BLACKPINK’s Rosé performs Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” as Apple TV+’s official trailer for Pachinko season two unfolds. The trailer proclaims “within us all lies the courage to change our destiny” as we pick up Sunja’s story.
Rosé’s “Viva La Vida” will also be featured in the second season’s finale.
Season two stars Lee Minho, Yuh-Jung Youn, Minha Kim, and Anna Sawai. The cast also includes Jin Ha, Eunchae Jung, Soji Arai, and Sungkyu Kim. Soo Hugh created the series, based on Min Jin Lee’s bestselling novel. Soo Hugh writes and executive produces along with Blue Marble Pictures’ Theresa Kang and Media Res’ Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer.
Leanne Welham, Arvin Chen, and Sang-il Lee direct season two.
A scene from season 2 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
“Pachinko is a sweeping and deeply moving story of love and survival across four generations, told through the eyes of a remarkable matriarch, Sunja,” reads Apple TV+’s synopsis. “In season two, the parallel stories pick up in Osaka in 1945, where Sunja is forced to make dangerous decisions for her family’s survival during World War II, and in Tokyo in 1989, which finds Solomon exploring new, humble beginnings.”
Season two premieres on August 23, 2024, with new episodes of the eight-episode season arriving on Fridays. The second season’s finale is set for October 11th.
In San Diego for the annual San Diego Comic-Con and looking for something to do on Friday night? Or, are you lucky enough to live in San Diego and happen to be a horror fan? Blumhouse is hosting a special advance screening of Speak No Evil on Friday, July 26, 2024 you might want to check out.
We’ve been fortunate enough to get our hands on 25 Admit 2 passes to the screening at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas. All you need to do is visit http://gofobo.com/ShhShowbiz and enter the code: ShhShowbiz *case sensitive*
However, obtaining the passes is just the first step in securing a seat. Passholders aren’t guaranteed entry as admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s going to be jam-packed which means arrive early and prepare to stand in a long line for a chance at being among the first to see Blumhouse’s Speak No Evil. (Again, possessing a pass doesn’t guarantee a seat.)
(UPDATE: We’ve been given an additional 30 Admit 2 passes!)
Speak No Evil Promo hosted by Blumhouse
The Plot, Courtesy of Blumhouse:
The upcoming thriller and horror film stars James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, and Aisling Franciosi, and is based on the Danish film of the same name. When an American family is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming British family they befriended on vacation, what begins as a dream holiday soon warps into a snarled psychological nightmare.
Speak No Evil opens in theaters on September 13, 2024.
Volume 4 of Netflix’s sports documentary series UNTOLD focuses on the murder of former NFL quarterback Steve “Air” McNair by Sahel “Jenni” Kazemi in 2009 and the 2023 college football sign-stealing scandal. The third installment of the new season shines the spotlight on soccer superstar Hope Solo.
UNTOLD: The Murder of Air McNair will premiere on August 20, 2024. Directed by Rodney Lucas and Taylor Alexander Ward, the installment “captures the excitement of Steve McNair and his Tennessee Titans’ run to the 2000 Super Bowl, as well as unanswered questions surrounding his 2009 murder,” per Netflix.
Installment two of Volume 4 features Connor Stalions, the man at the heart of the NCAA investigation into Michigan football’s sign-stealing scandal. Stalions provides his side of the story in UNTOLD: Sign Stealer directed by Micah Brown and streaming on August 27th.
The third installment, UNTOLD: Hope Solo vs. U.S. Soccer, from director Nina Meredith premieres on September 3rd. “After two tumultuous decades in the public eye, U.S. soccer icon Hope Solo unpacks the unique mix of glory and scandal that accompanied her rise to a level of fame that transcended her sport,” reads Netflix’s synopsis.
Volume 4‘s executive producers include series developers Chapman Way and Maclain Way; Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens, and Isabel San Vargas for Propagate; Ryan Duffy; LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Philip Byron, Jamal Henderson, Micah Brown and Jamie Elias for UNINTERRUPTED; and Angus Wall for MakeMake.
The sports documentary series’s Steve McNair and Hopo Solo installments are produced by Propagate and Stardust Frames Productions. Sign-Stealer is produced by UNINTERRUPTED in association with MakeMake, Propagate, and Stardust Frames.
Director Nanette Burstein’s Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes is set to premiere on HBO August 3, 2024 following its festival run. The HBO Original documentary debuted at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and sits at 80% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
In addition to Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor, the documentary features the voices of actors Roddy McDowall, Debbie Reynolds, Richard Burton, and George Hamilton. Producer Sam Marx, agents Marion Rosenberg and John Heyman, longtime assistant and co-Trustee Tim Mendelson, and friends Liz Smith and Doris Brynner are also included in The Lost Tapes recordings.
HBO offered this lengthy synopsis of the documentary:
“Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes allows Elizabeth Taylor’s own voice to narrate her story, inviting audiences to rediscover not just a megastar of Hollywood’s Golden Age but a complex woman who navigated lifelong fame, personal identity, and public scrutiny on a global stage from early childhood. Through newly recovered interviews with Taylor and unprecedented access to the movie star’s personal archive, the film reveals the complex inner life and vulnerability of the Hollywood legend while also challenging audiences to recontextualize her achievements and her legacy.
In 1964, at the height of her fame, Elizabeth Taylor sat down with journalist Richard Meryman for a candid, extensive interview. Drawing from 40 hours of the newly unearthed audio interviews and extraordinary access to personal photos, home movies, archival interviews, and news footage, illustrated with clips from the iconic roles that mirror her real-life challenges and triumphs, Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes provides the most intimate portrait of the actress to date. Modest, bawdy, charming, honest, at times frustrated, Taylor comes to life as she discusses her film debut in 1943’s Lassie Come Home, her struggle to free herself from the limitations of ingénue roles, her benchmark roles in Giant, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Butterfield 8, for which she won her first of two Academy Awards, and the excesses of shooting the troubled epic 1963 film Cleopatra.
Taylor also speaks unguardedly about her marriages and children, her close friendships with Rock Hudson, Montgomery Clift, and Roddy McDowall, and her fifth marriage to Richard Burton, with whom she would star in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, winning her second Academy Award. Peeling back the layers of one of cinema’s most enduring icons, the conversations reveal a woman at odds with her screen image, yearning for respect and agency, while forever under the microscope of scrutinizing press and the public.”
Poster for ‘Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes’ (Photo Courtesy of HBO)
J.J. Abrams, Sean Stuart, Glen Zipper, Bill Gerber, and Rachel Rusch Rich serve as producers. Executive producers include Burstein, Barbara Berkowitz, Tim Mendelson, Quinn Tivey, and HBO’s Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Sara Rodriguez.
Kim Spearman and Jack Parr in Joachim Hedén’s ‘THE LAST BREATH’ (Photo Courtesy of RLJE Films)
Shark movies have become a genre within themselves. They’re generally pretty hit-and-miss, though. For every good shark movie, there’s an equal and opposite bad one. For every Jaws, there’s a Shark Night. For every The Shallows, there’s a Santa Jaws. And for every Open Water, there’s a The Last Breath.
The Last Breath is about an old seaman named Levi (Warlock’s Julian Sands in what would wind up being his final role) and his first mate, Noah (Jack Parr from Peaky Blinders), who, after searching long and hard, finally locate a wrecked WWII warship called the USS Charlotte.
A group of Noah’s college friends happen to be in town, and when they find out about the Charlotte, they want to scuba dive the site. Levi and Noah initially refuse, but money talks, and soon the group is underwater exploring the shipwreck. Of course, there are sharks in and around the ship, and the gang quickly gets trapped within the vessel’s labyrinthian corridors with the man-eating predators.
Directed by Joachim Hedén (Breaking Surface) from a screenplay by Nick Saltrese (Shark Bait) and a story by Andrew Prendergast (An American Exorcism), The Last Breath is…a shark movie. In a sub-genre that is flooded (both figuratively and literally) with content, it just sort of blends in. It’s well made, and it’s suspenseful and intriguing enough, it’s just that it doesn’t really stand out from any of the other hundreds (or even thousands?) of shark movies out there.
All of the tropes and stereotypes are there. The group of divers is trapped, unable to communicate for help with the surface, while sharks keep them pinned down. There’s the added ticking clock of their air running low (hence the title) which adds a layer of tension to the festivities, but for the most part, you know what you’re going to get with The Last Breath – computer-generated sharks hunting good-looking young people until there’s an ultimate sacrifice to save the day.
The Last Breath does play pretty well into established fears, making it a decent enough horror movie. There’s the fear of water, sharks, drowning, enclosed spaces, being lost, and even mistrust of one’s friends. But even reinforcing these very real fears, the movie sensationalizes them in exploitational ways. You’re not just going to drown, you’re going to drown alone at the bottom of the sea when your friends ditch you. You’re not just going to be attacked by a shark, you’re going to be ripped apart so that you bleed to death before the hungry predator eats you. It’s a creature feature slasher movie, no more, no less.
There’s obviously a market for movies like The Last Breath, which is why so many of them exist. And, in reality, that demographic will probably have fun with The Last Breath. But they’ll also move on once the next movie like it is released. The Last Breath is far from a classic. It’s just another fish in the sea.
GRADE: C
MPAA Rating: R for bloody and grisly images, and language
Release Date: July 26, 2024 in theaters and On Demand
Olivia Cooke and Fabien Frankel in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 6 (Photograph by Theo Whiteman/HBO)
Buckle up, #TeamBlack. Queen Rhaenyra pulled off a few power moves in House of the Dragon season two episode six, with more on the way. Prince Regent Aemond continued to take full advantage of his temporary title, Prince Daemon finally received good news, and Seasmoke re-entered the plotline in a major way.
Warning: This recap contains episode six spoilers. You’ve been warned.
House Lannister’s army, led by Lord Jason Lannister (Jefferson Hall), is greeted by Lord Lefford of the Golden Tooth. Lord Lannister has over a thousand men, plus lions, and assures Lefford they will turn the Red Fork red. House Lefford’s army is ready to join them, but Lannister isn’t prepared to enter the war just yet. He orders a raven to be sent to his brother at King’s Landing, informing him he will march as soon as Vhagar joins them for battle.
Until then, all the Lannister men (and lions) will shelter at Golden Tooth.
Prince Regent Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) is furious when he receives the summons, addressing his small council and Ser Tyland Lannister (also Jefferson Hall) in particular. Ser Tyland points out Daemon’s dragon is at Harrenhal, and, therefore, it’s not out of line to ask for one of their own. Aemond won’t be ordered to do anything by anyone, and commands Tyland tell his brother to march to Harrenhal now.
Aemond ignores Queen Dowager Alicent (Olivia Cooke) when she speaks and instead orders Ser Tyland to make an alliance with the Triarchy. Ser Tyland’s stunned. No one treats with the Free Cities. But Aemond insists the Triarchy will join them as they’d like nothing more than to battle the Sea Snake. That will weaken the blockade.
Alicent is allowed to speak and reminds her son the Triarchy can’t be trusted. She wonders if they’ve heard from the Greyjoys and is told the Red Kraken hasn’t replied. Alicent vetoes the idea of offering Greyjoy her hand in marriage in exchange for his army. Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) agrees with Alicent, which earns him a reminder he needs to set march to Harrenhal. Hundreds of Criston’s men died at Rook’s Rest, and he doesn’t have enough to take on Daemon. However, Aemond believes delaying an advance on the Riverlands gives Daemon time to build his forces.
“Lannister will march from the West. Take what strength we have and force Daemon and his Riverlords to fight on two fronts,” orders Aemond. He assures Criston that he and Vhagar will join them when the time is right. He’s looking forward to battling his uncle.
The meeting ends, and Daemon has Alicent remain behind. He relieves her of her spot on the small council, suggesting she should find other ways to spend her days. (You reap what you sow, Alicent.)
Steve Toussaint in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 6 (Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO)
At Dragonstone, Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) has accepted the position of Queen Rhaenyra’s Hand. Her council assembles and Ser Steffon Darklyn is brought before the table. With Jace’s nod of encouragement, Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) informs the council that she has dragons but lacks dragonriders for Vermithor, Silverwing, and Seasmoke. Lady Rhaena hasn’t bonded with a dragon, and her youngest sons are still babes. Her research shows that the Darklyns and the Targaryens have common blood. Ser Steffon’s grandmother’s grandmother was a Targaryen princess. Therefore, it’s possible he could be a dragonrider.
Ser Steffon is deeply honored to be considered as a possible dragonrider. Ser Steffon believes dragons are gods and understands that if a dragon doesn’t accept him, it could mean death. He’s sworn himself to Queen Rhaenyra and is willing to die a fiery death if it comes to that.
Rhaenyra and Jace (Harry Collett) watch and wait as the dragonkeepers stand with Ser Darklyn and sing, enticing Seasmoke to join them. The rider-less dragon does, and his presence is intimidating, but Ser Steffon stands his ground as the keepers give him instructions on what to say. It seems to be working as Seasmoke settles down near where Ser Darklyn’s standing. He slowly approaches the side of the dragon, and it doesn’t leave. Ser Darklyn believes the dragon’s accepted him, and of course, that’s when the dragon lets loose a fiery breath. Ser Darklyn is engulfed in flames and dies.
Lord Corlys returns to Driftmark and inspects his ship at the docks. He spots Alyn (Abubakar Salim) and asks that he sail with him as his first mate. Alyn doesn’t accept the position, insisting there are better men for the job. Lord Corlys doesn’t take no for an answer, certain Alyn can handle the job.
Later, Alyn’s brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty), can’t believe his brother isn’t jumping at the opportunity to serve as Lord Corlys’ first mate. He wonders if Alyn ever thinks about the wealth that could be theirs – including the Driftwood Throne – if Lord Corlys openly accepted them as his sons. “The Sea Snake would sooner have High Tide claimed by the sea than call us his sons,” says Alyn.
Rhaenyra and Mysaria’s plan to stir discontent among the smallfolk at King’s Landing is going well. Food is scarce and a madame tells fellow patrons in a tavern that the Red Keep has plenty of food and wine. They’re sparing no expense, throwing parties with whores celebrating Prince Regent Aemond. They’re feasting on racks of lambs and pies, while their people starve. Ulf (Tom Bennett) is among the patrons and he agrees that it’s not fair. It wouldn’t have happened if King Viserys was alive or if Rhaenyra sat on the Iron Throne.
Emma D’Arcy in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 6 (Photograph by Theo Whiteman/HBO)
Back at Dragonstone, Lord Bartimos oversteps his position and suggests Queen Rhaenyra has made mistakes. In response, Rhaenyra slaps him, reminding him that she’s someone to be feared.
Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) joins Queen Rhaenyra and assures her Ser Steffon’s death was worth the risk. Rhaenyra doubts herself but Mysaria believes they are on the right path. Although Ser Darkyln was the most likely to succeed, Rhaenyra agrees that she’ll look again. Mysaria delivers the good news that the smallfolks’ anger toward the usurper is building. Their plan will enter the next stage tonight, and Rhaenyra’s certain the escalation will be met with force at Aemond’s command.
The smallfolk can’t topple the king, but they can keep him partially distracted from war abroad.
Turning our attention to King’s Landing, the food’s gone when Hugh’s wife makes it to the front of the line. A cart full of sheep to be fed to the dragons goes by and riles up the smallfolk. The dragons will be fed yet the people go without meat.
Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) informs Prince Regent Aemond that the townsfolk are restless and hungry. Aemond blames it on Rhaenyra’s blockade, but Larys reminds him the people of King’s Landing look to the Red Keep for food and supplies. Larys, in his usual slimy way, hints that he should be named Aemond’s Hand. Aemond hates flatterers and lickspittles, which describes Larys to a T. Larys mistakenly believes Aemond offers him the position, but what the Prince Regent wants is for Larys to send word to Ser Otto Hightower. He will name Ser Otto his Hand.
Grand Maester Orwyle (Kurt Egyiawan) reports King Aegon has regained consciousness and might live, which prompts Aemond to pay his brother a visit. Aegon’s agitated in his brother’s presence and claims to remember nothing of the battle that led to his injuries. Aemond deliberately places a stone ball from the council into Aegon’s hand and then presses both into his brother’s wound. He leans in and kisses his forehead but is stopped from whatever else he had planned by the arrival of the Grand Maester.
Lady Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) suddenly stops as she’s walking around outside the Eyrie. The field is burned to a crisp by dragon fire, which doesn’t make any sense. She returns to the Eyrie, and Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) informs her that Prince Reggio is happy to host her and Rhaenyra’s young sons in Pentos. Rhaena doesn’t react to the news and instead asks why she didn’t tell her there’s a dragon in the Vale. Lady Arryn reveals it’s a large wild dragon without a rider. She changes the subject back to transportation to Pentos as Rhaena stares at a dragon figurine.
Jace admires his mother for attempting to find a dragonrider. He wonders what Lord Bartimos did that deserved a slap, and Rhaenyra explains she needs to be seen as a ruler. Jace asks if she’ll lead them to war herself, and Rhaenyra believes it’s the only option. She can’t wait at Dragonstone and do nothing. Lord Mooton has been directed to march on Rook’s Rest and she’s reaching out to the Vale again. Jace believes no matter how many allies they amass, they can’t match the Greens’ armies. They need Daemon and his dragon.
Rhaenyra’s angry over the mention of Daemon, but Mysaria’s arrival and the news that their “gift” was sent calms her down. And over at King’s Landing, the smallfolk are on the receiving end of the gift. Rhaenyra had multiple small boats sent packed with food and bearing the Targaryen banner.
Grand Maester Orwyle confirms Aegon’s recovery will be slow. Alicent wonders if her father’s responded to her letters, and the Grand Maester says he hasn’t but that there’s now war in the Reach. House Beesbury is fighting the Hightower army in revenge for Lord Beesbury’s death.
Alicent holds Aegon’s hand and tells him she’s sorry. A short while later, she says goodbye to her brother, Ser Gwayne, before he rides out with Ser Criston. Gwayne also hasn’t heard from their father.
After the men ride out, Alicent invites Queen Helaena to join her in lighting a candle for Aegon.
Word of Rhaenyra’s gift spreads among the townsfolk and they rush to the shore to retrieve whatever items of food they can get their hands on. Hugh’s looking at the empty stalls when his fellow citizens return from the shore with armloads of food. They run through the streets carrying bags, and fights begin to break out as people strip others of their food. Hugh (Kieran Bew) even knocks someone down and steals their bag of food.
Alicent and Queen Helaena are lighting candles for Aegon when the Kingsguard informs them they have to leave. By the time they step outside, angry townsfolk have gathered and throw fruit, calling Alicent the “Queen of Fishes.” More food is tossed as shouts of “Long live Queen Rhaenyra!” ring out. Swords are unsheathed as the guards try to protect the queens as they make their way to the wheelhouse (carriage). One man’s arm is chopped off and Alicent orders them to sheathe their swords, but they don’t listen as the mob overtakes the guards. A few continue to stay with the queens while others are trapped and beaten. Alicent and Helaena make it into the wheelhouse and are surrounded again. The guards manage to ride through the crowd and return the women to the Red Keep.
Lord Larys withholds milk of the poppy from King Aegon as he describes Aegon’s condition. Even when he heals, only his mind will retain its full use. Aegon will be like Layrs, pitied and stared at. Larys believes Aegon will be underestimated and that’s something Aegon can use. He also thinks Aegon’s life is in danger as long as Aemond rules. Aegon manages to ask Larys for help as he cries in pain and frustration.
Meanwhile, Seasmoke has made his way to Driftmark and is sending the people of Spicetown running for cover. The dragon focuses on Addam, flying over him and soaring above the trees as Addam runs through the woods. Addam takes a tumble and Seasmoke lands in front of him. Addam and the dragon stare into each other’s eyes, with just a matter of feet separating them.
Back at Dragonstone, Mysaria informs Rhaenyra the gift has had its desired effect. They discuss Daemon, and Rhaenyra admits he was everything she wanted to be while she was living the life Daemon wanted. She confesses her fear that he turned against her. Now that she’s lost Daemon, that means she only has Syrax and two young dragons. It’s not enough to take on Vhagar. Rhaenyra’s thankful she has Mysaria when everyone else is doubting her.
Mysaria reveals her father raped her as a child and that she got pregnant. When the pregnancy was discovered, she was badly butchered. She was also left for dead and vowed never to trust anyone. That changed when Rhaenyra treated her as worthy and valued her as a person. Mysaria believes Rhaenyra is meant to be queen.
They hug, and slowly, the embrace turns into passionate kissing. They only separate when a guard informs them that Seasmoke went to Spicetown and now has a rider. They assume it’s the Greens, and Rhaenyra quickly mounts Syrax to find out for herself.
Matt Smith in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 6 (Photograph by Liam Daniel/HBO)
Daemon Continues to Be Plagued by Visions at Harrenhal
Prince Daemon (Matt Smith), who now considers himself a king, has a vision of his deceased brother, King Viserys. In the vision, Daemon relives events immediately after Viserys’ wife, Aemma, and infant son’s deaths. His brother’s seated on the Iron Throne, chastising him for saying “heir for a day” and for not being at his side and instead spending time in brothels. Daemon’s been disloyal and for that, he’s being sent back to Runestone.
Viserys cries and Daemon makes like he’s going to comfort him but doesn’t. Instead, he tries to escape the throne room, but the door won’t open. When it does, Ser Strong (Sir Simon Russell Beale) is on the other side and Daemon immediately blames him for his restless nights filled with horrible visions. He places a knife to Ser Strong’s face, accusing him of being an agent of the Hightowers. Or maybe he’s colluding with Rhaenyra.
Daemon’s just this side of madness as he tells Ser Strong to stop watching him. Later, he approaches Harrenhal’s gate with his bags packed. Alys (Gayle Rankin) is in the courtyard and Daemon admits he believes someone poisoned him or else there’s something in the air affecting him. Either way, he needs to leave. Alys thinks it’s the ghost of Harren the Black, and that’s enough to enrage Daemon. He’s done with her witchy ways, but Alys hits the mark when she lists all the places he’s run from when he doesn’t get his way.
Alys believes they’re all just pieces on the board. He calms down and confesses that Rhaenyra never wanted the crown. Alys knows that’s why King Viserys gave it to her, noting that Viserys didn’t want it either. He asks for her advice in dealing with the Riverlords and she explains that while House Tully isn’t the largest house in the Riverlands, it’s the most stable. If it weren’t for Lord Tully, the Riverlords would kill each other. Daemon admits he can’t do anything while Lord Tully lives. Alys tells him to wait three days and the winds will shift.
Daemon’s next vision is of joining Viserys beside Queen Aemma’s body. He holds Viserys as he sobs and promises to be there for him. He comes out of the vision when Ser Strong informs him Lord Tully is dead and Oscar Tully is now Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. His death came right after Alys Rivers tried to “help” him. Daemon smiles at the news and then sobs.
Jeremy Renner, Derek Webster, and Hugh Dillon in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ season 3 episode 8 (Credit: Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount+)
Paramount+’s Mayor of Kingstown season three episode eight starts off with a literal bang. Merle Callahan and a few of his Aryan Brotherhood thugs are on landscape duty when someone tosses grenades over the wall. That’s followed by gunfire. When the dust settles, three ABs and one guard have been killed.
(Reminder, this is a recap so there are more spoilers ahead!)
Kevin Jackson, Bunny’s guard on the inside, is in on the attack and signaled to the shooter that Callahan and his men were in the yard. The attack failed to kill Callahan, but left him injured and unconscious.
The prison tries to reach Warden Kareem Moore (Michael Beach), but he refuses to pick up his phone. His daughter is having a difficult time dealing with everything her dad went through, and he and his wife try to work out the best options to help her. Kareem swears he’ll make this right. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Mike (Jeremy Renner), however, immediately picks up the phone when Carney (Lane Garrison) calls about the attack. When he arrives at the prison, Stevie confirms the guard was killed by a high-powered rifle fired from a distance. Ian’s deep in the beginning stages of the investigation but Mike demands his attention. Ian joins him with news the sniper was at least 500 yards away, and Mike realizes the weapon was military grade. That means Bunny’s behind it.
Mike provides Ian (Hugh Dillon) with the address of Bunny’s gun supplier, and Ian promises to hit it hard.
Tracy arrives at work to discover Cherry is unconscious after apparently trying to kill herself. Meanwhile, Kyle catches a quick breakfast at a diner. He and the owner have a brief discussion about guns; she carries one and it’s saved her twice. Kyle wanted Tracy to get one, but she refused. (Given recent events he doesn’t know about, it might be time to ask her again.)
Mike takes time out of the Bunny situation to check in with Iris (Emma Laird). He really wants her to leave town. Unfortunately, their conversation’s cut short when Konstantin (Yorick van Wageningen) arrives outside Iris’s motel not far from where Mike’s parked. Mike pulls away before Konstantin sees him.
Konstantin confesses he’s having horrible dreams and worries the busload of dead women might have stirred up bad memories for Iris. His goal is the same as Mike’s although he doesn’t know it. They both want her to leave town and start a new life. Konstantin will provide the financial means to leave, and he promises to get out of her life.
“I can’t leave you. I’m not ready,” says Iris. She adds, “I’m loyal to you.”
Konstantin genuinely seems to want what’s best for Iris, even if it means she’s free of his influence.
Mike visits Callahan at the prison hospital and the AB leader blames the attack on Mike’s alliance with Bunny. Mike didn’t hit Bunny like Callahan wanted, so now he wants Bunny and the Crips dead. Mike lies and insists the attack couldn’t have been the Crips because of the military-grade weapons. It had to have been the Russians. He suggests Callahan take his target off Bunny and put it on Konstantin.
Mike promises to end Konstantin on Callahan’s behalf. He also says he’ll take care of Bunny.
Speaking of Bunny (Tobi Bamtefa), he’s at Raphael’s house watching over his family as promised. Bunny’s all smiles when Trey gets home from school. They chat about school but then the talk turns serious, with Bunny assuring Trey that he’s always on his dad’s mind. Raph needs him to be strong now. Bunny is moving Trey and Roe someplace safer because it’s too dangerous on the streets.
Over at Konstantin’s boat, the Russian mobster remains certain the Crips are responsible for the bus plunging off the bridge. Callahan’s men show up unexpectedly and interrupt the discussion with news that Callahan was injured in an attack. They’re there for an unscheduled exchange of money for drugs, and Konstantin agrees but wants to make a toast to Callahan first. Konstantin refers to Callahan as their “fallen” leader. He’s quickly reminded Callahan isn’t dead.
Konstantin is only feigning hospitality. He’s angry they barged onto his boat and shoots one of the men. He forces the other man (who urinated on himself) to carry his dead buddy back outside, with a Russian escort of course.
After it’s over, Iris calls Mike to tell him Konstantin just shot an Aryan. Mike’s elated about the news, and Iris says Konstantin’s cracking. He’s even snorting coke for breakfast now. Mike thinks Iris should take Konstantin up on his offer to set her up somewhere away from Kingstown. But Iris isn’t done just yet.
Callahan is informed Konstantin shot one of his guys and let one live to report back. The news that Konstantin personally shot an AB changes Callahan’s mind, and he’s now all in on taking down the Russians. (Just like Mike planned.)
Back at the prison, Warden Moore suggests that Kevin Jackson take tomorrow off. But first, he wants to hear exactly what went down. Kareem also says he’ll find someone for Kevin to talk to if he needs help dealing with what he saw. Kevin doesn’t seem affected by what went down, probably because he was in on it.
Kevin calls Bunny about the attack, claiming it went down perfectly. Bunny’s not happy Callahan is still breathing, but Kevin reminds him that at least the AB leader’s segregated from his men. Kevin’s ordered to stay alert and be prepared for the next opportunity to take out Callahan. Bunny also orders him to try and place the blame on the Russians and away from the Crips.
Nishi Munshi as Tracy McLusky in ‘mayor of Kingstown’ episode 8, season 3 (Credit: Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount+)
Mike’s actually in his office when Tracy (Nishi Munshi) stops by. She hasn’t told Kyle about being threatened by her co-worker, but she opens up to Mike that she thinks the guards are raping inmates. Tracy describes what happened to Cherry Maxwell, and Mike doesn’t have much sympathy since she murdered a guard. Tracy reminds him that Miriam never gave up on anyone, including Cherry.
Mike asks for the guard’s name, and Tracy is certain it was CO William Breen. She won’t say how she knows, and Mike suddenly realizes something happened to her. Mike asks if William touched her, and Tracy doesn’t reply. Instead, she exhales shakily. Mike will handle this himself and doesn’t want her to tell Kyle.
Mike meets up with Ian and asks Ian to stop him from hurting someone.
Ian arrives at the packed bar where the cops hang out and asks for a quick word with William Breen. William doesn’t know Ian and Ian introduces himself as a homicide cop. They step outside and Mike mostly lets his fists do the talking. He orders William to agree to transfer to Anchor Bay while he continues punching him in the face. Mike’s on the verge of killing him when Ian finally pulls him away.
Konstantin’s right-hand man, Roman, assures his boss he has everything set up for Iris to leave. Konstantin will pay whatever it costs to make sure Iris is safe. Roman joins Iris for a little coke and tells her to accept what Konstantin offered. Iris claims she feels like she’s in the right place now, which, according to Roman, is exactly why she should leave. Iris wonders why Konstantin always brings up Milo and learns it’s because Konstantin believes Tatiana warned him about the hit. That’s why Konstantin killed Tatiana. Iris snorts another line as she considers what she just learned.
Meanwhile, Callahan’s condition worsens. He’s experiencing abdominal pain and vomits blood but doesn’t call for a nurse.
Taylor Handley as Kyle McLusky and Hamish Allan-Headley as Robert in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ season 3 episode 8 (Credit: Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount+)
SWAT arrives at Bunny’s gun supplier’s warehouse, but it’s completely cleaned out. Robert (Hamish Allan-Headley) believes Mike tipped off Bunny, even though it was Mike who gave Ian the tip in the first place. Kyle (Taylor Handley) disagrees, but Robert’s still furious the Crips beat him up and that Mike still sides with Bunny.
Robert loses control and won’t back down when Kyle tells him to stand down. Robert shoves Kyle when Kyle insists he’s only behaving this way because he’s not completely healed. Kyle says everyone knows Robert isn’t himself right now.
Stevie (Derek Webster) calls Mike and Ian with an update on the empty warehouse. He suggests Mike should talk to Kyle since he and Robert just got into it. After he hangs up, Ian accuses Mike of knowing it would be empty. Mike doesn’t think it matters. What’s important is that Bunny knows KPD is after him.
Episode five ends with Ian shocked that Mike’s actually smiling about all this.
(The episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Jude Dillon, Hugh’s big brother who passed away earlier this year.)
Stephen Amell stars in ‘Suits L.A.’ (Photo Credit: David Astorga / NBC)
NBC is moving forward with the Suits spinoff Suits L.A. starring Stephen Amell (Heels, Arrow). NBC officially gave the spinoff a series order today and confirmed Josh McDermitt, Lex Scott Davis, Bryan Greenberg, and Troy Winbush are on board to star.
“Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York, has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. His firm is at a crisis point and to survive he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career,” reads NBC’s synopsis. “Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of characters who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they can’t help but mix their personal and professional lives.”
The spinoff comes from Suits creator Aaron Korsh, with Korsh writing and executive producing. Additional executive producers include Suits‘ David Bartis, Doug Liman, and Gene Klein. Victoria Mahoney directed the pilot and executive produces.
Grosse Pointe Garden Society will also be joining the network’s primetime lineup in the future after earning a series order. The new series stars Melissa Fumero, AnnaSophia Robb, Ben Rappaport, and Matthew Davis. Alexander Hodge, Aja Naomi King, Nancy Travis, and Felix Avitia complete the ensemble.
Per NBC: “Four members of a suburban garden club, all from different walks of life, get caught up in murder and mischief as they struggle to make their conventional lives bloom.”
Jenna Bans, Bill Krebs, Maggie Kiley, and Casey Kyber executive produce. Kiley is also a director on the drama.
Netflix’s Emily in Paris upcoming season four has added five to its cast, including Rupert Everett. Eugenio Franceschini, Thalia Besson, Anna Galiena, and Raoul Bova have joined the cast of the upcoming two-part fourth season starring Lily Collins in the titular role.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu stars as Sylvie Grateau, Ashley Park plays Mindy Chen, Lucas Bravo is Gabriel, and Camille Razat plays Camille. The cast also includes Samuel Arnold as Julien, Bruno Gouery as Luc, William Abadie as Antoine Lambert, and Lucien Laviscount as Alfie.
Series creator, writer, and executive producer Darren Star says Emily will have a busy travel schedule in the upcoming season. “From the French Alps to the piazzas of Rome, viewers will vicariously experience amazing new locations through Emily’s eyes,” Star told Tudum. “Expect new characters, a lot more drama, romance, and a whole new language to try and master.”
“After the dramatic events of Camille and Gabriel’s misbegotten wedding, Emily is reeling: She has strong feelings for two men, but now Gabriel’s expecting a baby with his ex, and Alfie’s worst fears about her and Gabriel have been confirmed,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “At work, Sylvie is forced to confront a thorny dilemma from her past for the sake of her marriage, and the Agence Grateau team navigates personnel shakeups. Mindy and the band prepare for Eurovision, but when funds run dry, they’re forced to get thrifty. Emily and Gabriel’s chemistry is undeniable as they work together towards a Michelin star, but two big secrets threaten to undo everything they’ve dreamed of.”
Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello: Originally from Rome, Marcello is direct, confident, and values simplicity. He’s substantive but never flashy — true to the roots of his family’s company.
Thalia Besson as Genevieve: Laurent’s 20something daughter from a past relationship, who’s just moved from New York City to Paris to start her career. Her bright, eager demeanor immediately endears her to Emily, who’s thrilled to have an American expat to mentor. But their similarities may end up complicating Emily’s life — both professionally and personally.
Rupert Everett as Giorgio Barbieri: The owner of a global interior design firm based in Rome. Giorgio makes it his business to know everyone else’s business, and to be the life of every party. He’s been friends with Sylvie for decades.
Anna Galiena as Antonia MuratorI: Marcello’s mother, the matriarch of the Muratori family, and the head of the family business. Antonia presides over their small village by building up the community and taking care of the people who live and work there. Even in uncertain times, Antonia is committed to maintaining the company’s soul.
Raoul Bova as Giancarlo: A charming, self-assured, successful Roman commercial director who used to be Sylvie’s film professor.
Season four part one premieres on August 15, 2024 followed by part two on September 12, 2024.
The Puswas Bree (Cat Missal), Lucy (Grace Van Patten), and Pippa (Sonia Mena) in ‘Tell Me Lies’ season 2 (Credit: Courtesy of Hulu)
Hulu’s set a September 4, 2024 premiere date for season two of Tell Me Lies. Season two will debut with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes of the eight-episode season on Wednesdays.
Hulu’s season two announcement was accompanied by the first official photos from the upcoming season.
“Tell Me Lies season two picks up as Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White) return to college, not speaking after their dramatic breakup at the start of the summer. Yet while very much at odds, they find themselves in a new version of their addictive dynamic – which is as infuriating as it is inescapable,” reads Hulu’s synopsis. “Meanwhile, the story expands deeper into the lives of Lucy and Stephen’s friend group, as the fallout from Season One impacts all of their lives in unexpected ways.”
The cast also includes Cat Missal as Bree, Spencer House as Wrigley, Sonia Mena as Pippa, Branden Cook as Evan, Alicia Crowder as Diana, and Tom Ellis as Professor Oliver. Thomas Doherty guest stars in a recurring role as Leo.
Tell Me Lies is adapted from Carola Lovering’s novel, with Lovering involved as a consulting producer. Meaghan Oppenheimer is the showrunner and executive produces along with Belletrist’s Emma Roberts, co-founder Karah Preiss, and Matt Matruski. Additional executive producers include Shannon Gibson, Sam Schlaifer, and Rebelle Media’s Laura Lewis and Stephanie Noonan.
Wrigley (Spencer House) and Pippa (Sonia Mena) have a heart to heart in season 2 (Credit: Courtesy of Hulu)Stephen (Jackson White) and Diana (Alicia Crowder) together in class (Credit: Courtesy of Hulu)Professor Oliver (Tom Ellis) stares into the distance outside of his home in season 2 (Credit: Disney/Josh Stringer)Lucy (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen (Jackson White) caught in a wave of emotions in ‘Tell Me Lies’ season 2 (Credit: Courtesy of Hulu)Lucy (Grace Van Patten) and Leo (Thomas Doherty) just before an intimate kiss in season 2 (Credit: Courtesy of Hulu)Bree (Cat Missal) and Evan (Branden Cook) at a Baird welcome back party in season 2 (Credit: Courtesy of Hulu)
