‘Fargo’ Season 4 Episode 8 Recap: “The Nadir”

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November 8, 2020

Fargo Season 4 Episode 8 — Karen Aldridge as Zelmare Roulette and Kelsey Asbille as Swanee Capps in ‘Fargo’ season 4 episode 8 (Photo by Elizabeth Morris/FX)

FX’s Fargo season four episode eight begins with Josto (Jason Schwartzman) suggesting an Election Day wedding to his fiancée, Dessie (Katie Kershaw), and her power-hungry politician father, Milvin Gillis (Eric Slater). However, just because he’s about to wed doesn’t mean he’s wrapped up his affair with Nurse Oraetta Mayflower (Jessie Buckley). Scenes of Oraetta and Josto having rough sex are interspersed with scenes from the wedding conversation with Dessie and Milvin.

Later, Josto’s in bed with Oraetta when he delivers the news he’s getting married soon. She’s surprised but not shocked, and he assures his lover it won’t affect their relationship. The marriage is simply a business arrangement. When Oraetta asks if Josto loves Dessie, he replies, “She knits.”

Oraetta responds, “I knit.”

After Josto heads to the bathroom, Oraetta rings up the hospital and pretends to be Dr. Harvard’s sister. She asks how he’s doing and learns he’s made a full recovery. She assumed he passed away after falling into a coma. Oraetta attempts to get his room number but is forced off the phone by Josto’s return.

Josto confesses Oweny Milligan did things to him that should never be done to a child. Oraetta doesn’t want to hear any more of that story, but Josto explains he’s happy to have someone to open up to. When he tells her he loves her, Oraetta screams at him to get out. “You make me sick, do you hear me?!” she yells.

Josto assures her that’s love and she’s just jealous he’s marrying Dessie. Oraetta demands he leave and not return.

Josto’s happiness about his love life quickly fades when he meets up with his men and finds Gaetano (Salvatore Esposito) sitting in the middle of the group, seated next to Ebal Violante (Francesco Acquaroli). Gaetano immediately attacks his big brother, tossing him in the air. Josto crashes through a table and Gaetano continues the beating, delivering a punch to the face that knocks his brother out.

Josto comes to to find his men apparently now supporting his brother, carrying on and having a good old time. Gaetano reveals he knows Josto murdered Satchel so that Loy would murder him. Surprisingly, Gaetano’s proud of his brother and gives him a hug. Gaetano, after calling Loy clever, explains he figured out Loy wanted him to kill Josto and take over the family. But Gaetano’s realized he’s the muscle while Josto is the brains. He kneels at Josto’s feet and pledges to protect his brother and follow his orders.

Josto warns that if Gaetano ever betrays him, he’ll kill him.

Loy (Chris Rock) learns the bad news that his plan didn’t work and instead helped forge a stronger relationship between the brothers.

Buel Cannon (J. Nicole Brooks) visits the Smutny family’s King of Tears Mortuary looking for her son. She takes a seat at the dining room table as she and Dibrell (Anji White) have a drink and chat. Buel reveals she knows Dibrell’s going to ask for her help and preemptively tells her she can’t offer any assistance. She explains people come to Loy when they have nothing left to lose. “But there’s lower you can go,” warns Buel.

She then reveals Satchel was killed. Dibrell suggests all they can do is have faith and then asks if Buel’s oldest son knows about his brother’s death. He doesn’t. Dibrell states her case, asking for help not for herself or her husband’s sake but for their daughter’s. “It can’t be that she falls because I was too stubborn or weak to ask for help. We will make it right – whatever it takes,” pleads Dibrell.

Buel asks if Dibrell will hold her son’s service and Dibrell says it would be her honor.

Meanwhile, Ethelrida (E’myri Crutchfield) listens to a French record she borrowed from Oraetta as she examines the Fadda ring she took from the nurse’s closet. Lemuel (Matthew Elam) enters the room and asks about her musical tastes. They discuss jazz and Lemuel says he’s only lugging boxes as “an experience.” His dream is to be a horn player.

Dibrell interrupts their conversation to let Lemuel know his mom’s waiting for him. After he leaves, she warns her daughter to keep her distance from Loy’s son. “He’s your captor, not your friend. You can’t afford to make mistakes,” says Dibrell.

Oraetta heads into work and thumbs through the ledger. She can’t find Dr. Harvard’s room number and discovers from another nurse that Harvard’s been transferred to a hospital specializing in the treatment of poisons. The nurse reveals he tested positive for Strychnine and has been transferred out of state while the police conduct an investigation.

Oraetta hurries home and begins packing her bags. She gathers up all the souvenirs she took from the patients she killed and discovers Ethelrida left her journal behind. Oraetta compares the handwriting and confirms Ethelrida is the anonymous letter-writer who told Dr. Harvard about her secret criminal activities.

Oraetta looks out the window and spots Ethelrida standing at the curb outside her family’s funeral home.

Loy makes a quick stop at home, with Opal (James Vincent Meredith) waiting near the car. U.S. Marshal Dick “Deafy” Wickware (Timothy Olyphant) approaches Opal who attempts to dismiss him and send him on his way. Dick doesn’t go away and instead compares weapons before showing off his badge.

Opal reluctantly stands aside and allows Dick to enter Loy’s home.

Loy explains he sent away his family, but Dick’s not interested in that. Dick confesses he seems to be stuck in this city, and Loy reveals he promised Zelmare and Swanee they wouldn’t be harmed. They discuss criminal activities, rules, and loyalty, and Loy even explains he’s a deacon at his church. Dick’s not impressed given that Loy traded his own son away for power and money.

Weapons are drawn and Dick is done playing semi-nice. If Loy can trade away his son, then he should be willing to give up Zelmare and Swanee’s location rather than have law enforcement come down hard on his organization.

Loy chuckles and confesses he likes Dick because of the way he’s unfriendly yet seems like he’s doing him a favor. Loy reveals Zelmare and Swanee are on the 10:00 train to Philadelphia. As Dick’s heading out, Loy warns him it’s no longer safe for him to return to Missouri.

Dick takes command of a group of officers at the police station, delivering instructions on how they’re going to approach the capture of Zelmare and Swanee. Odis Weff (Jack Huston) is among the men and approaches Dick after he’s done with the meeting. He asks to be allowed to participate in the raid and Dick will allow him if he reveals who he was speaking to on the phone while he was rattling off instructions. Odis admits he called Loy Cannon who told him to make sure Dick “gets” the girls. Loy doesn’t want this coming back on him and needs Odis to make sure they’re either locked up or dead.

Zelmare (Karen Aldridge) and Swanee (Kelsey Asbille) arrive at Union Station 20 minutes prior to departure time. Swanee heads off to shop for some sweets at the same time Odis and Dick are pulling up outside. Dick leads the officers into the station as Odis psychs himself up mentally to handle the upcoming stressful situation.

Zelmare and Swanee kick back on a bench, eating their candy and talking about how much they’ll miss this city.

Dick reminds his men their objective is to take the fugitives in alive, but if there’s any funny business they can shoot them.

Swanee has a vision of the cadaverous man Ethelrida saw in her hallway and Zelmare witnessed in their hotel room. The vision fades away but Swanee’s now on alert. Zelmare also notices a shift in the atmosphere and scans the crowd.

Dick’s on the second floor of the station when he sees his fugitives. Zelmare spots him, chuckles, and prepares for war. Swanee does the same as dozens of cops head down the stairs and into the station’s lobby.

Zelmare and Swanee kiss, preparing to go out in a blaze of glory. The fugitives fire at the approaching cops while innocent bystanders begin screaming and attempting to remove themselves from the line of fire.

Odis is still in the car, unable to calm himself down. He finally manages and joins his fellow officers as passengers stream out of the station.

Odis steps around the bodies of dozens of Zelmare and Swanee’s victims – both cops and civilians. The shots have ceased and he scans the area. Gunfire erupts from the second floor and Dick yells for Odis to join him. He’s cornered the fugitives who’ve now run out of bullets.

Dick instructs Odis to cuff the women and instead Odis shoots him in the chest before turning his gun on Swanee. A bullet to the forehead takes her down as Zelmare screams. She sees the cadaverous man watching from nearby, and then manages to run past Odis who shoots but misses.

Meanwhile, Gaetano joins Josto outside their home to discuss the whereabouts of Constant Calamita. Josto explains Antoon was supposed to kill Satchel but Rabbi Milligan shot him and saved the boy. Constant’s been sent out to kill Rabbi and Satchel. Gaetano wonders how Josto knows Rabbi won’t deliver the boy to Loy, and Josto doesn’t have an answer.

Some of the Fadda men are standing by a fire in the nearby field when suddenly a half dozen men emerge from the trees and begin shooting. Loy’s called in his favor and these are Mortie Kellerman (Kai Lennox) and his men who are on the attack outside the Fadda home. The Fadda goons don’t have a chance to fight back, but Gaetano immediately draws his guns and walks toward the attackers, firing as he closes the distance. They flee and Josto finally emerges from his hiding spot behind some logs.

During the shoot-out, bullets flew through the house’s windows and struck Gaetano and Josto’s mother. She’s dead. As the episode ends, Gaetano looks ready to explode with rage.

‘The Spanish Princess’ Season 2 Episode 5 Recap: “Plague”

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 8, 2020

The Spanish Princess Season 2 Episode 5 — Ruairi O’Connor and Charlotte Hope in ‘The Spanish Princess’ season 2 episode 5 (Photo Credit: Starz)

Starz’s The Spanish Princess season two episode five finds Queen Catherine (Charlotte Hope) absolutely devastated after discovering her husband, King Henry, is having an affair with her lady-in-waiting, Bessie Blount (Chloe Harris). Episode five opens with Lina (Stephanie Levi-John) asking Catherine how she’s able to bear this betrayal, and Catherine admitting she can’t.

Queen Catherine confesses there’s nothing she can do; King Henry refuses to confide in her or admit what he’s doing. King Henry (Ruairi O’Connor), on the other hand, is jubilantly celebrating the great job he did in arranging Ursula Pole and Henry Stafford’s marriage. He informs Catherine they’ll have a masque performed after the wedding.

Henry leaves but not before saying, “The sun is shining. It’s a beautiful day for a wedding!”

Maggie Pole (Laura Carmichael) and Lina arrive after Henry’s exit and confirm Princess Mary is thriving. Catherine remains detached from her daughter, unwilling to bond with her child.

Following the completion of the wedding, Meg (Georgie Henley) confronts King Henry and demands her inheritance. He refuses, using the excuse she failed to keep the peace in Scotland. He reminds her she was prohibited from marrying if she wanted to remain regent following King James’ death. It was her choice to disobey and hastily wed Angus Douglas.

Angered, Meg turns to Catherine and wonders how she can bear her “lying pig” of a brother. Meg warns she’s going to return to Scotland and reclaim what’s hers – with or without Henry’s help.

The masque commences and King Henry takes Queen Catherine’s hand while watching the dancers dressed as wild cats. Henry’s beaming while watching this performance, and Catherine takes that opportunity to ask her husband to come to her room that evening. He promises he will.

King Henry gives the performance a standing ovation. Catherine’s momentary joy vanishes when the female dancer removes her mask and is revealed to be Bessie. Those in attendance begin whispering as they realize what’s happened.

Thomas More (Andrew Buchan) and Maggie Pole have a quiet chat outside, away from the partying, and Maggie reveals her daughter seems content with Henry Stafford as a husband. She confesses she doesn’t enjoy carousing and instead likes to slip away. As they talk, they notice William Compton (Luke Mullins) nearby. William falls to the ground, dead, and Thomas pulls Maggie away. William has the plague.

Maggie gives instructions to evacuate the court. No one is to come near this area.

Queen Catherine and King Henry hurriedly prepare to leave court and Thomas Wolsey (Philip Cumbus) is able to easily convince Henry to take refuge at his Hampton Court Palace rather than Windsor. Catherine’s not pleased with this change, but Wolsey has his way having usurped her position of influence over King Henry.

Maggie Pole, Thomas More, and Oviedo (Aaron Cobham) remain behind as everyone else heads off to Hampton Court. Maggie and Thomas may have been infected, and Oviedo’s been ordered by King Henry to guard the palace. William’s body is burned as are the items of clothing Maggie, Thomas, and Oviedo wore while tending to his body.

Despite the circumstances, Maggie and Thomas seem happy to spend time alone together.

During their carriage ride to Hampton, Catherine assures Bessie that Henry will tire of her. She labels Bessie just a temporary plaything, and she’s sure Henry will return to her. She promises Bessie will eventually be cast out of the palace.

As they speak, Bessie becomes nauseous. It’s revealed Bessie is pregnant with Henry’s child.

Edward Stafford (Olly Rix) greets Catherine as she exits the carriage at Hampton Court and both are amazed at this court’s opulence and how its appearance is even more impressive than Westminster Palace. Where did Wolsey’s money come from? It definitely wasn’t inherited.

Edward believes Wolsey’s only hosting them to increase his chances at being named Chancellor.

Queen Catherine meets in private with King Henry and delivers the news Bessie’s pregnant. Henry asks if it’s his and Catherine reveals she knows of no other man who’s been bedding Bessie.

Henry commands Catherine fetch Bessie and once she’s located, Bessie joins them and admits Henry took her virginity. He’s the only man who’s ever shared her bed. Catherine wants her sent away, but Henry shocks her by demanding Bessie stay and be taken care of. He believes Bessie will deliver him a son and doesn’t appear concerned it will be a bastard.

The Spanish Princess Season 2 — Georgie Henley stars in ‘The Spanish Princess’ season 2 (Photo Courtesy of Starz)

Elsewhere, Meg returns to Scotland and asks the Duke of Albany (Gordon Kennedy) to turn over custody of her sons. He calls for them to be brought to her and assures Meg she can visit them whenever she likes. He reminds Meg he’s regent and warns blood will flow if the future king of Scotland is returned to the Earl of Angus’ custody. He reveals Angus has made himself at home at Holyrood and has been sleeping with Jane Stewart.

Over at Hampton Court, a lavish feast is underway as Charlie Brandon (Jordan Renzo) and Edward Stafford pepper Wolsey with questions as to the source of his wealth. Charlie asks about a hidden mistress and Catherine appears to be on the verge of tears.

Wolsey reveals the Pope has elevated him to cardinal. King Henry leads a toast to Wolsey as Catherine has had enough and leaves the table. Wolsey seizes that opportunity to embarrass the Queen on her way out of the room, leading his own toast to King Henry who “sires another child.” Those gathered are shocked, unaware Catherine’s pregnant. She confirms she’s not and Henry clarifies Bessie is carrying his child.

“This time I’m certain it’s a boy,” says King Henry, accepting congratulations from those at this table.

Later, King Henry joins Queen Catherine in her room, sending Bessie out. Catherine confesses she doesn’t want Bessie tending to her any longer, and Henry assures her Bessie means nothing to him. Henry explains that if Bessie can have a son, then he’ll know he’s not the problem – Catherine is.

Wolsey has Henry convinced God is punishing them.

Catherine leaves her room later and encounters Edward who shares important news. The French are paying Wolsey to influence King Henry on their behalf.

Back at Westminster, the body count rises as more people – including many children – fall victim to the plague. Maggie’s in the throne room when Thomas joins her, and she comments about the quietness. There aren’t any spies or gossips intruding on their peace. She recalls her youth in that very chamber and how she felt at home there, able to speak her mind freely.

With Thomas urging her on, she confesses what she’d like to speak about without any repercussions or judgment. Her private thoughts would reflect her desire for her mother’s touch and memories of only good things that happened before she lost her innocence. She also confesses she’d speak of love.

Queen Mary (Sai Bennett) writes to her brother, King Henry, to express sorrow over the news of the plague. She assures her brother she’s been a dutiful sister and reveals King Louis has died. (Their sex life might have played a part in his heart giving out.) After it’s confirmed she isn’t pregnant, she’ll be free to marry whomever she chooses.

Queen Catherine catches Bessie crying, and Bessie explains Wolsey told her she’d be sent away if she delivers a girl. Her family won’t take her back since she’s had sex out of wedlock. Bessie reveals they’ve told her she’ll have to make her living on the streets.

Apparently, King Henry had promised she’d be fine no matter what. Catherine isn’t sympathetic and demands Bessie pay better attention to Princess Mary.

Despite Wolsey’s attempt to shut her out, Queen Catherine speaks with King Henry as he’s looking over a list of prospective suitors. He’s reneging on his agreement and is attempting to figure out the best future husband for his now widowed sister, Mary. Catherine reminds him of his promise and is angry she brokered the deal he’s breaking.

Catherine shares the details of Wolsey’s wealth and how the French are paying him to speak with Henry. Henry reveals he actually set up the arrangement and gave Wolsey his blessing to accept bribes. Henry knows she, Edward Stafford, and Charlie Brandon mock Wolsey, but he claims Wolsey’s the one who understands him best and does his bidding.

King Henry gives Charlie Brandon an order to ride to France and fetch Mary, despite the fact the plague is still raging.

Catherine writes to Mary and warns her Henry isn’t going to honor his agreement. She explains Charlie will bring her home and suggests she do what she must before she returns to court.

Over in Scotland, Meg confronts Angus (Andrew Rothney) about his betrayal. He claims his plan was to keep her children safe and that Jane Stewart means nothing. Meg’s enraged but Angus continues to plead his case, saying he only slept with Jane because he was lonely, she was there, and he has needs. Jane finally speaks up and reveals they’ve been sleeping together since before he married Meg.

Meg kicks both Angus and Jane out of Holyrood, warning Angus never to return. “I will find a way to end this marriage or I will die in the attempt! You can have my word on that!” warns Meg.

Queen Catherine leaves King Henry’s bed chamber to discover Wolsey lurking outside, having eavesdropped on their lovemaking. He advises her that it won’t matter she’s smart, fierce, or capable if she can’t deliver a son.

Over in France, Mary plays the part of a grieving wife in public. In private, she’s ecstatic to reunite with Charlie Brandon. They catch up on news, and Charlie reveals Henry’s not the man he used to be.

Mary asks Charlie why she should be faithful to Henry when he lies and uses them. She believes they should make their own decisions and should choose each other. Mary doesn’t think Henry will take drastic action given she’s his sister and Charlie’s his best friend. She threatens to enter a nunnery if Charlie won’t have her. When he tells her she can’t, Mary replies, “Let’s fall in love then. Fall with me, Charlie Brandon.”

They kiss and sparks fly.

Lina finds Queen Catherine praying and reminds her she needs to eat. She confesses to having evil thoughts that involve the deaths of Bessie and her unborn child. Lina assures her everyone has evil thoughts and that God will forgive them. Catherine believes Bessie will be a good mother and thinks maybe she should be magnanimous. That could be God’s wish.

Catherine worries Henry’s planning on casting her out. Lina comforts Catherine, sure Henry would never do that to his wife and Queen.

Back in France, Charlie and Mary wed. They’re very much in love and their wedding night is filled with passionate lovemaking.

Days later, Lina’s overjoyed to receive a letter from Oviedo saying the plague has passed. Catherine’s also received a letter, but this one isn’t going to lift any spirits. She informs Henry that Mary and Charlie have wed, and initially Henry laughs. He quickly becomes enraged when he realizes Catherine isn’t joking. He threatens to behead them both and Catherine reminds him Mary was promised she could marry whomever she chose.

Henry believes Charlie’s committed treason, angered he would betray their friendship. Catherine suggests he read the letter, explaining they’re begging for his forgiveness. Catherine confirms she sent Mary a letter suggesting she make her own decision about marriage, but she did not tell her to wed Charlie. She adds, “They did that out of love. We were those lovers once. Perhaps you have forgotten.”

After he sends Wolsey away, Catherine lays it all out. She reminds him he never gave Meg her inheritance, he told Mary she could choose her second husband, and he promised her fidelity. Catherine even points out his promise to Bessie to feed and house her, but that was also a lie.

King Henry fights back by suggesting she broke her promise to him by not delivering a son. Since she failed, he’ll treat her as he pleases. As Catherine turns to leave an emotional Henry pleads, “I have a need for something I can not get. Give it to me, Catherine. Give me a son.”

Maggie and Thomas have one final quiet evening together. Thomas is introspective as he talks about never wanting to bring pain or anguish upon his children. He promises to always cherish his time alone with Maggie in their palace, saying it brought him great joy.

Maggie realizes there will never be anything more than friendship between her and Thomas.

Catherine writes to Mary and confirms Henry’s angry, suggesting they don’t return to England for now.

The time arrives and Lina attends to Bessie with assistance from Mary and Anne Boleyn. Her screams draw in Catherine and it’s obvious mom and baby are in distress. Lina explains Bessie’s unable to push the baby out, and Bessie’s panicking that both she and the baby will die. Catherine leaps into action, grabs a knife, and performs an episiotomy. (Lina initially assumed Catherine was going to stab either Bessie or the baby.)

Bessie delivers a boy. He appears healthy and Catherine immediately wraps him up and takes him to King Henry. “Henry, this day I give to you a son,” says Catherine.

Henry cradles the child and as he’s walking out to give thanks to God, he turns and thanks Catherine.

Review: ‘Let Him Go’ Starring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane

By

Kevin Finnerty

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November 7, 2020

Family and the powerful connection a woman feels for her son and grandson is at the core of the dramatic film, Let Him Go. Oscar-winner Diane Lane and two-time Oscar-winner Kevin Costner, who previously co-starred as Superman’s adoptive parents Jonathan and Martha Kent in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, reunite to play Margaret and George Blackledge, a married couple in their senior years who live on a quiet Montana ranch in the early 1960s.

The film opens with the shocking death of their son after being thrown by a horse. Jump ahead three years and their daughter-in-law Lorna (Kayli Carter) is getting married to a young man named Donnie Weboy (Will Brittain) at what feels to be more of a somber event than joyful.

Margaret desperately misses helping raise her grandson, Jimmy, which helped fill the void of losing her son. One day while shopping in town Margaret sees Lorna out with Donnie and her son and witnesses Donnie angrily slap them both. The next day Margaret visits Lorna to check in only to find that she, Donnie, and the boy have left in a hurry and are headed for North Dakota. Desperate to get her grandson back and fearing what Donnie might do to him and Lorna, Margaret convinces her husband they need to drive to North Dakota to find Lorna and convince her to come back to Montana with Jimmy.

En route to North Dakota, Margaret and George hear through the grapevine that Donnie moved back home to be with his mother, Blanche (Lesley Manville), and his brothers who have a dangerous reputation in the area.

Written and directed by Thomas Bezucha (Big Eden, The Family Stone), Let Him Go is a slowly paced, neo-western dramatic thriller elevated by the performances of the cast. Diane Lane delivers a memorable performance as Margaret, a woman who’s determined to get her grandson back no matter what the cost. Lane shows the strength, bullheadedness, and at times the naivety of the character who doesn’t fully realize just how dangerous the Weboy family clan is until it’s too late.

Kevin Costner delivers a stoic and subdued performance as George, a true family man and former sheriff who at first wants to give his wife the opportunity to say goodbye to her grandson and then becomes just as determined to save him from a horrible and deadly situation. It’s the wonderful chemistry between Costner and Lane as a seasoned couple who know each other inside and out that’s the best element of Let Him Go.

Lesley Manville is pitch-perfect in her portrayal of Blanche Weboy, the matriarch of the family. Manville’s Blanche is reminiscent of Ma Barker in style and manner, and Manville’s a commanding presence in every scene she’s in. It’s a truly powerful performance.

However, one big problem with the film is its soundtrack. There are scenes where the wistful and upbeat music seems to try to give the illusion or feel of a pleasant road trip while the behavior and attitude of the main characters are that of determination and concern for their rescue mission. It’s more than just a distraction – it’s completely inappropriate.

Another issue with the film is the pacing, which at times becomes painfully slow. This is most evident during the overly long and drawn out drive from Montana to North Dakota and the overuse of flashbacks to George and Margaret’s life together.

Still, with stellar performances and a solid rescue story at its core, Let Him Go is a film worth catching.

GRADE: B-

MPAA Rating: R for violence

Running Time: 1 hour 54 minutes

Release Date: November 6, 2020

‘Chicago Med’ Season 6 Episode 1 Photos, Plot Details, Cast and Trailer

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 6, 2020

NBC’s Chicago Med‘s sixth season kicks off on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT. “OneChicago” night continues with the Chicago Fire season nine premiere at 9pm ET/PT followed by Chicago P.D. season eight at 10pm ET/PT.

In support of the season six premiere, NBC’s just released a batch of photos from episode one as well as a brief plot description.

The cast of season six includes Nick Gehlfuss as Dr. Will Halstead, Torrey DeVitto as Dr. Natalie Manning, Oliver Platt as Dr. Daniel Charles, and Yaya DaCosta as April Sexton. Brian Tee plays Dr. Ethan Choi, S. Epatha Merkerson is Sharon Goodwin, Marlyne Barrett is Maggie Lockwood, and Dominic Rains plays Dr. Crockett Marcel.

“When Did We Begin to Change” Plot: The entire staff at Chicago Med adjusts to the new normal of the pandemic. Dr. Choi, Dr. Lanik and April fight on the front lines. Dr. Halstead and Hannah face a troubling reality. Dr. Charles tries to clear the air with his daughter following recent developments.

Series Description, Courtesy of NBC:

From Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf (the Law & Order and Chicago franchises), Chicago Med is an emotional thrill ride through the day-to-day chaos of the city’s newest state-of-the-art trauma center and into the lives of the courageous doctors, nurses and staff who hold it all together.</p.

Dr. Will Halstead balances the stress of being an emergency medicine physician with his complicated relationship with Dr. Natalie Manning, a specialist in emergency pediatrics. Newly widowed, Dr. Daniel Charles remains the Sherlock Holmes of psychiatry. Former Navy flight surgeon Dr. Ethan Choi brings his battlefield skills to the front lines of Chicago’s busiest ER, the go-to place for victims of the city’s gun violence. Work and personal life intersect with him and April Sexton, a smart, bold and intuitive nurse with the ability to adeptly tackle the most harried of circumstances in the hospital.

Sharon Goodwin, the venerable head of the city’s largest hospital, is under intense fiscal scrutiny to preserve the bottom line while continuing to ensure that all patients receive nothing short of quality care and compassion. Maggie Lockwood, the charge nurse and eyes, ears and brain of the ER, is skilled and confident but finds herself dealing with profound family issues of her own. Recent addition to the ER is ace surgeon Dr. Crockett Marcel, a New Orleans-raised surgeon whose breezy manner hides a tragic past.

Together they will confront Chicago’s most critical medical cases and challenging ethical dilemmas with courage, compassion and state-of-the-art treatment.

Chicago Med Season 6 Episode 1 — Yaya DaCosta as April Sexton in ‘Chicago Med’ season 6 episode 1 (Photo by: Elizabeth Sisson/NBC)

Chicago Med Season 6 — ‘Chicago Med’ season 6 poster (Photo by: NBC)

‘Supernatural’ Season 15 Episode 18 Recap: “Despair”

By

Saim Cheeda

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November 6, 2020

Supernatural Season 15 Episode 18 — Lisa Berry, Alexander Calvert, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, and Jared Padalecki in ‘Supernatural’ seaosn 15 episode 18 (Photo: Colin Bentley © 2020 The CW Network, LLC)

Maybe someone from The CW’s Supernatural has been reading my recaps because they delivered big on my hopes to see the stakes raised. And they sure did, in such a way that a main character has bowed out in season 15 episode 18 and in a manner that seemed quite impossible. As far as the tear-jerking quality, the show brought it and then some.

Picking up straight from the previous episode, Jack (Alexander Calvert) is about to explode when Billie (Lisa Berry) shows up. She teleports Jack away to the Empty where our favorite Nephilim does indeed explode, much to the horror of the Shadow (called as the Empty from here on out.)

Billie tells the heroes that the Empty is pissed she lied to it and she wants God’s death book back to see what’s changed since the plan went awry. Although she brings Jack back from the clutches of the Empty — the purpose of exploding him there was to avoid Earth being damaged as it turns out Jack was never in true danger — Billie claims she’s not giving the boy up. In response, Dean (Jensen Ackles) picks up Death’s scythe and slashes Billie with it, causing her to flee.

At night, the brothers share their fear of what’s to come next since Chuck is stronger than ever, Billie’s out to get them, Jack’s lost his powers, and Michael isn’t responding to their prayers. Personally, I don’t see why Michael or Adam would want to help the pair of brothers that abandoned him but I’ll keep the Winchester bashing at a minimum this time, so let’s move on.

Elsewhere, Alternate Charlie’s girlfriend disappears in front of her and she calls the boys for help. She’s not the only one, as it turns out people from the Apocalypse World are vanishing and the heroes figure out Billie is enacting her plan to send everyone back to where they belong, which means the alternate universe people are being sent to their destroyed world and those who were redirected will die again. This makes Sam (Jared Padalecki) realize that Eileen is in danger.

The heroes race over to Eileen’s place but it becomes clear through her texts to Sam that she’s already dead as her messages stop all of a sudden. When they get to her location, Eileen is nowhere to be found and her possessions are lying where she last stood.

Sam decides to get all of their friends who are in danger to one location and place a warding on it to perhaps save them from Billie. Meanwhile, Dean decides to kill Death using the same scythe. Castiel (Misha Collins) goes along with him and honestly this is the moment fans should treasure since it’s the last time the heroes will be seen together. Sadly, they don’t know this yet.

At the Men of Letters HQ, Dean and Castiel take the scythe and head to Death’s library. Here, Billie is already waiting for them but informs the duo that she’s not the one killing off all of their friends. That would be Chuck. Just then, Sam witnesses all of his friends start disappearing before his eyes, reminiscent of the Snap in Avengers: Infinity War. Only Jack and Sam are left, as the likes of Bobby, Charlie, and even Donna disappear — she was earlier said to be safe but looks like all bets are off for Chuck — and Sam is left speechless in horror with nothing he can do.

Billie also reveals to Dean and Castiel that any hit from the scythe is fatal, and shows her wound covered in green ooze which means her own death is moments away. She decides her dying wish is to kill Dean and gives chase to him and Castiel. The two head back to the HQ and barricade themselves in a room where Castiel uses a sigil to keep Billie at Bay, but it won’t last long.

For once, Dean admits he’s to blame as his plan went south and apologizes to Castiel. And this is where all the Destiel fans can finally pat themselves on the back for their endless “shipping” all these years.

As it happens, Castiel finally tells Dean about his deal with the Empty to take him when he’s truly happy and realizes this is it. Why? Well, that’s because Castiel realizes his happiness isn’t based on receiving it, it’s on giving it. He tells Dean that everything the latter has done, whether it’s good or bad, had been due to love. He’s been angry, hurt, and vengeful out of love. But Castiel appreciates this, as it was because of Dean that Castiel himself understood what it was like to love. Dean is confused, but a sobbing Castiel continues that this is his goodbye and he can die because he can tell Dean that he loves him. And that makes him truly happy to admit.

Just as he finishes his confession of love, the Empty appears to collect Castiel. Billie, who had just entered, is also taken due to the Empty’s beef with her. So, placing a hand on Dean’s shoulder — leaving the same mark he once had when he’d pulled Dean from Hell — Castiel pushes Dean aside and is taken forever to the Empty. Dean’s life is saved but at the cost of his best friend/potential love interest.

Honestly, I was certain Castiel would be dying before the finale since Misha Collins was never shown filming on set for the final episodes. The show pulled his end off very well since I didn’t feel as shattered as I did satisfied that he went out happy. The whole him being in love with Dean thing was a bit too fan service for me to totally believe it, but I guess this was a way of validating the relentless Destiel fanbase.

Let’s see what the final two episodes have in store. I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of Castiel and am still nervously waiting to see how Sam and Dean’s story ends.

‘The Blacklist’ Season 8 Episode 1 Preview: Photos, Cast, Plot, and Trailer

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 6, 2020

NBC’s The Blacklist will return to the network’s primetime schedule on November 13, 2020. With season eight episode one a week away, NBC’s released new photos from “Roanoke” along with a plot description and trailer.

New episodes of season eight will air on Fridays at 8pm ET/PT.

The cast of The Blacklist is led by James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington and Megan Boone as Elizabeth Keen. Diego Klattenhoff plays Donald Ressler, Amir Arison is Aram Mojtabai, Hisham Tawfiq is Dembe Zuma, and Harry Lennix stars as Harold Cooper.

“Roanoke” Plot: Red directs the Task Force to investigate Roanoke, a legendary criminal who orchestrates elaborate extractions. Meanwhile, Liz works to hatch a secret plan with her mother, Katarina Rostova (guest star Laila Robins).

Season 8 Description, Courtesy of NBC:

With his back against the wall, Raymond Reddington (Spader) faces his most formidable enemy yet: Elizabeth Keen (Boone). Aligned with her mother, infamous Russian spy Katarina Rostova, Liz must decide how far she is willing to go to find out why Reddington has entered her life and what his endgame really is. The fallout between Reddington and Keen will have devastating consequences for all that lie in their wake, including the Task Force they helped to create.

The Blacklist Season 8 Episode 1 — Megan Boone as Elizabeth Keen and James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington in ‘The Blacklist’ season 8 episode 1 (Photo by: Sony Pictures Television)

‘The Outpost’ Season 3 Episode 6 Photos: Preview of “Kill the Rat, Kill the Kinj”

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 6, 2020

The Outpost Season 3 Episode 6 — Jessica Green as Talon in ‘The Outpost’ season 3 episode 6 (Photo: Aleksander Letic/NBCU International © 2020 Outpost TV LLC. Courtesy of Electric Entertainment)

The Outpost continues its season three run on The CW with episode six, “Kill the Rat, Kill the Kinj.” Season three episode six was directed by Jonathan English from a script by Jason Faller and Kynan Griffin and will air on November 12, 2020.

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.

“Kill the Rat, Kill the Kinj” Plot: LET ME LEAD – Talon (Green) sets up a sanctuary for the infected while Janzo (Desai-Barochia) and Wren (Hoyle) conduct research to find a cure. Garret (Stormoen) investigates a cult using human sacrifices.

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.

‘This is Us’ Season 5 Episode 3 Photos: Preview of “Changes”

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 6, 2020

Season five of NBC’s This Is Us reflects the current state of the country, wi
th Covid-19 and systemic racism prominent issues in episodes one and two. Season five episode three, “Changes,” continues to address important issues and is set to air on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT.

Returning cast members include 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 is Beth and Chris Sullivan stars as Toby.

“Changes” Plot: Kevin and Madison navigate their engagement as Kate and Toby take a big step in their adoption journey. Jack and Rebecca brace for puberty.

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 3 — Tom Virtue as Dr. Grader, Milo Ventimiglia as Jack, and Mandy Moore as Rebecca in ‘This Is Us’ season 5 episode 3 (Photo by: NBC)

‘The Bachelorette’ Taps Tayshia Adams to Take Over Season 16

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 6, 2020

ABC The Bachelorette shakes things up with its first-ever mid-season bachelorette. Season 16’s Clare Crawley got engaged to Dale Moss, effectively ending her time as this season’s bachelorette. Enter fan favorite Tayshia Adams as the new star of The Bachelorette season 16.

Adams made her debut as The Bachelorette star last night, with her journey to fall in love set to begin in earnest on the Tuesday, November 10, 2020 episode.

Tayshia Adams was a contestant on season 23 of The Bachelor as well as season six of Bachelor in Paradise.

ABC offered this description of Tayshia Adams’ journey, as well as the following brief bio:

“Bachelor Nation first welcomed Tayshia on the 23rd season of The Bachelor, where a sudden turn of events ended her relationship with a tearful and unexpected goodbye. However, she was no stranger to dealing with heartbreak, after having experienced it in her past marriage. So, a hopeful and determined Tayshia returned to find love in a romantic oasis during the sixth season of Bachelor in Paradise, where the match she made was not her forever love.

Now with the support of her family and friends, she is ready to leave behind her past relationships and bring her purest of intentions to give love another chance. With her parents’ 32-year marriage as her example, she is ready to find that forever love she has been waiting for – the kind her parents have shown her is possible.

A native of Orange County, California, Tayshia is your not-so-basic girl next door who loves a little adrenaline and never misses church on Sundays. Spending time with her family is one of her favorite ways to enjoy her days, and for this sunshine-loving California girl, family is everything! When she’s not co-hosting her new pop-culture podcast “Click Bait with Bachelor Nation,” Tayshia loves to travel and is passionate about exploring all the world has to offer; all she is missing now is a partner with whom to share these experiences.

Tayshia can’t wait for her next plus-one to be THE one with whom she can spend the rest of her life. So, open up the pools because she’s ready to dive in deep and find her life partner as the extraordinary season of The Bachelorette continues.”

The Bachelorette Tayshia Adams — Tayshia Adams is the new star of ‘The Bachelorette’ season 16 (ABC)

‘CMA Awards’ Adds Justin Bieber, Keith Urban and Jason Aldean as Performers

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 5, 2020

The second batch of performers has been announced for the upcoming 54th Annual CMA Awards set to air on November 11, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT on ABC. Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Ingrid Andress, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber, Jenee Fleenor, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice, Keith Urban, and Morgan Wallen are confirmed to take the stage during the Country music celebration.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring all of these incredible performances to life next Wednesday night and give our artists the chance to come together, in a big way, on television for the first time in months,” said Robert Deaton, CMA Awards Executive Producer. “As safety is our top priority, we have worked tirelessly over the past several months to fully transform Music City Center into a breathtaking setup that resembles the very first ‘CMA Awards Banquet & Show’ from 1967 and ensures our nominees, performers and their guests a fully safe and physically distant environment. We are honored, in this very challenging time, to help provide an escape and deliver a live awards show experience unlike any other this year.”

The Country Music Association announced Brothers Osborne, Jenee Fleenor, Ashley McBryde, Jason Aldean, and Dierks Bentley will collaborate to perform what’s described as an “epic, multi-song show opening tribute” to the late Charlie Daniels.

Dan + Shay will team up with Justin Bieber to perform their three-time nominated song “10,000 Hours.” The performance will mark the song’s world television premiere. Keith Urban is set to entertain country fans with “God Whispered Your Name,” performed in Australia.

Jimmie Allen will sing “Best Shot” and will present the 2020 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award to the legendary Charley Pride. Little Big Town will pay tribute to Kenny Rogers, while Jon Pardi’s performance will honor Joe Diffie.

The 40th anniversary of Urban Cowboy will be celebrated with a special performance of “Looking for Love” by Old Dominion. Ingrid Andress will sing “More Hearts Than Mine,” Morgan Wallen is set to sing “More Than My Hometown,” and Carly Pearce and Lee Brice will sing “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”

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