‘Fargo’ Season 4 Episode 11 Recap: “Storia Americana” Finale

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November 29, 2020

Fargo Season 4 Episode 11 — Jason Schwartzman as Josto Fadda in ‘Fargo’ season 4 episode 11 (Photo Credit: FX)

And now we’ve come to the end of FX’s Fargo season four. Episode 11, “Storia Americana,” offers up a few chills, lots of thrills, more than a few kills, and a final scene that confirms a major plot twist. Don’t tune out without watching the credits as there’s a surprise appearance in the final two minutes that’s absolutely pivotal to the season four story.

Season four episode 11 opens with a montage of all the key players who’ve bitten the dust over the previous 10 episodes. Mixed into this recap of the dead are scenes of Josto (Jason Schwartzman) drinking as he thinks about his dead brother, as well as a snippet of Loy Cannon (Chris Rock) meeting with Ebal Violante (Francesco Acquaroli) in the park.

Over at the Smutny place, Loy’s men are removing boxes that had been stored in the funeral home as the property is turned back over to the family.

Loy hands over Donatello Fadda’s missing ring to Ebal in the park while over at the hospital, Doctor Harvard (Stephen Spencer) – recently recovered from the poisoning meant to kill him – calls Nurse Oraetta Mayflower a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Josto’s an angry drunk and he shows up at the hospital and grabs Dr. Harvard as he’s heading to his car. After a smack in the head, he sticks him in the backseat next to his now ex-future father-in-law, Milvin Gillis (Eric Slater). A short drive later, both men are dead in the backseat. The car’s riddled with bullet holes as Josto leans against the hood, having a smoke. He finishes up and sets the car on fire, tosses his gun, and casually walks away.

Murderess Oraetta Mayflower’s bail is paid and she’s set free. The cops don’t tell her who supplied the bail money and Oraetta (Jessie Buckley) hightails it out of there, less concerned about who and more concerned about putting some distance between herself and a jail cell.

Loy assures Ebal they can end the war if Ebal’s able to get his house in order.

Josto’s informed the deal he struck with Happy has paid off, which is actually far from the truth. Loy’s in on the plan and has his men mow down Happy and a few of his minions while they’re eating at Spud’s. Happy’s nephew, Leon (Jeremie Harris), was tasked with putting a bullet in Loy but when he arrives in Loy’s hotel room and prepares to shoot his ex-boss in the back, he’s grabbed by Opal (James Vincent Meredith) and choked to death.

Loy’s so cool and collected he doesn’t even turn around from his spot staring out the window to watch Opal off Leon.

Josto expects to be part of a celebration when he meets up with his men but instead everyone’s standing behind Ebal. He’s shocked to see Oraetta among the group and she greets him, mistakenly assuming he’s the one who bailed her out.

“You stand accused of crimes against the family,” states Ebal, adding, “You have conspired with this woman to kill your own father.”

Oraetta confirms Josto asked her to kill his father in the hospital, but Josto’s confused and claims he’s innocent. Oraetta reminds Josto he said his dad was in a lot of pain and he didn’t like to see him like that. Plus, he specifically asked, “Will you take care of him?”

Josto proclaims his innocence, but the fact they shared many nights together at her apartment doesn’t help his case. Josto attempts to order Ebal to stop this mess but to no avail. They don’t believe his story that he never wanted his father dead.

“You kill your father so you can wear the crown. Then you kill your brother so you don’t have to share,” says Ebal, holding aloft Donatello’s missing ring.

Josto’s hauled away by two of his men as Ebal informs him New York’s aware of what’s happened. Oraetta’s also grabbed and taken away.

They reluctantly share the backseat of a car and she explains they made her talk. Josto’s done with her and fully aware they’re both about to die. She begins beating him up when he calls her a hag and only stops when it annoys one of their captors enough he pulls his gun and demands she stop.

Their short road trip ends in the middle of nowhere. Oraetta and Josto are forced to stand in front of a large grave. Josto tries to talk his way out of the situation but it doesn’t work. Oraetta has one final request and asks, “Can you shoot him first so I can watch?”

Request granted. Josto’s shot in the head and falls dead into the grave. Her death follows seconds later, body tumbling into the pit and landing next to Josto’s.

Loy arrives home with his family and discovers their front door’s wide open. He has his wife and daughters remain outside while he checks the place out. Loy notices shoes on the floor, a bowl of food on the table, and a baseball cap. He quietly climbs the stairs to the second floor and spots Satchel’s clothing on the ground. Pushing open his son’s bedroom door, he finds Satchel (Rodney L. Jones III) sound asleep in his bed. His dog, Rabbit, is at his feet.

Loy grabs his son up in a hug. He calls for Buel (J. Nicole Brooks) and she slowly walks into the house as Satchel comes running downstairs. They stare at each other a moment before falling into each other’s arms. Satchel’s sisters join in the family hug.

Loy smiles but doesn’t join the group hug. Satchel stares at his father from his mother’s warm embrace.

Later, Loy has a face-to-face meeting with Ebal and learns their deal has been changed. Ebal passes Loy a typed letter and Loy discovers the Fadda mob is taking half his business. Loy crinkles up the paper and shouts, “We made a deal!”

Ebal explains this is part of a bigger deal that involves New York, Miami, Chicago, Texas, California, and Kansas City. It’s a new national plan and Loy’s just a big fish in a very small pond while the Faddas are powerful all over the country. Even if Loy killed Ebal, another man would just slip into his place. Ebal suggests Loy should adjust his thinking and be thankful they’re leaving him half his business. Loy will now work with the Faddas or else they’ll kill him. He’s effectively run out of options.

Arriving back at home, Loy informs Opal the war’s over and they’ve lost.

After sending Opal away, Loy stands at his front door and looks in on his family. Lemuel’s blowing his horn and everyone’s having a good time. He’s still standing there smiling while cradling a bag of oranges when Zelmare Roulette (Karen Aldridge) gets her revenge by stabbing him in the back, which is fitting since that’s what he did to her and what led to the death of her lover, Swanee. He spins around and is shocked Zelmare’s his attacker. She stabs Loy again – this time in his stomach – and stands over him as he slumps to the ground. “For Swanee,” she says before backing away.

Zelmare’s still standing on the porch holding the bloody knife when Satchel opens the door. He heard a commotion, and she shushes him before dropping the knife and walking away.

Satchel sits down next to his father as he takes his final breaths. Loy places a shaking hand on Satchel’s cheek as Satchel stares in his eyes, never flinching. He only looks away after his father’s died.

Season four began with our reliable narrator, Ethelrida (E’myri Crutchfield), laying out the history of the Kansas City mobs. The season comes to a close with Ethelrida reading her history report to her parents around the dining room table as scenes from the season spin across the screen.

The setting shifts and a poised and collected Ethelrida looks directly into the camera and says, “My name is Ethelrida Pearl Smutny. This is my history report.” She stands, picks up two suitcases, and leaves as the screen fades to black and the credits begin.

But, Fargo season four isn’t over just yet.

As the credits roll, Fargo welcomes back Bokeem Woodbine! As you may recall, Woodbine starred as Mike Milligan in season two. You also may recall Ben Whishaw played Rabbi Milligan this season before being swept up by a tornado. Apparently, season four showcases Woodbine’s character’s backstory but doesn’t actually confirm the twist until the final two minutes of the season. It turns out Mike Milligan and Satchel Cannon are one and the same, something many fans have suspected and debated about over the past few months.

As an added bonus, Brad Mann (season two’s Gale Kitchen) is in the driver’s seat while Woodbine’s Mike Milligan loads his gun in the back.

Well played, Noah Hawley. Well played.

‘The Spanish Princess’ Season 2 Episode 8 Recap: “Peace” Season Finale

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 29, 2020

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

Although the title of Starz’s The Spanish Princess season two episode eight is “Peace,” Queen Catherine’s story throughout much of the season finale is one of unhappiness and betrayal. The season two finale closes the book on Catherine of Aragon as King Henry VIII’s first wife and moves forward the story of his second, Anne Boleyn.

Episode eight opens with King Henry (Ruairi O’Connor) in a rage after Queen Catherine (Charlotte Hope) finally reveals she’s lost yet another son. His anger ramps up when he realizes she miscarried before Edward Stafford was executed and that Stafford knew and kept it a secret.

King Henry threatens to behead Queen Catherine for her failure and deceitfulness. He turns his anger on Maggie Pole (Laura Carmichael), ordering her ejected from the palace and demanding his son be brought to him.

After Henry storms away, Maggie calls Henry a monster and wonders how Catherine can remain by his side. Catherine informs Maggie her words are treasonous and she’s no longer willing to help her if King Henry takes drastic action.

Catherine’s in a rotten mood when she drags Princess Mary into the chapel to pray. She finally apologizes to the child for her father’s actions. Mary only pays attention and joins her in prayer after Catherine tells her she loves her.

Meanwhile in Scotland, Meg (Georgie Henley) – accompanied by Hal Stewart (Thoren Ferguson) – convinces noblemen to join her by offering to pay them in English gold. She requests they protect her son, their future king, from the Duke of Albany and others currently in control.

Now that she’s no longer alone in her fight, she retrieves her son Jamie as he’s practicing sword fighting with Alexander Stewart (Mark Rowley). Stewart has no option other than to turn him over, given that she’s accompanied by men who are prepared to fight.

Back in England, Maggie Pole attempts to comfort her sobbing daughter, Ursula (Amelia Gething). Queen Catherine’s turned against them now and stands with King Henry, and Ursula’s rightfully concerned about their future. Maggie promises they won’t starve and their wealth will be returned…or she’ll see the Tudors burn in hell.

Their conversation’s interrupted by the arrival of her son, Henry (Theo Ancient), and many soldiers. He reads the order from King Henry confiscating the Stafford estate in its entirety. Maggie refuses to leave the doorway and Henry begs her to get out of the way. She again refuses, threatening that he’ll need to run her through with his sword if he wants to enter the estate.

Once more to Scotland we go and Meg triumphantly returns to Edinburgh Castle, now in possession of her sons. She orders the Duke of Albany (Gordon Kennedy) from the castle, declaring she’ll take over as regent of Scotland for her son, King James. Meg assures the Duke she’s no longer worried about what King Henry or Queen Catherine want and is only acting in the best interest of Scotland and her sons from this moment on.

The Duke says goodbye to James and Alexander, understanding he’s in no position to fight for control. Meg warns those gathered not to underestimate her because she’s a woman. She will rule with her son and punish any who stand against her.

Lina (Stephanie Levi-John) informs Queen Catherine that King Henry has summoned his son and is set to make an announcement. Although she wasn’t invited, Queen Catherine prepares Princess Mary to stand before King Henry alongside her half-brother.

Members of the court and other nobility have gathered and Thomas Boleyn (Richard Pepper) bows as Queen Catherine arrives with Princess Mary. He calls her attendance unexpected and Queen Catherine’s undeterred, believing Princess Mary has every right to be present.

Bessie Blount stands next to her son in front of King Henry as he bestows the Dukedoms of Richmond and Somerset on his only male heir. The boy’s also appointed Lord High Admiral, Lord President of the Council of the North, and Warden of the Marshes.

Princess Mary is ignored. Catherine asks if Henry will give Princess Mary the throne and responds, “No, I’ll have a son for that.”

As the event’s breaking up, Henry’s sister Mary (Sai Bennett) approaches for a word. Mary wants to know if Catherine’s the source of the rumor Meg is sleeping with the Duke of Albany. Mary realizes Catherine’s no longer fighting on Meg’s behalf and that Catherine doesn’t know Meg has evicted the Duke and now rules Scotland alongside her son.

Catherine believes Meg must rule with Angus, her husband. Mary informs her King Henry’s no longer standing firm behind that marriage and will allow her to seek an annulment from the Pope. Before she walks away to pay her respect to King Henry, Mary apologizes that she and Catherine won’t be good friends any longer.

Queen Catherine’s list of friends and confidants has significantly shortened. She’s also being noticeably pushed from the King’s circle and her influence is being minimalized.

Thomas Boleyn seeks to fill Queen Catherine’s spot with his own daughter, Anne.

Ursula and her husband, Henry Stafford (Milo Callaghan), watch as Henry Pole and the other soldiers pack up all of the Stafford household’s belongings. Maggie’s remained firmly in place blocking the doorway and is standing there when Sir Thomas More (Andrew Buchan) arrives. He informs her she’s no longer Lady Pole, Countess of Salisbury. King Henry’s stripped her of her title.

Maggie makes it clear they’re no longer friends and she feels betrayed by everyone. However, she’s not fearful since she has nothing to lose. She warns those who do should be afraid.

Queen Catherine attempts to speak with King Henry about their relationship. It’s clear he’s finished with this marriage and wants to move on to someone who can give him a legitimate male heir. He believes their marriage is cursed and demands to know if she had sex with his brother, Arthur. Once again, Catherine denies she did and swears she was a virgin when she came to Henry’s bed.

Henry refuses to believe his daughter’s capable of ruling England. He will place Henry FitzRoy on the throne rather than Princess Mary but clings to the belief God has promised him dozens of sons.

Lina and Oviedo (Aaron Cobham) are at odds over whether to leave their service to Queen Catherine and King Henry. Oviedo doesn’t feel safe and suggests they meet up with Rosa and her husband who are currently docked nearby. Lina was already aware of this and confesses Rosa wants to see them. However, Lina doesn’t feel now’s the right time to leave Queen Catherine.

The Spanish Princess Season 2 2020 — Charlotte Hope and Stephanie Levi-John star in ‘The Spanish Princess season 2 (Photo Credit: Starz)

Queen Catherine blames Wolsey for the troubles in her marriage, and Lina lends a sympathetic ear. When she attempts to bring up Rosa, Catherine claims not to have time to discuss that now. She also rudely dismisses Lina’s talk of her sons, obviously jealous of Lina’s good fortune.

Catherine spots Maggie Pole outside and wonders if she’s there to beg King Henry for mercy.

Maggie’s accompanied by Thomas More but it’s Thomas Boleyn who walks with her to speak with King Henry. It’s apparent Maggie dislikes Thomas and believes he’ll toss away any of his friends – as he did with Edward Stafford – to secure his own family’s place in court.

Maggie asks for an audience alone with King Henry and confesses she’d like to come clean about a lie. She admits Queen Catherine did lie with Arthur; she was not a virgin when she wed Henry.

King Henry immediately seeks out Queen Catherine to accompany him hunting. They ride out deep into the forest and Catherine’s suddenly leery. She points out there’s not much prey in that area but Henry insists she keep walking while he follows close behind.

Henry finally points to a spot by the lake and pushes her to the ground on its bank. He reveals Maggie Pole has finally told the truth and confirmed Catherine slept with Arthur. She heard their lovemaking from outside the bedroom door. Catherine denies it once again, adamant that since Maggie wasn’t in their bedroom, she couldn’t possibly know what happened.

Henry explains Maggie swore on the Bible and reveals Arthur even spoke to her of his joy in making love to Catherine. Catherine’s forced to acknowledge Arthur wasn’t a liar and reluctantly admits it’s true. They recite Bible verses supporting their opposing sides of the argument. Catherine’s convinced God isn’t punishing them while Henry is equally certain God is.

Henry’s actually relieved she finally admits to being a wanton whore. Catherine reminds her husband he loves her still. He claims to hate her, given that he’s been tossed into the flames of Hell due to their relationship. She begs him to understand she’s always been his, but he’s already detached himself from this marriage.

Catherine spots movement in the nearby trees and Henry refuses to say who it is. She thinks he brought Wolsey with them to kill her, but she survives the meeting. She’s left alone to struggle in the dirt as Henry strides away, calling for his horse. By the time she returns from the shoreline, Henry is gone. She rides home alone.

In Scotland, Meg addresses Parliament and is thankful they have acknowledged her son as king. When she assures them Scotland’s more than a match for “that greedy English king and his deceitful wife,” one of the men speaks up and reminds her she’s a Tudor who rushed into marriage with Angus Douglas.

He’s rude when he addresses Meg and she sends him off to prison. She warns the others gathered the same fate could befall them.

Oviedo and Lina meet up with Rosa (Nadia Parkes) at the docks, and Rosa’s ecstatic the couple will be joining them on their voyage to the Ottoman Empire. She loves the idea of their children growing up together. Lina explains they haven’t decided to leave, and Rosa reveals her husband has already offered Oviedo a job on the ship.

Lina confronts Oviedo, upset he didn’t tell her about this offer. He’s convinced they should leave and have a life where they can be together with their boys as a family every day.

Lina admits to Rosa she’d love to go but can’t because Catherine’s in pain. Rosa suggests she do what’s best for her husband and sons.

Catherine finally makes it back to the castle as Maggie’s instructing Thomas More and Thomas Boleyn to return everything taken from the Stafford estate. Queen Catherine’s looking bedraggled and Thomas Boleyn asks about her guards who are nowhere to be seen. She confronts Maggie and asks what she told King Henry. Maggie replies, “I’m a loyal servant to the King. Is that not what you’d have me be?”

Catherine writes to Meg asking for her help. She’s desperate for Meg’s assistance now that Henry’s pushing her aside and denying Princess Mary’s right to inherit the throne.

That letter arrives in Scotland along with one from King Henry. Meg doesn’t open either and instead tosses both into the fire. Meg believes Catherine’s as lost as Henry and will not entertain correspondence from either.

Hal informs her Angus is gathering men and will challenge her right to rule. Meg names Hal her most senior officer but he believes someone from another house other than Stewart might be a better choice. He also reminds her that her son’s reign isn’t recognized by all of the clans. Meg stands firm; she wants Hal and not just to lead her army.

“I want you, Hal, forever…until the end of Heaven and Earth,” says Meg. Sparks fly as they kiss.

Lina and Oviedo return home and as she bathes her sons, she discovers one is being bullied by English boys.

The following day Catherine confesses to Lina that Maggie told Henry she slept with Arthur. Catherine believes Henry is going to annul their marriage. She apologizes to Lina for her ill-temper and how she’s treated her. She asks for forgiveness and wonders if there’s anything she can do for Lina’s family.

Their conversation’s cut short by the arrival of King Henry and Thomas Boleyn. King Henry informs his wife that Thomas’ daughters, Anne and Mary, will now be part of the Queen’s household as her ladies.

Later, Catherine wakes from a nightmare and sees King Henry outside with Anne Boleyn (Alice Nokes). She watches as Henry gazes upon Anne’s naked body standing before him and as Anne backs slightly away, not allowing Henry to touch her. Catherine aims a crossbow in the couple’s direction but tosses it aside without firing.

Back in Scotland, Angus (Andrew Rothney) leads a group of soldiers to Edinburgh Castle. He’s stopped at the gates but continues to scream out Meg’s name. Angus joins the soldiers as they approach the west side after being denied entrance through the front gate. Meg’s happy about this development and has her men fire cannons at Angus and his fellow traitors.

Meg’s practically giddy watching Angus and his men wiped out, laughing with glee as she orders the cannons to continue to shoot.

Lina finds Catherine alone in the chapel praying. She explains Rosa’s in port and she wants to leave with Oviedo and her boys. Catherine’s saddened but understands, confessing she wishes she could accompany her.

King Henry schools his young son on the family’s history, with Maggie Pole watching closely over the boy. Catherine asks for time alone with Henry and Maggie leaves without acknowledging Catherine.

Catherine shocks Henry by informing him she’s made the decision to leave and will live away from court, but she will always be his wife. She will not be pushed from this marriage and hopes he will find peace.

Next, Catherine speaks briefly with Anne Boleyn. She assures her what she has with King Henry won’t last and she’ll never be Queen of England.

Catherine writes down her thoughts and hopes for her daughter, explaining why they’re leaving. She doesn’t regret anything and wouldn’t change a thing that’s happened to her. Catherine writes that she’s known joy, love, and friendship in this beautiful world of Camelot.

Catherine hopes her daughter will forgive her father and that she’ll pray King Henry finds his way again.

Catherine and Princess Mary’s final act is to set free their caged bird.

‘Transplant’ Season 1 Episode 11 Photos: Preview of “Orphans”

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 27, 2020

Transplant Season 1 Episode 11 — Hamza Haq as Dr. Bashir “Bash” Hamed and Annie Briggs as Nicole Spencer in ‘Transplant’ season 1 episode 11 (Photo by: Yan Turcotte/Sphere Media/CTV/NBC)

Bash makes a connection with an unlikely patient on NBC’s popular medical drama Transplant season one episode 11. Episode 11, “Orphans,” will air on December 1, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT.

The cast of season one includes Hamza Haq as Dr. Bashir “Bash” Hamed, Laurence Leboeuf as Dr. Magalie “Mags” LeBlanc, John Hannah as Dr. Jed Bishop, Jim Watson as Dr. Theo Hunter, and Ayisha Issa as Dr. June Curtis. Sirena Gulamgaus plays Amira, Linda E. Smith is Dr. Wendy Atwater, and Torri Higginson plays Claire Malone.

“Orphans” Plot: Bash finds himself connecting with an unlikely patient, while Mags strives to find balance in her life. Theo has a difficult discussion with his wife, Melissa. June attempts to connect with a closed-off teenage patient.

The Season 1 Plot, Courtesy of NBC:

When Dr. Bashir Hamed (Haq), a charismatic Syrian doctor with battle-tested skills in emergency medicine, flees his war-torn homeland, he and younger sister Amira (Gulamgaus) become refugees, struggling to forge a new life in Canada. But if Bash ever wants to be a doctor again, he must redo his medical training from the ground up and obtaining a coveted residency position is nearly impossible.

When a horrific truck crash nearly kills a senior doctor right in front of him, Bash saves the doctor’s life and earns a residency in the biggest Emergency Department of the best hospital in Toronto.

Yet for all Bash’s experience, it’s a tough road. Bash’s training is different, his life experience are unique to him and he’s not an exact match for his new colleagues, who include Dr. Magalie “Mags” LeBlanc (Leboeuf), a ferociously analytical second-year resident who pushes herself relentlessly; Dr. June Curtis (Issa), a reserved, ambitious surgical resident whose loyalty doesn’t come easily; and Dr. Theo Hunter (Watson), a pediatric Emergency Fellow whose small-town upbringing is cracking wide open as life at the hospital changes his worldview.

The team works tirelessly to save lives and win the approval of the legendary head of the Emergency Department, Dr. Jed Bishop (Hannah), all the while managed by sharp-eyed, acerbic Dr. Wendy Atwater (Smith) and supported by longtime head nurse, the deadpan, confident Claire Malone (Higginson).

Through it all, Bash tries to meet the demand of his new country and new job, while trying to pay the bills, raise his little sister and carve out a new life for them both in this unfamiliar land. It’s a journey that’s universal to people everywhere. Bash aims high and is determined to succeed, and those around are quick to see that his passion and hopefulness are contagious. But will his newfound life reject him, or will this “transplant” take?

‘Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special’ Trailer: Mariah Spreads Holiday Cheer

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 27, 2020

Apple TV+ just debuted a bubbly new trailer for the holiday special, Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special. The one-minute music-filled video features Mariah in a variety of sparkly outfits singing holiday tunes.

The special will also feature appearances by Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Misty Copeland, and Mykal-Michelle Harris. Carey’s nine-year-old twins – son Moroccan and daughter Monroe – also help celebrate the holidays.

Apple TV+ will premiere the special globally on Friday, December 4, 2020. The special’s soundtrack will be available on Apple Music on December 4, 2020 and will appear on other platforms beginning December 11th.

According to the streaming service, the special “finds the world faced with a holiday cheer crisis, which the North Pole knows only one person can solve: Santa’s great friend, Mariah Carey. Combining musical performances, dynamic dancing and groundbreaking animation, the undisputed Queen of Christmas jumps into action to create a holiday spectacular to make the whole world merry.”

Mariah Carey executive produced along with Ian Stewart, Raj Kapoor, and Ashley Edens for Done + Dusted (The Disney Family Singalong, John Legend’s A Legendary Christmas with John and Chrissy). BAFTA Award winner Hamish Hamilton (Oscars, Super Bowl halftime show, London Olympics opening and closing ceremonies) and Oscar nominee Roman Coppola (Moonrise Kingdom) direct, with Coppola also serving as an executive producer.

Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special — “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special” will premiere globally on Apple TV+.

‘All Rise’ Season 2 Episode 3 Photos, Plot, and Cast Info

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 27, 2020

Season two of CBS’s popular legal drama All Rise continues with episode three, “Sliding Floors.” Directed by Pete Chatmon from a script by Damani Johnson, episode three airs on Monday, November 30, 2020.

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.

Regina Holyes, Li Eubanks, Rob Chesters Smith, Sterling Sulieman, Tangie Ambrose, and Steven Williams guest star. Rebecca Field, Julie Follette, Paul Tracey, Jeff Doucette, Mitchell Fink, Maria Carmen, and Regina Hoyles also guest star in episode three.

“Sliding Floors” Plot: Presiding over Luke’s cases forces Lola to acknowledge her own implicit biases and brings her into conflict with Judge Benner. On the home front, while Lola’s husband, Robin, is in D.C., she ponders single motherhood and carries on a one-sided conversation with the new baby growing in her stomach. Also, Mark contemplates reopening an old investigation that causes friction between him and Amy.

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.

All Rise Season 2 Episode 3 — Simone Missick as Lola Carmichael in ‘All Rise’ season 2 episode 3 (Photo Credit: Erik Voake © 2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

‘Big Sky’ Season 1 Episode 3 Photos, Plot Details and Cast

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 27, 2020

ABC’s Big Sky season one episode three finds Cassie and Jenny done with playing nice and ready to take on Rick Legarski. Directed by Gwyneth Horder-Payton from a script by David E. Kelly and Jonathan Shapiro, episode three will air on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT.

The series stars Katheryn Winnick as Jenny Hoyt, Kylie Bunbury as Cassie Dewell, and Brian Geraghty as Ronald Pergman. Dedee Pfeiffer plays Denise Brisbane, Natalie Alyn Lind is Danielle Sullivan, Jade Pettyjohn is Grace Sullivan, Jesse James Keitel is Jerrie Kennedy, John Carroll Lynch plays Rick Legarski, and Ryan Phillippe as Cody Hoyt.

Brooke Smith, Gage Mars, Jeffrey Joseph, and Gabriel Jacob-Cross guest star in “The Big Rick.”

“The Big Rick” Plot: Still on the search for the missing girls, Cassie grows more suspicious of Legarski after a threatening conversation between the two. Meanwhile, Grace manages to make headway on the girls’ quest for freedom. Merilee pleads with Legarski to open up emotionally before it’s too late, and Helen finally confronts Ronald about his increasingly strange behavior.

Series Description, Courtesy of ABC:

From visionary storyteller David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies) comes Big Sky, a thriller created by Kelley who will write multiple episodes and serve as showrunner in its premiere season. Private detectives Cassie Dewell and Cody Hoyt join forces with his estranged wife and ex-cop, Jenny Hoyt, to search for two sisters who have been kidnapped by a truck driver on a remote highway in Montana. But when they discover that these are not the only girls who have disappeared in the area, they must race against the clock to stop the killer before another woman is taken.

Big Sky Season 1 Episode 3 — Gage Marsh and Katheryn Winnick in ‘Big Sky’ season 1 episode 3 (ABC/Darko Sikman)

‘The Prom’ Official Trailer for the High-Energy Movie Musical

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 26, 2020

Netflix served up a Thanksgiving treat with the debut of a new official trailer for The Prom. Directed by Ryan Murphy, the film adaptation of the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical will launch in select theaters in December and on Netflix on December 11, 2020.

The big-name cast includes three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep, Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, Tony Award winner James Corden, Golden Globe nominee Kerry Washington, Golden Globe winner Tracey Ullman, and Emmy Award winner Keegan-Michael Key. Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose, Kevin Chamberlin, Mary Kay Place, Nico Greetham Logan Riley, Nathaniel J. Potvin, Jo Ellen Pellman, and Sofia Deler also star.

Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin adapted their musical for the screen, with Ryan Murphy, Alexis Martin Woodall, Adam Anders, Dori Berinstein, and Bill Damaschke producing. Martin, Beguelin, Eric Kovtun, Doug Merrifield, Casey Nicholaw, Matthew Sklar, Todd Nenninger, and Scott Robertson executive produced.

The Plot, Courtesy of Netflix:

Dee Dee Allen (Streep) and Barry Glickman (Corden) are New York City stage stars with a crisis on their hands: their expensive new Broadway show is a major flop that has suddenly flatlined their careers. Meanwhile, in small-town Indiana, high school student Emma Nolan (Pellman) is experiencing a very different kind of heartbreak: despite the support of the high school principal (Key), the head of the PTA (Washington) has banned her from attending the prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa (DeBose).

When Dee Dee and Barry decide that Emma’s predicament is the perfect cause to help resurrect their public images, they hit the road with Angie (Kidman) and Trent (Rannells), another pair of cynical actors looking for a professional lift. But when their self-absorbed celebrity activism unexpectedly backfires, the foursome find their own lives upended as they rally to give Emma a night where she can truly celebrate who she is.

The Prom — MERYL STREEP as DEE DEE ALLEN and JAMES CORDEN as BARRY GLICKMAN in ‘THE PROM’ (Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon © 2020 Netflix)

‘SNL’ Final 2020 Shows: Timothée Chalamet, Kristen Wiig, Jason Bateman Host

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 25, 2020

NBC’s Saturday Night Live is closing out 2020 with three new December episodes. The network confirmed the December 5th show will be hosted by Emmy Award winner Jason Bateman (Ozark) and will mark his second time handling hosting duties. He’ll be joined by musical guest Morgan Wallen who’ll be making his debut on the SNL stage. Wallen’s new album, Dangerous: The Double Album, is set to drop on January 8, 2021.

The December 12th show will feature Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (Call Me by Your Name) as host. Chalament recently wrapped up work on the much-anticipated sci-fi epic Dune as well as Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be the December 12th show’s musical guest. This will mark the band’s third time as musical guest.

And finishing out 2020 will be SNL alum Kristen Wiig hosting on December 19th. Wiig, who will be seen in Wonder Woman 1984 premiering on Christmas Day, has hosted SNL on three prior occasions. Wiig was a cast member from 2005 through 2012.

Wiig will be joined by Dua Lipa who returns to the variety show for her second time. Lipa just received six Grammy Award nominations – Record Of The Year (“Don’t Start Now”), Album Of The Year (Future Nostalgia), Song Of The Year (“Don’t Start Now”), Best Pop Solo Performance (“Don’t Start Now”), Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (Un Dia [One Day]), and Best Pop Vocal Album (Future Nostalgia).

‘Bull’ Season 5 Episode 3 Preview: Photos, Plot and Cast Info

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 25, 2020

Bull Season 5 Episode 3 — Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull, Christopher Jackson as Chunk Palmer, and Freddy Rodriguez as Benny Colon in ‘Bull’ season 5 episod3 3 (Photo © 2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

Actor/director Eric Stoltz directs season five episode one of CBS’s primetime legal drama, Bull. “Prison Break” was written by Kathryn Price and Nichole Millard and will air on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT.

The season five cast is led by Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull. Freddy Rodriguez plays Benny Colón, Yara Martinez stars as Isabella “Izzy” Colón, Geneva Carr is Marissa Morgan, Jamie Lee Kirchner is Danny James, Christopher Jackson plays Chunk Palmer, and MacKenzie Meehan stars as Taylor Rentzel.

Britne Oldford, Jenine Serralles, Janis Dardaris, Brit Whittle, Jacob Pitts, and Wadi Jones guest star in episode three. Charles Everett, Mandy Gonzalez, Ted Koch, and Oge Agulué also guest in “Prison Break.”

“Prison Break” Plot: Bull assists Chunk as he represents a convict from his law school’s legal aid clinic, a woman accused of killing a guard while trying to escape during a prison transport. While the prosecution alleges the woman shot the guard as she tried to flee, Chunk argues that she is being falsely accused by a guard who attempted to sexually assault her during the transport.

Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:

Bull stars Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull in a drama inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, the founder of one of the most prolific trial-consulting firms of all time. Brilliant, brash and charming, Dr. Bull is the ultimate puppet master as he combines psychology, human intuition and high-tech data to learn what makes jurors, attorneys, witnesses and the accused tick. This season, Bull finds it harder than ever to navigate his personal life, as he balances fatherhood and his renewed relationship with Isabella “Izzy” Colón, his ex-wife. Izzy’s brother is Benny Colón, Bull’s trusted associate, a quick-witted lawyer who acts as defense attorney in the company’s mock trials.

Bull’s enviable group of experts at Trial Analysis Corporation shape successful narratives down to the last detail. In addition to Benny, his team includes Marissa Morgan, a neurolinguistics expert from the Department of Homeland Security who monitors shifting jury reactions in real-time for Bull; former NYPD detective Danny James, the firm’s tough but relatable investigator; Taylor Rentzel, a working mother and former colleague of Marissa’s who is an expert at coding and computer hacking; and Chunk Palmer, a former all-American lineman and stylist-turned-lawyer, who helps clients prepare their look and testimony for trial.

In high-stakes trials, Bull’s combination of remarkable insight into human nature, three Ph.D.’s and a top-notch staff creates winning strategies that tip the scales of justice in his clients’ favor.

Review: ‘Uncle Frank’ Starring Paul Bettany and Sophia Lillis

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 25, 2020

Sophia Lillis, Paul Bettany, and Peter Macdissi in ‘Uncle Frank’ (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amazon Studios)

There aren’t enough Paul Bettany movies. There, I said it. Bettany’s one of those actors who’s quietly and competently gone about building up an impressive resume, with just the occasional flashy role (the Avengers stuff) to remind us to check out his performances in smaller budgeted films. It’s totally cliché to say it, but Bettany can make bad films watchable. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Amazon Studios’ Uncle Frank. It’s watchable because it’s terrific.

The story follows Bettany as the titular character. Frank Bledsoe’s a well-respected literature professor at New York University who’s only come out to his friends. It’s 1973 and he’s uncomfortable allowing his homosexuality to be known on a wide scale. And he’s adamant about keeping his sexuality a secret from his family back home in Creekville, South Carolina.

Frank’s used to pretending around his family which leads to uncomfortable moments at family gatherings where he’s forced to dodge questions about dating and relationships. Frank’s dad, Mac (Stephen Root), is distant and withholds his love. Frank’s relationships with other family members are better, but it’s his 18-year-old niece, Beth (Sophia Lillis), who holds a special place in his heart.

It’s only fitting that it’s Beth who’s the first family member to pull back the curtain and discover the real Frank, the one he’s kept hidden from his repressed, judgmental father and the rest of his family. Once she arrives in New York to study and learns about his 10-year relationship with Walid “Wally” Nadeem (Peter Macdissi), Beth becomes his fiercest supporter and ally. Their relationship grows even closer as they make the drive from NY to the family’s South Carolina home for the funeral of a family member.

The road trip allows time to fully explore Frank’s world while opening up Beth to experiences and people alien to her small-town life. Frank’s the first gay person she’s ever met and as she watches the role he’s forced into playing around almost everyone they encounter, an unbreakable bond is forged.

Bettany and Lillis are outstanding and their onscreen relationship feels genuine and natural. Frank and Beth’s journey is an emotional rollercoaster, with painful, deeply buried secrets revealed and differences embraced. The uncle/niece dynamic is one that’s not usually explored and it’s beautiful to watch these characters evolve as they open up and allow their true selves to be exposed.

Peter Macdissi delivers a standout performance as Wally, Frank’s compassionate and loving boyfriend with an excellent sense of humor and a determined spirit. Frank’s got more than his share of skeletons in his closet, and it’s Wally who’s the dependable, stabilizing force when Frank’s at his most vulnerable. The first-rate supporting cast also includes Stephen Root, Steve Zahn, Judy Greer, Lois Smith, and the always wonderful Margo Martindale.

Uncle Frank touches on so many important subjects (including alcoholism) yet never feels heavy-handed or fake. Writer/director Alan Ball weaves a beautiful, sometimes funny, often heart-wrenching tale of love, forgiveness, and the quest for acceptance. And, yes, Bettany just makes it that much better.

GRADE: B+

MPAA Rating: R for drug use, some sexual references, and language

Release Date: November 25, 2020

Running Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

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