‘Ozark’ Season 4 Episode 2 Recap: “Let the Great World Spin”

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January 25, 2022

Ozark Season 4 Episode 2 — Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde, Sofia Hublitz as Charlotte Byrde, and Laura Linney as Wendy Byrde in ‘Ozark’ season 4 episode 2 (Photo Courtesy of Netflix © 2021)

Season four episode two of Netflix’s Ozark opens with Ruth (Julia Garner) at a secondhand store. She spots a weird goat cookie jar that she purchases and brings home to store Ben’s ashes in.

Marty (Jason Bateman) shows up at agent Maya Miller’s (Jessica Frances Dukes) apartment unannounced. After he attempts small talk about her new bundle of joy, Miller cuts to the chase and wants to know why Marty’s really there. Inquiring minds want to know what the steps are for making a deal with a cooperating witness. Miller assumes he’s talking about himself and is shocked to realize he’s talking about none other than the drug lord himself, Omar Navarro.

Miller questions why now since it appears he’s “winning the war” and scoffs at his demands which include no prosecution and the freedom to travel between Mexico and the US. Marty asks what it would take and Miller replies, “I’m not going to my boss with, ‘Hey, a mass-murdering cartel leader would like a free pass please.’”

While at home Wendy (Laura Linney) notices Ben’s ashes are missing. She frantically asks Charlotte (Sofia Hublitz) where they are, and she points her in the direction of Jonah (Skylar Gaertner). He admits he gave them to Ruth.

Wendy shows up at Ruth’s and screams at her to come outside. Ruth obliges while wielding a shotgun. Wendy demands Ben’s ashes back and, being the cold-hearted person she is, she screams, “He didn’t love you, Ruth!” She doesn’t let up and reminds Ruth that Ben was sick. Rubbing more salt in the wound, Wendy lets Ruth really have it by telling her she was “just in a long line of broken, bad-tempered women he could obsess over. He would have been done in a month.”

Ruth responds, “Yeah, if you hadn’t killed him first.”

Marty calls Navarro to inform him of his chat with Agent Maya Miller. Navarro (Felix Solis) tells him he wants to meet her and Marty explains the deal won’t happen with just a single handshake with one agent. Navarro demands Marty make it happen.

Navarro hangs up and is confronted by his nephew Javi (Alfonso Herrera) asking if the Byrdes put Darlene in check yet. Javi claims the Byrdes are very disrespectful. As Javi continues his rant, Omar slaps him across the face. Navarro threatens his nephew and says because of him losing his patience, the FBI may connect them to the sheriff and will come down there just like they did with Lagunas cartel. “They will have ALL of our blood,” warns Navarro.

Darlene Snell (Lisa Emery) has a meeting with Frank Cosgrove (John Bedford Lloyd) to discuss their distribution deal. Frank reminds her that when she offered him the deal, she insisted she had the sheriff in her pocket. Frank knows the sheriff was murdered by the cartel and is adamant about not getting mixed up with that again. Darlene calls him out for being a coward and backing out of their deal.

Private investigator Mel Sattem (Adam Rothenberg) meets with the new acting sheriff, Guerrero (CC Castillo), wondering if she thinks it’s weird that first Helen went missing and now the sheriff’s MIA. Darlene shows up just as Mel’s trying to point Guerrero in the direction of checking to see if Helen has any security tapes. Darlene tries the sweet “I can be helpful” approach, but Sheriff Guerrero shuts that down informing her, “I know all about the hold you had on John Nix.” With that, she puts Darlene in her place.

Attorney Jim Rattelsdorff (Damian Young) shows up, obviously summoned by Wendy, and wonders what exactly she’s after. Not beating around the bush because that isn’t Wendy’s style, she asks, “What if I wanted all the elections in the Midwest to run through us?”

After warning her how tough it’s going to be and to strap in, he informs her that, ideally, she’ll want five key players from five states on the Byrde Foundation Board and that she will need roughly $150 million.

Ruth and Jonah meet up at the Lazy-O Motel and Jonah believes she’ll need to redecorate because it will help with laundering money. Jonah asks if she knows what her monthly income will be from that place and she reveals they’ll also have money coming from elsewhere as well. Apparently, Darlene plans to open a couple of rehab facilities.

Darlene shows up demanding to know what his parents did to Sheriff Nix. Jonah seems to still have some sort of loyalty to his family because he insists he doesn’t know anything. Darlene warns, “No man can serve two Masters, Jonah.” As this is going down the camera pans to show Mel in the parking lot listening to their conversation.

Ruth asks what has Darlene in even more of a foul mood than usual. Darlene explains the KC mob pulled out of distribution because they think the cartel killed Nix.

Marty visits Maya and reveals Navarro wants to meet her. Naturally, Maya doesn’t take that news well. Marty tries to sway her by pointing out how impressive it would be if she’s the one to bring down Omar Navarro. After some persuasion, the scene ends without an answer.

Wendy and Marty discuss possible candidates to partner up with on their planned rehab facilities over dinner. Jonah butts in and asks, “Isn’t Mrs. Snell building rehabs?” Marty simply says yes and Jonah points out they stole her idea. Charlotte questions why he cares what happens to Darlene. Before he can answer there’s a knock at the door; Jonah has had computer equipment delivered to the house. He informs his parents he needs it for his new job and, seemingly without a care in the world, he describes his job as washing money for Ruth.

Jonah drops that bombshell and after he’s gone Marty matter-of-factly tells Charlotte not to discuss business in front of Jonah ever again.

Back at the Snell farm, Ruth comes up with an idea to push their drugs by enlisting high rollers from the casino. As Ruth and Wyatt joke about selling it as high-class heroin and have a good laugh, Darlene grows increasingly agitated over their closeness.

Wendy heads to Chicago to meet with Clare Shaw (Katrina Lenk), the CEO of a powerful pharmaceutical company, in hopes they can partner up by getting her to donate $150 million to facilitate rehab centers. It’s a very ambush-y move by Wendy Byrde, but that’s always been her style. Sensing she’s losing Clare’s interest in this deal before it even happens, Wendy – no stranger to using whatever she can to get her way no matter how dirty it is – reveals her brother suffers from bipolar disorder and drug addiction in an attempt to pull at her heartstrings. That tactic doesn’t work and they still don’t reach a deal.

Marty confronts Ruth about his son working for her laundering money and she claims Jonah is safe. Marty reminds her that when Darlene is involved no one is safe, which is more than a little ironic coming from him. Ruth isn’t moved and refuses to back off on using Jonah.

Ruth takes off for Chicago for a meeting with one of the high rollers who frequents the casino, Celebrity Chef Kerry Stone (Eric Ladin), to try and recruit him to help her move the drugs. He quickly declines but she tries to persuade him by asking him to try some. Kerry wants Ruth to test the drug with him but she doesn’t want to. He wonders how she knows it’s any good and she finally gives in.

Kerry changes his tune fast after he snorts her product. He’s now interested but wants to visit the farm and get his hands in the dirt before committing.

Marty thinks he might have something to persuade Clare with just as Agent Miller shows up with her baby. Marty apologizes and informs her he and Wendy need to leave for a last-minute meeting at the casino and asks Charlotte to help get her settled in.

Kerry wasn’t joking when he said he wanted to get his hands in Darlene’s dirt. He stands in her field rubbing the dirt and asks if he can see their poppies. Darlene is already uncomfortable with him being there and tells him no. Kerry and Wyatt engage in small talk about what else they could grow and sell on the farm, and Darlene has had enough. She tells them to shut up, pulls out of the deal, and orders Kerry to get off her land.

Marty and Wendy meet with Clare in one final attempt to get her on board with their foundation. Marty’s the numbers guy and brings up the fact her opioid division is about to go bankrupt. Marty wants to know what she would say if she could pay 65% percent less on opium. She immediately realizes there could only be one way to do that. Marty suggests that if they can save her $300 million in raw materials, she can donate half of that to their foundation.

Wendy calls Jim with the good news she obtained the $150 million donation they discussed that she needed. Jim seems shocked she pulled it off and wants to know what she promised them. She replies, “Their name on a bunch of rehabs.”

Marty finds Javi waiting on his boat when he comes walking up. They end up at Helen’s where Javi makes Marty clean up the mess he made when he killed the sheriff. Navarro calls Marty while he’s cleaning and Javi demands he pick up but not tell his uncle he’s there or his family will die. Navarro seems pleased that Agent Miller is willing to meet him but he can sense in Marty’s voice that something’s wrong. Marty assures him nothing is wrong but he needs to fill him in on the deal he made with a pharmaceutical company. Javi’s still listening to the conversation as Marty explains it will mean more money for the Navarro cartel. Navarro agrees to the deal.

Maya watches through a window as Wendy confronts Jonah telling him he made a mistake. She insists the family is getting out and informs him he’s on the wrong team. His only response is, “What did you do with the sheriff’s body? Did you burn it like the rest of them?”

Marty and Javi are about to leave Helen’s place when the new sheriff shows up. Javi hides while Marty speaks with her. He left the cleaning supplies out and the sheriff spots them and asks if he’s doing some cleaning. She then inquires as to whether Helen has a security system. He points her in the right direction and she learns it’s not working. They walk out together, crisis averted – for now.

As Wendy greets Marty upon his arrival at home, she nonchalantly tells him Jonah saw them moving the sheriff’s body.

The Byrdes and Agent Miller sit down to dinner and Jonah asks the FBI agent about catching people who launder money. Suddenly Maya spots movement outside and draws her gun. She finds PI Mel snooping around but after he shows her proof of who he is, she goes back inside and leaves Marty to handle it.

The new sheriff informed Mel the security system at Helen’s suddenly doesn’t work and he wants to know about that and why Marty scrubbed the house clean. (Not sure why the sheriff would be handing over that information but okay). Marty is attempting to cut off the conversation and return to dinner when Mel reveals he knows he had something to do with Helen’s disappearance. He wonders if her disappearance has anything to do with his brother-in-law going missing as well. Marty tells him not to trespass again and walks away.

Marty wakes in the middle of the night to the sound of Maya’s baby crying. He checks on the baby and Maya asks him about the PI sniffing around. He explains Mel is looking for Helen and insinuates her divorce went bad. Maya asks him point-blank if Helen is dead. Marty claims he doesn’t know but confirms she’s missing. She demands to know what’s going on and Marty admits that Navarro’s nephew came to see him today but insists he doesn’t know anything; he was just there to check up on things.

Navarro had instructed Marty to warn Maya he’d call with a 30-minute notice when it was time to meet. But when he calls, Marty finds Agent Miller packing her things. She’s decided she can’t do this.

Wendy refuses to let Maya ruin things for her and demands that Maya go to this meeting. “If you won’t protect my family, I won’t protect yours,” warns Wendy.

Maya agrees to go but is shocked when Navarro’s men don’t allow Marty to accompany her. The episode ends with Maya getting into the SUV.

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Series Moving Forward at Disney+

By

Rebecca Murray

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January 25, 2022

A Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is on the way at Disney+, with author Rick Riordan announcing the adaptation on social media in a minute-long video. “The wait is over, Demigods. I am thrilled to be the first to tell you that Percy Jackson and the Olympians is really, truly, and for sure coming to your screens,” declared Riordan.

Riordan will write the pilot with Jon Steinberg (Black Sails), and James Bobin is on board to direct. “James is a terrific person and also an incredibly talented director who recently directed the pilot for Disney+’s The Mysterious Benedict Society, which I loved. James knows the Percy Jackson books well. His kids are fans. So, we’re in great hands,” said Riordan.

The epic adventure series will be, according to Disney+, “closely aligned with” Riordan’s bestselling book series published by Disney Hyperion. Steinberg and his producing partner Dan Shotz are overseeing the series and will executive produce along with Riordan, Bobin, Rebecca Riordan, Bert Salke, Monica Owusu-Breen, Jim Rowe, and Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell, and D.J. Goldberg.

According to the official announcement, the 20th Television production is currently in the casting stage.

“With Rick Riordan, Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz leading our creative team, we’re deep into creating a compelling TV series worthy of the heroic mythological characters that millions of Percy Jackson readers know are well-worth caring about, and we’re eager to invite Disney+ audiences into stories that are true to the blockbuster franchise and full of anticipation, humor, surprise, and mystery,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television.

“Bringing Rick Riordan’s brilliant Percy Jackson books to Disney+ as a television series has been a mission for so many of us at this company as well as for Rick himself, and Jon, Dan, James and the excellent team they have assembled have proven to be the perfect collaborators,” explained 20th Television President Karey Burke. “Thanks to our friends at Disney Branded Television led by Ayo, and Disney Streaming led by Michael, this will be an adaptation for the ages, with all the excitement, action and mythology fans of the books expect and love.”

A Percy Jackson and the Olympians feature film was released in 2010 starring Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson, Brandon T. Jackson as Grover, and Alexandra Daddario as Annabeth. Directed by Chris Columbus, the PG-rated adaptation grossed over $226 million during its theatrical run.

Disney+ released the following description of the much-anticipated series:

Geared towards a general audience and especially tweens, teens, and young adults, the live-action series tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson, who’s just coming to terms with his newfound supernatural powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. Now Percy must trek across America to find it and restore order to Olympus.

First Photos: ‘Pieces of Her’ Starring Toni Collette

By

Rebecca Murray

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January 25, 2022

Netflix has released the first batch of photos from the upcoming dramatic series Pieces of Her. The drama’s based on the bestselling novel by Karin Slaughter and will premiere on Netflix on March 4, 2022.

The cast is led by Oscar nominee Toni Collette and Bella Heathcote (The Man in the High Castle). Jessica Barden, Jacob Scipio, Joe Dempsie, Aaron Jeffery, Omari Hardwick, Gil Birmingham, David Wenham, Calum Worthy, Nicholas Burton, and Terry O’Quinn also star.

Charlotte Stoudt is the showrunner and executive produces along with author Karin Slaughter, Charlotte Stoudt, Janice Williams, Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky, Leslie Linka Glatter, and Minkie Spiro. Spiro is the series’ director.

Vogue lists the adaptation among the top 30 most-anticipated series of 2022, and USA Today describes Slaughter’s novel as “a propulsive, high-stakes thriller rife with intrigue and suspense.” The Washington Post says “the characters keep you involved all the way, as does the vivid writing.”

Netflix released the following description of Pieces of Her:

“In a sleepy Georgia town a random act of violence sets off an unexpected chain of events for 30-year-old Andy Oliver and her mother Laura. Desperate for answers, Andy embarks on a dangerous journey across America, drawing her towards the dark, hidden heart of her family.”

‘Ozark’ Season 4 Episode 1 Recap: “The Beginning of the End”

By

Alison Helms

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January 24, 2022

Ozark Season 4 Episode 1 — Jason Bateman as Martin ‘Marty’ Byrde and Laura Linney as Wendy Byrde in ‘Ozark’ season 4 episode 1 (Photo Courtesy of Netflix © 2021)

The final season of Netflix’s award-winning original series Ozark starts off with a bang. A literal one. The Byrdes are traveling in their minivan engaging in small talk when a semitruck heads right toward them. In an attempt to try and avoid crashing head on with the semi, Marty (Jason Bateman) swerves. The minivan then flips several times, landing on its side on the side of the road.

The timeline jumps back to where season three left off, with Marty and Wendy (Laura Linney) visiting their boss, head of the Navarro drug cartel Omar Navarro (Felix Solis). The end of season three found Helen Pierce (Janet McTeer), who (CliffsNotes version) was trying to get Marty and Wendy out of the picture, suddenly dead when one of Navarro’s men shot her in the head.

Marty and Wendy are introduced to Omar’s nephew, Javier Elizonndro (Alfonso Herrera). After making small talk, Javi jumps right into the family business and asks about Darlene Snell. “What do you plan to do?” asks Javi, and Marty and Wendy both seem thrown off by the question. Before Helen was murdered she informed Navarro and his nephew of Darlene’s plans to regrow the poppy farm. Javi’s under the mistaken impression Marty has been tasked to make Darlene stop.

Navarro takes Marty and Wendy aside and admits his nephew has been pushing against him. “And if he senses any weakness, well, he’ll try to make a move,” confesses the cartel boss. Wendy asks what kind of move and Omar simply says, “He’ll kill me.”

After that startling revelation, Omar orders Marty to use his influence (meaning Marty’s connection through the FBI) to allow him to walk away. “I will be free to walk away from my business. I will be free of threats of arrest or assassination. And I will be able to move freely to the United States, back and forth, where you have established my children’s business empire.”

Marty and Wendy (more so Wendy) are adamant when they tell Omar that it isn’t possible. Omar refuses to believe that’s so.

Ruth (Julia Garner) jumped ship in season three and has now partnered up with Darlene Snell (Lisa Emery). Ruth learned from the best of the best – Marty – and realizes she needs a business to launder money through. That prompts her to return to her old stomping grounds, The Lazy-O Motel. (You may recall she was fired from the motel for stealing from Wendy and Marty back in season one.)

Initially reluctant, the owner ultimately decides to sell her the Lazy-O.

Ruth heads over to Darlene’s to tell her and Wyatt (Charlie Tahan) about purchasing the motel. Ruth and Wyatt begin to reminisce about the Lazy-O while Darlene listens in, appearing to dislike the close relationship the two cousins share.

Darlene questions why Ruth bought the motel and points out the motel is only in Ruth’s name. Ruth believes since they’re partners now, they should talk about percentages of money. Ruth thinks since it’s Darlene’s farm, it seems only fair Darlene should get 50%. Ruth and Wyatt will split the other half, each getting 25%. Darlene disagrees. Ruth will get 25% while she and Wyatt will split the other 75% evenly between them.

Private investigator Mel Sattem (Adam Rothenberg) shows up at Helen’s house looking for her, claiming he was hired by her soon-to-be ex-husband who needs her to sign their divorce papers. But, obviously, Helen’s nowhere to be found.

Ruth attempts to hack into the program Marty uses for laundering money, but, of course, he changed all the passwords.

Jonah Byrde (Skylar Gaertner) has been on a rampage since Helen told him his own mother had his beloved uncle – her own brother – killed. He shows up at Ruth’s house and gives her Ben’s ashes, believing she should have them. He lets her know that Ben loved her and informs her he doesn’t think she should work for his parents anymore. Ruth lets him know she doesn’t; she quit.

After Jonah tells Ruth his parents are in Mexico, she goes to the casino and tries her luck at hacking Marty’s system there. Charlotte Byrde (Sofia Hublitz) catches her and has her kicked out of the casino.

Marty and Wendy return home from Mexico to find their windows have been broken. Jonah nonchalantly informs them he shot the windows out. When asked why he replies, “I was upset mom killed Ben. Tell me it isn’t true?”

When Wendy tries to tell him it’s not that simple, he offers to give Helen a call since she’s the one who told him what happened. Wendy doesn’t beat around the bush and blurts out that Helen’s dead.

While discussing whether Ben had to die or not, the PI shows up at the Byrdes’ house asking about Helen’s whereabouts. Right before leaving Jonah tells Mel he should talk to Helen’s daughter, Erin, and see what she knows.

Marty and Wendy discuss Jonah and Marty suggests she ease up on him. They realize they just need to get Jonah to see there will be another side of this and they will get free of the cartel. How they’ll actually do that is apparently a complicated process that’s not yet in place. They’ll need large amounts of money and the ability to buy all the right people. They sarcastically go over their checklist…somehow turn Omar Navarro into a model citizen and convince Darlene Snell to shut down her heroin operation. Simple right?

Agent Maya Miller (Jessica Frances Dukes) attends a meeting at the bureau to go over the takedown of the Lagunas cartel (Navarro’s biggest rival). Miller receives a pat on the back since she was instrumental in obtaining the information (thanks to Marty) that led to the takedown. Miller’s boss informs her she’ll be staying near the Ozarks because she’ll be needed back in the field after returning from maternity leave.

Marty and Wendy set up a meeting at the casino with Darlene and Wyatt tags along. Before starting the meeting Darlene explains they can’t start until their other partner arrives. Marty and Wendy are shocked to see Ruth walk in, surprised she’s flipped over to Darlene’s side. After Wendy takes a few digs at Ruth, they get to the point. Marty informs Darlene of Navarro’s warning not to start selling heroin again. Darlene gets a good chuckle out of that and it’s evident she isn’t worried.

Marty tries to get Ruth to listen to reason.

Ruth has a brief meltdown in the parking lot, upset her plans aren’t coming to fruition. Wyatt gives her the little pep talk she needs, assuring her she can do anything because she’s Ruth f**kin Langmore. Apparently, that’s all she needed to hear. That, plus help from a certain member of the Byrde family, springs her from her bad mood.

Mel pays a visit to Sheriff Nix (Robert C. Treveiler) to discuss Helen being missing. Mel hopes the sheriff can run by her place and see if there’s been any foul play.

Unsatisfied with Helen’s continued disappearance, Mel returns to Helen’s place and this time he decides to let himself in. He finds something interesting…the house has a security system and he’s able to watch footage of the last day Helen was seen alive.

As the Byrdes sit down for dinner, Marty thanks Charlotte for taking care of the Ruth situation at the casino. Jonah’s ears perk up at that and he asks what Ruth did. Marty, cluelessly, tells Jonah about Ruth trying to steal his software for the shell company. Before Jonah can get any more information, Wendy immediately cuts off the discussion and warns them to stay away from Ruth.

They change the subject and Wendy asks Marty if he’s spoken with Agent Miller yet. Marty admits that Agent Miller won’t return his phone calls. While Wendy and Marty are trying to be optimistic about getting out from under Omar Navarro, Jonah does his best to rain on their parade and informs them it’s not possible.

PI Mel shows up and interrupts their dinner. As Marty tries to get rid of him, Mel shows them a photo of none other than Jonah with a shotgun aimed at Helen. Jonah explains he was angry with Helen because she had his uncle committed. Jonah says if Mel looks at the rest of the footage, he’ll see Helen was alive when he left.

Mel leaves and so does Jonah, even though Wendy keeps telling him he’s not allowed to go out.

Jonah’s waiting at Ruth’s house when she shows up and he confesses he has his own software for shell companies and accounts that have been up and running for a while now. He offers Ruth the use of his program and accounts if she wants. Ruth in turn offers him a job of doing the laundering for her. Jonah is hesitant to take that big a leap.

Marty’s trying to call Maya, again, when to his shock he spots Javi in the casino. Javi’s like a dog with a bone and asks Marty what he’s doing about the Darlene situation. Marty tells Javi it’s not a good spot to talk, so Javi suggests Marty take him back to their house.

Charlotte has a chat with Jonah, admitting she’s worried about her little brother. He lies about where he was the night before and points out their mother killing Ben is the same as if Charlotte killed him. He wonders if she can imagine killing him and her only response is, “Mom’s right – you do need to grow up.”

Wendy lets Javi know they must tread carefully with Darlene because she controls the local sheriff; that tidbit turns out to be information she should have kept to herself.

Jonah finds Ruth, Wyatt, and Three (Carson Holmes) at the Lazy-O Motel’s swimming pool and confirms he’s decided he wants to launder money for her.

Season four episode one ends with Sheriff Nix swinging by Helen’s house to check things out. Javi greets him and then, shockingly, shoots the sheriff dead.

Javi returns to the Byrde residence in the sheriff’s car with the dead sheriff in the trunk. He asks them to take care of the dead body by using their crematorium.

Jonah comes riding up on his bike just as his dad and mom are helping Javi move the body to their minivan.

‘Murderville’ Trailer: Will Arnett Leads Celebs Through Murder Investigations

By

Rebecca Murray

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January 24, 2022

Netlix’s new official trailer for the improv whodunit Murderville finds Will Arnett leading six celebrities through murder investigations. The catch: Arnett has a basic script to work off of while the celebrities are winging it.

Each of the season’s six episodes feature one celebrity who teams up with Will Arnett, playing Detective Terry Seattle, to attempt to figure out which of three possible suspects is the actual murderer. Conan O’Brien, Marshawn Lynch, Annie Murphy, Ken Jeong, Kumail Nanjiani, and Sharon Stone are the celebrity guests charged with working their way through clues and coming up with the killer’s name.

Joining Arnett as series regulars are Haneefah Wood as Chief Rhonda Jenkins – Seattle, Lilan Bowden as Medical Examiner Amber Kang, and Phillip Smithey as Detective Darren ‘Daz’ Phillips.

Murderville is based on the BBC3 series Murder in Successville and is executive produced by Arnett, Marc Forman, Jonathan Stern, Peter Principato, Brian Steinberg. Tom Davis, Andy Brereton, and James De Frond. Krister Johnson also executive produces and serves as writer and showrunner.

Anna Drezen, Chadd Gindin, Craig Rowin, Jack Kukoda, Marina Cockenberg, Kerry O’Neill, Hannah Levy, and Adriana Robles wrote season one’s episodes, with Iain Morris and Brennan Shroff directing.

Murderville is produced by Electric Ave, Abominable Pictures, Artists First, and Sony Pictures Television.

Netflix has set a February 3, 2022 premiere date.

The Plot:

Meet Senior Detective Terry Seattle (Arnett), Homicide Division. For Terry, every day means a new murder case and a new celebrity guest star as his partner. But here’s the catch: each episode’s guest star isn’t being given the script. They have no idea what’s about to happen to them. Together, the guest star and Terry Seattle will have to improvise their way through the case… but it will be up to each celebrity guest alone to name the killer. Join them as they punch a one-way ticket to Murderville.

‘The Rookie’ Season 4 Episode 13 Photos, Plot, Cast and Air Date

By

Rebecca Murray

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January 24, 2022

A teenager takes over a police helicopter and puts the officers on high alert on ABC’s The Rookie season four episode 13. Directed by Lanre Olabisi from a script by Brynn Malone, episode 13 – “Fight or Flight” – will air on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT.

Season four stars Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, and Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey. Melissa O’Neil is Lucy Chen and Eric Winter stars as Tim Bradford.

Guest stars include Tru Valentino as Aaron Thorson, Arjay Smith as James Murray, and Jay Hunter as Officer Gil Webb.

“Fight or Flight” Plot: Officers John Nolan and Lucy Chen must fulfill three quests if they want to get a stolen police helicopter back safely from a teenage thief. Meanwhile, Officer Nyla Harper and Aaron Thorson must guard a convicted cop killer in the hospital following a prison riot.

The Rookie Season 4 Episode 13 — Nathan Fillion, Melissa O’Neil and Richard T. Jones in ‘The Rookie’ season 4 episode 13 (ABC/Raymond Liu)

Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Pinocchio’ Teaser Features the Voice of Ewan McGregor

By

Rebecca Murray

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January 24, 2022

Emmy Award winner Ewan McGregor (Halston) lends his voice to Sebastian J. Cricket in Guillermo del Toro’s much-anticipated, long-awaited stop-motion animated musical Pinocchio. In the official teaser for the 2022 film, McGregor’s Cricket claims that because he actually lived in the heart of the wooden marionette, he actually knows the full story of the wooden toy who transformed into a real boy. What’s not revealed is whether this Cricket’s middle initial stands for Jiminy, although it’s not a stretch to assume that’s the case.

The one-minute teaser is, as expected from a Guillermo del Toro production, visually stunning.

Oscar-winner del Toro and Mark Gustafson directed from a screenplay by del Toro and Patrick McHale. Producers include del Toro, Jim Henson Company’s Lisa Henson, Alex Bulkley, Shadow Machine’s Corey Campodonico, and Gary Ungar. Jason Lust serves as an executive producer.

In addition to Ewan McGregor, the voice cast includes David Bradley as Geppetto, Gregory Mann as Pinocchio, Finn Wolfhard, Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, John Turturro, Ron Perlman, Tim Blake Nelson, Burn Gorman, Oscar winner Christoph Waltz, and Oscar winner Tilda Swinton.

“After years of pursuing this dream project, I found my perfect partner in Netflix. We have spent a long time curating a remarkable cast and crew and have been blessed by continuous support from Netflix to quietly and carefully soldier on, barely missing a beat. We all love and practice animation with great passion and believe it to be the ideal medium to retell this classic story in a completely new way,” said Guillermo del Toro in an August 2020 statement on the status of the film.

Netflix is targeting a November 2022 premiere.

The Plot:

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro reinvents Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of the wooden marionette who is magically brought to life in order to mend the heart of a grieving woodcarver named Geppetto. This whimsical, stop-motion musical directed by Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson follows the mischievous and disobedient adventures of Pinocchio in his pursuit of a place in the world.

Michelle Buteau Comedy Series Greenlit at Netflix

By

Rebecca Murray

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January 24, 2022

Michelle Buteau’s got a packed 2022 schedule, with Netflix just greenlighting the Survival of the Thickest scripted comedy series based on her popular book of essays. Buteau also hosts the streaming service’s The Circle competition series and she’ll soon be seen starring with Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in the romantic comedy Marry Me.

“It’s been so damn amazing finding a home with Netflix,” said Buteau. “To say I’m excited to continue my relationship with them is an understatement. I’m over the moon and I’m under it! Danielle has been a dream partner and I can’t wait to share what we’ve been cooking up.”

Netflix released the following synopsis of Survival of the Thickest:

“Survival of the Thickest centers on Mavis Beaumont (Buteau). Black, plus-size and newly single, Mavis Beaumont unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life after putting all her eggs in one man’s basket, but she’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss.”

Netflix gave the comedy from Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel an eight-episode order. Buteau stars and Sanchez-Witzel will serve as the showrunner, with Ravi Nandan and Alli Reich on board as executive producers.

“Michelle Buteau is many things: a brilliant writer, a gifted stand-up comedian and an empowering performer,” stated Tracey Pakosta, Head of Comedy at Netflix. “But above all else: she is one of the funniest people alive. Paired with Danielle Sanchez-Witzel – one of TV’s sharpest visionaries – Survival of the Thickest will bring Michelle’s unique point of view to life.”

Michelle Buteau’s additional credits include Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia, The Principles of Pleasure, Always Be My Maybe, and Tales of the City.

Far from “Ordinary” – Natalie Martinez Talks About Her Career and ‘Ordinary Joe’

By

Kurt Anthony Krug

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January 24, 2022

Ordinary Joe Season 1 — Natalie Martinez as Amy Kindelán and James Wolk as Joe Kimbreau in ‘Ordinary Joe’ season 1 (Photo by: Fernando Decillis/NBC)

Actress Natalie Martinez is very selective about her roles.

“I think it depends on the character, what she’s going through, what the script’s about, what the story tells – it’s a lot of little things. I’m not gonna lie: Sometimes, the location’s very enticing,” said Martinez, of Los Angeles, laughing. “The majority of the time, if I read a script and it’s something I really connect with, it’s basically all I need.”

Best known for her roles on Detroit 1-8-7, Under the Dome, CSI:NY, The Stand, and Secrets and Lies, Martinez currently portrays Amy on NBC’s Ordinary Joe, the first season of which concludes on January 24, 2022.

“I just loved the idea and the concept of the show that you have them living these parallel lives,” explained Martinez. “I think that’s a question we always ask ourselves – the what-ifs. As an actress, it’s such a meaty part where I get to play essentially the same character but in three different worlds, molded by her experiences and things that had happened to her in each of those lives. We’re all really defined by our experiences and what we go through. I thought it was amazing to be able to do a job like this; it’s not something you see very often, so that really attracted me to it.”

Parallel Lives

On Ordinary Joe, the show’s focal point is Joe Kimbreau (James Wolk, Mad Men, The Crazy Ones). On the day he graduates from Syracuse University, Joe must choose with whom to celebrate: his family; Jenny (Elizabeth Lail, You), his on-again/off-again girlfriend; or Amy, whom he just met at graduation.

The story picks up 10 years later, splitting into three separate timelines. If Joe goes with his family, he becomes a cop like his father who died in the 9/11 attacks. His uncle Frank (David Warshofsky, The Mentalist), a veteran detective, mentors him. Amy eventually becomes his love interest in this reality.

If Joe goes with Jenny, he learns she’s pregnant and becomes a nurse. They get married and raise their son Christopher (newcomer John Gluck), who has muscular dystrophy. In this reality, Amy is married to Joe’s BFF, Eric Payne (Charlie Barnett, Chicago Fire).

If Joe goes with Amy, he becomes a famous rock star, while Amy becomes chief of staff for Congressman Bobby Diaz (Adam Rodriguez, Criminal Minds). Amy suffers multiple miscarriages and decides to focus on her career. This upsets Joe, who wants children. That’s compounded when he learns he got Jenny pregnant, and she gave their son up for adoption. They eventually connect with their son, who’s named Zeke in this reality.

What’s more, Amy cheats on Joe with Bobby, believing Joe is having an affair with Jenny. Bobby is later assassinated at a rally. Amy confesses about her affair with Bobby and is pregnant with Bobby’s child. Hurt and angry, Joe wants to leave Amy and goes down a self-destructive path, drinking and philandering.

“Human beings are curious, y’know? We take so many turns in our lives, we always wonder, ‘What if I didn’t?’ That’s really entertaining and it’s fun to put yourself in those worlds. What’s really cool about our show is that you actually see all the three worlds, all the parallel worlds being lived out, which is something you normally don’t see,” said Martinez. “It’s not something like, ‘Oh, I wonder if Joe’ll become a musician?’ You get to see that world and another choice and (yet) another choice as well. That’s what makes (our show) really interesting.”

Of all the incarnations of Amy she likes playing the most, Martinez prefers the Amy in music world.

“I love them all – I love them all for different reasons,” she said. “I would have to say, as an actress, I love music world because there’s so much going on – there’s so much drama, there’s so much in the relationship, she’s battling so many things as well. I love the cop world because it’s fun and flirty and young love… I would have to say music world is my favorite.”

Mutual Admiration Society

According to Martinez, the Ordinary Joe set is a happy one, filled with plenty of laughter, despite the heavy topics being tackled. There are no complaints whatsoever.

“I really, really enjoyed working with everybody from top to bottom. It’s a really great set. It’s a fun job. I look forward to going to work. I love working with everybody… Everyone loves being there, loves what we do, loves what we’re doing with the show,” she said.

Martinez spoke about working with Elizabeth Lail.

“She’s a sweetheart – she’s so sweet, so caring. I love the scenes where we all get to be together,” said Martinez. “It’s funny because when she’s with Joe, I have this little jealousy thing going on… It’s a funny dynamic because in one scene, she’s married to him and in the next scene, I’m married to him. It makes for good jokes on set.”

She enjoys working with James Wolk as well.

“James is a sweetheart. He’s so nice and has such a good attitude… I really enjoy working with James. We have a lot of fun. We laugh pretty much half the time. On Episode 12, James and I in cop world were sitting down at the dinner table and talking to each other. When I saw that scene on-air, I thought, ‘Wow, that actually turned out pretty well’ because we could not stop laughing the entire time! The editors did a really great job on that one.”

In turn, Wolk praised Martinez.

“She’s so much fun. We laugh constantly,” he said. “That’s a big theme on our set; even though the show has heavy content, there’s a ton of humor behind the scenes. She’s great. She’s really fun to work with and is really talented.”

Death Race

Born in Florida, Martinez, who is of Cuban descent, is a graduate of St. Brendan High School, a Catholic school in Miami. Martinez began modeling at 15. During her senior year, she beat more than 5,000 girls to be the model for J. Lo’s new clothing line.

Martinez made the transition from modeling to acting. Her first role was on the telenovela Fashion House in 2006. She portrayed Michelle Miller in the nighttime soap opera that was canceled after three months.

In 2008, Martinez made her feature film debut in Death Race (a remake of 1975’s Death Race 2000, which starred a pre-Rocky Sylvester Stallone), a dystopian action movie. A sadistic warden controls the Death Race, where prison inmates battle each other in specially modified racing cars with the ultimate goal of winning their freedom. The movie featured Jason Statham (The Expendables), Ian McShane (Deadwood), and Oscar nominee Joan Allen (The Contender).

As for how she got the part of Case, Martinez stated she simply auditioned.

“It was a crazy audition: I was sitting on a chair, pretending I was in this race car. That was awkward but fun,” she recalled. “I booked a movie with great co-stars. It definitely was a big milestone in my life, the fact I’m in a movie of that stature. I had a great time. I learned a lot. It was fun to shoot. Jason Statham’s great. I got to work with Ian McShane, who I’ve been a fan of for a very long time. We always had such a positive vibe on set. It was my first movie, so it’s something that’ll always be with me.”

Detroit 1-8-7

Her next major role was Det. Ariana Sanchez on 2010-11’s Detroit 1-8-7, which aired for one season on ABC. This was the first TV series that was set in and filmed in Detroit.

“I loved how strong she was. That’s what draws me to a lot of characters; I really like playing strong women,” said Martinez. “It was my first real network TV show. I was just on a high. I’m actually still friends with everybody on there… We still talk all the time… We really made some great friendships on that show.”

Martinez has fond memories of working in Detroit.

“I loved it. I actually loved Detroit. I had such a great time there – the food, the people,” recalled Martinez.

After 1-8-7, Martinez played Deputy Linda Esquivel on 2013-14’s Under the Dome. This CBS series was based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel of the same name. It also reunited Martinez with her 1-8-7 co-star Aisha Hinds.

“Natalie’s so much fun. She goes into these cities we visit. She absorbs the entire city and gets to the heart of the city; it’s great to take that journey with her,” said Hinds. “It’s wonderful to experience life with her and also to work with her… (she) makes lifetime friends. I love working with her.”

Dome was not Martinez’s first time in a King adaptation. In 2020, she co-starred on CBS’ The Stand, which is based on King’s 1978 novel of the same name – and one of his best-known novels. This is the second time The Stand was adapted into a mini-series, the first time being in 1994.

“I’m a huge fan of (King),” said Martinez. “I got to meet him when I was doing (Dome). He’s just great. It’s also iconic, especially when you get something from Stephen King – it’s something we all grew up with, whether you read him or not.”

What’s Next

NBC has not yet been announced if Ordinary Joe will be returning for a second season.

“I really hope it gets picked up again,” said Martinez.

Regardless, Martinez is keeping busy. She is producing several projects, which are currently in the development stages.

“I love creating. I love working. Sometimes when you don’t see something out there that you want to see, you make it. That’s what got me into it. I come from an interesting background and have so many stories that I’d love to tell; you just gotta get out there and produce your own work,” she said.

Eventually, Martinez would like to branch out into directing.

“At some point, for sure,” she said. “That’s definitely a goal of mine.”

‘Magnum P.I.’ Season 4 Episode 13 Preview: Photos, Plot, and Cast

By

Rebecca Murray

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January 24, 2022

Magnum and Higgins team up to help out a judge on CBS’s Magnum P.I. season four episode 13. Directed by Benny Boom from a script by David Slack, episode 13 – “Judge Me Not” – will air on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 9pm ET/PT.

Jay Hernandez returns to lead the cast as Thomas Magnum. Season four also stars Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins, Zachary Knighton as Orville “Rick” Wright, Stephen Hill as Theodore “TC” Calvin, Tim Kang as Det. Gordon Katsumoto, and Amy Hill as Kumu.

Guest stars include Moon Bloodgood, Maya Stojan, Nicole Pierce, and Justin Martin.

“Judge Me Not” Plot: When Hawaii Supreme Court nominee Judge Rachel Park (Bloodgood) is being blackmailed, she hires Magnum and Higgins who go to extraordinary lengths to help her out. Also, with the pressure of fatherhood looming, Rick suggests changes to make La Mariana more profitable, but TC and Kumo aren’t swayed.

Magnum P.I. Description, Courtesy of CBS:

Magnum P.I. is a modern take on the classic series centering on Thomas Magnum, a decorated former Navy SEAL who, upon returning home from Afghanistan, repurposes his military skills to become a private investigator. A charming rogue, an American hero and a die-hard Detroit Tigers fan, Magnum lives in a guest cottage on Robin’s Nest, the luxurious estate where he works as a security consultant to supplement his P.I. business.

The “majordomo” of the property is Juliet Higgins, a beautiful and commanding disavowed MI:6 agent whose second job is to keep Magnum in line, with the help of her two Dobermans. When Magnum needs back-up on a job, he turns to his trusted buddies and fellow POW survivors, Theodore “TC” Calvin, a former Marine chopper pilot who runs Island Hoppers, a helicopter tour business, and Orville “Rick” Wright, a former Marine door-gunner-turned-impresario of Oahu’s coolest nightclub and the most connected man on the island.

Suspicious of Magnum’s casual attitude and presence at his crime scenes, Detective Gordon Katsumoto finds that he and Magnum are more alike than either of them care to admit. One of Magnum’s biggest supporters is Teuila “Kumu” Tuileta, the unofficial “House Mom” and cultural curator of Robin’s Nest. With keys to a vintage Ferrari in one hand, aviator sunglasses in the other, and an Old Düsseldorf longneck chilling in the fridge, Thomas Magnum is back on the case!