Mayans M.C. Season 2 Episode 8 Recap: “Kukulkan”

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October 22, 2019

Mayans M.C. Season 2 Episode 8 — JD Pardo as EZ Reyes and Clayton Cardenas as Angel Reyes in ‘Mayans M.C.’ season 2 episode 8 (Photo by Prashant Gupta/FX)

Angel (Clayton Cardenas) and EZ (JD Pardo) are out on a leisurely cruise to their dad’s place as FX’s Mayans M.C. season two episode eight kicks off. Meanwhile Emily (Sarah Bolger) is helping the Reyes brothers get to the truth behind their mother’s murder by looking through ledgers in the Galindo family’s storage locker. She finds a box marked household bills and pulls out an older ledger. She locates the transactions that match the ones Happy pointed out to EZ and Angel.

Angel and his dad relax and enjoy breakfast in front of the butcher shop, with Felipe (Edward James Olmos) teasing his youngest son that constantly being on his cellphone will make him stupid. They discuss the upcoming vote which will determine if EZ’s earned his patch, and Felipe assures him he’ll be there supporting him – no matter what.

Angel emerges from the butcher shop, book in hand. There’s a lighthearted exchange between bros before Angel kisses his dad, says he loves him, and heads off to the club for a meeting.

After breakfast, EZ and Emily meet in secret (she’s being closely watched by Nestor, on Miguel’s orders). Emily’s upset about what EZ’s getting her involved in, and she admits she found the photo Dita kept of Felipe and Jose Galindo. EZ confirms he knew his dad worked for the Galindos decades ago, but Emily remains confused as to what she’s doing. She begs to know the truth and EZ spills his guts.

Emily tears up as it registers the Galindos were behind EZ’s mom’s death. She’s shocked and says, “No, that can’t be right! I loved your mom.”

Emily continues to deny the Galindos had anything to do with the murder, calling the very thought of a connection “insane.”

EZ reminds her he wouldn’t be exploring this avenue – and involving her – if he wasn’t 100% convinced he was right. He believes his dad (when he was still going by his real name, Ignacio Cortina) did something to get on the wrong side of Jose Galindo. His parents fled to the U.S. and were safe until Miguel moved to Santo Padre.

Emily’s stuck in denial mode. She refuses to consider the idea of Miguel ordering the murders of EZ’s parents. Miguel didn’t even become involved in the cartel business until his father died. “I know Miguel. He is not the person who destroyed your family,” says Emily, voice shaking.

EZ’s not budging. He thinks Miguel not only ordered the murder but also through that act destroyed his and Emily’s relationship. Miguel took their future away from them, yet Emily continues to support Miguel.

EZ asks if she found records of the transactions but Emily sidesteps the question with one of her own. She asks why he’s doing this and EZ doesn’t answer. She walks away, claiming he’s wrong and she’ll prove it.

Over at the clubhouse, the Mayans discuss the gun trade. (And, yes, Chibs is mentioned!) The Mayans need to take control of the guns now, according to SAMCRO, and a meet has been set up. Even though the Santo Padre charter won’t be in charge (this has always been a NoCal operation), SAMCRO wanted Bishop and the Mayans at the table.

“This is one of Jax Teller’s last requests. We’ve got to represent,” says Coco. (The memories this statement dredges up are still painful to Sons of Anarchy fans.)

EZ’s made it to the clubhouse when the meeting breaks up. He tells Angel about his talk with Emily and that she now knows everything. Angel thinks EZ took a huge risk. EZ then breaks the news Emily refused to tell him what she found. She needs time to sort out what she’s just learned.

Speaking of Emily, she’s interrogated when she returns home. Both Dita (Ada Maris) and Miguel (Danny Pino) question where she’s been, but Emily plays it off. There’s obvious tension between Emily and Miguel which Emily tries to break by offering to make them dinner.

While EZ and Angel were talking, they simultaneously received an unwelcome text from Potter. They ride over for a secret meetup out in the middle of nowhere. Potter (Ray McKinnon) seems to believe they need each other, a claim EZ and Angel wholeheartedly deny.

After Potter’s attempt at small talk gets him nowhere with the brothers, Potter cuts to the chase. If they don’t help him with his rebellion problem, he’ll deport Ignacio Cortina. The knowledge Potter knows his father’s real name and is ready to deport him is more than Angel can stand. EZ’s forced to restrain Angel whose initial response to Potter’s revelation is to kill the messenger.

EZ demands to know what Potter wants, warning him he’s willing to cut his heart out even though Potter’s backup will take him down for the deed.

“Whether you’re inside his circle or not, you had proximity to the cartel and to Senor Galindo. So, my question is to you gentlemen, how far does the ruse go?!” asks Potter, voice escalating into a scream by the end of the question.

If they don’t tell him everything he needs to know (complete with evidence to back it up), then ICE will pick up Felipe and lock him up in a detention center. Potter will allow them a couple of days to figure out what they want to do.

Angel’s furious Potter’s screwed them again, but EZ’s not so sure. He tells his big brother Potter won’t break up their family. He’s not going to let Potter win this time.

EZ’s finally able to calm his brother down. They’ll think about their options on the ride back to the club.

Crows circle overhead as the Mayans head to the meeting at the Flying Serpeant Lodge. Members of the Tempe chapter aren’t happy to see EZ, calling him a snitch.

Miguel drops Dita off at the doctor’s office and she has another secret rendezvous on the roof with Felipe. He’s sure Miguel will find out about their meetings, and Dita surprises him by saying they’re almost done. She tells him she loved him and that he was her savior and protector. But, he left her. Felipe apologizes and she recalls how he fell in love with a village girl he ultimately married.

Dita asks him to never tell Miguel the truth (that he’s his real father). He promises, and Dita gives him a hug and asks for forgiveness.

EZ’s been calling Emily but she’s ghosting him. Angel asks what they’re going to do and when EZ replies, “We’ll know when we know,” Angel jokes that he needs to stop praying at the church of Coco.

Engines roar and here comes the episode’s big SoA crossover! Four Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original members ride up to the lodge. The Mayans rise to greet these old friends as Chibs (Tommy Flanagan), Happy (David Labrava), Quinn (Rusty Coones), and Montez (Jacob Vargas) enter. In typical Chibs style, he greets the Mayans with “Who do I have to f*ck to get a drink around here?”

The meeting begins (after a lot of hugs) and Chibs admits they never expected to still be in the gun business. However, now they’re ready to focus on their other income and need to drop out of moving guns. However, the Mendocino port’s closing down which means the Irish need a new drop-off point. A new arrangement needs to be made immediately which is why SAMCRO invited the Mayans to the table.

The Santo Padre charter points out the San Diego port isn’t an option because the military keeps it hopping. It turns out Chibs is actually thinking the Irish should use the Tijuana port and want to use the club the Mayans just engaged in a shootout with days prior, the Vatos Malditos.

Montez claims their leader is a friend of his and when they talked, the guy never mentioned being on the outs with the Mayans. They’ll be coming to the meeting soon, and Montez assures the Mayans that if VT never mentioned a beef, they’re willing to sit down with the Mayans.

Montez gives his word nothing will go off the rails with SAMCRO there. Chibs thinks they can sort this all out because there’s lots of money riding on this deal.

“You bring them to the table. They’re willing to talk…we’re willing to listen,” says Bishop.

Meanwhile, Miguel meets with Paloma in the tunnels. She’s brought a folder with information on Sophia Fiero, a young woman with a deformed hand who fit the criteria Miguel asked about. She’s in Coatzacoalcos and the locals describe this blind woman who sells items in the market as having been with a tall white man with a mustache – Potter. It turns out Sophia had a child and based on when Potter was there, the child is most likely his.

Paloma wants Miguel to give his word no one will hurt this woman and her child. Miguel gives it, explaining he’ll use her as leverage to get Adelita back.

Outside the lodge, EZ’s busy filling the tanks of the Santo Padre charter when he’s hassled by a couple of members of the Tempe group. Riz (Antonio Jaramillo) and Coco (Richard Cabral) step in and the Tempe dudes obviously have no clue who they’re messing with when one shoves Coco away.

Coco turns to EZ and says, “I’m feeling a little burnt out from the ride. Do me a favor – f*ck this b*tch up.”

EZ doesn’t pause and immediately headbutts the biggest guy. After that guy falls, EZ moves to the next one, landing multiple blows the guy’s barely able to respond to.

Angel emerges from the meeting to find his brother in the middle of the fistfight. He can’t believe EZ’s hitting a patch but backs down when Coco says he ordered him to do so.

Fight over for now, the wagons circle around EZ as the Santo Padre guys head back inside the lodge.

And now we’ve come to the episode’s second huge revelation. Emily returns to the storage shed, determined to get to the truth. She locates binders with copies of the checks issued that match the figures EZ asked about. Both of the checks in question were signed by…wait for it…Dita Galindo! (I saw that coming. Did you?)

A short while later Emily (with Nestor paying close attention from the front passenger seat) picks up Dita at the doctor’s office. Dita asks if Emily found the quote from her father she was looking for in the storage locker. Emily explains she didn’t, but she did find records of old household payments from 10 years ago. She drops off Dita and then has Nestor take her downtown. She wants to visit Felipe’s butcher shop.

The shop’s closed but Felipe opens it for Emily. While Nestor waits outside, Emily slyly pushes an envelope across the counter. Felipe looks at its contents as he prepares the steaks. Emily explains EZ discovered a hitman killed his mom and was hired to kill Felipe as well. The payments came from Mexico and the copies of the checks in the envelope match the amounts paid.

Did Dita order the hit? She signed the checks but was she acting on her own or following her husband’s instructions?

Emily doesn’t know where to turn with this information and asks for his help. They both need to protect their families, and Felipe asks for a couple of days to get things together and make sure they’re safe.

Miguel arrives and Emily exits the store to greet him. He demands to know why she’s there, and Felipe walks out with the steaks in a bag. “It seems as if all the women in my life can’t stay away from you, Senor Reyes,” says Miguel.

Felipe responds he’s the only butcher in town.

Emily realizes Nestor’s been reporting in to Miguel.

The Vatos Malditos arrive at the lodge and after Chibs and Montez lay out what’s at stake, the VM decide to participate in the meeting. Chibs explains the payouts for the guns, with the Vatos Malditos’ cut set at 30%.

The Mayans agree to the terms and when the VM ask what SAMCRO’s cut will be, Chibs begins to explain they were supposed to get a share for the first two years of this new deal. Bishop interrupts as Chibs seems to be on the verge of saying they’ll take less because it’s taken three years to make it to this point. “We’re okay with that – you getting the 10%,” says Bishop, with the Mayans acknowledging that’s what Jax Teller wanted. (What I’d give to see Charlie Hunnam in a flashback in this episode!)

Montez has a quick whispered conversation with Chibs and then announces SAMCRO’s giving half of their 10% to the Vatos as restitution for the Mayans taking out nine of their club members.

The Vatos leader refuses to accept that offer. He wants restitution directly from the Mayans. Bishop barely contains himself as he reminds VT they came over the border and into the Santo Padre charter’s area without even a phone call. They got what they deserved.

Chibs tries to play peacemaker. He says both sides are in the wrong, but also suggests the Mayans put something on the table as restitution for nine dead. Bishop confers with his people and then offers that during the first year they’ll match SAMCRO’s 5%.

The VT demand 20% and both sides take to their feet, with the sound of guns being cocked as a backdrop. Chibs remains seated but yells, “Jesus Christ, f*cking Mexicans! You make us Scots look sensible!”

Chibs suggest the Mayans up their offer to 5% for two years. Seats are retaken and the deal is struck while tension remains so high you can cut it with a knife. The meeting eventually breaks up and SAMCRO heads back home after saying goodbye to the Mayans. Chibs’ parting words to Bishop are that Jax would be proud.

Hours later, EZ’s outside taking care of the bikes. He finishes lining them up for the trip when he sees a van at the end of the road. He doesn’t think anything about it but as he’s entering the lodge, the van carrying the VT backs down the street and launches a Molotov cocktail at the bikes. That draws the club out and they immediately come under gunfire.

Bishop and some of the club head back inside, with Bishop instructing his men to follow him. Their plan is to hit the VT from the side while they’re engaged in the parking area with the Mayans who remained outside.

Unfortunately, the VT enter the lodge before Bishop and his men can leave through the side exit. Riz yells at Taza (Raoul Max Trujillo) to get down and is hit as he spreads his arms to block bodies. He takes two bullets to the chest and goes down. The VT finally retreat but not before tossing another Molotov cocktail which catches Coco on fire.

As the episode ends, Riz barely has a pulse. Coco is alive but in severe pain. He cries out that he can’t see.

Evil Will Stick Around for a Second Season on CBS

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 22, 2019

EVIL Season 1 Episode 1 — Mike Colter as David Acosta and Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard in ‘EVIL’ season 1 episode 1 (Photo Jeff Neumann © 2019 CBS Broadcasting)

CBS wants more of Evil, giving the drama an early season two renewal order. Season one of the psychological horror series consists of 13 one-hour episodes, with new episodes airing on Thursdays at 10pm ET/PT. The first season’s expected to finish up on January 30, 2020.

According to CBS, Evil has been averaging over 7.1 million viewers each week. Created by Michelle and Robert King, the new drama stars Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Christine Lahti, Kurt Fuller, Brooklyn Shuck, and Skylar Gray.

In addition to renewing Evil, CBS has given new comedies Carol’s Second Act, The Unicorn, and Bob ♥ Abishola full season orders. The #1 new broadcast series of the season, All Rise, has also picked up a full season order after averaging 8+ million viewers each week.

“These terrific new series have attracted a passionate base of viewers and consistent ratings while delivering entertaining, inclusive and relevant storytelling every week,” stated Kelly Kahl, President, CBS Entertainment. “They’re off to strong starts and are still being discovered on the many catch-up and playback options available to our viewers today. We’re proud of this freshman class and excited about their potential to tell more great stories and further expand their audiences.”

Details on CBS’s New Fall Shows:

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 contractor as they investigate the Church’s backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions and hauntings. Their job is to assess if there is a logical explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work.

All Rise stars Simone Missick in 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.

Bob ♥ Abishola is a love story about a middle-aged compression-sock businessman from Detroit who unexpectedly falls for his cardiac nurse, a Nigerian immigrant, while recovering from a heart attack and sets his sights on winning her over. Undaunted by Abishola’s lack of initial interest or the vast differences in their backgrounds, Bob is determined to win Abishola’s heart, in this comedic examination of immigrant life in America.

Carol’s Second Act stars Emmy Award winner Patricia Heaton as a woman who embarks on a unique second act after raising her children, getting divorced and retiring from teaching: pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. At age 50, Carol is a medical intern and must sink or swim with peers who are half her age. It’s her enthusiasm, perspective and, yes, even her age that may be exactly what will make her second act a great success.

The Unicorn is about a tight-knit group of best friends and family who help Wade (Walton Goggins) embrace his “new normal” in the wake of the loss of his wife one year ago. As a sometimes ill-equipped but always devoted single parent to his two adolescent daughters, he is taking the major step of dating again. To Wade’s amazement, he’s a hot commodity with women, and his friends explain that he’s the perfect single guy – a “unicorn”: employed, attractive, and with a proven track record of commitment. With his daughters and best friends rooting him on and hoping he’ll find happiness again, Wade and his healing heart are ready to try life… and love… a second time.

All Rise Season 1 Episode 6 Photos: “Fool for Liv” Preview

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 22, 2019

All Rise Season 1 Episode 6 — Simone Missick as Lola Carmichael in season 1 episode 6 (Photo: Tina Thorpe 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc)

CBS’s new legal drama All Rise continues season one with episode six, “Fool for Liv.” Episode six was directed by Stacey K. Black from a script by Conway Preston and will air on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT.

Reggie Lee, Jere Burns, Bianca Santos, KJ Smith, Colin Ford, and Tacey Adams guest star. Amanda Wyss, Cassi Colvin, Michael Dempsey, Juliette Jeffers, K.C. Wolf, Ali Kinkade, Tristan Cunningham, and Cynthia Quiles also guest star in “Fool for Liv.”

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.

“Fool for Liv” Plot – Lola contends with a fame-hungry defendant, personal assistant Olivia McLeland (Bianca Santos), and a circus-like courtroom while presiding over a celebrity’s murder trial that forces her to find peace at Sherri’s home after she’s chased by paparazzi.

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.”

Bull Season 4 Episode 6: Photos and Preview of “Into the Mystic”

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 22, 2019

Bull Season 4 Episode 6 — Francesca Faridany as Rachel Thomas and Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull in ‘Bull’ season 4 episode 6 (Photo: David M. Russell © 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

CBS is showing off new photos along with a plot description for Bull season four episode six, “Into the Mystic.” Episode six was directed by Dennis Smith from a script by Marissa Matteo and will air on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT.

Episode six guest stars include Jazzy Kae, Francesca Faridany, John Ellison Conlee, Lee Tergesen, and Kim Sykes. Kara Jackson, Lisa Arrindell, Andrew Rothenberg, Art McFarland, John Caliendo, Isa Goldberg, Arianne Recto, and Kyra Weeks also guest star in “Into the Mystic.”

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.

“Into the Mystic” Plot – Bull and the TAC team question whether they have a solid defense when they represent wealth manager Rachel Elliot (Francesca Faridany) who’s on trial for her husband’s murder, which she claims to have no memory of due to an alcohol-induced blackout. When Rachel’s reputation for aggressive behavior threatens to hurt them in court, Bull avoids jurors with “rage bias,” an inherent dislike of people who can’t control their emotions.

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.

The Resident Season 3 Episode 5: “Choice Words” Photos and Preview

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 22, 2019

Fox’s medical drama The Resident is taking two weeks off for the World Series which kicks off on October 22nd. When it returns it will be with season three episode five, “Choice Words,” airing on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 8pm ET/PT.

The cast of season three includes Matt Czuchry as Dr. Conrad Hawkins, Emily VanCamp as Nicolette “Nic” 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.

The “Choice Words” Plot – After a plane crashes in Atlanta, Devon is overcome by guilt at the thought that he could have prevented the tragedy. Bell, who was a passenger on the plane, makes it his personal mission to save the life of the man seated next to him. Meanwhile, Adaku (guest star Erinn Westbrook) returns to ask Mina a big favor, the Raptor struggles with telling his birth parents about meeting his biological father and Conrad and Nic consider risking it all to investigate a drug that might be linked to Jessie’s death.

The Resident Season 3 Episode 5 — Manish Dayal, Morris Chestnut and Matt Czuchry in ‘The Resident’ season 3 episode 5 (Photo by Guy D’Alema © 2019 Fox Media LLC)

Classic Hollywood: Alice Faye – ’40s Musical Queen of 20th Century Fox

By

James Colt Harrison

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October 22, 2019

Until Betty Grable came along, Alice Faye was the singing sensation of 20th Century Fox musicals. Grable, of course, was more known for her legs and dancing, rather than her singing. Faye was the one who could take a romantic tune and make you swoon.

Faye was a New York girl, having been born there May 5, 1915. Nobody else in the family was in show business, but little Alice (born Alice Jeane Leppert) gravitated toward the stage and performing. Lying about her age, she got a job in the chorus of a vaudeville troupe at age 13. She remained hoofing in the chorus line for several years until she was cast in George White’s Scandals on Broadway in 1931.

In the cast were Broadway legend Ethel Merman, dancer Ray Bolger (Wizard of Oz), and crooner Rudy Vallee. After hearing Faye sing, Vallee put her on his popular radio show from 1932 to 1934 where she became well-known.

When Fox bought the show for a film to be called George White’s Scandals of 1934, the entire cast was brought out to Hollywood. Faye was only to have a specialty song in the film. When film actress Lilian Harvey was to be the star of the film, she played diva and walked off the set, leaving the part open. Vallee insisted Faye play his leading lady, and Faye walked right into the star part.

Mogul Darryl Zanuck was head of his own company at the time, 20th Century Pictures. When he decided to merge with Fox Films in 1935, he immediately offered Faye a long-term contract at the studio. During the Depression, hard-boiled girls were all the rage on screen. Faye did a few potboilers in which she was more like a gun moll than a singer. Zanuck realized that Faye had other qualities and soon began giving her the best lighting, costumes, and softer make-up and hairstyles.

Her new image clicked with audiences. She was thrust into Poor Little Rich Girl in 1936 with Shirley Temple, the moppet star who was the studio’s top money-maker. The film Stowaway followed that same year and made Faye popular with family audiences. Her song “When Did You Leave Heaven?” was honored with an Oscar nomination from the film Sing, Baby, Sing in 1936.

Tyrone Power, at 25, was one of the most beautiful men in Hollywood (along with Robert Taylor, age 27). He was well-mannered, charming, and a gorgeous male specimen. Women fell over in a dead faint when they saw him. He was not well known in 1938, but Faye asked he be tested for her leading man for In Old Chicago. He got a double whammy—as did Faye’s career—when cast also in Alexander’s Ragtime Band with co-star Don Ameche. Featuring Irving Berlin songs, it was the most successful musical film of that decade. It made stars of both Faye and Power.

In 1937, Alice Faye met and married film, recording and radio singer Tony Martin. Their marriage lasted until 1940. He went on to marry MGM dancing star Cyd Charisse. Faye then met comic singer Phil Harris and married him in 1941.

In the meantime, Fox cast her in one musical hit after another. Also in 1938 she played in the rousing Irving Berlin song-fest Alexander’s Ragtime Band with Ethel Merman, Jack Haley (Tin Man in Wizard of Oz), Don Ameche, and Tyrone Power. By 1939 she was on the top 10 lists as a big box-office star. That same year she thrilled audiences again with Rose of Washington Square, co-starring with leading man Tyrone Power and singer Al Jolson.

The musical biography of Lillian Russell was filmed in 1940 and co-starred Don Ameche, Henry Fonda, and Lynn Bari. When Faye refused to star in Down Argentine Way, the studio gave a chance to newcomer Betty Grable. This started Grable’s meteoric rise in stardom during World War II and served as the kick-off point of Faye’s decline. However, the two stars did film another musical that year called Tin Pan Alley with John Payne and the dancing Nicholas Brothers.

Week-End in Havana came out in 1941 and was shot in dazzling Technicolor. The color film showed Faye off to advantage and certainly showcased Brazilian bombshell Carmen Miranda’s tutti-frutti hats and costumes to startled audiences. The fun-filled musical That Night in Rio (1941) gave Fox another chance to have Faye hilariously deal with Carmen Miranda’s slaughtering of the English language. S.Z. “Cuddles” Sakall added to the hilarity. Faye played a Brazilian aristocrat with an American accent!

She and Harris wanted to start a family. Faye gave birth to her daughter, which took her away from 20th Century Fox soundstages for more than a year. She returned with a bang in the smash musical Hello, Frisco, Hello in 1943. Her song “You’ll Never Know” became her trademark tune and won the Oscar for Best Song of 1943. Faye remained as one of the top 10 box office stars. Fox made a bundle on the picture as it was one of its highest grossing movies during WWII.

When Faye signed a new contract with Fox, she was expecting to diversify her roles and play in some dramatic parts in addition to musical roles. She was cast in the drama Fallen Angel directed by Otto Preminger in 1945. Her leading man was Dana Andrews and in the cast was newcomer Linda Darnell, a protege of Darryl Zanuck’s. In order to build up Darnell’s screen time, Zanuck hacked out many of Faye’s best scenes and gave Darnell more footage. (She later did become a star in Forever Amber and Letter to Three Wives). Faye had had enough and literally walked off the Fox lot and never returned. True or not? It has become Hollywood legend. She was more interested in raising her family.

She and Phil Harris continued as stars, only this time on radio and not in films. Harris had a running role on comic Jack Benny’s show from 1936 to 1952. However, by 1948 they began the ‘Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show,’ a top 10 program that ran until 1954.

Faye did not miss making films, but she kept her toes in show business. She starred in the Broadway show Good News with film star John Payne and comic foil Stubby Kaye. She remained active before the cameras doing successful commercials. The Harris’ retired to Rancho Mirage near Palm Springs and had a full life until Harris’ death in 1995. Their marriage had lasted 54 years.

Alice Faye lived on in her desert home until May 9, 1998 when she died of stomach cancer at age 83. Faye remains popular with fans all over the world because her films are shown regularly on television.

The Moodys Holiday Comedy Starring Denis Leary Premieres Mid-December

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 21, 2019

The Moodys Cast — Denis Leary, Jay Baruchel, Francois Arnaud, Chelsea Frei and Elizabeth Perkins in ‘The Moodys’ (Photo by Jonathan Wenk © 2019 FOX MEDIA LLC)

Fox has set a December 4, 2019 launch date for the comedy event series, The Moodys (originally titled A Moody Christmas). The network plans to air the holiday-themed series over three nights, with two episodes airing on each of the three nights.

Episodes one and two air on December 4th followed by episodes three and four on December 9th, beginning at 9pm ET/PT. Episodes five and six arrive on December 10th.

The cast is led by four-time Emmy nominee Denis Leary (Rescue Me) and three-time Emmy nominee Elizabeth Perkins (Weeds). Francois Arnaud (Midnight, Texas, The Borgias), Chelsea Frei (Sideswiped), Jay Baruchel (Man Seeking Woman), Maria Gabriela de Faria (Deadly Class), Josh Segarra (Arrow), Kevin Bigley (Sirens), Gerry Dee (Mr. D), Ulka Simone Mohanty (The Dinner Bash), and Megan Park (The Secret Life of the American Teenager) also star in the event series.

Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, and Tad Quill wrote and executive produced the comedy. Fisher and Greenberg also directed the holiday series. In addition, Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum, Trent O’Donnell, Phil Lloyd, and Jason Burrows served as executive producers.

The Plot, Courtesy of Fox:

The Moodys follows a tight-knit, but slightly dysfunctional family of five, all of whom gather in their hometown of Chicago for the “perfect” holiday. From break-ups to arrests to sharing one bathroom, each family member is packing his/her own eccentricities and hiding secrets from the others – as if the holidays were all about carols and eggnog!

The family includes SEAN SR. (Leary), his wife, ANN (Perkins), and their three grown children – DAN (Arnaud), the youngest of the siblings and the “creative one”; BRIDGET (Frei), the middle sister and the “overachiever”; and SEAN JR. (Baruchel), the oldest sibling and “screw-up,” still living at home with his parents.

Castle Rock: Dustin Thomason Talks Season 2 and Stephen King’s Characters

By

Rebecca Murray

-

October 21, 2019

Watch out, citizens of Castle Rock. Annie Wilkies (played by Lizzy Caplan) is coming to town and she’s bringing her own particular brand of crazy with her. Season two of the Hulu series finds the villain of Stephen King’s Misery arriving in Castle Rock, a town where even the most level-headed residents have trouble wrapping their heads around supernatural/disturbing events.

During our interview at the New York Comic Con, series creator Dustin Thomason discussed choosing which Stephen King characters to incorporate in the series and the possibility of season one characters showing up in unexpected ways in the new season.

The second season of the Hulu series will premiere on October 23, 2019.

Can you talk about the idea of integrating family dynamics and the theme of outsiders arriving in town in season two?

Dustin Thomason: “I think that for me and for a lot of Stephen King fans, the reason that Stephen King is Stephen King is because of his character work, not because of his scares. He’s obviously a master of horror and a master of thrills, but at the same time he’s been elevating the genre for 50 years.

I think that’s what all of us who work under the umbrella of King – and I think so many horror writers…great horror writers – now are working under the umbrella is that you lead with character. You try to understand why you should be afraid for the people that you are afraid for first, and then you start putting them in situations that are really scary. I think for me, even thinking about the canon and things as varied as The Body and Shawshank, those are fundamentally emotional stories. They’re not fundamentally scary stories.

I think that’s the magic of Stephen is that he is really a character writer first and I think a horror writer next. And that combination is what has made him Stephen King.

In season one we showed the audience that not everything is normal in Castle Rock. The idea was that I think there could be a season of Castle Rock that had no supernatural element to it, but I haven’t met that season yet. I think that for me, part of what I love about Stephen’s work, too, is that often he’ll start in a story that seems sort of very terrestrial and then it will turn into a very kind of different story. The Stand is kind of that way. It starts as an outbreak novel and then it transitions into something very different.

I think that seems like part of the exciting challenge of Castle Rock is how do you really ground the audience in some really serious human themes at the beginning and hopefully entertain and make them laugh along the way, but then at some point in the season take a turn into a genre element that I hope sort of resonates thematically with the character work we were doing in the beginning.”

Castle Rock Season 2 — Lizzy Caplan in ‘Castle Rock’ season 2 (Photo By: Dana Starbard/Hulu)

Were there any Easter eggs you included in season one that viewers didn’t catch? Maybe some that you never saw mentioned online?

Dustin Thomason: “You what’s amazing is during the release of season one people were so exhaustive in their coverage of Easter eggs that often they would discover Easter eggs that I didn’t know about. Because part of what’s been fun about Castle Rock is that the crew… We shoot in Massachusetts. A lot of the crew are New Englanders who have a deep attachment to Stephen King and so they throw little Stephen King references into everything – sometimes to an extent that in the editing room I will see them and I’ll be like, ‘This seems like a lot of Stephen King Easter eggs!’

There’s some amazing videos online where people have outlined even Easter eggs I didn’t anticipate.”

Speaking of fan reactions, did you incorporate or pay attention to the reactions to season one going into season two?

Dustin Thomason: (Laughing) “You know, I suppose that when you are doing a second season that is fundamentally about a super fan who has a lot of opinions about the work, there must be some sort of subconscious connection. And by the way, that’s why Stephen wrote Misery was for exactly that reason. I think part of my experience of season one and season two is that in season one there were things that people liked, things that people didn’t like about the ending and all those things. I’m always kind of okay with that because I sort of take a, ‘Well, we did our best,’ approach to it and we’ll continue to try and do our best approach.

I think as a fan myself I like certain things more than other things, and certain episodes more than other episodes of TV. Living with that is sort of part of the job, I guess.”

Will anyone from season one show up in season two?

Dustin Thomason: “Part of the original intention was always to plant seeds and in the way that Stephen has characters pop back up in unexpected places, for characters to do exactly that in Castle Rock. Now, again, some people saw the very, very end of season one with Jackie and the post-credits tag and go, ‘Oh, they’re going right to the Overlook.’ Obviously, we’re not going right to the Overlook. But the question is when, the question is how, the question is what unexpected way will you see her again?

Obviously, everybody wants to know if we’ll ever see Bill (Skarsgard) again. I think that part of what I will say is that we always had the intention of circling back, just not in the way that people necessarily expect.”

How far out do you have a grand plan for the series?

Dustin Thomason: “To me, there’s sort of two ends of the spectrum of that question. And honestly, I think Stephen would be okay with me saying this. There’s the J.K. Rowling end of the spectrum and then there’s the Stephen end of the spectrum. I would say that Castle Rock falls somewhere in the middle of those two, which is to say it’s not like I know, honestly, what the last shot of season eight of Castle Rock is. I don’t. But I know what the plan is and I know what we are seeing about the universe. I know how some of these characters fit into the tapestry of that universe and at a multi-season level where we’re going next.”

When you’re working with these iconic characters from Stephen King, are there ever any you have to push off to the next season that you can’t incorporate into the current season?

Dustin Thomason: “I mean, absolutely. Also, the truth is that because Stephen’s universe has been so widely adapted, it’s not like I can just take every character I want, either. Sometimes there’s that question too.

I think the biggest thing for us though, because we do have so many of the iconic characters and stories, was how do we narrow down which one we’re going to do when? That really is a big, big question for us that is a constant struggle. Do we introduce this character in a small way in this season or do we wait and build an entire season around them? That is a good question in thinking about how we approach each of them.”

More on Castle Rock Season 2:

A Look Back at Season 1:

The Crown Season 3 Shows Off a Revealing New Trailer

By

Rebecca Murray

-

October 21, 2019

A little over a month out from the series’ third season premiere Netflix has finally released a full trailer for the much-anticipated new season of The Crown. Season three finds Oscar winner Olivia Colman (The Favourite) taking over the lead role played by Claire Foy in seasons one and two.

In addition to Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II, the cast includes Golden Globe nominee Tobias Menzies (Outlander) as Prince Phillip and two-time Academy Award nominee and Emmy winner Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech, The Wings of the Dove) as Princess Margaret. Ben Daniels (The Exorcist) stars as Lord Snowdon, Josh O’Connor (The Durrells) is Prince Charles, Erin Doherty (Les Misérables) plays Princess Anne, Marion Bailey (Britannia) is The Queen Mother, Charles Dance is Lord Mountbatten, and Jason Watkins (Hold the Sunset) is Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Season three of the critically acclaimed biographical drama was written by two-time Academy Award nominee Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Queen).

Season two of the award-winning series starred Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II, Matt Smith as Prince Phillip, John Lithgow as Sir Winston Churchill, Victoria Hamilton as the Queen Mother, Jared Harris as King George VI, Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret, and Dame Eileen Atkins as Queen Mary.

Netflix has set a November 17, 2019 premiere date for the third season of the critically acclaimed series.

The Plot:

The Crown tells the inside story of two of the most famous addresses in the world — Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street – and the intrigues, love lives and machinations behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Two houses, two courts, one Crown.

The third season of The Crown sees a new guard sweep into Downing Street, as Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) and her family struggle to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing Britain. From cold-war paranoia, through to the jet-set and the space age – the exuberance of the 1960s and the long hangover of the 1970s – Elizabeth and the Royals must adapt to a new, more liberated, but also more turbulent world.

Magnum P.I. Season 2 Episode 5: “Make It ‘Til Dawn” Photos and Preview

By

Rebecca Murray

-

October 21, 2019

It’s Halloween and there’s a real-life monster on the loose in CBS’s Magnum P.I. season two episode five. Episode five was directed by Bryan Spicer from a script by Gene Hong and Tera Tolentino and will air on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT.

The episode’s guest cast includes Bobby Lee, Hayden Szeto, Dan Southworth, Shane Miyashiro, Zane Rawlins, Raiden Barrientos, Eve Brenner, Alexa Luczak, Ryder Tadaki, and Kordell Kekoa.

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.

“Make It ‘Til Dawn” Plot – On Halloween, Magnum and Jin (guest star Bobby Lee) search for a skip-tracer at a Halloween bash, just as Katsumoto tracks an escaped killer who is headed to that same party. Also, Higgins and Rick must spend the night at an allegedly haunted house in order to debunk the notion, and TC and Kumu protect a sacred Hawaiian burial ground.

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!”