Lili Reinhart spent some of her time off from starring as Betty Cooper on The CW’s Riverdale playing two versions of the same character in Netflix’s Look Both Ways. The new trailer shows Reinhart as a young woman attempting to figure out what path to take, with Reinhart playing out both scenarios.
“I think the film is really beautiful in that it shows how your life can turn out a million different ways,” said Reinhart in a Netflix interview. “You have to be open to new paths that present themselves… there is not a right or wrong way to get somewhere. So trust that the universe has got your back.”
In addition to Lili Reinhart, the cast includes Danny Ramirez, David Corenswet, Aisha Dee, Andrea Savage, Luke Wilson, and Nia Long.
Wanuri Kahiu directed from a screenplay by April Prosser. Bryan Unkeless, Eric Newman, and Jessica Malanaphy produce, with Reinhart, Alyssa Rodrigues, Jini Durr, and Jeanette Volturno executive producing.
Director Kahiu shared her own what-if moment. “My Look Both Ways moment was when I was standing with a pregnancy test,” said Kahiu. “In that moment, I realized that I had made the choice to have a child and [knew] that my life from that point on would split and be dramatically different than what I had imagined for myself.”
Look Both Ways premieres on Netflix on August 17, 2022.
The Plot: “On the eve of her college graduation, Natalie’s [Reinhart] life diverges into parallel realities: one in which she becomes pregnant and remains in her hometown, and another in which she does not and moves to Los Angeles. In both journeys, Natalie experiences life-changing love, pursues her dream career as an artist, and rediscovers herself.”
Martin Freeman as Paul and Daisy Haggard as Ally in ‘Breeders’ (Photo Credit: Mark Johnson/FX)
FX has renewed the popular comedy series Breeders starring Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard for a fourth season. The renewal order was announced one week after the season three finale aired.
“Breeders has given us the special opportunity to watch the ‘Worsley’ family grow with each season and FX is thrilled to order a fourth season that will bring the next chapter of this hilarious yet brutally honest take on being a parent in today’s world,” said Nick Grad, President, Original Programming, FX Entertainment. “Our thanks to creators Simon Blackwell, Chris Addison and Martin Freeman, the entire creative team, Daisy and the cast, the crew and everyone at Avalon, FX Productions and Sky. Their efforts are what guide and sustain Breeders and we are happy to be part of that extended family.”
In addition to Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard, the cast includes Alex Eastwood, Stella Gonet, and Eve Prenelle.
Showrunner Simon Blackwell created the series along with DGA Award winner Chris Addison and Emmy winner Martin Freeman. Blackwell, Freeman, Addison, Richard Allen-Turner, Rob Aslett, David Martin, Jon Thoday, Toby Welch, and Michael Wiggs executive produce.
The Plot: “In Season 3, which concluded this week on FX and is available to stream on Hulu, Breeders continues its bitter-sweet look at the struggles of modern parenthood, starting just days after Season 2 ended, as the Worsley family reels from teenaged Luke (Eastwood) punching his dad, Paul (Freeman). Paul’s moved out and is staying at his mother-in-law Leah’s (Gonet) house. He should be lonely but actually the simpler life has its appeal. Eventually, though, amends with Luke must be made.
Meanwhile, Ally (Haggard) has her own problems – with work, with her early menopause and with her increasingly strained relationship with her newly adolescent daughter, Ava (Prenelle). Gallows humor and large glasses of wine only go so far in quelling the angst…”
Quinta Brunson and Daniel Radcliffe in ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ (Photo Courtesy of Roku)
Quinta Brunson is going from elementary school teacher to talk show giant – at least on screen – with Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. Roku just unveiled the first photo of Quinta Brunson playing Oprah Winfrey in the music-driven biopic starring Daniel Radcliffe in the title role.
Roku also released a new photo of Evan Rachel Wood, currently killing it in season four of Westworld, as Madonna.
Evan Rachel Wood as Madonna in ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ (Photo Courtesy of Roku)
Additional cast members include Rainn Wilson as radio personality Dr. Demento, Julianne Nicholson as Al’s mom, and Toby Huss as Al’s dad.
Weird Al co-wrote the film with Eric Appel, and Appel is directing. Weird is produced by Funny Or Die and Tango.
Roku is targeting a fall premiere.
Quina Brunson was just nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards including Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and Writing for a Comedy Series. Brunson created the critically acclaimed half-hour comedy which earned a total of seven Emmy Award nominations for its first season.
The Weird: The Al Yankovic Plot, Courtesy of Roku:
Daniel Radcliffe is “Weird” Al Yankovic in the unexaggerated true story about the greatest musician of our time. From a conventional upbringing where playing the accordion was a sin, Al rebelled and made his dream of changing the words to world-renowned songs come true. An instant success and sex symbol, Al lives an excessive lifestyle and pursues an infamous romance that nearly destroys him. With Evan Rachel Wood, Rainn Wilson, and an A-list cast of thousands their agents won’t let us reveal.
Daniel Radcliffe in ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ (Photo Courtesy of Roku)
The CW’s Roswell, New Mexico season four episode six begins with Tezca learning Bonnie and Clyde are close to obtaining the final piece of the puzzle needed to allow them to return to The Oasis. Tezca warns Bonnie to get her head back in the game, and Bonnie lies and says she got rid of Eduardo.
Tezca orders Bonnie to get rid of Michael next.
Liz (Jeanine Mason) and Max (Nathan Dean) have a quiet morning chat and she shows him her injury’s all healed up. She claims to be feeling fine, but Max gets the vibe through the handprint that she’s terrified of what he might do next. Liz reminds him she can also feel what he’s feeling and knows he’s scared about his new powers.
Their conversation’s broken up when they learn Michael’s running a fever of 108 (normally, aliens are 102). Max is confused because aliens don’t get sick.
They head over to Maria’s (Heather Hemmens) where she’s playing nurse to a sick Michael (Michael Vlamis) who – because he’s a male – claims he’s dying. Liz diagnoses him with the flu, strep, and the common cold, which means his immune system is compromised. Plus, he can’t use his alien powers at all.
Maria wonders if this is because he ate the alien fruit, and Max – who doesn’t seem to have any sympathy for his brother – thinks it might be connected to the octahedron. Liz promises to solve the mystery just as Max gets a call that his deputies picked up Bonnie for vandalizing Take Me to Your Latte.
Max heads to the station and Bonnie, who could have easily gotten out of the jail cell without any help, tells Max she needs him to save her. Bonnie reveals the alighting is in motion, but she doesn’t know their plans for returning to The Oasis. Bonnie also says Noah wasn’t anyone’s “friend” and that the puzzle needs Max and Liz to be complete. (None of which clears up anything.)
Max gets angry and grabs the bars of the cell, hands – and bars – now glowing blue. He objects to being called a puzzle piece and Bonnie clarifies that he and Liz are the glue that holds the pieces together. She tosses in that Tezca ordered her to kill Michael but she can’t do it. Michael’s caused a rift in their triad and Tezca wants him out of the way.
Liz slips into research mode and Shivani joins her at the lab. Liz is confused by the human viruses showing up in Michael’s blood and Shivani corrects her; the virus is alien in nature but just looks human. Shivani’s partner, Ali, created a hard drive full of alien anomalies and Shivani has a copy.
Liz and Shivani figure out the virus in Michael was spread by close contact with a carrier. Liz calls Michael and he recalls Bonnie kissed him. Liz puts the clues together and comes up with Bonnie kissed him to disable his powers!
Maria leaves what apparently is just the latest in a string of messages for Alex letting him know Michael’s sick. Michael whines about Alex not checking in just as Dallas (Quentin Plair) shows up needing help. Dallas hopes Michael can use his engineering skills to recover the equation his dad embedded in the glass. Deep Sky loaned him the Lockhart machine, which might help them retrieve the equation.
A short while later, Maria, Dallas, and Michael are able to view the video message left by Dallas’ dad. Dallas attempts to ask about the tree, but brief snippets of his dad’s memory don’t get him any closer to understanding its purpose. Suddenly, Michael spots a bible in the memory and knows he saw it in Bonnie’s cave.
Meanwhile, Isobel (Lily Cowles) and Kyle (Michael Trevino) wake naked in each other’s arms in Careyes, Mexico. This is not a drill, people! It’s happening! Isobel apologizes for using his pecs as a pillow and Kyle jokes it’s okay to use him. Isobel panics, thinking Kyle might actually be feeling used. “Did I just ruin our friendship?!” asks Isobel.
Kyle is taken aback by the “friendship” reference but he plays it off, saying he knew it was just two friends blowing off steam. Isobel relaxes and says Kyle was exactly what she needed, giving their night of lovemaking two enthusiastic thumbs up.
It gets awkward when Kyle realizes he’s naked after getting up to get them coffee. He hurriedly puts on his shirt and Sonya picks that moment to join the couple who aren’t a couple…it was just a one-time thing…whatever. Sonya’s shocked to find Eduardo (David DeSantos) knocking on their door and the atmosphere switches from awkward to tense. She’s not happy to see her dad and it’s obvious she believes he’s deserted her and doesn’t care how she’s doing.
Eduardo cries as he explains she’s never far from his thoughts, but Sonya reminds him he’s been pretending she’s dead for years.
Kyle and Eduardo commiserate at the bar, with Eduardo equating his relationship with Sonya to her being Rage Against the Machine while he’s “the Machine.” When she tried to hack into Deep Sky, Eduardo thought he needed to protect her by distancing himself.
Michael’s still sick but needs answers so heads to the sheriff’s station and demands answers from Bonnie. Max realizes Bonnie can disable alien powers and Bonnie suddenly brings Michael into her mindscape. Bonnie claims she disabled Michael’s powers to keep him safe from Clyde, even though Michael’s sure he has Clyde eating out of the palm of his hand. Bonnie explains Clyde’s been manipulating him and has preyed on his dreams of returning home. It’s exactly what Clyde did to Bonnie.
Bonnie reveals she can’t use the powers she takes and that Jones used her to neutralize his enemies. Now, Earth has opened her eyes and she’s no longer brainwashed. However, she can’t reverse what she’s done to Michael.
Tezca arrives and although Liz is still at her lab, she can feel Max’s anxiety in the handprint.
Tezca takes down Michael without much effort, but Max holds her back in order to give Bonnie a chance to grab Michael and take him outside. Max continues to hold off Tezca, blue flames leaping from his hand and setting items on fire as he demands to know what the alighting is. Tezca refuses to tell him.
Liz sneaks in and stabs Tezca in the back with a machete. She brought Dallas with her and he uses the sprinklers to put out the fire.
Tezca gets up, only momentarily taken out of the action. However, Liz anticipated this and tipped the machete in Bonnie’s virus. She also added an accelerant to speed up the process. Tezca morphs into her true form, but she doesn’t appear concerned. Instead, the room begins shaking as she announces that together Liz and Max will change both worlds – just as her savior said.
Tezca escapes and Max and Liz get another moment together to reconnect. As they kiss, Max’s hand on Liz’s shirt sparks blue and her shirt is singed. They pull apart and Max is confused about what happened. He’s only called up the blue flames in anger prior to this, but he definitely wasn’t mad when they kissed.
Liz suggests they head home and relax but Max can feel she’s terrified this makes it impossible for them to be together. Liz is convinced their love is stronger than all of this.
Max wonders if the strength of their love might be what burns everything down. It could be what powers the alighting.
Dallas and Maria check out Bonnie’s cave and locate the bible. There’s a bookmarker on a page with alien symbols. They don’t understand what this means, and Maria thinks they should get Isobel to retrieve his memories from 1947.
Kyle returns from drinks with Eduardo to discover Isobel’s packed and ready to leave. Dallas needs her help so she’s heading back to Roswell, but Kyle stops her before she heads out. He confesses he’s terrified of her, recalling different situations over the years that proved her power and strength. She laughs when he describes her as dressing like a “Russian spy undercover at Coachella.” And then Kyle pours out his heart and reveals he’s terrified she’ll jump into his mind and discover she’s all he thinks about. When he says she would realize he’s in love with her, Isobel draws in a deep breath and seems to actually understand who Kyle is and what she means to him for the very first time.
“I’ve wanted to tell you for a very long time, but I’ve always been afraid of what you might say. Except now I realize I’m even more afraid of never finding out at all,” says Kyle.
Isobel reveals she can’t say what he wants to hear, and she doesn’t want to make him wait for her to figure out where she stands. She can’t do that to him. Plus, waiting implies expectations. She doesn’t know if she’ll ever be able to tell him she feels the same, yet she can’t afford to lose his friendship.
Kyle’s left alone after one night of bliss. (Damn it, that was truly heartbreaking.)
Later that night, Kyle rejoins Eduardo in the bar, confessing he told an alien he loves her. Kyle’s decided he’s no longer going to bury himself in his work and Eduardo suggests a road trip to find Ali might take his mind off his love life.
Kyle realizes his heart isn’t broken; it’s just thawing. Surprisingly, he feels closer to Isobel than ever.
Kyle talked Sonya into giving her dad another chance, and Kyle gives them some alone time at the bar to work things out.
Back in Roswell, Isobel and Dallas prepare to delve into his memories. She burns some sage – just to get rid of the junkyard smell – and instructs Dallas to focus on the bible. Dallas and Isobel slip into Dallas’ memories from 1947 and learn the bible originally belonged to Maria’s great grandfather. His dad warned him there would be a time when he couldn’t remember this period. The seeds and the bible could bring ruin to their planet, so he needed to protect Dallas by blocking his memories.
Dallas notices his dad’s glasses on top of the bible and figures out they’re the key to decoding it.
Michael’s forced to return to Maria’s couch once more and Maria offers him soup. He confesses he doesn’t want to be a “normal” person and Maria reveals she has experience in losing her powers. Michael had no idea she can’t have visions now, and she explains it was a side effect of the serum. She’s realized her powers don’t define her.
Suddenly, a poster falls off the wall. The poster’s from a festival she went to with her mom and Maria thinks maybe her mom’s trying to communicate with her.
Shivani hands one of her researchers a vial of regenerative protein, believing it could save her daughter.
Max can’t sleep and leaves Liz alone in bed. He steps outside to talk to Bonnie, assuring her she’s safe. She helped them and now Max wants to help her get what she wants. Bonnie admits she’s never seen Tezca lose a fight and she’s impressed with Liz. Max describes Liz as tough, brilliant, kind, and funny – and he can’t wait to marry her. However, he’s worried about burning down the altar when he kisses her.
In a stunning turn of events, Max asks Bonnie to take away his powers. “I can get over a flu. What I can’t abide is losing the woman I love,” says Max. This would be Bonnie using her powers for good.
Bonnie asks if he’s sure and Max becomes emotional and says this is the only way.
Bonnie kisses him and Liz is jarred awake in bed at that instant. The handprint fades from her side as she whispers, “What did you do?”
HBO set an August 13, 2022 premiere for The Princess, an HBO Original documentary about the incredible, tragically short life of Princess Diana. The documentary from Oscar-nominated director Ed Perkins (Best Documentary Short Subject, Black Sheep) is timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the People’s Princess’ death.
The Princess sits at 81% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes following its premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Rolling Stone’s David Fear’s review praises director Ed Perkin’s decision to only use archival footage. Fear calls it “a stroke of genius, a jujitsu finishing move on her tormentors.” And Little White Lies’ Saskia Lloyd Gaiger says this of Perkin’s documentary: “A sense of the era, when paparazzi were particularly hungry and the monarchy was losing its mojo, is viscerally evoked with neither nostalgia nor scorn.”
Lightbox, Oscar winner Simon Chinn (Man on Wire), and Emmy winner Jonathan Chinn (LA 92, American High) produced, with Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller executive producing.
Diana, Princess of Wales (Photograph Courtesy of HBO)
HBO’s official description:
“The relationship of Diana and Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, was tabloid fodder for nearly two decades, the subject of almost daily headlines in the 24-hour news cycle. The Princess draws solely from contemporaneous archival audio and video footage to take audiences back to key events in Diana’s life as they happened, including their seemingly fairy-tale public courtship and wedding, the birth of their two sons, their bitter divorce, and Diana’s tragic and untimely death on August 31, 1997.
Intensely emotional, The Princess is a visceral submersion into Diana’s life in the constant and often intrusive glare of the media spotlight. The film unfolds as if it were in the present, allowing viewers to experience the overwhelming adoration but also intense scrutiny of Diana’s every move and the constant judgment of her character. Through archival material, the film is also a reflection of society at the time, revealing the public’s own preoccupations, fears, aspirations, and desires.
Princess Diana’s tragic death, caused in part by a high-speed pursuit by paparazzi, was a moment for reflection by both the public and the media machine it feeds. However, after nearly 25 years since Princess Diana’s death, has anything really changed?”
Poster for ‘Out of My Mind’ (Photo Credit: Disney)
Disney+’s film adaptation of Sharon Draper’s novel Out of My Mind has added Rosemarie DeWitt (The Staircase), Emmy Award-winner Luke Kirby (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), and four-time Emmy Award nominee Judith Light (American Crime Story, Transparent) in key roles. Michael Chernus (Severance) and Courtney Taylor (Insecure) have also joined the drama directed by Amber Sealey.
Out of My Mind will film in Toronto. Disney+ hasn’t announced a targeted premiere date.
Humanitas Prize winner Daniel Stiepleman (On the Basis of Sex) adapted Draper’s novel and Oscar nominee Peter Saraf (Little Miss Sunshine) produces. Dan Angel, Michael B. Clark, Alex Turtletaub, Jeff Skoll, Robert Kessel, Tom Mazza, David Calvert Jones, Brian Gott, and Eddie Rubin executive produce.
Disney+’s casting announcement included the following synopsis and character details:
“Out of My Mind follows Melody Brooks (newcomer Phoebe-Rae Taylor), a girl with cerebral palsy. Melody has a quick wit and a sharp mind, but due to her being non-verbal and using a wheelchair, she is not given the same academic opportunities as her classmates. However, when Katherine, a young educator notices her student’s untapped potential, she encourages Melody to participate in mainstream education, where greater successes – and challenges – await.
Rosemarie DeWitt will play Diane, Melody’s mother and fiercest advocate, and Luke Kirby plays her supportive father, Chuck. Judith Light plays “Mrs. V.,” the Brooks’ eccentric but caring neighbor who, though her style may be unconventional, always looks out for Melody. Courtney Taylor is Katherine, a post-doctoral candidate and educator, and Michael Chernus plays Mr. Dimming, Melody’s teacher and coach of her school’s trivia team.”
Production is officially underway on the highly anticipated sequel, Dune: Part 2. Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve returns to direct the Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures production starring Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica Atreides, and Oscar winner Javier Bardem as Stilgar.
Returning cast members include Oscar nominee Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban Harkonnen, Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam, and Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat. Joining the cast are Austin Butler (Elvis) as the notorious Feyd Rautha and Christopher Walken (Severence) as the Emperor. Florence Pugh (Black Widow) as Princess Irulan, Léa Seydoux (Crimes of the Future), and Souheila Yacoub (No Man’s Land series) also star.
Denis Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts co-wrote the screenplay, based on Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi novel. Filming will take place in Budapest, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, and Italy.
Villeneuve’s behind-the-scenes team includes director of photography Greig Fraser, costume designer Jacqueline West, and makeup, hair and prosthetic designer Donald Mowat. Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer is returning to the Dune world as composer. Production designer Patrice Vermette, editor Joe Walker, visual effects supervisor Paul Lambert, and special effects supervisor Gerd Nefzer are also on board.
Dune opened on October 22, 2021. Dune: Part Two will be released in theaters on November 17, 2023.
Warner Bros released the following description of the Dune sequel:
“This follow-up film will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.”
Episode four of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Room season two featured the catchy pop tune “Angel in Flip Flops,” described as a hit by Charles-Haden Savage way back in 1989 (and only in Germany). Written by series co-creator and star Steve Martin and Kirker Butler, the official music video features an animated Martin singing about an angel in flip flops wearing short shorts and a tank top.
“I am as proud of ‘Angel in Flip Flops’ as I am of any work I’ve done that is not that good,” stated Martin.
“When the notion came up in our writers’ room of Charles-Haden Savage, at the height of his success with his original Brazzos series, maybe having recorded an album that did really well in Germany before the Berlin Wall fell, we knew we had to talk further about it – immediately! And so we did – and when we shared this idea with Steve Martin – well, I think it was a day (if even?) before Steve had a title and a tune making its way through his genius mind and we were more than off and running,” explained co-creator and showrunner John Hoffman. “Steve dove in with Kirker Butler to craft a late 20th century classic and then, incredibly, along came Paul Shaffer to arrange that classic that is now our ‘Angel In Flip-Flops.’ We’re all hoping for a revival of interest in the tune, of course — in Germany, and all parts of the world without walls!”
The critically acclaimed, award-winning series premiered on August 31, 2021. Season two debuted on June 28, 2022, with new episodes of the 10-episode season arriving on Hulu on Tuesdays.
Series stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez executive produce along with John Hoffman, This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman, and Jess Rosenthal.
Oliver (Martin Short) and Charles (Steve Martin) in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ (Photo by: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu)
Hulu’s official OMITB synopsis:
“Following the shocking death of Arconia Board President Bunny Folger, Charles, Oliver and Mabel race to unmask her killer. However, three (unfortunate) complications ensue – the trio is publicly implicated in Bunny’s homicide, they are now the subjects of a competing podcast, and they have to deal with a bunch of New York neighbors who all think they committed murder.”
Alicia von Rittberg and Jamie Parker in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 6 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Edward Seymour visits his brother, Thomas, who’s being held in the Tower for attempting to kidnap King Edward as Starz’s Becoming Elizabeth episode six opens. Thomas (Tom Cullen) refuses to explain his actions and Edward’s forced to leave without obtaining any details on his brother’s plan.
Edward Seymour (John Heffernan) joins King Edward (Oliver Zetterstrom) while he’s falconing, and the king’s confused as to why Thomas and Elizabeth would move against him. He’s worried about the extent of the conspiracy and saddened he was betrayed by people he thought loved him.
King Edward also doesn’t understand why his people are rebelling and slitting the throats of the nobles. Edward Seymour’s unable to get him to understand they’re upset about religious reformation.
The King’s in such a rotten mood that he demands the falcon be skinned alive.
Princess Elizabeth (Alicia von Rittberg) has been anxiously awaiting her interrogation and when John Dudley (Jamie Parker) arrives at Chelsea Manor, she demands to know when he’s going to question her. John believes he’s in for a battle of wills and apologizes for delaying her interrogation. He did so so that they could get an unwilling Kat Ashley to confess.
Kat revealed everything she knew about Thomas Seymour’s actions while he was married to Catherine Parr, including how reckless he was around Princess Elizabeth. John Dudley asks what she and Thomas did when there weren’t any witnesses, and Elizabeth claims nothing untoward happened.
Princess Elizabeth denies knowing Thomas Seymour’s plans and says the fact he acted in such a way toward her brother proves she never really knew him. Elizabeth acknowledges she understands she’s in a fight for her life and demands any evidence John Dudley has against her.
John explains he’s aware Thomas wanted to kidnap King Edward and marry her, and Kat confirmed the marriage plans. Elizabeth stands firm in her denials of knowing what Thomas Seymour had planned, but John needs further information proving Thomas is guilty.
Their verbal battle reaches the stage where Elizabeth finally understands that in order to save herself, John Dudley needs hard proof of Thomas’ guilt. Only one of them can be innocent, and John asks for her to say what it is that she needs him to know.
Princess Elizabeth confesses Thomas acted inappropriately around her, and occasionally Catherine joined in. Kat had nothing to do with it and is completely innocent. Elizabeth claims she acted as she saw fit at the time; she can’t deny that.
After Catherine died, Thomas proposed to her but she wanted to obtain the approval of her brother and the council while Thomas did not. If he did what he’s accused of, then Thomas deserves to die.
As John Dudley’s leaving, Elizabeth asks if she proved her innocence. “You told me what I needed to know,” replies John.
Rebels continue to ambush lords and ladies on the road, slitting their throats and stealing their possessions.
The council meets and Henry Grey (Leo Bill) demands justice, citing Thomas’ actions as adding fuel to the rebellion’s fire. John Dudley reveals Princess Elizabeth said Thomas is guilty, and Edward Seymour reacts by ordering Dudley to track down the rebels. As for what will happen to Thomas, Edward hasn’t decided yet.
John Dudley chases after Edward as he leaves the meeting, confused as to why he needs to be the one in charge of stopping the rebels. John believes Edward’s a fool and that he refuses to admit Thomas has committed treason. “He is a villain. Can you not see that?” asks John.
Edward stalks off while John continues to follow, pleading with him to understand the gravity of the situation. They argue over who should squash the rebellion, and John expresses his belief that Edward is responsible for it in the first place because he’s stoked the religious reform. His actions have set the country on fire. John thinks Edward Seymour needs to go do what he does well – fight. He’s not suited for negotiations and diplomacy.
Edward’s heard enough and demands John Dudley obey him. After all, he’s the Lord Protector as well as the king’s uncle. Edward yells an order for John to show mercy to the rebels at John’s retreating back.
Robert Dudley (Jamie Blackley) asks to say goodbye to Elizabeth before they head out. John reluctantly agrees and instructs his son to tell the guards and Elizabeth that she’s free to go.
Elizabeth is shocked to learn it was Robert Dudley who took down Thomas Seymour as he was attempting to escape. Robert suggests Elizabeth not cry for Thomas, and she points out she isn’t crying; she’s just only sad over what’s transpired.
Robert informs Elizabeth she’s no longer under arrest and that he’s leaving to go to Norfolk to put down the rebellion. She begs him not to go and he asks her to look at his bruised, injured face. He hates that she can’t see Thomas for what he is.
Henry Grey, Bishop Gardiner, and other members of the council meet with King Edward while he’s bathing. They call for Thomas Seymour’s execution and have come up with 33 charges against him. King Edward remains in a foul mood and asks what Edward Seymour has to say about this. The order to executive Thomas would require both King Edward’s and the Lord Protector’s signatures.
A few minutes later, King Edward signs the order.
Next, Henry and the men present Edward Seymour with the order. If he doesn’t also sign, then he can step down as Lord Protector. “We have rebellions across the country…we have a war in Scotland…and you’re concerning yourselves with this?” asks an angry Edward.
They suggest if he doesn’t sign, it will be a show of weakness.
Princess Elizabeth pushes her way through guards and bursts into King Edward’s room. Princess Mary (Romola Garai) is already there, and Elizabeth gives her brother a hug before asking him to have goodwill toward her. She assures her brother she didn’t conspire against him and wouldn’t marry without his permission.
Mary calls her sister a fool for not joining her at Framlingham and avoiding this situation. “You are too headstrong,” says Mary. “There’s always a price.”
King Edward believes Thomas should spend his life in the Tower, but Princess Elizabeth is certain traitors deserve death – no matter who they are. Princess Mary appears to reassess her sister and Edward doesn’t respond.
Bishop Gardiner and Henry Grey conspire to remove Edward Seymour from the position of Lord Protector. Henry believes all members of the council should be equal, as per King Henry VIII’s will. But Gardiner has other ideas.
Gardiner leads a secret meeting with Princess Mary and suggests she become the new Lord Protector.
Meanwhile, John Dudley and his sons, along with other men, arrive at Stanfield Hall in Norfolk after passing dead bodies of lords and ladies on the road. John Robsart and his family welcome then to Stanfield, and later over dinner John Dudley declares that the leader of the rebels, Robert Kent, will hang.
John explains the Lord Protector ordered him to show mercy to Robert Kent’s followers. John Robsart’s pretty daughter Amy (who has caught Robert Dudley’s eye) disagrees, wondering if they’re just supposed to ask the people who plow the fields not to murder them.
Amy and Robert flirt after dinner, and John Dudley teases his son about moving on quickly.
John Heffernan and Tom Cullen in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 6 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Edward Seymour pays another visit to his brother in the Tower. Thomas is in the middle of writing a letter that isn’t a confession but rather what Edward labels as “poetry.” Edward explains there won’t be a trial and Thomas is shocked, demanding to know why not. Edward confirms they spoke to Thomas’ men and have obtained confessions. They know what Thomas had planned, and Edward demands to know what he was going to do with King Edward.
Edward Seymour confirms Thomas has been found guilty of treason and people (including every member of the council) are calling for his head. Thomas doesn’t believe King Edward would allow it, but Edward tells his brother the king has signed the order.
Thomas continues to play the victim and blames his brother for everything that’s happening. He thinks Edward has won again, and then asks if his brother is going to allow them to execute him. Edward says he is, even though the pain of that decision will remain with him every day.
Edward begs his brother to accept what he’s brought upon himself and prepare his soul for death. Edward promises to take care of Thomas’ child after his execution.
After his brother leaves, Thomas writes a note to Elizabeth and hides it in his shoe.
Morning arrives and Thomas’ clothes are laid out for his execution. He whispers a request to his servant, Richard, as he dresses, telling him about the note and requesting he deliver it to Elizabeth after his death.
Princess Mary confronts Edward Seymour as he’s on the way to his brother’s execution. She reminds him of the damage he’s done and the lies he’s told about her. She asks if he’ll attend the execution as a brother or as the Lord Protector. Edward says he’s not allowed to be both so it will be as Lord Protector.
Princess Mary reveals she’s been asked to take over as Lord Protector because the council thinks he’s been compromised. She vows to protect her brother and when she walks away, Edward rushes off and grabs King Edward. The current Lord Protector explains Princess Mary is plotting against them and King Edward isn’t safe in the palace. (It’s ironic he’s doing exactly what his treasonous brother attempted to do.)
Edward Seymour hands his son, Edward, a letter to take to John Dudley in Norfolk as fast as possible.
Princess Mary visits Elizabeth, knowing she shouldn’t be alone during the execution.
Edward Seymour and King Edward make it to the river and board a small boat while simultaneously Thomas Seymour arrives at his execution. A crowd has gathered and they jeer him, and Thomas is saddened his brother didn’t even bother attending the execution. He doesn’t make a final statement but instead reminds Richard to keep his promise and deliver the note.
Richard betrays his trust and tells the guards that Thomas has hidden a letter in his shoe. Thomas goes to his death knowing Elizabeth won’t read his note. It takes two blows from the executioner’s blade to remove Thomas’ head.
Princess Elizabeth quietly cries as the bells toll. Princess Mary says, “What cannot be cured must be endured.” Mary speaks gently to her sister, but Elizabeth doesn’t want to be treated like a child and sends her sister away.
John Dudley’s back at Stanfield Hall after tracking down rebels when young Edward Seymour arrives with his father’s letter.
Robert Kent, the leader of the rebellion, is strung up and Robert Dudley delivers a speech to the captured rebels. Robert says they should share the same fate as their leader but instead they’ve been granted mercy. John Dudley listens to his son’s speech and shakes his head when Robert suggests they thank God for the Lord Protector’s mercy.
The letter has angered John Dudley to such a degree that he orders all of the captured rebels to be hanged.
Robert heads to the barn away from the crowd in disbelief. Amy joins him and doesn’t understand why he’s upset. She thinks John, Robert, and the others just saved her family, and unexpectedly she leans in and kisses Robert. She quickly backs away, begging him not to tell her father.
King Edward blames Edward Seymour for everything that’s happening minutes before John Dudley and his men show up.
The Lord Protector hurries outside and apologizes to John for losing his temper, but John is there to retrieve King Edward and try and set the country right. John promises they’ll work together – he as the new Lord Protector and Edward as the former one.
John Dudley proclaims his duty is to his King and his realm.
King Edward has emerged outside and asks John if he’s his savior. “I’m anything you want me to be, Sire,” replies John. King Edward smiles for the first time in days.
Princess Mary has joined the council as King Edward arrives to meet with his advisors. Her presence confirms Princess Mary and some members of the council have moved to name her Lord Protector. John announces to all that he is the new Lord Protector, backed by King Edward. No one – including those who championed Mary – objects.
Kat Ashley returns to Chelsea Manor and is caught up in a loving embrace by Princess Elizabeth. She explains she needs to leave Elizabeth’s service, and Elizabeth assures her she never betrayed her.
Elizabeth doesn’t need to push her way through the guards to speak to King Edward this time. She collects Robert Dudley in a big hug before joining King Edward and John Dudley, and meeting her brother’s new dog.
The siblings are left alone to speak, and King Edward reveals John Dudley said she’s to be trusted. Edward hands his sister the note from Thomas Seymour, assuring her he hasn’t read it. She holds it for a moment, calls it the last words of a traitor, and tosses it into the fire unread.
King Edward smiles and hugs Elizabeth, holding her tight.
Maddie Phillips stars in ‘The Boys’ spinoff, ‘Gen V’ (Photo Courtesy of Prime Video)
Prime Video’s spinoff of The Boys will now officially be known as Gen V. Prime Video tweeted a one-minute video with the stars of the college-set series in which the cast members claim the spinoff has everything The Boys has including the intensity, the grit, and the humor. They also teased it’ll be a roller coaster and “filled with blood, guts, and everything else.”
“Superheroes, college….what could go wrong?” asks cast member London Thor.
In addition to London Thor, the season one cast includes Jaz Sinclair, Chance Perdomo, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Lizze Broadway. Shelley Conn, Maddie Phillips, Derek Luh, Asa Germann, and Marco Pigossi also star.
The Boys star Jack Quaid responded to the announcement, tweeting: “Welcome to the family, GEN V! I know I’m just an old, decrepit millennial but I can’t wait to watch your show!” And series creator Eric Kripke promised we’re not f**ing ready for this new generation of superheroes.
The spinoff is currently in production. Prime Video hasn’t confirmed a targeted season one premiere date.
Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters are guiding the series as showrunners and executive producers. Additional executive producers include Kripke, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Neal H. Moritz, Ori Marmur, Pavun Shetty, Ken Levin, Jason Netter, Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, Craig Rosenberg, Zak Schwartz, Erica Rosbe, and Michaela Starr.
“Much like Mork & Mindy spun-off from Happy Days—which is an insane and true fact—our spinoff will exist in the Vought Cinematic Universe, yet have a tone and style all its own. It’s our take on a college show, with an ensemble of fascinating, complicated, and sometimes deadly Young Supes,” stated The Boys’ showrunner and executive producer Eric Kripke when the series was initially announced. “Michele and Tara are stone-cold geniuses, we’re thrilled to have them steer this ship, and grateful to Sony and Amazon for the opportunity. We love this show and can’t wait for you to see it. Also, Baywatch Nights spun-off from Baywatch, and it had vampires. Vampires!”
Set at America’s only college exclusively for young-adult superheroes (run by Vought International), Gen V is an irreverent, R-rated series that explores the lives of hormonal, competitive Supes as they put their physical, sexual, and moral boundaries to the test, competing for the best contracts in the best cities. It’s part college show, part Hunger Games – with all the heart, satire, and raunch of The Boys.
