Of course The Rookie‘s John and Bailey can’t just have a normal, trouble-free honeymoon, can they? The newlyweds’ dream vacation turns into a nightmare on season six episode three, “Trouble in Paradise,” airing on ABC on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT.
Season six stars Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford, and Richard T. Jones as Sergeant Wade Grey. Shawn Ashmore plays Wesley Evers, Alyssa Diaz is Angela Lopez, Lisseth Chavez is Celina Juarez, Jenna Dewan is Bailey Nune, and Tru Valentino is Aaron Thorsen.
“Trouble in Paradise” Plot: Nolan and Bailey’s honeymoon is more of a nightmare than dream when it turns into an active crime scene. Meanwhile, Tim and Celina partner up and must uncover the identity of a John Doe.
Jenna Dewan and Nathan Fillion in ‘The Rookie’ season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)
The Rookie Description, Courtesy of ABC:
John Nolan, once the oldest rookie in the LAPD, has used his life experience, determination and sense of humor to keep up with rookies 20 years his junior. Nolan now faces his biggest challenge as a police officer, when he must come to terms with the choices he has made in pursuit of the truth.
Richard T. Jones, Mekia Cox, Eric Winter, and Lisseth Chavez in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)Jenna Dewan and Nathan Fillion in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)Mekia Cox and Alyssa Diaz in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)Eric Winter and Melissa O’Neil in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)Richard T. Jones, Mekia Cox, and Eric Winter in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)Jenna Dewan and Nathan Fillion in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)
Ricardo Chavira (Desperate Housewives) guest stars as a politician on ABC’s Will Trent season two episode three. “You Don’t Have to Understand” will air on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 8pm ET/PT.
Ramón Rodríguez leads the cast in the title role, with Erika Christensen returning as Angie Polaski and Iantha Richardson starring as Faith Mitchell. Jake McLaughlin plays Michael Ormewood and Sonja Sohn is Amanda Wagner.
“You Don’t Have to Understand” Plot: With several civilians dead and one woman missing, Will and Faith question a suspicious pastor ahead of the councilman’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Meanwhile, Angie joins Ormewood back in the field to investigate a sauna murder.
The second season premiere of the popular drama has pulled in 7.68 million viewers, marking a new high in viewership on ABC, Hulu, and digital platforms. ABC reports that’s an increase of 5% over the series’ season one debut.
Ramon Rodriguez in ‘Will Trent’ season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)
Will Trent Description, Courtesy of ABC:
Based on Karin Slaughter’s New York Times bestselling Will Trent series, Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. Now, Will uses his unique point of view in the pursuit of justice and has the highest clearance rate in the GBI.
Ramon Rodriguez and Jerod Haynes in season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)Ricardo Chavira in season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)Ramon Rodriguez and Belle in season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)Iantha Richardson in season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)Erika Christensen in season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)
William Gibson’s award-winning novel Neuromancer will be adapted into a series at Apple TV+. The streaming service announced Graham Roland (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan) and JD Dillard (The Outsider) are creating the series, with Roland attached as showrunner and Dillard directing the pilot episode.
“We’re incredibly excited to be bringing this iconic property to Apple TV+,” stated creators and executive producers Roland and Dillard. “Since we became friends nearly 10 years ago, we’ve looked for something to team up on, so this collaboration marks a dream come true. Neuromancer has inspired so much of the science fiction that’s come after it, and we’re looking forward to bringing television audiences into Gibson’s definitive ‘cyberpunk’ world.”
The 10-episode drama will be executive produced by author William Gibson, Zack Hayden, Anonymous Content, and Skydance Television’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Matt Thunell. DreamCrew Entertainment’s Drake, Adel ‘Future’ Nur, and Jason Shrier will also executive produce.
“The series will follow a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high-stakes crime with his partner Molly, a razor-girl assassin with mirrored eyes aiming to pull a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets,” reads Apple TV+’s synopsis.
Gibson’s Neuromancer was published in 1984 and won the Philip K. Dick Award, the Nebula Award, and a Hugo Award. Neuromancer‘s the first book of the “Sprawl” trilogy that includes Count Zero (1986) and Mona Lisa Overdrive (1988).
Paramount+ has given a series order to a new spinoff in the popular NCIS franchise. The latest entry in the NCIS franchise doesn’t have a title, but it does have Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo attached to star.
Weatherly will reprise his role as Tony DiNozzo and de Pablo will slip back into her Ziva David character for the 10-episode season. The fan-favorite NCIS characters will reunite for the first time in 10 years.
“We’ve been talking about this story for many years, and now with John McNamara at the helm, we are ready,” said Weatherly and de Pablo. “The world of Tony and Ziva (and daughter Tali) promises to be an action-packed roller coaster fueled by love, danger, tears and laughter. We also want to acknowledge and thank the fans from around the world who supported the ‘TIVA’ movement for years. To this day, they say hello in grocery stores and on the street to tell us how much these characters mean to them and ask what Tony and Ziva are up to now. This is for you!”
John McNamara is on board as showrunner, executive producer, and wrote the first episode. Weatherly, de Pablo, Laurie Lieser, Christina Strain and Shelley Meals are also executive producing.
“I’m incredibly excited to step into the NCIS universe with Cote and Michael and thrilled to explore it from a few new angles,” said showrunner and executive producer John McNamara. “Given that the franchise is such a global sensation, I think it’s phenomenal that CBS Studios and Paramount+ have given us the greenlight to shoot in Europe. As to the title of this series, if I told you what it is, I’d be violating the Espionage Act.”
Filming’s expected to get underway later this year.
Paramount+ released this synopsis of the spinoff:
“After Ziva’s supposed death, Tony left the NCIS team to go raise their daughter. Years later, Ziva was discovered alive, leading her to complete one final mission with NCIS before she was reunited with Tony and their daughter in Paris. Since then – and where we find them in the new Paramount+ original series – Tony and Ziva have been raising their daughter, Tali, together. When Tony’s security company is attacked, they must go on the run across Europe, try to figure out who is after them and maybe even learn to trust each other again so that they can finally have their unconventional happily ever after.”
(UPDATE: The title is confirmed to be NCIS: Tony & Ziva.)
Shaun continues to butt heads with Charlie on ABC’s The Good Doctor season seven episode three. “Critical Support” will air on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 10pm ET/PT. (Originally announced for March 5th.)
The final season stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman, Fiona Gubelmann as Dr. Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee as Dr. Alex Park, Christina Chang as Dr. Audrey Lim, and Paige Spara as Lea Dilallo. Bria Samoné Henderson plays Dr. Jordan Allen, Noah Galvin is Dr. Asher Wolke, and Chuku Modu stars as Dr. Jared Kalu.
“Critical Support” Plot: Shaun continues to be tested by Charlie when their newest case prompts her incessant stream of questions – all in pursuit of an answer. Meanwhile, Morgan struggles on who to name as guardian for Baby Eden should anything happen to her.
Kayla Cromer, Freddie Highmore, Noah Galvin and Chuku Modu in ‘The Good Doctor’ season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)
The Good Doctor Description, Courtesy of ABC:
In the farewell season of The Good Doctor, new challenges intermingle with the unresolved past. Following the birth of their son, Steve, Shaun and Lea navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood. Meanwhile, the team continues to deal with the many changes they have faced at the hospital over the past year and must learn to come to terms with them if they want to move forward in their lives and careers.
Paige Spara and Freddie Highmore in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Noah Galvin and Giacomo Baessato in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Fiona Gubelmann and Will Yun Lee in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Kayla Cromer, Freddie Highmore, Ethan Rich, April Cameron and Chuku Modu in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Noah Galvin, Giacomo Baessato, Oakley Arksey and J.C. Roy in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Richard Schiff, Christina Chang and Freddie Highmore in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed audiences will be treated to a live performance of “I’m Just Ken” by Barbie‘s top Ken, Ryan Gosling, during the 2024 Oscars. While Greta Gerwig was snubbed in the Best Director category and the film’s titular Barbie, Margot Robbie, wasn’t recognized with a nomination, Gosling and America Ferrera did earn acting nominations. Altogether, box office superstar Barbie picked up eight nominations, two of which came in the Best Original Song category.
Jon Batiste, Becky G, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, and Scott George and the Osage Singers will also take the stage and perform the 96th Oscars original songs nominees. The Academy released the following list of songs and performers:
“The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot – Performed by Becky G
Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
“I’m Just Ken” from Barbie – Performed by Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson
Music and Lyric by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt
“It Never Went Away” from American Symphony – Performed by Jon Batiste
Music and Lyric by Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson
“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from Killers of the Flower Moon – Performed by Scott George and the Osage Singers
Music and Lyric by Scott George
“What Was I Made For?” from Barbie – Performed by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell
Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell
Raj Kapoor will guide this year’s live awards show as showrunner and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Molly McNearney and Katy Mullan.
Jimmy Kimmel is on board as host of the 96th Oscars airing live on ABC on Sunday, March 10, 2024 from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The telecast will begin at a new time – 7pm ET/4pm PT.
Jean Smart stars in ‘Hacks’ (Photograph by Karen Ballard/HBO Max)
Helen Hunt (Mad About You) and Christina Hendricks (Good Girls) will take on guest starring roles in the upcoming third season of Max’s award-winning comedy Hacks. The streaming service also announced Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Dan Bucatinsky (Scandal), George Wallace (Clean Slate), and Tony Goldwyn (Oppenheimer) will appear in guest starring roles in season three.
Season three, which is expected to premiere this spring, stars Emmy, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award winner Jean Smart as Deborah Vance and Emmy, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award nominee Hannah Einbinder as Ava. Returning cast members include Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo, and Lorenza Izzo.
“A year after parting, Deborah Vance is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles,” reads Max’s synopsis.
Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky created the series and serve as showrunners. Downs and Aniello executive produce through their Paulilu banner, and Statsky executive produces via First Thought Productions. Morgan Sackett, Fremulon’s Michael Schur via Fremulon, and 3 Arts Entertainment’s David Miner also executive produce.
Bill Skarsgård and FKA twigs in ‘The Crow’ (Photo Credit: Larry Horricks for Lionsgate)
Lionsgate’s unveiled the first three official photos from The Crow. Directed by Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman), the 2024 adaptation of James O’Barr’s bestselling graphic novel is described as a “modern reimagining” of the story.
The first three photos feature the film’s stars Bill Skarsgård (John Wick: Chapter 4, the IT films) and singer/songwriter FKA twigs. The cast also includes Danny Huston (Yellowstone, Succession).
“Soulmates Eric (Skarsgård) and Shelly (FKA twigs) are brutally murdered when the demons of her dark past catch up with them,” reads Lionsgate’s synopsis. “Given the chance to save his true love by sacrificing himself, Eric sets out to seek merciless revenge on their killers, traversing the worlds of the living and the dead to put the wrong things right.”
Zach Baylin and William Schneider wrote the 2024 The Crow screenplay, with Edward R. Pressman, Samuel Hadida, Victor Hadida, John Jencks, and Molly Hassell serving as producers.
Lionsgate has a set a June 7, 2024 theatrical release.
O’Barr’s graphic novel was previously made into a feature film directed by Alex Proyas and starring Brandon Lee. Lee, the son of martial arts icon Bruce Lee, tragically died on March 31, 1993 while shooting the movie. While filming a scene in which his character, Eric Draven, is shot at by gang members, actor Michael Massee (playing Funboy) fired a .44 Magnum Smith & Wesson Model 629 revolver at Lee. A blank cartridge hit Lee in the abdomen and killed the 28-year-old actor.
Bill Skarsgård and FKA twigs (Photo Credit: Larry Horricks for Lionsgate)Bill Skarsgård (Photo Credit: Larry Horricks for Lionsgate)
TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET as Paul Atreides and ZENDAYA as Chani in ‘Dune: Part Two’ (Photo by Niko Tavernise)
Dune: Part Two is that rare sequel that totally crushes expectations and bests its successful predecessor. Writer/director Denis Villeneuve transports audiences to Arrakis, delivering an enthralling experience through flawless special effects and the exceptional cinematography of Greig Fraser. The performances match the breathtaking visuals, making Dune: Part Two a captivating and immersive cinematic experience.
Wow, that’s a lot of adjectives, isn’t it? I’d also throw in spectacular and stunning or any of their various synonyms.
The film picks up immediately after the events of Dune: Part One. The year is 10191, and House Atreides has been wiped out, leaving House Harkonnen in control of the spice mining operations on Arrakis. The corrupt and greedy Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard) stands in stark contrast to the murdered Duke Leto Atreides. Under the Baron’s watchful eye, “Beast” Rabban Harkonnen (Dave Bautista) hunts the planet’s native population, the Fremen, determined to exterminate every last one.
Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Bene Gesserit Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), have now become allies with the Fremen, fighting together to ensure the survival of Arrakis. However, not all Fremen are accepting of these other worlders, but Stilgar (Javier Bardem) stands resolute and unbending in his support of Paul, convinced that he is the prophesied savior. This is despite Paul’s desire not to fulfill the prophecy and instead become one of the Fremen and fight the evil Harkonnens.
Dune: Part One revealed Paul had visions of Chani (Zendaya) before the two even met, and as Dune: Part Two begins, the two are getting to know each other. Chani’s initially wary of this stranger but soon discovers he’s sincere in his desire to join the Fremen and unwilling to accept the mantle of savior. With Chani teaching him the Freman ways, Paul becomes an integral player in the battle against the Harkonnens.
Yet, even as he pushes away any attempts by Stilgar and the more religious southern Fremen to anoint him as “the one,” his actions and abilities tell a different story. With each new skill, Stilgar insists Paul is following what was written and is the one.
While Paul grapples with his fate, Lady Jessica eagerly embraces her own remarkable metamorphosis into Reverend Mother. Working diligently from her new elevated position, she, much like Stilgar, strives to win over the Fremen and convince them that her son is the promised one.
Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet has grown as an actor since first tackling the role of the conflicted future leader in Dune: Part One, demonstrating a newfound depth and complexity in his performance. In Part Two, Chalamet captivates with his impeccable portrayal of Paul Atreides (or, as he’s chosen to call himself, Muad’Dib), as he skillfully depicts Paul’s evolution from a mere student to a reluctant leader, ultimately accepting his true calling.
In Part One, Zendaya’s Chani had a brief introduction, and now in Part Two, her strength and determination confirm that she’s a fierce fighter. But more than that, Zendaya portrays Chani as the only person who sees Paul for the man he is – not “the one” or the scion of a royal family. As Paul and Chani’s relationship deepens, Chani provides Paul with a genuine connection to Arrakis, its history, its people, and its beauty.
Chalamet and Zendaya have real chemistry, and their shared scenes feel intimate and unforced.
Javier Bardem’s Stilgar provides the film with its comic relief, but not in an intrusive or jokey way. It’s Stilgar’s sincerity, his unwavering hope, and conviction that his people have found the one to lead them to a better life, that makes his earnestness occasionally comical. Bardem’s terrific as a leader of the Fremen and an old-school true believer in the promise of a messiah to lead his people in their fight for a free Arrakis.
As Lady Jessica, Rebecca Ferguson brings a whole new level of intensity and authority to her character in Part Two. Ferguson’s Lady Jessica undergoes an incredible physical and spiritual transformation, and Ferguson’s riveting in scenes in which she carries on conversations with her unborn daughter.
Oscar nominee Austin Butler (Elvis) brings one of Dune’s most iconic villains to the screen, portraying Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen as a cruel and twisted psychopath brought in to wipe out the Fremen. Director Villeneuve describes Butler’s take on the power-hungry Feyd-Rautha as a psychotic killer who’s a cross between a sword master and Mick Jagger. Almost unrecognizable under a bald cap, pale skin makeup, and blackened teeth, Butler delivers a standout performance that’s one of the best of his career. Feyd-Rautha is evil incarnate, and Butler makes him a character that commands the screen. Obviously, you’ll root against him, but inwardly you can’t help but want him to make more appearances.
Villeneuve’s assembled an incredible supporting cast that includes Oscar nominee Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Dave Bautista as Beast Rabban, Oscar nominee Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, Oscar winner Christopher Walken as Emperor, Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring, Souheila Yacoub as Shishakli, and Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen. Dune: Part Two is really just one more example of why the Oscars need to add a Best Ensemble category.
Dune: Part Two features stunning visuals and massive action sequences, as well as intense hand-to-hand fight scenes. But, as expected, it’s the sandworm riding scenes that are the coolest and most jaw-dropping. They’ll make you believe sandworms exist. Honestly, the world Villeneuve and his remarkable team have created will make you swear Arrakis is an actual planet. It’s that immersive – especially in IMAX.
Prepare to be transported to a mesmerizing sci-fi world with Dune: Part Two, a film that has earned its place among the genre’s all-time greats. Filmmaker Villeneuve has taken Frank Herbert’s iconic novel and made it accessible to a new generation, bringing to life a timeless tale of greed, love, corruption, and loyalty, set against the backdrop of an epic battle between good and evil.
GRADE: A
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, brief strong language, and some suggestive material
Release Date: March 1, 2024
Running Time: 2 hours 46 minutes
Screenplay By: Denis Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts, based on Frank Herbert’s novel
Studio: Warner Bros Pictures
Director of Photography: Greig Fraser
Production Designer: Patrice Vermette
Editor: Joe Walker
Visual Effects Supervisor: Paul Lambert
Costume Designer: Jacqueline West
Composer: Hans Zimmer
Supervising Sound Editor: Richard King
Fox’s Alert: Missing Persons Unit kicks off season two with an episode that finds the team tracking down a missing bus. Season two episode one, “Bus 447,” will air on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT.
Scott Caan stars as Jason Grant and Dania Ramirez is Nikki Batista. Ryan Broussard plays Mike Sherman, Adeola Role is Kemi Adebayo, and Alisha-Marie Ahamed is Wayne Pascal.
“Bus 447” Plot: As the MPU moves into new offices, which comes with new boss Inspector Hollis Braun (guest star Gil Bellows), a call comes in reporting the disappearance of an entire city bus full of students on a field trip. The team utilizes a father who tried to stop the kidnapping, as Jason reaches out to an old colleague for assistance in the search.
Alert: Missing Persons Unit is a procedural drama set in the Philadelphia Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit (MPU). Each episode features a heart-pounding, life-or-death search for a missing person headed by detectives Jason Grant and Nikki Batista. Together with the MPU team, their job is to find the missing or abducted and reunite them with their loved ones. Jason and Nikki, once married, have a very personal connection to these cases as their own young son went missing and was never found. The emotional toll of their son’s disappearance blew up their marriage, but even though they’ve moved on, their bond remains.
Nikki now runs MPU, where she and the team do for others what she wasn’t able to do for herself: bring a loved one back home. At MPU, she leads a highly skilled team, including her fiancé Mike Sherman, whom Nikki met when he was assigned to oversee the search for her son; Kemi Adebayo, a spiritually savvy detective with an astonishing knowledge base; and forensic anthropologist C (recurring guest star and newcomer Petey Gibson), who is a master at reconstructing the faces of those who have disappeared.
As the second season begins, the MPU team step into their new office in headquarters, where Jason and Nikki meet their new boss Inspector Hollis Braun (guest star Gil Bellows), who wants to keep a close eye on the team, particularly the unpredictable Jason Grant. Jason brings his old friend in to help with the case: master hacker Wayne Pascal, who he worked with in Afghanistan. Jason conveniently never told Nikki that Wayne was a woman (and a hot one!), which raises issues even as Nikki and Mike plan their wedding. Together, the team works to find the missing or abducted and help reunite them with their loved ones before it’s too late.
