The Most (and Least) Anticipated Questions of 2019-20 Television

The Challenge premiered last week, Wu-Tang: an American Saga started yesterday and Titans premieres tomorrow which means the slow start of the fall television is upon us until the flood gates upon in two and a half weeks when the networks unveil their line ups. As I usually do every fall, I am asking all the big questions heading into the new television year.

1. Will someone get into The Good Place for the first time in 521 years? You know it has gotten too hard to get into The Good Place when Doug Forcett is currently not on track to get there. But the judge has let Team Cockroach set up a new version to see if people can get in without having to worry about racking up negative point for doing things that in theory sound good like buying flowers for your mother because unfortunately too much gasoline was used to get them there. Of course The Bad Place it doing everything to keep their cupboards stocked by picking four people that will hinder The Brainy Bunch. Which adds a secondary question, who else did Shawn pick? We met an annoying blogger that triggered Tahani. When I heard Shawn got to pick, I initially thought Eleanor’s mom, Tahani’s sister. Chidi’s ex-girlfriend, and Donkey Doug, but the blogger really ruined that prediction. Chidi’s ex still seems very likely, but I really hope Donkey Doug makes an appearance.

2. Will Mr. Robot and Homeland stick the landing? Two shows that had meteoric rises that then had rough sophomore seasons. After seven seasons, Homeland has mostly ironed itself out (aside the season where Peter Quinn slowly and painfully died). Mr. Robot on the other hand has to iron itself quit quickly because this is it. Here is hoping one if not both of these shows can go out in the way they came in.

3. Will Disney+ be a Netflix killer? Netflix has been a behemoth for almost a decade now with even the deep pockets of Amazon, Facebook, and YouTube (who has already thrown in the paid streaming towel) unable to put much of a dent into it. But two companies with even deeper pockets, Apple and Disney are launching their own paid subscription streaming services this fall. Now if I am Netflix, I am not too worried with Apple (one word: Ping) who seems to be more along the lines of Amazon who seems more interested in selling other stuff (though that may change after Amazon bought the rights to tell Lord of the Rings stores for about a billion dollars) but Disney is pushing hard with big name IP (Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, along with their classic animated movies) and a very nice price point at $7, one dollar cheaper than Netflix cheapest tier. Expect Disney+ gives you four log-ins to Netflix’s one, and 4K compared to standard definition For $13, Netflix will let you stream in HD on two screens while at that price, you still get Disney+ in 4K with four streams, but you also get ESPN+ and Hulu with ads (no Hulu ad free or live TV bundles announced yet). Disney+ also has discounted yearly rates. Sure these are introductory rates and I would expect a rate hike within five year, but I would still be worried if I were Netflix. And I have not even brought up HBO Max and the unnamed Comcast streamer both coming next year which will be taking two of Netflix’s biggest performers, Friends and The Office respectively.

4. How will Shameless move on without Fiona? After nine seasons it is an end of an era as Fiona finally cashed out and went south away from the bitterly cold Windy City. But there are still five Gallagher children left since Ian, who announced right after Fiona he was leaving the show only to announce his return months later; six if you count Franny and seven if you count Lip’s who is on the way (his baby mamma has been bumped up to series regular as well as Mickey who is regaining that status). So there will likely still be plenty of trouble brewing on the south Side.

5. Who is going to die/show up on Crisis on Infinite Earths? The former may be a bit easier to answer since Arrow has already cancel and the titular character has already been cast on a dude version of G.L.O.W. which I have zero interested in. Of course the comic book had two major death so there may be a surprised death (most surprising would be if it is the same as the comic book). So the bigger question is will there be any surprise appearances. Burt Ward from sixties Batman has been already announced as well as the voice of many Batman animated shows and movies Kevin Conroy. But will there been any surprise guest? Rumor that the three main Smallville actor may show up (Chloe is, um, otherwise busy). But can the lowly CW get anyone from the movies? Can they get anyone from the DC Universe show (the Swamp Thing cast is very avaiable right now) . I hear Ben Affleck is also very available to play his Batman. I just hope they land Black Manta or anyone from the upcoming Bird of Prey movie.


As the great philosopher Butt-Head once pondered, how would we know if something was cool if there weren't things that sucked; here are the five least anticipated questions:

1. Can the Titans defeat Trigon after he mind controlled Dick? Um, the trailer shows Raven with a gem in her forehead, so I am going to go ahead and guess yes.

2. What crappy IP can The CW exploit next? Half of The CW schedule is based on DC heroes (Batworman joins the fall lineup after a lackluster appearance in last season’s team up) that are not to say there is much for any new ideas. The only shows on the fall that are not based on existing IP is some football show and a show that is older than the network itself (granted two of the five midseason shows are original ideas) with dark Nancy Drew also joining the lineup. The Lost Boys has been in development there for a couple years, how long until they do dark Fat Albert?

3. Who will win the battle of Catherine the Great shows? Remember the nineties when there were two asteroid movies, two volcano movies, two Mars movies, and two insect animated movies release within months of each other? With the overabundance of airtime, we might get that version on television. Over the next couple months we are likely to have multiple shows based on a Russian Empress from the eightteenth century. Okay the two will likely be very different as seventy-four Hellen Mirren will star in the HBO adaptation starting October 21 while the Hulu version has twenty-one year old Elle Fanning playing a slightly younger version. No word when Hulu will premiere The Great but if you remember, earlier this year, Hulu surprise dropped their Frye Festival documentary just days before Netflix released their much hyped version. My guess is that the HBO show will get more viewers but the Hulu one will be much more entertaining.

4. Who’s going to watch CBS comedies? For most of this century, CBS comedies have dominated the rating but in the last couple years it has mostly being kept afloat by The Big Bang Theory. But that show is now gone and being replaced by… Bob Hearts Abishola. And as stupid as the name is, the trailer made it look really creepy as a hospital client starts to stalk his immigrant nurse. Then The Unicorn and Carol’s Second Act do not look much better. Compare that to NBC’s Thursday line up and the peacock may finally getting its Much See TV mojo back with the funniest show on television, The Good Place, the always solid Superstore and two freshmen show that look pretty good.

5. How can you make Survivor worse than Edge of Extinction? Well, have an island full of Idols that is inhabited by a giant bust of Boston Rob seems like a good start. Meh. Wake me up when they bring Lauren back.


Here is everything I will be watching this fall. Way too much on Sunday and Wednesday, the networks really need to stary spreading out their shows.

Mondays
8:00 – The Neighborhood (CBS, September 23)

Tuesdays
8:00 – The Little Mermaid Live! (ABC, November 5)
9:00 – Mix-ish (ABC, September 24)
9:30 – Black-ish (ABC, September 24)
10:00 – The Purge (USA, October 15)

Wednesdays
Wu-Tang: An American Saga (Hulu, yesterday)
Castle Rock (Hulu, October 23)
8:00 – Survivor (CBS, September 25)
8:00 – The Goldbergs (ABC, September 25)
8:30 – Schooled (ABC, September 25)
9:00 – The Challenge: War of the Worlds 2 (MTV, Already Started)
9:00 – Not Just Me (October 2, FOX)
9:00 – Modern Family (ABC, September 25)
10:00 – Stumptown (ABC, September 25)

Thursdays
8:00 – Superstore (NBC, September 26)
8:30 – Perfect Harmony (NBC, September 26)
9:00 – The Good Place (NBC, September 26)
9:30 – Sunnyview (NBC, September 26)

Fridays
Titans (DC Universe, September 6)
Light as a Feather (Hulu, October 4)
Dollface (Hulu, November 15)
Reprisal (Hulu, December 6)
Marvel’s Runaways (Hulu, December 13)
8:00 – The Blacklist (NBC, October 5)

Sundays
8:00 – Ray Donovan (Showtime, November 17)
9:00 – Supergirl (The CW, October 6)
9:00 – The Walking Dead (AMC, October 6)
9:00 - Watchmen (HBO, October 20)
9:00 – Shameless (Showtime, November 3)
10:00 – Mr. Robot (USA, October 6)
10:00 – Silicon Valley (HBO, October 25)
10:00 – Kidding (Showtime, November 3)
Brain Games (Nat Geo, December 1)

Previewing Wu-Tang: An American Saga

Who would have guessed that a quarter century after the release of their debut album, 2019 would be the year of Wu-Tang Clan? Okay so they have not released a full length album that was available for mass consumption in five years and I am guessing that most people would be surprised to learn that individual members have released twelve solo albums since then (Ghostface Killah and Inspectah Deck both put one out this year). Then what was the last memorable single, Uzi?

2019 is not the year of the Wu for any new music (there was a mostly forgettable EP released earlier this year); it is because the seminal rap group has been the subject of two shows this year. First was the pretty good four part documentary on Showtime’s Of Mics and Men (I wished the Once Upon a Time in Shaolin got its own episode). Now comes the fictionalized version of the group’s formation with the Hulu mini-series Wu-Tang: An American Saga premiering today.

Most of us were introduced to the Wu when Raekwon said, “I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side. Staying alive was no jive.” C.R.E. A.M. is the visual representation of An American Saga; there is drug loots, running up on gates, making ways on fire escapes, sticking up white boys, and most importantly getting with a sick click and going all out. The show paints very graphic look at what it was to be a young black youth living in Staten Island in the early nineties.

Okay, I have to get this out of the way: the actors on the show do not look like their real life counterparts at all. Over half way through the series and really the only two Wu members I could recognize without any other cues were RZA who is tall and scrawny and the ODB who has the wild hair. I also thought I had Method Man pegged because he has the wild braid except then he dies making me realize that there were two dudes on the show with the same hair (later in the show a guy who I sort of thought was GZA also dies so I was wrong there too).

Worst is Ghostface Killah who is being played by some dude who could pass as a male model. About half way through the first episode I had to look up this dude Dennis is only to be shocked that it was Ghost’s name. Though in retrospect they did tip who it was in his first scene when he is talking about the Iron Man comic with his special needs brothers, Ironman is the name of his solo debut and he routinely refers to himself in rhymes as Tony Starkz. And that is just when they use their government names, sometimes they use nicknames that are not their Wu aliases; for instance, look out for Sha who you will know better as Raekwon.

It does help in the second episode where there are cartoons that look much more like the real versions that morph into the actors but unfortunately that is the episode that utilizes this technique. For a group brought up on over the top kung-fu stories, a show based on their lives could haed utilized a little more flashiness in its storytelling. I wished they would have flashed a chyron whenever a new member pops up so we could keep the characters straight. Although, even though I am half way through the season, I do not even think I have seen Masta Killa, Cappadonna, or U-God. Those three were not pictured in the promo above but at least Masta Killa and Cappadonna were at least listed at the end.

Really most the Wu members take a back seat to the Diggs family, RZA being Bobby Diggs. His bother Divine (one of the few actors that actually looks like his real life counterpoint) who may have been the most entertaining part of the documentary, may get the second most screen time in what I have seen. Bobby’s litter sister even gets her own episode and Momma Diggs also gets a weird storyline involving Italian gangstas. These are the weakest parts of the show. A show about the Wu-Tang Clan should not give more screen time to someone’s little sister than half the group.

With that said, Wu-Tang: An American Saga is a compelling tale of life in big cities in the early nineties that we saw on the big screen many times at the time from Boyz n the Hood to Juice that we can now live with a little longer thanks to peak television. And the show only gets better as it goes along as it morphs from the crime story, which could be a bit tedious, to the rise of a group of brothers that would go on to conquer the world. After watching, I am sure you will be dusting off your copy of Enter the Wu-Tang album like I did. And be sure to watch with the whole family because everyone who lived through the nineties know, Wu-Tang is for the children.

Wu-Tang: An American Saga premieres today on Hulu with its first three episodes. New episodes are released every Wednesday.

Around the Tubes: August 31, 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 Looking for Alaska, Taylor Swift, Kiana Ledé’s, Mark Lanegan Band, Angelica Vila, Audiomack, and Yoshiki.

- Hulu is excited to share the key art for upcoming Limited Series Looking for Alaska. All eight episodes of Looking for Alaska will debut on Friday, October 18 only on Hulu. Synopsis: Looking for Alaska is an 8-episode limited series based on the John Green novel of the same name. Set in 2005, it centers around teenager Miles “Pudge” Halter (Charlie Plummer), as he enrolls in boarding school to try to gain a deeper perspective on life. He falls in love with Alaska Young (Kristine Froseth), and finds a group of loyal friends. But after an unexpected tragedy, Miles and his close friends attempt to make sense of what they’ve been through. The series stars Charlie Plummer, Kristine Froseth, Denny Love, Jay Lee, Landry Bender, Sofia Vassilieva, Uriah Shelton, and Jordan Connor. Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us) and Timothy Simons (Veep) also star.

- In just 24 hours, Taylor Swift’s blockbuster new album Lover became this year’s highest selling album in the U.S. Taylor makes history yet again by earning “the biggest first-week total for any album since her own Reputation in 2017,” according to Billboard. Globally, Lover (Republic Records) has surpassed more than 3 million in consumption. In the U.S. it has eclipsed 1 million-plus total consumption year-to-date and is approaching 700k in pure album sales this week.

- Global superstar Taylor Swift will perform an intimate concert in Paris, France to celebrate the record-breaking superstar’s seventh album Lover; first for Republic Records. Lenovo Presents: The City of Lover Concert will take place at The Olympia Theater in Paris on Monday, September 9th, 2019. The concert will welcome fans from more than 30 countries to experience a once-in-a-lifetime performance from the 10-time Grammy award-winning artist and songwriter.

- Vevo announces the release of LIFT artist, Kiana Ledé’s, second piece of content for “Can I” from of her new Myself EP. Vevo’s LIFT initiative connects today’s up-and-coming artists to audiences around the globe through video content. Launched in 2011, Vevo's artist development program shines a spotlight on the world's freshest new talent. Vevo LIFT alumni include the likes of Sam Smith, Halsey, Khalid, Jorja Smith, SZA, Julia Michaels, Billie Eilish and CNCO. Ledé's LIFT performances follow those of Def Jam Recordings’ YK Osiris, who recently premiered a live version of his hit “Worth It” as well as a short film, “YK Osiris: Young King.”


- With highly–anticipated new album Somebody’s Knocking due for release on October 18th via Heavenly Recordings, this week Mark Lanegan Band have shared new single “Night Flight To Kabul” alongside its incredible, visually-unique video, directed by Dean Karr. Watch and listen to it HERE. Of the video Lanegan says: “The artistry and genius of Dean Karr is what made this video happen. 5,000 still photographs taken in eight hours were painstakingly put together to give the appearance of a strange wraithlike figure moving weirdly through the desolate landscape of the Salton Sea. My third video with Dean in three different decades and I have to say this was the best. The most artistically challenging and satisfying.” Director Dean Karr adds: “We had been talking about doing this video for Night Flight to Kabul for a month or two and my only concern was how could I pull this off with such a challenging budget for my friend? Being a photographer before I was ever a director, I decided to use my Nikon D810 still camera for the entire music video and turn it into animation throughout the entire clip. What a simple solution! There's lots of post work involved, which was done by editor and FX artist Joel Nathaniel Smith. There's alot to be said for the simplicity of working WITHOUT a crew, it was just Mark, myself and a fan of Mark's (Jason Hall) who drove 3 hours out of his way to meet us at the The Salton Sea, CA to help us shoot a beyond unique video! I think this is one of the freshest looking things out there today and love the ‘melty’ moments, which remind me of doing hallucinogenics back in the day!”

- Rising songstress Angelica Vila releases the video for her single “All I Do Is 4 U” today via Roc Nation in partnership with Republic Records. Watch “All I Do Is 4 U: HERE.  The video encompasses nostalgic summer vibes, following the singer around her hometown of New York with appearances from Dave East. The video also features an appearance from fashion legend Dapper Dan. The video premiered today on HYPEBEAST with the outlet calling her “a one-of-a-kind talent who showcases her electric signing prowess and top of the line songwriting ability on her new record.” The video also premiered on broadcast today on BET Jams and BET Soul.

- Audiomack welcomes critically acclaimed international star and Nigerian afro-fusion pop innovator Burna Boy as the latest performer on its popular tastemaker-approved series, Trap Symphony. Watch it HERE.

- internationally renowned, composer, classically-trained pianist, rock drummer and leader of the rock group X JAPAN--has announced his support for Earth Alliance and its Amazon Forest Fund. YOSHIKI has donated $100,000.00 to Earth Alliance and its Amazon Forest Fund in support of local efforts on the ground that are working to support the indigenous and local communities that are protecting the land and biodiversity. After hearing about the increasing fires throughout the Amazon region, YOSHIKI discovered the newly launched Earth Alliance and reached out to make the donation through his 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Yoshiki Foundation America.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: August 25, 2019

Veronica Mars: Episode 7: An episode later than me, but Mars Investigations finally zeroed in on the Pizza Delivery Guy as the mass bomber. Being that there is one episode left, I guess he did not actually do it. Plus he does not really come off as criminal mastermind. I still think someone in his cold case group could be involved. Just how far away is Clark Duke? He does give off skivvy vibes. Certainly whoever did it is certainly playing to them.

But how disappointing that Ronnie hooking up with Deputy Special Agent Leo was just a dream sequence. It was almost as disappoint as it was weird as Ronnie using that as an excuse to accept Logan’s proposal. Um, yeah, I do not see them ending the season in marital bliss. So I predict either Logan dies in the finale or gets caught in bed with Madison Sinclair. Which could explain all the whining I have heard about how the season ends. But really, that is the ending I am rooting for.

Episode 8: Holy Parker sighting! Sure, not as random as Mac’s boyfriend earlier this season. At least Jake Kane buying a school he could put his name on makes sense. And I was right that someone in the murder club was the bomber and was on the right track that there was something fishy with Clark Duke but I was fooled by pizza boy like everyone else. Granted Patton Oswalt is no Keyser Söze and his heel turn did not really work in my book.

Still I am glad the show returned and hope we get a season five, and hopefully the wait is not very long like in between seasons or the movie. I am actually glad they killed Logan because I always found his relationship with Ronnie weird. I mean the guy provides the roofies that got her raped, slept with Madison Sinclair days after they broke up, beat the living shirt out her boyfriend to the point he had to go to the hospital, and was someone she even described as the obligatory psychotic jackash. And really, he was kind o a complete wet blanket in season four so good riddance, please stay dead. #TeamDeputyLeo.
You can watch Veronica Mars on Hulu.

City on a Hill: The written “previously on” was an interesting way of doing that, but here is where it fails. When I read that Jackie interfered in the bust last week, I do not remember what exactly he did. Had they shown us, obviously I would have remembered. Visuals are just always better. Remember when Ray Rice told the commissioner he hit his girlfriend? He just got suspended two games. But when we all saw it on video, he never played again.

And did Jimmy really get blanket immunity? That is kind of dumb. I am no legal scholar but just last week on The Handmaid’s Tale, they gave Serena immunity for some things but when Fred accused her of others, that is how she got arrested. Give Jimmy immunity for the bark robbery, I do not see how that also allows him to get away with murder. But I wonder if we will see him or his brother next season or if it will just be the DA vs. Kevin Bacon all season. I would much rather watch the latter. Shows always fail when the antagonist sticks around too long.

Fear the Walking Dead: So why is everyone splitting up? I feel like I missed that. And why did we not get the black dude from last week first? I kind of forgot about him until he showed up on the “Next time on…” That kind of seemed more interesting than what we ended up getting this week. And was Red Jacket Guy living there among the zombies? Did the zombies break in and that it when things went bad for him? Was he juts alone this whole time? I did not need a big flashback but they could have explained that better.
You can download Fear the Walking Dead on iTunes.

Harlots: After Charlotte died in episode three and Theon died in episode five, I was wondering who would die in the seventh episode. No one, but creepy dude did task Quigley in finding a new girl to kill. So maybe there will be a body count in the finale. I also think that the Pincher dude will let his brother’s murder go unchecked (even though him killing Charlotte led to his brother’s death). Could he find out that Nancy actually pulled the trigger or maybe go after Lucy as the lone Wells left in Britain in retribution? And are we even sure Margaret actually left for the U.S.?
You can watch Harlots on Hulu.

Around the Tubes: August 24, 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 The Avett Brothers, Clairo, chloe mk, The Cerny Brothers, Killer in Our Classroom: Never Again, Apple Music, and The L Word Generation Q.

- Grammy Award®-nominated collective The Avett Brothers performed “High Steppin’” and “Trouble Letting Go” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The band debuted the artwork for their anticipated album Closer Than Together [American/Republic Records] out Friday, October 4, 2019, on the show. Watch “High Steppin’” Performance HERE. Watch “Trouble Letting Go” Performance HERE.

- Apple Music today announced singer-songwriter Clairo as the latest addition to its Up Next program, Apple Music's monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent. Following the release of "Pretty Girl" and "Flaming Hot Cheetos", whose videos quickly garnered millions of views, Clairo's debut full-length release Immunity, released earlier this month via FADER Label, quickly earned her praise from fans and critics alike. Co-produced by Clairo with Rostam, the album achieves just the right balance of focus and fuzz, expanding Clairo's sonic vocabulary with melodic lo-fi arrangements, including the breakup lament "Bags" and the same-sex love anthem "Sofia".

- New York-based, “internet-pop” singer-songwriter chloe mk releases the official music video for “David Bowie” today. Watch HERE. Listen to Fantasy EP HERE via Republic Records. Refinery29 premiered the “David Bowie” music video, describing the new visual as “nostalgic” while adding “Chloe’s voice spells out a longing for something more and from a different dimension, as her lyrics are capsuled in static waves of blue and green.”

- Musicians, storytellers, midwestern philosophers, The Cerny Brothers has released their latest single, “Where I’m Going,” ahead of the kickoff of their long-awaited tour this fall where they will open for Christone “KINGFISH” Ingram and Justin Townes Earle on key dates. Already available for purchase and streaming, “Where I’m Going” will be impacting AAA radio on September 3rd as a follow up to "I Wanna Love You." Watch their performance of “Where I’m Going” live at Paste Studios NYC here.

- The newest installment of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning ‘Fuse Docs’ franchise, Minnow Films’ Killer in Our Classroom: Never Again follows students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida as they crusade for stricter gun laws in the aftermath of one of the worst mass school shootings in recent history. US Television Premiere Date: Friday, August 23 at 10p on Fuse.

- Every day deserves a new song to go with it. Today, Apple Music launched New Music Daily, the company's first premiere global editorial playlist to be updated with brand new music every single day. New Music Daily will feature more than 60 tracks that speak to Apple Music's editorial point of view on the best new music from around the world delivered... you guessed it! Daily. Consider it your carefully curated, hand-picked library filled with brand-new, fresh tracks from the best artists across every genre of music, from pop to rap to reggaeton and much more. Additionally Apple Music editors will choose one song each day to feature in the top spot on the playlist and the selected artist will be featured as the New Music Daily playlist cover star for the day. New Music Daily launches today with brand new music from cover star Taylor Swift as well as newly released tracks from Tainy (featuring Ozuna and Anuel AA), Missy Elliott, Jax Jones and 5 Seconds of Summer just to name a few. Check it out HERE and don't forget to add it to your library!

- Showtime has released a first-look teaser for its new series The L Word Generation Q premiering on Sunday, December 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The sequel to the groundbreaking drama series THE L WORD®, which originally ran on SHOWTIME from 2004-2009, continues to follow the intermingled lives of Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals), Alice Pieszecki (Leisha Hailey) and Shane McCutcheon (Katherine Moennig), along with new characters Dani Nùñez (Arienne Mandi), Micah Lee (Leo Sheng), Finley (Jacqueline Toboni), Sophie Suarez (Rosanny Zayas) and Gigi (Sepideh Moafi) as they experience love, heartbreak, sex, setbacks and success in L.A.

Previewing On Becoming a God in Central Florida

What a weird time we are in right now for television. Take On Becoming a God in Central Florida. First off, only in a time of Peak TV could something with that title get made. And even then, it almost did not make it to air. The show actually started as an AMC show. But then six months after AMC announced they were developing the show, YouTube Red Premium announced they had ordered the show to series.

A full year later, Showtime announce they acquired the show because YouTube pretty much announced they are getting out of the scripted game, getting rid of their paid tier only show and making everything free with ads. They just announced last week they are basically canceling all their scripted shows except Cobra Kai and Impulse whose second season is coming this fall (and then likely will be canceled shortly thereafter).

So YouTube’s loss is Showtime’s gain. They get this fully produced show and I am guessing they had to pay bargain basement prices because Tri-Star needed a place to put the show after YouTube passed. But is this show that has gone through three different networks any good? Um, maybe. But it certainly is as weird as it title suggests.

Kirsten Dunst (The Virgin Suicides) is married to an unrecognizable Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood) who is deep into FAM (Founders American Merchandise) which is part pyramid scheme part cult, all parts shady. The couple is comfortably near the bottom of the pyramid as they continue their minimum-wages J.O.B.s (or Just Over Broke) at the start of the season, but as the title suggest, they are slowly moving their way up the ladder while a few roadblocks put them back at the bottom.

Soon Dunst pulls in her neighbors and co-workers in hopes of pulling herself up the pyramid until she meets the guy at the top Ted Levine (Silence of the Lambs) and starts to question the whole experience. Since this is Central Florida in the late eighties, there are plenty of weird characters, one who I can best describe as John Waters if John Waters was a hitman (unfortunately no one as weird as Donkey Doug shows up). And the show only gets weirder the higher up the pyramid gets which mean it gets more entertaining as it goes along.

On Becoming a God in Central Florida airs Sundays at 10:00 on Showtime.

Previewing The Affair: The Final Season

The Affair has always been a weird show with its duel narrative that got turned into a four person narrative (and increasingly more), but then they went and killed the second lead in Alison, then announced her on screen baby daddy would not return for the final season. Oh, but they cast Anna Paquin as the two actors that are no longer on the show’s daughter. And do not expect too much of the grown up Joanie who is on screen at least in the first couple episodes because she is on screen for maybe ten minutes in the first couple episodes and spends a couple minutes of those in various states of the undressed.

But I will says Joanie scenes are some of the most entertaining parts of the last season because of the weird choices the writers makes of what life will be like in about three decades (in Joanie’s first episode she is celebrating the birthday of the same year her mother died). Basically the writers think there are LED screens on basically everything and smart toilets are a little too smart. But my favorite is the future fireworks.

Back in present day, or whatever year it is then because Noah mentions he wrote his book eight years ago which I believe he wrote between the second and third season that aired about four years ago. And now that book, by all accounts sounds horrible is being made into a movie by a guy who calls himself a “modern James Bond’ type. Um, they are still making James Bond in the modern era. But anyway.

Whitney, who I believe did not show up until the final episode last season, is actually in the first three episodes this season. The good news is she is much less annoying than in the past. The bad news is she now has bangs which very few people look good with. But she does not get here own act (yet). Noah, Helen, and Joanie (this season looks like it is going to go with a three act structure), but we do get one surprise perspective early on.

Sure her live in boyfriend had a terminal disease in the last season, I cannot help to predict that Noah and Helen end back together. It just feels very full circle at this point. He even says to her, “If there’s one person I’d want to be with when I die, it’d be you.” Which very well may happen. We do not see him in Joanie’s future. Granted it begs the question, what exactly is him to her now? He did raise her for the first couple years before learning of Cole’s patronage. We actually do not see anyone else from the show in Joanie’s future just yet. Which kind of makes her part of the show the most interesting. I wonder if anyone else shows up in her time. Will she get an expanded role in future episodes? Will anyone from her time get their own act? Only time will tell I guess.

The Affair airs Sundays at 9:00 on Showtime.

Previewing This Way Up

Now that Game of Thrones is over, we can see just how popular the individual characters are now that they are no longer on the biggest show in the world. Although since the show has not shone away from killing off big named characters we actually know just how they might fair. And it is not good. Take the first high profile person who died, Ned Stark. He actually managed to get a show into the second season but that is one of the few. He is actually been the star three post Thrones shows and has gone from ABC to TNT to A Spectrum Original, whatever that is. Things are not much better on the movie side as Sansa Stark and Daenerys Targaryen have managed to tank three long running, major franchise.

Despite these setbacks, Hulu seems to be starting a Thrones restoration project. Theon Greyjoy joined the cast of Harlots in the third season. Except the season is not over and Theon went own ore pathetically than when he tried to kill the Knight King. Then Missandei, (who met a very unnecessary death, seriously, jump off the wall when someone is ordered to cut off your head, a broken leg is better than no head) a British person in real life, plays an American who travels to Britain in Four Weddings and a Funeral that got panned by critics and unwatched by the general product.

Now Hulu is bringing a British import stateside with two Thrones alum in the cast for This Way Up. Granted unlike everyone I mentioned before, these two were bit players on Thrones. There is Edmure Tully who hilariously tried to make his claim to the throne after being absent for most of the show. Also on the show is Ellaria Sand who turned out to be so insignificant we still do not know what happen to her. Did Cercie kill her? Was she crushed when Dany ransacked the Red Keep? Can we assume she died since there was an unnamed new Prince of Dorne during the meeting of the high lords (and Davos) at the end?

But these two are also bit players on This Way Up (but at least they get a conclusion to their storylines at the end of the season). The show stars Aisling Bea and Sharon Horgan (Game Night) who also produce the show. The show starts up with the latter checking the former out of a rehabilitation centre. And hilarity ensues. But this is not really a sad sack comedy about mental disorders; the rehab stint is not really brought up much.

But Bea’s character does definitely use humor as a defense. And the stand-up comic can land a line. The show is a real showcase for Bea who is probably not known stateside (the only thing I noticed on her IMDB was Assassin’s Creed III). When she is not having a nervous breakdown, Bea teaches English as a Second language including one on one tutoring which is where Edmure comes in as his son has moved from France to live with him.

Since it is a British show, This Way Up is just six twenty-five minute episode so if you want, you could just make the show a two and a half hour movie. And it is definitely the type a show you can burn through because Bea is so electric, you will be left wanting more. And since it is airing on an American streaming service, all episodes are available on Hulu now. Sorry actual British people where the show is still being aired in weekly installments.

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.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: July 28, 2019

Veronica Mars: Episode 1: I really do not like when television shows drop all at once. As soon as Veronica Mars was erased there were though pieces on the shocking finale when I had not even gotten though one episode. And I am not entirely sure what Hulu is doing with their release schedule, sometimes it is weekly, and sometimes it is all at once. The Handmaid’s Tale and Harlots are currently being released weekly, and then Veronica Mars, Light as a Feather, and Four Weddings and a Funeral coming Friday are all at once. Then the Wu-Tang show is weekly. Then they just announced all their fall shows, Looking for Alaska, Dollface, Reprisal, and Runaways will be all at once. I guess I can understand the teen skewing shows going all at once, but shouldn’t the adult shows be weekly? I really hate asking people what episode they are on in hope of discussing what I just watch.

I also like talking about shows, dissecting every episode. When these seasons are release all at once, I usually post about them once and that it is. But I really like talking about Veronica Mars so I do plan about talking about what I watch that week (probably one or two episodes, I want to savor instead of binging and then probably forgetting I even watch the next week. As I did above, I will clearly state what episodes I am talking about.

The start of the season was a bit slow for me. Ronnie in love is usually boring and in-between season Logan somehow went from the obligatory psychotic jackass to kind of a wet blanket. Of course I have always been team DeputyDetective Leo. At least it picked up with the bombing. Here is my prediction: the hotel owner did it so his daughter could get the insurance money.
You can watch Veronica Mars on Hulu.

Big Little Lies: Well that was a weird season. I spend the whole time we were heading to a big showdown between Reece’s husbands but they do not even run into each other for the past two episodes. And after Adam Scott gets propositioned, he wants to renew his vows. And then we end the season (series?) with the Monterey Five walking arm and arm into the police station presumably all willing to admit to perjury. At least we got an epic courtroom scene to start off the episode. But yes, I would definitely watch a potential third season.

Claws: Oh wow, they killed the lady cop. But does that not just prove everything the candidate said? He talks about his gay sister and then exposes the governor’s Asian mob ties and a day later the girlfriend gets murdered. Even if she just “disappears” that looks bad. The national media would descend on that more than if a senate candidate got caught hanging out with teenage girls.
You can download Claws on iTunes.

City on a Hill: The worst part of these season long mystery shows, there always seems to be an episode where one of the cops takes an entire episode looking for their kid. Thankfully we just got an abridged version her. But what was that all about? Was the snitch intentionally trying to let Kevin Bacon he can get to him too, or just doing it to hurt him?

Fear the Walking Dead: So the zombies exposed to radiation may not be as deadly as the scientist lead everyone to believe? Alrighty. Maybe the actress is in a contract dispute and they are getting to sign a low ball deal, if not her character dis a slow and painful death..
You can download Fear the Walking Dead on iTunes.

The Handmaid’s Tale: Well, it has been a while since June has been ritualistically raped. At least they did not show it this time. But I am still wondering what Serena is up to. Is she really trying to get “her” baby back or does she have an alternative motive. She ended last season getting her finger cut off and letting June leave with the baby. Does she regret letting her go or is she still bitter for the finger and is going to screw Fred and Gilliad as a whole by the end of the season?
You can watch The The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu.

Harlots: Wait, did they really just kill off Charlotte Wells? She is kind of the biggest name on the show. I know television characters have survived much worse but there is not much people in England a couple of centuries could do when you crack open your skull and have that much blood start to pool.
You can watch Harlots on Hulu.

Krpton: Did we really need a Doomsday origin story? Probably not. But I am a bit surprised they have not resurrected Lyta yet.
You can download Krypton on iTunes.

Swamp Thing: Okay, I am not entirely sure what is going on with the Blue Devil. It does not help that all his killing happen off screen. But I am not entirely sure what his power is. Does he just burn people with his touch?

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: So they really are going to turn Not-Coulsen into Kind Of Now Coulsen by the end of the season? Yeah that whole thing is kind of confusing.
You can download Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on iTunes.