The ‘Those About to Die’ cast and executive producer Roland Emmerich at the San Diego Comic-Con (Photo by: Christine Bartolucci/Peacock)
Those About to Die director and executive producer Roland Emmerich was quick to point out that his filmography includes more than disaster epics. During our roundtable interview at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, Emmerich reminded a journalist that he’s also the director of The Patriot, Anonymous, and Stonewall. That said, Peacock’s Those About to Die seems to fit snugly in his wheelhouse, given its epic scale and spectacular action scenes.
Those About to Die premiered on July 18, 2024 on Peacock with the release of all 10 episodes. Season one stars Iwan Rheon as Tenax, Sara Martins as Cala, Tom Hughes as Titus, Jojo Macari as Domitian, Moe Hashim as Kwame, Johannes Haukur Johannesson as Viggo, Rupert Penry-Jones as Marsus, Gabriella Pession as Antonia, and Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus.
Roland Emmerich Those About to Die Interview
What was the appeal of a series set in Ancient Rome?
Roland Emmerich: “I think there was no show really, like for example, Rome, was like kind of a show where there was no sports, only war. And I wanted to do something which encompasses everything.”
Why focus on this specific story and characters?
Roland Emmerich: “It was mainly because Vespasian built the Flavian amphitheater which was renamed as the Colosseum. And also, on top of it, he was the first general who came from a family of moor breeders, and that tells you everything. And the last Roman from the Julio-Claudian dynasty was Nero. That was the year of the four emperors, they call it, and he was the last man standing. He reigned and he built. You know, he did something very, very smart. He erased the Golden House that Nero built on that spot and built the Flavian amphitheater, which he never saw how it was opened, but his son Titus opened it.”
The series has both the more intimate character drama as well as these big, massive, amphitheater events. How did you balance those elements?
Roland Emmerich: “It was a lot of writing, you know? It’s like when you don’t leap into the characters, you’re kind of totally lost. So, you have to give everyone a goal and have them kind of fight for these moments and for these goals. And then naturally you need also the excitement of the big races and the big fights, and then the opening of the Florian amphitheater.”
Which character’s voice do you hear in your head? Who do you identify with the most?
Roland Emmerich: “Well, I mean, it’s a super difficult question because I like all my actors. But if I would like kind of say a person I really, really more see myself in is Kwame. Because he’s like this guy who you will say, he’s way too short, but he’s incredibly fast and he has this person with him, his mom, and they together figured it out.”
Do you think he’s the character most viewers latch onto?
Roland Emmerich: “I think they will like Scorpus a lot, but I hope naturally that they love also Tenax and Cala as a pair because they have a very interesting story. And the sons as well, Emperor Vespasian’s sons, because they’re both so different.”
How much was practical versus CGI?
Roland Emmerich: “A lot was real. But we had to kind of naturally, you know, use a lot of CGI. For example, whenever you see a wide shot of the Circus Maximus, for example, it’s always CGI. But then we had a relatively big set, which we mainly used the sets of the last Ben Hur remake. But there was nothing there and whatever was there was wrong. So, I kind of just said, ‘Okay, let’s use only the grounds.’
We built a great, kind of size-wise, set for the Imperial Platform and also where you could do some stuff with many, many people. But everything else was in CGI. But even the set of the Imperial Platform was massive. It was massive! And then the only thing that we did, we built inside – they had a really, really big stage and they shot many, many big movies there – I shot all the stuff of the Coliseum inside.”
If you were a Roman God, which God would you be?
Roland Emmerich: “Bacchus.”
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The Those About to Die Plot, Courtesy of Peacock: Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of Ancient Rome never before told – the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most… blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
Animal Kingdom‘s Jake Weary and Orange is the New Black‘s Dascha Polanco have joined the season two cast of AMC’s The Walking Dead: Dead City. Atypical‘s Keir Gilchrist and Law & Order: SVU‘s Pooya Mohseni are also on board the new season.
AMC didn’t release character descriptions but did say Gilchrist is playing Benjamin Pierce, Polanco is Major Lucia Narvaez, Weary will play Christos, and Mohseni is Roksana. The newcomers join returning series stars Lauren Cohan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Gaius Charles, and Željko Ivanek.
“The Walking Dead: Dead City follows fan-favorite characters Maggie (Cohan) and Negan (Morgan) as they travel into a post-apocalyptic Manhattan, long ago cut off from the mainland. The crumbling city is filled with the dead and denizens who have made New York City their own world full of anarchy, danger, beauty, and terror,” reads AMC’s synopsis. “In season two, in the growing war for control of Manhattan, Maggie and Negan find themselves trapped on opposite sides. As their paths intertwine, they come to see that the way out for both is more complicated and harrowing than they ever imagined.”
Rebecca Ferguson in ‘Silo’ season two (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Apple TV+’s Silo has set a November 15, 2024 premiere date for season two of the critically acclaimed sci-fi drama. New episodes of the 10-episode season will stream on Fridays.
The premiere date announcement was accompanied by new photos from the upcoming season featuring Rebecca Ferguson as Juliette Nichols, Common as Robert Sims, and Tim Robbins as Bernard Holland. The season two cast also includes Harriet Walter, Chinaza Uche, Avi Nash, Alexandria Riley, Shane McCrae, and Remmie Milner. In addition, Clare Perkins, Billy Postlethwaite, Rick Gomez, Caitlin Zoz, Tanya Moodie, and Iain Glen also star.
Steve Zahn (White Lotus) joins the series for the upcoming season.
Common in season two (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
“Based on Howey’s New York Times bestselling trilogy Wool, Silo is the story of the last ten thousand people on earth, their mile-deep home protecting them from the toxic and deadly world outside. However, no one knows when or why the silo was built and those who try to find out face fatal consequences,” reads Apple TV+’s synopsis. “Ferguson stars as Juliette, an engineer, who seeks answers about a loved one’s murder and tumbles onto a mystery that goes far deeper than she could have ever imagined, leading her to discover that if the lies don’t kill you, the truth will.”
Graham Yost created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Michael Dinner, Nina Jack, Joanna Thapa, Ferguson, Morten Tyldum, Howey, Fred Golan, Rémi Aubuchon, and AMC Studios.
Rebecca Ferguson in season 2 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Tim Robbins in ‘Silo’ season 2 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Lucy Freyer, Owen Thiele, Malik Elassal, Jack Innanen, and Amita Rao in ‘Snowflakes’ (Photo credit – FX)
FX has given the ensemble comedy Snowflakes a series order, with a 2025 premiere date targeted. The comedy comes from Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw, with both attached as writers and executive producers.
The new series stars Malik Elassal as Samir, Lucy Freyer as Billie, Jack Innanen as Paul Baker, Amita Rao as Issa, and Owen Thiele as Anton. Per FX: “Snowflakes is a twenty-something ensemble comedy following a group of codependent housemates trying to be good people, despite being neither ‘good’ nor ‘people’ yet.”
“We are excited about the exceptional cast and powerhouse comedy team we’ve assembled for Snowflakes,” said Nick Grad, President, FX Entertainment. “Not only does it give us a chance to introduce our audience to Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw’s brilliant comedic voice, but we also get the opportunity to work again with Nick, Jonathan and Stefani, all incredibly talented veterans of signature FX comedies.”
In addition to Kronengold and Shaw (The Tonight Show), season one executive producers include Nick Kroll (Big Mouth, The League), Alicia Van Couvering, Jonathan Krisel (Portlandia, Baskets), and Stefani Robinson (Atlanta, What We Do in the Shadows). Krisel directed the series’ pilot.
“We’re so grateful to be telling this story about a group of friends navigating the hardest, horniest time of life together,” said Kronengold and Shaw. “FX comedies have defined our generation, and we can’t wait to show them the consequences.”
Snowflakes is produced by FX Productions.
“Ben and Rebecca are massively gifted writers, our cast is beyond talented and the team we have assembled around them is the best,” said Kroll. “I cannot wait to help make this show and give many more quotes for press releases.”
(FX announced in April 2025 that the new title is Adults.)
AMC’s Interview with the Vampire panel at the San Diego Comic-Con debuted a smoldering teaser for the upcoming third season that’s four minutes of Lestat channeling his inner rock star. Fans can expect the new season to be Lestat-centric after a second season that found him relegated to a supporting player role. The teaser shows Lestat (Sam Reid) being interviewed by Daniel (Eric Bogosian), occasionally bloody and nearly always staring straight into the camera.
“Resentful of the perfunctory portrayal in the trashy bestseller Interview With The Vampire, the Vampire Lestat sets his story straight in a way only the Vampire Lestat can — by starting a band and going on tour. Gabrielle. Nicholas. Magnus. Marius. Those Who Must Be Kept. They join Louis, Armand, Molloy, Sam, Raglan, Fareed, and others we can’t tell you about yet on a sexy pilgrimage across space, time and trauma,” reads AMC’s synopsis. “No auto-tuning. No trigger warnings. All feels amplified.”
In addition to Sam Reid and Eric Bogosian, the second season starred Jacob Anderson as Louis de Pointe du Lac, Assad Zaman as Armand, and Delainey Hayles as Claudia. Rolin Jones serves as creator, writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Additional executive producers include Mary Johnson (overseer of AMC’s Anne Rice Immortal Universe), Mark Taylor, and Christopher Rice. Author Anne Rice has a posthumous executive producer credit.
Sam Reid as Lestat De Lioncourt in ‘Interview with the Vampire’ season 2 episode 3 (Photo Credit: AMC)
A look back at season two: “Over two seasons, Interview with the Vampire has attracted a loyal base of passionate fans and widespread critical acclaim, with the rare distinction of receiving 98-point scores for both its first and second seasons on Rotten Tomatoes. In season two, in the year 2022, the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Anderson) recounts his life story to journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian). Picking up from the bloody events in New Orleans in 1940 when Louis and teen fledgling Claudia (Hayles) conspired to kill the Vampire Lestat de Lioncourt (Reid), Louis tells of his adventures in Europe, a quest to discover Old World Vampires and the Theatre Des Vampires in Paris, with Claudia, and it is in Paris that Louis first meets the Vampire Armand (Zaman).”
Comic-Con panel attendees were also the first to enjoy a blooper reel from season two before it made its way online.
Matt Shakman, Kevin Feige, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Vanessa Kirby and Pedro Pascal during Marvel Studios’ Panel (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine didn’t just break records over its opening weekend; it crushed them. Opening with $205 million domestically and $438 million globally, the critically acclaimed action comedy took over the top spot for the highest-grossing R-rated film opening in box office history. It also set a new record for the highest July opening weekend and moved into second place on the list of third installment opening weekends. (Avengers: Endgame holds the record.)
“I know people are expecting the funny; they’re going to get it. They’re expecting the action; they’re going to get it,” said writer, producer, and director Shawn Levy. “But the movie has a warmth as a result of the story we tell between these two guys where this unlikely friendship is built. That’s the piece I think people aren’t expecting.”
Marvel Studios also hosted San Diego Comic-Con’s biggest panel. The packed Hall H audience was the first to learn of Robert Downey Jr’s casting as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, to be directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. The Russos are also directing Avengers: Secret Wars, with Doomsday targeting a May 2026 release and Secret Wars opening in May 2027.
“Being able to create stories and explore characters within the Marvel Universe fulfilled a lifelong dream of ours, and we discovered a powerful connection with audiences in each film that we made. We’re thrilled to collaborate once again with Kevin, Lou and the entire Marvel team to bring this epic adventure in storytelling to new and surprising places for both the fans and ourselves,” said The Russo Brothers.
SDCC attendees were also the first to see the Fantastic Four – Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/The Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/Thing) – together on stage. The first film of the revamped franchise is now officially titled Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Robert Downey Jr on stage during Marvel Studios’ panel (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Marvel Studios Hall H Recap, Courtesy of Marvel:
Deadpool & Wolverine – The Hall H showcase kicked off with a celebration of Deadpool & Wolverine, in theaters now. A full choral performance of “Like a Prayer” welcomed the excited crowd with dancing Deadpool variants, which ended when Marvel Studios producer and president Kevin Feige looked for Peterpool amongst the variants, calling Rob Delaney, who stars in the film as Peter, to the stage. Delaney joined Feige as the showcase’s MC, mentioning the surprise Deadpool & Wolverine screening for con-goers Thursday, and the massive drone and fireworks show over San Diego’s Petco Park that followed.
Captain America: Brave New World – With Sam Wilson about to make his big screen debut as Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World, Delaney welcomed to the stage Cap himself, Anthony Mackie. Joining them were Tim Blake Nelson, Danny Ramirez, and Giancarlo Esposito, who confirmed he is playing Sidewinder. Together, they revealed exclusive footage, and much to the crowd’s excitement, invited Harrison Ford to take the stage. Ford makes his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as President Thaddeus Ross. The story follows Sam Wilson, who after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, finds himself in the middle of an international incident. Sam must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
Thunderbolts* – Highlighting Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*, Delaney welcomed director Jake Schreier to the stage alongside stars Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan and David Harbour. The latter showed up in full Red Guardian garb, earning laughs and applause from the crowd, which was treated to a scene from the movie. Marvel Studios, and a crew of indie veterans, who definitely sold out, present Thunderbolts*, an irreverent team-up featuring depressed assassin Yelena Belova alongside the MCU’s least anticipated band of misfits.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Feige returned to the stage to share details of the upcoming The Fantastic Four, which kicks off production Tuesday. Joining Feige on stage was director Matt Shakman and Marvel’s first family together on stage for the first time, Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/The Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/Thing). They all shared some cosmic details about the upcoming feature film that sees Galactus and Silver Surfer target Earth for destruction—and revealed the movie’s full title: The Fantastic Four: First Steps. But then Hall H was overtaken by none other than the Fantasticar soaring over the crowd, drawing massive cheers as the screens were taken over by a retro-futurist vision of New York City.
Emma D’Arcy in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 7 (Photograph by Theo Whiteman/HBO)
Season two episode seven of HBO’s House of the Dragon finds Queen Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne edging closer to reality with the addition of new dragonriders. Jace might not be pleased with the development, but his mother knows her plan to unseat the usurper doesn’t stand a chance without additional firepower from above.
And now on to the recap – spoilers ahead!.
Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Syrax land near Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty) and Seasmoke, and she stares him down. Rhaenyra demands to know what Addam wants of a Targaryen dragon, and he responds, “To learn the ways of dragonriders.” He bends the knee and reveals he intends to serve his Queen.
Both Rhaenyra and Syrax approach, and Seasmoke takes up a protective position behind his rider. Addam assures Rhaenyra that the dragon came to him; he didn’t seek it out. He may be lowborn, but he’s served House Velaryon and will not refuse the gods when they call him to greater things.
Rhaenyra, now just feet away, asks about his parentage. Addam’s mom was a shipwright, but he doesn’t reveal his father’s name. Rhaenyra’s confused and asks about his Targaryen ancestors, and Addam claims not to know. Rhaenyra relaxes and smiles, admitting he has done what she thought was impossible.
Rhaenyra’s council learns their Queen was unharmed and that the rider is a shipwright in Lord Corlys’ employ. The council is stunned and suggests this lowborn seized a dragon and is a thief. They want him arrested and are shocked to learn Rhaenyra wants him treated as a guest and taught about dragonriders. He’s also to be taught High Valyrian. Lord Corlys, the newly named Hand of the Queen, insists they’ll wait for Rhaenyra’s explanation before passing judgment.
Instead of attending the council meeting, Rhaenyra consults with Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno). The Queen’s certain they’ll find other riders now and believes Addam must have Targaryen blood. She trusts him and, more importantly, needs him. The Queen’s excited about finding more possible dragonriders in her research, and Mysaria laughs. She thinks Rhaenyra would be better off looking for illegitimate children who would not appear in the books. Mysaria admits she knows of many that were born to whores, and some could even be here on Dragonstone.
Rhaenyra seems uncertain, but Mysaria firmly believes the lowborn might be more willing to serve her than even the highborn. Mysaria correctly points out that “a common shipwright vows to serve you while your brothers seek to destroy you.” Rhaenyra needs to adapt to this change. Highborn aren’t more honorable than the lowborn.
Rhaenyra considers this and replies, “Well then, let us raise an army of bastards.”
Addam is looking around his new accommodations when Lord Corlys pops in. He asks to be relieved as a shipwright, and Lord Corlys immediately grants it. Neither address the elephant in the room.
Over at King’s Landing, Queen Dowager Alicent (Olivia Cooke) is sulking after being cast aside. No longer in a position of power, Alicent tells Ser Rickard she wants to visit the Kingswood without an entourage.
Prince Regent Aemond has ordered the guards who accompanied his mother and Queen Helaena to be sent to the Wall for starting a riot. Apparently, that’s a merciful decision on his part. Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) is informed by Lord Jasper Wylde that Seasmoke has a rider, and Jasper wonders what he should do. Jasper believes Larys should deliver the news to curry favor with Aemond. As for the rider, Jasper suggests it could be Rhaena. Larys isn’t so sure. After learning that the news is fourth or fifth-hand, Larys thinks it’s best for Jasper to keep it to himself. It’s just a rumor at this point.
Grand Maester Orwyle (Kurt Egyiawan) helps King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) to his feet, and Aegon cries out in incredible pain as he struggles to walk. Lord Larys, who knows what side his bread is buttered on, joins them and offers to help. Aegon screams in agony as they return him to bed. Larys insists Aegon needs to work harder and that his strength will return. Larys and the Grand Maester speak privately, and Larys tells him he needs to be more cautious. They don’t want Aemond to learn of Aegon’s progress.
Ser Rickard and Queen Alicent make camp on the road, and she admits she’s not certain she ever wants to return to the Red Keep. A short while later, Alicent walks into a lake and floats on her back.
Archie Barnes and Matt Smith in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 7 (Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO)
Daemon’s Plans Come Together at Harrenhal
Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale) informs Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) that Lord Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) has mustered the Riverlords. Daemon appears to be more himself when he addresses the new Lord Tully and offers his condolences. Lord Oscar takes his life into his own hands when he points out that Daemon’s made a mess of things by allowing atrocities to be carried out in the queen’s name. Daemon demands to know whose side House Tully is on. Lord Tully declares they will remain loyal to Queen Rhaenyra and to him, as her king consort.
Daemon takes being called king consort surprisingly well. (His mind’s definitely clear for the moment.) After being instructed to call his banners to war, Lord Tully confesses that, given his age, they may not follow his orders. That, and they all hate Daemon. Daemon doesn’t care. He needs their swords.
Daemon speaks to the Riverlords, asking them to put the recent past behind them. Lord Oscar thanks them for answering his call, and Daemon informs the ensemble that they’re there to swear their fealty to Lord Oscar and answer his call to war.
Ser Willem Blackwood (Jack Parry-Jones) speaks up, informing Lord Tully he’s delivering the traitor Amos Bracken and his son to him. Lord Tully considers this, takes in Lord Piper’s words against Daemon’s behavior and his own youth, and admits he has no love for Daemon Targaryen. Still, he needs to stand by the oath they swore to King Viserys.
Oscar calls Rhaenyra’s representative loathsome, and Daemon says he’s a king and Oscar needs to watch how he speaks. Oscar moves within inches of Daemon’s face, reminding him he needs his army to oust the usurpers. That silences Daemon and he accepts the insults. He even admits to being too enthusiastic.
The Riverlords demand justice and Willem Blackwood insists that bringing in the Brackens is justice. He places his sword at Lord Tully’s feet, and the new Lord Paramount reminds him he’s in charge of all the River Houses. Ser Strong and Daemon glance at each other as Lord Tully acknowledges Ser Blackwood carried out the barbarities because he wanted to. Lord Tully orders Willem Blackwood seized, and declares that if Daemon wants their banners, he needs to denounce his crimes and dispense justice. Ser Strong echoes what the audience is feeling when he says, “Oh dear.”
Daemon removes Willem Blackwood’s head in one swift slice. That brings on another vision, this time of his brother, gravely ill, holding his crown. Viserys confirms he never wanted the Iron Throne and reveals the crown crushes whoever wears it. He knows Daemon always wanted it and offers it to his brother. Daemon doesn’t respond.
Meanwhile, Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint) visits Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) at the docks and gives him new orders to have fishing vessels prepared at King’s Landing. The ships will need trusted men on board and they’re to wait for a message from Queen Rhaenyra. Lord Corlys breaks the news that Addam is now a dragonrider, and Rhaenyra has put out a call for others. Corlys doesn’t know Alyn’s mother’s heritage, but Velaryons aren’t dragonriders. Alyn confirms his brother was always restless, but he’s pure salt and sea. He wants nothing else.
Lady Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) leaves the Vale with Rhaenyra’s young sons. She wistfully looks back at Lady Jayne Arryn (Amanda Collin) as the gates to the Eyrie close. When they do, Rhaena takes off running to a recently burned field.
Harry Collett and Emma D’Arcy in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 episode 7 (Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO)
Back at Dragonstone, Jace (Harry Collett) resists the idea of the lowborn claiming dragons, calling them mongrels. He’s upset others may lay claim to House Targaryen. That doesn’t concern Rhaenyra as they are still the rightful rulers of the Seven Kingdoms. Jace doesn’t agree, so Rhaenyra asks how he’d go about winning a bloody war without more riders. Once they win, she’ll take the throne.
Jace cuts to the chase and asks what happens when she dies. Rhaenyra assures her son that he’s her rightful heir. He’s worried since his father was Ser Harwin Strong and not Prince Velaryon. And that means his own legitimacy to succeed her relies entirely on the fact he has a dragon. But now others have potential claims to the throne. Jace thinks he’s being stripped of what makes him her heir. Rhaenyra stands before her son and cries, admitting she “dislikes all of this.” Jace also sheds a tear as he asks her to stop pursuing new dragonriders. She can’t.
Mysaria gives Allam a note and orders him to do whatever it takes to find Elinda.
Addam passes the note to a merchant at King’s Landing who gives it to the Queen’s handmaiden, currently residing among the townsfolk. Elinda makes her way through the streets, connecting with allies. Finally, news reaches Ulf (Tom Bennett) in the tavern that Rhaenyra’s looking for Targaryen bastards who could be dragonriders. Boats are ready to take anyone who thinks they have Targaryen blood to Dragonstone.
Ulf tries to pass it off as a crazy rumor, but his buddies think it’s Ulf’s chance to prove he’s a Targaryen. There are others already saying they’re ready to see if they can claim a dragon. Ulf, for all his bragging and boasting, is nervous over the prospect. He confesses he’s not sure the story about his lineage is true. His buddies are shocked that he’s been drinking for free on what might be a baseless claim. They say it’s time for him to put up or shut up.
The entire tavern toasts to Ulf the Dragonlord! That makes it impossible for him to say no.
Hugh’s wife doesn’t want him to sail to Dragonstone and instead needs him to accompany her to Tumbleton. But Hugh (Kieran Bow) is convinced he needs to confirm for himself that he has Targaryen blood. He never knew his father, but his mother worked in a brothel. She had silver hair, which made her more popular among the rich clientele. “She used to tell me she was no different from her brother’s boys Viserys and Daemon,” says Hugh. (That would confirm he’s Saera’s son.) He couldn’t protect his wife or keep their daughter alive, but this opportunity means he can. If he claims a dragon, their life will be much easier.
Hugh and Ulf are among the dozen or so who make it to the boats in the dead of night. They arrive at Dragonstone and the dragonkeepers are enraged, claiming none of those assembled should be allowed to claim a dragon. Dragons are sacred and not the playthings of humans. Rhaenyra defends her position, but they walk out in protest.
Rhaenyra scans the lowborn and confesses she’s no longer certain what it takes to claim a dragon. She reminds those assembled there’s no going back if they choose this path, and that they may die. Rhaenyra swears their purpose is to end the hardships of the smallfolk, and if they can add two dragons to their side, they might end the war without further bloodshed.
Vermithor (aka The Bronze Fury) is second in size only to Vhagar and the fiercest. She leads the group into the caves and summons Vermithor. The massive creature appears, and everyone fights the urge to run as Rhaenyra orders him to remain calm. Rhaenyra carefully touches his snout, and they connect, with Vermithor settling down.
She stands before him and asks for someone to be the first to step forward. A silver-haired man makes his way through the group and Rhaenyra and her escort leave after telling the possible riders it must be the dragon that speaks.
Rhaenyra watches from an elevated position as Vermithor moves over the crowd, assessing the assembled. The first volunteer reaches out his hand and Vermithor rewards him and others nearby with a fiery death. Vermithor continues lighting the volunteers on fire as most turn and flee. Some are eaten, some are knocked off the ledge, and one man uselessly pleads for his life feet away from Vermithor’s snout. Ulf was knocked down but recovers as Vermithor continues to kill those he feels aren’t worthy of being in his presence.
Hugh remains alive and hides behind a boulder with a terrified woman. They try and sneak out, but Vermithor immediately spots them. The dragon is about to kill the woman when Hugh draws his attention. Hugh says he’s ready and the dragon moves closer. He screams, “Come on!” and Vermithor closes his mouth and settles down. Hugh approaches Vermithor and places his hand on his snout. They stare into each other’s eyes as Rhaenyra watches with bated breath.
Meanwhile, Ulf has made his way into the caves and is alone trying to escape when he encounters Silverwing. The dragon nudges him and knocks him down, but then calms down as Ulf finally opens his eyes. Ulf actually smiles as he realizes he’s not only going to live, he’s going to be a dragonrider.
The episode ends with Prince Regent Aemond’s small council informing him that Lord Ormund Hightower is threatened on two fronts by House Beesbury’s allies. The good news is that Prince Daeron’s dragon, Tessarion, has finally started flying. When Daeron joins the fight, the Hightower army will be unstoppable.
The meeting’s interrupted by cries of “dragon!” from the streets. Aemond (Tom Glynn-Carney) steps onto the deck as Ulf and Silverwing buzz the city, with Ulf crying out in glee in the saddle. Aemond hastily rides out of the city to Vhagar and quickly mounts his dragon. Once they’re airborne and he gets a good look at the other dragon on its way back to Dragonstone, Aemond makes the wise decision to have the still-recovering Vhagar flee.
The episode ends with Queen Rhaenyra looking fierce as she stares across the sea, three massive dragons behind her.
Robert Picardo in ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ (Photo Credit: Miller Mobley/Paramount+)
A batch of faces familiar to Star Trek fans are heading to Paramount+’s Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Star Trek: Discovery‘s Tig Notaro, Oded Fehr, and Mary Wiseman, along with Star Trek: Voyager‘s Robert Picardo, will be reprising their roles for season one of the latest addition to the Star Trek franchise.
Paramount+ confirmed Notaro and Picardo are on board as series regulars while Fehr and Wiseman are guest stars. They join a cast led by Holly Hunter and featuring Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard, George Hawkins, Karim Diané and Zoë Steiner as cadets. Paul Giamatti and Gina Yashere were previously announced as recurring guest stars.
Production is expected to begin in August 2024.
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will follow the adventures of a new class of Starfleet cadets as they come of age in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy. The series will introduce viewers to this young group of cadets as they come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis. “Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they will discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.”
Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau will be guiding the series as showrunners and executive producers. Additional executive producers include Gaia Violo, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Jenny Lumet, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Frank Siracusa and John Weber. Violo wrote the first episode.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment.
Jeremy Renner and Emma Laird in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ season 3 episode 9 (Credit: Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount +)
Paramount+’s Mayor of Kingstown season three episode nine opens with an ambulance transporting Callahan to the hospital and a bus taking inmates, including Raphael, to court. Ian and Steve check out Charlie the serial killer for a day of looking for dead bodies. The opening minutes are just the calm before the storm in this season’s penultimate episode.
(Spoiler-filled recap ahead!)
Iris (Emma Laird) shows up at Mike’s office door, freaking out over Milo. When Roman told Iris that Tatiana warned Milo a hit was coming, Iris realized Konstantin killed Tatiana because Milo is still alive. Mike (Jeremy Renner) reminds her they saw the boat explode and that Konstantin is out of his mind on drugs. And, by the way, so is she. As usual, Mike insists he’s going to fix this. When he does, Iris will get to leave town without anyone on her tail. She doesn’t believe him.
Over at Anchor Bay, new guard Kevin Jackson lies to Warden Kareem Moore (Michael Beach) and says the grenade-tosser was white. Carney (Lane Garrison) calls Mike with news that Callahan has internal bleeding, and the ABs are restless. They both hope he dies in the operating room. Mike follows up that call by calling Bunny, but his number’s disconnected.
He checks in on Tracy (Nishi Munshi) to let her know the rapist guard has been transferred to Anchor Bay. She thanks him for his help while reminding him that the guard isn’t the only rapist on staff.
Raphael (D Smoke) slips out of line at the court and makes a break for it. Carney and Mike discuss it over the phone, and Mike assures Carney that Raphael won’t make it out of town. Mike brings Ian (Hugh Dillon) into the loop and asks that he have the cops back off (including SWAT and Robert) because this actually fits in well with his plans.
Mike’s next stop is to see Callahan at the hospital. His internal bleeding stopped, and Mike says he took Bunny out of action. Plus, KPD is on to the Russians. Mike claims he’s delivering on his promises to the Aryans.
Finally, Mike tracks down Bunny (Tobi Bamtefa) and slips into his car, putting a gun to his head. Mike says he gets that Bunny has plans, but he needs to get back on board with the overall plan. Mike can give Callahan to Bunny and put down the Russians, but he needs Bunny to remember they’re both townies and tired of outsiders trying to take over. Raphael is key to his plans and it’s a good thing he escaped. Mike also orders Bunny to text him his new number. Tracking Bunny down is getting old.
Kareem is told by his boss, Ken, that they want him to resign. The problems at the prison are escalating and Kareem has lost control. He suggests that the optics would be better if he resigned, instead of being fired. Ken also reveals they’re aware the attackers had someone on the inside telling them when Callahan was in the yard.
Kareem swears he’s just started his investigation and he’ll find out who’s responsible. Kareem will not resign, and Ken gives him two weeks to reconsider or he’ll be fired. Kareem is enraged and frustrated over this treatment after all these years on the job, but it appears the decision has been made.
Mike meets up with Robert and Kyle (Taylor Handley) at the diner and says he’ll giftwrap Raphael. It’ll be an easy bust; no shots will be fired. Robert doesn’t trust Bunny, but Kyle insists this is Mike’s word and he should fall in line. Robert reluctantly agrees. After he leaves, Kyle tells his brother there’s no way Robert is 100%. He wouldn’t have passed the concussion protocol. Mike says since he’s one of them, they help him … until they can’t.
The busy day continues and Mike joins Konstantin (Yorick van Wageningen) and Iris on Konstantin’s boat. Konstantin confirms he had nothing to do with the attack on the prison. Bunny did it, and Mike claims he can deliver Bunny to Konstantin. Mike lies that he’s switching alliances, and that Bunny knew he was at the Cavo with Konstantin when the Crips shot it up. Bunny’s pushed him too far. Bunny’s guys are moving weapons and Mike suggests the Russians ambush the convoy. Konstantin can even have the weapons to sell. Plus, he’ll have Bunny’s guys. Mike will deliver all this, including keeping KPD at bay, for a finder’s fee. Konstantin seems to accept the deal.
Raphael is transported by a friend to the safe house where Roe and Trey are hiding out. Roe’s happy to see him but Trey doesn’t rush to hug his dad. Bunny tells Raphael that Mike’s arranged it so that he can go back without getting shot. Raph thanks Bunny for taking care of Roe and Trey, and Bunny suggests that Raph make it right with Trey. They need to have a serious heart-to-heart. Raph knows that and spends the time he has left outside showing his son he loves him.
Tracy’s informed by the warden that William Breen asked for a transfer. Miriam used to rant about the inmates and staff, but when it was over, Miriam could go home. However, Tracy has to go back to her shift. The warden warns her to be careful.
Unfortunately, Tracy and William are in the parking lot at the same time. He pulls behind her car and flips her off. She reacts by backing up into his driver’s side door a couple of times before pulling away.
Meanwhile, Iris tells Konstantin that she doesn’t want his money. She doesn’t want a gift and wants to earn whatever’s coming in the future. Konstantin is nearly desperate for her to leave this life, but Iris insists that taking his money is the same as taking Milo’s. She reminds him he’s the one who turned her out at just 16 and named her Iris. So, no, she won’t take his “gift.”
Evelyn turns to the Attorney General for help, but Mike thinks that’s a huge mistake. He believes she needs to handle it on her own. And he can deliver a win by letting her bring in Raphael and get the headlines. However, he needs Raphael’s escape attempt wiped from his record. Evelyn really has no choice but to agree.
Ian and Stevie drive Charlie around until something looks familiar. They arrive at the spot and Charlie walks through a field, looking at the trees. The image of the burial site left his head, and he wants to look for a different body. Ian reminds him they need to concentrate on this victim. Charlie starts talking about the guy Ian had him kill and Ian immediately shuts him down, telling him to close the box that memory’s kept in. Charlie does, and then sees the spot he planted the victim’s leg.
Hours later, a team digs up the legs. Ian tells Charlie he did good as he escorts him back to his car. But after he sits down in the backseat, Charlie starts talking about the cop he murdered on the porch at Ian’s request. He drops the bumbling fool act, stops rocking, and his voice deepens as he asks, “What about the man on the porch?” He smiles and stares at Ian, and Ian reacts by shooting him while yelling, “He’s coming at me!” Ian acts like he is scared for his life as Stevie and the other cops rush over.
Roman has set up Iris’ escape, and he assures Konstantin he’s doing the right thing. They both have realized they’ll never return to New York, and Konstantin seems okay with being relegated to purgatory.
Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ season 3 episode 9 (Photo Credit: Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount +)
Mike’s planned it out so that Raph can sneak into the hospital and take out Callahan in his room. Unfortunately, Callahan’s a step ahead of him. He murdered his guard and then hid in the closet before Raph made it to his room.
Even though that didn’t work out, Mike assures Raph that Callahan won’t get away. Mike also admits he underestimated Callahan. He rings Ian and says to meet up in 30 minutes so Raphael can surrender. Mike needs Ian to be there as a buffer to make sure Robert doesn’t overreact.
Half an hour later, there’s a string of cop cars approaching their location with lights on and sirens blaring. A helicopter circles overhead as Raphael spreads his arms and yells, “I surrender.” He’s told to get down on his knees and even though he’s complying, Robert gives him a kick. Stevie and Ian are able to get Robert to back off and place Raphael in cuffs without any shots fired.
Once it’s done, Mike calls Evelyn with the news so she can get the publicity. While that’s going down, Callahan’s taken into custody back at the hospital.
Kyle arrives home to see Tracy’s car has damage to its trunk. She lies and says she got rear-ended but she’s okay. Tracy claims she didn’t exchange information with the person, and Kyle won’t let it go. He wants to look at the traffic cams and Tracy realizes she has to come clean. She tells him about the rapist guard and that she had Mike handle the situation after the guard put his hands on her. Tracy swears she’s okay and didn’t want Kyle to fix it for her. “I couldn’t put that burden on you. I knew what fixing it would mean – could mean,” says Tracy, apologizing. Kyle insists it wouldn’t have been a burden. His job is to protect her and without being able to do that, there’s no point to him.
The episode ends with Roman meeting with a woman who’s setting up transportation and papers for Iris. He hands her envelopes of money, promising the final payment when Iris is safely living a clean new life. Suddenly, a very much alive Milo (Aidan Gillen) appears out of the shadows and shoots Roman but doesn’t aim to kill. Milo reminds him there are no “clean lives,” and certainly not one for Iris. Konstantin is the one who turned Iris and now wants absolution. That isn’t going to happen. Roman demands that Milo kill him, but he doesn’t. He needs him alive a while longer.
Michael C. Hall just can’t shake off Dexter Morgan. Hall’s back as the serial killer who slices and dices up bad guys in both Showtime’s Dexter: Original Sin and the just-announced Dexter: Resurrection.
Hall will be providing the inner voice of Dexter in the prequel series, and then jumping in front of the camera for Dexter: Resurrection which will be set in the modern day. Original Sin is currently shooting and is targeting a December 2024 premiere. Resurrection is expected to rise in 2025.
“We are thrilled to have the brilliant Michael C. Hall reprise his iconic role as Dexter Morgan in Showtime’s most successful series ever,” said Chris McCarthy, Paramount Global Co-CEO and President/CEO, Showtime & MTV Entertainment Studios. “While Dexter: Resurrection will appeal to the tens of millions of longtime fans, Dexter: Original Sin will introduce a whole new generation of viewers into this iconic series by starting from the beginning, which is sure to satisfy existing audiences as well.”
Both series have Clyde Phillips as showrunner and executive producer.
Poster for ‘Dexter: New Blood’ (Photo Courtesy of Showtime)
The original series ran for eight seasons and spawned the limited series Dexter: New Blood, set 10 years after the Dexter season finale.
Dexter: Original Sin stars Patrick Gibson as a young Dexter, Molly Brown plays his sister, and Christian Slater plays their father. The 10-episode season also stars Patrick Dempsey as Aaron Spencer, James Martinez as Angel Batista, Christina Milian as Maria LaGuerta, Alex Shimizu as Vince Masuka, and Reno Wilson as Bobby Watt. Emmy winner Sarah Michelle Gellar guest stars as Tanya Martin.
“Set in 1991 Miami, Dexter: Original Sin follows Dexter (Gibson) as he transitions from student to avenging serial killer. When his bloodthirsty urges can’t be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness,” reads Showtime’s synopsis. “With the guidance of his father, Harry (Slater), he adopts a Code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society without getting on law enforcements’ radar. This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department.”
