Chris Geere as Jimmy Shive-Overly and Aya Cash as Gretchen Cutler in ‘You’re the Worst’ (Photo by Byron Cohen / FX)
FXX wants more of You’re the Worst. The half-hour adult comedy has been renewed for a fourth season as just announced by the network and according to the official announcement, season four will air in 2017. Season three is currently airing on Wednesdays at 10pm ET/PT, with the season premiere bringing in the show’s highest ratings to date.
“Expertly written, brilliantly acted, You’re the Worst continues to be hilarious and excellent,” said Eric Schrier, Co-President of Original Programming for FX Networks and FX Productions. “We’re excited to get Stephen and his team working on next season and thank everyone at You’re the Worst for their outstanding work and the opportunity to keep producing great TV together.”
The cast is led by Chris Geere and Aya Cash and includes Desmin Borges and Kether Donohue.
Commenting on the renewal, executive producer/writer Stephen Falk said, “It is a daily thrill to have You’re the Worst in the same network family as Archer, Fargo, American Crime Story, The Americans, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Better Things, Louie, etc., and while I am currently deep in Post on Season 3 and so, so tired, you guys, I am overjoyed. That FX mysteriously manages to have a crystalline brand identity with such a wide variety of shows is a testament to the extreme talents of John, Eric, Nick, Chuck, John, Nick, Matt, Nicole, Kevin, Kate, Jonathan, Barbara, Stephanie and everyone else. I realize I don’t need to kiss their asses because they’ve already picked up the next season, but it is heartfelt.”
The Plot:You’re the Worst is a modern look at love and happiness told through the eyes of two people who haven’t been very successful with either. It’s the story of Gretchen and Jimmy, fear, heartbreak, romance, sex, food, Los Angeles, Sunday Funday, friendship, and the fact that sometimes the worst people make the best partners.
An original comedy from writer and executive producer Stephen Falk, You’re the Worst puts a dark twist on the romantic comedy genre. Narcissistic, brash, and stubborn Jimmy Shive-Overly (Geere) has inadvertently found himself paired up with cynical, people-pleasing, and self-destructive Gretchen Cutler (Cash). Rounding out the cast is Desmin Borges, who plays Edgar Quintero, Jimmy’s once homeless war veteran roommate who is struggling to manage his PTSD while forging a post-combat life; and Kether Donohue as Lindsay Jillian, Gretchen’s best friend and former partner in crime who’s exploring her identity after her loveless marriage was resurrected by a surprise pregnancy.
James Marsden and Evan Rachel Wood in ‘Westwood’ (Photo: John P. Johnson / HBO)
HBO’s much anticipated sci-fi drama Westworld will kick off its 10 episode first season on October 2, 2016 at 9pm ET/PT with an episode titled ‘The Original.’ The series is inspired by the 1973 movie of the same name and was created by Jonathan Nolan (The Dark Knight) and Lisa Joy (Burn Notice). Nolan and Joy are also Westworld‘s writers and serve as executive producers along with J.J. Abrams, Jerry Weintraub, and Bryan Burk. The cast is led by Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden, Thandie Newton, and Jeffrey Wright. Tessa Thompson, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Jimmi Simpson, Rodrigo Santoro, Shannon Woodward, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Ben Barnes, Simon Quarterman, Angela Sarafyan, Luke Hemsworth, and Clifton Collins, Jr. also star in HBO’s hour-long new thriller.
The 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.
Logan (Ben Barnes) is a veteran guest whose hedonistic romp through the park is equally motivated by self-indulgence and a desire to help his friend, William. Lee Sizemore (Simon Quarterman) is the head of Narrative, whose storylines tantalize the guests, while his temperament grates on his colleagues. Clementine Pennyfeather (Angela Sarafyan), one of Westworld’s most popular attractions, is perfectly beguiling, by design. Stubbs (Luke Hemsworth) is the no-nonsense head of Security, charged with monitoring host and human interactions and ensuring the safety of the guests. Lawrence (Clifton Collins, Jr.), a charming but lethal outlaw, has a knack for maneuvering and negotiating the various criminal elements of Westworld.
Westworld October 2016 Episodes:
Ben Barnes in ‘Westworld’ (Photo: John P. Johnson / HBO)
Episode #1: “The Original”
Debut date: SUNDAY, OCT. 2 (9:00-10:15 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: Oct. 2 (10:15 p.m., midnight), 3 (11:15 p.m.), 4 (6:45 p.m., 10:30 p.m.), 5 (11:30 p.m.), 6 (8:00 p.m.), 8 (9:45 p.m., 12:45 a.m.) and 11 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Oct. 3 (8:00 p.m.), 7 (8:00 p.m.), 8 (3:00 p.m.), 9 (7:45 p.m.) and 29 (4:00 p.m.), and Nov. 26 (noon)
As another day of fantasy plays out in Westworld – a vast, remote park where guests pay top dollar to share wild-west adventures with android “hosts” – top programmer Bernard Lowe (Jeffrey Wright) alerts park founder Dr. Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins) about incidents of aberrant behavior cropping up in some recently re-coded hosts. Meanwhile, in the Westworld town of Sweetwater, a rancher’s daughter named Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood) encounters a gunslinger named Teddy (James Marsden) in the street – but their predictable narrative is upended by the appearance of a ruthless Man in Black (Ed Harris) and, later, by a supporting host’s unscripted encounter with an artifact of the outside world.
Teleplay by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy; story by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy and Michael Crichton; directed by Jonathan Nolan.
Episode #2: “Chestnut”
Debut date: SUNDAY, OCT. 9 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Oct. 9 (11:30 p.m., 2:00 a.m.), 10 (10:30 p.m.), 11 (9:10 p.m.), 12 (11:30 p.m.), 14 (2:30 a.m.), 15 (10:35 p.m.) and 18 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Oct. 10 (8:00 p.m.), 15 (3:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m.), 16 (8:00 p.m.) and 29 (5:10 p.m.), and Nov. 26 (1:10 p.m.)
A pair of guests, first-timer William (Jimmi Simpson) and repeat visitor Logan (Ben Barnes), arrive at Westworld with different expectations and agendas. Bernard (Jeffrey Wright) and Quality Assurance head Theresa Cullen (Sidse Babett Knudsen) debate whether a recent host anomaly is contagious. Meanwhile, behavior engineer Elsie Hughes (Shannon Woodward) tweaks the emotions of Maeve (Thandie Newton), a madam in Sweetwater’s brothel, in order to avoid a recall. Cocky programmer Lee Sizemore (Simon Quarterman) pitches his latest narrative to the team, but Dr. Ford (Anthony Hopkins) has other ideas. The Man in Black (Ed Harris) conscripts a condemned man, Lawrence (Clifton Collins, Jr.), to help him uncover Westworld’s deepest secrets.
Written by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy; directed by Richard J. Lewis.
Episode #3: “The Stray”
Debut date: SUNDAY, OCT. 16 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Oct. 16 (11:30 p.m., 2:00 a.m.), 17 (10:45 p.m.), 18 (9:00 p.m.), 19 (11:00 p.m.), 22 (10:10 p.m.) and 25 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Oct. 17 (8:00 p.m.), 21 (8:00 p.m.), 22 (2:00 p.m.), 23 (8:00 p.m.) and 29 (6:05 p.m.), and Nov. 26 (2:10 p.m.)
Elsie (Shannon Woodward) and Stubbs (Luke Hemsworth) head into the hills in pursuit of a missing host. Teddy (James Marsden) gets a new backstory, which sets him off in pursuit of a new villain, leaving Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood) alone in Sweetwater. Bernard (Jeffrey Wright) investigates the origins of madness and hallucinations within the hosts. William (Jimmi Simpson) finds an attraction he’d like to pursue and drags Logan (Ben Barnes) along for the ride.
Written by Daniel T. Thomsen & Lisa Joy; directed by Neil Marshall.
Episode #4: “Dissonance Theory”
Debut date: SUNDAY, OCT. 23 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Oct. 23 (11:30 p.m., 2:00 a.m.), 24 (9:50 p.m.), 25 (9:00 p.m.), 26 (10:30 p.m.) and 29 (9:35 p.m.), and Nov. 1 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Oct. 24 (8:00 p.m.), 28 (8:00 p.m.), 29 (10:50 a.m., 7:05 p.m.) and 30 (8:00 p.m.), and Nov. 26 (3:10 p.m.)
Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood) joins William (Jimmi Simpson) and Logan (Ben Barnes) on a bounty hunt in the badlands. The Man in Black (Ed Harris), with Lawrence (Clifton Collins, Jr.) in tow, finds a critical clue in his search to unlock the maze. Dr. Ford (Anthony Hopkins) and Theresa (Sidse Babett Knudsen) discuss the future of the park. Maeve (Thandie Newton) is troubled by a recurring vision.
Written by Ed Brubaker & Jonathan Nolan; directed by Vincenzo Natali.
Episode #5: “Contrapasso”
Debut date: SUNDAY, OCT. 30 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Oct. 30 (11:30 p.m., 2:00 a.m.) and 31 (9:35 p.m.), and Nov. 1 (9:00 p.m.), 2 (10:30 p.m.), 5 (10:30 p.m.) and 8 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Oct. 31 (8:00 p.m.) and Nov. 4 (8:00 p.m.), 5 (1:30 p.m.), 6 (8:00 p.m.) and 26 (4:10 p.m.)
Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood), William (Jimmi Simpson) and Logan (Ben Barnes) reach Pariah, a town built on decadence and transgression — and are recruited for a dangerous mission. The Man in Black (Ed Harris) meets an unlikely ally in his search to unlock the maze.
Teleplay by Lisa Joy; story by Dominic Mitchell & Lisa Joy; directed by Jonny Campbell.
Ne-Yo, Jennifer Lopez, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Misty Copeland and Derek Hough on ‘World of Dance’ (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
Jennifer Lopez will not only executive produce World of Dance, but she’ll also be one of the dance competition’s judges. NBC confirmed Lopez will help judge elite dancers during the 10-episode season one, which will ultimately award a grand prize of $1 million. Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Kris Curry, Matilda Zoltowski, David Gonzalez, Matthew Everitt, and Al Hassas are also on board as executive producers.
“I identify with the struggles, passion, discipline, competition, and exhilaration of dance,” stated Lopez. “I am excited that with this show we can skyrocket a dancer’s career and help guide them to success.”
“This show centers on the need to celebrate and reward the art and athleticism of the dance community and there is no one more passionate about that then Jennifer,” said Meredith Ahr, President of Universal Television Alternative Studio. “Her role at the judges’ table takes our joint ambitions to the next level, and we can’t wait to get started.”
Details on World of Dance, Courtesy of NBC: In partnership with preeminent global dance brand World of Dance, the series brings the world’s elite dancers together to compete in epic battles of artistry, precision and athleticism. Solo artists will compete against duos and crews in an unlimited range of dance, including hip-hop, krumping, popping, locking, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, clogging, stomping and more.
Handpicked from qualifying events around the nation and thousands of online submissions, competitors are divided into three divisions: Junior (any size act under 16 years old), Upper (groups of 1- 4, over 16 years) and Team (groups of 5+, over 16 years). After an initial audition round, divisions face off in duels, until only one of each is left standing. A panel of experts score the acts using a precise point system developed by World of Dance, using the following criteria: Routine, Execution, Presentation, and Crowd Appeal. The epic finale sees the winners from each division duke it out for $1 million and the title “Best in the World.”
Dancers interested in competing on World of Dance should register at www.worldofdancecasting.com.
Grammy Award winner Tom Petty has been named as the recipient of the 2017 MusiCares® Person of the Year award by The Recording Academy. Petty will receive the honor during an awards dinner to be held on Friday, February 10, 2017, two nights before the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. The 27th annual awards dinner will benefit MusiCares, a non-profit established to ensure “music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need.”
“Tom burst into our musical consciousness and never let go,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the MusiCares Foundation® and The Recording Academy. “His brand of rock and roll benefits from a celebratory rebelliousness, infectious rhythms, and unforgettable lyrics that are incised in our imaginations. His artistic talents coupled with his quiet philanthropy make him a great MusiCares Person of the Year honoree, and we are very fortunate to have the support of our Board, past honorees, and the musical community around this special event.”
“I am so very pleased to be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. I have so much respect for this organization, which really does care about the people in our industry,” stated Petty. “I myself know many people who MusiCares has aided in desperate situations. Again, let me say this is a true honor.”
The award is being given to Petty in recognition of his “significant creative accomplishments, his career-long interest in defending artists’ rights, and the charitable work he has undertaken throughout his career, which has notably focused on the homeless population in Los Angeles. Widely recognized by a younger generation of musicians as an example of what an engaged artist can accomplish in his field and beyond, Petty has come to represent the lasting possibilities of rock and roll.”
“Tom Petty is an icon whose incomparable artistry has provided inspiration to fans and musicians all over the world,” said Alexandra Patsavas, Chair of the MusiCares Foundation Board. “To honor him with this tribute is so fitting, and we certainly look forward to an exciting and extraordinary evening.”
The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow star Franz Drameh promises more time travel, more fun in season two of the comic book-inspired series. During the 2016 San Diego Comic Con, Drameh took part in roundtable interviews to discuss what fans of the series can expect from the upcoming season and from Jefferson ‘Jax’ Jackson in particular. Season two of the popular series will premiere on The CW on Thursday, October 13th at 8pm ET/PT.
The CW’s released plot details for the first episode of season two: “After the defeat of the immortal villain Vandal Savage and the exposure of the corrupt Time Masters, a new threat emerges. Dr. Nate Heywood (Nick Zano), an unconventional and charming historian, is thrust into the action. After making a shocking discovery, Nate seeks out Oliver Queen (guest star Stephen Amell) for help in finding the scattered Legends. Once reunited, the Legends continue their new mission to protect the timeline from temporal aberrations – unusual changes to history that spawn potentially catastrophic consequences. Their first stop is 1942 to protect Albert Einstein from being kidnapped before the Nazis destroy New York City with a nuclear bomb. Meanwhile, Ray (Brandon Routh) notices that Sara (Caity Lotz) has a mission of her own, which leads them both to face her nemesis, Damien Darhk (guest star Neal McDonough).
Franz Drameh Interview:
Are you excited about this season?
Franz Drameh: “Last season was fun, but last season has nothing on what we’re doing on this season. We’re switching things up a bit. We’ve got the JSA coming in. We’ve got some new characters joining the Legends team so it’s going to be intense.”
What can you tease about Jax in season two?
Franz Drameh: “I guess Jax in season one he started learning a bit more about the Wave Rider, knowing how things work and how to sort things. That’s definitely something that he continues to do in season two. And now with the Firestorm aspect of it, he’s got these new transmutation powers. He’s learning a lot more about what he can do.”
And working with Victor Garber?
Franz Drameh: “It’s great working with Victor Garber. We have tons of fun. It’s just a nice kind of relationship to portray. We started season one where we were butting heads and it was very tumultuous. But as the season progressed, we kind of bonded and found our feet. It was quite nice being a cohesive unit.”
What’s the dynamic like with Dr. Stein moving forward?
Franz Drameh: “We had our issues at the start of the season, especially with him dragging Jax aboard the ship and being really bossy with him. We’ve kind of worked things out. Of course, our relationship changes depending on the situation that we’re in. It’s not always smooth sailing. This team of Legends mess up quite a bit so there’s always a little back and forth. It’s a little of a dysfunctional family so for sure there are issues, but I feel like the Firestorm dynamic is…we’re on the same page now.”
You’ve been able to get Victor Garber to pose for some fun Instagram photos. How do you get him to do it?
Franz Drameh: (Laughing) “I force him to do it. That’s what I do. I twist his arm and force him to do it. He’s like, ‘I don’t want to do this,’ and I’m like, ‘No, you do. You think you might not want to do it now, you do.’ He’s a good sport. He’s always up for a laugh. He doesn’t take himself too seriously. It’s great working with him. We have a great, great connection.”
What’s the dynamic like with Dr. Stein moving forward?
Franz Drameh: “We had our issues at the start of the season, especially with him dragging Jax aboard the ship and being really bossy with him. We’ve kind of worked things out. Of course, our relationship changes depending on the situation that we’re in. It’s not always smooth sailing. This team of Legends mess up quite a bit so there’s always a little back and forth. It’s a little of a dysfunctional family so for sure there are issues, but I feel like the Firestorm dynamic is…we’re on the same page now.”
Any idea where the Legends will be visiting this season?
Franz Drameh: “I don’t know where exactly we’re going to be visiting throughout the season, but we’re going to be visiting some crazy places. We really time travel this season. Where I’d like to go, I’d love it if we got to go to medieval times. I’m a big fan of that. Or, feudal Japan.”
What’s Jax’s relationship with Rip now?
Franz Drameh: “It’s good. I feel like Rip has kind of stopped lying to the team now so it’s good. I think we still get a telling off about trying not to mess up the timeline as we so frequently do. But, yeah, we’re more of a functioning team now.”
Since you mentioned messing up the timeline, could Jax be a good Time Master?
Franz Drameh: “Yeah, I think so. He’s learned about the Wave Rider, he’s learned how it works, he’s learned about time travel. I mean, he got sent back in time and he pretty much rebuilt a time machine. So, yeah, I think he’s getting to be a little Time Master.”
Watch the full Franz Drameh interview:
(Interview by Fred Topel. Article by Rebecca Murray.)
Lin-Manuel Miranda has been tapped to host Saturday Night Live on October 8, 2016. Now that he has some free time since he’s finished up performing in Hamilton, the Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize winning artist will be making his debut appearance as SNL host. Can I put in a request now for a completely musical episode of SNL, please?
Joining Lin-Manuel Miranda for the October 8th episode will be musical guests Twenty One Pilots. Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun of Twenty One Pilots are also making their first appearance on the show as musical guests. Twenty One Pilots made Billboard chart history by having singles “Ride” and “Heathens” in the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously.
NBC recently announced Margot Robbie and The Weeknd are set for the SNL season 42 premiere.
A new trailer’s arrived for Warner Bros Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them starring Eddie Redmayne as wizarding world Magizoologist Newt Scamander. J.K. Rowling wrote the script, Harry Potter veteran David Yates directed, and Katherine Waterston co-stars as Tina. The cast also includes Dan Fogler as Jacob; Alison Sudol as Tina’s sister, Queenie; Ezra Miller as Credence; Samantha Morton as Mary Lou; Jon Voight as Henry Shaw, Sr.; Ron Perlman as Gnarlak; Carmen Ejogo as Seraphina Picquery; Jenn Murray as Chastity; young newcomer Faith Wood-Blagrove as Modesty; and Colin Farrell as Percival Graves. Fantastic Beasts opens in theaters on November 18, 2016.
In addition to releasing another trailer, WB announced the ‘Return to J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World’ global fan event to be held on October 13th at 8:30 p.m. GMT (3:30 p.m. EDT, 12:30 p.m. PDT). Here’s the details provided by the studio:
Attendees will first be treated to a never-before-seen reel featuring some of the thrilling moments from the much-anticipated film. Talent from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will be joining the celebration, in person, at two IMAX theatres, in London and Los Angeles, to welcome the fans.
In London: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, and director David Yates will be on hand.
In Los Angeles: Colin Farrell and Jon Voight will be in attendance.
Fans gathered at those locations, as well as attendees watching from IMAX theatres in New York, Sao Paulo and Mexico City, as well as a non-IMAX theatre in Rome, will be able to submit questions to the stars and director during the Q&A. It will be a rare opportunity to learn more about the story and their thrilling foray into a new era of the wizarding world.
The footage shown, as well as the Q&A, will also be streamed live online at www.facebook.com/fantasticbeastsmovie so eager fans around the world can share in the excitement.
Fans at each location will be presented with a specially designed Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them exclusive t-shirt, commemorating the worldwide event, as well as a collectible mini-poster.
As an added bonus, audiences in the U.S. theatres can stay for a special screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, being presented for the first time ever in IMAX.
The Plot:Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.
Watch the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them trailer:
A murder investigation is underway as Fox’s Scream Queens season two episode two titled ‘Warts and All’ opens. The detective in charge is skeptical of Chanel #5’s claim that a large green plant murdered the Wolf Girl, and all that’s left behind is Wolf Girl’s head and one very confused Chanel. To make matters worse, the detective actually seems to believe Chanel – who was locked in a bathtub – is a suspect.
Dr. Munsch (Jamie Lee Curtis) butts in to ask if you have to have graduated high school to be a detective (the answer is no) as Chanel #5 (Abigail Breslin) continues to scream about a giant Wolf Girl-beheading plant.
Poor Chanel #5…not even her fellow Chanels believe her story. Chanel #1 (Emma Roberts) and Chanel #3 (Billie Lourd) circle her like she’s prey, carrying on about their doctor dates and Chanel #5’s lack of nooky. The detective decides there’s no way to solve the case and leaves, but not before warning Chanel #5 to stop making up stories that just aren’t that scary.
And now we’re introduced to the new case of the week: a man with bubbly skin. The team – Chanels 1, 3, and 5, Zayday (Keke Palmer), Dr. Cascade (Taylor Lautner), and Dr. Holt (John Stamos) – debate the course of action. Chanel #1 wants to pop the tumors, but Dr. Holt says there’s a laser treatment. Unfortunately, the hospital doesn’t have the right machine. Bubble Man (Colton Haynes) resorts to begging for their help.
Zayday confesses to Chamberlain Jackson that she thinks there’s something weird about Dr. Munsch. She wonders why Dr. Munsch started a hospital to cure bizarre diseases and why she would ever hire the Chanels. She suspects Dr. Munsch is in on the killing and wants to get revenge by murdering all the Chanels.
Chanel #1 and Dr. Holt have a movie date and narcissistic Chanel again proves she has no empathy for others. But, Dr. Holt is turned on rather than turned off by her bitchiness and as the movie begins, he puts his arm around her shoulders. Almost immediately his replacement hand attempts to choke Chanel, but she just thinks he’s groping her (which she likes). His hand won’t settle down and it grabs licorice from the guy behind them in the theater. Dr. Holt apologizes and Chanel thinks he’s just imitating the guy in the movie. She’s really into him and they make out.
Bubble Man and Chanel #5 have a heart-to-heart, with Chanel #5 depressed over the break-up a couple of years back with her (imaginary) high school boyfriend. Bubble Man tries to make her feel better and even shows her a picture of his hot self prior to the popping up of the bubbles. She vows to find the money for the laser to return him to hottie status.
Back at the hospital, Chanel #1 hears yelling and goes to investigate. She sees the Red Devil from season one and falls to the floor, screaming. Just when she thinks the axe is about to fall, the Red Devil takes off his mask and it’s Chad! Chad (Glen Powell) tells her he wants her back before putting the mask back on and leaving.
And back to the source of the yelling, it’s coming from Chad’s friend, Randall. Dr. Holt, with assistance from Chanel #1, and Dr. Munsch try to figure out what’s wrong with him. Chad shortly deduces Dr. Holt and Chanel #1 are dating and just as the arguing over Chanel gets good, Dr. Munsch shuts it down by comparing fighting over Chanel’s breasts to going to war over the Falkland Islands (a lot of work for an insignificant amount of land).
Chad and his buddies were out hunting when Randall accidentally shot Liz Cheney in the face. Dr. Munsch feigns concern for Liz, and Dr. Holt diagnoses Randall with the Jumping Frenchmen of Maine disease. Any sudden stimuli will startle him into screaming. Chanel compliments Dr. Holt and Chad brags he’s started a band. Randall doesn’t care about any of this, he just wants to be cured. Dr. Munsch says the hospital will find a cure for his incurable disease.
Chanel #5 and Bubble Man film a fundraising video, but Chanels #1 and #3 say she’s doing it all wrong. She has to stand by him now while he’s not hot, that way he’ll always stay with her.
Zayday and Chamberlain continue their Dr. Munsch investigation. Chamberlain steals microfiche from the library and they set up the reader in the hospital basement, out of the way. They discover the entire hospital staff was murdered on Halloween 1986 (one year after episode one’s Halloween party). Flashback to that night and the Green Meanie is slicing and dicing his way through the staff. Dr. Mike (Jerry O’Connell) falls victim to the monster he helped create while his nurse girlfriend runs for her life through the hospital halls. She’s not fast enough and takes a butcher knife to the back. Fluorescent green footprints mark the halls. The killer was never caught.
Ingrid Hoffel (Kirstie Alley) finds Zayday and Chamberlain in the basement and wants all the details on the Chanels. She wants their daily schedules, but Zayday won’t help her.
Chad and Dr. Holt are showering in adjacent stalls, and it’s a penis competition of course. Chad keeps ripping Dr. Holt’s shower curtain open and finally steps in with him. They’re face-to-face, naked, soaking wet, and talking about checking Chanel’s box. After both admit this stand-off has become very homoerotic, Chad challenges Dr. Holt to a game of squash – the winner takes Chanel. When they shake hands, their penises touch accidentally.
While having lunch in a diner, Bubble Man volunteers to help Chanel #5 find the killer. As they’re talking, two guys start making fun of Bubble Man. Chanel #5 beats the crap out of them and then apologizes to Bubble Man for overreacting.
Zayday and Chamberlain confront Dr. Munsch about scrubbing the hospital’s history. Zayday also accuses her of either being the Green Meanie or hiring someone to do it. Dr. Munsch says she could use a friend because she has a secret to tell. She’s trying to save her own life because she has a disease. Headaches, joint pain, shivering, sweating, and then her neighbor asked why she was walking weirdly. Doctors don’t know what’s up and Dr. Munsch thinks she’s dying. Zayday apologizes for accusing her while outside Ingrid puts her ear to the door.
Alone in the hall, Dr. Munsch is attacked by the Green Meanie, but she gives as good as she gets. Dr. Cascade and Chanel #3 arrive just as Dr. Munsch is about to rip off the monster’s mask. She tells them the Green Meanie is responsible for all the murders and turns to take off the mask but, of course, he’s escaped.
Doctors Holt and Cascade have figured out how to treat Randall’s screaming. As Dr. Holt explains the treatment to Chad, his replacement hand writes down food on a notepad.
Denise Hemphill (Niecy Nash) is back on the case, called in by Dr. Munsch. Denise says her instincts tell her Zayday is a stone-cold hoe. And, to catch a killer you have to get inside the mind of a killer. She knows someone who can help them do that.
Chad and Dr. Holt have their squash showdown and Chad is delivering his best smack talk. Chad wants to know whose hand has been implanted on Dr. Holt’s arm. Dr. Holt doesn’t know, but the hand and the doctor threaten Chad with violence if he doesn’t back off Chanel.
Chanel #1, Denise, Dr. Munsch, and Chanel #3 pay a visit to Hester (Lea Michele) who is locked up in a cell that looks just like Hannibal Lecter’s. Hester knows all about the killings and that there’s a connection to the Halloween murders from 30 years ago. “Quid pro quo, Chanel. I’ll tell you everything that I know but first I want a transfer to your hospital and I want a room with a view,” says Hester, doing her best Hannibal Lecter impersonation. She also has a list of skin products she wants, all of which were discontinued a decade ago.
Bubble Man and Chanel #5 are on the step of the hospital about to kiss when the Chanels show up to celebrate the fact Bubble Man/Tyler passed the test. He’s hanging with Chanel #5, someone society said is hideous. They’re buying the laser for his treatment as a reward. Chanel #1 got the money from Chad.
Chad’s meeting with a private detective who he apparently hired to find out what women think of his penis. He also found out the identity of the man who donated Dr. Holt’s hand. It’s Marshall Winthrop, a world-champion squash player who would murder the opponents he beat. He killed 600+ people and was caught while eating his favorite meal, the same items Dr. Holt wrote on the notepad. He was executed but was also a full-body donor.
Chad confronts Dr. Holt about his serial killer hand.
Zayday and Chamberlain try and figure out Dr. Munsch’s disease. When Chamberlain suggests a break for Ethiopian food, Zayday knows what Dr. Munsch has. They tell Dr. Munsch she has a disease cannibals get after they eat people which makes sense since Dr. Munsch just visited New Guinea. She has less than a year to live. Dr. Munsch swears them to secrecy, but Ingrid planted a bug and is listening in.
Bubble Man tells Chanel #5 via video chat he’s proud to have her as his girlfriend. He’s so happy she sees the real him under all the tumors. He also says he found out something about the killer and it’s a game-changer. As they’re talking, he gets wheeled away for surgery. Chanel #1 and Chanel #3 arrive and Chanel #5 is upset because there’s no way Bubble Man should be going in for surgery right this minute.
Bubble Man gets strapped to the gurney and it’s actually the Green Meanie who is wielding the laser. Bubble Man is dead and Chanel #1 announces, “Ladies, we have another serial killer on our hands.”
Mandy Moore as Rebecca and Milo Ventimiglia as Jack in ‘This Is Us’ (Photo by Ron Batzdorff / NBC)
NBC’s This Is Us has the honor of being the first new series of the fall season to earn a full season order. The network has picked up five additional episodes of the one-hour show, upping the season one episode count to 18. This Is Us debuted to 14.3 million viewers, making it the #1 new show of the fall and NBC’s biggest ratings earner in six years in the Tuesday at 10pm ET/PT time slot.
The series was created by writer/executive producer Dan Fogelman (Crazy Stupid Love). Writer Don Todd, director John Requa, director Glenn Ficarra, Jess Rosenthal, and Charlie Gogolak are also executive producers. This Is Us‘ cast includes Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Justin Hartley, Chrissy Metz, Sterling K. Brown, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Sullivan and Ron Cephas Jones.
“It’s a rare moment in this business when a show so instantly delivers both critical acclaim and hit ratings, but This Is Us is just such an extraordinary achievement,” said Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment. “Creator Dan Fogelman, along with co-directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and the gifted producers, cast and crew, has delivered the kind of heart and depth that resonates with every segment of the audience, and we’re proud to extend its presence on our schedule.”
“We are thrilled. This order for a complete first season of 18 episodes is exactly what we’d wanted and hoped for,” stated executive producer Dan Fogelman. “We’d carefully mapped out an 18-chapter story for the first year of the show, and this allows us to follow through with our exact initial intent. And to get the order so early on is a tremendous show of confidence and a boost for our entire cast and crew. I’m starting to sound like a broken record but I have to thank Dana, Gary, Jonnie, Howard and my amazing partners at 20th as well as Bob and Jen and the fine folks at NBC for continuing to do absolutely everything right by me and this show. I’d gush more but I have to go back to work.”
The Plot: Sometimes life will surprise you. This refreshingly honest and provocative series follows a unique ensemble. As their paths cross and their life stories intertwine in curious ways, we find that several of them share the same birthday, and so much more than anyone would expect.
Ruta Gedmintas as Dutch Velders and Corey Stoll as Ephraim as Goodweather in ‘The Strain’ (Photo by Michael Gibson/FX)
FX announced The Strain will be back for season four which, unfortunately, will be the show’s final season. The horror series based on the books by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan is currently airing season three on Sundays at 10pm ET/PT and stars Corey Stoll, David Bradley, Kevin Durand, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Natalie Brown, Miguel Gomez, Max Charles, Ruta Gedmintas, Rupert Penry-Jones, Samantha Mathis, and Joaquín Cosío.
“We sincerely thank Carlton Cuse, Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan and their creative team as well as the fantastic cast for three exciting seasons of The Strain,” said Nick Grad, President of Original Programming, FX Networks and FX Productions. “Though we’re sad to see it go, we fully support the way in which they are crafting the fourth season’s dramatic conclusion.”
“It is a true joy to work at FX where creative intentions always comes first,” stated Cuse. “Our original plan was for the series to last three years. Once we began telling that story it expanded to be more. After finishing the writing on season three, Guillermo, Chuck and I looked at our remaining story and felt the best version could be told in one more season. We have a fantastic plan for an exciting and climatic season four. We are deeply grateful to FX for supporting our vision and for allowing us to end the show on our own timetable.”
The Plot: Currently airing its third season on FX, The Strain has the very survival of humanity at stake. New York City is a battleground. Written off by the federal government, the people of New York are on their own in the ultimate showdown between humans and strigoi. Our heroes win victories, but are not winning the war. Beset by personal conflicts – betrayal, disappointment, paranoia – our group is splintering… Meanwhile, the Master is close to executing an irreversible transformation of the world. Is there still hope to save the city and humanity?
