Fox Announces Its 2021-2022 Primetime Schedule

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May 17, 2021

Fox’s 2021-2022 primetime schedule will include two new comedies, four new dramas, and four new unscripted series. Plus, one new animated comedy will join the network’s roster for the upcoming season.

“We are presenting a fall lineup that builds upon FOX’s legacy of bold stories and truth-telling-characters; stories that meet and reflect the cultural moment. FOX believes it’s a time for series that offer hope and to speak to American audiences with themes of reinvention and second chances,” said Charlie Collier, CEO, FOX Entertainment. “Alongside our programming focus, we are forging ahead with a clear, 100% ad-supported vision. FOX’s acquisition of free-ad-focused Tubi has allowed us to expand our broadcast offering, bringing scale across both linear and streaming, all without any paywalls or subscriptions. This is a strategy that deepens FOX’s relationship with our audience and advertising partners, and it will continue to set FOX apart.”

In addition to announcing the fall 2021 schedule, Fox released details on the new series debuting this fall.

FOX FALL 2021 SCHEDULE

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – 9-1-1
9:00-10:00 PM – THE BIG LEAP (new series)

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – THE RESIDENT
9:00-10:00 PM – OUR KIND OF PEOPLE (new series)

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – THE MASKED SINGER
9:00-10:00 PM – ALTER EGO (new series)

THURSDAY, Beginning Oct. 7
8:00 PM-CC ET/ – THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ON FOX
5:00 PM-CC PT

FRIDAY
8:00-10:00 PM – WWE’S FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN

SATURDAY
7:00-10:30 PM – FOX SPORTS SATURDAY

SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM – NFL ON FOX
7:30-8:00 PM – THE OT / FOX ENCORES
8:00-8:30 PM – THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM – THE GREAT NORTH
9:00-9:30 PM – BOB’S BURGERS
9:30-10:00 PM – FAMILY GUY

Dramas The Cleaning Lady and Monarch will be premiering midseason along with new comedies Welcome to Flatch and Pivoting. Fox is planning to debut unscripted series Next Level Chef, Don’t Forget the Lyrics!, and Domino Masters in early 2022.

THE BIG LEAP:

The Big Leap is a modern tale about second chances, chasing your dreams and taking back what’s yours. From creator/executive producer Liz Heldens, director/executive producer Jason Winer, and executive producer Sue Naegle, the show revolves around a group of diverse, down-on-their-luck characters attempting to change their lives by participating in a potentially life-ruining reality dance show that builds to a live production of “Swan Lake.”

On the heels of his latest show failure and a stressful divorce, producer NICK BLACKBURN (Scott Foley) reluctantly signs on to produce “The Big Leap,” a brand-new contest series filming in Motor City. The show, which brings together dancers from every age, background and body type, is the brainchild of aging dancer WAYNE FONTAINE (Kevin Daniels).

With choreographer MONICA SULLIVAN (Mallory Jansen) on board to help Nick mount the production, he begins his search for not only the best dancers, but also the ones that could stir up the most drama. GABBY LEWIS (newcomer Simone Recasner), once dreamt of becoming a professional dancer, but her dreams were sidelined when she got pregnant right out of high school. In the midst of the monotony that is her 9-to-5 office job, she stumbles upon “The Big Leap,” reigniting her passion for dance.

Auditioning alongside Gabby is JUSTIN REYES (Raymond Cham Jr), Gabby’s former dance partner and high school boyfriend…that is, until he came out of the closet (to the surprise of no one, except Gabby). Their fellow contestants include REGGIE SADLER (Ser’Darius Blain), a famous pro football champ whom Nick believes could give the show the star power and controversy it needs to break through; BRITTNEY LOVEWELL (Anna Grace Barlow), a born-and-bred hyper-competitive ballroom dancer paired with her twin brother; unemployed autoworker MIKE DEVRIES (Jon Rudnitsky), whose gradual unraveling recently led his wife, to leave him; PAULA CLARK (Piper Perabo), a high-powered corporate executive; and former ballerina JULIA PERKINS (Teri Polo), now a social-media-obsessed mom who focuses more on her Instagram than on her teenage girls or husband.

OUR KIND OF PEOPLE:

Inspired by Lawrence Otis Graham’s provocative, critically acclaimed book, Our Kind of People: Inside America’s Black Upper Class, the series takes place in the aspirational world of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, a historical stronghold where the rich and powerful black elite have come to play for over 50 years. Our Kind of People follows strong-willed, single mom ANGELA VAUGHN (Yaya DaCosta”) as she sets out to reclaim her family’s name and make an impact with her revolutionary haircare line that highlights the innate, natural beauty of black women. But she soon discovers a dark secret about her own mother’s past that will turn her world upside-down and shake up this community forever.

The show is a soapy, thrilling exploration of race and class in America and an unapologetic celebration of black resilience and achievement.

ALTER EGO:

In this all-new original singing competition, lost dreams and second chances are reignited when singers from all walks of life become the stars they’ve always wanted to be. However, these contestants won’t perform as themselves. Rather, they’ll be given the chance to show how they’ve always wanted to be seen, creating their dream avatar ALTER EGO to reinvent themselves and perform like never before.

‘Sweet Tooth’ Trailer: Human-Animal Hybrids Exist in This Post-Apocalyptic Fairytale

By

Rebecca Murray

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May 17, 2021

Netflix just debuted the first official trailer for the upcoming comic book-inspired series, Sweet Tooth. The nearly three minute trailer sets up a post-apocalyptic world in which babies suddenly are being born half-human half-animal.

The season one cast includes Christian Convery (Gus), Nonso Anozie (Tommy Jepperd), Adeel Akhtar (Dr. Aditya Singh), Aliza Vellani (Rani Singh), Stefania LaVie Owen (Bear), and Dania Ramirez (Aimee Eden). Neil Sandilands (General Abbot), Will Forte (Father), and James Brolin (Narrator) also star.

Jeff Lemire created the Vertigo comics and Jim Mickle and Beth Schwartz guide the television adaptation as co-showrunners. Mickle and Schwartz wrote and served as executive producers, with Mickle directing. Susan Downey, Robert Downey, Jr., Amanda Burrell, and Linda Moran are also involved as executive producers.

Sweet Tooth season one consists of eight one-hour episodes. Netflix will launch the series on June 4, 2021.

The Plot, Courtesy of Netflix:

Ten years ago “The Great Crumble” wreaked havoc on the world and led to the mysterious emergence of hybrids — babies born part human, part animal. Unsure if hybrids are the cause or result of the virus, many humans fear and hunt them. After a decade of living safely in his secluded forest home, a sheltered hybrid deer-boy named Gus (Convery) unexpectedly befriends a wandering loner named Jepperd (Anozie). Together they set out on an extraordinary adventure across what’s left of America in search of answers— about Gus’ origins, Jepperd’s past, and the true meaning of home.

But their story is full of unexpected allies and enemies, and Gus quickly learns the lush, dangerous world outside the forest is more complex than he ever could have imagined.

CHRISTIAN CONVERY as GUS in episode 1 of ‘Sweet Tooth’ (Photo by Kirsty Griffin © 2021 Netflix)

‘F9’ Flashback Video Shows the Franchise’s Transition from Its Grounded Street-Racing Beginnings

By

Rebecca Murray

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May 17, 2021

Universal Pictures just released a new F9 promo video featuring footage and interview clips from the first film of the franchise, 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. The short video takes us through the previous eight F&F films, from the franchise’s grounded-in-reality street racing beginnings up through this ninth film of the franchise which has a very loose grip on reality (and, apparently, physics).

The ninth F&F film features returning stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, and Sung Kang. John Cena, Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Kurt Russell, and Cardi B are also part of the massive F9 ensemble.

Justin Lin is back at the helm after directing F&F‘s third, fourth, fifth, and sixth films. Lin also co-wrote the screenplay with Daniel Casey and serves as producer along with Vin Diesel, Neal H. Moritz, Jeff Kirschenbaum, Joe Roth, Clayton Townsend, and Samantha Vincent.

Universal’s launching F9 only in theaters on June 25, 2021.

The Plot, Courtesy of Universal Pictures:

Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian, but they know that danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. This time, that threat will force Dom to confront the sins of his past if he’s going to save those he loves most. His crew joins together to stop a world-shattering plot led by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered: a man who also happens to be Dom’s forsaken brother, Jakob (Cena).

The action hurtles around the globe — from London to Tokyo, from Central America to Edinburgh, and from a secret bunker in Azerbaijan to the teeming streets of Tbilisi. Along the way, old friends will be resurrected, old foes will return, history will be rewritten, and the true meaning of family will be tested like never before.

‘Enchanted’ Sequel ‘Disenchanted’ Finally Begins Production

By

Rebecca Murray

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May 17, 2021

Disenchanted Reunites Enchanted Cast — ‘Disenchanted’ reunites ‘Enchanted’ stars Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey.

Disney’s much-anticipated Enchanted sequel, Disenchanted, is finally moving forward, with production now officially underway. The live-action musical comedy reunites Amy Adams as Giselle, Patrick Dempsey as Robert Philip, James Marsden as Prince Edward, and Idina Menzel as Nancy Tremaine.

The cast also includes Maya Rudolph (The Good Place) as Malvina, Giselle’s new adversary in Monroeville; Kolton Stewart (Some Assembly Required) as Malvina’s son; Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) as Rosalyn; Jayma Mays (Glee) as Ruby; and Oscar Nunez (The Office) as Edgar. 19-year-old Gabriella Baldacchino will be making her feature film debut as Robert Philip’s grown daughter, Morgan.

Disenchanted is shooting in Ireland with Adam Shankman (Hairspray) directing. (Kevin Lima directed 2007’s Enchanted.) Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz wrote new songs for the sequel; the duo earned three Oscar nominations for their work on Enchanted. Adams, Shankman, Barry Josephson, and Barry Sonnenfeld are producing.

“Working again with Disney has been like coming home,” stated Shankman. “With Amy and this extraordinary cast, Alan and Stephen’s mind-blowing new score, and Barry and Disney’s support, I just hope to bring magic and joy to audiences around the world.”

“I guess dreams do come true…producing Enchanted was the most rewarding film experience I’ve ever had,” added Josephson. “I’m so excited for Adam Shankman to begin filming Disenchanted. I want to thank everyone at Disney for supporting us all the way. Very special thanks to Amy Adams for deciding to play ‘Giselle,’ the character she created again! And we are so fortunate to have this incredible cast!”

Disney’s targeting a 2022 premiere on Disney+.

Disney released the following synopsis of the musical sequel:

“Disenchanted features the much-anticipated return of Giselle, the princess from the fairy tale world of Andalasia banished to Manhattan who found her real Princess Charming in divorce lawyer Robert Philip. 15 years later, Giselle moves to the suburb of Monroeville with Robert and their teenage daughter Morgan, where she must juggle the challenges that come with a new home and discover what happily ever after truly means to her and her new family.”

‘Loki’ New Clip Finds the God of Mischief Getting to Know Agent Mobius

By

Rebecca Murray

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May 17, 2021

Disney+ and Marvel Studios dropped a new clip from Loki during the 2021 MTV Movie & TV Awards show held Sunday, May 16, 2021. The new one-minute clip features Tom Hiddleston as MCU fan favorite Loki walking and talking with Agent Mobius, played by Owen Wilson. The two discuss the purpose of the Time Variance Authority and Loki learns time passes differently in the TVA.

Loki will premiere on June 9, 2021, with new episodes arriving on Wednesdays on Disney+.

In addition to Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson, the season one cast of the much-anticipated comic book-inspired series includes Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku, and Richard E. Grant. The live-action series was directed by Kate Herron, with Michael Waldron serving as the head writer.

The Plot:

Marvel Studios’ Loki features the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother’s shadow in a new Disney+ series that takes place after the events of Avengers: Endgame.

Loki Series — Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Mobius (Owen Wilson) in Marvel Studios’ LOKI (Photo © Marvel Studios 2021)

Gordon Ramsay Adds ‘Next Level Chef’ to His Menu

By

Rebecca Murray

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May 17, 2021

Next Level Chef Gordon Ramsay — ‘Next Level Chef’ Mentor/Executive Producer Gordon Ramsay (Photo © 2021 FOX Media LLC)

Line cooks, home chefs, and food truck owners are among those competing on Fox and Gordon Ramsay’s new cooking competition series, Next Level Chef. The new original series will feature Gordon Ramsay and fellow award-winning chefs Nyesha Arrington and Gino D’Acampo as mentors to the chosen cooks as they compete to earn a $250,000 grand prize.

“Next Level Chef is a unique format that could only come from the delightfully brilliant culinary mind of Gordon Ramsay,” stated Rob Wade, President, Alternative Entertainment and Specials, FOX Entertainment. “We couldn’t be happier to bring Gordon, Nyesha, and Gino competing together on what is a new and innovative way into a cooking competition series.”

“This is the next evolution in cooking competitions,” said Gordon Ramsay. “It’s big and it’s bold, and I can’t wait for people to see it!”

The series was developed by the Studio Ramsay team led by Creative Director of Development Fernando De Jesus. Produced by FOX Alternative Entertainment and Studio Ramsay, Next Level Chef is executive produced by Gordon Ramsay, Lisa Edwards, and Matt Cahoon.

Fox released the following description of their latest cooking competition series:

Next Level Chef is the next evolution in cooking competitions, as Ramsay has designed a one-of-a-kind culinary gauntlet, set on an iconic stage like you’ve never seen. Over three stories high, each floor contains a stunningly different kitchen. From the glistening top floor to the challenging bottom of the basement, the ingredients will match the environment, because Ramsay believes the true test of great chefs is not only what they can do in the best of circumstances, but what kind of magic they can create in the worst!

With a level playing field, Ramsay has opened up the competition and scoured the country for the very best line cooks, home chefs, social media stars, food truck owners, and everything in between, all competing against one another with the goal of finding the food world’s newest superstar!

Joined by two elite names in the food world, chefs Nyesha Arrington and Gino D’Acampo, Ramsay and his co-mentors will leave no stone unturned, as they each recruit a group of talented chefs, and take them under their wings. Ramsay and his friends will attempt to bring out the very best in their cooks, as they all try to find “the one.”

Although he now sits unrivaled at the top of the culinary world, Ramsay started at the bottom, washing dishes in a local takeout restaurant. He firmly believes that as long as a chef has the drive, talent and perseverance, he or she can make that climb to the top. Creativity, consistency and cunning are the recipe for success to make it to the NEXT LEVEL, as the competitors adapt to the challenges waiting for them. Only one can walk away with a life-changing $250,000 grand prize, and become a Next Level Chef!

‘Walker’ Episode 12 Photos: “Tale of Two Families” Preview

By

Rebecca Murray

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May 17, 2021

The CW’s Walker season one episode 12 divulges more details of the days leading up to Emily’s death. Directed by Steve Robin from a script by Seamus Kevin Fahey and Anna Fricke, episode 12 – “A Tale of Two Families” – will air on May 20, 2021 at 8pm ET/PT.

In addition to Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker, the season one cast includes Kale Culley (Me, Myself and I) as August, Violet Brinson (Sharp Objects) as Stella, Keegan Allen (Pretty Little Liars) as Liam, Molly Hagan (Herman’s Head) as Abeline, and Mitch Pileggi (The X-Files) as Bonham. Coby Bell (The Gifted) plays Captain Larry James, Lindsey Morgan is Micki, and Jeff Pierre (Once Upon a Time) plays Trey Barnett.

“A Tale of Two Families” Plot: FLASHBACK – The show flashes back to the days right before and after Emily’s (Genevieve Padalecki) death and how the entire Walker family dealt with the sudden tragic loss.

The Plot, Courtesy of The CW:

Walker stars Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker, a widower and father of two with his own moral code, who returns home to Austin after being undercover for two years, only to discover there’s harder work to be done at home. He’ll attempt to reconnect with his creative and thoughtful son (Culley) and his headstrong, somewhat rebellious teenaged daughter (Brinson) and navigate clashes with his family – an ADA brother (Allen) who stepped in during Walker’s absence, his perceptive mother (Hagen) and his traditional rancher father (Pileggi).

Walker’s former colleague is now his Ranger Captain (Bell). Walker finds unexpected common ground with his new partner (one of the first women in Texas Rangers’ history) played by Lindsey Morgan, while growing increasingly suspicious about the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death.

Walker Season 1 Episode 12 — Kale Culley as August Walker and Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker in ‘Walker’ season 1 episode 12 (Photo: Rebecca Brennen © 2021 The CW Network)

‘This Is Us’ Season 5 Episode 15 Photos: “Jerry 2.0” Preview

By

Rebecca Murray

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May 17, 2021

Kevin and Madison get ready to exchange wedding vows on NBC’s This Is Us season five episode 15. “Jerry 2.O,” the season’s penultimate episode, will air on May 18, 2021. The big wedding season finale is set for May 25th.

NBC recently confirmed the upcoming sixth season will be the final season of This Is Us and will air as part of the network’s 2021-2022 midseason lineup.

The season five cast includes Mandy Moore as Rebecca, Milo Ventimiglia as Jack, Justin Hartley as Kevin, Sterling K. Brown as Randall, and Chrissy Metz as Kate. Susan Kelechi Watson plays Beth, Chris Sullivan stars as Toby, and Caitlin Thompson is Madison.

“Jerry 2.0” Plot: Kevin and Madison partake in their respective bachelor and bachelorette parties.

This Is Us Series Description, Courtesy of NBC:

Everyone has a family. And every family has a story. This Is Us chronicles the Pearson family across the decades: from Jack (Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (Moore) as young parents in the 1980s to their kids (the big three), Kevin (Hartley), Kate (Metz) and Randall (Brown) searching for love and fulfillment in the present day along with Toby (Sullivan) and Beth (Kelechi Watson). This grounded, life-affirming dramedy reveals how the tiniest events in our lives impact who we become, and how the connections we share with each other can transcend time, distance, and even death.

This Is Us Season 5 Episode 15 — Sterling K. Brown as Randall and Justin Hartley as Kevin in ‘This Is Us’ season 5 episode 15 (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ Film Review

By

Kevin Finnerty

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May 16, 2021

Those Who Wish Me Dead — FINN LITTLE and ANGELINA JOLIE in New Line Cinema’s ‘THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD’ (Photo Credit: Emerson Miller © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc)

A smart-ass smoke jumper, a deputy who’s about to become a first-time dad, a traumatized boy, and two professional hitmen battle each other and a massive fire in the action thriller, Those Who Wish Me Dead. Oscar-winner Angelina Jolie stars as Hannah, an experienced, thrill-seeking smoke jumper (referenced above) who’s been demoted to minding a watchtower in the Montana wilderness. The reason behind the demotion turns out to be the cause of Hannah’s PTSD and involves a bad call made while fighting a gigantic forest fire. She blames herself for the devastating tragedy caused by the fire and suffers from survivor’s guilt.

Over in Florida, Owen (Jake Weber), a forensic account, and his son Connor (Finn Little) are forced to go on the run because Owen has evidence that could ruin powerful men, including some congressmen and governors. Hot on their trail are two cleaners – Jack (Aidan Gillen) and Patrick (Nicholas Hoult) – sent to silence Owen before he can get to the press. The cleaners, through impressive detective work, are able to figure out Owen’s headed to Montana to hole up at the home of his brother-in-law, Ethan (Jon Bernthal), who happens to be a deputy.

It’s in the remote wilderness of Montana that the stories finally intersect after Hannah comes across a determined and terrified Connor. “My dad said if anything happened I should find someone I can trust. Are you someone I can trust?” asks Connor. Hannah, of course, answers yes. The two team up to try to get back to civilization and to safety while being pursued by the cleaners who ignite a massive fire to keep the authorities busy.

Reminiscent of ’90s action thrillers such as Twister and Cliffhanger, Those Who Wish Me Dead suffers from a weak, predictable script, characters who simply aren’t that interesting, and a lack of suspense.

Angelina Jolie delivers an adequate yet unimpressive performance as Hannah, a wise-cracking smoke jumper who used to love her job until tragedy struck due to her misreading of a fire. Hannah doubts herself and suffers from PTSD, making her leery of trusting her own judgment at crucial moments. Jolie overplays the quieter moments when Hannah’s alone in the watchtower and keeps reliving the terrible tragedy.

Jon Bernthal is solid as Ethan, an expectant father and dedicated deputy who ends up in way over his head trying to save Connor and Hannah from the two cleaners. Bernthal delivers the most authentic performance in the film.

Aidan Gillen and Nicholas Hoult are well paired as Jack and Patrick, the two cleaners who it’s made clear early in the film often work together and are extremely efficient at their jobs. It’s a shame their characters weren’t each given a little more personality. The talents of these two highly versatile actors are pretty much wasted portraying one-dimensional killers.

With characters that don’t engage us, a script that lacks any real tension, and disappointing action sequences, Those Who Wish Me Dead is unsatisfying and forgettable.

GRADE: C-

MPAA Rating: R for strong violence and language throughout

Running Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Release Date: May 14, 2021

Directed By: Taylor Sheridan

‘S.W.A.T.’ Season 4 Episode 17 Photos: “Whistleblower” Preview

By

Rebecca Murray

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May 16, 2021

Hondo continues to fight racism and the team works to free victims of a sex trafficking ring on CBS’s S.W.A.T. season four episode 17. Directed by Cherie Dvorak from a script by Ryan Keleher, episode 17 will air on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT.

Season four will conclude with episode 18, “Veritas Vincint,” on May 26th.

Shemar Moore leads the cast as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Alex Russell plays Jim Street, Jay Harrington is David “Deacon” Kay, and Lina Esco plays Christina “Chris” Alonso. Kenny Johnson stars as Dominique Luca, David Lim is Victor Tan, Patrick St. Esprit is Commander Robert Hicks, and Amy Farrington plays Lieutenant Piper Lynch. Lou Ferrigno, Jr. recurs as Rocker, Laura James is Molly, Otis Gallop is Stevens, and Lyndie Greenwood is Erika.

Episode 17 guest stars include Daniela Leon, Kiara Muhammad, Austin Rising, Bill Dawes, Wes Armstrong, Brad Ashten, Jordyn Lucas, Vladimir Perez, and Dylan Ramsey.

“Whistleblower” Plot: The team races to rescue victims of a sex trafficking ring that is preying on disenfranchised women. Also, Hondo finds himself at odds with Leroy and Darryl over the future of their business, and Street confronts Chris about meeting with his hospitalized mom.

Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:

Inspired by the television series and the feature film, S.W.A.T. stars Shemar Moore as a former Marine and locally born and raised S.W.A.T. sergeant, tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson strives to bridge the divide between his two worlds and acclimate to his new duties as the legal guardian of a teenager.