‘House of the Dragon’ Season 1 Episode 7 Recap: “Driftmark”

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October 2, 2022

House of the Dragon Episode 7 Recap — Harvey Sadler, Emma D’Arcy, and Leo Hart in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 1 episode 7 (Photograph by Ollie Upton / HBO)

HBO’s House of the Dragon season one episode seven opens on Lady Laena’s funeral. But before we discuss that somber event, here’s a quick recap of the key events of episode six.

Episode six introduced the adult versions of Alicent and Rhaenyra, and the battle lines moved from being etched in pencil to drawn in ink. Prince Daemon lost his second wife, Lady Laena, who died after ordering her dragon to give her a dragonrider’s death by fire. And Larys Strong elevated his position by ordering the murder of his father and brother, effectively making himself Lord of Harrenhal while forcing Alicent to be in his debt.

And now, a recap of episode seven – “Driftmark.”

The Velaryons, Targaryens, and other key figures gather for Lady Laena’s funeral at Driftmark. Prince Daemon and Laena’s two daughters are in attendance along with King Viserys, Queen Alicent, and the recently promoted Ser Otto Hightower who is once more The Hand of the King.

Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) chuckles during the funeral while Prince Aegon (Ty Tennant) looks bored.

Lady Laena’s body is sent to the sea’s bottom, to rest for an eternity.

Dragons soar as the funeral attendees mingle. Princess Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Daemon make eye contact but don’t chat. Rhaenyra sends her oldest son, Jace, to comfort his cousins, but he feels as though he’s the one in mourning since Ser Harwin – who he knows is his real father – is dead.

All in all, it’s an uncomfortable assemblage.

Aegon (Ty Tennant) and his younger brother, Aemond, discuss their sister, Helaena, and Aegon’s of the mind she’s an idiot. He isn’t happy about the idea of being forced to marry her. (She’s shown talking to herself and trapping a spider in a shell.)

Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) tells Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke) that Larys has been staring at her since they arrived. Larys (Matthew Needham) looks ready to burst with pride that his plans have come together and that he’s the new Lord of Harrenhal.

Jace takes his cousin’s hand while off to the side Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) discusses Luke’s future with him. Corlys reminds Luke (Harvey Sadler) that while Jace will be king one day, he’ll be named Lord of Driftmark. Luke doesn’t want Driftmark or the title, but Corlys is gentle when he explains it’s his birthright.

Luke confesses he’s upset because if he’s the Lord, then that means everyone’s dead.

Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best) is next to comfort her daughter’s daughters.

Aemond and Jace stare at each other over an open fire. They don’t speak.

Rhaenyra and Daemon finally exchange half smiles.

Ser Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan) stands in the water overcome with grief, staring at the spot where his sister’s body entered the water. Corlys whispers to Ser Qarl Correy (Arty Froushan) to retrieve Laenor, and everyone in attendance notices the anger Corlys displays toward his son’s not-so-secret lover.

King Viserys (Paddy Considine) speaks with his brother, noting the fact that his daughters look like their mother is both a comfort and anguish. Viserys invites his brother back to King’s Landing, but Daemon insists Pentos is his home now. Viserys reminds him he has a place on his court, and again Daemon turns him down, insisting he needs nothing.

Daemon storms off and Ser Otto (Rhys Ifans) stops him to express his sympathy. “No matter how fat the leech grows, it always wants for another meal,” replies Daemon, perfectly summing up Ser Otto’s lust for power.

King Viserys makes an early exit, his health steadily declining. Ser Harrold Westerling (Graham McTavish) accompanies Viserys, turning over the watch to Ser Criston.

Prince Aegon finds a secluded spot to drink alone. Ser Otto tracks him down and hauls him off to bed. Qarl also retrieves Laenor, and Laenor’s off to bed too.

Aemond watches a dragon circle overhead, more interested in the beasts than the people gathered.

Later, Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys discuss Daemon and how he refused to allow Laena to return home. Corlys believes the surgeons in Pentos are equal to Driftmark’s, and she needs to stop placing blame. Rhaenys thinks maybe the gods are scorning them for their pride.

Princess Rhaenys insists it’s Corlys’ own ambition and not justice for her that makes him so obsessed with the Iron Throne. She wounds his pride by saying he’s cost them their children. He lives his life to create a legacy; she does not.

Rhaenys wants Driftmark to pass to Laena’s daughter, Baela, because of her true Velaryon blood. That would mean Laenor and his children would be disinherited. Rhaenys points out that Laenor will be king consort and his children will inherit the throne.

Both are aware Rhaenyra’s boys aren’t Laenor’s. However, Laena’s are Daemon’s. “History does not remember blood. It remembers names,” says Corlys, snatching his hand away from his wife.

Rhaenyra and Daemon leave the castle and stroll on the beach. She confirms her marriage is a farce but confesses they did try to conceive a child. It didn’t happen and there was no joy in it. She found joy in Ser Harwin, and it felt good to be desired.

Daemon knows Ser Harwin was devoted to Rhaenyra and she admits she trusted him. She regrets allowing him to return to Harrenhal, and Daemon reveals he thinks Alicent had a hand in Harwin’s and Lord Strong’s deaths. Rhaenyra doesn’t agree; however, Daemon knows everyone is capable of depravity.

Rhaenyra accuses Daemon of abandoning her. Without him, her life is a droll tragedy. She wonders if Daemon loved Laena and he describes them as feeling happy enough.

Rhaenyra touches his neck and Daemon speaks her name gently. She reminds him she’s no longer a child moments before they kiss. Rhaenyra tells Daemon she wants him and they move to a more secluded area. They slowly explore each other’s bodies, the longing evident as they remove each other’s clothing.

This time there’s no pulling back as Rhaenyra clings to her uncle tightly.

Aemond runs off alone and crouches near Vhagar (Lady Laena’s dragon) while it’s slumbering. He approaches it, looking up in wonder at the incredible creature. Finally, he moves to touch the ropes holding on the saddle and it wakes, staring him in the face. When it rests again, he once more reaches for the ropes and this time it opens its mouth, exposing fire. Aemond’s able to command it to stop and climbs into the saddle.

He holds tight to the harness and orders it to fly. Vhagar attempts to knock him from his seat and takes to the sky, Aemond holding on for dear life. Vhagar goes into a dive but then rises once more as Aemond remains astride. Vhagar reacts to Aemond’s pulls on the harness, and Aemond laughs in delight. He’s now a dragonrider.

Laena’s daughter Baela wakes up Jace and tells him someone stole Vhagar. She didn’t see who was riding him.

It’s late when Daemon and Rhaenyra also rise, filled with postcoital bliss, and see Vhagar in the sky.

Aemond dismounts and is met with fury from Laena’s daughters. Baela insists Vhagar was hers to claim since it was her mother’s. Aemond insults her and tosses her to the ground. He punches her twin, Rhaena, and Jace reacts by jumping into the fight.

Luke also attacks and soon all the kids are beating up on Aemond. However, he’s able to get the best of them despite being outnumbered. Aemond raises a rock to hit Luke in the head and says, “You’ll die screaming in flames – just as your father did. Bastards!”

Luke doesn’t understand what he means and Aemond turns to Jace, taunting him for being Harwin’s son – not Laenor’s. Jace pulls out a blade, but Aemond continues to have the upper hand. As Aemond’s about to use the rock, Jace throws dirt in his face. Luke picks up Jace’s blade and slashes Aemond across the face.

It all happened in an instant.

Aemond howls in pain and Ser Harrold and the Kingsguard arrive to help him.

King Viserys demands to know how Ser Harrold allowed this to happen. But even Ser Criston believes this was nothing they could have foreseen since Aemond was attacked by his own cousin.

Criston says, “The Kingsguard has never had to defend princes from princes.”

Aemond will lose his eye but will heal. Alicent slaps Aegon, enraged he was drinking rather than looking after his brother.

Soon, Lord Corlys, Lady Rhaenys, Princess Rhaenyra, and Prince Daemon arrive and join in on the accusations. Luke, Jace, and Laena’s daughters insist Aemond started it, and Jace says it began when Aemond attacked Baela.

Ser Otto takes this all in as does Daemon, both men assessing how this affects their political futures quietly from the sidelines.

King Viserys commands the gathering to fall silent and then demands the truth about what happened. Alicent insists it was not an accident while Rhaenyra insists her children were attacked and insulted, forcing them to defend themselves.

Rhaenyra tells her father her sons’ legitimacy was questioned and King Viserys looks shocked. Aemond smiles as Jace says they were called bastards.

Rhaenyra calls this action the highest of treasons since her sons are in line for the throne. She wants Aemond sharply questioned to know where he heard these claims. Viserys speaks to Aemond and demands to know the source of this vile rumor.

Alicent and Viserys asks for Ser Laenor to be included in this discussion, and Rhaenyra claims she went for a walk and wasn’t with him when she heard all the commotion. Alicent suggests, in front of Lord Corlys, that Laenor is entertaining his young squires.

Now it’s Ser Criston’s turn to smile.

Once more King Viserys demands to know where Aemond heard these lies. Alicent draws in her breath, sure she’s about to be named. Instead, he names Aegon. Aegon’s forced to answer that they know. “We know, father. Everyone knows. Just look at them,” says Aegon.

The room falls silent.

King Viserys commands them all to apologize and make up. “Your father, your grandsire, your King, demands it!” screams Viserys. They are a family and will act like one.

Neither Alicent nor Rhaenyra look satisfied with this outcome, but Alicent is the one to speak. Because Aemond’s been damaged permanently, a debt must be paid. She demands one of Rhaenyra’s sons’ eyes.

King Viserys warns her not to be guided by her temper. Alicent doesn’t obey and orders Ser Criston to bring her Lucerys’ eye. King Viserys dismisses that order, but Alicent won’t back down, reminding Criston he’s sworn to her.

Criston chooses the right path and does not move but says, “As your protector, My Queen.”

King Viserys, again, commands his wife to leave the matter alone. He also issues a standing order: “Let it be known, anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Rhaenyra’s sons should have it removed.”

Rhaenyra thanks her father and turns toward her children just as Alicent grabs Aegon the Conqueror’s dagger from King Viserys’ belt.

Daemon and Ser Otto have continued to stand back and assess throughout this entire discussion but now even these two men are drawn into the fray.

Ser Harrold orders the guard to stay with King Viserys as Alicent attacks Rhaenyra! Ser Criston runs to help Alicent but is stopped in his tracks by Daemon. Ser Harrold holds the others back as Rhaenyra tells Alicent she’s gone too far.

Alicent holds the knife inches from Rhaenyra’s face and Rhaenyra looks defiant as she stares at her attacker and listens to her accusations about neglecting her duty and tarnishing her honor.

Ser Otto yells for his daughter to drop the blade as Rhaenyra speaks up. “Exhausting, wasn’t it? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness. But now they see you as you are.”

Alicent slices Rhaenyra’s arm and the blood pours to the floor.

Alicent finally drops the dagger.

Aemond tells his mom not to mourn him. He lost an eye, but he gained a dragon. (His sister, Helaena, had prophesized he’d need to lose an eye to obtain a dragon.)

Daemon rushes to Rhaenyra’s side and stands with her children and the Velaryons. Ser Criston joins Alicent.

The battle lines have now been drawn in blood.

Packing is underway when Ser Otto visits his daughter. She expects him to be angry that she assaulted Rhaenyra and she’s aware gossip is spreading that she’s gone mad. Plus, people will side with Rhaenyra after the attack. He agrees with her but confesses he’s never seen her fight this way before. He’s proud of that and knows she’s got the determination to win this ugly game.

Otto advises her to plead for forgiveness from King Viserys. Otto’s also certain Aemond getting Vhagar on his side is worth the price he paid.

House of the Dragon episode 7 — John Macmillan in ‘House of the Dragon’ episode 7 (Photograph by Ollie Upton / HBO)

It’s morning when Laenor finally shows up as Rhaenyra’s getting her arm stitched. Laenor is deeply in mourning for his sister and upset he wasn’t there to defend his wife. She fills him in on what happened and Laenor confesses he’s failed her and their marriage. He loves their boys but doesn’t believe he’s loved them enough.

Rhaenyra admits she hoped to bear his children and if she had, things might have been different. Laenor hates the gods for making him this way, but Rhaenyra doesn’t. He’s got a good heart and that’s rare.

They smile while discussing their arrangement for an open marriage, but the talk turns serious when Laenor says Qarl is leaving. Laenor pledges to recommit himself to his wife and their family. He will raise their sons to be princes of the realm. It’s what she deserves.

King Viserys’ health continues to deteriorate as he and Alicent ride in the carriage to the ship. He doesn’t want to talk about what happened, but Alicent attempts to get back in his good graces.

Once on the ship returning home, Larys is back whispering in Alicent’s ear and offers to retrieve an eye if that’s what she wants. She doesn’t, but she commends his devotion. She knows she’ll need his skill and discretion at some point.

Daemon and Rhaenyra speak as they watch King Viserys’ ship sail away. She calls fire a strange power and knows the Targaryens owe everything to it, but it cost them both with whom they loved. Fire is a prison and the sea offers an escape – maybe the Velaryons were onto something.

Rhaenyra knows she can’t face the “greens” alone and needs Daemon. She wants him as her husband and king consort. If she had that, no one could question her right to the Iron Throne. “We have always been meant to burn together,” says Rhaenyra.

He points out that to marry, Laenor must be dead. Rhaenyra acknowledges she’s aware of that.

Rhaenyra won’t be a tyrant ruling through terror. Daemon disagrees. He thinks to be a strong ruler her subjects must fear her. Rhaenyra claims she loves Laenor, and Daemon suggests she grant him a kindness and set him free.

Rhaenyra is aware this would mean Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys would lose their only remaining child. They both believe people will think she’s responsible, but also realize their enemies will fear what else they could be capable of.

Daemon meets with Ser Qarl, pointing out he’s got a lord’s taste. He whispers there are places where it doesn’t matter what a man’s name is. All that matters is his gold. Daemon only asks that it’s a quick death that is witnessed.

Daemon kills one of Laenor’s men. Moments later, Laenor acts shocked to see Qarl in his father’s hall. They draw their swords and one of Laenor’s guards runs to summon help. The guards and Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys rush to the commotion. By the time they get there, the fight is over. A body, burned to the point of being unrecognizable, is pulled from the fireplace. Only the legs remain intact.

Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon wed in a quiet ceremony attended only by their children.

The episode ends with Qarl holding a small rowboat and watching as a cloaked figure runs toward him on the beach. They hop into the boat, and it’s revealed the cloaked figure is a newly bald Laenor.

Together, they paddle out to a waiting ship.

‘Quantum Leap’ Episode 3 Photos, Plot, and Cast

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 1, 2022

Ben leaps into a boxer in the 1970s on NBC’s Quantum Leap season one episode three. “Somebody Up There Likes Ben” will air on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT.

The 2022 sequel stars Raymond Lee (Kevin Can F**k Himself) as physicist Ben Song and Caitlin Bassett as Addison, a hologram who only Ben can see when he leaps. Ernie Hudson (The Family Business) plays Herbert “Magic” Williams, Mason Alexander Park (The Sandman) is Ian Wright, and Nanrisa Lee (First Love) plays Jenn Chou.

“Somebody Up There Likes Ben” Plot: Ben leaps to flashy 1970s Las Vegas and into the body of promising young boxer Danny Hill on the eve of a big title fight. Ben and Addison discover that everything is on the line and must help Danny and his trainer/brother Daryl win the fight or lose everything. Magic, Ian and Jenn dig into Ben’s past to uncover the truth.

Quantum Leap Season 1 Episode 3 — Caitlin Bassett as Addison and Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Song in ‘Quantum Leap’ episode 3 (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

Season One Synopsis:

It’s been nearly 30 years since Dr. Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished. Now, a new team, led by physicist Ben Song (Lee), has been assembled to restart the project in hope of understanding the mysteries behind the machine and the man who created it.

Everything changes, however, when Ben makes an unauthorized leap into the past, leaving the team behind to solve the mystery of why he did it. At Ben’s side throughout his leaps is Addison (Bassett), who appears in the form of a hologram only Ben can see and hear. She’s a decorated Army veteran who brings level-headed precision to her job.

At the helm of the highly confidential operation is Herbert “Magic” Williams (Hudson), a no-nonsense career military man who has to answer to his bosses who won’t be happy once they learn about the breach of protocol. The rest of the team at headquarters includes Ian Wright (Park), who runs the Artificial Intelligence unit “Ziggy,” and Jenn Chou (Lee), who heads up digital security for the project.

As Ben leaps from life to life, putting right what once went wrong, it becomes clear that he and the team are on a thrilling journey. However, Addison, Magic, Ian, and Jenn know that if they are going to solve the mystery of Ben’s leap and bring him home, they must act fast or lose him forever.

‘The Rookie: Feds’ Season 1 Episode 2 Photos, Cast, and Plot Details

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 1, 2022

The Rookie‘s Melissa O’Neil and Eric Winter guest star on ABC’s The Rookie: Feds season one episode two, “Face Off.” Episode two will air on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT.

Niecy Nash-Betts leads a cast that includes Frankie R. Faison (White Chicks) as Christopher “Cutty” Clark, James Lesure (Las Vegas) as Carter Hope, Britt Robertson (Big Sky) as Laura Stensen, Felix Solis (The International) as Matthew Garza, and Kevin Zegers (Transamerica) as Brendon Acres.

“Face Off” Plot: Simone utilizes her informant to track down an arms dealer on the FBI’s Most Wanted list; and Brendon, against Laura’s advice, investigates a risky lead on a congressman. When Carter and Brendon each find themselves at a crossroads, they begin to question their futures on the team and their loyalty is tested. Cutty and Simone struggle to see eye-to-eye on how they are helping the community, while Tim and Laura find common ground with their similar no-nonsense approach to training rookies.

The Rookie Feds Season 1 Episode 2 — Niecy Nash-Betts and Kevin Zegers in ‘The Rookie: Feds’ season 1 episode 2 (ABC/Eric McCandless)

The Plot:

From the executive producers of flagship series The Rookie comes The Rookie: Feds starring Niecy Nash-Betts as Simone Clark, the oldest rookie in the FBI Academy. The spinoff was introduced as a two-part event during the fourth season of The Rookie, where Officer John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and the L.A. division of the FBI enlisted the help of Simone Clark when one of her former students was a suspect in a terror attack.

Chris Hemsworth’s Wild State and Nat Geo Sign First-Look Deal

By

Rebecca Murray

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September 30, 2022

Chris Hemsworth in Limitless — Chris Hemsworth during production of ‘Limitless’ in Norway. (Photo credit: National Geographic/Craig Parry)

Chris Hemsworth (the Thor franchise) and producer Ben Grayson’s recently formed multiplatform production company, Wild State, is launching with a first-look deal with National Geographic. The deal involves Wild State developing unscripted projects in the areas of adventure, exploration, travel, and science for National Geographic’s multiple platforms.

“As lifelong fans of National Geographic, we are thrilled to be able to continue and deepen our partnership with them along with the entire Disney+ platform. Wild State is dedicated to generating immersive narratives that both entertain and shine a light on important issues around the globe. We’re grateful for the opportunity to tell highly impactful, important stories in the unscripted space backed by the support of the premier global conservation and environmental brand in Nat Geo,” said Hemsworth and Grayson.

Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson previously collaborated with National Geographic as executive producers on Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth, which premiered in July 2021, and Limitless with Chris Hemsworth coming soon to Disney+.

“Chris and Ben have been exceptional partners to work with, dedicated to creating and producing the most gripping unscripted programming,” stated Tom McDonald, executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Programming for National Geographic Content. “We’re thrilled to be entering into this long-term partnership with Wild State and can’t wait to build the next generation of blockbuster factual content with them.”

Limitless with Chris Hemsworth will debut later this year exclusively on Disney+. Created by Oscar nominee Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan), the six-episode unscripted series was produced by Aronofsky’s Protozoa production company, Wild State, and Jane Root’s Nutopia.

Limitless with Chris Hemsworth Details:

It dives deep into longevity science, discovering the full potential of the human body. This science is put to the test by Hemsworth, who, despite being in peak superhero condition, is on a personal mission to learn how to extend our health, strength, and intellect further into our later years. Undergoing a series of epic trials and extraordinary challenges to understand the limits of the human body, he learns firsthand how we can live better for longer by discovering ways to regenerate damage, maximize strength, build resilience, supercharge memory and confront mortality.

‘Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities’ Debuts an Official Trailer

By

Rebecca Murray

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September 30, 2022

The official trailer for Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities anthology opens with Guillermo del Toro asking viewers to picture our minds as cabinets where the darkest thoughts and deepest fears are locked away. “What would happen if we open that cabinet for the world to see?” asks the Oscar-winning filmmaker, teasing we’re about to discover the answer.

The two-and-a-half-minute trailer is loaded with one creepy image after another brought to life by a talented ensemble that includes Rupert Grint, Crispin Glover, Andrew Lincoln, and Ben Barnes. The eight-episode horror anthology features stories directed by Catherine Hardwicke, Vincenzo Natali, Jennifer Kent, Keith Thomas, David Prior, Ana Lily Amirpour, Panos Cosmatos, and Guillermo Navarro

Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, hosted by del Toro, will air over four nights, with two episodes premiering on October 25, 2022. Two new episodes follow daily through Friday, October 28th.

Guillermo del Toro created the series, executive produces, and serves as co-showrunner with Academy Award winner J. Miles Dale (The Shape of Water; Sex/Life). Dale and Gary Ungar also executive produce, and Regina Corrado is a co-executive producer.

The Official Synopsis, Courtesy of Netflix:

In Cabinet of Curiosities, acclaimed Academy Award-winning filmmaker and creator, executive producer and co-showrunner Guillermo del Toro has curated a collection of unprecedented and genre-defining stories meant to challenge our traditional notions of horror. From macabre to magical, gothic to grotesque or classically creepy, these eight equally sophisticated and sinister tales (including two original stories by del Toro) are brought to life by a team of writers and directors personally chosen by del Toro.

DREAMS IN THE WITCH HOUSE
Rupert Grint, Ismael Cruz Cordova, DJ Qualls, Nia Vardalos, and Tenika Davis star in an episode written by Mika Watkins (based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft) and directed by Catherine Hardwicke.
GRAVEYARD RATS
David Hewlett stars in an episode written (based on a short story by Henry Kuttner) and directed by Vincenzo Natali.
LOT 36
Tim Blake Nelson, Elpidia Carrillo, Demetrius Grosse, and Sebastian Roché star in an episode written by Regina Corrado (based on an original story by Guillermo del Toro); and directed by Guillermo Navarro.
PICKMAN’S MODEL
Ben Barnes, Crispin Glover, and Oriana Leman star in an episode written by Lee Patterson (based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft) and directed by Keith Thomas.
THE AUTOPSY
Academy Award winner F. Murray Abraham, Glynn Turman, and Luke Roberts will appear in an episode written by David S. Goyer (based on a short story by Michael Shea) and directed by David Prior.
THE MURMURING
Essie Davis, Andrew Lincoln, and Hannah Galway star in an episode written (based on an original story by Guillermo del Toro) and directed by Jennifer Kent.
THE OUTSIDE
Kate Micucci and Martin Starr lead an episode written by Haley Z. Boston (based on a short story by comic book author Emily Carroll) and directed by Ana Lily Amirpour.
THE VIEWING
Peter Weller, Eric André, Sofia Boutella, Charlyne Yi, Steve Agee, Michael Therrialt, and Saad Siddiqui star in an episode directed by Panos Cosmatos (Mandy), who also writes, along with Aaron Stewart-Ahn.

‘Echo 3’ Preview: Cast, Plot Details, Photos, and Premiere Date

By

Rebecca Murray

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September 30, 2022

Echo 3 Series Luke Evans and Michiel Huisman — Michiel Huisman and Luke Evans in ‘Echo 3’ (Photo Courtesy of Apple TV+)

Luke Evans, Michiel Huisman, and Jessica Ann Collins star in Apple TV+’s new action thriller Echo 3, premiering on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. The series, which comes from Oscar winner Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty), involves the search for a missing scientist, played by Collins.

“I’m honored to collaborate with the team at AppleTV+ who gave me the opportunity to make the series I wanted to make – one that feels big and purposeful and refuses to stay in any lane,” stated Boal. “This is a black-ops thriller and tale of international intrigue, set in Colombia, a country I had known only from afar and immediately fell in love with.”

Mark Boal shot the series in Columbia and serves as showrunner and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Keshet Studios’ Peter Traugott, Jason Horwitch, Omri Givon, Eitan Mansuri, Jonathan Doweck, Mark Sourian, Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman, and Karni Ziv. Boal and executive producer Pablo Trapero are the season one directors.

The premiere date announcement was accompanied by the first photos from the action series which is based on Omri Givon’s When Heroes Fly. Givon’s series, inspired by Amir Gutfreund’s novel, aired in 2018 and was nominated for six Israeli Television Academy awards, winning one.

In addition to Luke Evans, Michiel Huisman, and Jessica Ann Collins, the series’ cast includes Martina Gusman, James Udom, Maria Del Rosario, Alejandro Furth, Juan Pablo Raba, and Bradley Whitford.

Echo 3 Series — Michiel Huisman and Luke Evans in ‘Echo 3’ (Photo Courtesy of Apple TV+)

Apple TV+ offered the following description of the 10 episode season:

Echo 3 is an action-packed thriller set in South America that follows Amber Chesborough (Collins), a brilliant young scientist who is the emotional heart of a small American family. When Amber goes missing along the Colombia-Venezuela border, her brother, Bambi (Evans), and her husband, Prince (Huisman) – two men with deep military experience and complicated pasts – struggle to find her in a layered personal drama, set against the explosive backdrop of a secret war.

Echo 3 Luke Evans — Luke Evans in episode 3 (Photo Courtesy of Apple TV+)

Echo 3 Jessica Ann Collins — Jessica Ann Collins in episode 3 (Photo Courtesy of Apple TV+)

Review: ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ Starring Zac Efron

By

Kevin Finnerty

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September 30, 2022

Russell Crowe and Zac Efron in Apple Original Film’s ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’

Military care packages are usually made up of useful items soldiers deployed overseas can use, such as sunblock, underwear, socks, and other personal supplies. The care packages are a way of letting the soldiers know that someone from home is thinking about them. In 1967, Chickie Donohue didn’t just send a care package to his buddies from his old neighborhood serving in Vietnam. Chickie traveled to the war-torn country personally to hand-deliver beer from their favorite NY bar.

The story of his trip to Vietnam and the impact his up-close-and-personal experience with war had on his view of the conflict is told in Apple Original Films’ The Greatest Beer Run Ever.

The film starts with Chickie (Zac Efron), a Merchant Marine, drinking with some of his buddies at Doc Fiddler’s bar in Inwood, New York, when he gets the news that another young man from their block has been killed while serving in Vietnam. The next day, Chickie spots his sister participating in an anti-war protest and argues with her that she’s turning her back on all their friends over in Vietnam.

Later that day, Chickie receives word that his best friend has gone MIA.

Commiserating over beers at the bar, Doc (Bill Murray) – nicknamed The Colonel – says he wishes he could go to Vietnam and give all the boys over there beers. Chickie, upset and a little drunk, declares that’s exactly what he’s going to do. He’ll go to Vietnam, find his friends, and hand them beers.

Doc, excited at the prospect of letting the guys know they support them, gives Chickie a duffel bag and plenty of beers to take to the troops.

Chickie puts his rudimentary plan into action and obtains a job in the boiler room of a shipping vessel heading to Saigon. Once there, Chickie lies to the captain about delivering bad news from home to his brother and gets a 3-day leave. Off the ship, Chickie uses his natural, likable charm to make his way onto a base to disperse beer to his friend, Tommy Collins (Archie Renaux), and Tommy’s buddies. He’s obviously a civilian and because he’s dressed casually, some of the military brass mistake Chickie for “a tourist,” which is code for a CIA agent.

Chickie uses this innocent deception and misinterpretation to help him travel to unauthorized areas, including battlefields and hot zones.

During his travels, he comes across seasoned war correspondent Arthur Coates (Russell Crowe) who initially dismisses him as some well-meaning but dumb American. However, eventually, Coates becomes intrigued by Chickie’s mission and respects his determination. Chickie and Arthur strike up both a friendship/partnership as Arthur covers the horrors of the Vietnam War and helps Chickie dodge bullets and run from bombs as he continues his quest to deliver beer to his friends from home.

Directed by Peter Farrelly (Green Book), The Greatest Beer Run Ever is a heartfelt, inspiring, and surprisingly funny film that not only tells an incredible – almost unbelievable – story but captures the turning tide and split in America as people began to take sides both for and against the war. It’s a Vietnam War dramedy about friendship, loyalty, and the end of American innocence.

Zac Efron gives a fine performance as Chickie, a likable, goodhearted underachiever who truly just wants to show his friends in Vietnam that the neighborhood hasn’t forgotten them and still believes in their mission. Efron is convincing at showing the slow realization on Chickie’s part of what war really is, a realization that only comes after he experiences first-hand some of the true horrors his friends and the people of the country are going through.

Russell Crowe is perfectly cast as Arthur, the tough, grizzled war correspondent who takes a liking to Chickie and helps him during part of his quest. Arthur also remains by his side as Chickie struggles to get out of the war-torn country when the situation becomes dire and the odds of exiting the country grow worse. Crowe and Efron have solid chemistry and their brief friendship feels genuine.

The production and costumes perfectly reflect the decade and bring to life Vietnam in 1967 just before the Tet offensive. The soundtrack’s use of classic ’60s songs effectively enhances the mood and tone of certain scenes.

The only real issue with the film is its tone, which at times is a little uneven when switching between some of the more humorous scenes to the more serious and dangerous scenes. It’s not always a smooth transition.

Still, with strong performances, stellar production design and costumes, The Greatest Beer Run Ever is a crowd-pleasing, smile-inducing film that doesn’t glorify war but does deliver insight into what soldiers went through in Vietnam.

GRADE: B

MPAA Rating: R for language and some war violence

Running Time: 2 hours 6 minutes

Release Date: September 30, 2022 in theaters and streaming on Apple TV+

‘So Help Me Todd’ Episode 2 Preview: Plot Details, Photos, Cast and Air Date

By

Rebecca Murray

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September 30, 2022

CBS’s new primetime drama So Help Me Todd‘s premiere set up the dysfunctional relationship between Todd, a disgraced private detective, and his mom, Margaret, a talented lawyer. Season one episode two – “Co-Pilot” – finds the two reluctantly working together. Directed by Michael Spiller from a script by Scott Prendergast, episode two airs on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 9pm ET/PT.

Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden stars as Margaret Wright, Skylar Astin plays Todd Wright, and Tristen J. Winger is Lyle. Madeline Wise plays Allison, Inga Schlingmann is Susan, and Rosa Arredondo stars as Francey.

“Co-Pilot” Plot: Margaret and Todd work two seemingly unrelated cases, only to discover a key piece of information in the details of Todd’s humorously boring civil case could help Margaret’s high-profile client.

Hiro Kanagawa, Clayton James, Thomas Cadrot, Artemis Litsiadis, Sunita Prasad, and Shawn Ahmed guest star.

So Help Me Todd Episode 2 — Skylar Astin as Todd and Marcia Gay Harden as Margaret in ‘So Help Me Todd’ season 1 episode 2 (Photo: Bettina Strauss © 2022 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

The Plot:

Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Astin star as razor-sharp, meticulous attorney Margaret Wright (Harden) and Todd (Astin), her talented but scruffy, aimless son whom she hires as her law firm’s in-house investigator. As the black sheep of the well-heeled Wright family, Todd is a laidback, quick-thinking, excellent former private detective who fell on hard times after his flexible interpretation of the law got his license revoked. Margaret’s penchant for excellence and strict adherence to the law is at complete odds with Todd’s scrappy methods of finding his way through sticky situations: by the seat of his wrinkled pants.

When Todd inadvertently teams with his mother on a case, she’s surprised to find herself duly impressed by – and proud of – his crafty ability to sleuth out information with his charm and his wide-ranging tech savvy. At last, Margaret sees a way to put her son on a “suitable” path to living an adult, financially solvent life she approves of, and she asks him to join her firm. Todd agrees since it means getting his license back and once again doing the job he excels at and loves.

Mother and son working together is a big first step toward mending their fragile, dysfunctional relationship, and they may even come away with a better understanding of each other at this pivotal point in their lives. But whether Todd and Margaret will be able to accept each other for who they are is another case entirely.

‘Ghosts’ Season 2 Episode 2 Photos, Plot, and Cast: “Alberta’s Podcast”

By

Rebecca Murray

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September 30, 2022

CBS’s Ghosts kicked off season two with an episode that found Sam and Jay finally officially opening their bed & breakfast. Unfortunately, their first paying guests had a track history of leaving negative Yelp reviews. Fortunately, the ghosts were able to alert Sam to potential problems. Next up, season two episode two – “Alberta’s Podcast” – airing on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 8:30pm ET/PT.

Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar return as Samantha and Jay, the living residents of the mansion. Reprising their roles as the resident ghosts are Brandon Scott Jones as Isaac, Richie Moriarty as Pete, Danielle Pinnock as Alberta, and Asher Grodman as Trevor. Román Zaragoza stars as Sasappis, Sheila Carrasco plays Flower, Rebecca Wisocky is Hetty, and Devan Chandler Long plays Thorfinn.

“Alberta’s Podcast” Plot: Sam decides to host a podcast exploring the mystery surrounding Alberta’s death. Also, Hetty develops an unusual relationship with a broken washing machine.

Ghosts Season 2 Episode 2 — Danielle Pinnock as Alberta and Rose McIver as Samantha in ‘Ghosts’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo: Bertrand Calmeau © 2022 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

The Plot:

Ghosts is a single-camera comedy about Samantha and Jay, a cheerful freelance journalist and up-and-coming chef from the city, respectively, who threw both caution and money to the wind when they decide to convert a huge rundown country estate they inherited into a bed & breakfast – only to find it was inhabited by the many spirits of deceased residents who now call it home.

The departed souls are a close-knit, eclectic group that includes a saucy Prohibition-era lounge singer (Pinnock); a pompous 18th-century militiaman (Jones); a ‘60s hippie fond of hallucinogens (Carrasco); an overly upbeat ‘80s scout troop leader (Moriarty); a cod-obsessed Viking explorer from 1009 (Devon Chandler Long); a slick ‘90s finance bro (Grodman); a sarcastic and witty native from the 16th-century (Zaragoza); and a society woman and wife of a 19th-century robber baron who is Samantha’s ancestor (isocky), to name a few.

The opening of the B&B is a source of intrigue, anxiety, and curiosity among the spirits, but they’ll gladly put up with the commotion as long as they can continue to interact with a living inhabitant – Samantha.

‘Big Sky’ Season 3 Episode 3 Photos, Plot, and Cast: “A Brief History of Crime”

By

Rebecca Murray

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September 29, 2022

Rosanna Arquette guest stars in ABC’s Big Sky season three episode three playing Jenny’s estranged mom. Episode two confirmed the creepy loner in the woods is Sunny’s son and ended by teasing one half of the arguing couple is likely a murderer.

Episode three, “A Brief History of Crime,” will air on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT.

Season three stars Katheryn Winnick as Jenny Hoyt, Kylie Bunbury as Cassie Dewell, Jensen Ackles as Sheriff Beau Arlen, Dedee Pfeiffer as Denise, and J. Anthony Pena as Deputy Mo Poppernak. Reba McEntire guest stars as Sunny Barnes, Luke Mitchell plays Cormac Barnes, Rex Linn is Buck Barnes, and Seth Gabel plays Walter.

“A Brief History of Crime” Plot: While investigating a scamming operation with Beau, Jenny discovers a connection to the crime that sends her reeling. Elsewhere, a camper at Sunny Day Excursions has gone missing, and Beau’s similarly stubborn daughter, Emily, is eager to solve the case. Yet, with Sunny determined to cover up loose ends, her digging might lead to more than she bargained for in the end.

As all this and the hunt for the missing backpacker continue, Cassie and Denise run into a strange man on the side of the road who may just lead them down a new path.

Big Sky Season 3 Episode 3 — Dedee Pfeiffer and Kylie Bunbury in ‘Big Sky’ season 3 episode 3 (ABC/Michael Moriatis)

Big Sky Season 3 Description, Courtesy of ABC:

Private detective Cassie Dewell, undersheriff Jenny Hoyt, and newly appointed sheriff Beau Arlen maintain order in Helena, Montana, with their unparalleled investigative skills. But when a local backcountry trip led by charismatic outfitter Sunny Barnes goes awry, the trio faces their most formidable mystery yet – in which no camper can be trusted and where danger lurks around every jagged rock and gnarled tree.