Umbrella Academy Season 2 Scene-by-Scene: Episodes 6-7

August 4, 2020

The Umbrella Academy assembled in the elevator in Episode #2.6. — Ellen Page, Robert Sheehan, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Aidan Gallagher, and Emmy Raver-Lampman in "A Light Supper" Episode #2.6. All Image Credits: Netflix

The following are extensive scene-by-scene Umbrella Academy Season 2 recaps of episodes 6-7

Created by Steve Blackman, and based on comics by Gabriel Ba and Gerard Way, the following are the most detailed recaps you can find available online. So far, we’ve already covered episodes 1-3 of Umbrella Academy Season 2 along with episodes 4-5 of Umbrella Academy Season 2. This recap will be on episodes 6 and 7. The purpose of these is mostly, to see if you missed anything at all or are looking for a refresher.

Reginald, Ben, Klaus, and Five talk over diner — Reginald, Ben, Klaus, and Five discuss the end of the world in S2 E6: A Light Supper.

Episode 6: A Light Supper

We’re in a flashback. It’s 1961. The episode opens on the alleyway behind Elliot’s loft just outside of the Avon theatre, as Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman) has just landed into the past for the first time. Alone, confused, and still unable to speak, she enters Stadtler’s diner where she’s immediately kicked out for being black. Outside, several white men accost her for being in the wrong part of town. She punches one and then runs as the men chase her across town. Allison finds herself at the Ladies’ Beauty Parlor, where several black women working there protect her.

Time passes. In the distance, Arthea Franklin’s “Won’t Be Long” plays on the radio. Allison now works at the beauty parlor trying to get by in the 1960s, though her voice, at least initially, still doesn’t work. One day on the job, a handsome-looking Raymond Chestnut (Yusuf Gatewood) walks into the parlor and preaches word about the why they peacefully protest. Allison is handed a flyer by a patron. She takes it, and later soon, Ray visits again and approaches her. Allison hands him back his pamphlet with notes and spelling corrections. Ray asks her name. Allison shares it, speaking aloud for the first time since time traveling, her throat: now healed.

Back at the warehouse, Five (Aidan Gallagher) holds his foot over Lila’s throat and shares that he knows she was playing Diego to get to him. The Handler tells Five the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, revealing that Lila is her daughter. On that note, Five lets Lila (Ritu Arya) up, and he and The Handler (Kate Walsh) talk business, forcing an upset Lila to leave them be. The Handler gets down to business and gives Five her terms: to kill the Collective Board of Directors to effectively leave her in charge. The Handler shares that she’s the only one who knows where the Board will be gathering, and so, tells Five that she’s her only option. Five thinks it over though still holds hope on his father.

Back at the loft, Luther (Tom Hopper) thinks the dinner invite from Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore), their father, is a setup. Vanya thinks they should attend. Luther reminds her why she should be mad: as he isolated her from the rest of the family, hopped her up on pills, and brainwashed her into thinking she had no powers. Luther thinks Reginald will turn them all against one another. Diego begs to differ, as this time, they have him along with a united front. No more number 1 or 2, just the family and team zero.

Diego all down for Team Zero — *Luther, Diego, and Vanya. All down for Team Zero in S2 E6 ‘A Light Supper’ Credit: Netflix*

At the mansion, Ben (Justin H. Min) argues with a yoga stretching Klaus (Robert Sheehan) that he can’t just tell his cult outright that the world is about to end, especially, as most gave up their families to be here; especially Jill — Ben’s crush. He convinces Klaus to tell them the other truth: that Klaus mostly started this cult for fun… and also, because he is a narcissist.

Sadly agreeing with his brother to tell the truth rather than cause them to panic, Klaus approaches his followers in the main gathering room and reveals: that he’s a fraud who’s been lying to them from the start. Suddenly, Keechie (Dov Tiefenbach) stands and says that he’s a fraud too. Klaus tells them he’s making it up again, but Keechie spins it again:

“Only when we admit our own fraudulence can there be humility!” – Keechie to Klaus

It leads to other people also admitting that they’re frauds, not unlike that infamous moment in Spartacus. Klaus gives up and tells Ben he tried.

At Allison’s place. Ray is astonished there was a black president. That and Allison has powers. He tells her to prove it, and so, they head to the town’s main street and go into a men’s clothing store. They’re told colored folks can’t try on the merch and so Allison uses her power to force them. Moments later, Alison and Ray try on different suits as the staff accommodates them. Ray grins.

Outside, Ray wears a new suit. Together they walk until they reach a window, with a smoking dressed outfit. Allison goes into this store too. Moments later, the two walk the street both in new outfits. Ray how Allison doesn’t do this all the time but soon gets his answer, as Allison sees Stadtler’s diner. She goes in, and soon after, the manager tries to kick them out but she commands him to shut his mouth. She then asks for coffee and forces the manager to continuously pour until it overflows and starts to burn his hand. She tells him to pour even more but soon after, Ray snaps her out of it, and the two leave the store. When they get home later, Ray asks if Allison ever used her ability on him; though the truth is: he would never know. At that awkward moment, they find a letter on the floor addressed to Allison: Reginald Hargreeve’s dinner invitation.

At an old-timer’s bingo blitz, Lila asks why she wasn’t assigned to kill the board instead of Five but The Handler tells her it was about deniability. The Handler then asks Lila about Diego, as it’s obvious she’s fallen for him, her wearing Diego’s bracelet from the asylum being proof; though, Lila states it’s just her trophy for a job well done. The handler then asks Lila if asked to kill Diego, would she? Lila hesitates. Suddenly, The Handler wins the game, and the patio set she wanted.

“I can’t take a piss without you nitpicking at my aim!” – Klaus to Ben

In the mansion, Klaus finds a bottle of alcohol to drink, as Ben reprimands him saying that he needs help. Klaus retorts that he’s tired of ben, comparing to their controlling father. Angry, Ben runs full-on into Klaus and briefly is inside of him. Dave and Jill arrive at the mansion at an awkward time where the brothers process what just happened.

Later, Klaus and Dave walk through the foregrounds as Klaus shares all the information he knows about Dave. He tries convincing his lover from a different lifetime, not to enlist in the army in order to save his life. He then tells Dave how he will die, and Klaus shows Dave’s dog tags to him. Dave argues that even if he believed Klaus, this is what he signed up for having already enlisted. Klaus is confused. Dave wasn’t supposed to enlist yet; realizing, the family’s actions must be changing history. Dave gives the tags back and leaves a saddened Klaus. Suddenly, Keechie arrives to hand Klaus Hargreeve’s dinner invitation.

In a sauna, The Leader of the Swedes holds Diego’s knife as the brothers try and relax. The Handler joins them, as the tall one aggressively stands to reprimand her, but she tightly grabs his dick in her hand and threatens him. She offers the leader the exact location of Diego, wanting Number Two to end his game of ‘hide the sausage’ with her daughter. The Handler’s only request to the Swedes is that they don’t hurt Five. They agree. Before leaving, the leader gets a sniff of the side of The Handler’s neck: which smells like lavender.

At night, Five looks at the Southland Life building. He enters the tall hotel and goes into an elevator, where eventually, each member of the Umbrella Academy join him to his delight. Luther has an apprehensive expression…. then gulps. And farts. He apologizes as he’s very nervous.

When they arrive, they enter a tiki-lounge, and Five offers to lead the conversation but the family disagrees, as they all have things to say. Vanya goes by conch shell rules to speak in turn, as Allison takes it next, and then Diego throws it against a wall. At that moment, dad enters the room. He immediately wants to know what they want and why do they keep calling him “Dad”.

Five tells him they’re his children from the future with special abilities. Each member shows their talents, though it’s mostly over bickering. Soon after, Allison begins to drink heavily, and Diego reprimands his father for trying to assassinate the president. Hargreeves deduces from Diego’s approach, that he’s a desperate man tragically aware of his own insignificance, though whose role is rather small in this tale. This causes Diego to stutter again, heartbroken, as he begins crying a little. Five then tells Hargreeves there’s a catastrophic war in five days that ends the world. Hargreeves tells him they’re the special ones, why don’t they band together and do something. Upset, Ben runs into Klaus’ body and tries to say his name but they both collapse on the floor. Hargreeves then has seen enough and begins to leave. Luther stands, yells, and rips open his shirt screaming:

Luther rips open his shirt showing his father the deformed body he'd left him — *“Look at what you did to me!” – Luther to Hargreeves in S2E6 ‘A Light Supper’*

Nothing changes in Reginald’s demeanor. Five is told to follow Hargreeves.

Later, in the disappointing ride down the elevator together, Klaus tells Ben that he had no right to possess him. Allison celebrates Luther for finally standing up to dad. Diego is upset, saying so much for team zero, no one having his ass. Luther drags a knocked ut Klaus.

Outside, Diego sees Grace and shows her a picture of Hargreeves on the grassy knoll. How he’s planning to kill President Kennedy. Grace doesn’t believe it but Diego tells him to ask him, personally. Meanwhile, Sissy arrives and seeks an audience with Vanya having gotten her invitation at the home.

Back upstairs, Five has a drink with Hargreeves. He shares that he’s technically older than his dad at this point. Five asks Hargreeves what he knows about time travel, but it isn’t much. He then shares he went too far forward, then too far in the past. Hargreeves gives advice to Five saying perhaps he should try traveling in seconds not decades — relating to the parable that an acorn doesn’t become an oak overnight. It isn’t too helpful. Hargreeves apologizes he couldn’t help more. Five says sorry for giving him shit as a kid. The two men drink cognac together.

At Morty’s TV and Radio, Elliot enters his apartment with groceries. Suddenly, he’s flanked by the Swedes, who ask for Diego. They torture him.

Moments later, in Sissy’s car, Sissy shares to Vanya that what’s happening between them is dangerous, as people don’t abide women like this around here. Vanya offers to run away to somewhere safe together, so long as Sissy trusts Vanya. She says she does. They kiss and Sissy asks here to get out of here. She does warn, however, about Carl’s brother, who is a state trooper. A man loyal to his brother that won’t let them go if Carl ever found out. At that moment, in the distance, we see Carl who conveniently spies on his wife watching Sissy and Vanya make out.

Back at Elliot’s Diego and Luther find blood drops on the floor. Once they check the area, they find a murdered Elliot and see signs of torture and an object jammed in his eye. On the floor beyond the railing, they see etched in blood on the shop floor:

“Oga For Oga”

At the hotel, the Handler let’s Five into her room. Five agrees to take out the board, so long as The Handler leave him and his family alone too. She gives him a piece of paper with the whereabouts of the next meeting of the Commission board member gathering:

“The Lonely Lodger Inn, Oshkosh Wisconsin 1982”

AJ cowers in Oga for Oga — *AJ hides amidst the bloodshed in S2E7 ‘Oga for Oga’.*

Episode 7: Oga For Oga

We open on Five following the piece of paper’s instructions and arriving at the Lonely Lodger Inn, 1982. Inside, he greets an overly peppy woman by a letter board that reads: The Wisconsin Polka association. He asks her for the Midwest Soybean Society is meeting, then asks for change for a snack at the vending machine. She says he’s in luck and gives her change. He replies:

“You know some say luck is to die at the right time.”

This upsets the woman. Uneasy, Five selects a Fudge Nutter for purchase but it gets stuck, and so he hits the vending machine, and then angrily, kicks-in the glass. Afterward, he passes a sheet cake and slashes a finger across it then takes a fire axe off the wall, stopping at a meeting room for: The Midwest Soybean Society. He goes inside and finds AJ, and soon after, murders the board members one-by-one leaving the room a grotesque mess in the process. AJ offers more money than The Handler is giving, but Five states this isn’t about money. Before he can kill AJ, the woman who gave him change tackles him, not for the murders, but because of his breaking of the vending machine. He knocks her out and chases after a fleeting AJ, grabbing a cricket bat on the wall. Five smashes in AJ’s fishbowl.

At the mansion, Ben and Klaus have a standoff as Klaus refuses to sleep for out of fear that Ben will possess him. Every time he closes his eyes, Ben moves a little closer. Klaus tells him to stop as he’s going through a lot due to Dave and his inability to prevent him for going off to war and die. Ben mentions that this is how he feels every day: powerless. After some thought, Klaus reluctantly agrees to let Ben spend time with the girl he likes: Jill. Though he says there has to be set ground rules.

At the ranch house, Carl scowls at Vanya as Sissy clears the table. He orders Vanya to drive him to Jim Varlan’s ranch, despite Sissy’s protests in wanting her to go with Harlan.

At the Chestnut house, Ray tells Allison that JFK’s team wants to meet with their people — their hard work finally paying off. Ray says that he’ll be back and will bring soup, gives Allison a kiss, and then heads out. Allison looks at him and says that she loves him.

In the alley behind Morty’s, a battered and bleeding Five hands The Handler AJ the goldfish. In return, The Handler gives Five a briefcase, revealed to be teleporting back home in 90 minutes, as anything longer could raise suspicion. Happy at the prospect of returning the timeline but upset there’s not much time, Five retreats with the briefcase to round up his siblings.

Back at the apartment, Diego removes the knife from Elliot’s body. He suspects it’s the Feds; Luther, thinks it’s a psychopath. The brothers look over the railing and see words smeared in blood: Oga Foroga. Confused, they look up the name in the phonebook and find a woman whose name matches. The brothers accost Oga over the phone and say they’re going to come after her. Five arrives and sees the evidence. He corrects his dimwitted brothers: it’s Oga-for-Oga, meaning an eye-for-an-eye, and that the Swedes killed him.

At the commission main offices, The handler, in a purple suit jacket addresses everyone on a megaphone how everyone on the board was assassinated. She asks for a full investigation. She also proclaims herself in charge of the commission despite being demoted — a sentiment that both upsets and confuses the commission workers.

At Elliot’s apartment, Five cleans-up the bloodstains in the bathroom and tells Luther and Diego he has a solution to get back to their timeline. The cost: they all have to go now! Luther is assigned to get Allison. Diego, Klaus. Five will get Vanya. When questioned by Diego about the legitimacy of this plan, Five tells them Elliot got killed because of them. That going home is the only way to make it right (by fixing the timeline and ending doomsday). Diego says he needs to say bye to Lila first, but Five reveals she’s commission. Someone using him to get to Five. Upset, Five makes it worse pointing out Diego is the Lee Harvey Oswald of this story: a conspirator and patsy. Even more upset, Five says he’ll kill Diego himself if he doesn’t go with them. Disheartened, Diego concedes, as his big brother Luther puts a hand on his shoulder and says:

“Women. Right?” – Luther to Diego

Klaus and Jill make dirt angels in S2 E7 Oga for Oga — *Klaus and Jill make dirt angels in S2 E7: Oga for Oga.*

Back in the mansion, Klaus goes over some ground rules with Ben, steels himself, and then lets his brother possess his body. Ben is ecstatic and loving being alive, giddily giggling as he takes in every touch, smell, and sensation. He eats a grapefruit. Curls his toes into the dirt. His heart races, as, in bliss over life — Jill finds and randomly joins him. His crush then sits beside him and together, they make dirt angels.

Meanwhile, at a different ranch, Carl gets to his friend’s house with Vanya sitting in the passenger seat. He gets out and walks over to the cattle. Vanya follows and asks why she is here. Carl asks if she’s ever heard of hoof-and-mouth disease. Describes the necessity of having to eliminate the threat early… before it spreads. Vanya defends herself:

“Who I am is not a disease.” – Vanya

Carl then threatens Harlan’s life, suggesting that he would send him off to a facility for special needs. That is, unless Vanya leaves him, and his family’s lives for good, wanting to do away with what he deems a ‘queer threat’. He tosses Vanya the keys so that he can get drunk with his friends and will hitch a ride back home. He expects her gone when he returns.

At Chestnut House, Luther tells Allison they have to leave in 42 minutes so that doomsday will end and life will go back to normal. Allison wonders if she can see her daughter, Claire (Coco Assad), again, but questions what if Five is wrong? Luther defends Five iterating they do not belong here. He reminds her that they are special and don’t get to live normal lives. She says it’s unfair, but Luther says they have to risk everything to save everything… reminding her it’s The Umbrella Academy’s best trait:

“Recklessness?” – Allison

“Hope.” – Luther

Back at the mansion outside the garden, Ben enjoys eating a strawberry in Klaus’s body. Jill thinks Klaus/Ben is somehow, dorkier. He smiles shyly in return. Then he asks Jill if he can smell her hair. The view arcs and Ben’s now in place of Klaus. Jill asks if he wants to have sex, here and now, but Ben isn’t sure. Suddenly, Klaus (as a ghost) slaps himself/Ben. Afterward, Ben tells Jill that she doesn’t know the real him, as Ben confesses to being a virgin (He was young when he died). Jill is confused, as she questions about last week, when she, Klaus, and Keechie spent time…

“On the sex swing practicing the suspended, extended, four-part unification?” Jill, revealing that Klaus cult is indeed, part sex-cult.

Ben calls Klaus filthy which leads to Jill kissing him in a heavy make-out session, her legs wrapped around his waist. Before things get heavier, Diego arrives and tells Ben/Klaus they have to go.

At the commission, The Handler puts AJ into a fishbowl, as a nervous Lila twist and twirls Diego’s bracelet. Seeing her daughter worried, The Handler appoints Lila Head Security officer. She gratefully accepts but wants to do it her own way. The Handler agrees to Lila’s terms as she’s earned it.

Back at the Mansion, Ben (as Klaus) walks with Diego and is incredibly happy to see him. Diego thinks he’s just high. Ben/Klaus shares to Diego that he’s Ben. Diego tells him to prove it and asks what did Ben reprogram Allison’s Teddy Ruxpin to say as children. Ben replies:

“Luther Sniffs Dad’s Underwear!” – Ben

He smiles and Diego hugs him. We cut-back and see Klaus as Ben as they’re hugging. He then shares he can posses Klaus now. Diego tells Ben that they need to meet at the rendezvous behind Elliot’s in 30 minutes, and asks Ben to stay in control of Klaus as he needs someone responsible behind the wheel. Ben agrees. Suddenly, Klaus fights back and tries to kick Ben out. Ben rushes back into the mansion.

On the road, Vanya and Five randomly run into each other in their cars. Five tells her that they need to go now, but Vanya wants to take Sissy. Five says no. Vanya argues Sissy deserves to have a happy life and Harlan can get the help he needs. She insists that they’re coming. Five says they can’t risk bringing them. Angry, she reasons why does Five get to decide as he’s the reason they’re stuck in first place. Five retorts that if he did nothing they’d all be dead thanks to Vanya.

Vanya and Five standoff in Episode 7: Oga for Oga. — *Vanya and Five standoff in S2 E7: Oga for Oga.*

Suddenly, Five goes on to threaten Vanya not to test him. Vanya tells him that she was about to say the same thing. The two standoff and muster up their tremendous powers. Vanya then says fine, but states she needs to say bye. He reluctantly agrees and then tells her to meet in alley after.

Elsewhere, Diego digs a hole for the newly deceased Elliot. Suddenly, Lila arrives. Upset, Diego reveals he knows the truth about how she lied. Lila says that the rest was true, and that she was lying mostly to protect him. They argue:

“Do you know how hard it is to trust people when your entire childhood is just manipulation?” – Diego

“I do.” – Lila

“Then why would you do that to me.” – Diego

Diego proclaims that he is going to dig this hole, save the world, and then forget that they ever met. Lila soon realizes that it’s Elliot who’s dead. Sad, she pulls out a flask and cheers to Elliot, saying she’ll miss his crazy theories and sharing his bed with Diego. She pours some in her mouth then hands it to Diego, who guzzles her flask. Soon after, Diego sways, as Lila spits out the liquid. Diego passes out: drugged. Lila grabs Diego by the legs and pulls him away.

At the Chestnut house, Allison looks on at the remaining minutes on the clock and speaks with Ray for one last time. She asks if Ray would come with her, but he feels like he can’t just leave the movement. Says tells him the movement isn’t over, even in 2019, but Ray asks if the work they’re doing makes an impact. Allison concedes that it does. Ray says that if that’s the case, he can’t leave it behind. Sad, Allison tells Ray she can rumor him to take the pain of their memories together away. Ray declines as he doesn’t want to forget. He tells her:

“I’d take my year with you over a lifetime with anybody else, hear me? I’m still the luckiest man I know.”

They kiss. Allison pulls away but is interrupted as a knock appears at the door: The Swedes dressed at Vacuum salesmen. Allison has never met them yet, and so she opens the door but tells them now’s not a good time. They punch her in the throat and forcibly enter.

At the ranch house, Sissy finds Vanya packing and tells her that they’re leaving now. Vanya tells Sissy that Carl knows about their relationship and threatened to institutionalize Harlan. Vanya tells her they need to leave now but Sissy wants to leave a note. Vanya disagrees as they need to leave. Before they leave, Sissy doubles back for the coffee can of money. She pauses and looks around…

At the mansion, Ben/Klaus struggles to maintain control. He runs outside to the rendezvous but is stopped by Keechie, whom he leaves in charge while he’s gone. Ben’s final words to the cult, is to tell Jill the roll in the dirt was the greatest moment of his life. Keechie begs for some final words of wisdom… Ben/Klaus obliges:

“Oh my God We’re back again. Brother’s sisters everybody sing. We’re gonna bring the flavor show you how.”

Back with Allison, Ray sees her fall over as the Swedes forcefully enter. She grabs a poker, as the leader throws the vacuum at ray. Ray tries fighting back but the leader beats him. Allison grabs a vacuum attachment and stabs the tall Swede in the eye, making him back off.

In the rendezvous alley behind Morty’s, Five retrieves the Commission briefcase from a dumpster. Luther joins him: the only sibling to make it on time. Suddenly, a still possessed Klaus runs into the alley as Ben struggles to maintain control. Klaus twitches then vomits, expelling Ben into the pavement as they both crumple. There are 8 minutes left and Five wonders where the others are.

Back in the Chestnut house, Ray stabs the leader in the leg with a corkscrew. The tall Swede then collapses onto the couch, with the vacuum attachment lodged in his eyeball. Allison rumors the Leader to kill his brother, and so he does so, choking the life out of his brother. When the leader returns to conscious, he’s horrified at killing his own, then retreats over what he just did. Ray freaks out realizing there’s a dead white man in the living room. Allison realizes they’re out of time.

Meanwhile, Sissy and Vanya hold hands as they drive to the rendezvous. Unfortunately, they see a roadblock. Surprised it all happened so fast, Sissy confesses that she left Carl a note…

Waking up from his drugging, Diego comes to at the commission. Lila sitting at an opposite chair by his side. She introduces Diego to her mother, The Handler. She also calls Diego her boyfriend.

In the alleyway, with but one-minute remaining, Five is furious. Luther can’t believe what’s happening. Klaus still wriggles on floor along with Ben. Five can’t believe they just blew their chance to save the world. The briefcase sets off. Five tosses it, as it disappears into a flash of light.

On the road, Vanya and Sissy stop at a highway patrol checkpoint where a trooper with a shotgun approaches. This is Jerry, Carl’s brother whom Sissy had warned Vanya about. Jerry tells them to get out of the car, claiming that they kidnapped Harlan. Vanya threatens that she doesn’t want to hurt Jerry. He cocks his shotgun in reply. Angry, Vanya uses her power to throw the driver’s side door open knocking Jerry to the ground. The other police troopers open fire and Vanya blasts them with a powerful energy wave. For a brief moment, Vanya looks at Sissy as she feels slightly betrayed (and told Sissy not to leave a note). Jerry uses the opening to knock Vanya out with the butt of his shotgun.

Elliot's corpse as Lila offers a drink to Diego, who is digging a ditch to place Elliot — *R.I.P. Elliot. We barely knew ye… and that’s okay.*

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to process in this one. The meeting with daddy Hargreeves, the death of Elliot, and the Umbrella Academy failing to stop the end of the world and head home on time? All fantastic cliffhangers that compel the audience to want more. To be honest, at this point, I was just incredibly impressed with how well written the story is and how easily the narratives flow together. I think it hits all the right beats between the LGBTQ story (Vanya), civil rights one (Allison), and then, of course, all the brotherly dysfunctional arcs (Klaus/Ben) and (Diego/Luther and Failed Romances).

Then of course there’s Five, who’s absolutely the star this season in having to bring the team together plus deal with the apocalypse and address daddy Hargreeves.

It’s a lot to process. It’s also a lot of fun. I’m also impressed by how nothing felt excessive and everyone has a character arc that fits the storyline. It feels like a genuine family.

Of the dysfunctional superhero adaptations last year, I ranked:

At least, terms of what I enjoyed. Why? Well, Doom Patrol had a unique villain in Mr. Nobody. The boys touched on messed up things nobody else would. And Umbrella Academy, for all it’s fun, sort of meandered a bunch towards the end. This year, for all three shows and their second seasons, I think it’s going to be the reverse (But The Boys hasn’t aired yet so I won’t know for certain):

The Umbrella Academy
The Boys
Doom Patrol

Yes, I believe this season’s Umbrella Academy is that good.

‘I May Destroy You’ Episode 7 Recap – “Happy Animals”

Robert Kijowski

August 4, 2020

Cash is King, and it makes Arabella sing in “Happy Animals,” episode 7 of I May Destroy You. Whether that song is a happy one is for you to find out in our recap.

I May Destroy You Season 1:

Episode 1 – “Eyes Eyes Eyes Eyes”

Episode 2 – “Someone is Lying”

Episode 3 – “Don’t Forget the Sea”

Episode 4 – “That was Fun”

Episode 5 – “It Just Came Up”

Episode 6 – “The Alliance”

Episode 7 – “Happy Animals”

In this gig-economy, cash is king. All you need do is look at the digitization of jobs in the last 20 years, which are indispensable for the artistic milieu, who may not catch a break and ride the wave for a while. The question is would you question an income, no matter where it’s from to further your ultimate goal? Would making scratch trump who it’s for? If so, at what cost? Welcome to the seventh episode of I May Destroy You (HBO) titled “Happy Animals.”

Arabella (Michaela Coel) and Terry (Weruche Opia) at a London market checking out wigs and various sundries for a particular event: It’s Terry’s birthday! They dip into a supermarket for some provisions, and Terry spots Simon (Aml Ameen) passing in a different aisle. Naturally, before Bella could take notice, T navigates her mate in a different direction. Kwame (Paapa Essidue) naturally is on Grindr right next to his two friends, with a request from the potential hook up what the good Lord gave him after receiving a similar picture. Hey, share and share alike, I guess.

Terry jukes Arabella out of the way of Simon all the way to the register like Pac-Man… and, like clockwork, Bella’s card is declined. This is no doubt embarrassing in any scenario, but the knife is pushed even further when the cashier is a fan, wants a selfie, and Arabella’s forced to take her items off of the conveyor belt and put back into the aisles. That stings.

At a deficit for cashola, Bella relays some new pages to her agents. It’s harrowing, and it speaks on rape, rape culture, and how it can be denigrated. What she reads is powerful, poetic and it smacks you in the face. Her agents are stunned, in a positive way, but there’s but one caveat- where is the draft? She only recited a single page to them. She needs the advance so off to Henny House she goes.

Sauntering into Henny House armed with a vape pen in her hand and a hope in her heart, going up floors as the only black woman in a lift full of stodgy old white men, Arabella finally reaches the top: Susy Henny (Franc Ashman). Greeted into a rather posh office, Bella is in awe of what is achievable as a successful woman of color.

After being offered some pomegranates, Arabella gets down to brass tacks. She explains that she’s working on her manuscript about rape and claims that she hasn’t been paid. Susy immediately takes umbrage with this and that Bella should’ve contractually been paid a third of their agreement. That is until she understands further that Arabella is asking for more to sustain her. Sadly, contracts are tricky, so that’s a no-can-do for the moment… so desperate times…

Call for Theo (Harriet Webb) to help her out on any leads for making a quick buck on the legal, and Bella might be in luck. All you do, according to Theo, is “say the things and pocket the cash.” Easy enough, right? “Hello, this is Arabella and we’re Happy Animals, a vegan grocery service…” Oh, this should be a cakewalk… one made without eggs and gluten-free. Ugh. This idea is already leaving an acrid taste in my mouth.

Dan (Will Rogers), the CEO of the company lets Bella in on his background and the mission of the company. After three years in uni, he got into existentialism and realized consuming animals was an agrarian threat to global warming, so he created the company so that he can be truly the biggest name people go to for ethical purchasing of foodstuffs. Never one mince words, Arabella likens the company to Amazon.

Arabella’s to be the social media face of Happy Animals. It pays double, cash up front, and requires things like doing photoshoots and posting 10-second videos. It’s her first day on the job, and they rope her into doing more and more. Cash in on the way out is their policy.

Elsewhere, Terry’s having a sit down with Simon. She inquires if he was in the supermarket earlier, and he denies it. It’s her birthday, and she doesn’t want Simon showing up with ‘the champs.’ She’s looking out for her girl and because self-care is the first stage, the second is avoiding people who don’t comfort or affirm. This is Terry’s shot across the bow.

The party’s now officially on, with T’s friends in the building. One of those is Jamal (Noah Maxwell Clarke), who seems to immediately have taken an interest in a very shy Kwarms, prepping the grub. There’s a reason he might show a little reservation. Jamal is Egyptian and Ecuadorian or as he playfully phrases it “Egyptiadorian.” He reveals to Terry that when he was young, walking home from school, two guys — one claiming he was Greek, the other claiming he was Egyptian — pulled up on Kwame, so he’s had two guys at once. Terry seems shocked, as this is a story she’s not heard before… but that’s no matter now, as Arabella brings the party to a halt by leading the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday To You” as Kwame brings out the cake.

Terry makes her sentimental speech, dedicating it to Arabella. “Your birth is my birth, your death is my death.” It’s that tightness as a friend that makes the two such an awesome pairing.

The party continues to get lit until an odd mood overcomes the people surrounding Bella. They catch on that she’s working for Happy Animals and seem to be taken aback… but why? Well, it turns out that Arabella’s been drinking the Kool-Aid of Happy Animals and has become a climateer, an eco spokesperson. This comes at a price: present company ribbing her for becoming a pawn in a ‘white people movement.” Terry also agrees that she’s sick of these white people’s movements, and it just so happens Theo co-signs. Yup, the white girl that Terry didn’t trust from high school onward has shown up to a party in honor of her. T’s not happy in the least, thinking she’s come only to score some Class A shit whilst asking for a donation.

Kwame diffuses the situation by suggesting she’s probably only there to celebrate, but Terry tries to rag on her with her boy. The thing is, Kwame is in no mood and skirts passed Jamal trying to be nice, retreating to Bella’s room for some solace. Terry seems to be turning up the heat with more shots. Arabella seems to be having a good time but is confronted by Terry, asking her if she thinks it was a good idea to invite a white person who framed a black man to their celebration, as she may have never changed at all. Before this conversation gets rough, a jam hits the speakers and Bella escorts T onto the dance floor. Deescalation achieved.

Back in Arabella’s room, in order to alleviate his flashbacks and high pitched sound, Kwame rings up Damon (Fehinti Balogun), the man who dipped out on the threesome in episode 4. Damon apologizes for leaving and that he wanted to thank Kwame for his new lifestyle. He’s seeing someone and he doesn’t give a fuck, doing as he pleases. This is not what Kwame was hoping for, as the high-frequency returns.

This also isn’t the right time for a to’ up Arabella to act, as she tricks Jamal into going to her room, locking her door and tossing the key. “Huh.”

As the party winds down with Terry, Pastor, Theo, and Samson (Victor Ade), Arabella’s spouting all climate change rhetoric without truly understanding it. As Terry gives Theo the stink-eye, Samson schools Bella on the vegan and the eco-activist. He claims that they love looking into the future without acknowledging the past. Arabella doesn’t understand it has to do with her gig. The Pastor reminds her that if she’s going to be exploited, she’d better know what she’s being exploited for. She gives the company more followers, and more followers give the company more power, and more power gives them more money. This gives Arabella pause.

Back in the bedroom, Kwame’s freaking out a little, and Jamal opens a window for him. Not being aware of what she’s done, Bella’s drunk in the other room pondering if maybe they were right about the ice caps all along. It is then that Theo speaks up and admits, like Arabella trying to bring people into the fold for monetary benefits, she gets better referral fees for bringing into the company people of color. She does assert that both of them really need the funds. Arabella admits that it was she who told Mr. McHale about the photo evidence in high school. Theo seems to take it all in stride.

Terry comes in, asking where Kwame is. Bella informs her she locked him in her room with Jamal and a frantic Terry said that Kwame said he was on a break from all of that. Getting him out from the room, Kwame wants to eviscerate Bella for the stunt she’s pulled, but Terry cools him down. They speak together in the bathtub and Terry’s concern is that even though he went to the cops, he needs to inform Arabella in the morning.

The next day on Instagram, donning a Happy Animals shirt, Arabella informs her followers that the climate crisis is real and her hair is not before removing her wig, proclaiming her love for fried chicken as she extracts a bucket from a Happy Animals bag and watching her hits skyrocket to 34k in mere moments. We are treated to harrowing views of climate change as “Dreaming About You” by the Blackbyrds lead us into the credits. Oh, what a wonderful world.

‘Space Force’ Review Episode 5 – “Space Flag”

Robert Kijowski

August 3, 2020

Look to the stars and wave your flag. Time to signal episode 5 of Space Force, “Space Flag.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4mY2asIjWk

Space Force Season 1 Episodes:

Episode 1 – “The Launch”

Episode 2 – “Save Epsilon 6!”

Episode 3 – “Mark and Mallory Go to Washington”

Episode 4 – “Lunar Habitat”

Episode 5 – “Space Flag”

There are many ways we can stake our claim. We may call “Shotgun!” We may say “I got next!,” “Last standing,”or “Que Ball, Corner Pocket” or if you’re from back in the day, ya just fucking lick it. This is all childish jackassery, though… but what happens when you’re an adult and still harbor the same pettiness? Welcome to the fifth episode of Space Force (Netflix) titled “Space Flag”.

General Mark Naird (Steve Carell) gives a Patton-like speech. His squad has mere seconds to patch up a wound by the Game Master… Mark… but who is ready and raring for a fight… and he has it.

They will be wearing “Iron Man Pants”, compliments of either Lockheed Martin (founded 1995) or Raytheon (formed 2020). These exoskeletons will not only pilot the man but also bring him home. Who are they paired against? The Military, headed by General Kick Grabaston (Noah Emmerich).

Oh, it’s on. This is not a play for who is better, but rather which one snatches the job. Kick’s be grabbing at the position since Mark’s taken in an a huge… let’s just say he has it work cut out for him.

This is especially due when Dr. Adrian Mallory (John Malkovich) is bored from the meeting, saying that the suits can both bring home the injured and the dead. He’s against the machines, any machines that war can profit from. It matters none to Mark which person is set on colonizing a galaxy.

Being hit up my Adrian, he prefers Lockheed, though he says both are high-tech body bags. Mark wants none of that nonsense and proceeds, though he wants Adrian as his aide-de-camp.

He doesn’t care much for it, seeing there’s no outcome but “death,” however, he’s mercilessly harangued by Mark for not going into battle. Little does he know Mallory’s brain is thinking two steps forward, despite his nonchalant demeanor. He can predict the war before it even happens… or can he?

This is WAR…. and no smattering of conversing betwixt Mark and Kick could ever pull that apart. The Game is afoot.

These two dingbats will engage in what is to be open moon combat… in the desert. Adrian sees the absurdity in this, but when you have two men trying to see whose the more machismo, it matters none.

The first round is worth 100 and everything else is arbitrary with Space Force opting for Lockheed and the other guys going Raytheon. Let the games begin.

As Mark tries to go on a stirring and involving speech (which Adrian undercuts at all sensible angles), these greens are ready and rarin’ for battle. This includes the Daisy 760 Pumpmaster, which you all may know colloquially as a B.B. Gun. This is with purpose in Adrian’s eyes, as the difference betwixt life and death can be as small as a tear in your suit on the moon. This is war.

As the front line practice and their firearms, Mark squeezes what he can from them. Staff Sargeant Kiki Rhodes (Punkie Johnson) and Captain Angela Ali (Tawny Newsome) grow a bond. This isn’t

Oh, yeah, prepping those guns are pretty lengthy. These are basically child’s toys. You can’t even shoot your eye out with them. That’s how slow they are to prep. Hold on, even the muskets in the Revolutionary War had better loading time. Jeeze, even PS1 games had better loading… I’m getting off-topic.

Look, we all like the moon. Especially when if you’re fortunate to see the beautiful handshake agreement when it goes out and the sun comes in. That isn’t any reason for combat… but goddamn if this episode isn’t funny.

All able hands and balloons are on board, including Fuck Tony (Ben Schwartz). The only problem? Their choice to go with the Lockheed suits.

The Airforce is having a ball with Raytheon performing acrobatics that could make a gymnast blush, but it’s not about the technology… it’s about the will to survive out on the battlefield.

Though Mark has properly pissed off Adrian, accusing him of picking the wrong brand on purpose to teach him a lesson because war doesn’t belong on the moon, survival knows no allegiance, much less a fucking flag.

Stressed out and singing to himself to alleviate the pressure, Mark comes across Kelly King (Jessica St. Clair). She’s no problem with his handling of a problem… she’s just interested in him. More about that in another episode.

So here’s the rub. Each team is militarized with BB guns. Each balloon shot on someone counts as a tear in the spacesuit. If that happens, your “corpse” is marched home through which what company you back: Lockheed Martin or Raytheon.

What transpires next is probably a mixture of Francis Ford Coppola’s Patton and Mel Brooks.

As it turns out, Lockheed straight fucks up soldiers’ legs and doesn’t so much “march” them to base but rather ferries them unwillingly, redefining the phrase “kicking and screaming.”

As Space Force collapses under the Airforce’s mercy, a dark knight arrives. ADRIAN!

Dude, through sheer knowledge, is able to rain hellfire on the Airforce in the form of finding a chink in Raytheon’s technology. You can disable them with a few keystrokes.

This is overall my favorite episode. They brought the funny and that’s no mean feat so this comes as a turning point. Like a rocket ship, it can only go from here.

‘Stargirl’ Episode 12 Review: “Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. Part One”

Christian Angeles

August 3, 2020

brainwave — DC's Stargirl -- "Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. Part One" -- Image Number: STG112a_0r.jpg -- Pictured (L-R): -- Photo: Mark Hill/The CW -- © 2020 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The ISA execute their plans for a better America. Now on the run, the team has one last assembly where Rick makes a breakthrough. The final showdown begins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHnyEWtU6us

Stargirl is a show that’s seen a lot of solid character journeys and surprises. Though, to be honest, the actual plot has never really been its strongest suit. Something which becomes evident here in its penultimate episode. The biggest and brightest takeaway of this episode is that everyone is finally doing stuff! And I’m talking about both the heroes and the villains. Sportsmaster, Tigress, Barbara, and even Mike, all finally have tasks to complete!

The problem with this episode lies in the big bad guys’ great and evil plot: world domination. All in a manner, we’ve seen overused in superhero tropes so many times before. Though, there is a pleasant surprise with the list of demands. We also get yet another surprising death, which I think the show does a fantastic job in terms of keeping its audience on our toes.

Spoilers below.

DC’s Stargirl “Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. Part One’ Amy Smart as Barbara Whitmore – Photo: Jace Downs/The CW

Family Butt-kicking

One of the oddly convenient things about this series is how just about every hero and villain has a child that’s more-or-less their inevitable groomed replacement, which creates a lot of superhero/supervillain families you’d think would have more battles together. I’m talking Ito and Shiv, Sportsmaster/Tigress/Artemis, and, of course, Brainwave and… Um… never mind.

But that’s okay because where the villains falter in utilizing these pairings, the heroes do a pretty awesome job within this one. As Mike and Pat kick some seriously close but eventually effective, Sportsmaster butt using the power of drills. And Courtney and Barbara kick Tigress’ butt. Her mother now sees the value Courtney has in being Stargirl.

This all happens very early, but, to be honest, it’s not only some of the best fights yet again, but it’s also solid moments of character.

Bad Guys

It’s strange, but the further we get along with Stargirl, the more evident it becomes that the badguys tend to be rather… self-destructive. An odd habit, given that they’d cooperated for years after defeating the JSA.

As Cindy is reprimanded by Brainwave, who doesn’t trust her and blames Henry’s death on her (because had they known he had powers they could’ve turned him early… even though Brainwave is the one who killed his own son). He also mentions Cindy is not loved by her own dad and how everyone sees her as the girl, who’s a failed experiment.

Oh and Sportsmaster and Tigress are called bad parents to Artemis by Anaya Bowin (the principal/the Fiddler) who is then murdered by the pair. Again, bad guys keep imploding. It’s also pretty evident that Icicle really wanted to make Barbara his new wife so he seems distant though overall: accepting of needing to get the job done. I do have a feeling he’s going to spare Stargirl and have a bit of redemption towards the end though, mostly, because Season 2 needs some of the villain’s parents to survive.

Again, I iterate, lots of supervillain parents with soon-to-be-hopeful supervillain children, as I’m sure we’ll discover with the Fiddler’s son, who’s now an orphan.

Anyway, the great big bad plan: turns out is actually, a pretty good plan. A new constitution battling global warming, embracing solar power, bequeathing universal healthcare, and getting rid of discrimination. It also only affects adults and will kill the expected 25% of the population who’ll resist.

The Kinda-Ridiculous

Even though I mostly like all these things listed so far, there’s still quite a lot of poor plotting in my opinion. For one, the means to the end for the big bads is just an amplification machine that’s like Cerebro from X-Men. With it, Brainwave could hear all the evil voices of people at once and mind control/kill them., in what’s just a blatant rip-off of Brian Singer’s X-Men 2.

This is not the first time Stargirl has done this. We also had a ‘look who’s coming to dinner’ moment that was a somewhat ripoff of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man when Norman came to visit and he notices the gash on Peter’s wrist, revealing he’s Spider-Man (Same concept in Stargirl except in reverse, the not-so-burning hands revealing Icicle).

Atop of this, we see the cost of this not-Cerebro device: a melted pre-frontal cortex and a spinal cord turned to slush,if it for some reason, fails. Now, it’s known Dr. Ito leaves almost all of his test subjects messed up, including his own daughter. Why does Brainwave agrees to this?

I don’t know, just to move the plot forward really. It’s also incredibly silly to me that for someone so adamant in seeing through Icicle’s dreams of a better tomorrow, it’s so obvious his leader’s going to hesitate. And that small glimmer of reluctance, for a psychic who believes all humanity is shitty, should be enough of a red flag to maybe not risk death and paralysis to use this device just yet…

But again, none of that matters. He agrees, and then we go.

Also, even though Mike saved the day with his drill, I’ll openly still say: he still sucks on this show. A whining brat with no development.

DC’s Stargirl “Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. Part One’ Joy Osmanski as Tigress – Photo: Jace Downs/The CW

Final Thoughts

The twist about the villains having noble goals is nice, even if it may sacrifice 25 million people. I like how the team all contributes in this episode. I don’t like how convenient it all seems to be wrapping. Finally, I’ll admit that the “Watchmen” approach with: I executed my plan 30 minutes ago was appealing, but, yet again, another plot device stolen from another superhero movie.

Still, I am interested in seeing how this all ends. Tune in next week to find out.

‘Wynonna Earp’ What’s in The Garden of Eden?

Christian Angeles

August 2, 2020

Waverly Earp Checks out the heart of the machine — Spoilers for S4 E2 “Friends in Low Places" inside. Image Credit: SYFY.Dominique Provost-Chalkley as Waverly Earp. Credit: Michelle Fayes/Wynonna Earp Prodcutions, Inc./SYFY

This question is finally answered in an episode that gets down and dirty with zombies, angels, and a steamy and unsuspecting moment of love.

Wow. So let me begin by saying after covering the season premiere of Wynonna Earp last week, I began researching just what in the Earping world I was going to talk about for this week. When I saw this tweet by showrunner Emily Andras noting just how bonkers cray-cray this week’s episode was supposed to be:

Surely enough, it didn’t disappoint, as my jaw hit the floor like a Looney Tunes character over this week’s ending. Causing every one of my Surprisey-Senses to tinkle (Yes, tinkle, not tingle, as in: wow that episode was so insane that I may have peed just a little).

And so, like many of Wynonna Earp’s reckless and entangling romances, this review will be short, silly, and to the sex… er… I mean point. As we talk about the two biggest reveals of this week’s episode:

Finally answering what the Hell is in the Garden of Eden.
Naked Love twists with extra naked.

And so, without further ado, let’s get right into it.

Wynonna Earp in Season 4 Episode 2 as she gets things done! — Wynonna Earp as she gets shit done! Though… with the help of friends, Nicole and Rachel (both off-screen)

What’s in The Garden of Eden?

So early on in the way-hey-days of Season 2, officer, and now currently Sheriff of Purgatory, Nicole Haught, found the ring of Bulshar, a magical device that’s taken us on a journey of sorts. A three-season long epic that led us to the Garden of Eden and Bulshar’s reveal as the demonic snake from the creation story.

It’s here, where Waverly and Doc try and stop an impending… thing. The thing that the good guys here (Aka the guardians/Angels) kept at bay for ages, with Waverly feeling responsible to protect humanity in this one, much like her father before her.

But how have they (we’re assuming they is Black Badge) spent years helping to keep it confined? Well, by feeding the machine-human blood of course! But in this big doozer of an episode, we reveal last week’s arrival of the very naked Nicole (who stands adjacent to a tree this entire episode. Hint. Hint.) is not our beloved Waverly Earp’s Haught-in-Shining Armor Pants but is actually…

Eve. Yep, as in Eve, from the story of Adam and Eve, except this one is also a demonic figure-changing doppelganger. Just what was Bulshar’s relationship with Eve as the Snake from the Garden of Eden desperately wanted to liberate her? We won’t fully know. Though it appears she’s totally evil. And though she’s admirably karate kicked in the face by our good old Doc Holliday, I doubt this is where the story ends given how much has been built up around this story.

Nicole and Waverly kiss. — Nicole and Waverly. Credit: Michelle Faye/Wynonna Earp Productions, Inc./SYFY

That’s a Whole Lotta Love

So… um. Yeah. Let’s be honest, the REAL takeaway from this episode is Doc and Wynonna’s rekindled love affair. Doc Holiday passes the ‘Punch The Real Person’ test, not by tricks, but by sharing their innermost secrets only each other would know, which, logically, should be Wynonna and Doc’s lovechild, Alice. But, in hilarious Wynonna fashion, this ends up not being about their baby, but rather, their mutual sexual safe word in the bedroom (I believe it was Hollywood. With the follow-up being: Honky-Tonk).

So, yay! Doc and Wynonna are a thing again… Or at the least, open to kissing and likely banging one out every-now-and-then. Aka: Normal.

But more importantly, to add to this lovefest is the celebration of WayHaught tying-the-knot! The real Nicole (not the almost-naked for the entire episode Eve-Nicole) implies saying yes to Waverly’s marriage proposal. And wow… was it steamy… and limb twisty… O-facey. Really, just a purely physical expression of love times ten, because I don’t think I’ve ever seen that graphic of a lesbian lovemaking moment on the series. It’s a beautiful celebration of a love that fans have been cheering now for years, brought together in a moment of passion, which I’m sure Earpers will be talking about — much like that lovemaking scene — for a very long time…

But thoughts? Opinions? Or cheers of sheer delight? Feel free to comment below.

Umbrella Academy Season 2 Scene-by-Scene: Episodes 4-5

Christian Angeles

August 2, 2020

Vanya unlocks her powers in Umbrella Academy Season 2 — Ellen Page as Vanya in Umbrella Academy S2 E4: The Majestic Twelve. All Image Credits: Netflix.

The following are extensive scene-by-scene recaps of episodes 4-5 of ‘Umbrella Academy’ Season 2

We Talk About The Entire Family Over At TheWorkprint Podcast

Created by Steve Blackman, and based on comics by Gabriel Ba and Gerard Way, the following are the most detailed recaps you can find available online. So far, we’ve already covered episodes 1-3 of Umbrella Academy Season 2. These will be episodes 4-5. The purpose of these is mostly, to see if you missed anything at all or are looking for a refresher.

Episode 4: The Majestic 12

We open on a series of flashbacks beginning in London England, 1993 where a pleading couple is assassinated. Afterward, a pair of ruby-colored high heeled shoes step into the room revealed to be the feet of The Handler (Kate Walsh). After a faceless assassin leaves The Handler finds an action figure left on the floor. She checks finds a concealed wall panel, where a little girl cowers inside: Lila. The Handler takes her away.

Later, at the Commission, Lila eats ice cream at The Handler’s office as the woman strokes Lila’s hair. She’s taken her in. Afterward, it cuts to about a decade later, where the Handler fires an AK-47 at Lila who runs through an obstacle course while performing several backflips. We cut to even later, where while walking through the commission, The Handler teachers Lila mandarin. Eventually, we see Lila as a teen — The Handler puts a corsage on her and snaps a photo. The scene ends with Lila, still with her corsage and pink dress, now stepping out of a limo. A dead man in a tux slumps dead on the floor.

Back in the present, while eating pancakes and champagne, The Handler informs Lila (Ritu Arya) that her mission is to keep Number Five (Aidan Gallagher) alive. They argue over what to do about Diego, but then, Lila informs her mother about The Swedes. The Handler is surprised they’re already there, then reassures her daughter that they know Lila is undercover (an obvious lie). Lila doesn’t like this any of this but follows her orders.

At the ‘Plano Street Boarding House’, Luther (Tom Hopper) has a nightmare. He wakes in pain from his fight the night before, thinking it is Allison calling for him, though it’s revealed to be Vanya (Ellen Page). He sits up and they catch up with what Five has informed her about her memories. She asks what Five is hiding. Luther, feeling guilty about his part in her suffering, tells her the truth: that Vanya caused the apocalypse. He tells her that she gets angry and out of control: she can destroy the world.

Suddenly, Jack Ruby (John Kapelos) enters the room, upset about Luther losing his fight last night. He ends their relationship which saddens both of them, as he’d treated Luther like a son. Upset, Luther wants to be alone, but Vanya wants to stay. Luther smashes in a wall, revealing through the new gaping hole: Five, waiting outside. Vanya leaves Luther alone, and then outside, storms past Five, angry that he never told her that she is the cause of the apocalypse.

At Allison’s house, a hungover Klaus (Robert Sheehan) sleeps on the couch and requests Coffee, B12, and a bowl of Menudo. In the backdrop, Allison freaks out as her husband has gone missing. She regrets using her rumor powers in front of him though Klaus tries reassures her that it was done to save his life. He then sits down and recounts a completely inaccurate account of The Scorpion and The Frog Fable With his version, involving money-exchanges, and the improper conclusion: that Frogs are bitches and never negotiate with terrorists. Unable to handle Klaus’ stupidity, she leaves to find her husband.

Lily with a cup in hand and Diego, shirtless, also with a cup in hand. Both listening to Five's plan. — Lila and Diego. Now acting, very much, like an unofficial couple in Umbrella Academy S2 E4: The Majestic 12

In Elliot’s loft, Lila changes Diego’s bandage. Five says that he suspects who sent in the Swedes, but emphasizes that they need to focus on finding their father. Diego (David Castañeda) mentions that he found him but was stabbed, which Five jokingly says is something all of them wanted to do at some point and time. Lila tries giving Five a high five but is snubbed, hinting at a breaking trust. Five hands over the invitation he’d stolen off Sir Reginald’s desk: an invite from Hoyt Hillenkoetter, whom Elliot recognizes as one of the Majestic Twelve: which are a secret shadow government committee. They see a photo of twelve but realize the twelfth member is missing. Five and Diego suspect it’s their father given the invitation.

At the ranch, Vanya pulls up in the station wagon while Sissy (Marin Ireland) collects eggs. They embrace in an extendedly long hug. Sissy looks at her car, now damaged from the attack by the Swedes, though does not mind. She just wants to know how Vanya is doing. Together, they head in to talk over breakfast.

At Stadler’s diner, Dave (Calem MacDonald) eats lunch with his uncle Brian (Rod Wilson), who steps out to use the bathroom. Klaus steps in and warns Dave not to enlist in Vietnam, hoping to save his life, as he knows how influential Brian’s influence is to Dave on having him enlist. Suddenly, Brian comes back, and queer shames Klaus forcing Dave into making a choice. Dave makes it and then punches Klaus who at this point, had done nothing but show compassion and love. Klaus retreats. Ben (Justin H. Min) watches the ordeal unfold. He worries about his brother’s sobriety.

At the Beauty Parlor, Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman)finds Ray gathered with all of their fellow activists who have kicked her out due to the riot. She’s mad Ray never tried to call and they go outside to argue, where Ray demands to know how she convinced the cop to leave her alone. Allison doesn’t explain her powers, not wanting to tell the truth. Upset, Ray leaves and heads back inside the parlor.

Elsewhere, Klaus begins to break his sobriety despite Ben’s protests. Klaus drinks at the store double fisting. Later, he swaggers back to the mansion, but finds the door open, as the bus of his followers have returned. Paranoid, Klaus runs away from them as they chase him down.

At the American and Mexican consulate, a well-dressed Diego, Lila, and Five, sneak into the mansion. Before they head in, Five tells Lila he doesn’t trust her.

At a barbeque joint, Luther eats alone at a table. Suddenly, he sees Allison who’d gotten his message to meet up. He cleans up the crumbs on his face and the two end up hugging. Allison notices Luther’s bruises. Heartbroken, he reassures he’s okay and then swallows his sorrows as he congratulations her on being married. Allison tells Luther she never gave up on them, but needed someone to hold onto, especially given the situation (being black and unable to speak in 1960s). Luther holds her hand and reassures her:

“No one gets to tell us how to deal with the end of the world. Right? Not even each other.”

After, they update each other on what they know about the family. Luther shares that Vanya’s on a farm and Happy. Also, that Diego’s in a nuthouse. Allison shares: Klaus has become a cult leader. Luther then shares that Five has returned and that the end of the world is coming… again.

Back at the consulate, Diego, Lila, and Five mingle and search for the Majestic Twelve. Diego confronts Lila for leaving last night after they slept together. She lies, saying that she got gauze for his wounds. Enjoying each other’s company, the two dance in an adjacent room. We notice their dancing skills, chemistry, and Diego’s bracelet from the Asylum which Lila has kept on her wrist. Suddenly, takes the lead and the two playfully sway.

But across the room, Diego notices something: mom. He suddenly leaves Lila as his date awkwardly steps away. Diego approaches a woman who looks just like his mother and meets Grace (Jordan Claire Robbins), the woman who looks exactly like his mother (And likely the person his robotic mom was based on). Grace admits to being with Diego’s father as his date, and after a brief moment of getting to know each other, Diego realizes he left Lila. He goes off to find her, as the camera moves throughout the party until it reaches the servant’s area, revealing the Swedes are here in disguise.

At the ranch house, Vanya struggles to share the truth about why she believes they’re in danger. She tells Sissy that she’s leaving. In return, Sissy tells her that they can escape together. Vanya knows they can’t. Suddenly, Harlan sees this, and disturbed over Vanya’s leaving, runs quickly away. The two women split up to chase after him. In the distance, Vanya overhears a splash and she runs to the edge of a large bond, finding Harlan’s toy bird in the water but no Harlan. She focuses her powers and parts the water in the pond, finding Harlan on the muddy ground. She rushes to him and carries him ashore, then performs CPR. Seemingly dead, Vanya breathes some of her power into Harlan, as he coughs and snaps back up. Sissy thanks Vanya for saving him.

At the Plano Street Boarding House, Luther gets officially evicted. He goes over to Elliot’s apartment, asking if he can crash with Five. Elliot lets him. As he looks Elliot’s apartment up-and-down he sits on the sofa. Feeling defeated, Luther notices a nitrous canister. Elliot offers to do some with him.

Back at the ranch house, Sissy takes a drink made by Vanya and soon after, breaks down and cries. In that moment of closeness, Vanya tells her she should leave. Sissy breaks down, not realizing just how isolated her life has become with a husband who never notices her and a son who can’ t speak. She doesn’t know how to express it, but she’d do anything to get Vanya, the only person who understands her, to stay. The women kiss… Then, have sex.

At Allison’s house, she answers the door to find Klaus who has officially broken his sobriety. She frowns, then covers her sibling with a blanket.

In Elliot’s apartment, Elliot and Luther bond as they get high off nitrous oxide. Elliot reveals his dad was a dentist, who left him this place in his will when he died. Luther shares that he lost his dad too, who left him on the moon. Elliot reveals that he only leaves the house between 9am and 10am Monday to Friday. Luther reveals that he lost a fight, his job, and the woman he loved who has married someone else. Elliot reveals that his wife left him for his best friend on their 10^th anniversary. Together, the men only have one reassurance: that they’re all going to die in seven days anyway.

Back at the consulate mansion party, Five explores the upstairs and eventually finds the meeting of the Majestic Twelve. He blinks into a closet to hear them, where Sir Reginald (Colm Feore) overhears a rustling, and so, attacks the closet with a fire poker but finds nothing. On the opposite side of the wall, Five blinks into the hallway, but finds one of the tall Swedes waiting. Five attacks the assassin and the two fight, but soon, his powers sputter out as he’s out of energy. The Majestic Twelve hear the battle outside and retreat to a safer location.

At that moment, Diego comes upstairs, but The leader and the other assassin gang up on him. Lila comes upstairs and is forced to make a choice: help Diego (her love) or protect Five (her assignment). Lila picks five. Together, they eventually push the big assassin out the window. Five then sees Hargreeves and Grace in the parking lot and chases after. Lila follows Five. Diego, still battling alone, incapacitates one of the Swedes and then fights the Leader one-on-one in a fistfight. Diego eventually wins.

Outside, five yells something in Ancient Greek to Reginald Hargreeves as he retreats in the Limo. Diego and Lila join him. Reginald drives away with a concerned look on his face.

Klaus, Allison, and Vanya dancing in Umbrella Academy S2E5: Valhalla.

Episode 5: Valhalla

We open in on a dark crate being delivered from the Congo. It opens to find Grace Hargreeves reaching out a hand to a tiny chimpanzee: Pogo. We flashforward, and soon see Grace and other scientists record timings as Pogo goes through astronaut training. It’s revealed Reginald Hargreeves is also there. Later, we see Pogo launched in a space shuttle launch, but shortly after, something goes wrong. His spaceship crashes. Later, we see Pogo, now dying and burnt, given CPR by Grace. Grace fears for his life. Reginald then arrives and brings an experimental drug he injects Pogo with. Pogo awakens, healed, but changed. Grace hugs Reginald. Later, Reginald reads some Homer to Pogo, who along with Grace, have become Pogo’s new stepparents in this bizarre adopted family.

Back in the present, Lila tells Five and Diego that they need to leave the mansion party. Five doesn’t trust her, as she seems too able to handle herself. Five warns that if he ever sees her again he’ll kill her. She’s shocked but when Diego asks why she helped Five and not him, he’s unsatisfied and leaves too. Lila is now alone.

Klaus and Ben wake up on Allison’s kitchen floor. Klaus is drunk. Allison greets him. Expecting a scolding, Klaus points out that between the riot she incited and her troubling marriage, they should drink. After some thought, she agrees though wants to do it right: with some nice mixes! Ben gets frustrated with his siblings.

In the morning, Sissy and Vanya wake up naked in bed together. Vanya mentions, what if they could get away somewhere safe together where they could be like this all the time implying she wants to take Sissy and Harlan with her. Suddenly, Carl is back home early. They rush to get dressed.

At the apartment, Luther cooks a bunch of eggs for himself, as Diego complains about the Swedes following them. Five deduces that it’s likely hired guns meant to stop them. He mentions the closest they’ve gotten to their father was there at the consulate. Luther him that’s not true: he saw him earlier.

In a flashback, Luther does what he can to save for a bus and head to their mansion. He is surprised to find a large party of people inside along with his father, Reginald. Who is very much the life of the party. Luther tells him that he’s his son and Reginald denies it as an impossibility. Luther shares secrets to the contrary, but Reginald reveals that he has a deep dislike of children and would never want someone like Luther (A Grotesque Monkey-Man) as a child. Luther is heartbroken.

Back in the present, Five says he wants to talk to Reginald about time travel. Diego wants to stop Reginald from killing the president. Five then says he wants to bring the Umbrella Academy back together. Five agrees to get Allison if Luther agrees to get Vanya.

At the ranch house, Carl touches his wife Sissy, as he celebrates about making a big sale. Excited, he wants to celebrate with his family and implies he wants to make love to his wife. This disturbs Vanya as it’s evident Sissy doesn’t want this. While this is happening, Harlan plays operation, as tensions rise, and Vanya’s power cracks a kitchen window. Harlan puts his hand atop of Vanya’s which calms her down. Sissy agrees to go out with Carl for the evening.

At the Handler’s hotel, Lila complains to her mother that the Swedes nearly killed her and almost blew her mission. The Handler asks if she brought what she asked for and Lila obliges handing over Diego’s knife. After being told to sit, The Handler treats her daughter’s wounds and reveals that she’s right: The Commission didn’t sanction Lila’s mission. Lila complains that Five kicked her out of the band, but The Handler tells her it’s okay. She has a plan.

At Elliot’s loft, Elliot talks about the history of gelatin desserts, which slightly disturbs Luther, Diego, and Vanya. Diego tells him he’ll try some if he’ll shut up. Luther asks Vanya how she’s doing, who replies that she’s fine. Diego suspiciously questions Vanya, as the last time they were together she tried sucking the life out of him with energy tentacles. After she apologizes, he settles that they are okay. Suddenly, a drunk Klaus and Allison arrive with Five, all for a happy reunion (though Klaus lies and says Ben isn’t there, the two still somewhat bickering towards each other).

The Umbrella Academy Reunited — The Umbrella Academy reunited in S2 E5: Valhalla

Outside, a residence, Lila, and The Handler look at the Swede’s stolen cat-lady house — as a nefarious plot comes to motion. The Handler murders one of the stray cats from the house nipping at her feet. Inside, the Swedes pet several cats, as their leader looks at a photo of the three of them with a middle-aged woman. Suddenly, a canister drops down the chimney — apparently, new orders from the commission — and the trio look at a paper labeled ‘commission memo’. In it, are coordinates and a picture of Diego. Though it is implied to be forged instructions written by The Handler.

Back at the loft, Five apologizes to the family and then gives them the rundown on the apocalypse. Their only lead to what’s happening: a photo of their father, whom they know has been meeting with shady people. Together, they agree that the issue is their father, though Five wants to find him and Diego wants to kill him. Vanya wonders if the issue is actually the seven of them if they’ve done anything to mess up the timeline…

At that moment, a sea of problems is confessed: Diego has been stalking Lee Harvey Oswalt, Luther is working for Jack Ruby, Allison has gotten involved in civil rights politics, and Klaus has started a cult (which he influences mostly via Pop Lyrics). The least worry amongst the family has been Vanya, who has been working as a nanny. Diego points out all their actions are connected to JFK.

Five mentions that he saw them all die as Russian nukes vaporized the world. He concludes that their dad will know the answer. Luther begins to leave the meeting and Diego chases after. As Five teleports to bar Luther’s path, the tall monkey man tosses his brother over a railing. Five teleports outside to avoid the collision. He finds Lila who’s stalking him and runs. Five chases after her.

Back inside, Klaus asks to grab tacos with his sisters. They agree. Ben, alone, sees his family go and says that he has missed them all so much.

Luther is chased down by Diego who wants to know why he is quitting. Luther reveals that the last time they did this the world almost ended because he couldn’t help but overestimate his importance. He then accosts Diego on why he can’t let go of the JFK assassination. Diego argues it is because he’s a hero, but Luther argues that’s just the lie their father told them. Disagreeing as always, eventually, Diego concludes they’re on the right path as a black car rolls up behind them, one which he’s noticed has been following them since they left Elliot’s. A car approaches and a man delivers them a letter from their father: an invite to meet up together over dinner.

At the beauty parlor, Allison, Klaus, and Vanya lament. Allison questions about the need to keep her husband distant from the truth of her life to protect him. Vanya questions if the end of the world is really happening. Klaus meanwhile, wonders: What if Five grew up to be hot? Allison finds it gross, though Klaus reminds her of her relationship with Luther. Vanya is confused as she thought they’re all brothers and sisters. Klaus then calls them out on their horrible relationship history:

“I mean, who in this room knows shit about relationships? This one? In secret love with some farm Frau?” – Klaus

“Her name’s Sissy.” – Vanya

“Which is an improvement on her previous love interest, the serial killer” – Klaus

“What?!” – Vanya

“Meanwhile, I’m carrying a torch for a soldier I haven’t technically met yet. And Luther is in love with his sister.” – Klaus

“Okay, again. We are not biological!” – Allison

“Face it, the healthiest long-term relationship in this family was when Five was banging that mannequin. The only thing the Umbrella Academy knows about love… is how to screw it up.” – Klaus

Vanya asks how they usually handle this craziness. Klaus shares: that he gets very high, Allison lies to herself, and then Vanya suppresses all her emotions until she blows shit up. They conclude that with only six days left to live they’re going to be honest. Vanya will tell Sissy she loves her. Allison will tell her husband the truth. Klaus will breakup with his cult. Together, the trio hug and dance it out.

Elsewhere, the Swedes reach the destination given to them via their orders. They find Diego’s knife embedded in the trunk. As one brother approaches, a tripwire triggers a mine, vaporizing him and leaving only his severed leg. They see Diego’s knife stuck in the tree concluding who the culprit is.

Meanwhile, Lila runs towards a paint manufacturing plant as Five continues to follow her in the distance. When he catches up to her, they fight, and Lila proves to be a very even match, as Five repeatedly fails to get the jump on her despite his teleportation. Eventually, Lila kicks him, but Five trips her and then puts his foot on Lila’s throat. He then tells her to come out and The Handler reveals herself, surprised Five figured it out. He mentions Lila fights like all those commission drones.

At Sissy’s ranch house, Vanya returns home drunk, finding Sissy in a nightgown. She confesses her love to her, only to find Carl in his underwear, going into the kitchen for a quick beer. He smacks Sissy’s butt and walks back to their bedroom. Vanya gives an accusatory look to Sissy, who then defends herself saying that was all fantasy talk this morning. Vanya tells her they are out of time to be brave, with only six days left, and Sissy tells Vanya she can’t be with her openly… Vanya leaves.

Meanwhile, the Swedes hold a makeshift Viking funeral, sending their beloved brother off to the halls of Valhalla, as a flaming arrow hits the dead assassin’s severed leg. The brothers cry for their lost sibling. They want to seek out revenge.

At an outdoor food joint, Diego and Luther sit at a picnic table. Diego looks at a picture of Reginald Hargreeves and the invitation to dinner. Luther eats. Elsewhere, Klaus returns to his mansion and his followers. Allison returns home and finds Ray and offers to tell him everything.

Final Thoughts

This season is bananas.

‘Space Force’ Review Episode 4: “Lunar Habitat”

Robert Kijowski

August 2, 2020

Can you survive in the cold final frontier? Get lost in Space Force with this recap of episode 4, “Lunar Habitat.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4mY2asIjWk

Space Force Season 1 Episodes:

Episode 1 – “The Launch”

Episode 2 – “Save Epsilon 6!”

Episode 3 – “Mark and Mallory Go to Washington”

Episode 4 – “Lunar Habitat”

There’s the saying, “Home is where the heart is.” Well, for General Mark Naird (Steve Carell), it sometimes doesn’t feel like that with his daughter, Erin (Diana Silvers) who abhors the move over to their house in Wildhorse, Colorado. Not being a military brat myself, I would imagine any displacement for a teenager would seem like the worst thing in the world. You’re missing your friends during the formative years when bonds are made and everything else seems infinitesimal when that’s at play. But what if that was dwarfed by your only home being 238, 900 miles from the living world as you know where your only sustenance is the variances on potato dishes and the hope you will return to Earth. Twist: what if that was your mission on Earth now? Welcome to the fourth episode of Space Force (Netflix) titled “Lunar Habitat.”

The project is the Lunar Habitat headed by Dr. Adrian Mallory (John Malkovich) and is imperative it gets off the ground, so to speak. With one week left to go of a two-year-long project, one of a team of four went mad sending this project into peril if someone doesn’t take his spot. Being of one for the good of his country and his program, Mark volunteers himself. Though he’s not had any psychological counseling, his confidence outweighs any apprehensions everybody else may have.

Elsewhere in the base, Mark’s assistant Brad Gregory (Don Lake) and Fuck Tony (Ben Schwartz) have their own situation in the form of the FLOTUS Chief of Staff. As it so happens, the First Lady is looking to redesign the current Space Force uniforms. Though Brad was tasked with shooting down the situation, F. Tony’s mission is to shoot down Brad, agreeing to take her entire line of designs.

Mark suits up and heads to the desert for one week of pure isolation with his new roomies. Major Jane Pike (Alice Wetterlund) is the microbiologist with a wit drier than the potatoes she grows, Captain Dave Powers (Asif Ali) has an impressive six missions to the ISS under his belt, but that’s not keeping him happy in the slightest as he’s stuck with the civilian sculptor, Jerome Lalosz (Michael Hitchcock) whose claim to fame is making giant phalluses out of the sand. Their first order of business is following the new guy’s orders after finding out he’s the General. Yeah, it’s going to be a long week.

For Erin, however, the week is just starting to her advantage. With her father gone, she’s doing what any red-blooded American teenager would do — throw a house party!

Meanwhile, back in the Lunar Habitat, it’s like he never left his house. He’s cleaning up after the crew and making their beds. He gets exercise around the tent by doing laps before stopping and scowling at Dr. Mallory’s requirement for a Feelings Exam. Continuing his run, he trips over Jerome’s didgeridoo, breaking it. After chastising them for failing to keep the environment clean, much like his daughter, Mark turns in for the night (or day).

Speaking of Erin, it turns out the only person ringing her doorbell was pizza delivery for 20 pies. That’s a lot of Za for a party of one to consume. Though things are also lonely on her father’s side of town, as she falls asleep to a picture of her family in happier times. So much for a great first day!

As data from mission control shows that, instead of balancing the group dynamic, Mark is making it askew, things aren’t looking better with the new shipment of Space Force gear, compliments of the FLOTUS. Clearly a ribbing on Melania Trump’s at times garish sense of style, not Captain Ali (Tawny Newsome) nor Obie (Owen Daniels), and Julio (Hector Duran) are feeling the look and impracticality of the uniforms.

Homesick, Erin visits her mother Maggie (Lisa Kudrow), only to find out her mother is better adapting to the inside better than Erin is to the outside. Back in the Habitat, Mark isn’t having a ball either, not getting along with his colleagues or his true feelings and starts to crack as his dreams turn into nightmares of a past reality, before waking up and then singing himself back to sleep.

On day 4, Mark’s done lost his mind and gone for a real run out in the desert heat with his required space suit. With his obdurate nature (and heart rate) at an all-time high, the proud General collapses. It takes Jerome to find him and carry him back to base. Being nursed back to help by his crew, Mark finally opens up about time behind enemy lines, the setbacks with the program, and with his family before hitting the hay. That night, only good thoughts of his erstwhile family life fill his head. He is cleansed.

At base, they arrive to a hero’s welcome by friends and family. In the base itself, Brad attempts to distract his tired boss from what looks like a Milan runway, but Mark simply orders the uniforms to be gone by the next day. For now, he simply needs to go to the one place he’ll find his welcoming party, and though he finds the place in a bigger mess than when he left it (ants included), the only thing he wants to do is have ice cream with his daughter.

As with the previous episodes, there existed a few funny moments, but they are so lampshaded by more serious moments, their paucity is even more highlighted. Just like with episode 2, the ending attempts to bring tenderness to the relationship between father and daughter, as they are the only ones they have, but though cute, it doesn’t have that emotional punch. Then again, maybe it’s not supposed to. We’ll see if midway this season, next episode there’s a sea change.

‘Umbrella Academy’ Season 2 Scene-by-Scene: Episodes 1-3

Christian Angeles

August 1, 2020

Aiden Gallagher in Right Back Where We Started — The following is a thorough scene-by-scene recap of episodes 1 through 3 of Umbrella Academy Season 2. Image Credit: Netflix.

The following are extensive scene-by-scene recaps on season 2 of ‘Umbrella Academy’. A Netflix Superhero Drama created by Steve Blackman. Based on comics by Gabriel Ba and ‘My Chemical Romance’ Frontman: Gerard Way

We Breakdown The Whole Season Over At TheWorkprint Podcast

Season 2 is back and better than ever! We covered Season 1’s release last year, but as a special treat this time around, I’ll be recapping every single episode scene-by-scene. All for the most detailed recaps of Umbrella Academy available on the internet.

Episode 1: Right Back Where We Started

We open on the end of last season, as a blueish white beam explodes from out of Vanya (Ellen Page) shattering a chunk of the moon. The remaining debris hurls toward Earth, where a voiceover of Pogo reveals that the end of the world happened on April 1^st, 2019. The only survivors: the 6 siblings who caused it. As the world ends, Five (Aidan Gallagher) teleports the team away into…

A portal, which sends the team scattered across the 1960s beginning with Klaus (Robert Sheehan) and Ben (Justin H. Min). They fall into an Alley just outside the Avon Theatre, as Bobby Darrin’s cover of ‘Somewhere Beyond the Sea’ plays in the backdrop. While searching for hints about where they are, Ben looks into a trash can and finds a movie magazine featuring Bobby Darren. The date: February 11, 1960. Dallas, Texas.

The scene cuts to nighttime, at the same Avon Theatre alleyway. This time, it’s 1961 and Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman) has just arrived: alone. A mysterious man takes a picture of her from a second-story window. Confused, she stops at Stadtler’s diner next door, where a manager behind the counter, points to a sign emphasizing: Whites Only. Allison looks distressed at this, the bandage still over her throat reminding us she still can’t speak for herself well.

Another scene change. Another portal opens in that same dumpster in rainy Alley. Another man takes a photograph from a rooftop. Luther (Tom Hopper), arrives and screams for Allison, hoping to God that she’s okay. He’s alone, though still calls for her, along with a random bum on the street. It’s 1962.

1963, same setting, as Diego (David Castañeda) lands with cat-like grace in that same Alley. An unmanned camera snaps a picture of Diego’s arrival. Though uncertain, Diego sticks to his instincts and in typical fashion, soon stops a purse snatcher. On a glass, storefront appears a nearby TV. Diego approaches it and sees JFK giving his ‘ask what you can do for your country’ speech.

October 12, 1963. Vanya arrives at the same location. Kiss of the vampire now on the marquee at the Avon Theatre. Confused, she stumbles onto her feet and onto the road, where she’s knocked over as she’s hit by a car. A young boy and an adult woman get out of the vehicle to check up on her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CmFiQTyD8I

Here’s what the scene looks like for those curious to see from video-to-words

November 25, 1963. In the same alley, Five finally lands onto the scene still dressed in his academy uniform. He turns toward the street, where he sees the Avon Marquee in shambles, as a red starred tank slowly wheels up across the street. It’s an all-out war. As fighter planes scramble and bomb buildings.

Suddenly, Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ begins to play, as a soviet tank launches a shell which is immediately stopped in its path by a pissed-off and levitating Vanya, her long black jacket contrasting her pale skin and glowing eyes. On the ground level, Klaus conjures an army of dead soldier ghosts to attack, as a shirtless Luther leaps to save him from an rpg; which harmlessly explodes on Luther’s back. On the roof, Ben uses his tentacles to dispatch soldiers, while Alison uses her powers to share a rumor: “That’ll blow the soldier’s minds”. Effectively causing their heads to explode. Finally, atop of a turned over police vehicle, Diego is surrounded by soldiers but dodge-flips and dispatches them with his knives.

Ultimately, an older Hazel (Cameron Britton) arrives to find Five amidst the chaos. He points to a barrage of nukes in the sky and tells him to come with him if he wants to live. Five takes his hand and the two depart. Afterwards, a mushroom cloud engulfs the family. The Titles appear.

Cameron Britton and Aidan Gallagher in 'Right Back Where We Started' — Hazel (Cameron Britton) and Five (Aidan Gallagher) in S2E1 ‘Right Back Where We Started’.

Hazel and Five arrive at the street 10 days earlier. Hazel mentions he’s only there to keep a promise to Agnes, as she’d died of cancer. Revealing that the couple had a wonderful 20 years happily together. While this is being revealed, three stony-faced blonde men disembark from a bus. Two of them, toting large backpacks. Five notices their approach.

Suddenly, Hazel tells Five to run! Realizing it’s too late. He shoves hands Five his briefcase and shoves something into his pocket. A hail of bullets fire from the three blonde men. Five blinks away with the now smoking hot bullet riddled briefcase. The leader of the trio looks for him and sees smoke rising from behind a parked car, signaling the others to follow. As five peaks over, the assassins open fire. They check behind the car but find nothing but the smoking briefcase. Just above them, an overhead view sees Five laying prone and hiding on top of an adjacent store roof. The assassins leave and head around the corner, finding an unsuspecting milkman and his truck, which they procure.

Five teleports back to the Avon Theatre alley and notices a curtain closing near the top of the building. The same one that spied on his siblings. He looks up and finds a camera, tripod, and science equipment. He approaches the door of the building: revealed to be Morty’s Television and Radio shipping and receiving. Five enters and finds the name Mortimer Gussman D.D.S. etched on the door of the apartment that’s been spying. Inevitably, Five blinks inside when politeness fails and greets a startled and paranoid man. It’s evident from the newspaper clippings and decorum that the man is a conspiracy theorist. He then reveals to Five that he’s been waiting for all of them…

A flashback at Morty’s TV and AM/FM Radio store, see’s that the man’s witnessed five energy surges in the alley over the last few years. He shows Five the pictures and list of others that came this way, with Five realizing that his family is alive. The man then reveals his name: Elliot (Kevin Rankin). Five greets him, thanks him, and then asks for his help to find his family and save the world. Elliot believes in Five and shows him a clipping of a man who was recently arrested that matched the description of one of the five back alley visitors: Diego. Five takes the clipping and follows this lead.

At a mental hospital, we see Diego in group therapy setting, where everyone shares their stories and smokes cigarettes. A noticeable woman to his left, Lila (Ritu Arya), ebbs Diego on, as the group therapist Dr. Moncton, drills Diego on his evident father issues and why it drove him to always feel the need to play the hero. When asked who the real Diego is, he admits he doesn’t really know, but he’s ready. The woman besides him claps sarcastically. After the session finishes, she subtly tells him that no one is believing Diego’s bullshit and wagers a bet over Jello that Doctor Moncton isn’t buying it too. Diego agrees, just as the woman stuffs cigarettes in her mouth and nose. Diego then approaches Dr. Moncton and hints that he’s better now, stressing the need to get out as the president is going to be assassinated. The doctor thinks he’s sick. They have a brief struggle and Diego lifts the doctor’s pen from his pocket.

Later, Diego struggles to make string beads on a bracelet. Lila tries to cheer him up by offering him bacon she’d smuggled in her shoe. She tells him she can help him escape but Diego claims he’s uninterested. That he’s a lone wolf. She says she is too, then sniffs some glue. They’re interrupted by an orderly who tells Diego he has a visitor. Lila takes the bracelet Diego was working on and wraps it around her own wrist.

At the visiting room, Five greets Diego. In return, Diego tells him it’s about time. They catch up and compare what they know, as Five reads aloud from the newspaper clipping that Diego was evidently found at Lee Harvey Oswalt’s house. Diego exclaims that he’s made it his mission to stop Oswalt and save the present. Five tells him he’s not doing anything, because there’s another apocalypse to stop. Five mentions he doesn’t know where time broke, but hints that maybe, it was Diego’s attempt to save JFK. Diego interprets this as a success as this mean’s he stopped JFK from dying. Five hates this. Diego agrees to help Five if he can save Kennedy, and while they’re at it, go back in time to kill Hitler. Five tells him this is why Diego has no friends. He then reveals Diego’s plan to escape to the orderly and leaves him in the hospital, with a promise to pick him up later.

At a ranch style farmhouse, Vanya sits on the Livingroom carpet with Harlan (Justin Paul Kelly), the boy from the car. Vanya is apparently the boy’s babysitter. When asked by his recently arrived mother if Harlan had any ‘episodes’, Vanya says no, revealing the boy is mentally unstable, or even, disabled. When asked about if she had made any progress on her own identity, Vanya replies no, revealing that she has amnesia. Still, Vanya seems oddly happy here.

Over dinner, Vanya greets Carl (Stephen Bogaert), the husband of this new family. Carl talks about sales work and Vanya just nods in agreement. Hinting at the tone of 1960s men and women. Carl leaves for evening, claiming that he’s going to work to help, “Provide for this wonderful life.”

Elsewhere, in the dessert a convertible comes to a stop as the car begins to smoke from the hood. Exiting the vehicle, is Klaus. He wears an open Indian Sherwani long coat over his bare chest. Ben, who is also there as only Klaus can see him, argues that he told Klaus the engine was overheating ages ago. Ben complains he is tired of Klaus and wants him to return to his follows back in San Francisco. He then claims he has unfinished business. In reply, Klaus refuses. The two then wrestle awkwardly on the pavement, which visually, looks like Klaus is fighting himself.

Now on foot, Klaus eventually finds a roadside establishment after a long walk in the heat. He finds four men sitting on a poker table and is invited to join in. Soon after, Klaus antagonizes the players and the men up the stakes. Ben tells Klaus his opponent is bluffing, and so, Klaus raises the stakes by offering his necklace for the keys to the man’s pickup truck. It’s then revealed that the man wasn’t bluffing. Ben lied out of revenge. Having lost everything, Klaus grabs the keys and runs, stealing the man’s car in escape.

At a residential area, a black man enters a home where he’s excited to share the news about JFK’s chances and the chance for a better tomorrow to his wife. The woman, excited to hear the news, is revealed to be none other than Allison Hargreeves. She tries to convince him not to put too much faith in JFK (know he’s going to die) though they both believe change is coming. Her husband then gives her the book, ‘From Earth to Moon’, a reminder of sadly, Luther.

At that same moment, we find Luther fighting in an underground fighting pit. Dragging a match out (because you win more money if you call the right round a match ends), he looks out to a black suited man in the crowd who gives him a nod. Luther then headbutts his opponent and then lands several blows and a roundhouse kick, beating the man easily. The opponent draws a knife and Luther counters and shatters his arm. He looks again at the black-suited man, who nods in approval. Luther then gets a wad of cash which he hands to the suited man. The man then orders him to bring the car around.

At a beauty parlor, Alison’s husband Raymond Chestnut (Yusuf Gatewood) organizes a peaceful black protest that’s going to happen. The one rule that they’re to follow: Honor and Dignity at all times. Suddenly, a knock raps on the door. Allison answers it to find a Mr. Mason, who asks why these black folks are gathering. He mentions that he owns the building across the street and wants to keep things quiet. Raymond tries to close the door, but Mr. Mason wedges his foot in-between before it closes, feigning assault. Mr. Mason then takes a swing at Raymond and Allison counters and pushes Mason to the street. Mason dusts himself off and gives her a hateful look as he walks away.

Back at the farmhouse, Vanya finds the woman/mother she’s working for, Sissy (Marin Ireland), standing over the sink late at night. Sissy hides her hands behind her back and, now caught, lets out a puff revealing that she’s smoking. They laugh, then head to the barn and smoke there. The two women bond. Sissy mentions that men have sides women have secrets, at least in the 1960s. Sissy then reveals there’s a coffee can under the kitchen sink, as she believes every woman has to fend for themselves at some point. The women smile at each other.

Elsewhere, Diego wakes up in a padded cell as he’s in a straight jacket. He staggers to the door just as Daniela Andrade’s rendition of “crazy” plays in the backdrop. Diego dislocates his own shoulder to break out of the jacket, then uses the stolen pen he’d taken to pick the lock and steps out into the hallway.

At that same moment, outside, the milk truck from before pulls up along with the blonde assassins from before. One of the men assassinates the entrance guard on duty with a shotgun. They then flip switches and disconnect the power as the sanitarium darkens, and the lights flicker.

Before he can escape, Diego is physically stopped by an orderly. Caught, Diego is saved by Lila, who knocks out the guard with a bedpan. She then seemingly leans in to kiss Diego, but instead, SNAPS his arm back into place. As the two round the corner to escape, they encounter the assassins, who proceed to open fire. They run, and Diego steps into the nurses’ station and flips a switch opening the doors of all the inmates. The assassins follow close but the two escape down a laundry shoot.

Diego and Lila run through the sublevels and stop at an intersection. They bump into two cops, who then hold them up. Surprisingly, Lila kicks the cop’s gun away and punches him out, in a surprisingly skillful move that impresses Diego. She takes him by the hand and they run. Shortly after, the assassins find the cops and execute them despite their protests. When they reach outside, the assassins find escaped inmates in white everywhere, and cannot tell who is whom.

Elsewhere, at a burlesque show, Luther watches in the distance as Sissy’s husband, Carl (Stephen Bogaert) tries concocting a deal with Mr. Ruby, the gangster. Still, the nearby waitress is more concerned about the ‘child’ being there, as Luther realizes who it is and sits down to talk.

At the table, Luther tells Five the dancer’s too young for him (ironic since he looks like a child). They greet and Luther reveals that much like everyone else in the family, he thought everyone was dead. Five says he understands, knowing what it’s like to be stuck in time. The camera pans over each family member and where they’re currently at in the story. Five asks Luther to return as the group needs its leader, and because the world ends again in ten days.

Luther tells Five he doesn’t give a shit.

AJ Carmichael in Umbrella Academy's The Frankel Footage — Goldfish AJ Carmichael is the new Commander The Commission, In S2E2 ‘The Frankel Footage’

Episode 2: The Frankel Footage

We open on a flashback to Hazel shooting The Handler (Kate Walsh) in the head at the end of last season, followed by a scene where two cleanup guys push her body onto a gurney. As they pause in front of a cremation chamber, they hear a noise, revealing that she’s in fact: alive despite being shot in the head.

Perry Como’s Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo begins to play. Three months later after recovering, The Handler reenters her old office building but learns that things are different. She finds the body of a man with a fishbowl for a head sitting in her office; as AJ — the new boss, a large goldfish in a fishbowl —smokes a cigarette through a tiny neck pipe hole that generates small gas bubbles for the fish to breathe. AJ reveals that the Handler has been demoted because of Hazel, Cha-Cha, and Number Five, atop of the 743 incident. Afterward, a short bespectacled case manager named Herb arrives, The Handler’s new supervisor. She’s assigned to Five’s old desk, which infuriates her.

At the burlesque club, Luther reveals to five that he’s the Bodyman for the owner of the club, revealed to be Mr. Jack Ruby (John Kapelos): the gangster who shot Lee Harvey Oswald. Five apologizes over the death of Pogo, the world’s end, and marooning the family in time, but asks Luther for help again, as the Umbrella Academy needs him. Luther rejects him. He then angrily reminds him that if there is a doomsday coming, its likely going to be caused by Vanya, anyway. Place a lot of the guilt of their bad situation on Five. Having to return to work, Luther escorts a drunk Carl out of the place, who drops his wallet. Five, now at the bar alone, finds the item hazel left in his pocket: a tape marked ‘Frankel Footage 11/22/63’. Intrigued, Five leaves to follow this new lead.

At the ranch house, Vanya looks over newspaper clippings seeing if anyone is looking for a missing her. Sissy says Carl needs a ride home, as he’s drunk, but Harlan wants to read a book. Vanya offers to pick Carl up so long as Sissy stays with her son.

Elsewhere, a police car passes as Diego and Lila hide. Diego snatches the clothes off a clothesline and together, they strip down and change out of their hospital clothes. He turns around and tells her that this is where they split-up, but after they dress, she pulls him close as another police car passes by. She chooses, instead, to go with Diego, as Lila smashes in and hotwires a nearby car. Telling him to get in.

Outside the Carousel Burlesque, Carl is drunk and slumped up against a phone booth. Vanya picks him up. Carl tells Vanya that she’s lucky she has a blank slate, as he regrets who he is as a person. At that moment, Luther heads outside wanting to return Carl’s dropped wallet which he’d found on the ground of the club. He spots Vanya getting in Sissy’s station wagon and cannot believe she’s there.

Outside of Allison’s house, the stolen milk truck arrives into the neighborhood and the assassins prepare their attack. Inside her house, Allison and her husband are interrupted by two police who barge in, guns in hand. Raymond is arrested for assault and battery, the “crime” that Allison committed last episode when she pushed Mr. Marson. Feeling in danger, she uses her rumor power… but chooses not to, when her husband reassures that they’ll be okay. As they take Raymond away, the assassins shake his head and choose not to attack, as there’s too much attention now.

At Morty’s TV and Radio, Five hands the Frankel Film over to Elliott to develop. Elliot reveals It’ll take 5-6 hours to develop. At that moment, a 315 is called on Elliot’s police radio, meaning fugitives are on the run. Five soon realizes it’s Diego. When Elliot asks who Diego is, he calls him out:

“Imagine Batman. Then aim lower” – Five to Elliot, trying to describe Diego.

Elsewhere, at the Texas School Book depository, Diego and Lila wait to jump Lee Harvey Oswalt. Diego wants to cut off his trigger finger. Lila thinks they should just kill him. They cutely debate, and she concludes that he’s in fact, got daddy issues, reading Diego like an open book written for very dumb children. Suddenly, Five teleports in and says that they have business to do. After more arguing, Diego agrees to go so long as Lila can join too. She smiles at this demand.

At the Dallas Police jailhouse, Allison complains that she’s been waiting hours to see her husband despite the fact he’s been charged with nothing. Soon after, another man walks past Allison and is arrested revealing himself to be a former lawyer, Keechie (Dov Tiefenbach). When he arrives in the holding cell, he excitingly notices Klaus! Going down on his knees as one of his followers. Revealing that he’s given up his life to spread Klaus’ message of love and peace. Asking for wisdom, Klaus tells him:

“Don’t go chasing waterfalls. Stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to.” – Klaus to his cult followers.

Klaus leaves Keechie in a corner, then walks to the other side of holding, where he meets Raymond. They oddly bond over a mutual love of Shakespeare (which Klaus was forced to learn as a kid), but soon after, Klaus is let go by the Governor, a man he’s never met but whose cult members are apparently some wealthy influencers in town. Raymond says bye to Klaus and lets them know that he and his black friends are being held without charge, if he ever does get to meet the Governor. This shocks Klaus.

Elliot, Lila, Five, and Diego. In 'Frankel Footage' — (L-R) Elliot (Kevin Rankin), Lila (Ritu Arya), Five (Aidan Gallagher), and Diego (David Castañeda) in ‘The Frankel Footage’. Credit: Netflix

Above Morty’s, Five, Lila, and Diego arrive to find Elliott raising a rifle at them. Barking at where they found the footage he processed. Five blinks to Elliot who fires the gun up as Diego disarms him. Moments later, they tie him up while Lila paints his nails and the gang looks at the footage together. It’s revealed to be early footage of Kennedy’s assassination. As they look closely, Diego and Five stare wide-eyed at the picture and freeze it, recognizing the goateed man holding an umbrella: their father.

Elsewhere, a front door opens, and a woman where a woman with cats is greeted by the three blonde assassin men.

Back at sissy’s ranch, Harlan stares at a spinning windmill as Sissy hangs laundry. He finds Vanya and non-verbally asks to play hide and seek, then do so. Outside, Luther catches sight of Vanya in the distance, and he remembers her imprisonment, her murder of Pogo, and her great powers at the end of last year’s season. Luther drinks from a flask and then picks up his small revolver.

In the barn, Vanya looks for Harlan, with Luther following soon after. He hesitates to approach her. She’s just happy he knows who she is, as she can’t remember any of her past. Luther tells her to stop bullshitting and nearly reaches for the gun in the back of his pants. Vanya apologizes if she hurt him, reaffirming that she just wants to know things. Holding back his tears, Luther shakes his head, incredibly sad. He confesses, that he let her down and did horrible things he isn’t proud of when he could’ve just tried helping her. He lowers his guard and says sorry, just as Harlan rushes into the arms of Vanya. Soon after, Sissy finds Luther and holds a gun up to him. Luther claims he’s just there to return Carl’s wallet which he’d left at the bar. After returning it, he leaves.

Back at that house from before, the leader of the assassins cooks fish in an apron and underwear, as the two other men playfully toss a knife at each other. One of which, gets stabbed in the leg. They receive new orders from HQ addressed to: ‘The Swedes’ and have an image of Vanya, their next target. They then open the freezer to grab something, revealing the severed head of the landlady from before.

In Elliot’s apartment, Diego and Five seek out their father using a telephone book, and though they can’t find him, find the whereabouts of his business: D.S. Umbrella. They leave Elliot tied up, as Lila locks herself in the darkroom closet. When asked what’s wrong by Diego, she thinks she’s going crazy again given what she saw in that home movie. Diego reassures her she isn’t, and that there are just things we’re not meant to understand. This reassures her building more of their bond.

At the jailhouse, Ray wants to discuss the sit-in with Allison, who blames herself for making things worse when she attacked Mr. Mason. She wants Ray out. He wants to know why she said, “I heard a rumor,” finding it odd she said it twice. Together they embrace and remind each other their mottos: ‘Honor and Dignity’. But just as she exits the cell block, she sees Keechie’s tattooed hands and recognizes Klaus’ tattoos symbols. She asks Keechie about them.

Meanwhile, Klaus heads towards an abandoned mansion with a columned entrance and breaks in. He walks through the dark mansion and finds a white sheet covering all the furniture. He grabs a sheet and lies down, as Ben looks over his shoulder. We see a large portrait of Klaus hanging on a wall. Revealing that this was his mansion.

Back at the ranch house, Vanya keeps wondering how she knows Luther. Sissy gets them ice for their alcoholic drinks, and as they knock one back, she takes Vanya’s palms and reads them. She shares that she can tell Vanya is not a farmhand. That she has callouses on her fingertips that seem interesting. Their eyes meet with their fingers still touching but they stop there. The two smile at each other as they leave.

That night, Vanya dreams. She remembers sucking the life out of Luther, then awakens. Disturbed, she takes Sissy’s keys and leaves the house, as Sissy, concerned, looks out the window seeing Vanya go.

At D.S. Umbrella manufacturing, Diego and Five arrive and break into the building. As they investigate, they split-up.

Five starts down a long hallway, finding a midcentury Livingroom with a family of mannequins and mushroom clouds etched in the distance. After searching, Five finds an invitation: an invite by the consulate General of Mexico in Dallas. Five pockets it, then hears a noise and looks around. He peers into a dark corner and finds Pogo! The young chimpanzee scratches Five on the neck then jumps out through a window.

Meanwhile, Diego investigates a close-by office before hearing a noise. He sees someone leaving the building and quietly follows. Tracks the person down to a nearby factory. There, the mystery man attacks Diego, who throws a knife that for once: misses. As the man dodges (something that never happens). As they fight hand-to-hand, the mystery man counters Diego’s combat moves. Outmatched, Diego grabs some loose building Rebar and hits the man hard, bringing him to his knees. It’s revealed that the man is a young Reginald Hargreeves. In hesitation to attack his father, Diego is stabbed then stabbed in the gut by Hargreeves, who calls him an ‘amateur’.

After calling out for Pogo to join him in an escape, Hargreeves leaves Diego to bleed out and die.

The Swedes Umbrella Academy Season 2 — Kris Holden-Ried, Jason Bryden, and Tom Sinclair as The Swedes. The new main villains in Umbrella Academy Season 2

Episode 3: The Swedish job

We’re in 1960’s Dallas, Texas, just outside of Stadtler’s diner. Where Klaus sits in the booth eating food having just arrived in the past. A manager throws him out on his face, where an elderly and extravagant woman helps him up and takes a liking. We notice she has a large white diamond on her hand. She offers to take care of Klaus finding him attractive. He agrees.

The scene cuts to a mansion, where Klaus’ benefactor presents him to a crowd of wealthy socialites. He impresses them by levitating into the air, revealed to be a trick by his brother, Ben. Unable to keep holding him, Klaus is dropped and the scene transitions to…

A Hippie bus, now in 1961, at the borders of Baja Mexico. Klaus has now become some sort of cult leader. Inside the bus, Ben gazes at a young woman reading a book. He’s infatuated. The camera is knocked over by an overhead tree branch into…

1962, Varanasi, India. Where Klaus emerges from the Ganges river. His benefactor and Keeche put a flower garland around his neck. Which soon leads to….

1963, San Francisco. Klaus’ followers swarm around him as he calls for ‘destiny’s children’ to look up and whistle and raise their hands into the air. Now distracted, Klaus uses this chance to crawl away and run.

Klaus with his many followers — Klaus (Robert Sheehan) with his many acolytes in S2E3 ‘The Swedish Job’

At Elliot’s loft, Diego screams at a couch. Lila straddles him cauterizing his wound. She presses her soldering tool to the laceration again and he passes out in pain. Five notices Elliot still asleep, still tied up wondering why she did not untie him. Lila questions if she was supposed to?

At that moment, Vanya drives Sissy’s station wagon travels down a dark highway. She sees bright headlights in the distance and stops when she sees the milk truck. She grips the steering wheel uneasy, as the milkman/assassin pauses in front of her car. He grabs his gun, just as the other two assassins try flanking her. Vanya hits the accelerator and drives the car into a ditch. The Swedes, with flashlights, run after her and so Vanya hides in some nearby cornfields, crouching to hide and stay still. It’s tense and Vanya runs as the assassins close-in with machine gunfire. Eventually, Vanya finds herself at the leader’s feet, who tries shooting her, but Vanya summons her powers instinctively: stopping the bullet mid-air as she sends everyone flying backward with a huge shockwave. Vanya disappears into the cornfield.

At Elliot’s, a red light goes off, as one of his atmospheric radars was readjusted by Five to alert them to the presence of unique soundwaves. Hearing the trigger, Five follows the signal to the cornfields, where he finds Vanya. She’s surprised to learn she has a brother. He convinces her to join him and they find the large crop circle with a crater in the center. Revealing Vanya’s vast powers.

In the early morning at a boarding house for solitary men, Luther leaves his room to shadowbox. Three young men run along too. As he jogs, he thinks he sees Allison and trips, but it is revealed not to be her. Later at the club, Luther visits Jack but it’s evident he’s distracted. He wants to find Allison, as he realizes now that she may still be alive. Jack offers to help.

Elsewhere, Allison gets out of a taxi as she rings the door of Klaus’ mansion. She finds him lounging in his dirty backyard pool, where Klaus sits atop of a pink floatie. She takes off her heels and hugs him and the two catch up, both realizing they’re not the only ones alive. Klaus reveals that he started a cult. Allison reveals that she’s a civil rights organizer and had gotten married to a man named Raymond Chestnut, whom Klaus remembers in jail. It’s revealed that she hasn’t used her power since her throat was slashed, something fine by Allison, as likes that she earned this life without her powers.

Elsewhere, The Handler walks the street dressed in wide sunglasses and a white veil. She enters a pet store and meets a boy, then whispers in the boy’s ear and causes him to wet himself. With a pleasant smile, she gazes at a fish tank, where a small toy treasure chest opens and closes with something tiny inside.

At the beauty parlor, the owner, Odessa (Raven Dauda) asks Allison when Ray is getting out as they might want to postpone the sit-in. Allison says they should do it, or at the least, vote on it. She reasons that they should continue as they’ve been organizing the sit-in for months, and when JFK arrives, most of the attention will be on them, regardless if Ray is there or not. Odessa gives her support. They vote and the majority of the activists agree to continue.

At the jailhouse, Ben haunts a guard by throwing his sandwich against a wall as he inputs on the nearby typewriter, this message:

“Free Chestnut Or… Die.”

Soon after, Klaus celebrates Raymond’s freedom by calling him brother, which Ray mistakenly thinks means in a friendship way, though Klaus means quite literally. Revealing that he’s Allison’s brother.

At a diner, Five and Vanya grab a coffee, and Five tells her the truth about her history, though conveniently excludes that she’s the cause of the apocalypse — blaming it instead on an asteroid instead (a half-truth). Vanya is utterly shellshocked, though more so, because of the news that the end of the world followed them here. Immediately, she calls Sissy, who’s at that moment, struggling to keep Harlan calm. He bites her arm. She holds him until he calms. Afterward, Sissy answers the phone, relieved to hear that Vanya is okay. Five hangs up their phone call, telling Vanya that they need to stick together, reminding her that the most important thing is to stop the end of the world. She follows Five.

At Elliot’s loft, Diego rises from bed in his underwear. Lila offers Diego Elliot’s Tuna mold food, but he refuses and wants to keep going to work on stopping the JFK plot, believing now, that his father is involved. Lila stops him. He asks her why she followed him, and she mentions she thought he was leaving, as everyone in her life leaves or dies — which she thought was what happened to Diego when she first found him. She reveals that she first found her parents dead when she was four. She also reveals that for some reason, she doesn’t hate him, unlike the way she hates most people. He kisses her. She slaps him. He’s confused. She passionately kisses him back. He winces in pain asking her to be gentle. She says: never. Love is made, much to a nearby Elliot’s disgust, who just wants to play with his Jell-O Tuna Mold.

At the club, Luther is given Allison’s address from his boss. He goes and visits the residential street she lives on, but before knocking on her door, finds Raymond. Learning that he is her husband. Which breaks his heart. Later, now inside the house, Luther struggles to form words as he eats some of the candies meant for Allison. Luther forces a brief smile after learning about a few details about Allison’s marriage for a year, then straightens himself, leaves, and tells Ray to just tell Allison he wants to talk.

Outside of a hardware store, Klaus gets out of a car and tells Ben to wait for him outside. As Klaus enters alone, a young man in an apron emerges, revealing himself to be Dave, Klaus’s boyfriend from his period stuck in Vietnam. He asks for paint, as Klaus remembers the Vietnam war and his final moments with Dave. He exits, sad, and reveals to Ben that he wants to try and convince Dave not to Enlist to save him from dying in Vietnam. Ben agrees to this plan, so long as Klaus can handle it. Just then, police cars pass by, and Klaus immediately thinks of Allison.

Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman) and Raymond (Yusuf Gatewood) in The Swedish Job (2020) — Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman) and Raymond (Yusuf Gatewood) in S2E3 ‘The Swedish Job’

At Stadtler’s, Allison sits with her allies and starts their sit-down protest. Odessa joins her, as do the other members of their party. After time passes in their lengthy peaceful sit-in, a patron pours sugar on each of them, as a late Ray joins and sits down next to Allison but refuses to take her hand. He reveals that he’s upset over all the revelations today about her brothers and the life she’s not telling him about.

Later, at the fight ring, Luther is beaten up badly. He’s gestured to finish the fight, and so he beats his opponent repeatedly, sending his teeth flying. Coincidentally, Five and Vanya find Luther in the crowd and see him fight; Yet, remembering Allison’s wedding photos, Luther gets distracted and intentionally takes blows to the face again-and-again.

Outside Stadtler’s, black protestors gather at the street chanting, “No more back door!” as a line of cops stand at the ready for a riot. Inside Stadtler’s, white patrons chant: “Get out!”. When Allison asks what’s wrong, Ray reveals he learned about Klaus, but also, Luther, both who claim to be her brother.

At that moment, the diner manager pushes over Allison’s coffee spilling it over her lap which forces her to stand and bump into a cop. They take this as hostility and pin down both Allison and Ray, with the police, proceeding to beat Ray repeatedly. In the chaos, more cops enter and all the black protestors standing peacefully are arrested.

Ray is dragged onto the street. Allison runs out after Ray in the chaos, as the cops force the protestors to disperse. Allison rushes over to Ray, who is being savagely beaten but is stopped by a white man. She breaks loose and then uses her powers on the cop, forcing him to walk away. Afterward, she drops down to help Ray, who stares up at her: horrified. He wants to know what she said to that cop to get him to leave. It’s obvious he doesn’t trust her. Klaus arrives and pulls Allison away.

Back at the ring, Luther begs the fighter to hit him. He receives a powerful uppercut to the chin, as Luther soars into the air. Soon after, Jack pushes through the crowd. Luther’s eyes roll back as he’s on his back, he smiles, seeing the full moon in the broken skylight.

The camera transitions back at the alley window outside the Avon Theatre, where beneath the moonlight, we see Diego and Lina snuggled together in bed after sleeping together. With her back to him, she puts her clothes on and carefully gets her things. She then sneaks out.

Later, Lila enters the pet store and wanders to the large fish tank. She reaches for the small treasure chest finding a key with the tag: 217. She takes the key, and exits the shop, and then walks down a busy sidewalk as police cars pass her on the street. Eventually, she enters room 217 and jumps on the bed. Suddenly, the handler emerges from the bathroom. But to Lila, she’s not The Handler…

She’s mom.

Thoughts on Episodes 1-3:

Honestly, this season just really hits the ground running. I like it a lot, and think it’s even better than last year’s in that it feels like there’s more of a sense of direction rather than just fun character moments. I’d give it a solid 9/10 so far.

I’ll also be recapping every episode this season so feel free to drop in if you feel like you missed something, and feel free to like/comment below if you think something was missed.

‘I May Destroy You’ Episode 6 Recap – “The Alliance”

Robert Kijowski

August 1, 2020

Trolldom is formless. It knows no shape, color nor gender. The unknown about trolling or, in the more pejorative colloquialism, “being a Karen” is the people behind them. All we know of these people are what they present to us- a gadfly on their worst day and a legitimate menace on their best day. Trolling is still an assault. We however can be quick to sometimes be so myopic, we see only the sin and not the sinner. In the sixth episode of I May Destroy You, titled “The Alliance”, the show goes more extensively into why sometimes hurt people hurt people.

We open in on Terry (Weruche Opia) and Kwame (Paapa Essiedu) attending a graffiti art class in support of their mate Arabella (Michaela Coel), who is currently off in the distance on her phone. Speaking of distance, T is truly concerned that Bella isn’t participating while Kwame is aloof. He most likely hasn’t gotten over the police not giving a fig to his fucking plight in the last episode. Terry is concerned that Kwams isn’t more concerned, likening her best friend to a computer in safe mode- one that’s been too overloaded with programs. She honestly need not look any further than to the person on her right for that to hit.

As it turns out, Arabella’s about to head off a support group meeting run by Theo, a high school acquaintance. This hits Terry’s ears wrong, as she quips that it’ll be held in a half-way house. T’s not in support of this decision in any way, but Bella goes anyway.

At the meeting, the woman is introduced to Theodora (Harriet Webb) who formed the support group as a safe space for survivors of sexual exploitation of any kind to talk over their experiences and about what’s transpiring on the inside with no judgment. She’s well informed, saying that one in two women have been abused or exploited in some way and that 89% of the trials result in exoneration. Deploying the names “Bob” or “Barbara” instead of proper names is a must.

One member, Loretta (Shalisha James-Davis) relays an incident where a Bob touched her knee mid-conversation. Another, Sarah (Tor Clark) cosigns to that but when a Bob does that to the small of one’s back. Yet another member of the group explains when she tries to report it, she hears herself out lout and feels she’s undermining herself. Theo explains that belittling the problem makes the job easier for HR, whose job should be much harder for what they get paid.

Arabella comes out and reveals her story. How the rape was drug-facilitated, how she tried to get back on track, how her “workplace partner” sexually assaulted her after, and that “someone” (re: Biago) said it was her fault. What she wants to take away from the group is to learn how not to be raped because if that’s not possible, it can happen again to her and she’s not sure really what type of world that would be. Theo explains that’s why places like hers exist and that she is NOT ALONE.

As the group departs, Bella and Theo get a moment to embrace as Bella regrets not having gotten to know her in high-school. Theo thinks there’s no time like the present.

CUT TO:

It’s 2004 and a teenaged Theo (Gaby French) is climbing into her bedroom window. She extracts something stolen from her hoodie along with some wrapping paper. She texts someone named Ryan and flirts. Her younger brother Jack (Eric Madgwick) raps at the door. He notices her getting changed and shows her what he “got” for their dad, I’m sorry, “Martin” for his birthday: a mousepad he took from his office. He asks her to drive to school, so she jams open the protective casing and resumes down to breakfast.

At the table, the birthday frivolities are short-lived, as she gives her wrapped “gift” to Martin (Ian Bonar), and verbally eviscerates her mother (Melissa Batchelor), who knows she was out the entire night. She grills her brother to corroborate, leading him on, as if she groomed him to say the right things. Now the day can start.

Before class starts, Theo’s making out in with Ryan (Josiah Mutupa) but once the bell peals, she takes it a nudge further, escaping with him to an unfinished level of the edifice and they proceed to fuck… that is until Theo hears Ryan’s phone camera go off. She tells him to stop but he takes a few more pictures before he does.

She insists he deletes them, but he swears he won’t share them. He also accuses her of being a psycho for coming at him hard and that he’s not the only one with ‘archives’ on their phones. He also offers her 10 pounds… then 20. She demands 30, but he only has slightly more than 11. He ultimately finds more and offers that along with his backpack. She agrees, only on the promise to be paid afterward.

He takes his pictures and cums, she tosses his phone out of the high window, taking the money along with his bag. She grabs a knife from the cafeteria and heads to the bathroom.

In the middle stall in the bathroom, she is flanked by a teen Terry (Lauren-joy Williams) and teen Arabella (Danielle Vitalis). Even back then, their friendship was thick as molasses, from Terry talking about a pretty girl with a good demeanor to Arabella talking about the logic of why she’s so nice to everybody.

Back in music class, Arabella seems the star student, answering what a crotchet is whilst chowing down on popcorn. When Terry asks what she’s eating on, she asks for some but is scolded for talking out of turn. Terry then notices rivulets of blood coming down Theo’s legs, as she’s sobbing, head in hands. Terry brings this up to the Miss Mott (Beverly Longhurst) and she reveals that she “didn’t want to,” that “he made her,” and that “he had a knife.”

Ryan admits to the Headmaster Mr. McHale (Mark Weinman) that they had sex and that “he didn’t even want to hit it” before admitting that he did. Now, Ryan’s a prick, self-admittedly, but because he’s black and Theo, a white girl is with the medics bleeding, he’s not even admitted his “one phone call,” which in this case would be a friend named Marcus. So because she claims he raped her at knife-point, he has to be detained until the po-po arrives.

Meanwhile, back in the halls, Terry, holding court, relays the events lain before her eyes as if they were happening in real-time. With another teacher coming through, they disband and she tells them to stay tuned to Terra TV for more updates. Even back then, she was born a star… though Arabella thinks Terra TV would only be good for Halloween, as it would be the only day of the year they would let her nutter ass out. Again, thick like molasses.

Back in the schoolyard, Arabella and Terry meet with Marcus (Jay Lycurgo) as he questions if his friend could even do that. Bella and T recite the same mantra: “the blood doesn’t lie.” She counters with “the shots don’t lie” and proceeds to show something more compelling: photo evidence. Now both T and Bella have a new mantra: “it’s the blood that lies.”

It all came down to color for them at the time. Bella says that if either she or T staged a similar thing, they would merely get detention. As Terry would put it so eloquently, “White girl tears are high-currency,” and because their teacher was white, she empathized quicker. Arabella builds on that and reveals that Miss Mott thought she was intimidating the other students with her intelligence and were she to sob, her tears would be seen as “weapons of mass destruction.”

Marcus isn’t revealing the truth though, as he has a whole gallery of like photos from Ryan and other girls and that would put him away… so Bella asks for him to forward a photo of Theo. To paraphrase the ole’ Shampoo song: “Uh-oh, you’re in trouble. Someone’s come along and it’s burst your bubble.”

Ryan makes an exonerated exit and his crew congratulates him. Not for what he did. As teenagers, that didn’t go through their minds even once. They were happy that one of their own made it out without a police escort on a false premise. That was enough to get happy. Welcoming him back into the fold, a teenaged Arabella exclaims, “Do or die, The Alliance is spicy!”

As Theo, escorted by her mother does the walk of shame out of school, she’s clowned by the crew and one lobs out a comment about her father. There is something brewing in her when she under her mouth calls them “fucking African monkeys.”

Back at her house, Martin, truly in concern asks her why she would do such a thing. He is flummoxed after all the things she and her mother have been through and the “disgusting” things her father had done to them that she would put an innocent peer in that situation.

This was Theo’s lashing out, as her father never molested her nor had he hit her mother, Martin’s wife. News to Martin, he becomes more aghast to learn that Theo was groomed to lie as a seven-year-old because her mother wanted sole custody. The only difference is that Martin made more than her dad. She likes Martin just fine, but she misses her real father. She’s experienced trauma, no doubt.

We now get back to Theo’s opening speech and we can hear some keywords. “Abusers”, “Groomers” and “Exploitation” but this time in another meeting. This makes the record sound broken because we hear as the audience the vinyl pops and clicks.

The question is… does Arabella?

‘Doom Patrol’ Season 2 Episode 8 Review: “Dad Patrol”

Bassam Kaado

July 30, 2020

Left to Right: Dorothy Spinner and Niles Caulder — Credit: 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Like Dad Patrol, Like Daughter Patrol. This week’s episode explores the different father-daughter dynamics among the ranks of the Doom Patrol.

Previously on Doom Patrol

Season 2

Episodes 1, 2, and 3 – Fun Size Patrol, Tyme Patrol, and Pain Patrol

Episode 4 – Sex Patrol

Episode 5 – Finger Patrol

Episode 6 – Space Patrol

Episode 7 – Dumb Patrol

S2E8 Review (Spoiler-Free)

Determined to prove her worth in The Underground, Jane (Diane Guerrero) brings Larry (voice actor Matt Bomer, on-set performer Matthew Zuk) to rural Arkansas to revisit her childhood home to retrieve an important item for Kay. This leads her to confront a past she (or any of her personalities) have been eager to do.

Cliff (voice actor Brendan Fraser, on-set performer Riley Shanahan) has been visited by his daughter, Clara (Bethany Anne Lind), and the two spend time together, as he gets the opportunity to do something he’s always wanted to do, bond with his daughter.

Rita Farr (April Bowlby) is enamored with her recent escapade of being the superhero, “The Beekeeper,” and she shares her delight with Vic (Joivan Wade). But he ends up having something bigger on his plate that will change the scope of everything he’s been working on.

Finally, Niles (Timothy Dalton) is left with no other choice, regarding his daughter, so he decides to organize a special day for Dorothy (Abigail Shapiro). Meanwhile, Dorothy is growing, and there is nothing she can do about it.

What will Jane’s trip to Arkansas lead to?

Will Cliff be able to connect with his daughter after all this time?

What will Niles do to our sweet Dorothy? And how is she doing through all this?

All these and more answered!

Left to Right: Cliff talking to his pregnant daughter, Clara, in front of a car in a garage. — Credit: 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Cast

Repetitive statement about how every member of the cast is talented and great.

Abigail Sharpio is a bundle of sunshine and joy, and I will never get enough of her. The more Dorothy I get in an episode has a direct correlation to how much I enjoy that week’s Doom Patrol. I am obsessed with this show, and I was in love with the first season. I honestly didn’t think it could love the show more, but be still my Dorothy.

Shocked to see who I write about next? You shouldn’t be by now. Diane Guerrero is on fire. She keeps making Jane more and more interesting as time goes on. We really got to see more emotional depth with that specific personality this week, as Jane was vulnerable and open. Bravo. Also, a shout out to the two actresses that play Kay, Skye Roberts as young Kay and Leela Owen as teenage Kay/Miranda, because they put in some great work this week.

Brendan Fraser was such a joy to watch. Ugh, happy Cliff is my favorite version. Hearing Fraser upbeat and positive made me nostalgic for his Hollywood heyday. He has such a great positive spirit to him when he is having fun, and this episode allowed for that. Riley Shanahan probably put in some of his best work in “Dad Patrol,” as his choices and decisions helped sell the overall tone and mood of Cliff. Cliff’s daughter, Clara, had significant screen time this episode, and actress Bethany Anne Lind took full advantage, putting in a solid performance.

I need to give credit to Timothy Dalton this week. With him being such an established, veteran actor, a solid performance is expected every time. This week though, his efforts as an open and vulnerable Niles was beautiful to watch. Cheers.

Left to Right: Larry Trainor and Jane in rural Kansas. — Credit: 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Vision

Writers Tom Farrell and April Fitzsimmons had a delicate task this week, when it came to the subject matter. As should be expected by now with any of the members of the Room Patrol, the two knocked it out of the part. The humor we did get throughout the episode was rooted in organic, human connection, and the different storylines were handled with care.

A downside to the structure of Doom Patrol, granted with all ensemble pieces, is that some people fall through the cracks. Though they had some meaningful moments, Vic and Rita seemed to suffer the most. It wasn’t because their story was bad (it was really good), but, relative to the other ones, it felt inferior. There really is no way to go about it; the writing team is handling it the best way they can.

Cyborg talking to a federal agent. — Credit: 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Takeaway

“Dad Patrol” gives us a heartfelt episode that really connects on a personal, intimate level. It continues delivering the high quality one can expect out of Doom Patrol while serving as a great penultimate episode for the season.

Dorothy holding a giant teddy bear at the fair. — Credit: 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Reflection (SPOILERS)

What a great episode. I really love this show, and it continues to give me more and more joy every time I watch it.

What I appreciated the most about this week is the present theme of dads (I know, it’s called “Dad Patrol” for a reason). We get three different perspectives of what a dad can be like, and it provides a compelling juxtaposition.

We get one story that includes a terrible dad, which of course is Jane’s. Her storyline, which focuses on her trying to find Kay’s childhood toy, is rooted in finding meaning to herself and purpose. In this quest, she is forced to relive the terrible things Kay had to go through growing, focused solely around the well. We see that Kay, when she is being punished, is ordered by her father to sit in the bucket of the well. She is then lowered to the bottom and left there to suffer, which leads her to lose her favorite plush toy. This is a constant thing that happens to her, from being a young girl to the teenage years, when Miranda starts to come into the picture. Jane goes back to her childhood home to climb down the well and find the stuffed animal for Kay. We get a flashback showing that a Miranda-led Kay had found the toy but decided to leave it behind in the well. She made the decision to rebel and run away from her father. This growth was done, in spite of her father’s mistreatment.

We also get a storyline where Cliff spends the day with his daughter, who’s decided to come to Doom Manor. Clara has finally decided to open up the door, slightly, for Cliff to come back in, which is anxious to burst through. He is gitty, trying to catch up on everything and do everything he can to make up for lost time. Clara almost gets lost in all the hub-bub, and she finally, over pancakes, talks to Cliff about a serious issue. Clara is pregnant and engaged to her partner, Mel (a woman), but Clara is having doubts/cold feet about going through with the marriage. She feels like she wants to run away and claims it’s a Steele quality. Cliff is finally able to be a father to her and gives her great advice (in his own special way) about how what she’s feeling isn’t uncommon, but she has to put in the work. They continue to bond, which is such a treat. The day ends with her having to leave, but she does something special by giving Cliff a wedding invitation. He is ecstatic, and we get to see a father-daughter relationship that was non-existent but slightly rebuilt. Nothing will stop him from going to the wedding (until you read the next paragraph).

Our last dad storyline is probably the most prominent one: Niles and Dorothy. As we learned from last episode, Niles has given up on trying to control her and is planning to do the unthinkable to save the world from his daughter. What he decides to do is give Dorothy one last day to have an amazing time and truly enjoy herself (some sort of repayment for all the years he kept her hidden). While this is going on, Dorothy gets her period when she’s in a gas station convenience store. Scared and alone in the bathroom, the cashier (a woman) comes in to check on her and tells her about how her period is a sign that she’s becoming a woman and it’s natural. The cashier makes a comment on how dads never want their girls to grow up so Dorothy decides not to tell Niles about the incident. After this, the father and daughter end up going to a local fair (Dorothy’s pick) and have a great time. We get some many beautiful moments between the two, and you can really see the love. She goes and plays games and goes into a funhouse, but, during the whole time, she starts to get visions of her mother trying to give her boots. Finally, she’s confronted by Candlemaker, who tells her she cannot hide from adulthood anymore and that is time for him to be released upon the world. Nile is confronted by Willoughby Kipling, who’s been aiding him in the whole process, and the Chief admits he is not ready to give up on Dorothy. As they bicker, Candlemaker has been released, and now they must deal with the consequences. I’ve had many issues with Niles these past few episodes, but this one helped him win some points back with me (for now). In the end, he is a father that loves his daughter and wants to protect her. Now, he has to deal with the consequences of the world around him.

‘I May Destroy You’ Episode 5 Recap – “It Just Came Up”

Robert Kijowski

July 28, 2020

In episode 5 of I May Destroy You, “It Just Came Up,” Arabella continues to push through adversity in an effort to reclaim her narrative.

“Tribulations” is typically a word that proceeds “trials.” The world is pain, as is life at times. We’re not so much used to suffering as much as accepting it at times. Sometimes, the evil that men do goes unpunished and even worse, unnoticed. Such is life. However, what if instead of the word “tribulations,” we lived in a world where “retributions” was more of a common phrase. Try it on for size. “Trials and retributions.” Feels kinda good, yeah? It is in the fifth episode of I May Destroy You (HBO) that we could wear that article that feels oh so right, that we just don’t want to give it up.

We open in on Biago (Marouane Zotti) and Arabella (Michaela Coel) engaged in coitus in a beautifully lit room. This, of course, is merely a positive flashback as Bella is in the present, staring at Zain (Karan Gill) as he sleeps. Maybe he simply puts her at ease, regardless of what he did the night before- or perhaps Arabella’s about to find out something she was unaware of.

As she commits to her daily morning yoga challenge through podcast, she immediately feels better. As Zain takes a shower, Bella cycles through other stuff recommended for her until she comes across a podcast where two women are talking about the horrors of “stealthing.” In fact, one girl cites a Reddit thread where a common phrase to use is “I took it off, I thought you knew.” This heinous type of line gaslights the victim and before Zain is out of the shower, Arabella is out the door.

Donning nothing but Zain’s shirt on top of her underwear, she hops into a thrift store and emerges fully clothed… with Zain’s shirt still on. The fuck he’s getting a shirt back as it may have his DNA evidence on it as well as he may have been caught on CCTV wearing it. Plus, she does also have the condom itself. She proceeds to the beauty parlor.

As she’s going for a new look, her agent Julian calls to inform her that the big boss of her publisher, Susy Henny, wants to meet with her in three hours. A very awake Bella agrees and immediately receives a call from Officer Funmi…

At the police station, a brashly bald Bella, flanked by Terry (Weruche Opia) and Kwame (Paapa Essiedu) is informed by Officer Funmi (Sarah Niles) that there’s been a break in her case. Semen had been found on a flannel confiscated from her agents’ office. The only problem is that the DNA sample is weak so they would have to perform a direct comparison to a potential suspect, which they do. Though no CCTV footage had been retrieved, someone was just remanded for a similar incident, so in order to proceed, Arabella has to contact any consensual relationship she’s had and inform them of the situation and why their DNA is requested to clear their name. This includes Biago, whom she did not tell. When asked as to why, in classic Terry fashion, she nervously diffuses the tension by telling the po-po because he’s an Italian drug lord.

They even crack a funny calling the police Rape-busters, which didn’t land with an already affected Kwame. Before leaving, Arabella queries if secretly removing a condom constitutes as rape, to which Officer Beth (Mariah Gale) informs her it does under law, but the only problem is that when people don’t realize what is and isn’t a crime, they don’t report it and the perpetrators walk free. “Hmm.”

Exiting the station, Kwame surreptitiously searches up if non-consensual humping is rape. Bella leaves for her meeting, and T waits on a worried-looking Kwame, joking if there are no good prospects around. He simply laughs it off.

At the agents’ office, Julian (Adam James) and Francine (Natalie Walter) sit down with Susy Henny (Franc Ashman) and her assistant Sion (Ellie James). They are waiting on Arabella, and, as they are, Susy subtly takes jabs at Julian and Francine as to why their client’s work was submitted unfinished for the Writing Summit. They flounder but are saved by the Bella! Mutually excited to meet her idol, Arabella is then questioned as to why her work was unfinished. Before she could answer, Zain shows up. As it turns out, his work was submitted as well.

He also realizes that he knows Sion from somewhere. Once the British Library came up, he grows a little nervous. Bella has the floor now, however, and speaks candidly about her unfinished symphony- she was at the police station earlier because she had been raped and that she knows the identity of the suspect and has the DNA to prove it. She calls out Zain… thanking him for helping her finish her writing. He’s sweatin’ now, which is an added bonus to Bella, as she’s been asked by Henny House to read a segment from this new project. She’s over the moon and stipulates that a friend read it for her. Once told she’s thick as thieves and black, Susy’s totally on board.

At their yoga session later, Terry’s ecstatic about the opportunity. Biago calls, but Bella shoos it aside. A clear and calmness in her seems pretty ostensible and kind of freaks out T.

This is also applicable when Bella, painting with Zain, turns the tables and gaslights him. Clearly upset, he wants to know why she didn’t tell him about the rape, the word almost being ineffable to him. She slides a veiled slip and accuses him of being a rapist but when asked to repeat what she said, she says that she figures he knew about the rape, it would change things between them. Though she claims she likes the time spent with him and that she likes to spend cuddle time with someone she trusts, he still seems very worried. Well played, Arabella, well played.

Kwame goes to the police station to “report a crime.” I congratulate him on that. It takes guts to come forward in any of these cases, no matter who you are. The wording of “crime” shows vulnerability and intelligence because he doesn’t know really what it is.

Meanwhile, outside the Writing Summit, Arabella tells Biago on the phone first the good news and then the bad. The bad seems to have more affect on him, as he flies off the handle, when Bella simply tells him that her drink was spiked. He blames it on her not watching her drink and she hangs up. Though only 30% of the bad news was divulged, this is her night and she should enjoy the shine with her girl T.

Back at the precinct, Kwame relays to Officer Tom (Kadiff Kirwan) the night’s events and because they met on Grindr, he only has an alias and address, but no name. The office seems to either be mocking Kwame or having some slight fun with this, but when asked to describe what happened in detail as rape and assault are two different things, the officer gets uncomfortable. He tells Kwame he could have filled out the same information on the machines they have.

The officer clearly isn’t taking Kwame seriously, going as far as neglecting to close the door to the interrogation, though a blatant sign is posted for the victim’s safety.

At the Summit, Bella finds out through Sion’s personal experience that she wasn’t the first this happened to. With nervousness in Terry’s eyes and a fire in Arabella’s, the night is all about to begin. As Susy waxes poetically about the written word and the power behind it, Bella is hit with another flashback, instead of a man’s face on the body from above, it’s her own, clear as a bell… but there’s no time for that, as it’s time for her voice to be heard through Terry.

The only problem is Terry is too afraid to go on, leaving the stage all to Arabella. As T waits in the back, her girl takes the stage, thanking her agents and her publisher- and then she flat-out calls Zain in front of everybody a rapist under UK Law. She explains what happened and the only thing louder than the murmur in the crowds was Terry filming him and giving him the what for as he tries to make an exit.

At the station, Officer Tom explains to Kwame that they are dropping the complaint, as before the incident they’ve had consensual sex and that the situation has absolutely no real merit in the eyes of the law. This goes without saying, but it bears repeating: that is FUCKED UP.

At the bar though, celebrations are in order for Bella as Sion and Terry join her for beer. T’s over the moon on being trending as a GIF and Sion informs Bella she’s trending hardcore, now with an article just posted.

At his flat, Kwame is in his VALIDATED pain and granted, it’s not a party at the moment for Bella either, arguing with Biago about the whole story. She’s had enough when he blames her for not watching her drink and that’s seemingly their end as she bursts out in tears… before seeing all the love she’s getting online which makes brings a smile to her face- which we haven’t seen that in a minute! It looks proper on her.

SDCC 2020: The Best of Comic-Con@Home

Christian Angeles

July 27, 2020

Check out our must-sees of what to check out from Comic-Con@Home

Comic-Con@Home has finally come to an end, but fortunately, for those who missed any event, the videos are still up to watch at your own leisure. As such, I’ve ranked the best of Comic-Con@Home by popularity (most watched). With a top 10 special event list for someone interested in special panels offered during the convention. The first three videos of each list are available below, along with a synopsis from the links listed by SDCC itself. You can click on the links to see other panels.

We did a quick rundown of our thoughts of Comic-Con@Home over on TheWorkprint Podcast

10 Most Popular Panels

1. New Mutants

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksdvHSRWuQo

The long-awaited movie adaptation. Join Writer/Director Josh Boone and the cast of Twentieth Century Studios and Marvel Entertainment’s “The New Mutants,” including Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt and Henry Zaga for a discussion about the upcoming original horror-thriller moderated by Ira Madison III.

2. Vikings: A Look Back With The Lothbroks

Michael Hirst, Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Alex Ludwig, Clive Standen, and Jordan Patrick Smith will discuss their favorite moments from the past six and a half seasons, favorite fan interactions, and what makes Vikings so extraordinary. The panel will be moderated by Kate Hahn, senior writer, TV Guide magazine.

3. The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead will make its 11th San Diego Comic-Con appearance with a panel spotlighting “A Certain Doom, ” which will air as a standalone episode later this year. Moderated by Chris Hardwick (Talking Dead), the panel will feature TWDU chief content officer Scott M. Gimple, showrunner and executive producer Angela Kang, executive producer Greg Nicotero, who directed the episode, and cast members Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Josh McDermitt, Seth Gilliam, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton, and Paola Lazaro. In The Walking Dead episode 1016, “A Certain Doom, ” Beta engages the final battle of the Whisperer War.

4. Fear The Walking Dead

Fear the Walking Dead will present a panel for the series’ upcoming sixth season, premiering later this year. Moderated by Chris Hardwick, the panel will feature TWDU chief content officer Scott M. Gimple, showrunners and executive producers Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg, and cast members Lennie James, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Colman Domingo, Danay Garcia, Karen David, Jenna Elfman, and Rubén Blades. Season six of Fear the Walking Dead explores what has become of the unlikely family once united by a mission to help those in need. Life behind Virginia’s walls will test each and every one of them in different ways, forcing them to define who they are in this new world.

5. Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek family assembles for a look-back at Picard Season 1, a virtual table read of Discovery’s Season 2 finale, a chat about the new series Lower Decks, the announcement of the newest animated show’s title, and what to expect from Strange New Worlds.

For more information check out our coverage of Star Trek Universe.

6. The Boys

Join executive producer Eric Kripke, along with series stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capon, Karen Fukuhara, and Aya Cash, with moderator Aisha Tyler, for a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming second season of The Boys. Executive producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg will also make a special appearance. Based on The New York Times best-selling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys is a fun and irreverent take on what happens when superheroes – who are as popular as celebrities – abuse their superpowers rather than use them for good. The even more intense, more insane season two finds The Boys on the run from the law, hunted by the Supes, and desperately trying to regroup and fight back against Vought.

For more information check out our coverage of The Boys.

7. His Dark Materials

Adapting Philip Pullman’s award-winning trilogy of the same name, which is considered a modern masterpiece of imaginative fiction, HBO/BBC’s His Dark Materials concluded its debut season in December. Join executive producers Jane Tranter and Jack Thorne, as well as cast members Dafne Keen (Lyra), Ruth Wilson (Mrs. Coulter), Ariyon Bakare (Lord Boreal), Amir Wilson (Will Parry), Andrew Scott (John Parry), and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Lee Scoresby) in a virtual panel discussion about the hit drama series which will be moderated by award-winning journalist Stacey Wilson Hunt.

8. Zoom Into Xadia: The Dragon Prince

The creators and voice actors of The Dragon Prince celebrate the saga so far, perform some behind-the-scenes skits, give a sneak peek of upcoming books, and answer fans’ burning questions submittedd via social media. Participants include Aaron Ehasz (co-creator), Justin Richmond (co-creator), Paula Burrows (Rayla), Jack De Sena (Callum), Sasha Rojen (Ezran), Erik Todd Dellums (Aaravos), Racquel Belmonte (Claudia), Jesse Inocalla (Soren), and Jason Simpson (Viren).

9. Bill and Ted

Join the cast of Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, Samara Weaving, Brigette Lundy-Paine, William Sadler, director Dean Parisot alongside writers Ed Solomon and Chris Matheson. As they gather for a lively panel moderated by filmmaker and fan Kevin Smith.

10. Bob’s burgers

The Emmy Award-winning animated FOX series Bob’s Burgers invites fans into their homes for a virtual panel with all of the laughs and surprises they generally bring to the Indigo Ballroom. Creator and executive producer Loren Bouchard will break news about the upcoming season, and the always entertaining cast including H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman, Dan Mintz, and Larry Murphy will have you howling with laughter with never-before-seen footage, followed by a lively panel discussion and fan Q&A.

For more information check out our coverage of Bob’s Burgers.

10 Surprisingly Popular Panels

1. Wynonna Earp

After a long wait, a lot of Earping, and a ton of Times Square billboards, Wynonna Earp is finally returning to SYFY. Join showrunner Emily Andras alongside cast members Melanie Scrofano, Tim Rozon, Dominique Provost-Chalkley, Katherine Barrell, and Varun Saranga as they talk about the highly anticipated 4th season, show off their best impressions, challenge each other with a round of trivia, and share a sneak peek of the season 4 premiere episode! Fan-at-home with our exclusive Wynonna Earp bingo cards and play along throughout the panel.

For more information check out our coverage of Wynonna Earp.

2. Marvel’s 616 on Disney +

Marvel’s 616 explores how Marvel’s rich legacy of stories, characters and creators exist within the “world outside your window.” Each documentary, helmed by a unique filmmaker, explores the intersections of storytelling, pop culture and fandom within the Marvel Universe. Join directors Gillian Jacobs, Paul Scheer, and executive producers Sarah Amos and Jason Sterman as they discuss the making of this Disney+ original anthology series with moderator Angélique Roché.

3. DC at home

Whether its Batman’s final showdown with The Joker, Wonder Woman taking on new adventures, or the Man of Steel taking facing threats from Metropolis and across the cosmos, DC is the place to be for the best storytellers lending their talents to the World’s Greatest Super Heroes! Don’t miss your chance to hear first-hand from these comic book legends in the making as they give you the inside scoop on what’s in store for Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and other DC heroes and villains!

4. Magic The Gathering with Mark Rosewater

What would comic-con be without a special on Magic? See Mark Rosewater (Magic: The Gathering head designer) give the first sneak peek of Zendikar Rising, Magic’s September expansion.

5. First Look at Hulu’s Helstrom

Talk about some family drama! Join Helstrom showrunner Paul Zbyszewski and cast—Tom Austen, Sydney Lemmon, Elizabeth Marvel, Robert Wisdom, Ariana Guerra, June Carryl, and Alain Uy—for one hell of a sneak-peek look and conversation around bringing this terror-filled comic to life as Hulu’s next horror series. Moderated by IGN’s Laura Prudom.

For more information check out our coverage of Helstrom.

6. The Walking Dead World Beyond

The Walking Dead: World Beyond makes its Comic-Con International debut as the third series in wildly successful The Walking Dead Universe. Moderated by Chris Hardwick, the series’ panel will feature TWDU chief content officer Scott M. Gimple, showrunner and executive producer Matt Negrete and cast members Aliyah Royale, Alexa Mansour, Hal Cumpston, Nicholas Cantu, Nico Tortorella, Julia Ormond, and Joe Holt. The Walking Dead: World Beyond delves into a new mythology and story that follows the first generation raised in a surviving civilization of the post-apocalyptic world. Two sisters along with two friends leave a place of safety and comfort to brave dangers, known and unknown, living and undead on an important quest. Pursued by those who wish to protect them and those who wish to harm them, a tale of growing up and transformation unfurls across dangerous terrain, challenging everything they know about the world, themselves, and each other. Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. But all of them will find the truths they seek.

7. Upload

Creator, executive producer and director Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation) and stars Robbie Amell (Code 8), Andy Allo (Pitch Perfect 3), Kevin Bigley (Undone), Allegra Edwards (New Girl), and Zainab Johnson (American Koko) discuss how they brought this futuristic comedy to life, share behind-the-scenes details from season one, and tease what fans can expect in season two. The panel will be moderated by Engadget’s Cherlynn Low. Upload season one is a ten-episode, half-hour, sci-fi comedy that takes place in the near future, where people can be “Uploaded” into a virtual afterlife of their choice.

8. Adventure Time Distant Lands

The cast and creator of HBO Max’s Distant Lands specials assemble to talk through the BMO episode’s final twist, how Obsidian will show us how Marceline and Princess Bubblegum’s relationship develops, and much more.

9. Solar Opposites

Your favorite Shlorpians are getting together for Comic-Con at Home! As Hulu’s most-watched original comedy premiere to date, Solar Opposites centers around a team of four aliens who escape their exploding home world only to crash land into a move-in ready home in suburban America. They are evenly split on whether Earth is awful or awesome, while protecting the Pupa, a living super computer that will one day evolve into its true form, consume them and terraform the Earth… Join Justin Roiland (“Korvo”), Thomas Middleditch (“Terry”), Sean Giambrone (“Yumyulack”), Mary Mack (“Jesse”), and executive producers Mike McMahan and Josh Bycel for all things Solar Opposites including an exclusive clip from the upcoming second season!

10. What we do In The Shadows.

Named “TV’s best comedy” by the Hollywood Reporter, What We Do in the Shadows is a documentary-style look into the lives of four vampires and their loyal familiar who, in a surprising twist, is a descendant of famed vampire slayer Van Helsing. Join us in raising a glass of regular human alcohol beer to the sharp-toothed cast—Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Kayvan Novak, Mark Proksch, and Harvey Guillén—and the creative team for a spirited discussion hosted by special guest, Haley Joel Osment.

For more information check our coverage of What We Do in The Shadows.

Special Interest Panels

The following are some amazing special interest panels from the con.

1. Constantine 15th Anniversary Look Back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_0GjFxy9ZE

Keanu Reeves, director Francis Lawrence, and producer Akiva Goldsman reunite to reflect on the making of the 2005 DC Comics adaptation. Moderated by Collider’s editor-in-chief Steven Weintraub.

For more information check out our coverage of the Constantine panel.

2. Rooster Teeth

Yssa Badiola, Torrian Crawford, Barbara Dunkelman, Fiona Nova, Kerry Shawcross, and special guest F.J. DeSanto are going to virtually smack you in the face with exclusive reveals and new information about “Recorded by Arizal,” “Red vs. Blue Zero,” “RWBY Volume 8,” and “Transformers: War For Cybertron Trilogy: Siege.”

3. Charlize Theron: Evolution of a Badass

Actress and producer Charlize Theron reflects on portraying over two decades of action heroes, from Æon Flux to The Old Guard’s Andromache, Mad Max: Fury Road’s Furiosa to Atomic Blonde’s Lorraine Broughton. In a lengthy retrospective Q&A moderated by IGN’s Terri Schwartz, Theron discusses the evolution of the modern female action hero, the roles that inspired her and what drives her to constantly push her limits with fight training.

4. Directors on Directing

Robert Rodriguez (Alita: Battle Angel), Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World: Dominion), and Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) take part in a wide-ranging and in-depth discussion about the craft of directing and projects past, present, and future. Moderated by Collider’s editor-in-chief Steven Weintraub.

5. An Evening With Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith talks Son-In-Lockdown, unveils a new Funko Pop, and drops the first look at his new film Killroy Was Here. Plus, Kevin chats about a new podcast he created with his daughter, Harley Quinn Smith, and reveals how to get your very own Mooby’s Cow Tipper.

6. The Eisner Awards

The “Oscars” of the comics industry honor comics creators and their works in 32 categories. This virtual ceremony is hosted by Phil LaMarr, the actor/voice actor/comedian known for roles in animated series including Green Lantern/John Stewart and Ed Reiss in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, Hermes Conrad in Futurama, and the title characters on both Samurai Jack and Static Shock. Sergio Aragonés will announce this year’s Eisner Hall of Fame inductees, and Ruth Clampett will present the 2020 Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award recipients.

7. Cartoon Network Studios: The Art of Storyboarding

In this masterclass virtual panel, hear from artists behind some of Cartoon Network Studios’ hit series as they share their journeys, learnings and top tips for aspiring storyboard artists worldwide. Join leading artists behind award-winning shows to learn how a concept or script is brought to life through the beloved art of storyboarding. Panelists include: Mic Graves, director of and voice on The Amazing World of Gumball; Chuck Klein, storyboard royalty and supervising producer/director, Apple & Onion; Julia Pott, creator of and voice on Summer Camp Island; Alabaster Pizzo, storyboard artist, Summer Camp Island.

8. Water, Earth, Fire, Air: Continuing the Avatar Legacy

Dark Horse Comics, Abrams Books, and Nickelodeon are thrilled to treat fans to a panel worthy of the Avatar! Join Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra creators and writers, Michael DiMartino, Faith Erin Hicks, F.C. Yee, and Gene Luen Yang for a further exploration of the beloved world as it has grown and changed since the animated series has ended.

9. VIZ: A Haunting Conversation with Junji Ito

From the depths of your nightmares to your screen, VIZ and Comic-Con conjure Junji Ito. Junji Ito is the master of horror manga, the Eisner-winning creator of Frankenstein: Junji Ito Story Collection and creator of Uzumaki, an upcoming anime from Production I.G. on Adult Swim, among countless other terrors. Join us in a creepy conversation across the Pacific to dig into the depths of his brain and pull out the answers everyone’s been waiting for.

10. The Art of Adapting Comics to Screen: David S. Goyer.

The writer behind such iconic comic book film and TV adaptations including Blade, Batman Begins, Constantine (TV), and Man of Steel, David S. Goyer, discusses his creative writing process and what it took to bring characters and tales from the pages to the to the screen. Moderated by Backstory Magazine publisher Jeff Goldsmith. Featuring Backstory magazine creator Jeff Goldsmith and the Q&A podcast.

Final Thoughts On Comic-Con@Home

And that’s everything. Personally, I liked the workshop panels and special interest ones the best, as well as covering events like The Boy’s upcoming premiere. My biggest and most irritating takeaway however, was that I really wish they did some of these panels live online. Something with the option to live-tweet or reply on a youtube page. With actually live Q and A’s instead of just a pre-recording. Personally, I’m glad we got panels, though I also felt like they were oftentimes too short, and would’ve appreciated unedited awkward versions. Things with extended and lengthy runtimes and swearing, as I felt like oftentimes, too many of the panels were shortened or cut too much, where we lost some of that awkward feeling of a live show. Plus, given that it’s all videos I really don’t see a problem with having things drag as it would’ve allowed for more views? Possibly even more ads?

But hey, that’s just my opinion. Have any thoughts about this year’s Comic-Con@Home? Feel free to comment below. And please, click and check out our articles above.

‘Stargirl’ Episode 11 Review: “Shining Knight”

Christian Angeles

July 27, 2020

Cameron Gellman as Rick and Luke Wilson as Pat Dugan. Together they talk down an offscreen Shining Knight from attacking them. — DC’s Stargirl — “Shining Knight” — Pictured (L-R): Cameron Gellman as Rick and Luke Wilson as Pat Dugan. PC: Mark Hill/The CW.

In this episode of Stargirl, Courtney gets a surprise visit that changes everything, Pat meets a familiar old friend, and Jordan makes a surprise discovery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVUJN1wwGQc

After traversing through some seriously messed up parenting issues in the last four episodes of Stargirl, first with Shiv and Ito, then with Brainwave Sr. and Junior, it was very relaxing to finally get an episode not focused on messed up dads for change…

Just kidding.

This episode, in a record-breaking 2-minutes of runtime (Yes, I counted how long it took to get there), quickly addresses Courtney’s own parental issues. Her obsession with Starman whom she believes is her dad, along with her own superhero persona, with both Pat and Beth. The issue is raised to even greater stakes at home, as a visitor comes knocking on the door, revealing a revelation that messed up Courtney. Thus, essentially, showcasing her time in the spotlight of the usual Stargirl go-around. The incessant plot theme on repeat:

“Why do I bother with daddy’s approval? Oh wait, I have superpowers.”

Why do they repeatedly do this on the show? I don’t know. Maybe, because every hero and villain in has messed up parents. At this point, the best parent on the show is the defacto JSA parent, Pat, who in this episode finally shines as the best self: the wise and experienced Beta-Dad. Which I know, sounds like an insult, but sometimes, characters just need support rather than commands, and Pat’s the dad that doesn’t dictate. The person there out of good-heartedness who’ll let you punch him in the face, if necessary.

Full review below. Warning: There will be spoilers.

Pat, Rick, and Beth properly plan for a way to help Pat’s old friend, The Shining Knight. — DC’s Stargirl — “Shining Knight” — Pictured (L-R): Luke Wilson as Pat Dugan, Cameron Gellman as Rick, and Anjelika Washington as Beth Chapel. PC: Mark Hill/The CW.

Heroes Can Come From Anywhere

This episode very much focuses on the small-town hero. Particularly, The Shining Knight, whom I think just about everyone and their fathers has figured out by now, is revealed to be Justin the janitor. Partially, because the show’s hinted at it, but also because Geoff Johns has admitted that it’s unafraid of using Easter Eggs to potentially open new stories.

Apparently, Justin has had amnesia for years, likely triggered by Dr. Ito (given his traumatic aversion to him) or possibly caused by Brainwave (he can make people forget after all). The Shining Knight thus far has saved Courtney in a pinch in Shiv Part One, but was also revealed as of recently: to be the former leader of the Seven Soldiers of Victory, of which both Star-Spangled kid and Stripesy were a part.

In this episode, we see the poor old sport struggle to remember who he is, though for some reason, sees a lot of hallucinations related to Dr. Ito. The evil ‘dragon’ of whom he was desperately trying to stop, prior to his period of amnesia and work as a janitor. Although, I do wonder why the ISA let him stay there, given their knowledge of who he is. It’s also strange to me that they let him keep the Excalibur sword, as it’s definitely got some special abilities of sorts but more importantly, given that it’s King Arthur’s blade, it probably sells for a good fortune.

Still, Justin has it and, with the help of Pat, starts to remember bits and pieces of his old life. It’s also funny seeing Pat astounded by the revelation of his old friend whom he remembers as Justin, given that Justin’s name is on his uniform. A clearly visible mark for the audience, but also very blatantly Pat, to see. And though Rick and Beth have their hesitation, it’s pretty obvious to everyone that having Shining Knight on their side will be a major help for the battles to come. If not for his abilities (which seem limited and aged at the moment), than for his motivational pep talks, as Justin adorable reiterates a big theme in superhero comics this episode:

“That Heroes can Come from Anywhere”

Deadbeat Dads

So, the title of this episode is sort of a double-entendre. It’s definitely about the ‘Shining Knight,’ but it also has to do with everyday heroes. The people that show up to be the person we need at the hour we need most. In this case: it’s very much about Pat.

Because, in this episode, we finally get to meet Courtney’s father, and, unsurprisingly to me and many others, he isn’t Starman. Instead, it’s revealed that her dad is nothing but a deadbeat pretty boy named Sam, who arrives after an ominous e-mail from her mother, Barbara. Sam rides the bus over, wanting to meet Courtney using farce and false promises, revealing that he’s struggling to survive in LA. Sam is a douchebag by all means. A man whose interest in his daughter comes strictly out of financial reasons, wanting to take the locket he gave her to pawn it and the one he owns, as the pair sell for a high price.

Picking up the pieces and briefly kicking Sam’s ass is, of course, Pat. “Shining Knight” is what’s essentially Luke Wilson’s biggest episode of the character. Pat teaches Sam a lesson in the art of a well-placed knuckle sandwich, but more importantly, acts as a good mentor to the JSA kiddos, selflessly helps his old friend Shining Knight, and most importantly: proceeds to be there for Courtney in her time of sadness and need, something which Barbara definitely takes to heart.

Now if only Pat could parent Mike, his own son, he’d be solid. Though at the least he told him he loved him in the last episode. Something I wish more fathers would say to their children.

The Bad Guys Close-In

There’s this moment I learned back in screenwriting. They call it ‘The Bad Guys Close-In.’ It’s the moment where everything seems to be coming at you. The impossible odds stacked up against the character.

In this episode of Stargirl, we see this happen with both Icicle and Brainwave. The latter of whom admits to taking no pleasure in killing his wife and son. Still, Brainwave admits there’s a duty to perform. A job to do in order to fix the world through mind control.

Jordan, having second thoughts because of his new feelings for Barbara (Whom he knows is married. That villain!), is shocked when he learns from the newly mentally fixed Brainwave, the secret that he’s known since the beginning: that Courtney Whitmore is Stargirl. That Pat is S.T.R.I.P.E. That both are leading the JSA. With this, Jordan is reminded that he likewise has to make the coldhearted call, which he does. Afterall: he’s Icicle. The coldhearted leader of the ISA (and lets not forget possible ice troll. I’ll never stop mentioning that).

Oddly enough, the stinger of this episode ends with a ticking clock. The great plan (which I don’t think is all too great of a plan personally) of brainwashing almost the entire country is underway and will execute in less than 14 hours. To add to raising the stakes, apparently, Brainwave inherited his son’s power, effectively doubling his effectiveness and likely his own abilities. Meaning it’s no longer just local states they’ll be mind controlling but most of the country.

Still, there’s a lot of flaws in this plan to me. Mostly, that it relies on a single person and the goodwill of this villain not to mess with everyone’s head.

I will admit though that slapping on a timer to get the adrenaline pumping is a good age-old trope. It’s also the biggest plot device to the Fox series: 24. Proving that it works, but it’s also, slightly overdone.

Amy Smart as Barbara and Brec Bassinger as Courtney. Courtney meets her offscreen, real father, for the first time. — DC’s Stargirl — “Shining Knight” — Pictured (L-R): Amy Smart as Barbara Whitmore and Brec Bassinger as Courtney Whitmore. PC: Mark Hill/The CW.

Final Thoughts

I’m surprised how great Stargirl is getting in these final episodes. As the series, it feels a lot more focused and grounded than when we started. I’m starting to see even Barbara start to contribute to the team (or at least, they’ve done the SMART move in giving Amy Smart more scenes). Though I am glad that, despite all of this, Mike Dugan is still thrown-in as a minimal side character. I hope he forever keeps that paper route which has him away for almost every episode.

As for the story, the plot does seem to drag, as there’s a lot of back-stepping and second-guessing masked as teenage angst and uncertainty. It all plays off a lot of tropes we have seen in comic adaptions before. Still, the point of this series has never been about its meandering plot; It’s always been in its characters. The revelations we find out about along their journey. The different ways their actions get us to root and cheer.

By the end of this episode I found myself wishing the best for Stargirl. Found myself celebrating that she’s re-found not only her ability to be a hero despite losing what she saw was ‘special’ in her. Learning that age old adage: that the ability was within all along. Now, back to her old form and more prepared than ever, she’s ready to responsibly take on the mantle having known loss and what’s a stake now… which is good.

Because the JSA is now officially running out of time. And the clock, quite literally, is ticking.

Wynonna Earp Season 4 Premiere Review: “On The Road Again”

Christian Angeles

July 26, 2020

Earpers rejoice, Wynonna Earp is back and on the road to kick some serious butt on the path to Waverly in season 4. Review Inside.

Warning this review will be filled with spoilers. You can see our full coverage of Wynonna Earp yesterday for Comic-Con@Home SDCC 2020, right here.

Well, this has been a crazy journey to renewal. After a two-year break and some fears of cancellation, Wynonna Earp is back and more badass than ever. Because sometimes you just want to see sexy people kicking butt.

In season 3, we saw the death of Bulshar, revealed that Peacemaker was the flaming sword and key to the Garden of Eden, and ended the Earp curse. Actions effectively ending the Revenants for good but also removed Wynonna’s status as heir (and in the process left sacrificed Peacemaker). Though it wasn’t all drama, as we saw Wynonna get sweet and kinky with some angel booty. Wynonna took her headstrong recklessness to new heights by redefining the term: Electra complex, by sleeping with her sister, Waverly Earp’s angel daddy. Not unlike her mother before her.

Oh, and Wavery is a Nephilim (half-angel) Who, despite beginning the end of times, proposed to Nicole in order to start their own little lesbian paradise together. A happy ending, unfortunately, broken up by Waverly’s capture by the Garden of Eden itself. Where after being abducted by tree vines, Doc Holiday, now a vampire, went off to her rescue to follow and bring Waverly home.

The gang now split. The town of Purgatory: disassembled. Wynonna stands alone in her quest to find Waverly. With no peacemaker. No vampire or angel baby daddy. No friends. And no Earp legacy. Though she does find help in former Ex-sheriff Nedley. Which is where we left off while entering this new season.

Wynonna Earp is On The Road Again

One of the things Wynona is fantastic with are the one-liners and banters. Jokes that get me up and arms in laughter, which is exactly more of what this season delivers. After a typical arming up montage, where Wynonna seeks to use anything in sight in order to replace Peacemaker, she goes off with the Ned formerly known as: Sheriff, to find Wavery’s mystery stairway to Eden. Where she drops this little bomb:

One Small Step for Milf. One Giant Leap for Milf-kind.

This is, of course, right before flopping and failing in typical Wynonna fashion that mixes confidence with clumsiness. It is the kind of comedy that makes you love the show and reminds you what we’re getting into: funny gunslinger girl adventure hijinks. Anyway, we soon learn there is a dude named Valdez, who left his name on the Earp house wall. Revealing that the others were abducted by some black-ops agents, after Wynonna drugged them at the kitchen table to go on her solo-quest versus Bulshar. Wynonna finds some leads and then solo-quests to find Waverly, where thankfully, she runs into… “Haught pants” (Nicole).

This is very much a Wynonna and Nicole episode. A severely overdue adventure where two strong and incredibly hot women (their words. But also, mine) save the day. Wynonna Earp style. Together, they go on a quest to find Valdez, hoping to find another door to Eden. A backdoor if you will (again, Wynonna’s words not mine). And even though Peacemaker is gone… Wynonna and Nicole sure do know how to kick a lotta butt. They break into a facility and are ambushed by some sniper, as Wynonna saves the day… by relying on her friends, like Nicole. All while dropping some more hilarious one-liners:

Float like a butterface. Swing like a Three…some. Clear eyes. Full bra. Can’t lose.

Anyway, after Nicole incapacitates the sniper, she admits being angry at Wynonna, having been roofied by her best friend (Aw). Wynonna admits she never had a best friend (Aww). The girls makeup. The sniper is revealed to be a child, a girl named Rachel, who just happens to be the daughter of Doctor Gloria Valdez.

MEANWHILE IN PARADISE

Waverly is both rescued and then inevitably stuck, with Doc Holiday in the Garden. Together, they find her angel father’s seat but seek a way out. As the paradise is less garden and icy puzzle level. Finding the only random building, they find a mad man scientist, who has revealed the secret to keeping something at bay is with some human blood. He then gives himself the worst self-cut haircut that would make Sweeney Todd proud. Thankfully, Doc Holiday takes the when life gives you lemons approach, and they bleed the scientist dry given that a celestial and vampire won’t cut it.

Time passes. And Waverly and Doc are revealed to have been stuck a long time. Lost as to how to escape Eden, Doc seems to be forgetting what’s going on. As Waverly is soon losing herself too. Whatever is happening is making them lose themselves.

As a result, Waverly offers a bit of her angel blood to the machine, which oddly enough, then grows a Lilly pond after offering her blood. She’s given 4 choices which she has to pick, apparent journals with the names of the people she cares about on the covers, including Nicole, Wynonna, Doc, and herself.

ZOMBIE BOOM

Back in the lab, we find gassed scientists and dead people everywhere. Wynonna, eventually descending the lab and looking for more, can’t help but take the aggressive approach, trying to blow a gated door with dynamite. Revealing some riled up mutant-zombie scientists. In the chaos, we see Wynonna, Nicole, and even Rachel go on a zombie killing spree, stopping only when Wynonna steps on a grate. The same ones that Rachel warned never to step on. Fearing for her newly professed bestie, Nicole pushes Wynonna off and falls into a black pit herself.

This leads to an awkward morning where Doc Holiday wakes up to find a beautiful tree sprouting beautiful pink flowers. Randomly, when Doc goes into the building to check the machine, he finds not Waverly, but Nicole. Naked. Surprised to be there but happy to be close on Waverly’s trail.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Here’s the Recap one last time for those behind

I’m gonna try my best to keep these light and sweet. First, let me say, I’m not really this show’s usual demographic, as I’m neither a lesbian, or a woman. I’m just a guy covering Wynonna Earp because it’s fun. It’s SYFY. And it’s probably one of the few shows on TV that balances lighthearted adventure with low-stakes drama.

That said, I dig this cliffhanger and want to figure out why Eden is evil. I also, have a huge crush on Waverly Earp, as should any human with a pair of eyeballs and brain. And even though I rushed to catch-up this season, I gotta say, as someone who does nothing but write and consume stories for a living (and barely a living at that…)

This was pretty dope.

SDCC @Home: The 100 Special Video Presentation & Q&A

Norton

July 26, 2020

Cast of the 100 — Remember when this was possible? image c/o imdb.com

Our Full Coverage of the final ‘The 100’ panel is right here, Below.

Hosted by Eric Goldman The 100 panel for San Diego Comic-Con@Home features Marie Avgeropoulos (Octavia Blake), Lindsey Morgan (Raven Reyes), Richard Harmon (John Murphy), Tasya Teles (Echo), JR Bourne (Russel Lightbourne VII/Sheidheda), Shelby Flannery (Hope Diyoza), Shannon Kook (Jordan Green), and creator Jason Rothenberg discussing the final season of The 100.

First we focus in on Jason and what his potential plans are for the final season, which he skirts around without spoiling (understandably). It is funny to hear him lay out that the show’s endgame is to illustrate more of humanity than just selfish human destruction, I’m definitely curious what element at the finish line is gonna undo seven years of the overall message: People suck and they destroy whatever place they go.

Goldman then pivots to Marie with regards to the arch her character Octavia has had over the course of the series. She doesn’t go into great detail about who Octavia used to be – which any fan of the show who is watching really doesn’t require a recap of – but she instead deals with the question asked: What is it like to play this Octavia? And it sounds like it was new, an aspect of playing Octavia that Marie enjoys as an actress. She describes this season’s Octavia as softer and self-actualized.

Raven Reyes, on the other hand, hasn’t had it so good this season. Maybe it’s karma for the way Raven’s regarded her fellow survivors, as Lindsey puts it: judging them, and Lindsey also makes an interesting observation during this line of thought. She believes that Raven’s intelligence has actually hindered her ability to grow since she is always coming up with solutions to get her friends out of a bind. This has allowed her to keep her hands clean throughout the series, but in the final season she has now gained entrance into “the world of grey”. According to Lindsey, though, it’s a good thing. Raven’s conversation with Clarke allows her to say “I’m sorry” and “I get it” at last. So, yay, some growth!

There is a great little aside that happens where Jason reveals that the word “the” wasn’t actually in the line, Richard put it in there. Hey, this is how great lines are born people!

Which leads us to our next subject: John Murphy. Here is a character who has surely grown over the series, but now gets to be something Richard has always wondered about – a leader. A reluctant leader, by far, but if push comes to shove, he’ll certainly take the reins. Will Murphy remain loyal to his friends or put his own self-interest above all else? Richard sounds as curious about this as we all are.

Up until this point the flow from one person to the next felt fairly natural, but then Eric swerves to Taysa, (who plays Echo), possibly because there is no easy transition from Murphy to Echo per say, though these are two characters that have a surprising amount in common. Yes, Echo is a soldier to the core, loyal to her masters, while John is a man loyal mostly to himself, but both characters have experienced a degree of rejection from their respective societies for being who they are. John, this season, is forced to embody a roll he’s tried very hard to avoid – leadership, while Echo, who has been allowed to explore her own personal needs and desires, must now choose between this freedom and servitude. It is also worth noting both characters might backslide this season: John to his selfish, “me first” survival instincts, and Echo to her perfect soldier, “the cause first” mentality.

Taysa points out that Echo has had it hard this season, she lost the love of her life Bellamy, and this has forced her to make some difficult decisions in her pursuit to get him back – like killing Orlando. There is a fun moment between Marie and Taysa, where Echo’s growth has also included cuddling up with the woman she pushed off a cliff. Ah, The 100 where things change quickly.

Off to Shannon, who plays Jordan Green, the pie-eyed child of Monty Green. Shannon’s take on his character this season is that Jordan gets to see what life is like outside of the perfect bubble of love he’d known on the ship. It goes a long way to explaining his lack of hesitation in sleeping with basically the first girl he meets on a new planet. I do hope Shannon’s deep opinion of the character gets reflected on the screen because the flaw has always been that Jordan is one-note. Oddly Jason kicks in at the end to say that Jordan will be in doubt of the people of Bardo – maybe he was burned by the people of Sanctum? Things to tune in for!

Next up is JR, who joined the cast two seasons ago as Russel Lightbourne VII but is now playing Sheidheda, a most spectacular villain. What’s it like for an actor to shift gears so quickly? JR makes it sound fun! I don’t blame him either, Sheidheda is a fantastic character. Everyone in the cast espouses his brilliant job as these two characters. Even Jason takes a moment to praise the actor on his embodiment of some huge Shady moments.

Finally, we come to Shelby, Hope Diyoza, who teased her part at the end of season six only to present a fully realized personality in season seven. Shelby states that whole hog is the only way to go, which is impressive given Jason reveals this is her first acting job! Damn girl, way to slay! Jason’s kudos make perfect sense given how intense she’s been this season, and how pivotal. Imagine that’s your first job as an actor, welcome to the final season of a beloved series oh, and by the way, you’re a main player.

Once the individual interviews are finished, Goldman begins talking about the season as a whole. We get a brief discussion on the challenges of shooting parallel time zones.

We also get some cameos! People who are major players not only throughout the series but in this season, like Chuku Modu who plays Dr. Gabriel Santiago, Eliza Taylor and Bob Morley (married in real life) who play fans’ dream ship couple, Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake.

While I’m grateful for the appearances, when you do a show from home like this it does beg the question is opting out even an option? I suppose if you think about it critically the answer is, duh, of course! While these panels are pre-recorded, they still require a person (several people actually) to be available at a specific time for a length of time. Not to mention the limitations of wifi availability or strength, and finding a private place to engage when you’re trapped indoors with your entire family (this problem varies from person to person obviously). Still, it was nice to see them, especially since this is most likely their final panel.

Speaking of the unique nature of the beast that is Zoom Comic Con, how does one handle audience questions? From what I understand a certain number of fans are pre-selected and submit questions to be asked by the moderator.

The first question posed to the cast is about the show’s tendency to kill off characters who become fan favorites, did this potential scare the actors? The answer? Yes with some hilarious comments, ha ha ha Marie as a Honda Civic! Murphy’s trajectory and how it effected people’s desire for his death or not. Raven’s close call while the crew wished Lindsey goodbye, ouch!

Also, a parade of cameos of characters who weren’t so lucky avoiding the chopping block: Sara Thompson (Josephine Lightbourne), Alessandro Juliani (Jacapo Sinclair), Monty Green himself, Christopher Larkin who also came with an audition clip, and his love interest Harper McIntyre (Chelsey Reist), a surprise addition Wells Jaha (Eli Goree) who died waaaaaay back in season one, Octavia’s most righteous kill Charles Pike (Michael Beach), hottie of the Ice Nation Roan (Zach McGowan), reluctant nightblood Luna (Nadia Hilker), Wells’ father who lived a lot longer on the show Thelonious Jaha (Isaiah Washington), fan favorite accused of dying too soon Lexa (Alycia Debnam-Carey), and finally Clarke’s mom killed just last season Dr. Abigail Griffin (Paige Turco). Naturally, each and every one of them uses the famous phrase “May we meet again” to sign off. We’ll miss all of you!

Fan question #2 is a common query for shows coming to an end: Did you take anything from the set? The answer? Of course! There is a painting, the flame box, even a spoon! And, some regrets about what they didn’t take. Also looks like Taysa has her retirement plan in place – chairbacks anyone?

Question number 3 isn’t bad: Judging by your first day, did you think the show would be what it is today? Most people say No.

Question 4 is a human one: What is your favorite thing to do on set while on break? Nutella, taking out a dog, and smoking with hugs are just some of the answers.

A question for the group: What is it like to interact with the fans? As Tony the Tiger would say “It’s Grrrrrreat!” Though, to be fair, did you really expect them to shit on their fan-base? Jason does point out the writers can catch some negative feedback, but that’s not too surprising. It is nice to hear the actors talk about their craft for a bit too, which if you’re an aspiring actor could really resonate with you.

It is a good question to end on.

My greatest take away from anything like this, any time I watch an interview with an actor, is always the accents. I really never expect the accents of the actors who play such perfect English characters – or whatever country their character is from. Hearing Shannon talk with an accent is such a surprise, even Eliza and Bob during their cameo, and some of the other cameos. It amazes me, every time.

Another fun aspect of this particular wave of “at home” interviewing is seeing people’s backgrounds. Some choose their home, some set up a little space for it, some do it where ever they are (looking at you Roan on a boat).

SDCC 2020: What We Do In The Shadows

Robert Kijowski

July 26, 2020

The What We Do In The Shadows Crew Is Back... On Zoom!

All secret meetings take place in the fancy room. But the What We Do In The Shadows Panel is open to all for #ComicConAtHome

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-bBCUlPHyw&feature=youtu.be

Last season of What We Do In The Shadows (FX), we saw our band of misunderstood children of the night go through some serious arcs. During this panel hosted by Haley Joel Osment, we join the vampire crew along with Executive Producers Paul Simms and Stefani Robinson in revealing some new insights.

From the Cast:

Harvey Guillen who plays Guillermo de la Cruz loves the journey his dynamic journey his character’s gone on thus far. Wanting to be a vampire and learning about his vampire killer history culminated in him doing some of his favorite stuntwork in the season two finale. He also has an Instagram show called Before the Shadows, which chronicles what goes on behind the camera. It’s worth checking out sometime if you’re a fan.
Kayvan Novak who plays Nandor the Relentless loves the dysfunction behind him and Guillermo. Since his Familiar now has a side hustle as a vampire killer, their codependency may take a hard left turn in the future… though Nandor secretly needs Guillermo, as he’s the only person in the house willing to listen to him.
Natasia Demetriou who plays Nadja had spent extensive time on set with her felt-doppelganger. This had given her ample time to improvise, as most of her ADR was done while under quarantine.
Matt Berry who plays Laszlo Cravensworth, as well as Nadja’s paramour, had a ball penning a ton of quick jingles for their musical episode. Natasia was more than happy to say some of the ones they penned on the keyboard did make it to air. He was also tickled pink playing opposite Mark Hamill.
Mark Proksch who plays Colin Robinson was ironically ill for the episode where he gets some super-sick powers.
The cast enjoyed working with all the different Directors with their own style. This included Yana Gorskaya, the long time editor of the TV show and the movie who meticulously directed her first two episodes ever this past season.
Working in an actual house along with working at night and sleeping during the day is surreal.

From the Executive Producers:

Season 3 is a go. There aren’t too many details that can be divulged, but a few have emerged.
We may see some favorite forgotten faces from last season.
Everybody in the house will obtain that which they had been searching for.
Paul Simms is keeping mum at the moment regarding Nandor’s love life, but maybe it’s what he’s been searching for.
Colin may be seeking origins into his being an energy vampire.
The wellspring of mythical creatures will be expanding, including “creatures on edifices,” according to Stefani Robinson. My personal guess is Gargoyles.
The house WILL be getting a pet of sorts: A Hellhound to protect it.

So there you have it, folks. Though not a ton was revealed for the upcoming Season 3, we did get a couple of nibbles in, compliments of the cast and EP’s. The panel itself was silly and you can tell they truly have fun with each other, despite not physically being together.

San Diego Comic Con at Home 2020 – HBO’s Lovecraft Country

Jad Kaado

July 26, 2020

Here’s our coverage of the Lovecraft Country panel at SDCC 2020, where the cast talked about their experience working on the upcoming HBO show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4QhNYi648o

HP Lovecraft is one of the authors that, while growing up, helped shape my formative years as a writer; however, now having grown up, it’s about realizing that he was a massively intolerant douchebag and racist.

Having to reconcile the art and the artist is a long-standing argument and discussion piece in so many artistic, creative, media, and writing circles, with a range of opinions and perspectives, especially in this era of Cancel Culture.

Based on the 2016 novel of the same name, by Matt Ruff, Lovecraft Country is about the main character searching for his father to bring him back home, while also serving as an analysis on the racism that exists within HP Lovecraft’s work in the context of Jim Crow United States within the 1950s.

The panel begins with the current trailer, setting up the tone of the show and discussion, immediately followed with an awesome and erudite discussion with the following cast members: Jurnee Smollett (who plays Letitia Dandridge), Jonathan Majors (playing Atticus Black), Michael Kenneth Williams (playing Montrose Freeman), Aunjanue Ellis (playing Hippolyta Black), Wunmi Mosaku (playing Ruby Dandridge), Abbey Lee (playing Christina Braithwhite), and Courtney B. Vance (playing George Black).

In a conversation moderated by Sarah Rodman, the cast of the upcoming dark fantasy start off their discussion on what they enjoyed about the show, most with a general consensus among that the cast that they enjoyed working together throughout the production.

Three takeaways from the Lovecraft Country Panel

The show values positive moments of love among Black families alongside their struggles.

Aunjanue Ellis, who plays the character of Hippolyta Black, commented on the show’s depiction of grown-up black love, leading Michael Kenneth Williams to discuss the importance of the intimate love, specifically a love scene with George and Hippolyta Black, depicting imagery of smiling and looking over the shoulder within, and how scary it is to see an important depiction of that.

Familial love is another important aspect of the story, as the main plot is about Atticus searching for his father to reunite is family, and Atticus’ aunt and uncle joining him on a dangerous journey.

Jonathan Majors, who plays Atticus, also talked about how much he enjoyed Atticus’ characterization, which includes positive traits within the show and his reaction to reading the script when it was first sent to him.

“My first read,” said Majors, “I read it twice back to back when I first got it. It’s a black guy that’s who are we are following? You get to explore not just the archetypical ideas of what we get to play, not just a soldier but a bibliophile, he gets to go on adventures, travels….who’s he’s connected to, [what is] fatherhood, what it is to be a son, to be a part of the black community at that time. He’s a Lovecraftian bibliophile and that’s not common. It didn’t take much to get me on.”

Shifting away and challenging the conventions of the stereotypes usually attributed to African American characters is an important aspect to the show

It depicts historical realities that still resonate deep today

In the discussion, Ellis points out the use of a Green book, which “was this manual that was used by black citizens that gave an outline of where it was safe to go to eat, safe to vacation, restaurants, hotels, and places that were open to them in segregationist America. The family (protagonists) is involved in preparing the information that black people, which was unfortunately needed at that time.”

Depicting details from history, such as the Green book, is important in speculative fiction, as it is a window into what is occurring in today’s society. This is especially true for racial tensions, with the current situation today.

Moderator Rodman brought up an interesting scene where the writers take a historical reality that was part of the African American during Jim Crow and included within the script. This is the segregationist concept of “Sundown” towns, where Black citizens were physically threatened and/or executed by Whites (cops especially) if they did not leave all-white municipalities by sundown. Rodman asked how it was like to do that scene considering all that is surrounding the issues facing our society today.

Jurnee Smollet responded by saying that “It’s tough because there are some many themes that we explore in the show that resonate with us being Black Americans in 2020 and unfortunately as we are seeing, sometimes our police departments are, as Angela Davis calls, one of the most dramatic examples of structural racism.”

Smollett continued on to stay that dwelling on that negative energy, such as “system racism is a dark place to go to but is necessary.” Smollet explained how essential it was to have everyone face these unfortunate realities together as a family on the production, which helped her get through the show.

“One of my teachers refers to it as blood memory, reverberates through our DNA this visceral connection to the oppression of our people and that’s why we are still telling these stories,” she said. “Yes when you tap into these stories, like Lovecraft, there is a familiar emotion that it brings up for sure but again having family, we have each other, that’s the thing about the show, I don’t know how I would have survived the show, without having my brothers and sisters in arms…helps you have the strength to tackle these stories.”

The Cast can personally relate to the issues discussed in the show.

Representation in arts and media is essential, and one of the most difficult parts of this panel is listening to the actors talk their own personal horrors of encountering systemic racism in everyday life.

Courtney B. Vance shared a scary experience where he was harassed by the police when he entered his own home in a White neighborhood, and how he has to constantly explain police brutality to his young daughter.

Jonathan Majors shared his experience growing up in Texas, recounting how driving and being Black can elicit an immediate and dangerous reaction from police officers patrolling the roads.

Michael Kenneth Williams also shared a heartbreaking experience about how a white woman called the police on him, his brother, and his friends while having dinner at a restaurant because she misplaced her phone and felt compelled to call the police rather than return to the restaurant and look for her phone.

By discussing this publicly and facing their shared experience to experience together during the production, the cast and the crew of Lovecraft Country show that important of using fiction to discuss these issues while being sensitive to the historicity of the setting within the story and balancing the positives and negatives of that reality.

I think it’s innate to human beings too and very particular to the African American experience, says Jonathan Majors. “We wouldn’t be here now if we couldn’t find levity in humor in humanity… We black folks are full human beings, where there is sorrow there is joy. Just with the cast, we are tight, and there are days we would go crazy on set and crying about this and this…and then shooting the shot. For me it felt extremely natural and that we were home. There is a culture with ups and downs. You can’t make art with a sad face on.”

Reclaiming the works of Lovecraft and transforming the context away from its original authorial intent is powerful and is going to change the way people perceive and learn about Lovecraft’s legacy.

As a speculative fiction writer, myself, I am personally excited to see how Misha Green, co-creator and director of the show, is going to explore and defy the underlying racist and xenophobic of Lovecraft’s work.

Before the panel ended, Rodman introduced an exclusive sneak peek from the pilot.

In the preview, we see the main characters in what appears to be a museum at night, looking for a secret entrance under the bust of a statute. There is a tense feeling and Montrose Freeman tells them to turn off the flashlights. Once they do so, a mystical light appears and shines in a jagged pattern around the room, eventually pointing to a statue tiger’s tooth to unlock the door. There, they find a deep hole and go down it with a rope and find three tunnels, with an inscription warning “Beware All Ye Who Tread the Path, ever the tide shall rise”

Overall, this was a really great panel and one of my favorites so far with Comic-Con at Home. It’s great hearing from the cast and learning about their professional and personal experiences as they completed the production of the show. I highly recommend checking out the panel, which can be found at this link.

The show is created by producer Misha Green and executive producer Jordan Peele, along with J.J. Abrams also serving as an executive producer. The pilot is scheduled for release on August 16, 2020, through HBO.

SDCC 2020: Wynonna Earp Takes The Stairs

Christian Angeles

July 25, 2020

Wynonna and Nicole get down to business to find Waverly — WYNONNA EARP -- "On the Road Again" Episode 401 -- Pictured: (l-r) Melanie Scrofano as Wynonna Earp, Katherine Barrell as Officer Nicole Haught -- (Photo by: Michelle Faye/Wynonna Earp Productions, Inc./SYFY)

At SDCC 2020, showrunner Emily Andras ran through the ins-and-outs the much-anticipated Season 4. With a sneak peek of the premiere!

Last year, we officially announced Wynonna Earp’s soon-to-be return. Well, after a long wait, a lot of Earping, and a buttload of billboards, Wynonna Earp is finally back on SYFY!

In this panel, we join Katie Wilson from SYFYwire who hosts the panel, featuring showrunner Emily Andras alongside cast members Melanie Scrofano, Tim Rozon, Dominique Provost-Chalkley, Katherine Barrell, and Varun Saranga as they talk about the highly anticipated 4th season. The cast also show off their best impressions, challenge each other with a round of trivia, and share a sneak peek of the Season 4 premiere!

Wynonna Earp Season 4 Panel SDCC 2020

At the panel, Katie began with introductions to the cast and showrunner Emily Andras. Then followed up with a quick abridged recap of the series, where we began to remember where the storyline and characters were in detail for a quick, but incredibly accurate recap. This included quick emotional rundowns of Melanie Scorfano filming actually pregnant, the ‘Murderize of Dolls’ which was revealed to be one of the toughest episodes to shoot, and of course last year’s finale: where an Angel, Vampire, Cop, and a scientist, along with Wynonna herself, all marched to purgatory to slay Bulshar. With the cliffhanger being of course: Waverly’s take back to the Garden.

Now, the Wynonna Earp cast addressed the fans with a dear thank you (especially, with the Billboards in Times Square). As Emily Andras promised more show and crazy situations, ecstatic about how beloved people love the series. Katie then opened the floor up to Earpers for questions on Twitter, which I’ve transcribed in short-form below.

Feeling on the set of Wynonna Earp?

Cast: agreed, mostly, home and family. Save Emily who said it was magic.

If There Was a Wynonna Earp Timecapsule when the show ends, what would you put in it?

The picture we took in the diner – Varun

Her positive pregnancy test. When rethinking about her answer, Wynonna would put Peacemaker. Melanie would O.G. boots and jacket and necklace. – Melanie

Doc would put his guns in the ground. Then grab the little piece of paper back. – Tim

Something from this season (can’t be revealed) – Katherine

Many agreed with Katherine’s answer. When Emily was given a choice, she suggested the Beau Smith original comic. Then the E-mail from SYFY agreeing to greenlight the show, even if they thought it was insane.

What Superlative Would Be in your character Yearbook?

Doc Holiday would be most likely to become a Dentist. – Tim

Waverly, most likely to succeed. – Dominique

I Think Nicole would be most likely to travel to every country. – Katherine

Wynonna, Most likely to piss you off. Take no shit. – Melanie

If The Team did an escape who’d be most excited and would they get out?

Definitely Waverly and Jeremy. But the others would likely let the two have at it. While the others would do something else. – Emily

It was then revealed there was an Earp themed escape room at the con by Emily. The goal would be to keep Waverly away from marrying Champ.

What would have been Nicole’s fate in the 6-episode arc had Kat and Dominique’s chemistry not been good?

Emily admitted that it wasn’t a 6-episode arc, it was no arc whatsoever. She just wanted to see if it worked. She did emphasize she never intended to kill off a gay character, but really, there wasn’t a plan that far in advance as it’s television.

Afterward, the cast began playing games answering questions about each other’s works. How did Melanie’s character Gina die in Saw VI (Shotgun on a carousel). The scene in Tim’s first concert (Whitesnake). What was Kat’s first directed school’s production (Wizard of Oz). Dominique’s least favorite chore (Taking the bins out). Varun’s two student films in college (‘Nerdman: The Jeremy Story’ and ‘Small Fry’). What Emily steals onset (Bananas).

Afterward, they played the wheel of Wynonna. Where different actors had to perform as that specific character talking about a randomly spun topic (Starts at 26:50. Hilarious. Do check it out). They also do a hilarious impersonation of Doc trying to pronounce the words, “Wynonna Earp”. The panel then ends with the sneak peek, set on a very particular stairway we’d seen last season. You can see the cast’s reactions live at the end.

Details About The Premiere

SYFY’s Wynonna Earp Season 4 premiere is Sunday, July 26th at 10 on SYFY. Allowing for a much more: MA rating. We here at TheWorkprint will be covering every episode, weekly. So be sure to check out new episodes on Sunday. With a special podcast planned here for the midseason finale.

SDCC 2020 at Home: Constantine 15th Anniversary Panel

Jad Kaado

July 25, 2020

Constantine SDCC 2020 — Picture from Rotten Tomatoes

When Constantine first arrived in theaters back in 2005, I was both stupid excited and extremely worried to finally see one of my favorite characters and stories appear on the big screen.

As a fan of Alan Moore (who created the titular character in his Swamp Thing series) and Hellblazer/John Constantine , I was also exceedingly worried that this was going to turn into a travesty, like much of Moore’s work when translated into film.

In fact, the film had quite the opposite impact – not just on me, but on the entire Hellblazer fandom itself. Although it’s not quite a “John Constantine” film, the story takes a different approach to the character and makes some bold decisions on how to bring this iconic English comic book hero into the messy zeitgeist that is American pop culture.

It’s a really great story, and I love the living hell out of it. Easily of my favorite horror-action-fantasy films, Constantine boasts an insanely talented cast of Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Djimon Hounsou, Shia LeBeouf, and Tilda Swinton. This movie arguably brought new life to the world of Hellblazer and the character of Constantine.

The movie brought a lot more attention to the comic book series and created interest among fans due to it being mainstream. This eventually was recognized by creatives and executives when the comic book industry took over in film, resulting in the fantastic Constantine TV series that came out in 2014, starring Matt Ryan, as well as a few animated movies about the character.

Directed by Francis Lawrence and produced by Akiva Goldsman, this DC film adaptation became an instant hit with Hellblazer fans, mainly because the character didn’t really exist outside the comic book world and the fact that it is a genuinely good story, with solid performances from both Reeves and Weisz.

Although not accurate to the comic book, Hellblazer fans generally taking a liking to film as it is loosely based on Garth Ennis’ run on Hellblazer, specifically issues #41-46 within the Original Sins tradeback, and included characters from the series such as Chaz (played by LeBeouf) and Papa Midnight (played by Djimon Hounsou). It was even later adopted into DC canon through a Hellblazer in 2019.

For this year’s stay at home convention, San Diego Comic-Con brought us a look back at Constantine, with a panel moderated by Collider’s editor-in-chief, Steven Weintraub.

During the panel, Reeves, Goldsman, and Lawrence discussed their experiences with pre-production and setting up the film. Lawrence and Goldsman provided an interesting insight into their pre-production, and how they built up to making the movie.

Lawrence divulged how he looked at the film not as a comic book movie, but more as a film noir, bringing up his influences (such as The Maltese Falcon and Bladerunner). He also stated that his main focus was mainly on creating a good story with good characterization, which is what he succeed within his first-ever feature-length.

Throughout the panel there was substantial discussion on production also, where Lawrence, Goldsman and Reeves discussed cinematography, the importance of geography (specifically LA) within the film, and the R rating process they had with the MPAA.

The discussion is delightful throughout the panel, with Reeves discussing his work on the role as well as his experiences with his castmates, the panel is mainly an introspection of the making of the movie. This is great for just focusing on the movie solely, especially since the 2005 film isn’t usually in the spotlight.

If you haven’t seen the movie – or missed the panel – here are a few observations that really stuck with me through the panel (which I will definitely be chatting about with my friends later today).

Six Takeaways from the Constantine 15^th Anniversary Panel

No sequel is in the plans. This one was a bit of a heartbreaker. According to Goldsman, he and Lawrence tried pitching a hard R rated sequel to the film to studios in various ways but was not successful. He mentioned that the film’s “oddness, what’s really beautiful about it, is that it gets it harder and harder to make [as a sequel]. Lawrence reiterated that a potential sequel was talked about more among themselves than the actual studio. The director mentioned that it wasn’t a huge critical and financial success, implying that it is probably a factor in studios deciding whether they would want to pursue a Constantine sequel.
Nicholas Cage was originally intended to play the role of Constantine. According to Lawrence, during the early stages of pre-production, he and the scriptwriters were shopping the story around with Nicholas Cage. Ultimately, movie preparation stopped for a while. Lawrence mentioned that “slowly but surely the idea was durable enough to outlive struggles it had” before restarting again and picking up Keanu Reeves as the lead, just after he was finished filming the Matrix trilogy. Imagine….a Hellblazer versus a bunch of bees.
Michelle Monaghan filmed an entire subplot for the film which was completely scrapped. If you have a good eye, you can notice that Michelle Monaghan was briefly in Constantine. This is because she filmed an entire subplot for a movie in which her character was in a relationship with John Constantine. Late during the production, Lawrence and Goldsman made a decision to remove her as the character of his girlfriend and even got Monaghan to come back and reshoot scenes to try and keep her character in the film, which eventually was cut out again due to it not serving the story well. This resulted in her briefly appearing in the Holy Water and Hospital in a scene (uncredited). Some of the alternate and deleted scenes of her role can be seen on the DVD features and online.
This movie got Rotten Tomatoes to apologize to them. This one is impressive. Over time, Constantine built a large fan base around the movie to the point that adopted into DC canon in 2019 with a brief appearance in The Sandman Universe Presents Hellblazer #1; as well as the novelization of Hellblazer: War Lord by Joan Shirly a few years earlier, where comic book prime Constantine talks about the existence and film adventures of Keanu Constantine! Due to this, many people have relooked at the film again, and Lawrence points out that “Rotten Tomatoes apologized to Constantine for their initial review.“
There is a second Holy Shotgun. During the panel, Lawrence pulled out the Holy Shotgun that Constantine used in the film and mentioned that Keanu Reeves had the prop guy make the director a second one as a gift. All three then speculated what happened to the original Holy Shotgun with Lawrence joking that it is locked up in the Raiders of the Lost Ark Museum of Hollywood studios. This leads to the final take away of the panel that….
Keanu Reeves enjoyed his role and is still super sweet! The whole time Keanu was very modest, especially when complimented by the director and producer, and kept giving shoutouts to all the crew that was working on the film, even naming a few of them in the panel. He talked a lot about how much fun he had in the film with the entire cast and crew “I enjoyed working with Francis Lawrence’s vision, Akiva Goldsman’s story sense, humor, and experience, and the whole crew and cast. Playing the role, I get to have these great movements with actors such as Peter Stromare (who played the devil) and getting choked out by Tilda Swinton. The dialogue is so juicy, and the scenes are mysterious!” Even though he said he didn’t know much about the character of Constantine prior to the film, he very much enjoyed the process of researching the character and bringing it to life. Reeves mentioned that “I had to reconcile that he wasn’t blonde and British. I looked at the base of the character, a humanitarian cynic, who’s tired, weary… tired of all the rules, morals, ethics, and demons. I loved his sense of humor. I love the film and the character. It was cool to play role and jump into it.”

Overall, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a sequel announced during the panel, but it was incredibly fun and nostalgic to see Reeves, Goldsman, and Lawrence ruminate about the film and their experiences during the production. It’s good to see that it was a fun process for all the creatives, as the care and reverence they had for their work definitely shows in the final product of the movie.

As a big fan of the Constantine world, especially the movie, this is a definitive must-watch panel that is suited for any Constantine fan. It’s filled with fun stories and informative discussions of film techniques that are worth checking out!

What did you think of the movie? Do you want to see a Constantine sequel? What are your thoughts on the Constantine world overall and how it’s currently headed? Let me know what you think in the comment below! (Maybe I’ll respond)

SDCC 2020: ‘Bob’s Burgers’

Robert Kijowski

July 24, 2020

If you are missing everyone’s favorite Jersey Shore (search it up) familial band of misfits, fret no longer. Tune in your TV’s and turn on your Heart Lights because Animation Domination is returning to Sundays this fall with Loren Bouchard’s ELEVENTH season. We now join in on the panel that made all of this madness possible.

On the panel, show creator Loren Bouchard, staff writer Nora Smith, the usual suspects H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, and Larry Murphy acted nine types of silly along with producer Janelle Momary.

Amuse Bouche:

First off, let’s thank our lucky stars that this is an animated show. The entire team’s been all hands on deck during this COVID thing. They’ve been working tirelessly to have this drop September 27th of this year to bring you episodes like “Terms of EndREARment” I simply have two words for you: anal worms.

Written before the pandemic, the pinworm premise is pretty prescient, with the little buggers going from child to child. That, combined with the kids building a hamster slide in order to get a hamster tells me this season is going to be something for books.

In addition to “Dream A Little Bob of Bob” which is fever-dream based, we also have a HALLOWEEN episode to look forward to. This will be exploring the hotel at the end of the street (which is a true treat for the old Bob’s Burgers heads.)

Where’s the Beef:

MOVIE! There is a film on the horizon! Loren is a little tight-lipped on an actual drop date, but after 10 seasons, we the fans are chomping at the bit. Loren, not one to toot his own horn maintains that the art is amazing and Kristen Schaal completely cosigns.

Additionally, we also have an episode called “Copa-Bobana” in which we find the patriarch fall in love with a brand new kitchen in this Brothers’ Fischoeder new night club at which Linda is supposed to be the resident singer. To see the sheer elation on his mustachioed face, gushing over each appliance with gusto. From what they had shown thus far, this may be my new favorite episode, as we may see Bob shine like never before with the enhanced surroundings.

The Fix-Ins:

In addition to the aforementioned episodes, we also meet Linda’s parents for only the second time (“Diarrhea of a Poopy Kid”). Down the road will also be a Thanksgiving episode in addition to their 200th Episode!! This will have a Rashamon bent and I for one couldn’t be happier.

As for the fan Q&A portion, we find out that Loren may never put Linda Belcher’s offscreen friend, Ginger on screen. He likes lording it over fans’ heads as a possibility that may never come to pass, and I for one love that. It kind of reminds me of Jowdy from Twin Peaks or the Kessel Run from Star Wars. It’s gaslighting and I want more of it.

We also find out that Loren Bouchard also would love to employ more women to voice male roles, just as he has men voicing female roles, so fingers crossed!

Oh, and one last takeaway: Kristen Schaal isn’t a public pooper, hence why “Poops!… I Didn’t Do It Again” was her favorite episode. Food for thought.

SDCC 2020: The ‘Archer’ Season 11 Panel Talks Pandemic-life, Alcohol, and Special Guests

Christian Angeles

July 24, 2020

Archer Season 11 Crew all assembled — Credit: FXX

At SDCC 2020, The Cast and Executive Producer of Archer discussed Season 11, pandemic-life, and the official release date: September 16th at 10pm on FXX

After several long and meandering seasons of storylines (including bits in 1940s Los Angeles, 1930s South Pacific, and its most latest season set in space), Archer finally returns to its roots as a spy agency. Where Sterling Archer makes his dramatic return after a three-year coma.

“We are incredibly excited for our 11th season and look forward to Archer waking up from his coma and returning to a spy world that has continued without him for the past three years.” – Casey Willis

Excited to hear about the details, San Diego Comic-Con@Home held a panel with the voice cast of Archer minus H. Jon Benjamin. With Aisha Tyler, Chris Parnell, Judy Greer, Amber Nash, and Lucky Yates, along with executive producer Casey Willis. When asked where H. Jon Benjamin was during the panel, it’s told he was somewhere out in the wilderness (Yes, I’m serious. Watch the video to see for yourself) Together, the group held a lively discussion about the new season. For a clean panel featuring different tidbits about Season 11.

Archer Season 11 Panel SDCC 2020

https://youtu.be/mtnoVATSQBM

At the panel, we began with hilarious introductions by Casey Willis. Where Judy Greer’s video hilariously delayed in her cut-out celebrations, and Lucky Yates admitted to only getting drunk while under the influence of the cast. Soon after introductions, the gang immediately talked about fun drinking stories while at conventions. Their experiences at Dragon Con. Along with some of the epic Archer themed Cosplay they’ve encountered throughout the years. Most of the conversations devolved, though eventually got back on track by talking about Milton the toast making robot… who no, is not featured in season 11. Still, the cast then began pitching ideas about Milton the robot! Including a possible storyline where Milton pulls a Short Circuit and comes alive… Featuring ‘Steve Gluttonberg’.

Anyway, when finally back on track Casey revealed that the last two episodes for this season were recorded while under quarantine. Where Chris Parnell revealed that the work was more-or-less the same. Where everyone else recorded in the studio save for Judy Greer who recorded from home. Though there was a liquor store by studio Awesome Judy admittedly preferred to purchase toiler paper as it’s cheap and accessible. While pivoting onto pandemic-living topics, Judy and Aisha shared different things able to find in the grocery store, mostly the liquor purchases made. Thankfully, Amber Nash then revealed her dad had a makeshift bunker with supplies where she picked up toilet paper. Chris Parnell also shared he found local supplies at his nearby grocery store but jokingly refused to purchase anything outside of Amazon and the big corporation supply stores.

They then revealed that the show is still in production in Atlanta on the animation side. The animaters still diligently at work even right now. When asked about what’s exciting for the new season, Amber shared she’s interested in going back while Chris’s son Damian video bombed the panel. Chris then proceeded to breakdown Damian’s new classes he’ll be taking during the pandemic, while Aisha shared her aversion towards the need for showering in the Pandemic world. Something… a lot of people can share about pandemic (I know I’m guilty). It was revealed that Simon Pegg is going to be featured in the new season. Also, recurring guest star Jamie Lee Curtis will be featured this season. Thanks in great to Judy Greer, who’d connected with the actress over the last Halloween movie. Apparently, Jamie Lee Curtis is a huge fan of the show, as she’d watched every episode with her son.

The group then went to fan questions though, for the most part, it was more story sharing. Questions like if they’d ever dreamt about their characters (no). And if the Archer cast starred in a James Bond film what would it be (like Phrasing, Stink Finger, and a good day to Splooge). Also, when asked about least favorite catchphrases on the show, Aisha revealed she was tired of random people yelling: “LANA!” to her.

The panel then concluded by confirming the official release date: Wednesday, September 16th on FXX.

SDCC 2020: Venture into Family and Fear with Marvel’s ‘Helstrom’

Nicole C

July 24, 2020

Comic-Con at home brought a little horror this week through Marvel’s Helstrom in a virtual panel to meet the cast of the upcoming Hulu show and showrunner Paul Zbyszewski.

Starring Tom Austen and Sydney Lemmon as Daimon and Ana Helstrom, siblings who hunt the worst of humanity with their skills and abilities as children of a mysterious and powerful serial killer.

Based on Marvel characters Daimon and Satana Hellstrom, the duo are the progeny of the demon Marduk Kurios and a human woman, Victoria Wingate Hellstrom. When Victoria discovered her husband’s true identity, she went mad and was institutionalized. Daimon was sent to live in a Jesuit orphanage while his sister was taken to their father’s hell dimension and raised there. The brother rejected his demonic heritage while Satana embraced it.

The cast in attendance were Tom Austen (Daimon Helstrom), Sydney Lemmon (Ana Helstrom), Elizabeth Marvel (Victoria Helstrom), Alain Uy (Chris Yen), Ariana Guerra (Gabriella Rossetti), June Carryl (Louise Hastings), and Robert Wisdom (Caretaker).

During the panel, Zbyszewski expressed that the core of the show is family, both the one you are born with and the one you create. He was initially drawn to the comic because he wanted to bring a darker tone to the Marvel television offerings. It is certainly darker as fans were also treated to a teaser trailer (see above) with shots of a mental institution, an unstable mother that released something mysterious into the world, lots of fire, a family picture with dad’s face scratched out, and various weapons.

Here are the most notable tidbits revealed:

The first season is based on Son of Satan.
The series deals a lot with family dynamics, nature vs. nurture, decisions and consequences, and characters dealing with their own personal demons.
Among all the characters on the show, Daimon and Ana are both the closest and furthest apart. Both have created their own worlds as adults, and, when they meet up together, they’ll have to navigate how to deal with their childhood trauma.
Both siblings have abilities. Zbyszewski reveals that they can manipulate energy in different ways.
Victoria’s voice was developed by Marvel screaming in her hotel room while watching the news. At one point, while doing her vocal warm up, security came into the cast tent thinking there was a bear. She also took inspiration from Anthony Hopkins and researched addiction because it related to how there were two sides of her character: monster and mother.
Caretaker’s character has been reimagined, though there will be lots of nods to his comic book origins. He ends up tending to a soul that had been shattered.
Gabriella and Daimon have a very complicated relationship, and it starts with a lot of tension because of their different perspectives. She comes from a very religious and logical angle and eventually discovers Daimon’s background. She is then able to relate to him by seeing his love for his mom and his past trauma.
Chris and Ana originally meet through foster care, and their bond is forged through that shared experience. They are both able to survive and even become successful as adults.
Louise ends up inheriting a person, whom she ends up providing both tough love and gentle nurturing. Her character initially doesn’t know who she is until she gets tested.
There will be lots of comic easter eggs on the show in the form of props, character stories, and more!
Austen teased that by episode five and six, the show will flip on itself. He’s really excited to see how fans will react to it.

Helstrom is now the only Marvel live action show outside of Disney+. Ghost Rider had originally been in development as well but was axed last September. At one point, Hulu was also developing Howard the Duck, Tigra and Dazzler, M.O.D.O.K., Hit-Monkey, and The Offenders.

The series also features Daniel Cudmore and David Meunier. All episodes will be released on October 16, 2020 on Hulu.

Watch the full panel now:

For more Comic-Con at home coverage, click HERE.

‘I May Destroy You’ Episode 4 Recap: “That Was Fun”

Robert Kijowski

July 24, 2020

Consensual doesn’t equate to consent. Think about it.

I May Destroy You Season 1:

Episode 1 – “Eyes Eyes Eyes Eyes”

Episode 2 – “Someone is Lying”

Episode 3 – “Don’t Forget the Sea”

Episode 4 – “That was Fun”

The stigma as a victim of sexual assault and rape is criminally stomach-churning. The entire process of healing is arduous and hell. The fucking messier shitshow is when the lines aren’t as clearly delineated and what constitutes as consent given and consent violently wrested. The waters are even further muddied as the law varies from country to country in what is rape and what is rape-adjacent. Welcome to the fourth episode of I May Destroy You (HBO) titled “That Was Fun.”

We open up on a reserved Arabella (Michaela Coel) two months after the event meeting with her Drug-Facilitated Sex Assault therapist, Carrie (Andi Osho).

This is juxtaposed by Kwame (Paapa Essiedu) browsing a supermarket for more than just produce, lobbing horny texts through Grindr to a potential encounter just around the corner and just behind his mother’s back. There’s no shame in his game.

Bella is rather nervous, as this session takes an hour. She has a great and supportive group of friends around her, but when all by her lonesome, or possibly in the presence of strangers, she may encounter flashbacks. This makes it imperative that she be physically around those that care for her at any time, if such should transpire.

When this is the case, Arabella is diminutive to her own trauma by shifting the worry to other peoples’ problems, like famine. Having done similar things before, I agree when her therapist says that in trying to see the bigger picture, we’re actually the most important one.

Back in the dank supermarket bathroom (and they all are, no matter the country) Kwame is orally shaking hands with his random hookup. Well, not so much a handshake as servicing. After the deed is done and Kwame washes out, he’s still being checked out by the Grindr hookup in front of his mum. Hey, he’s completely out and proud!

After revealing to her therapist that she’s no family that’s privy to the incident, Arabella’s told to try relaxing activities, like yoga or painting, to jog her creativity in helping her finish her current book. In switching the subject around, Bella asks her therapist what her roommate Ben must be doing, much to her chagrin. This could be a deflection. Either way, Bella sees herself out.

Before you know it, Bella’s laying into a punching bag as Kwame militantly commands a Tai-Bo class with Terry (Weruche Opia) in tow. Arabella is spent and, during the two-minute water break, Kwame hits on a student, Nicholas (Tobi King Bakare). Spent and on her back, Bella once again sees the figure but exhales to make him go away.

Kwame later relays to Nicholas his comfortable nature as being gay, though his father visiting from Ghana can’t even look his own son in the eye for it. You see, this is seeing a person not for who they are but rather what they are and, if a title holds more sway than the person holding it, that’s simply not acceptable. Though Nicholas is apprehensive about using the title to identify himself as of yet and Kwame’s okay with Nicholas questioning to find the answer on a possible “date” with him.

Approaching his flat, Kwame throws out the possibility of maybe a future of living together if things work out that way as he’s not scared. This might be a little too fast for Nicholas because dude straight up leaves.

Meanwhile, at a cafe, Arabella meets Zain (Karan Gill), the ghostwriter that was assigned to her in helping her finish her book. Since the joint is closing up, he suggests Julian’s office, but the setting brings back memories of the morning after her attack, so she suggests a hotel bar instead. Her therapist did cite that certain locations may trigger these flashbacks, and a bar seems like a neutral location.

In his own bedroom, Kwame casts out his line again on Grindr for a threesome with Nicholas. He immediately gets hit up by Malik (Samson Ajewole), and it’s a go.

At the bar, Bella’s reading back her manuscript. Zain inquires what genre it is and what her literary background is. Before she gets a chance to answer, the ringing rears its ugly head again. A waitress comes up and asks if they’d like anything to drink, and, though he opts for water, she opts out of anything. A glass is soon dropped, as is the boring case in any bar, but Arabella denies any culpability. This completely knee-jerk reaction doesn’t stop there; Zain knows she’s published by Susy Henny and begins to hit on Arabella but is immediately shut down, with his slightest touch drives her out the door and to her brother’s house to retrieve colored pencils.

On the bus home, she repeats to herself that “there’s a war in Syria, there are children going hungry, and not everybody has a smartphone.” This is a classic example of the rule of threes, and Arabella may need to do this just for herself, just to keep some levity in her life.

As Kwame and his date embark on their threesome, Nicholas asks if he has to do anything with the other guy. Kwame says he doesn’t, with a grin pursed on his lips. The confidence shows that he might actually show this nervous guy how fun it is to be open with it all. As they show up at the door of Malik’s flat, they kiss before entering. Inside, they are greeted to the third and are requested to immediately take their shoes off.

Back at her flat, Arabella’s shaken from her catatonia by her doorbell. Zain comes in and rereads her stuff. He seems to like it, and, because she’s in a safe space, she turns the tables on him a little. She asks him about his background. He’s a Cambridge graduate from India and backed by Portland Street Publishers. There seems to be somewhat of a connection there, and even though he claims he doesn’t like colored pencils when asked, Bella seems calm.

Sex is inevitable, but not before running into Ben, who is mixing his band’s session. Around there, there things that go boom in the night, and Arabella just might be one of them. The rub is that she cares if someone likes her book, or doesn’t to be honest, and isn’t in this for simply the lay. She abandons all fear once he asks for a kiss, but fear is instilled again when Zain’s face replaces the stranger’s visage. Getting freaked, Bella lights up a joint and though Zain offers to leave, she wants him to stay. As they sit together, her poster falls once more… not a good sign.

Back at their whole threeway, Kwame inquires about the third guest. Though sketchy in his answers, Kwame still goes along with it as a song citing phrases “batty boy” and “fucked in the ass” plays on the radio. Nicholas uncomfortably begs them to change the song. When the Grindr date asks Kwame what he’s into and is met with the response of “everything“, Nicholas is visibly freaked out and his Grindr date is turned on. Again, Kwame’s not trying to fuck Nicholas so much as give him a peek into his world to see if he likes it.

Things at Bella’s seem to be going okay sex-wise, but we truly see Zain for what he truly is when they switch to doggy-style. LIKE A FUCKING DICK, he “stealths” the situation. For those not in the know, the term “stealthing” is removing a condom without your partner’s consent and therefore is a complete and unequivocal form of assault.

As both Kwame and his Grindr hookup are having a good time, Nicholas eventually leaves. For someone who should be eased into all of it, Kwame shows him more of the extreme side right off the bat, which would have plenty racing for the door.

After cumming in Arabella and being confronted about it, Zain’s forced to buy her Plan B pills- which is a pittance to what a fucking creep like that deserves.

Kwame is ready to call it a night, but before he can have a chance, a naked Malik through sheer size forces a clothed Kwame on the bed and forcibly assaults him through humping him from behind, treating him like a sex-toy and not an individual with a soul.

Visibly shaken, Kwame leaves and is taunted by Malik. Through tears, he calls Arabella but instead of revealing what just happens, he opts to tell her goodnight.

This episode was a fucking rough watch on any level, be it human being, or through a critical lens. This was about initial consent before it’s fucking latently stolen. Despite being labeled a dark comedy at times, there was very little to nothing laughable about this episode, and that’s the point. I can only fucking pray someone gets their comeuppance in the next episode. On the bright side, Greentea Peng’s “Mr. Sun (miss da sun)” takes us out of this very dark space and into the credits.

SDCC 2020: ‘The Boys’ Are Renewed For Season 3

Christian Angeles

July 23, 2020

The Boys in a modern visual adaption poster of the comic — Image Via: Amazon Studios

**At SDCC 2020, Aisha Tyler moderated a behind-the-scenes look at The Boys with executive producer Eric Kripke, the cast, and a cameo appearance by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg who broke special news.**

The Boys is a fun and irreverent take on superhero celebrity culture and what happens when superpowers are abused for celebrity status instead of being used for good. An adaption of the best selling graphic novel whose first season we had covered last year.

Season two finds The Boys on the run from the law and hunted by the Supes, as they desperately try to regroup and fight back against Vought – a conglomerate that profits off the superheroes celebrity and covers up their dirt. In hiding, Hughie (Jack Quaid), Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso), Frenchie (Tomer Capon) and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) try to adjust to a new normal with Butcher (Karl Urban) nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Starlight (Erin Moriarty) must navigate her place in The Seven along with Queen Maeve (Dominique McElligott), A-Train (Jessie T. Usher), The Deep (Chace Crawford) and Black Noir (Nathan Mitchell); as Homelander (Antony Starr) sets his sights on total control. Yet, his power is threatened with the addition of Stormfront (Aya Cash), a social media savvy Supe, who has an agenda of her own.

Based on The New York Times best-selling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, “The Boys” was developed by showrunner Eric Kripke (“Supernatural”), who also serves as writer and executive producer. And the series is produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (“Preacher”). The eight-episode Amazon Prime Video original series is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television Studios with Point Grey Pictures, Kripke Enterprises.

The Boys Season 2 Panel SDCC 2020

At the panel, Aisha began by asking showrunner Eric Kripke why The Boys has been such a successful hit. How it’s fantastic at turning the superhero on its head. The showrunner then admitted to the series having raised the stakes, with the Boys desperately on the run, and Homelander having grown out of control given the death of Stillwell. Some of the themes expanded upon was not just the realism of (if superheroes were real) but also, in staying relevant in politics, social media manipulation, and pop commentary. Whereas Season One explored #MeToo and the American Weapons industry, Season Two goes after systemic racism and white nationalism. With an emphasis on strong characters, but also, a tad of madness. The panel then cut away for a clip… where the promise no mammals were actually hurt during the shooting of this scene.

The panel then continues with what’s happening this upcoming season going cast member to cast member discussing what’s different for them in Season Two. Season Two sees Butcher, go to extreme length in pursuit of his wife, spending a good time with Starlight. With Karl Urban elaborating that this season sees a lot of odd partnerships pairing on quests together. Meanwhile, Homelander’s character is going through an internal struggle… with breast milk. And Hughie takes command a little more on his own, beyond what Butcher wants from him and even away from both The Boys and Starlight. Meanwhile, Starlight embraces the twisted reality she’s in and hardens herself, as she starts venturing out to find herself outside the Supes. She’s more emotionally inaccessible but has a different type of professional relationship with Hughie. A-Train is in recovery from compound V but is forced to face his inner demons he’s been running from. Mother’s milk continues more-or-less as the heart of the group. While the Deep sings sweet nothings to a Dolphin having felt isolated stuck in Sandusky, Ohio. Kimiko continues to expand on her elaborate combat sequences including the alleged ‘Black Widow’ stunt, while also learning about Kimiko’s past and why she doesn’t speak. Frenchie meanwhile, starts to let Kimiko be freer while he debuts his origin story. Frenchie and Kimiko needing to figure out who they are on their own showing some real growth this season as people. Finally, Stormfront (played by newcomer Aya Cash) is new to the Supes but is equally seen as Homelander’s match, with an alleged disclaimer that came with the role that Aya kept hidden about her audition. Stormfront, to put it simply without spoilers, is eccentric yet relevant about the current times. In a powerful social statement that can only be pulled off with finesse, which Cash has provided in her career.

The end of the panel delved into some of the themes of the show. How power doesn’t necessarily corrupt, just reveal what a person’s always been. Finally, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg made a cameo at the end with a personal thank you and a special message revealing:

That The Boys Has Been Renewed for Season 3.

A surprisingly early pickup, the show has been an extreme hit for Amazon. With one final reveal of a new show called, ‘Prime Rewind: Inside the Boys’ Featuring Aisha Tyler as host.

SDCC 2020: Star Trek Universe Panel

Jad Kaado

July 23, 2020

STAR TREK PRODUCERS ANNOUNCE NEW SHOW, DEVELOPMENTS, AND STAND WITH BLM MOVEMENT

Alas fellow Trekkers, the Star Trek Universe is ever expanding! Once this panel was announced, I got super excited, as, IGN and San Diego Comic Con bring to us the Star Trek Universe Panel on YouTube for free during this pandemic.

Following the official trailer of Star Trek Lower Decks, which is premiering on August 6, 2020, our panel begins with host Dominic Patten, introducing the executive producers of the Star Trek Universe – Alex Kurtzman and Heather Kadin.

Patten began the discussion by asking what is coming up next within the Star Trek Universe for fans?

Alex Kurtzman responds stating that “we’ve heard the fans about Star Trek Strange New Worlds, which will be staring Anson Mount and Rebecca Romijn, as we were already having active conversations since last year.” Kurzman continues by staying that the “(writers) room started with ten stories already created.”

This is absolutely fantastic as it shows that the creators of the new Star Trek Universe are responding positively to the Star Trek community response with the original crew of the Enterprise (TOS)’s role within the Discovery series.

News on the development of the spin-off series, Star Trek Strange New Worlds, isn’t the only new upcoming expansion within the Star Trek Universe.

Heather Kadin, co-executive producer, revealed additional big news on the creation of a new Star Trek show, Star Trek Prodigy. Much like Star Trek Lower Decks, Prodigy will be an animation that will appear on Nickelodeon, as it is important to bring Star Trek to the children, and that Prodigy will be show run by the Hagan Brothers. The date to which it will be premiered was not revealed.

Both executive producers Iterate the Star Trek Universe’s dedication to social and political change in our society as it is reflective of Star Trek’s legacy. When asked about #StarTrekUnited, Alex Kurtzman said that since [Star Trek’s] inception, it has the endeavor and effort to bring attention to important causes such as BLM, NAACP, with the goal to promote these organizations and use the platform to bring attention to these important messages.

Kadin also added how proud she is to be working on a show that has a message that resonates with what is going on today. Kadin makes an important point by stating that what is great with working in genre is that you can say things about current events while masking them, so it isn’t preachy in nature. She rightfully reiterated that Star Trek is about a better hope for gender, racial, and sexual equality.

As a fan of Star Trek, and a writer of speculative fiction, it always reassuring to here executives and creatives discusses how important current socio-political issues and progressive values are within Science Fiction as a whole, and especially with the Star Trek Universe.

Star Trek Discovery

After a small discussion with both Kadin and Kurtzman, Sonequa Martin-Green and Michelle Paradise introduce a table read of Star Trek Discovery Season’s 2 finale, “Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2.”

Prior to the table read, Sonequa Martin Green announced her and the Star Trek Universe’s support for The NAACP Legal Defense Fund, an organization that is dedicated to achieve racial justice, equality, and reform.

The panel then presented a Discovery Table Read, which only showed a scene from the episode, followed by a Q & A. The full virtual table read will air tomorrow at NBC.com.

The Q&A session included the following cast members, specifically Sonequa Martin-Green (Commander Michael Burnham), Michelle Yeoh (Philippa Georgiou), Doug Jones (Commander Saru), Anthony Rapp (Lt. Commander Paul Stamets), Mary Wiseman (Ensign Sylvia Tilly), Wilson Cruz (Dr. Hugh Culber), Mary Chieffo (L’Rell), Tig Notaro (Commander Jett Reno), Alan Van Sprang (Captain Leland), Jayne Brook (Admiral Katrina Cornwall), and the Discovery Bridge crew Emily Coutts (Lt. Detmer), Oyin Oladejo (Lt. J.G. Owosekun), Patrick Kwok-Choon (Lt. Rhys), Ronnie Rowe Jr. (Lt. J.G. Bryce), Sara Mitich (Lt. Nilsson), was well as Anson Mount (Captain Christopher Pike), Rebecca Romijn (Number One), and Ethan Peck (Spock) from the upcoming Start Trek: Strange New World. Shazad Latif (Ash Tyler) was not available.

No new information was revealed about what is going to occur with the third season, which was a bit disappointing. There was no new footage aired, instead cuts from the previous trailer was shown. Instead, the cast did share their thoughts on what’s going on with the world today and how it relates to their involvement within the Star Trek Universe.

The Discovery Q&A was led by Michelle Paradise, produce of Star Trek Discovery, who also reiterated the franchise’s legacy with socio-political stance and commitment to the current movements.

Highlights of the Q&A panel include Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz talking about how Star Trek takes place in a world that values equality and how Star Trek has always been an aspiration for our society, where it is rather a world that we want to create, and how we all have the responsibility in wanting to create a better world, something to aspire to.

Michelle Yeoh & Mary Chiefo reiterated how they are proud to be a franchise but reminded us that we must all strive together for change and that there is a lot of work to be done. Mary Wiseman: love that about the show – we don’t claim to be perfect and recognize that there is work to be done.

Sonequa Martin-Green also discussed that the Star Trek Universe is held accountable, considering that the work is not done, and how it’s about confronting themselves considering the legacy of the franchise.

Star Trek Lower Decks

Then panel then shifted towards a discussion about the new show premiering on August 6, 2020, Star Trek Lower Decks, which is the first Star Trek animation to exist since the Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-4).

Mike McMahan, writer from Rick and Morty and co-creator of Solar Opposites, is the show runner of Star Trek Lower Decks, and continues the Star Trek Universe panel by talking about the backdrop of his show.

McMahan mentioned that the show is taking place in the year 2380, within The Next Generation era that takes place sometime after Nemesis and before Star Trek Picard.

This is really interesting as it opens up the possible of TNG, DS9, and Voyager characters possibly making an appearance within the animated comedy.

McMahan also stressed that they worked to keep Star Trek Lower Decks within canon but are definitely trying new stuff within the show. McMahan iterated how keep the ethics of Star Trek without breaking it is an important aspect of their production.

McMahan then provided the only original footage in the entire panel, which is a clip of two characters from Lower Decks, both played by Tawny Newsome, who plays Lt. Ali from Spaceforce, and Jack Quaid from Hunger Games fame.

The clip begins with a view of the USS Cerritos, with Quaid’s character, Ensign Brad Boimler, who is doing the classic Star Trek voiceover. Various shots of crew members and the ship are seen until it is revealed that Boimler is actually pretending to record a Captain’s log about a first contact mission and diplomacy. Newsome’s character, Ensign Beckett Mariner, catches him and is revealed to be drunk on the illicit Romulan whiskey. The scenario turns into a classic drunk play fight ending up with Boimler being accidently cut with a bat’leth, establishing the adult oriented comedic nature of the show.

Overall, the show looks super entertaining, containing a Rick and Morty vibe to its humor, even though the animation is not different or unique from other cartoons on TV. What is really appealing, however, is the approach that McMahan is taking with the show.

McMahan talks about how Star Trek humanizes their characters, which is an essential and endearing aspect of the show.

He then introduces the crew and cast of Lower Decks, which include “Ensign Beckett Mariner” voiced by Tawny Newsome, “Ensign Brad Boimler” voiced by Jack Quaid, “Ensign Tendi” voiced by Noël Wells, “Ensign Rutherford,” voiced by Eugene Cordero, “Captain Carol Freeman,” voiced by Dawnn Lewis, “Commander Jack Ransom,” voiced by Jerry O’Connell, “Lieutenant Shaxs,” voiced by Fred Tatasciore, and “Doctor T’Ana, voiced by Gillian Vigman.

The majority of the Q&A with the Lower Decks cast consisted of them talking about how they liked that the shows focuses on characterization more and then revealed their favorite parts of the shows that their characters endured without providing any spoilers from the first season.

McMahan then signs off his portion of the panel saying that we are difficult times and that we should all watch cartons, while Jerry O’Connell, who is streaming from the outdoors, jumps on his car on top of his car…because Kangaroo Jack?

The show looks promising and will definitely provide a different look within the Star Trek Universe. It’ll be interesting to see how a comedy that is canonical will be received by fans, as I’m sure the cast will definitely keep it entertaining with their voice work.

Star Trek Picard

Patten then moves the panel to it’s third and final part with the cast of Star Trek Picard. The panel includes Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard), Alison Pill (Dr. Agnes Jurati), Isa Briones (Dahj/Soji), Evan Evagora (Elnor), Michelle Hurd (Raffi Musiker), and Santiago Cabrera (Cristobal Rios) along previous Star Trek stars from TNJ and Voyager, Brent Spiner (Data/Dr. Soong), Jonathan Del Arco (Hugh), Jonathan Frakes (William Riker), Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine), and Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi).

The Q&A panel was a lot of fun, especially being able to see this star-studded cast; however, it was much like the Discovery portion in which they did not reveal anything new about the upcoming season.

Highlights from the Q&A includes Sir Patrick Stewart discussing his appeal in returning to the role of Picard, and how it is challenging from a writing perspective, as the character of Picard is in a different and complex world, which Stewart points out is appropriate for the time that we are living in.

Allison Pill, Isa Briones, and Santiago Cabrera discussed how they approached their roles in the first season, as well as admiring both Patrick Stewart and Michael Chabon’s involvement within the show.

It was also super exciting seeing our familiar Star Trek actors discusses their current roles, with Jeri Ryan pointing out how she enjoyed 7 of 9 evolving into a new character, Brent Spiner enjoying the fact that he gets to play someone else that’s not Data (and getting closure for the character), while Marina Sirtis and Jonathan Frakes adding in happy sentiments and jokes within the discussion.

Jonathan Frakes ended the Q&A by reminding everyone that Gene Roddenberry once said that in the 23^rd century, the world will be free of racism and sexism, to which Michelle Hurd responds, “let’s make that happen.”

Michelle Hurd then ends the panel by reiterating the Star Trek Universe’s support to the NAACP LDF and Educational Fund, stating that CBS donated to the organization.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I thought the panel was super fun. It’s really great to hear from and see all the actors and creators of the different Star Trek shows come together for a panel during this COVID times.

The most exciting news is the announcement of Star Trek Prodigy, as a new animated children’s show on Nickelodeon in hopes of bringing future fans in the franchise, as well as the updates on the upcoming Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

Although not much was said about Star Trek Discovery and Picard, it’s obvious that the cast and crew are excited about it’s return, as I’m sure most fans are. If you’re looking for some Star Trek nostalgia mixed with hype on some upcoming projects, then this a panel worth checking out.

Also, please support the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund at the following link: naacpldf.org/startrekunited

SDCC 2020: The Truth is Way Out There With ‘Truth Seekers’

Christian Angeles

July 23, 2020

Nick Frost stars as Gus in Truth Seekers — Nick Frost as Gus in Truth Seekers. Image Via: Amazon Studios

At SDCC 2020, Empire Magazine’s Chris Hewitt held a Q and A about the upcoming Amazon series Truth Seekers

At SDCC 2020, Empire Magazine held a panel on Truth Seekers, an upcoming horror-comedy series starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Truth Seekers is a story about a team of paranormal investigators seeking to uncover ghost sightings across the UK for an online channel; Yet, the more haunted areas, old churches, and abandoned hospitals these ghost-detecting heroes continue to explore, the more supernatural events begin to escalate, essentially uncovering a conspiracy that could potentially cause Armageddon and the end of humankind.

A horror comedy much like their acclaimed classic Shaun of The Dead, Truth Seekers takes a page out of the paranormal and reunites stars and best-friends Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, as Dave and Gus. The duo is also writing the series, as the first project out of their new production company, Stolen Picture.

Truth Seekers Panel SDCC 2020

The panel (which you can watch above) began with an exclusive never-before-seen new teaser trailer for Truth Seekers hinting a bit about what the show is about. Afterward, Nick Frost explained that the plot is very much a story about friendship, while Simon Pegg, then gave his two cents about the series, emphasizing that what makes it different is that the horror plays as equally straight on and on an equal parallel to the comedy, not unlike Shaun of Dead. James Serfinowicz, then emphasized that the series would emphasize on paranormal events and activities, mixed with the humdrum of installation of broadband cable work, and the mundanes of everyday life. Mentioned by James, the series very much takes a page from popular paranormal series the X-files and science fiction authors such as Arthur C. Clarke.

Revealed in the panel, the heart of the series focuses on Gus, who had lost someone close to him, and whose shared love of the paranormal came from his desire to see this special woman again. Gus’ only relief from the pains of his existence seems to come from paranormal investigations, ventures he shares on his failing youtube channel. Likewise, Gus’ boss in his cable company job, played by Simon Pegg, works for a company whose large organization may have more nefarious plots in mind… much like everyone else’s everyday cable provider. There was also much praise about the cast, crew, and production which you can see in detail above.

The end of the panel jumped around a little. With some talk of Star Trek. And some focus on the gruesome locations visited. We also got a bit of storytelling about some of Simon and Nick’s ventures of ghost hunting back in the days of their youth when starting out together, with Simon revealing a big secret about their friendship: That Nick Frost’s been dead all along (kidding). The final question for the panel was on the belief of the paranormal, particularly aliens and ghosts, and we overall received a mixed bag of beliefs and stories. Mostly, involving experiences with UFOs.

You Can Watch Truth Seekers on Amazon Prime later this year

‘Doom Patrol’ Season 2 Episode 7 Review: “Dumb Patrol”

Bassam Kaado

July 23, 2020

In the Doom Manor Basement/Chief's Workshop from Left to Right: Roni Evers in a patient chair, Vic, Larry (in a doctor's coat), and Miranda standing. — Photo Credit: 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

“Dumb Patrol” and Dumber Patrol. Doom Patrol has some stupid fun while also dealing with some serious issues.

Previously on Doom Patrol

Season 2

Episodes 1, 2, and 3 – Fun Size Patrol, Tyme Patrol, and Pain Patrol

Episode 4 – Sex Patrol

Episode 5 – Finger Patrol

Episode 6 – Space Patrol

S2E7 Review (Spoiler-Free)

With last week’s episode having its head in the skies, this week has us crashing down to earth.

Niles (Timothy Dalton) and Dorothy (Abigail Shapiro) take a detour on their way home, where the Chief seeks out answers, in the form of familiar stomping grounds.

Cliff (voice actor Brendan Fraser, on-set performer Riley Shanahan) has been betrayed, and now he’s stranded. He needs to pull it together and find a way home.

Rita Farr (April Bowlby) is doing some navigation of her own by shadowing the Cloverton Beekeeper (Avis-Marie Barnes), the inspiration of her upcoming role. Though she is there for character study, she may learn something about the actress .

Back at Doom Manor, Vic (Joivan Wade) brings Roni (Karen Obilom) to introduce her to the “family,” and the two of them, plus a lost Larry (voice actor Matt Bomer, on-set performer Matthew Zuk) and newcomer Miranda (Diane Guerrero) find themselves facing one of humanity’s greatest problems: stupidity. That’s right, they form the Dumb Patrol.

How do the morons in the Manor fix stupid?

How is Miranda as a Primary?

What can Rita learn about herself to move on?

Where the hell is Cliff and how will he get home?

And what about Niles? What’s the Chief up to?

All these and more answered!

Roni (left) in a loving embrace with Vic (right) — Photo Credit: 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Cast

Solid performances are expected by this point from TV’s hottest ensemble, so let’s look at some standouts from the Doom Patrol.

Brendan Fraser and Riley Shanahan put in a great effort this week with Robotman, who is not having a good time. We really get a great mixture of physicality and emotion, and it is one of the many reason I try to make a point and give credit to the on-set performers.

Speaking of the on-set performers, Larry Trainor was such a joy to watch, as he was one of the “morons” of the episode. Matthew Zuk needs weekly credit as he helps punctuate the powerful lines of Matt Bomer. This week, the duo were more loose and playful, really making Larry a joy to watch.

Dorothy taking a backseat this episode robbed us of another entry in the Abigail Shapiro masterclass, but we are still able to get the other half of the Doom Dynamic Duo Patrol: Diane Guerrero. We get a good dose of Miranda this episode, which plays differently than Jane. Don’t worry, we still get some Jane and other personalities.

Jhemma Ziegler as the Scant Queen reading an magazine. The cover features Cliff and asks "Season 2 . . . What?" — Credit: 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Vision

First of all, the amount of meta is this episode is amazing. I showed you one, no it’s up to you to find the rest.

Eric Dietel ad Tamara Becher-Wilkinson did a phenomenal job are delivering another classic Doom Patrol episode. They gifted us a great amount of fun and silly moments, when we follow the Dumb Patrol on their escapades, with great callbacks from this season, season one, and other DC shows. In addition to this storyline, we get a compelling, character study and a deep, dark, foreboding story. Big props to the Doom Patrol writers room (@RoomPatrol on twitter) for constantly churning out quality episodes.

Aesthetically, the episode is all over the place, which is beautiful. As you can guess, the most entertaining colors, framing, and mise-en-scène belongs to the morons and their journey to try and fix stupid. Rita’s journey is more simple and consistent with what we are used to seeing. Niles’ journey plays with an overwhelming color choice and still impressive CGI.

Niles Caulder dressed for intense cold in his wheelchair in a snowy forest. — Credit: 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Takeaway

This episode is far from dumb, as it does an excellent job weaving weirdly fun elements, compelling dramatic beats, and loose story elements. The train keeps rollin’ for the Doom Patrol express.

Cliff (Riley Shanahan) is walking in the middle of the road in the middle of the country. — Credit: 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Reflection (SPOILERS)

Damn, it feels good to be a Doom fan. Every episode we get packs a punch and leaves us wanting more. What was great about this one was we really got a varied episode when it came to the tone of the episode.

Rita’s story was a more introspective, vulnerable story. With her visiting the beekeeper as prep for her role, the focus inevitably shifts on herself, and she opens up/vents about her mother and this mental block. In an effort to prepare for being someone else, she ended up having to, on the fly, shift to understand herself.

We find out what happens to Cliff; he pummels to Earth, landing in some random country town in the Midwest. Free from being lost in space, he is on war path. All he can think about is getting revenge on Niles, but his interactions with the folk around him and getting physically stuck, due to his limbs malfunctioning, leads to hysterical moments.

Speaking of Niles, he lands the space ship but not back home. Well, not the Doom Patrol home, he goes back to the home of Dorothy’s mom! He goes there to find his former lover (more specifically answers) With Dorothy asleep on the ship, there is no lighthearted or fun moments. This is Niles facing his own harsh realities that have some dark fucking vibes.

What’s happening with the crew at the Doom Manor is the complete opposite, with more ridiculous and wacky moments and some important story and character beats. Thanks to a random package that clearly says DO NOT OPEN multiple times (yeah, they opened up) Larry, Vic, and Roni are dumb, being affected by some weird organisms, called Scants, that feed off the stupidity of people. Miranda, the new primary, is there with them, and it’s interesting seeing her interact with the gang.

My viewing left me with the prevalent theme of “being grounded” or “landing on your feet.” It seems weird, but decisive action is taken by a lot of the characters or they are put in situations that lead them to do it. Here are two examples.

The most developed arc, by Farr, has been Rita’s story. Since discovering her mental block, she has hit a low point and has been hopeless floundering. Her undertaking of the play was meant to be proof that she can do something by herself, but even that was tainted by a nightmare of her mother taking credit for getting her the role too. In her conversations with the beekeeper, she opens up about her insecurities, and the beekeeper plays the therapist, giving surprisingly good insight. Rita gets a moment alone where she says the things she wanted to say to her mom, like the fact that she earned all those roles later in her career, but it doesn’t help her as much. She finally gets a moment of “redemption” on her walk home, where she stumbles upon a mugging in progress. She uses her elastic powers and disarms the mugger. Being a hero is the one thing her mother can’t take away from her. She’s landed on her feet.

Cliff landing on Earth, granted not on his feet, brought him back to a place of anger and fury. At the height of his hate and vengeance for Niles, Cliff finds himself stuck. No, not just emotionally, Cliff is physically stuck. His legs and arms can’t move while he is in the parking lot of what looks like a warehouse. He is in his own personal prison. He is approached by a “bro,” douchebag guy, who is fascinated with Cliff. In exchange for a couple “shoot out” videos, Cliff gets two phone calls: one to the Doom Manor that is unanswered, and one to his daughter that also is unanswered but goes to voicemail. He leaves a message for her, getting everything that he’s wanted to say off his chest. Once the douche bro leaves, Cliff falls over, but then he realizes that he can move again. It was like the emotional weight was lifted, and his body can move again. Being able to move past it helped, and, when he is home at the Manor, his daughter is waiting for him. Someone had mailed her the video tape of Niles confessing what he did to Cliff. She came to talk to Cliff, which is what he wanted.

The rest of the crew had moments of grounding too. After the whole dumb adventure is over, Vic and Roni address their status and at least get somewhat of a same page, and Larry gets some closure that his grandson has healed. Miranda wasn’t affected by the dumbness so, in that way, she was able to find her grounding in her first mission with the Doom Patrol. Jane is stuck in the Underground as the rest of her personalities are satisfied with Miranda’s leadership. She does have a moment, where she looks for a fellow personality and finds that her station is closed. Not all is well under Miranda, apparently, as Jane is done mopping and is back at it.

Niles’ “grounding” was probably the darkest one. In searching for Dorothy’s mother and answers, he is confronted by the Candlemaker during a vision. In hoping to find a way to help Dorothy, Niles has come to a more sinister conclusion. His transformation into the villain is underway.

‘Cursed’ Season 1 Review: It’s Doomed

Christian Angeles

July 22, 2020

Nimue swings her blade in Cursed — Credit: Netflix

The Netflix fantasy series delivers on some questionable yet unconventional twists if you can bear with the struggle of getting there.

We breakdown the first three episodes of ‘Cursed’ on TheWorkprint podcast.

Based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler, Cursed is a show with good intentions, beautiful scenery, surprising character twists, and plenty of strong female characters; unfortunately, it’s also, awful on almost every level of execution, often feeling painstakingly awkward and forced. Bogged down with an excess of meandering plotlines, Cursed loses its sight of what it’s trying to be both towards the back and front end of the series and ironically, hits its stride around episodes 5 and 6 with Merlin (Gustaf Skarsgaard) and Nimue (Katherine Langford), before fizzling in its conclusion.

It’s Beautiful

The best thing the show has going on for it is in its visual design and set pieces. As moments rich in color and costume feel vibrant and alive in its stunning recreation of medieval set pieces. Locations captured with stunning aerial shots of gorgeous castles, overgrown forests, and visual spectacles. Wonders which oddly contrast the graphic violence whenever it appears onscreen.

This show is not a gritty Game of Thrones but a beautiful and fanciful take on the Arthurian legend. It also never takes its edginess too far, teetering between young adult in its relational melodrama yet Game of Thrones in its risqué level of violence. Visually, the nudity is minimal, but the blood spatters are gory. There is also animation for transitions between scenes that feels beautiful but often jarring. Like something confused in tone as to what type of audience it’s trying to attract: adults or teens?

It’s Confused

Much like its main character Nimue, the show is confused as to what it’s trying to be. It’s early episodes are focused on character introductions and a quest to return the sword to Merlin, which is then thrown out for exposition and flashbacks (arguably the best in the series is Merlin’s story) along with the introduction of the green knight and the Fae, which is then, sidetracked by both random new motivations, new factions, and oddly enough, political intrigue. The show changes intentions as often as new plot points are introduced (which I’ll delve into later). It’s incredibly sloppy writing focused on a character who consistently seems to throw her narrative away choosing not to be a heroine again-and-again until it’s forced upon her… where she then throws it away again.

To summarize quickly, Nimue is cursed with magic abilities. Inherits a cursed blade with phenomenal magic abilities. Becomes summoner. Then embraces being queen of the magical Fae. She often fails at her heroism, and is oddly, a really bad swordfighter though a gifted spellcaster. The latter which she refuses to use out of fear of her curse. When Nimue is not flirting with Arthur, she is being saved by him despite being infinitely more powerful.

She also complains about these things while the entire time failing upwards, making her, simply put: The Queen of the Karens. Most infuriatingly, Nimue is talented and beautiful but her traits are squandered as the writing in the show is so unbelievably stupid. Worst of all: misleading. By season’s end, this show has nothing to do with Nimue’s destiny as the Lady in The Lake, in fact, I don’t even understand the point of her journey, as it just sort of ends? Leaving me confused. Making me feel like I’d wasted my time.

Nimue aside, I’ll say that the show’s biggest payoff is its reveal about whom-is-whom in the Arthurian legend, as a lot of the people met along the journey are actually other people we know of form the old tales. It is a decent twist but not one that should carry an entire series.

It’s Got Too Many Subplots

Far too many. I’m just going to list some and leave it at that…

A Viking Ice king… in Camelot?
The Sword of Power’s exact power?
The Red Spear’s identity? The other Vikings? Why there are Vikings to begin with?
Morgana did what now?
Is the Widow a banshee? A ghost? A necromancer?
Sister Iris, why was she angry and is she now a holy ninja?
What role does the Pope and Rome play in this?
Did Merlin commit genocide against humans?
Are the Red Paladin’s going to continue their genocide against non-humans?
Uther’s legitimacy to the throne?
The curse (Nimue)?
The other curse (Excalibur)?
The fate of the town of Graimere?
The Weeping Monk’s resolution?
The Green Knight’s resolution?
The Knights of the Round inevitable meet and future?
Arthur love triangle.

This is just me listing a few. There’s actually a lot more, I honestly just stopped caring at a certain point. I think time gaps would’ve helped show tremendously. I also think most of these plots are unnecessary, as the gist of the series really happens in 4-5 episodes. The rest is just added conflicts to layer the characters which, to be honest, don’t really matter as all these random additions detract from the point of the series.

It’s Conveniently Bad

Look, there’s a lot of plot holes and moments of stupidity in this series. Moments of slow and completely avoidable deaths in awkward stretched out melodrama meant to evoke tension but often, feels like unintentional slapstick comedy. There are cliche writing and dialogue. Stereotypical genocidal bad guys. And then, there’s more than a handful of moments the bad guys let people go for… no reason really. Scenes where a person should logically kill another person but don’t for dramatic purposes, and then oddly enough do, for… random purposes? For specific moments, check Iris and Uther’s story arcs for specific gratuitous examples.

To put it simply and save you time: Cursed is Game of Thrones, The Bad Seasons. Nimue is Daenerys, Arthur is John Snow, Merlin is Tyrion with a hint of Drogon, and The White Walkers are the many overwhelming subplots. And not only does everyone surprisingly survive, but they also get brand new character titles which we know leads to more adventures in the future.

The Takeaway

I honestly had to re-watch the pilot because not only was I not able to follow, but more than anything else, I didn’t really care. The show has too many meandering plotlines and a curse, whose malice is confusingly overshadowed by a second, coincidental second curse. I don’t really see a goal in mind, nor is Nimue’s struggle selling it well at all which is why fan reactions have soured to the series. With critic reviews, in my opinion, being decent at best.

Still, the Merlin episodes in the middle made me motivated to finish the series. But I was left greatly disappointed. On the positives: you’ll have fun seeing which characters are which from the Arthurian legend.

‘I May Destroy You’ Episode 3 Recap: “Don’t Forget the Sea”

Robert Kijowski

July 21, 2020

It might not be the right time, but there’s something about episode 3 of I May Destroy You, “Don’t Forget the Sea.”

I May Destroy You Season 1:

Episode 1 – “Eyes Eyes Eyes Eyes”

Episode 2 – “Someone is Lying”

Episode 3 – “Don’t Forget the Sea”

I’ve always loved the ocean. Its salty scent, the way it laps up on the sand and the way it sifts, cresting foam of blues and darker hues. It’s a painter’s dream come true. There is a downside to all of that beauty, however. There’s something called an undertow. It’s violent. It knows no soul, neither does it care about it. You could happily call a lifeguard, but we all know that’s silly. The waves don’t care about you. Welcome to the third episode of I May Destroy (HBO) titled “Don’t Forget the Sea.”

We open up 3 months earlier on the sun-drenched streets of Ostia, Italy, where Arabella (Michaela Cole) is hashing out her next solipsistic work of art. As stated before, it’s more of an all-expenses-paid work trip than a holiday, though the posh digs she’s put up in has her newly touched-down girl, Terry (Weruche Opia), thinking otherwise. This includes a four-post bed Terry vows to totally post-up on before her stay is over. She may have met her new match-ress.

Cuddling on the bedding with Bella, Terry lays claim to using anything she’s written for auditions or to simply cast her in future projects that will involve Arabella’s work. This is not even a question, as they both have each others’ backs until the end- but looking too far ahead distracts from the now. It’s Terry’s first day in Ostia and what better a warm welcome than making some delectable weed-infused pasta. I mean, when in Rome, amiright?

Back on the streets, they are TOASTED. This is pretty ostensible when they dip into a pizzeria, barely being able to sit upright, let alone order a pepperoni Za but successfully pissing off the cameriere.

Thankfully, they are tended to by another of the waitstaff, Mathilda (Camille Dugay Comencini), and she clearly is picking up on what Bella and Terry are putting down. She tells them her local hookup at the basketball court is a good spot to score some choice shit.

On the court, in the cut, the two women scout for their connection without trying to look like a bunch of narcs. Mathilda finds them and introduces them to Biago (Marouane Zotti). In one fell swoop, they are given ketamine, coke, and molly, in addition to an invite to a party from Mathilda. In exchange, Arabella gives them her phone for the contacts and details, but only Mathilda complies, while Biago rebuffs. Terry side-eyes her bestie, as one contact is technically more than enough.

Later that night, as the dynamic duo get ready in the same bathroom, Terry reveals she’s not looking to get down with any of Biago’s friends or friends of friends. Basketball players aren’t her speed, as she claims to desire intelligence and people her height. I have to say, these two clearly have a very intimate bond if Terry can get primped in the mirror as Bella is urinating in front of her. Hey, they both have one thing on the mind: “Where is my shot glass?”

At the club, Arabella and Terry decide on their appetizer for their starting course. Molly, it is, decides the guest, and this soon moves outside to one of the couches. There, they debate on who has the power over their respective life paths during a cig. While each one makes a case for the other, Bella takes it away with the zen motto, “Control what you can, no more, no less.”

Not soon after, they both begin to roll. This is what you aim for with the high, and it’s gorgeous with every word feeling like a cloud you can hop on and get lost in. Terry is especially feeling it, but, as we’ve known before, there’s always someone not satisfied with what lies in front of them (I got your back, Arabella) and, in Sade’s words, need for “higher highs.”

Bella’s antics nearly get her booted from the club a few times, but, instead of turning the volume down, she ratchets it up, retreating into the loo to do a bump… or a few.

I mean, once the music hits you, it’s like a drug, but, whereas Terry is satisfied with riding the wave, some of us writers are so full of ourselves *raises hand* at times, we think not only does the crowd like our sloppy behavior but also that it will provide an almost Hunter S. Thompson-esque magic to the next passage we may pen. You know, for the craft.

This includes Arabella decamping to the bathroom a few more times to maximize her night and even takes an unknown pill from an Italian woman as they ‘freshen’ up.

It matters none, though, as she’s tearing up the dance floor in more of an impish way, rather than what she perceives in her drug-addled mind as adding to the party. She proves a nuisance to the manager of the club, as well as the DJ, and, though I’ve never been properly kicked out of a club when I was in my ‘exploratory’ period as a writer, I wasn’t exactly the most tolerable among friends in a few instances.

When a fight breaks out near Terry in their booth, she decides to split. There’s absolutely no bloody reason for her to be there, if this was a night for them, and her friend abandoned her for the attention she so seeks. Though Bella implores her to stay because she thinks they are going to spin Hamilton, enough is enough. The high is killed though not the comedown with her friend being the anti-drug. How ironic.

As with every quick high, there needs to be the countervailing, and Arabella drops. As she arrives at her senses, she cannot find Terry, and nobody in the club has seen her or at least anything her mind can conjure up in so many words as a writer. How ironic.

Elsewhere in the moon-drenched streets of Ostia, Terry navigates with her phone as the only possibly ‘safe’ friend to the hotel.

Coming across a disco, she meets someone named Giovanni (Alessandro Carbonara), who hits on her by saying she’s beautiful and that he likes Mountain Dew. Way to fucking go, America! We’re literally a commercial to Europe… but fuck it. Terry’s already chalked the night up to a disappointment. Why not make Limoncello out of lemons? (Yes, I know Limoncello is out of Sorrento, but it still is intoxicating all the same.)

As the club pours out, Biago waits with Arabella for Terry with no sign of success in sight. Her anxiety mixed with her coming down has hit at an all-time high (and not the good one) so he escorts her to the apartment in hopes that Terry would be there.

At the other club, Terry takes on the role of ‘writer,’ mirroring her friend to impress Giovanni. This lands as a win, as Terry ends up dancing with her new suitor. With her magnetism growing stronger, another man cuts in to dance. This is Luigi (Alberto Brosio), and Giovanni couldn’t be happier.

Arabella stumbles along the streets with Biago by her side. Their little journey takes them from public urination on her part to just chilling out and partially sobering up… on her part. Playing a song she would know, she’s impressed.

However, that’s nowhere near as impressed as she is when she finds Terry at her place with both Luigi and Giovanni all in. Take that as though wilt.

This arouses the curiosity in Bella as they retire to the living room, offering Biago a bump and a drink. Though refused and doing both herself, the backdrop of Daft Punk’s “Something About Us” sets the mood, and Biago isn’t exactly turned off.

Arabella goes in for the kill and wrests a kiss from her guest and before things are about to progress, she warns him that she’s on her period and that this would be a first for her, but he claims to not mind, but she wasn’t expecting. Un Periodo pesante.

With the towel lain in the other bedroom, Biago is ready to explore. A tender kiss from Biago’s lips meets Arabella’s as the tampon is removed by his hand. It is shown, which personally would be met with a bit of controversy by guys, but an open note to guys: FUCK OFF. It’s what happens and just because you have an aversion towards it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

This is underlined by pulling out a blood clot in its cylindrical state and rather than being disgusted, Biago is fascinated. It is Arabella with whom the mood has been lost. He wants to take her someplace though to make it up to her.

Truly, the only one maybe hurting is Terry, as once they are all done, both guys depart as if it was some hand-shake type understanding. Was it worth it to her all along?

Back on the streets, Biago is able to get Bella access to a sunrise on the beach. He wishes she wouldn’t poison her body with what she does, but that’s mainly because he likes her and he’s not exactly proud of what he supplies- he’s lost both his mother and sister to heroin overdoses.

As she writes him off as being a party pooper and him telling her not to come crying to him when shit goes down, they stare off into the sunrise above the waves as Daft Punk’s “Something About Us” takes us out.

The episode was great for a few reasons. In the scenarios, we’re given gradients of consent with both Terry and Arabella. We’re also given their tight nature until we see what ultimately separates them- two differing lusts for life. We’re also given Bella’s relationship with Biago and how it factors into it all thus far. Lastly, we’re reminded not to forget about the beauty of the ocean in all its calm because it doesn’t discriminate when tides turn.

‘The 100’ Season 7 Episode 9 Review: “The Flock”

Norton

July 20, 2020

Indra and Shady talk — Indra tries to talk Shady into playing ball image c/o imdb.com

In the latest the 100, “The Flock,” we find out what the surface of Bardo looks like, how the new “Disciples” training is going, and the chaos on Sanctum.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clbYZFRTWc8

Turns out Bardo is not Earth. Also, Indra is back!

The internet theory that Bardo is actually Earth but with everyone far below the surface may have suffered a critical blow in tonight’s episode, though I suppose there’s always a chance it could still be Earth. In any event, we finally get to see what the surface of Bardo looks like.

It’s a hellscape with the previous ruling species turned to crystal. Octavia appropriately points out the insanity of Anders’ “war” while Diyoza seems happy to fight the impossible fight.

We’ve got our usual split storylines tonight, though it’s much more evenly dispersed than I think previous episodes have been.

Bardo deals with Echo, Hope, Octavia, and Diyoza during their three-month training stint. Sanctum follows the fallout of Nikki’s coup.

Let’s summarize Bardo first:

Levitt is back! He’s helping Anders to train the ladies. He warns them that mind-fuckery is a coming, and indeed the Disciple training is all about the brainwashing. Turns out in order to win the war, Anders requires all of his soldiers to have strict emotional control, unflinching loyalty to the cause, and absolutely no personal connections.

Maybe part of the reason they can achieve this is because of the way they incubate babies. See, on Bardo, embryos are gestated outside of the womb in tubes. This would be handy in removing any emotional strings along with the village group approach of raising the kids once they are “de-glopped” (as Diyoza puts it). No parents = no “selfish” bonds. We even get to see the indoctrination of their children at school. Not too shabby.

Hope’s not feeling it, but Octavia and Diyoza try to explain that she has to play the part or it’s back to Penance to die. Echo, on the other hand, excels here, and a part of me wonders if she’s just excellent at playing the part required of her, or if she sincerely finds happiness in servitude of a cause. Echo is an assassin, doing things based on the whims of others without question is her entire job description. Her feelings, her thoughts, and her desires don’t matter, and, at Bardo, she’s praised for her ruthless devotion. Anders definitely likes her.

Levitt shares a nifty bit of info regarding some hidden bioweapons – Echo’s subtle response to this is the only clue she might be a fantastic actor. He also pays a private visit to Octavia for some much-anticipated sexy time. Gotta say, this is on-brand for our former Blood Queen, plus I don’t think she’s had any lovin’ since Lincoln died – not counting a temporary romp here and there.

The last test the four have to endure is a doozy. In order to prove their single-minded devotion to the cause, they go through a simulation that pits them against someone they love (though oddly it pits everyone against Hope). Hope is made to choose between her mother and Bardo, she chooses her mother, of course, which means she fails. Anders leaves her punishment up to Echo – his star pupil – who sentences her to five years on Penance.

Now for Sanctum:

Indra returns only to hear Nikki’s announcement that she’s got hostages and will kill them unless Raven, Russell, and Daniel Prime show up at the palace. Murphy wants to rush over and save Emori, but Jackson points out that’s stupid. When Indra arrives, Murphy manages to sell her on his plan, and, while she isn’t happy about it, they both head over to convince Shady (from here on out what I’ll be calling Sheidheda, because it’s more fun and less typing) to play ball. Shady pretends to be a reluctant pawn, even going so far as to help his “allies” in exchange for some other perks. Is there a requirement somewhere that every evil leader has to love chess?

Murphy and Shady show up at the palace, stalling for time while Indra uses Shady’s map to sneak in and save the people. Unfortunately, this involves Murphy and Emori confessing they are not Primes. Shady happily reveals who he is, sneering at the faithful who, naturally, don’t want to believe the truth. And, just when Nikki loses her patience and is about to kill Murphy, Indra and the cavalry show up to save the day.

Indra leaves Shady to be killed by Russel’s scorned followers, but it goes horribly. See, the Dark Commander knew Indra might do this, after all it would have been his move. He’s not fighting warriors, so it takes very little effort for him to kill or maim the dozen or so faithful that attempt to retaliate. Murphy realizes too late what Shady’s plan was and makes another mistake when he calls Russell by his real name: Sheidheda. Immediately Shady’s old crew (oh Indra, you didn’t think to maybe put Trikru people in charge of that???) opens the door and genuflects. This does not bode well for Indra but especially not for Murphy and Emori who are right there.

Oh, what an awesome episode! Mind fuckery, brutal slaughter, and even some sex! I have to say as glad as I am that this show is ending, I will miss so many of the characters. I don’t know if I could have done multiple seasons with Shady as an antagonist, but man, he is a fantastic final boss.

Seeing him go up against Anders is going to be a treat, or hell, even Indra – which is far more likely to be the head-to-head since Shady ruined Indra’s family. You see a lot of evil leaders on shows brag about how smart they are while they do the stupidest things, but Shady might really be a mastermind villain.

I’m very excited to see where this goes.

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The following are extensive scene-by-scene Umbrella Academy Season 2 recaps of episodes 6-7

Episode 6: A Light Supper

Episode 7: Oga For Oga

Final Thoughts

Cash is King, and it makes Arabella sing in “Happy Animals,” episode 7 of I May Destroy You. Whether that song is a happy one is for you to find out in our recap.

Look to the stars and wave your flag. Time to signal episode 5 of Space Force, “Space Flag.”

Space Force Season 1 Episodes:

The ISA execute their plans for a better America. Now on the run, the team has one last assembly where Rick makes a breakthrough. The final showdown begins.

Family Butt-kicking

Bad Guys

The Kinda-Ridiculous

Final Thoughts

This question is finally answered in an episode that gets down and dirty with zombies, angels, and a steamy and unsuspecting moment of love.

What’s in The Garden of Eden?

That’s a Whole Lotta Love

The following are extensive scene-by-scene recaps of episodes 4-5 of ‘Umbrella Academy’ Season 2

Episode 4: The Majestic 12

Episode 5: Valhalla

Final Thoughts

Can you survive in the cold final frontier? Get lost in Space Force with this recap of episode 4, “Lunar Habitat.”

Space Force Season 1 Episodes:

The following are extensive scene-by-scene recaps on season 2 of ‘Umbrella Academy’. A Netflix Superhero Drama created by Steve Blackman. Based on comics by Gabriel Ba and ‘My Chemical Romance’ Frontman: Gerard Way

Episode 1: Right Back Where We Started

Episode 2: The Frankel Footage

Episode 3: The Swedish job

Thoughts on Episodes 1-3:

Like Dad Patrol, Like Daughter Patrol. This week’s episode explores the different father-daughter dynamics among the ranks of the Doom Patrol.

Previously on Doom Patrol

S2E8 Review (Spoiler-Free)

The Cast

The Vision

Takeaway

Reflection (SPOILERS)

In episode 5 of I May Destroy You, “It Just Came Up,” Arabella continues to push through adversity in an effort to reclaim her narrative.

Check out our must-sees of what to check out from Comic-Con@Home

10 Most Popular Panels

1. New Mutants

2. Vikings: A Look Back With The Lothbroks

3. The Walking Dead

4. Fear The Walking Dead

5. Star Trek Universe

6. The Boys

7. His Dark Materials

8. Zoom Into Xadia: The Dragon Prince

9. Bill and Ted

10. Bob’s burgers

10 Surprisingly Popular Panels

1. Wynonna Earp

2. Marvel’s 616 on Disney +

3. DC at home

4. Magic The Gathering with Mark Rosewater

5. First Look at Hulu’s Helstrom

6. The Walking Dead World Beyond

7. Upload

8. Adventure Time Distant Lands

9. Solar Opposites

10. What we do In The Shadows.

Special Interest Panels

1. Constantine 15th Anniversary Look Back

2. Rooster Teeth

3. Charlize Theron: Evolution of a Badass

4. Directors on Directing

5. An Evening With Kevin Smith

6. The Eisner Awards

7. Cartoon Network Studios: The Art of Storyboarding

8. Water, Earth, Fire, Air: Continuing the Avatar Legacy

9. VIZ: A Haunting Conversation with Junji Ito

10. The Art of Adapting Comics to Screen: David S. Goyer.

Final Thoughts On Comic-Con@Home

In this episode of Stargirl, Courtney gets a surprise visit that changes everything, Pat meets a familiar old friend, and Jordan makes a surprise discovery.

Heroes Can Come From Anywhere

Deadbeat Dads

The Bad Guys Close-In

Final Thoughts

Earpers rejoice, Wynonna Earp is back and on the road to kick some serious butt on the path to Waverly in season 4. Review Inside.

Wynonna Earp is On The Road Again

MEANWHILE IN PARADISE

ZOMBIE BOOM

Six Takeaways from the Constantine 15^th Anniversary Panel

**At SDCC 2020, Aisha Tyler moderated a behind-the-scenes look at The Boys with executive producer Eric Kripke, the cast, and a cameo appearance by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg who broke special news.**