It’s been seven years since moviegoers were introduced to the goofy prehistoric family the Croods and now comes the not-so-eagerly awaited sequel, The Croods: A New Age. The colorful and very funny first film focused on the relationship of the loving but overprotective father, Grug (voiced by Nicolas Cage), and his daughter, Eep (voiced by Emma Stone), who yearned to explore outside their cave and see the world.
After an earthquake destroyed their home, the Croods teamed up with a newcomer named Guy (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) to try to find a new safe home. Grug took an instant dislike to Guy since Eep found him interesting and dreamy.
The sequel picks up with the Croods and Guy still traveling together looking for a new home. (Flashbacks reveal Guy’s dark origin story.) A chaotic but entertaining montage sequence of the family running and fighting off an army of deadly Kangadillos (a mix of kangaroo and armadillo) crosses the screen as Guy and Eep flirt back and forth while the song “I Think I Love You” plays.
From there the gang discovers a giant wall along with the family who built it – the Bettermans – who are much more evolved than the Croods and are part of Guy’s past. Hope and Phil Betterman (voiced by Leslie Mann and Peter Dinklage) want very much for Guy to stay with them inside their protected and thriving home which has running water, indoor plumbing, and plenty of food. It’s even overflowing with bananas. They’re also keen to pair up Guy with their daughter, Dawn (Kelly Marie Tran), while encouraging the Croods to travel on without him.
Poor Eep, who before finding the wall was talking about off with Guy on their own, sees how comfortable Guy is with the Bettermans and their lifestyle and begins to wonder if she and Guy are meant to have a future together.
Sadly, even with a talented voice cast and bright and colorful animation, The Croods: A New Age is nothing more than a forgettable sequel with few laughs and not much of a story. The promising and creative beginning of the film is followed by chaotic action, puns that don’t work, and stilted and boring new characters who detract from the fun and adventure.
Nicolas Cage and Ryan Reynolds deliver the best voice performances as Grug and Guy, the two main men in Eep’s life who love her and don’t want to lose her. Emma Stone is still solid as Eep, but her character has less screen time due to the introduction of the Betterman family. And unlike the first film, her character has almost no arc this time. Eep is nothing more than a secondary character in this outing which hurts the film.
Leslie Mann and Peter Dinklage are very effective as the voices of Hope and Phil Betterman but their characters are simply not that interesting, funny or engaging and steer the spotlight off other key characters in the movie.
Another element missing in this weak sequel is the blend of smart humor and creative slapstick antics that made the original so entertaining to both kids and adults. The film replaces those wonderful elements with silly dialogue and loud, outlandish, and headache-inducing action scenes.
On a positive note, the film looks great and the animation is once again lush and colorful. The use of songs such as “I Think I Love You” adds humor and heart to the animated romp.
The Croods: A New Age is the perfect example of an unnecessary, unoriginal, and inferior sequel.
Talon’s faced with an incredibly difficult decision on The CW’s The Outpost season three episode eight. Episode eight, “Dying is Painful,” was directed by Milan Todorovic from a script by Laura Whang and will air on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT.
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.
“Dying Is Painful” Plot: YOU’VE BEEN WARNED – Talon (Green) deals with difficult emotions as death seems to be the only answer to save her friends. The Outpost becomes a fight arena as an old enemy releases a dark power into unsuspecting hands.
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.
Kylie Bunbury and John Carroll Lynch in ‘Big Sky’ season 1 episode 2 (ABC/Darko Sikman)
Episode one of ABC’s new primetime drama Big Sky ended with Cody Hoyt (Ryan Phillippe) shot in the head by Montana State Trooper Rick Legarski (John Carroll Lynch). That shocking turn of events left viewers wondering if Cody was truly dead, given that it was the first episode and Cody seemed to be an important character. His status is one of the many questions answered in episode two, “Nowhere to Run,” which focuses on the hunt for the missing teenagers as well as the search for Cody.
The episode opens with Rick and trucker/kidnapper Ronald Pergman (Brian Geraghty) getting rid of evidence by burying Danielle and Grace’s car along with Cody’s vehicle.
In town, the atmosphere’s tense as Jenny Hoyt (Katheryn Winnick) shows up at Dewell & Hoyt’s to help Cassie Dewell (Kylie Bunbury) and Denise Brisbane (Dedee Pfeiffer) investigate the three missing persons. Cody hasn’t been heard from since he called in to say he was going with Rick to check out the Church of Glory and Transcendence. Trooper Legarski informed them Cody went alone, and Jenny wonders if maybe Cody (who’s revealed to be an alcoholic) got sidetracked at a bar.
Cassie sticks up for Cody, claiming he’s no longer drinking. When Jenny presses for intimate details on their relationship, Cassie reveals she told Cody they were over. She admits she’s not sure Cody’s in love with her, a statement that brings tears to Jenny’s eyes.
Meanwhile, Rick and Ronald blame each other’s bad judgment for their current predicament. Rick shouldn’t have killed an ex-cop and Ronald shouldn’t have snagged two teenagers. Ronald’s only supposed to grab females who won’t be missed, and these two teens are definitely not part of their targeted group.
Rick explains Cody was focusing on long-haul truckers and that’s why he shot him in the head. As they’re talking, Cassie calls and informs Rick she’s heading his way to look for Cody and the missing teens.
And speaking of the teen siblings, Grace (Jade Pettyjohn) and Danielle Sullivan (Natalie Alyn Lind), along with prostitute Jerrie Kennedy (Jesse James Keitel), are chained up in what appears to be a basement. Grace is hopeful the tracker on Danielle’s phone – which Danielle was unaware existed – will lead their mom to their location. Grace also holds out hope Ronald will come to his senses and let them go. She thinks Ronald has plans other than to kill them.
Jerrie believes Ronald’s really lonely. He wanted to talk before he zapped her.
A flashback shows Cody and Cassie having a romantic evening. It’s a sweet scene and confirms they were really into each other.
Ronald returns home to a worried mother who’s upset he stayed out all night and didn’t call. Ronald’s done listening to her disparage his occupation, claiming truckers are heroes since they keep the supply chain moving. Seeing that he’s “pent up,” she suggests he masturbate. (This is truly a twisted mother/son relationship!)
Cassie makes it to her meeting with Rick and he appears shocked to discover she’s beautiful and Black, claiming they don’t get much of either in Montana. He continues running off at the mouth and Cassie’s quickly done with this small talk and wants to get down to business.
Rick lies and says Cody’s a renegade who decided to go off on his own rather than follow the law. Rick explains he didn’t go with him because he could tell Cody was a loose cannon.
Cassie doesn’t understand why a cop wouldn’t want to accompany Cody in the search for two missing teen girls. Rick claims he didn’t want to jeopardize his pension by joining Cody. Undeterred, Cassie asks why Rick didn’t follow up since Cody didn’t call in.
Rick realizes Cassie’s one smart cookie and can see through his story. Indignant, he claims Cassie’s out of line and that he did all he could. She asks if he wants to go with her to the church, suggesting a friendly judge would issue a search warrant. Rick finally gives in but explains the warrant will take a couple of hours to obtain.
Cassie’s heading out to look around for herself but when she says she’s going to visit a few truck stops, Rick stops her. He asks why and she reveals her research on the FBI highway serial killer task force shows long-haul truckers could be involved. Cassie notices Rick’s getting a little fidgety as she speaks.
Rick’s giving off weird vibes and before heading off, Cassie sits in her car and makes a call to the office to speak with Denise. Denise believes Rick isn’t creepy; he’s completely harmless. While they’re talking, Rick bangs on the window and wants to have a chat.
Their conversation’s uncomfortable and Rick asks if Cassie carries a gun. He says he’s never shot anyone (Cody would beg to differ) and wonders if she has the guts to pull the trigger should it come to that. Cassie confirms she definitely would.
Back in the basement, Grace and Danielle learn Jerrie’s a prostitute. Danielle bluntly asks Jerrie if she has a penis, and Jerrie confirms that’s true. Grace apologizes for her sister’s rudeness.
Ronald’s arrival quiets the conversation. He reminds Danielle she called him a loser – twice – and demands to know her age. She’s just 17 and Ronald believes that’s why she acts so entitled and empowered. He sniffs her hair and confesses his mom made him wash his hair every night so it would smell “pretty.”
Grace pulls Ronald’s attention away from her sister. He demands her age and learns she’s just 16. Ronald wants them all to know he’s not evil, but Grace can’t resist calling out his lie. “You kidnap us, you tase us, you have us locked up in some dungeon, and you think you’re a good person? Don’t play with us, okay? You want to be a monster, go ahead. At least be an honest one,” says Grace, adding that he’s a pervert and a creep.
Angered, Ronald grabs her and insists he’s not a monster or a pervert. Grace delivers a head butt that makes his nose bleed (go, Grace!), and he warns he’ll kill them if they keep this up.
Jenny takes a break and hits the diner for some coffee. Melissa the waitress wonders if there’s a way to report a person missing without actually getting that person in trouble for being a prostitute. Jenny’s spidey senses tingle when Melissa says the woman was working at a truck stop outside of Helena the night before and hasn’t shown up at the diner today. She always checks in so this is very unusual and concerning.
Cassie’s back at the office and Jenny shows her a photo of the missing prostitute. Before Jenny heads out to check the truck stop, Cassie shows her the highway serial killer initiative’s website. There are red dots all over the U.S. and Cassie explains there have been 500+ murder victims found near highways. So far there are 200 suspects, the majority of which are long-haul truckers.
The victims have been transients, prostitutes, and others with high-risk lifestyles.
Cassie’s really suspicious of Rick Legarski and believes he’s somehow involved in the disappearances. Denise, on the other hand, is certain he’s not. Denise’s cousin is Rick’s ex-wife and she’d like to speak with her. If Rick’s a sociopath, his ex would definitely know.
Cassie confesses to Denise she has a bad feeling about Cody. She had the same feeling when her husband was killed in action.
Rick cleans up Ronald’s bloody nose, chuckling over the fact Grace got the best of him. Ronald describes his victims as beautiful and believes they can get triple for the youngest one who’s undoubtedly a virgin. Rick puts the kibosh on that idea. The teens are too hot for even Canadians to buy.
Rick’s under the misguided impression that cleaning the streets of America of prostitutes and others of that ilk is important, righteous work – even though no one else sees it that way. “We’re the noble soldiers. This nation is mired in muck; we clean that muck up,” says Rick who, according to Denise, wouldn’t hurt a fly and doesn’t even like giving out speeding tickets.
Rick tells Ronald to get the prostitute cleaned up and ready to put on the market.
Grace has decided they need Ronald to emotionally bond with them. She thinks Danielle’s their best shot at that because he found her so pretty. Grace wants Danielle to charm him and Jerrie agrees, believing Ronald wants to be loved. She also thinks he has mommy issues.
Grace comes up with the idea they should sing together. Jerri suggests that since most psychopaths are religious, they should sing church songs.
Jade Pettyjohn, Jesse James Keitel, and Natalie Alyn Lind in ‘Big Sky’ episode 2 (ABC/Darko Sikman)
Ronald returns home and it’s revealed his victims are being held in a basement under the barn. He hears them singing and pauses briefly to listen. They fall silent when he enters the room and calls out for Michelle – the name Jerri gave him at the truck stop. He explains she’s going to be leaving but first she has to get cleaned up. Ronald acts like she should be happy he’s even going to provide her with new clothes.
Jerri’s instantly leery, as are Grace and Danielle. Grace lies and warns that her uncle’s a cop and she texted him a photo of Ronald’s license plate when he scared them on the road. Her uncle probably has already learned his identity and is coming for them. Ronald’s shocked by this turn of events, unsure if what she’s claiming’s true.
Ronald takes Jerri to clean up, demanding she strip so she can shower. She begs to know what’s going on and he says she’s being sent to a better, safer place where she can do what she does. Ronald forces her to get into the shower and turns away to give her some privacy. Once she gets wet, she tells Ronald to turn around. She takes off her wig and he stares at her naked body, stunned to realize she has a penis.
Ronald returns her to the basement and after he leaves she explains to Danielle and Grace she’s just ruined Ronald’s plan. Jerri learned Ronald’s a sex trafficker and she was going to be sold as a sex slave.
Jenny makes it to the truck stop and learns from a clerk that Jerri was there the other night. Handing him $20, she asks for the security camera footage. Jenny needs to threaten him a little to hand it over, but he eventually does.
Cassie heads off to Rick’s ex’s place while Jenny makes it back home. Her son wonders why the police aren’t looking for his girlfriend and Jenny explains they haven’t been gone long enough. Plus, there’s a lack of law enforcement in this area. However, they’re not going to wait. Jenny knows Grace and Danielle are counting on them.
Ronald’s really worried about Grace’s text to her uncle, but Rick assures him it didn’t happen. There’s no cell phone service where they were taken so she couldn’t have sent a text. Rick also claims to have checked the phones before he destroyed them and didn’t find that text or photo.
Rick realizes they need to adjust their thinking and figure out what to do with the prostitute. They’ll sleep on it and come up with a solution tomorrow. Ronald apologizes for screwing up and Rick assures him things will take a turn for the better.
Rick’s ex calls him to let him know a private detective named Cassie came around asking questions about him.
Ronald returns home late at night and slips into his mother’s bed. They hold each other as they fall asleep.
Gravitas Ventures and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment just released a new trailer for Our Friend, based on the 2015 Esquire article “The Friend: Love Is Not a Big Enough Word” by Matthew Teague. Brad Ingelsby adapted Teague’s article for the screen and Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Megan Leavey, Blackfish) directed.
Our Friend stars Oscar winner Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea), Dakota Johnson (the 50 Shades films), and Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother). The cast also includes Gwendoline Christie, Cherry Jones, Ahna O’Reilly, and Marielle Scott.
Kevin Walsh, Michael Pruss, Ryan Stowell, and Teddy Schwarzman produced, with Ridley Scott, Ben Stillman, Michael Heimler, Ted Deiker, Brad Ingelsby, and Matthew Teague executive producing.
Gravitas Ventures and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment have set a January 22, 2021 release in select theaters and on demand.
The Plot:
Our Friend tells the inspiring and extraordinary true story of the Teague family — journalist Matt (Affleck), his vibrant wife Nicole (Johnson) and their two young daughters — and how their lives are upended by Nicole’s heartbreaking diagnosis of terminal cancer. As Matt’s responsibilities as caretaker and parent become increasingly overwhelming, the couple’s best friend Dane Faucheux (Segel) offers to come and help out. As Dane puts his life on hold to stay with his friends, the impact of this life altering decision proves greater and more profound than anyone could have imagined.
Thanksgiving might be effectively cancelled due to Covid-19, however Swifties have at least one reason to celebrate being stuck at home. Taylor Swift just announced the concert film folklore: the long pond studio sessions will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on Wednesday, November 25, 2020.
Swift directed the film which features Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, as well as a special appearance by Justin Vernon. According to Disney+’s official announcement, Taylor, Antonoff, Dessner, and Vernon worked on the album from separate locations and only came together to shoot the film.
Taylor Swift tweeted out the news on November 24th:
“Well it’s 11/24 and 24-11=13 so I’ve got an announcement ? You haven’t seen this film before ✨ folklore: the long pond studio sessions will be out tonight at midnight PST on @DisneyPlus ! #folkloreOnDisneyPlus”
In the official trailer, Swift explained, “There’s something about the complete and total uncertainty of life. If we’re going to have to recalibrate everything, we should start with what we love the most first.”
“It’s an album that allows you to feel your feelings, and it’s a product of isolation,” said Swift, describing folklore. “It makes you think about life a lot where this moment could affect everything forever.”
Disney+ released technical info on the making of what’s described as an “intimate concert film,” revealing folklore: the long pond studio sessions was shot on 6 x Lumix S1H mirrorless cameras with Leica lenses embedded in the studio, along with a one Alexa LF with an Angenieux 24-290 on a Furio robotic camera with 30+ feet of curved track.
Filming took place in New York in September 2020.
folklore: the long pond studio sessions Description:
Taylor, accompanied by co-producers Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff along with a guest appearance by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), performs each song in order of her critically adored, five star album, folklore, and for the very first time, reveals the stories and secrets behind all 17 songs.
Trevor Noah will host the 2021 Grammy Awards (Photo Courtesy of CBS)
Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, will host The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards set for Sunday, January 31, 2021. The 2021 Grammys will mark Noah’s first hosting gig and will air live on CBS and CBS All Access beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT.
“Despite the fact that I am extremely disappointed that the Grammys have refused to have me sing or be nominated for best pop album, I am thrilled to be hosting this auspicious event,” stated Trevor Noah. “I think as a one-time Grammy nominee, I am the best person to provide a shoulder to all the amazing artists who do not win on the night because I too know the pain of not winning the award! (This is a metaphorical shoulder. I’m not trying to catch Corona). See you at the 63rd Grammys!!”
“With a knack for keeping viewers engaged and entertained, Trevor is the perfect choice to lead us through what’s sure to be an incredible evening full of music, unforgettable moments, unity and inspiration,” explained Harvey Mason Jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “He is a dynamic host, comedian and personality, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Grammy stage as host of Music’s Biggest Night for the first time.”
The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards will be directed by Hamish Hamilton. Ben Winston executive produces with Fatima Robinson, Josie Cliff, and David Wild producing.
“Trevor’s comedy talents, engaging energy and unique perspective make him the perfect host for the Grammys,” said CBS Entertainment Group President and Chief Executive Officer George Cheeks. “At the same time, it’s very exciting to have one of our biggest ViacomCBS stars center stage for one of CBS’ marquee events. With Trevor hosting and The Late Late Show’s Ben Winston producing, it’s yet another example of our combined company’s power in music, entertainment and the biggest live events.”
Trevor Noah began working on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show as a contributor while Jon Stewart was host. In 2020, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah earned six Emmy Award nominations including Outstanding Variety Talk Series, Outstanding Writing for A Variety Series, and Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series.
A new resident makes a serious error on ABC’s The Good Doctor season four episode five. The winter finale was directed by Vanessa Parise from a script by Peter Blake and Mark Rozeman and will air on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 10pm ET/PT.
The cast of season four includes Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Browne, Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews, and Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman. Christina Chang plays Dr. Audrey Lim, Fiona Gubelmann is Dr. Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee is Dr. Alex Park and Paige Spara stars as Lea Dilallo.
Sheila Kelley, Summer Brown, Noah Galvin, Bria Samoné Henderson, Brian Marc, and Elfina Luk guest star in episode five. Lindsey Kraft, Ryan Kennedy, Carlos Lacamara, Daniel Di Tomasso, Jennifer Angeli, and Araz Yaghoubi also guest star in “Fault.”
“Fault” Plot: Dr. Shaun Murphy questions his decision to give the new residents autonomy when one of his intern’s misdiagnosis of a patient has dire consequences. Meanwhile, Dr. Claire Browne, Dr. Alex Park and Dr. Jordan Allen (Bria Samoné Henderson) treat a patient with a ruptured cyst affecting key functions of her brain. And elsewhere, Dr. Morgan Reznick and Park bond over failed relationships.
Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, continues to use his extraordinary medical gifts at St. Bonaventure Hospital’s surgical unit. As his friendships deepen, Shaun tackles the world of dating for the first time and continues to work harder than he ever has before, navigating his environment to prove to his colleagues that his talents as a surgeon will save lives.
Freddie Highmore and Paige Spara in ‘The Good Doctor’ season 4 episode 5 (ABC/Jeff Weddell)Noah Galvin and Carlos Lacamara in season 4 episode 5 (ABC/Jeff Weddell)Will Yun Lee and Fiona Gubelmann in season 4 episode 5 (ABC/Jeff Weddell)A scene from season 4 episode 5 (ABC/Jeff Weddell)A scene from season 4 episode 5 (ABC/Jeff Weddell)Brian Marc and Bria Henderson in season 4 episode 5 (ABC/Jeff Weddell)Christina Chang in season 4 episode 5 (ABC/Jeff Weddell)
Fox’s Filthy Rich season one episode eight ended with the death of Luke Taylor, an attack on Becky, and the kidnapping of Antonio’s young son, Jesús. It’s the kidnapping that occupies the opening minutes of season one episode nine, “Romans 12:21.”
Margaret (Kim Cattrall) addresses her audience, requesting their help in the search for Jesús. A phone bank is set up to assist in the hunt for Hagamond Sheen, with family members helping to man the phones.
Rachel (Aqueela Zoll) confesses to Rose (Aubrey Dollar) that it’s all her fault since she left Jesús alone in the hotel room. Rose insists God will forgive her.
Yopi (Alanna Ubach) is also blaming herself but Antonio (Benjamin Levy Aguilar) is sure his baby’s alive. He begs Yopi not to give up on Jesús.
Meanwhile, Hagamond (Thomas Francis Murphy) prays over Jesús as Jesús tosses food in his kidnapper’s face and giggles.
Ginger (Melia Kreiling) plays Luke’s voicemail and Franklin (Steve Harris) attempts to decipher what it means. Ginger reveals Luke believed Eugene was murdered and had a massive crime board connecting different members of the 1820 club and the Monreaux family. Franklin admits Luke tried to tell him the same thing. Ginger blames herself for Luke’s death and Franklin assures her they’d both be dead if she had responded to his message.
Becky (Olivia Macklin) is recovering from Hagamond’s attack and has delivered a healthy baby girl. Eric (Corey Cott) believes Becky and the baby are safe because God wants them to work things out. Becky disagrees, certain they’re not meant to be a couple. When Eric says he loves her, Becky doesn’t respond.
Veronica (Gia Carides) bails Mark/Fake Jason (Mark L. Young) out of jail and before he can come clean about his true identity Veronica reveals she’s aware he’s Jason’s brother, Mark Conley. The police told her the truth and she’s not angry. She wants Mark to share what he knows about Jason since he was the person closest to her real son. “I lost my child and I found you,” says Veronica.
Ginger pays a visit to Becky at the hospital, upset she didn’t protect her pregnant lover. She assumes she was the target of the attack, but Becky reveals Hagamond was actually looking for her. He wasn’t in the least bit surprised she was the one in the room.
Becky explains she hasn’t named the baby yet. A name will define her and she wants her baby girl to be free as long as possible. Ginger hopes Becky makes room for Eric in her baby’s life.
Franklin walks with a cop through Luke’s apartment. The cops believe it was a robbery and Franklin notes all of Luke’s charts of the 1820 and Monreaux family have been stripped from the walls. Only thumbtacks and a few scraps of paper remain.
Reverend Paul (Aaron Lazar) is ready to go on air, assuring Margaret he’s there for her in this time of need. She’s having none of it but he won’t leave and insists Hagamond would never harm Jesus. He explains that Hagamond thinks Jesús is the savior.
Margaret wonders how Reverend Paul could possibly know about Hagamond’s intentions. Reverend Paul tries to push all the blame on the 1820 and off of himself. Margaret responds by firing him. He threatens that if she goes through with it, his followers will leave. Margaret doesn’t care. She wants nothing more to do with Reverend Paul, his people, or the 1820 club.
Reverend Paul’s next stop is to visit his sister, Becky. She reminds him where they came from (they were dirt poor growing up) and that he’s inspired millions. He asks his sister not to blame him for what Hagamond did, and she admits it will take time before she can trust him again.
Margaret goes back on the air with a plea to Hagamond to return Jesús. She explains he’s misguided and Jesús is just a child, not the savior. God wants the child returned.
Rachel can’t handle the stares from other phone bank workers and races off, only to run into Eric. He tries to hurry by without stopping but she forces him to talk to her. She begs for his forgiveness and apologizes for what they did and what she caused. Rachel needs him to tell her she’s not a bad person. Eric replies, “Rachel, you’re an angel. You’re the only good person I’ve ever known.”
Ginger takes over Rachel’s spot next to Rose on the phone bank and Rose confesses all of her emotions are wrapped up in Jesús’ kidnapping and not what happened in New York. (Remember, they headed to New York at the end of episode eight. Rose wanted to get an abortion after discovering she was pregnant.)
Mark’s the next to try and fill the space by Rose and she thanks him for beating up “that jackass” to defend her honor. Mark reveals he gave the cops his real name because the lie was killing him inside; he couldn’t continue with it. When he asks about New York, she answers the phone rather than answer him.
Reverend Paul’s at home praying when he gets an unexpected visitor. After a brief argument over Hagamond’s role in their arrangement and his duties to God, Hagamond shoots Reverend Paul in the middle of his confession.
Antonio and Yopi appear on the Sunshine Network to thank everyone for looking for Jesús. Antonio’s overcome with emotion and Yopi speaks directly to Hagamond. She says her heart and spirit have been broken, but she doesn’t hate him. Yopi begs Hagamond to bring Jesús home.
Rose and Mark get a quiet moment away from everyone to discuss their relationship. Rose confirms she had an abortion.
There aren’t any viable leads but Margaret refuses to give up. She gathers up her kids and declares she’s about to make a miracle. They take the stage together and Margaret leads a prayer asking God to bring an innocent home to safety. She prays Hagamond’s heart will be softened so he can see the error of his ways.
Margaret includes in her prayer all lost children the world over. “Show them your love. Bring them peace, bring them home, bring them to a place where they are nurtured, dignified, and sanctified. Amen,” says Margaret.
Eric takes the mic and sings “Bless the Beasts and the Children.” (Corey Cott has a beautiful voice.)
Rachel’s made it to the bus station and is prepared to leave town when she spots Hagamond and Jesús. She moves quickly, hits Hagamond over the head, and grabs Jesús.
And now Eugene’s portion of this tale connects some dots. Earlier in the episode, Eugene (Gerald McRaney) ran into a man in an old abandoned church, a church he used to attend as a child. The man remembered Eugene’s mom leaving groceries in his car after a service because he was poor and needed help. They discuss those days and question their purpose on Earth. Eugene requests a ride in the man’s car into town.
They’re driving down the road when they run into – quite literally – Hagamond Sheen. Hagamond was chasing after Rachel and didn’t see the car coming. Rachel runs off with Jesús while inside the car, Eugene declares they’ve found their purpose after spotting Rachel running away with Jesús.
They drive off without checking on Hagamond. Blood spreads around his head as he whispers, “I’m ready,” before dying.
A short while later Margaret and her kids erupt in joy, with the choir singing as everyone celebrates the return of Jesús. She thanks everyone who helped in their search for her missing grandson. Antonio holds his son tight as Yopi thanks Rachel for being a badass. Rachel tries to blame herself again for Jesús’ kidnapping but they shut her down, grateful she fought for the boy’s return.
As they’re celebrating, Yopi tells Antonio and Rachel that Antonio now owns 16% of the Sunshine Network. She made a deal with Don Bouchard and took his shares.
Margaret suggests she and Ginger head out to the camp for the weekend to get to really know each other. Ginger accepts the invitation.
Mark confesses to Rose that Jason told him he saw Eugene the minute he came out of the coma. He then asked to see him again and Mark realized Jason wanted his help to die. Mark assisted him, knowing he was ready. He wonders what God would say and Rose wouldn’t dare speak for him. However, she believes Mark’s generous and loving and wonderful. “The world is a scary place, isn’t it?” asks Rose.
They kiss while crying.
Eric’s the next Monreaux to offer up a confession. He dumps a bag full of paperwork on Margaret’s couch and explains it’s all off of Luke’s wall. He demanded Margaret be removed from the wall of guilty people, but Luke wouldn’t listen. While Eric was taking a picture down, he shoved Luke and there was blood everywhere. He ran and just left him there without telling anyone.
Eric sobs as he admits he left Luke to die alone. He asks what he should do, and Margaret tells him he needs to be with Becky and the baby. She warns him to stop crying and claims he’s not a killer. (The facts would seem to disagree.) Margaret promises to fix this and sends Eric home.
After he leaves, Margaret sorts through the photos and paperwork which includes the printouts from Eugene’s accounts. After she’s put things in order, she shows Franklin the material and reveals she got it from Eric. Franklin believes if Eric keeps his head down, he’ll get through this.
Franklin wants to get rid of the paperwork, but Margaret says she’ll take care of it. She’s looked through everything and wonders why Eugene paid his pilot $15 million the day before he died. Margaret’s figured out who made the payment and Franklin, now on the defensive, recalls a day long ago when they were teens. He was savagely beaten by Eugene and his friends the same night she was dancing with Eugene at a ball. He claims everything he’s ever done is in her best interest.
Margaret says she’s always done her best for him, but Franklin’s furious she never named him CEO. He would have been the obvious choice. She confirms she passed him over because he’s not blood.
Franklin warns her if she tries to take him down, he’ll take Eric down with him. It seems they’ve reached a stalemate.
Ginger encounters Franklin shortly after his fight with Margaret and confesses she’s not sure Hagamond killed Luke. She doesn’t believe Hagamond would have knocked, given that he was a professional. Franklin reminds her the simplest answer is usually the answer. She then reveals she’s excited about spending the weekend at the camp (Margaret’s home in the country) but Franklin reveals Margaret won’t be there. He warns she’ll just be wasting her life waiting around for Margaret.
Ginger, who believed she was at a new stage in her relationship with Margaret, is crushed.
It seems Antonio and Rachel are becoming a couple. Yopi realizes they’re millionaires and shouldn’t be living in a dumpy motel.
Eric drives Becky and the baby to Reverend Paul’s place where they discover his dead body leaning against the piano.
Ginger reunites with Tina (Rachel York) who just finished up her stint in rehab. They’re at the house she just bought her mom and Ginger’s shocked her mom is cooking. She’s also shocked to see three place settings on the table.
Eugene enters the room and it takes Ginger time to process what’s going on.
It’s the dark of night as Margaret burns all the paperwork Eric stole from Luke’s home. She prays to God for another sign. “I need you to show me that a mother’s way is right,” says Margaret. At just that moment Rose arrives with news she’s getting married. Margaret sees Mark (who she still thinks is Jason) step from the car.
Fan favorite John Barrowman is confirmed to return to the world of Doctor Who for the upcoming special, “Revolution of the Daleks.” Barrowman will be reprising his role as Captain Jack Harness for the special set to air this holiday season.
“Putting on Jack’s coat and setting foot back on the set of Doctor Who was just like going back home. It’s always thrilling to play Captain Jack. He’s a character very close to my heart who changed my life, and to know the fans love him as much as I do makes his return even sweeter. I hope everyone enjoys Jack’s heroic adventure with Thirteen,” said Barrowman, commenting on slipping into the Doctor Who character once again.
Barrowman’s Captain Jack first showed up in a 2005 episode titled “The Empty Child.” Barrowman went on to star in the Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood which premiered in October 2006 and ran for four seasons.
“A Doctor Who holiday special means treats galore, and there’s no bigger treat than the return of John Barrowman to Doctor Who, for an epic and emotional feature-length episode,” said executive producer Chris Chibnall. “If anyone can blast away the sheer rubbishness of 2020, it’s Captain Jack. Daleks beware!”
Executive producer Matt Strevens added, “After a tantalizingly brief appearance in ‘Fugitive of the Judoon,’ it’s a total joy and thrill to welcome back John as Captain Jack. One of the most iconic characters in Doctor Who lore, his presence ignites this holiday special from the start.”
Jodie Whittaker leads the cast as the Thirteenth Doctor. Mandip Gill plays Yaz, Tosin Cole is Ryan, and Bradley Walsh is Graham.
Details on “Revolution of the Daleks,” Courtesy of BBC America:
The cheeky Captain left viewers reeling in the season 12 episode, “Fugitive of the Judoon,” when he made a brief surprise appearance with a stark warning for Yaz, Ryan and Graham to pass on to the Doctor before disappearing.
In the upcoming special titled “Revolution of the Daleks,” Captain Jack will be on hand to help the fam as they discover a disturbing plan forming involving one of the Doctor’s most feared and dangerous enemies, the Daleks. With the Thirteenth Doctor locked away in a space prison, will Captain Jack be able to help save planet Earth?
Bebe Rexha and Doja Cat perform on the ‘2020 American Music Awards’ (ABC)
Taraji P. Henson (Empire) handled hosting duties during the 2020 American Music Awards held on Sunday, November 22, 2020 and airing live on ABC. Roddy Ricch and The Weeknd entered the AMAs with the most nominations at eight each. When all was said and done, Roddy Ricch walked away with one win while The Weeknd earned three awards including Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B.
Taylor Swift’sAmerican Music Awards record now stands at 32 wins after adding Artist of the Year, Favorite Music Video, and Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock wins to her collection. Swift missed this year’s show because she’s currently busy re-recording her songs’ masters.
2020 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES AND WINNERS:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Bieber
Post Malone
Roddy Ricch Winner: Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lewis Capaldi Winner: Doja Cat
DaBaby
Lil Baby
Roddy Ricch
Megan Thee Stallion
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion “WAP”
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch “Rockstar” Winner: Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours”
Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande “Rain On Me”
Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé “Savage Remix”
FAVORITE SOCIAL ARTIST Winner: BTS
Billie Eilish
EXO
Ariana Grande
NCT 127
FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO
Doja Cat “Say So”
Future ft. Drake “Life Is Good”
Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande “Rain On Me” Winner: Taylor Swift “cardigan”
The Weeknd “Blinding Lights”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK Winner: Justin Bieber
Post Malone
The Weeknd
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK
Dua Lipa
Lady Gaga Winner: Taylor Swift
FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP – POP/ROCK Winner: BTS
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
FAVORITE ALBUM – POP/ROCK Winner: Harry Styles “Fine Line”
Taylor Swift “folklore”
The Weeknd “After Hours”
FAVORITE SONG – POP/ROCK
Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved” Winner: Dua Lipa “Don’t Start Now”
Post Malone “Circles”
Roddy Ricch “The Box”
The Weeknd “Blinding Lights”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY Winner: Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert Winner: Maren Morris
FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP – COUNTRY Winner: Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY
Luke Combs “What You See Is What You Get” Winner: Blake Shelton “Fully Loaded: God’s Country”
Morgan Wallen “If I Know Me”
FAVORITE SONG – COUNTRY Winner: Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours”
Maren Morris “The Bones”
Blake Shelton (Duet with Gwen Stefani) “Nobody But You”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP
DaBaby Winner: Juice WRLD
Roddy Ricch
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP
Cardi B Winner: Nicki Minaj
Megan Thee Stallion
FAVORITE ALBUM – RAP/HIP-HOP
Lil Baby “My Turn”
Lil Uzi Vert “Eternal Atake” Winner: Roddy Ricch “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial”
FAVORITE SONG – RAP/HIP-HOP Winner: Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion “WAP”
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch “Rockstar”
Roddy Ricch “The Box”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B
Chris Brown
John Legend Winner: The Weeknd
