Meagan Good guest stars in the fall finale of Fox’s crime drama, Prodigal Son. Season one episode 10, “Silent Night,” is set to air on Monday, December 2, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT.
Michael Sheen stars as convicted serial killer Dr. Martin Whitly. Tom Payne plays Dr. Whitly’s conflicted son, Malcolm. The cast also includes Bellamy Young as Jessica Whitly, Lou Diamond Phillips as Gil Arroyo, Halston Sage as Ainsley Whitly, Aurora Perrineau as Dani Powell, Frank Harts as JT Tarmel, and Keiko Agena as Edrisa Tanaka.
“Silent Night” Plot – Knowing that the “Junkyard Killer” was in cahoots with his father, Malcolm goes against the FBI’s wishes and continues to investigate. His findings reconnect him with a disgruntled ex-detective who was once heavily involved in the search for “The Surgeon,” delivering them both into danger.
Meanwhile, the holidays are anything but jolly for the Whitly family, when an epic blowout with Ainsley leads Jessica to take matters into her own hands. Also, Colette Swanson (guest star Meagan Good), the steadfast FBI detective who’s now in charge of the case, seems to have a personal vendetta against Malcolm.
Season One Details:
“Malcolm Bright (Payne) has a gift. He knows how killers think and how their minds work. Why? Back in the 1990s, his father was one of the worst, a notorious serial killer called ‘The Surgeon.’ So it makes sense Bright is the best criminal psychologist around; murder is the family business.
He will use his twisted genius to help the NYPD solve crimes and stop killers, all while dealing with a manipulative mother, annoyingly normal sister, a homicidal father still looking to bond with his prodigal son, and his own constantly evolving neuroses.
Meet the happy family. Dr. Martin Whitly (Sheen) is intelligent, wealthy, charismatic and also happens to be a predatory sociopath who killed at least 23 people. Bright’s mother, Jessica Whitly (Young), an elegant and WASPy New Yorker, wields sarcasm like a samurai sword and has an opinion on every aspect of Bright’s life.
Perhaps Bright’s only ally is his sister, Ainsley Whitley (Sage), a TV journalist who wishes her brother would “take a break from murder” and have a normal life.
Unfortunately for his sister, the only way Bright feels normal is by solving cases with the help of his longtime mentor, NYPD Detective Gil Arroyo (Phillips). Arroyo’s one of the best detectives around, and he expects no less from his team – Detective Dani Powell (Perrineau), a headstrong no-nonsense cop who quickly becomes impressed with Bright’s work; and Detective JT Tarmel (Harts), a born-and-bred New Yorker who questions whether Bright is a psychopath himself.
“I suspect foul play. I have eliminated no suspects,” says private investigator Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) who’s helping the local authorities investigate the death of renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) in the murder mystery, Knives Out.
When the extremely wealthy novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate following his 85th birthday, the local authorities are joined by the inquisitive and debonair detective Blanc to question all Harlan’s relatives who were in attendance at the party. After spending the day interrogating everyone, Blanc comes to the conclusion the patriarch’s death was not a suicide as first suspected but indeed a murder.
After catching almost every member of the family in lies and false statements – except for Thrombey’s personal nurse and caregiver, Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas) – Blanc’s convinced one of them committed murder. But finding the killer will be challenging considering every single relative had a motive to want Harlan dead.
Clever, humorous, and smartly written, Knives Out is an entertaining whodunit that’s elevated by a star-studded cast. It’s like a live-action, big-screen version of the board game “Clue,” and in fact, in many ways, it feels similar to the 1985 live-screen adaptation of that popular game.
Daniel Craig is perfectly cast as the cultured and refined detective who, very early on, senses foul play and becomes determined to find the murderer. He delivers the best performance in the film.
Ana de Armas practically steals the movie as Marta, Harlan’s personal nurse who has become a true friend and confidant to the patriarch. Surprisingly, Marta becomes the main focus in the film and Blanc’s assistant in investigating the case.
The rest of the cast including Jamie Lee Curtis as Harlan’s daughter, Linda; Toni Collette as his daughter-in-law, Joni; Michael Shannon as his son, Walt; and https://www.showbizjunkies.com/tag/chris-evans/“>Chris Evans as his grandson, Ransom, all portray colorful, quirky, and sometimes rude characters who fill out the suspect list.
Crafty, funny, and entertaining, Knives Out is an enjoyable new take on the classic whodunit genre.
GRADE: B
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, sexual references, and drug material
ABC’s The Good Doctor season three winter finale finds Dr. Shaun Murphy paying a visit to his dying father. Season three episode 10, “Friends and Family,” was directed by Mike Listo from a script by Tommy Moran and features guest stars Michael Trucco as Ethan Murphy and Joanna Going as Marcie Murphy.
“Friends and Family” will air on Monday, December 2, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT.
Season three of the popular medical drama features Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Browne, Nicholas Gonzalez as Dr. Neil Melendez, and Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews. Richard Schiff is Dr. Aaron Glassman, Christina Chang is Dr. Audrey Lim, Fiona Gubelmann is Dr. Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee is Dr. Alex Park, Paige Spara is Lea Dilallo, and Jasika Nicole plays Dr. Carly Lever.
“Friends and Family” Plot – Dr. Shaun Murphy visits his father on his deathbed and the family reunion reveals unexpected results. Meanwhile, Dr. Neil Melendez, Dr. Alex Park, Dr. Morgan Reznick and Dr. Claire Browne treat an injured star NFL player with severe spinal damage; and Claire addresses her mental health.
The Good Doctor Description, Courtesy of ABC:
Dr. Shaun Murphy (Highmore), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, continues to use his extraordinary medical gifts at St. Bonaventure Hospital’s surgical unit. As his friendships deepen, Shaun tackles the world of dating for the first time and continues to work harder than he ever has before, navigating his environment to prove to his colleagues that his talents as a surgeon will save lives.
Liza Huget, Fiona Gubelmann, Benjamin Wilkinson, and Peter Bryant in ‘The Good Doctor’ season 3 episode 10 (ABC/Jack Rowand)Will Yun Lee and Fiona Gubelmann in season 3 episode 10 (ABC/Jack Rowand)Antonia Thomas and Fiona Gubelmann in season 3 episode 10 (ABC/Jack Rowand)Fiona Gubelmann, Peter Bryant, Antonia Thomas, and Nicholas Gonzalez in season 3 episode 10 (ABC/Jack Rowand)Liza Huget, Benjamin Wilkinson, Peter Bryant, Antonia Thomas, Fiona Gubelmann, and Nicholas Gonzalez in season 3 episode 10 (ABC/Jack Rowand)
“No need to call the authorities. I just want to talk, Flash,” says Ramsey (Sendhil Ramamurthy) to a surprised Barry Allen in his apartment in season six episode seven of The CW’s The Flash.
Episode seven picks up right where the story left off last week with Ramsey tackling Ralph (Hartley Sawyer) off of a roof. They both use their meta powers to handle the fall and crash land in an alley. Ramsey and Ralph fight and Ramsey uses his black gooey blood to hurtle a car at Ralph who uses his elastic skills to catch it and fling it back at Ramsey who it just misses. Ramsey then hits Ralph with his black blood and infects him with it. He leaves saying that everyone on Team Flash must die.
Killer Frost (Danielle Panabaker) breaches into the alley, finds Ralph, and gets him back to S.T.A.R. Labs.
Frost panics and doesn’t know what to do so she has Caitlin come out. Caitlin believes a blood transfusion using Barry’s speedster blood might help cure Ralph of the poison from Ramsey’s black blood. Barry has “O” blood type which can be used universally in transfusions. It works, and Ralph’s condition stabilizes but he isn’t out of the woods yet.
Barry heads home and just as he’s getting comfortable he senses someone’s there. He turns to find Ramsey in his apartment. Ramsey reveals he knows about the upcoming Crisis and that Barry is The Flash. Barry says he’ll stop him but Ramsey points out he knows Barry’s afraid – and should be – with the end of the world about to happen. Barry sees anti-matter traveling through Central City and wakes up with a start. He was dreaming.
Frost and Caitlin check out Barry at S.T.A.R. Labs and she tells him his system seems to be fine and that it was most likely just a nightmare. However, he confesses there was something to it that felt different. She puts a small wrist monitor on him to monitor his vitals while he sleeps to be safe.
Over at Iris’ paper, Allegra (Kayla Compton) and Iris (Candice Patton) are going to work on a story together and track the man who Ralph got a photo of last week – the man who might be responsible for turning Allegra’s cousin into an evil meta. Allegra’s still bothered that Iris didn’t tell her Barry is The Flash or about the upcoming Crisis but doesn’t say anything to her about it. Later when they interview the man on a street, he tells them he basically handles rides for whoever hires him. The people are almost always rich. Basically, it’s Uber for the filthy rich.
Barry goes back to his loft and sees his mother (Michelle Harrison). He asks, “Is this another nightmare?” and she replies, “No, Barry, this is much worse.” Barry realizes the Speed Force has taken the image of his mother to talk to him again. The Speed Force tells Barry some of Ramsey’s black blood made its way into Barry during the transfusion and his speed healing is struggling to stop it from taking him over and turning him into one of Ramsey’s zombies. Barry has to fight it with his mind in order to win.
Ramsey appears to Barry and a battle of wills begins. Ramsey informs Barry that his blood will not only save Barry but everyone else from the Crisis. In a truly creepy scene, Barry sees everyone he loves – Joe (Jesse L. Martin), Iris, Cisco (Carlos Valdes), Ralph, and Frost – sitting at a table enjoying Thanksgiving dinner. Ramsey serves them lasagna full of the black gooey blood. His friends start eating it and then try and get Barry to eat some. Barry resists and says it’s not real.
Ramsey shows Barry an image of Barry’s daughter as a baby in her crib, but Barry can’t pick her up. His hands go right through her. Tears form in his eyes and he says he knows it’s not real but he wants to pretend and hold her. Ramsey says it’s all up to Barry. Ramsey assures Barry he can live and save everyone if he just joins him and holds out his hand.
Barry starts to waver and is quickly rushed out of the room by the Speed Force.
At S.T.A.R. Labs, Frost notices Barry’s vitals are spiking on his wrist monitor and she breaches over with Cisco to the apartment. She quickly realizes he’s reacting to Ramsey’s blood and they breach him back to the lab. Frost tries to give him some medicine to counter the blood but it doesn’t work. She freezes and has a panic attack, fearing Barry’s going to be lost.
In another part of town, Allegra reveals to Iris she knows Barry is The Flash and she knows about the article she’ll write about his vanishing during Crisis. She confesses it was that article that inspired her and that she needs to write it. Joe also shows Iris, Allegra, and Cisco’s girlfriend – who has joined the investigation – that the car of the man they interviewed earlier that day exploded with him in it. They decide to keep investigating knowing now just how dangerous it is.
Back at the loft, Barry confesses to the Speed Force that he feels he just really started living and doesn’t want to die. The Speed Force tells Barry that just means he’s human but it’s how he always rises above his fears and does what needs to be done is what makes him a hero. Barry comments on how convincing Ramsey’s lies are and the Speed Force tells him Ramsey isn’t lying about his blood being able to save him during Crisis.
Hearing this, Barry becomes even more upset and angry, especially after the Speed Force says it chose him and it’s the reason for all his pain and suffering. He asks when the Speed Force will suffer. Just as The Reverse Flash stabbed Barry’s mother, Nora, in the heart to kill her, Barry phases his hand into the Speed Force, still using the image of his mother which causes it to weaken.
Cisco runs and grabs Velocity X and injects it into Barry to help his speed healing. It gives the Speed Force more energy and it tells Barry if he lets Ramsey’s blood take him over, his body will survive but his soul and who he is will be lost.
Barry wakes up in S.T.A.R. Labs. He seems himself and tells Cisco and Frost about what it was like in his mind. Cisco wants him to rest but he says he needs to get ready for Crisis. Cisco turns to Frost after Barry leaves the med bay and asks if she wants to talk about what happened. Frost says she already has with Caitlin and they have agreed from now on when medical emergencies come up Catlin will take over and Frost will take a back seat. Cisco asks if she’s okay with that and Frost replies, “It’s best for the team.”
Iris starts writing the article about The Flash vanishing during Crisis and is interrupted by a message from Cisco about Barry. (What is the rush on her article?! Journalists are supposed to report the news, not predict it.)
Iris hurries over to S.T.A.R. Labs and finds Barry focused on running some diagnostics on the computer. He claims he’s fine but seems off to her. She starts asking him questions which he shuts down quickly. She says she’ll see him later and slowly walks over to Cisco and Caitlin. Iris whispers “Guys, that’s not Barry.”
Cisco tries to talk to Barry and that’s when Barry turns, eyes full of black goo and mouth dripping with it. Ramsey has taken over Barry’s body! He speeds away, knocking out Cisco, Frost, and Iris with his speed.
Down in the sewers, Nash Wells (Tom Cavanagh) uses a special device to break apart the rock hiding the door where The Monitor is. In the process, he discovers symbols.
The last scene shows The Flash speeding around the city, arriving at Ramsey’s location. “Welcome, my blood brother. I am the world’s salvation. Soon the entire world will embrace Bloodwork,” says Ramsey as the black goo-controlled Flash kneels before him.
Review of The Flash Season 6 Episode 7:
Dark, disturbing, and creepy, season six episode seven titled “The Last Temptation of Barry Allen, Part 1” is very different than most The Flash episodes and has a horror movie feel to it. It also has two stand-out performances by Grant Gustin and Sendhil Ramamurthy.
Gustin shines as the confused, tormented, and haunted Barry Allen who finally admits he’s afraid of dying and isn’t ready to leave those he loves behind. The scene where he tries to hold baby Nora and can’t is heartbreaking. Gustin’s performance is award-worthy with all the emotion he brings to the scenes.
Ramamurthy is wonderful as the now crazed and devilish Dr. Ramsey Rosso who’s so terrified of death he can’t see that what he’s becoming and what he’s doing to others is a fate far worse than death.
With The Flash now a super-speeding zombie controlled by Ramsey, it’s up to the rest of Team Flash to find a way to free Barry of the black goo and to stop Ramsey for good before the Crisis is upon them.
Peter Weller returns to direct CBS’s Magnum P.I. season two episode 10, “Blood Brothers.” (Weller previously directed season one episode eight.) Episode 10 was written by Peter Lenkov and Eric Guggenheim and will air on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT.
Guest stars include Louis Lombardi, Yihya Eldein, Zehra Fazal, Peter Rodbell, Jacob White, Mohit Gautam, Antonio Jaramillo, and Yousef Azami.
Jay Hernandez stars as Thomas Magnum, Perdita Weeks plays Juliet Higgins, and Zachary Knighton is Orville “Rick” Wright. Stephen Hill is Theodore “TC” Calvin, Tim Kang is Det. Gordon Katsumoto, and Amy Hill plays Kumu. Brooke Lyons appears in a recurring role as Abby Miller.
“Blood Brothers” Plot – Magnum, flooded with memories of his tour in Afghanistan, helps his fallen friend’s brother search for a now-grown Afghan boy who may have been a victim of trafficking.
The Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:
“Magnum P.I. is a modern take on the classic series centering on Thomas Magnum, a decorated former Navy SEAL who, upon returning home from Afghanistan, repurposes his military skills to become a private investigator. A charming rogue, an American hero and a die-hard Detroit Tigers fan, Magnum lives in a guest cottage on Robin’s Nest, the luxurious estate where he works as a security consultant to supplement his P.I. business.
The “majordomo” of the property is Juliet Higgins, a beautiful and commanding disavowed MI:6 agent whose second job is to keep Magnum in line, with the help of her two Dobermans. When Magnum needs back-up on a job, he turns to his trusted buddies and fellow POW survivors, Theodore “TC” Calvin, a former Marine chopper pilot who runs Island Hoppers, a helicopter tour business, and Orville “Rick” Wright, a former Marine door-gunner-turned-impresario of Oahu’s coolest nightclub and the most connected man on the island.
Suspicious of Magnum’s casual attitude and presence at his crime scenes, Detective Gordon Katsumoto finds that he and Magnum are more alike than either of them care to admit. One of Magnum’s biggest supporters is Teuila “Kumu” Tuileta, the unofficial “House Mom” and cultural curator of Robin’s Nest. With keys to a vintage Ferrari in one hand, aviator sunglasses in the other, and an Old Düsseldorf longneck chilling in the fridge, Thomas Magnum is back on the case!”
CBS’s All Rise will return after a two-week break on Monday, December 9, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT with season one episode 10. “Dripsy” was directed by Patricia Cardoso from a script by Sunil Nayar and Aaron Carter.
Reggie Lee, Tony Denison, Audrey Corsa, Parvesh Cheena, Illeana Douglas, Julanne Chidi Hill, Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Chad Addison, Brian Howe, and Melanie Reif guest star in episode 10. Michelle Liu, Eileen Grubba, Lily Mae Harrington, Ryan Dorsey, Eva La Dare, Dina Meyer, Aline Elasmar, Jonathan Chambers, and Christian Belnavis also guest star in “Dripsy.”
Season one of the drama stars Simone Missick as Lola Carmichael, Wilson Bethel as Mark Callan, Marg Helgenberger as Lisa Benner, Jessica Camacho as Emily Lopez, J. Alex Brinson as Luke Watkins, Lindsay Mendez as Sara Castillo, and Ruthie Ann Miles as Sherri Kansky.
“Dripsy” Plot – Lola exercises a rarely used judicial power when she fires a lawyer for failing to provide a robust defense for his client. Also, Mark’s dad, Vic (Tony Denison), is arrested for murder.
Details on All Rise, Courtesy of CBS:
“All Rise is a courthouse drama that follows the chaotic, hopeful and sometimes absurd lives of its judges, prosecutors and public defenders, as they work with bailiffs, clerks and cops to get justice for the people of Los Angeles amidst a flawed legal process. Among them is newly appointed Judge Lola Carmichael (Missick), a highly regarded and impressive deputy district attorney who doesn’t intend to sit back on the bench in her new role, but instead leans in, immediately pushing the boundaries and challenging the expectations of what a judge can be.”
The Doobie Brothers (Photo Credit: Clay Patrick McBride)
The Doobie Brothers just expanded the itinerary for their upcoming 50th Anniversary Tour, adding 23 additional dates to the lineup. The new dates include stops in New Orleans, Memphis, Toronto, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Fresno, Spokane, and Albuquerque.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band is expected to join The Doobie Brothers for the entire tour. Additionally, the band confirmed on November 18th that Michael McDonald will be part of the tour, marking the first time in over two decades that McDonald, Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons, and John McFee have hit the road together.
“Next year our tour will include Tom, John, and myself, along with Michael McDonald, and the fans will have a chance to hear all our hits, as well as deep cuts, and new material. I know these will be very special performances,” said Pat Simmons.
The 50th Anniversary Tour tickets will go on sale Friday, December 6, 2019 at 10am local time via LiveNation.com.
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ADDITIONAL 2020 DATES:
Fri Jun 12 – Jacksonville, FL at Daily’s Place
Sun Jul 05 – Syracuse, NY at St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater
Sat Jul 18 – London, ON at Budweiser Gardens
Tue Jul 21 – Darien Center, NY at at Darien Lake Amphitheater
Fri Jul 24 – Gilford, NH at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
Wed Jul 29 – Toledo, OH at The Zoo Amphitheater
Sat Aug 01 – Grand Rapids, MI at Van Andel Arena
Thu Aug 06 – Burgettstown, PA at KeyBank Pavilion
Sun Aug 09 – Mt Pleasant, MI at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort*
Wed Aug 12 – Sioux City, IA at Tyson Center
Sat Aug 15 – Kansas City, MO at Starlight Theatre
Fri Aug 28 – St. Paul, MN at Minnesota State Fair*
Thu Sep 03 – Boise, ID at Ford Amphitheatre
Sun Sep 06 – Ridgefield, WA at Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
Tue Sep 08 – Spokane, WA at Spokane Arena
Thu Sep 10 – Wheatland, CA at Toyota Amphitheater
Sun Sep 13 – Fresno, CA at Save Mart Center
Thu Sep 17 – Chula Vista, CA at North Island Credit Union Amphitheater
Wed Oct 07 – Albuquerque, NM at Isleta Amphitheater
Mon Oct 12 – Little Rock, AR at Simmons Bank Arena
Wed Oct 14 – Bossier City, LA at CenturyLink Arena
Thu Oct 15 – New Orleans, LA at Smoothie King Center
Sat Oct 17 – Memphis, TN at FedExForum
Samantha Mathis (Billions, The Strain) guest stars in CBS’s Bull season four episode nine, “The Flying Carpet.” Airing on Monday, November 25, 2019 at 10pm, episode nine was directed by Anne Hamilton from a script by Chamblee Smith.
“The Flying Carpet” guest stars also include Demosthenes Chrysan, Montego Glover, Griffin Santopietro, Patricia Mauceri, Denim, Carol McCormick, and Alyssa Keegan. In addition, Michael McFadden, Brianna Swann Christie, Debra Wassum, John B. McCann, David Oliver, and Ashley Brooke are featured in episode nine.
The cast is led by Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull, Freddy Rodriguez as Benny Colón, Geneva Carr as Marissa Morgan, Jamie Lee Kirchner as Danny James, Christopher Jackson as Chunk Palmer, and MacKenzie Meehan as Taylor Rentzel.
“The Flying Carpet” Plot – Bull represents a large insurance company and its clients, married pizzeria owners who are being sued for negligence by a teenager who was injured while climbing their rooftop signage. As the trial gets underway, Bull realizes the case has no clear winners, as the small business owners could lose their livelihood, the plaintiff may never walk again and the insurance company refuses to settle.
Bull Series Details, Courtesy of CBS:
Bull stars Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull in a drama inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, the founder of one of the most prolific trial-consulting firms of all time. Brilliant, brash and charming, Dr. Bull is the ultimate puppet master as he combines psychology, human intuition and high-tech data to learn what makes jurors, attorneys, witnesses and the accused tick. His personal life proves harder to manage as he tries to live a healthier lifestyle following a heart attack and learns he is expecting a child with his ex-wife.
Bull employs an enviable team of experts at Trial Analysis Corporation to shape successful narratives down to the very last detail. This includes his quick-witted former brother-in-law, Benny Colón, a lawyer who acts as defense attorney in the company’s mock trials; Marissa Morgan, a neurolinguistics expert from the Department of Homeland Security who monitors shifting jury reactions in real-time for Bull; former NYPD detective Danny James, the firm’s tough but relatable investigator; Taylor Rentzel, a working mother and former colleague of Marissa’s who is an expert in coding and computer hacking; and Chunk Palmer, a former all-American lineman and stylist-turned-law student who helps clients prepare their look and testimony for trial.
In high-stakes trials, Bull’s combination of remarkable insight into human nature, three Ph.D.’s and a top-notch staff creates winning strategies that tip the scales of justice in his clients’ favor.
Sometimes we need to be reminded there’s good in the world. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood effectively drives that point home, not with a sledgehammer but in the kindest and gentlest of ways. The 2019 potential awards contender is an engaging story about Fred Rogers, a man beloved by millions, and a journalist whose life was forever changed after being drawn into Fred’s world.
Fred Rogers genuinely loved people, a trait that’s not always found in the DNA of those in public life. He was sympathetic to those in need, lending a judgment-free ear before rendering a thoughtful response. Watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood felt like spending time with an old friend who knew just how you were feeling and uttered just the right words of encouragement.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was inspired by journalist Tom Junod’s “Can You Say…Hero?” 1998 feature published in Esquire. The Americans’ Matthew Rhys stars as NY journalist Lloyd Vogel, the film’s version of Junod. Oscar winner Tom Hanks slips smoothly into the role of the iconic Fred Rogers, a casting choice that no doubt would have pleased the real Mister Rogers who passed away in 2003. (Hanks was Fred Rogers’ favorite actor.)
Like the article, the film examines the relationship that developed between a journalist assigned to write a short puff piece and Fred Rogers, the subject of the piece. Cynical and used to tackling darker subject matter, Lloyd was initially unwilling to believe the Mister Rogers on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood wasn’t just a character conceived and played by Fred Rogers.
From their very first encounter, Fred Rogers welcomed Lloyd into his life, instantly recognizing Lloyd as a man who was broken in some way and in need of a friend. Fred Rogers was a shining beacon of light and Lloyd initially refused to allow himself to be brought into that light. Lloyd was confused by what he ultimately came to understand was simply Fred’s innate goodness.
The film doesn’t rush to show Lloyd’s eventual transformation from skeptic to true believer in the fact Fred was the real deal: a genuine, empathetic gentleman. Lloyd, married with a child, didn’t have a loving relationship with his father. The two barely spoke, but kind words of advice from Fred Rogers helped turn that relationship around before it was too late.
Fred Rogers was a compassionate man who taught generations it’s not only okay to feel sad or angry but also normal to have such feelings. In the film, we witness how those teachings deeply affect the life of one man in particular.
Discussing the timeliness of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, director Marielle Heller said, “We are at a point where it feels like the divide, politically, is bigger than ever, it feels that way. I don’t know if that’s true, but there’s so much violence and there’s so much to be confused by, and to feel lost in. And I think finding and hearing Fred’s voice is really reassuring in these times. There’s something about his message that feels more important now than ever.”
Mister Rogers comforted millions of kids over the years and was willing to explore topics off-limits in standard children’s fare. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood urges us to be more like Mister Rogers in a world that tries to marginalize positive people while showcasing the negative.
GRADE: A
MPAA Rating: PG for some strong thematic material, a brief fight, and some mild language
Running Time: 108 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 2019
Directed By: Marielle Heller
Supporting Cast: Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Cooper, Maryann Plunkett, and Enrico Colantoni
AMC’s released a new 30-second teaser trailer for the third series in The Walking Dead universe, The Walking Dead: World Beyond. The network also confirmed new casting news and unveiled two more photos from the upcoming zombie apocalypse series.
Emmy Award-winner Julia Ormond (Mad Men) has been cast as a series regular named Elizabeth. Elizabeth is described as “the charismatic leader of a large, sophisticated and formidable force.” Ormond joins series stars Aliyah Royale, Alexa Mansour, Annet Mahendru, Nicolas Cantu, Hal Cumpston, and Nico Tortorella for the show’s first season.
“We are thrilled to have Julia join our merry band. I’m grateful for the talent, grace, intelligence, and humor she has brought to our set, our show and to this role. We — and the audience — are very lucky to have Julia helping bring this new world of the Walking Dead to life,” stated co-creator Scott M. Gimple.
“I’m so thrilled to be working with The Walking Dead team — I absolutely love how they write for women in particular; a lovely, talented cast and great to be back with AMC,” said Ormond.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond‘s first season recurring guest stars include Natalie Gold (Succession, The Land of Steady Habits) as Lyla, a mysterious figure operating in the shadows on behalf of the cause she believes in; Al Calderon (Step Up: High Water) as Barca; Scott Adsit (Veep, 30 Rock) as Tony; and Ted Sutherland (Fear Street, Rise) as Percy.
Gimple and co-creator Matt Negrete executive produce with Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert, and Brian Bockrath. Negrete is the season one showrunner.
Filming is currently underway in Virginia. AMC’s targeting a spring 2020 premiere.
The Plot:
“The Walking Dead: World Beyond will focus on the first generation raised in the zombie apocalypse. Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. In the end, all of them will be changed forever. Grown-up and cemented in their identities, both good and bad.”
Julia Ormond as Elizabeth in ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’ season 1 (Photo Credit: Zach Dilgard/AMC)Julia Ormond as Elizabeth in ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’ (Photo Credit: Zach Dilgard/AMC)
