Bill Hader and Sarah Goldberg star in ‘Barry’ (Photo by John P. Johnson/HBO)
HBO’s new half-hour series Barry starring SNL alum Bill Hader as a hitman-turned-actor continues its first season with five new episodes in April 2018. In addition to Hader, the new comedy series stars Henry Winkler, Sarah Goldberg, Stephen Root, and Paula Newsome.
Bill Hader created the series with Alec Berg. Hader and Berg also executive produce, write, and direct the freshman HBO series. Season one will consist of eight episodes.
The Plot:Barry is a dark comedy starring Bill Hader as a depressed, low-rent hitman from the Midwest. Lonely and dissatisfied in his life, he reluctantly travels to Los Angeles to execute a hit on an aspiring actor. Barry follows his “mark” into an acting class and ends up finding an accepting community in a group of eager hopefuls within the LA theater scene. He wants to start a new life as an actor, but his criminal past won’t let him walk away —can he find a way to balance both worlds?
Barry April 2018 Episodes:
Episode #2: “Chapter Two: ‘Use It’”
Debut date: SUNDAY, APRIL 1 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
In the wake of shocking news, Gene (Henry Winkler) encourages his students to channel their feelings into their work. Resolved to quit his job and put the past behind him, Barry (Bill Hader) tries not to get pulled back in by Fuches (Stephen Root) and the Chechens. Sally (Sarah Goldberg) tries to crack the nut that is Barry.
Written by Alec Berg & Bill Hader; directed by Bill Hader.
Episode #3: “Chapter Three: ‘Make the Unsafe Choice’”
Debut date: SUNDAY, APRIL 8 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
A frustrated Barry (Bill Hader) misses an acting class to honor an obligation. Detectives Moss (Paula Newsome) and Loach (John Pirruccello) try to piece together a murder puzzle. Gene (Henry Winkler) presses Barry to take more risks. Sally (Sarah Goldberg) is thrown for a loop during an audition, and turns to Barry for comfort. The Chechens rejoice when a legendary assassin arrives.
Written by Duffy Boudreau; directed by Bill Hader.
Episode #4: “Chapter Four: ‘Commit…To YOU’”
Debut date: SUNDAY, APRIL 15 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
Barry (Bill Hader) finds that distancing himself from Fuches (Stephen Root) and the Chechens might be harder than he thought. Sally (Sarah Goldberg) is dismayed to learn that an audition arranged by a prospective agent has strings attached. Gene (Henry Winkler) promises Moss (Paula Newsome) a bombshell, but only over dinner. Barry invites a Marine buddy and his two pals to a party given by his classmate Natalie (D’Arcy Carden), where Zach (Ross Philips), a rising actor, threatens Barry’s claim on Sally.
Written by Sarah Solemani; directed by Maggie Carey.
Episode #5: “Chapter Five: ‘Do Your Job’”
Debut date: SUNDAY, APRIL 22 (10:45-11:15 p.m.)
Barry (Bill Hader) looks to hit the reset button with Sally (Sarah Goldberg), but a scene from “Macbeth” triggers a reaction that pushes them farther apart. Moss (Paula Newsome) moves to interrogate members of Gene’s (Henry Winkler) acting class after a shooting video surfaces. Barry finds himself in a quandary after teaming up with Taylor (Dale Pavinski), a reckless new acquaintance, in a dangerous mission to wipe out a group of Bolivians.
Written by Ben Smith; directed by Hiro Murai.
Episode #6: “Chapter Six: ‘Listen with Your Ears, React with Your Face’”
Debut date: SUNDAY, APRIL 29 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
Barry (Bill Hader) tries to fly solo at a remote airstrip, but Taylor (Dale Pavinski) still wants in. Vacha (Mark Ivanir) looks to exact revenge on the man who killed his brother, despite Pazar’s (Glenn Fleshler) hands-off orders. Moss (Paula Newsome) tries to end her association with Gene (Henry Winkler), but finds herself drawn to his classroom at a critical juncture. Sally (Sarah Goldberg) lobbies for a major acting challenge.
Written by Emily Heller; directed by Hiro Murai.
In the official nearly three minute trailer for Westworld season two, Ed Harris’ character warns, “They wanted a place hidden from God. We had something else in mind entirely. I’m going to burn this whole thing to the ground.”
The trailer, which drops a lot of clues, is backed by a new version of Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” by Grammy and Emmy nominated composer Ramin Djawadi. The official trailer features a glimpse into a variety of worlds to be explored in season two and ends with Bernard (Jeffrey Wright) admitting to a smiling Dolores that she frightens him. She replies, innocently, “Why on earth would you ever be frightened of me?”
Season two will consist of 10 hour-long episodes, matching season one’s run. HBO has set a Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 9pm ET/PT premiere date.
The season one cast included Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Ed Harris, Jeffrey Wright, James Marsden, Tessa Thompson, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Jimmi Simpson, Rodrigo Santoro, Shannon Woodward, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Ben Barnes, Simon Quarterman, Angela Sarafyan, Luke Hemsworth, Clifton Collins, Jr., Talulah Riley and Louis Herthum. New to the sci-fi series for season two are regulars Katja Herbers, Gustaf Skarsgard and Fares Fares.
A Look Back – The Season 1 Plot: Set at the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past, Westworld is a dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin, exploring a world in which every human appetite, no matter how noble or depraved, can be indulged. Among Westworld’s main players are: Dr. Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins), the brilliant, taciturn and complicated creative director, chief programmer and founder of Westworld, who has an uncompromising creative vision for the park. The Man in Black (Ed Harris) is the distillation of pure villainy into one man. Dolores Abernathy (Evan Rachel Wood) is a provincial, beautiful and kind rancher’s daughter, who begins to discover that her entire idyllic existence is an elaborately constructed lie.
Teddy Flood (James Marsden), a new arrival to a small frontier town, quickly proves both his charm and talent with a revolver. Beautiful, razor-sharp madam Maeve Millay (Thandie Newton) has a genius for reading people and a knack for survival, but her seen-it-all-before worldview is about to be challenged. Bernard Lowe (Jeffrey Wright) is the brilliant and quixotic head of the park’s Programming Division, whose keen observation of human nature provides him with boundless inspiration for his life’s work: creating artificial people.
Charlotte Hale (Tessa Thompson) is a mysterious and savvy provocateur with a unique perspective on Westworld. Theresa Cullen (Sidse Babett Knudsen), Westworld’s head of Quality Assurance, is responsible for keeping the park from sliding into unscripted chaos. A first-time visitor, William (Jimmi Simpson) is initially wary of the park’s more lascivious attractions, but slowly uncovers a deeper meaning.
Hector Escaton (Rodrigo Santoro), Westworld’s perennial “most wanted” bandit, subscribes to the theory that the West is a wild place, and the only way to survive is to embrace the role of predator. Elsie Hughes (Shannon Woodward), a sardonic rising star in the Behavior Department, is charged with diagnosing the odd quirks of behavior in the park’s hosts. Armistice (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal) is a savage fighter and brutal bandit, whose ruthlessness is surpassed only by her abiding loyalty to her fellow outlaws.
Evan Rachel Wood and James Marsden star in ‘Westworld’ season 2 (Photo by John P. Johnson/HBO)
Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings and Matthew Rhys as Philip Jennings in ‘The Americans’ season 6 episode 1 (Photo by Patrick Harbron/FX)
FX’s The Americans, a series that has never seemed so timely, began its sixth and final season on March 28, 2018 with an episode titled “Dead Hand.” Season six is set in 1987 and episode one begins by revealing the travel agency has added staff and expanded its business. Philip (Matthew Rhys) appears satisfied with his life out of the spy business, while Elizabeth (Keri Russell) continues to put her life on the line for Mother Russia.
While Philip helps people book their perfect vacations, Elizabeth is playing nurse to an ill woman named Erica who’s a talented artist. She’s smoking more than in the past and her features have hardened.
Elizabeth looks weary, and the conversation between her and Philip is perfunctory at best. Philip invites her to join him to watch Henry play hockey, but she’s unable to due to work commitments.
Paige’s indoctrination into her parents’ hidden life appears near complete. Paige (Holly Taylor) joins her mother and handler Claudia (Margo Martindale) to watch a Russian television show with captions and smiles, enjoying the program.
Philip cheers on Henry and his St. Edward’s Academy hockey teammates. However, Philip’s not the only person rooting for Henry. He’s got a group of female admirers in the stands applauding his every move.
Paige analyzes the program, discussing the lifestyle of the characters and their economic backgrounds. She’s not impressed with the fact women are subservient to men, even the women who are in supervisory positions.
Elizabeth and Claudia question Paige about her professor’s discussion of the arms control summit. Paige reveals he spoke about the Soviet SS-20 and its specifications. However, he added that if the summit’s a success, there won’t be any need for SS-20s anymore. Elizabeth reminds her it’s hard to trust the Americans.
After Paige leaves, Elizabeth provides Claudia with updates on her assignments. Elizabeth’s taken on a lot, and Claudia worries she’s not sleeping. The summit is in nine weeks but first, Elizabeth must fly off to Mexico for a last-minute meeting.
Meanwhile in Moscow, Deputy Chief of Directorate S. Arkady Ivanovich Zotov (Lev Gorn) pays a visit to Oleg Igorevich Burov (Costa Ronin). They speak in private about Oleg’s activities and Arkady’s promotion. Arkady reminds Oleg he’s lucky not to have been shot, and Arkady then gets to the heart of the matter. He needs someone who’s willing to take risks for what he believes.
Arkady reveals the people running the organization now aren’t committed to Gorbachev. These people don’t want change and he needs Oleg to go to America now, unofficially, for the summit. Gorbachev needs the summit to succeed. A general in the Strategic Rocket Forces is supposed to meet with an officer who’s based in Washington in Latin America. Arkady’s concerned there’s someone outside the organization meeting with a Directorate S without informing him. (He’s referring to Elizabeth’s meeting.)
Arkady has met Philip before and is aware he quit a few years ago. Arkady can’t reach out to him, so he needs Oleg to meet Philip in America and try and convince him to stop Elizabeth – or basically spy on his own wife. Arkady further reveals Philip is like them and right now they’re on the losing side in Russia.
Gorbachev doesn’t have the power to get rid of the head of the KGB, and if the KGB wins at the summit then all of Russia will follow them.
The location switches to Mexico City. Elizabeth meets with General Kovtun from the Strategic Rocket Forces and he compliments her on her work. He warns her she can’t speak about their conversation, and then the conversation turns to Philip. Philip also can’t be told about their conversation.
Back at the travel agency, Philip gives his staff a pep talk. He wants them to share happy stories with their potential clients and make one-on-one connections.
At the café in Mexico City, Kovtun reveals the Strategic Rocket Forces are building a system called Dead Hand. It’s an automated response in case America strikes first and Russia is incapacitated. It’s computer-operated and is close to being finished, however, they still need a few pieces of technology for it to be complete.
He hands her a photo of Fyodor Nesterenko who has the necessary technology. Nesterenko is part of the team attending the summit. Kovtun is concerned Gorbachev might have given Nesterenko permission to discuss Dead Hand with the Americans and trade it for the Star Wars program.
Elizabeth stares intently at Kovtun during this discussion, remaining quiet as he says he’s aware she’s working American negotiator Glenn Haskard. He wants her to get word to him if she discovers Glenn is working on the Dead Hand/Star Wars deal. If he is, that would result in Gorbachev being removed from power within 24 hours.
Kovtun warns Elizabeth that because she knows about Dead Hand, she can’t be arrested. She takes a small box he offers without opening it.
On the plane trip home, she opens the box to find an opal necklace. Inside is one small pill to be taken if she’s captured. She places the necklace around her neck, face remaining expressionless.
Paige has a healthy debate about Judge Bork over dinner with her parents, Stan Beeman (Noah Emmerich), and Dennis Aderholt (Brandon J. Dirden). Dennis’ wife, Janine (Eboni Booth), agrees with Paige when she asserts Bork doesn’t believe in women’s rights or anti-segregation laws. The talk turns to Henry, and Stan’s proud he’s a high school hockey star.
The women do the dishes and Elizabeth listens in as Renee (Laurie Holden) and Janine talk about how Stan and Dennis hardly ever see each other at work. Elizabeth learns they’re still working on one case involving a “couple.” Renee confides that she doesn’t like being kept in the dark about what’s going on in Stan’s life.
Oleg prepares for his trip and his wife’s worried he won’t return. She doesn’t think he needs to take the weight of the world on his shoulders, but Oleg realizes this is for the good of the country. He assures her he’ll be back, but she doesn’t believe it.
Back in Washington DC, Elizabeth watches for her target from a nearby coffee house. She looks exhausted and unhappy.
Oleg arrives at the Potomac Inn.
Elizabeth arrives to take care of Erica and brings food for Erica’s husband, Glenn. Elizabeth tells him Erica was bragging that he’s saving the world, and he admits he hopes he’s at least doing his part.
Philip shows off his dance moves at a bar. He’s genuinely having a good time with his employees, and totally into line dancing.
Oleg leaves a mark on a mailbox, indicating he wants a meeting. Philip notices it as he’s driving to work. It disturbs him, but he continues driving. He arrives at work and attempts to concentrate but can’t. He heads home a little early.
Paige takes over the seat in the coffee house previously occupied by her mother and watches the building across the street where the summit is being held. Paige isn’t the only person eyeballing the building.
Matthew Rhys in ‘The Americans’ season 6 episode 1 (Photo by Patrick Harbron/FX)
Philip responds to the meeting request by picking up what looks like a stick left on a brick. Inside the stick is a note that he deciphers.
That night, a Navy man approaches Paige’s car and warns her she’s sitting in an unsafe neighborhood. She was reading a book in her car and claims to be just waiting for a friend. The man’s name is Hanley and he reveals there are sensitive buildings close by. He asks for her phone number and a second form of ID. She offers up her college ID. He then asks her out for dinner but she declines, saying she’ll take a rain check. He holds onto her college ID, saying she’ll get it back on their date Saturday night.
Paige pleads for her ID, promising she won’t skip out on the date. He doesn’t return it and walks away.
A lookout in the coffee house buzzes Elizabeth who’s been circling the building in a car. She lets her female passenger out onto the sidewalk right in front of the targets as they emerge from the summit. The passenger has a listening device and Elizabeth can hear the discussion while driving slowly down the street. For now, it’s mostly about their families.
Later, Paige apologizes to her mom for screwing up and letting Hanley take her ID. Elizabeth tells her it’s okay and that it happens, but Paige is worried. Elizabeth thinks it will be fine because Paige gave the man a fake name, fake address, and fake phone number. Plus, he was just a security guard at the Observatory, not a police officer.
After leaving Paige, Elizabeth tracks down Hanley and kills him. She retrieves Paige’s ID before calmly walking away as he bleeds out.
Philip and Oleg meet in a dark park at night. Oleg informs Philip they need his help. Gorbachev doesn’t have the power he needs to get rid of the people who don’t want any changes. He reveals there are people who want to stop progress and Elizabeth met with one of them. Philip claims Elizabeth just does her job and is good at it, but Oleg thinks she’s being used – or she’s one of the people who are working against Gorbachev.
When Oleg tells Philip he knows where he stands regarding the summit, Philip reminds him he’s no longer involved. Oleg finally lays his cards on the table. He informs Philip they want him to find out what Elizabeth’s doing and stop her. Oleg talks about his own situation and that he’ll be arrested and shot if he’s caught. He’s only in Washington because the future of Russia is being decided right now. He’ll wait for Philip’s answer, leaving him on the park bench with a newspaper.
Philip beats Elizabeth back to the house. They talk about the summit and Philip says it would be good if Russia and America made a deal. Elizabeth thinks that would just mean Russia would get rid of their weapons while America builds up theirs.
Philip’s worried about Elizabeth, telling her she smells like cigarettes and her “whole way of being is off.” He thinks the last few months have been getting worse and that it’s finally getting to her. He wants to talk but she says she’s beat and the summit’s a big deal. She’ll talk about whatever he wants tomorrow. They get into an argument and Elizabeth continues to say she’s exhausted and doesn’t want to have a discussion at 1am.
She doesn’t want Philip’s speeches, she wants sleep.
Philip looks lost as she walks away after glaring at him with ice in her eyes.
In her bathroom, Elizabeth stares at herself in the mirror and she looks death warmed over. She opens her necklace and then closes it again.
TNT’s critically acclaimed dramatic series Animal Kingdom returns in May 2018 for a third season and today the network’s released the full trailer for the new season. The trailer shows Baz (Scott Speedman) isn’t dead…yet…and debuts Denis Leary’s new character, Billy.
TNT’s set a Tuesday, May 29th at 9pm ET/PT premiere date.
The drama is inspired by the 2010 independent film from writer/director David Michod and starring Joel Edgerton, James Frecheville, Sullivan Stapleton, and Guy Pearce. The series stars Ellen Barkin, Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, Jake Weary, Finn Cole, Molly Gordon and Carolina Guerra.
The Plot: This summer, the infamous Cody family is back as TNT’s hit drama Animal Kingdom returns for its third season. In last season’s shocking cliffhanger, Baz (Scott Speedman) was shot while on his way to Mexico after framing Smurf (Ellen Barkin) for murder. Season three opens with Smurf in jail and her grandson J (Finn Cole) in charge of the family business. The Cody men find themselves increasingly divided as they fight for both control and their independence, but have to come together when outside threats emerge. Deran’s (Jake Weary) drifter dad Billy (Denis Leary) comes back to make amends, but may have other motives.
A scene from TNT’s ‘Animal Kingdom’ season 2 (Photo by Eddy Chen)
Thomas Middleditch, Kumail Nanjiani, and Martin Starr in ‘Silicon Valley’ season 5 (Photo by Ali Paige Goldstein / HBO)
HBO’s Silicon Valley continues its season five run with five new half-hour episodes in April 2018. The current season which kicked off on March 25th is the first without T.J. Miller in a starring role, but otherwise sees the return of all the other regulars from seasons one through four.
Created by Mike Judge, John Altschuler, and Dave Krinsky, Silicon Valley stars Thomas Middleditch, Kumail Nanjiani, Martin Starr, Jimmy O’Yang, Matt Ross, and Zach Woods. Mike Judge, Alec Berg, Clay Tarver, Michael Rotenberg, Tom Lassally, Jim Kleverweis, and Jamie Babbit are the executive producers.
The Season 5 Plot: The future is now. Pied Piper finally has enough funding for proper offices and new employees, and to bring its peer-to-peer internet to the world – but leveling up introduces a whole new class of obstacles. While Richard struggles to lead a larger team and play with the big dogs, the rest of the team adjusts to new staff, new digs and new anxieties. Meanwhile, Hooli rival Gavin Belson has returned to power, but finds the threat of Pied Piper, and its boldness, hard to shake.
The Pied Piper guys are closer to real fame and fortune than ever before, as their new decentralized internet “PiperNet” approaches its debut. But more money brings more problems. As Richard struggles with the responsibilities of being the CEO of a rapidly growing company, along with pressures from investors Monica and Laurie, Dinesh and Gilfoyle adjust to a new team, Jared works his hardest to hold everything together, Big Head continues to stumble his way into good fortune and Jian-Yang proves there’s nothing he won’t do to make some fast cash. Meanwhile, at Hooli, reinstated CEO Gavin’s desire to stay relevant threatens to consume him as he seeks to destroy the competition.
Silicon Valley April 2018 Episodes:
Episode #40 (season 5, episode 2): “Reorientation”
Debut: SUNDAY, APRIL 1 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Panicked by suddenly leading a much larger team, Richard (Thomas Middleditch) finds himself managing a number of small conflicts in his efforts to unite his new employees. Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani) celebrates a new purchase that Gilfoyle (Martin Starr) looks to spoil. Jian-Yang (Jimmy O. Yang) goes to court. Gavin (Matt Ross) meets pushback over his signature and what it says about him.
Written by Carson Mell; directed by Mike Judge.
Episode #41 (season 5, episode 3): “Chief Operating Officer”
Debut: SUNDAY, APRIL 8 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
Encouraged by Jared (Zach Woods) to strike up a friendship with Dana (Dan Mintz), a like-minded CEO, Richard (Thomas Middleditch) instead finds himself charmed by Dana’s COO (Ben Koldyke), who challenges his loyalty to Gilfoyle (Martin Starr). Facing limited housing options thanks to his impulse purchase, Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani) searches for a new roommate.
Written by Carrie Kemper; directed by Jamie Babbit.
Episode #42 (season 5, episode 4): “Tech Evangelist”
Debut: SUNDAY, APRIL 15 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
Attempting to woo a gaming company to PiperNet, Richard (Thomas Middleditch) inadvertently angers a prized ally. Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani) deals with a betrayal. In preparation for a big launch, Gavin (Matt Ross) leaves his underlings with a cryptic message. Jared (Zach Woods) gets inside information from Big Head (Josh Brener).
Written by Josh Lieb; directed by Jamie Babbit.
Episode #43 (season 5, episode 5): “Facial Recognition”
Debut: SUNDAY, APRIL 22 (10:15-10:45 p.m.)
Overshadowed by Jared (Zach Woods) in an on-camera interview, Richard’s (Thomas Middleditch) confidence wavers further when Laurie (Suzanne Cryer) and Monica (Amanda Crew) force him to work with Eklow, a new artificial-intelligence company. Gilfoyle (Martin Starr) worries about the prospect of introducing AI into Pied Piper. Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani) makes Jared self-conscious ahead of a second interview. Gavin (Matt Ross) questions his future beyond Hooli.
Written by Graham Wagner; directed by Gillian Robespierre.
Episode #44 (season 5, episode 6): “Artificial Emotional Intelligence”
Debut: SUNDAY, APRIL 29 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
Richard (Thomas Middleditch) decides to help when Laurie (Suzanne Cryer) gets in a jam, but his lack of emotional discipline threatens to backfire on Pied Piper. Gavin (Matt Ross) tries to make a deal with a stubborn partner while abroad. Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani) relishes a rare win. Jared (Zach Woods) bonds with a surprising figure.
Written by Anthony King; directed by Matt Ross.
The anger Prince Liam harbors toward his brother, King Robert, exploded into a wild confrontation between the siblings in season four episode three of The Royals. Liam wound up pulling a gun on Robert and might have done something unforgivable if it hadn’t been for Princess Eleanor hitting him on the head and knocking him out.
The episode also found Princess Eleanor committed to helping a sick girl who didn’t want to miss out on a school dance or on her chance to be with the boy she had a crush on. Jasper continued recuperating from his gunshot wound and the relationship between he and Eleanor heated up. Meanwhile, Robert continued to audition potential Queens.
Season four episode three ended with Jasper in an ambulance heading back to the palace. King Robert (obviously with some outside assistance) managed to make the electricity go out all over London just as Jasper’s journey to the palace began.
Up next, season four episode four titled “Black as His Purpose Did the Night Resemble” airing Sunday, April 1, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT on E!. The first clip from the upcoming episode features Jasper in the ambulance as a crowd approaches, ready to attack.
Season four consists of 10 one-hour episodes starring Elizabeth Hurley as Queen Helena, Max Brown as King Robert, Jake Maskall as Cyrus, Tom Austen as Jasper, Alexandra Park as Princess Eleanor, William Moseley as Prince Liam, and Genevieve Gaunt and Wilhelmina. Brian Robbins, Joe Davola (One Tree Hill, Smallville), and Shauna Phela are the executive producers.
The “Black as His Purpose Did the Night Resemble” Plot: In Sunday night’s episode, Helena is stuck in the palace wine cellar along with some unsavory guests, Jasper runs into trouble when he’s coming home from the hospital, and Eleanor assumes her Royal Responsibility to help the people gathered outside the castle when the King, her mother and brother are nowhere to be found.
The Royals Season 4 Plot:The Royals is a drama about a fictional British Royal family, who inhabit a world of luxury and regal tradition, but one that also involves intrigue and unexpected twists revealing the complexities faced by royals trying to maintain high-profile relationships under scrutiny, and continuing to shine a light on the anarchy in the monarchy.
The fourth season of The Royals picks up after the charming, potentially duplicitous, Prince Robert (Brown) is crowned King of England. Prince Liam (Moseley) and his recently dethroned uncle Cyrus (Maskall) form an unlikely alliance, Queen Helena (Hurley) struggles to control her unruly brood as she figures out her role in the palace. And, after a heated on again-off again relationship, bodyguard Jasper (Austen) tries to capture Princess Eleanor’s (Park) heart one more time just as they are about to face their biggest obstacle yet.
The film adaptation of Alexandra Bracken’s bestselling young adult novel, The Darkest Minds, has just released the first trailer and movie poster. According to the author, the film will cover only the first book in her popular three-book series. Bracken wasn’t involved in the creative designs or casting, however she wrote on her official website that she’s the film’s #1 cheerleader.
Bracken’s The Darkest Minds book series consists of The Darkest Minds, Never Fade, and In the Afterlight. A fourth book, Through the Dark, is made up of three novellas set in The Darkest Minds world: “In Time,” “Sparks Rise,” and “Beyond the Night.”
Bracken’s first novel in the series was adapted by Chad Hodge (Wayward Pines, Good Behavior). Oscar nominee Jennifer Yuh Nelson (Kung Fu Panda 2) directs and Shawn Levy and Dan Levine produced the thriller. The cast includes Amandla Stenberg (Everything, Everything) as Ruby, Harris Dickinson (Trust, Beach Rats) as Liam, Mandy Moore (This Is Us) as Cate, Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones) as Lady Jane, Miya Cech as Zu, Skylan Brooks (The Get Down) as Chubs, and Patrick Gibson (The White Princess) as Clancy.
20th Century Fox has set an August 3, 2018 theatrical release date.
The Plot: When teens mysteriously develop powerful new abilities, they are declared a threat by the government and detained. Sixteen-year-old Ruby, one of the most powerful young people anyone has encountered, escapes her camp and joins a group of runaway teens seeking safe haven. Soon this newfound family realizes that, in a world in which the adults in power have betrayed them, running is not enough and they must wage a resistance, using their collective power to take back control of their future.
First poster for ‘The Darkest Minds’ (Photo Courtesy of 20th Century Fox)
The CW’s iZombie season four episode five found Liv stepping onto the ice and kicking some serious butt after eating a hockey player’s brain. Major ventured out on a short roadtrip with Don E. which, of course, didn’t go exactly as planned. And Peyton tried to help out a starving zombie and his family. The episode did well in advancing all of the storylines and then ended with a game-changing moment for season four.
Liv and Major’s relationship continued to be a tumultuous one over the first four episodes of season four, however episode five may have put an end to any chance of a romantic reconciliation. No one on #TeamLiv has been happy with Major’s commitment to Filmore-Graves and in episode five that commitment took a devastating turn. Major’s support of Chase Graves’ decision to carry through with the execution of Mama “Renegade” Leone (Dawnn Lewis) looks to be the straw that broke the friendship’s back. Renegade’s death will also be the catalyst that will propel Liv moving forward this season. Liv is now determined to step up and take over Renegade’s human smuggling operation.
Up next, season four episode six titled “My Really Fair Lady.” Directed by Tessa Blake from a script by Graham Norris, episode six will air on April 9, 2018.
The cast of season four includes Rose McIver as Olivia “Liv” Moore, Malcolm Goodwin as Clive Babineaux, Rahul Kohli as Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti, Robert Buckley as Major Lilywhite, David Anders as Blaine DeBeers, Aly Michalka as Peyton Charles, Bryce Hodgson as Don E., Jason Dohring as Chase Graves, and Robert Knepper as Angus McDonough.
The “My Really Fair Lady” Plot: RACHEL BLOOM (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) GUEST STARS – Liv (Rose McIver) and Clive (Malcolm) investigate the murder of a pretentious theater actor (guest star Rachel Bloom). Meanwhile, Ravi (Rahul Kohli) makes a huge sacrifice for Peyton (Aly Michalka). Lastly, Blaine (David Anders) makes a startling discovery.
CBS has ordered second seasons of their freshman action dramas, SEAL Team and S.W.A.T.. The network reports that three of their shows – Young Sheldon, S.W.A.T. and SEAL Team – are among the current primetime season’s five most watched new series.
SEAL Team ranks first among the network’s new dramas, pulling in an average of 10.23 million viewers. S.W.A.T. is second with 9.8 million viewers ages 18 through 49.
Young Sheldon was previously announced as returning for the 2018-2019 season.
“These exciting new dramas have been sensational additions to our schedule, are striking all the right notes creatively, and really connect with our viewers,” stated Kelly Kahl, President, CBS Entertainment. “SEAL Team has strengthened our Wednesday line up – routinely winning its time period with over 10 million viewers and allowing us to build an even more powerful night, while S.W.A.T. has improved Thursday’s 10:00 PM hour by over 2.5 million viewers versus last season. Additionally, both are among the very top streamers on our digital platforms, including CBS.com and CBS All Access. We congratulate the talented casts and producers on an amazing year as we look forward to their return next season.”
SEAL Team is executive produced by Benjamin Cavell, Ed Redlich, Christopher Chulack, Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly. The cast is led by David Boreanaz and includes Max Thieriot, Neil Brown Jr., AJ Buckley, Toni Trucks, and Jessica Paré.
The SEAL Team Plot: “SEAL Team is a new military drama that follows the professional and personal lives of the most elite unit of Navy SEALs as they train, plan and execute the most dangerous, high stakes missions our country can ask of them. Jason Hayes is the respected, intense leader of the Tier One team whose home life has suffered as a result of his extensive warrior’s existence. His team includes his trusted confidant, Ray Perry, the longest-tenured operator with whom Jason shares an ingrained shorthand, and Sonny Quinn, an exceptional, loyal soldier with a checkered past who still combats self-destructive tendencies. Undergoing additional rigorous training in the hope of joining Hayes’ select unit is Clay Spenser, a young, multi-lingual second generation SEAL with insatiable drive and dedication.
Vital to the team’s success are CIA analyst Mandy Ellis, who has sacrificed everything in her drive to root out evil and take down terrorists, and Lisa Davis, a no-nonsense, take-charge logistics officer and unofficial den mother responsible for outfitting the team with the necessary gear for each mission. Deployed on clandestine missions worldwide at a moment’s notice, and knowing the toll it takes on them and their families, this tight-knit SEAL team displays unwavering patriotism and fearless dedication even in the face of overwhelming odds.”
S.W.A.T. is based on the 1975 series which starred Steve Forrest and Robert Urich. The new version stars Shemar Moore, Stephanie Sigman, Alex Russell, Jay Harrington, Lina Esco, Kenny Johnson, Peter Onorati, and David Lim.
The S.W.A.T. Plot: “S.W.A.T. stars Shemar Moore as a locally born and raised S.W.A.T. sergeant newly tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, former Marine Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson has everything it takes to be an excellent leader and bridge the divide between his two worlds. Hondo’s elite unit includes David ‘Deacon’ Kay, an experienced S.W.A.T. officer who always puts the team first, despite feeling overlooked for the lead job; Jim Street, a cocky but promising new member of the group; Christina ‘Chris’ Alonso, a skilled officer and the team’s canine trainer; Dominique Luca, an expert driver who gets them in and out of high risk situations; and Victor Tan, who started in the LAPD Hollywood Division and uses his confidential informants in the community to help the team.
Overseeing the unit is Jessica Cortez, the captain of L.A. Metro who values her job above all else, including her off-the-books relations with Hondo. Hondo’s team enjoys an intense rivalry with another L.A.-based unit led by Jeff Mumford, an aggressive leader who likes to do things his way. With Hondo leading the charge, these dedicated men and women bravely put themselves at risk to protect their community and save lives.”
Netflix’s dramatic movie Kodachrome just released a new trailer and poster in support of the film’s April premiere. The two-minute trailer sets up the dysfunctional relationship between a man and his dying photographer father who are forced to deal with each other on a roadtrip to develop rolls of film.
Kodachrome is based on an article by A.G. Sulzberger and was written by Jonathan Tropper (This is Where I Leave You). Mark Ruso (Copenhagen) directed and Tropper, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robinson, Shawn Levy, Dan Levine and Leon Clarence served as producers.
The cast includes Jason Sudeikis (Son of Zorn, The Last Man on Earth), Ed Harris (Westworld), Elizabeth Olsen (Ingrid Goes West, Avengers: Infinity War), Bruce Greenwood (The Resident, Gerald’s Game), and Wendy Crewson (Saving Hope). Netflix is planning an April 20, 2018 release on the streaming service as well as in select theaters.
The Plot: Matt Ryder (Sudeikis) is convinced to drive his estranged and dying father Benjamin Ryder (Harris) cross country to deliver four old rolls of Kodachrome film to the last lab in the world that can develop them before it shuts down for good. Along with Ben’s nurse Zooey (Olsen), the three navigate a world changing from analog to digital while trying to put the past behind them.
