Bailey Chase (Queen of the South) guest stars in ABC’s The Rookie season two episode 17, “Control.” Directed by Marcus Stokes from a script by Alexi Hawley and Robert Bella, episode 17 will air on Sunday, April 12, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT.
Nathan Fillion leads the cast as John Nolan. Alyssa Diaz is Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones is Sergeant Wade Grey, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Titus Makin is Jackson West, Melissa O’Neil is Lucy Chen, and Eric Winter plays Tim Bradford.
Guest stars in episode 17 include Daniel Lissing as Sterling Freeman, Karen David as Det. Rita Calderon, Eve Harlow as Bianca Windle, and Devan Chandler Long as Ripper.
“Control” Plot – Officer Nolan’s relationship with his first confidential informant is tested when he discovers her back on the street dealing drugs. Meanwhile, Lucy’s fear of dating following her abduction and her intrusion into Jackson’s relationship is beginning to threaten their friendship.
The Series Description, Courtesy of ABC:
“Six months into his career as a cop, John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD, has used his life experience, determination and sense of humor to keep up with rookies 20 years his junior. But as he embarks on the second half of his rookie year, Nolan will be put to the test by a host of new challenges, romantic relationships and deadly criminals, as he looks to figure out what kind of cop he ultimately wants to be.”
Mekia Cox and Nathan Fillion in ‘The Rookie’ season 2 episode 17 (ABC/Evans Ward)Nathan Fillion in season 2 episode 17 (ABC/Evans Ward)Mekia Cox, Nathan Fillion, and Bailey Chase in season 2 episode 17 (ABC/Evans Ward)Bailey Chase and Mekia Cox in season 2 episode 17 (ABC/Evans Ward)Mekia Cox, Nathan Fillion and Eve Harlow in season 2 episode 17 (ABC/Evans Ward)
CBS’s All Rise is returning to shoot an episode inspired by current events. The episode will be virtually produced and will examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing on the criminal justice system.
The episode, which will air on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT, will be shot via technology including FaceTime, WebEx, and Zoom. Executive producer Michael Robin is directing and consulting producer former Los Angeles County District Attorney Gil Garcetti is actively involved providing special insight into just how the LA justice system is currently functioning during the Coronavirus pandemic.
According to CBS, the groundbreaking episode will be shot in the show’s cast members’ homes, with special visual effects creating the necessary backgrounds. Special care will be taken on the episode to ensure the actors and crew are kept safe. Per the announcement, “a cinematographer operating solo from a vehicle will capture exterior footage that reflects the desolate environment that currently exists on the streets and in the neighborhoods of Los Angeles. The entire episode will be shot abiding by social distancing rules and technologies taking place in the world as it exists now.”
“It’s a unique chance for our All Rise family to band together – in our different homes, even cities – to tell a story about resilience, justice and the power of community,” explained executive producer Greg Spottiswood.
The cast of All Rise is led by Simone Missick as Lola Carmichael. Wilson Bethel is Mark Callan, Marg Helgenberger is Lisa Benner, Jessica Camacho is Emily Lopez, J. Alex Brinson is Luke Watkins, Lindsay Mendez is Sara Castillo, and Ruthie Ann Miles plays Sherri Kansky.
The episode description, courtesy of CBS:
“In the episode, after debating the merits of continuing their work during this time, Judge Benner (Helgenberger) authorizes Lola to preside over a virtual trial that involves a dispute between brothers and a stolen car. Emily (Jessica Camacho) represents the defendant, a graffiti artist, and Mark (Bethel) prosecutes for the D.A.’s office, marking the first time he tries a case in Lola’s ‘court.’
Also, Mark and Quinn (Lindsey Gort) continue to explore their romantic (and sexual) relationship while quarantined in separate homes; Judge Benner oversees court from afar and struggles to learn how to cook; and Sara (Mendez) has to balance her day job with a new side hustle as a food delivery driver. Luke (Brinson) and Emily’s relationship is taxed by separation, and germaphobe and type-A Sherri (Miles) contends with the new world (dis)order.”
CBS, ABC, and NBC are joining together for a special fundraising event that will celebrate and support the frontline healthcare workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic. One World: Together at Home will air on the three major networks and their affiliates on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT.
The special is curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga and is scheduled to include Alanis Morissette, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Chris Martin, David Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, Lizzo, Maluma, Paul McCartney, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shah Rukh Khan, and Stevie Wonder.
Doctors, nurses, and families will share their experiences during the two-hour broadcast.
In addition to providing entertainment, the special will be asking viewers to pitch in and support the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO. The fund assists with equipping and supporting healthcare workers. Funds raised will also be designated to support local charities in their efforts to provide shelter, food, and healthcare to those impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. For more info, visit www.globalcitizen.org/togetherathome.
“As we honor and support the heroic efforts of community health workers, One World: Together at Home aims to serve as a source of unity and encouragement in the global fight to end COVID-19. Through music, entertainment and impact, the global live-cast will celebrate those who risk their own health to safeguard everyone else’s, said Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen Hugh Evans.
“The World Health Organization is committed to defeating the coronavirus pandemic with science and public health measures, and supporting the health workers who are on the frontlines of the response,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “We may have to be apart physically for a little while, but we can still come together virtually to enjoy great music. The One World: Together at Home concert represents a powerful show of solidarity against a common threat.”
Per the official announcement, the special will be broadcast on:
ViacomCBS brands airing the special include broadcast networks CBS in the U.S., Channel 5 in the UK, Network 10 in Australia, and Telefe in Argentina; BET and MTV globally across 180+ countries; and CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV2, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land and VH1 in the U.S.
NBCUniversal outlets including NBC, Bravo, E!, MSNBC, MSNBC.com, NBCSN, NBC News, NBCNews.com, NBC News on YouTube, Peacock, SYFY and USA.
Walt Disney Television: ABC, ABC News, ABC News Live, Freeform and Nat Geo.
Bell Media platforms in Canada, MultiChoice, and RTE.
Internationally, BBC One will run the program on Sunday, April 19, 2020. Additional international broadcasters include beIN Media Group, MultiChoice Group and RTE.
The special will also be a multi-hour digital broadcast streaming online on multiple global platforms, including Alibaba, Amazon Prime Video, Apple, Facebook, Instagram, LiveXLive, Tencent, Tencent Music Entertainment Group, TIDAL, TuneIn, Twitch, Twitter, Yahoo and YouTube.
One World: Together at Home Details:
“The show will lift viewer’s spirits with exclusive, special cameos from the worlds of music and arts, sports superstars, and comedic sketches, while always drawing back to its core purpose – to educate and inform on COVID-19 risks, prevention and response. The broadcast will feature interviews with experts from WHO as well as stories of frontline healthcare workers from around the world – their courage and sacrifice a reminder of the urgency of this moment.”
The CW’s dramatic series In the Dark returns to kick off season two on April 16, 2020. Episode one, “All About the Benjamin,” was directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein from a script by Corinne Kingsbury. New season two episodes air on Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT.
The cast is led by Perry Mattfeld as Murphy Mason. Rich Sommer is Dean Riley, Brooke Markham is Jess Damon, Casey Deidrick is Max Parish, Keston John is Darnell James, Theodore Bhat is Josh, and Morgan Krantz stars as Felix Bell.
“All About the Benjamin” Plot – IN IT TOGETHER – Murphy (Mattfeld) is on the mend from her terrifying encounter with Dean (Sommer), but Nia’s (guest star Nicki Micheaux) visit spurs her into action. Murphy, Jess (Markham) and Felix (Krantz) must act quickly to devise a plan that will keep them out of Nia’s crosshairs and, possibly, save Guiding Hope in the process.
Series Details, Courtesy of The CW:
In season two of In the Dark, Murphy is a messy twenty-something who struggles on a daily basis to balance her random hookups, her hangovers, and her drug front. She’s also blind. Murphy lives with her supportive best friend, Jess (Markham), and along with their anal-retentive boss (and sometimes friend), Felix, they run Guiding Hope, a school for guide dogs. But solving the murder of her best friend, Tyson, lands Murphy deep in the world of Chicago’s underground heroin trade when she is forced to turn Guiding Hope into a front for drug kingpin Nia Bailey (guest star Nicki Micheaux).
In addition to steering clear of Dean, Murphy and Guiding Hope encounter a new problem when the increase in revenue piques the interest of an IRS Agent. And when Murphy realizes her choices directly affect Max, she is forced to make life-changing decisions. With the help of Darnell, Murphy tries to wrestle herself and everyone she cares about from Nia’s grasp, but ultimately plunges them into far deeper trouble than they bargained for.
Tate Donovan returns to guest star as Oversight on CBS’s MacGyver season four episode nine. Directed by Michael Martinez from a script by Brandon Botta and Casey Tollett Botta, episode nine will air on Friday, April 10, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT.
The season four cast is led by Lucas Till as Angus “Mac” MacGyver. Tristin Mays is Riley Davis, Justin Hires is Wilt Bozer, Meredith Eaton is Matty Weber, Levy Tran is Desi Nguyen, and Henry Ian Cusick plays Russ Taylor.
Episode nine’s guest stars include Sea Shimooka, Holly Deveaux, Ramon De Ocampo, and Delaney Williams.
“Code + Artemis + Nuclear + N3mesis” Plot – While Mac’s friends surround him during his time of grief, Los Angeles’ power grid is taken hostage in a ransomware attack resulting in a citywide blackout, and the team discovers the code used was written by Riley years ago.
MacGyver Plot, Courtesy of CBS:
MacGyver, a reimagining of the classic series, is an action-adventure drama about 20-something Angus “Mac” MacGyver, who is part of a clandestine organization within the U.S. government, where he uses his extraordinary talent for unconventional problem-solving and vast scientific knowledge to save lives. Joining his team on high-risk missions around the globe are Riley Davis, an unpredictable computer hacker with a chip on her shoulder; Wilt Bozer, Mac’s roommate and an agent on the team; Matty Weber, a legend in Covert Ops and the director of operations at the Phoenix Foundation; Desi Nguyen, whose job is to protect MacGyver and his team on their global missions; and Russ Taylor, the quick-witted, Oxford-educated, ex-military skilled in propaganda and lie detection, who shakes things up by challenging the way MacGyver and the team are used to doing things.
Under the aegis of the Phoenix Foundation, MacGyver takes on the responsibility of saving the world, armed to the teeth with resourcefulness and little more than bubble gum and a paper clip.
With closed theaters and social distancing the new norm, Walt Disney Studios’ opted to change up the premiere of the action-adventure film, Artemis Fowl. Rather than postpone the release date until later in 2020 or shift it to 2021, Disney’s chosen to forego a theatrical run and instead release the film straight to Disney+.
Disney’s announcement didn’t include a specific release date but did indicate we should expect it to arrive this summer. It was scheduled for a May 29, 2020 theatrical release before the Coronavirus pandemic threw the world for a loop.
“With audiences largely unable to attend theatres in the current environment, we are thrilled to offer the premiere of Artemis Fowl on Disney+,” stated Ricky Strauss, President, Content & Marketing, Disney+. “Director Kenneth Branagh and his spectacular cast take viewers right into the vibrant, fantasy world of the beloved book, which fans have been waiting to see brought to life onscreen for years. It’s great family entertainment that is the perfect addition to Disney+’s summer lineup.”
Artemis Fowl‘s based on Eoin Colfer’s popular young adult book and was adapted for the screen by Conor McPherson and Hamish McColl. The cast includes Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Nonso Anozie, Josh McGuire, Nikesh Patel, Adrian Scarborough, Colin Farrell, and Judi Dench.
Director Branagh produces along with Judy Hofflund. Angus More Gordon and Matthew Jenkins serve as executive producers.
“In this fantastical, spellbinding adventure, 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl (Shaw), a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, embarks on a journey to find his father (Farrell), who has mysteriously disappeared. With the help of his loyal protector Butler (Anozie), Artemis sets out to find him and, in doing so, uncovers an ancient, underground civilization—the amazingly advanced world of fairies.
Deducing that his father’s disappearance is somehow connected to the secretive, reclusive fairy world, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous plan—so dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies.”
Jason Bateman and Julia Garner in ‘Ozark’ season 1 episode 3 (Photo by Jackson Davis/Netflix)
Netflix’s Ozark season one episode three opens with Marty (Jason Bateman) and Wendy (Laura Linney) fighting in front of their children while trying to move their belongings into the house. The unhelpful moving company dumped all their belongings on the lawn.
Now that the kids know why they moved to the Ozarks, Marty wants to discuss what they’ll be telling people about why they moved there. Charlotte (Sofia Hublitz) calls her mom out for her part in the family drama. She cleverly asks her mom, “Is it because you wanted me to turn on Marty here?”
Meanwhile, as the Byrdes are moving their belongings into their new home FBI Agent Roy Petty (Jason Butler Harner) is busy snapping their photos.
Ruth Langmore (Julia Garner) puts the $20,000 in a not-so-safe spot right in front of Russ (Marc Menchaca) and Boyd (Christopher James Baker) in a cabinet in their trailer with only a padlock. Ruth then leaves to look for Marty.
Speaking of Marty, he’s over at the Blue Cat talking to Rachel (Jordana Spiro) about how they could drive more traffic to the establishment. He suggests lowering the gas prices to boaters. While discussing this, FBI Agent Petty comes in pretending to be a local.
Ruth finds Marty at the Blue Cat and tells him he owes her a job since he got her fired at the motel. She threatens to tell everyone in town about his $8 million, so he hires her as a dishwasher to keep her quiet.
Later, Charlotte wants to get a job and has already landed an interview, and Marty offers her a ride. Her interview seems to be going well until she sees Wyatt (Charlie Tahan) and Three (Carson Holmes) walk by. She abruptly leaves the interview to confront Wyatt with a fist to the face. Marty witnesses it all and seems to be impressed.
Hours pass and Marty’s up late running numbers trying to figure out what he’s going to do. He begins to hallucinate Sarah McLachlan is in an ASPCA commercial talking directly to him. “Not you, Marty. I don’t trust you with these animals. In fact, if you adopt them, they die,” says the hallucinated McLachlan.
In the morning Wendy spots vultures in the yard eating a dead animal. As Marty gets done moving the dead animal, the FBI shows up at their house. Agent Trevor Evans (McKinley Belcher III) begins to question Marty on why he left Chicago, asking if he knew what happened to his partner, Bruce. Marty explains he left because he saw a business opportunity here and as far as Bruce, he doesn’t know where he is.
Marty goes on to tell Agent Evans that Bruce did start to act strange and was making a lot of phone calls while speaking in Spanish. Agent Evans drops a bombshell on them in hopes they’ll crack; he reveals Bruce has been working with the FBI as an informant. He also informs them Bruce is dead. Marty and Wendy don’t flinch and continue sticking to their story, insisting they don’t know what happened to Bruce.
Rachel finds Ruth working in the Blue Cat kitchen washing dishes and isn’t happy at all that Marty hired her. She confronts Marty about that decision and he explains, “People deserve a second chance, just like businesses.” Rachel seems to accept it but warns if Ruth steals anything she’s gone.
Things seem to be getting to Wendy. She has a meltdown and freaks out on a worker at the grocery store after finding out they don’t have the ice cream she wants. She had called the store and asked first, and they told her they did have that particular ice cream.
Agent Evans visits Agent Petty at his hotel to inform him Marty and Wendy were very much unified and sticking to their story. It’s revealed Agent Petty and Agent Evans were in a relationship that Petty recently ended. When Evans tries to stay in the motel with Perry, he turns him down.
Back at the house, Wendy tells Marty about her meltdown at the store over ice cream. At just that moment, Wyatt and Three drive by in a boat and flip them off. Wendy now believes they were the ones who left the dead animal in their yard.
Wendy goes to see the real estate agent who found them their house and asks if he needs help in the office or staging the houses for sale. He politely declines, letting her know his mom’s the one who stages houses for him.
Marty can’t sleep again and decides to go on a nighttime boat ride with Buddy’s boat. He begins talking to himself trying to figure out what to do about his situation. He lays down on the back of the boat and while resting there he can hear someone talking on a microphone on the water. He decides to figure out where it’s coming from and happens upon a sermon. People are in their boats listening as Pastor Mason Young (Michael Mosley) speaks from his own boat.
Wendy’s showing a house she staged with her own furniture to a couple when the real estate agent walks in. Seeing what a great job she’s done, there’s no way he can deny her a job. When Wendy returns home, she finds another dead carcass on her lawn with vultures picking at it. She’s totally convinced it’s the Langmore boys. She grabs the dead animal and hightails it to their property. Pulling up to their trailers, she throws the carcass at them and warns them to not mess (she uses a more colorful word) with her daughter.
Marty’s laying in bed realizing the Blue Cat Lodge is not enough when he has an epiphany. He leaves suddenly and returns to the strip club – the one owned by Bobby Dean. While getting a lap dance from one of the strippers, he says, “I want you to tell me about your boss.”
When Ruth returns home late at night she discovers the cabinet she locked her $20,000 in is busted open and the money’s gone. Ruth wakes up Boyd with a gun to the face. He and Russ admit they used the money to buy bobcats, claiming you can make a lot of money online with exotic animals. She leads them to the cage and points out they’re both female cats and that isn’t going to help them. Still fuming, she locks Russ and Boyd in the cage with the bobcats. She explains she’s working for Marty to learn how to launder money, then eventually she’s going to kill him.
Charlie Tahan, Julia Garner, Carson Holmes, Marc Menchaca, and Christopher James Baker in ‘Ozark’ season 1 episode 2 (Photo Credit: Jackson Davis/Netflix)
Netflix’s riveting drama Ozark season one episode two starts off with the Byrdes arriving in the Ozarks and temporarily moving into a cheap motel. Marty (Jason Bateman) and Wendy (Laura Linney) leave and go their separate ways – Marty to start looking for a business he can weasel his way into, and Wendy to find them a place to live. Before leaving, Marty reminds the kids to stay put. “Everything we have of value is in that room,” warns Marty.
As Wendy’s shown one gross house after another, a local boy working at the motel by the name of Wyatt Langmore (Charlie Tahan) comes over to talk to Charlotte (Sofia Hublitz) while she and Jonah (Skylar Gaertner) are sitting by the pool (a pool that’s not filled with water, by the way.) Wyatt invites Charlotte to go wakeboarding which she gladly accepts even though she and Jonah were told not to leave.
Marty shows up at a strip club and meets with the owner, Bobby Dean (Adam Boyer). Marty attempts to smooth talk him into letting him be a silent partner on the strip club, but Bobby Dean calls him on his BS. He’s fully aware Marty’s just trying to use his business for money laundering. Bobby tells him it’s a hard no. Marty seems shocked Bobby Dean brought up money laundering.
Marty leaves feeling defeated that the locals are turning him down. The edge of a cliff is looking good to Marty right now.
While Marty’s contemplating jumping, Wendy finds a house to live in that isn’t a run-down dump. However, it comes with some baggage by the name of Buddy Dieker (Harris Yulin). Buddy’s terminally ill with a heart condition and he offers his place to the Byrdes. His only condition is he gets to stay in the house until he dies. Which, according to what he tells Wendy, is maybe two years.
Jonah also leaves to explore the town, happy to find it has an arcade. He brings the things he thinks are important – laptops, jewelry, etc – but he has no clue the reason why his dad didn’t want them to leave is because there’s $8 million stuffed in suitcases under the bed.
While Charlotte’s out joyriding with Wyatt on a really nice boat, the police show up and begin to give chase. Charlotte realizes it’s not Wyatt’s boat and that he stole it. In order to save himself and his brother, Three Langmore (Carson Holmes), Wyatt puts a life vest on Charlotte and throws her into the water.
Charlotte’s little act of rebellion causes Marty and Wendy to pay a visit to the police station to pick her up. Sheriff John Nix (Robert C. Treveiler) is all too happy to try to stick them with a hefty fine because they’re new to town. Wendy’s not having any of that and threatens his reputation, reminding him he needs voters for an upcoming election.
As they wrap things up, Sheriff Nix tells the Byrdes they’re lucky Charlotte didn’t get mixed up with Ruth Langmore (Julia Garner). Marty asks to see what the infamous Ruth Langmore looks like. Not only does he show them Ruth Langmore’s mugshot, but he also proceeds to tell them about her long rap sheet of theft. Marty then realizes she’s the maid at the motel where they’re staying.
The Byrdes (minus Jonah) head straight back to the motel. When they walk in, Marty realizes the room’s been cleaned. Jonah tries to lie, claiming he did it. Marty immediately goes straight for the suitcases under the bed. He realizes they’ve been robbed and knows exactly who did it. He begins to question Charlotte about her new friend Wyatt who happens to be the cousin of Ruth. She tells her dad she knows where they might have gone but doesn’t exactly know how to get there.
Marty manages to track down Ruth and some of her family members, including Wyatt. Marty’s quick to start talking his way into convincing them that keeping that money is a bad idea. They can’t go out and start buying fancy things out of nowhere. The IRS will catch onto them. “All that’s there is a lifetime supply of groceries and gas. That’s all that is,” says Marty. He’s making the declaration while a gun’s pointed at him by Russ Langmore (Marc Menchaca), Ruth’s uncle.
Marty tells them about the cartel and where that money came from. They can go ahead and kill him, but the cartel will find out and kill their entire family. Marty’s clearly starting to get to them and Wyatt’s the first one to cave and say he’s out. Marty soon realizes Ruth is the one with the brains in the family. Soon after that, the Langmores decide they are out – except for Ruth. They end up getting $20,000 from Marty and he leaves with the rest of the money.
The FBI finds the bodies of Bruce, his fiancée, Hanson Sr, and Hanson Jr. when the truck carrying the barrels they’re in is involved in an accident and the acid spills everywhere. Lead FBI Agent Roy Petty (Jason Butler Harner) begins to wonder why Marty left Chicago so fast. Roy decides to transfer to Missouri to work on the case.
Back at the motel, Marty kisses Jonah goodbye as Jonah tries to tell him about a place called the Blue Cat Lodge that he thinks his dad would like. Marty’s only half-listening. He then tells Wendy to take his life insurance and live with the kids off the grid, seeming to allude to a decision he’s made to kill himself. Wendy realizes that’s what he’s getting at and tries to get him to rethink what he’s about to do.
It’s confirmed that’s his intent when he calls his private investigator, Bob, back in Chicago wanting to know if he had a friend who died and the cops were suspicious of it being a suicide, would the payout be a percentage or a full payout? After hanging up with the PI, Marty notices signs on the road. One points to the Blue Cat Lodge. Abandoning his plan to end his life, he goes back to the motel where he asks Jonah to tell him more about the Blue Cat Lodge.
Marty finds the owner of the Blue Cat Lodge, Rachel Garrison (Jordana Spiro), and tries to convince her to let him be a silent partner. She declines. She’s sure he’ll take advantage of her already dire situation. Marty backs down but decides to pick a fight with a local hillbilly at the bar who’s calling one of the employees horrible names, hoping Rachel will take the bait. It works, and she decides to take him up on his offer.
Wendy takes the kids to their new house and Charlotte spots Buddy and asks who he is. Wendy explains he’ll be living in the basement for a year or two. Charlotte asks her mom what they’re doing there. Wendy tells her the truth, “Your father is laundering money for the Mexican cartel.” That’s how season one episode two ends.
Thoughts on Episode 2:
Marty’s a smooth talker and quick with the lies, too. Although the series seems to be running at a slow pace, it does a good job of reeling viewers in. The introduction of the Langmore family was a nice touch, especially Ruth Langmore. She’s definitely the only brains in that family. Julia Garner’s performance as Ruth stole this episode.
Laura Linney and Jason Bateman in ‘Ozark’ season 1 episode 1 (Photo by Jackson Davis/Netflix)
Netflix debuted what’s gone on to become one of their most popular original dramas on July 21, 2017. Ozark starring Jason Bateman (Marty Byrde) and Laura Linney (Wendy Byrde) is addictive television viewing and perfect binge-watching material. With people now sticking near home to help stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s a perfect time to catch up on the series for those who’ve somehow missed the boat.
Season one episode one begins with financial advisor Marty Byrde watching a video of his wife cheating on him. He’s watching the video while simultaneously talking to what could potentially be new clients. Soon after, Marty goes home to have dinner with his family – wife Wendy, daughter Charlotte (Sofia Hublitz), and son Jonah (Skylar Gaertner). Marty makes no move to mention to his wife he knows about her affair and continues to act as if all’s fine with the family.
After Marty watches the video again of his wife, he decides he needs to leave the house and get some air. While out we’re given the illusion that he’s with a prostitute, but actually it was only his imagination. During this time his business partner Bruce Liddell (Josh Randall) calls saying that it’s urgent they meet. Marty reminds him it’s the middle of the night but Bruce simply replies, “Del is here.” Bruce needs Marty to meet him at the warehouse ASAP.
When Marty arrives, it’s then we learn he and his partner are in business laundering money for a drug lord by the name of Camino Del Rio – nickname “Del” (Esai Morales). When Marty shows up, he sees Bruce, Bruce’s fiancée, and the owner of the trucking company Hanson Sr. (Clayton Rohner) and his son Hanson Jr. (Eric Mendenhall). They’re in business with Del, as well.
Del begins to tell them a story about how his aunt used to work for his father at their grocery store and how one day his aunt stole from his father. He asks each of them what his father should do. Marty gets mouthy with Del, stating he believes he’s using this to intimidate them.
Del orders Bruce’s fiancée into the bathroom. Soon after, Del shoots through the closed door of the bathroom killing Bruce’s fiancée and proving he’s not just intimidating them. Del asks again what his father should do about his aunt stealing from him. He reveals someone has been skimming money from him. $5 million dollars is missing.
Bruce, Hanson Sr, and Hanson Jr. all suggest his father should give the aunt another chance. Marty’s spared answering when Del takes them outside and makes them get on their knees. Del shoots each one in the head but when he gets to Marty, as a last-ditch effort to save his own life Marty begins to ramble about the Ozarks.
Marty pulls out a promotional flier and begins to tell Del there’s a way he can make back his money. Marty claims there’s good potential for laundering money there. He assures Del if he can take his wife and kids and move to the Ozarks, he could make $500 million in five years.
Del seems interested in what Marty’s saying and gives him permission to move there with his wife and kids. However, Del’s only willing to give Marty a few days to produce the $8 million Bruce stole. On top of that, Del tells Marty he’ll prove his claim by laundering $8 million in three months.
Marty returns home and lets Wendy in on what’s going on. (Apparently, she knew he was laundering money.) She, understandably, is not happy about the move. Marty instructs Wendy to put their house on the market and begins to liquidate his firm.
While Marty’s going around trying to collect the $8 million that he must come up with for Del, Wendy talks to her lover, Gary “Sugarwood” Silverberg (Bruce Altman). During her visit, Wendy explains everything that’s going on. He convinces her to empty out her joint bank accounts with Marty and leave him.
Marty meets with his private detective – the one who’s been following Wendy and getting all the dirt. He tells Marty where Gary lives, and Marty drives over to retrieve his wife and the money she took. Unfortunately, Del found out before Marty did and showed up first to Gary’s high-rise apartment. When Marty gets out of his car and begins walking towards Gary’s building, Gary lands on the ground in front of him clearly dead from the fall, courtesy of Del. Marty backs up, gets in his car, and drives away.
Del rings up Marty while Marty’s driving away from the scene. Del asks, again, “What should my father do?” Marty replies, “Fire her. It’s not the first time she stole from you. It’s the first time you caught her.”
For some reason, Wendy’s spared by Del and returns home to Marty.
Marty meets with Del to give him his money but is forced to inform him he was short by $6,950. He offers to give Del his minivan to make up for the shortage. Del buys it from Marty and then leases it back to him so he and his family can drive to the Ozarks.
Del tells Marty, “Now, I want you to take my $7,973,000 with you to Missouri and clean it.” Marty replies, “The other day you asked where is my $5 million and Bruce and the Hanson kid took eight.” Del says, “You were right; I was fishing. I didn’t know they stole a damn thing.”
We learn the FBI is now involved and are discussing what Marty could be up to. With Bruce missing and Marty up and leaving Chicago, it’s not looking good for Marty.
The first episode of the series ends with the Byrds on their way to the Ozarks.
Thoughts on Ozark Season 1 Episode 1:
The very first scene with Marty watching a sex tape of his wife while talking to potential clients was right away a “what the heck” moment. As the episode went on and we found out about what he really does for a living, it was a fascinating twist and an interesting premise for a show. Here we have this guy, who seems like an average man – a nice house, a solid career as a financial advisor, good-looking wife, and two kids – but obviously nothing is what it seems to be. The episode did a good job of giving viewers an idea of what’s in store.
Jason Bateman did an impressive job portraying Marty, a family man who’s dipped his toes in criminal activities. We haven’t seen him in a more serious role in a while and it’s interesting to watch him bring Marty to life. The rest of the cast’s also terrific and the ensemble come across as a believable family.
Grey’s Anatomy‘s Jesse Williams (“Jackson Avery”) guest stars in ABC’s Station 19 season three episode 12. Directed by Daryn Okada from a script by Anupam Nigam and Meghann Plunkett, “I’ll Be Seeing You” will air on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT.
The cast of season three includes Jaina Lee Ortiz as Andy Herrera, Jason George as Ben Warren, Boris Kodjoe as Captain Robert Sullivan, Grey Damon as Jack Gibson, and Barrett Doss as Victoria Hughes. Jay Hayden is Travis Montgomery, Okieriete Onaodowan is Dean Miller, Danielle Savre is Maya Bishop, and Miguel Sandoval is Captain Pruitt Herrera.
Episode 12 guest stars include Alex Landi as Nico Kim, Stefania Spampinato as Carina Deluca, Pat Healy as Chief Dixon, Lachlan Buchanan as Emmett Dixon, and Remy Nozik as Alicia. Shane Blades, Jorge-Luis Pallo, Hollis W. Chambers, Brian Letscher , and Mac Brandt also guest star.
“I’ll Be Seeing You” Plot – The Station 19 crew battles a storage facility fire with growing complications, and Dr. Jackson Avery pops over from Grey Sloan and ends up collaborating with old pal Ben Warren.
The Plot, Courtesy of ABC:
“Station 19 follows a group of heroic Seattle firefighters as they put their lives and hearts on the line. The latest series from the executive producers of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder takes us inside the tough, tight-knit and sometimes heartbreaking world of the city’s bravest first responders.”
Barrett Doss and Jason George in ‘Station 19’ season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Jason George and Jesse Williams in season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Barrett Doss, Hunter Womack, and Jason George in season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Jay Hayden in season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Miguel Sandoval in season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Raymond Liu)
