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Thursday, May 22, 2025
View From the Peak - Everything Coming to Paramount+ in June 2025
Sunday, May 18, 2025
57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 18, 2025
Mobland: Well, not Chekov’s grenade, but we finally
had a grenade go off this week. And
while I was glad Harry was not able to get there in time due to deceptive
editing, the bad guys not killing the target was a bit deceptive writing. But hey, at least one of the kids were killed
eventually. But who is this new lady
that Harry know owes.
The Last of Us: Sure, Ellie is immune to being bitten, but
does she really want to test out if the spores have any effect on her? This girl is annoying and dumb.
Andor: At the start of the show, it seemed safe to
assume anyone we did not see in Rogue One would likely make it out of the
show. Surprisingly the body count was low. A couple minor did not make it out of the
early episode. Cyril was the first major
one to go, followed by Luthen this week.
I was surprised Kleya did not go with him. Once she told Andor the important
information, I thought she was a goner. Now the question is, what exactly happened to
Kleya and Vel and what were they doing during Rogue One / A New Hope? Is it possible we see them, or Andor Jr.,
again in a future movie or show. But episodes
ten and eleven were all timers. It will
be hard for any other show to challenge Andor for bet of the year.
The Handmaid’s Tale: I was fascinated by the guard in the Aunt
Lydia. Dude just stood there and kept
pointing his gun at random people before saying fork it and putting it away. Who would have guessed an officer in Gilead
would not be trigger happy? So, he and
Aunt Lydia are just going to let everyone leave? And just how are all of them are gong to get
out of New Bethlehem / Gillied?
Survivor: That had to be the dumbest plan ever in the
history of Survivor that ever worked.
Joe really should have asked.
Worst case scenario, he has Immunity, Eva has her Idol, then one of the
other three goes home.
The Stolen Girl: That was a well-crafted story filled with
well earned twists. Maybe there should
be more shorter mystery shows. Ones that
go eight to ten episodes can drag or devolve into a red-herring of the week (or
worse drag on for a second season like The Killing).
Leverage: Redemption: These small-town episodes are some of the
best in the show’s history, including the original.
Grosse Point Garden Society: Now, I will admit I now little about mulching, and even less about disposing of a human body, but wouldn’t the bones remain? And does no one else have the keys to the mulcher? But, ooo, cliffhanger, but this time at Halloween. Hopefully we do get another season. NBC canceled a bunch of shows, but not this one. But it also not mentioned at their Upfronts. Could a move to The Cock really happen? Hopefully it gets announced soon. And if it goes to a premium streamer, hopefully it can get a little riskier. This type of show just does not work very well with broadcast network's constraints.
As for that cliffhanger, Alice being conveniently absent makes it seems like she is the one in the duck suit which means it is very likely not her in the duck suit. Though that did look like a fairly small duck suit. Are there any other small people on this show? Brett’s ex-wife comes to mind. But I guess the cliffhanger spoils they are not in prison, at least not anytime for the next ten months or so.
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Around the Tubes: May 17, 2025
I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Selena Gomez, Chad Powers, The Drew Carey Show, Born Ruffians, The Kinks, Rihanna, Tennis, Alice Phoebe Lou, and Yusuf/Cat Stevens.
- Vevo, the world's leading music video network, announces the release of Selena Gomez and benny blanco’s short film, named after their album I Said I Love You First, as part of Vevo’s performance series, Extended Play. I Said I Love You First is out now via SMG Music/Friends Keep Secrets/Interscope Records. Selena Gomez and benny blanco’s short film features their Vevo Extended Play performances of “Sunset Blvd,” “How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten” and “Scared Of Loving You,” as well as an interview exploring their creative process, communication style, and journey as a couple. WATCH HERE
- Meet the new face of college football. Glen Powell is Chad Powers. Hulu's new comedy series will premiere September 30th with two episodes. New episodes stream weekly on Tuesdays. Hulu's half-hour comedy "Chad Powers," from co-creators and executive producers Glen Powell and Michael Waldron will premiere September 30th. Eli Manning serves as executive producer along with Omaha Productions' Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ben Brown and ESPN. Waldron and Adam Fasullo are executive producing for Anomaly Pictures. Luvh Rakhe will executive produce and Tony Yacenda will serve as director and executive producer. The series stars Powell, who is also co-creating, co-writing and executive producing under his production co-banner Barnstorm Productions.
- Get ready to laugh out loud and relive one of television’s most beloved sitcoms when Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment brings The Drew Carey Show: The Complete Series to DVD. For the first time ever, all nine hilarious seasons* will be available in a collectors’ boxset starting May 13, just in time to celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this collection is the ultimate way to experience the comic genius of Drew Carey and his misfit crew. In addition to the DVD, The Drew Carey Show: The Complete Series is also available now to purchase Digitally from AppleTV, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more. To top it off, fans and newcomers alike can explore classic moments and some of their favorite episodes on the Official YouTube Channel for The Drew Carey Show, which also launches today, May 13.
- On June 6, Born Ruffians will release their anticipated new album Beauty’s Pride (pre-order). Today the band is excited to announce the premiere of Beauty’s Pride—an introspective short film crafted as a cinematic companion to the record. The film will debut on YouTube on May 28 at 8 PM ET. The film is directed by Jared Raab, the award-winning cinematographer behind BlackBerry, Nirvanna the Band the Show, and The Dirties, and produced by Peter Dreimanis, acclaimed Canadian actor and musician, known most recently for his leading role in the feature film Sinners. The concept was developed collaboratively by Raab, Dreimanis, Leah Fay Goldstein (both of Juno Award-winning band July Talk), and Born Ruffians.
- The Kinks, one of the greatest ever British rock groups, continue the 60th Anniversary celebrations of their illustrious musical journey with the final part of their career-defining trilogy, The Journey, out July 11 on BMG. Available on 2CD, 2LP, Digital and HD Digital formats. The physical formats contain track-by-track commentary by the band and new liner notes from Phil Alexander. You can listen to the packages first cuts, ‘Destroyer (2025 Remaster)’ and ‘I’m Not Like Everybody Else (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) HERE & HERE
- Rihanna releases “Friend Of Mine” from Paramount Animation’s SMURFS Movie Soundtrack via Roc Nation Distribution. Rihanna will star as Smurfette in the film, out July 18th. The soundtrack is available for Pre-Order/Pre-Save HERE and will officially release June 13th via Roc Nation Distribution. “Friend Of Mine” is the second song to come off the soundtrack following “Higher Love” by DESI TRILL featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania and Subhi. “Higher Love” also saw an official music video - watch HERE.
- After releasing their final studio album in April, Face Down In The Garden, acclaimed indie-pop duo Tennis share their last release today. Neutral Poetry: First Recordings, Unreleased Demos 2009-2010 is a new EP of previously unheard tracks from the very beginning of their artistic career. The eight-song collection perfectly bookends their time as a band, bringing it all back to where it first began. The EP includes early versions of such fan favorites as “Cape Dory,” “Marathon,” “South Carolina,” “Baltimore,” and “Pigeon,” along with exclusive demo recordings of the never-before-available songs, “Key Largo,” “April and It’s Still Snowing,” and “One Day This Will Be a Good Songgg” — Stream.
- Continuing to open her treasure trove of tucked away storytelling from the last decade, globally adored singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou today releases “The Surface.” A story told in reverse, the acoustic offering unfolds like a rose, petal by petal, until the heart is on full display. In all forms, Alice Phoebe Lou no longer feels the need to fear vulnerability — Stream. “‘The Surface’ is a stream of conscious love song about the deep and contradictory feelings that rise up when exploring a connection with someone you feel strongly about,” she articulates. “It goes through the many phases of holding back and then giving in, starting at the end when someone is finally all in. It talks of the hardships that one has gone through in order to arrive at a place where there is promise of a future and a deep connection and trust. It’s the melting away of our hard outer shells to reach the softer place beneath where we let go and allow ourselves to love and be loved. With just voice and guitar, the music is stripped down and bare like the song.”
- Yusuf/Cat Stevens has today announced his long-awaited memoir, Cat On The Road To Findout. Launching in the U.K. through Constable on Sept. 18 and in North America on Oct. 7 through Genesis Publications, the new autobiography is an extraordinary soul-baring journey through the triumphs, trials, and transcendental quest of one of music’s most enigmatic figures of our time. More than a memoir, the Yusuf/Cat Stevens story is a backstage pass to the mind of a man who has lived a thousand lives. From his folk troubadour beginnings, to the glamorous chaos of ‘60s pop stardom, to his ‘70s reign as a generational voice, his songs formed a musical odyssey that intricately recorded the journey to self-discovery. Then came his unexpected departure from superstardom, embracing Islam and leaving fans heartbroken. PRE-ORDER HERE
Sunday, May 11, 2025
57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 11, 2025
Mobland: So I am guessing the daughter is a goner
unless the fixer is able to teleport (or the editors are being really
deceptive). Though how are more of these
family members not dead yet? These are
the dumbest mobsters possibly. Why do
they keep killing people who have their own armies to retaliate?
The Walking Dead: Dead
City: Um, so why does Maggie just go
back to Alexandra, or Hill Top? Seems
stupid to stay there. And why does NYC
seem like The Warriors now? This season
is going to be a drag.
The Last of Us: Having fully clothed sex right after admitting
you are pregnant with someone who is not the father is very weird. And of all songs that were recorded before
the world was destroyed, why a cheesy 80’s song that people only remember because
it had innovative music video for its time?
The Last Anniversary: In the end, this show was just like every Liane
Moriarty adaptation: interesting set up, but would have been a lot more entertaining
if it were a lot more trashy.
Andor: It seemed safe to assume anyone we do not see
in Rogue One would likely die on this show.
But that was such a sad way to go out for Cyril. It seemed like Bix was not long for this
world, but at least for now it just seems like she just left. It will be interesting if she makes an appearance
during the final block or will we see her ever again. Could she have a run in with Mando? Now the question is how will Luthen die
(there is no riding off in the sunset with him)? Will Kleya go down with him? Can
Vel survive.
The Handmaid’s Tale: Oh no, Janet has arrived. This truly is the bad place. Though it seems like she is Good Janet
pretending to be a Bad Janet. But this was
just yet another set up episode as we are waiting for the wedding of the post apocalypse
coming next week.
Survivor: What is David doing? Seriously, what was that? Too bad they no longer release Ponderosa
video because his reunion with Mary would be interesting.
Grosse Point Garden
Society: So just what did the PI
see? And does he actually think Brett has
put another person’s kid through college money?
Better blackmail Birdy instead.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Around the Tubes: May 10, 2025
I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Chelsea Cutler, Lord Huron, Sublime, Lorde, Kid Cudi, Marcus King Band, The Who, The Weeknd, Motorheads, and Rivals.
- Platinum-Certified singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and engineer Chelsea Cutler surprises fans with a brand new mixtape, titled if i could just stop the time, (may 2024-may 2025), out now via Mercury Records—listen HERE. Providing a cathartic release, the five-track mixtape provides a raw look at an emotional and vulnerable moment in the critically acclaimed artist’s life, while also signaling the beginning of a new chapter. Cutler shared: “this is not an album, it is not the album. it’s just a handful of the many songs i made while processing and healing from the loss of a great love, coming to terms with the ruthless passage of time, accepting that things change and people change, both for worse and for better. i didn’t want the album to be about this, because it wouldn’t be a reflection of the person i’m coming into now. but i also didn’t want to skip steps or leave out a large part of my story, especially when we’ve all been always so honest with each other. i don’t know if these particular songs are even really finished, i don’t know if they’re even really any good, and that’s all right. i just don’t want to keep living inside them, i am ready to let them go, and i still want the world to have them in some capacity. so this for now, and the album later. talk soon.”
- Lord Huron — the project of Los Angeles-based songwriter, musician and visual artist Ben Schneider — announces The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1, their new album out July 18th via Mercury Records, along with the new single, “Looking Back.” Known for creating “atmospheric music of exquisite craft” (Wall Street Journal), the band began teasing the new album over the last few months with singles/videos, “Who Laughs Last” and “Nothing I Need,” which is currently in the Top 10 at Adult Alternative radio. Listen to Lord Huron’s “Looking Back”
- An all-star compilation titled Look At All The Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime is out now on all streaming platforms https://sublime.ffm.to/
- New Zealand alt-pop icon Lorde has announced Ultrasound a fall North American and European headline tour—fans can sign up for Lorde’s pre-sale HERE. Pre-sale begins Wednesday, May 14th at 10am local, and general on sale begins Friday, May 16th at 10am local HERE. The tour kicks off in September, with stops at iconic venues around the world—including Madison Square Garden, The Kia Forum, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and London’s O2 Arena—marking her first time headlining these stages. Support comes from Blood Orange, The Japanese House, Nilüfer Yana, Chanel Beads, Empress Of, Jim-E Stack and Oklou on select dates. This announcement follows the news of her highly anticipated new album Virgin—out June 27th—and the release of “What Was That,” co-produced by Lorde, Jim-E Stack and Dan Nigro. The track has been praised for its raw energy and emotional immediacy, offering a glimpse into the sonic world of Virgin. You can pre-order the album HERE.
- GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum sonic visionary, artist, producer, actor and director Kid Cudi returns with the new single “Neverland.” Listen to “Neverland” here. Cudi will premiere his short film, Neverland, directed by Ti West and produced by Monkeypaw Productions, at Tribeca Film Festival in June. The new single is Cudi’s first offering of 2025 following his record breaking 2024 that saw “Day ‘N’ Nite (nightmare)” officially earn its RIAA Diamond Certification, marking his groundbreaking debut Man on the Moon: The End of Day as “the first 2000s hip-hop album to earn multiple RIAA Diamond singles.” Last year also saw Cudi release his ninth studio album, INSANO and its epic Deluxe Version, NITRO MEGA. Hailed by Clash as “a lavish return,” and logging his seventh Top 20 debut on the Billboard 200 with INSANO.
- The Marcus King Band unveils a first taste of new music with the track “Honky Tonk Hell” out now via American Records/Republic Records. Listen/share the song HERE. Watch/share the lyric video HERE. “‘Honky Tonk Hell’ is an anthem for anyone out there like myself who have struggled with the permanence of sobriety - those who fear the thought they will never again howl at the moon,” King says, “This song for me serves as a reminder to take it all one day at a time.” The beloved Marcus King Band Family Reunion music festival will return for its ninth installment this summer, taking place in Charleston, SC for the first time ever. Over the course of two days—August 23 and 24—the festival will see performances by the Marcus King Band, Jamey Johnson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Molly Tuttle and more. Tickets and more information are HERE.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® inductees and GRAMMY® Award-winning iconic band The Who will release, Live At The Oval 1971, as part of the Whooligan Fan Club exclusively HERE, fans will receive early ticket access, exclusive Whooligan merchandise and a copy of Live At The Oval 1971! Learn more about the Fan Club, HERE. The Who announced their bittersweet final tour of the US and Canada as a truly grand finale of their illustrious six-decade career. The legendary duo, Roger Daltrey & Pete Townshend, revealed the news live during a press conference at the Iconic Images gallery in Piccadilly, London. The 2025 North America Farewell Tour aptly titled The Song Is Over is named after the Who’s 1971 classic song. Tickets will be available on Friday, May 16 at 10:00 AM local time at thewho.com/tour/ On August 22, 2025— Live At The Oval 1971 will be available on all DSPs, CD, Atmos, and 2LP 180g Black Vinyl, and limited edition 2LP Sea Blue & Red Hot Color Swirl & Splatter Vinyl. Fans may now pre-order
- Listen to The Weeknd’s “Timeless (Remix) featuring Playboi Carti and Doechii” here. Global superstar The Weeknd has tapped Grammy-award winning Doechii for an additional feature on the official remix of “Timeless” featuring Playboi Carti out now via XO / Republic Records. The hit single from The Weeknd’s latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, first debuted in the Top 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 after being teased during his one night only special stadium concert at Estádio Morumbi in São Paulo last year.
- Prime Video released the official trailer for upcoming young-adult action-drama Motorheads. All 10 episodes will be available on May 20, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Motorheads is about first love, first heartbreak, and turning the key in your first car. Set in a once-thriving rust-belt town that’s now searching for a glimmer of hope, the series is an adrenaline-filled story of a group of outsiders who form an unlikely friendship over a mutual love of street racing, while navigating the hierarchy and rules of high school. Watch Trailer HERE
- Filming begins this month on the highly-anticipated second season of “Rivals,” based on the best-selling novel by Dame Jilly Cooper. The drama returns with an extended season of twelve episodes - and even more wit, desire, and dramatic twists. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Cotswolds countryside and the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, the second installment will see the return of the all-star cast that won the hearts of fans and critics alike as well as introducing brand new faces.
Sunday, May 04, 2025
57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 4, 2025
Mobland: How disappointing that Chekov’s hand grenade
did not go off in the third act. Sure,
there are still more episodes left and maybe it will go off in the finale, but
I really was hoping that it got thrown at the funeral.
The Last of Us: So it took the show almost an entire season
to get Joel and Ellie to Wyoming, but Ellie and Dina were able to get to Seattle
in half an episode. That is giving
strong late season Game of Thrones vibes.
Really, they are not running into any obstacles? It is just a straight shot, no infected nor
questionable humans on the way?
Andor: So are we going to get one secondary death each
segment? We said goodbye to Brasso
during the first batch and Cinta this time.
It does feel like Bix may come sooner than later. Considering Luthen is such a big part of the
Rebellion but is not seen in Rogue One, he is not long for this world. Vel is a hard one, she is related to a Senator
so it feels like she cannot be found out without blowback to Mon. Cyril and Dedra are just cogs in the Empire machine
so they can just survive and become insignificant when the Empire falls. Though a show about them in the Empire’s ashes
could be interesting. The big question
for me is Kleya. She seemed like a background
character during the first season, but may have turned out to be the most interesting
character. If Luthen goes down it probably
is a good guess she goes down with him, but she is sneaky, she might be able to
weasel herself out of a trap. I kind of
hope we see her after this.
The Handmaid’s Tale: Wait, why exactly did June and Moira split
up? That just seems like plot contrivance.
Survivor: On no, the dreaded, someone with little screen
time all of the sudden gets a lot of screen time and is promptly voted
out. The editing seems to be a lot more
even in the New Era, especially with the extra half hour, it seems like a while
since this has happened. After her rap,
it is disappointing we did not get more of Star this season. But one thing the show really loves to do,
new or old era, is telegraph who is going to win Immunity by spending so much
time before the Immunity Challenge with players targeting the person that ends
up becoming immune. Sigh. But my big question with this episode is does
Mitch really think he is in the Strong People Alliance? Maybe they are not showing just how good the
Strong People are able to convince him, but he has got to notice how many times
those 4 (or 6 when David was still around) go off without him.
The Stolen Girl: They actually had me for a second that the
girl might be the thief’s. I guess the Photoshop
of the birthmark pretty much confirms she is not. But it does seem like she did have a daughter,
so what exactly happened to her. And how
does this tie into the real mother.
Leverage: Redemption: Having a solo mission is kind of fun. Makes me wonder what one with Elliot would
look like.
Grosse Point Garden
Society: I wonder if I get half
credit for prediction the dog murderer would be the dead body if the dog death
indirectly led to the death. But the
show did a poor job making it seem like the mother-in-law could be capable of
dogicide. Why not start with reporting
the dog to the landlord like with foster first?
Going straight to doggie murder seems extreme first step to getting a grandkid. And to the father in law, why not shut off
the wood chipper? Why even try to pull
out a quill that is already partially destroyed?