Complicated personal lives and a military technology case keep Red busy on NBC’s The Blacklist season nine episode five. “Benjamin T. Okara” will air on November 18, 2021.
In addition to James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington, the season nine cast includes Diego Klattenhoff as Donald Ressler, Amir Arison as Aram Mojtabai, Hisham Tawfiq as Dembe Zuma, Laura Sohn as Alina Park, and Harry Lennix as Harold Cooper.
“Benjamin T. Okara” Plot: Dembe’s position as an FBI agent causes complications for Red as the Task Force handles a case involving military technology. Cooper and Park each find their personal lives increasingly complicated.
Season 9 Description, Courtesy of NBC:
“In the two years following the death of Elizabeth Keen, Raymond Reddington (Spader) and the members of the FBI Task Force have disbanded – their lives now changed in unexpected ways and with Reddington’s whereabouts unknown. Finding themselves each at a crossroads, a common purpose compels them to renew their original mission: to take down dangerous, vicious and eccentric Blacklisters. In the process, they begin to uncover lethal adversaries, unimaginable conspiracies and surprising betrayals that will threaten alliances and spur vengeance for the past, led by the most devious criminal of them all – Raymond Reddington.”
Hisham Tawfiq as Dembe Zuma and James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington in ‘The Blacklist’ season 9 episode 5 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Hisham Tawfiq as Dembe Zuma, Diany Rodriguez as Weecha Xiu, and Karina Arroyave as Mierce Xiu in season 9 episode 5 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington in season 9 episode 5 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Diany Rodriguez as Weecha Xiu in season 9 episode 5 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington in season 9 episode 5 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)
Kevin Costner stars in ‘Yellowstone’ season 4 episode 3 (Photo Credit: Paramount Networks)
Paramount Network’s Yellowstone season four episode three’s opening scene alternates between shots of John Dutton (Kevin Costner) sitting peacefully in front of a fire and Kayce (Luke Grimes), Rip (Cole Hauser), and assorted law enforcement officers taking down the white supremacist militia Kayce believes is behind the attack on his family.
Blows land, bullets fly, and the Duttons are successful in ridding the area of the dangerous racist vigilantes.
The following morning John greets the new stable boy, Carter (Finn Little), and Carter’s disappointed that once again he wasn’t the first one to the barn. (Kayce beat him this time.) John meets up with his son and they’re both a little melancholy, not sure how many more days they’ll have to do these early morning rides without any interruptions.
Over in the bunkhouse, Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith) doesn’t support the decision to send Jimmy (Jefferson White) away but Rip’s certain Jimmy needs to leave in order to grow up. Lloyd’s also unhappy about Walker sleeping in a pretty barrel racer’s trailer, and Rip warns him to get his head right.
Elsewhere, Mo tosses Checker’s – the guy who claimed he put together the hit – a lunch bag and advises him to eat fast.
Kayce makes it into his office and finds Emmett Walsh (Buck Taylor) waiting to discuss a battle he’s having with his new neighbor. A California man’s moved in and placed cattle guards on Emmett’s easement through his property which means Emmett can still use the easement but only by placing the cattle in trucks. That’s expensive and with the price of cattle tanking, it’s hurting Emmett’s business. Lawyers haven’t been able to help and Emmett confesses the trucking fees are eating him alive.
Emmett’s not sure what Kayce can do to help but hopes he can figure out something.
Back at the ranch, the high-priced team Travis (series creator Taylor Sheridan) put together works out in the ring and the ranch hands are captivated by their skills. John also looks on approvingly and Rip admits Travis has put together an impressive team.
The ranch hands rib each other over their own riding skills, with Colby (Denim Richards) describing Ryan’s trotting skills as akin to a drunk trying to catch a football.
Jimmy’s having a rough time getting his head around the idea of being sent away to Texas. John explains it’s an opportunity, but Jimmy doesn’t accept that. Mia (Eden Brolin) broke up with him because he’s leaving, and Jimmy believes this punishment cost him the only person who’s ever loved him. John disagrees, explaining if Mia truly loves him she’ll be waiting for him when he returns.
Jimmy wonders when he’ll be allowed to return and John assures him he can come back when he’s ready. And who will decide that? John confirms Jimmy will need to decide for himself if he’s grown enough to earn a return to the ranch.
The ranch hands learn which ranch Jimmy’s heading off to and are certain he won’t last a week.
Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly in Paramount Network’s ‘Yellowstone’ season 4 episode 3 (screengrab)
It’s nearly 20 minutes in when Beth (Kelly Reilly) finally shows up in season four episode three. She joins Rip watching the horses and says, “You look like a kid in a toy store who forgot his allowance.” Rip’s obviously enjoying watching the pricey horses and Beth’s happy someone’s getting a kick out of her inheritance running around in the ring.
Beth spots Carter hard at work and tells Rip the boy’s done for the day. Rip’s quickly shot down when he says Carter’s still got hours of work left to do. Beth wants to take Carter shopping, even though Rip doesn’t want her spoiling the boy.
Rip thinks Carter’s got a place at the ranch and that’s all he really needs right now, but Beth’s got her mind set on taking him to get good boots and a jacket. The kid needs some clothes, so Beth’s right. But then again, so is Rip since Carter has lessons to learn that require him to put in long hours of hard work.
They argue over how to handle the boy and when Rip gives in and tells her to do what she wants with her “pet,” Beth bristles. She’s pissed but smart, pulling Rip in for a kiss before leaving. “I love you; I’ll see you at the house. F*ck you,” says Beth. Rip’s face lights up with a warm smile and he chuckles as she walks off.
Once in town, Carter’s given instructions to pick out a decent jacket, boots, and a hat, and he immediately disregards what Beth’s telling him to do. He doesn’t want a hat and finds a shirt he wants instead. Even though Beth tells him that’s not on their list, Carter tries it on. Beth loses it and demands he take the shirt off. They’re done shopping since he won’t listen.
Carter tries to barter for the shirt but Beth’s not in the mood to discuss things. She attempts to forcibly remove the shirt and another shopper points out Beth’s committing child abuse. Carter makes matters worse by telling the woman Beth’s making him take off the shirt and he doesn’t want to. Beth yanks the shirt away from him as the woman says she’s going to call the police.
“That wasn’t child abuse; this is f**king child abuse!” says Beth as she grabs Carter roughly by the ear. The woman, with her young son standing behind her, has whipped out her cell phone and is filming Beth abusing Carter. So, of course, Beth grabs the phone, slams it to the ground, and steps on it.
The poor woman was just trying to help a kid who appeared to be in distress and now she’s minus a phone and the target of Beth’s anger. Beth warns her if she doesn’t want to be assaulted, she should mind her own business.
The woman says Beth doesn’t have any idea how to be a mother and Beth agrees. “Well, ain’t that the truth. You think you can do better? He’s all yours,” says Beth as she storms off, knocking items off a shelf on her way out of the store.
Carter runs after her and Beth locks the car doors. He apologizes and she gives in. As they’re driving back to the ranch, she explains there are only four ways to get rich – inherit it, steal it, work really f**king hard, or learn how to suck a d*ck. She suggests he go with option three.
(I’ve got to admit I’m not a fan of the Carter storyline, although I understand its purpose. I’d much rather see Beth and Rip dealing with their relationship without a child thrown in to complicate matters.)
Luke Grimes stars in ‘Yellowstone’ season 4 episode 3 (Photo Credit: Paramount Networks)
Kayce pays a visit to the Peterson Ranch, pulling up to the gate and asking for a meeting with Ralph Peterson. The voice on the intercom tells him to make an appointment and Kayce explains he’s the livestock commissioner and needs to be allowed in. The voice continues to refuse to open the gates and Kayce’s done playing nice. He throws the truck in reverse, revs up, rams the gates, and busts through.
Ralph (Jonathan Kells Phillips) is in front of his house and on the phone with the police when Kayce takes him down. Ralph’s slammed to the ground and only manages a few grunts before Kayce rolls him onto his stomach and places him in cuffs.
Kayce picks up the phone and tells the cop on the other end he’s got Ralph in his custody for refusing entry. He’ll bring Ralph in if he decides to charge him.
Kayce and Ralph (still handcuffed) drive out to the easement, and Ralph admits he hates cows going through HIS land. Ralph also admits he’s only raising llamas for the tax exemption. Kayce uses a chain to raise the cattle guard and pushes Ralph into the hole underneath. He lowers the guard and as he drives off, says, “If you like your cattle guards so much, you should f**king live in them.”
A short while later Emmett’s about to use the easement when he hears Ralph calling for help from under the cattle guard.
John meets up with Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and Mo out in the middle of nowhere. Thomas chose the out-of-the-way location in order to deliver the news that they’ve learned who ordered the hit on John’s family. Thomas hands over a folder with details on a prisoner with the last name Riggins (Bruno Amato) who ordered the hit. John doesn’t recognize him, but Mo says Riggins knows John. He’s currently locked up in state prison.
John’s not sure he trusts this info and asks how Thomas obtained it. Mo explains that if they tell him, then it becomes John’s trash to take out. John accepts that and wants whatever Thomas dug up.
Despite their differences, Thomas is genuinely sorry about what happened to John’s family. He leaves Mo with John and drives off, and it’s not until Thomas is out of sight that Mo drags Checkers (Brad Carter) from the back of his SUV. Mo explains Checkers is who Riggins used to put together the hit.
Riggins was Checkers’ cellmate and after Riggins received a request for the hit, Checkers was in charge of putting together the men who carried it out. He confirms he used the militia. John asks who gave the order to Riggins and Checkers doesn’t reply.
John takes over custody of Checkers.
Walker (Ryan Bingham) has a brief chat with Jimmy and reveals his biggest regret is leaving the place Jimmy’s heading off to. He doesn’t think Jimmy should ever come back to the Yellowstone Ranch.
Travis and the men aren’t happy about Jimmy being along for the ride, barely putting up with his presence in the truck. Travis, wearing a “Your girlfriend keeps looking at me” T-shirt, warns Jimmy he’s expected to work hard at every horse show.
Mia watches Jimmy and the guys pull out with tears in her eyes. Neither she nor Jimmy wave or even mouth goodbyes as the rigs leave the ranch.
Rip’s waiting at the table with alcohol at the ready when Beth arrives home. She describes it as a “pour the bottle in a bucket” sort of day, and Rip adds additional shots to her glass. Beth says the kid’s in the barn and she doesn’t want him spending the night with them anymore. She admits Rip was right and Rip says he’s sorry. He offers to work on the kid, believing there’s a man inside him somewhere.
Beth takes a seat on Rip’s offered lap and Rip says, “I want you to listen to me. He’s not our son. No matter what he becomes, he’ll never be that. Nobody will.”
Beth believes there will come a day when Rip will resent her for not being able to have a child. Rip swears that won’t happen, but Beth’s certain it will.
Kayce delivers plates of food to Monica (Kelsey Asbille) and Tate (Brecken Merrill) who are refusing to leave the bedroom. Tate’s hiding under the bed and Monica’s in a foul mood as Kayce tells them they need to eat. Monica reveals Tate’s getting worse each day and he won’t come out if anyone’s in the room. (Tate’s traumatized from killing the man who was attacking his mom.)
Kayce’s overcome with anger and frustration. He reminds Monica he’s been suggesting for weeks that Tate see a doctor but she hasn’t taken him in. Monica cries as Kayce drags Tate out from under the bed. Kayce grabs his son up in a bear hug and assures him he’s already overcome his biggest fear. He won’t let Tate go and keeps telling his son he’s okay. Kayce tells Tate to grab his plate and sit at the table, and Tate does as told.
Kayce blames Tate’s behavior on Monica and she reminds him she never wanted to live at the Yellowstone Ranch. She’s always believed the ranch and John are evil, and Kayce can’t contain his anger. He knows the ranch and his family aren’t evil; it’s the people who tried to take everything away that are the evil ones.
“I hate you,” replies Monica, collapsing in tears. She wants to go home and begs Kayce to let her go. Kayce responds with a hug.
It’s pitch dark when John stops his truck and loads his gun. He asks Checkers if he’s ever shot a man and Checkers claims he has. John drags Checkers through the dirt and tosses his gun down next to Checkers’ head. He frees Checkers’ hands and suggests an old-fashioned shoot-out.
Checkers grabs the gun and they begin exchanging shots. John emerges victorious.
Max isn’t about to turn away immigrants in need of help on NBC’s New Amsterdam season four episode nine. “In a Strange Land” will air on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
The cast of season four is led by Ryan Eggold as Medical Director Max Goodwin. Janet Montgomery returns as Dr. Lauren Bloom, Freema Agyeman stars as Dr. Helen Sharpe, Jocko Sims plays Dr. Floyd Reynolds, and Tyler Labine is Dr. Iggy Frome. Michelle Forbes guest stars as Dr. Fuentes.
“In a Strange Land” Preview – Max takes drastic measures to help several undocumented immigrants after a fire destroys the church where they had sought refuge. Sharpe and Malvo assist a patient with a life-threatening condition. Dr. Reynolds is conflicted about his new position. Brantley considers how to rectify the situation with Dr. Fuentes.
After a turbulent year of sacrifice and hardship, Medical Director Max Goodwin and the team at New Amsterdam begin a well-deserved new chapter in their lives. The opening episode, titled “More Joy,” reflects both the drive of characters and the tone of season four. More joy: How can we find it, and how can we hold on to it?
For Max that means acknowledging and surrendering to his long simmering feelings towards Dr. Helen Sharpe. While this new relationship brings its own set of challenges, Max continues his optimistic – and quixotic – quest to improve our nation’s healthcare system.
Continuing to navigate their own personal journeys – including Dr. Bloom’s relationship with Dr. Leyla Shinwari, who is now her resident, Dr. Frome’s new career and Dr. Reynolds’ personal entanglements – the doctors will strive to embrace the joy and successes in their lives.
But there is a surprise in store for our heroes. Dr. Veronica Fuentes is joining the New Amsterdam team to help turn around the overburdened and underfunded hospital. Her first order of business will be to tear down every progressive program Max has erected. Max will have his work cut out for him if he is going to outwit this calm, poised and fearless fixer.
Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin, Freema Agyeman as Dr. Helen Sharpe, and Rizi Timane as Temi in ‘New Amsterdam’ season 4 episode 9 (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin, Janet Montgomery as Dr. Lauren Bloom, and Frank Pando as Father O’Connell in season 4 episode 9 (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)Em Grosland as Nurse Brunstetter and Freema Agyeman as Dr. Helen Sharpe in season 4 episode 9 (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)Janet Montgomery as Dr. Lauren Bloom, Supriya Ganesh as Rahel, and Tyler Labine as Dr. Iggy Frome in season 4 episode 9 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin and Frank Pando as Father O’Connell in season 4 episode 9 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Michelle Forbes as Dr. Veronica Fuentes and Debra Monk as Karen Brantley in the “In a Strange Land” episode (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)
Oscar-nominated and Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker Joe Berlinger’sCrime Scene documentary series has scored a three season renewal order from Netflix. Season one of the series, Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel, debuted in February 2021 and focused on the tragic death of a young female hotel guest who was seen acting strangely in an elevator prior to disappearing. Season two, Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer, will premiere on December 29th and will focus on the iconic tourist destination in the ’70s and ’80s.
“Earlier this year, Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel analyzed how a seedy Los Angeles hotel’s tragic history contributed to the mystery around a young guest’s disappearance. The series, from Imagine Documentaries and RadicalMedia, ignited a global conversation about issues ranging from mental health to economic decay to the impact of so-called ‘web sleuths’ on investigations,” said Adam Del Deo, VP, Documentary Series. “On Netflix, 45 million households around the world chose to watch the series in the first 28 days after it premiered in February.”
Del Deo continued. “We always saw potential for Crime Scene to be an ongoing series about how certain locations became accomplices to crimes that took place there. Now, as part of our deepening creative partnership with Joe and on the heels of the high interest in season one, we are pleased to renew the series for three additional seasons — each tackling a new location with a dark past. The new seasons will again be produced by Imagine Documentaries and RadicalMedia, Joe’s production home for two decades, in association with Joe’s Third Eye Motion Picture Company.
In the second installment coming Dec. 29, Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer will examine how the danger and depravity of New York’s Times Square in the late 1970s and early 1980s made it possible for one man to commit — and nearly get away with — unthinkable acts in a nearly-lawless area rife with drugs and sex work. These three episodes will delve into the social and systemic forces that allowed horrific crimes to go unnoticed for too long.”
According to Netflix’s official announcement, Joe Berlinger is currently working on seasons three and four.
Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Jon Kamen, Jon Doran, Jen Isaacson, Samantha Grogin, and Leslie Mattingly serve as executive producers with Berlinger.
The first leg of Tears for Fears’ “The Tipping Point World Tour” will kick off on May 20, 2022 in Cincinatti. The duo – Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith – will hit cities across North America including Dallas, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Boston before finishing up the first leg on June 25th in Wantagh, New York.
The 2022 tour is the first U.S. tour for the iconic duo since 2017.
“We couldn’t be more excited to start playing concerts again. We’ve missed seeing our friends on the road around the world and the energy of performing live,” said Curt Smith.
“The Tipping Point has been a long time in the making and we are looking forward to playing our favorites from the new album as well as our classics from throughout the years,” shared Roland Orzabal.
Tears for Fears fans will have access to presale tickets beginning November 16, 2021 at 10am local time. The presale runs through November 18th. Citi cardmembers will also be able to purchase tickets during the presale period. Tickets will then go on sale to the general public on November 19th at 10am local time. A digital download of the band’s The Tipping Point album, dropping on February 25, 2022, comes with each ticket purchased.
The Tipping Point is the band’s first album since 2004’s Everybody Loves a Happy Ending. The album’s co-produced by Sacha Skarbek and Florian Reutter and will feature songs written by Orzabal and guitarist, writer and producer Charlton Pettus.
Tears for Fears (Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels)
TEARS FOR FEARS – 2022 US TOUR DATES
Friday, May 20, 2022 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
Saturday, May 21, 2022 – Blossom Music Center – Cleveland, OH
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Dallas, TX
Friday, May 27, 2022 – Ak-Chin Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ
Sunday, May 29, 2022 – Levitt Pavilion – Denver, CO
Wednesday, June 01, 2022 – Concord Pavilion – Concord, CA
Thursday, June 02, 2022 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA
Saturday, June 04, 2022 – The Forum – Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, June 05, 2022 – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre – San Diego, CA
Thursday, June 09, 2022 – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL
Friday, June 10, 2022 – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater – Tampa, FL
Sunday, June 12, 2022 – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre – Atlanta, GA
Monday, June 13, 2022 – PNC Music Pavilion – Charlotte, NC
Wednesday, June 15, 2022 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Detroit, MI
Thursday, June 16, 2022 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
Friday, June 17, 2022 – Ruoff Music Center – Indianapolis, IN
Sunday, June 19, 2022 – Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia, MD
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 – TD Pavilion at The Mann – Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 – Leader Bank Pavilion – Boston, MA
Friday, June 24, 2022 – P.N.C. Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
Saturday, June 25, 2022 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
FX just released a new trailer for Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson. The film’s part of FX’s “The New York Times Presents” series of documentaries and focuses on that split second in time during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show that Janet Jackson’s nipple was exposed to millions of viewers around the globe.
Set to premiere on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 10pm ET on FX and Hulu, Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson was directed by Jodi Gomes (One Child Left Behind: The APS Teaching Scandal, The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty) and features interviews with Jackson family members.
Per FX: “Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson features rare footage and interviews with several people who were at the controls that night in Houston — including N.F.L. and MTV executives — to reconstruct an incident that shook the country and explain how it shaped culture in the decades to follow. With new reporting by The Times, as well as insights from music industry insiders, cultural critics and members of the Jackson family, the film illuminates the extraordinary fallout, CBS executive Les Moonves’s role and Justin Timberlake’s parallel career rise.”
Director Gomes serves as a producer and Ken Druckerman, Banks Tarver, Mary Robertson, Jason Stallman, Sam Dolnick, and Stephanie Preiss executive produce. “The New York Times Presents” is produced by The New York Times and Left/Right, a Red Arrow Studios company. Mary Robertson serves as showrunner on the documentary series.
Caitriona Balfe stars as “Ma” and Jamie Dornan stars as “Pa” in director Sir Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast’ (Photo Credit: Rob Youngson / Focus Features)
Family, home, country, neighbors, religion, and the need to adapt are at the heart of Kenneth Branagh’s latest film, Belfast, starring Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Jude Hill, Lewis McAskie, Judi Dench, and Ciaran Hinds.
The movie opens in bright color in present-day Belfast in Ireland and masterfully transitions to black-and-white in the summer of 1969 just before the riots and violence against Catholics by the Protestants. The turbulent changes are seen in the film through the eyes of Buddy, a nine-year-old Protestant (Jude Hill) who’s shown playing in the streets just a few blocks from his house having fun and saying hi to all his neighbors. This sweet moment’s broken up when a car bomb goes off and an angry mob of Protestants charge down the street to lay siege to the Catholic families who live there.
Fortunately, Buddy’s mother (Caitriona Balfe) quickly pulls Buddy and his older brother(Lewis McAskie), into their home to keep them safe from the sudden violence.
After the destruction, the authorities erect barricades and post guards to do checks for the next few weeks, only allowing those who can prove they live in the area to enter. Buddy’s father (Jamie Dornan), who works in England, arrives home for the weekend and discovers what’s happened. After speaking with his wife, he tries his best to explain to Buddy and his brother that the Protestants who are attacking their Catholic neighbors are just mean thugs and it’s best to stay away from them.
Buddy finds ways to escape the scary, escalating violence invading his neighborhood and country by going to the movies – which he loves – and spending time with his grandma (Dame Judi Dench) and grandpa (Ciaran Hinds) who are also neighbors. He also fills the hours by falling for a young girl in his class (Olive Tennant).
As tensions grow and Belfast begins its religious civil war, Buddy’s father becomes determined to get his family out and keep them safe by moving to either Australia or England where he works. Buddy’s mother resists the idea as she doesn’t want to leave her family, friends, or the neighbors she grew up with and has known her whole life.
Written and directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh, Belfast is a moving, funny, and heartfelt semi-autobiographical film that captures the importance of family and the loss of innocence in children who grew up in Northern Ireland during its tumultous upheaval. It’s masterfully filmed with wonderful cinematography and a superb cast.
Ciaran Hinds and Judi Dench are truly wonderful as Buddy’s grandparents who witness the only home they’ve ever known changing forever – and not for the better. They have wonderful chemistry together and with newcomer Jude Hill. Hill delivers an unforgettable performance as young Buddy, displaying the wonder, excitement, terror, and fear the boy experiences and absorbs throughout the film. Hill’s performance is perhaps the most honest and natural in the film. There’s never a false or forced moment in any scene he’s in.
Jamie Dornan delivers a strong performance as Buddy’s father who has to be away from his family for work and fears what could happen since he’s not there to protect them from the rising violence. Dornan displays the loving and charismatic side Buddy sees in his father as well as the strong and intimidating side he possesses when he stands his ground against one of the leaders of the rioters.
The production design, costumes, and cinematography are excellent, bringing back to life Belfast in 1969 during its violent religious riots so vividly that the audience is sure to at times feel as though they’re watching a shocking and moving documentary instead of a movie recalling those traumatic times.
Charming, warm-hearted, and touching, Focus Features’ Belfast is a unique coming-of-age film that captures the importance of family, community, and country. It’s one of the best pictures of the year and one of the better films to have come along in years. See it!
GRADE: A
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for strong language and some violence
Michael Benjamin Washington as Cyrus, Ana Gasteyer as Katherine, Humphrey Ker as Elliot, Harriet Dyer as Sadie, and Tye White as Jack in ‘American Auto’ (Photo by: Greg Gayne/NBC)
The sixth and final season of NBC’s award-winning drama This Is Us will premiere on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 9pm ET/PT. The network’s just-released midseason schedule also reveals Tuesday nights this winter will feature the new workplace comedy American Auto from Superstore‘s Justin Spitzer and Grand Crew from Phil Augusta Jackson and Dan Goor.
NBC will be adding three new dramas to its winter primetime lineup. The heist thriller The Endgame is set to premiere after the Olympics on February 21st. Renee Zellweger stars in The Thing About Pam, a limited series inspired by Dateline NBC‘s most popular episodes and set to premiere on March 8th. And Law and Order returns after a 10 year break on February 24, 2022.
“Our goal in the fall was to engage and grow the NBC audience with hallmark dramas, building momentum through the holidays and into the Olympics, all of which will work in concert to provide the best possible launch pads for our new and returning midseason shows,” stated Frances Berwick, Chairman, Entertainment Networks, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “After a premiere week win and tremendous success this season to-date, we’re well-primed to deliver on that promise and continue this winning trend through the remainder of the season.”
“Following a fall that launched a pair of dramas and saw huge success from so many returning series, we’re excited to really pull back the curtain in January with big swings across genres that provide something for everyone,” added Susan Rovner, Chairman, Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Over the past year, our programming team has been vigorously chasing down the best content out there, and it’s really exciting to start to see some early fruits of our labor join the longtime fan favorites on the NBC schedule.”
NBC MIDSEASON 2021-22 SCHEDULE
(New programs in UPPER CASE)
January Primetime Schedule
Sun, Jan. 2
7-8:20 P.M. — Football Night in America
8:20-11 P.M. — NBC Sunday Night Football
Mon, Jan. 3
8-8:30 P.M. — Kenan (Season Premiere)
8:30-9 P.M. — Kenan
9-10 P.M. — That’s My Jam (Time Period Premiere)
10-11 P.M. — Ordinary Joe
Tues, Jan. 4
8-8:30 P.M. — AMERICAN AUTO (Time Period Premiere)
8:30-9 P.M — GRAND CREW (Time Period Premiere)
9-10 P.M. — This Is Us (Season Premiere)
10-11 P.M. — New Amsterdam
Wed, Jan. 5
8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med
9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire
10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D.
Thur, Jan. 6
8-9 P.M. — The Blacklist
9-10 P.M. — Law & Order: SVU
10-11 P.M. — Law & Order: Organized Crime
Mon, Feb. 21
8-10 P.M. – AMERICAN SONG CONTEST (Premiere)
10-11 P.M. – THE ENDGAME (Premiere)
Tues, Feb. 22
8-8:30 P.M. – AMERICAN AUTO
8:30-9 P.M. – GRAND CREW
9-10 P.M. – This Is Us
10-11 P.M. – New Amsterdam
Wed, Feb. 23
8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med
9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire
10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D.
Thurs, Feb. 24
8-9 P.M. — LAW & ORDER (Premiere)
9-10 P.M. — Law & Order: SVU
10-11 P.M. — Law & Order: Organized Crime
Fri, Feb. 25
8-9 P.M. – The Blacklist (New Time)
9-11 P.M — Dateline NBC
Tue, March 8
10-11 P.M. – THE THING ABOUT PAM (Premiere)*
Tue, March 15
8-8:30 P.M. – Young Rock (Season Premiere)
8:30-9 P.M. – Mr. Mayor (Season Premiere)
Blake Shelton, Ariana Grande, host Jimmy Fallon, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
AMERICAN AUTO – From the creator of Superstore comes a new workplace comedy that takes the wheels off the automobile industry. Set in Detroit, the corporate executives of Payne Motors are at a crossroads: adapt to the changing times or be sent to the junkyard. Shaking things up is the new CEO, whose leadership, experience and savvy is only slightly offset by her complete lack of knowledge about cars. Luckily, her team has some of the best minds in the business – when they aren’t fighting or trying to outwit each other. From the corporate office to the factory floor, the crew of Payne Motors is driving home the laughs.
Ana Gasteyer, Harriet Dyer, Jon Barinholtz, Humphrey Ker, Michael B. Washington, Tye White and X Mayo star.
GRAND CREW – From Phil Augusta Jackson (Writer/Producer/Director, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and Dan Goor (Creator, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) comes a new comedy that proves life is better with your crew. This group of young professionals are all trying to navigate the ups and downs of life and love in Los Angeles – and they always find time to gather at their favorite bar to “wine down” and unpack it all. There’s Noah, a hopeless romantic eager to settle down; Nicky, a go-getter in real estate who’s adventurous in romance; Sherm, a low-key genius who plays the dating odds; Anthony, whose true love is his career; Wyatt, who’s relieved to be married and out of the dating scene; and Fay, who’s recently divorced and looking to start fresh in LA. And just like wine, their friendship gets better with time.
Nicole Byer, Justin Cunningham, Aaron Jennings, Echo Kellum, Grasie Mercedes and Carl Tart star.
THE ENDGAME – A pulse-pounding high-stakes two-hander about Elena Federova, a recently captured international arms dealer and brilliant criminal mastermind who orchestrates a number of coordinated bank heists throughout New York City for a mysterious purpose. Her antagonist is Val Turner, the principled, relentless and socially outcast FBI agent who will stop at nothing to foil her ambitious plan. The gripping heist drama reveals how far some people will go for love, justice and the most valuable commodity in the world: the truth.
Morena Baccarin, Ryan Michelle Bathé, Costa Ronin, Jordan Johnson-Hinds, Kamal Bolden, Noah Bean, and Mark Damon Espinoza star.
LAW & ORDER – NBC is bringing back one of its most treasured and honored dramas with the 21st season of Law & Order. The series, which will continue the classic bifurcated format that was created for its original run, will once again examine “the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders.”
THE THING ABOUT PAM – NBC’s The Thing About Pam is based on the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria that resulted in her husband Russ’s conviction, although he insisted he didn’t kill her. His conviction was later overturned. This brutal crime set off a chain of events that would expose a diabolical scheme deeply involving Pam Hupp. A thorough examination of the scheme was featured on several episodes of Dateline NBC, becoming one of the most popular topics to ever air on the hit NBC franchise. It also became the subject of a popular 2019 podcast, The Thing About Pam, which remains one of the most downloaded podcasts on iTunes.
The series stars Renée Zellweger, Josh Duhamel, Judy Greer, Katy Mixon, Glenn Fleshler, Gideon Adlon, Sean Bridgers, Suanne Spoke, and Mac Brandt.
AMERICAN SONG CONTEST – America’s biggest live entertainment event has arrived! Based on the worldwide phenomenon Eurovision Song Contest, organized for 65 years by the European Broadcasting Union and watched by 200 million viewers annually, this amazing musical spectacular combines the competitive spirit of rooting for your favorite sports team with the joy of watching a beloved singing performance. American Song Contest will feature live original musical performances – representing all 50 states, five U.S. territories and our nation’s capital – competing to win the country’s vote for the Best Original Song. An incredible solo artist, duo or a band will represent each location and perform a new original song, celebrating the different styles and genres across America.
The live competition consists of three rounds as the acts compete in a series of Qualifying Rounds, followed by the Semi Finals and the ultimate Grand Final where one state or territory will emerge victorious.
THAT’S MY JAM – Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, That’s My Jam is an hourlong music and comedy variety game show that draws inspiration from the most popular Tonight Show games. Each episode features two teams of two celebrities competing for a charity of their choice in a series of music, dance, and trivia-based games and musical performances. Signature games to be played include “Launch the Mic,” “Air Guitar,” “Don’t Drop the Beat,” “Perfect Mash-Up,” “Wheel of Impossible Karaoke,” “Slay It, Don’t Spray It” and many more.
2021’s Disney+ Day celebration offered up new details on multiple projects from Marvel, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and National Geographic. November 12, 2021 marks the second anniversary of Disney+’s launch and special content released included never before seen footage, logos, clips, and trailers.
The Disney portion of Disney+’s celebration revealed Cheaper by the Dozen starring Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff will premiere on Disney+ in March 2022. Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey reunite for Disenchanted coming to Disney+ in fall 2022, and the animated adventure Diary of a Wimpy Kid premieres on Disney+ on December 3, 2021. The second Diary of a Wimpy Kid animated film, Rodrick Rules, will arrive in 2022.
The live-action/CG animated film Chip ‘Dale: Rescue Rangers featuring the voices of John Mulaney and Andy Samberg will premiere in Spring 2022. The behind-the-scenes The Beatles docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back, from Peter Jackson has snagged a November 25, 2021 date to kick off a three-night streaming event.
Tim Federle’s Better Nate Than Ever book is being adapted for Disney+ viewers and will feature Aria Brooks, Joshua Bassett, Michelle Federer, Rueby Wood, Norbert Leo Butz, and Lisa Kudrow. Better Nate Than Ever premieres in spring 2022.
First look at ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ stars Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker
The Disney+ Day celebration included the release of the first photo featuring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy in character in Hocus Pocus 2, with the much-anticipated sequel targeting a fall 2022 premiere exclusively on Disney+. Live-action and visual effects combine to bring Disney’s animated classic Pinocchio to life with Tom Hanks, Cynthia Erivo, and Luke Evans. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan-Michael Key, and Lorraine Bracco lend their voices to the project which is expected to air in fall 2022.
Simon Pegg reprises his role as Buck in the film The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild premiering on January 28, 2022. Sneakerella also debuted a new trailer and confirmed a February 18, 2022 premiere date.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is targeting a February 2022 premiere and a short-form animated series based on Zootopia is planned for 2022.
Disney+ announced they’re making a live-action series based on The Spiderwick Chronicles. The streaming service offered this synopsis: “The series, based on the beloved, best-selling books, follows the Grace Family—twin brothers Jared and Simon, their sister Mallory and mother Helen—as they move into their dilapidated ancestral home. They begin to unravel a dark mystery about their great-great Uncle who once discovered the secret and sometimes dangerous faerie world.”
Stella Meghie (The Photograph) will write and direct the musical series Tiana, which comes out in 2023. Per Disney+: “In the series, Tiana sets off for a grand new adventure as the newly crowned Princess of Maldonia, but a calling to her New Orleans past isn’t far behind.”
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first animated series, Baymax, showed off its first trailer and confirmed a summer 2022 premiere.
Disney+ provided the following details on Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm projects that were announced or updated during Disney+ Day. Referenced videos and art are available either via Disney+ or YouTube:
PIXAR
Cars on the Road: Larry the Cable Guy reveals the title of Pixar’s upcoming Cars series: Cars on the Road. Join Mater and Lightning McQueen in this fun-filled cross-country road trip streaming in 2022.
Pete Docter announces an exclusive peek behind the curtains of Pixar in two brand-new documentaries coming to Disney+ in 2022 that explore the making of Turning Red and Lightyear.
Win or Lose: Directors Michael Yates and Carrie Hobson reveal concept art for Pixar’s first-ever original long-form animated series Win or Lose, coming to Disney+ in 2023. Each 20-minute episode of Win or Lose highlights the perspective of a different character as a middle school coed softball team prepares for their championship game.
MARVEL
Hawkeye is set in post-blip New York City where Clint Barton aka Hawkeye has a seemingly simple mission: get back to his family for Christmas. But when a threat from his past shows up, Hawkeye reluctantly teams up with 22-year-old skilled archer Kate Bishop to unravel a criminal conspiracy. The series stars Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton and newcomer Alaqua Cox. Episodes are directed by executive producer Rhys Thomas and directing duo Bert & Bertie; executive producer Jonathan Igla is head writer. The series premieres November 24, 2021.
Moon Knight: Get a first look at Moon Knight, a new globetrotting action-adventure series featuring a complex vigilante who suffers from dissociative identity disorder. The multiple identities who live inside him find themselves thrust into a deadly war of the gods against the backdrop of modern and ancient Egypt. Moon Knight is directed by executive producer Mohamed Diab; Jeremy Slater is head writer. The series is coming to Disney+ in 2022.
She-Hulk: See Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk/Jennifer Walters, a lawyer who specializes in superhuman-oriented legal cases. She-Hulk will welcome a host of Marvel characters to the series, including the Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, and the Abomination, played by Tim Roth. The new comedy series coming to Disney+ in 2022 is directed by executive producer Kat Coiro with Anu Valia also directing. Executive producer Jessica Gao serves as head writer.
Ms. Marvel introduces Kamala Khan—a 16-year-old Pakistani American from Jersey City. An aspiring artist, an avid gamer and a voracious fan-fiction scribe, she is a huge fan of the Avengers—and one in particular, Captain Marvel. But Kamala has always struggled to find her place in the world — that is, until she gets superpowers like the heroes she’s always looked up to. Iman Vellani stars as Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel. The series is directed by executive producers Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah, Meera Menon and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, with executive producer Bisha K. Ali serving as head writer. Ms. Marvel premieres on Disney+ in Summer 2022.
Additionally, Marvel Studios announced new projects and unveiled logos for its future series including:
● Echo: a series starring Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez, who will be introduced in Hawkeye
● Ironheart: a series starring Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, a genius inventor who creates the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man
● Agatha: House of Harkness: a series starring Kathryn Hahn as her character from WandaVision. Jac Schaefer returns as executive producer and head writer.
● Secret Invasion: a series starring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as the Skrull Talos—characters who first met in Captain Marvel. The crossover comic event series showcases a faction of shape-shifting Skrulls who have been infiltrating Earth for years.
● The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special: a special written and directed by Guardians of the Galaxy veteran James Gunn
● X-MEN ‘97: an animated series from Marvel Studios that explores new stories in the iconic ‘90s timeline of the original series. Beau DeMayo is executive producer and head writer.
● What If…? (Season 2): the second season of the fan-favorite animated series. After enlisting the Guardians of the Multiverse to stop Infinity Ultron, The Watcher returns in Season 2 of What If…? to meet new heroes and explore more strange new worlds in the MCU’s ever-expanding Multiverse. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews with executive producer AC Bradley serving as head writer.
● Spider-Man: Freshman Year: an animated series that follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we’ve ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots. Executive producer Jeff Trammel serves as head writer.
● I Am Groot: a series of original shorts exploring Baby Groot’s glory days growing up, and getting into trouble, among the stars. Directed by executive producer Kirsten Lepore.
● Marvel Zombies: an animated series from Marvel Studios that reimagines the Marvel Universe as a new generation of heroes battle against an ever-spreading zombie scourge. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews.
LUCASFILM
Willow: From the set of the upcoming Lucasfilm series Willow, Warwick Davis introduces the supporting cast, including Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Ellie Bamber, Tony Revolori, Amar Chadha Patel, and Dempsey Bryk. Willow premieres exclusively on Disney+ in 2022.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Ewan McGregor and director Deborah Chow share an exclusive look at the series with behind-the-scenes footage and concept art. The Disney+ Original Series Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres on Disney+ in 2022.
Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett: Celebrate the origins and legacy of Star Wars’ legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett, in a special look for Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett, now streaming on Disney+.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Welcome to Earth: Explore Earth’s greatest wonders with Will Smith on an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime adventure around the world in the new trailer for Welcome to Earth, the six-part original series from National Geographic streaming December 8, 2021.
America The Beautiful: Visit the spacious skies, the amber waves of grain, and the purple mountain majesties in the new trailer for America The Beautiful, a new six-part series streaming on Disney+ in 2022.
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth: See Chris Hemsworth discover the full potential of the human body in the trailer debut for Limitless with Chris Hemsworth. The six-part Disney+ Original Series from National Geographic starts streaming in 2022.
A first look at ‘Prey’
STAR
The following titles from 20th Century Studios will debut in 2022 on Disney+ in international markets under the Star brand, on Hulu in the U.S., and Star+ in Latin America.
Rosaline: A fresh comedic twist on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet in which the classic love story is told from the perspective of Juliet’s cousin Rosaline…who just happens to be Romeo’s ex-girlfriend. Starring Kaitlyn Dever and directed by Karen Maine, the movie premieres in 2022.
The Princess: An irreverent action movie set in a fairy tale world. Joey King stars as a young royal who is more comfortable with a sword than a tiara and must save her kingdom from ruthless mercenaries. Directed by Le-Van Kiet, the movie premieres Summer 2022.
Prey: An all-new entry in the Predator franchise, Prey will premiere in Summer 2022. Set in the world of the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, the action-thriller follows Naru, the skilled warrior who fiercely protects her tribe against a highly evolved alien predator. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the film premieres Summer 2022.
No Exit: This harrowing suspense-thriller follows Darby Thorne, played by Havana Rose Liu, a young woman who is stranded by a blizzard and forced to find shelter at a highway rest area with a group of strangers. The movie premieres in 2022.
Katherine’s ready for her first real date since her divorce on ABC’s A Million Little Things season four episode seven. “stay” will air on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT.
David Giuntoli stars as Eddie Saville, Romany Malco plays Rome Howard, Christina Moses is Regina Howard, Grace Park plays Katherine Saville, and James Roday Rodriguez stars as Gary Mendez. Allison Miller is Maggie Bloom, Stephanie Szostak is Delilah Dixon, Floriana Lima is Darcy Cooper, Tristan Byon is Theo Saville, Lizzy Greene is Sophie Dixon, and Chance Hurstfield plays Danny Dixon.
“stay” Plot: Gary and Camden step in to support Maggie as more cryptic letters pour into the radio station. Regina continues to work through her relationship with her father while Eddie helps Sophie prepare for an audition. Katherine goes on her first official date post-divorce.
Grace Park and Francesca Bianchi in ‘A Million Little Things’ season 4 episode 7 (ABC/Darko Sikman)Andrea Bang, Allison Miller and Danny Wattley in season 4 episode 7 (ABC/Darko Sikman)Lizzy Greene and David Giuntoli in season 4 episode 7 (ABC/Darko Sikman)Romany Malco and Azie Tesfai in season 4 episode 7 (ABC/Darko Sikman)
