It’s only fitting Netflix’s new interactive series is launching with an interactive trailer. Viewers will decide what direction Bear Grylls heads, whether he crosses streams, swims rivers, climbs mountains, or enters caves in You vs. Wild.
The live-action interactive series will debut on Netflix on April 10, 2019.
Season one consists of eight episodes and has Bear Grylls, Chris Grant, Drew Buckley, Ben Silverman, Howard Owens, Rob Buchta, and Delbert Shoopman on board as executive producers. Ben Simms directs the first season.
“I’m so proud to deliver this first-of-its-kind live-action interactive series, really giving viewers an all access pass to explore the world and its landscapes in my boots. The stakes are high in this one!” said Grylls.
The Details:
“In You vs. Wild, viewers join survival expert Bear Grylls on exciting adventures all over the world. Dense jungles, towering mountains, brutal deserts, and mysterious forests await, with tough decisions around every corner. In this groundbreaking interactive adventure series, you make all the decisions and whether or not Bear succeeds or fails is totally up to you.
Each episode features an interactive experience with multiple choices, where a user may direct the course of the story.”
Bear Grylls Bio, Courtesy of Netflix:
“Bear Grylls has become known as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure. His journey to this acclaim started on a small island off the U.K. coast, where his late father taught him to climb and sail. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Grylls spent three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces; it was here that he perfected many of the survival skills that his fans all over the world enjoy.
Despite a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa, Grylls went on to become one of the youngest climbers ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest. He went on to star in seven seasons of Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild, which became one of the most watched shows on the planet. Since then, he has hosted more extreme adventure shows across more global networks than anyone else in the world, and is a #1 best-selling author, with over 85 books selling in excess of 15 million copies. He is an honorary colonel to the Royal Marines Commandos and the U.K.’s youngest ever chief scout, and is the first ever global Chief Ambassador to 50 million worldwide scouts.”
CBS’s MacGyver continues season three with episode 18 airing on Friday, April 5, 2019 when the network returns from two weeks of NCAA coverage. Episode 18, “Murdoc + Helman + Hit,” was directed by Roderick Davis from a script by executive producer/original MacGyver creator Lee David Zlotoff.
Episode 18’s guest cast includes Erica Frene, Andre Reed, Haley Goldman, Drew Sheer, G-Rod, Brandon Rush, and Matthew Alan Brady.
Season three’s cast is led by Lucas Till as Angus “Mac” MacGyver. George Eads plays Jack Dalton, Tristin Mays is Riley Davis, Justin Hires is Wilt Bozer, and Meredith Eaton plays Matty. Recurring guest cast members include Levy Tran as Desi, Tate Donovan as Oversight, David Dastmalchian as Murdoc, and Michael Des Barres as Nicholas Helman.
The “Murdoc + Helman + Hit” Plot – When Nicholas Helman (Des Barres) resurfaces to carry out a killing spree, the Phoenix is forced to get help from the one person who knows him best… his protégé, Murdoc.
The MacGyver Plot:
“MacGyver, a reimagining of the classic series, is an action-adventure drama about 20-something Angus “Mac” MacGyver, who creates a clandestine organization within the U.S. government, where he uses his extraordinary talent for unconventional problem-solving and his vast scientific knowledge to save lives. Joining his team on high-risk missions around the globe is maverick former CIA agent Jack Dalton; Riley Davis, an unpredictable computer hacker with a chip on her shoulder; Wilt Bozer, Mac’s roommate and the newest agent on the team; and Matty Weber, a legend in Covert Ops and the director of operations at the Phoenix Foundation.
Under the aegis of the Department of External Services, MacGyver takes on the responsibility of saving the world, armed to the teeth with resourcefulness and little more than bubble gum and a paper clip.”
The first official trailer for season two of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina declares being wicked never felt so good. Even her aunties know there’s something different about Sabrina following her dark baptism, and fans of the Netflix supernatural series are going to discover what that is in season two of the popular series.
Netflix has set an April 5, 2019 premiere date for the new season which will consist of nine episodes. The first 10-episode season debuted on October 26, 2018, followed by a special mid-winter episode that bridged the gap between the two seasons.
In December 2018, Netflix gave fans a holiday present by announcing the show will stick around for seasons three and four.
The cast of the critically acclaimed horror series is led by Kiernan Shipka in the title role. Miranda Otto, Lucy Davis, Ross Lynch, Michelle Gomez, Chance Perdomo, Jaz Sinclair, and Richard Coyle also star in the popular series along with Tati Gabrielle, Adeline Rudolph, Abigail Cowen, Lachlan Watson, and Gavin Leatherwood.
The Plot:
“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina imagines the origin and adventures of Sabrina the Teenage Witch as a dark coming-of-age story that traffics in horror, the occult and, of course, witchcraft. Tonally in the vein of Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist, this adaptation finds Sabrina wrestling to reconcile her dual nature – half-witch, half-mortal – while standing against the evil forces that threaten her, her family and the daylight world humans inhabit.
Part 2 finds Sabrina exploring her darker side, curious to learn more about her heritage, while struggling to maintain her friendships in the mortal world. Romantically, Sabrina is caught in an unholy love triangle with between sexy warlock Nicholas Scratch and salt-of-the-Earth mortal Harvey Kinkle. Meanwhile, The Dark Lord, Madame Satan, and Father Blackwood continue to conjure chaos in the Spellman household and the town of Greendale. And they aren’t the only ones trying to raise hell. Everything is in question…relationships, identity, true intentions…when the devil’s work is at hand.”
Poster for ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ starring Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio took to social media to unveil the first teaser poster for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The new poster features DiCaprio and Brad Pitt in late ’60s garb, looking as casual as possible while leaning against unseen walls.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is Quentin Tarantino’s ninth movie and as with most of his features, Tarantino’s packed the picture with a list of recognizable names. In addition to Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, the cast includes Margot Robbie (currently filming Birds of Prey [And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn]), Al Pacino (The Pirates of Somalia), Timothy Olyphant [Santa Clarita Diet), Luke Perry (Riverdale), Damian Lewis (Billions), Dakota Fanning (The Alienist), Tim Roth (The Hateful Eight), Emile Hirsch (The Autopsy of Jane Doe), Clifton Collins Jr (Westworld), Scoot McNairy (Halt and Catch Fire), Keith Jefferson (Django Unchained), Nicholas Hammond (The Rage in Placid Lake), and Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs).
Brad Pitt plays Cliff Booth, Leonardo DiCaprio is Rick Dalton, and Margot Robbie stars as actress Sharon Tate. Al Pacino is Marvin Schwarzs and Dakota Fanning plays Manson family member, Squeaky Fromme. Damian Lewis is Steve McQueen and Emile Hirsch tackles the role of Jay Sebring, one of the Manson Family’s murder victims.
Tarantino wrote and directed Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He also produces with David Heyman and Shannon McIntosh. Georgia Kacandes is on board as an executive producer. Tarantino’s behind the scenes team includes production designer Barbara Ling, costume designer Nancy Haigh, and director of photography Robert Richardson.
Sony Pictures will be releasing the crime drama in theaters on July 26, 2019.
The Plot: Quentin Tarantino’s ninth feature film is a story that takes place in Los Angeles in 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood. The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Pitt). Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don’t recognize anymore. But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbor…Sharon Tate.
Two new clips arrive from the dramatic thriller Hotel Mumbai, based on a true story. The new clips – “Don’t Open the Door” and “We Take Our Chances” – focus on the events inside the Taj Hotel as it’s being taken over by terrorists.
The cast of the 2019 action thriller is led by Oscar nominee Dev Patel (Lion) and Critics’ Choice Awards nominee Armie Hammer (Call Me By Your Name). Nazanin Boniadi (Counterpart, Homeland), Tilda Cobham-Hervey (The Kettering Incident), Anupam Kher (New Amsterdam), and Jason Isaacs (Star Trek: Discovery) also star in Hotel Mumbai.
First-time feature film director Anthony Maras helmed from a screenplay by John Collee and Anthony Maras. Basil Iwanyk, Gary Hamilton, Mike Gabrawy, Julie Ryan, Andrew Ogilvie, and Jomon Thomas served as producers.
Director Maras’ behind-the-scenes team includes director of photography Nick Remy Matthews, editor Peter McNulty, production designer Steven Jones-Evans, and costume designer Anna Borghesi, with music by Volker Bertelmann.
Bleecker Street and ShivHans Pictures will release Hotel Mumbai in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on March 22, 2019. Hotel Mumbai expands on March 29th.
The Plot: A gripping true story of humanity and heroism, Hotel Mumbai vividly recounts the 2008 siege of the famed Taj Hotel by a group of terrorists in Mumbai, India. Among the dedicated hotel staff is the renowned chef Hemant Oberoi (Kher) and a waiter (Patel) who choose to risk their lives to protect their guests. As the world watches on, a desperate couple (Hammer and Boniadi) is forced to make unthinkable sacrifices to protect their newborn child.
CBS’s action drama S.W.A.T. will return after a one-month break with season two episode 18 titled “Cash Flow.” Episode 18 was directed by Billy Gierhart from a script by Andrew Dettman and Amelia Sims, and is set to air on Thursday, April 4 at 10:00pm ET/PT.
The “Cast Flow” guest cast list features Daniel Lissing as Ty, Joseph Melendez as Ruiz, John Orantes as Tito, Frederick Lawrence as Security Chief Wagner, Christopher Matthew Cooke as Maddox, Jessica Lynn Parsons as Grace, and Adam William Zastrow as Jonah. Samira Izadi is Rubina, Arianne Alexander is Captain Longoria, Danielle Argyros is Lea, Cameron Gharaee is Lloyd, Julienne Irons is Officer Oslin, David Meunier is Mickey, and Crispin Alapag is Barnes.
The cast of season two includes Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Stephanie Sigman as Jessica Cortez, Alex Russell as Jim Street, and Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay. Lina Esco stars as Christina “Chris” Alonso, Kenny Johnson is Dominique Luca, Peter Onorati is Jeff Mumford, David Lim is Victor Tan, and Patrick St. Esprit plays Commander Robert Hicks.
The “Cash Flow” Plot – Hondo has a tense reunion with a fellow Marine, Ruiz (Joseph Melendez), when the SWAT team hunts an escaped convict who was broken out of prison by criminals using stolen military weapons. Also, Chris prepares for a difficult goodbye when her former K-9 partner becomes ill.
Emily Browning and Pablo Schreiber in ‘American Gods’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Season two episode one of Starz’s American Gods ended with Shadow Moon sucked up in a beam of light after he stopped the attack on the Old Gods gathered in the diner. Season two episode two airing March 17, 2019 begins with Shadow (Ricky Whittle) hooked up to electrodes. He struggles to open his eyes, reacting in pain after receiving an injection.
Restrained and unaware of what’s happening, Mr. Town (Dean Winters) assures him the question he should be asking is not where he is but why he’s there. The electrodes activate and Shadow writhes in pain.
Meanwhile, Laura (Emily Browning) keeps an eye on Shadow’s light far off in the distance from inside the diner. Outside, Czernobog (Peter Stormare) informs Wednesday (Ian McShane) they need to perform the expected rituals to acknowledge Zorya Vechernyaya’s death. He believes there won’t be a replacement Zorya following her death because no one worships her anymore. However, he knows a new star will rise in her place, and they need to pray this new star will be worthy of worship.
Wednesday assures Czernobog he’ll have his vengeance. He then asks Mama-ji (Sakina Jaffrey) if she’ll fight, and she doesn’t believe she has a choice. She’ll join him if she can swap her weekend shift as a maid.
Inside the diner, Mad Sweeney (Pablo Schreiber), Salim (Omid Abtahi), and The Jinn (Mousa Kraish) eat breakfast as Laura demands to know the plan to rescue Shadow. Mama-ji interrupts to tell them to hit the road to retrieve Gungnir, Wednesday/Odin’s spear, from the Corn Palace.
The Jinn will head off on a road trip to fetch Gungnir while Wednesday and Mr. Nancy (Orlando Jones) have a different destination in mind. Mr. Nancy calls shotgun, which pisses off Mad Sweeney who’s tired of having someone usurp his position with Wednesday. Wednesday isn’t fazed and tells Mad Sweeney to accompany Laura on her quest to find Shadow, since she’s certain he can’t find his own way home.
The American Gods writers acknowledge the fan response to the team of Mad Sweeney and Laura with Wednesday’s comment: “You two make such a great pair. It seems a shame to split you up.”
Salim, of course, refuses to leave The Jinn’s side. He wants/needs to accompany him on the mission to retrieve Odin’s spear. The Jinn warns him it’s a dangerous mission, but Salim believes in The Jinn and wants to help. Salim smiles as he takes a seat in The Jinn’s sidecar and puts on the offered helmet.
Laura definitely doesn’t want to take another road trip with Mad Sweeney, but he’s not about to let his coin leave his sight. She warns him to stay out of her way or else the gods will be planning his funeral.
Shadow’s still restrained and still cringing in pain when Mr. Town informs him they couldn’t locate any records of his family, other than his mother and wife. Calling him a bastard and a nobody, he grudgingly admits Shadow’s tough. Mr. Town wonders if that’s what Wednesday sees in him, asking what it is that Wednesday wants from him.
Shadow claims he’s just a bodyguard and doesn’t know anything. Mr. Town demands to know why Shadow always just goes with the flow and why he didn’t say no to robbing a bank or going with Wednesday. Shadow says it’s just his curious spirit.
Mr. Town laughs and meows. He then sends another surge of electricity through Shadow’s body.
Shadow’s mind flashes back to when he was a teenager. He and his mother (Olunike Adeliyi) pass the Statue of Liberty on their arrival in America, discussing its origin. Shadow doesn’t know America, even though this should be his home. She reminds him his light is strong, and he confesses he doesn’t believe he’s going to like it in America. She promises it’ll just be one summer and then they’ll “be back on the world tour.”
Laura and Mad Sweeney continue to bicker on the road, and she reveals she doesn’t believe in luck. Plus, she’s an atheist who thinks God is a fairy tale for grown-ups. Mad Sweeney responds to that admission with, “You’re in the fairy tale now, aren’t you?”
Laura keeps her eye on Shadow’s light, instructing Mad Sweeney where to turn. She’s not ready to let go of the god conversation, telling him his group aren’t gods – they’re made by people looking for answers. “You’re monsters under the bed just f**king with human lives,” says an angry Laura. They’re so busy arguing about gods, death, and infidelity that Mad Sweeney almost runs into a cow in the middle of the road. He swerves to avoid it, only to run over a nail.
Bilquis (Yetide Badaki), who left the diner prior to the attack that killed Zorya, meets with Mr. World (Crispin Glover) at the Black Briar Golf Club. He’s sympathetic that she was unable to convince any of the Old Gods at the meeting to join forces with the New Gods. Bilquis assures Mr. World the attack will only serve to sway Old Gods who weren’t committed to Odin’s plan to join him in the upcoming war.
Mr. World is, likewise, sure the Old Gods will scatter. He plans to attack the Old Gods, but Bilquis warns him if he fails with his plan the Old Gods will come back stronger. He believes Bilquis should join the New Gods as love is the most powerful weapon. Bilquis refuses, reminding him love and war should never meet.
Bilquis stands firm in her decision not to join the New Gods in the war, but Mr. World thinks the Old Gods will know she betrayed them. He warns that if she doesn’t choose a side, she’ll be trampled by both.
Ricky Whittle and Dean Winters in ‘American Gods’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Mr. Town continues his torture of Shadow, acknowledging he’s doing so at the direction of Mr. World. Mr. World needs to know why Wednesday would bring a nobody into his group, but Shadow can only say that Wednesday doesn’t tell him anything.
Another flashback shows Shadow’s mom going out on a date but not before she warns him to be careful outside. She gives him a kiss and says, “Love your light, my beautiful son.”
Shadow heads out wearing headphones, walking through a nearby park that’s filled with people. It’s not long before three guys attack him, asking why he talks weird. He explains he’s from France, and they deliver a beating because he’s a stranger and sounds white. They take his tape deck, warning him they’ll need more if he doesn’t want to continue to be jumped.
Shadow sees an opening, grabs the tape deck, and makes a run for it. He runs straight into cops who cuff him without finding out his story.
Later at home, Shadow’s mother explains the boys and the cops just want to feel valued and loved. Shadow’s confused because these people don’t even know him, and his mother assures him he’s always viewed as the enemy in their stories – one who will take what they have and keep them from getting what they want. Shadow knows that’s not the truth of who he is, but he’s not sure of his whole truth.
Shadow’s mom tells him his father is dead and gone, and he’s “nothing to miss.” The mood lightens as she turns on some music and invites him to dance.
Laura lifts the car as Mad Sweeney changes the tire. Unfortunately, Laura drops it right on his foot. It’s apparent she’s losing strength as he reminds her she could easily have lifted double that amount just a few days ago.
Tire changed, Laura vomits. She’s pissed Mad Sweeney’s hovering over her, and she tells him either she’ll rot and he’ll get his coin back or she’ll get her life back and she’ll give it to him. If she truly wants her life back, Mad Sweeney knows a devil in New Orleans who might help. However, the price will be steep. Laura swears she’ll do anything to get her life back…after they get Shadow.
Technical Boy (Bruce Langley) continues his search for Media at the request of Mr. World. Media attempts to hide and evade Tech Boy, but he’s far too powerful to be ghosted. He does, however, give Media a minute to collect itself out of respect.
Back to Shadow and he’s continuing to be zapped. A flashback shows he’s at the hospital in the waiting room waiting for test results. He notices a man maneuvering a gold coin in and around his fingers. Shadow thinks it looks like magic, and the stranger tells him magic takes years of practice for most people. He hands the coin to Shadow who drops it on his first try. By the time he’s picked it up, the stranger’s disappeared.
Shadow’s mom emerges from the doctor’s office and the expression on her face indicates the news isn’t good. Mother and son hug.
At home, Shadow’s mother’s on the phone telling whoever is on the other end that she doesn’t want Shadow to stay in the States. She also reveals she doesn’t know how long she has left. Shadow’s been sitting outside on the steps listening to his mother when he hears someone yelling in the alley. Without thinking, he reacts and runs to help. He delivers a solid beating on the three young men, dodging blows as he lands punches. Blood flies and he refuses to allow them to rise, continuing to punch while in a rage.
Knuckles bloodied, Shadow returns home, ashamed that he was out of control. His mother reminds him about his light, but he doesn’t feel it. She’s positive it’s there because she gave it to him and continues to give it to him every day.
Back on the road, Laura’s frustrated Mad Sweeney drives like an old person. She steps on his foot, flooring the accelerator concerned because Shadow’s light is moving further away. Mad Sweeney warns her he’ll survive a crash but she’ll wind up in pieces at this speed.
Mad Sweeney sits down for a smoke as Laura lies down and closes her eyes. She believes the worms are calling her and Mad Sweeney tries to motivate her by telling her she can’t give up just because the road ends. Mad Sweeney mentions a shortcut, and Laura’s angry he held out on her. He knows it’ll be a tight squeeze, but it’s similar to backstage. He hugs Laura to him, demanding she close her eyes and think of Shadow. “We’re going through the horde,” explains Mad Sweeney.
They spin through space and wind up on a bridge over train tracks. Laura sees Shadow’s light and realizes he’s on a train; that’s why the light’s been moving faster than their car.
Laura thanks Mad Sweeney by removing his broken handcuffs. She then jumps down onto the moving train, and Mad Sweeney once again reluctantly follows.
Inside the train, Mr. Town extols the New Gods’ work while saying the Old Gods don’t deserve Shadow Moon. He wonders how a boy went to bed dreaming of the snow and woke up to find it did. Shadow said that didn’t happen, and Mr. Town reacts by kicking the bucket out from under Shadow’s feet, leaving him dangling by his arms which are held fast straight out from his body.
Shadow has a vision of his mother, extremely sick and in bed. He doesn’t know how to live in America without her, and she reminds him to be polite and respectful. He needs to let the hate and pain make him stronger. His light will always shine. She asks about his coin and he retrieves it from his pocket. He works it through his fingers as his mother watches.
The coin spiraling to the ground and shattering symbolizes Shadow’s mother’s death.
Shadow, alone, walks down the aisle of the church toward the altar. He takes a seat in a pew and cries. A short while later he leaves, face hardened and fist clinched.
Wednesday talks to his car which is parked across the railroad tracks. The car was forged from blue-collar sweat and isn’t what it came into this world as. He calls it a Berserker worthy of a Berserker’s honor.
Mr. Nancy wakes up in the backseat and realizes what Wednesday has planned. Wednesday’s going to honor his car in a holy manner by having the train run through it, like a heavy arrow that soars from the bow of a Viking king. The train will send his car off, lighting its path to Valhalla.
Mr. Nancy finally emerges from the car, swearing no one is going to Valhalla. Wednesday assure his car they will meet in its reincarnation.
As Wednesday’s saying goodbye to his car, Laura and Mad Sweeney are making their way into the train. Laura immediately dispatches the first person she sees. More men arrive and no matter how hard they punch, Laura doesn’t react. Mad Sweeney dodges some blows and then uses his head as a weapon before knocking out his attacker. He then dispatches him with a screwdriver.
The fight continues and Laura is tazed, which doesn’t affect her – much to her attacker’s surprise.
Mr. Town holds up a coin, telling Shadow it’s a token of a relic who’s unworthy. He wants Shadow to come over to the winning side, tossing the coin in the air.
Laura makes her way into the cabin where Shadow’s held, knocking out Mr. Town and then squishing the head of another attacker. Blood-soaked, she stands in front of Shadow and says, “I had to save you.”
Outside, Wednesday stands by as the train approaches his car. We see a reflection of the moment of impact in Wednesday’s glass eye.
With just a handful of episodes remaining for this season, The CW’s Supernatural geared up to make its filler episode one filled with character development. Now that we’ve become accustomed to Jack being around, he’s in for storylines centered on him; that doesn’t mean he’s the only one in focus, though, in season 14 episode 15.
Episode 15 off with a distressed-looking dude asking a waitress named Sunny to run away with him, in what looks quite a lot like one of those cheesy romance films. This being Supernatural, the guy doesn’t last long. After kissing Sunny goodbye (how long has it been since we last saw a romantic kiss of any kind on this show, by the way?), the dude finds his head literally exploding as the store clerk belches in disgust.
We then cut to the Men of Letters bunker where Dean (Jensen Ackles) is in full-on hound mode as he chows down an enormous sandwich and makes us wonder yet again how this guy manages to rock a six-pack ab figure with that appetite.
Castiel (Misha Collins), not being one to sleep, first checks in on Jack, who doesn’t act like the sweet-natured boy we’re used to seeing him as. Jack (Alexander Calvert) dotes on the snake belonging to last week’s gorgon antagonist and wonders why the snake isn’t feeling happy.
Cas then moves on to the still-munching Dean, who seems to be the only one holding up well after the slaughter by Michael of the hunters. Dean, whose appetite and indifference are more annoying than friendly in this episode, tells a still grieving Sam (Jared Padalecki) that he can’t put up with another hunt, after his little brother makes it clear he’s off to the hunt with or without Dean; Sam’s tortured by visions of the corpses belonging to Maggie and the fallen hunters.
Castiel decides to tag along with Sam, not wanting his buddy to be alone in his process of grieving, while relaying his other buddy Dean to look after Jack. Dean, again exhibiting uncharacteristic indifference, isn’t too happy to spend time with the brooding Jack, but complies as he’s had experience with soulless Sam.
Castiel, who’s been playing the straight man for some episodes now, falls back into the weirdo role when he mistakes the store clerk’s wordplay for something else entirely, and he and Sam head off to the nearby town where the blown-up head dude had come from. When they arrive, they have the same reaction Marty McFly had in Back to the Future as the town resembles something out of a ‘50s comic book. Cas likens it to The Saturday Evening Post, which he admits he likes to look at while everyone’s asleep (remember how poor Cas doesn’t sleep?). Sam and Castiel pick up the first pasty-looking couple they find on the street to question of the happenings, only to find the straight-combed Justin Smith and his wife haven’t ever heard of what a cell phone is, much less offer something of substance.
Upon the couples’ suggestion, Cas and Sam head to the milkshake shop Harrington’s and are served complimentary shakes by Sunny – the girl we saw romancing the blown-up head dude earlier on, although she seems much more smiley now. The owner of the shop, who somehow already knows about Sam and Castiel’s FBI endeavors, suggests the guy died of an aneurysm. Castiel corrects him by pointing out the dude’s head straight up exploded “like a ripe melon on the sun” – looks like Castiel’s making up for lost time with his sassiness in this episode.
The two are then guided to the boarding house where the victim had stayed, and by this point Sam is very much making himself at home. The matron, who doesn’t seem to like Cas very much, explains the house only rents to young men because young women living alone evidently don’t have morals – yep, definitely a town from the ‘50s. Cas’ search of the room results in some, ahem, R-rated love letters from Sunny she’d sent to her lover. Sam, surprisingly, suggests they delay the search and take it easy for the rest of the night. He’s really excited about having the pot roast dinner the matron has prepared, although he reasons he’s worn out from all the hunting.
Remember the straight-combed Justin Smith? He suddenly recalls he does know what cell phones are and becomes frantic with worry over where he is; he’s met with a blown-up head fate for his troubles.
In the morning, Castiel is befuddled as he can’t find Sam, more so because whoever he asks for Sam keeps sending him from one place to another. Everywhere Cas goes, people pretend they haven’t heard of Sam until he presses on and tries to get them to stop being so smiley all the time. After breaking through Sunny, Cas is redirected toward the house of Justin Smith. There, his widow’s also all smiles as she can’t recall who Sam is at all and insists Justin’s still with us. Castiel’s amazing description of Sam, “The tall man; Beautiful hair?” doesn’t budge either.
The widow finally offers something other than a smile when Cas almost sits on Justin’s favorite chair as she screams bloody murder for him not to. She goes back to laughing once she introduces Justin, who we’re flabbergasted to find out is now Sam – full with horn-rimmed glasses and a cardigan; oh, and let’s not forget a ponytail to boot. Sam, or Justin, is very Steve Rogers-esque as he kicks Cas out for using the H-E-double-hockey-sticks word in his house. In his words, the proper term would be to “skedaddle.”
Castiel traces the change back to Sunny, after surmising it must have been the shakes he and Sam had that made Sam go all ponytail-y, and confronts her about it. In a badass Cas moment, we see him bring on the angel mojo as he threatens to rip the knowledge out of Sunny’s head, only for old-man Harrington to bring in himself flanked with a couple of thugs – as well as Ponytail Sam – to admit he’s the one behind it all.
Harrington explains the town had been on its dying legs when the mill had shut down, and after the death of his wife, his random wish that the town would be restored away from the modern world is fulfilled. Realizing he could do whatever he wanted in this town, Harrington ensured everything was “perfect” and remade everything. The ones who did recall stuff were met with the head-popping fate. Sunny, who is Harrington’s daughter, flees after hearing this and is given chase by her dad.
Meanwhile Cas, who wasn’t affected by Harrington’s powers because he’s an angel, makes short work of the thugs and easily beats everyone to submission. Ponytail Sam pins him down after Cas refuses to hurt him and they scuffle with the angel blade in Ponytail Sam’s hand. Castiel reaches out to his friend by telling him he knows what it’s like to fail as a leader, which brings Sam out of his reverie. They confront Harrington outside, who is convinced he’s God in this town. Cas, again comically missing the point, corrects Harrington by telling him “God has a beard!”
Somehow, Harrington flings Castiel away and attempts to blow Sam’s head open until he’s overpowered by Sunny, who also has the same powers. Sunny traps her father in his own world inside his head where he can be happy with his thoughts. We don’t find out what happens to the town after that as the action ends there.
On the other side of the story, Dean – whose main role in this episode is to be comic relief – suggests they feed Jack’s pet snake some bacon to lift his mood (Oh, Dean, what is with you and bacon?), as he’s freaked out that Jack intends to feed live mice to the snake. Dean decides it’s better to take Jack and the snake for a road trip, and they head to Donatello’s. Donny boy is doing much better now and offers Jack advice as to how to deal with life sans a soul.
Donatello explains how he feels nothing after Amara ate his soul; empathy, pity, humanity, all these have no place in him now. Jack tells him while he doesn’t feel nothing, he’s definitely not the same he once was. Donatello advises Jack to have a mantra: WWWD – What would the Winchesters Do?
According to Jack, Sam and Dean are the best people he knows (what about Daddy Cas, though?), and Donatello’s suggestion is that this will give Jack a moral compass to fall back on. Although it seems like the advice worked, Donatello tells Dean that Jack is the most powerful being in the universe, and there’s no telling what he’ll do with that advice. Back in the bunker, the heroes regroup and Dean teases Sam about his time in a cardigan – did we really expect Cas not to tell his bro Dean about this development?
Dean, though, notes that Sam was genuinely happy in his reverie, and Sam admits it was good not to think of his guilt for once. He hates it at the bunker now as it constantly reminds him of the group he lost, but promises he’ll be okay because the bunker is “home”.
Jack, thinking of the WWWD motto, figures that the snake isn’t happy because he misses his friend. So, Jacky boy’s solution is to send the snake to heaven to be reunited with the gorgon. The same gorgon who gouged people’s eyes out and fed on them, mind you. Regardless, Jack turns the snake into ash, thinking his way works. Cas watches from the doorway solemnly, knowing Jack is going down a dark path.
It’s always great to see Jared Padalecki portray someone other than Sam whether it is Lucifer, Soulless Sam, Leviathan, or Gadreel; so, it was fun watching him be Justin Smith for this episode, and Sam and Castiel’s adventure was one for the books. We did see character development for Jack and Sam as they both coped with the loss of friends and Jack’s soul.
With the season finale right around the corner, Supernatural’s definitely going to kick further into gear in the coming weeks.
Steve, Greta, June, Cooper, Gus, Peanut, and Boomer in ‘Wonder Park’ (Credit: Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies)
“It’s time to bring the park back to life. Who’s with me?” asks June (voiced by Brianna Denski), an imaginative young girl who’s trying to save her dream amusement park in the 2019 animated film, Wonder Park.
Young June loves playing pretend and making up stories with her mom (voiced by Jennifer Garner) about a made-up amusement park they name Wonder Park, complete with talking animals who run the place. June wishes that she could create a real Wonder Park.
A few years later, June’s mom becomes ill and has to go away for treatment. June packs away her Wonder Park model, full of fear and resentment over the fact her mother is sick and has left her for who knows how long.
While on her way to math camp, June accidentally discovers Wonderland…a version of Wonder Park that’s hidden in the woods. She quickly realizes the park’s fantastic rides are shut down and the talking animals are on the run. Chimpanzombies have the overrun the park, destroying rides and tossing parts of what’s supposed to be a land full of fun and adventure into the terrible darkness that hovers over Wonderland.
The creative young girl teams up with the animals to try to find a way to bring wonder and fun back to the park.
Colorful, loud, and chaotic, Wonder Park is an animated adventure that has a solid message about being creative and children using their imaginations. Unfortunately, it fails miserably in creating any kind of true excitement, joy, or fun for the audience (no matter the age). The animation and style aren’t anything special and the chaotic action scenes are just rowdy and obnoxious.
The characters lack originality, but the true kiss of death is they’re simply annoying and forgettable. The plot is predictable and boring, and the PG-rated animated film won’t keep the attention of anyone over the age of nine.
To get straight to the point…there’s absolutely no wonder or excitement in Wonder Park.
GRADE: C-
Release Date: March 15, 2019
Running Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG for some mild thematic elements and action
Additional Voices: Ken Hudson Campbell, Kenan Thompson, Mila Kunis, John Oliver, Ken Jeong, Norbert Leo Butz, and Matthew Broderick
Season two of ABC’s gripping drama Station 19 continues with episode 10 titled “Crazy Train.” Episode 10 was directed by Daryn Okada from a script by Anupam Nigam and will air on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT.
Season two of Station 19 stars Jaina Lee Ortiz as Andy Herrera, Jason George as Ben Warren, Boris Kodjoe as Captain Sullivan, Grey Damon as Jack Gibson, Barrett Doss as Victoria Hughes, Alberto Frezza as Ryan Tanner, Jay Hayden as Travis Montgomery, Okieriete Onaodowan as Dean Miller, Danielle Savre as Maya Bishop, and Miguel Sandoval as Captain Pruitt Herrera.
The “Crazy Train” Plot: – Jack and Maya are called to treat people stuck in a subway train and discover a potential threat to the passengers and themselves. Meanwhile, Travis, Ben and Dean get pressured into inviting Sullivan to help repaint walls in Travis’ house and come to a surprising conclusion about Sullivan.
The Station 19 Plot:
“Station 19 follows a group of heroic Seattle firefighters as they put their lives and hearts on the line. The latest series from the executive producers of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder takes us inside the tough, tight-knit and sometimes heartbreaking world of the city’s bravest first responders.
Season two of Station 19 will return with answers to all of our burning questions. With a massive skyscraper fire raging, can Andy (Ortiz) lead her team to safety? Will her former flame Jack (Damon) and teammate Travis (Hayden) survive after an explosion sends them both into jeopardy? And when the dust finally settles, who will win the race for the captain position at Station 19?”
Danielle Savre and Grey Damon in ‘Station 19’ season 2 episode 10 (ABC/Mitch Haaseth)Danielle Savre and Grey Damon in season 2 episode 10 (ABC/Mitch Haaseth)Danielle Savre in season 2 episode 10 (ABC/Mitch Haaseth)Grey Damon in season 2 episode 10 (ABC/Mitch Haaseth)Grey Damon in season 2 episode 10 (ABC/Mitch Haaseth)
