Netflix’s documentary series Harry & Meghan provides a peek behind the scenes at the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The six-episode docuseries from two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus provides an in-depth look at what they endured that led to their decision to leave their Royal duties behind.
The first three episodes premiere on December 8, 2022. The second batch of three episodes debuts on December 15.
Erica Sashin, Mark Monroe, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Ben Browning, Chanel Pysnik, Jon Bardin, Mala Chapple, and Angus Wall executive produced.
Poster for Netflix’s ‘Harry & Meghan’
The Plot, Courtesy of Netflix:
In an unprecedented and in-depth documentary series, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex share the other side of their high-profile love story. Across six episodes, the series explores the clandestine days of their early courtship and the challenges that led to them feeling forced to step back from their full-time roles in the institution.
With commentary from friends and family, most of whom have never spoken publicly before about what they witnessed, and historians who discuss the state of the British Commonwealth today and the royal family’s relationship with the press, the series does more than illuminate one couple’s love story, it paints a picture of our world and how we treat each other.
From the critically acclaimed, two-time Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning director Liz Garbus, Harry & Meghan is a never-before-seen look at one of the most-discussed couples in history.
Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. (Courtesy of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.)Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. (Courtesy of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex)
Nic’s father shows up unexpectedly on Fox’s The Resident season six episode 10, “Family Day.” Episode 10 – the fall finale – will air on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 8pm ET/PT.
The season six cast includes Matt Czuchry as Dr. Conrad Hawkins, Jessica Lucas as Dr. Billie Sutton, Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Randolph Bell, and Jane Leeves as Dr. Kit Voss. Manish Dayal stars as Dr. Devon Pravesh, Malcolm-Jamal Warner is Dr. AJ Austin, Anuja Joshi is Dr. Leela Devi, Andrew McCarthy plays Dr. Ian Sullivan, and Kaley Ronayne is Dr. Cade Sullivan.
“Family Day” Plot: Conrad comes face to face with Nic’s dad, Kyle, after five years of no contact when he comes into Chastain with an extremely low heart rate. Billie advises her patient against surgery, but the patient’s family ignores her recommendation. Meanwhile, Cade musters up the courage to confront Ian about his addiction and Leela grows concerned about Padma.
The compelling medical drama The Resident follows the doctors and nurses at Chastain Memorial Park Hospital. They work tirelessly to solve intricate medical cases, stopping at nothing to save their patients while facing challenges in their own lives.
Season five was a tumultuous journey, as our heroes at Chastain weathered several storms, including the devastating loss of the beloved Nurse Practitioner Nicolette Nevin. Now, entering a cutting-edge and electrifying sixth season, the stakes are at an all-time high. This season, pertinent topics are touched upon that push our characters to the limit while fighting for their patients’ lives. The season kicks off six months after we’ve last seen our heroes at Chastain. Chastain’s quality of care is put at risk and it’s up to our doctors to shine a light on the effects political corruption has on the healthcare system.
In the season premiere, DR. CONRAD HAWKINS (Czuchry) cozies up with his new love interest. Who will it be, DR. BILLIE SUTTON (Lucas) or DR. KINCAID (CADE) SULLIVAN (Kaley Ronayne)? Conrad’s journey continues as he balances his new love life, single fatherhood and saving patients at Chastain. Elsewhere, we’re catapulted into a gripping medical emergency for PADMA DEVI (guest star Aneesha Joshi) and her unborn twins, that will showcase the skills of Chastain’s new top pediatric surgeon, DR. IAN SULLIVAN (McCarthy), as he hides a dark secret surrounding addiction. If Ian’s secret leaks, it can cost him his job and his relationship with his daughter, Cade.
Stepping into fatherhood, we’ll see another side of the “Raptor” or DR. AJ AUSTIN (Warner) as he supports Padma all the way. The power couple DR. DEVON PRAVESH (Dayal) and DR. LEELA DEVI (Joshi) shine as Devon leads his own clinical trials and Leela is appointed Chief Resident. Chastain’s CEO, DR. KIT VOSS (Leeves), feels the stress of running a hospital when resources are low, and a new potential governor threatens to cut Chastain’s funding, all while supporting her love DR. RANDOLPH BELL (Greenwood) through his battle with MS.
This is a season of renewal and transformation for the doctors at Chastain as they step into new phases of their personal and professional lives.
Chris Pine talks about fighting dragons and evil wizards in the new behind-the-scenes featurette from Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Pine describes the action comedy as the classic hero’s journey, and co-writer/co-director Jonathan Goldstein says it’s a great adventure with characters that you’re going to care about.
In addition to Chris Pine (Don’t Worry Darling), the two-minute video features interviews with Michelle Rodriguez (the Fast & Furious films), Regé-Jean Page (Bridgerton), Justice Smith (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Hugh Grant (The Undoing), and Sophia Lillis (the It films). John Francis Daley co-wrote and co-directs, with Jeremy Latcham, Brian Goldner, and Nick Meyer producing. Goldstein, Daley, Denis L. Stewart, Chris Pine, Zev Foreman, and Greg Mooradian executive produce.
Paramount Pictures is targeting a March 31, 2023 theatrical release.
Poster for Paramount Pictures’ ‘Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’
The Plot:
A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure.
CBS’s Blue Bloods season 13 episode eight, the fall finale, finds Danny investigating a gang attack. Directed by Jackeline Tejada from a script by Brian Burns, episode eight will air on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT.
The cast is led by Tom Selleck as Frank Reagan, Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan, and Bridget Moynahan as Erin Reagan. Will Estes stars as Jamie Reagan, Len Cariou is Henry Reagan, Marisa Ramirez plays Det. Maria Baez, and Vanessa Ray is Officer Eddie Janko.
Season 13’s recurring guest stars include Abigail Hawk, Gregory Jbara, Robert Clohessy, Steven Schirripa, Andrew Terraciano, Peter Hermann, Dylan Walsh, and Ian Quinlan.
“Poetic Justice” Plot: Danny crosses paths with Sonny Le (Alex Duong), a criminal from a previous case, when he investigates a gang attack with a shocking motive. Also, Frank and Mayor Chase (Walsh) butt heads over an off-duty cop who goes too far making a political statement; Anthony worries Erin’s DA campaign could be threatened by her ex-husband Jack’s unsavory business connections; and Jamie investigates a potentially dirty officer whose identity may be close to home.
Blue Bloods is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Frank Reagan is the New York Police Commissioner, and heads both the police force and the Reagan brood. He runs his department as diplomatically as he runs his family, even when dealing with the politics that plagued his unapologetically bold father, Henry, during his stint as chief.
A source of pride and concern for Frank is his eldest son, Danny, a seasoned detective, family man and Iraq War vet who on occasion uses dubious tactics to solve cases with his partner and new mother, Detective Maria Baez. Erin, the middle daughter, is a New York assistant D.A. who serves as the legal compass for her siblings and father, while also pursuing a run for district attorney. Jamie is the youngest Reagan, a Harvard Law graduate and the family’s golden boy.
Unable to deny the family tradition, Jamie decided to give up a lucrative future in law and follow in the family footsteps as a cop. He’s found a friend and ally in his wife, Eddie, who keeps him on his toes, and has very different reasons than the Reagans for joining the police force.
Jeff Bridges to be honored with CCA’s Lifetime Achievement Award (Photo Credit: John Russo)
Oscar winner and seven-time nominee Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart) will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards. Bridges recently starred in FX’s critically acclaimed drama The Old Man, based on Edgar Award-winning author Thomas Perry’s novel, which currently sits at 97% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
“We are thrilled to be honoring the one and only Jeff Bridges with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming Critics Choice Awards,” stated CCA CEO Joey Berlin. “From his debut with his dad on Sea Hunt, to his iconic performance as ‘The Dude’ in The Big Lebowski, to his Oscar-winning performance in Crazy Heart, right through his amazing work in The Old Man, his decades-spanning career is unmatched. We look forward to celebrating his incredible career before an audience of millions of fans on January 15th.”
The annual Critics Choice Awards recognizes the best in feature films and television. Nominees in the television categories will be announced on December 6, 2022. Film nominees will follow on Friday, December 9th.
Chelsea Handler’s been tapped to host the 2023 Critics Choice Awards airing live from Los Angeles on Sunday, January 15 at 7pm ET/PT (tape-delayed on the West Coast.).
Jeff Bridges earned Best Actor Oscar nominations for his performances in True Grit (the 2011 remake), Crazy Heart (he won), and Starman. Bridges was nominated in the Supporting Actor category for his work in The Last Picture Show, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, The Contender, and Hell or High Water.
The official trailer for Apple TV+ Servant season four has arrived and it’s a doozy. Sean’s come to the conclusion that everything that happens in the house is because of Leanne. When she’s happy, everything’s great. But when she’s angry, you better watch out.
“I hurt people when I get angry,” says Leanne. “The scariest part is I’m starting to like the way it feels.”
Returning cast members include Lauren Ambrose as Dorothy Turner, Toby Kebbell as Sean Turner, Nell Tiger Free as Leanne Grayson, and Rupert Grint as Julian Pearce. Executive producer M. Night Shyamalan, Ishana Night Shyamalan, Carlo Mirabella-Davis, Dylan Holmes, Celine Held & Logan George, Kitty Green, Nimrod Antal, and Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala direct final season episodes.
Executive producer and writer Tony Basgallop created the critically acclaimed series, with Ashwin Rajan, Jason Blumenthal, Taylor Latham, Larissa E. Michel, Steve Tisch, and Todd Black executive producing.
The 10-episode fourth season premieres on January 13, 2023 and will release a new episode every Friday leading up to the March 17th series finale.
Poster for season 4 of Apple TV+’s ‘Servant’
The Plot, Courtesy of Apple TV+
Following the suspenseful season three finale, season four will bring the final chapter of the Turner story to an epic and emotional conclusion. Leanne’s war with the Church of Lesser Saints heightens, threatening Spruce street, the city of Philadelphia, and beyond. Meanwhile, the shattered Turner family must not only confront the increasing threat of Leanne, but the certain reality that Dorothy is waking up. As the Turner family brownstone continues to crumble, questions are finally answered: who is Leanne Grayson and who is the child in their home?
Willow – the 1988 fantasy-adventure film directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind) and written by Star Wars creator/auteur George Lucas – is the latest franchise to get a reboot.
Warwick Davis (who worked with Lucas in 1983’s Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) reprises his role as the titular character from the original film, Willow Ufgood, a Nelwyn farmer/sorcerer, who never imagined he would be playing Willow again.
“For years it’s been talked about, not by anyone official but by the fans,” explained Davis. “They’ve constantly pestered me, saying, ‘When are we going to see a sequel to that movie?’ And it’s a question I could never answer.”
Until he met Jonathan Kasdan (son of Oscar nominee Lawrence Kasdan, who co-wrote Jedi with Lucas) on the set of 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story (which Howard directed and Davis cameoed in). The younger Kasdan co-wrote Solo with his father. He spoke to Davis and Howard at length about Willow. Kasdan is the showrunner of the eight-episode miniseries of the same name, which debuted November 30, 2022 on Disney+.
“There was the impulse certainly between Ron and Warwick and myself to continue this story and return to this world. I came at it as a fan and they came at it both as the creators and they found a champion in me,” said Kasdan, who wrote the first episode. “There was something special in the opportunity to bring this character back to the screen.”
A Sexier Willow
According to Davis, the project’s development happened fairly quickly in Hollywood terms. It wasn’t stuck in development hell for untold years.
“Before I knew it, I was on set in Wales for the very first day of filming,” he said. “Once again looking just like Willow, but a slightly older, more mature, better-looking version. Sexier.”
Kasdan, Davis, along with Willow cast members Erin Kellyman (Solo), Amar Chadha-Patel (Aladdin), Tony Revolori (the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies), Dempsey Bryk (The Silence), and Ruby Cruz (Mare of Easttown), recently spoke about the new Disney+ series during a virtual press conference.
Some of the younger cast members joked about how they weren’t even born when the original Willow debuted in 1988.
“I actually watched it with my parents and my brother… I love the film,” said Revolori. “I fell in love with the magic of the world and… when this opportunity came around, I was excited and honored.”
The 1988 Original
For the uninitiated, the original Willow occurred in a fantasy world. The evil sorceress Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh, Cleopatra) learns of a prophecy that a child with a special rune birthmark will be born and bring about her downfall. As a result, she imprisons all pregnant women. Once the baby, Elora Danan (Rebecca Bearman and twins Kate and Ruth Greenfield), is born, she’s smuggled out of Bavmorda’s dungeons and sent adrift up the river, where she’s eventually found by Willow.
Realizing his village is in danger, Willow goes on a quest to return Elora to her family, unaware of who she truly is. Along the way, he meets a roguish swordsman named Madmartigan (Val Kilmer, Top Gun) and runs afoul of Bavmorda’s forces led by her daughter Sorsha (Joanne Whalley, Daredevil). In the end, Sorsha betrays her mother and sides with Willow. When Bavmorda is vanquished, Willow leaves Elora with Sorsha and Madmartigan, then returns home.
“What really set Willow apart from the other fantasy offerings in the 1980s was that it could look at itself and laugh and not take itself seriously,” said Davis.
A Moderate Hit
Although nominated for two Oscars (for sound effects editing and visual effects) and grossing $137 million against a budget of $35 million, Willow was only a moderate hit and received mixed reviews from critics. It was not the blockbuster hit insiders predicted it to be, competing with the likes of other summer blockbusters released in 1988: Big, Rambo III, and Crocodile Dundee 2.
Lucas had plans to continue Willow as a film series, but since it wasn’t the next Star Wars, he developed The Chronicles of the Shadow War to follow the film’s events as a trilogy of novels: Shadow Moon, Shadow Dawn, and Shadow Sun. He hired Chris Claremont, best known for his 1976-91 stint as the writer of Marvel’s X-Men, to write it.
Getting George Lucas’ Blessing
Jonathan Kasdan talked about Lucas visiting the Solo set. Lucas was only supposed to be there briefly, and nobody was to say anything to him, much less make eye contact with him, according to Kasdan. However, Lucas stayed for six hours and answered everyone’s questions. The topic of Willow came up and Lucas gave Kasdan his blessing.
“In this moment when I found myself sitting next to this god of my childhood, (I said), ‘Y’know, the one thing I thought that Lucasfilm really had an opportunity to do was tell more Willow stories.’ And he kinda smiled wryly and said he couldn’t agree more and had been trying to make that happen for quite a while,” recalled Kasdan. “And he was a supporter and an advocate for (anything) we could get off the ground. That sort of faith and excitement and genuine boyish enthusiasm was really critical to feeling like this was something we could go off and do.”
The New Series
Willow occurs decades after Bavmorda’s defeat. Sorsha is now the queen. She and Madmartigan have gotten married and now have two children: twins Princess Kit (Cruz) and Prince Airk (Bryk). Sorsha intends to seal a marriage alliance between Kit and Prince Graydon (Revolori), but Kit doesn’t want to marry him. Meanwhile, lady’s man Airk is smitten with a kitchen maid named Dove (Emily Bamber, Nocturnal Animals).
The night before the wedding, the castle is attacked and Airk is kidnapped by the Bone Reavers, under orders from the enigmatic Withered Crone. Sorsha, who has visions of a new threat to the realm, orders Kit to assemble a small group, which includes Dove and Jade, to find Airk. They eventually encounter Willow, who reveals that Dove is actually Elora, whose true identity was kept hidden from even her.
In addition to Davis and Whalley, several people involved in the original film have returned, including Kevin Pollak (A Few Good Men) as Rool and Rick Overton (Mrs. Doubtfire) as Franjean. Marsh will reprise her role as Bavmorda in the fourth episode. Bearman and the Greenfield twins are slated to make cameo appearances.
Ron Howard is involved as an executive producer. Bob Dolman (who collaborated with Howard on 1992’s Far and Away), who wrote the screenplay for the original film based on Lucas’ story, returns to pen the second episode.
Where is Madmartigan?
Noticeably absent is Val Kilmer’s Madmartigan. In fact, Kilmer and Whalley met on the set of the original Willow, got married in 1988, had two kids, and then divorced in 1996. Kilmer has battled throat cancer in recent years, which has robbed him of his voice. Madmartigan’s absence is addressed in the series.
“(The) search for Madmartigan and the question of what has happened to him was right at the heart of the story we were telling. And we knew that it would be woven into this quest in a fundamental way, to see where he was, what had become of him, and what he’d given up,” explained Kasdan. “Madmartigan is still out there… I have had many conversations with everyone involved and our feeling is, he is out there to be found, should the day arrive… Warwick and I would both love to see him pick up that sword again.”
A Family Affair
Two of Davis’ four children are also involved in Willow. His son, Harrison, is his stunt double and photo double. His daughter, Annabelle, plays Willow’s daughter Mims, which isn’t a big stretch for her.
“It was wonderful to have (my children) as part of the series,” said Davis. “(Annabelle’s) a brilliant actor in her own right. We had a lot of fun playing the scenes together. Obviously, we’ve got that natural chemistry between us, which I think shines in the scenes we have together. I’m immensely proud of her work.”
He continued: “(Harrison’s) the most perfect stunt and photo double; he stands the same height as I do (3 foot 6) and looks just like me.” He added, tongue-in-cheek: “And he’s slightly disappointed now that he’s never going to be recognized for the work he did because as a stunt double and photo double, you should not be known – you should not even exist.”
The Weight of the Fan Expectations
Davis spoke about the challenges of filming Willow. When he first filmed the original Willow, he was 17. Today, he’s 52. Doing many of the physical feats required of him took a toll.
“(There was also) very unwieldy dialogue from Mr. Kasdan,” he joked.
The biggest challenge of all, however, was fan expectations.
“So, you’ve got that on your mind the whole time,” said Davis. “It can give you a lot of responsibility and bring a lot of weight to the whole thing. But, nonetheless, the experience was a fun one; it’s one I look back on with great affection and fondness.”
More Willow?
At this time, it is undecided if Willow will return for a second season. Kasdan would love to do more seasons.
“With every episode, you’re walking the line between making it familiar and satisfying what fans expect from the brand Willow and then trying to push it forward and tell a story that’s surprising and unexpected,” he said. “The greatest weapon we had with us was Warwick, who just lent the whole universe of Willow credibility, and the moment you see him on screen, you suddenly believe these six other foolish kids could somehow fit into that world and really inhabit it. And they did so beautifully and with such gusto and enthusiasm and authenticity that it was an amazing thing to watch all these things come together and become something that feels like a progression from the movie as much as a love letter to it.”
Series star Kevin Alejandro steps behind the camera to direct CBS’s Fire Country season one episode eight. Written by Tia Napolitano, episode eight will air on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 9pm ET/PT.
Max Thieriot leads the cast as Bode Donovan. Season one’s regulars include Billy Burke as Vince, Kevin Alejandro as Manny, Diane Farr as Sharon, Stephanie Arcila as Gabriela, Jordan Calloway as Jake, and Jules Latimer as Eve.
“Bad Guy” Plot: Vince’s judgment is compromised when a harrowing rescue of two siblings triggers emotional memories of the night his daughter died in a car accident.
Episode eight guest stars include W Tre Davis, Hilary Jardine, Michael Trucco, Morgan Taylor Campbell, Bob Frazer, and Lauren K Robek.
Fire Country stars Max Thieriot as Bode Donovan, a young convict seeking redemption and a shortened prison sentence by joining a prison release firefighting program in Northern California, where he and other inmates are partnered with elite firefighters to extinguish massive, unpredictable wildfires across the region. It’s a high-risk, high-reward assignment, and the heat is turned up when Bode is assigned to the program in his rural hometown, where he was once a golden all-American son until his troubles began.
Five years ago, Bode burned down everything in his life, leaving town with a big secret. Now he’s back, with the rap sheet of a criminal and the audacity to believe in a chance for redemption with Cal Fire.
Tyler Posey is back as Scott McCall in Teen Wolf: The Movie which just unveiled its first official trailer. The new Teen Wolf film was written by Teen Wolf creator Jeff Davis and finds the gang reunited and facing a brand new threat.
In addition to Tyler Posey, Paramount+’s Teen Wolf: The Movie stars Crystal Reed as Allison, Holland Roden as Lydia, Shelley Hennig as Malia, Tyler Hoechlin as Derek, JR Bourne as Chris, Orny Adams as Coach Bobby Finstock, and Colton Haynes as Jackson. Linden Ashby is Sheriff Stilinski, Melissa Ponzio is Melissa, Ryan Kelley is Deputy Jordan Parrish, Seth Gilliam is Dr. Alan Deaton, Ian Bohen is Peter, Dylan Sprayberry is Liam, Vince Mattis is Eli, Khylin Rhambo is Mason, Amy Workman is Hikari, and Nobi Nakaniski is Deputy Ishida.
“It’s 15 years later and we meet Scott in his early 30s. Scott McCall is not a teen wolf anymore; he’s a 30-year-old wolf. And, when we last left Beacon Hills, all that crazy sh*t, like Beacon Hills carries a lot of weight for Scott – emotionally, physically. He’s constantly on edge trying to save the world, trying to be the true Alpha. So being an adult, he wanted to get away. He wanted to get away from Beacon Hills and start a new life, see what’s out there,” said Tyler Posey during NYCC. “Put down the hero role for a while, you know? And that’s all Scott ever knew because he’s the true Alpha. He became the true Alpha because he is innately a hero. And putting down that role, he’s lost himself a little bit.
The first time we Scott is the first time we see him do stuff normal – as a normal person – ever since the pilot. It’s the first time we’ve seen Scott kind of with human emotions…not that he didn’t have any human emotions before. But he’s doing stuff a normal person would do. It’s pretty intense to see Scott doing a mundane, normal life. And he’s also lonely because he’s missing something in his life. He’s missing the hero role. He’s missing friends. He’s missing Beacon Hills. He’s missing family. And so we see Scott as a sort of troubled adult. Depressed. Kind of dealing with loneliness for the first time.”
Teen Wolf: The Movie premieres on January 26, 2023 on Paramount+.
‘Teen Wolf: The Movie’ Poster (Photo Credit: Paramount+)
The Plot:
In Teen Wolf: The Movie, a full moon rises in Beacon Hills and with it a terrifying evil has emerged. The wolves are howling once again, calling for the return of banshees, werecoyotes, hellhounds, kitsunes and every other shapeshifter in the night. But only a werewolf like Scott McCall, no longer a teenager yet still an alpha, can both gather new allies and reunite trusted friends to fight back against what could be the most powerful and deadliest enemy they’ve ever faced.
Cole Hauser and Kevin Costner in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 5 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
Paramount Network’s Yellowstone season five episode five begins with another flashback to a younger John Dutton (Josh Lucas) saddling up and riding out with his men, ready to spend the day herding cattle. Beth briefly joins the guys and after flirting with the ranch hand she previously made out with, she warns Rip to be careful. He’s justifiably standoffish, given Beth’s behavior on what was supposed to have been a date.
Zoom forward to current events and adult Beth (Kelly Reilly) is still having a rough time dealing with how rotten she was to Rip back in those days. Rip (Cole Hauser) is about to head out early, but Beth wants to talk about their relationship back when they were teens. Rip explains that he thinks about today and tomorrow but doesn’t spend time thinking about the past.
“Yesterday is what eats me,” says Beth, and Rip confirms that’s normal. It eats him, too, and that’s why he avoids thinking about it. They share a sweet but short kiss before he heads off for the day.
Huge smoke plumes can be seen over the mountains as Rip and John (Kevin Costner) walk and talk. Since the valley’s shorthanded, Rip thinks they should brand their calves now before they have to help out other ranches. Rip lays out his plan and explains they need to bring in 15 dayworkers, and John wants Rip to set up tents for temporary housing. Everyone will sleep outside, including the bunkhouse boys.
John orders his assistant, Clara (Lilli Kay), to clear his schedule. He’ll be working from the ranch for the next few days, and any scheduled meetings will have to be canceled. Also, he doesn’t want any additional meetings placed on his calendar.
John wants to remind everyone exactly what ranchers do and plans on making a big to-do out of the branding. Media will be invited, and Clara suggests she can make a guest list that will allow him to do two weeks worth of meetings in one afternoon. John briefly considers it and surprisingly agrees.
Kelly Reilly and Kevin Costner in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 5 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
John’s meeting with his daughter’s next up, nd she wants to talk about Summer. John insists she’s not his girlfriend and she’s under house arrest right now, meaning she’ll be staying at the Yellowstone.
Beth thinks he’s keeping her around for her sexual abilities (she doesn’t sugarcoat her feelings) but John lays out the real explanation. Montana’s caught up in lawsuits over wolf hunting, bison leaving, and sage grouse that don’t know how to cross the road. John’s going to use Summer’s understanding of environmental issues to help him make his way through all the landmines.
Beth’s sure Summer doesn’t want to actually help him. She’s just literally and psychologically screwing with him. Beth’s convinced that everything – the fight over wolves, bison, and anything else – boils down to them wanting the Duttons’ land. Their desire to take the Yellowstone Ranch is at the heart of every battle.
Kayce (Luke Grimes) holds his head in his hands and sobs while seated on his porch with his dog. Monica (Kelsey Asbille) joins him and he admits he’s worried about her and life in general. He doesn’t have a clue what to do and Monica suggests he should keep his job. She doesn’t think Baby John’s death had anything to do with Kayce being at work; God just needed their baby.
Kayce’s worried about the job coming between them and Monica assures him that won’t happen. She also delivers the news that John invited them to the branding for a week. She wants to go but isn’t up to riding with them yet, but thinks Tate would be happy to have something to take his mind off burying his baby brother.
Rip’s busy going through supplies trying to gather stuff to outfit Carter for the ride ahead of them when Beth shows up. She surprises her hubby by asking him to outfit her, too. Rip’s completely taken aback; nothing in Beth’s history suggests she’d like to go on a long ride without real supplies.
Beth gets defensive and threatens to take off for Vegas when he doesn’t jump at the chance to have her along. With everything on his mind, Rip’s not prepared to deal with her issues right now.
“Okay, Beth, let’s put the crazy away,” says Rip before asking her if she’d like to go with him as they round up the calves for branding. She doesn’t respond.
Rip seriously has the patience of a saint when he takes a deep breath and takes a different approach. “Beth, love of my life, I don’t think I could survive two days alone,” says Rip. He adds that although she hates horses, cattle, getting dirty, and being told what to do, he hopes she chooses to spare him the misery of being without her.
Things turn playful as they tussle and then kiss.
John and Summer (Piper Perabo) don’t see eye-to-eye on branding cattle, so Summer won’t be joining them on the ride. However, Clara can ride so John invites her along. Plus, she can bring a satellite phone in case anyone needs to reach them.
Luke Grimes in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 episode 5 (Photo Credit: Paramount Network)
John’s happy to see Kayce, Monica, and Tate have joined them and invites them for dinner.
When Clara sees Kayce, she asks if that’s his youngest son. John replies, “That’s my only son, Clara.”
And speaking of the son John’s not claiming, Jamie (Wes Bentley) is surprised when Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) shows up at his office after he called off their dinner date. Jamie doesn’t want to get involved in a relationship and what they did the other night was unprofessional. He finally catches on to the fact Sarah had sex with him to keep him from representing the State.
Jamie’s not worried because the State hires outside counsel. Sarah responds by taking off her dress, promising to get even more unprofessional. (So far, Sarah’s a horribly underwritten character. There’s no evidence yet that anyone, let alone the Duttons, should fear her.)
Beth, Carter (Finn Little), and Rip sit down for dinner at the small table, and Carter’s still shocked he gets to go with Rip to brand the calves.
Meanwhile, Summer, Kayce, Monica, Tate, and Clara join John at the main dining room table. And although he knows it’s not a wise decision, John wants Beth’s group to join them. He’s determined to have a real family dinner for once.
John orders Beth to join him and warns that if she can’t say anything nice, she needs to keep her mouth shut.
The dinner’s just as tense as you’d expect. Summer’s disturbed by the meat being served and doesn’t hold back voicing her disappointment about the deer, doves, and ducks they’re about to eat.
Monica busts out laughing, saying what everyone thinks about how uncomfortable things are. Monica continues to laugh as Beth asks Summer to step outside so they can discuss the way of life on a ranch. Rip volunteers to go after them and John chuckles when he says that’s a terrible idea.
Kayce smiles his first genuine smile this season and Monica struggles to hold it together.
Laughter breaks out around the table, but Rip’s seriously worried about what’s happening outside. And, it turns out, he’s right to be concerned.
Beth punches Summer in the face and Summer hits the ground. She gets up, only to be punched again. Fists and insults fly, and they’re surprisingly evenly matched. It’s a brutal battle that only stops when Rip tells them they both look stupid and ridiculous.
“Do you think that you’re going to beat the other one into respecting your opinion?” asks Rip, not actually in need of an answer. He wonders if this is the kind of manners Beth is trying to teach Carter. And he tells Summer not to insult people in their own homes. If she doesn’t like the food, she shouldn’t eat it. There are starving people all over the world and she should be grateful she’s being fed at all.
If she can’t leave, then she needs to figure out how to get along.
Rip wonders if they’ve had enough, and neither agrees to end their fight. Rip suggests they stop rolling on the ground and just stand toe-to-toe trading blows.
The suggestion’s barely out of Rip’s mouth when Beth punches Summer in the face. Summer returns the blow, and they briefly get back into it again. Summer falls down and looks at Rip, and he explains that if she wants to quit, she needs to do it for herself. He’s not helping her stop this fight, but he’ll make sure it’s over if she quits.
She gets back up and the fight continues for a short while until Summer’s knocked down again. She stays down and sobs, and Beth finally helps her up. Beth demands that Summer show the entire Dutton family respect while she’s staying in her home. In return, she’ll get what she gives.
They head back in to eat, although Summer’s not sure her mouth’s working well enough to chew. The truce is almost over before it can begin when Beth tosses out an insult. Beth quickly apologizes and says they’re not doing that anymore.
In a show of solidarity, neither woman gets cleaned up before returning to the table.
Beth’s in a much better mood and Summer explains she’s never eaten meat. They have a normal discussion about how humans are designed to eat meat, but John’s obviously not happy about how this family dinner went down. He excuses everyone from the table, and they leave in silence.
Beth and Summer remain seated and keep eating. One of Beth’s teeth drops onto her plate and Summer smiles.
John and Rip have a chat over alcohol, and Rip assures John that he and Beth never go to sleep mad. John recalls his ancestors fought all the time to keep the land. Now, cowards rule the world. All you need to succeed now is to be able to complain and blame. It’s now the survival of the unfittest.
John wonders what it’s like to feel as free as Beth. He also confesses he has one child he misses (Lee), one he pities (Kayce), and one he regrets (Jamie). However, he envies Beth. (Apparently, he’s back to claiming Jamie as a child.)
Morning arrives and the bunkhouse boys prepare for a few days of hard work without any of the comforts of their home. The Duttons are also busy packing in a big breakfast before they ride out. They eat in comfortable silence.
Pretty much as one, they leave the table, with only Summer remaining behind.
The Yellowstone’s cowboys gather outside along with all the dayworkers they’ve brought in as well as cowboys from nearby ranches. The mood’s light and friendly as John joins them.
Everywhere saddles up and Beth reacts in pain as she gets on her horse. She’s going to feel every bit of that beating during the ride.
Summer steps outside and tells Beth she feels like she got hit by a truck. Beth jokes she feels like she was hit by a Prius. Summer’s not sure what to do while they’re gone, and Beth suggests she walk around the ranch to understand them better.
“Tell me if there is a forest in America in better shape or more loved. Then tell me we’re the enemy,” says Beth before riding off.
Monica says goodbye to Kayce and tells him to keep their only boy safe. Kayce gently strokes her face and says they’re going to remedy that.
John addresses the group and explains what they’ve got planned. It’ll mean empty stomachs and sore backs for a couple of days. He rides off and everyone follows.
Summer and Monica watch them leave and Monica cries a little, sad about watching her family ride away.
The promo for episode six shows that someone passes away on the ride!
Season five episode five, “Watch ‘Em Ride Away,” ends with a dedication to set electrician Timothy Reynolds who passed away on August 24, 2022.
