingly sour note. One where Gray could have saved his soul but chose to hand it over to the darkness and he paid dearly for doing so. After all, Rose and Mikayla left him behind, putting him on a lonesome path with nothing to his name and he has also, brought forth more trouble. Since Papa Tongai has come to The Big Easy for revenge, and the big boss in Chicago, someone who needed to be informed of Gray’s return to crime, is indeed informed. Not to mention, heartbreak looms as well since we learned that Colin hasn’t been entirely honest with his best friend. All of which sets the stage for a powerful season two, courtesy of one epic season one finale. One that truly defied the norms and denied the audience what they are used to. To remind us, that there are indeed lost souls in this world, who could not reconcile the pain and travel about as ghosts, filled with torment. That is why… this show needs a second season and beyond, to properly explore what that life is like for lost and ghostly soul, in a city where ghosts are everywhere to be found. Watch ‘Parish’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 525 of ‘Love During Lockup. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One thing that we can all agree upon, is that love is filled with ups and downs. Sometimes they’re quite relaxed in nature, the low points that is. Since they merely involve nothing more than quiet moments not filled with heart pounding romance and of course… sometimes the low points are low. For there are battles and disagreements and of course heartbreaks. The kind we think no one else can endure or are far less severe or stressful for others. Which is a bit of a jealous worldview of what happens outside of our love, but understandably so. Because our feels are our feels. But that’s why it never hurts to explore love’s trials and tribulations through the lens of others… to offer us perspective regarding our own love life. Which is why we tune into shows like Love During Lockup on WE tv. Because this is the kind of series that provides perspective and informs us of what romance is like for others and how, well, let’s be honest… our struggles may not be so bad, as evidenced by this week’s tale. Because highs and lows were on display in ‘Cut the Cameras!’ the kind that could be considered to be vastly more difficult than are own. Afterall, Shonta spent time in this tale, chasing down potentially stolen money from her family. All to make sure that she could have enough money to start her dream with her love, and this was… a low point in her life for certain, one that was ugly in nature and well, perhaps not fully related to love, but one that did offer perspective. But there were perhaps better examples of how there are moments in love far more difficult than the ones we face. Since we met a man named Rick, who was getting on well in life, but some romantic choices on his part, had his family worried. Because he was head over heels in love with his high school sweetheart, Samantha, who he recently reconnected with and who… was wild in her lifestyle. After all, she was in jail and there was worry that Rick might find corruption in being with someone he desired so deeply and that’s not something we see every day and that kind of potential trouble would absolutely put us at a low and leave us worried if we thought our loved one could do better. And of course, Ayonna was at a real low here, period. Because now she was going to be cut off from her love and the world and she was taking all kinds of heat from that. Not to mention, Tennie was dealing with some serious new conflict in her relationship with Rob. Because while the cameras revealed that she stayed after all to talk with his mom and there was a civil conversation, albeit briefly, she was mad over having to be the one to handle all of this, and that Rob didn’t make any effort to get his mom settled down after that meeting. Which prompted her to just do as the title said and flex on Rob, to try and get him involved, before she learned… that he might be in there longer to have more freedom. Something that truly put her in a tough spot. Plus, a real darkness began to grow over Joey and Michael’s relationship. Since we learned that Michael might be in there for far longer than expected, which he hasn’t told Joey, who was reeling from his confession to his family in this tale and pondering deeply upon staying with Michael. All of which really did showcase that highs and lows are a universal love experience, but that the lows can be worse than we think or feel in the midst of our own. Which does indeed provide us with perspective. That love is hard and a struggle at times, one that deserves grace and patience to get through the worst parts, and this episode also reminded us that we can overcome. Because despite the rough stuff we saw here, everyone is pushing ahead, trying their best and that can go far in fixing the stuff we worry about. Either way, this was just an emotional tale in the end. One that really saw so many go through the wringer and truly, it will be interesting to see how everyone comes out on the other side as this season of storytelling continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Love During Lockup’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Franklin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one particular moment in this life that gives us perspective and helps us to refocus in a time of need, it would have to be… facing one’s mortality. In any fashion, really. Because that really does showcase the precious nature of life, and how little time we have on this Earth, and that in turn, is enough to remind us of the path we need to be upon and how we need to get there and well, it just so happens that the next episode of Franklin on Apple TV+, took the time to explore just that. Courtesy of a grand reveal in ‘Beauty and Folly’… that Doctor Benjamin Franklin did not die in the carriage at the end of the last episode. No instead, that poor soul was a decoy, one that Franklin planted in the hopes of drawing out traitors and exposing the danger. But it also had quite the impact upon Benjamin. In that, the corpse in the morgue could have been him, and there was real danger here despite his standing and his role in the world and that… gave him pause and gave him focus. To the point where he lived a little again, by enjoying romantic endeavors and where… he finally understood how to best Mister Adams. In fact, all it took was letting him be himself, and not be the buffer when the Congress floated the idea of a peace treaty. Since it allowed for Adams and Vergennes to speak plainly, wherein Adams made a right fool of himself and returned home, embarrassed. Which finally removed Franklin’s biggest roadblock to securing a better tomorrow for America and that did indeed go far. Simply because, without any other noise in the room, Vergennes and Franklin could finally work together properly and plan properly and they achieved that level of communication as Vergennes moved higher into the King’s court thanks to an untimely death. Since Franklin was able to plainly ask for one grand push from the French to blockade the American coast and provide them with an arsenal to handle business at home, and through death and posturing, Vergennes was able to keep the King interested in the war long enough… to make that magic happen. For the ships and the goods were granted, all because Benjamin was focused again and able to see the chess board, thanks to that brush with death. In fact, he wasn’t the only one who learned perspective through death. Since Temple was lost in this story and about the countryside with Jacques. Wherein drink, debauchery and good times were the order of the day, any day. But that changed when Jacques took Temple on a hunt and tasked him with killing a frightened stag. Because in that moment, and the weird evening that followed, Temple came to understand the value of life, of how easily it could be taken and how… so many men like Jacques and the very people America was fighting… cared little about life. In both the physical and metaphysical sense and that was enough to help Temple understand, this wasn’t where he should be. He belonged with his grandfather and the special fight he was putting forth, and that gave him focus and brought him home. All of which made, for a very satisfying tale. One that brought order to chaos. Because let’s be honest, it seemed as though the situation was spiraling out of control in the last episode. But truly, everyone refocused, came to understand the goals at hand and now… the war is nearing its end. But that aside, we would be remiss to not point out the unique nature of how we got to that point. Because few stories ever explore mortality in this manner and how it does give us focus, but this one did it well. Since it was handled in a smooth and oddly relatable manner, and well, now that everyone here has leveled their minds and focused their hearts on a singular goal, it will be interesting to learn more about Ben’s final days in France, and how the war ended. As this limited series barrels toward its finale. Until next time. Watch ‘Franklin’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Mary & George’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Anyone that achieves a leadership position in this life, or one that yields some measure of power… hopes that one particular constant comes into play. In that, everyone working for them falls in line, follows their lead and wonders are achieved. Which can go from hope to reality with proper leadership and respect and all the healthy behaviors needed to bring a team together to accomplish wonders. But alas, more often than not, this is not how it goes for new leaders. Because not everyone understands the nuances of leadership or they’re too power hungry to properly lead, they just want to direct traffic and have all fall in line. Or they simply want it all, and well, the ugly side of leadership is top of mind today, because it was put on full display in the next episode of Mary & George on STARZ. However, early on it seemed as though this would not be the exploration at hand. For ‘The Golden City’ saw nothing but prosperity fall upon Mary and her family. For she was now a Countess, her son, a Marquess, and they were enjoying those spoils. For Mary had a lovely new home and George was indeed privy to anything he wanted in the castle, and it just seemed as though life was on easy street for this family, and they could just ride the coattails of the King for as long as they liked. But that was not enough for Mary, not at all. For she finally saw the opportunity to have her son… begin to shape the future of England as Mary Villiers saw fit and she could enjoy riches untold in the process. Which was why Mary pushed hard for George to marry and why… she wanted him on the Privy Council. Because there, real power could be yielded since King James I would listen to his special boy and whatever Mary suggested and well… while she got her wish of getting him on the Privy Council, she was not prepared for what came next. Because George was enjoying his freedom, enjoying being part of something special and that prompted him… to ignore his mother and listen to his heart and take agency. Which of course, led to some measure of disaster. Because a nouveau legislator always missteps early in their career, and he did that here by granting kindness and agency to Sir Walter Raleigh. The infamous man that spoke of the City of El Dorado and sowed discontent in England by constantly standing against his King by telling whatever lies were necessary. Which made the people happy but hurt George’s beloved King and well, that was what prompted George to clap back at his mother and her plans, and ponder upon his own path. Much to his mother’s chagrin of course, because she was hellbent on her path being the way and her plans being implemented and that led to an ugly battle of wills here. Wherein Mary tried to force the marriage in question, and of course… continued to meddle and shove her way into every person’s life and well, that was enough to push poor George away from her further. Because he wanted, needed the independence a young man needs from his mother, but she was a poor leader here, and firmly believed in threats and ugly actions to get what she wanted and that prompted George… to finally say ‘enough’, and embrace his own path and his own role, free from mother’s ideation. Which was why he sided with Bacon and the council regarding Raleigh, since they made him feel important and akin to a leader, and that led to the end of Raleigh and more internal chaos and one angry, angry, mother. One ready to go to war over this. But of course… it was her own damn fault that it came to this. Because Mary was at her worst here. A true dictator in her own right by demanding who does what and when. But that was the point, to showcase how there are bad leaders out there in the world. Who want nothing more than to rule with an iron fist because their egos and psyches are so badly damaged, they only feel important if they act important and well, Mary did indeed pay the price here. For she empowered her son to be so much more and that made, for one fascinating tale. One that truly allowed for Mary’s lust for power to come around full circle and it will be genuinely interesting to see how she handles her newly empowered son. Because mother or not, she does have to perform a delicate dance to battle him, lest she piss of a King that will in fact… drop the axe when needed. Until next time. Watch ‘Mary & George’Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for ‘Chivalry’. It is definitely safe to say that Hollywood is at something of an incredible crossroads. After all, it is an industry in a mode of evolution thanks to the advent of streaming, and it is of course taking heat over the fact that representation isn’t a standard. Plus, it’s also facing some moral battles. Since the #MeToo movement exposed a great deal of inappropriate behavior from members of the industry, the kind where they used their standing and power to create great harm. All of which leaves us wondering if the industry will survive the onslaught of challenges, it is currently facing, and well… it undoubtedly will. Because people love Tinseltown and adore stories on the silver screen and on their television screens. Which means, that what really is going to take place is a grand fight within the hallowed halls of the studios themselves. Where a new guard eager to innovate and represent and quell old and gross habits will battle with an old guard that wants a status quo and the good days to continue until it eventually loses the battle. Since the new guard always finds its way into power. But what will those battles look like and how will they be fought? Well, it just so happens that new show on The Network looks to answer those question in Chivalry. Which is a story that introduces us to two key players in Hollywood, Bobby, and Cameron. Bobby is a red-hot director coming off of a critically acclaimed feature and Cameron, is a red-hot producer that is in dire of need of help from Bobby. For a recently deceased and equally as acclaimed director, left behind a picture in crisis. One filled to the brim with weird visuals and misogynistic themes. The kind that Bobby is tasked with cleaning up. But there are problems abound in doing so. After all, Cameron hasn’t a clue how to let go of the trash he’s helped produce on the screen and his behavior is quickly coming under scrutiny from Bobby. The kind that has crossed lines, and it will now fall to Bobby to fix everything, really, in the hopes of saving this troubled production. Which is… the perfect way to explore the battles at hand, in fact, the series wastes little time in getting down to business with that. Since its opening chapter immediately tackles the sour nature of the old guard and their desire to keep that status quo, courtesy of moments and discussions that expose Cameron’s crappy behavior. But the show does more than just slam those behaviors, it makes sure to explain WHY they are problematic and hurtful. Because not everyone out there has truly understood the issues these behaviors can cause, and that leads to some powerful and poignant moments that deeply explore the nature of this problem and perhaps how best we combat it through and through. That gives rise… to what is a whip-smart satire of the industry really. Since it also features some insider jokes and little jabs at the business as a whole, and that does mean that yes… this is a comedy at its core. Because sometimes the best way to process deep and powerful themes is to add a little laughter into the mix. Since that really does soften the blow so to speak and does help the lesson stick, and well, all of that leads to one intelligent and funny series. One that truly explores some real problems in a business that means so much to so many and offers up some simple solutions to perhaps changing hearts and minds regarding such silly behaviors, so that the industry can enjoy a more peaceful and wholesome tomorrow. Watch ‘Chivalry’ on The Network. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Sugar’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say, that the Apple TV+ series, Sugar, is one of the most refreshing and innovative private investigator stories to hit the airwaves in ages. Because it is revolutionary in nature, thanks to the fact that it has figured out how to take this genre to the next level, and it has even figured out how to modernize noir for a new generation of viewers. All of which has given rise to incredible moments and an incredible case for us to follow. The kind that beautifully balances what came before and what lies ahead and well, it just so happens that this series… isn’t done with revolutionizing this genre and this style of storytelling, as evidenced by its next episode. In fact, ‘Go Home’, is a landmark moment for stories in this vein since it featured an ending with a twist that none of us saw coming. After that is, giving us more of what we’re comfortable with. For instance, this story featured follow up on the whole Davy mess. Since we came to learn here that David Siegel’s injuries were too extensive for him to return to normal life. In fact, he was legally brain dead from the damage and that forced his mother and father to decide to pull the plug and led to a powerful moment with Bernie. Wherein he wept over the loss of his boy with his father no less. Which was moving and heartbreaking to say the least and well, once that was wrapped up, it was onto quite the pressing and dangerous matter, Olivia. Because Sugar and Charlie made it to Stallings’ little creeper ranch and while there… a trap was laid down for Sugar. One that forced him to get nasty and get creative in bringing down the bad guys, via a fight for the ages. One that ended in failure, since Olivia wasn’t there, and it should be noted that John should not have survived this fight, since he took a beating. But this man of mystery survived his wounds, and received odd medical attention from Henry before confronting the person that betrayed him… Ruby. Since she sent the message alerting Stallings to John’s presence. Which left him despondent and more determined than ever to find Olivia. Regardless of the danger now ahead since Ruby made it clear, this case was to be left alone and he was to move on post haste. But before he could continue the search, he realized… he needed a minute to heal and to rest because of the day he had and well… that’s when this story took the most innovative turn ever regarding this type of story. Because John finally opted to use the magical drugs presented to him by his doctor, and well in doing so… it was revealed that John Sugar, is not a human being. Nope, this little cocktail mix allowed for him to shed his human skin and reveal a strange face from another world. One as blue as the sky and the oceans of our world. So yes, that means, the private investigator we’ve come to know and are fascinated by because of his love of film and the human condition, is a being from another world obsessed with who we are and what we could be and that… is about as stunning as it gets. Of course, it also explains his strength, his fury, and his other odd quirks from a physical standpoint. But more importantly, it changes everything for this series Because just like that… we are in the midst of a bold new chapter for this story. Where we simply do not know what to expect in the slightest and that… is pretty damn innovating and exciting as well. Because it is rare in this day and age to truly immerse oneself in a story that truly keeps you guessing… but here we are… and we are indeed counting down the days to next week’s story. To learn more about this strange visitor from another world, and exactly why this case has gone from a simple missing person case to the fight of John Sugar’s strange alien life. Until next time. Watch ‘Sugar’
|
Archives
October 2024
|