ABC Releases 2020-2021 Primetime Schedule and Program Details

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June 17, 2020

The Good Doctor Season 3 Episode 19 — Freddie Highmore and Will Yun Lee in ‘The Good Doctor’ season 3 (ABC/Jack Rowand)

ABC’s 2020-2021 primetime lineup will include 20 returning shows along with two new straight-to-series shows. The network will be adding Big Sky from David E. Kelley and Call Your Mother from Kari Lizer to their primetime lineup during the upcoming season. ABC also confirmed the return of the game show Supermarket Sweep with Leslie Jones on board as host.

American Idol, The Bachelor, black-ish, For Life, and mixed-ish will return to the schedule at midseason.

2020-2021 Series Descriptions:

BIG SKY
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.

Cast: Katheryn Winnick as Jenny Hoyt, Kylie Bunbury as Cassie Dewell, Brian Geraghty as Ronald Pergman, Dedee Pfeiffer as Denise Brisbane, Natalie Alyn Lind as Danielle Sullivan, Jesse James Keitel as Jerrie, with John Carroll Lynch as Rick Legarski and Ryan Phillippe as Cody Hoyt.

CALL YOUR MOTHER
From Kari Lizer (The New Adventures of Old Christine), this multicamera comedy follows an empty nester mom who wonders how she ended up alone while her children live their best lives thousands of miles away. She decides her place is with her family and as she reinserts herself into their lives, her kids realize they might actually need her more than they thought.

Cast: Kyra Sedgwick as Jean Raines, Rachel Sennott as Jackie Raines, Joey Bragg as Freddie Raines, Patrick Brammall as Danny, Emma Caymares as Celia and Austin Crute as Lane.

SUPERMARKET SWEEP
ABC is bringing back the classic TV game show Supermarket Sweep, hosted and executive produced by Emmy® Award-nominated comedienne and actress Leslie Jones. The fast-paced and energetic series follows three teams of two as they battle it out using their grocery shopping skills and knowledge of merchandise to win big cash prizes.

AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS (SEASON 31)
Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, America’s Funniest Home Videos is the longest-running prime-time entertainment show in the history of ABC. Each week, the “AFV” team evaluates thousands of user-submitted home videos to bring you America’s real-life funny moments captured on video.

AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE (SEASON 5)
American Housewife follows Katie Otto, a confident, unapologetic wife and mother of three, who is raising her flawed family in the wealthy town of Westport, Connecticut, filled with “perfect” mommies and their “perfect” offspring. Joining Katie in her perfectly imperfect world is her husband, Greg Otto, who supports her in every way possible but with a dash of reality thrown in as they work to raise their three children.

Despite her flaws and unconventional ways, Katie ultimately only wants the best for her kids and will fight tooth and nail to instill some good old-fashioned values in them.

American Housewife stars Katy Mixon as Katie Otto, Diedrich Bader as Greg Otto, Meg Donnelly as Taylor Otto, Daniel DiMaggio as Oliver Otto, Julia Butters as Anna-Kat Otto, Carly Hughes as Angela and Ali Wong as Doris.

THE BACHELORETTE (SEASON 16)
After ranking as the No. 1 series of the summer in Adults 18-49 last year, The Bachelorette is set to return for its sizzling 16th season with Clare Crawley embarking on a new journey to find true love.

THE CONNERS (SEASON 3)
TV’s No. 1 program in the Tuesday 8:00 p.m. half-hour this season in Adults 18-49, The Conners, follows America’s favorite family as they continue to face the daily struggles of life in Lanford. Dan, Jackie, Darlene, Becky and D.J. will continue to grapple with parenthood, dating, pregnancy, financial pressures and aging in working-class America. Through it all – the fights, the coupon cutting, the hand-me-downs, the breakdowns – with love, humor and perseverance, the family prevails.

The series stars John Goodman as Dan Conner, Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris, Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner, Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner-Healy, Michael Fishman as D.J. Conner, Emma Kenney as Harris Conner-Healy, Ames McNamara as Mark Conner-Healy and Jayden Rey as Mary Conner.

DANCING WITH THE STARS (SEASON 29)
Dancing with the Stars is the hit series in which celebrities perform choreographed dance routines that are judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts and voted upon by viewers at home. The competition begins with an all-new cast of celebrities paired up with the show’s pro dancers, braving the dance floor together for the very first time. Each week these celebrities will endure hours of grueling rehearsals to master new dance styles and technical choreography to perform a dance. In the end, only one star will rise above the rest to be crowned champion and win the coveted Mirrorball trophy.

THE GOLDBERGS (SEASON 8)
Despite the challenges, ups, downs, twists and turns of life together, everyone’s favorite ’80s family, the Goldbergs, proves that life will be sweet.

The Goldbergs stars Wendi McLendon-Covey as Beverly Goldberg, Sean Giambrone as Adam Goldberg, Troy Gentile as Barry Goldberg, Hayley Orrantia as Erica Goldberg, Sam Lerner as Geoff Schwartz, with George Segal as Al “Pops” Solomon and Jeff Garlin as Murray Goldberg.

THE GOOD DOCTOR (SEASON 4)
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 continues to tackle the world of dating and romantic relationships, and work harder than he ever has before, navigating his environment to prove to his colleagues that his talents as a surgeon will save lives.

The series stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Browne, Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews, Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman, Christina Chang as Dr. Audrey Lim, Fiona Gubelmann as Dr. Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee as Dr. Alex Park, Paige Spara as Lea Dilallo and Jasika Nicole as Dr. Carly Lever.

GREY’S ANATOMY (SEASON 17)
Grey’s Anatomy follows Meredith Grey and the team of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial who are faced with life-or-death decisions on a daily basis. They seek comfort from one another, and at times, more than just friendship. Together they discover that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white.

Grey’s Anatomy stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens Jr. as Richard Webber, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery, Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd, Camilla Luddington as Jo Wilson, Kelly McCreary as Maggie Pierce, Kim Raver as Teddy Altman, Giacomo Gianniotti as Andrew DeLuca, Greg Germann as Tom Koracick, Chris Carmack as Atticus “Link” Lincoln and Jake Borelli as Levi Schmitt.

A MILLION LITTLE THINGS (SEASON 3)
Friendship isn’t a big thing. It’s a million little things. When our gang’s dear friend Jon – a man perfect on paper – took his own life, his family and friends were left to pick up the pieces. Each of these friends is not living the version of life they thought they’d be living. And their friend’s death forces them to take a look at the choices they’ve made and to solve the unanswerable mystery of a man they thought they knew.

A Million Little Things stars David Giuntoli as Eddie Saville, Romany Malco as Rome Howard, Allison Miller as Maggie Bloom, Christina Moses as Regina Howard, Grace Park as Katherine Saville, James Roday as Gary Mendez, Stephanie Szostak as Delilah Dixon, Tristan Byon as Theo Saville, Lizzy Greene as Sophie Dixon and Chance Hurstfield as Danny Dixon.

THE ROOKIE (SEASON 3)
John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD, has used his life experience, determination and sense of humor to keep up with rookies 20 years his junior. Nolan is continually put to the test by a host of new challenges, romantic relationships and deadly criminals, as he looks to figure out what kind of cop he ultimately wants to be.

The Rookie stars Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Sergeant Wade Grey, Titus Makin as Jackson West, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen and Eric Winter as Tim Bradford.

SHARK TANK (SEASON 12)
The recipient of the 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 Emmy Award for Outstanding Structured Reality Program, Shark Tank features The Sharks – tough, self-made, multimillionaire and billionaire tycoons – as they invest in America’s best businesses and products. The Sharks will give people from all walks of life the chance to chase the American dream and potentially secure business deals that could make them millionaires.

STATION 19 (SEASON 4)
Having delivered its most-watched season ever, Station 19 follows a group of heroic Seattle firefighters as they put their lives and hearts on the line. The series takes us inside the tough, tight-knit and sometimes heartbreaking world of the city’s bravest first responders.

Station 19 stars Jaina Lee Ortiz as Andy Herrera, Jason George as Ben Warren, Boris Kodjoe as Robert Sullivan, Grey Damon as Jack Gibson, Barrett Doss as Victoria Hughes, Jay Hayden as Travis Montgomery, Okieriete Onaodowan as Dean Miller and Danielle Savre as Maya Bishop.

STUMPTOWN (SEASON 2)
Based on the graphic novel series, Stumptown follows Dex Parios – a strong, assertive and sharp-witted veteran with a complicated love life, gambling debt and a brother to take care of in Portland, Oregon. Her military intelligence skills make her a great PI, but her unapologetic style puts her in the firing line of hardcore criminals and not quite in alliance with the police.

Stumptown stars Cobie Smulders as Dex Parios, Jake Johnson as Grey McConnell, Tantoo Cardinal as Sue Lynn Blackbird, Cole Sibus as Ansel Parios, Adrian Martinez as Tookie, with Camryn Manheim as Lieutenant Cosgrove and Michael Ealy as Detective Miles Hoffman.

20/20 (SEASON 43)
ABC News’ 20/20 is an award-winning prime-time program anchored by David Muir and Amy Robach. A proven leader in the long-form newsmagazine for over 40 years, 20/20 features hard-hitting investigative reports, in-depth coverage of high profile trials, unforgettable character-driven stories and exclusive newsmaker interviews.

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE (SEASON 2)
Emmy Award-winning host Jimmy Kimmel returns as host and executive producer of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire 20 years after the prime-time series debuted on ABC in the U.S. The series features celebrity contestants playing for charity, bringing a guest of their choice along to help them answer questions: a relative, a beloved teacher or a famed trivia expert – anyone they want.

ABC Primetime Schedule:

MONDAY
8 p.m.: Dancing With the Stars
10 p.m.: The Good Doctor

TUESDAY
8 p.m.: The Bachelorette
10 p.m.: Big Sky

WEDNESDAY
8 p.m.: The Goldbergs
8:30 p.m.: American Housewife
9 p.m.: The Conners
9:30 p.m.: Call Your Mother
10 p.m.: Stumptown

THURSDAY
8 p.m.: Station 19
9 p.m.: Grey’s Anatomy
10 p.m.: A Million Little Things

FRIDAY
8 p.m.: Shark Tank
9 p.m.: 20/20

SATURDAY
8 p.m.: Saturday Night Football

SUNDAY
7 p.m.: America’s Funniest Home Videos
8 p.m.: Supermarket Sweep
9 p.m.: Who Wants to be a Millionaire
10 p.m.: The Rookie

‘Stargirl’ Season 1 Episode 6 Photos: Preview of “The Justice Society”

By

Rebecca Murray

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June 17, 2020

Problems arise after Courtney adds new members to the Justice Society of America on The CW’s Stargirl season one episode six. Directed by Chris Manley from a script by Taylor Streitz, episode six will air on June 23, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT.

Brec Bassinger (Bella and the Bulldogs, School of Rock) leads the cast as Courtney Whitmore / Stargirl. The season one cast also includes Luke Wilson as Pat Dugan, Amy Smart as Barbara Whitmore, Trae Romano as Mike Dugan, Yvette Monreal as Yolanda Montez, Neil Jackson as Jordan Mahkent, and Anjelika Washington as Beth Chapel. Christopher James Baker plays Henry King Sr, Jake Austin Walker is Henry King Jr, Meg DeLacy is Cindy Burman, Cameron Gellman is Rick Tyler, and Hunter Sansone plays Cameron.

“The Justice Society” Plot: THE POWERS THAT BE — Courtney (Bassinger) makes a difficult decision after Pat (Wilson) confronts her about the potential consequences of recruiting new members to the JSA. Elsewhere, Barbara (Smart) shows up in support of Mike’s (Romano) science fair, and Courtney, Yolanda (Monreal), Beth (Washington) and Rick (Gellman) prepare for their first major mission.

Season 1 Description, Courtesy of The CW

When Courtney’s (Bassinger) seemingly perfect life in Los Angeles gets upended with a move to Blue Valley, Nebraska with her mother Barbara (Smart), stepfather Pat (Wilson) and stepbrother Mike (Romano), she finds herself struggling to adapt to her new town and high school. But when Courtney discovers that Pat is harboring a major secret about his past, she ultimately becomes the unlikely inspiration for a new generation of superheroes.

Stargirl Season 1 Episode 6 — Brec Bassinger as Stargirl, Cameron Gellman as Hourman, Anjelika Washington as Dr. Mid-Nite and Yvette Monreal as Wildcat in ‘Stargirl’ season 1 episode 6 (Photo © 2020 The CW Network, LLC)

‘Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story’ Episode 4 Recap: “More To It Than Fun”

By

Rebecca Murray

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June 16, 2020

Dirty John The Betty Broderick Story Episode 4 — Christian Slater and Amanda Peet in ‘Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story’ episode 4 (Photo by: Isabella Vosmikova/USA Network)

USA Network’s Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story episode four begins in the courtroom with a psychologist testifying. He specializes in treating couples and has studied the impact of infidelity on individuals.

Next, we see the “other woman” who sparked Dan’s infidelity, Linda Kolkena (Rachel Keller), at her desk in the reception area of the building that houses Dan’s law firm. She watches with more than casual interest as Dan (Christian Slater) arrives and later departs the office. Over the days they exchange smiles and casual greetings, and it’s obvious that Linda has an interest in taking this relationship further.

Fast-forward a bit and Dan’s taken an interest in the pretty (and much younger than his wife) receptionist. He’s hired her on to be a paralegal/his assistant, even though she lacks the skills necessary for the job. She’s beside herself when Dan awards her with her own private office. She even admits it’s crazy that she’s risen so fast and is worried others will feel the same way about her promotion.

She’s a horrible typist and isn’t sure she can handle the job, but flirty Dan promises she can learn on the job. He even jokes he’ll give her dozens of chances when she screws up.

Late nights alone at work find the two growing closer.

The scene shifts to Dan, Betty (Amanda Peet), and the kids at the beach. He looks uncomfortable and impatient to be away from his family. Back at work the following Monday, he describes the weekend as “long” to Linda. A call comes in for her and when she answers no one’s on the line. (We know this is Betty checking to see if Dan fired her like she demanded.)

The final scene from episode three in which Dan warns Betty he pays for everything plays once again, but this time it’s an extended version. When Betty asks if he’s sleeping with Linda, Dan doesn’t actually say no until Betty calls him on his non-response. He then declares, “I am not sleeping with Linda Kolkena. I haven’t and I’m not.”

Once again to the courthouse we go, and the psychologist is explaining what happens when someone loses faith in their partner and becomes vulnerable.

After hours, Linda struggles at the typewriter to correctly type one simple sentence. She’s interrupted by Dan who makes his move. They hold hands and kiss, equally into this new relationship that will sound the death knell for his marriage. (And, ultimately, lead to both their deaths.)

This happens in October 1983 and in November of that year Betty looks distracted as she dines with her friends. She blurts out that she believes Dan’s “banging his assistant” and her friends grow concerned. They don’t think Dan’s like that, and Betty can’t point to any single thing he’s doing that would confirm he’s cheating.

However, Dan confirms he’s a middle-aged cliché when he returns home with a snazzy red sports car. Betty’s reaction to the new car turns from amusement to jealousy when Dan reveals he went with Linda to pick up the car in Long Beach.

On another occasion, Betty’s left hanging in a hotel restaurant while Dan chats away on a public payphone (not in his own room) to Linda. When Betty discovers what he’s doing, he covers by saying there’s an issue with a deposition that urgently needs to be taken care of. She stalks away, angry, as he calls after her that he’s just trying to make it so they don’t have to cut their time away together short.

Dan finally returns to their table at the restaurant and discovers Betty’s purchased an $8,000 dress as a form of revenge. He continues to claim the call was just work.

Back at home, a friend suggests Betty fight for her husband. She thinks Betty should surprise him on his birthday by showing up at his office, looking gorgeous, and with champagne to celebrate the occasion.

Betty decides to follow her friend’s suggestion and discovers Dan left after lunch. She takes the roses and champagne she brought into his office where she finds the remains of a party, including a birthday cake. She takes a seat and stares at Dan’s desk while we hear the psychologist describe how the partner of a philanderer is lied to and sometimes made to feel crazy.

Betty eventually returns home and screams at her friend who’s graciously been babysitting her kids. She also screams at one of her young sons to leave her bedroom and return to bed as she frantically pulls some of Dan’s expensive clothing from the closet.

Betty takes his clothes outside and starts a bonfire. Dan catches her doing so and doesn’t say anything until she explains she tried to surprise him at work and he wasn’t there. She’s upset he left for the day with Linda, but Dan claims he went to lunch with Linda, Dan, and Walter. Plus, the cake she saw in his office was from everyone – not just Linda.

After lunch, he returned to work for a hearing at 1:30pm. He thinks Betty’s overreacting and continues to claim he’s not having an affair with Linda. Dan doesn’t understand how he can prove he’s not doing something she’s convinced he’s doing.

Betty begins crying and hugs her husband. He eventually hugs her in return.

The psychologist explains what Dan did to Betty was gaslighting in that he pretended to be concerned for her while actually engaged in an affair under her nose. He also explains Betty’s self-esteem and self-worth were called into question during this period.

December ’83 arrives and Linda openly talks to a co-worker about a romantic work trip with Dan. Dan’s secretary overhears the conversation and is disgusted.

Meanwhile, after the late-night clothing BBQ, Dan and Betty appear to have patched things up. They discuss buying a new house and even visit a doctor to see about reversing Betty’s tubal ligation. Both appear to want more children.

The psychologist describes what happens if someone is brainwashed by being told repeatedly that something that is in fact true isn’t. Pressure will build up in the person being lied to.

Linda continues to talk about her relationship with Dan at the office, and Dan’s secretary continues to be dismayed and upset at Linda’s lack of awareness.

Dan’s secretary finally works up the nerve to address how she feels about Linda openly discussing the things she and Dan do together. Dan rewards her courage by telling her it’s none of her business.

14 months have passed since Linda and Dan hooked up, and it’s now December 1984. Linda confesses her family made her feel sad by asking when she’s going to find a man. “Imagine if I told them that I found a man a year ago, actually, and he says that he’s in love with me. He has four children and he hasn’t told his wife, but don’t worry she knows. They wouldn’t be able to look at me. Sometimes I can’t look at me,” says Linda, overcome with emotion.

The psychologist continues his testimony. If the adulterer doesn’t admit what he’s done, there cannot be any real change. Instead, he just adds to the pressure cooker.

Betty confesses to a friend she doesn’t actually want to be pregnant; she just wants Dan to understand she would have another baby if he wanted one.

Dan meets with his lawyer, Doug, and they go over exactly what Dan needs to do to prepare himself legally for separation from Betty. He needs to definitively establish the date of the separation and show intent to end the marriage.

Meanwhile, Betty continues to believe her relationship is back on solid ground.

February 28, 1985. Dan comes home from work late and Betty’s already in bed. He grabs a suitcase and begins packing his clothes. He wants time away to think. “If I don’t take this time, I’m not going to be any good to anyone,” he says, pausing his packing.

Betty accuses him of taking off to be with Linda. He claims that’s not true and apologizes for springing this on her. He even asks if he should wait to leave until the morning. Betty tells him to make up his own mind.

She’s trying to hide the fact she’s been crying when the kids come downstairs in the morning. Betty fills them in on the fact Dan will be spending time away from the house to think. She explains to the kids Dan needs to figure out some things but assures them he loves them.

Betty has lunch with friends and reveals Dan moved out on Tuesday night. When they ask, she clarifies that he never said they were separating or getting a divorce. In fact, she thinks she’ll like this quiet time apart. Her friends are much more concerned about her marriage than Betty seems to be. She’s sure they’ll be moving into their recently purchased home in La Jolla together.

Dan returns to their new house one night and they make love. He’s obviously been drinking a little and is horny.

April 1985. It’s been 18 months since Dan began cheating on Betty. She calls to ask what he wants to be brought to their new home, and Dan finally reveals he’s moving back into their old house on Coral Reef. Betty’s confused. Dan also reveals he no longer plans on taking an August vacation with the family to Lake Henshaw or on going with her to her dad’s 75th birthday celebration back east. Dan tells Betty to go to the lake without him.

Betty and the kids return home after their trip to find rats inside their new house. Betty calls Dan screaming there are rats all over and he refuses to come to help them. He suggests she use one of her 13 credit cards to hire an exterminator and stay at a hotel. He hangs up after telling her, “Good luck.”

Dan returns home one night to find the kids sitting outside the Coral Reef house. Betty dropped them off and then took off for New York for her dad’s birthday. They explain their mom said he needs to be reminded there’s more to it than fun.

After returning from NY, Betty shows up at the Coral Reef house to retrieve the kids. She explains she dropped them off because she wants Linda to understand what it means to have children and what she’s done to their family. Dan reveals he’s taken the kids to camp and didn’t list Betty as a next of kin. She won’t be allowed to pick them up, and he warns her he’s going to seek an emergency judgment so that the kids will live with him from now on.

23 months have now passed since Dan and Linda began their affair. It’s September 1985 and Betty calls her children to wish them luck on the first day of school. After she hangs up, she opens the front door to receive papers informing her Dan’s suing for divorce.

Betty goes to Dan’s lawyer’s office – he’s also a friend of hers – and he explains he can’t represent her and Dan. He suggests she “be a good soldier” or else she may never see the kids.

Dan and Betty sit down to discuss her finances. He believes her credit card bills are atrocious but says he’ll pay them down. He’s willing to give her $9,000 a month for her mortgage payments and other living expenses. Dan thinks he’s being generous and Betty doesn’t disagree. He informs her to contact him once she obtains a lawyer.

Betty heads over on one of her visitation days to retrieve the kids. Dan’s not there but a maid is with the kids even though they’re old enough not to need a babysitter. One of her daughters reminds Betty she’s not allowed to just let herself in using a key and Betty doesn’t try to justify her actions. Instead, she comments on the Boston Crème pie (Dan’s favorite) on the table. She figures out Linda made it and takes it to Dan’s bedroom where she smears it all over his clothes and his bed.

Betty continues to break the rules by using her key to let herself in. Dan’s had enough and in October 1985 he obtains a court order to keep Betty off the Coral Reef property. If he doesn’t give her permission to be there, she can be jailed for setting foot on the property.

She calms down enough to beg him to reconsider what he’s doing. Dan finally admits after two years that she never imagined his affair; he was – and still is – in love with Linda. “You were right the whole time,” says Dan. Betty laughs and celebrates the fact she isn’t crazy.

The episode ends with a voice-over from the psychologist. He’s been using a pressure cooker analogy to explain Betty’s relationship with Dan and says, “They were taken off the market…pressure cookers. Eventually, they tended to explode.”

Debra Messing to Star in Starz’s ‘East Wing’ White House Comedy

By

Rebecca Murray

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June 16, 2020

Debra Messing East Wing — Debra Messing, Ali Wentworth, and Liz Tuccillo (Photo Courtesy of Starz)

Will & Grace‘s Debra Messing is set to star in and executive produce East Wing, a new half-hour comedy in development at Starz. Ali Wentworth (Nightcap) co-created the comedy with Liz Tuccillo (Sex and the City) and will write, executive produce, and act in the series. Tuccillo is also executive producing.

“The charm and relatability Debra brings to every character she inhabits will captivate audiences once again as she brings Hollis to life on the screen,” stated Christina Davis, President, Original Programming for Starz. “This is a whip-smart comedy that despite its 1980’s set dressing, is a pointed commentary on politics and the politics of being a woman today that will be a valuable addition to our slate of premium programming by and for women. Debra, Ali and Liz will most definitely not be pulling any punches.”

East Wing is a Lionsgate production. 3 Arts Entertainment’s Howard Klein (The Office) and Molly Madden (The Starter Wife) are on board as executive producers.

“Debra is a singular talent with whom we’ve had the honor of working in the past, and we couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Ali to bring her mother’s incredible story to viewers,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs. “Ali, Debra and Liz are shepherding a witty and empowering series right in the wheelhouse of our STARZ premium platform.”

In addition to her Emmy Award-winning role as “Grace Adler” on Will & Grace, Debra Messing’s credits include Smash, The Starter Wife, The Mysteries of Laura, and The Wedding Date.

The Plot, Courtesy of Starz:

“East Wing draws from the experiences of Ali Wentworth’s mother, who served as Social Secretary in the White House during Ronald Reagan’s presidency in the 1980s. It tells the story of Hollis Carlisle (Messing), a hostess extraordinaire who juggles her threatened husband, rebellious children, Nancy Reagan’s Chief of Staff and a crippling social anxiety disorder. Ali will reoccur as Hollis’s best friend, Kelly Forbes, who is a stay at home mom and is threatened by Hollis’s success.”

NBC Announces Its 2020-2021 Primetime Schedule

By

Rebecca Murray

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June 16, 2020

This Is Us Season 4 Episode 18 — Sterling K. Brown as Randall, Justin Hartley as Kevin, and Chrissy Metz as Kate in ‘This Is Us’ season 4 episode 18 (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

16 returning shows and one new dramatic series – Law & Order: Organized Crime – make up NBC’s just-announced 2020-2021 fall schedule. The new Law & Order spinoff will star Christopher Meloni reprising his Law & Order: SVU role as Elliot Stabler.

“Thanks to the ingenuity of our creative teams and our partner studios, NBC has assembled a remarkably stable schedule at a time when stability is called for,” said Paul Telegdy, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. “With the reopening of the Universal lot for select productions this week, we are confident that our schedule will premiere intact later this fall. We design shows for longevity and this schedule remains a powerful propulsive force for shows to start here and carry on entertaining across generations.”

Telegdy added, “Our brand has always championed positive programming, and the events of this year have allowed us the time to take pause, examine our business with a new lens and take some immediate action. Since many of our writers’ rooms have not yet opened, we are taking this opportunity to offer all of this season’s showrunners the chance to enrich their team with an additional diverse writer at any level. It is not the solution by any means, but it is something we can do right now to take a positive step.”

NBC confirmed the new season of The Voice will feature Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Blake Shelton, as well as the return of Gwen Stefani to the judging panel.

New comedies arriving during the 2020-2021 season will include Kenan starring Kenan Thompson, Mr. Mayor with Ted Danson, and Dwayne Johnson’s Young Rock. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist season two and Good Girls season four will air during the upcoming season, and Ellen’s Game of Games, That’s My Jam, True Story, and Small Fortune will snag primetime spots midseason.

NBC FALL SCHEDULE 2020
(New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)

MONDAY
8-10 P.M. — The Voice
10-11 P.M. — Manifest

TUESDAY
8-9 P.M. — The Voice
9-10 P.M. — This Is Us
10-11 P.M. — New Amsterdam

WEDNESDAY
8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med
9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire
10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D.

THURSDAY
8-8:30 P.M. — Superstore
8:30-9 P.M. — Brooklyn Nine-Nine
9-10 P.M. — Law & Order: SVU
10-11 P.M. — LAW & ORDER: ORGANIZED CRIME

FRIDAY
8-9 P.M. – The Blacklist
9-11 P.M — Dateline NBC

SATURDAY
8-10 P.M. — Dateline Saturday Night Mystery
10-11 P.M. – Saturday Night Live (encores)

SUNDAY
7-8:20 P.M. — Football Night in America
8:20-11 P.M. — NBC Sunday Night Football

Manifest is Renewed for a Third Season

‘Ozark’ Season 3 Episode 5 Recap: “It Came from Michoacán”

By

Alison Helms

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June 16, 2020

Ozark Season 3 Episode 5 — Jason Bateman and Laura Linney in ‘Ozark’ season 3 episode 5 (Photo Credit: Steve Dietl / Netflix © 2020)

As Netflix’s Ozark season three episode five begins, Special Agent Maya Miller (Jessica Frances Dukes) is meeting with her superior about Marty Byrde wanting to cooperate with the FBI before he was kidnapped. She seems to think Marty would be a good asset to the FBI. Agent Trevor Evans (McKinley Belcher III) is in attendance and seems to be turning into the new Agent Petty. Evans believes Marty had Petty killed, but Agent Miller points out there isn’t any evidence to support that theory.

Evans doesn’t want to hear what she has to say and stubbornly insists Marty Byrde needs to be taken down. Miller asks for more time with Marty.

The next morning Marty (Jason Bateman) is talking to the kids and, surprisingly after all that’s happened, he seems to be in a good mood. He made breakfast for the kids and even cleaned. Marty tells Wendy (Laura Linney) he’ll meet her and Ruth at the office later, but she tries to get him to take the day off. He insists he’s fine.

After leaving, the kids ask Wendy if he’s really okay. She assures them he’s fine.

Ruth (Julia Garner) wakes up to a text from Marty letting her know he’s back and asking her to meet him at the office later. As she’s locking up her trailer, Ben (Tom Pelphrey) shows up. He offers her breakfast and right away she says, “Listen, I know I kissed you last night, but I thought I was going to f*ckin die.”

Ben tells her it has nothing to do with the kiss; he’s worried about what his family dragged her into. She reminds him she was a criminal long before Marty Byrde came along.

Marty, Helen, and Wendy are at the office discussing how much money they’ve been laundering each day. Ruth joins them and embraces Marty, telling him how sorry she is and how she feels what happened to him was her fault. He tells her not to worry about it and to have a seat. She informs Marty that Frank Jr. is loansharking at the casino. He asks who approved that and no one responds. He wants Ruth to end that today. Marty says they need to find someone with a lot of money willing to loan it to them and trust they’ll give it back. Ruth and Wendy look at each other and indicate they know exactly who to go to.

Cut to the next scene and Wendy’s talking to Sam. He reminds her that it’s his inheritance. She assures him they’ll not only return it to him, but with an extra 8%. He seems to think she needs a loan. She explains it’s not that; they need to have more cash flow to get more credit. He thinks about it and asks if it’s legal. She assures him it is.

Their conversation’s cut short when her phone begins to ring. It’s Navarro and after he asks how she’s doing, he apologizes for what she had to go through (him kidnapping Marty), and then cuts to the chase. He explains he’s been thinking about when she asked, “What’s next?” By the look on Wendy’s face, she now regrets getting swept away in the power of the cartel and asking such a question. Navarro can’t ever just say what he wants and asks if she knows what a Charro is. After she replies, “A cowboy,” he corrects her and says a Mexican cowboy. He tells her his grandfather was one and owned a ranch in America. He would like to do the same and has one in his sights. Navarro needs her to close the deal.

After agreeing she will, Navarro hears something different in her voice and asks what’s wrong. She says nothing but then wants to know why he let Marty come back. Navarro asks Wendy if maybe she didn’t want her husband to come back. She insists she did, of course, and that they all did. She adds, “It’s just that we didn’t pass your test.” Navarro informs her Marty passed his test. “I didn’t know him, now I do, and you’re very lucky because he’s just like me.” Wendy wants to know how and Navarro simply says, “He wants to win.”

Marty goes to see Sue the therapist and warns her he wants to hire someone at the casino. He knows Wendy won’t be on his side about this and he’s really going to need Sue’s help. She assures Marty she’s always willing to help get Wendy on his side but Marty doesn’t buy it. His snarky remarks to the poor older lady always seem to be funny and this time’s no different. “Mm-hmm. Well, do you, Sue? You know, I’m not giving out participation medals. From now on, if you want your bonus, you’re gonna have to earn it,” says Marty.

Frank Jr. (Joseph Sikora) pulls up and as soon as he gets out of the car Ruth’s there warning him he needs to stop his loansharking. He thinks they can coexist, but she lets him know they can’t – and this is coming from Marty himself. She tells him he can take it up with his daddy.

Marty comes into the casino office and Agents Miller attempts to engage him in small talk. Marty seems to be doing the tough love approach and tells her not to go near his family again before walking back out the door.

Marty and Wendy are driving to the horse ranch when she tells him Navarro thinks he and Marty are alike. As they pull up, she assures him she can do the talking. He tells her not to worry; he wants this as well. They meet with the owner, Ollie Brennan (Tammy Arnold), and she shows them around.

Erin (Madison Thompson), Charlotte (Sofia Hublitz), and Jonah (Skylar Gaertner) are hanging out on the docks when one of Frank Cosgrove’s men, Tommy (Tyler Chase), shows up in his boat. Charlotte’s annoyed and asks Erin if she invited him there. Ignoring Charlotte’s question, Erin asks Tommy if he brought any beer.

Back at the ranch, Ollie’s giving Marty and Wendy an overview of what kind of horses they have on the property. She gets to the point and says she’s looking for a buyer so she can upgrade her ranch. Marty seems to know what Ollie wants and gets her to make a deal. She offers to let them stay in the guest cottage but Wendy declines because they have Zeke’s hearing the following day. However, Marty’s all for it and says it’ll be fine because they can get up early the next morning and take off.

Frank’s guy Tommy is actually an FBI informant and is busy asking Charlotte questions about Ruth. Charlotte says she doesn’t see Ruth often since she works in the office and Ruth works in the casino. His friend asks Erin and Charlotte how they know each other. Erin tells them her mom is their parents’ lawyer. Tommy asks, “You’re Helen Pierce’s daughter?” After Erin confirms she is, he smiles.

Charlotte and Jonah exchange looks and Charlotte suddenly gets up and says they need to get Erin back home. Tommy asks to use her restroom before he goes. Jonah catches him coming out of his parents’ room. He makes a crude remark and tries to walk past Jonah. Jonah demands to know why he was in his parents’ room. After Tommy shoves Jonah to the wall, Charlotte and Erin come running into the house. Charlotte asks what’s going on and Jonah informs her that Tommy was in their parents’ room. Erin, being a brat, tells Jonah it doesn’t matter and not to be weird.

Charlotte demands Tommy leave their house immediately.

Marty and Wendy are lying in bed having a drink when he suggests they break into the stables. She doesn’t think they can, but he insists they can since they own the place. While he’s petting a horse, Wendy asks if he’s really okay. He assures her he is; everything is a lot clearer now and he feels good. He lets her in on his plan to turn Agent Miller. Wendy doesn’t think there’s any way he can do it. He reminds her she asked him to get involved and this is him getting involved.

Ruth waits for Frank’s men to make a drop-off and when they arrive one of them is Tommy. He tells Ruth to get the bags out of the truck herself. When she gets in the truck, he locks up the back with her in it and drives away.

Meanwhile, Darlene Snell (Lisa Emery) and Wyatt (Charlie Tahan) are preparing for court. She thanks him for what he’s going to do and then things turn creepy between them when she washes his hair in the kitchen sink.

Back at the Byrdes’ house, Charlotte tells her mom about Erin’s obsession with Tommy. Charlotte confesses she believes there’s something off about him. He was asking questions about them and knows who Helen is.

In the courtroom, Darlene becomes upset and the judge has to warn her as Wendy begins to speak. When Wyatt takes the stand as a witness, he lies and says Wendy tried to hit Darlene first. Wendy calls him a liar and he brings up the time Wendy threw a dead opossum at his house. For some odd reason, the judge believes a Langmore and allows Darlene to continue to have custody of Zeke.

Ben picks up Ruth after she calls him from the truck, and he demands to know where Frank Jr. lives. She insists he is untouchable and they can’t go after him.

Marty and Wendy return home to find an arcade game in the garage. Marty’s pleased to see it and Wendy asks if it’s some kind of mistake. He says no, he ordered it when he got back. It’s an arcade game he used to play all the time when he was a kid. Wendy starts to go on about how they need to get Zeke back. Marty cuts her off and tells her to give it up.

Wendy heads inside to let Charlotte know they lost. She finds Charlotte drinking wine and questions her about it. After Charlotte hands over the wine, she asks where her dad is. Wendy says he’s in the garage playing a video game. Wendy gives Charlotte instructions to make an appointment for her tomorrow with Jim Rattelsdorf.

Back at the Snell farm, things are getting weirder and weirder. Darlene and Wyatt are sleeping together!

Marty asks Jonah if he wants to play the arcade game with him. After they walk away, Ben says, “You’re not wrong. That looks like Marty, walks like Marty, sounds like Marty, but that is 100% not Marty Byrde.” Wendy assures him that Marty’s fine.

Charlotte goes to see Tommy and tells him he can’t date Erin. Tommy responds that he doesn’t take orders from teenage girls. She reminds him his boss and her father are awfully close so he better back off.

Finally, after a couple of seasons, Charles Wilkes’ minion has a name and it’s Jim Rattelsdorf (Damian Young). Wendy meets with him and it seems he’s not a fan of hers and won’t help her out. She reminds him his boss has a share in the casino so their problem is his employer’s problem. She asks him to get information on Agent Miller. He agrees to do so but warns her whatever she’s going to do is a bad idea.

Darlene’s showing Wyatt her heroin harvest when he admits he’s never tried it although he has thought about it. Oddly enough she warns him she won’t let a junkie in her bed and to stay away from the drugs. Afterward, he kisses her hand while one of Darlene’s workers watches them.

Marty, Wendy, and Helen meet at the office and Wendy reveals they have a problem with Agent Miller. She informs them she met with Jim and learned Agent Miller’s father was engaged in shady business dealings. When she was 15, her father was arrested and went to prison. Miller probably resents her father and she’ll never turn.

Marty seems to think this is good info and asks Helen if she has any shady past clients they can throw under the bus to see if Miller will take the bait. Wendy seems stunned Marty still wants to continue with trying to turn Agent Miller. After he leaves, she asks Helen what happened in Mexico. Before Helen can respond, Wendy asks if she thinks it’s a good idea to try and turn Agent Miller. Helen reminds her it doesn’t matter what she thinks – it’s what her client thinks.

Marty finds Agent Miller at the casino and apologizes for his behavior. Miller reminds him he should become one of them. She’s still trying to convince him to be “one of the good guys” and he lets her know he’ll think about it.

The tables have turned and Wendy is meeting with Sue the therapist alone about Marty. She asks for Sue’s help, explaining Marty went through something traumatic the week before. Wendy thinks he’s unpredictable and edgy. Sue asks if she wants her help to talk to him. Wendy, in a roundabout way, tells Sue she’ll pay her to get Marty back on track. Sue agrees. Wendy gets a call prompting her to leave right away.

Ruth’s checking security cameras when she sees Ben trying to get her attention. He shows up with French toast sticks and offers her dinner and a show. They’re sitting outside when Ruth notices pigeons all over Frank Jr’s car. Ben informs her there’s also 50 lbs. of bird seeds all over Frank Jr’s car.

Marty asks Miller if she knows a guy by the name of Roger Blinkhorn. She knows who he is but couldn’t prove what he’s been doing. Marty informs her he has a bunch of stuff on him. He starts to reveal all the evidence he has, but she cuts him off demanding to know what he’s doing. She doesn’t want to hear it unless he tells her what happened to him in Mexico.

Helen shows up at the horse ranch with a couple of men.

Marty puts in an appearance at Miller’s hotel and claims she saved his life. He knows she flagged the Panama account and that’s what got him out. She wants him to admit he was in Mexico. He decides to tell her the truth.

Ollie’s completely freaking out when Wendy shows up at the ranch. She’s angry she just lost millions of dollars because Wendy’s people removed their prized stud’s testicles. Wendy seems confused and sympathetic towards her.

Wendy demands Helen explain why they did this. Helen informs her the horse belongs to Navarro’s cartel rival and when they found out the horse was moved to Kentucky, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Wendy demands Navarro’s number.

Enraged, Wendy rings Navarro and reminds him they were supposed to be partners. She doesn’t choose her words wisely and he screams back at her, “Partners?! No, no, no. You exist for me to use! What did you think, huh? That because you are American you are not gonna get your hands dirty? Wendy, if I am at war, you are at war! We’re not partners. I own you!”

The episode ends with Wendy trying to call Marty but he sends her to voicemail. She turns around to see Helen staring at her. Helen silently gets in the SUV and drives away.

Jimmy Kimmel Will Return to Host the 72nd Emmy Awards

By

Rebecca Murray

-

June 16, 2020

Jimmy Kimmel Hosts Emmys — Jimmy Kimmel will host the 2020 Emmy Awards (Photo by Randy Holmes / ABC)

Jimmy Kimmel is confirmed to return to host the 72nd Emmy Awards set for Sunday, September 20, 2020. The 2020 awards show will mark Kimmel’s third time as host of the Primetime Emmys. He previously hosted the 64th and 68th shows.

“I don’t know where we will do this or how we will do this or even why we are doing this, but we are doing it and I am hosting it,” said Jimmy Kimmel who will also be involved as an executive producer.

“We know Jimmy Kimmel will deliver a uniquely entertaining, funny and moving Primetime Emmys show,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “He’s a true master of ceremonies who reveres this industry and its people; and just as Jimmy has done with his own show over the past few months, he will tackle this momentous event with heart and humor, and bring some much-needed joy and optimism to our television colleagues and viewers at home.”

Nominations will be announced by the Television Academy on Tuesday, July 28th.

ABC will air the broadcast on September 20th beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT. The network hasn’t announced how the broadcast will be handled if Covid-19 restrictions remain in place in September.

In addition to hosting ABC’s longest-running late-night talk show, Kimmel’s been keeping busy as host and executive producer of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. ABC recently renewed the celebrity version of the popular competition series for another season.

A Look Back at the 2019 Emmy Awards

DC and Warner Bros Announce ‘DC FanDome’ Virtual Fan Event

By

Rebecca Murray

-

June 16, 2020

With the 2020 San Diego Comic-Con cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Warner Bros. and DC announced they’re hosting a virtual DC fan experience in its place. The “DC FanDome” will take place beginning Saturday, August 22nd at 10am PT and is free to fans across the globe.

The virtual event will be hosted on DCFanDome.com and will be open for 24 hours. Fans can expect to hear from creators and casts from DC’s feature films and TV shows including Aquaman, The Batman, Batwoman, Black Adam, Black Lightning, and DC Super Hero Girls. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, DC’s Stargirl, Doom Patrol, The Flash, Harley Quinn, the SnyderCut of Justice League, Lucifer, Pennyworth, SHAZAM!, The Suicide Squad, Supergirl, Superman & Lois, Teen Titans GO!, Titans, Watchmen, Young Justice: Outsiders, and Wonder Woman 1984 will be represented at the event.

“There is no fan like a DC fan. For more than 85 years, the world has turned to DC’s inspiring heroes and stories to lift us up and entertain us, and this massive, immersive digital event will give everyone new ways to personalize their journey through the DC Universe without lines, without tickets and without boundaries. With ‘DC FanDome,’ we’re able to give fans from around the world an exciting and unparalleled way to connect with all their favorite DC characters, as well as the incredible talent who bring them to life on the page and screen,” said Ann Sarnoff, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Warner Bros.

DC and Warner Bros. promise the “DC FanDome” will include breaking news and exclusive footage presented just for fans. So, it’s pretty much Comic-Con without the crowds.

“DC FanDome” Components – Descriptions Courtesy of DC and Warner Bros:

The Epicenter: The epicenter of the DC FanDome is the Hall of Heroes, where you can experience special programming, panels and content reveals from a wide variety of films, TV series and games, available in several languages, including Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. From there, navigate deeper into the DC Multiverse, exploring five additional satellite worlds, each with its own localized content and unique activities and one world fully devoted to our younger fans:
DC WatchVerse: Here’s where you grab a seat, sit back and join our virtual audience and become completely engrossed in hours of must-see content from around the world. Everything from panels and exclusive screenings to never-before-seen footage, featuring cast, creators and behind-the-scenes crew from across DC Films, TV, Home Entertainment and Games.
DC YouVerse: Venture into this world where the FANS are the stars to see the most amazing user-generated content, cosplay and fan art from around the world, including, perhaps, your own.
DC KidsVerse: Need a way to entertain your kids for hours on end? We’ve got you covered inside a special world, which can be accessed directly at DCKidsFanDome.com. This area features a broad range of family-friendly activations for our younger fans.
DC InsiderVerse: This creativity-based world contains a centerpiece video featuring legendary artist and DC CCO/Publisher Jim Lee, President of DC-Based Film Production Walter Hamada, and creator of the DC TV Arrowverse, Executive Producer Greg Berlanti, welcoming fans with a 101-style introduction to the DC Multiverse. From there, go behind the scenes with the master artisans who bring DC to life in all its forms, from comic books to games, TV, movies, theme parks, consumer products and more.
DC FunVerse: Take your DC FanDome experience and gather cool shareables; check out our comic book reader; DIY cool WW84 Golden Armor and Batmobile kits; plus digital giveaways and a store filled with merchandise, including some limited-edition exclusives.

The Blerd & Boujee House

Where my Blerds at? The second annual celebration of Black nerd culture returns with the all-new Blerd & Boujee House at DC FanDome, bringing Blerds, LatinxGeeks and all nerds “party-with-a-purpose” vibes. As anyone lucky enough to get into the first-ever Blerd & Boujee boat party (featuring DJ D-Nice) at San Diego Comic-Con 2019 can attest, fans will not want to miss connections and conversations designed for the culture.

Calling All Fans!

There’s nothing more important to DC than our fans, and we want to showcase you! In partnership with Talenthouse, DC FanDome today launched a call for your best DC Fan Art & Fandom displays. Show us your cosplay, makeup, tattoos and even your own Batcave! Be sure to submit your best at create.DCFanDome.com for a chance to be featured inside this virtual world event, and demonstrate to people in your home country and across the globe that you are the ultimate DC Super Fan.

Selected artists on the day of our event will be voted on by the community in each of our two competitions in order to help our judges pick selected artist winners. Selected artist winners will receive part of a cash prize pool courtesy of DC and Talenthouse.

‘Manifest’ is Renewed for a Third Season

By

Rebecca Murray

-

June 16, 2020

Manifest Season 2 Episode 2 — Melissa Roxburgh as Michaela Stone and Josh Dallas as Ben Stone in ‘Manifest’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo by: Peter Kramer/NBC)

NBC kept Manifest fans hanging for two months before finally announcing the good news: the series has been renewed for a third season. Season two of the mystery thriller finished up on April 6, 2020 and averaged 7.7 million viewers over its 13 episode run.

According to the network, Manifest increased viewership by 88% among the 18-49 age group compared to other NBC programming in the same 10-11pm timeslot.

The cast of the drama’s led by Melissa Roxburgh as Michaela Stone and Josh Dallas as Ben Stone. Athena Karkanis plays Grace Stone, J.R. Ramirez is Jared Vasquez, Luna Blaise is Olive Stone, Jack Messina is Cal Stone, Parveen Kaur is Saanvi Bahl, Daniel Sunjata plays Danny, and Matt Long is Zeke Landon.

The series was created by Jeff Rake who serves as executive producer along with Jack Rapke, Jackie Levine, and Len Goldstein.

The Plot, Courtesy of NBC:

After a turbulent but routine flight, the crew and passengers of Flight 828 disembarked to find the world had aged five-and-a-half years and their friends, families and colleagues had given up hope of ever seeing them again. Now, faced with the impossible, the passengers’ dreams of a second chance at life evaporate as they encounter the imminent danger surrounding them, both tangible and unexplained. With the stakes higher than ever, the passengers of Flight 828 will embark on an unexpected journey into a world grounded in hope, heart and destiny.

‘Roswell, New Mexico’ Season 2 Episode 13 Recap: “Mr. Jones”

By

Rebecca Murray

-

June 15, 2020

Roswell New Mexico Season 2 Episode 13 — Jeanine Mason as Liz in ‘Roswell, New Mexico’ season 2 episode 13 (Photo: John Golden Britt © 2020 The CW Network, LLC)

The CW’s Roswell, New Mexico season two episode 12 left off with the gang attempting to save CrashCon attendees from an attack perpetrated by Jesse Manes. Episode 13, the season finale, kicks off with Isobel (Lily Cowles) doing her best to keep the fire away from the alien bomb. Liz (Jeanine Mason), who had been performing CPR on Max, rushes up with the solution she’s concocted to stop the explosion.

Rosa (Amber Midthunder) has taken over the CPR and, thankfully, Max (Nathan Parsons) is revived for the second time this season. Of course Kyle’s first action when he joins Rosa and Max is to blame Max for knocking out Flint – never mind that Flint was trying to kill Max.

Meanwhile, Charlie (Jamie Clayton) struggles to breathe while still handcuffed to a radiator in the burning house. Helena returns and it’s obvious she didn’t expect to find Charlie still inside the house. Thankfully, she has bolt cutters with her. (Umm, why?)

Maria (Heather Hemmens) is rushed through the halls of the hospital on a gurney, face covered with blood and with a worried Jenna Cameron (Riley Voelkel) at her side.

The CrashCon attendees have apparently gotten the message that the place is about to go up in flames and scurry to leave.

Greg Manes (Tanner Novlan) remains in place between his dad, Jesse (Trevor St. John), and Michael (Michael Vlamis) so that Jesse doesn’t have a clear shot. Jesse knocks out his son and Alex (Tyler Blackburn) reacts by tackling his dad and knocking the gun away. Michael retrieves the atomizer as Alex yells at him to get it away from his brother.

Jesse gets the upper hand, grabs his gun, and once again points it at Michael.

Liz finishes coating the bomb, which is encircled by fire, with her solution. It begins to crack open and Isobel yanks Liz out of harm’s way. They watch as the bomb is destroyed. Max joins them and gives Liz a hug. “You disabled it. You saved everyone,” he says in awe.

Liz asks if Max killed Flint. Max doesn’t reply.

Jesse’s about to shoot Michael when Greg shoots his dad. He tells Alex he should have defended him from Jesse a long time ago. “There are no more Manes men left,” says Jesse with his dying breath.

CrashCon’s over and life is sort of back to normal. Liz is working in the café when the cook tells her they’re going to put up a statue in honor of the disabled veteran who died at the event. Liz doesn’t care. The joint’s hopping and the customers are all buzzing about the carnival and the possibility what went down involved real aliens.

Liz is surprised to see Diego (Cleo Anthony) at one of her tables and he explains he’s back from Denver. He’s brought Dr. Margot Meyerson (GiGi Erneta) with him and she’s impressed with Liz’s research. Liz recognizes her; apparently Meyerson’s a big deal.

Michael checks on Maria at the hospital and she reveals Liz has been stopping by and injecting her with ‘witch serum” every day. Michael’s thankful there was enough of Maria left to save.

Maria asks Michael to open a box Mimi left her without leaving the key. Michael decides that’s not a great idea given Mimi led her toward a bomb instead of away from it.

Isobel’s got drawings of alien symbols taped up all over the windows, trying to put together the clues to the bomb. She can’t figure out why her mom would have built such a weapon, and Max reveals he thinks it’s a communication device. Isobel has no idea why Max hasn’t really been talking to her lately and she confronts him about his behavior. Max confesses he’s been acting that way toward everyone since taking Liz’s antidote. His memories are returning and he didn’t want to worry anyone.

Max explains when he touched the “bomb” he could hear things and even made out a word. He thinks he’s put together enough clues to discover that it’s possible his family was also on Earth along with Isobel’s mom. An aerial photo from 1948 shows crop circles spelling out his name – savior.

Isobel comforts her brother and tries to get him to relax a little and appreciate his current situation, his family, and his love of Liz. He understands what she’s getting at, but he wants to know his entire self like she now knows her entire self. “I’m so proud that you’re my sister,” he says before going in for a bear hug.

Michael has a quiet moment with Alex in his family’s shed. The shed used to be Alex’s safe space but Jesse shattered that illusion one night. Michael hands Alex a hammer while he grabs an ax. Together they destroy everything inside the shed.

Liz and Max take a walk and have a heart-to-heart. She can’t get over how Max attacked Flint, risking his own life in his uncontrollable anger. Flint’s going to live but Liz keeps seeing the attack in her head. Max admits he snapped and explains he gets his energy from killing, not healing. He can usually fight that urge, but this time he couldn’t.

Liz reveals she’s been offered a position in California by Dr. Meyerson. Plus, Meyerson will sponsor her dad’s citizenship and with the money she makes she can help Rosa. Max is happy someone actually appreciates how valuable Liz is. When she reveals she expects him to accompany her, Max stumbles for words. He can’t believe after his confession of a killer instinct she’d want him to make the move with her.

“We’ll figure all of it out together. Run away with me…Max Evans?” asks Liz. “Anywhere,” he replies, sealing the decision with a kiss.

By the time we catch up with Alex and Michael, they’ve pretty much demolished the inside of the shed. The work ends abruptly when Michael uncovers a skeleton under the floorboards. It’s still dressed in military attire and wearing dog tags.

Alex grabs the tags while Michael spots a key in the corpse’s pocket. It looks like it fits the box Mimi gave Maria in the hospital. Alex reads the tags and learns the corpse is Tripp’s. “My grandfather killed Tripp,” says Alex, shocked.

Jenna’s back at work at the station when Max wanders in. When he asks about Charlie she explains she got a text and now her sister has vanished again. Max wonders if Jenna is up to working on an undercover project for him.

Michael shows Maria the key and she removes her bracelet. Michael’s concerned for her health and doesn’t want her to disappear. He blurts out he loves her and Maria reveals she loves him, too. (Awwww!) Still, she’s not willing to let it go. She wants to embrace the alien side and believes it would be best if they break up so she doesn’t hurt him. She’s proud of how quickly he put himself in harm’s way to save Alex and knows he would have done the same if it was her in Alex’s shoes. She has no doubt about his capacity for love and has been incredibly happy being with him this year. But she thinks they should “let it be” before she starts wondering if someone else could make him happier.

Maria asks Michael to open the box.

The contents are revealed at the café with Alex and Isobel. Inside the box is a book with Tripp’s story. He wrote everything that happened down and gave it to Patricia – Maria’s grandmother. His story begins the night of the UFO crash as he explains why he didn’t hurt Nora. Tripp felt a connection to her, writing that they were drawn together by something cosmic.

Tripp and Nora grow close and she reveals she and Louise are building something out in the desert. He promises he will keep her safe and she explains she doesn’t fear humans. However, there was a man on the ship who shouldn’t have made the journey. That man crashed the ship and is hunting all the survivors. He got away and wasn’t captured by the military.

Tripp promises to help her with any supplies she needs. It appeared to have been love at first sight for Tripp, and he wanted to show her the best of this world.

Diego and Dr. Meyerson are at a table at the bar discussing Liz, with Meyerson confessing she wasn’t impressed with her introduction at the café. Diego assures her Liz deserves a second chance. As they’re talking Jenna (undercover) trips up and nearly lands in Meyerson’s lap. She’s doing a great job of acting drunk and they don’t notice when she slips a bug under their table.

She wanders off and listens in as Diego suggests they take a peek at what Liz has been working on without her knowledge. Jenna rings up Max and lets him know Diego wants to take Meyerson to Liz’s lab and seems convinced he can get access. She warns him to immediately call Liz and tell her to hide anything incriminating.

Max heads over to Liz’s lab and uses his powers to force open the door. The lab’s full of alien samples, Liz’s notebooks, recordings, and computers. There’s too much to just grab and he winds up setting off an explosion to destroy Liz’s work rather than have verification of aliens on Earth fall into Diego’s hands.

Diego and Meyerson arrive just as the explosion blows out the lab’s windows.

Max returns home to find Michael and Isobel anxious to discuss Tripp Manes’ journal. They reveal that Nora decided not to finish building the ship with Louise and instead visited the reservation with Tripp. It was only because Walt begged her that she went to the festival where she ran into the person she’d been avoiding for a year – the stowaway – who it turns out is masquerading as Farmer Jones. (The one with the alien crop circles.)

Tripp recognized Jones but couldn’t ask Nora about him before the massacre occurred at the farm. Jones disappeared right after the massacre.

Tripp visited Nora after she’d been taken prisoner and she begged him not to let Harlan see him with her. She couldn’t use her abilities to unlock her chains because they’d been drugging her. Nora asked about Louise and learned she’s okay but has stopped speaking. Nora explained Louise escapes into her mind where things are beautiful.

Tripp swore he’d free Nora, but she wanted him to take care of Louise. She reminded him if he died, there won’t be anyone to protect her son, Louise’s daughter, and…the other. Without Nora, the children won’t emerge for 50 years. She believed when they do emerge on June 14, 1997 it will be safer for them. Nora hoped Tripp would have a son and entrust him with this secret so there would be someone to protect the kids.

Tripp wanted a family with Nora but it wasn’t possible. They didn’t have time.

Liz and Rosa arrive at Liz’s burned-out lab and Liz immediately spots proof it was Max who destroyed her research.

Max wonders if Nora ever said what they were building in the desert and Isobel confirms she didn’t. Louise also remained silent about their project.

Liz barges in and interrupts the conversation, demanding to know why he destroyed her lab. Max reminds her he’s been asking her to get rid of proof of aliens and she wouldn’t. Liz defends Diego when Max suggests he had a nefarious plan, and she’s upset that instead of just stopping Diego he ruined her lab. Max says he needed to act fast to keep his family safe and Liz replies, “So your first instinct was to go with the one method that would break my heart?”

The lab had Noah’s brain and liver, and Max wants to know what else she harvested from them. Liz honestly believes she wasn’t hurting anyone. She reminds him he died this year and every single choice she made was for him – to bring him back to life. After accomplishing that, she just wanted to remember who she is and what she is about. She’s a scientist and is trying to make this world a better place.

“I am in love with you and right now I hate it,” admits Liz.

When she leaves the room, Max withdraws a bottle of the antidote from his pocket. He swallows the contents.

Days later, Liz and Rosa are up on the café’s roof as Liz is preparing to leave. She suggests Rosa come with her to California but Rosa can’t. She’s heading back to rehab so she can get better. Rosa thinks Max should be Liz’s road trip buddy; she doesn’t think Liz should head off without him. Rosa’s sure Max will make a grand romantic gesture to stop Liz from leaving.

Over at the bar, Alex joins Kyle and asks if it’s better now that his father’s murder has been avenged. Kyle doesn’t think so and believes Flint will just take over as the new Jesse Manes once he’s recovered. Alex says he’s not going to let that happen. He believes Flint can be redeemed.

Kyle takes off and Alex grabs a seat on stage at the piano for open mic night. Greg’s in the audience as Alex sings a touching song about their father. Isobel and Michael arrive while Alex is singing and Michael and Alex exchange a look that speaks volumes.

Meanwhile, over at the hospital, it seems Liz has secretly injected Kyle’s dying girlfriend with alien DNA. When he shows up in her room, she appears to be completely healed. Her hands no longer shake and she’s got her strength back. (She was on death’s door when he visited her earlier in the episode.)

She believes it’s a miracle. Kyle replies, “Or just really good science.”

Back at the bar, Michael listens to Alex but then glances at Forrest. He sees Forrest smile as Alex sings and announces to Isobel that he’s leaving. He claims it’s not his and Alex’s time and he needs to walk away. (By the way, Tyler has a beautiful voice.)

Greg has tears in his eyes as he listens to his brother pour his heart out. The song is cathartic and when Alex finishes up, he gives Forrest a passionate kiss.

Liz is alone in the café after hours when Kyle catches up with her. He calls what she did reckless and unethical before grabbing her, holding her tight, and thanking her.

Liz is in her car prepared to leave. She glances in her rearview mirror, expecting that one final grand gesture by Max.

Rosa finds her mom at the bar and asks if she got what she wanted. Helena admits she didn’t. She wanted Jesse to die knowing shame, but that’s not what happened. She thinks people like Jesse – white men – die like heroes no matter what they’ve done. Rosa tells her mom she loves her but that she needs to leave town. There isn’t any closure or redemption.

Liz pulls away from the curb and drives away. Max never showed up.

The following day Michael and Isobel find Max out in the desert where he confesses he took more of the antidote. He finally understands the whispers he heard when he touched the alien bomb and they led him to this spot. He asks for their help in finding a tunnel and reveals he’s looking for a cage.

Liz makes it to California and pulls over to stare at the Pacific Ocean.

Michael, Isobel, and Max locate the tunnel. Inside is an area sealed up with alien technology. It’s a door and Isobel suggests they do some research before just cracking it up. Max agrees but then they hear a knock from the other side. Whoever it is asks for help. They each place a hand on the three circular alien symbols. The door shatters and inside is a bearded version of Max!

Max has a vision of the ship crashing to Earth and of this man emerging from it. His doppelganger/unknown relative is the one who Nora feared – the stowaway who never should have been on board the ship!

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