‘His Dark Materials’ Gets a Third Season Renewal from HBO and BBC One

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December 22, 2020

His Dark Materials Season 2 — Amir Wilson and Dafne Keen in season 2 of ‘His Dark Materials’ (Photo Courtesy of HBO)

The sci-fi fantasy drama His Dark Materials has been renewed for a third season, as just confirmed by HBO and BBC One. Season two premiered on November 16, 2020 and season three is expected to begin shooting in Cardiff in 2021.

The renewal order comes a week ahead of the season two finale set to air on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT.

“Bringing Phillip Pullman’s epic, intricate and culturally resonant body of work to television has been a tremendous privilege,” said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming. “We thank our incredible partners at the BBC and the entire Bad Wolf team, led by the indefatigable Jane Tranter, for their exceptional work on the first two seasons. We look forward to completing the trilogy with this final chapter in Lyra’s journey.”

“It’s been a joy to see how His Dark Materials has brought British TV audiences of all ages together on BBC One and BBC iPlayer,” stated Ben Irving, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor, Wales. “Fans of Phillip Pullman’s incredible books, and newcomers alike, have been enthralled by adventuring with Lyra and Will through multiple worlds. We are thrilled that they will be able to continue their journey in a third series of this beautifully realized drama. Our thanks to our partners at HBO and the dedicated creative team at Bad Wolf for making a landmark series that will continue to be watched and enjoyed on the BBC for years to come.”

Season two consists of seven episodes while season three will be expanded to eight. The critically acclaimed drama stars Dafne Keen as Lyra, Amir Wilson as Will, Ruth Wilson as Mrs. Coulter, and Ariyon Bakare as Carlo. Andrew Scott plays Colonel John Parry, Will Keen is Father MacPhail, Ruta Gedmintas is Serafina Pekkala, and Lin-Manuel Miranda stars as Lee Scoresby. Season two also featured Terence Stamp as Giacomo Paradisi, Jade Anouka as Ruta Skadi, and Simone Kirby as Dr. Mary Malone.

“His Dark Materials has been a truly global TV experience and a personal career highlight,” said executive producer Jane Tranter. “The creative team at Bad Wolf in Cardiff made the impossible possible and brought Philip Pullman’s worlds into vivid life. To see that hard work and dedication applauded and embraced by fans around the world has made all the hard work worthwhile. None of this would have been possible without the wonderful commitment and conviction of the BBC and HBO. I am excited, thrilled and honoured to be making the third part of Philip Pullman’s trilogy with their support and encouragement. Diolch”

The Season 2 Plot, Courtesy of HBO and BBC One:

The series follows Lyra (Keen), a seemingly ordinary but brave young woman from another world. Season two began as Lyra, distraught over the death of her best friend, embarks upon a journey in a strange and mysterious abandoned city. There she meets Will (Wilson), a boy from our world who is also running from a troubled past. Lyra and Will learn their destinies are tied to reuniting Will with his father but find their path is constantly thwarted as a war begins to brew around them. Meanwhile, Mrs. Coulter (Wilson) searches for Lyra, determined to bring her home by any means necessary.

Review: ‘Promising Young Woman’ is a Bold, Effective Revenge Thriller

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 22, 2020

Promising Young Woman Carey Mulligan — Carey Mulligan stars as “Cassandra” in director Emerald Fennell’s ‘Promising Young Woman’ (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features)

Writer/director Emerald Fennell’s wickedly entertaining Promising Young Woman is a gratifying – albeit disturbing – revenge thriller. Carey Mulligan is brilliant as an intelligent, promising young woman who spends her nights teaching sexual predators lessons they’ll never forget.

Fennell’s best known for shepherding the terrific second season of Killing Eve as showrunner. That show’s dark humor is similar to what Fennell’s incorporated into this twisted revenge tale. They also share a similar sense of heightened reality in seemingly normal situations.

The story follows Carey Mulligan as Cassie, a former medical school student who left college following a traumatic event. That event, the description of which is withheld for the first half of the film, left Cassie damaged and no longer interested in pursuing a career in medicine. She now spends her days working at a coffee shop and her nights in bars pretending to be drunk and vulnerable. There’s no shortage of men willing to “help” this defenseless, intoxicated woman get home, and Cassie keeps a ledger of the reprobates who attempt to take advantage of her while she’s in a helpless state. These lecherous creeps are always shocked to discover Cassie’s fully in control of her senses as well as in control of their encounter.

Other than her nightly excursions to expose vulgar men who prey on vulnerable women, Cassie’s withdrawn into herself and appears to enjoy only the company of her boss, Gail (Laverne Cox), at the coffee shop. Cassie’s moved back home and her lack of ambition and depressed personality have her parents (Jennifer Coolidge and Clancy Brown) justifiably concerned about her mental state.

It’s only after Cassie begins dating handsome pediatric surgeon Ryan (Bo Burnham) – following a unique meet-cute involving spit – that her mom and dad believe there’s a chance their smart and funny daughter will re-emerge.

Ryan appears to be a nice, well-adjusted guy who makes Cassie happy. Their connection allows her to lower her defenses, relax, and breathe. The traumatic event from college doesn’t fade away but Cassie’s able to push those memories to the side and enjoy Ryan’s love and attention.

But Promising Young Woman is a revenge thriller which means a happy, healthy Cassie can’t possibly last long, right? Cassie wants/demands a reckoning for what transpired in college. As her quest for atonement takes shape, it’s impossible not to crave a just outcome for this promising young woman.

Fennell’s Promising Young Woman is full of ugly men (effectively played by Adam Brody, Sam Richardson, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse) who deserve whatever Cassie dishes out. This is the perfect film for the #MeToo movement, but also the perfect film for those who love stylish, unique dark comedies. The subject matter is serious and disturbing, but Fennell manages to infuse this twisted tale with moments of unexpected hilarity – often at the most shocking of times.

In the titular role, Mulligan delivers an incredible, career-defining performance that’s complex and heart-wrenching. Mulligan plays Cassie as strong yet vulnerable, whip-smart with an edge, and with a wicked sense of humor. The film shifts tone – sometimes within a single scene – and Mulligan easily slips into Cassie’s many moods.

Focus Features’ Promising Young Woman is a brutally honest yet completely unexpected twist on the female empowerment/revenge fantasy. Don’t just read the synopsis and assume you know the score. Fennell pulls off complicated plot twists without cheating or playing loose with logic. And that final act is, well, let’s just say it’s all you could hope for and yet not in the least bit what you expected.

GRADE: A

MPAA Rating: R for sexual assault, language throughout, drug use, some sexual material, and strong violence

Release Date: December 25, 2020

Running Time: 1 hour 53 minutes

CBS is Positive ‘B Positive’ is a Ratings Winner

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 21, 2020

Five episodes into season one, CBS has awarded B Positive a full season order. The new half-hour comedy was created by Marco Pennette and is currently airing on Thursdays at 8:30pm ET/PT.

Emmy Award nominee Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) and Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford (You Can’t Take It with You) lead the cast as Drew and Gina. Season one also stars Kether Donohue as Gabby, Sara Rue as Julia, Izzy G as Maddie, and Terrence Terrell as Maddie.

Middleditch stars as a therapist and divorced dad who discovers he needs a new kidney. Ashford plays Gina, “a rough-around-the-edges woman from his past who volunteers hers.”

Chuck Lorre and Marco Pennette are executive producers, with Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. producing.

B Positive was inspired by Pennette’s actual experience as the recipient of a kidney donated by a childhood friend. “I remember thinking at the time, as terrified as I was, that if I actually survive this, this could be a great series,” recalls Pennette.

Season one will return from its winter holiday break on Thursday, January 7, 2021 with an episode titled “Open Heart Surgery.” Per CBS, “Open Heart Surgery” finds Gina needing to keep herself together to pass a psych evaluation while dealing with the news of an ex’s engagement.

‘Prodigal Son’ Season 2 Episode 1: Photos, Cast, Trailer and Air Date

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 21, 2020

Fox promises a “killer” new season of Prodigal Son is in store beginning on January 12, 2021. Season two episode one, “It’s All in the Execution,” finds someone losing their head and Malcolm back in full-on murder investigation mode.

Fox just released the first batch of photos from season two episode one. They’ve also put out a new video featuring the cast teasing what’s in store with the new season. (See below).

The cast is led by Tom Payne as Malcolm Bright and Michael Sheen as his serial killer dad, Dr. Martin Whitly. Bellamy Young is Jessica Whitly, Halson Sage plays Ainsley Whitly, Lou Diamond Phillips is NYPD Lieutenant Gil Arroyo. Aurora Perrineau plays Dani Powell, Keiko Agena is Dr. Edrisa Tanaka, and Frank Harts is JT Tarmel.

Season 2 Description, Courtesy of Fox:

Prodigal Son follows Malcolm Bright, a criminal profiler with a rare talent for getting inside the minds of killers. He learned how they think because his father, Dr. Martin Whitly was a notorious serial killer known as “The Surgeon.” Now he’s using his twisted genius to help the NYPD solve their most puzzling murders. Bright’s team, led by his longtime mentor, NYPD Lieutenant Gil Arroyo, includes Detectives Dani Powell, JT Tarmel and medical examiner Dr. Edrisa Tanaka.

Season Two picks up with Bright’s personal life in disarray after his sister Ainsley’s shocking actions in the Season One finale. Now, he must “take care” of her and protect his mother Jessica Whitly from a secret that could tear the family apart all over again! Further complicating matters, Martin seeks to deepen his relationship with Bright, his prodigal son, but forging this bond leads to shocking twists and revelations.

Prodigal Son Season 2 Episode 1 — Tom Payne and Aurora Perrineau in the “It’s All In The Execution” season two premiere episode of ‘Prodigal Son’ (Photo by Phil Caruso © 2020 Fox Media LLC)

‘The Outpost’ Season 3 Episode 12: Photos, Plot, Cast and Air Date

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 21, 2020

The Outpost Season 3 Episode 12 — Jessica Green as Talon and Reece Ritchie as Zed in ‘The Outpost’ season 3 episode 12 (Photo: Aleksander Letic / NBCU International © 2020 Outpost TV LLC. Courtesy of Electric Entertainment)

The CW’s The Outpost isn’t taking a winter holiday break and instead will be continuing season three with a new episode on Sunday, December 27, 2020. Episode 12, “Where Death Lives,” was directed by Milan Todorovic from a script by Jason Faller and Kynan Griffin.

The cast is led by Jessica Green as Talon and includes Jake Stormoen as Captain Garret Spears, Imogen Waterhouse as Gwynn Calkussar/Rosmund, Anand Desai-Barochia as Janzo, and Aaron Fontaine as Tobin. Reece Ritchie plays Zed, Izuka Hoyle is Wren, Jaye Griffiths is Yavalla, Georgia May Foote is Falista, and Adam Johnson as Munt.

“Where Death Lives” Plot: IT HAS BEGUN – Talon (Green) and Zed (Ritchie) learn painful truths about their relatives. Tobin (Fontaine) makes a heroic rescue and Yavalla’s (Griffiths) horde grows as the Outpost prepares for battle.

Series Description, Courtesy of The CW:

After summoning Zed (Ritchie) and his Blackblood comrades to save the Outpost, Talon (Green) finds herself betrayed by her own kind and struggles to reconcile her human friends and her Blackblood heritage. With the demonic Lu Qiri providing the muscle to enforce Zed’s master plan, the Outpost’s human inhabitants are enslaved as miners in search of a mysterious substance to solve a dark riddle.

From her bedroom under house arrest, Gwynn (Waterhouse) plots her escape and the overthrow of her new foes. To save her beloved Garret (Stormoen), Talon is forced to summon a Blackblood Priestess named Yavalla (Griffiths) into the world. Yavalla prophesies a paradise for Blackbloods, and an era of peace for the world, but she soon discovers a power that threatens every living creature.

As Gwynn and Tobin (Fontaine) become Yavalla’s unwilling allies, Talon and her friends must fight, suffer, and sacrifice their way to save each other and vanquish their new enemies. As Talon discovers more about her lost family from Yavalla, she must piece together the truths from the lies, and solve the mystery of her heritage and a forgotten power, before the world becomes enslaved to a new power that could consume every living being.

Robin Wright’s Directorial Debut ‘Land’ Debuts a Fascinating Trailer

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 21, 2020

Award-winning actress Robin Wright (House of Cards) steps behind the camera for her first feature film as director with the dramatic thriller, Land. The official nearly three minute trailer reveals Wright starring as a woman who makes her home in the wilderness, away from society.

Robin Wright’s joined by Oscar nominee Demián Bichir (A Better Life) and Screen Actors Guild nominee Kim Dickens (Deadwood) in front of the camera. Jesse Chatham and Erin Dignam wrote the screenplay, and Allyn Stewart, Lora Kennedy, Leah Holzer, and Peter Saraf produced.

Focus Features is planning a February 12, 2021 theatrical release following Land‘s world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

Land Star Robin Wright — Robin Wright stars as “Edee” in her feature directorial debut ‘Land,’ a Focus Features release. (Photo Credit : Daniel Power / Focus Features)

The Plot, Courtesy of Focus Features:

From acclaimed actress Robin Wright comes her directorial debut Land, the poignant story of one woman’s search for meaning in the vast and harsh American wilderness. Edee (Wright), in the aftermath of an unfathomable event, finds herself unable to stay connected to the world she once knew and in the face of that uncertainty, retreats to the magnificent, but unforgiving, wilds of the Rockies. After a local hunter (Bichir) brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again.

Peter Jackson Shares Updates on His The Beatles Documentary

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 21, 2020

Three-time Oscar winner Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King) hosts a sneak peek of his upcoming The Beatles: Get Back music documentary which has – like every other film – been delayed due to Covid-19. The nearly six-minute video begins with an introduction and setup by Jackson followed by nearly four minutes of footage of The Beatles in the recording studio.

“We wanted to give the fans of The Beatles all over the world a holiday treat, so we put together this five-minute sneak peek at our upcoming theatrical film The Beatles: Get Back. We hope it will bring a smile to everyone’s faces and some much-needed joy at this difficult time,” explained Jackson.

The Beatles: Get Back is targeting an August 27, 2021 theatrical release.

The music documentary is a Walt Disney Studios, Apple Corps Ltd., and WingNut Films Productions Ltd. production. Jackson directs and also produces with Clare Olssen and Jonathan Clyde. Ken Kamins and Jeff Jones are involved as executive producers. Jackson’s behind the scenes team includes editor Jabez Olssen (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) and Giles Martin (Rocketman) and Sam Okell (Yesterday) mixing the music.

Film Details, Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios:

“Acclaimed filmmaker Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back is a unique cinematic experience that takes audiences back in time to The Beatles’ intimate recording sessions during a pivotal moment in music history. The film showcases the warmth, camaraderie and creative genius that defined the legacy of the iconic foursome.

Shot in January 1969 and compiled from over 60 hours of unseen footage (filmed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg) and more than 150 hours of unheard audio, all of which has been brilliantly restored, The Beatles: Get Back is the story of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr as they plan their first live show in over two years and charts the writing and rehearsing of 14 new songs, originally intended for release on an accompanying live album. The film features – for the first time in its entirety – The Beatles’ last live performance as a group, the unforgettable rooftop concert on London’s Savile Row as well as other songs and classic compositions featured on the band’s final two albums, Abbey Road and Let It Be.”

‘Magnum P.I.’ Season 3 Episode 4: Photos, Plot, Air Date, and Cast

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 21, 2020

Magnum PI Season 3 Episode 4 — Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum and Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins in ‘Magnum P.I.’ season 3 episode 4 (Photo © 2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

A mixed martial arts fighter needs Magnum and Higgins’ help on CBS’s Magnum P.I. season three episode four. Directed by Eagle Egilsson from a script by Eric Guggenheim and Mike Diaz (story by Aaron Lam and Peter M. Lenkov), episode four will air on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT.

Jay Hernandez leads the cast as Thomas Magnum. Perdita Weeks is Juliet Higgins, Zachary Knighton is Orville “Rick” Wright, Stephen Hill is Theodore “TC” Calvin, Tim Kang stars as Det. Gordon Katsumoto, and Amy Hill as Teuila “Kumu” Tuileta.

Guest stars include Kimee Balmilero, Dennis Chun, Joseph Mareko, Linda Good, Chris Putt, and Lance Lim. Zack Harris, Peter Jae, Pake Salmon, Terrell Tilford, Kordell C.L. Kekoa, Katy M. O’Brian, Yancy Medeiros, and Zeus Kang also guest star in episode four.

“First the Beatdown, Then the Blowback” Plot: Magnum and Higgins help an up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighter who is being pressured by a gang to throw an illegal fight. Also, Kumu is arrested for stealing an artifact from a collector that should be returned to its original resting place.

Series 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!

‘Blue Bloods’ Season 11 Episode 4 Photos, Air Date, Plot and Cast

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 21, 2020

Frank has to make a difficult decision about a decorated detective in CBS’s Blue Bloods season 11 episode four. Directed by Alex Chapple from a script by Ian Biederman, episode four will air on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT.

Tom Selleck returns to lead the cast as Frank Reagan, Donnie Wahlberg is Danny Reagan, and Bridget Moynahan plays Erin Reagan. The cast also includes Will Estes as Jamie Reagan, Len Cariou as Henry Reagan, Sami Gayle as Nicky Reagan-Boyle, Marisa Ramirez as Det. Maria Baez, and Vanessa Ray plays Officer Eddie Janko.

Guest stars include Keilyn Durrel Jones, Ali Stroker, Heather Alicia Simms, Michael Marc Friedman, Audrey Kennedy, and Zach McNally. Ken Allen Neely, Christopher L. Graves, Ari Barkan, Jillian Macklin, Chelsea Reed Davis, Brandon Rush, Kisha Barr, Ethan Hova, and Julia Cosaluzzo also guest star in “Redemption.”

“Redemption” Plot: Frank must decide whether the department can accommodate a request to remain in the field from Detective Allison Mulaney (Stroker), a lauded cop who is wheelchair-bound after being wounded in the line of duty. Also, Erin is conflicted by the weight of her authority in the sentencing of a man guilty of vehicular homicide, Danny and Baez pursue a rideshare rapist and Jamie and Eddie team up to aid a fellow officer when his partner is shot on the job.

Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:

Blue Bloods is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Frank Reagan is the New York Police Commissioner, and heads both the police force and the Reagan brood. He runs his department as diplomatically as he runs his family, even when dealing with the politics that plagued his unapologetically bold father, Henry, during his stint as Chief.

A source of pride and concern for Frank is his eldest son, Danny, a seasoned detective, family man and Iraq War vet who on occasion uses dubious tactics to solve cases with his partner, Detective Maria Baez. The Reagan women in the family include middle daughter, Erin, a New York Assistant D.A. who serves as the legal compass for her siblings and father, and is a single parent to her daughter Nicky, who is pursuing a career in San Francisco. Jamie is the youngest Reagan, a Harvard Law graduate and the family’s “golden boy.”

Unable to deny the family tradition, Jamie decided to give up a lucrative future in law and follow in the family footsteps as a cop. He’s found a friend and ally in his wife, Eddie, who keeps him on his toes, and has very different reasons than the Reagans for joining the police force. The Reagans welcomed a new family addition after Frank learned his deceased son, officer Joe Reagan, has an adult child they never knew about, a young man who is a rising NYPD cop.

Blue Bloods Season 11 Episode 4 — Ali Stroker as Detective Allison Mulaney and Tom Selleck as Frank Reagan in ‘Blue Bloods’ season 11 episode 4 (Photo: Patrick Harbron © 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc.)

‘All Rise’ Season 2 Episode 6 Photos, Plot, Cast and Air Date

By

Rebecca Murray

-

December 21, 2020

All Rise Season 2 Episode 6 — Simone Missick as Lola Carmichael in ‘All Rise’ season 2 episode 6 (Photo © 2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

CBS’s legal drama All Rise returns from its brief winter break on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT. Season two episode six, “Bounceback,” was directed by Michael M. Robin from a script by Greg Spottiswood and finds Lola increasingly nervous (and hopeful) and her upcoming delivery.

Simone Missick leads the cast as Judge Lola Carmichael, Wilson Bethel plays Mark Callan, Marg Helgenberger is Lisa Benner, and Jessica Camacho stars as Emily Lopez. J. Alex Brinson plays Luke Watkins, Lindsay Mendez is Sara Castillo, Ruthie Ann Miles is Sherri Kansky, Lindsey Gort plays Amy Quinn, and Audrey Corsa is Samantha Powell.

Guest stars include Anne Heche as police union lawyer Corinne Cuthbert and Rick Fox as August Fox, who introduces Luke to the idea of restorative justice. Paul McCrane, Peter MacNicol, Samantha Marie Ware, Ian Anthony Dale, L. Scott Caldwell, Suzanne Cryer, P.J. Byrne, Isaiah Johnson, and Nick Wechsler also guest star.

“Bounceback” Plot: It’s a new year and Lola’s baby is due any day. She learns the jury was going to deliver a “not guilty” verdict in a case in which she pressured defendant Leon Parsons (Johnson) to take a plea deal, forcing her to decide whether to let the plea stand and protect her reputation, or reveal what she knows to Leon.

Also, Mark’s in the midst of an intense negotiation with DA Louis Bravo (Dale) regarding how and when to arrest and charge Deputy Sheriff Rashel (Wechsler) for attempted murder, when Mark is the victim of a brazen knife attack.

Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:

All Rise is a courthouse drama that follows the chaotic, hopeful and sometimes absurd lives of its judges, prosecutors and public defenders, as they work with bailiffs, clerks and cops to get justice for the people of Los Angeles amidst a flawed legal process. Among them is newly appointed Judge Lola Carmichael, a highly regarded and impressive deputy district attorney who doesn’t intend to sit back on the bench in her new role, but instead leans in, immediately pushing the boundaries and challenging the expectations of what a judge can be.