“Do you genuinely not know who The Beatles are?” asks Jack (Himesh Patel). “Genuinely,” replies Ellie (Lily James). “Then I’m in a really, really complicated situation,” says Jack who’s apparently the only person who remembers The Beatles and their songs in the music-driven fantasy drama, Yesterday.
Jack’s a struggling, mediocre musician who dreams of one day getting his big break. The only person who believes in him and has devoted her life to managing his music career…if it can be called that…is his childhood best friend, Ellie. After another disappointing gig Jack tells Ellie he’s going to give up on trying to be a musician. Ellie attempts to talk him out of it, but he peddles away on his bicycle. At just that precise moment, the world experiences a momentary blackout and Jack is hit by a bus. He wakes up in the hospital missing a few teeth and with a few scrapes but is otherwise okay.
Ellie and a few of his friends throw Jack a homecoming party to celebrate his birthday when he gets out of the hospital. Ellie gives Jack a new, expensive guitar and Jack, touched by her generosity, plays the song, ”Yesterday.” To his surprise, everyone fawns over the song saying it’s great and asking when he wrote it. Jack says Paul McCartney from The Beatles wrote it, and his friends act as though they have no idea who he’s talking about.
Later, Jack searches the internet to discover The Beatles never existed. Somehow Jack has woken up in an alternate timeline where he’s the only one in the world who remembers The Beatles and their hit songs. Faced with this bizarre opportunity, Jack sets out to use the Fab Four’s hit songs to make himself a musical legend.
Yesterday tries to be a charming and fun fantasy film saluting The Beatles but ends up being a cheesy, unengaging, and forgettable romantic comedy. There are only a few laughs and, worse yet, there’s zero chemistry between Himesh Patel and Lily James when the romantic part of the film is forced into the spotlight.
Himesh Patel’s Jack is not a likeable character and is never redeemed, denying the audience someone to root for. Early on it’s made clear he takes for granted the people closest to him. That never evolves as he becomes famous. When he uses the Fab Four’s songs to become a music superstar, he becomes even less likeable. It’s a big problem with the film that the main character is a jerk when it begins instead of a decent, struggling guy who surrenders to the dream he has to be famous, which might have worked.
Lily James gives the best performance in the film as Ellie, Jack’s best friend and manager who desperately wants to move out of the friend zone and into a relationship with him. The scenes where she subtly looks at him with longing in her eyes are both touching and sad. However, later in the film when it shifts gears and tries to become a movie about true love , it quickly becomes evident James and Patel have no romantic tension.
The best comedic performance is delivered by Joel Fry as Rocky, Jack’s bumbling but devoted and well-meaning friend and roadie. Rocky constantly says and does the most inappropriate things, but is dedicated to Jack not because of his newfound success but because he values him as a friend. It’s Fry’s performance that delivers the only laughs in the film. Sadly, they’re not enough to save it.
Yesterday should have been a sweet fantasy film that’s a love letter to The Beatles but instead is a hokey, bland, and uninteresting movie. The Fab Four deserve better and so does the audience.
GRADE: C-
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for suggestive content and language
Freeform’s season two of Good Trouble serves up episode three on July 2, 2019. The episode titled “Doble Quince” focuses on Jazmin and party planning.
The cast of season two is led by Cierra Ramirez as Mariana and Maia Mitchell as Callie. The series also stars Tommy Martinez as Gael, Sherry Cola as Alice, Zuri Adele as Malika, Emma Hunton as Davia, and Josh Pence as Dennis.
Series stars Mitchell and Ramirez executive produce along with Joanna Johnson, Peter Paige, Bradley Bredeweg, Gregory Gugliotta, Christine Sacani, Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, and Benny Medina. Good Trouble‘s produced by Nuyorican Productions, Inc. in association with Freeform.
The “Doble Quince” Plot: Gael and the rest of the Coterie help Jazmin plan a big celebration — a “Doble Quince” — to celebrate her 30th birthday and the Quinceañera she never had. Mariana decides to use the event to beta test her app, but things don’t go as planned.
More on Good Trouble Season 2:
“Good Trouble is the critically acclaimed spinoff of the groundbreaking series The Fosters. Now in its second season, the series will continue to explore the trials and tribulations of the tenants of Downtown LA’s hippest residence, The Coterie.
This season, Mariana (Ramirez), Callie (Mitchell) and the rest of The Coterie crew will continue to navigate their early twenties as they deal with breakups, demand equality, find happiness and discover what it means to fight for what you believe in.”
Hailie Sahar and Tommy Martinez in ‘Good Trouble’ season 2 episode 3 (Freeform/Bill Inoshita)Maia Mitchell and Cierra Ramirez in season 2 episode 3 (Freeform/Eric McCandless)Sherry Cola in season 2 episode 3 (Freeform/Eric McCandless)Maia Mitchell and Tommy Martinez in season 2 episode 3 (Freeform/Eric McCandless)Denim Richards and Tommy Martinez in season 2 episode 3 (Freeform/Eric McCandless)
ABC’s Grand Hotel season one continues with episode three airing on July 1, 2019. The episode titled “Curveball” was directed by Eva Longoria Baston who guest stars as Beatriz.
Season one airs on Mondays at 10pm ET/PT.
The cast of season one includes Oscar nominee Demián Bichir (Best Actor, A Better Life) as Santiago Mendoza, ALMA award winner Roselyn Sánchez (Outstanding Actress in a Drama Television Series, Without a Trace) as Gigi Mendoza, Denyse Tontz (The Fosters) as Alicia Mendoza, and Bryan Craig (Valor) as Javi Mendoza. Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Mayor) is Mrs. P, Lincoln Younes (Home and Away) is Danny, Shalim Ortiz (Magic City) is Mateo, and Anne Winters (13 Reasons Why) plays Ingrid.
Chris Warren (The Fosters) plays Jason, Feliz Ramirez is Carolina, and Justina Adorno (Seven Seconds) is Yoli in the show’s first season.
Grand Hotel is written and executive produced by Brian Tanen. Eva Longoria, Ben Spector, Bob Daily, Ramón Campos, Teresa Fernández-Valdés, and director Bill D’Elia also executive produce.
The “Curveball” Plot – Danny discovers a new piece of information in Sky’s disappearance, Alicia and Gigi disagree on how to best run the hotel, and Gigi gives her a glimpse into her mother’s past.
Series Details:
Charismatic Santiago Mendoza owns the hotel, while his glamorous second wife, Gigi, and their adult children enjoy the spoils of success. The hotel’s loyal staff round out a contemporary fresh take on an upstairs/downstairs story. Wealthy and beautiful guests bask in luxury, but scandals, escalating debt and explosive secrets hide beneath the picture-perfect exterior.
Demian Bichir and Roselyn Sanchez in ‘Grand Hotel’ season 1 episode 3 (ABC/Richard Cartwright)Feliz Ramirez and Lincoln Younes in season 1 episode 3 (ABC/Richard Cartwright)Roselyn Sanchez in season 1 episode 3 (ABC/Richard Cartwright)Feliz Ramirez and Lincoln Younes in season 1 episode 3 (ABC/Richard Cartwright)Arianna Torres in season 1 episode 3 (ABC/Richard Cartwright)
A scene from season 1 of ‘The Boys’ (Photo by Jan Thijs / Amazon Prime Video)
Amazon Prime Video’s returning to the San Diego Comic Con with celebrity-packed panels, parties, and a huge immersive activation right outside the San Diego Convention Center. The stars of The Expanse (a Comic Con favorite), The Boys, Carnival Row, Undone, and The Man in the High Castle will be heading to San Diego to promote the upcoming seasons of Amazon’s new and returning original shows.
Among the stars expected to make the trek to the Con are Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, and Chace Crawford from The Boys. The resurrected The Expanse will be represented by Steven Strait, Wes Chatham, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Frankie Adams, Cas Anvar, and Dominique Tipper. Orlando Bloom, Cara Delevingne, David Gyasi, and Tamzin Merchant will make their first appearance as a cast in support of Carnival Row. Rufus Sewell, Joel de la Fuente, Jason O’Mara, Chelah Horsdal and Frances Turner will help fans prepare to say farewell to The Man in the High Castle as it heads into its final season.
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO SAN DIEGO COMIC CON PANELS:
Thursday, July 18th
SERIES: Undone
ABOUT: From Raphael Bob-Waksberg and Kate Purdy, the acclaimed creators of BoJack Horseman, comes Undone, a groundbreaking and genre bending animated series, starring Rosa Salazar, about a young woman’s complex journey to unlock her past and solve the mystery of her father’s death.
WHERE: Indigo Ballroom, Hilton Bayfront
WHEN: Thursday, July 18 from 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. PT
Friday, July 19th
SERIES: The Boys
ABOUT: Join executive producers Seth Rogen and Eric Kripke, along with series stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capon, Karen Fukuhara, and Elisabeth Shue, with moderator Aisha Tyler, for a behind the scenes look at their upcoming series. Based on The New York Times best-selling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys is a fun and irreverent take on what happens when superheroes – who are as popular as celebrities – abuse their superpowers rather than use them for good. It’s the powerless against the super-powerful as The Boys embark on a heroic quest to expose the truth about The Seven. The series premieres July 26 th on Amazon Prime Video.
WHERE: Ballroom 20, San Diego Convention Center
WHEN: Friday, July 19 from 3 :30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. PT
SERIES: Carnival Row
ABOUT: Join stars Orlando Bloom, Cara Delevingne, David Gyasi, Tamzin Merchant and executive producers Travis Beacham and Marc Guggenheim for a sneak peek and conversation about Carnival Row, moderated by Tim Kash. Set in a Victorian fantasy world filled with mythological immigrant creatures whose exotic homelands were invaded by the empires of man, Amazon Prime Video’s Carnival Row explores how this growing population struggles to coexist with humans — forbidden to live, love, or fly with freedom. But even in darkness, hope lives, as a human detective, Rycroft Philostrate (Orlando Bloom), and a refugee faerie named Vignette Stonemoss (Cara Delevingne) rekindle a dangerous affair despite an increasingly intolerant society.
WHERE: Ballroom 20, San Diego Convention Center
WHEN: Friday, July 19 from 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. PT
Saturday, July 20th
SERIES: The Expanse
ABOUT: Calling all Earthers, Belters and Martians, The Expanse is making its return to Comic-Con this summer! The series has had an incredible journey since San Diego last saw the Rocinante crew. They return with news from beyond the Ring Gate and from their new home – thanks to help from the fans – as an Amazon Prime Video series. Join series stars Steven Strait, Wes Chatham, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Frankie Adams, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper, and executive producers Naren Shankar and Ty Franck to get an early look at what’s to come when Season 4 drops on Prime Video later this year.
WHERE: Indigo Ballroom, Hilton Bayfront Hotel
WHEN: Saturday, July 20 from 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. PT
SERIES: The Man in the High Castle
ABOUT: With the 4th and final season of The Man in The High Castle premiering this fall on Amazon Prime Video, the series’ cast and creators, including Isa Dick Hackett, Daniel Percival, David Scarpa, Rufus Sewell, Joel de la Fuente, Jason O’Mara, Chelah Horsdal and Frances Turner, with moderator Dominic Patten, will take fans behind the scenes as the resistance becomes a full-blown rebellion.
WHERE: Room 6A, San Diego Convention Center
WHEN: Saturday, July 20 from 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. PT
‘Carnival Row’ activation (Photo Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video)
THE AMAZON PRIME VIDEO EXPERIENCE DETAILS:
“The Amazon Prime Video Experience will celebrate the new Amazon Original series The Boys and Carnival Row, as well as the upcoming fourth season of The Expanse, with an immersive 60,000 square-foot activation located across from the San Diego Convention Center. The Amazon Prime Video Experience will be open from Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21, with a special preview day open to press on Wednesday, July 17.
Located on the corner of MLK and 1st, fanboys and fangirls will be drawn in to the Amazon Prime Video Experience by the sight of a 40-foot tower adorned with giant LED screens that will be playing scenes from The Boys, Carnival Row and The Expanse. Comic-Con attendees will also be treated to live, show-specific performances taking place atop the multi-level tower.
Once inside, attendees will receive collectible gold and silver coins which they can use to further explore the activation. Fans can begin their day covering up the crime scene of a superhero kidnapping at the Audio Visual shop where Hughie works on The Boys. On the opposite end of the space, a Rocinante spaceship is positioned that will take adventure-seekers on a United Nations peacekeeping mission to a newly colonized planet seen in The Expanse. Guests can also discover the Carnival Row universe in which humans and exotic creatures coexist before entering The Forbidden Lounge, a neo-Victorian decorated hideaway venue, to enjoy a special performance. Amazon Prime Video collaborated with LG within the series activations to provide a premiere viewing experience for attendees.
After exploring the shows, guests can escape the summer heat and relax under a tented awning with refreshing beverages and a selection of mouthwatering bites, including Carl’s Jr., which will provide burgers on-site for press and fans as part of The Boys campaign. Cosplayers can even find a Cosplay Photography Corner within the walls of the Amazon Prime Video Experience, where a lifestyle photographer will be onsite to take professional portraits as digital takeaways.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda in ‘His Dark Materials’ (Photo Credit: HBO)
HBO’s firmed up its 2019 San Diego Comic Con plans, confirming the network will be promoting Westworld, His Dark Materials, and Game of Thrones at next month’s Con. HBO will also use the pop culture gathering to promote season one of Watchmen.
Among the talent scheduled to attend this year’s Comic Con are James McAvoy, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Maisie Williams, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and the King of the Six Kingdoms himself, Isaac Hempstead Wright. And Game of Thrones series creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff are sure to get lots of questions from diehard GoT fans when they take part in that show’s panel.
HBO 2019 San Diego Comic Con Panels:
Thursday, July 18
The HIS DARK MATERIALS panel in Hall H at 4:45 p.m. will include (in alphabetical order): James McAvoy (Lord Asriel), Dafne Keen (Lyra), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Lee Scoresby), Jane Tranter (executive producer) and Ruth Wilson (Mrs. Coulter).
Autograph signing is at 2:45 p.m.
Friday, July 19
The GAME OF THRONES panel in Hall H at 5:30 p.m. will include cast members (in alphabetical order): Jacob Anderson (Grey Worm), John Bradley (Samwell Tarly), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth), Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei of Naath), Iain Glen (Ser Jorah Mormont), Conleth Hill (Varys), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) and Isaac Hempstead Wright (Bran Stark). Other panelists include creators and showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and director and executive producer Miguel Sapochnik.
Autograph signing is at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 20
The WESTWORLD panel in Hall H at 1:15 p.m. will include creators, executive producers and directors Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, and cast members (in alphabetical order): Ed Harris, Thandie Newton, Aaron Paul, Tessa Thompson, Evan Rachel Wood and Jeffrey Wright.
Autograph signing is at 11:45 a.m.
Additional SDCC Info:
The autograph signings will take place in the DC Warner Bros. booth #4545. Attendees wishing to participate in autograph signings may log in to their Comic-Con Member ID account to submit their interest via the Exclusives Portal. WBTVG follows Comic-Con’s selection process and wristband distribution procedures. For more information visit www.comic-con.org/cci/exclusives.
HIS DARK MATERIALS fans can follow live coverage of the panel on Twitter from @daemonsanddust and use #HisDarkMaterials to join the conversation.
GAME OF THRONES fans can follow live coverage of the panel on Twitter from @GameofThrones and use #GoTSDCC to join the conversation.
WESTWORLD fans can follow live coverage of the panel on Twitter from @WestworldHBO and use #WestworldSDCC to join the conversation.
San Diego Comic Con attendees will get the first look at TBS’s sci-fi thriller Snowpiercer. The series is based on the film of the same name starring Chris Evans and Jamie Bell and is set to premiere next spring.
The network has given the series an order for a second season prior to its first season debut.
“Snowpiercer is the perfect show to kick-off TBS’ entry into dramas with intricate storytelling, stunning visuals and first-class acting,” said Brett Weitz, general manager for TBS and TNT. “We believe in the longevity of this series and that audiences will be amazed by the fantastical world that brings to life such relevant social, political and environmental issues.”
The cast of season one includes Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs, Alison Wright, Mickey Sumner, Lena Hall, and Steven Ogg. They’ll be joining the series’ showrunner/executive producer Graeme Manson for the show’s first panel at SDCC. The Snowpiercer talent will be taking the stage on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 3pm PT in the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton Bayfront next to the San Diego Convention Center for a Q&A with attendees and an exclusive first look at the first episode.
The sci-fi series is a Tomorrow Studios (a joint venture between Marty Adelstein and ITV Studios) and CJ Entertainment production. Adelstein, Becky Clements, director James Hawes, Matthew O’Connor, and Scott Derrickson served as executive producers. Director Bong Joon Ho, Miky Lee, Tae-sung Jeong, Park Chan-wook, Lee Tae-hun and Dooho Choi – producers of the theatrical film – also executive produce the series.
Snowpiercer was released in July 2013 and earned $171,000 over its first weekend in domestic release. The R-rated thriller went on to ring up $86 million worldwide before exiting theaters. The film currently sits at 95% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Plot:
“Set more than seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, Snowpiercer centers on the remnants of humanity, who inhabit a gigantic, perpetually moving train that circles the globe. Class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out in this riveting television adaptation based on the acclaimed movie of the same name.”
“Do your parents keep any creepy stuff around?” asks Daniela (Katie Sarife). “They keep it all locked away in a room so we’re safe,” answers Judy Warren (Mckenna Grace) to her babysitter’s friend who has more than a mild interest in the supernatural in the third film in the Annabelle spinoff series, Annabelle Comes Home.
Ed and Lorraine Warren (The Conjuring original stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) return home after helping college students who had in their possession a child’s doll named Annabelle, which the Warrens believe has the power to draw evil spirits and demons. Determined to make sure the doll doesn’t endanger anyone else, they lock it in the room designated for objects that are either haunted, cursed, or have been used in ritualistic practices.
Placed behind special enhanced glass and blessed by a priest, the Warrens have contained the evil in Annabelle.
When the Warrens are called out at night on a case, they leave their daughter, Judy, with her friend and trusted babysitter, Mary (Madison Iseman). While Mary and Judy are planning to celebrate Judy’s birthday early, Mary’s best friend Daniela arrives uninvited. She’s there partly to help celebrate but mostly to see what haunted artifacts the Warrens keep in their home.
When Daniela discovers the room full of cursed objects, she sneaks in and touches almost every item in the collection. As if that wasn’t enough of an invitation to supernatural activity, she opens the glass case that holds Annabelle. In doing so Daniela has unknowingly released the evil spirits connected with the items in the room, freeing them to target Judy, Mary, and Daniela.
Not in the same league as The Conjuring or its sequel The Conjuring 2, Annabelle Comes Home is, however, a creepy, goosebumps-inducing jump fest that’s the best of the Annabelle films. It turns the Warrens’ home into a spooky haunted house where shadows, bumps in the night, and mist are sinister and even deadly.
The three young main actresses give above average performances in the film. Strongest is Mckenna Grace (Designated Survivor) as young Judy who’s starting to realize she has her mother’s gift and has the most common sense of the three young girls. Grace portrays Judy as a likeable and at times melancholy child who just wants to have friends and be a kid despite growing up in such a unique house.
Madison Iseman is solid as Mary, the classic, trustworthy, “good girl,” dependable babysitter who genuinely likes Judy and tries to look out for her like a big sister would. She’s reminiscent of the character Laurie Strode in the first Halloween film. Katie Sarife is effective as Daniela, Mary’s best friend who has become focused on the Warrens and the supernatural for deeply personal reasons.
Director Gary Dauberman tries to emulate James Wan’s style with the use of shadows, lighting, and sounds to create an eerie and scary haunted house the three young girls must struggle to survive in. However, Dauberman does resort to more traditional jump scares than Wan’s style of building true tension and suspense.
The Conjuring kicked the franchise off, setting the bar impossibly high for spinoffs and origin stories. Still, Annabelle Comes Home is effective and creepy. It’s a simple, scary, and fun haunted house film.
Lionsgate’s debuted the first teaser trailer for the action drama, Midway, inspired by true events. The two-minute trailer arrived with a batch of photos featuring the big name cast.
Midway stars Ed Skrein as Dick Best, Patrick Wilson as Edwin Layton, Luke Evans as Lieutenant Commander Wade McClusky, Aaron Eckhart as Lt. Commander Jimmy Doolittle, Nick Jonas as Bruno Gaido, Etsushi Toyokawa as Admiral Yamamoto, Tadanobu Asano as Rear Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi, and Luke Kleintank as Lieutenant Clarence Earle Dickinson.
Jun Kunimura is Admiral Nagumo, Darren Criss is Lt. Eugene Lindsey, Keean Johnson is James Murray, Mandy Moore is Ann Best, Dennis Quaid is Admiral William “Bull” Halsey, and Woody Harrelson is Admiral Chester Nimitz. Alexander Ludwig also stars in the drama directed by Roland Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow, White House Down).
Wes Tooke wrote the screenplay and Harald Kloser produced the Lionsgate release. The behind the scenes team includes director of photography Robby Baumgartner, editor Adam Wolfe, production designer Kirk M. Petruccelli, and costume designer Mario Davignon.
Midway is set to open in theaters on November 8, 2019.
The Plot:
“Midway centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII.
The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.”
Dick Best (Ed Skrein) and Ann Best (Mandy Moore) in ‘Midway’ (Photo credit: Reiner Bajo)Darren Criss stars as ‘Lt. Eugene Lindsey’ (Photo credit: Reiner Bajo)Nick Jonas stars as ‘Bruno Gaido’ (Photo credit: Reiner Bajo)Luke Evans stars as ‘Lt. Commander Wade McClusky’ (Photo credit: Reiner Bajo)Dennis Quaid stars as ‘Admiral William “Bull” Halsey’ (Photo credit: Reiner Bajo)Patrick Wilson stars as ‘Edwin Layton’ (Photo credit: Reiner Bajo)
CBS’s summer action adventure series Blood & Treasure continues season one with “The Lunchbox of Destiny” – not to be confused with “The Buffet Tray of Fate” or “The Thermos of Luck.” Seriously, love that title. Nice job, Blood & Treasure writers. Season one episode eight was directed by Holly Dale from a script by Kevin Chesley and Bryan Shukoff. “The Lunchbox of Destiny” will air on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT.
Episode eight’s guest cast includes Judson Leblanc, Ali Hassan, Conrad Pla, James Loye, Rick Gomez, Mark Valley, Philippe Hartmann, and Catherine Audet Lapointe. Susan Bain, Anna Silk, Anthony Jones Nestoras, Al Goulem, and Abdellatif Chaouqi also guest star.
The cast is led by Matt Barr (Valor) as Danny McNamara and Sofia Pernas (The Brave) as Lexi Vaziri. Michael James Shaw is Aiden Shaw, Katia Winter is Gwen Karlsson, James Callis is Simon Hardwick, Oded Fehr is Karim Farouk, Alicia Coppola is Dr. Anna Castillo, and Mark Gagliardi plays Father Chuck. Antonio Cupo, Tony Nash, and Mohamed El Husseini play recurring roles in season one.
“The Lunchbox of Destiny” Plot – The FBI offers Danny and Lexi information that will help them in their search for Cleopatra, but only if Danny is able to get his incarcerated father, Patrick (Mark Valley), to give up the location of paintings that he helped steal 20 years earlier. Also, Farouk deals with a loose end and takes a big step forward in his master plan.
The Season 1 Plot, Courtesy of CBS:
“Blood & Treasure is a globe-trotting action-adventure drama about a brilliant antiquities expert and a cunning art thief who team up to catch a ruthless terrorist who funds his attacks through stolen treasure. Danny McNamara is a former FBI agent specializing in stolen arts and antiquities. Lexi Vaziri is a resourceful art thief who is haunted by the tragic loss of her father, which she blames on Danny. When terrorist Karim Farouk absconds with a priceless artifact and kidnaps Danny’s mentor, Dr. Anna Castillo, Danny recruits Lexi to help him bring Farouk to justice and rescue Anna.
As they chase down Farouk, they encounter unscrupulous individuals who may either be useful allies or dangerous enemies, including Aiden Shaw, an arms dealer who acts solely in his self-interest, and Simon Hardwick, an expert at procuring pilfered artifacts. Danny and Lexi are assisted by Father Chuck, a childhood friend of Danny’s who works at the Vatican Foreign Ministry in Rome.
Their hunt draws the attention of Interpol agent Gwen Karlsson, who wants Farouk brought to justice, but won’t allow Danny and Lexi to break international laws in the process. As they crisscross the world hunting their target, Danny and Lexi unexpectedly find themselves at the center of a 2,000-year-old battle for the cradle of civilization.”
Luke Grimes and Cole Hauser come to blows on ‘Yellowstone’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
Paramount Network’s Yellowstone season two premiere ended with John Dutton (Kevin Costner) being rushed to the hospital, suffering from a ruptured ulcer. He owes his life to a veterinarian who happened to be on the ranch, and the medical emergency has forced him to examine his relationships and future.
Season two episode two opens in the hospital. John’s on his feet and ready to go home, against his doctor’s orders. Reluctantly he gives in and allows his doctor to check out the sutures. The incision’s healing, but the doctor’s not happy with how John’s taking care of himself. He orders him to rehab by swimming twice a week. He also reminds John he brought this on himself by not following up when he was told there was a mass on the CT scan. A pill could have taken care of this problem if only he’d done what he was supposed to. (John had assumed he was dying of cancer.)
Kayce (Luke Grimes) plays chauffeur and gives his dad a ride home, and the two bicker over potholes and bumpy roads. John winces in pain with each jolt and blames Kayce for aiming for the rough spots on the road.
John needs a break on the ride home and while he’s stretching his legs, he and Kayce continue arguing. John segues from criticizing Kayce’s driving to how Kayce’s handling himself now that he’s back home on the ranch. John reminds him he’s not supposed to fight. He should have let the wranglers take care of themselves after the barfight.
“How am I supposed to sleep in the same room with men I won’t defend?” asks Kayce. John has an unexpected answer. “You aren’t. I’m going to fix that problem too,” says John.
John gets philosophical, telling his son he’s figured him out. Kayce was convinced death was coming and believed his days didn’t matter. John reminds him he’s alive and needs to face up to decisions he made when he didn’t think he’d be sticking around. John, fresh off his own near-death experience, tells his son he needs to start living again. Kayce confesses he doesn’t know how.
Beth (Kelly Reilly) meets with Bob Schwartz (Michael Nouri) in her new office to begin snatching up the land surrounding Yellowstone Ranch. She’s her usual wicked self to the real estate agent handling one parcel, insulting everything from his teeth to his sense of humor.
Kelsey Asbille in ‘Yellowstone’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
Meanwhile, Monica (Kelsey Asbille) shows up for her first day teaching and is immediately the brunt of a misogynistic joke. She handles the student responsible well, calling out his condescending attitude while putting his behavior in historical context. (Very impressive, Monica!)
Beth and Bob check out a large parcel the realtor who disgusted Beth had mentioned. It’s not for sale, but Beth assures the owner that in fact everything has its price. She asks him to name his and as soon as he says $9 million, Bob writes a check.
15 minutes into the episode and we finally catch up with the wranglers. They’re busy working on stringing up a new barb wire fence when Rip (Cole Hauser) gets into again with Walker. (They butted heads during the bar fight revenge attack.) The other wranglers look on but remain silent. Rip believes Walker (Ryan Bingham) is disloyal to the ranch, something Rip cannot tolerate. More words are exchanged and then fists begin to fly. Walker pulls out a knife while Rip taunts him. The others realize they’re going to have take sides, but fortunately the fight’s over quickly when Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith) puts a gun to Walker’s back and threatens to pull the trigger.
Walker’s done with Yellowstone Ranch and as he rides off, Rip warns he’ll find him no matter where he goes.
Cowboy’s hanging out in the bunkhouse when Walker arrives to pack up his stuff. Cowboy (Steven Williams) delivers some wise parting advice. “You run into trouble, walk the other way,” he says as Walker’s leaving.
Walker’s heading out as Kayce and John pull up to the ranch. Walker informs them he quit because of what went down at the bar. That’s not what he hired on to do. Plus, he’s not sure who’s really in charge. “I run it, and he runs it. You don’t listen to anybody else,” says John, sending Walker back to the bunkhouse.
As they drive off, John informs Kayce he’s making some changes.
John has Kayce sign a couple of papers making the chain of command official. Kayce wonders when he’ll begin his training, but John realizes they need to set the bunkhouse right first.
John changes the subject and asks about Monica and Tate. He wants to know why Kayce isn’t with them and tells Kayce he expects him to run the place “fair and honest,” just like his deceased brother did while he was in charge. In order to do that, he needs to set his life right.
Rip’s not done with Walker. He enters the bunkhouse in a rage and is about to go after Walker when Kayce grabs him, telling him John needs to see him at the big house.
John begins his meeting by telling Rip he’s the only person he can trust. Rip agrees but isn’t prepared for what’s coming next. John realizes this will be hard on Rip, but he needs Kayce out of the bunkhouse as he learns to run the ranch. That means Rip will have to give up his place and move back in with the wranglers. Rip is speechless as John explains what else he needs.
The men are having a good time watching sports and poking fun at Jimmy (Jefferson White) when Rip walks in with his bags. The room quiets as Rip grabs a beer and takes a seat at the table. The silence is broken when Rip talks about one of the teams. Jimmy further lightens the mood by making a joke about Colby’s mom.
However, the tension remains so thick you could cut it with a knife between Rip and Walker.
The following morning the wranglers are waiting around, unsure of what’s expected. Rip says it’s not up to him as Kayce has a quiet conversation with his dad. Kayce realizes Rip will be working against him, and John reminds Kayce that Rip’s respect doesn’t matter; he needs respect from the wranglers.
Kayce takes charge, issuing orders. Rip’s unimpressed but falls in line.
The wranglers round up cattle, but Jimmy allows a few to break through the line. Walker works on the strays and Rip follows…but not to herd the cattle. Rip rides up on Walker’s mount, chasing him through the trees. Rip knocks Walker from his horse and into a tree.
“You dead?” asks Rip. When Walker moves, Rip adds, “You’re about to be.”
Rip rides a short distance away and then gallops at Walker, still on the ground next to the tree. Before Rip can reach Walker, Kayce intervenes. Kayce rides his horse into Rip’s path, forcing him to rein in his horse. Kayce’s about to go after Rip when Rip tells him they’re going to do this in front of the men. Rip warns he’s not going to take it easy.
Walker gets to his feet and seems okay. He limps to retrieve his horse.
The wranglers circle up as Rip and Kayce fight. They appear evenly matched and are bloodied in short order. John watches from nearby, advising the wranglers to stay out of it. After the fight’s gone on a while, Rip whispers, “Come on, Kayce, take it.” Kayce punches him once more in the face, knocking Rip to the ground.
Kayce addresses the wranglers, reminding them there isn’t any fighting on this ranch. Anyone who wants to fight will need to fight him.
After the wranglers leave, John thanks Rip for making Kayce earn it. John wants Rip to get along with Kayce and to be there for him when needed. Rip admits he’s not sure John’s faith in Kayce is warranted.
Later at the dinner table Beth wonders why Kayce’s face is shredded. John warns her not to talk about work at the table and Beth goes off. She doesn’t want to be told what to talk about. She tosses her napkin and leaves the table.
Kayce chuckles, realizing nothing’s changed.
Beth spots Rip sitting out in a field, alone. She realizes what Rip is sacrificing for her family – in particular for her brother – and Rip acknowledges it’s what John wants. She admits that she worried her father would love Rip more than her but knows he doesn’t. Rip confesses this is his family, even if they don’t consider him a member.
It’s late when Beth visits her brother at his place (formerly Rip’s). She wonders why he doesn’t live in the big house and allow Rip to remain where he was comfortable for years. Kayce makes the excuse “grown men don’t live with their fathers,” but Beth’s not having it. She replies, “They also don’t kick other men out of the only home they’ve ever had.” (Beth remains my favorite character.)
Kayce thinks Rip is a bully, but Beth begs to differ. She blames Rip’s behavior on their father and the way he molded him growing up. When Beth tells her brother it sure seems easy for him to walk away from the life he built, Kayce says Monica doesn’t want that life anymore. The extremely perceptive Beth knows Monica left because she didn’t want Kayce turning into his father, which is exactly what he’s doing.
Kayce explains he’s just trying to protect the ranch because it’s all he has to give his family. Beth, fed up and frustrated, yells that she’s the one protecting it. She knows he doesn’t have it in him to sit on boards, go to meetings, and play the political games. Beth believes he’ll eventually get into a fight, injure someone, go to jail, and then lose the ranch.
“Go home, Kayce,” says Beth, not mincing words. “Go work on this. And you stay far away from him. When he dies, you can have this f*cking place. I will give it to you.”
Beth walks away before Kayce can reply.
The next day Kayce delivers his dad to the rec center for swim therapy. The pool’s filled with kids screaming and having a good time. Kayce parked so he could watch the therapy and he smiles as his dad warns him not to say a word while he kicks to the therapist. John, embarrassed to use a kickboard for this specific exercise, tosses it aside. He dives underwater and swims through the crowd while Kayce smiles and shrugs at the therapist.
John comes up for air right where Monica happens to be doing her own physical therapy. They’re shocked to see each other in the pool, and then they hear Tate yelling out for his dad. Kayce’s surprised to see his son at the pool and exchanges a look with Monica. Will he follow Beth’s advice?
