Around the Tubes: May 6, 2020

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 Showtime, Tee Grizzley, Selena Gomez, Bryan Fox, Tommy Lee, Justin Flom, and POV.

- In an effort to provide resources and raise awareness around the ongoing struggle against systemic racism in America, SHOWTIME has made two of its acclaimed documentaries available for free. Peabody Award-nominated and Television Academy Honors recipient 16 SHOTS examines the 2014 shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke and the cover-up that ensued. Acclaimed director Sacha Jenkins’ BURN MOTHERF*CKER, BURN! explores the complicated relationship between the Los Angeles Police Department and the city’s Black and minority communities. Both are now streaming on YouTube and SHO.com, and are available to SHOWTIME subscribers on demand. The two films will also be available across multiple television and streaming providers’ devices, websites, applications and authenticated online services and their free On Demand channels.  


- Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley releases powerful anthem "Mr.Officer".  The song boldly addresses the issue of police brutality alongside a poetic hook with the assistance of Queen Naija and the children of the Detroit Youth Choir. As protests across the country continue, Tee explains the importance of releasing the song by saying  “I got a million experiences I can touch on in my music, but I couldn’t make another song without speaking on what’s going on. I’m not a politician or activist but right now it’s everybody’s job to speak up because the pain, the struggle for equality and the brutality is real”.  Along with the release, Tee also donated $10,000 each to Victory Management Homes and the Horatio Williams Foundation. As the son of a mother who is currently incarcerated, Tee recalls the moment in his childhood when they took his mother away and the state was going to put him and his siblings into foster care before his grandmother stepped in to be their primary caregiver. With that memory in mind, his donation comes as an effort to better support children who have lost their parents due to police brutality or mass incarceration and are forced to live within the foster care system. 



- Selena Gomez and The Lonely Island joined Usher, Janelle Monáe, Solange Knowles, Megan Thee Stallion, John Mulaney and many more to endorse law student Loralei HoJay’s viral Change.org petition calling for Justice for Breonna Taylor today. Loralei is leading a virtual protest today, Friday, June 5th at 3 PM EST, on what would have been Breonna’s 27th birthday. The protest directs petition signers and supporters to make phone calls, as well as send emails and “tweetstorm” calls for action targeting public officials, including KY Gov. Beshear and Sen. McConnell.

- Country rock songwriter Bryan Fox makes a celebratory return with fellow Kentucky natives Buffalo Stille and Ron Clutch from the Grammy-nominated, Southern alternative hip hop group Nappy Roots, releasing a new collaborative song called “That’s About Me.” Produced by studio verteran Malcolm Springer (Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, Boz Skaggs), and recorded at Nashville’s House of Blues studios, the new rollicking summer song is the third collaboration between the trio, and likely their best yet. The song gives its listener a reason to celebrate the return of summer, while paying homage to the popular song themes and instrumentation you get by mixing a little bit of country rock, with a little bit of hip hop.

- In conversation with Tommy Lee about his new music, his abject JOY over his new  album, ANDRO, is infectious. The mastermind behind this compelling collection of songs has conquered TikTok amassing 560k followers in the past couple of months, while growing his Instagram audience to over 1 million during quarantine - an audience that eagerly awaits his new opus.  Lee has had a mega-popular Netflix film (The Dirt), starred in and produced 3 Network TV shows (Tommy Lee Goes To College, Rockstar: Supernova, Battleground Earth: Ludacris vs Tommy Lee), had a NY Times Bestseller (Tommyland) and has appeared on scripted and interview TV shows – most recently, a hilarious appearance as a professor on ABC’s The Goldbergs. 

- Justin Flom, world-renowned magician and father of two, has debuted Season 1 of his new series Making Magic at Home with Justin Flom, exclusively on the Yippee TV platform, with Season 2 already in production. On the series, Flom shares the secrets to some of his most popular tricks and illusions, instilling a sense of wonder and joy to viewers of all ages.  Justin Flom has a magical life. At a very young age, Flom began sharing the stage with his family, performing magic as a form of storytelling. Now, as an adult, Flom finds himself in front of as diverse an audience as any entertainer, including touring with Country Superstars Florida Georgia Line and creating magic for other stars and companies such as Coca-Cola, Hobby Lobby, Lady Antebellum, Super Bowl Coach Pete Carroll, and the entire Seattle Seahawks team, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen and Nick Jonas. His tours take him to buildings like Madison Square Garden to mega-churches to amphitheaters across the US. He truly has the ability to entertain anyone, anywhere.


- POV’s historic 33rd season kicks off with Linda Goldstein Knowlton’s We Are The Radical Monarchs on July 20 at 9 p.m., available to stream on all PBS platforms, including PBS.org, the PBS Video App and pov.org. The documentary, which debuted at SXSW Film Festival 2019, follows a group of young girls of color on the frontlines of social justice. Radical Monarchs co-founders Anayvette Martinez and Marilyn Hollinquest—two queer women of color and working mothers—share their journey as they grow the group in Oakland, a city with a deep history of organizing movements. “I think self-empowerment and self-worth for young girls of color is really critical, and it’s really lacking,” says Martinez. “How do we create alternative spaces where that can happen?”

Previewing We Are Freestyle Love Supreme

Sometimes it seems like some celebrities just enter the public consciousness just fully formed with a blank slate before then. Lin Manuel Miranda just arrived as the Hamilton dude. Sure the theaters nerds probably remember him from In the Heights but there was a time Miranda was on stage even before that production. But his first off Broadway show was not even a musical but an improve comedy hip-hop show. And the thing about Freestyle Love Supreme, Miranda was not even the founder of the troupe or even the main star, but just a guy in the show.

But Lin-Manuel is definitely the reason there is a documentary called We Are Freestyle Love Supreme about the show even though watching it, you can easily forget he was a part of the group. And it is not like the other members went on to be big stars. Christopher Jackson, the original George Washington in Hamilton was a late addition and so was Utkarsh Ambudkar whom you may have seen in a few things including being one of the Treblemakers in Pitch Perfect but has not had that breakout moment yet. Miranda also mentions in the doc that he met Daveed Diggs through the show but never elaborates on the story. The others members are just college buddies that recruited Miranda because of their mutual love of hip-hop.

The documentary does devolves a little into Behind the Music tropes of having darker moments. There are hints of jealousy when Hamilton takes up a lot of three of the member’s time (director Thomas Kail being the third), the leader of the group moves to the west coast after getting married, and things get the darkest when Ambudkar tells the tale of hard drinking ruined his shot of being Aaron Burr in the original run of Hamilton. As Miranda says early in the doc quoting Orsen Wells, ”If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story. “

But the story of Freestyle Love Supreme does not stop there; instead the group gets back together for a string of shows in 2019. Besides those small bumps, the documentary is overwhelmingly positive and the love the guys have for each other and performing. Improv shows can usually be a tough watch and comedy-hip-hop improv is downright cringy especially with a name like Freestyle Love Supreme, but the love these guys have for each other and for their show may be worth checking out if they ever do another reunion show down the line, and not just because Lin-Manuel Miranda would likely show up.

We Are Freestyle Love Supreme premieres tomorrow on Hulu.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 31, 2020

Billions: Did Cory Stoll play Axe? Did he really want the bid, or did he only bid because he knew Axe would outbid him out of spite? That guy is growing on me every episode. Maybe Corey can team up with Chuck and take down Axe then next season can be Chuck vs. Corey Stoll.

Killing Eve: Well that was an interesting golf outfit. But kind of bad editing that the crazy French assassin hit her mentor in the back and later she has a decent gash in her head. But this whole season has been a series of mistakes. Thankful just one more episode left. Maybe try bringing back Phoebe Waller Bridge for the next season instead of hiring a different showrunner.
You can download Killing Eve on iTunes.

Snowpiercer: Not a good sign for the show that the first time the show made me feel bad was when all the cows were frozen. I wonder just how many of the 200(ish) cars have livestock. Gotta imagine that is it for the cows. But at lease the meat is preserved.
You can download Snowpiercer on iTunes.

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels: Did Miss Adelaide just admit to killing that family? It certainly sounded like she wanted her henchman to take care of Tiago the way he took care of that family.

Barskins: I like a good historical drama and this is an interesting take on a part of time I am just vaguely familiar with. But it falls into the same problems as other prestige dramas as there are just too many characters to keep track of. I recognize Matthew Lillard but all the other dudes just blend into each other except the eccentric one.
You can download Barkskins on iTunes.

Love Life: Anna Kendrick is one of my favorite people in the world, I have a very low bar to enjoying her movies, but after watching two episodes, I really was hoping for something better. The supporting cast just does not add anything and all the boyfriends are kind of worthless when you know they are going to break up by the end of the episode. Then the English narration is just completely out of place. With that said, it will be nice to have Anna Kendrick on my television the next couple weeks. Well, I guess only three weeks because after announcing their shows would release weekly, HBO Max announced a day after the premiere they will be releasing remaining seven episodes over the next two weeks.

The Challenge: Total Madness: Nothing better than watch T.J. laughing at people scared by the the challenge. Though I do not understand why Swaggy P got medically pulled from the challenge and was still allowed to participate in the puzzle. If you are pulled, you are pulled. Then poor Nany, two thirds of her holy trinity eliminated in one episode and she is one of the few women left without a red skull. But it would be a cheap season if they institute the new rule that you cannot participate in the Finale and no one get eliminated. But where there are only three women without a red skull, there are six men without one.
You can download The Challenge: Total Madness on iTunes.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Oh yeah, Patton Owsalt was a weird robot clone guy early in the series. I guess we will see what that was all about.
You can download Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. on iTunes.

In the Dark: I am kind of glad that the brother ends up dying. He is just extremely annoying. But it looks like my original prediction that he dies because he stole the drugs is more and more correct. I guess the only question is who kills him.
You can download In The Dark on iTunes.

Blindspot: Oh now, they killed that one chick. But didn’t they blackmail her by threatening her family? So why not kill her family? Not a very proper blackmail. But there were a lot of Reede flashbacks this episode. The more the show him, the more I think he is going t pop up alive soon.
You can download Blindspot on iTunes.

Around the Tubes: May 30, 2020

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 We Are Freestyle Love Supreme, Palm Springs, Gary Busey: Pet Judge, Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit To Support The Apollo, Anthony Hamilton, Royalties, James Bay, The Avett Brothers, Bob Marley, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, The High Note, PJ Harvey, Greg Warren, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, A Film By Errol Morris, and Love, Victor.

- Well before the world knew of the Tony award-winning Broadway musicals Hamilton and In The Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda was in an improvisational hip-hop group called Freestyle Love Supreme along with director Thomas Kail and performers Christopher Jackson and Anthony Veneziale. Filmmaker Andrew Fried began chronicling the group in the summer of 2005, documenting the early days of Freestyle Love Supreme beatboxing and rapping on the sidewalks—unaware of how their story would unfold. Fourteen years later, Fried captures them reuniting for a series of shows in New York City that led to a triumphant run on Broadway. Both poignant and inspired, We Are Freestyle Love Supreme recalls the creative dreams of youth and why this show still means so much to these accomplished performers.  Premiere Date: Friday, June 5, 2020.

- Premiere Date: The upcoming Hulu Original Film, PALM SPRINGS (starring Andy Samberg) is set to premiere on Hulu and in select drive-ins nationwide on Friday, July 10^th.  Synopsis: When carefree Nyles (Andy Samberg) and reluctant maid of honor Sarah (Cristin Milioti) have a chance encounter at a Palm Springs wedding, things get complicated when they find themselves unable to escape the venue, themselves, of each other.  Cast: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J.K. Simmons, Meredith Hagner, Camila Mendes, Tyler Hoechlin, and Peter Gallagher.

- Each year across the country there are thousands of pet disputes. Those who want their cases tried by the best know there is only one man they can turn to, and he is thirsty for PET JUSTICE! That man- Gary Busey: Pet Judge. The six-episode season is now available and entirely binge-able on Prime Video streaming, and for purchase on iTunes, Google Play, Xbox, and VUDU. The series stars Judge Gary Busey as he presides over the fates of litigant pet owners. Each half-hour show presents two cases with a veritable menagerie of animals including monkeys, goats, birds, dogs, meerkats, turtles, robot raccoons, and more. Is Gary Busey a real judge?  Absolutely not. Does he know anything about pet law? Probably not. Can he look into your soul and suss out your spirit animal while delivering a verdict with a trademark Buseyism? You bet your sweet ass (the donkey kind).

- Gibson the iconic, American-made, leading instrument brand is proud to partner with the legendary Apollo Theater for the “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit To Support The Apollo” benefit concert. The celebration marks the launch of a partnership between Gibson and the Apollo Theater which will include collaborations on future show programming, music education initiatives, music preservation and support established and emerging talent. The LIVE, free virtual benefit concert will kick off Black Music Month in June and will offer critical support to safeguard the ground-breaking institution’s future following the unprecedented cancellation of more than 100 programs due to COVID-19. Tune in to watch the “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit To Support The Apollo” livestream this coming Tuesday, June 2 at 7:30p ET/4:30p PT at www.apollotheater.org.  “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit to Support the Apollo Theater” is sponsored by Gibson, through the Gibson Gives foundation. The free benefit concert will showcase an array of special guests delivering poems and performances dedicated to the memory of those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. The landmark livestream event features performances by “CAPTAIN” KIRK DOUGLAS OF THE ROOTS, KOOL & THE GANG, GARY CLARK JR., ROBERT RANDOLPH, RAY CHEW, MICHAEL MCDONALD, LIL BUCK & JON BOOGZ, KEB MO, CELISSE HENDERSON, INFINITY’S SONG, MARC BAMUTHI JOSEPH and DJ REBORN as well as special appearances from DIONNE WARWICK, DOUG E. FRESH, ROY WOOD JR. and more to be announced. During the show, artists will perform the music of Apollo legends such as B.B. King, Patti LaBelle, and Stevie Wonder, and highlight the Apollo’s 86-year contribution to arts and culture. The “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit to Support the Apollo Theater” concert will also be available for free streaming by media partner, TIDAL

 With over 50 million albums globally and proclaimed a "national treasure" by the Los Angeles Times, GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, actor, author, and R&B icon Anthony Hamilton, releases the official music video for “Back Together” [feat. Rick James]. Watch it HERE!  What initially began as a story about love and getting back together with someone you knew was special, ultimately took on a new meaning during the current pandemic. The cleverly animated video opens with DJ D-Nice spinning on ‘Instagram Live’ during Club Quarantine and now tells the story of two lovers as they long for the day when they can be reunited post Covid-19.

-  Quibi debuts the trailer of the new musical comedy series, ROYALTIES, created by Emmy & Golden Globe Award-winning actor and songwriter Darren Criss. ROYALTIES is a satirical take on the oft-untold story of songwriters behind the world’s biggest hits. Republic Records to release the series’ original soundtrack, marking the first major label release for a Quibi show.  On June 1^st in tandem with the series premiere, music performed by the ROYALTIES Cast during the first three episodes will be released. As subsequent episodes air, new music will follow daily through the season finale on June 10th. Following the final episode, the full Royalties: Season 1 (Music from the Original Quibi Series) Official Soundtrack arrives on June 12.  The comedy will feature twelve original songs and ten music videos, all co-written by Criss, featuring performances by Jordan Fisher, Julianne Hough, Jackie Tohn, Bonnie McKee, Jennifer Coolidge, Lil Rel Howery, Mark Hamill, Rufus Wainwright, and Sabrina Carpenter.

- Three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated and BRIT Award-winning multiplatinum singer-songwriter James Bay returns to The Ellen DeGeneres Show on June 3rd for a special performance. BAY will perform Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine."  During quarantine BAY has been giving guitar lessons on Instagram Live on Wednesdays and Fridays. In the past, he has taught fan favorites "Let It Go," "Hold Back The River," "Us," and more. View all previous lessons HERE. 

- The Avett Brothers have announced they will make their debut appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on June 4^th. They will be performing a song never performed on television from their 10^th studio album Closer Than Together which was released last fall to critical acclaim.  This marks the band’s second “at home” performance as they recently performed for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: At Home Edition on April 7^th where they performed “C Sections and Railway Trestles” which was first performed at the end of The Avett Brothers’ HBO Documentary May It Last: A Portrait of The Avett Brothers, and was written by Seth Avett after the birth of his son.

- Today, episode four of Bob Marley’s Legacy documentary series was released; this time exploring Bob’s well-known love of soccer and his longstanding connection between the game and his music. Delving deep into the archives, never before told anecdotes are revealed on Bob’s life and his impact on the world. Rhythm of the Game is available on Bob Marley’s Official YouTube Channel HERE.  Tuff Gong FC has also announced a special collaboration with FIFA for a limited-edition soccer kit available exclusively on May 29 at 1 p.m. ET in FIFA 20's Ultimate Team game mode via a limited-time-only Season Objective. Celebrate Bob Marley’s legacy and love of the sport with the 75th Anniversary Kit, available in FIFA Ultimate Team for a limited time on Windows, PS4, and Xbox One. Additionally, a Bob Marley 75 Soccer Jersey inspired by the newly-added Bob Marley player kit in the 2020 EA video game will become available on June 1 HERE.

- 50 YEARS on from the release of Tea for the Tillerman, the 1970 multi-platinum selling, era-defining album that made a superstar, Yusuf / Cat Stevens is set to release Tea for the Tillerman² on September 18th via UMe.  Tea for the Tillerman² sees Yusuf recast the same eleven songs for a new age with dramatic results. Half a century and an entire universe of experiences after they were originally laid down on tape, T4TT² is a beautiful reunion between the artist and the songs that helped define the melodious ‘70s. The impact of Tillerman has subtly intertwined with the fabric of popular culture while its songs have magnified and developed a life of their own through their ever-expanding use in film, TV, and numerous reinterpretations by other artists. 

- Republic Records and Focus Features release The High Note Original Motion Picture Soundtrack today. The film is also now available on at-home-on-demand and VOD streaming across platforms.  Prior to The High Note’s arrival, listeners everywhere experienced the first single “Love Myself (The High Note)” as performed by Emmy Nominated and Golden Globe® Award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross—who stars in the film as recording artist “Grace Davis.” This served as the multi-talented star’s very first career song release and recording.  Right out of the gate, it attracted widespread critical acclaim. Entertainment Weekly applauded, “Appropriately, Ross hits some high notes in the original single, ‘Love Myself’,” and Rolling Stone observed, “Ross’ musical debut is done exactly as the star had always hoped: through a project that combines her acting chops with a lifelong dream of flexing her vocal talents.” The Inquisitr put it best, “Tracee Ellis Ross, whose given name is Tracee Joy Silberstein, is showing the world that she’s even more talented than her fans already knew.” Not to mention, the official music video racked up over 1.5 million views to date.

- UMe/Island and Beggars today announce a comprehensive reissue campaign which will see PJ Harvey’s entire back catalog - plus her two albums in collaboration with John Parish - released on vinyl over the next 12 months. For the first time, each of PJ Harvey’s album demos will be available as a stand-alone album on digital and vinyl. This catalog project will celebrate every aspect of Harvey’s recording career and afford a comprehensive and exciting look at the evolution of one of the most singular and extraordinary artists of modern times. The first release is DRY, Harvey’s seminal debut album back in print on vinyl for the first time in 20 years with the Beggars Archive/Too Pure Records reissue on July 24. Released to worldwide critical acclaim on March 30, 1992, it was recorded at The Ice House in Yeovil and features the singles “Dress” and “Sheela-Na-Gig.” DRY saw PJ Harvey burst onto the global stage to begin her unique path. “… a seductive calling card that signals the arrival of an extraordinary new artist.”  - Robert Hilburn, LOS ANGELES TIMES. July 24 also sees the release of the 11 track DRY- Demos, previously released with DRY almost 30 years ago, and now available for the first time as a stand-alone vinyl/CD/digital release. Listen to “Sheela-Na-Gig” demo here.

- Greg Warren's newest comedy special and album are coming out in June and July from 800 Pound Gorilla Records and I'm sending you links to see and hear Where the Field Corn Grows ahead of time.   Greg Warren, most recently seen on Dry Bar Comedy, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show and Comedy Central Presents, has built a strong fan base with an act inspired by his Midwestern upbringing. His albums Fish Sandwich (April 2017), Running Out of Time (Sept 2013) and One Star Wonder (June 2009) hit #1, #3 and #6 respectively in iTunes Top Comedy Albums. An honest mix of self-deprecation, frustration and an arsenal of lifelike characters highlight Greg’s colorful perspective. 

- The fate of the world is in their hands as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Fifth Season on Blu-ray and DVD on September 22, 2020. Suit up for all 15 captivating one-hour episodes from the fifth season, plus enjoy the epic extra content including a post-production featurette, deleted scenes and a gag reel. A limited-edition bonus disc featuring all five DC Crossover Event Crisis on Infinite Earths episodes will be available exclusively for fans who purchase the Blu-ray. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Fifth Season is priced to own at $24.98 SRP for the DVD ($29.98 in Canada) and $29.98 SRP for the Blu-ray ($39.99 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. Only). DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Fifth Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

- Showtime Documentary Films today announced a new feature documentary from Oscar^® winning director Errol Morris (Wormwood, The Fog of War) about Timothy Leary that will premiere on SHOWTIME later this year. A FILM BY ERROL MORRIS (w/t) asks the question why Leary, the High Priest of LSD, became a narc in 1974 and seemingly abandoned the millions he urged to turn on, tune in and drop out. Was his “perfect love” Joanna Harcourt-Smith a government pawn, as suggested by Allen Ginsberg? Or was she simply a rich, beautiful, young woman out for the adventure of a lifetime? Morris and Harcourt-Smith will reexamine this chaotic period of her life and explore the mystery of the Leary saga: his period of exile, reimprisonment and subsequent cooperation with the authorities. Devotion or selfishness? Perfect love or outright betrayal? Destiny or manipulation? The film is inspired by Harcourt-Smith’s memoir, Tripping the Bardo with Timothy Leary: My Psychedelic Love Story.  In a first-look clip from the forthcoming feature, Harcourt-Smith details an early encounter with Leary, previewing an impassioned affair. To watch or share the clip, go to: https://youtu.be/q8kmZYIbw3s.

- School’s back in session, so get ready for all the feels with the official trailer for Hulu’s upcoming YA dramedy series Love, Victor, set in the world of the 2018 groundbreaking film LOVE, SIMON. The series will premiere with all 10 episodes (binge) on June 19^th, only on Hulu.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 24, 2020

Billions: There were certainly a lot of talks about souls this week. But it looks like the Rhodes are going to move on to the painter and the professor. Wonder how long both will last or if this is a short diversion before getting back together.

Killing Eve: So Niko gets stabbed through the neck by a skilled assassin and lives? Did she mean to leave him alive or is she just incompetent? And did they imply that Constantine might be hooking up with Yara Greyjoy and that she also might be his daughter? That is kind of confusing and icky. But like I have said a few times this season, maybe not the best idea to switch showrunners every season. 

 You can download Killing Eve on iTunes.

Supergirl: Well after a really bad season, at least they ended it by killing of Brainiac 5. Okay, I am deep down know that Dreamer will save him next season, but I rather spend the next nine months or so living in blissful ignorance. 

 You can download Supergirl on iTunes.

Snowpiercer: I really enjoyed the movie but came away from it thinking it would have been a better television show with every episode focusing on a new car on the train. After watching the first episode I am left wondering why they turned such a smart concept and turned into a crime show?

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels: So what are those dark things the Nazi is hiding? And if Maegery Tyrell is some supernatural being, doesn’t she already know what those things are?

Stargirl: DC Universe has created three really good shows in Doom Patrol, Harley Quinn, and Swamp Thing (okay, they kind of ruined the ending of the latter by cutting its episode order while filming), and sure, one was a flaming pile of dog shirt (Titans) but I did have a modicum of hope for Stargirl because .750 is a very good batting average. I got a little worried when they announced it would air the day after of The CW because that is a little too teen leaning for my liking (I prefer Freeform for my crappy teen storytelling), but Stargirl is not even really a teen show, it seems to be geared more towards even younger children, like it should be on Disney Ploose. Hopefully when they add some antagonists, the show will pick up.

The Challenge: Total Madness: Leaving puzzles out in the open for anyone to cheat on has gotten pretty annoying. Can we please get these stations like voting booth tents? And if you are going to create a challenge where you need to go through a foam room to see lights, how about making sure you cannot see the lights from where the disks are? Oh well, at least the two of the most annoying people went home this week. 

You can download The Challenge: Total Madness on iTunes.

In the Dark: I never seen The Wire because the more people claim it is the best show ever made, the less I want to see it because nothing rarely lives up to that much hype, but one thing I do know about that show is that if you come at the king, you best not miss. Back look for that dude. I also know from N.W.A. that you do not get high off your own supply so things may not go well for her either. And just how does a Seeing Eye dog veterinarian know how to operate on a punctured lung? I cannot imagine that comes up much there. But it is becoming pretty clear that the secretary is going to die because he steals the gangbanger’s drug. But I am still not sure who kills him. Maybe the bald chick and she forces the others to clean up the mess. 

 You can download In The Dark on iTunes.

Motherland: Fort Salem: The show has been mostly a drag, but at least they went out with a bang. The killed off two of the leads only for them to not be dead a couple minutes, having flowers bloom behind where they walk. I am not entirely sure the other chick’s hair went white. And of course we end with one of the most clichéd twist ending of someone we thought was dead is not really dead. So is mommy some sort of Spree big wig? After a pretty meh first season, I am mildly intrigued for season two. You can download Motherland: Fort Salem on iTunes.

Around the Tubes: May 23, 2020

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 Taste the Nation, The Short History of the Long Road, Supergirl, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kid Cudi, Crystal Starr, Cautious Clay, Ringside, and The Flash.

- In Taste the Nation, award winning cookbook author, host and executive producer Padma Lakshmi, takes audiences on a journey across America, exploring the rich and diverse food culture of various immigrant groups, seeking out the people who have so heavily shaped what American food is today. From indigenous communities to recent immigrant arrivals, Padma breaks bread with Americans across the nation to uncover the roots and relationship between our food, our humanity and our history - ultimately revealing stories that challenge notions of identity, belonging, and what it means to be American.

- For teenage Nola (Sabrina Carpenter, "Girl Meets World"), home is the open road. Her self-reliant father (Steven Ogg) is her anchor in a life of transience. The pair criss-cross the United States in a lovingly refurbished RV, making ends meet through odd jobs while relishing their independence. A shocking rupture, though, casts Nola out on her own. She makes her way to Albuquerque, New Mexico in search of a mother she never knew, only for her motor home to break down unexpectedly. But after forging a bond with an auto body shop owner (Danny Trejo), Nola senses the possibility of mooring her ship in this storm.  The Short History of the Long Road debuts on VOD June 16th.

- Adventure awaits as one of TV’s favorite DC Super Heroes flies into homes with the release of Supergirl: The Complete Fifth Season on Blu-ray and DVD on September 8, 2020 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Fans can purchase the sets which, in addition to all 19 super-powered episodes from season five, also contains The Best of DC TV’s Comic-Con Panels San Diego 2019, deleted scenes and a gag reel. A limited-edition bonus disc featuring all five DC Crossover Event Crisis on Infinite Earths episodes will be available exclusively for fans who purchase the Blu-ray. Supergirl: The Complete Fifth Season is priced to own at $39.99 SRP for the DVD ($44.98 in Canada) and $44.98 SRP for the Blu-ray ($49.99 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. only). Supergirl: The Complete Fifth Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

- Emmy Nominated and Golden Globe® Award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross releases the official music video to “Love Myself” today. Watch HERE. “Love Myself” is the first single to the upcoming film The High Note in which Tracee Ellis Ross stars in as recording artist “Grace Davis.”  Last week, Tracee Ellis Ross debuted “Love Myself” on Instagram Live to fans and friends like, Michelle Obama, Janelle Monáe, Lena Waithe, Sarah Paulson, Kerry Washington, her incredible mother Diana Ross, and more.  Watch the premiere HERE and listen to “Love Myself” HERE.

- To celebrate the release of Kid Cudi’s first solo track since December 2016, he has partnered with long time creative director, Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton Men’s Artistic Director Virgil Abloh, on an exclusive t-shirt available on shop.kidcudi.com now for a very limited time.  The shirt which features a sketch from Abloh, references an iconic Kid Cudi moment that fans will recognize and features the track title in Abloh’s hand on back.  In addition to the t-shirt, Cudi has also released a limited edition pressing of the “Leader Of The Delinquents” single on 7” vinyl, 12” picture disc and cassette featuring updated single artwork from Abloh.

 

- Southern California singer, songwriter, and powerhouse performer Crystal Starr presents her new single “Goodie Two Shoes” [feat. L. Michelle].  Get it HERE.  Additionally, she shares the official music video. Watch it HERE.  Nodding to nineties R&B and pop, she gleefully taps into a classic throwback spirit on the track. Her voice glides over slick beats before an unshakable and undeniable hook illustrative of her traffic-stopping range. 

- Cautious Clay, Remi Wolf, Still Woozy, Sophie Meiers, Claud, Melanie Faye and HXNS premiere the official video for their single, “Cheesin’,” out now via slowplay/Republic Records—watch HERE!  Created by The Valdez, the video for “Cheesin’” brings Cautious Clay, Remi Wolf, Still Woozy, Sophie Meyers, Claud and Melanie Faye all back together for their take on the “Zoom-lifestyle” we’ve all grown accustomed to during this quarantine. In the video, throwback filters and hand-drawn graphics add nostalgic warmth to the digital party as everyone dances along—apart, but together.

- SHOWTIME has released the official trailer for its upcoming award-winning documentary RINGSIDE, premiering on Friday, June 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT. Filmed over the course of nine years by award-winning director Andre Hörmann, RINGSIDE chronicles the dramatic upbringing of two boxing prodigies and follows the divergent paths they take as they navigate life’s uncertainties on the South Side of Chicago.  To watch and share the trailer for RINGSIDE, go to: https://s.sho.com/2TjLmGl.

- Just in time for the seventh season premiere of the highest-rated series on The CW, fans will be zooming into stores to pick up The Flash: The Complete Sixth Season as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases the Blu-ray and DVD on August 25, 2020. Averaging over 1.8 million viewers weekly*, viewers will be able to speed-watch all 19 gripping episodes from the #1 series on The CW, plus a never-before-seen “Kiss Kiss Breach Breach - Noir” episode with commentary by showrunner/ executive producer Eric Wallace. Other special features include: The Best of DC TV’s Comic-Con Panels San Diego 2019, deleted scenes and a gag reel. A limited-edition bonus disc featuring all five DC Crossover Event Crisis on Infinite Earths episodes will be available exclusively for fans who purchase the Blu-ray.  The Flash: The Complete Sixth Season is priced to own at $39.99 SRP for the DVD ($44.98 in Canada) and $44.98 SRP for the Blu-ray ($49.99 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. only). The Flash: The Complete Sixth Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

- A group of South Carolinians, who have won key races across the Palmetto State, announced today the launch of “Lindsey Must Go,” a newly formed political action committee that will highlight incumbent Lindsey Graham’s vulnerabilities in the U.S. Senate race. Lindsey Must Go (LMG), will rely on a data and impact-driven approach that engages in an aggressive, persuasion campaign across South Carolina. Grounded by polling, it will include digital, cable, radio and SMS engagement to reach voters. LMG launches with a hard hitting video tackling Graham’s flip flopping on key issues as well as his untrustworthiness.  “Lindsey Graham is in trouble – he knows it, we know it and by November, every voter in South Carolina will know it,” said Tyler Jones, a South Carolinian who served as general consultant and strategist to U.S. Congressman Joe Cunningham in his upset victory in 2018. “We are building a grassroots effort to meet voters on the airwaves and online to make sure that we end Lindsey Graham’s political career.”

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 17, 2020

Billions: Man, they really dove into that Showtime synergy with the multiple Dexter references. But off course Chuck was referring to the book and not the show. Then we get what feels like the first ever mention of Wags family. So are we going to get more family time with him this season? They did shuffle off the daughter without really seeing her but some leg.

Killing Eve: Really the crazy French assassin is just going to blow up her mother’s house with her in it and parts of her new family? And the story about her mother giving her up for adoption was a little silly. I guess you get stupid stuff like that when you have three showrunners in three years. You can download Killing Eve on iTunes.

Supergirl: I vaguely remember Sean Austin being on earlier this season but kind of forgot what he was doing other than I think he was possessed by something. I also thought that assistant Director Skinner died in a Cliffside battle. I wondering if I am misremembering all that or that stuff really happened and was changed by Crisis. You can download Supergirl on iTunes.

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels: So the brother that killed all those cops with plenty of witnesses is just out and free? But now we got a new personality for Maergery Tyrell. But her explanation of how she is Spanish was very convoluted. Although that may be the point, I kind of zoned out at some point and maybe everyone she explains her heritage to just accepts it because they also stopped paying attention. But if she is a shape shifter who can transform into anyone, including a young boy, why not just shape shift into an actual Hispanic?

Run: Well that took an unexpected turn. Not sure for the better, but it is the first time I w as even mildly interested in the show.

Survivor: Winners at War: I got worried there for a second, after being irate during the original Edge of Extinction when it seemed obvious that the guy voted our fourth was going to win only for him to be bounced by the guy voted out third, I thought, oh no, is the chick who was voted out first actually going to win? But it just shows that Natalie could still get four votes when Michele, who clearly played the better game could not get any. But thankfully it sounds like that will be done with that stupid twist for aware. Yet, even though no seasons are being filmed, and may not be for a while, Probst still managed to announce a twist almost as dumb as Edge of Extinction: he actually encouraged teenagers as young as sixteen to apply. Please no. You can download Survivor: Winners at War on iTunes.

The Challenge: Total Madness: Do you believe in highly unlikelies!!! And the thing is, when you looked at Jenna area under the stage, it looked like there was a pile of rocks that could have filled two wheel barrels. But I really did not understand why everyone just let Tori throw herself in. If I did not want to see her in a final, I would just never throw her in. But it was nice to have drunk Nany back. It has been awhile since she got that crazy. You can download The Challenge: Total Madness on iTunes.

Blindspot: Oh yeah, Bill Nye is Patterson’s dad. Still weird. So what happened to the chick with the phone?

The Blacklist: Well that was weirder than I was expecting. And I thought Lizzy’s grandpa was already dead. Weird that she said he was going to recover soon since Brain Dennehy just died. Maybe should have changed that line because they kind of have to kill him off now. You can download The Blacklist on iTunes.