57 Channels and Only This Is On: August 18, 2019

Veronica Mars: Episode 5: So after episode three, I predicted that J.K. Simmons was the bomber and became a suspect for Mars Investigations in episode four. Then in episode four I started to suspect the bar owner who the Mars Clan started to suspect in episode five. Let’s see if that trend continues for the next episode when I start pointing the finger at the Pizza Guy. Or at the very least I think he wrote the letter because obviously the bomber dis not because there was still another bomb later. I think Pizza Guy was more excited that someone realized that he planted a lot of Dickisms that the chick found out.

Episode 6: Holy Clarence Weedman sighting! I joked a couple episodes ago they are bringing back all the actors they could not reasonably explain showing up in the movie, but maybe I was on to something after CW, the Fighting Fitzpatricks, the guys in Chino, and Mac’s college boyfriend. Who is going to show up in the final two episodes: Chip Diller? Hannah Griffith? Troy Vandergraf? Shelley Pomroy? But anyway. It was kind of shocking that we learned who the bomber was in the antepenultimate episode. Well, at the very least Big Dick admitted to setting off the first bomb, he conspicuously did not mention any guilt over the other bombs killing people. So who was inspired from that first bombing and why?
You can watch Veronica Mars on Hulu.

Claws: Well that was a clusterfork of a finale. And what are they going to do next season? Really, everyone should go on the run since they could all be implicated in the killing a vicious, high ranking gang member. I mean, assuming (dude’s not escaping from a burning casino, locked in a room with no windows. Oh wait, the show started with Roller being shot, point blank, drowned, stuffed in a body bag, dumped in a swamp, and still managed to survive.
You can download Claws on iTunes.

City on a Hill: Ow wow, Jimmy actually likes a great song. I really have trashed his music so far, but Know the Ledge is a great one. The world needs an Eric B. and Rakim resurgence. Now that the show has been officially renewed, and they got the brothers dead to rights, it looks like season two will be Decourcey vs. Kevin Bacon. At least hopefully the charges stick. But I do wonder if Jimmy will get a sweet deal for being an informant for Kevin Bacon.

Fear the Walking Dead: So they are not even going to mention that Alicia got sprayed with radioactive zombie blood last episode? Maybe she should be checking her lymph nodes like the scientist.
You can download Fear the Walking Dead on iTunes.

The Loudest Voice: It is weird the amount of times Megyn Kelly’s name came up during the episode but we never see her. I guess we will have to wait until the movie to get her side.

The Handmaid’s Tale: I actually thought for a second that opening scene was sometime in the future, it was not until the crazy eye chick showed up less crazy and with both eyes before realizing it was the past. But I do not see how Ofjoseph gets out of stealing a bunch of children. She was basically playing with house money this season in Commander Lawrence’s house and the Waterford’s needed her for visual reasons to get their kid back, but with the Waterford’s detained, there is nothing stopping her being severely punished. Speaking of being punished, are they really going to lock up Serena over the word of Fred? Can they even hold Fred if Serena stops talking because they locked her up? And then does Serena get set free because he does not testify? Locking Serena up just seems like a foolish move.
You can watch The The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu.

Harlots: Oh wow, they really did kill off Theon Greyjoy already just two episodes after killing off Charlotte. There was a lot of blood and he was shot at short range but I still thought he might survive because why bring on Theon for just five episodes especially after just killing off the lead actor. So both Charlotte and Theon are dead shortly after they started forking and basically died because they kept that a secret.
You can watch Harlots on Hulu.

Krpton: With a title like “The Alpha and the Omega” I should have suspected there would be Darkseid reference, but it did not hit me until the clone lady saw the Omega sign. Yippie, more villains next season when they have not bothered to totally dispatch the ones they already have. Well that is if there is a next season.
You can download Krypton on iTunes.

Around the Tubes: August 17, 2019

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on On Becoming a God in Central Florida, Air Disasters, Bishop Briggs, Anna of the North, BENEE, Casanova, Chelsea Cutler, POV, #DOINWHATIDO, Volcanoes: Duel Destruction, Islands of Fire, Late Night with Seth Myers, and A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish.

- Showtime released the first two episodes of its new dark comedy series On Becoming a God in Central Florida, starring Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominee Kirsten Dunst (Fargo), online for free sampling. Set in a small Orlando-adjacent town in 1992, the series is a story about the cult of free enterprise and one women’s relentless pursuit of the American Dream. The episodes are available for free now on YouTube and SHO.com (Episode 1, Episode 2). The 10-episode series will officially premiere Sunday, August 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime.

- In the wake of the world’s deadliest aviation disasters, people always have one question – what happened? Using exclusive eyewitness accounts, archival footage and dramatic reenactments, experts will take viewers to the scene of the crash and uncover the truth behind what went wrong. Brand new season features the tragic stories of: LaMia Flight 2933 – On November 28, 2016, with Brazil’s Chapecoense soccer team on board, the crew declares a fuel emergency. Before air traffic control has time to clear a path, the plane crashes on the crest of a mountain, killing nearly everyone on board. Modified P-51 Mustang fighter plane (‘The Galloping Ghost’) – One of the worst air race crashes of all time. On September 16, 2011, local legend Jimmy Leeward seeks to set a new speed record at the Reno Air Races, but halfway through the race, his plane spirals out of control and crashes in front of the stands. AIA Flight 808 – An American cargo plane attempts a difficult landing at the US naval station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on August 18, 1993. With the runaway only a few meters from the armed border, the maneuver requires avoiding Cuban airspace – unable to make the landing, the DC-8 crashes at the end of the runway. Air Disasters returns with 11 episodes Sunday, September 1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Smithsonian Channel

- Vevo announces the release of Bishop Briggs’ live performance of her new single, “Tattooed On My Heart,” following last week’s session of “Champion.” A Vevo LIFT alum, Bishop Briggs’ music transcends the limitations of singular genres, blending folk, pop and electronic into a wholly unique sound. Born in London to Scottish parents, Bishop Briggs grew up in Japan and Hong Kong before moving to Los Angeles days after graduating high school. She performed for years in any venue that would have her, and was finally discovered in a hole-in-the-wall by a former-A&R rep. The rest is history, with Briggs having an RIAA-certified platinum single “River” under her belt, and well as multiple sold-out tours and live performance slots for alt-J, Bleachers, Coldplay, Kaleo and more. “Tattooed On My Heart” is now streaming on all platforms. Keep up with exclusive content from artists all over the world on YouTube.com/Vevo.

- Anna of the North shares her exuberant new track, "Playing Games". With flickers of synth layered over a building bass line, Anna Lotterud's wistful vocals are stunningly juxtaposed with a fearless narrative as she sings about having the upper hand in a relationship. "I've been playing games with your heart, so I know I've made my mark," she proclaims over delicate electronic textures, "I'll make you jealous so I know I've still got you when I'm not home". It's daydream pop brimming with the bold outlook of a woman taking charge in the modern age.

- Buzzing 19-year-old indie pop artist BENEE announces she will play a slew of headline dates in North America this October for her “Lil North America Tour”—including shows in Brooklyn, Boston, Washington, D.C. and Toronto—see the list of dates below. Tickets will go on sale on Saturday, August 16th at 9:00AM ET via benemusicc.com.

- Brooklyn rapper Casanova releases his new track “So Brooklyn” feat. Fabolous today via Roc Nation in partnership with Republic Records. Listen to “So Brooklyn” feat. Fabolous: HERE. Known for his intense vocals and uncompromising realism, Casanova embodies the defiant and self-reliant spirit of New York City. Delivering an anthem for his hometown community, Casanova shares "So Brooklyn," his new song. Running roughshod atop minor-key piano and backed by an ensemble chanting "BROOK-LYN!,” Casanova announces he's aiming for the top spot in the Five Boroughs, bursting out of the speakers with his authoritative bark: "I start sh!t and I spark sh!t/Bout to get on some real King Of New York sh!t." The new track features a colorful verse from Fabolous, who works in a cheeky reference to the country's number one song: "Old Town Road for my projects/Ride 'til I can't no more, I'm Lil Nas X."

- Breakout singer, songwriter and producer Chelsea Cutler unveils her new single, “How To Be Human,” out now via Republic Records—listen HERE! “How To Be Human” reveals Cutler’s inimitable knack for songwriting with honest and vulnerable lyrics, as she pleads, “I still don’t know how to be human, I don’t know what I am doing, please tell me how to be human.”

- When Dian was six years old, she heard a deep rumble and turned to see a tsunami of mud barreling towards her village. She remembers her mother scooping her up to save her from the boiling mud. Her neighbors ran for their lives. Sixteen villages, including Dian’s, were wiped away. Directed by Cynthia Wade (Academy Award winner for Freeheld, Academy Award nominee for Mondays at Racine) and Sasha Friedlander, Grit has its national broadcast debut on the PBS documentary series POV and pov.org on Monday, September 9 at 10 p.m. (check local listings). POV is American television’s longest-running independent documentary series now in its 32nd season. Watch the trailer.

- Gary Owen returns to the stage for his fourth Showtime comedy special GARY OWEN: #DOINWHATIDO, premiering Saturday, September 7 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. In the hour-long special filmed at Charline McCombs Empire Theatre in San Antonio, Owen bursts with energy as he recounts stories, including his early days as a wrestler and as a military recruit, his 20-year friendship with Kevin Hart, his reaction to his daughter dating and one of the greatest things he has ever heard at a football game. Whether he is sharing an irreverent anecdote or confronting a number of polemic issues including race and recent high-profile scandals, Owen reminds us that in an age of social media, no one is safe from oversharing.


- Scattered across the globe lie nearly 1,500 known volcanoes – some active all year round, others that can erupt with surprising and often deadly force. Two recent incidents – Fuego in Guatemala and Kilauea in Hawaii – claimed hundreds of lives and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage when they unleashed their terror in the spring of 2018. Now, Smithsonian Channel looks back on these cataclysmic events in a new special, Volcanoes: Duel Destruction, featuring exclusive eyewitness reports and home footage taken on the ground while the tragedies were unfolding. Islands of Fire, a new hour-long documentary, visits the volcanic islands along the mid-Atlantic ridge which, born from fire, have become lands of beauty, growth and new life. Volcanoes: Duel Destruction premieres Sunday, September 8 and Islands of Fire premieres Sunday September 15, both at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Smithsonian Channel.

- Alison Brie Put Her Cat in a Headlock via Late Night with Seth Myers:


- Yvonne Strahovski Is Slowly Losing Her Australian Accent via Late Night with Seth Myers:


- Break out the mistletoe and holly and get ready to sing and dance as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish on Digital beginning October 15, and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on October 29. The enchanting all-new original movie stars Laura Marano (Disney’s Austin and Ally) as Kat Decker, Gregg Sulkin (Marvel’s Runaways, Faking It, Wizards of Waverly Place) as Dominic Wintergarden, Barclay Hope (Riverdale) as Terrence Wintergarden, three-time Leo® Award winner and Hallmark Channel favorite Johannah Newmarch (When Calls The Heart, Garage Sale Mystery franchise) as the cruel stepmother Deirdra Decker, Isabella Gomez (One Day at a Time) as Kat’s best friend Isla, and evil-stepsisters Joy and Grace are played, respectively, by Lillian Doucet-Roche (The Miracle Season) and Chanelle Peloso (Syfy’s Deadly Class). A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish will be available on Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack for $24.98 SRP ($34.97 in Canada) and DVD for $19.98 SRP ($24.99 in Canada) as well as on Digital for $19.99 SRP. The Blu-ray Combo Pack (and Blu-ray in Canada) include a digital version of the film.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: August 11, 2019

Veronica Mars: Episode 4: Finally a Vinnie Van Lowe appearance. I really hope the show is successful enough that both he and Dick get a spin-off. We also finally got a Deputy Special Agent Leo sighting. And let us not forget the triumphant return of Lucky. Um, alright. Really it is like the show was just trying to get in everyone who could not reasonable write into the movie. Lucky, the Hearst Rapist, Max, then there was Liam Fitzpatrick from earlier this season. Come to think of it, why have they not gone back to investigate him? Then you had Hayley Dunfey as the token random celebrity cameo of the episode which seems to be a theme after the chick from Future Man, the dude from the Chicken Fries commercials, and the dude from Hot Tub Time Machine. Although back to the mystery I am starting to think the bar owner with the attitude may be involved somehow. Two people she kicked out of her club for being pervy ended up dead via bombing.
You can watch Veronica Mars on Hulu.

Claws: Finally the group has come together and called Desna on her on her overreaching that has led to a lot of pain and death. Still I never expected them to actually kill Melba. All that trouble just to have her gets hit by a bus. Alrighty. I also did not initially think that the boytoy was going to confess at actual Confession, I just assumed he was going to confess to Roller. Turns out we were both wrong, he told the cops. How exactly does Roller get out of that? I am assuming him being handcuffed will be the big season cliffhanger.
You can download Claws on iTunes.

City on a Hill: I have talked about the show’s soundtrack is too heavily influenced by Kevin Bacon’s classic rock leaning finally we got to hear what Decoursey listens to and it did not disappoint, when you are in the early nineties, you cannot go wrong with a little A Tribe Called Quest. But then they end the episode with another oldie. As for the actual plot, it was the tale of two informants. Bacon has one that is outed to his law enforcement buddies and then kills the other. Which begs the question, which will come back to haunt him more?

The Loudest Voice: There are very few things I need less in my life than to see Roger Ailes get a prostate exam.

The Handmaid’s Tale: After wondering what Serena was up to all season, we finally got out answer. But I wonder when she decided to turn against Fred. Did it date back to having her finger cut off? Was it really all about the child which she left June take from her house? Does she really think some warped way that it is kind of hers? Did she come up with this plan with Luke and the other dude when she visited before? I would kind wish she had given some lengthy Bond-villain type speech while explaining herself to Fred. Unless it was really, just simply about the kid.

Back in Giliad, Offjoseph’s plan really hit a bump in the road with the Commander’s wife kind of spoiling everything and then killing herself. But then again, the death could be an opportunity. Offjoseph’s new baby mama’s husband just died. It seems reasonable that the newly single Commander Lawrence could wed her and have June’s kid move in with them. I will be kind of shocked if that is not season four unless something earth shattering happens in the finale.
You can watch The The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu.

Harlots: Wait, is Theon Greyjoy dead now too? One of the reasons why I thought they could kill off the lead of the show was because they had Liv Tyler and Theon but now he ends an episode in the pool of his own blood just like Charlotte just two episode ago. Now I am not sure how effective bullets made centuries ago were so I guess he could survive, but the juxtaposition of him lying in his blood and then Charlotte’s blood makes me think he may be dead too. But hey, at least Quigley will not be blamed for Charlotte’s death after Emily Lacey came clean. Granted she has her own murder she actually committed she needs to clear her name of.
You can watch Harlots on Hulu.

Krpton: A melancholy happy trails to Kem. Okay, I do not really care. Really there is no one on the show they could kill off and I would be too upset about. But the problem with Kem was that he was the closest thing to comic relief they had on the show. I guess Lobo could also be this but he is a bit more annoying than funny.
You can download Krypton on iTunes.

Around the Tubes: August 10, 2019

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on Hulu, Late Night with Sert Myers, David Bowie Finding Fame, ToyMakerz, The Kingmaker, Snow Patrol, Phantogram, James Blake, Geowulf, Angelica Vila, Clap, and Noticias Telemundo Mediodía.

- Hulu and Bleecker Street have partnered on a new output deal granting Hulu exclusive SVOD rights to all upcoming Bleecker Street theatrical films. The deal was negotiated by Andrew Karpen, Kent Sanderson and Avy Eschenasy on behalf of Bleecker Street. The first film to hit the streaming service in Fall 2019 will be HOTEL MUMBAI. Recounting the harrowing story of survival from the staff and guests of the famous Taj Hotel, HOTEL MUMBAI follows the news-breaking terrorist attacks that occurred in Mumbai in 2008. The hit thriller stars Dev Patel and Armie Hammer. Hulu will also hold streaming rights to Bleecker Street’s TEEN SPIRIT, starring Elle Fanning; SXSW-breakout THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Alessandro Nivola; and the inspirational true-story biopic BRIAN BANKS, starring Aldis Hodge, Greg Kinnear, and Sherri Shepard.

- Amanda Seyfried Tries to Get Her Dog to Appear in Films She’s Acting In on Late Night with Sert Myers:


- Showtime Documentary Films will premiere David Bowie Finding Fame from director Francis Whately (Rock ‘n’ Roll Guns for Hire: The Story of the Sidemen, DAVID BOWIE: FIVE YEARS) tonight, Friday, August 9 at 9 p.m ET/PT. The film chronicles five years of Bowie’s early career, from the late 1960s through the on-stage death of Ziggy Stardust in 1973. As one of the most revered musical artists of his generation, little has been unveiled about Bowie’s life before his commercial breakthrough or the creative ideas and techniques he pioneered that led to his stardom. Bowie’s nascent artistic curiosity, along with his multifarious personas, enabled him to reinvent himself throughout an extraordinary career that continues to inspire and transcend many different musical genres and cultural movements today.


- ToyMakerz is set to re-air its third action-packed season Sunday, August 18th, 2019 at 9am ET/8am CT on HISTORY®. Each week, former celebrity stuntman and head “ToyMaker” David Ankinwill take his fans on the ride of their lives, leading his talented team in crafting one-of-a-kind custom automotive builds. From hot rods and classics to muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles, “ToyMakerz” gives car lovers across America a front-row seat to the incredible process behind these powerful and unique machines.

- Showtime Documentary Films announced that the latest feature from Emmy winning director Lauren Greenfield (The Queen of Versailles), The Kingmaker, will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival this August. The documentary centers on the indomitable character and controversial political career of Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines whose behind-the-scenes influence of her husband Ferdinand’s presidency rocketed her to the global political stage. The Kingmaker will screen at additional festivals in the upcoming months, followed by a theatrical release this fall and a world television premiere on Showtime in early 2020.

- Snow Patrol announce the first of 2 Reworked EPs, released on August 9th, including a stunning new version of Crack The Shutters available to hear now. The band announced on their social media channels last month they have been in the studio over the last few months and are releasing a new track ahead of more music later this year, celebrating the 25th anniversary since Snow Patrol formed.

- Leading into their upcoming summer headline tour, Phantogram drops a new single for their fans called “Mister Impossible”—listen HERE! “Mister Impossible” was written in the band’s Laurel Canyon studio and recorded at Rancho de la Luna in Joshua Tree, where the duo has been working on new music for their upcoming project.

- Following the release of his critically-acclaimed fourth studio album Assume Form via Republic Records, GRAMMY Award winning artist James Blake has released the video for “Can’t Believe the Way We Flow”. Directed by Frank Lebon (A$AP Rocky, Skepta, FKA Twigs), the visual was shot over 6 days in London and elaborates on the songs story about love and relationships in their many shapes and forms using 30 real life couples.

- Geowulf are pleased to share another new track "Round and Round", which is taken from their forthcoming sophomore record My Resignation that is due out 10/25 through [PIAS]. Listen to it HERE. Despite its gooey-on-the-inside qualities, the song was written in a less positive environment than its warm synths would suggest. Star Kendrick explains: “I was frustrated with maybe a lack of self-control and an inability to break patterns in my life... In a few areas. This song is my way to poking holes in how I handled that. The rest of the album follows a similar, emotional narrative, and is all about exploring those old things & how I’ve tried to leave them behind.”

- Rising songstress Angelica Vila releases her new track “All I Do Is 4 U” now via Roc Nation/Republic Records. Listen to “All I Do Is 4 U: HERE. The track follows the release of her single “More in the Morning,” which garnered major buzz with coverage from Billboard, Rolling Stone and more and reached the #23 on the Billboard Hip Hop/R&B Songs Airplay chart. A live version of Angelica singing “All I Do Is 4 U” can also be heard on VEVO’s DSCVR.

- Allison Raskin has directed a short film, Clap, starring Pete Gardner (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) and Dylan Gelula (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), now available on her YouTube channel, Just Between Us. Beth (Gelula) is home on break from college when she gets a phone call informing her that she has an STI. Hilarity (as well as a refreshing amount of understanding) ensues. "My hope with this film was to destigmatize STIs and show my skills as a director," says Allison. "If this does either I'll be thrilled!"

- Noticias Telemundo announced the broadcast of Joe Biden’s first interview with a Spanish-language television network since entering the Democratic presidential primaries. Highlights of the interview with senior correspondent Vanessa Hauc will air today – Tuesday, August 6 – on “Noticias Telemundo Mediodía” at 12:30 PM/11:30 AM C and during the “Noticias Telemundo” primetime newscast at 6:30 PM/5:30 C. The full exclusive will be available on NoticiasTelemundo.com.

- In light of the recent tragic events in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health (The Alliance) has released research showing nearly 500,000 years of life were lost in Ohio due to gun violence from 2009-2018. While this research is in no way exclusive to mass shootings, Rick Hodges, director of The Alliance, hopes this research will contribute to the national conversation currently taking place. The study reviewed data from the Ohio Department of Health from 2009-2017 and included preliminary data from 2018 to calculate 484,122 years of life lost (YLL) as a result of 13,001 deaths from firearms during the timespan.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: August 4, 2019

Veronica Mars: Episode 2: Oh my, they really were trolling with that opening scene. Now we do not really know how well the show is doing, but I really hope that’s it is successful enough to warrant a Dick Casablancas: struggling actor spin off.

Episode 3: Well there goes my prediction that the hotel owner set the bomb for the insurance money to give to his kid. But my second suspect was Clyde, but then Ronnie named him as a suspect which makes me wonder if she would correctly finger the perp this early in the season. I am beginning to think it may be Ronnie’s half-brother that she discovers in the first Veronica Mars book that was released after the movie who is just trying to get the attention of his half-sister who has seemed to completely forget about. Maybe he teamed up with Lily Kane (Duncan and Meg’s daughter, another completely forgotten characher).
You can watch Veronica Mars on Hulu.

Claws: So no one except everyone closely involved noticed that the lesbian lover of the sister a senate candidate just went missing right after getting outed by the candidate? Real life press would have a field day with that. And the Triads have the cops on the payroll? Just high up does that go because someone has to get suspicious when lady cop does not show up for work. You can hold off Quiet Ann for a while but the Commissioner has to get suspicious unless he is on the Triad payroll too.
You can download Claws on iTunes.

City on a Hill: When I first reviewed the show I complained that despite being set in the nineties, there was a classic rock soundtrack. But all is right in the world now that we got Vanilla Ice this week. Oh goodness. And then we end the episode with a little Metallica. Now if only we can get some Wu-Tang.

The Loudest Voice: The frustrating part of watching shows based on real people is trying to figure out what actually happened and what was poetic license. Now I can completely believe that Roger Ailes had a bomb shelter under his house but did he really have a tunnel to the base too? That had to cost a pretty penny.

The Handmaid’s Tale: Last week I wondered where Serena’s loyalties lie and I am even more confused an episode later. She did seem shocked when the Canadians rolled up but on the other hand, it does seem like she really needed to be in the know for a plan like that to work. Really that discussion about where they would be had Giliad had never happened seemed like she was thinking about leaving. But then she invited Fred into her bed. Oh, and then I watched the trailer for next week and not it seems pretty clear her role in the capture.

And somehow that was not the biggest shocker of the week. No, that goes to Offjoseph smashing in the head of her kid’s new father. Can she get away with it? Just how good are those Martha’s at cleaning? Was New Daddy covert enough when he when to Jezebel’s that no one will suspect his whereabouts? And didn’t he move to Washington? Is there now only one house of ill repute left in Gilliad?
You can watch The The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu.

Harlots: Oh wow, they really did kill off Charlotte. It was even more shocking because she was kind of the face of the show up to this point. Sure they did add Liv Tyler last season and Reek this season who are arguable bigger names, but always pretty shocking when the topliner leaves the show and there was not even an announcement before the season (which as a viewer is much preferable, nothing worse than the long goodbye of waiting around for Rick Grimes to die… only for him not to). Then poor Quigley, she just gets out of the nuthouse and now it looks like she is going to have a murder pinned on her.
You can watch Harlots on Hulu.

Krpton: When Lyta got her throat cut it was painfully obvious she would be back at some time because he had to birth General Zod. The only question was how she would be back. Seeming how her son already time traveled, that seemed like the most obvious answer. Nope, the dead Lyta was just a clone.But I do wonder if Lyta ever kills herself so General Zod never exists.
You can download Krypton on iTunes.

Swamp Thing: You know what, if I am in a sinking cop car, I am not using my cell phone as a light, I might use my cell phone as, you know, an actual phone. But I am guessing that had there been a second season, Swamp Thing would have save her or maybe the swamp would have turn her into something else. But not surprisingly when you save off three episode and cancel the show, the ending felt a bit rushed, which is a shame because it was a really strong show up until the last episode. But with the show was canceled, it is weird they still went with an end credits scene teasing a season two villain. But hey, maybe some of the characters will so up on the CW Crisis crossover since the actors are not really busy.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Um, I think I missed something. So Sarge was evil? Sure he stabbed May and kicked her through the portal but he kicked her into a place where you cannot die which made me think he was anti-Izel. But when the rest of SHIELD showed up he seemed to be fighting with her. So did Sarge not know that May would not die in the other world? And just how did the portal shut? Did it just automatically shut when Izel died? That was just all confusing.

Also confusing was the ending. So the Cromicons want to invade Earth to set up their own civilization here and want to wipe out SHIELD because they are their only obstacle for conquering the planet. Um, I know I have not seen the last two Avengers movies but did every Avenger died in those movies or at last all the Earth bound ones? And if the Cromicons are trying to conquer Earth now, why did SHEILD go back to when the Empire State Building was the tallest in the world. Also if this is just an excuse to get Peggy Carter back on our screens, I am all for it (there was a picture featuring the name of one of Agent Carter’s actors on the set). Really, here is hoping we get an Agent Carter reboot on Disney+, or at least Hulu.
You can download Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on iTunes.

Around the Tubes: August 2, 2019

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on Veronica Mars, Ariana Grande, Social House, James Bay, Quentin Tarantino, Catch 21, Sid and Judy, and Derek Smalls.

- Hey Marshmallows…The wait is over! Television’s favorite super-sleuth is back, and on a mission to save Neptune! Discover more secrets, snooping, and seduction like you have never seen before as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases Veronica Mars (2019): The Complete First Season on DVD October 22, 2019. Veronica Mars (2019): The Complete First Season contains all 8 edge-of-your-seat episodes from the first season along with exhilarating extra content including the Veronica Mars at Comic Con 2019 bonus feature! The DVD is priced to own at $24.98 SRP ($30.99 in Canada). Veronica Mars (2019): The Complete First Season will also be available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers (available on August 19th in the U.S.). Veronica Mars (2019): The Complete First Season will be available on Blu-rayTM courtesy of Warner Archive Collection. The Blu-rayTM release includes all bonus features on the DVD and is also arriving October 22, 2019. Warner Archive Blu-ray releases are found at wb.com/warnerarchive and your favorite online retailer.

- Multiplatinum, record-breaking superstar Ariana Grande and buzzing LA singer, songwriter and producer duo Social House release their new song “boyfriend” via Schoolboy Records/Republic Records. The video, also out now, made its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, mtvU and the iconic Times Square Viacom billboard, and it will also air on MTV’s Fresh Out Fridays and TRL.

- English singer-songwriter James Bay has released an Amazon Original cover version of The Shirelles’s song “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” only available to stream and purchase on Amazon Music. Listen to James Bay’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow [Amazon Original]” only on Amazon Music

- Discogs was granted an exclusive interview with Oscar-winning filmmaker Quentin Tarantino to discuss his new film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and his very special approach to the film’s soundtrack. While Tarantino might be best known for his filmography — Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, and Inglorious Basterds — his discography is crafted with equal intention and precision. He’s a music fan, and it shows. Speaking about the soundtrack, Tarantino said, "I’ve long been saying that I have a modus operandi where when I’m thinking about a movie, I go into my record room, and I start looking for music for the film. And that’s kind of how I’ve been doing it from the beginning...That wasn’t the case on this one.”

- This August, Revry premieres fabulous, star-studded Original Series and Original Films live on its free Pluto Channel 649. On Sunday, August 18th at 7pm(pst) / 10pm(est) binge on your favorite RUPAUL DRAG RACE icons backstage and on tour in the fascinating new documentary film, THE QUEENS, starring Alaska Thunderf*ck, Sharon Needles, Jinkx Monsoon and Katya! Then jump into the bizarre and titillating underground world of MISS ROSEWOOD at 9pm(pst) / 12am(est) about the legendary extreme performance artist and trans advocate.
Sunday, August 25th at 5pm(pst) / 8pm(est) step into the brave new worlds of seven young Generation Z heroes in the inspiring documentary feature ROOM TO GROW. Then enjoy Oscar Nominated actress, Laura Linney, premiering in the hysterical, new dark comedy series SINK SANK SUNK at 7pm (pst) / 10pm (est) about an isolated young man who loses his mother but finds himself, love and community through synchronized swimming. Turn up the beats every Saturday night at 7pm(pst) / 10pm(est) in August with a new episode of the Revry Original Series MUSIC OUT LOUD featuring diverse genres of dazzling music videos by the most talented queer indie music artists today…a feast for the senses. All showings will have encore viewings and will be available on Revry.tv thereafter.

- Game Show Network, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, has announced Alfonso Ribeiro (“Americas Funniest Videos”) has returned as host of its Catch 21 reboot. Witney Carson (“Dancing with the Stars”) joins as card dealer, reuniting the former dance partners in a game show first. The half-hour series is anticipated to premiere in Fall 2019.

- Showtime Documentary Films recently announced it will premiere the new documentary Sid and Judy from director Stephen Kijak (STONES IN EXILE, WE ARE X), producer Diane Becker and Academy Award® winning producer John Battsek (ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS, LISTEN TO ME MARLON) on Friday, October 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Narrated by Emmy® winner Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Academy Award nominee Jennifer Jason Leigh (PATRICK MELROSE), SID & JUDY explores the dramatic career and personal struggles of the talented and tragically short-lived entertainer Judy Garland through rare concert footage, never-heard-before voice recordings and personal photos. The film premiered at the Frameline Festival in San Francisco in June and will screen at Outfest Los Angeles on Saturday, July 27 at the iconic Ford Theater in Hollywood.

- This November, Derek Smalls, former lead bass player of the band formerly known as Spinal Tap hits the road. Accompanied by a panoply of special guests, the bottom force of the fabled heavy metal band will play a whistle-stop series of concerts along the West Coast of the US and Canada. The Lukewarm Water Live! tour will kick off at the The Wiltern in Los Angeles on November 6 to be followed with performances at Moore Theatre, Seattle on November 9, The Vogue Theatre Vancouver on November 11 and finish at The Warfield Theatre San Francisco on November 14. Each performance will feature Smalls in concert accompanied live by an all-star band as well as a full symphony orchestra and other special guests live via satellite.

Previewing Into the Dark: School Spirit

When Hulu announced the monthly anthology series Into the Dark with each installment being based on a holiday from those four weeks, the themes seemed easy to predict. And here we are at the penultimate installment and with the exception of March, they were. Of course with the announcement, my mind was searching for what they possibly could do for March. The only thing listing in my calendar was a Muslim holiday. There were also lesser acknowledged holidays like Grandparents day which would have been my bet. Instead, Into the Dark went with something that is not really a holiday and is something that is not celebrated on a universal day, and sometimes does not even happen in August: the first day of school.

The previous ten chapters covered many different sub-genres of horror, but the latest installment, School Spirit, final delves into probably the most popular: the slasher flick. But this is a new millennium, post-#MeToo slasher flick, not the type from the heyday of the eighties. So despite the opening scene involving two teen boys planting a webcam in the women’s locker room the day before classes start, but one claim claims he is “not gonna be a pervert about it.” But he becomes the first victim before and of the girls have their first gym class. There is also no clichéd have sex then die scene, the closest thing is a guy gets slashed while waiting for someone to show up and have sex with him.

Not only is the sex tamed down, the gore is pretty watered down. Some of the deaths happen just as the camera cuts away, while the camera instead focuses on the blood running down the floor. The kills that are shown are not the particularly scary. There are actually more scares in Hulu’s teen skewing horror show Light as a Feather than in School Spirit.

School Spirits takes place at a school named Helbrook, which, you know, pretty cool name for a horror film. After our introductory kill, we are then taken to the first Saturday detention of the year where the usual suspects are already gotten in some sort of problem, but things get interesting when the Ivy-bound student of the year also joins them. But this is the perfect setting for a slasher flick, the setting is big but space with a limited amount of potential victims, just five students and the vice principal. Actually that was kind of the premise of another Hulu horror show targeted at teenagers, Freakish.

One of the delinquents tells the story of the school being haunted of a teacher who died and haunts the halls getting revenges on the type of bad kids who sent her to an early grave. And of course then they start getting picked off one by one. The twist at the end is actually surprising and well done, unfortunately the watered down content that precedes it just puts a damper on the whole episode.

Into the Dark Power Ranking
1. The Body (October)
2. Culture Shock (July)
3. All That We Destroy (May)
4. Down (February)
5. New Year, New You (January)
6. School Spirt (August)
7. Pooka! (December)
8. I’m Just Forking with You (April)
9. They Come Knocking (June)
10. Treehouse (March)
11. Flesh and Bone (November)

Into the Dark: School Spirit premieres tomorrow on Hulu.