It is definitely safe to say that ears perked up when it was announced that Prime Video, in association with Universal Television, Amazon MGM Studios and Wolf Entertainment, was going to release a new crime series entitled, On Call. A thrilling and intense series revolving around a veteran and rookie police officer in Long Beach, California. Mainly because, Wolf Entertainment is the watermark for crime stories and the thought of them working in the world of streaming is quite enticing to say the least. Thus, everyone has been waiting for more information regarding this series, to get an idea of how epic it is going to be.
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Well, thankfully, Prime Video is happy to oblige as we inch closer to the 2025 series premiere of the show. Since they took the time to release key art for the series today, and a trailer. To give everyone an understanding of how incredible this show is going to be, and well, since you’ve been anxiously awaiting your own sampling of things to come, we have that trailer, that art, and updated details on the show to share with you. To help you prepare for Wolf Entertainment’s grand entrance in the world of streaming.    

‘Today, Prime Video released the official trailer and key art for On Call, a gripping new half-hour drama series from Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television. Co-created by Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, On Call is Wolf Entertainment’s first scripted streaming series and will premiere January 9, 2025 with all eight episodes, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
 
On Call is an adrenalized and visceral police drama that follows a rookie and veteran officer duo as they go on patrol in Long Beach, California. Incorporating a mixture of bodycam, dash-camera, and cellphone footage to create a cinema verité effect, the innovative series explores the morality of protecting and serving a community.
 
The series stars Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars) as officer “Traci Harmon,” a seasoned twelve year veteran and training officer with a strong moral compass that has defined her approach to policing, even if that puts her at odds with new law enforcement policies. Brandon Larracuente (The Good Doctor) stars as “Alex Diaz,” an ambitious rookie who grapples with holding onto his optimistic outlook as he realizes the challenges he’ll face in today’s climate. 
 
Additional cast includes Eriq La Salle (ER, Logan) as “Sergeant Lasman,” who also serves as an executive producer on the series and directed multiple episodes, Lori Loughlin (Fuller House) as “Lieutenant Bishop,” and Rich Ting as “Sergeant Koyama” (Tulsa King).
 
Dick Wolf (Law & Order, Chicago, FBI-branded series), Tim Walsh (Chicago P.D., Hightown, Night Stalker), Elliot Wolf (Dark Woods, Hunted), Eriq LaSalle (former EP/Director Chicago P.D.), and Peter Jankowski are executive producers. The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studios Group and Amazon MGM Studios in association with Wolf Entertainment.
 
About Prime Video
Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favorite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports – including Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Road House, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, and The Idea of You; licensed fan favorites American Fiction and The Boys in the Boat; Prime member exclusive access to coverage of live sports including Thursday Night Football, WNBA, and NWSL, and acclaimed sports documentaries including Bye Bye Barry and Federer; and programming from partners such as Max, Crunchyroll and MGM+ via Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions, as well as more than 500 free ad-supported (FAST) Channels. Prime members in the U.S. can share a variety of benefits, including Prime Video, by using Amazon Household. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles, including blockbusters such as Challengers and The Fall Guy, via the Prime Video Store, and can enjoy content such as Jury Duty and Bosch: Legacy free with ads on Freevee. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favorite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.amazon.com/primevideo.
 
About Wolf Entertainment
Wolf Entertainment, led by Emmy®-winning television producer Dick Wolf, produces scripted and non-scripted content for all platforms. In conjunction with Universal Television (UTV), Wolf Entertainment produces NBC's award-winning Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, the longest-running primetime scripted series on television, which is currently in its 26th season. The company also produces Law & Order (S24), Law & Order: Organized Crime (S4), Chicago Fire (S13), Chicago PD (S12) and "Chicago Med" (S10); CBS' "FBI" (S7), "FBI: Most Wanted (S6) and "FBI: International" (S4). These shows alone brought in over 78 million viewers across the 2024 season finales. Wolf Entertainment's upcoming half-hour drama "On Call" for Prime Video, marks the company's first streaming original. Wolf Entertainment also produced "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," which ran for 11 seasons on NBC and the Emmy-winning HBO film "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee."
 
In the non-scripted space, Wolf Entertainment produces Netflix’s “Homicide NY” and “Homicide LA,” NBC's “LA Fire & Rescue," CBNC's "Blood and Money," and Oxygen's "Nightwatch," "Cold Justice," "Criminal Confessions" and "Murder for Hire." The company also produced the Academy Award-winning documentary "Twin Towers" and the Grammy-winning documentary about The Doors "When You're Strange."
 
The company has also released the newly launched true crime podcast, "Law & Order: Criminal Justice System", which follows the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. Additionally, they have released two scripted drama podcasts, "Hunted" and "Dark Woods," the latter is being developed as a scripted series with Universal Television.

About Universal Television
Universal Television (UTV), a division of Universal Studio Group, is one of the largest and most successful television studios in the world. Led by President Erin Underhill, the studio is known for programming with broad appeal and cultural relevance. UTV currently produces over 40 primetime comedies and dramas across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Home to commercial hits such as Dick Wolf's enormously successful Law & Order, One Chicago and FBI-branded series, UTV also produces celebrated premium series including the Emmy® Award-winning Hacks and The Gilded Age, Emmy-nominated Girls5eva, cultural phenomena Bel-Air, Never Have I Ever and The Best Man: The Final Chapters, as well as fan favorites including The Equalizer, Loot, Harlem and more. UTV’s library comprises some of the greatest contemporary shows in television history, including The Office, Parks and Recreation, The Good Place, Will & Grace, Friday Night Lights, New Amsterdam and more.’

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 204 of Silo, which will be available to stream on Apple TV+, tomorrow! 
 
Episode 204 - “The Harmonium”
Juliette sets out on a dangerous quest to retrieve a suit so she can return home and save her silo. Mechanical plans a meeting with Judge Meadows

Time and time again, we’ve sung praises here at NTG for the family entertainment programming that Apple TV+ puts forth. Simply because, it’s quality programming through and through. The kind that teaches kids in a subtle manner while engaging them with entertainment and every single year, Apple keeps bringing forth, amazing stories that continue to accomplish this feat and they’re making a point now of building family franchises. The kind where kids have new adventures to look forward to with exciting characters they love, and one that really made an impact in the past couple of years will be returning in 2025.
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For recently Apple announced that Eva the Owlet, the charming series that captivated imaginations everywhere, will be getting a second season that will premiere on January 24, 2025. Allowing for kids to once again explore Eva’s incredible world and as an added bonus, Apple was also kind enough to announce that a holiday special entitled Eva’s Moon Wishwill debut on December 13, 2024. All of which is exciting news since fans will get to enjoy more great lessons in an entertaining manner and discuss them with their parents, courtesy of this charming franchise, and to properly celebrate this news, here are all the details on season two, and a sneak peek of the holiday special, to help you prepare for more adventures with little Eva, courtesy of Apple TV+. 

‘Today, Apple TV+ announced a second season for the beloved animated kids and family series “Eva the Owlet,” based on the New York Times bestselling Scholastic book series “Owl Diaries” by award-winning author Rebecca Elliott, to premiere on Friday, January 24, 2025. Additionally, Apple unveiled a delightful first-look clip from the all-new “Eva the Owlet” holiday special “Eva’s Moon Wish,” debuting on Friday, December 13, 2024. 
 
Celebrated by fans around the world, “Eva the Owlet” has been hailed as "spunky," "captivating” and "a real hoot.” The series stars Eva, a creative, cheeky owlet who lives next door to her best friend Lucy in the woodland world of Treetopington. With big ideas and an even bigger personality, Eva goes on high-flying adventures, expressing herself in her diary along the way! Season two takes viewers through a night in the life of Eva, a spunky and enthusiastic owlet who dreams big. Whether she’s planning a backyard campout with her friends or saving the town’s Spring Acorn Roll from hungry squirrels, Eva tackles her goals with conviction and flair, expressing herself in her journal along the way.
 
In the upcoming holiday special titled “Eva’s Moon Wish,” as Treetopington celebrates a special holiday, Eva helps a lost oriole look for his family—and learns the true meaning of community. 
 
Since first being published, “Owl Diaries” now has eight foreign language translations and 12 million copies in print. Produced by award-winning Scholastic Entertainment (“Clifford the Big Red Dog,” “Goosebumps,” “The Magic School Bus”) with production services and 4K animation by Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated studio Brown Bag Films (”Doc McStuffins,” “Vampirina,” “Octonauts”), “Eva the Owlet” also features original songs by critically acclaimed musician and singer-songwriter Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums. Voice talent includes Vivienne Rutherford ("Eureka!," “911: Lone Star”) as the titular character Eva, Jessica DiCicco ("The Loud House," "Puppy Dog Pals") as Eva's mom, Dino Andrade (“Loud House,” “We Baby Bears”) as Eva's dad, as well as Romy Fay (“Best Foot Forward”), Sascha Yurchak, Jon Olson (“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” “Pokemon: Detective Pikachu”), Evie Hsu (“Team Mekbots”), Sarah Vattano (“The Uglies,” “Rise Up, Sing Out”), Pressly James Crosby (“General Hospital”) and Kenna Ramsey (“Rent”).
 
“Eva the Owlet” is executive produced by Scholastic Entertainment’s Peabody and Daytime Emmy Award-winning team including Iole Lucchese (“Clifford the Big Red Dog”), Caitlin Friedman (“Stillwater”), and Jef Kaminsky (“Signs of Survival”). Cathal Gaffney and Darragh O’Connell of Brown Bag Films also serve as executive producers. Daytime Emmy Award nominees Annabeth Bondor-Stone (“Helpsters”) and Connor White (“Helpsters”), who both developed the series for television, serve as co-executive producers, and Daytime Emmy Award nominee Damien O’Connor (“Angela’s Christmas,” “Angela’s Christmas 2”) serves as supervising director. 
 
The late Dr. John F. Evans, a writing clinician, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach at Duke Integrative Medicine, and the Founder and Executive Director of Wellness & Writing Connections, LLC served as the expressive writing expert on the series through Apple TV+’s changemakers initiative. The series was one of the last significant projects he worked on, hoping to inspire young viewers to write, to find their voices, and to believe in themselves. 
 
The exciting slate of recent offerings for kids and families on Apple TV+ features new Peanuts series “Camp Snoopy”; the second season of beloved animated series “Frog and Toad,” based on the Caldecott and Newbery Honor-winning books; animated adventure trilogy “WondLa,” based on the New York Times bestselling book series “The Search for WondLa” by Tony DiTerlizzi; highly anticipated kids and family series “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!,” inspired by the hit, Emmy Award-nominated cultural phenomenon “Yo Gabba Gabba!”; and, “Me,” an elevated cinematic coming-of-age story from Barry L. Levy.
 
Award-winning all-ages offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+ also include celebrated live action animated hybrid special, “The Velveteen Rabbit”; the Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; Oscar-nominated and BAFTA Award-winning animated film “Wolfwalkers”; Skydance animated feature “Luck”; the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling With Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award-nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” “Frog and Toad,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show,” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater.” Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award-nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award-winning “Best Foot Forward,” “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award-winning “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop and Sinking Ship’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter,” Emmy Award and Environmental Media Association Award winning “Jane,” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.”
 
Also featured are “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times bestselling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers, and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” Emmy Award-winning “Snoopy Presents: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.”
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 526 wins and 2,374 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
 
*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply;visitapple.com/promo for more information*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visitapple.com/promo for more information.’

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías)’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Truly, few shows in 2024 have managed to continually surprise us in the manner that You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías)’ has managed to. Courtesy of the fact that twists and turns are the very fabric of this Apple TV+ series, and that’s led to moments that outright take our breath away. But it seemed at the end of last week’s episode, that the show was done shocking us at every turn. For the truth was in hand now, and no one cared, and Fran left the force and well, the next episode in this story reinforced the very real possibility that we were done being shocked and something new was about to be introduced to us. 

For ‘Free Again’ took place weeks after the case came to a close, and interest in it was waning and life was getting back to normal for the people that committed epic crimes on the bus. In fact, we were able to see them in their private lives, trying to pick up the pieces, and even Fran was working to adjust to life as a civilian. Leaving us to wonder if the story was going to explore how one moves forward on such matters. But alas, that was the mere setup for more surprises, the kind that set the stage for an explosive season finale. All courtesy of the fact, that Jandro was eager to make some money by giving the news his explosive account of the story, with some truths that no one else knew. Making it seem as though everyone was going down for their crimes, or so we thought.

Because one fine day, while Fran was preparing to enjoy the wonder of video games, Manuel and Marga dropped by his place because they were scared. Scared they were being watched and scared they were about to be put under harm. Which Fran ignored because that made no sense. They had their money back, and everyone of note in the case that could cause harm was dead or disappeared. But what this duo had to say, made it clear that was not the case. Because… once again… lies were told to Fran and Rebeca, the kind that covered up a more heinous truth. In that, the real robbers were not killed on that fateful night. In fact, those were the real heroes of the robbery, and that the true crooks… were embedded inside the victim’s circle all along.

For Manuel let it be known that the three people that died on that night, were in fact, airport security agents. Who were just trying to get home like anyone else. But that Balter, Elisa and Miren were in fact… the robbers. Whose plans went south. In part because Dante stepped up to get his gear and run, but also because… those security guards stood tall and tried to diffuse the situation. But of course, that failed, and Elisa brought down the three of them, and then used their deaths and the evidence available to blackmail everyone on that bus into shutting their mouths and playing along. All so this trio could get away with the perfect crime, and they threatened everyone with pain and suffering if they talked and they made good on that threat. 

Because in order to keep Jandro quiet, they ran him over with a car and well, all of this led to another stunning chapter in this tale. One that truly did find a way to surprise and keep the fascinating plot introduced here alive and well and as engaging as ever. For three innocents that we thought were suffering through survivor’s remorse… were in fact, monsters. The kind that had no problem causing harm and are not who they seem and that truly sets the stage for an epic finale. Because now, Fran is in a tough spot. For he’s no longer police but he is clearly disturbed by what he learned in this tale, and he has to figure out whether or not to report this and do the right thing or let it be since he turned in his badge, and it will be interesting to see how this revelation and this case come to resolution during next week’s season finale. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many reasons that people eagerly tune into the hit Apple TV+ series, Shrinking. For starters, this is that rare series that shows grief and trauma in the raw, since we are privy to moments that are just painfully relatable and really speak to what it means to hurt. But the show also is taking the time to show us how to heal, courtesy of characters we love and are now deeply attached to. But of all the reasons we tune in to enjoy this show, there is one above all that we share in. In that, this series also goes above and beyond by showing us… what it looks like when we heal and who we become when the wounds in our soul close, and that was once again on display in this week’s episode.

A feat that ‘Full Grown Dude Face’ accomplished by way of three key journeys. One of which, involved Brian. Who got the good news that a mother was interested in them, and another couple in being the parents of her baby and well, Brian basically freaked out. Because his nerves and his desire to be accepted, made him nervous that he would blow this and say all the wrong things. So, he sought everyone’s counsel to do this right, and well… when the time came… when he took a moment to breathe and relax, he was the charming man we know he can be. Which was growth for certain and a step forward in healing from his own little long-term proclivities. Because he overcame them to be his authentic self, and that was a delight, despite the sad outcome. Since the mom to be went with the other couple.

As for the second journey, well that involved Gaby. Who also got some urgent news in this tale. In that, her sister was planning on joining the army as quickly as possible. Which meant, there was no three-month window to prepare for a future where she cared for their mother. It was on the horizon and well, old Gaby would have struggled and done silly things. But since she’s grown and taken agency and come to understand the world as it is and her own emotions… she owned her sister’s decision and made good on her word. Which brought her mother into her home, and it was just great to see Gaby find such strength and agency and really stand on her own two feet in this story after spending so much time relying upon others to give her strength.  

But the centerpiece story here involved Jimmy and Alice. For Jimmy wanted to begin to atone for his mistakes as a father, and Alice wanted to find peace and comfortability in life without feeling haunted by her mother’s death and both found measures of growth regarding that here. Since Jimmy did an amazing job of being a dad. All by giving Alice what she needed emotionally to find her agency and find her peace. Which led to moments for Jimmy where he finally felt as though he was a good father after all, and was making it up his little girl, and where Alice finally started to step beyond her grief, and that was just incredible to watch play out, and it was heartwarming and charming as well… and really reminded us why we watch stories about grief and trauma and healing.

Because it is these moments that inspire us to put in the work. To heal. To find peace. Because it can be done and it does give rise to a better tomorrow, where we aren’t crying into a pillow or staring at the ceiling begging for the pain to stop. Where we instead, smell the crisp air and know we are lucky to be alive and enjoying the moment, and that made for one amazing episode. For it did showcase that things get better, and while the rest of the season may not be so perky and joyful, that’s okay. Because this show is teaching us that healing is peaks and valleys, and to enjoy the highs while we can, for they get us through the tough days and teach us how to make every day feel like that, and it will be interesting to see where this growth takes these amazing characters, as we inch toward the end of season two of this magnificent series. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the latest chapter in the Night Court saga on NBC, it’s delightful new-boot, truly embodies the best aspects of the franchise. For it offers up tender storytelling that has depth and wonder, something that was a staple of the original series, and it of course… is downright hilarious, like what came before it. Courtesy of quality jokes and quality writing that allows for us to enjoy some good laughs in these trying times, and as evidenced by last night’s episode… it also knows when to do something that the classic series was also good at. Which is, to just sometimes let loose and embrace the comedy and embrace the zany.

For the franchise is littered with episodes that are just off the wall funny and well, a problem in New York City allowed for ‘The Hole Truth’ to bring forth some wacky comedy. For the Big Apple was in the midst of a sanitation worker strike and the garbage was piling up, and well, that meant trash and weird behavior was everywhere to be found, the kind that Julianne wanted to take advantage of. Because she knew a few things about trash, such as how the right kinds of medication when expired, could offer up wonders untold for people that don’t quite like the company of other people, like she and Dan. Since it could dull one’s sense of smell and allow them to walk about a trash filled paradise, one that was empty because everyone was staying indoors to avoid the stench. Which was an idea that Dan loved and that allowed for these professional frenemies to bond. 

But while they were going about their scent-less tour of the Big Stinkle, Abby was dealing with quite the twist in the courtroom. Because it was surprisingly clean and that was because the janitorial staff, led by an individual named Bert, had a special method in which to dispose of the garbage present in the courthouse. In that, in the depths of the courthouse, was a giant freakin’ hole. One that was an abyss of sorts and where all the trash went. Which of course, took Abby off guard because logic dictated that it had to go somewhere or could cause a problem and well, challenging the hole’s wonder, set Bert off and prompted her and her team to join the strike. Which brought about mountains of trash in the courthouse and desperate times for all. Where Flobert and Gurgs devised some unique plans for getting the garbage out. The kind that involved balloons and hope.

Not to mention it strained Julianne and Dan’s newfound friendship and it also left Abby curious. Because in reality, she didn’t really say anything all that mean or nasty, so she believed that something deeper was happening here. As though there was undue stress on Bert and well, what better way to find that out… than by digging through Bert’s trash? Wherein she learned that Bert’s prized alligator, Todd, died, and well… she wondered if perhaps a nice gesture would solve the crisis at hand, and that prompted Abby to honor Todd in a beautiful manner. By holding a memorial for that wonderful alligator, wherein Todd was tossed down the hole, as that gator always would have wanted. Which made Bert quite happy and prompted her to end the strike. Which brought balance back to the courthouse if only for a moment. Mainly because Todd snapped a power line on the long way down, causing a citywide blackout.

But what mattered more was that unity was back in the courthouse and Dan and Julianne found a new way to enjoy a bustling metropolis without people around, since they could wander the darkness, and all of this brought forth, one hilarious and wild and wacky episode. Because this one was just plain over the top, and it was amazing to say the least. Because every single moment and twist and decision was as funny as can be, and it also doesn’t hurt that Betsy Sodaro, this week’s guest star, brought a special energy and quirkiness to Bert that helped sell the wild nature of one fun story. One that reminds us that this series can do it all, and it will be interesting to see what other wacky adventures await us in Night Court, as season three of this magnificent series rolls along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There is a fascinating evolution taking place in the hit NBC series, The Irrational. In that, every single episode in season two is offering us so much more than what we are accustomed to with this series. For now, that everything is established in this series, it is taking the time to dive deeper into the characters we already know and love and explore what makes them tick and drives them. Giving rise to powerful moments and growth that we simply cannot get enough of, and the show is even adding to its already unique hook. In that, we are no longer just getting one generalized lesson regarding what makes us irrational in a singular episode, but we are being treated to multiple explorations. 

Which is allowing for us to learn about the human condition like never before and for proof… well just look at last night’s midseason finale. For ‘Stan By Me’ provided Rose and Alec with quite the unique case involving a K-Pop star named Yoonie, who was being accused of murder. For she found the body of a superfan she had a past with, and was covered in that’s fan blood and all signs pointed to her being the killer. But of course, through Alec and Rose’s amazing, paired skill set, and Riz’s love of K-Pop, they were able to prove that her manager was the one responsible for cold-blooded murder, mainly because he had secrets to hide of the embezzlement kind and well, it was everything that led to the resolution and truth of this matter, that showcased those enhanced aspects of the show.

For instance, Yoonie kept a lot of secrets, because she was filled to the brim with fear. Fear that her label would come after her, fear that truths about her life that she wanted kept quiet, and the label wanted kept quiet, would come to light. So, she lied and did so because fear really does make us irrational, and it was fascinating to see that play out here. And of course, her manager and his decision to steal mountains of money from his star talent, made it clear that greed is something that can make us irrational. Especially when we don’t want that gravy train to end, since the superfan was about to expose him for his dirty deeds, and that was a lot to examine, but it was welcome, and it truly painted a powerful picture of the human condition in its irrational state.

But there was mention of character growth here, the kind that went above and beyond, and that was mostly handled through our new favorite power couple on television and Marisa. Who finally met her new boss and immediately struggled to find common ground with her, mainly because the new boss had ideas that fade from most of our minds with time. Since she was all about work life balance and let’s be honest… we eventually abandon that when we dive deep into our careers. But rather than fight and resist and create chaos, Marisa took good advice from Kylie about being a little more open with the new boss, so they could find common ground and work together. Which is a powerful moment of growth that not everyone holds to, and our power couple only added to the wonder of that.

Since they were open and honest here about their feelings and had real discussions about real problems and concerns that some would ignore and push past. All of which reminded us that communication is a big deal and goes far in this life, and well… all of this made for a supremely unique midseason finale. Simply because most finales are grandiose in scope and feature some kind of epic cliffhanger or stunner of a moment. But this… this was just business as usual, and it was glorious. Since we love these characters, we love learning about the human condition and going this route informs us, one can enter the winter break on a wholesome note, courtesy of next level storytelling that gives the audience what it wants, and now we can patiently wait for more of this magnificent series, when it returns in 2025. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that fans of the magnificent new STARZ series, Sweetpea, have been a touch nervous since the season one finale. Mainly because, everyone has been dying to know if that epic cliffhanger was going to serve as the series finale for the saga, or if this show would receive a second season order and resolve that and perhaps have Rhiannon face some consequences for her actions. Because she did some awful things in the name of agency, and has yet to truly atone for them, and well… after a few weeks of unease, STARZ put any concerns we have about THAT moment being the end, to rest.
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For they let it be known that Sweetpea is going to be granted a second season after all. Wherein we can see how Rhiannon’s sister responds to the horrible sight she will soon see in the kitchen, and of course… what will become of Rhiannon now that she escaped any accountability for the other murders she committed, and of course… to see if real redemption is in the cards for her. And to properly celebrate this magnificent news, here are all the details on the show’s season two renewal, courtesy of STARZ.

‘Sky and STARZ announce that ‘coming-of-rage’ Sky Original comedy thriller “Sweetpea” will return for a second killer season. “Sweetpea” is produced by See-Saw Films and fanboy in association with Sky Studios.

Season 2 will see Rhiannon Lewis return with a vengeance as her killer secret continues to spiral, and she becomes more twisted than ever.
 
Executive producer and star Ella Purnell said, “Being part of Rhiannon’s coming-of-rage journey has been a career highlight for me, and to see fans engage with and relate to our oddball Rhiannon, in all her complexity, feels truly special. I cannot wait for audiences to see what she does next. Stay tuned.”
 
Season 1 of “Sweetpea” is available to watch on Sky and streaming service NOW in the U.K. and on STARZ in the U.S. and Canada.

Meghan Lyvers, Executive Director of Original Scripted, Sky UK & Ireland said, “‘Sweetpea’ is a highly original, character-driven show, led by the fantastic Ella Purnell, which has captivated audiences around the world. Fans have binged this unique, darkly comic thriller and they can’t wait to see what Rhiannon will do next. Alongside our producing partners at See-Saw Films, and STARZ in the U.S., we are thrilled to bring this gem of a show back for a second series.”

“Ella Purnell’s killer performance captured the journey of a woman finally finding her voice, and we’re thrilled with the response from critics and viewers” said Alison Hoffman, President, STARZ Networks. ‘Sweetpea’s’ unique take on female agency is a perfect complement to STARZ’s slate of programming for women. We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Sky Studios and Ella Purnell in bringing another season of this addictive series to U.S. audiences.”

Patrick Walters, Executive Producer See-Saw Films and fanboy said, “Making ‘Sweetpea’ has been the most exhilarating of rollercoaster rides, and we’re so excited to be partnering again with Sky Studios, and to have STARZ back as the show's U.S. home for Season 2. Rhiannon already feels like an iconic character and See-Saw and fanboy can’t wait to get back into the world of the show with the powerhouse that is Ella Purnell."

NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution handles international sales of the series on behalf of Sky Studios.

About “Sweetpea”
Rhiannon Lewis doesn’t make much of an impression - people walk past her in the street without a second glance. She’s continually overlooked for a promotion at work, the guy she likes won’t commit, and her dad is really, really sick. So far, so shit. Then everything in her life is turned upside down, and Rhiannon is pushed over the edge. She snaps. Suddenly the wallflower is gone, and in its place is a young woman capable of anything… Rhiannon’s life transforms as she steps into a new, intoxicating power, but can she keep her killer secret?

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 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 See-Saw Films
See-Saw Films is an Academy Award®, Emmy and BAFTA-winning television and film production house, founded in 2008 by Joint CEOs Emile Sherman and Iain Canning. The innovative production company is made up of an industry-leading team across offices in London and Sydney, with Helen Gregory and Simon Gillis as Joint Managing Directors, and Liz Watts as Head of Television and Film, Australia. See-Saw Films projects have been nominated for 30 Academy Awards® and won 5, nominated for 58 BAFTAs and won 15, nominated for 37 Emmys and won 13 and nominated for 98 AACTAs and won 27. See-Saw titles include Jane Campion’s Academy Award® winning The Power Of The Dog; BAFTA and Emmy-nominated Slow Horses for Apple TV+; BAFTA Award winning Lion; Emmy-winning Heartstopper for Netflix; and the Academy Award® Best Picture-winning The King’s Speech. Projects currently in production include TV series Apple Cider Vinegar for Netflix, and further seasons of Slow Horses for Apple TV+. See-Saw are in partnership with Michael Ende Productions to develop and produce live action films adapted from Michael Ende’s novel The Neverending Story. See-Saw has also recently optioned several literary titles including the West End hit Shifters by Benedict Lombe and the upcoming Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn. Projects recently released include Slow Horses season 4, Heartstopper S3, and Sweetpea for Sky, starring Ella Purnell. Alongside an in-house sales agency Cross City Films, See-Saw has two joint venture production companies, I Am That with creator/director Garth Davis (Lion), and Picking Scabs with writer/showrunner Samantha Strauss (The End); an in-house label fanboy run by Heartstopper executive producer Patrick Walters; and is an investor in Tom Winchester’s TV company, Pure Fiction, alongside talent agency Hamilton Hodell. Joint Founder and CEO Emile Sherman hosts See-Saw’s podcast, The Sandbox, which shines a light on the creative process through longform conversations with key creatives from See-Saw's productions alongside our lead in-house producer.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Premiere of ‘Dalgliesh’. To revisit the Season Two Finale, click here.
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We are taught to believe that those who serve God and spread His word to the masses, are truly noble men. For they in essence, surrender everything worldly to ensure that they can properly serve the church and serve the people. Because they have been called by a higher power and must obey what the good Lord says and demands of them, and the consistent actions of these men, has helped to reinforce that belief. Since we have seen so many men of the cloth obey the edicts put upon them and work to do some good in their community. But what’s fascinating… is how that belief is beginning to falter collectively.

Simply because, we are beginning to learn that it is damn near impossible to ask human beings to surrender that which we are made of. Because we will crave and need those elements and that will prompt some, if not all in the church, to eventually succumb to those needs and get what they want. Which has brought forth shocking revelations for certain, the kind that have exposed the flawed nature of the church, and well, this has been a long time coming. Since those moments of weakness, which lead to shattered vows, has been quietly happening for some time now, as evidenced by the season three premiere of Dalgliesh on Acorn TV.

For ‘Death in Holy Orders’ brought Adam Dalgliesh and DS Daniel Tarrant to a distant church where the unthinkable had taken place. In that murder most foul was committed against not only a top man of the cloth, but another employee of the church, and well… that led to a fascinating investigation that exposed how the church is no different than the regular world. Because before the murders took place, the clergy in this building battled over money, and how badly they needed it, and the wild steps needed to fund a struggling church. All of which spoke to how such matters find their way into a place we don’t think would deal with such matters, and of course, it also spoke to a murder grounded in ideology. Wherein the church would stay pure and free of man’s trappings.

But as Adam and Daniel dug deeper, they came to understand… that the murders in this sacred place related to other issues. Such as greed, and the need to keep grand secrets. For in this holy temple, was an heir to the entire estate, one who unknowingly worked alongside his own estranged father, and dear old dad, hatched a strange plan to get rich and prove to his son his love. For if the right people died, his son would inherit the estate and could sell it and live large, and he could gently worm his way into that money. Provided of course, the mother in the matter kept quiet and through death, since she was the dead employee in question, she certainly did. And while justice was served, faith and belief in the cloth were shattered here and rightfully so. Since those acts kept with the theme.

Since we came to understand that priests do indeed struggle with letting go of a love of money, comfort, fatherhood, and darkness. Because they are in fact, human beings. They might serve God, yes, and His word, but they are people and fallible and the sooner we realize that the sooner we look at religion in a different and perhaps less controlling light. All of which came courtesy of a fascinating story. One that once again saw Adam carefully unravel the facts and use patience, kindness and intelligence to get to the bottom of things, and that is always welcome to see in this modern era of crime dramas where tech aids the savvy, and truly, it will be interesting to see what other unique cases await us in season three of this magnificent show. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘St. Denis Medical’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that we all have polarizing and varying views regarding the American Health Care system. For it does have its problems via soaring costs and outright greed from the companies that are in charge of keeping us healthy. Not to mention, it’s strange to live in a nation where one must wait for the approval of others to not have to pay tens of thousands of dollars for life-saving surgery. But it does have its upside. Because we do have technologies galore that can save lives, and medicines and vaccines that keep awful things at bay and what’s really impressive about the system… is how seamless its centers of healing, run.

Because think about it for a moment. When you get to a hospital for care, you don’t see people standing about waiting for something to do, nor do they appear bored and eager to go home. They’re working as one to save lives and make people feel better and that’s impressive. Because people don’t always work like that, and it does leave one to wonder… is it really that seamless? Do personal conflicts come into play and if so… how then do they come together? Well thankfully, St. Denis Medical on NBC continues to ponder upon those questions for us and answer them, as evidenced by last night’s delightful episode, ‘A Peanut and Caramel-Filled Miracle’. 

For this particular tale let us know… that no… synergy and harmony are not always the case in these places of healing. There are interpersonal conflicts abound and tough moments for the staff that go beyond the lives they save. For instance, Alex was tasked with firing a shoddy nurse who just wasn’t getting it, and she struggled with that because that wasn’t a skill in her wheelhouse and made her day rough. Plus, Dr. Ron and Dr. Bruce, let a simple misunderstanding escalate into machismo nonsense. The kind where Dr. Bruce went above and beyond to deny Dr. Ron his daily candy bar treat, and Matt… wanted some recognition from a patient for saving his life. All of which, are very real conflicts people would deal with in the workplace and in life and that… should have brought this hospital to its knees.

Since there was an incompetent nurse running around, two doctors acting like grown children and another nurse hounding someone for verbal hugs. Yet, this hospital continued to hum and thrive and that’s because… in this world… the people that work in a hospital are indeed working toward a noble cause… saving the lives of others, and nothing else matters, and they will put aside silly stuff to make sure that happens. Which was why Joyce stepped in and did the thing for Alex and why Bruce and Ron worked together seamlessly when a patient was in desperate need of help. And while Matt once again fumbled the ball by being too direct, he did learn the importance of his actions over personal gratitude and that’s growth in its own right. 

All of which made for another amazing episode of this show. Simply because it really did point out the wonder of hospitals and the best aspects of our flawed system. Because really, this is the focus of a hospital and time and time again, we hear about nurses and doctors just plunging into action and doing what has to be done so grandma gets more time with her family and so those of us ailing… can get the second chance we deserve, and it was just delightful to see this on display here, and of course… laugh along the way. Because the jokes just worked here, and blended together our world with one that we don’t fully understand but are starting to. Thanks to this brilliant series, and its wonderful insights regarding the world of medicine and the people who care for us when we are in need. Until next time.