Writer Brian K Vaughan and artist Cliff Chiang’s popular graphic novels spring to life in Paper Girls, a new series premiering on Prime Video on Friday, July 29, 2022. The time-traveling series just dropped an official trailer introducing the key players, including the group of teens who accidentally wind up in 1999 when they should be living their best lives in 1988.
All eight season one episodes will be available on July 29th for binge-watching.
The cast includes Camryn Jones (“Tiffany Quilkin”), Riley Lai Nelet (“Erin Tieng”), Sofia Rosinsky (“Mac Coyle”), and Fina Strazza (“KJ Brandman”). Ali Wong plays the grown-up version of “Erin.” Nate Corddry stars as “Larry” and Adina Porter plays “Prioress.”
Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang are involved as executive producers along with Christopher C. Rogers, Stephany Folsom, Christopher Cantwell, Steven Prinz, and Plan B. Stephany Folsom created the series for television and Mairzee Almas, Georgi Banks-Davies, Destiny Ekaragha, and Karen Gaviola direct.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Vaughan recalled there was a period of time when the paper boys in his neighborhood were replaced by paper girls. “I just thought it was so badass that these 12-year-old children were going out at 4 a.m. to deliver bad news to adults. It was just so interesting and captivating that they were newspaper delivery kids, sort of a dying breed, and yet they were the first of their kind,” explained Vaughan. “I thought, ‘this is such an interesting group of young women. They would make a great heart of a story.’ So it started with that inspiration and expanded from there.”
The sci-fi action thriller is an Amazon Studios and Legendary Television, in association with Plan B, production.
Prime Video’s official synopsis:
“In the early morning hours after Halloween 1988, four paper girls – Erin, Mac, Tiffany, and KJ – are out on their delivery route when they become caught in the crossfire between warring time-travelers, changing the course of their lives forever. Transported into the future, these girls must figure out a way to get back home to the past, a journey that will bring them face-to-face with the grown-up versions of themselves.
While reconciling that their futures are far different than their 12-year-old selves imagined, they are being hunted by a militant faction of time-travelers known as the Old Watch, who have outlawed time travel so that they can stay in power. In order to survive, the girls will need to overcome their differences and learn to trust each other, and themselves.”
Riley Lai Nelet, Camryn Jones, Fina Strazza, and Sofia Rosinsky in ‘Paper Girls’ (Photo Courtesy of Prime Video)Riley Lai Nelet, Camryn Jones, Fina Strazza, Ali Wong, and Nate Corddry in ‘Paper Girls (Photo Courtesy of Prime Video)Ali Wong and Riley Lai Nelet in ‘Paper Girls’ (Photo Courtesy of Prime Video)‘Paper Girls’ Season 1 Poster (Photo Courtesy of Prime Video)
‘Big Brother’ season 24 (Photo Courtesy of CBS/ CBS 2022 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.)
CBS’s 16 houseguests competing on the upcoming 24th season of Big Brother will include a private chef, a Vegas performer, and an interior designer. Season 24 will kick off with a special 90-minute live event on July 6, 2022 at 8pm ET/PT (tape delayed on the West Coast).
Following its extended premiere, Big Brother season 24 will air on Sundays and Wednesdays at 8pm ET/PT. Thursday live eviction shows will air at 9pm ET/PT.
Julie Chen Moonves returns as host when the Big Brother competitors move into what’s described as a mid-century Palm Springs-inspired BB Motel.
Per CBS: Big Brother follows a group of people living together in a house outfitted with 94 HD cameras and 113 microphones recording their every move 24 hours a day. Each week, someone will be voted out of the house, with the last remaining Houseguest receiving the grand prize of $750,000.
With never-before-seen challenges, these 16 Houseguests are in for the summer of their lives at “BB Fest.” Also, a new twist will send the Houseguests scrambling, and, beginning on premiere night, the opportunity for America to vote will impact the game.
The CW has confirmed premiere dates for its fall 2022-2023 primetime lineup which will include five new series. The network’s set to introduce the drama Family Law; the Walker origin story, Walker Independence; and the Supernatural prequel, The Winchesters this fall. Also joining the primetime schedule are newbies Professionals and Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars.
The five new shows join new seasons of returning series Stargirl, Coroner, Kung Fu, Walker, All American, All American: Homecoming, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and World’s Funniest Animals.
The CW’s primetime lineup used to be loaded with comic book-inspired superhero shows. It’s interesting to note the sole entry in that genre this fall will be DC’s Stargirl.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7
8:00-10:00PM IHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL (Night One)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
8:00-10:00PM IHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL (Night Two)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 10
8:00-9:00PM ALL AMERICAN (Season 5 Premiere)
9:00-10:00PM ALL AMERICAN: HOMECOMING (Season 2 Premiere)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11
8:00-9:00PM THE WINCHESTERS (Series Premiere)
9:00-10:00PM PROFESSIONALS (Series Premiere)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14
8:00-9:00PM PENN & TELLER: FOOL US (Season 9 Premiere)
9:00-9:30PM WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY? (Season 11 Premiere)
9:30-10:00PM WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY? (Encore Episode)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
8:00-9:00PM CRISS ANGEL’S MAGIC WITH THE STARS (Series Premiere)
9:00-9:30PM WORLD’S FUNNIEST ANIMALS (Season 3 Premiere)
9:30-10:00PM WORLD’S FUNNIEST ANIMALS (Original Episode)
FAMILY LAW follows lawyer and recovering alcoholic Abigail Bianchi (Jewel Staite) struggling to put her career and family back together after hitting rock bottom. As a condition of her probation, Abby is forced to work at her estranged father Harry’s (Victor Garber) firm, Svensson and Associates, and practice in family law for the first time while forging new relationships with the half-brother Daniel (Zach Smadu) and half-sister Lucy (Genelle Williams) whom she’s never met. The result is a dysfunctional family law firm operating to help other families with their own dysfunctions.
PROFESSIONALS follows Vincent Corbo (Tom Welling), a top-tier security operative who is paid to protect the interests of rich and powerful clients by any means necessary – legal or not. After a next-gen medical satellite explodes on launch, Corbo is hired by the rocket’s designer – billionaire futurist Peter Swann (Brendan Fraser) – who suspects sabotage. Complicating Corbo’s new gig is his former paramour and now Swann’s fiancée, medical visionary Dr. Grace Davila (Elena Anaya), who is racing to help stave off a global catastrophe.
As Corbo and his team of veteran security professionals investigate the rocket disaster, they expose a lethal conspiracy of Swann’s corporate rivals, corrupt government officials, and a shadowy crime syndicate – all working to destroy Swann and take control of his tech empire. Worse, Corbo must also contend with a rogue Europol agent (Ken Duken) who is hellbent on busting him for past sins.
Set in the late 1800s, an origin story of The CW’s current hit series Walker, WALKER INDEPENDENCE follows Abby Walker (Katherine McNamara), an affluent and tough-minded Bostonian whose husband is murdered before her eyes while on their journey out West. After crossing paths with Calian (Justin Johnson Cortez), a curious Apache tracker, Abby arrives in the town of Independence, Texas, where she encounters diverse and eclectic residents running from their pasts, chasing their dreams, and keeping their own secrets, including Kate Carver (Katie Findlay), an idiosyncratic burlesque dancer with perhaps too keen an interest in Abby’s origins, and Kai (Lawrence Kao), a soulful Chinese immigrant who runs a local restaurant/laundry and offers Abby friendship without agenda.
Abby also literally runs into Hoyt Rawlins (Matt Barr), a slippery rogue, thief, and con artist with a dented heart of gold who quickly eyes Abby as a mark until she turns the tables on him. In seeking justice for her husband, Abby encounters Independence’s noble deputy sheriff, Augustus (Philemon Chambers), and his new boss, Sheriff Tom Davidson (Greg Hovanessian), who she has reason to believe is a very bad man indeed.
Abby and Hoyt soon find themselves precariously aligned, both seeking to uncover the truth about the identity of Abby’s husband’s killer and vow to save Independence – a frontier boomtown where nothing is what it seems.
Before Sam and Dean, there were their parents, John and Mary. Told from the perspective of narrator Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles), THE WINCHESTERS is the epic, untold love story of how John Winchester (Drake Rodger) met Mary Campbell (Meg Donnelly) and put it all on the line to not only save their love, but the entire world. When John returns home from fighting in Vietnam, a mysterious encounter sparks a new mission to trace his father’s past. In his journey, he crosses paths with 19-year-old demon hunter Mary, who is also searching for answers after the disappearance of her own father.
Together, the two join forces with young hunter-in-training Latika (Nida Khurshid) and easygoing hunter Carlos (Jonathan “Jojo” Fleites) to uncover the hidden truths about both their families. Their investigation leads them to a rare book emporium, whose owner Ada (Demetria McKinney) takes an interest to the occult and could provide the missing pieces to their puzzle. But secrets run deep for both the Winchesters and Campbells, and despite the best efforts of John’s mother Millie (Bianca Kajlich) to protect her son from pursuing a dangerous life of demon hunting, John and Mary are both determined to work together to uphold their families’ legacies while beginning to form a family of their own.
HBO’s The Anarchists documentary series examines how entrepreneur Jeff Berwick turned what was expected to be a one-time event promoting “anarchy in its purest form” (per HBO) into a movement. The six-part docuseries will premiere on July 10, 2022, with new episodes airing on Sunday at 10pm ET/PT.
Todd Schramke (URSA Exclusives) directed and served as an executive producer. Jason Blum, Jeremiah Crowell, Kim Kylland, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold, Mary Lisio, James Buddy Day, Andre Gaines, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Allen Bain also executive produced.
The docuseries is a Blumhouse Television Production.
And here’s how HBO describes the six-part docuseries:
Unfolding over six years, The Anarchists chronicles a strange and deadly series of events. What begins as an impulsive one-off gathering turns into a full-on, annual event, growing in size and attracting sponsorship from crypto-currency companies featuring speakers such as Ron Paul and BitCoin investor Roger Ver. And when rule-avoidant freedom activists come together in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, utopian ideology collides with the unpredictability of human nature. Relationships are fractured, rivalries are forged and ultimately, lives are lost.
In 2015, Jeff Berwick, a Canadian entrepreneur turned provocateur, launched a conference in Acapulco, Mexico in hopes of promoting anarchy in its purest form – an ideal espousing the absence of government with absolute individual self-rule. The event, called “Anarchapulco,” draws an international array of libertarians, fugitives, and families seeking to “unschool” their children to protect them from the bureaucracies of modern life, as well as crypto-currency evangelists and others attracted to the idea of creating a stateless community, free from governments and central banking systems.
With intimate access to the main players, The Anarchists features candid, first-hand accounts from Berwick, the reluctant figurehead of the movement; anarchy activists Lisa and Nathan Freeman who left the United States with their children to find a freer life in Mexico; and John Galton and Lily Forester, American fugitives on the run from drug charges, among others.
The Anarchists follows individuals engaged in this movement with full access to the drama that ensues as a community tries to live alongside tourists and drug cartels with only the principles of anarchy as their guideposts. The loosely defined ideology proves unable to hold the community together and many of the radical expats eventually find their dream of an anarchist paradise crumbling around them. Ultimately, this stranger-than-fiction tale evolves from a critique of our modern culture into a dramatic observation of the limitations of ideological thinking and the consequences of rejecting consensus.
Caitlin Bassett as Addison and Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Seong in ‘Quantum Leap’ (Photo by: Serguei Bachlakov/NBC)
NBC’s delving back into the world of time leapers with a new version of the classic sci-fi TV series Quantum Leap. The reboot of the series is set to join the network’s 2022 fall primetime lineup beginning September 19th after The Voice.
Season one will air on Mondays at 10pm ET/PT.
The new Quantum Leap is a sequel to the original that aired for five seasons from 1989 to 1993. Scott Bakula starred as leaper Sam Beckett and Dean Stockwell co-starred as his friend, Admiral Al Calavicci, who appeared in hologram form when Sam needed him.
The 2022 version stars Raymond Lee (Kevin Can F**k Himself) as physicist Ben Song and Caitlin Bassett as Addison, a hologram who only Ben can see. 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.
Steven Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt are writing and executive producing. Don Bellisario, Deborah Pratt, and Martin Gero also executive produce. The series is produced by Universal Television in association with I Have an Idea! Entertainment, Belisarius Productions, and Quinn’s House Productions.
NBC’s released the following official synopsis for season one:
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.
Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Seong in season 1 (Photo by: Serguei Bachlakov/NBC)Ernie Hudson as Herbert “Magic” Williams, Nanrisa Lee as Jenn, Mason Alexander Park as Ian, and Caitlin Bassett as Addison in season 1 (Photo by: Serguei Bachlakov/NBC)Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Seong in season 1 (Photo by: Serguei Bachlakov/NBC)
Romola Garai and Alicia von Rittberg in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 4 (Photo Credit: Starz)
As Starz’s Becoming Elizabeth episode four opens, Princess Elizabeth (Alicia von Rittberg) attempting to settle into life at Cheshunt Manor. Episode three ended with Catherine Parr sending Elizabeth away after discovering Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour in a compromising position. Elizabeth’s now paying the price for being naïve enough to fall for Catherine’s new husband.
Cheshunt Manor is the home of Elizabeth’s Lady in Waiting Kat Ashley’s sister Jane and her brother-in-law Anthony Denny. After a few weeks in residence, Kat (Alexandra Gilbreath) suggests Elizabeth should leave behind what upset her at Chelsea Manor, but Elizabeth’s in a sour mood and is fixated on Catherine as she sits down for dinner with the Denny family.
Anthony Denny believes he’s nearly family to Elizabeth, given that he was a good friend of her father’s and with the King when he died. Elizabeth thinks Anthony Denny’s withholding letters from Catherine Parr, but Anthony assures her Catherine hasn’t written.
Later, Elizabeth admits her period’s late and she’s worried. Kat reminds her she’s never been regular, but Elizabeth thinks she’s pregnant. Kat confesses she had no idea Elizabeth slept with Thomas, and Elizabeth confirms she had sex with Thomas more than once.
Elizabeth wants to get rid of the child but Kat commands her to stop talking about it. If Elizabeth doesn’t have her period soon, Kat will figure out what to do.
Elsewhere, King Edward VI’s men set about destroying Catholic Churches and stealing anything of value.
King Edward (Oliver Zetterström) is determined to bring the true faith to all of his people, with Catherine Parr (Jessica Raine) and Thomas Seymour (Tom Cullen) at his side as he announces this new campaign. Edward Seymour’s less enthusiastic than his brother about trying to rid England of Catholics and convert them to Protestantism. He’s only allowing King Edward to act on his desire to appease him.
Henry Grey whispers gossip about Princess Elizabeth’s absence while King Edward leads the court in prayer. Henry hints that there’s something nefarious going on and that tongues are wagging.
Once back at home, Catherine’s true disdain for her husband comes through as she speaks to Lady Jane (Bella Ramsey) about having to leave her behind while they went to court. If Jane accompanied them, then Elizabeth’s absence would have been even more noticeable.
Catherine reveals Elizabeth writes every week but she never replies. “This is what you’ve made me,” says Elizabeth, furious with Thomas. “I’ve lost all compassion for a child…a child, Thomas!”
Princess Mary (Romola Garai) shows up unexpectedly at Cheshunt Manor, accompanied by Sir Pedro. Mary and Elizabeth have a lengthy chat while strolling the grounds and Mary asks her sister if she realizes what people are saying about her. Elizabeth apologizes for the letter she wrote and Mary suggests Elizabeth should try listening to those with more experience next time.
Mary believes Elizabeth allowed what she told her would happen to happen. Mary thinks this is all Catherine Parr’s doing but Elizabeth confesses she didn’t consult Catherine before writing the letter.
They discuss why Elizabeth’s hiding out in the country and it’s obvious Mary doesn’t have any idea what’s going on. Mary wants Elizabeth to return to court, and Elizabeth claims she has no idea who decided to send her to Cheshunt Manor or if she’s free to leave.
Elizabeth wonders what Anthony Denny was told (or knows) and Mary’s confused. Elizabeth walks away in a huff and Mary catches up, demanding to know what there is to know. When Elizabeth doesn’t reply, Mary figures it out and tells her sister to confide only in God. She doesn’t want Elizabeth to say out loud what Mary has now deduced is the cause for her sister’s banishment.
Mary explains that everyone wants them to be at odds, and she doesn’t want Elizabeth to say anything that she’ll ultimately regret. “Don’t hand me the power to destroy you and then ask me not to use it,” says Mary.
Romola Garai and Oliver Zetterström in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 4 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Princess Mary’s next visit is to her brother. She informs him she doesn’t want a war and doesn’t want any ill feelings between herself, her brother, or her sister. King Edward claims Elizabeth abandoned them and Robert Dudley (Jamie Blackley) chimes in that she’s apparently unwell. Mary clears that up and says Elizabeth isn’t in hiding or ill.
Edward Seymour reminds King Edward he told him not to listen to court gossip. Mary, who has no patience for either Seymour, wonders why Edward allowed the gossip to spread in the first place.
Mary wants to do something fun with her brother and Edward seems excited by the idea.
A short while later they watch cocks fighting and cheer while Pedro and Edward Seymour stand apart from the crowd. It’s confirmed in a whispered conversation that Sir Pedro is spying on Princess Mary for Edward Seymour. Pedro reveals what he’s learned and Edward takes in the info and then asks if Mary’s inciting any more rebellions with the recently freed Bishop Gardiner. (Apparently, Pedro’s letter to Edward seemed to indicate they’re colluding.)
Princess Mary and her stepmother have a tense conversation, and Mary reveals she thinks Catherine is foolish for marrying Thomas Seymour. Mary used to respect and love Catherine, but that changed to hate and now pity.
Henry Grey and Robert Dudley exchange words and nearly come to blows after Henry insults Princess Elizabeth and calls her a sickly whore. John Dudley hustles his son away and warns him he could have lost his hand if he had hit Grey. Dudley suggests his son forget his feelings for Princess Elizabeth.
Robert Dudley heads to Cheshunt Manor and Elizabeth initially seems standoffish. Fortunately, she warms up to her friend and they catch up on what’s going on in court. It’s obvious how much Robert cares for Elizabeth, but it’s left unsaid as he rides off back to court.
Later, Elizabeth laughs in relief after her period finally arrives.
Sir Pedro takes Princess Mary to a church to see the damage done by King Edward’s men. A priest lost his eye defending the church, and Mary assures him the Lord sees everything he does for Him.
Jessica Raine and Tom Cullen in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 4 (Photo Credit: Starz)
The audience is treated to a shot, from behind, of a naked Edward Seymour jumping in a lake. Later, fully clothed, he cradles his newborn daughter and says she’s more than he deserves. Catherine has forgiven him and Thomas promises he’s done with his philandering ways as they hold their child.
That evening Thomas goes out drinking and celebrating with his friends – and his brother. Edward Seymour even manages to smile as they get drunk and toast each other.
Thomas returns home, drunk, and learns he’s the last of the household to find out Catherine has died. She’s already wrapped for her funeral as their baby cries in the background.
Edward Seymour strides through the court and King Edward chides him for keeping him waiting. King Edward’s enraged he received an invitation to Mary, Queen of Scots, and the dauphin of France’s wedding. He’s upset that not only is Mary not going to be his wife, but that the war is still going on.
Edward Seymour doesn’t seem to care and finally explains that Catherine Parr has died.
Catherine’s will is read and her possessions will return to the Crown. However, Chelsea Place and other items will pass directly to Princess Elizabeth who hears the news from Anthony Denny. Anthony confirms Princess Elizabeth is now the second-richest woman in the country. (Princess Mary is the richest.)
Elizabeth’s confused about who she’ll live with now, and Anthony says no one. Of course, there will be useless advisors (his words) but Elizabeth will be in charge of herself. “I’m sure you’re quite capable of making your own decisions,” says Anthony.
Henry Grey packs up his daughter Jane and Thomas Seymour’s shocked they’re leaving. Without Catherine around, Henry has no intention of leaving Jane with Thomas.
Edward tells his brother he’ll be moved in with him and Thomas doesn’t argue. Thomas confesses he thought about Catherine’s death and wonders if he “brought it into being.” Edward admits he also thought about his wife’s death when his children were born and believes it’s natural to do so in order to ready oneself in case it happens during childbirth.
Anthony Denny accompanies Princess Elizabeth back to Chelsea Manor, along with Kat Ashley and other members of her household. Much of the furniture’s been removed and Elizabeth walks through the rooms, touching items that remain. She opens a desk drawer and inside are all the letters she wrote to Catherine. They’ve been opened, so now she knows Catherine did in fact receive them but chose not to reply.
Anthony suggests Princess Elizabeth consider what she really wants and not hide it from herself. If she cares about the rumors, then she should stop them. Her father never cared about rumors and she shouldn’t either.
Princess Elizabeth returns to court and asks for an audience with her brother. She apologizes to him for neglecting her duties, and then lies that she was taken ill but now she’s returned and pledges herself to him. She believes her appearance while put an end to all the hurtful rumors.
“I am yours and yours alone,” says Elizabeth.
King Edward approaches his sister and helps her to her feet. “The Crown forgives your absence and welcomes your return.”
Princess Mary is at the church that was stripped of its holy relics when Sir Pedro finally admits he was sent by the Lord Protector to spy on her. Mary is shocked Pedro betrayed her and he reveals he’s telling the truth now because he has come to learn she’s honest and pious, unlike the men he supported.
While King Edward calls for a celebration and music because of Princess Elizabeth, Princess Mary risks her brother’s ire by holding a Catholic mass.
The episode ends with Thomas Seymour whispering “marry me” in Elizabeth’s ear.
Paul Walter Hauser and Taron Egerton in ‘Black Bird’ (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
It isn’t necessary to know anything about the true events that inspired Apple TV+’s Black Bird before watching the riveting limited series. And, oddly enough, you don’t even have to be a true-crime fanatic to get caught up in this absorbing, incredibly intense drama based on James Keene’s In With The Devil: A Fallen Hero, A Serial Killer, and A Dangerous Bargain for Redemption.
The six-episode limited series tells Jimmy Keene’s story, with Taron Egerton (Rocketman) delivering one of his finest performances as a cocky drug dealer who cons suspected serial killer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser, Richard Jewell) into believing he’s a sympathetic ear and potential friend. How Jimmy goes from being a cop’s kid who crosses the line, winds up in jail, and is approached by the FBI to make friends with the mentally disturbed Hall is a doozy of a tale and one that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The series sets up Jimmy as a decent enough guy, well-spoken, and a rising figure in the drug world. He’s a ladies’ man with charm to spare, but his intelligence and upbringing as the son of a popular cop don’t shield him from paying for his life of crime with a 10-year jail sentence.
Jimmy’s quick on his feet and able to adapt to most situations, and that – along with his natural likeability – makes him the perfect candidate to participate in a special top-secret operation. If Jimmy agrees to a transfer to a maximum-security penitentiary, and if he can worm his way into Hall’s confidence, then he has the possibility of getting time lopped off his sentence.
However, there are a couple of catches. If Jimmy makes the move, only a few people on the inside will be in on the secret, and it could get quite dangerous. Also, FBI Agent Lauren McCauley (Sepideh Moafi, The Deuce) has other prisoners in mind for this deal and Jimmy must pass a series of tests in order to be considered.
Jimmy’s reluctance fades away and he goes all-in after his father (played by the outstanding Ray Liotta in one of his last roles) has a stroke. As Jimmy studies Hall’s background and the murders he’s suspected of committing, we’re shown details of Hall’s life and of the investigation being conducted by Agent McCauley and Detective Brian Miller (Greg Kinnear, Shining Vale). We also learn that while Hall is the prime suspect, it’s been incredibly difficult to prove he’s involved in more than a dozen murders because he’s a serial confessor.
Law enforcement can’t pin anything on Hall because he always recants after he confesses. Additionally, his brother and others who know him think he’s a harmless buffoon who loves Civil War reenactments and is prone to making stuff up just for attention.
McCauley and Miller are certain they’ve got the right man but with Larry Hall in jail for just one murder – and with the possibility of an appeal setting him free – it’s mandatory they get him to talk to someone he believes he can trust. Jimmy Keene is, to be honest, their last hope.
Sepideh Moafi as Lauren McCauley and Greg Kinnear as Brian Miller (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Dennis Lehane, author of Shutter Island, Mystic River, and Gone, Baby, Gone, obviously knows how to tell an absorbing story. Lehane’s also an expert at character development and at laying down a story without any unnecessary embellishments or distractions. Here, Lehane takes James Keene’s memoir and finesses it into compelling television. Each episode is well-scripted, incredibly well-acted, and absolutely riveting.
Black Bird features a first-rate cast, with Egerton and Hauser providing the series with its most impactful moments. There’s not a false note delivered by either talented actor, and that’s especially true when Egerton displays the emotional impact of listening to the psychopathic Hall describe his crimes.
The title references a bird, but the limited series is really a cat-and-mouse game of Egerton’s Jimmy and Hauser’s Larry challenging each other, with the ultimate outcome determining the rest of their lives.
Black Bird premieres on July 8, 2022 on Apple TV+.
J-Hope of the Grammy-nominated group BTS unveiled his new single “More” today, Friday, July 1, 2022. “More” is the first single off of his upcoming album titled Jack in the Box. The remaining Jack in The Box tracks haven’t been revealed, but the album is set to be released July 15, 2022. (It will also be available on digital music services on that date.)
Switching things up a bit, there won’t be a physical album that comes by CD, and instead, Jack in the Box will be available through “Weverse Albums” on July 29th. The “Weverse Albums” app allows users to download the album, photos, and more via QR code.
As described by Big Hit Music, “‘More’ is an old-school hip-hop track highlighted by raw drumbeats and powerful guitar sound. J-Hope’s unique rhythmic flow and shouting rap delivery manifest his flame-like aspirations and pure passion to escape the box and show the world what more he can offer.”
Per Big Hit Music: “‘More’ shows J-Hope inside the box as suggested in the album title, Jack in The Box. The track acts as one of the key anchors conveying the core message that penetrates the whole album.”
BTS’s J-hope (Photo Credit: Big Hit Music)
The music video for “More” dropped at the same time the single was made available on streaming platforms, and has gathered over 12 million views over its first 13 hours in release on YouTube. The music video opens with a box being delivered to J-Hope. He leaves home and heads to different rooms, each representing different aspects of his life and different sides to his personality.
The video ends with J-Hope kneeling in front of the box, contemplating its contents. We see that inside the box are the rooms he just visited.
“The overall mood is powerful and dark, the Pierrot-motif outfits and items in black and white highlight the aesthetics of the video in opposing senses and his passions,” says Big Hit Music.
Just a few short weeks after the release of his album, J-Hope is set to take the stage at one of the biggest music festivals – Lollapalooza. J-Hope will be a headliner on Sunday, July 31, marking the first time he’ll perform on such a big stage without the other members of BTS.
It was previously announced by the widely popular group that they’ll be taking some time to work on individual projects. All seven members plan to release solo albums. The group has been going nonstop since they debuted in June of 2013, and they’ve made it very clear to fans that there still will be group activities.
BTS recently announced they will be honorary ambassadors for Formula E Korea whose motto is “the race for clean earth.” This partnership was supposed to take place in 2021 but was pushed back due to Covid-19. The global superstars have also recently been appointed to be ambassadors of the 2030 Busan World Expo – a bid to get the World Expo in 2030. The group will hold a concert in Busan in the coming year in support of the bid. (Two members of BTS are from Busan: Jimin and Jungkook.) More information about their role as ambassadors will be released at a later date.
Those hilarious and adorable little yellow Minions are back, this time telling the story of their evil boss’s beginnings in the prequel to the 2010 animated film Despicable Me, Minions: The Rise of Gru.
The latest Minions offering opens in 1976 with the supervillain group known as The Vicious 6 getting rid of their leader, Wild Knuckles (voiced by Alan Arkin), and creating an opening on their team.
Young Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), who’s only 11 and 3/4, applies for the position desperate to join and begin his career as a supervillain. Laughed at and mocked by the new leader Belle Bottom (voiced by Taraji P. Henson), Gru steals the villain’s newly acquired magical stone to show he can be both despicable and clever. Unfortunately, one of the Minions – Otto – trades the stone for a pet rock so Gru is forced to set out to recover it.
It’s early on in his search that Gru is kidnapped by Wild Knuckles who wants the stone and wants to get even with his former villain pals for ditching him. So, Minions Kevin, Stuart, and Bob set out to try to rescue their beloved boss while Otto goes on a quest to find the stone.
Colorful, zany, and goofy, Universal and Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru is a return to the formula that made the original in the film series – Despicable Me – a charming, funny, and hilarious animated hit. Steve Carell returns to voice young Gru, who’s a little adorable himself, as he works so hard to become what he knows he’s destined to be…a master villain. Carell once again wonderfully gives voice to Gru the villain who actually has a heart, whether he likes it or not.
The standouts once again are, of course, the Minions (all voiced by Pierre Coffin), who this time are on a rescue mission to save their “mini-boss.” Full of crazy, chaotic, and at times a bit overly violent action, the Minions are the true source of humor and the reason for laugh-out-loud scenes. Whether they’re being chased by the Vicious 6, learning karate to defend themselves, or posing as airline pilots and learning to fly a plane full of passengers as they go, the Minions are the lovable and wacky heart of the film.
GRADE: B
MPAA Rating: PG for some action, violence, and rude humor
Release Date: July 1, 2022
Running Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Directed By: Kyle Balda
‘Alone’ Season 9 competitor Terry (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
The History Channel’s Alone season nine episode six opens with seven survivalists remaining in the competition. And by the time the episode wraps up, seven contestants still remain in the quest to be the last person standing.
Episode six – “The Weasel” – takes us from Day 28 through Day 33. Survivalists spotlighted include Terry, Teimojin, Jessie, Tom, and Juan Pablo.
Terry, Age 31, Homer, AK
Day 28: Terry’s built himself a nifty little smoker and fills his belly with meat from the beaver’s skull before getting to work. He’s having a difficult time scraping out the brain but doesn’t give up. Terry’s down 32 pounds and needs the protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids the brain contains.
He’s determined not to let any of the beaver go to waste, including its eyeballs.
For now, his number one priority is preserving the meat. It’s a time-consuming task but necessary since the conditions aren’t conducive to maintaining fresh meat for long. Terry prepares the meat for smoking as quickly as possible since the smoke has an antimicrobial effect on meat.
What he can’t smoke he’s planning on boiling and eating.
A Whiskey Jack chatters as he’s working, and Terry realizes the bird could draw in larger predators. Terry explains he loves to procure and preserve meat, but he knows getting his smoker to work effectively will be a trial-and-error process.
Day 29: Terry let his meat smoke for a day and when he pulls it off the rack it’s gorgeous. He describes the smell as sweet and aromatic. The meat’s thoroughly dried and now he’s got a nice amount of meat that can last up to two months.
Smoking done, Terry sets to work collecting the remainder of the meat from the bones. He needs to cook it now before it turns bad. He takes a bite and it’s delicious beaver bacon – crispy, chewy, and fatty.
Terry’s also boiling up fat and he plans on sipping on it since it’s a good source of calories. He believes it’s exactly what his body needs to keep it going.
He misses his loved ones, in particular his mom. Terry didn’t have much growing up in West Virginia and his mom’s always been an incredible supporter of his.
Day 31: Terry confesses he loves it here. The view’s tremendous and now that he’s finished processing the beaver, he hopes to be able to take a little time each day to just relax and appreciate the area.
Terry’s feeling stronger with more energy after shooting the beaver. However, he realizes he still needs to keep foraging, hunting, and fishing in order to thrive.
Before he heads off to explore, he finds a pretty spot to do a dedication to his mother. He loves her deeply and is so proud to be her son. Terry’s living his dream, thanks to his mom.
‘Alone’ Season 9 competitor Tom (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
Tom, Age 35, Earlysville, VA
Day 28: Tom’s built an incredible shelter and the best fireplace and stove of the season. Instead of working on food, he’s making earrings for his sweetheart. The earrings are composed of rabbit bone, grouse feathers, and snare wire, and they’re actually surprisingly pretty. He finishes up one and decides to head out to check his traps.
Tom wishes one of his 10 items was his sweetheart and says she’d be “kicking a** at this.”
It’s a long walk to his snare line and when he gets there all four snares are empty. He realizes he doesn’t have a lot of fat on his body and won’t win a starving contest, so it’s imperative he bring in food.
Tom turns his attention to a beaver dam and decides he’ll need to check it out at night.
Day 29: Tom heads down to the beaver dam at 6:30am when it’s barely light, hoping to spot a little beaver activity. He crosses his fingers, acknowledging his skinny frame will make his strength deteriorate fast if he doesn’t get some real food.
It’s still fairly dark as he finds the perfect spot to watch for activity. He loves to stalk but knows the odds are against him. “The challenge is what makes it so exciting,” says Tom.
His background’s in conservation and he believes that’s made him a better hunter. He’s learned that if you let a few animals walk around while you just observe them, you have a better chance of ultimately shooting one.
Tom makes it to the water’s edge and watches a beaver swim by in one direction and then quickly turn around and head back the way it came. Tom’s patient, waits for just the right opportunity, and shoots at his first beaver. The animal dives underwater and Tom watches for it to surface. Tom can’t spot any bubbles and believes the beaver will head toward the dam.
“If I didn’t hit it well, it’s going to just tear me up,” he admits. He’s desperate for food but there’s now a lump in his throat thinking about the beaver possibly suffering and then ultimately going to waste. The thought of it dying in the dam is heartbreaking.
He retrieves his arrow and it doesn’t have blood or hair on it. Now he’s not sure he actually hit it.
Tom decides to leave the area alone for a few days to cool down. He hopes he hasn’t ruined his chances of getting a beaver in the future.
‘Alone’ Season 9 competitor Teimojin (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
Teimojin, Age 31, Montreal, CAN
Day 28: Teimojin’s cabin’s fireplace has drawn the attention of mice whenever he lights a fire. He’s going to set up Paiute deadfalls (trigger traps) to kill them since he’s putting a pause on fishing. The water levels have dropped and right now it’s not the best source of food.
A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Teimojin’s strategy is to improvise, adapt, and overcome.
While he’s working on traps, he hears a grouse nearby. He’s pretty sure he lives in a grouse flight pattern. Apparently, they pass by his camp on the way to eat sand/grit which helps with their digestion. He takes a shot but misses. Fortunately, he spots his arrow and takes another shot. This time, the arrow sails away toward the shelter. He hopes he can find it.
All contestants are allowed nine arrows, and Teimojin’s already down one from shooting it into a tree. He decides to retrieve the one stuck in the tree by knocking it down with a sampling. He tosses the sampling, but it misses the arrow which is stuck 20 feet up.
Teimojin’s forced to climb the tree and notes that sometimes you forget you’re all alone in the middle of nowhere. Being 15+ feet up a tree is a solid reminder of the dangers of Alone. “This is like an injury waiting to happen,” he admits since emergency crews can take up to an hour to respond.
Teimojin jinxes himself by talking about the possibility of falling right before a branch breaks and he nearly takes a tumble. He’s okay and manages to retrieve his arrow. Teimojin says he’s not going to take any more tree shots; it’s not worth the risk.
10:30pm on Day 28 has Teimojin in a reflective mood. He wondered if he’d feel alone in the competition but has learned he actually felt more alone when he was homeless and living out of his van. It was his last year in medical school and he hit rock bottom emotionally. He never asked his parents for help and did everything himself. Attempting to get through that period by smiling and pretending he was okay made him feel more alone than being in Labrador without any companionship.
Day 30: Teimojin shoots a grouse for dinner and hears another one on his way back to camp. He’s having a lucky day and shoots another one. He counts himself fortunate to have so many grouse in his area.
“I love my shelter location, man. Feeds me…shelters me,” says Teimojin. “Every time I get a grouse I find the wishbone and when I break it, I wish for more food. It must be lucky or something. But it’s working.”
After talking about his luck, he sees yet another grouse and adds a third bird to his collection. That’s three weeks’ worth of food in just a matter of a couple of hours of hunting.
Teimojin thanks the grouse and cleans the birds while wearing rubber gloves from his emergency kit.
Everyone back at home supports him including his girlfriend, although his friends and family don’t understand why he’s doing this.
Day 31: Teimojin’s ready to set up a second shelter closer to the beach. Its construction requires him to cut down the biggest tree yet in order to make a lean-to. He’ll use the building as a secondary shelter and smokehouse in order to keep the bears away from his primary camp. It’s a fast build and he finishes it up in a matter of hours.
Back at his first camp, he roasts up grouse for a dinner consisting of scraps, skin, a liver, and two hearts.
‘Alone’ season 9 competitor Jessie (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
Jessie, Age 49, Pagosa Springs, CO
Day 30: Jessie sings a song about not having any luck catching fish. Her plans for the day include trying to get the walls up on Hodge Podge Lodge. She’s done an incredible amount of work and admits she’s spent more time working on it than she should have.
She’s lost 30 pounds and really wants to finish the shelter so she can focus on fishing and setting snares.
Day 31: Jessie’s still working on her shelter, slowly edging closer to finishing it up. While brushing her teeth she spots fresh snow on a nearby mountain. That gives her more incentive to finally finish up Hodge Podge Lodge.
Jessie gives us a tour of her shelter and she’s got an awesome firepit in the center of the floor, complete with punkwood (the rotted area in a tree or log). She’s even made an air vent for the pit that leads outside. Winter’s definitely in the air and all she needs now is to finish her roof and then she can move in.
Jessie heads out to collect moss while explaining she gained 30 pounds prior to coming to Labrador. She adds sod to the roof and knows she lost a lot of weight working on her shelter.
Jessie completes the roof and plans on moving in tomorrow. She sings in celebration.
Day 32: Moving day arrives and Jessie’s excited to actually set up inside Hodge Podge Lodge. She’s checked her snares and nothing was there, and it’s been five days since she had protein.
Jessie admits she’s been thinking about home and her boyfriend recently. She misses sharing her life with someone at the end of each day.
Jessie heads to the river but she isn’t successful in getting food. Back at her lodge she’s feeling really hungry and is upset she can’t celebrate completing the lodge with a little food. (For what it’s worth – Hodge Podge Lodge is one of the biggest, most impressive structures in Alone history.)
‘Alone’ season 9 competitor Juan (Photo by: Brendan George Ko / The History Channel)
Juan Pablo, Age 30, Pinawa, CAN
Day 30: Juan Pablo’s got a pan of fish heads to eat after having already finished off the bodies. He describes what’s in the pan as “jello fish.” Juan’s goal for the day is to focus on fishing.
His motto: “Don’t screw up.”
Juan heads to his recently constructed dock and discovers a large crack in his rod, requiring him to take the time to fix it before it completely breaks.
He was born in a big city but is passionate about living off the land. His parents’ house was close to the forest, and he spent a lot of time doing things outside including hunting and trapping. Juan describes his survival philosophy as being all about nature and listening to it in order to thrive.
Rod repaired; Juan gets busy fishing but nothing’s biting. He decides to head out hunting instead and spots a weasel. It’s super quick and he decides he’s not going to take a shot; Juan just wants to observe it because it’s cool.
Next, he spots a grouse in a tree but it’s too high up. He takes a shot when it flies down and hits the bird. Juan can hear it flapping but loses it in the woods. He does, however, find his arrow with feathers and blood on it, confirming he did hit the grouse.
Juan knows the grouse is wounded but has no idea where the body is. It’s the first time he’s mortally wounded a grouse and didn’t recover the body. Juan doesn’t feel good about it but knows he needs to learn from his mistake and move on.
Day 33: Juan spots a squirrel in a tree but doesn’t take a shot. Instead, he heads off on a short hunting trip and finds the grouse he shot. An animal ate part of it but he’s going to eat the remainder.
He spots the weasel again and this time he shoots it. “Poor weasel – I didn’t know I was actually going to hit you. You’re so fast,” says Juan, apologizing to the dead animal.
Juan’s going to keep the fur intact and gift it to his partner of seven years. His life would be a mess without her. Juan hasn’t asked her to marry him because he doesn’t have any money. He’s determined to win Alone so he can finally propose.
Later, Juan confesses that the morale boost he got from observing the weasel was greater than the amount of food it will provide. He admits he screwed up.
