HBO Max’s trailer for Hacks won me over and not just because it stars the immensely talented Jean Smart. It appears, per the trailer, that Smart’s character’s dog of choice is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi (I’m owned by a member of that irresistible breed). Two Corgis pop up in clips featured in the lengthy official trailer which introduces Smart as a comedian in need of fresh material.
HBO Max also unveiled a poster for the upcoming first season set to premiere on Thursday, May 13, 2021. The first two episodes will air back-to-back on May 13th followed by the release of two new episodes of the 10 episode season on subsequent Thursdays. The first season will conclude on June 10th.
Jean Smart’s joined in Hacks by Hannah Einbinder and Carl Clemons-Hopkins. Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Paul W. Downs, Mark Indelicato, Poppy Liu, Johnny Sibilly, Meg Stalter, and Rose Abdoo appear as recurring guest stars.
Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky created the series and serve as showrunners. Executive producers include Downs and Aniello through their Paulilu banner, Statsky via First Thought Productions, Michael Schur for Fremulon, David Miner for 3 Arts Entertainment, and Morgan Sackett.
The Plot, Courtesy of HBO Max:
Max Original Hacks explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance (Smart), a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old (Einbinder).
Poster for ‘Hacks’ starring Jean Smart (Photo Courtesy of HBO Max)
Two-time Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid stars as a fisherman who teams up with an orphanage to compete in a tournament in Blue Miracle, directed by Julio Quintana. Netflix just released the official trailer for the family-friendly film along with the poster and a few photos.
Jimmy Gonzales, Anthony Gonzalez, Raymond Cruz, Nathan Arenas, and Miguel Angel Garcia also star in the inspirational film based on true events. Isaac Arellanes, Steve Gutierrez, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Fernanda Urrejola, Silverio Palacios, and Bruce McGill are also featured.
Director Quintana co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Dowling. Javier Chapa, Darren Moorman, Chris George, Ben Howard, and Trey Reynolds served as producers. The soundtrack features Grammy award-winning Reach Records artist Lecrae as well as GAWVI, WHATUPRG & 1K Phew.
Netflix has set a May 27, 2021 release.
The Plot:
The incredible true story of Casa Hogar, the Mexican boys home that entered the world’s biggest fishing tournament to save their orphanage.
Amazon Studios’ first super short teaser for the sci-fi thriller The Tomorrow War finds Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy) among a group who travel to the future and battle aliens. The teaser was released a day after Amazon showed off the first batch of photos (included below) from director Chris McKay’s PG-13 action film.
In addition to Chris Pratt, the cast features Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale), J.K. Simmons (Palm Springs), Betty Gilpin (GLOW), Sam Richardson (Veep), and Edwin Hodge (Mayans M.C.). Jasmine Mathews (Sweetbitter), Ryan Kiera Armstrong (Anne), and Keith Powers (What/If) also star.
Zach Dean wrote the screenplay and David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Jules Daly, David Goyer, and Adam Kolbrenner served as producers. Pratt, Rob Cowan, Brian Oliver, and Bradley J. Fischer executive produced.
Amazon Studios has set a July 2, 2021 premiere on Amazon Prime Video.
The Plot, Courtesy of Amazon:
In The Tomorrow War, the world is stunned when a group of time travelers arrive from the year 2051 to deliver an urgent message: Thirty years in the future mankind is losing a global war against a deadly alien species. The only hope for survival is for soldiers and civilians from the present to be transported to the future and join the fight.
Among those recruited is high school teacher and family man Dan Forester (Pratt). Determined to save the world for his young daughter, Dan teams up with a brilliant scientist (Strahovski) and his estranged father (Simmons) in a desperate quest to rewrite the fate of the planet.
Amir El-Masry, Ola Orebiyi, Kwabena Owuso-Ansah, and Vikash Bhai in ‘Limbo,’ a Focus Features release. (Photo Courtesy of Focus Features)
A phone booth in the middle of nowhere. A man without a home, lugging around a musical instrument he never plays and appears to resent. These moments capture the quietness and beauty of writer/director Ben Sharrock’s Limbo.
The film’s simple story – four refugees stuck on a remote Scottish island waiting to learn their fate – is at times as absurd as any Wes Anderson production. It’s also emotionally engaging and heart-wrenching.
Limbo centers on the struggles of asylum seekers Omar from Syria (Amir El-Masry) and Farhad from Afghanistan (Vikash Bhai), as well as brothers Wasef (Ola Orebiyi) and Abedi (Kwabena Owuso-Ansah) from Nigeria. These disparate strangers form their own temporary family linked because of what unites them: the desire for a better life that will come with their acceptance into a foreign land.
These four strangely fascinating individuals spend their days among other asylum seekers, attending weird cultural awareness classes to learn how to assimilate into a new country. They shop (mostly at thrift stores), watch sitcoms, and hope for a brighter future. The days turn into months as their paperwork moves slowly through the system.
It’s Omar from Syria who’s the heart and soul of the group and of Sharrock’s Limbo. Omar’s a loving son who calls home (from that phone booth mentioned earlier), saddened he doesn’t have any extra money to send to his parents. He’s broke yet his father’s suggestion that he play his oud (an instrument similar to a lute) on the street corner doesn’t go over well. His arm’s in a cast, plus no one in Scotland cares about oud music.
Omar gets by each day without really accomplishing anything more than simply surviving in a strange land. Some Scots accept these foreigners while others wonder if a terrorist is hiding among the refugees. Omar takes all of this in stride, fully aware he doesn’t control his own destiny.
And that, my friends, is Limbo. It’s not flashy. There aren’t any real antagonists for the central characters to deal with, other than the slow march of time. Omar and his cohorts are just normal, unassuming people with hopes and dreams we can understand and relate to.
The performances are top-notch, the cinematography is stunning, and writer/director Sharrock’s style is crisp and precise. There’s no fluff, no padding, just unique, interesting characters undertaking simple – even ordinary – tasks. The fact Limbo sticks its landing is due to Sharrock’s ability to create sympathetic, captivating characters. We’re given legitimate reasons to root for each of the four refugees to achieve their goals and make new lives for themselves. Limbo also gently reminds us to discard labels and embrace that which separates us.
Emily Deschanel (Bones) guest stars as John’s ex-wife on ABC’s The Rookie season three episode 12. Directed by Lisa Demaine from a script by Vincent Angell and Paula Puryear, episode 12 – “Brave Heart” – will air on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT.
The season three cast is led by Nathan Fillion as John Nolan. Alyssa Diaz returns as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones is back as Sergeant Wade Grey, Titus Makin Jr is Jackson West, and Melissa O’Neil is Lucy Chen. Eric Winter plays Tim Bradford, Mekia Cox is Nyla Harper, and Shawn Ashmore stars as Wesley Evers.
Additional episode 12 guest stars include Zayne Emory as Henry Nolan, Madeleine Coghlan as Abigail, Camille Guat as Sandra “La Fiera” De La Cruz, Anthony Keyvan as Diego De La Cruz, Crystal Coney as Nurse Lisa, Derek Phillips as Mack Daniels, and Dylan Conrique as Tamara Colins.
“Brave Heart” Plot: After rushing his son, Henry, to the hospital following his collapse, Nolan is reunited with his ex-wife, Sarah, and they must come together to help their son. Meanwhile, Detective Lopez discovers “La Fiera” is in the same hospital and wants to find out exactly why.
John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD, has used his life experience, determination and sense of humor to keep up with rookies 20 years his junior. Nearing the end of his training, Nolan now faces his biggest challenge as a police officer when he must come to terms with the choices he has made in pursuit of the truth.
Nathan Fillion and Mekia Cox in ‘The Rookie’ season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Scott Everett White)Zayne Emory and Madeleine Coghlan in season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Scott Everett White)Nathan Fillion and Richard T. Jones in the “Brave Heart” episode (ABC/Scott Everett White)Piper Curda, Crystal Coney, Titus Makin Jr and Melissa O’Neil in season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Scott Everett White)Titus Makin Jr and Melissa O’Neil in season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Scott Everett White)Melissa O’Neil and Titus Makin Jr in season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Scott Everett White)Melissa O’Neil in season 3 episode 12 (ABC/Scott Everett White)
JD Pardo as EZ Reyes in ‘Mayans M.C.’ season 3 episode 8 (Photo by Prashant Gupta/FX)
FX’s Mayans M.C. season three episode eight picks up right where episode seven left off, with Leticia (Emily Tosta) attempting to revive Coco (Richard Cabral). Hope comes to, pushes Leticia out of the way, and rams a needle filled with Narcan into Coco. He instantly regains consciousness but still appears to be near death.
Nails (Justina Adorno) earns the honor of being the second person to vomit within the episode’s first five minutes. Hank (Frankie Loyal) checks on her in the restroom and Nails reluctantly confesses she’s pregnant. He assures her he’s got her – no matter what. “I’m all in,” declares Hank.
Nails hugs him and admits she doesn’t think she deserves him.
Felipe (Edward James Olmos) is at home watching baseball, turning up the sound as EZ (JD Pardo) and Gaby (Sulem Calderon) work on cooking brunch in the kitchen. EZ wants to replicate the family dinner he had with Gaby’s relatives, confessing getting together for a meal around the dining room table isn’t something the Reyes ever do.
While they’re cooking, Gaby reveals she was just accepted to nursing school in Lodi. Since Santo Padre’s by the border of California and Mexico, that would make a trip to Lodi for a date an eight-hour drive.
Angel (Clayton Cardenas) is late for brunch and it turns out it’s because he’s still at home looking at a photo of his baby and drinking. As he finally gets up to get dressed, he notices Adelita’s shirt. He sniffs it, soaks in the remnants of Adelita, and then tosses it in the trash.
Over at the Galindo estate, Miguel (Danny Pino) is finally in a state of mind that allows him to pack up his mother’s room. He thanks Emily (Sarah Bolger) for being patient, and she and Cristobal are happy that not only is Miguel back but he’s also growing his beard again.
Coco and Hope are both lucid and making plans when Leticia asks for a one-on-one with her dad. He admits he screwed up and needs help and claims he and Hope have decided they’re getting clean. Leticia’s unimpressed with Hope (to put it mildly) but Coco genuinely believes he needs her.
Angel shows up an hour late and immediately jumps to the conclusion it’s an intervention when he sees EZ, Gaby, and Felipe seated at the table. Gaby pulls out his chair and scurries into the kitchen to get the food, while EZ explains he just wanted to have a meal together.
Angel’s in a rotten mood and doesn’t have anything good to say about this bizarre situation. He can’t help but laugh when EZ calls this a brunch, and then is incredulous when Gaby says she may not attend nursing school because it’s in Lodi and she’s not sure she wants to leave.
Angel isn’t kind or gentle when he asks why Gaby would ever choose to stay in Santo Padre. He adds that it’s weird Gaby’s wearing their dead mom’s apron and calls EZ a mama’s boy. EZ’s mood finally sours as Angel goes off about them eating brunch and playing make-believe. He won’t let Gaby off the hook, demanding to know her master plan. Does she expect to start a family with EZ? Does she think there are ever any happy endings in Santo Padre?
Angel pushes it too far and brings up their dead mom once again, forcing EZ to push back from the table in anger. Not into this domestic thing EZ’s got going on, Angel leaves, ruining their little family gathering.
(Does anyone remember they just declared war on Stockton? So far the events of this episode appear to be taking place in an alternate universe in which peace exists.)
Elsewhere, Palo shows up at a house in Tijuana, Mexico, looking for El Banquero. He’s let in by El Banquero’s men and then questioned about the purpose of his visit. Palo claims he wants to make El Banquero as wealthy as Miguel Galindo.
And speak of the devil…the next scene is of Miguel learning the truth about how his mother died from the medical examiner.
Angel finds Steve (Momo Rodriguez) outside their clubhouse and utters the season’s running “What the f*ck, Steve?” line. Angel realizes he’s late for a meeting and when he does finally get to the table, Bishop (Michael Irby) threatens to pull his flash if he’s late again.
Gilly (Vincent Vargas) makes an excuse for Coco’s absence, claiming Coco’s having another surgery. Bishop’s pissed he’s continuously missing out and warns Coco will be booted from the club if he’s not at their next meeting.
Bishop’s told Yuma’s President Canche has closed down the pipeline to the prisons, blaming Santo Padre. Apparently, he’s waiting for it to become nearly intolerable before supplying the prisons with the heroin he stole from Ibarra and Tucson. That would set up Canche as a hero.
The guys chuckle over Ramos’ disappearance and compliment EZ on coming up with that spur-of-the-moment plan. Sahuarita’s President (Wilson Ramirez) confirms the charters understand the attack on Stockton after EZ was shot, but Santo Padre killed two very popular Stockton guys – Chepe and Flacco.
Angel reminds everyone that was an eye-for-an-eye.
Sahuarita’s President understands what Santo Padre did but warns Canche is an instigator. Some believe he’s also the future of the club.
It’s quickly suggested Canche may have to suffer Ramos’ fate and Sahuarita’s President appears to be on board with that scenario. Removing Canche would make Bishop the sole king, just as EZ planned.
After the meeting Hank takes off to his mom’s place and it turns out Hank really is a decent guy. (You can tell by how sweet he is to his mom and her Chihuahua.) While putting away the groceries he picked up for her, he asks if he can invite Nails to dinner. His mom’s so happy with her boy for wanting to bring a girl to their weekly Thursday night dinner that she pulls him in for a big hug.
Palo’s sister surprises Taza (Raoul Max Trujillo) by showing up to talk. She confesses Taza stirred up a lot of memories during his visit and admits she’s blamed him for David’s death, even though she knows it’s not true. She then confesses she saw them together and because of how they were raised, she felt two men in a relationship wasn’t appropriate. It’s because she told Palo what she saw that Palo killed David.
Taza comforts her and assures her neither he nor she killed David. They both loved him.
She asks if his Santo Padre brothers know and he confirms they don’t. David was his one true love and he’s never been with anyone else since his murder. She cries as she hands Taza David’s cross, trusting him to keep it and cherish it.
Miguel, who had briefly come to terms with his mother’s death, is back to investigating the events of her final days. He shows up at his ex-housekeeper Maria’s place and wants to know if anything was troubling his mom right before her death. Was she scared of anyone?
Maria initially doesn’t reply but as Miguel gets up to leave, she reveals Dita was scared of Emily. There was something going on with Emily and the Reyes family, and Maria thinks it frightened Dita. Maria confirms Emily was doing something with Felipe and his son, and Dita was afraid of what they might do.
“She said if something happened…if you ever asked…to let you know…,” says Maria, taking her time and choosing her words carefully. Miguel asks what his mom wanted him to know and Maria claims Dita told her if something happened to her then Miguel should be told Emily was involved.
JD Pardo as EZ Reyes and Sulem Calderon as Gabriella Castillo in ‘Mayans M.C.’ season 3 episode 8 (Photo by Prashant Gupta/FX)
EZ takes Gaby to a remote bridge he visits to be alone and think. Gaby’s curious if he ever brought Emily there – he didn’t – and EZ’s surprised she cares. He reminds Gaby that Emily thought she was pretty. Gaby points out that’s what white girls say when they mean “pretty for a Latina.”
EZ doesn’t think Emily meant it that way. Gaby’s not so sure.
EZ confesses he doesn’t want her to go but he also wants her to follow her dreams. He doesn’t want to be the reason she’s stuck in Santo Padre and doesn’t pursue nursing. Gaby admits she doesn’t like being scared and is worried about EZ getting shot again. He makes a promise he absolutely can not keep, assuring her it won’t happen again.
Miguel shows up at Nestor’s place and, after ordering him to get rid of the woman visiting, asks if he’s ever seen Emily with EZ or Felipe. Nestor hasn’t and wants to know why Miguel’s asking. Miguel explains the medical examiner determined Dita’s hyoid bone in her throat had been crushed. That doesn’t fit in with suicide as a cause of death, and now Miguel believes she was strangled.
Nestor finally reveals they found motorcycle tracks near where Dita’s body was discovered.
Miguel returns home and finds Emily in bed. He doesn’t say anything but indicates he wants to make love. He’s rough and nearly strangles Emily, releasing his hands from her neck only after she’s gasping for air and struggling to breathe. When they’re done, Emily reveals that really turned her on.
He stares at the ceiling, tears in his eyes, while Emily pants on his chest.
Angel’s crashed on the couch watching TV when he decides he needs a little company. He calls Nails and then treats her as rudely as he treated EZ and Gaby once she shows up. Nails asks about Adelita, and Angel apologizes for kicking her out when Adelita showed up out of nowhere. He claims Adelita’s gone forever.
Nails tries to find a way to tell him she’s pregnant and he pisses her off so much she finally just blurts it out. He demands to know if she’s being serious and after learning she is, he says, “Our baby,” and kisses her forehead.
Hope decides to take off, leaving Coco with Leticia to go through withdrawals.
Palo finally has his face-to-face with El Banquero and claims he can help El Banquero get revenge on the Galindo family for killing his uncle. However, it turns out El Banquero hated his uncle and would have killed him himself eventually.
Palo’s about to get tossed out for having nothing of importance to offer – and for stinking like a street dog – when he changes what he has to offer and claims he can give El Banquero Miguel Galindo’s territory. That’s enough to buy him a little more time in El Banquero’s presence.
EZ and Gaby head to Andita’s Ice Cream Shop for dessert. Squad cars are parked out front and cops are milling around as Gaby goes in to get something and EZ stays outside to answer a call from Bishop.
Bishop asks if EZ’s ready to start a new chapter for the Mayans and EZ assures him he’ll do whatever the club needs.
Without EZ by her side Gaby’s hassled by two white men who ask for her papers and call EZ a scumbag. She’s walking out without ordering when she runs into EZ who’s done with his call. EZ quickly assesses the situation and doesn’t pause to think before pouncing on the two men. Gaby tries to convince him to stop but EZ’s out of control as he beats one of the men senseless.
Gaby tries to grab his arm and he hits her in the face. She’s bleeding and in pain when the cops wrestle EZ to the floor and place him in handcuffs.
Omar Metwally and Kylie Bunbury in ‘Big Sky’ season 1 episode 13 (ABC/Darko Sikman)
We learn Blake’s fate in the opening minutes of ABC’s Big Sky season one episode 13. Michael Raymond-James’ guest-starring run on the primetime drama has come to an end, as Blake is most definitely dead after his brother, J.W., smacked him with a shovel.
Cheyenne (Britt Robertson) watched J.W. (Kyle Schmid) hit Blake but doesn’t leap into action until J.W. drives away. She runs to the shallow grave and finds her favorite brother dead. Cheyenne also locates Cole Danvers’ belt buckle before grabbing her deceased brother and dragging him from the pit.
While all this is going down, Jenny (Katheryn Winnick) and Cassie (Kylie Bunbury) are still questioning Rosie (Michelle Veintimilla) in her cabin. She confesses she told Sheriff Wagy that J.W. and Rand actually attacked her, not Blake, but all he did was warn her of repercussions if she opened her mouth again.
Cassie and Jenny believe her, but their talk is cut short when Rosie’s dad shows up. He orders them to leave, assuring them they have no idea what the Kleinsassers are capable of. He doesn’t want Rosie caught up in this because he knows the Kleinsassers are ruthless.
Jenny gives him her business card just in case he changes his mind.
J.W. returns to find Blake’s body is no longer in the pit.
The following morning, J.W. leads his dad and brother, Rand (Ryan Dorsey), to Blake’s body. It’s now lying at the base of a cliff, and J.W. explains Blake used to like to sit up there and drink. Horst (Ted Levine) thinks Blake jumped and decides they’ll leave his body there until the sheriff arrives.
Ronald (Brian Geraghty) responds to an ad and checks out a used big rig. He sits in the driver’s seat and has a conversation with his dead mom in which he claims to be a good boy now and in love with a special woman.
Meanwhile, Cheyenne searches the internet for info on Cole Danvers. She discovers he’s been reported missing and then reacts to the info by growling at the white lion poster Blake gave her years ago that still hangs on her bedroom wall.
Horst arrives back at the ranch house to deliver the news of Blake’s death. Margaret (Michelle Forbes) reacts with a scream and immediately blames Horst for their son’s death.
Jenny and Cassie are at the hotel trying to figure out their next move when Denise (Dedee Pfeiffer) calls with news of a death at the Kleinsasser ranch. The scanner reported it as a possible suicide but didn’t confirm the identity. Nevertheless, Jenny’s sure Blake’s dead.
Jenny can’t go to the ranch, but she can pay a visit to Sheriff Wagy. She heads out and Cassie warns her to be safe.
Sheriff Wagy (Sebastian Roché) is with Blake’s body at the ranch when he asks Horst how he wants the death listed. Horst says Blake committed suicide, but Margaret’s definitely not on board with that suggestion. Wagy assures Horst he’ll take care of it.
While Margaret and Horst are distracted, Cheyenne whispers to J.W. that he can thank her later.
Ronald heads back to his girlfriend Scarlet’s place and discovers her nosy sister, Mary, is visiting. He eavesdrops as Mary tells Scarlet she’s been thinking about “Arthur.” Mary never forgets a face and is sure there’s something wrong with this new boyfriend. When Scarlet tries to cut her off by saying she’s in love, Mary reminds her about the last time she thought she was in love. Scarlet claims Arthur is nothing like Steve.
Ronald makes his presence known and immediately asks about Steve. Scarlet assures him that her daughter’s father will never come back into the picture.
Mary wants to take a photo for her digital scrapbook and Ronald tries to convince her it’s not a good idea. He finally gives in but suggests Mary join them for the photo. He has her stand between him and Scarlet and says, “You know what they say, don’t you? When three people are photographed together, it’s the middle one that will die first.”
Needless to say, Mary does not smile for the photo.
Jenny demands to see Sheriff Wagy but Angela (Rachel Colwell) at the front desk says it’s not a good time. Angela whispers there was an accident and that it was Blake, and scribbles a note telling Jenny she’ll come to the hotel later to talk. She can’t say anything now for fear of being overheard.
Sheriff Wagy pokes his head into the conversation and suggests Jenny head back home now that Blake’s case is officially closed.
Cheyenne and her mom discuss Blake, and Cheyenne recalls her brother used to let her paint his toenails. It was their little secret. Cheyenne also recalls how as a child her mom told her she could be anything, even a rodeo princess warrior queen. She even remembers the rules of being a RPWQ: Don’t cry. Don’t listen to men. Be nice to dogs. Always be awesome.
Cheyenne reminds her mom crying doesn’t change a thing just as J.W. joins them in the kitchen. He’s there for a private talk with Cheyenne and once they’re alone she knees him in the balls. (With that move Cheyenne is now my favorite Kleinsasser.) Cheyenne’s not afraid of J.W. and warns she’ll tell everyone he killed Blake if he doesn’t start doing what she says. J.W. doesn’t back down, lording over her that the ranch is his and she’ll be dependent on him when their dad dies.
“Go ahead, mess with the white lion. See what happens,” says Cheyenne. She roars in his face before walking away, unintimidated.
Jenny tells Cassie that Blake’s dead and that she has to stick around because Angela’s coming over that evening to talk. Cassie gives Jenny a hug as Jenny reveals she’s not sure about their next move.
Cassie has news of her own to share. Mark Lindor (Omar Metwally) called and said Denise received a tip about Ronald’s whereabouts, and Cassie wants to check it out. Jenny assures Cassie she’ll be okay if she leaves. They hug one final time before Cassie takes off.
Ronald drops off Scarlet, takes her young daughter Phoebe to school, and then heads over to Mary’s place. He’s stolen Scarlet’s phone and knows Mary is on to him after she texts her sister that Arthur isn’t who he says he is.
Ronald demands to be let in but Mary refuses. He barges in anyway, zapping her with a taser to get her under control. He sits at the kitchen table and eats cereal after duct-taping a blanket around Mary. She struggles against her restraints as Ronald wonders aloud what Mary’s been up to. He cuts an opening in the blanket and duct tape so she can speak and Mary claims she didn’t tell anyone what she discovered.
Ronald realizes that’s a lie after checking her search history and finding she looked up the Dewey & Hoyt detective agency. He claims he’s a fair person but she can’t be trusted. Mary admits she left a voice mail telling them to call her back.
Ronald asks if she truly believes he’s a killer and she replies with a scream, “You’re a monster!” She keeps repeating that even though Ronald warns her to stop. He slashes away at her face until she’s finally quiet.
Back at the ranch, J.W. and Rand dispose of Cole Danvers’ skeleton in a barrel containing something that looks like acid. Rand claims he can’t remember actually killing him and J.W. informs his brother Blake was going to tell everyone what Rand did. Rand wonders if that’s why Blake killed himself.
Rand saves a bone from the skeleton, explaining he wants to bury it someplace special. J.W. takes it from him, tosses it in the barrel, and assures his little brother he’ll always have his back. He explains Cheyenne needs to be watched because she’s been talking about things she shouldn’t discuss.
Cassie arrives at the detective agency and Mark’s already there with Denise and Jerrie (Jesse James Keitel). They play Cassie the answering machine message and Denise is positive the call from Mary Leyendecker is the real deal. She sounds scared to death on the recording.
Jenny has a short meeting with Cheyenne and although Cheyenne won’t reveal the truth, she offers Jenny the name Cole Danvers. Jenny informs Cheyenne that J.W. and Rand staged the attack on Rosie after drugging her and Blake.
After their meeting, Jenny calls Denise and has her do a search on Cole Danvers. Denise says a missing person report was filed on him 15 years ago. She’ll do a more thorough search and let her know what she finds.
Britt Robertson and Kyle Schmid in ‘Big Sky’ episode 13 (ABC/Darko Sikman)
J.W. and Rand confront Cheyenne, determined to find out what she told Jenny. Cheyenne won’t tell them anything and is unshaken by J.W.’s threats. After she walks off, J.W. tells his younger brother they have to see Jenny.
Cassie and Mark take off to pay a visit to Mary. They get to know each other better on the way to Mary’s place and Mark reveals his sister was abducted. She’s never been found but a man did confess to taking her. He blames himself because he was there but didn’t see it happen.
Ronald sings as he cleans up the blood spatters at Mary’s place. He’s not quite finished when Cassie and Mark knock on Mary’s door. Her car’s in the driveway so they believe she’s home.
Mary, obviously, is incapable of responding and Ronald drags her body out of view of the windows as Cassie and Mark check the doors.
Cassie wonders if they should come back but Mark notices a doll dropped on the floor and what appears to be blood. They bust in, guns drawn, and call out for Mary. She doesn’t respond and Mark finds a door to the basement. They look around and Cassie notices a freezer with a lock on it. Mark breaks it open and inside is a stinky body wrapped in cellophane. It’s not Mary’s because whoever it is has been dead too long. (It’s got to be Steve, right?)
Angela shows up at the hotel and she’s really frightened. She’s worried Sheriff Wagy will find out she’s talking to Jenny and reveals even the clerk at the front desk reports to the Kleinsassers. Angela hands Jenny a toxicology report that confirms Blake didn’t attack Rosie and that Sheriff Wagy covered it up.
Angela needs a stiff drink to loosen up before she spills the beans. Jenny fetches one and promises to protect her. Their talk comes to a sudden unexpected end when a truck slams into the hotel room. Jenny grabs Angela and tries to pull her out of the way. A scream is heard and season one episode 13 ends without revealing if either woman was injured.
Season two episode 10 of Fox’s Prodigal Son begins with Dr. Vivian Capshaw (Catherine Zeta-Jones) dreaming of performing surgery alongside Dr. Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen). In the dream, they compliment each other and Martin calls her brilliant. He claims she was destined to wind up at Claremont with him.
Vivian’s dream is actually a nightmare that ends with a disturbing image of her death.
Malcolm (Tom Payne) shocks his mom by being wide awake and downstairs in his loft when she attempts to sneak out with a box filled with papers. Jessica (Bellamy Young) admits she retrieved paperwork from the “never ever room,” a room meant to shut away Martin’s belongings. She needed items from that room to help her dive into memories for the book.
Malcolm reveals he’s determined to cut off his dad and is ignoring his calls. Jessica’s proud of her son, calling Martin a malignant tumor. She’s happy Malcolm’s moving on with his life and hopes that means he now has time to become involved in a romantic relationship.
Jessica becomes distracted by a bank key she finds in the box and wonders why Martin, who didn’t do the banking, would be in possession of that key.
Over at Claremont, Martin paces the floor while waiting for Malcolm to pick up the phone. He blames the phone for not working but Mr. David (Esau Pritchett) corrects him – the phone works, Malcolm’s not picking up. Martin asks to send his son a text but that’s a big no from Mr. David. Instead, Martin’s forced to the rec room for the start of his busy day.
Plans to break out are still in the works and Friar Pete (Christian Borle) believes today’s the day. However, Martin’s passed on word that it will be tomorrow. Martin apparently wants to talk to his son first before they escape.
With or without Martin, Friar Pete’s breaking out tomorrow.
While Friar Pete’s moving forward with his plans, Daryl’s confessing to Dr. Capshaw that he was cut off from his friends because Dr. Martin Whitly is now the “head of the snake.”
And now we get to the murder of the week… Season two episode 10’s murder investigation centers on Rosalie Howard who, according to Edrisa (Keiko Agena), died after a blow to the back of her head. A nearby crystal is the murder weapon. Although she died quickly, the killer continued to bash her head in. Malcolm thinks that’s because the killer has an impulse control disorder.
Dani (Aurora Perrineau) is sure Rosalie knew her killer, given that she’s still in pajamas. Malcolm adds that he thinks they were intimate.
The killer was interrupted before he/she could clean up and that’s because a witness called the police from a landline. Malcolm scopes out the neighborhood and quickly points out an elderly man watching the place through binoculars.
(Dani lands a zinger by saying only old people have landlines and of course Gil admits to having one.)
The neighbor won’t let them in, so they barge through the door of what turns out to be chess Grandmaster Gerald Morris’ home. Gerald disappeared off the scene years ago and based on the items in his house, Malcolm figures out Gerald’s agoraphobic and isn’t in trouble. Even though he doesn’t answer when they call out, Gil announces the team must leave since they don’t have a legal reason to be in his place without his permission.
After they leave, Gerald sneaks downstairs and locks the front door.
Malcolm didn’t actually leave and Gerald’s shocked when he realizes he’s not alone, pulling a gun and pointing it at Malcolm’s head. He demands to know why Malcolm’s in his house and Malcolm explains they just want to know who killed Rosalie.
Malcolm knows the antique gun inches from his face won’t fire and finally gets Gerald to talk. Gerald admits he’s been inside since March 1997 and confesses he saw Rosalie’s murderer. Because Gerald’s not comfortable around people, Malcolm suggests just one detective will take his statement.
Dani questions Gerald and he confirms he’s been watching the neighborhood just as a distraction. He explains Rosalie fell in love months ago and her boyfriend always came over late. A man of the same height and hairstyle struggled with Rosalie and then left her place after the murder.
Malcolm believes Gerald still uses skills from chess and has extensive knowledge of his neighborhood. Gerald agrees and says he knows all about the jobs, relationships, and even cars of his neighbors. He says Rosalie’s boyfriend drove a red Porsche and he even offers up the license plate number.
Back at Claremont, Vivian follows Friar Pete into a restricted area. She spies on him as he speaks to rats and does something she can’t make out with a trap. Vivian’s in the process of calling for help when he sneaks up on her and demands she hang up. Little does Friar Pete know but Vivian is quite capable of handling herself physically. She hits him with the phone (a landline) and follows that up with a few well-placed kicks.
Vivian tells Friar Pete to stay down so she can call security. She knows about the rats and the stolen key card but doesn’t know what he has planned. Friar Pete warns her to not call security or he’ll flip on Martin. He knows about her and Martin, and chuckles as he reveals she’ll get fired and Martin will go in the hole for being in a relationship.
Vivian has little choice but to hang up the phone.
Back at the station, the team pulls together everything they’ve learned about the boyfriend, Clayton Fielder. He’s an investment banker and Malcolm believes his high-pressure job caused him to snap.
Gil (Lou Diamond Phillips) and Dani note Malcolm’s declined yet another call from Martin. When he says he’s doing a serial killer cleanse, Gil says it appears to be helping as he looks like he actually got some sleep.
They discuss whether they can get Gerald to court and if he’d be a good witness. Malcolm believes he’s a genius and would be excellent, but Dani’s not so sure because of his agoraphobia.
JT (Frank Harts) receives a text revealing Clayton will be at a poker game that very evening.
Malcolm finally gives in and answers Martin’s call. Martin’s desperate to talk but Malcolm informs his dad he needs to take a break. He hangs up before Martin can tell him his important news.
Clayton’s brought in to be interrogated and claims he’s innocent; he loved Rosalie. Malcolm asks about the visible scars on his neck and Clayton says they’re from a car wreck, not previous domestic disputes. Once they explain there’s a witness, he asks if it’s the weird man from across the street. Clayton claims Rosalie hated Gerald and she even confronted him a month ago, demanding he stop watching her.
Malcolm returns to Gerald’s place to find out why he lied. A nuanced discussion over a game of chess reveals Gerald knows how Malcolm feels about Dani. Malcolm claims they’re just friends/partners but Gerald knows that’s a lie. If Malcolm comes clean, Gerald will too.
Malcolm admits Dani doesn’t know how he feels and never will – for her own safety. Malcolm wonders if Gerald actually has agoraphobia or is simply a voyeur. He reminds Gerald lots of serial killers started as peeping Toms, and Gerald’s forced to admit he was obsessed with everyone, not just Rosalie. The people outside his window are his only connection to the world.
Gerald confirms Rosalie was angry he watched her and screamed at him through the intercom. But then she noticed all the delivery bags outside and put two-and-two together. Rosalie wound up bringing him fresh groceries. “Rosalie helped an old grouch, and I couldn’t help her,” admits Gerald.
As they’re talking Gerald notices someone’s inside Rosalie’s place.
Malcolm heads over to check it out just as a man who looks exactly like Clayton exits Rosalie’s building. He has neck tattoos but otherwise he could be Clayton. Malcolm immediately calls Dani to tell her Clayton’s twin is the killer.
While Malcolm’s sure a twin’s the only explanation, Gil’s unconvinced. JT arrives with a file and confirms Clayton has a twin and that Felix has been after Clayton for years. They both used to work for a cartel but Clayton left that behind, and Felix has been searching for Clayton since. He apparently found Rosalie who assumed he was Clayton and let him in.
Gil’s sure this means they’ll need Gerald to leave his house to testify.
Vivian has a private chat with Martin, surprised he’s so calm after learning Friar Pete knows about their relationship. Martin thinks Friar Pete’s relationship with the rats is sexual, and then promises he’ll handle everything. He confesses he feels renewed being a doctor again and that she’s his muse.
The atmosphere is uncomfortable when Jessica arrives unexpectedly and interrupts their chat. After Vivian leaves, Jessica demands to know about the bank key she found. He jokes it’s the key to his heart and then claims he doesn’t remember what it goes to.
Martin suggests she stop fishing for trouble and then it dawns on Jessica he’s cheery. She realizes he’s up to something and wonders if it involves Vivian. Martin thinks she can crack the key mystery herself if she follows the clues.
While this is taking place, Martin’s co-conspirators are setting their escape plan in motion.
Martin’s called in to help in the infirmary. Friar Pete poisoned the inmates’ food and the infirmary is packed with violently ill patients. Vivian figures out the patients have ingested rat poison and Martin wants to be freed from his handcuffs so he can help her save lives.
Vivian has no other choice and unlocks Martin.
They work feverishly to get fluids into their patients, and Vivian hands Martin her key card to retrieve more supplies from the stock room. He immediately exits the infirmary through a door that definitely doesn’t lead to the stock room and Vivian calls out for him to stop.
Before she can follow him out, he locks the door behind him while confessing it’s difficult to leave this all behind. She screams for him to stop but he doesn’t listen.
Malcolm returns to Gerald’s place and explains what they need. He’s sure Gerald can leave if he wants to, but Gerald refuses to consider it.
Dani reports in to Gil with news Clayton’s been located but Felix beat him severely. Felix is now headed over to Gerald’s place to kill the only witness.
Dani texts Malcolm to warn him about Felix but it’s too late. Instead of running when Felix arrives, they hide. Felix stalks them throughout the house, urging Gerald to come out.
Malcolm asks Gerald to figure out their next move, knowing he needs to convince the master chess player the only move is to run outside.
Back at Claremont, Jessica’s trapped inside, pounding on doors for help and screaming as she runs into dozens of rats. She replays Martin’s words in her head and figures out Martin’s attempting to escape!
She continues screaming, trying to warn the staff about the escape in progress. She fails to get anyone’s attention and then realizes she can call Gil. “I am trapped at Claremont! The guards are all gone, the doors are all locked, and there are rats. Something terrible is happening,” says Jessica before adding that Martin is escaping.
Gil warns her to find something to defend herself with and assures her he’s on his way.
Martin and his cohorts sneak through the hallways, evading capture.
Jessica’s ready to use her high heels as weapons when she discovers she’s locked in with Martin’s enemy, Daryl. He recognizes her as Martin’s wife and is about to stab her when she makes her move, stabbing him in the ear with one of the heels.
Martin hears her scream and momentarily stops his escape to make a call. The ringing cell catches Felix’s attention, but Malcolm’s not with the phone when Felix locates it.
Gerald and Malcolm slowly, methodically make their way toward the door, with Gerald calling the shots. They’re feet from the front door when Gerald freezes up. Malcolm reminds him Rosalie would want him to live.
They make a run for it and Gerald momentarily stops just outside the door. Malcolm urges him to run across the street as Felix follows in hot pursuit.
Fortunately, Dani is in the right place at the exact right time. She speeds up and knocks Felix to the ground with her car.
Gil and other officers arrive at Claremont and find Jessica. He believes she’s safe now but Jessica’s sure if Martin’s free no one is safe. And as we learn in the next scene, Martin and his two accomplices have in fact escaped Claremont.
Malcolm’s proud of Gerald and Gerald believes now’s the time for Malcolm to tell Dani how he feels. Just as Malcolm’s about to make his move he picks up a voicemail from his dad. Martin claims he’s no longer a killer and his next moves will be all about keeping the family safe.
“Everything I’m doing, everything I’ve done, it’s all for you, for us,” says Martin.
He hopes Malcolm can find him, claiming Malcolm’s the only one who can.
Dani confirms Martin escaped. (Damn you and your rotten timing, Dr. Martin Whitly!)
Devious Maids‘ Roselyn Sanchez will star in Fox’s updated version of Fantasy Island. Sanchez has signed on to play Elena Roarke, described as “a descendant of the iconic Mr. Roarke. Elena set aside her own ambitions and even the love of her life to uphold her family’s legacy. Sophisticated, insightful, and always charming, Elena’s calm exterior masks the challenges of the responsibilities she has assumed as steward of this mysterious island.”
The network previously announced Kiara Barnes (The Bold and the Beautiful) will be playing Ruby Okoro, “a young woman with an old soul who arrives on Fantasy Island with a terminal illness and is given a new lease on life there.” John Gabriel Rodriquez (Miranda’s Rights) is on board to star as Javier, a pilot “who also is the head of island transportation and a jack of all trades.”
Liz Craft and Sarah Fain (The 100) are executive producing the Sony Pictures Television, Gemstone Studios, and FOX Entertainment production.
Filming is currently underway in Puerto Rico. Fox is targeting an August 10, 2021 premiere.
The Plot, Courtesy of Fox:
A modern drama series, Fantasy Island takes place at a luxury resort, where literally any fantasy requested by guests is fulfilled, although they rarely turn out as expected. Delving into the “what if” questions — both big and small — that keep us awake at night, each episode will tell emotional, provocative stories about people who arrive with dreams and desires and depart enlightened and transformed through the magical realism of Fantasy Island.
Owen gets caught up in the search for an arsonist on Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star season two episode 11. “Slow Burn” will air on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT.
Season two’s cast is led by Emmy Award nominee Rob Lowe (The West Wing) as Owen Strand. Gina Torres is Tommy Vega, Ronen Rubinstein plays T.K. Strand, Sierra Aylina McClain is Grace Ryder, and Jim Parrack stars as Judd Ryder. Natacha Karam returns as Marjan Marwani, Brian Michael Smith is Paul Strickland, Rafael L. Silva plays Carlos Reyes, and Julian Works is Mateo Chavez.
“Slow Burn” Plot: After being forced to take time off work to recover from his surgery, Owen finds himself immersed in the search for a serial arsonist. Meanwhile, T.K. and Carlos take their relationship to the next level and Marjan copes with the aftermath of losing someone on the job.
The 126 welcomes new Paramedic Captain TOMMY VEGA (Torres) to the crew. Tommy was at the top of her game when she hung up her uniform eight years ago to raise her twin daughters. When her husband’s restaurant went under due to the devastation of the pandemic, she has no choice but to re-enter the workforce to support her family. Though it breaks her heart to be apart from her little girls, Tommy will show the world that no matter how much time has passed, when she puts on that uniform, she’s still a boss.
Additionally, Owen is reunited with his ex-wife and T.K.’s mother, GWYNETH (guest star Lisa Edelstein), and the former couple re-discover the spark they once shared. As Owen finds out his cancer is in remission, he receives news that could change his life forever.
