Frank was so disgusted by some cops' negligence that he floated the idea of perp walking them.
In real life, police brutality is too often in the news, and people are divided over the issue of whether the bad cops are bad apples. We need more police leaders like Frank, willing to hold officers accountable for failing the people they are supposed to serve.
On Blue Bloods Season 13 Episode 12, Frank didn't get his perp walk, but he did punish both the instigator and the two cops who followed crappy orders. It was too late to undo a tragedy, but it was better than nothing.
Frank has always been about doing what's right, optics be damned. So it wasn't surprising that he fired the officers involved in this mess and considered demanding a perp walk.
Frank: I talked to Hobbs and Renfrow. They say that you told them it was okay to look the other way on the domestics so that they could close a big case.
John: It's a little more complicated than that.
Frank: If you say this is for the greater good, I'll throw you out the window.
John: Not for the greater good, but we were closing a big case.
Frank: I don't give a damn if you were curing cancer. You don't use a woman as a punching bag.
John: That was not what I was intending to do.
Frank: Nevertheless, it's what you did.
His devotion to justice made it so that Sid believed Frank was serious about the perp walk. It's too bad that this idea had to remain in fantasy. These cops ruined a woman's life and left her no choice but to kill her abuser before he could kill her.
They didn't actively kill anyone, but their determination to look the other way led to Reginald's death and Angela's incarceration. While Frank's desire for a perp walk was overruled, I hope he at least has a press conference explaining his decision to terminate these cops' employment.
Captain Bates was an idiot to think he'd get away with pinning the whole scandal on his detectives. He claimed he was blindsided, but detectives rarely independently conduct an operation involving CIs. He'd have had to have signed off on their decision to look the other way.
And Frank wasn't going to take his word for it, either. Bates should have known that Frank would get to the bottom of this and that his role in the scandal would come to light sooner or later.
Frank kept Sid in the dark about his plan to fire Bates so that Sid wouldn't object. But would even Sid "Cops are always right" Gormley have taken Bates' side on this one?
Sid didn't seem any happier with Bates' explanation of why his cops ignored Angela's cries for help than Frank did. Maybe he was upset because he had a feeling Frank was going to discipline Bates, but he had a disapproving look on his face the whole time Bates was describing what happened.
Protecting a CI shouldn't mean allowing him to beat his wife brutally. Surely there was a way the cops could have worked with Reginald, if he was that vital to their case, without giving him a free pass to do what he wants.
Frank: So she stabs her husband and the first thing she does is run up the street to the police station?
Garrett: I know it's unusual, but it's not our place to do anything about this.
Frank: I know I can't fix the whole system, Garrett, but what I can do is make sure our part of it does not fail her again.
As the principal PR liaison, Garrett should have realized it would look terrible if Frank ignored this. That would have opened the department up to accusations in the media of covering up negligence that led to an unnecessary death!
While Frank was dealing with this crisis, Jamie and Danny got pushed into cases they didn't want because they felt bad for the people involved.
Jamie's case was interesting and relatively unique for Blue Bloods. He arrested a thief who claimed he was playing Robin Hood to undo the damage an abusive boss was doing by refusing to pay other immigrants and threatening to deport their families if they stood up for themselves.
I was surprised by how close this generally conservative series came to taking the side of an undocumented immigrant who had committed a crime!
Jamie followed the law by arresting Gustavo, but he broke it -- or protocol, anyway -- by letting the man wear a wire when he wasn't supposed to be eligible for CI duty.
Unsurprisingly, this case went sideways when Gustavo revealed that he was working for the cops and threw his phone down so Jamie couldn't hear what was happening. No wonder Jamie got a three-day RIP after that disaster, which never would have happened if he had followed the CI guidelines.
Baez: Reagan, you gotta get your head out of all this Mickey stuff.
Danny: There was a time when I thought of him as the fourth Reagan boy.
Baez: And now?
Danny: And now I just count him out.
Jamie's story was more compelling than Danny's.
Danny's working for a friend he didn't entirely trust felt like a rerun. Several stories have been like this over the years, and they usually end the same way.
This time, the twist was that Mickey was the victim of a scam, not its perpetrator. I'm not sure why Danny said he'd been had; if anything, he discovered his friend had been duped.
Still, Mickey is bad news, and I'm not sorry that he left as quickly as he came. There also weren't enough Danny/Baez interactions in this one, though their conversation about caring for people who continually fail to turn their lives around was a nice moment.
Erin went on one last stakeout with Anthony, but is she going to go through with running for DA?
Anthony: Didn't you ever hear patience is a virtue?
Erin: I like action. I like results.
Anthony: You like action and results and you're running for DA?
So far, her experience with jumping into politics has been that she hates the outfits the image consultant recommends and doesn't feel comfortable with powerful donors trying to ask for a quid pro quo. Now she's already missing being out in the field.
Is working with Anthony enough of a draw to make Erin change her mind about running?
What do you think, Blue Bloods fanatics? Will Erin back out of the race? Do you want her to?
Hit the big, blue SHOW COMMENTS button and let us know your thoughts about that and the rest of the storylines. And don't forget you can watch Blue Bloods online if you want to see it again.
Blue Bloods airs on CBS on Fridays at 10 PM EST / PST.
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Some milestones people look forward to, like birthdays, start to lose meaning when one is in prison.
Bode turned 30 years old on Fire Country Season 1 Episode 13, a fact he hid from everyone else. He crashed with Jake when Jake offered to donate his kidney to Sharon.
Eve experienced firsthand what being a fire chief entails, and the experience made some things clear to her.
A series of fires overshadowed a developer's big day, and later he learned a lesson from protestors who were against his building development.
It was very clear Bode didn't want anyone to know it was his birthday. Being incarcerated, some simple joys of life are stolen from you, and it is possible to start looking at things through a dark lens. In some extreme cases, some inmates attempt to take their lives.
Living every day the same as the last starts to get old quickly.
This birthday was a crude reminder to him about where he was in life. It felt like he had wasted some of his best years in prison. Having his fellow inmates cheer him on during his birthday reminded him of what he wanted to forget so much: that he was incarcerated.
While many people have an absolutely wild time during their birthdays, the best he could hope for was putting out another fire.
This was one of the reasons he clung so hard to wanting to be a donor.
In his mind, he would gain some importance in the eyes of his parents, and they won't see him as the loser or mistake he thinks he is. It would make him feel like his parents -- his father especially -- would like him better.
Apart from it being a risky procedure, he was in a tougher situation than most donors. Most donors don't have to think about the possibility of losing a chance at their freedom because they helped someone.
If he underwent surgery, it would put him out of commission for a while, and if one thing is clear, this program offers no second chances, and someone else would take his spot.
Looking in from the outside, this was a fact Jake saw clearly.
Bode could go back to prison for the rest of his sentence.
Jake
Jake cares about Bode, like everyone else. Even when Bode makes it very hard, Jake still cares. He could have easily gone on with his life without a care, but the moment he learned what might happen to Bode, he overcame his fear.
In my opinion, the show would be much more interesting if Jake and Bode were friends. On Fire Country Season 1 Episode 6, they put aside their differences for a while and did an exemplary job.
There is nothing more for them to be arguing about.
Bode is talking with Jake's ex-girlfriend, and Jake is talking with Bode's ex-girlfriend. That evens some things out. The Riley thing was a freak accident with many people to blame, so that should not be overblown.
I made this about me. You know, in thinking I needed to do this to make up for my past mistakes. My mom's who I care about. I just want her to live.
Bode
They could be a great duo if given a chance. Their making up after Bode realized he had been behaving selfishly was easily one of the best moments in "You Know Your Dragon Best."
It also appeared that Bode was growing. He did the right thing in getting out of the way and allowing Jake to donate his kidney to Sharon.
Being a fire chief comes with challenges; some people are better suited for it than others.
Sharon does it very well without appearing like she is trying at all.
With her medical condition and all, she subconsciously knows it could go either way, so she starts looking for a successor. And rightfully, she landed on Eve, who is a force despite being underutilized in the show.
Eve shadowed her and experienced firsthand what it is like to be a chief. It involved a lot of delegation and some diplomacy, all of which Sharon does well and Eve is somehow decent at, but it made her realize this wasn't her calling.
Sharon: Looks like you've got this handled.
Eve: They're good probies.
Sharon: They were trained by the best.
Like many firefighters, she loves the thrill of action. Running with a hose, putting out a fire, and finding solutions to problems as soon as they present themselves.
Standing around, telling people what to do when she could do it? Massaging egos of wealthy narcissists? That wasn't ideal for her.
It was understandable when she couldn't take it anymore and left.
Tatum's dedication to saving the forest was admirable. It might seem like she was extreme in her methods, but considering the state of the environment right now, such passion is needed.
It is, however, important to know when to call it quits, and a huge fire ought to do.
I enjoyed hearing her justification for doing this, but it irked me when she started demanding firefighters put their lives at risk to save trees from a fire.
Tatum: Here I am, trying to save what they couldn't.
Jake: Isn't saving trees antithetical to construction?
Tatum: My parents practiced sustainable forestry. They balanced what's good for the trees, the people, and the wildlife. People need houses, I'm not denying that.
Jake: There's just a better way.
Tatum: A less destructive way.
On Fire Country Season 1 Episode 12, Colin joined the house as a probie.
He was off to a rough start, but he seemed to improve in "You Know Your Dragon Best." He showed the enthusiasm one would expect from a firefighter.
An arsonist was teased in the same episode, but it wasn't revisited in this episode. I learned of a theory that he might be the arsonist, and I haven't gotten over it yet. Everything he does or says, I construe to be a clue.
He seems overly enthusiastic about responding to fire emergencies. When the molotov cocktail bomb was thrown, I could have sworn he did it.
He seems to try to find a way into Gabriela's life by talking about personal stuff. He might be trying to be a regular human being and make friends, or he might be trying to find some dirt.
"You Know Your Dragon Best" was a typical Fire Country episode that didn't impress or disappoint, which might be disappointing itself.
Over to you, Fire Country Fanatics. Do you think Colin might be hiding something?
Do you want Jake and Bode to mend their friendship?
Hit the big blue "Show Comments" button and chime in on the conversation, and remember, you can watch Fire Country online right here on TV Fanatic.
...
Acting on feelings can have consequences, but sometimes, it can be just what someone needs.
On S.W.A.T. Season 6 Episode 12, a gunman targets rehab centers following his brother’s death, and Powell uses her own feelings about her past to help.
Meanwhile, Annie and Deacon have differing opinions on their daughter, Lila, when it comes to soccer, and it leads to an unexpected consequence.
Previously it was Deacon’s son getting the spotlight; now it’s his daughter, Lila, and his and Annie’s parenting styles only revealed how much they care about her.
After Deacon had struggled with what to do about Matt on S.W.A.T. Season 6 Episode 8, seeing him now deal with a completely different situation with a different kid shows just what a parent goes through.
Although this storyline centered on whether or not Lila playing soccer was a good idea and if she wanted to play or not, there was a much deeper plot to it, and it was all about kids growing up.
Deacon and Annie having differing opinions on what to do only reflected the way that most parents work.
Kays don't break commitments.
Deacon
Not everything is going to be agreed upon, but at the same time, there might be something more significant behind it.
Deacon admitted that he just wanted to hold on to her for a little bit longer and have something in common with her.
Since they had so many kids and had them all grow up before their eyes, this was normal behavior for him.
It was a little strange that Annie didn’t think to talk to Deacon before telling Lila she could quit soccer, and seeing her so angry that he told her otherwise was not how I imagined her acting.
All I wanted was for her to learn the same lessons that I did as a kid playing sports.
Deacon
The two of them usually talk to each other, but with Deacon busy with S.W.A.T. and Annie busy with school, it’s likely it slipped both of their minds.
They did come to a conclusion by the end, and it was just that their little girl was growing up too fast, which I’m sure is relatable for any parent.
This was the storyline that Jay Harrington told us about in our interview, but I am curious to see if it continues longer or is revisited in some way.
Even though Deacon and Annie did come to an agreement, it’s possible it could be mentioned again.
Maybe another Kay child will have the time to shine in a later episode.
There are plenty of stories to be told about them.
Someone else that got to shine was Zoe Powell, who opened up more about what happened with her partner, Gabe.
Powell initially opened up about Gabe on S.W.A.T. Season 6 Episode 5, and she still felt guilty about what happened to him.
I get that feeling, thinking you let someone down.
Powell
The case that the team took in this episode was a great connector to Powell’s story because she felt similar to what the gunman felt, which was guilt.
She started off being a rebel, not following protocol because she knew what could happen, to helping a literal gunman who has hostages stay off the ledge.
Powell used her own experiences to help, even if it didn’t work the way she had planned.
Knowing how far Powell has come, it was great to see how much she had grown. In the end, she even decided to take her own advice and visit Gabe.
Powell: I think he forgave himself.
Street: Question is, can you?
It’s likely this is one storyline that is far from over, but since Powell isn’t in all of the episodes, it might be a while until we come face-to-face with Gabe.
At least fans can still look forward to Powell growing even more and maybe even realizing her calling as a negotiator.
The case that 20-Squad dealt with revolved around something that is, unfortunately, all too common in the world today: addiction and loss.
Like many procedurals, S.W.A.T. is known for pulling storylines from real-world issues. Still, it was heartbreaking to see the pain that addiction caused for the main antagonist, Tim, who lost his brother to an overdose.
Although Tim was the bad guy, the series kept trying to get it through that Tim was only looking out for his baby brother and wanted him clean more than anything.
This was where Powell was brought in and where the two stories interconnected. Powell helped Tim, and in turn, she helped herself as well.
Having the main storyline not only connect to the real world but to a character makes it even better, and I can’t think of anyone that it would have served better than Powell.
Just like Tim, Powell blamed herself but trying to get through to Tim and showing him Adrian’s video really helped her.
Tim might be the one out there shooting people, but this all falls back on you and this center. Don't think we don't know that.
Hondo
It was a well-executed storyline, which can be tricky since it also discussed the lengths that rehab centers may go to bring in addicts off the book.
This episode brought awareness to what’s likely happening in the world and how it may never stop, but one can always find help.
As for the other stories, it was intriguing seeing more of Luca’s relationship with Eva.
After their fallout, Luca still felt the need to protect her, and he tried to patch things up with her, even though she didn’t want it.
I just wanted to get to know my brother. And now I wish to God I hadn't.
Eva
I’m hoping that they continue this storyline in greater detail because Luca having a half-sibling is not something that should just be thrown around.
There was also a short storyline about Nichelle’s first investigation, and it opened her eyes to what Hondo has to go through every day.
I really enjoy these types of storylines for both Hondo and Nichelle, the ones where they’re realizing more and more what kind of world they live in or what Hondo has to do for his job.
Now that they have a baby on the way, they are thinking completely differently, and with Nichelle now seeing that side, it’s giving her a different perspective.
I would love nothing more than to have an episode that almost strictly follows Nichelle for her cop auditing job and see her reactions in real time and what she has to do.
Getting those different perspectives would make it easier to follow the characters and what they have to go through.
Overall, this episode was entertaining and heartbreaking, with happy endings all around.
Between the action, the storylines, and the character development, I am giving it 4.0 stars.
I’m hoping that they continue to explore Powell’s backstory and what happened before she joined S.W.A.T.
Meanwhile, Luca has stayed adamant about making sure that Eva is in his life one way or another, but he seems okay with backing off until she’s ready again. Fingers crossed, it doesn’t take long.
Hondo and Nichelle always seem to be going through something and worrying, I would like for them to take a nice, stress-free vacation before the baby comes, but it’s S.W.A.T., and anything is unpredictable.
So, Fanatics, what did you think?
What was your favorite storyline? Which one are you hoping will continue?
What are your thoughts on Powell’s character development or Nichelle’s new job?
Would you change anything about how Annie and Deacon solved their problem or how Luca wanted to help Eva?
Share your thoughts below, and be sure to watch S.W.A.T. online any time via TV Fanatic!
...
The number is up for another queen in the competition.
Performing in girl group challenges can make or break a queen's journey for the crown. The latest performance on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15 Episode 6 was no exception.
Some queens sizzled, some fizzled, and many played it safe. Sound familiar? It was another rushed week in the Werk Room.
Did "Old Friends Gold" even have a moment to breathe?
You could feel the pressure of the 1-hour runtime during the pacing of this round. Every segment and runway look was rushed through in a frenzy. We could barely enjoy the fun before the editing had to take us to the next bit.
We've chatted in the past about how the shorter episodes have taken away the fun of RuPaul's Drag Race. Sure, the series started with 1-hour episodes, but it naturally evolved to a longer runtime to showcase more of the queens and the competition.
Reverting back has only exposed the glaring problem with this decision.
"Old Friends Gold" might be the episode where it has suffered the most from having less time. We had less time for the group prep, less time for the rehearsals, and less time for the runway. We got less of everything.
Instead, the editing was a cluttered mess of rushed segments to power through the episode. We were treated to a juicy piece of drama, but having that treat meant we had to sacrifice elsewhere.
Drag Race shouldn't be like that. Please, I want my MTV to give me longer Drag Race episodes again!
Speaking of the juicy drama, the fight for the song reached levels of petty that would've made anyone gag in laughter.
Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Luxx Noir London were not having any of it. Making a stand and fighting for the best material is understandable; Drag Race is a competition, so work to get what you want.
Though, I agreed with Malaysia Babydoll Foxx that the argument was becoming very rude. Mistress and Luxx seemed very condescending like they knew they would get their way. Particularly Luxx whenever she was arguing against Sasha Colby and Malaysia.
Salina EsTitties: Bitches, put your seatbelts on honey because…
Spice: Like, are we going on a bus ride? A car ride?
Salina EsTitties: Bitch, the ride has begun!
It didn't get uncomfortable like Bosco vs. Lady Camden on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14 Episode 12. That argument was peak shady and seemed intent on hurting feelings.
Instead, the back-and-forth kept going in a circle, and it would've only made them all look worse if it escalated more. At least they left it up to fate. Could you imagine if someone backed down?
The best way to discuss the performances is to go group by group. So, let's start with the queens who won their heavy metal song: the Rockin' Old Gs.
The metal group did an excellent job channeling their harsher vocals and giving the judges what they'd expect with heavy metal. Basically, a lot of rock musician finger poses, scream, air guitar, and lip-sync yelling.
Aura Mayari and Sasha were strong right out of the gate. Sasha's vocals killed it with the yelling, and her lyrics felt catchy against the rougher beat.
It felt like a close race between her and Aura for the top spot. Sasha is showing everyone that she came to play and get that crown.
Aura's newfound confidence dominated the stage.
Whatever fears she had were easily thrown away; she proved that she does excel at these types of music and choreography challenges.
[In confessional] I know that these girls have been looking at me like the underdog. But at the end of the day, the underdog is about to be the top dog.
Malaysia Babydoll Foxx
Her incredible runway look and strong performance were a great combination for the week. It's not surprising that she took home the victory. Her win is the type of underdog storyline where everything worked out perfectly, and she checked every box to snatch a victory.
Malaysia and Spice were both equally good in their group too.
And while Malaysia's lyrics were strong, and she performed them well, she and Spice were mostly safe. If anything, Spice would've been in the lower half since she acted goofier and younger than the rest of her group.
Comparatively, Banjo Bitches (the country music group) had the best performance overall as a group. Everything worked well together between the lyrics, the steps, and the outfits.
Surprisingly, none of the queens wanted to take the country music song. Based on the team's performance, there was enough potential and working material to do something good with the song.
Luxx Noir London: What do you guys have against country music? You guys are gonna have to get really acquainted with the genre seeing that you’re gonna be doing country.
Sasha Colby: I don’t have a problem with country. I have a problem with the reason why y’all think y’all have the right to choose first.
Or maybe the team members were just that strong?
Out of all four members, Mistress Isabelle Brooks was the strongest. Mistress had the fire and flair to showcase the comedy with the Golden Girls' jokes. Plus, getting the most laughs from RuPaul easily pushes you to the top of the pack.
Luxx, Salina EsTitties, and Marcia Marcia Marcia did well too, but like the others above, they felt safe members of the group.
When it came to Ol' Dirty Bitches (the hip-hop group), what were they thinking?!
They dropped any pretense of being the Golden Girls throughout their dance number and went for a more youthful number. RuPaul loves the Golden Girls, and she gave the queens clear hints at the start of the Maxi Challenges about what she hoped to see during the performance.
It was surprising that they gave her very little of it.
You could tell from the judges' expressions that they weren't having any of it. Whenever RuPaul looks confused or cringes, it's a dead giveaway that the queens went in the wrong direction.
Deathdrops? Splits? Low bends and squatting to the ground?
Are these supposed to be from their characters who also had hip problems and slow walks?
The group was too preoccupied with showing their dance moves and skills instead of giving comedy, saying their lyrics, and playing their characters.
They fell into the hidden trap for this challenge because solid dance moves and standing out would typically be essential for a girl group challenge. Many queens have been cut in the past for less. However, the goal here was more about comedy, standing out, and creating a character that worked for the group/theme.
Jax, Anetra, Robin Fierce, and Loosey LaDuca had the look of the song, but they needed to carry that vibe throughout. I agreed with the judges that they had the most problems.
The lip-sync of "In Your Room" by The Bangles was an interesting battle between Jax and Robin Fierce.
Jax, who had shown since RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15 Episode 2 that she could bring the stunts, brought it all on the main stage. While Robin Fierce, who just got read by the judges for being too safe, gave a routine that felt very safe.
Jax was in control of her movements and timing. Whenever she served a stunt, she hit it at the right moment of the song and beat to emphasize the power. I loved her performance because she didn't hold back; she channeled that song into every movement.
Malaysia Babydoll Foxx: I don’t think we should have to sell it to you. I think the decision that we have to make now is who’s gonna do it.
Luxx Noir London: We already chose that we’re doing metal, so you just adapt to the situation and make country fierce.
Robin's performance seemed more subdued and ethereal. Her stunts were a nice touch, but something felt missing. Maybe it needed more fire to steal the spotlight?
Robin might be a queen who needs a little time before coming back on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and showing her stuff. She just needed more now to stand out against queens who were charging full steam ahead.
Last Thoughts From The Werk Room:
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With all the rehearsals, performances, and segments going on, the runway editing felt like an afterthought. Mistress, Sasha, and Aura had incredible ensembles, but you wouldn't be able to tell since each queen only got a few seconds to showcase their looks.
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Poor Megan Stalter! She tried so hard to come up with quick zingers at the drop of a hat.
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Sometimes Drag Race can pleasantly surprise us. Case in point: The Old Gays from TikTok coming out as the Pit Crew members for the week.
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Why was RuPaul giving Mistress makeup tips to give back to Marcia? Sure, it's playful shade, but it's not Mistress's job to help the competition.
Now, over to you, Drag Race fans.
What did you think of "Old Friends Gold"?
Are you sad to see Robin Fierce get eliminated? Which girl group number was your favorite? Which song would you have chosen?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
...
Tim jumped into the action at Metro. Tamara considered bailing on Lucy. Aaron lamented living in poverty, and Nolan got the shock of his life when he learned his mother had died on The Rookie Season 5 Episode 14.
Our TV Fanatics, Jasmine, Denis, and Christine, debate if the sniper storyline was a hit or a flop.
If Nolan should have talked to his mom. Did Elijah kill the judge, and is Monica next? And why Tamara considered moving out now when Lucy's with Tim and not when Lucy was dating Chris?
Should Nolan have talked to his mother or invited her to the wedding as many of his friends and co-workers pushed him to do?
Jasmine: No. Clearly, it wasn't something that Nolan was comfortable with, and he didn't want that. It bothered me how much everyone tried to push Nolan into changing his mind or speaking to his mom or making amends or whatever.
They don't know what that relationship is like for Nolan. It's like they felt Nolan should extend grace to his mother just because she was his mother, and that's not how toxic relationships work or should work.
Nolan was not wrong for setting his boundaries and sticking to them. It sucks that so many people were pushing the narrative that just being related to someone necessitates a loyalty that supersedes harm they may cause to you.
Denis: No. I don't think so. Nolan knows his mother best. I mean, we all should respect our parents, but this should not come at the cost of our own sanity or well-being.
One has to draw a line somewhere, and if you hear Nolan complaining about his mother, he has been through some things because of her. And Nolan doesn't complain about much.
Christine: No. I was annoyed at how everyone was pushing him. His mother has taken advantage of him and hurt him terribly over the years. He's always civil, but he has reason to set strong boundaries, and it felt like even the people closest to him didn't understand that.
Nolan's mother died! Were you surprised? What did you think of that twist?
Jasmine: I was surprised. I guess I shouldn't have been because of how seemingly abrupt they were revisiting this character. It also was a different tone from the rest of the episode.
I felt bad for him, though. Either this will leave him feeling guilty, or this will leave him feeling bad that he isn't feeling guilty.
Denis: I was surprised to hear of it, but the twist wasn't surprising. It is part of The Rookie's charm to come up with some of the most insane twists. I love that about it.
Christine: I was surprised, but it was a great twist. Sometimes things like this are completely unexpected. And even though Nolan had every reason to cut his mother out of his life, I'm sure this will still leave him reeling.
Did Elijah kill the judge, or was it simply a heart attack? Is Wesley right? Will he eventually kill Monica?
Jasmine: Oh, he totally had that judge killed. The timing was too much. And Elijah will definitely have Monica killed the moment she's not useful just because it would also mess with Wesley.
This whole thing with Monica practically begs for her to realize too little too late that Wesley was right and pay the price for it. I can see a tragic redemption in her future.
Denis: That judge didn't just up and die. The show portrays Elijah as bad news, and there is nothing that he is incapable of doing.
Eventually, when Monica is of no use to him, he might attempt to kill her. Will that be what finally opens her eyes?
Christine: It could have been a heart attack as the man was under a great deal of stress. I'm curious to see what an autopsy shows. But Elijah is certainly capable of having him killed, especially if he suspected that man's conscience was getting the better of him.
And if Elijah feels Monica has become a risk, I foresee a tragic accident in her future.
How would you rate the sniper shooting at LAFD and EMTs from 1 (it was dull) to 10 (that was cool and intense)?
Jasmine: Oh, I had to process that question because I thought it was about all that badass Metro action. Oops! The sniper at the LAFPD, I'd rate that a three because I kept forgetting about the storyline.
It was anticlimactic and a C-List storyline. It probably needed a different episode, as the stakes weren't high, and it didn't get to breathe.
Denis: A solid 10. I felt like this particular thing had been done before, I think in 9-1-1 and a few other shows, but it doesn't make it less surprising every time it happens. First responders are some of the most important and hardworking people ever. It makes it extra hard to watch a firefighter die for nothing.
Christine: I give it a 4. This should have been more intense. The audience and Nolan should have been terrified of Bailey being killed on the job, but that just didn't happen. It felt like this should have been the main storyline of an episode, and instead, it felt more like filler.
Are you happy with Tim's move to Metro? Do you think he will fit in there as well as he did Patrol?
Jasmine: Yes!! He fits in so well. It'll never be like with Patrol, but that's okay. It has a totally different vibe, and I'm loving it.
I could've watched an entire episode dedicated to just Tim in Metro with some Angela, Lucy, and Aaron cameos. I'd watch a Metro spinoff for the action alone.
Denis: Anywhere there's action, Tim fits right in. And if he's happy, Lucy is happy, Chenford is happy, and I'm happy.
Christine: I think it will take a little time for Tim to feel comfortable. This is a high-risk job, and he's working with an entirely new team. But I have no doubt Tim will excel and fit right in with Metro, eventually.
Were you surprised Tamara was planning to move out now that Lucy is dating Tim, and she hadn't made that plan when Lucy dated Chris?
Jasmine: I wasn't surprised, but it really spoke to how serious Tamara suspects things are or will be with Tim and Lucy. I think even Tamara picked up that Lucy wasn't as into Chris as he was her.
But with Tim and the fact that he's likely been over so much, I can understand why someone with Tamara's background would immediately jump to getting out of their hair.
I'm so glad she and Lucy talked, and she got the clear message that she's not just some roommate or project. She's family. She is Lucy's and, in some ways, Tim's family too.
Denis: It made sense she wanted to move out. Being homeless for the period she had been, someone loses the feeling of being secure.
That was her flight instinct in action. I think she always had it in her mind that this was going to end at some point.
Christine: It is interesting that Tamara never talked about moving out when Lucy dated Chris, considering how serious Chris was about Lucy. But I suppose Tamara could feel that Lucy wasn't all in with Chris.
I'm happy Lucy made it clear that Tamara isn't just her roommate. She's family. And I love that Tim expected and didn't mind that Tamara was going to be a part of their movie night.
What was your favorite quote, scene, or storyline from this episode?
Jasmine: I'm an action girl, so everything about that Metro takedown had me so hyped up!!
Tim looked so damn hot leading the charge. They gave us some solid Timgela bestie moments. I loved how he emphasized that Angela is who he trusts with everything. The scenes were shot and cut so well. I just loved it.
Denis: The opening scene. The past couple of episodes has been featuring great opening scenes that set the mood right for the rest of the episode.
Christine: When Nolan got the call about his mother's death. It was a shock and a real punch to the gut for Nolan. I'm looking forward to seeing how that plays out.
Anything else you'd like to point out, good or bad, from "Death Sentence"?
Jasmine: Aaron Thorsen, with his bougie self, had me practically in tears laughing over his attempts to slum it like the commoners on his meager cop salary in LA
The specific way he delivered the line " I just can't live in poverty," matched with his facial expressions, had me belly-laughing. Tru Valentino is a GIFT.
Denis: Tamara confronting her boss had me screaming, "yes! Go, girl!." Many people would have cowered and run away, prompting him to take a bad action, but she got in his face and had him singing like a bird. She might make a great detective someday.
Christine: Tamara was a stand-out. She was calm and empathetic with Cosmo. She kept Lucy informed at every turn. And she stood up to the boy's father when she needed to be strong. It's great to see how much she's grown into an independent young woman.
Now it's your turn, TV Fanatics.
Hit the SHOW COMMENTS button below to tell us your round table answers.
Then check out Jasmine, The Rookie Season 5 Episode 14 review after you watch The Rookie online here at TV Fanatic.
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Maya Bishop is down, but is she out?
Fans were left reeling after an action-packed and emotional Fall finale with Station 19 Season 6 Episode 6, and with the winter premiere, we'll get all the answers we need.
But will they be the answers we want?
When we last left things, Maya had effectively pushed nearly everyone in her life away, and she and Carina's relationship was on the rocks.
Pushing herself beyond her limits, she overexerted herself on her injured ankle and flew off the treadmill in a sickening scene that implied that Maya was gravely injured.
But the scariest part was that no one was left to hear her fall. The rest of the squad headed out on a call, not having the time to spare a second glance when Maya didn't hop on the truck and take off with them.
ABC dropped a new teaser for the exciting return of the series, and it's enough to leave fans emotional on two different fronts.
It's no surprise that Station 19 is the one who got called to Meredith Grey's burning home.
In the teaser, we see the group combatting the fire as a devastated Meredith runs up on the scene, distraught about watching her home and all it represents burn before her eyes.
We'll likely get more information about the cause of the fire and how things will progress from there for Meredith, who is slated to depart Grey's Anatomy shortly after its return.
In the meantime, Andy and the gang are curious about what happened to Maya and why she didn't show up at the scene.
It's hard to say what the timeline is for these events, but from the looks of things; it was probably hours before anyone found Maya, which is concerning and may not bode well for her health.
We catch a glimpse of Maya's nemesis and the problematic captain, Beckett, informing Andy and the others that there was an incident involving one of their own.
And then, we see that Maya has been taken to Grey Sloan Memorial, where it appears she may be fighting for her life.
A page request for "Dr. Deluca" proves chilling when you consider how things fared the last time Carina got an emergency call about a family member at Grey Sloan.
With Marina in the rockiest place they've been in a while, Maya's life hanging in the balance could be the thing that brings them closer together than ever.
It may also be a wake-up call for Maya to sort out her issues. But who knows?
We'll have to find out when Station 19 returns with its winter premiere on February 28.
Check out the promo below!
And if you need to catch up on the series or a refresher on the season, you can watch Station 19 online here via TV Fanatic. You can also check out our Station 19 reviews.
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Netflix is keeping the 1990s alive.
The streaming service on Friday picked up a second season of That '90s Show.
That's not all -- we're getting an expanded episode order.
That '90s Show Season 2 will consist of 16 episodes.
"All of us at That '90s Show were beyond excited by the warm, enthusiastic response to our first season. We can't wait to return to Point Place for another summer of laughs and surprises. Hello 1996!" said Gregg Mettler, Co-Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer.
"We owe the fans, old and new, for taking the trip with us in the first season - and we can't wait to be there with them in the second season," added Lindsey Turner, Co-Creator & Executive Producer.
"We here in Point Place realize you have many options for entertainment and we're thrilled you chose us. We look forward to entertaining you for years to come. Buh-bye!" said Bonnie & Terry Turner, Co-Creators & Executive Producers.
"We're thrilled that the incredibly funny stories from Point Place, Wisconsin continue to resonate around the world, no matter the decade," added Tracey Pakosta, Netflix Vice President of Comedy Series.
That '90s Show stars Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Donovan, Reyn Doi, and Sam Morelos.
Original Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Prepon, Wilmer Valderrama, and Tommy Chong all reprised their roles on the new series as special guests.
Naturally, there will be questions about whether they could return for Season 2.
"It's 1995 and Leia Forman is desperate for some adventure in her life or at least a best friend who isn't her dad," the official logline reads.
"When she arrives in Point Place to visit her grandparents, Red and Kitty, Leia finds what she's looking for right next door when she meets the dynamic and rebellious Gwen."
"With the help of Gwen's friends, including her lovable brother Nate, his smart, laser-focused girlfriend Nikki, the sarcastic and insightful Ozzie, and the charming Jay, Leia realizes adventure could happen there just like it did for her parents all those years ago."
"Excited to reinvent herself, she convinces her parents to let her stay for the summer."
"With a basement full of teens again, Kitty is happy the Forman house is now a home for a new generation and Red is, well...Red."
What are your thoughts on the renewal?
Hit the comments below.
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Wolf Pack's most recent episode concluded with a big twist, changing the trajectory of the new Paramount+ drama.
At the end of Wolf Pack Season 1 Episode 2, Kristin (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and her team rounded up Everett (Armani Jackson), Blake (Bella Shepard), Luna (Chloe Rose Robertson), and Harlan (Tyler Lawrence Gray).
We learned that Kristin had many questions for the teenagers, but we're sure she'll have far more for Everett after he was found at the hospital with Connor's cast.
Gellar tells TV Fanatic that viewers should pay close attention to the beginning of Wolf Pack Season 1 Episode 4.
"Watch her interrogations very closely because there's one thing happening on the surface, but there's an entirely different thing happening," the star and EP teases.
"It's a tricky answer, I realize," she said with a laugh.
Gellar went on to say that the creatives often don't want the actors to know where the storyline is going.
"This was a specific situation where we kind of had to let the inner cast in because we almost shot things twice so that right when the reveals happen, you can see both sides of it."
Viewers have witnessed the teenagers attempting to evade Kristin at every turn throughout the first two episodes, but as that's playing out, Garrett (Rodrigo Santoro) has been fighting for his life.
Looking ahead to the next episode, Santoro says fans should expect Garrett to be in "deep trouble."
"He's in a crisis. He's in a moral crisis. He's trying to be the greatest dad possible for these two kids, which is not easy because they do need special care," Santoro tells TV Fanatic.
"And there's a duality between what he does. He serves a community being a park ranger, but at the same time, inside his house, he's got a situation in which he has to hold secrets." the star adds.
Santoro says that the early episodes of the first season are more of a slow burn, but there are plenty of revelations along the way.
The star said that by the time we get to the eighth episode, "it will blow your mind away."
Throughout the first two episodes, Luna and Harlan have very different views from one another about there being more people like them out there.
That comes into play when Luna is welcoming of Everett and Blake, while her brother is against letting new people into their inner circle.
"Luna is so excited to know that there are people out there like her because it's tough for her to connect to Harlan," Chloe tells TV Fanatic.
"It's been hard for her because she tries to, and he shuts her down."
"He doesn't want to talk about it, but that will change as the pack develops. She's very excited to have more people like her."
"I think Harlan's sort of the opposite," Tyler adds.
"He's comfortable with where he is in his life."
"He uses his ability to his advantage, but that's as far as he wants to go," but the actor thinks the addition of Blake and Everett could bring his werewolf secret to the forefront, which frightens Harlan.
"I think when these people come into his life, he realizes like, 'oh no, the one thing that I've been trying to hide and I've feared for so long is gonna come out.'"
"I think he's seen some things in his past that he never wants to see again. And I think he is in denial immediately because he knows exactly what's going to happen."
New episodes of Wolf Pack airs new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+.
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If you can't get enough of Rob Lowe, Netflix has just the show for you.
The streaming service on Friday announced a premiere date for Unstable, a new comedy series featuring the 9-1-1: Lone Star actor.
He plays a tech titan and gets to star opposite his son, John Owen Lowe.
The pair serve as creators alongside Victor Fresco on the eight-part series.
"Ellis Dragon is a universally admired, eccentric, narcissist-adjacent biotech entrepreneur working to make the world a better place," Netflix's official description reads.
"He's also in emotional free-fall."
"His son Jackson Dragon is… none of those things."
"Can Jackson save Ellis and his company and salvage their estranged relationship while also doing what may actually be impossible: escaping the shadow of his larger-than-life father?"
The cast also includes Sian Clifford (Anna), Rachel Marsh (Luna), Emma Ferreira (Ruby), and Aaron Branch (Malcolm).
Netflix also dropped some character descriptions, which you can read below.
Ellis Dragon (Rob Lowe) is a brilliant, eccentric biotech scientist and entrepreneur.
After the death of his wife, he's unable to regain his focus.
Jackson Dragon (John Owen Lowe) More grounded and more of an introvert than his father, Jackson has always had trouble living in the huge shadow that Ellis casts.
Anna Bennet (Sian Clifford) is the Dragon company's smart, tough and formidable CFO.
Able to go toe-to-toe with Ellis, Anna has been (barely) keeping the company on the rails during her boss' emotional spiral.
Malcolm Drummond (Aaron Branch), is a childhood friend of Jackson's. He used to be Ellis' assistant but has recently been promoted to project manager. He adores Ellis; in fact, Malcolm is jealous that Jackson gets to be Ellis' son.
Luna Castillo (Rachel Marsh) is a genius biotech engineer who works in one of the labs with her friend and research partner, Ruby.
Shy, awkward, some would say weird, Luna is happy to let her more outgoing partner do the talking for the two of them.
Ruby Rosario (Emma Ferreira) is also a biotech genius (let's just stipulate everyone who works here is a friggin' genius). Ruby is outgoing, accessible, and fun; the opposite of Luna.
Check out a teaser below and watch the show when it premieres on March 30.
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Joey Lawrence has been making movies with his brothers for some time now.
But Frankie Meets Jack adds another level of family fun, as Lawrence and his wife, Samantha Cope, co-wrote the Tubi original film.
Frankie Meets Jack is a romantic comedy in the truest sense of the phrase, pairing a sweet love story with a healthy dose of broad comedy.
Once you begin speaking with Lawrence and Cope, it's easy to see why the movie works. Their affection for each other is evident, as is their ease in each other's company.
Our conversation, punctuated by bouts of laughter, began by discussing Lawrence's partnership with his brothers.
"It's been great," Lawrence said when asked about working with his brothers.
"You know what? We worked together a lot as kids and stuff, and then we took, frankly, quite a large break. About three or four years ago, we said we got to really get back to it and do it as grownups. It'd be a lot of fun working together again in this capacity."
Once kids for hire, the idea of creating and working in that capacity as adults was really appealing. Lawrence added, "I mean, obviously, it led to meeting the best person ever," referencing meeting his wife in a movie co-written by and directed by Andrew Lawrence, A Deadly Deed.
"It's just steamrolled from there," Lawrence said. "We wrote and produced a Christmas movie, and Andy directed that. It was the number one Christmas movie on Amazon last year, Mistletoe Mixup. Which led, believe it or not, to them commissioning us to do a sequel, which we shot earlier this year."
And, of course, Lawrence and Cope co-wrote Frankie Meets Jack, getting Andrew Lawrence to direct. But the Lawrence family's excitement doesn't stop there.
They've got a lot more on tap, including a series called Lawrence House with the producer of Wedding Crashers. It "is really edgy and really funny and has tons of heart. People have never seen us like this," Lawrence said.
They've also got a podcast launching February 24, 2023, appropriately called Brotherly Love Pod. Again, Lawrence said, it will find the brothers relating as they normally do. "And no one's ever really seen that. So it's going to be a lot of fun," Lawrence beamed.
"Full steam ahead on the brothers rolling and working together and keeping it all in the family. Which it's just really a lot of fun, to be honest with you."
Cope laughed, "It's so funny. I'm very excited for you guys all to get a little glimpse into what our Thanksgiving dinners look like."
The idea behind Frankie Meets Jack was sparked by the couple's love for dogs and their desire to bring attention to the rescue and adoption of shelter dogs and how doing so can change your life.
"Then we're like, 'Well, we have to put some hunky guys in there for all the ladies out there,'" Cope laughed, gesturing at her husband. "It just snowballed into this beautiful love story. We were so obsessed with all these old-school, romantic comedies. We watch a lot of those together, and we wanted to make our own."
Lawrence continued, "Yeah, When Harry Met Sally and My Best Friend's Wedding, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. These movies that, I guess, in the last decade, the studio heads have deemed them not in favor. But I think people are always wanting and craving those.
"Just those simple, little romantic comedies where you can escape for an hour and a half and just have some fun. I'd like to see them come back."
Noting the success of Lost City and Ticket to Paradise, Lawrence said, "I mean, these kinds of things have done well, and I think it's because people are always kind of craving those. So in our small part, in our small way, we wanted just to do a cute little movie, and Fox really liked it.
"Hopefully, it'll perform really well for them on their streamer, Tubi."
Lawrence and Cope haven't been married too long, meeting in 2021 and tying the knot early in 2022. When asked what it was like falling in love all over again on screen, Cope laughed. "Well, the first movie we met on, we were love interests, but I didn't realize he was trying to murder me the whole time.
"So this one has been so much fun because we're two people genuinely falling in love, and I didn't have to watch my back the whole time."
Lawrence chuckled and said, "Right. Well, you still have to watch your back," which led to a cute back-and-forth on the subject.
The key to their ability to work so well? Comfortability, they agreed. "It's just really so much fun to go to work with that every single day," Cope admitted.
Speaking with them was a lesson in how being comfortable with your partner can make all the difference.
They flitted between subjects with flirty banter, whether ripping on how Cope watches her back with Lawrence or how a phrase from the movie -- "falling flat on your face in love" -- launched them into a discussion about being pancaked in love, loving pancakes, and Cope's survival on them during her pregnancy, among other things.
The couple has a newborn, so they aren't looking to add another canine to their brood just yet, but shining a spotlight on adopting shelter dogs is close to Cope's heart.
"We love dogs. I feel like there's such an unknown world out there. A lot of people want dogs, and they go to breeders and buy all the cutest dogs. But there are so many great dogs available in the shelters.
"It's always been a real passion of mine, dogs and just rescue animals in general. So we just wanted to shed light on that. We're always looking to adopt more dogs. We'd have a thousand if someone would let me."
After Cope and I talked about how sweet it would be to raise a puppy and a newborn together, Lawrence laughed. "Amazing. Tell you what, you guys move in together. All right? Have a little fun. Bring the puppies and the babies all at the same time.
"No, we're going to add, but soon. Soon, soon, soon. But the adoption thing is really amazing. I was always like, go to the breeders because we had Goldens growing up and stuff.
"Really, it's amazing to see what's at the shelters. These are amazing dogs. And they're so thankful. They know that you're rescuing them. They know that."
Lawrence says they approached that story aspect "without being too preachy." Its inclusion is story-driven. "We didn't want to pound people over the head with the message. But if you just put it in there, and it's just the norm to go and adopt at a shelter, well, then that's how you start to habitually change minds or open minds."
Most of the comedy in Frankie Meets Jack falls on Lawrence's shoulders, but he's quick to point out that Cope has great comedic chops, too, even if Frankie plays it straight against Jack.
Lawrence said he's always mining as much comedy from everything as possible, even from drama. "I think it's important to mine some comedy because comedy is the release of all of the tension. So we always try to find that without making it super broad. Sam's actually really funny.
Cope laughed. "I taught him everything he knows."
"She can do all the physical comedy and everything. So one of these days, she's going to do that and shock the world. But it was funny to be that goofy guy."
It was also fun that his brother and director, Andrew, popped on screen for a little cameo. "He was the wedding coordinator guy and did his whole accent with his pink suit. We tried to make the comedy make sense and fold it into the script a little bit without being too broad."
Still, Lawrence admits they didn't have the comedy power of Judd Apatow on set to ensure every scene lands as envisioned. "So we try to definitely lay it in as we can and push the limits as much as we can. I mean, this is about as much as we could squeeze in there. But we're always looking to do that."
Comedy is Lawrence's favorite part of the profession. "I love great comedy with those moments when you cry. I mean, some of the best comedies ever have really, really heartwarming moments," Lawrence said. "That's what actually makes a great comedy.
"You look at all the Nancy Meyers stuff. You look at even early Adam Sandler stuff, which is crazy, high-brow, broad comedy. But there are moments when he is on the Zamboni in Happy Gilmore, and he falls in love. And you're like, 'Oh, my gosh.'
"If you ground it with some heart, that's what makes it all worthwhile. So I'm a big fan of that."
Their goal in writing Frankie Meets Jack was simple -- escapism. Well, in addition to their love of the craft and genuine desire for romantic comedies to become the draw they once were.
Frankie Meets Jack also features Anne Heche's last performance. On social media, Heche shared joyful posts about her excitement about being a part of the film. The honor of that doesn't escape Cope and Lawrence.
Cope shared, "She was so incredible. Just such a bright light on set. And while she was working, in between takes, she was just full of wisdom and humor. She's so funny. And just such a positive, positive addition to the movie. We're so thankful."
Lawrence agreed. "She seemed like she was just so happy about everything," he said while revealing they were surprised by how excited she was to be in the movie, even if it was a small role.
"I mean, she's done huge movies. Harrison Ford, Johnny Depp, these big A-list movies. I said, 'This is a little part.' She's like, 'Let me read it.' And she said, 'You know what? I love it. I think I can do it. I just want to put myself to it.'
"We said, 'That's all we want.' And she came on there and just exemplified professionalism and dedication. There was no attitude or ego. She filmed the last three days of our movie and came to our wrap party. Stayed the entire time. I mean, fabulous energy, positive force to be reckoned with."
"I think it exemplifies just a wonderful sendoff for her because she was so happy doing it," adding, "Gosh, you didn't know it was going to be the last one. But the fact that it was is cool that it was something as joyful as this one. It's weird to see that her last post was from our set with us. It's just wild."
Cope and Lawrence hope you'll watch Frankie Meets Jack because "it's awesome," but also for what it offers.
Lawrence said, "It's got a little romance, it's got a little comedy, it's got some dogs, it's got some feel-good elements, some little, unexpected twists, and turns here and there.
"If you're just looking for something to just veg out to for an hour and a half, forget about the world for a minute, hopefully, Frankie Meets Jack will fit those criteria for you, and you'll enjoy it."
The couple feels the movie has a broad appeal, adding that it's not sappy and more than a little cute. There are layers to the film, including jokes that will land more with people a little older, which is just how they planned it.
Their next adventures will be coming soon enough. The aforementioned Mistletoe Mixup 2 will be coming to Amazon for the 2023 holiday season, and they've got a couple of game shows planned, as well.
"We have this pop culture game show that we're working on," Lawrence said. "I'm going to host. We're going to produce together, which is fantastic.
"And we have a couples' competition show, which is unlike anything anyone's seen. It's not a dating show. You come in as a couple, and then, like Sam says..." Cope says, "And if you leave as a couple, then..."
"Then kudos to you," Lawrence laughed. "No, it's actually a build-me-up show. It's called The Experiment, and honestly, we are really looking to make sure that these people who are convinced they found 'The One,' whether it's the first time around, the second time around, or the fifth time around, this is the one.
"Well, we're going to make sure that you leave that show either knowing for sure or realizing maybe you're not the one. Because that's our gift to them, so they don't make the same mistake for the second or third or the fifth time or whatever. And it's a lot of fun. We'll be co-hosting that together. So those are two things."
They're also going to be writing more projects together. Once you watch Frankie and Jack, available to stream on Tubi today, you'll know why.
Come back and share your thoughts about the movie when you're finished. We'd like to know your thoughts because we think Lawrence and Cope have tapped into something entertaining with Frankie Meets Jack.
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Shrinking is not a show about a therapist in mourning.
After Shrinking Season 1 Episode 3, we can safely say It's a show about three therapists in mourning.
Coping with significant losses is the common thematic thread tying Jimmy, Paul, and Gaby's parallel stories together.
How each of them mourns says a lot about their respective characters.
Jimmy is our protagonist. He tries to act like a superhero with his rebel therapy tactics as his superpowers. Look no further than how he saved Alan's date during the opening. However, he's not a hero.
Paul is a hero. Even without Paul saying he faces the truth like a hero with the conviction only Harrison Ford could deliver -- we know he's a hero because of his actions.
Julie: Do you remember that we had a talk about eating healthier.
Paul: I do. I ignored it.
For the most part, he doesn't let his emotions control him and puts aside his ego. Jimmy pushes his buttons enough to test him on this, but there are always the people in our lives who can get under our skin the way no one else can.
Giving up driving was a massive blow to Paul's independence, but it was the right thing to do. He helps others, like Alice, for the sake of helping others.
As a result, he's a far more effective therapist than Jimmy because counseling leads to Alice and Jimmy making genuine behavioral changes.
In contrast, for all his effort and involvement in getting his patients to change, Jimmy is not getting real results.
Alice: If we have dinner right now, he just act like a total idiot.
Paul: He might; he often does.
He got a win with Alan. However, Grace returning to Donny, beyond being a realistic outcome, exposes an ugly truth about Jimmy. He's selfish.
Paul was right in his assessment of Jimmy using rebel therapy as a new way to get high. Jimmy sincerely desires to help people, but he makes everything about himself.
Grace, for instance, only left Donny because she wanted to please Jimmy.
Jimmy's selfishness is also adversely affecting Sean's treatment.
He couldn't even let Sean finish his MMA session -- even if Sean was cool with leaving early -- because he was too wrapped in his feelings about Gaby's divorce. This is on top of Jimmy creating Sean's housing crises.
If there weren't many mitigating factors -- the tragic backstory, the funniness of the character, and Segel's inherent likeability -- Jimmy would be insufferable to watch. He can't even put his daughter's needs above his own.
Jimmy: It's pissing me off.
Paul: Makes sense, divorce is always hardest on the coworkers.
Even villains can usually be counted upon to care about their kids. Jimmy's not a villain, but he has a long journey ahead of him before he can be a hero like Paul or Alice.
One of the best things about Shrinking is the deep characterization. A lot of the time, and for good reasons, Alice has the exterior of a porcupine. However, like Paul and unlike her dad, she can step outside herself and be generous to others.
Her scenes with Paul are quickly becoming one of the show's signature dynamics. The scenes they share are great because they can discuss the themes without it coming across as a lecture to the audience, and it's heartwarming without being saccharine.
Alice may be a lot tougher to like than Jimmy, but she is a far more sympathetic character.
Fortunately, Jimmy is showing signs that he, too, can be sympathetic. He made progress with controlling his selfishness when he put aside his judgment and supported Gaby through the aftermath of her divorce like a real friend.
Speaking of Gaby, "Fifteen Minutes" makes up for the previous lack of focus on the character. We learn a lot about her. She's a lot in the morning. She was married to Nico, who has substance abuse issues.
Again, it's to the credit of the writing that the show can quickly throw a lot of disparate information at you and still make the character cohesive. Even the seemingly trivial details, like Gaby naming her car Little Debbie, feel vital to know about the character.
Brian was mostly relegated to comic relief, but he's excellent comic relief, especially when he immediately switched from celebratory to somber when he arrived at Gaby's divorce party. The man knows how to read a room.
Let's get drinks tonight. We can invite Gaby. I didn't get to see her too much when you cut me out for being too kind and supportive.
Brian
It's reassuring at this early stage that Shrinking already has a handle on balancing the ensemble and giving everyone a fair share of comedic and dramatic moments.
If there is one character who seems destined to remain solely as comic relief, it's Derek. He appears to fit the Coach Beard (from Ted Lasso) role, where the main purpose of his presence is to add an extra layer of humor.
He performs the job beautifully. The scene where most of the cast comes together when Pam gives Sean a hard time is a fine example.
Unlike Coach Beard, Derek does not seem like a character where the more information dropped about him makes him more mysterious and intriguing.
So far, he is a character who gets a lot of comedic mileage from the small amount of screen time he gets, and it would probably be for the best if it stays that way.
Over to you, TV Fanatics!
What sad songs would you listen to during your "Fifteen Minutes?"
Would you pretend to get an "A" in history for homemade cake?
Hit the comments below.
Catch new episodes of Shrinking on Apple TV+ on Fridays.
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The long and storied history of Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches will continue to be told at AMC.
The cabler announced Friday that a second season of the Alexandra Daddario-led series has been ordered.
The series has outperformed Interview With the Vampire, which exists in the same universe as Mayfair Witches.
Mayfair Witches launched to record numbers for AMC+, and based on the first 30 days of viewership, the series is delivering the most-viewed season of any series on AMC+.
Yes, it even beats out the final season of The Walking Dead.
"We are thrilled with the reaction to this series, especially in the wake of the incredibly strong reception to Interview, and can't wait to bring the fans second seasons of both series in this rich, vibrant and expanding universe based on the works of Anne Rice," said AMC Networks entertainment president and AMC Studios head Dan McDermott.
"In a business in which 'nobody knows anything,' we knew what we were hoping for in terms of building a television franchise around these remarkable characters and stories, and to see these shows arrive and captivate viewers in the way they have is so gratifying and energizing for everyone involved, and there is so much yet to come."
"The success of both Mayfair Witches and Interview with the Vampire once again illustrates the strength and mastery of Anne Rice's work," said executive producer Mark Johnson, who oversees the Anne Rice IP for AMC Networks.
"The fact that these first two shows are performing so splendidly with a TV audience gives us much pride in what we've already done and great anticipation for the storytelling opportunities yet to come."
Added showrunner Esta Spalding, "Anne Rice's Lives of the Mayfair Witches is a sumptuous epic tale that we've only begun to explore. I'm so grateful to the fans and viewers of the show who've given us the chance to continue telling this story."
Based on Rice's best-selling trilogy, "Lives of the Mayfair Witches," the eight-episode series focuses on an intuitive young neurosurgeon, Rowan Fielding (Alexandra Daddario), who discovers that she is the unlikely heir to a family of witches.
As she grapples with her newfound powers, she must contend with a sinister presence that has haunted her family for generations.
New episodes appear on AMC at 9 p.m. each Sunday and are available three days early on AMC+.
In addition to Daddario, Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches stars Jack Huston as Lasher, Tongayi Chirisa as Ciprien Grieve, and Harry Hamlin as Cortland Mayfair.
The series is executive produced by Mark Johnson, Showrunner Esta Spalding, Writer Michelle Ashford, Director Michael Uppendahl, and Jeff Freilich and is produced by AMC Studios.
What are your thoughts on the renewal?
Hit the comments below.
...
If you've been enjoying Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren on 1923, we have some good news for you.
Paramount+ has officially renewed the latest Yellowstone prequel for a second season.
The news shouldn't come as a surprise.
Deadline reported last year that franchise overlord Taylor Sheridan eyed the show as a 16-episode limited series.
With 1923 Season 1 spanning eight episodes, it was inevitable a follow-up to complete the series would be ordered.
Sheridan confirmed to Deadline in December that he managed to lock Ford and Mirren in for 16 episodes.
"Well, it's really the second half of the season," Sheridan said at the time.
"This one is different than 1883, where I had the whole thing blocked out in my head."
Sheridan notes that he went on a journey with the story of 1923, stating, "I'm the one that made the call to the network, which is probably the greatest call they ever got," he recalls.
"Hey, I need to make more episodes to finish this story. I need to do this in two blocks."
"An eight-episode block and a second eight-episode block to wrap this up. I can't wrap it up in two episodes and do the story justice."
"For them, it is great because they get more content. For me, I get more runway," he said.
There was an uproar amongst fans when it was announced that 1923 predecessor, 1883, would be wrapping up with its freshman season.
There was a lot of confusion because Paramount+ had said it would be back for a second season, but now, fans will return to that era with Bass Reeves as the protagonist.
1923 launched with over 7 million viewers across its linear broadcasts and streaming debut.
"Anchored by Taylor Sheridan's incredible vision and the performances of legends Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, we felt confident this next chapter of the Dutton Family origin story would resonate with audiences," Tanya Giles, Paramount Streaming's Chief Programming Officer, said in a statement in December.
"We are thrilled with the record-breaking early response to the first episode and can't wait to introduce more audiences to this incredible journey of perseverance, heartbreak and adventure set amongst the backdrop of the Mountain West."
In addition to Ford and Mirren, 1923 also stars Darren Mann (Animal Kingdom), Michelle Randolph (A Snow White Christmas), James Badge Dale (Hightown), Marley Shelton (Scream), Brian Geraghty (Big Sky), Aminah Nieves (Blueberry), and Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones).
What are your thoughts on the pickup?
New episodes of 1923 begin February 5, exclusively on Paramount+.
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Did Stabler manage to destroy the profit from the club?
On Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 3 Episode 13, he worked with Teddy on a plan to turn the club into an indispensable venue for Murphy's illegal dealings.
Meanwhile, Bell tried to convince Thurman to take her investigation more seriously.
However, there was a shocking final scene that changed the trajectory of the rest of the season.
Use the video above to watch Law & Order: Organized Crime online right here via TV Fanatic.
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TV Fanatic is your destination for the latest news, spoilers, reviews, and so much more!
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A database without Sheldon?
That was the concern on Young Sheldon Season 6 Episode 11 when the youngster learned the truth about the plans that did not include him.
Meanwhile, Mary looked after a bedridden Mandy and Meemaw after they were both struck down by a mysterious illness.
Elsewhere, George Sr. dropped a shocking revelation that made Mary question their future in Texas.
Use the video above to watch Young Sheldon online right here via TV Fanatic.
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TV Fanatic is your destination for the latest news, spoilers, reviews, and so much more!
...
Did McCoy's sage advice help everyone crack the latest case?
On Law & Order Season 22 Episode 13, a graduate student was found dead, pushing Cosgrove and Shaw on a dangerous mission for answers.
When a suspect with no clear motive popped up, the pair had to find a motive.
Meanwhile, Price and Maroun uncovered a money-grabbing scheme within a close-knit church.
Use the video above to watch Law & Order online right here via TV Fanatic.
Catch up on all your favorite shows and reviews and join in the conversations with other fanatics who love TV as much as you.
TV Fanatic is your destination for the latest news, spoilers, reviews, and so much more!
...
Did the cheer squad ruffle too many feathers in the house?
On Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Season 6 Episode 2, Snooki turned Deena, Angelina, and JWoww into a cheer squad.
Meanwhile, Mike thought he was Rocky as he trained for the Super Hole 3 Corn Hole Championships.
However, Angelina jeopardized his chance for the win.
Elsewhere, the family headed south for the big event.
Use the video above to watch Jersey Shore: Family Vacation online right here via TV Fanatic.
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TV Fanatic is your destination for the latest news, spoilers, reviews, and so much more!
...
Did the team manage to crack the most harrowing case to date?
On CSI: Vegas Season 2 Episode 12, a woman woke up from a four-year coma and remembered details from the night her sister died.
Catherine, trying to take some away from the team, realized she had to go to work because the case had been cold for years.
How did she approach a case that resonated with her on a personal level?
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TV Fanatic is your destination for the latest news, spoilers, reviews, and so much more!
...
Did the gang manage to find the rogue ambulance driver?
On Law & Order: SVU Season 24 Episode 13, it quickly became clear that a paramedic was assaulting his patients.
Meanwhile, Fin gave Detective Bruno a tour of the Manhattan SVU, but not everyone was impressed with the decision.
Elsewhere, Benson tried to move on from her traumatic experience but realized there was a lot she still had to work through.
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...
There had to be a better way for Jet to handle her wig coming off.
I was ready to rant about Bell and her inability to understand what undercover work entails -- AGAIN. But then Jet made a boneheaded move and got herself kidnapped.
Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 3 Episode 13 was a high-adrenaline, action-packed episode with a cliffhanger that'll keep us talking through a brief hiatus.
Bell annoyed me throughout most of the hour. This is far from the first time she's decided a detective has gotten in over their head and tried to pull them when they were in too deep to disappear.
I get that she never got over Gina's death, but she freaks out whenever anyone is undercover and makes irrational decisions about whether they belong on the case. It's getting old, and it needs to stop.
Bell's refusal to believe Jet was playing a part when she kissed Seamus was just as hypocritical as Jet said it was.
Stabler has seduced plenty of mobsters' wives, aggravating Bensler shippers. Back on Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 1, it happened so much that it seemed part of his job description!
As much as Bell ranted that those photos of Jet and Seamus kissing would tank the case, the only reason they existed was that Bell told Reyes to follow Jet and take them.
If she hadn't done that, there would be no photos for a defense attorney to use against Jet when the case went to trial. So what exactly was her problem?
Bell decided that Jet had fallen in love with Seamus because Jet correctly intuited that Seamus didn't want to be a gangster. Bell was listening in on Seamus telling Jet to run away to Santa Fe with him, so it should have been obvious where Jet was coming from with this.
Jet: He doesn't want to do it.
Bell: What? The hit?
Jet: Any of what he's doing. I know what you're both thinking, but a good detective uses every tool at her disposal, and I'm telling you that what I feel about Seamus is right.
As usual, when it comes to undercover work, Bell's judgment was compromised, not Jet's.
I wasn't a fan of the Jet kidnapping sequence. Revealing herself as a cop to Seamus while she was alone with no backup, then calling Bell before restraining him, made little sense and could only end badly.
Jet had to make a split-second decision when her wig came off, but she could have explained it without blowing her cover before she was ready to arrest Seamus.
Surely she could have made up a story about wearing the wig for work to look more like what the customers expected.
Now Seamus knows the truth, and Jet is in danger. To make matters worse, Bell somehow didn't realize what was happening despite being on the phone with Jet when it all went down.
None of this had to happen this way, making it doubly frustrating.
The operation is likely blown now despite Stabler's hard work to get Muprhy to trust him.
Murphy isn't stupid; there's no way he will think Jet was the only undercover.
He'll soon realize he's been played, and there will be hell to pay. Seamus may be near the top of his enemies list for bringing Jet into their world, but he's got to realize that everyone associated with that bar is potentially tainted.
That means the trap Stabler and Teddy have been setting is useless; he'll never set foot in the bar again. Murphy probably also has unpleasant plans for Stabler and Teddy and maybe for Reyes and Whelan.
The only thing that keeps him from killing all of them is that he can use Jet to torment them first.
This is not good, and it's almost entirely because of a wig that didn't stay in place. That detail should have been attended to so that something like this couldn't happen.
While most of the hour was dedicated to the sting that went sideways, we got a few glimpses into other things.
Thurman told Bell he reported her to IAB. What on Earth could they be investigating her for?
Let me tell you something. I chose to keep my job because I love my team and I trust them more than I trust the politics in this office. And when it comes to solving the murder of my former partner, nothing is going to stop me.
Bell
Refusing to take a promotion isn't a crime, and there's no evidence Bell has done anything wrong with her team.
Thurman made the report as retaliation for Bell insisting on investigating Murphy's involvement in her partner's death or maybe to stop her from revealing that he fabricated huge parts of his resume.
Could Thurman's motives be more sinister? Could he be involved with Murphy or some other gang?
It's more likely that he's acting to protect his position or for some other political reason, but that would be a great twist. Bell's been betrayed so many times, and it would truly suck if her new boss were involved with organized crime somehow.
Similarly, we still don't know what's up with that new DA who wants to get Murphy.
She's supposedly on the right side, but beyond sending in CIs to start a gang fight, we don't know what she's doing to help get Murphy. We don't even know she's who she claims to be!
What did you think, Organized Crime fanatics? Hit the big, blue SHOW COMMENTS button and let us know.
Don't forget you can watch Law & Order: Organized Crime online while waiting for the next episode to air.
Law & Order: Organized Crime airs on NBC on Thursdays at 10 PM EST / PST.
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Whoa! Not only is SVU back in the business of supporting survivors, but the squad room is filling up.
Assuming Velasco doesn't get fired and Bruno joins the squad, that's four detectives plus Benson, who is in the field more often than not. It's still not nearly enough for a busy police department, but it's getting there.
Law & Order: SVU Season 24 Episode 13 offered the type of case SVU is known for, too, including Benson's characteristic pep talks for survivors who feel down about their futures.
This case was somewhat strange. A phony EMT was staging accidents so he could rape female passengers who had dark hair.
After all was said and done, I wasn't sure why he went on this raping spree. While Velasco was right that there doesn't have to be a reason beyond wanting to dominate victims, Clark's behavior made it seem like there was a symbolic one.
Supposedly, Clark's crime spree began because his wife was having an affair with the man whose dealer license he stole. Was he trying to get revenge by raping women who looked like his wife and framing her lover?
Danielle: What kind of sicko rapes a woman at the scene of an accident?
Benson: He targets the vulnerable, just like every other predator on the planet.
Benson's claim that he wanted other men to feel as helpless as he did wasn't satisfying enough. The man went to all the trouble of posing as an EMT and staging accidents so he could snag victims. Some explanation that made sense would have made this story much more powerful.
If there was ever a time to bring Dr. Huang back, it was now, so he could help develop a psychological profile for the rapist and bring him to justice. He also could have interviewed Clark post-arrest so that viewers could have a real answer.
For some reason, the idea that the world is a bad place that gets progressively worse was prominent in this episode.
Bruno said so. Benson noted that predators target the vulnerable, plain and simple. And Muncy suggested that the attacks were completely random.
I agreed with Benson that that was a depressing thought, but the unclear motivation for Clark's attacks reinforced Muncy's beliefs.
The hostage situation felt like an unnecessary complication toward the end of the hour. Wasn't it enough that Clark's messed up actions left people dead and that his latest victim managed to use a stun gun to defend herself against him?
Taking a hostage so he could demand his wife apologize was bizarre. If anything, he should have been trying not to get arrested now that he knew the jig was up.
Despite this hiccup, it was a compelling case, especially when Benson encouraged victims. My favorite scene was when she reassured Emma that if Josh didn't stand by her, he wasn't the right man for her.
Emma: Do you think Josh will call off our engagement because I was raped?
Benson: Only Josh can decide that. But I can tell you, if he does, he wasn't the right partner for you in the first place.
Josh's difficulty dealing with the rape was an interesting sideline; while Benson often counsels rape survivors, SVU rarely explores what happens to people who witness something horrible happening to their loved ones.
Josh felt as powerless as Emma did because he couldn't stop the rape from happening. He avoided her calls and wasn't cooperative with the police, and Bruno's attempt at a pep talk only led to a false identification.
Nevertheless, Bruno is a talented, flawed, and welcome addition to the team. Although he hasn't formally accepted an employment offer, it has to be coming.
There'd be little point in featuring him for four episodes, giving him an ex-wife that Benson is encouraging him to make up with, and allowing Benson to soften toward him if he's going to disappear into the night and never be heard from again.
Josh: While he was raping her, he looked right at me. I think he liked it, me being helpless. What is wrong with people?
Bruno: I think the world peaked in 1999. Y2K, the world ended. It just took the scenic route.
His cynicism reminded me of Munch, who I miss most out of all the original players, and he's dedicated to the job, and shocked to find he's not the only one.
More, please! Let's hope he makes that employment decision quickly.
Meanwhile, what's going on with Velasco? SVU can't afford to lose any more bodies, and he's been a solid addition to the team despite having originally been planted by McGrath to spy on them.
I agree with Muncy that Velasco was likely saying things to get the perp to talk to him. That's a standard cop trick, and Velasco knows how to use his background to get perps talking.
I'm also confused as to why Benson had Muncy listen to the recording in the first place. Was she testing Muncy's loyalty?
If she doesn't want Muncy to tip off Velasco that he's being investigated, it seems the easiest way to solve that problem would have been not to create it in the first place.
There'd be nothing for Muncy to say if she hadn't listened to the recording and didn't know anything about the investigation.
Velasco spent the whole hour trying to get Muncy to open up about her grief over Duarte's death while Muncy tried and failed to resist being vulnerable with him.
Are they building this relationship up for the sake of extra drama? That seems to be the main reason for putting Muncy in the middle.
Finally, while Bensler shippers were disappointed that there was no follow-up to the almost kiss, that story is moving forward -- it's just subtle.
There were no flashbacks or mentions of the moment between them, but Benson's comments about love sometimes working out seemed like a step in the right direction. She's thinking things over and trying to believe that romance is possible in her life too.
There's no reason for anything more than that right now. Benson and Stabler know where they stand at the moment, and they will interact when there's a reason for them to work together again. Overdoing it would put the show out of balance and distract from the series' main point, supporting survivors.
Your turn, SVU fanatics. Hit the big, blue SHOW COMMENTS button and let us know your thoughts on this episode. And don't forget you can watch Law & Order: SVU online while waiting for the next episode to air.
Law & Order: SVU airs on NBC on Thursdays at 9 PM EST / PST.
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Sadly, this day has been coming for a while.
Catherine Willows will disappear for a time after CSI: Vegas Season 2 Episode 12. But it's for a good reason and hopefully is short-term.
Fans of the original CSI rejoiced when Marg Helgenberger agreed to bring back Catherine to CSI: Vegas Season 2.
Just like with Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle on CSI: Vegas Season 1, having Catherine back has been a blessing. It enables fans to hearken back to the glory days of what was once a franchise.
And frankly, Catherine plays better with the new lab members than Gil and Sara ever did. They came back with a mission: to save the lab's reputation and also Hodges, the fall guy for that season's big bad.
Of course, Catherine did return with her own crusade: to find her missing protege, Grace Huang, which soon morphs into making Grace's killer(s) pay.
Catherine accomplished that goal by CSI: Vegas Season 2 Episode 8. But rather than bidding the lab goodbye at that point, she opted to hang around hoping to improve her relationship with her estranged daughter, Lindsay.
So what happened in this episode had already been foreshadowed, time and time again. When it comes down to it, Catherine will always choose her work over her personal life. She's never known any other way for years.
You would have thought Catherine could have made some headway when she was slumming it as a casino executive. But apparently the chasm between her and Lindsay was too vast at that point.
Why Catherine thought going back to the place that had originally driven a wedge between them, the lab, would be a good idea was hard to say. She was busy looking for her surrogate daughter, Grace, and was locked once again into work mode.
Her lunch with Lindsay on CSI: Vegas Season 2 Episode 4 must have served as a breakthrough. The two agreed to disagree about Lindsay's social-media-based career choice. But at least they were talking again.
This reunion led to Catherine's day off with her granddaughter, Hannah. Lindsay needed a break from the bundle of energy that is Hannah and Catherine was required to do grandmotherly things. It sure seemed like a good idea on paper.
That is, up until the point that Maxine called in Catherine for a meeting and Catherine brought Hannah to the lab, the very place Hannah's mother had spurned.
Naturally, Catherine yearned for a do-over on a case that the lab had given short shrift to four years prior. That's how she's wired, after all.
Where she went wrong was taking Hannah to a crime scene, however old it was. Catherine has done so much for Penny that she should have asked Penny to watch Hannah instead. But Penny seems too tightly wound to use as a babysitter.
Which led to the younger CSIs (Allie and Chris) juggling their jobs while attempting to amuse Hannah. Let's face it. They were the only ones with the stamina to do so.
Catherine's second big mistake was not telling Lindsay about what happened. Max was right when she told Catherine that of course Hannah was going to spill about her exciting day with Grandma Catherine. How could it have gone down any other way?
Catherine had a revelation after Max explained about the memories of coma patients. She and Lindsay viewed the same incidents from quite different perspectives. And neither one wanted to believe they were at fault in any way.
Fortunately, Catherine realized that she was going to have to be the one who bent. She wanted to be in the lives of her daughter and granddaughter, whose reality has never involved her.
So, Catherine bit the bullet and walked away from the lab ... again. She text-badgered Lindsay until Lindsay gave in and agreed that the three of them could take an extended trip to Hawaii. There are worse fates.
Let's face it: Catherine casts a big shadow. Her short-term absence gives every other character a little more screen time, so longtime viewers can grow to like the new cast.
It's more than halfway through the season and there remain a lot of hanging storylines: The big bad behind the electroshock killings, the Folsom-Serena-Allie love triangle, Max's PTSD.
And let's not forget Beau's decision to stick exclusively to the lab. His kind rebuff of Max showed that he's not willing to change his mind ... yet.
Also, with the fates of CSI: Vegas and All Rise up in the air, Marg Helgenberger can use the time to line up her next gig. She can't disappear from TV again for any length of time.
Still, Catherine will be back, sooner rather than later. This break is just a breather to allow Marg to do other things.
As for the cold case itself, always be suspicious of the most likable among the persons of interest. It was evident from the beginning that Heather popping a mint would mean something and, sure enough, it did.
Most of the others were hideous people (except Sasha's son) but lacked the motive necessary for such a heinous crime.
It was an involving mystery. But its true purpose was to make viewers miss Catherine's expertise during her hiatus.
To follow Catherine's return, watch CSI: Vegas online.
Will you miss Catherine while she's gone?
Will her absence allows others to step forward?
Did you see Max as a hoarder?
Comment below.
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Freddie is on the hunt for the truth. Well, more like the truth about ghosts.
His suspicions have led him to purchase some ghost-hunting equipment on Ghosts Season 2 Episode 13.
The perpetually cheerful assistant had plenty of drive to prove his theories right. However, just like any episode of Ghosts, the spirits of Woodstone Manor weren't going to make his mission too easy.
"Ghost Hunter" was a nice ending to Freddie's and Jessica's stories on Ghosts Season 2.
We love having Sam, Jay, and the ghosts anchor the series as the main threads. However, having some familiar faces who popped up now and then helped to spice things up.
A consistent employee at Woodstone Manor gave Sam and Jay more opportunities for workplace comedy. And we got plenty of it when Freddie started on Ghosts Season 2 Episode 11.
From the minute he joined, there was a new unpredictable energy that the Woodstone Manor crew had to deal with whenever he was around.
It's a bit sad that the energy is gone now.
Freddie: Sam, Jay, in the time that I’ve been working here, I’ve noticed some disturbing things. It started with these strange, almost ethereal humming sounds I would hear every now and then.
Flower: I think he’s talking about you, Alberta!
Freddie: It was a like a singer warming up but kind of off-key.
Alberta: The hell it was!
The same goes for Jessica. Her off-beat romance with Sasappis was never going to last since she was trapped by the car, but her zingers and messiness made her scenes even more outrageous.
Plus, they were cute together! All good things have to end eventually.
Even though he left, Freddie made the right decision to quit Woodstone Manor. His entire experience at the job was one messy disaster after another.
Between his dating troubles on Ghosts Season 2 Episode 12 and his being fired once, Freddie has been on an emotional roller coaster.
And the second Sam and Jay tried to gaslight him about the laptop keys, that should've been the final straw for him.
Flower: Oh my god! You guys, Thor’s stuck in a ghost trap.
Trevor: Wait for it…
Flower: Oh my god! I’m in here with him.
Come on, he had proof! Like, the real proof of something hitting the keys on the laptop. That type of evidence should be something no one could deny.
His reason for quitting because he "didn't want to work with ghosts" was probably just a cover to leave due to everything else. No one would've blamed him at that point.
On the positive side, Freddie's story proved that equipment and tools were available to get rid of ghosts. None of the Woodstone Manor ghosts need to go, but if there's ever a pesky poltergeist, the group knows what to do now.
Did anyone think the ghost-trapping kit was going to work?
The toy seemed like another gag, but my jaw dropped when Thorfinn got sucked into the trap. The twist was surprising because the episode's flow was more about gaslighting Freddie than saving ghosts.
We were tricked into a false sense of security, which is perfect for a twist. "Ghost Hunter" got me.
Flower accidentally getting trapped in the kit too? Not surprising.
If anyone were going to make the mistake of touching the kit, it would be Flower.
Having Flower and Thorfinn trapped together was surprisingly cute and serene. They can be quite tender and romantic with each other when they allow themselves to open up, especially Flower.
Sam: Okay, you all heard the man in the Atari shirt. I think we’ve got to give this a shot!
Hetty: And now one more of us is gonna die so that Jay feels heard.
And thankfully, they survived the trap to see another day and date.
Though, did anyone actually fear they would be destroyed in the kit? It would've been too serious for a big twist like that to write off two main characters. The stakes were an obvious red herring here.
For Jessica and Sasappis's relationship, their ending felt real and natural.
There was only so much they could do before the reality sunk in about their restrictions. The pair would always be separated unless Sam found a way to bring Jessica into Woodstone Manor.
Thorfinn: Oh! Big surprise! Coward man being coward.
Pete: If you’re so brave, why don’t you touch it?!
Thorfinn: You challenging Thor’s manhood?
Pete: From over here, yeah.
Thorfinn: Fine, I’ll touch it. Thor not afraid.
And Jessica couldn't stay parked outside the manor forever. The constant parking would've driven her insane, even with the random driving trips.
It was best for them to part and for Jessica to get back on the road.
Hopefully, we'll see Jessica again someday. Not just for her chemistry with Sasappis but for the fun tension between Jay and Marco. Seriously, Jay is terrible at negotiating!
Last Thoughts From Woodstone Manor:
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If Jessica got trapped in the kit and the malfunction was inside the house, would she be freed from the car curse? The equipment was inside the manor, so it's a possibility she could've joined the group.
-
Pete had his shining moment to prove himself. Brave Pete does come out to save the day now and then.
-
Should Sam and Jay have told Freddie the truth about the ghosts? If they had, there's a slight chance he could've stayed. Though, if he left because of the spirits, chances are he would've run out faster.
-
Flower agreeing to a solo date with Thorfinn was a big step for her. We'll have to wait and see if they move forward into a relationship.
Now, over to you, Ghosts fans.
What did you think of "Ghost Hunter"?
Will the ghost-trapping kit ever return? Are you sad to see Freddie and Jessica leave? Would you have believed Sam and Jay's lies about the video recording?
If you missed the latest episode of Ghosts, you can watch Ghosts online via TV Fanatic. Come back here and share your thoughts below.
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Separation of church and state may be the bedrock of our society, but Price found it inconvenient when trying to prosecute a pastor for murder.
He faced a classic dilemma: the pastor who won't break the seal of confession to help bring a murderer to justice. McCoy didn't like it, and neither did one of the witnesses, but Price pushed forward anyway -- was he right?
Law & Order Season 22 Episode 13 didn't answer this question; as is often typical of this franchise, it ended the hour on a dramatic note and left viewers to draw their own conclusions.
The murder mystery was one of the more interesting ones, though its solution left something to be desired.
Shaw: Cell phone's still here, wallet, credit cards, money.
Cosgrove: Doesn't look like anyone tossed the place inside. Jewelry's still on the nightstand.
Shaw: So it's not a robbery, not an assault. Double taps to the chest. Starting to feel like an execution. The question is, why?
Cosgrove: Sad. Seems like she was going places, too.
Shaw: Too bad she'll never get there now.
Whenever a college student dies unexpectedly on a Law & Order franchise show, there are always questions about what she was involved in and why someone killed her.
This one could have gone in several different directions.
The flowers on the stoop could have pointed to a stalker and not the bartender who got his anger out of his system after one confrontation. The student was talking to a professor right before her death, so someone could have been disturbed by her research or her career success so far.
Instead, she became the victim of a convoluted murder-for-hire plot. While Reverend Sherman explained that Pastor Mike didn't want Emily to tell the cops that he took large donations from his parishioners, that felt like a weak motive.
Emily believed that Pastor Mike had defrauded Lonnie, but Lonnie refused to believe it even when confronted with evidence that Pastor Mike killed his sister. So if Emily had gone to the police, Lonnie and other parishioners would have defended Mike, and that would have been that.
If Mike wanted Emily permanently silenced, why would he be stupid enough to ask his vice-pastor to do the deed? And why would Reverend Sherman agree to it, convicted felon or not?
Let me get this straight. You want to go after a pillar of the community, a clergyman, on the word of a convicted felon who has every reason to lie?
McCoy
It's not unheard of for pastors at prosperity gospel churches to ask for large donations, but murder is very different than potential fraud. Pastor Mike wasn't an organized crime boss; he was a pastor using church donations to line his pockets.
It felt like the murder plot was an excuse for the story the writers really wanted to tell: Price's determination to go after Pastor Mike for fraud.
While Reverend Sherman hurt the case against Pastor Mike by lying on the stand, Price could have gotten around that without forcing a senior pastor to break confidentiality.
He had the wire transfer of $50,000, Sherman's original statement, the security footage, and the fact that the van had been donated to the church.
It wasn't clear whether Lonnie would testify to the argument with Emily, but the cops could have testified about their knowledge of that argument. Even if the contents of it had been hearsay, the fact that there was an argument shortly before the murder would be evidence of bad blood between Emily and Pastor Mike.
So while challenging, it wouldn't have been impossible to make a case against Pastor Mike without turning it into a fraud trial.
McCoy: He's a clergyman. He's right about the law. His conversation with the defendant is privileged.
Price: Unless that privilege is in service of a crime or fraud.
McCoy: You're on dangerous ground, Nolan. To prove that, you'll have to attack the church. I thought we agreed that you'd make the case about the man, not the religion.
Price: I'm not going after the religion. I'm going after a single, corrupt preacher.
McCoy was right to try to warn Price off of this line of argument. There was a thin line between fraud and religious belief here.
While Price successfully argued that Pastor Mike manipulated people into giving him all their money, the people involved claimed that he deserved his riches and was doing God's work.
This fraud trial, especially since it was for the sole purpose of getting a senior pastor to testify about his conversation with the defendant, looked like denying people the right to religious beliefs around prosperity.
Of course, fraud is a crime with a clear definition. A pastor or other religious figure who engages in it shouldn't be able to get away with it simply by claiming that taking church donations for themselves is a tenet of their religion.
Still, Pastor Mike wasn't being charged with fraud; it was a cover for wanting the judge to rule that clergy privilege didn't apply to whatever Mike said to the senior pastor.
That seemed problematic.
Lonnie's unsurprising OD at the end of the hour was supposed to show that the church was so crucial that not being able to give all his money to it made him give up the will to live.
He didn't seem to grieve his sister's death very much; he was more concerned about Pastor Mike's well-being now that she was gone. When he begged Price to leave Pastor Mike alone, was anyone expecting him to confess to killing Emily himself?
That would have been a perfect twist. Instead, Lonnie was a pathetic figure whose plea fell on deaf ears, only for Price to find him near death later.
What did you think, Law & Order fanatics? Was I too hard on this episode, or did it also feel to you like it was missing something?
Hit the big, blue SHOW COMMENTS button and let us know your thoughts!
The next new episode of Law & Order doesn't air until February 16, but you can watch Law & Order online anytime you'd like.
Law & Order airs on NBC on Thursdays at 8 PM EST / PST.
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Night Court will remain in session on NBC.
NBC renewed the hit comedy for a second season today.
Although the ratings have dipped from the revival's premiere, they're still pretty impressive.
Night Court stars Melissa Rauch as unapologetic optimist judge Abby Stone, the daughter of the late Harry Stone.
Abby follows in her father’s footsteps as she presides over the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court and tries to bring order to its crew of oddballs and cynics, most notably former night court prosecutor Dan Fielding.
Fielding is played by the always-impressive John Larroquette, offering significant laughs that haven't changed since the series' initial run.
In addition to Rauch and Larroquette, Night Court also features India de Beaufort, Kapil Talwalkar, and Lacretta.
"It’s so rewarding to have audiences respond and return to a show in which they have such incredibly warm feelings, and, more broadly, it’s testament to how broadcast is still a huge driver of communal viewing," said Lisa Katz, President, Scripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
"A huge thank you to our studio partners, a wonderful cast, incredibly talented writers and producers, and a crew that has transformed a lower Manhattan courtroom into a true family."
Channing Dungey, Chairman and CEO Warner Bros. Television Group, said: "The verdict is in, and the ‘new-boot’ of ‘Night Court’ is a hit! The series’ razor-sharp humor makes the show a weekly must-watch. We’re overjoyed that court will remain in session and return with new cases for season two.
"We’re so grateful to our colleagues at NBC, to the richly talented creative team led by Melissa Rauch, Winston Rauch, Dan Rubin, and John Larroquette, and to the stellar ensemble cast."
NBC touts that Night Court has reached 25.7 million total viewers across all viewing platforms since Night Court Season 1 Episode 1 premiered on January 17.
Night Court is the number one broadcast premiere of the 2022-23 season in both the 18-49 demo and total viewers, and the number one comedy premiere of the 2022-23 season on broadcast or cable in the 18-49 demo and total viewers.
Night Court also scores the highest number of total viewers for any comedy premiere since The Connors in 2018 and the best comedy premiere on NBC since Will & Grace in 2017.
It's achieved the highest 18-49 demo for a comedy premiere since Young Rock in 2021 and the season-high performance of any NBC series episode this season in both the demo and total viewers.
What do you think of the news? Let us know in the comments, and remember, you can watch Night Court online right here via TV Fanatic.
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People who make better friends than roommates are sitcom gold. (Does anyone remember The Odd Couple?)
The Good Doctor isn't a sitcom, but a new major story is going in that direction.
The Good Doctor Season 6 Episode 12 spoilers have Glassman moving in with Shaun and Lea. There's even a silly clip involving Lea walking in on Glassman in the shower. How is this going to work out?
Hopefully, the Glassman stuff won't take up more of the hour than it deserves. This kind of silly situation is acceptable as a side plot, but as the main story of the hour, it will fall flat.
Too many awkward situations with Glassman and his new roommates will make the episode overly lighthearted. Even if there are some serious medical stories, it won't be enough to restore the balance.
Glassman has always been a surrogate father to Shaun, so much so that Lea told Glassman to "make up with his son" when he and Shaun were fighting over the Lim situation.
But they've never lived together before, and Glassman moving in. no matter how temporary it is, will somewhat change the dynamics of their relationship. Glassman tends to be rigid and doesn't tolerate dissent in his personal life, which killed his marriage to Debbie.
Shaun also refuses to give an inch and can be impossible to live with
The two of them sharing the same space, even if only for a few days, is not going to be pretty.
And isn't Lea supposed to be reducing her stress throughout the remainder of her pregnancy? This seems like the opposite of low-stress living!
Fortunately, there's a bona fide medical storyline to counteract this nonsense. According to a clip in the spoiler video, Shaun gets into a significant disagreement with Jordan over a thirteen-year-old patient.
The patient has a tumor caused by a mutation in a fertilized egg. This wasn't on my list of "things that can go wrong with a young teenage pregnancy," but here we are.
Jordan thinks that this is a mandatory reporting situation since thirteen is below the age of consent. However, the father of this child's baby appears to be no more than thirteen or fourteen himself, so Shaun doesn't see an issue.
This sounds like a compelling controversy.
Shaun is a by-the-book kind of guy, thanks to his Autism. So as far as he's concerned, if the law says that two thirteen-year-olds having sex isn't a problem, then that's the end of the story.
Jordan will think otherwise -- in her mind, these children are still children, and someone did something inappropriate.
Shaun's position makes sense from the limited information in the promo. There's a huge difference between two thirteen-year-olds having sex and an adult molesting a young teen.
If the team reports this, it could ruin the boyfriend's life for no good reason. Should a thirteen-year-old who got his girlfriend pregnant be required to be on a sex offender registry for life because they were both underage?
A lot depends on the specific circumstances. It is possible that the boy forced or coerced the girl. That's still sexual assault, even if the kids are underage.
It's also possible that he's only pretending to be the father and that an adult had sex with the girl, which falls into the mandatory-reporting column.
Jordan will probably frame this as Shaun not understanding how serious the issue of sexual assault is. If she does, is that fair?
Granted, Shaun's strongest mentor is Glassman, who tends towards sexist attitudes. Lea's had words with Glassman over his outdated beliefs more than once.
Still, sexual assault is not the same as two kids experimenting with sex while they're still children and aren't ready to deal with the consequences.
If Jordan pushes to report a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy for having consensual sex, she may cross the line into interfering with other people's lives.
That could be problematic, especially if the kids' parents don't agree with Jordan's decisions.
Where are the parents, anyway? Are these thirteen-year-olds emancipated? If they're not, then their parents should have something to say about the care the girl is getting at the hospital and the issue of her having had sex at thirteen.
Although it's not mentioned in the video, another spoiler is that Morgan has to make a decision that affects her life and career.
She already turned down the prestigious fellowship in New York, so it's unlikely she'll get a second chance at that. If she does, she should take it -- but she probably won't now that she and Park are in a decent place.
She recently tried to have IVF to have a baby and become a single mother, only to learn that the implantation didn't take. Instead, she had what sounded like a chemical pregnancy where she was pregnant and then she wasn't.
Whatever big decision she has to make likely has to do with her dream of becoming a mother.
She might have the opportunity to adopt a child or undergo an experimental procedure to get pregnant.
She might also be offered a new role within the hospital that would take a lot of time and be incompatible with her dreams of motherhood, leaving her to make a heartwrenching decision.
What do you think Morgan's decision will entail? Who do you think will be right about whether this young girl's sex life needs to be reported to social services?
And will Glassman moving in with Shaun and Lea be a fun story or over-the-top silly?
Hit the big, blue SHOW COMMENTS button, and let us know your thoughts.
Don't forget that you can watch The Good Doctor online while waiting for the new episode to air.
The Good Doctor airs on ABC on Mondays at 10 PM EST / PST.
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We have great news for fans of one of the freshman dramas on CBS.
CBS announced today that it has renewed the So Help Me Todd for the 2023-2024 season.
This is a very early renewal for a scripted drama series on CBS that isn't tethered to one of the network's big franchises.
"Since its premiere in September, So Help Me Todd has become Thursday's #1 new series and has averaged 6.3 million viewers per episode, growing to 7.4 million with live plus 35-day multiplatform viewing," said CBS in a press release.
"SO HELP ME TODD has charmed viewers with the incomparable chemistry between Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Astin," said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment.
"With the series' unique blend of captivating legal drama, laugh-out-loud humor and intriguing family dysfunction, it's no wonder the audience continues to grow. I am delighted that these two inimitable characters and their entertaining banter will extend into a second season."
So Help Me Todd stars Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden, Skylar Astin, Madeline Wise, Tristen J. Winger, Inga Schlingmann, and Rosa Arredondo.
Scott Prendergast, Elizabeth Klaviter, Dr. Phil McGraw, Stuart Gillard, Jay McGraw, and Julia Eisenman serve as executive producers.
So Help Me Todd is produced by CBS Studios and airs Thursdays (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and live and on-demand on Paramount+.
CBS previously renewed The Equalizer, Fire Country, FBI, Ghosts, The Neighborhood, FBI: International, Bob Hearts Abishola, and FBI: Most Wanted.
The network canceled the long-running NCIS: Los Angeles after 14 seasons, with the series finale set to air in May.
Of the unrenewed shows, Young Sheldon, NCIS, S.W.A.T., East New York, and Blue Bloods stand the best shot at renewals.
NCIS: Hawai'i and CSI: Vegas are both on the bubble.
What are your thoughts on the So Help Me Todd renewal?
Are you surprised?
Hit the comments.
Catch new episodes Thursdays at 9 p.m.
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The Traitors will return to scheme again on Peacock.
The breakout unscripted series has landed a second season renewal three weeks after its premiere.
A renewal was a no-brainer, but the speed at which the show got picked up is pretty crazy.
The streaming service typically waits until more data is available, but if you pay attention to social media, the show has broken through in a way many TV shows can only dream of.
Hosted by Alan Cumming, this unscripted competition series is a nail-biting psychological adventure in which treachery and deceit are the name of the game.
Twenty contestants (including reality A-listers) come together to complete a series of challenges with the objective of earning a cash prize.
The catch? Three of the contestants coined "the traitors," will devise a plan to steal the prize from the other contestants, coined "the faithful."
In addition to the show's renewal, the Season One reunion will stream on Peacock on February 28, hosted by Bravo icon Andy Cohen.
The dramatic reunion will bring the Season One cast together for the first time since the traitorous finale.
The Traitors Season 1 featured a mix of reality stars and America's best game-players, including Amanda Clark (Emergency Room Nurse), Andie Thurmond (Director of Music Services), Anjelica Conti (Hair Stylist), Arie Luyendyk Jr. (Bachelor/Bachelorette), and Azra Valani (Yoga Instructor).
The cast also included Brandi Glanville (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Christian De La Torre (Veteran & Van Life Influencer), Cirie Fields (Survivor), Cody Calafiore (Big Brother), and Geraldine Moreno (Actress).
Also on the cast was Kate Chastain (Below Deck), Kyle Cooke (Summer House), Michael Davidson (DMV Office Manager), Quentin Jiles (Political Analyst), Rachel Reilly (Big Brother), and Reza Farahan (Shahs of Sunset).
The cast was rounded out by Robert "Bam" Nieves (Tech Sales Executive), Ryan Lochte (Olympian), Shelbe Rodriguez (Public Affairs Manager), and Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick (Survivor).
"The Traitors is an ambitious, highly addictive and spontaneous format that keeps contestants and viewers on their toes," said Corie Henson, executive vp entertainment unscripted Content at NBCUniversal.
"Alan Cumming is a well-dressed genius, the producers at Studio Lambert are brilliant storytellers and the show is the perfect mix of drama and suspense to keep our traitors and faithfuls craving more."
"We hugely enjoyed making the US version of this hit format with NBC and giving Peacock's audience a highly bingeable murder mystery game full of intrigue and dramatic twists," said Studio Lambert CEO Stephen Lambert.
"This is the game which shows how people judge each other, often leaping to false conclusions, in a way that's revealing and entertaining, and we're excited to be making a second season with Alan as together we build on the success of the first."
What are your thoughts on the renewal?
Hit the comments.
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One of Netflix's most-talked-about shows (for all the wrong reasons!) has a return date.
Yes, we're talking about Sex/Life.
It was one of the most talked about shows because of a particular scene in the third episode of the debut season.
We won't be delving into that today, but we can tell you when the second season is set to premiere.
Talk about silver linings!
Netflix confirmed Thursday that all episodes of Sex/Life Season 2 are set to premiere on March 2.
"SEX/LIFE is the story of a love triangle between a woman, her husband, and her past that takes a provocative new look at female identity and desire," Netflix's logline for Season 2 revealed.
It seems that Netflix wants viewers to tune in for the plot instead of giving all of the details away before the series returns.
The regular cast of Season 2 includes Sarah Shahi (Billie Connelly), Mike Vogel (Cooper Connelly), Adam Demos (Brad Simon), and Margaret Odette (Sasha Snow).
Cleo Anthony (Kam), Craig Bierko (Mick), Darius Homayoun (Majid), Dylan Bruce (Spencer), Jonathan Sadowski (Devon), Li Jun Li (Francesca), and Wallis Day (Gigi) are our recurring players for the sophomore run.
Sex/Life Season 1 reached 67 million Netflix households in its four weeks of availability in June 2023.
Showrunner/Creator/Executive Producer/Writer Stacy Rukeyser (UnREAL) is also set to return.
"Sex/Life is a dream come true," said Rukeyser of the renewal.
"To create a show about empowered female sexuality that has entranced so many millions of viewers is not only immensely fun but also incredibly gratifying."
"When I think about all the women who have reached out from all over the world to say that the show speaks to them in a deeply personal way, I am so inspired."
"I'm thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to continue telling this story for Billie, and for all of us."
The teaser trailer certainly hints at what's to come following the nail-biting conclusion to the first season.
But will the series be able to top the first?
We have some concerns.
Check out the trailer below.
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We have some bad news for fans of ABC's Alaska Daily.
The Hilary Swank drama has been bumped from its planned February 23 return.
Instead, the back half of the season will resume Thursday, March 2, at 10 p.m.
The reason for the switcheroo?
ABC wants to air the remaining episodes across consecutive weeks, which is probably for the best.
With the network's revamped schedule, the series will return on March 2 and wrap up its freshman season on March 30.
Given the heavily serialized nature of Alaska Daily, having random breaks will not help the series build momentum.
Procedurals like NCIS and Law & Order can thrive with more than a few hiatuses because there's very little connective tissue between episodes.
Alaska Daily stars Hilary Swank as Eileen Fitzgerald, a fiercely talented and award-winning investigative journalist who leaves her high-profile New York life behind after a fall from grace to join a daily metro newspaper in Anchorage on a journey to find both personal and professional redemption.
The series hasn't particularly resonated in live + same-day results, but it has been a strong performer with online and DVR viewing factored in.
It currently ranks as ABC's lowest-rated series in the demo (based on Live + SD viewing), losing around half of its lead-in Grey's Anatomy's demo results.
The cast also includes Ami Park as Jieun Park, Craig Frank as Austin Greene, Grace Dove as Rosalind "Roz" Friendly, Jeff Perry as Stanley Cornik, Matt Malloy as Bob Young, Meredith Holzman as Claire Muncy, and Pablo Castelblanco as Gabriel Martin.
It's unclear at this stage whether the series will snag a Season 2 pickup, but it would probably need to overperform for these next five episodes to be in contention.
What are your thoughts on the delay for the midseason premiere?
Do you think it's a good idea to air the episodes consecutively?
Hit the comments below.
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Whenever there's a full moon on any work of fiction about werewolves, we should expect fireworks.
Wolf Pack Season 1 Episode 2 was a marked improvement on Wolf Pack Season 1 Episode 1.
It's difficult when you're excited about a show, and it doesn't live up to expectations, but the strength of "Two Bitten, Two Born" was in the way it zeroed in on the horror.
The premiere suffered because it couldn't quite nail the tone, and if this second episode is the shape of things to come, then we might have a new horror-tinged teen drama worth watching.
The addition of Connor was interesting because witnessing everything that happened from his perspective, independent of the other characters, highlighted that these teenagers are going through it all.
Connor was initially concerned about Everett's questions, but it all became apparent at the hospital when he realized that Everett was possibly the only person who could save him.
I can't even begin to imagine what Connor was going through in those moments, and the phone call telling him to run didn't help.
Connor: I'm supposed to get the cast off today, and I got to get a tetanus shot. Everett: What for?
Connor: I got bit by something on the highway during that whole stampede. Everett: You were bitten?
Connor: Mm-hmm.
Everett: By what?
Connor: Pretty sure it was a coyote.
Everett: Did you see it? Like, did you actually see a coyote bite you?
Connor: Yeah, kind of.
Everett: What do you mean, kind of? Did you see it or not?
Connor: There was a lot of smoke. I mean, I guess maybe it could have been something else, like a mountain lion. But I think it would look a lot worse.
Everett: Let me see it.
Connor: It's on my back.
Everett: Well, take your shirt off.
Connor: Now?
Everett: Just take it off.
Connor: All right, shit. I was gonna wait for college to experiment a little, but let's do this.
Everett: Just shut up and take the shirt off, please. Let me see the bite. (
Connor: How's it look?
Everett: Kind of looks like a dog bite.
Connor: So kind of like a coyote?
Everett: Yeah, I guess. Hey, um, have you gotten any, like, phone calls lately? Anyone kind of strange talking to you on the phone?
Connor: Besides you?
Everett: No, seriously.
Connor: No. Dude, what's going on?
Everett: Nothing. But can you do me a favor? When you go see your doctor later, just call me and tell me what he says.
Connor: About my leg?
Everett: No. No, about the bite. Just call me.
Connor: All right. I'll call you.
Are we to assume that the big bad wolf we keep seeing is trying to lead the teenagers away from the adults to kill them?
It certainly seems that way, but it's also possible these phone calls will be revealed to be more about their most deeply rooted thoughts.
It didn't end so well for Connor, but it's hard not to think about whether the teenagers are being driven by their fear and anxiety as opposed to some wolf in the woods telling them what to do.
If that is the case, props to the creatives for tackling such a storyline, but it was also a little bit too obvious for my liking.
I don't think Connor is dead ... yet. If the show wanted to kill him, there would have been blood and probably a more graphic scene showcasing what happened to him.
For now, he's probably alive, but the cliffhanger was good. Many TV shows are avoiding cliffhangers these days, and Wolf Pack's initial cliffhanger with its series premiere was a dud.
At the end of "Two Bitten, Two Born," my jaw was firmly on the floor because how the hell will Everett be able to explain holding his best friend's cast?
Kristin is tired of chasing these teen wolves, but she's also not the most approachable person.
Her actions have given the teenagers reasons to doubt she wants to help them.
Her colleague, Jason, is also pretty terrible. Instead of making Everett think he was talking to the good guys, he gave Everett all he needed to know they couldn't be trusted.
It's hard to imagine what Kristin and Jason will have to say to Everett, Blake, Luna, and Harlan now that they've all been rounded up, but I have to imagine the parents, including Garrett, will be at the station before long to criticize their underhand tactics.
Then again, maybe Everett's mother will allow the officers to do whatever they want to her son because she's being written as a terrible mother.
Prisha: Hold on. I know these kids. What do you think you're doing? You told me we're going home. Who are these two? Are they friends of yours?
Luna: Yeah, uh, that's Evan. Everett. Everett. He's Everett. She's... Blake. Everett and Blake. They... they go to school with us. They're in our class.
Harlan: They're in a grade below us.
Prisha: Guys, the truth, please.
Everett: We were just trying to find our way back. We all were.
Prisha: What about you? How come you're not saying anything?
Blake: I'm not as good a liar as he is.
Prisha: Funny. I like you.
Everett returning home in the dead of night is a cause for concern, but slapping him came out of the left field and made her far more irrelevant in my book.
Her son is going through something terrible, and given his history, lifting her hands to smack him was not a decent way of getting him to open up to her.
If anything, it pushed him further into secrecy.
Blake's newfound strength is intriguing, but you can see that her clearer skin has given her a confidence boost.
I liked her interactions with her father, Roberto, in this episode because we got the confirmation that he'd been struggling to make ends meet for a while.
He strikes me as the type of person who buries his head in the sand, and unfortunately, the lack of payments on the home insurance has screwed his family over.
He's distracted, though, because he couldn't even place what was different about his daughter, which could be a sign that he hasn't been very involved in her life.
Yes, she stays with him, but they're so far apart that it's hard to tell whether they'll be able to have any form of relationship when this is over.
The dynamic between Blake and Everett is also interesting. Often, teen dramas force characters together in ways that feel more to get fans talking, but here, they got closer naturally because they went through something terrible.
They're both trying to come to terms with the changes in their lives after being bitten.
Luna and Harlan are becoming a bit like oil and water. They're different from one another, and it seems like they rarely agree on anything.
Luna is warm and reaches out to her brother when she's had a bad day, but Harlan dodges her calls and texts and does his own thing.
Granted, he did find himself going through something in the gym, but dodging his sister's calls was also shown on Wolf Pack Season 1 Episode 1.
I'm interested in seeing what their home life is like with Garrett at home because we know Harlan resents the man who raised them because he keeps putting himself in danger.
Garrett hasn't had much screen time, but he cares deeply for these two siblings. Thinking about how he first found them gave him the drive to fight for safety, after all.
That's all I got, Wolf Pack fanatics!
Look out for a post-mortem interview with the cast tomorrow to break down some of the big twists and turns of the second episode.
What are your thoughts on the second episode?
Are you more invested now?
What's your take on Kristin and her partner? Are they going out of their way to make themselves unapproachable?
Hit the comments.
Catch new episodes of Wolf Pack on Thursdays, exclusively on Paramount+.
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It doesn't get better than the acclaimed Marcia Gay Harden and Halston Sage.
The Academy-Award-winning So Help Me Todd star is at the helm, along with Halston Sage of Prodigal Son fame, in an upcoming film, Daughter of the Bride, exploring a fun dynamic between a mother and daughter.
And TV Fanatic was fortunate enough to score an exclusive first look at this charming film that'll warm the cockles of your heart and make you laugh.
Everyone loves a good family comedy, and Daughter of the Bride delivers with amusing hijinks, a star-studded cast, and the chemistry between Harden and Sage at the very center of the movie.
Harden stars as Diane, a lively woman whose best friend in life just so happens to be her daughter, Kate (Sage).
The mother-daughter duo has navigated much of life together, with highs and lows, but handling everything with aplomb and relying on one another.
Their bond is seemingly unshakeable and no match for anyone until Diane throws Kate the ultimate curveball: she's getting married!
Great news, right? Not when you didn't even know your mother was dating anyone in the first place!
A true mama's girl, Kate doesn't take the news well that her mother has made Bruce, played by Elementary's Aidan Quinn, the priority in her life.
Both women have been navigating their respective love lives and careers together, relying on each other, and with a new person in the mix, Kate undoubtedly feels displaced.
Of course, that's where all the hijinks come into play.
While Kate should be supporting and even officiating her mother's wedding, she's so worried that she'll be displaced from her mother's life that she starts to thwart the wedding at every turn subconsciously.
It's where all the comedy ensues!
Of course, fate has a funny sense of humor since while Kate tries to get her mother to slow things down and reconsider the drastic move in her love life, she may actually gain one of her own while connecting with her handsome neighbor, Josh, played by Andrew Richardson.
In our exclusive clip, we get a sneak peek at Kate's insecurities when she realizes her mother is serious about getting hitched.
She's genuinely concerned that her mother is moving too fast with this new, mysterious guy.
She even goes so far as to bring up some of Diane's failed relationships as a justification for Diane calling things off.
But Diane has a few words of wisdom for her daughter about life and love. Check out the clip below!
Daughter of the Bride stars Marcia Gay Harden, Halston Sage, Aidan Quinn), and Andrew Richardson. It's directed by Annette Haywood-Carter and co-produced by MarVista and Particular Crowd with a script written by Karen Bloch Morse.
Daughter of the Bride hits select theaters, Digital HD, and On Demand on February 3!
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Will the Pogues ever catch a break?
Our favorite characters were happily lost at the end of Outer Banks Season 2.
They were ready to live out the rest of their days in a corner of the world, well away from everyone else.
But this is TV, and there has to be drama.
Netflix unveiled a wild first look at Outer Banks Season 3 on Thursday, and we think it's fair to say this will be the most dramatic season yet.
One of the most significant moments showcases John B with his presumed-dead dad, Big John.
That will be a huge moment, for sure, but in true Outer Banks fashion, there are far more pressing things on the agenda.
We also see the Pogues in the city of El Dorado, but what takes them there?
The trailer doesn't give that much away, but we have to assume treasure will be the driving force here.
It always is with this show, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
The show knows what it is, even if some of the developments of late have been a bit on the soapy side.
The trailer does have a lot of what fans want, too, including some romance.
"After losing the gold and fleeing the Outer Banks, Season 3 finds the Pogues washed ashore on a desert island that, for a brief moment, seems like an idyllic home," the Season 3 logline teases.
"Officially deemed "Poguelandia," the island's newest residents spend their days fishing, swimming, and reveling in the carefree lifestyle of their temporary dwelling."
"But things quickly go south for John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope, JJ, and Cleo when they find themselves once again caught up in a race for the treasure, quite literally running for their lives."
"They're broke and far from home, they can't trust anyone, Ward and Rafe are hungry for revenge, and there's a ruthless Caribbean Don who will stop at nothing to find the bounty."
"Was the treasure ever within their reach? Or was it all a trap to stop them once and for all? Either way, it's the Pogues against the world – and the only way out is together."
The Outer Banks Season 3 cast includes Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, Shannon Burke Cast: Chase Stokes (John B.), Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron), Madison Bailey (Kiara), Jonathan Daviss (Pope), Rudy Pankow (JJ), and Austin North (Topper).
The cast is rounded out by Drew Starkey (Rafe), Carlacia Grant (Cleo) and Charles Esten (Ward Cameron), Cullen Moss (Shoupe), Julia Antonelli (Wheezie Cameron), Caroline Arapoglou (Rose Cameron), and E. Roger Mitchell (Heyward).
Also starring is Charles Halford (Big John), Elizabeth Mitchell (Limbrey), Andy McQueen (Carlos Singh), and Lou Ferrigno Jr. (Ryan).
Outer Banks Season 3 premieres February 23. Check out the trailer below.
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Production on The Last of Us Season 1 may be over, but Pedro Pascal is not done facing members of the undead.
Saturday Night Live dropped a promo to tease Pascal's debut on the long-running sketch series on Saturday.
Pascal plays the hardened Joel on the HBO hit, a man tasked with moving a 14-year-old across the country.
While preparing for his debut on the NBC juggernaut, Pedro walks through Studio 8H after hearing strange noises.
He then hears a Clicker, one of the most dangerous creatures from both the TV series and the video game.
Pedro is not messing around here, however, and picks up a hammer and prepares to put down the monster.
In true SNL fashion, Sarah Sherman and Molly Kearney stop him in the nick of time.
The reason?
The Clicker is the latest cast member on the series.
"Listen, I know it's your first time hosting, but a little advice: Don't hit the cast members with a hammer, you maniac," Sherman tells him.
"Look, we're gonna get past this, but I gotta be honest — not the best first impression. Get better," Kearney adds as the pair walk away.
We should probably prepare for some Last of Us-related sketches when the episode airs.
The Last of Us launched on HBO and HBO Max last month and quickly struck a chord with viewers.
The series launched as the #2 debut behind House of the Dragon, and the numbers have risen each week.
As a result, HBO speedily picked up The Last of Us Season 2, which is said to be an adaptation of the second game.
The series from comes from co-creators Craig Mazin (Emmy® Award-winning creator of HBO's Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmann (creator and writer of the award-winning "The Last of Us" franchise and Naughty Dog Co-President).
"Craig and Neil, alongside EP Carolyn Strauss, and the rest of our phenomenal cast and crew, have defined a genre with their masterful debut season of 'The Last of Us,'" said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films.
"After pulling off this unforgettable first season, I can't wait to watch this team outshine themselves again with season two."
Check out the trailer for Pedro's Saturday Night Live debut below.
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Two episodes of Fire Country in one week? What a treat!
In a surprising turn of events on Fire Country Season 1 Episode 12, Bodie and Gabriella shared a kiss that, even though we were expecting to happen at some point, we didn't expect to be that soon.
Two people were a match for Sharon's kidney, and both were close to her. Bode was more than willing to give his kidney, but Jake hesitated to reveal he was a match.
We saw Sharon return to work, and a new firefighter joined the station in a probationary capacity.
Fire Country Season 1 Episode 13 is expected to dive into some of those storylines, and we have spoilers for the next episode that are bound to make you wish Fire Country was on every night.
Bodie and Gabriella are not getting together … yet.
At this point, it has become predictable that they will not go steady. One can expect this since both of them are at different places at this point in their lives.
Dating a convict is not ideal for Gabriella, much less one still behind bars. It gets complicated when the convict is her ex-boyfriend's frenemy.
Gabriella had vowed not to date Bode even though she has feelings for him. We already established she is firm in her resolve, and despite Bode's best efforts, he can't change her mind unless she wants it.
Even though they got a little hot and bothered during the final minutes of "Two Pink Lines," it was out of character for Gabriella.
The fact that they won't get together doesn't mean it will be a unanimous and mutual decision. They will flirt for a while, so much that even Colin clocks it.
In the promo video CBS released for the rest of the season, both crews respond to a fire emergency, and in passing, Bode greets her, and she smiles and blushes like a teen girl. Oh, she has it bad for him!
On the other side, Bode is not short on people interested in him romantically. His ex-girlfriend is still in town, and we know their breakup didn't end everything between them.
She is not that strong of a suitor, though, since she seemed to hit it off with Jake, and I'll steal you a little secret: they go on a date in a later episode.
Bode also has a new romantic interest who seems hellbent on getting him. Rebecca is not quitting any time soon. Things seem to be getting heavy between them, although Bode is being torn in another direction.
Rebecca might be the biggest hurdle to cross for them because, being an inmate firefighter, she can access Bode more easily than Gabriella.
We are in for some drama.
A fire emergency will put lives at risk.
Being dedicated to a cause is admirable. It is the most dedicated of people who affect change.
Promo images for the episode tease a fire emergency in the episode.
One of the worst things about capitalism is its putting profits above everything else. Often, the weakest or indefensible end up being hurt the most.
A group of environmental activists arrives to protest a housing development. Remember the dedication I hinted at earlier before? Well, the activists chain themselves up on the trees, and as bad luck would have it, the fire finds them.
The crew has to juggle putting out the fire and trying to save the environmentalists.
The details about what is at risk are not clear yet. Still, given the diversity of a forest area, one can assume something is seriously in danger to warrant the interference of activist groups.
There is an arsonist.
Toward the end of Fire Country Season 1 Episode 12, an arsonist was seen lighting a fire and using an accelerant.
It struck me as odd how fire keeps lighting in the forest, and it seems an explanation is coming. In our TV Fanatic Fire Country Season 1 Episode 12 Roundtable, some writers suspected Colin might be the arsonist.
There is nothing impossible on TV, but it doesn't seem as if Colin holds a grudge against anyone in the station.
The arsonist courts trouble for Manny when he learns he is the target of an investigation into the arson.
Colin was introduced as a firefighter from a legacy firefighting family, but he didn't seem particularly interested in firefighting like many probies are when they join a house.
He came off as careless, putting multiple people's lives at risk on his first day on the job.
Some viewers thought of him as a potential love interest for Gabriella, but I think there is more there.
We expect they will dive into him as a person and how he might affect the house.
Manny promised to start working extra shifts to begin servicing his debt, and we expect that also to be explored.
Sharon rejected Bode's kidney, and Jake seemed reluctant to give his kidney. Is this the end of the road for Mama Bear?
Those were the spoilers, everybody. A lot will be explored in the episode, and we can't wait to see what they come up with.
We always love reading your feedback about what you think of the storylines, so don't hesitate to comment.
Catch the episode on Friday, February 3 at 9 pm ET on CBS.
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That '90s Show premiered in January, and it was filled with nostalgia.
The sequel to That '70s Show featured plenty of original stars, filling fans in on what happened to them after the 2006 series finale.
Ashton Kutcher, who played Kelso, revealed in an interview with Esquire magazine that he did not have a say in whether he would be returning.
Kutcher's wife, Mila Kunis, said they would both return for the sequel, even if the script came in lower than their expectations.
"[She] goes, 'You know, we owe our entire careers to this show. It doesn't matter what the script is, we're doing it,'" Kutcher recalled.
Kutcher and Kunis's characters are married in That '90s Show, which Kunis was not fond of.
In a 2022 interview with Access Hollywood, the actress shared her thoughts on the matter.
"My husband and I are together in [the new show], which is weird because we shouldn't have been," she said.
"You know what, I called BS I was like, 'My character would be with Fez.'"
"I think that I ended up with Wilmer [Valderrama] 's character."
"And I was like [to Ashton], 'Why are you and I together?' And also, he was married when '70s ended to Shannon Elizabeth's character, I think."
The sequel series launched on Netflix in January, and the response has been positive.
The series has snagged a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The show hasn't broken records for Netflix like some of the streamer's other recent offerings, but typically, comedies don't do as well as drama series on Netflix.
As a result, it's trickier to assess the bar for success with a comedy on the service.
In addition to Kunis and Kutcher, Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Wilmer Valderrama, and Tommy Chong all returned as special guests.
Original stars Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith returned as series regulars.
"It's 1995 and Leia Forman is desperate for some adventure in her life or at least a best friend who isn't her dad," the official logline reads.
"When she arrives in Point Place to visit her grandparents, Red and Kitty, Leia finds what she's looking for right next door when she meets the dynamic and rebellious Gwen."
"With the help of Gwen's friends, including her lovable brother Nate, his smart, laser-focused girlfriend Nikki, the sarcastic and insightful Ozzie, and the charming Jay, Leia realizes adventure could happen there just like it did for her parents all those years ago."
"Excited to reinvent herself, she convinces her parents to let her stay for the summer."
"With a basement full of teens again, Kitty is happy the Forman house is now a home for a new generation and Red is, well...Red."
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Is Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 1 Episode 9 the first time Criminal Minds has been without a quote?
Elias said, "The Latin phrase Memento Mori translates to 'Remember that you must die.' Roman slaves whispered it to their generals to keep them from being consumed by hubris." That's as close as we got to a quote this week.
It fit the episode perfectly.
If they hadn't started the episode with that reflection of hubris, it would have been difficult to stomach the good guys' mistakes, which led to Rossi in a bunker and Tyler getting shot.
Those two men went above and beyond hubris in their quest to prove something to themselves.
As expected, Rossi's meet-n-greet with Sydney Voit was bountiful.
Sydney didn't have to lie about whether the man at the hardware store was her husband. She was so thrown that she just wanted to know where it was.
But before we get into that, why on earth did it take me so long to realize that Zack Gilford and Kiele Sanchez were married? That puts an entirely different spin on the series. It makes the scenes between the two of them more intimate and playful.
Up to a point, they were just playacting a normal couple, albeit one in distress. But then Elias started getting visions of killing his family.
I'd love to be a fly on the wall to listen to their dinner conversations after another day on set. This is the kind of partnership that will stay with them for the rest of their lives because of the intimacy on and off-screen.
No wonder Sydney couldn't give Rossi a nonchalant "nope, I don't recognize him" look. Kiele would have probably laughed out loud.
Now that I got that out of the way, we can get back on track. Yep, Sydney recognized her husband, and it threw her. For anyone else, it would have been the perfect opportunity to nail her down to lean against Elias. Instead, Elias was right there at the ready.
We knew a lot about Elias before this episode, but the discovery that he's learned too much from Rossi's work landed as a surprise, even if it makes perfect sense in hindsight.
It wasn't until his personal life began to fray that he lost focus. Until then, he'd been able to elude capture, likely because of reading Rossi's works, and he punctuated the conversation with that tidbit.
I can remember specifically trying to see the title of the book Elias was reading at the cabin, but I couldn't catch it. Did some of you lock onto his author of choice before now?
I love the way Zach Gilford plays with Elias. When he's toying with Rossi at the FBI office, he's almost feminine in his approach, but later, he drops that affectation when Rossi ridiculously enters his home. I'd love to know what's behind that little detail.
Whatever it is, it works well enough that Rossi drops his guard when he should be on high alert. There's that hubris.
Flashbacks have been used as a storytelling device a few times throughout Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 1, particularly in helping establish exactly who Elias Voit is and why he's a killer.
I'm not sure it was as effective of a device during "Memento Mori."
It wasn't unwelcome to see Tara and Rebecca's first meeting, but it didn't really apply to the episode. Rossi's recollection of Krystall's funeral showed him as vulnerable, but it made sense only when he showed fear of being underground in the bunker.
It wasn't a detail that had ever arisen before and seemed shoehorned in because of his predicament. But it didn't matter because who would be happy to be shut in an underground shipping container, knowing they could take their last breath there?
Similarly, it didn't make a lot of sense to include the (albeit cute) scene with Alvez and Garcia on a date other than to suggest that Tyler Green is the one for Penelope Garcia. That had already been spelled out beautifully without the flashback.
Of course, where else would those scenes have fit if not here, when Rossi's life was hanging in the balance? I suppose it's as good a time as any to think back to various moments in your life, whether you're the victim or hoping to save a life.
The attorney general storyline continues to grate. It's even worse now because where the hell is Bailey? He had his big moment in the sun on Criminal Minds: Season 1 Episode 7, only to vanish entirely.
Someone needs to be running point with that terrible AG, who, like most attorneys, only cares about her scorecard and not actual lives at stake.
If she weren't such a pain in the ass, Prentiss wouldn't have urged Rossi to push the envelope. The clock was ticking, and they needed results.
Still, it's so unlike Rossi to allow his pride to direct him in such a monumental case. Yes, he wanted to end it, but he also knew they were on shaky ground at the bureau. Any mistake could have cut the cord on the investigation, and Elias could escape.
He's damn near that point now.
I'll blame Elias's casual and feminine demeanor that got Rossi into the house. But it's impossible to understand how Elias got the jump on a trained and armed FBI agent, even with the age gap.
A plot device is the best I can come up with on this one.
From Tyler, the hubris makes sense. He's young and cocksure of his capabilities. And without some of that, Rossi would be on his own. Where Tyler fell flat (figuratively before literally) was when he refused to shoot first. He needed to be tortured by Elias.
Rossi had already learned you can't trust a serial killer. He wasn't able to circle Tyler around to that before Elias messed with Tyler's head.
Nothing, and I mean nothing, about Rossi screaming help ad nauseam made a lick of sense. Uh, duh. He should have been saying anything he remembered of his conversation with Elias instead of screaming for help.
At that moment, Rossi seemed like a 70-year-old man with no business as an active agent. It wasn't a good feeling.
It's doubtful that we have to worry about Rossi's life. He's got enough on his plate losing his badge and gun (not that he knows that yet).
Sure, some shows have killed off leading characters without the public knowing (Will Gardner on The Good Wife, for example), but that's not the kind of universe in which the Criminal Minds franchise operates.
Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 1 Episode 10 should be a lot of fun with all hands on deck as they race to save Rossi and countless others from Elias Voit's hands.
But it would have been much more fun getting there if hubris-driven mistakes hadn't paved the way.
What about you?
Were you surprised that two men who should have known better got so overconfident that their lives were at stake?
What's Elias's next move? How long will Rossi be underground?
What's your best guess for how the season ends?
Hit the comments and share your thoughts!
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The latest classic TV show to return is Frasier.
That much we've known for some time now.
Paramount+ revealed that production is officially underway this week, and we got some new details.
"The new series follows Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston, Mass., with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill," the streaming service teases, adding the following:
Frasier has re-entered the building!
In addition to Grammer, the new series stars Jack Cutmore-Scott as Frasier's son, Freddy, and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Frasier's old college buddy turned university professor, Alan.
The cast also includes Toks Olagundoye as Alan's colleague and head of the university psychology department, Olivia, Jess Salguerio as Freddy's roommate, Eve, and Anders Keith as Frasier's nephew, David.
The first two episodes of the new series will be directed by legendary director and television creator James Burrows.
Burrows has been the recipient of 10 Emmys and five Directors Guild of America Awards, where he also holds the honor of being the most nominated director in the history of television.
Burrows is best known for his work as co-creator, executive producer, and director of the critically acclaimed series Cheers.
Frasier comes from writers Chris Harris (How I Met Your Mother) and Joe Cristalli (Life in Pieces), who executive produce with Kelsey Grammer, Tom Russo, and Jordan McMahon.
The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Grammer's Grammnet NH Productions.
It's hard to believe we're finally getting a Frasier revival.
The project has been talked about for a long time, and given that the original series aired for 11 years, there's a lot of excitement.
Given the Boston setting, there's a good chance several Cheers alum could make their returns.
How exciting, right?
What are your thoughts on the project entering production?
Are you ready for more from the Frasier universe?
Hit the comments.
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NCIS: Los Angeles may be ending in a few months, but we'll be taking a trip down memory lane before that happens.
NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14 Episode 13, airing Sunday, February 26, will feature a blast from Kilbride's (Gerald McRaney) past.
We already covered the fact that Marilu Henner will guest-star during the episode as Kilbride's ex-wife, who visits her one-time husband with one goal:
Reconnect with his estranged son, Alex.
Later this season, Alex will appear in the flesh because TV Insider broke the news that Christopher Gorham has been cast as Alex.
Beyond the fact Kilbride will be reuniting with his son during the episode, we don't know what will go down.
CBS confirmed last month that the current season would be the end of the procedural drama series.
The news came as a shocker to longtime fans, but we can take solace in the fact that the May 14 series finale will include plenty of closure.
"For 14 seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles has been a stalwart of our lineup with characters who were a joy to watch," Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, said in a statement in January.
"It's no surprise this show succeeded as a global franchise. From Day 1, the cast, producers and crew were amazing Network/Studios partners, and their teamwork, talent and spirit vividly came through on the screen."
"We are so grateful for the collaboration and remarkable run of these treasured members of our CBS family, and plan to give them the big sendoff they and their fans deserve."
Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill said the following:
"I want to thank both the Network and Studios for their partnership and support over the years; Shane Brennan for giving us such a great playground; and my partners John P. Kousakis, Frank Military, Kyle Harimoto and Andrew Bartels for their tireless efforts and collaboration episode after episode."
"Our crew has grown to be a true family, and their hard work and dedication has been fundamental to our success year after year," Gemmill continued.
"My deepest gratitude to the cast members, who have brought our characters to life with their impassioned performances — thank you for your talent, professionalism and continuous enthusiasm."
"And to our loyal viewers who loved our characters and followed their journeys, thank you."
"We look forward to delivering an end to the series that is both satisfying and does justice to these beloved characters."
What are your thoughts on the casting news?
Hit the comments below.
Remember, you can watch NCIS: Los Angeles online right here via TV Fanatic.
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The Cleaning Lady will have some time to address those cliffhangers.
FOX handed out an early renewal for The Cleaning Lady Season 3 this week.
The series is FOX's first live-action scripted renewal for the 2023-24 season.
Jeannine Renshaw has joined the show as an executive producer and will serve as showrunner with Miranda Kwok.
"After two heart-pounding seasons, we're thrilled with how audiences have latched on to this incredible story," said Michael Thorn.
"The cast, led by the incomparable Élodie Yung, along with our brilliant creative team and our partners at Warner Bros. Television have expertly crafted a highly compelling, emotionally-driven show that gives a perspective you don't often see on television."
Channing Dungey, Chairman, and CEO, Warner Bros. Television Group, said:
"The Cleaning Lady is a gripping and masterful tale of a mother who will do anything for her child."
"I am thrilled that we get to continue to explore Thony's world in a third season."
"A big thank you to our partners at FOX for providing a platform for this show to thrive, to Miranda Kwok for developing such a powerful story, and to Melissa Carter for her leadership during the first two seasons."
"We are excited about Jeannine Renshaw joining the creative team, and I can't wait for audiences to see what Miranda and Jeannine have in store for season three."
The Cleaning Lady Season 2 averaged 5.4 million total multiplatform viewers, more than doubling its Live + Same Day delivery by +152%.
On the pulse-pounding season finale, Thony (Élodie Yung) was confronted by FBI Agent GARRETT MILLER (Oliver Hudson) about Arman's (Adan Canto) part in Maya's (Chelsea Frei) death.
Meanwhile, Nadia (Eva De Dominici) tried to stay on Robert Kamdar's (Naveen Andrews) good side.
Despite being warned to stay clear of Kamdar, Thony decided to take matters into her own hands to protect Fiona (Martha Millan) and ensure the safety of her family.
The series also stars Sean Lew as Chris, Faith Bryant as Jaz, and Sebastien & Valentino LeSalle as Luca.
Renshaw is known for her work on Good Girls and Grey's Anatomy.
Her other series credits include In The Dark, Manifest, Charmed, Angel, and many others.
Based on the original Argentine series and produced by Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment, The Cleaning Lady is a story of empowerment, resilience and the human spirit that asks us all if the ends justify the means.
Miranda Kwok developed the series. Shay Mitchell, David Dean Portelli, Rose Marie Vega, and Paola Suarez also are executive producers.
What are your thoughts on the renewal?
Hit the comments below.
Remember, you can watch The Cleaning Lady online right here via TV Fanatic.
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