Lin-Manuel Miranda in ‘His Dark Materials’ (Photo Credit: HBO)
HBO’s set a November 4, 2019 premiere date for His Dark Materials, a new fantasy series based on Philip Pullman’s bestselling book trilogy. Season one of the drama will air on Mondays at 9pm ET/PT.
The cast includes James McAvoy, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dafne Keen, Clarke Peters, Ruth Wilson, James Cosmo, Anne-Marie Duff, Will Keen, and Ariyon Bakare.
Novelist Philip Pullman serves as an executive producer on the series. Dan McCulloch, Jane Tranter, Joel Collins, Julie Gardner, Jack Thorne, Tom Hooper, Otto Bathurst, Deborah Forte, Toby Emmerich, Carolyn Blackwood, Ben Irving and Piers Wenger also executive produce. The series is a Bad Wolf and New Line Cinema production for BBC One and HBO.
The His Dark Materials Plot:
“An adaptation of Philip Pullman’s acclaimed trilogy His Dark Materials, is considered a modern masterpiece of imaginative fiction. The first series follows Lyra, a seemingly ordinary but brave young woman from another world. Lyra’s search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children, and becomes a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. As she journeys through the worlds, including our own, Lyra meets a determined and courageous boy called Will. Together they encounter extraordinary beings and dangerous secrets, with the fate of both the living – and the dead – in their hands.”
His Dark Materials Cast and Characters:
Dafne Keen as Lyra Belacqua, an adventure-seeking 13-year old from a world that is both like and unlike our own. We meet Lyra as an orphan, having been raised in the sanctuary of Oxford’s illustrious Jordan College. Lyra is desperate to explore with her brilliant Uncle Asriel, until the fates intervene and she ends up on a thrilling and perilous journey of her own. A natural and adept liar, Lyra learns the value of honesty and lies when she becomes the owner of an extraordinary instrument that can tell the truth.
James McAvoy as Lord Asriel Belacqua, a brilliant scholar and a fearless explorer. Asriel is one of few who dare to undermine the powerful forces of Lyra’s world. His ambition is limitless and he will stop at nothing to achieve his ends.
Ruth Wilson as Mrs. Coulter, an enigmatic woman whose origins hold many secrets, and who has gained power in a patriarchal society against the odds. Intelligent and manipulative, Mrs. Coulter always needs to be in control; but her motivations are rarely as they seem.
Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby, an aeronaut-for-hire who can keep his head in a crisis, although he is often getting himself embroiled in trouble.
Anne-Marie Duff as Ma Costa, a fiercely maternal, high-ranking gyptian. The disappearance of her youngest son Billy is the latest of an increasing number of missing children, and acts as a call to action for the gyptian people to find and rescue them.
Clarke Peters as The Master of Jordan College, a man who understands politics and is Lyra’s guardian as she grows up in Oxford.
Ariyon Bakare as Carlo Boreal, an authoritative political figure who works with the Magisterium, but keeps many secrets and knows which ears to whisper into to achieve power.
Will Keen as Father MacPhail, a high-ranking member of the Magisterium whose belief is so unwavering that he will preserve its position at any cost.
Ian Gelder as Charles the Librarian, a learned man and counsel to the Master of Jordan College, who helps to care for Lyra.
Georgina Campbell as Adèle Starminster, a bright and inquisitive journalist who seeks to uncover the truth about the mysterious Mrs Coulter.
Lewin Lloyd as Roger Parslow, the 12-year-old kitchen boy of Jordan College and Lyra’s best friend. Where Lyra is a natural liar, Roger is naturally honest and kind. Roger often acts as Lyra’s moral compass.
Lucian Msamati as John Faa, a plain-speaking warrior and king of the Western gyptians, a close-knit, nomadic and honourable people. John Faa leads a band of brave fighters to action when it becomes clear that the governing forces of their world will not help them get their missing children back.
James Cosmo as Farder Coram, a gyptian and key advisor to John Faa. As an elder member of the community, Coram brings knowledge and wisdom to the gyptians. He is a brave fighter with an extraordinary past.
Daniel Frogson as Tony Costa, the eldest son of the gyptian Ma Costa. At 15 years old, Tony’s daemon has just settled, marking him as having come of age. Tony has a gruff teenage exterior as he tries to step into adult shoes, but is also brave and kind.
Tyler Howitt as Billy Costa, the youngest son of gyptian Ma Costa.
Ruta Gedmintas as Serafina Pekkala, queen of the Lake Enara clan, a 300-year-old witch with ties to the gyptians. Serafina believes that Lyra is the answer to the witch prophecy that will change the course of destiny.
Mat Fraser as Raymond van Gerrit, a gyptian who joins the fight for the missing children but knows it will push their resources and capabilities to their limits, and worries that John Faa is getting them into a fight they cannot win.
Geoff Bell as Jack Verhoeven, a gyptian who is relied upon and trusted in a fight, but who has a chip on his shoulder because of the way that gyptians are treated by the rest of society.
Simon Manyonda as Benjamin de Ruyter, a gyptian and talented spy driven to find the whereabouts of the missing children.
CBS’s SEAL Team turns to kick off its third season with an episode that was partially shot on location in Serbia. Season three episode one, “Welcome to the Refuge: Part 1,” was directed by Christopher Chulack from a script by John Glenn and Spencer Hudnut. The season premiere will air on Wednesday, October 2, 2019.
New episodes air on Wednesdays at 9pm ET/PT.
Episode one’s guest cast includes Scott Foxx, Rudy Dobrev, Nikola Kojo, Milos Cvetkovc, Tamara Aleksic, and Zinaida Dedakin.
David Boreanaz leads the cast as Jason Hayes. Max Thieriot plays Clay Spenser, Neil Brown Jr. is Ray Perry, AJ Buckley is Sonny Quinn, Toni Trucks is Lisa Davis, Jessica Paré is Mandy Ellis, and Judd Lormand plays Lt. Cdr. Eric Blackburn.
The “Welcome to the Refuge: Part 1” Plot – Jason Hayes leads the team on a mission in Serbia to track down an organization linked to the bombing of multiple American military outposts, on the third season premiere.
Series Details, Courtesy of CBS:
SEAL Team is a military drama that follows the professional and personal lives of the most elite unit of Navy SEALs as they train, plan and execute the most dangerous, high-stakes missions our country can ask of them.
Jason Hayes is the respected, intense leader of the Tier One team whose home life has suffered as a result of his extensive warrior’s existence. His team includes his trusted confidant, Ray Perry, the longest-tenured operator with whom Jason shares an ingrained shorthand; Sonny Quinn, an exceptional, loyal soldier with a checkered past who still combats self-destructive tendencies; and Clay Spenser, a young, multilingual, second-generation SEAL with insatiable drive and dedication.
Vital to the team’s success are troop commander Lt. Cdr. Eric Blackburn, who serves as a leader and confidant both on and off the battlefield; CIA analyst Mandy Ellis, who has sacrificed everything in her drive to root out evil and take down terrorists; and Lisa Davis, a no-nonsense, take-charge logistics officer and unofficial den mother responsible for outfitting the team with the necessary gear for each mission.
Deployed on clandestine missions worldwide at a moment’s notice, and knowing the toll it takes on them and their families, this tight-knit SEAL team displays unwavering patriotism and fearless dedication even in the face of overwhelming odds.
CBS is introducing the new drama EVIL from Michelle King and Robert King (The Good Wife, The Good Fight) on September 26, 2019. With the premiere just two weeks away, the network’s unveiled new photos and plot details for season one episode one written by the Kings and directed by Robert King.
Guest stars for the first episode include Danny Burstein, Brooke Bloom, Rodney Richardson, Abraham Alvarez, Thirsa Van Til, Marc Webster, Samaria Nixon-Fleming, and Brian Smolin.
The series will occupy the Thursdays at 10pm ET/PT timeslot during the 2019-2020 primetime season.
EVIL season one stars Katja Herbers (Westworld, The Leftovers) as Kristen Bouchard, Mike Colter (Luke Cage, The Good Wife) as David Acosta, Christine Lahti as Sheryl Luria, Aasif Mandvi (Blue Bloods, A Series of Unfortunate Events) as Ben Shroff, and Michael Emerson (Person of Interest, Lost) as Leland Townsend. Brooklyn Shuck (Rise, I Shudder) plays Lynn Bouchard, Skylar Gray (Me, Myself and I) is Lila Bouchard, Maddy Crocco is Lexis Bouchard, and Dalya Knapp plays Laura Bouchard.
The Pilot Description: Forensic psychologist Kristen Bouchard is hired by the Catholic Church to work with David Acosta, a priest-in-training, and contractor Ben Shakir, to determine whether a serial killer is possessed by a demon or merely a psychopath. Kristen finds that she has a taste for the work and is invited to join the team on a permanent basis,
The Season 1 Plot, Courtesy of CBS:
“EVIL is a psychological mystery that examines the origins of evil along the dividing line between science and religion. The series focuses on a skeptical female psychologist who joins a priest-in-training and a carpenter as they investigate the Church’s backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions and hauntings. Their job is to assess if there’s a logical explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work.”
The Good Place made their final trip to the San Diego Comic-Con in July, promoting the fourth (and, unfortunately, last) season of the critically acclaimed half-hour comedy. Although they held it together during roundtable interviews, it was obvious they’re going to miss spending time with their co-stars and sharing The Good Place with their passionate fans.
We didn’t get to spend much time with The Good Place stars Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, D’Arcy Carden, William Jackson Harper, Manny Jacinto, and Marc Evan Jackson as their schedules were jam-packed, but we managed short interviews that touched on their feelings about finishing up the series.
Asked what she hopes will be the show’s legacy, Kristen Bell (“Eleanor Shellstrop”) replied, “I hope that it will never – and I don’t think it will – be unpalatable because it’s not a college course. It’s a philosophy lesson wrapped in fart jokes. And let me tell you, having eaten a lot of those they’re very easy to digest. It is a roadmap that you don’t even realize you’re on while you’re watching the show. I hope that when people watch it or rewatch it, it re-inspires them to take stock about their actions and recognize that it’s hard to share Earth but we got to do it so let’s be kind to those around us.”
“I really hope that it exists as this complete story that just sort of inspires people to really think about how they’re affecting those around them,” said William Jackson Harper (“Chidi Anagonye”). “It’s a very basic thing but I forget it, and I can only imagine that other people might forget it too. That’s really all I’d want. I would love for the show to exist as a reminder of how to approach your life.”
Kristen Bell believes the show’s acceptance and popularity is due to the need for a positive escape from the real world. “I have a theory – it’s actually my husband’s theory – that the hero had always been popular and about 15 years ago the anti-hero hit the scene. We were rooting for Walter White because the world felt safe. And I think now that the world feels a little bit less safe, it’s hard for people to go home and want to root for an anti-hero. At least it is for me.
So, I think our show has maintained some popularity and an audience that loves it because they’re watching normal people fight for good. That’s what I want to see on my television screen at night. I don’t want to look at an anti-hero anymore. I read the news. The world is scary. I want to go home; I want to see a show that makes me smile and laugh. And, I want to see real people fighting for justice and what’s good and sharing life lessons.”
Bell added, “Recognizing yourself in other people’s humanity is one of the core elements of our show. I just love being a part of the piece of art that brings that purpose to people’s living rooms.”
Ted Danson (“Michael”) also shared his thoughts on the show’s legacy. “I think the show’s about decency. I think it’s about there are consequences to our actions. We all put a certain amount of good or bad out into the universe and you are accountable. I like that message. It’s wrapped in nine-year-old fart humor and sprinkled with visual magic so that 12-year-olds come up whose headlights are just starting to come on in life and they love it and their parents love that they’re watching it. I love that I’m part of a show that’s about something and is available to so many different ages.”
“We are so lucky to be on a show that has a message like that. I think that is a message that will last a long time,” said D’Arcy Carden (“Janet”).
Marc Evan Jackson (“Shawn”) said it’s amazing the audience has so embraced all these incredible made-up characters. He also revealed that because the show is unpredictable and taken so many risks, it’s not uncommon for the cast to question whether what they’re reading at table reads is actually what they’ll be shooting.
Filming of the final season was almost complete as the cast spoke about the series at SDCC, and Jackson explained what it is he’ll miss the most about the show. “I mean, honestly, on a personal level just going to work with these people every day. I’m not entirely convinced I’m not hooked up with tubes in a hospital somewhere enjoying the most lovely of comas because I get to go and play with Ted Danson and Kristen Bell and William Jackson Harper and Jameela Jamil and D’Arcy Carden and Manny Jacinto. I mean, that’s crazy!” said Jackson. “There’s no way this is real, right? I’m asleep, right?”
Jameela Jamil (“Tahani Al-Jamil”) says The Good Place is the best thing that’s ever happened to her and it was the perfect show at the perfect time. “I think it was a show that was so needed right now when we were in this moment politically of such division and so little empathy towards other people. This show was the spoonful of sugar that helped the medicine go down,” explained Jamil. “It was reminding us of the importance of each other, reminding us about teamwork, reminding you about how to put your differences aside and come together as a group in order to make things better.”
As for what fans can expect from the final season, Jamil says we should be prepared to be shocked by who shows up. “I can’t believe who we got and we end this season just like with the ultimate mic drop of a guest star. All my childhood dreams came true! We have great guest stars, unbelievable writing, and the ending is so thought-provoking, dignified, and beautiful. I might die of pride over our writers and Mike Schur.”
Season four premieres on September 26, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT.
JD Pardo as EZ Reyes and Clayton Cardenas as Angel Reyes in ‘Mayans M.C.’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo by Prashant Gupta/FX)
FX’s Mayans M.C. stars JD Pardo and Emilio Rivera will be teaming up with the Los Angeles Rams for the team’s home opener. Of course, they won’t be suiting up for the game. They will, however, be taking the field to participate in the coin toss.
The Sunday, September 15, 2019 game features the 2018 NFC Championship game teams: the LA Rams and the New Orleans Saints. The game will take place at the LA Memorial Coliseum and kick-off is set for 1:25pm PT.
In addition to the coin toss, FX and Mayans M.C. are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a Rams Fan Fest complete with Mayans M.C.-branded giveaways. Per FX, the Rams Fan Fest “includes free public entry and is conveniently located on Christmas Tree Lane in Expo Park on the East side of the Coliseum. Fan Fest will open at 9:00 AM PT on September 15, close at 1:00 PM PT.”
FX also announced they will be donating to the Rams Foundation’s Hispanic Leadership Award in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Mayans M.C. returned for season two on September 3, 2019. New episodes air on Tuesdays at 10pm ET/PT.
The dramatic series is a spin-off of Sons of Anarchy and takes place in the same world, with the action centering around the Mayans M.C. rather than SAMCRO. Kurt Sutter created both series and executive produces with Kevin Dowling and Mayans M.C. co-creator Elgin James.
The Season 2 Plot:
“Set in a post-Jax Teller world, Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (Pardo) is a prospect in the Mayans M.C. charter on the Cali/Mexi border. Once the golden boy with the American Dream in his grasp, EZ is trying to reconcile with his brother “Angel” (Clayton Cardenas) while searching for the truth behind their mother’s death. Meanwhile, their father “Felipe” (Edward James Olmos) is struggling to lead his sons down a righteous path. The series also stars Sarah Bolger, Michael Irby, Carla Baratta, Antonio Jaramillo, Raoul Max Trujillo, Richard Cabral, Danny Pino and Emilio Rivera.”
The much-anticipated limited series based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel The Stand has added five additional cast members. CBS All Access announced Whoopi Goldberg, Jovan Adepo, Owen Teague, Brad William Henke, and Daniel Sunjata have joined the series, which is being adapted by Josh Boone and Ben Cavell. Boone is also set to direct.
The new cast members join previously announced stars James Marsden, Amber Heard, Odessa Young, and Henry Zaga.
According to CBS Television Studios, author Stephen King is writing a new final chapter specifically for the series. Knate Lee, Jill Killington, and Owen King are on board as producers. Josh Boone, Ben Cavell, Roy Lee, Jimmy Miller, and Richard P. Rubinstein are executive producers.
Cast and Character Details, Courtesy of CBS All Access:
Whoopi Goldberg will portray Mother Abagail, a prophet who receives visions from God and guides survivors of the superflu.
Jovan Adepo will play Larry Underwood, a young musician with a taste for fame, as well as illegal substances. When the plague hits, he is forced to confront his demons as he makes his way to the new world.
Owen Teague will portray Harold Lauder. After the superflu ravages his town, Harold goes in search of others with fellow survivor Frannie Goldsmith. While his intentions are good, jealousy and his infatuation with Frannie threaten to lead him down a dark path.
Brad William Henke will portray Tom Cullen, Nick Andros’ traveling companion who is developmentally disabled due to a terrible fall as a child. A sweet soul, he will be instrumental in their fight for survival.
Daniel Sunjata will play Cobb, a member of the military tasked with supervising Stu Redman as the government searches for a cure during the outbreak of the superflu.
James Marsden will portray Stu Redman, an ordinary working-class factory man in an extraordinary situation with a damaged quality to him that belies his exterior.
Amber Heard will play Nadine Cross, a deeply conflicted woman who feels the consequences of her actions, but is still compelled by her allegiance to Randall Flagg, the Dark Man.
Odessa Young will play Frannie Goldsmith, a pregnant young woman navigating a strange new world, who also has the foresight to recognize that there is evil lurking beyond the Dark Man.
Henry Zaga will portray Nick Andros, a young deaf and mute man who finds himself in a position of authority when the unthinkable happens. He has a habit of risking his own well-being for the safety of others.
The Stand Synopsis:
“The Stand is Stephen King’s apocalyptic vision of a world decimated by plague and embroiled in elemental struggle between good and evil. The fate of mankind rests on the frail shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail and a handful of survivors. Their worst nightmares are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the Dark Man.”
Bless the Harts series creator Emily Spivey describes the new half-hour animated comedy as a nice addition to Fox’s Animation Domination lineup. “I think it’s a more realistic show. So, if you’re a fan of King of the Hill and that type of humor, I think this show is going to be for you.”
Creator Emily Spivey and voice actors Ike Barinholtz (“Wayne Edwards”) and Jillian Bell (“Violet Hart”) promoted season one of Bless the Harts with a panel at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con. They also sat down for a roundtable interview to delve further into what’s in store for viewers who check out the new series.
Jillian Bell describes Violet Hart as dry and sarcastic but also the voice of reason in her family. “She’s artistically talented and way cooler than who I am as a person,” said Bell. “She’s into ‘B’ horror films and Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Wayne Edwards is the boyfriend of Jenny, voiced by Kristen Wiig. “He’s a very sweet, well-meaning man. His heart is bigger than his brain. He loves these women very much,” explained Barinholtz. “I think one of the sweetest things we developed was the relationship between Violent and Wayne. They really are kind of companions.”
“He is this unexpected father-figure for her,” added Bell.
“Yeah. He never thought he’d be a father or a father-figure and he kind of is to Violet,” agreed Barinholtz.
While they did discuss their characters and the origin of the show, Barinholtz and Bell also proved to be spontaneously hilarious which made for one of the most entertaining interviews of the entire 2019 SDCC. The 12-minute interview (spotlighted above) kind of went off the rails toward the end, but in the best way possible.
Bless the Harts will premiere on September 29, 2019. New episodes air on Sundays at 8:30pm ET/PT.
Bless the Harts Description, Courtesy of Fox:
“Bless the Harts is a new half-hour animated comedy that follows the Harts, a Southern family that is always broke, and forever struggling to make ends meet. They one day hope to achieve the American dream, but they’re already rich – in friends, family and laughter.
Jenny Hart (Wiig) is a single mother supporting her family working as a waitress in the small town of Greenpoint, NC. While Jenny’s the head of her family, she’s often at odds with, or scheming with, her lottery scratcher-obsessed mother, Betty (Maya Rudolph), and her witty, creative daughter, Violet (Bell).
Jenny’s doting, eternal optimist boyfriend of 10 years, Wayne Edwards (Barinholtz), is the love of her life and a surrogate father to Violet. He’s a charming dreamer who may never hit the big time, but he’s not going to give up the fight. In the end, the Harts may not have much, but they may just have everything they need.”
NBC’s set to premiere the new dramatic series Bluff City Law on September 23, 2019. The new hour-long drama will air as part of NBC’s fall 2019-2020 lineup on Mondays at 10pm ET/PT.
Jimmy Smits leads the cast of season one as lawyer Elijah Strait. Caitlin McGee plays Sydney Strait, Scott Shepherd is George Bell, Barry Sloane is Jake Reilly, Michael Luwoye is Anthony Little, MaameYaa Boafo is Briana Johnson, Stony Blyden is Emerson Howe, Jayne Atkinson is Della Bedford, and Josh Kelly plays Robbie Ellis.
Dean Georgaris (The Brave, The Meg) writes and executive produces. Michael Aguliar and David Janollari also serve as executive producers.
The Episode 1 Plot – In the aftermath of her family tragedy, top corporate attorney Sydney Strait (McGee) decides to put aside years of personal conflict with her father Elijah (Smits) to rejoin his legendary Civil Rights firm and take on a chemical company whose product may cause cancer. No sooner is Sydney back, when she stumbles on a secret Elijah has been keeping from her that may change everything.
The Season 1 Plot, Courtesy of NBC:
“Coming from a famous Memphis family known for taking on injustice, brilliant lawyer Sydney Strait used to work at her father Elijah’s celebrated law firm until their tumultuous relationship got in the way. After barely speaking to him for years, Sydney is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly. In the wake of her loss, hoping to reconnect with the daughter he loves, Elijah asks Sydney to rejoin his firm. She agrees because, despite her lingering resentment and distrust, she knows that working alongside her father is her best hope at changing the world … if they can ever get along.”
Caitlin McGee as Sydney Strait, Jimmy Smits as Elijah Strait, and Michael Luwoye as Anthony Little in ‘Bluff City Law’ season 1 episode 1 (Photo by: NBC)Caitlin McGee as Sydney Strait and Barry Sloane as Jake Reilly in season 1 episode 1 (Photo by: Jake Giles Netter/NBC)Caitlin McGee as Sydney Strait and Jimmy Smits as Elijah Strait in episode 1 (Photo by: Jake Giles Netter/NBC)Jayne Atkinson as Della Bedford and MaameYaa Boafo as Briana Johnson in season 1 episode 1 (Photo by: Jake Giles Netter/NBC)Caitlin McGee as Sydney Strait, Michael Luwoye as Anthony Little, and Jimmy Smits as Elijah Strait in ‘Bluff City Law’ (Photo by: Jake Giles Netter/NBC)
What’s in store for season three of Fox’s hit medical drama, The Resident? The network’s just released photos and a plot description for season three episode one which finds the hospital under new management. Episode one titled “From the Ashes” will air on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at 8pm ET/PT.
The cast of season three includes Matt Czuchry as Dr. Conrad Hawkins, Emily VanCamp as Nicolette Nevin, Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Randolph Bell, and Manish Dayal as Dr. Devon Pravesh. Shaunette Renee Wilson plays Dr. Mina Okafor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner is Dr. AJ Austin, Jane Leeves is Dr. Kitt Voss, and Glenn Morshower is Marshall Winthrop. Morris Chestnut joins the cast as Dr. Barrett Cain.
“From the Ashes” Plot – The doctors of Chastain are surrounded by new rules and doctors, as Red Rock Mountain Medical takes over the hospital. Conrad finds himself in a dangerous situation when the construction for a new neurosurgery center causes a gas explosion at Chastain. Meanwhile, new hotshot neurosurgeon Barrett Cain (Chestnut), is put to the test with a complicated surgery and Mina acts as a support for Nic, who is struggling with a devastating loss.
A Look Back at Season 2, Courtesy of Fox:
Season Two found star resident DR. CONRAD HAWKINS (Czuchry) continuing to make difficult calls in the best interests of his patients. But, having rekindled a romantic relationship with nurse NICOLETTE “NIC” NEVINS (VanCamp), the two faced unresolved issues from their past. Conrad’s father, MARSHALL WINTHROP (Morshower), had taken over as head of Chastain and came into direct conflict with the hospital’s newly minted CEO, DR. RANDOLPH BELL (Greenwood).
Meanwhile, DR. MINA OKAFOR (Wilson) continued to work with her larger-than-life mentor, DR. AJ AUSTIN (Warner). However, the skills of new ortho surgeon DR. KITT VOSS (Leeves) could lead Mina on a different path. First-year resident DR. DEVON PRAVESH (Dayal) became intrigued by new medical device rep JULIAN BOOTH (guest star Jenna Dewan), whose presence at the hospital upended business as usual for everyone there.
JD Pardo as EZ Reyes and Clayton Cardenas as Angel Reyes in ‘Mayans M.C.’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo by Prashant Gupta/FX)
FX’s Mayans M.C. season two episode one ended with EZ shocking his brother, Angel, by revealing he knows who killed their mother. Season two episode two picks right up with Angel (Clayton Cardenas) and EZ (JD Pardo) actually engaging in a civil conversation. Angel’s stunned his brother’s been working out the details of their mother’s murder for months without telling him, but EZ reminds him he’s refused to interact with him for months. Angel’s barely glanced at his brother and definitely wasn’t up for a heart-to-heart about their deceased mother.
EZ confirms he hasn’t told their dad about his discovery. He also confesses he knows it’s his fault their relationship splintered and admits he’s not the “golden boy” and never will be. “I stayed because I was afraid to leave. You and Pop, it’s the only thing in my life I know is real,” says EZ.
In a brutally honest confession, EZ says he remained in the Mayans M.C. because he needs to be a part of something.
Angel seems to understand and accept his brother’s apology for damaging their relationship. But, he’s confused as to why EZ felt he needed to do months-worth of research on Happy. EZ’s obsession with learning all about Happy includes obtaining his arrest records and making out a detailed timeline of Happy’s activities, and Angel’s not sure what’s going on in his brother’s head.
EZ doesn’t have any way of proving what he witnessed so he can’t go to the cops. It’s not like the cops are going to hear about his amazing memory and suddenly decide to arrest Happy. He also realizes that given the Mayans’ relationship with SAMCRO, he can’t ask Bishop for help. Angel warns his brother not to do anything that will land him back in jail, all while realizing EZ won’t let it go. Angel decides to stand firm with his little bro, promising him he won’t let it go, either.
Bishop (Michael Irby) and the club seem pleased when EZ and Angel arrive together at the whorehouse where Adelita’s holed up, waiting to deliver. EZ acknowledges they’re working things out without going into detail and then lies that he has to head to Stockton to clean up some parole paperwork. He wants to take Angel with him, but Bishop thinks he needs more backup as they’ll be traveling through a lot of other clubs’ territories.
EZ wants to do the 8-hour ride with just his brother so they can spend quality time together, and Bishop changes his mind and agrees. (Anything to get the warring Reyes brothers to end their beef for good.) He tells EZ to make sure his first stop in Stockton is the Mayans clubhouse.
Before they take off, Angel spends some alone time with Adelita (Carla Baratta), rubbing her belly as they joke about whether the baby is a boy or a girl. He tells the unborn baby he loves him before confessing he really wants to be able to let his family in on the news he’s about to be a dad. (So, he/she is Angel’s!) She reminds him he’s no longer close to his family, although he’s never explained what tore them apart. He fights back by saying most of her life is a closed book; she never reveals anything about her past despite the fact they’re together.
Adelita tempers Angel’s disappointment by assuring him he can tell everyone after she is born, and they’re safe.
Meanwhile, Miguel (Danny Pino) and his mother, Dita (Ada Maris), drop Emily (Sarah Bolger) off at the Santo Padre City Center for meetings on the building project. She’s anxious to break ground and Miguel’s in supportive hubby mode, assuring her they will soon. As he’s leaving, she wishes him luck. She hopes his mother’s doctor can convince her to see a psychiatrist.
Before her meeting, Emily runs into an old friend and learns there are six other bids on the project. Plus, it’s possible there could be even more before the deadline. She had no idea anyone else was bidding on the job and she’s furious when she confronts Mayor Antonia Pena (Alexandra Barreto).
Emily demands to know why they weren’t warned there would be competition, and Antonia confesses others found out about the EPA rules that were changed for Miguel. There was no way to keep it hush-hush. Antonia explains the city has been hurting for two months and hasn’t received any aid, although the border wall has received millions. “Half a mile away we can’t even keep the lights on,” says Mayor Pena.
The bidding process is out of her hands, citing the city comptroller and others she’s forced to answer to. Emily, rage barely kept under control, snarls out a reminder it’s only because of Miguel that this project exists. Emily warns the mayor she should only be answering to Miguel. (I’m not sure which Galindo is the one you shouldn’t tangle with at this point.)
The club’s problems with the mercs aren’t over as the men carry out the threat to hunt down Adelita and Mini. And speaking of Mini, she’s upset Adelita has gone across the border to the Mayans’ whorehouse to prepare for delivering her first child. Because she’s just a kid and doesn’t consider how her actions affect the club, Mini strikes out on her own to be with Adelita.
The mercs show photos of Mini and Adelita to store owners but are coming up empty. Bishop and the club also flash Mini’s photo around after they discover she’s disappeared with no luck. As they regroup to figure out where to search next, Bishop spots the mercs in the crowd at the mercantile. They move farther away, deciding the best option is to avoid contact.
Both the mercs and the Mayans give up the hunt for Mini at the same time. Fortunately, Mini saw the mercs and also saw Pablo’s truck, so she hid out in the back of it where the Mayans find her as they’re leaving the marketplace.
The mercs meet up with their leader and although they didn’t find Mini, they did learn the club’s searching for her. They also figured out the club isn’t searching for Adelita, which most likely means they know where she’s hiding.
The merc leader orders his men to include the Mayans on their watch list. He wants to know where they go and who they meet.
EZ stops in at Felipe’s butcher shop and Felipe (Edward James Olmos) is surprised to see Angel pull up outside. Angel doesn’t come inside, so Felipe heads outside to exchange (super) brief pleasantries with his oldest child. He wishes them safe travels as they head off to Stockton.
Once on the road, two members of a rival club check them out but don’t impede their progress up the California coast. EZ and Angel pull over for a pit stop and EZ shows Angel info on a house Happy owns outside of Charming with easy access to a freeway. However, it seems the brothers haven’t actually decided on a plan of action. EZ’s written up everything about Happy’s life in recent months without deciding what he’ll do when he confronts him.
Angel asks his brother if he trusts him and EZ, without hesitating, says he does. Their conversation’s interrupted by the return of the two club members who wonder why the Mayans didn’t call first to give them a heads-up they were passing through their territory. It’s okay for them to cruise down the highway, but now they’ve stopped at a store and that’s a major no-no.
The club’s name is Swole Boys and Angel, of course, insults them by calling them the Slow Boys. They take offense, and EZ follows up his brother’s insult with one of his own. The guys make as if to take on EZ and Angel, but Angel pulls out his gun and delivers a stinging (and meta) verbal blow.
“You poser f*cking douchebags. What? Did you guys watch some bullsh*t TV show and think a vest and two wheels makes you a club?” asks Angel. (We see what you did there, Mayans M.C. writers. Well done.)
Angel and EZ continue to taunt the wannabes, making fun of their clubhouse in their mom’s basement filled with guys from their gym. Angel calls them an embarrassment to legitimate clubs and sends them on their merry way.
Back on the road, Angel suggests they stop at an arcade featured on a billboard. He wants to make the ride – and this bonding experience – last. Plus, they have all day.
Angel and EZ play Skeeball and reminisce about growing up with Felipe. They move from Skeeball, which Angel won, to miniature golf, which Angel also wins. As Angel’s celebrating, a woman nearby sporting a Swole Boys tattoo makes a call.
Angel and EZ finish up their games, grab popsicles, and are about to head to their bikes when “a lot of white guys on steroids” ride up. Angel tells EZ the plan is to stay cool but then immediately abandons that when it’s apparent the Swole Boys want a fight.
Grabbing a couple of nearby miniature golf clubs, EZ and Pardo easily make their way to their bikes. EZ grabs Angel’s gun and passes it to his brother. Angel momentarily backs them off by shooting a nearby car, but the club’s soon in hot pursuit and quickly surrounds EZ and Angel’s bikes.
The cops join the chase and Angel reminds one of the Swole Boys of the “patches over badges” code. The Swole Boys split up, laying rubber to send up smoke to block the cops’ vision. The two squad cars crash into each other and EZ and Angel get away.
EZ compliments his brother on shooting at the car to bring the cops. It seems the months of not speaking are officially over.
Gino Vento as Nestor and Danny Pino as Miguel Galindo in ‘Mayans M.C.’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo by Prashant Gupta/FX)
Emily calls Miguel to let him know Mayor Pena screwed them over. He immediately leaves his mom at the doctor’s office and heads off to be with Emily.
Miguel’s mother notices her son’s no longer in the waiting room. She sneaks out the backdoor, unnoticed by the men Miguel left behind.
Emily’s sure they’re going up against big firms, but Miguel believes he can still handle the situation. When she asks what that means, he doesn’t speak but Emily immediately understands he’s willing to mix the cartel business in with the building project. She doesn’t want him to cross that line, reminding him of the work he’s done to be legitimate. She also reminds him it will ruin his legacy.
After their talk, Miguel’s man reports in that his mother’s missing. They have no idea where she’s gone.
It turns out Dita’s gone to visit Felipe who she calls by his real name, Ignacio. Felipe didn’t realize she was in America and Dita explains she arrived when Emily gave birth to her grandson. Felipe and Dita head off in his truck and catch up on the 20+ years since they’ve seen each other.
Felipe warns her his boys have different names and no connection to his past. When she calls him Ignacio again, he firmly reminds her he’s Felipe now.
Meanwhile, night’s fallen and Miguel and Emily have made it home and are calling around trying to find his mom. The search ends as news arrives she’s pulling into the driveway. She tells Felipe it was nice to see him and then lies to her son that she stepped outside for air, got disoriented, and Felipe found her and volunteered to drive her home when he learned her identity.
Later, Miguel and Emily discuss his mom. Miguel can’t understand why Dita would visit Felipe, and Emily thinks it might just be because it’s familiar since they get their meat at his butcher shop.
Alone in her bedroom, Dita unfolds a photo. It’s a picture of her with her husband next to Felipe and his old partner, Adelita’s father, when they were drug inspectors with the Federales.
EZ and Angel arrive at the Mayans’ clubhouse in Stockton. Greetings are exchanged before EZ has to take care of the bikes. Just as he’s mounting his bike, cops drive up and rudely (with racist commentary) wonder why someone from Santo Padre’s so far from home.
One of the Mayans Stockton members provides EZ with backup, advising him not to “play with the animals.”
A short while later, EZ and Angel enjoy some downtime with the Stockton chapter, although as a prospect EZ’s given the job of taking out the trash. One of the members heads out to relieve himself and finds the same cops from earlier in the bushes. One cop’s on the receiving end of a blowjob, the other is recording the action on his phone.
The cops react to the club member’s intrusion by killing him. The gunshots bring the Mayans running, and EZ’s first on the scene as the undercover cop car speeds away.
