Sunday, May 11, 2025

Post Holiday Blues Streaming 25' - Mid-Century Modern - Season One

Mid-Century Modern is another Disney+ comedy which might not be a title you'd expect to find on Disney+.

Starring Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Linda Lavin, and Nathan Lee Graham. Sadly this marks Lavin's final television role. As she died having completed seven episodes, but after her death, it was decided that many of her scenes from the fourth episode would instead be used in the eighth episode, so she appears in a total of eight episodes.

Streaming on Hulu back in March, all ten episodes landing with canned laughter and gay humour.

The Ryan Murphy produced sitcom, received generally positive reviews from critics. The series has been praised for its humour, nostalgic charm, performances, and its ability to blend classic sitcom sensibilities with contemporary themes.

So what's it all about? Three gay best friends of a certain age, after an unexpected death, move in together in Palm Springs, California. Living with the wealthiest friend's mother, they navigate their golden years as a chosen family, supporting each other through life's challenges.

The show is from the creators of Will & Grace, Max Mutchnick and David Kohan.

So will there be a second season? For now, no word yet.


In the finale, viewers find themselves, four months have passed since Sybil's death and now Bunny wants to go through his mom's things to turn the room into a gym. 

Mindy begins to remember the past while going through Sybil's things with Arthur. 

Jerry learns that the mormon he almost hooked up with, Mason, has shown up in Palm Springs after leaving his bride at the altar. Mason asks if he could stay there to which Jerry immediately agrees, upsetting Bunny. 

Caroll then shows up, revealing that Bunny had invited the man without speaking to the others. He reveals that he is in love with Bunny, much to his surprise. 

The next meeting has Arthur yelling at Bunny for doing what Jerry had done. Mindy comes over and learns about Caroll and Mason being there. Mindy talks Mason into going back to talk to the woman he left at the altar and then tells Caroll that Bunny isn't interested in him. Bunny, Arthur, and Jerry tell her that she was like Sybil. 

They then decide to offer Sybil's room to Mindy to which she declines. Before leaving Caroll pulls Bunny into a kiss, surprising him. 

Once both are gone, Mindy sends them a disco ball to put in their home gym to which the equipment had yet to arrive for. The episode ends with the trio (a modern Golden Girls, gender swap) dancing in the empty (soon to be) gym, to Shake Your Groove Thing.

Fitting end to a fun little series. As a friend said, it won't change your life or TV in general. However it was a fun piece of escapism.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Post Holiday Blues Streaming 25' - All American - Season Seven

All American concluded early last week.

The American sports drama series is now the only old school, The CW series, which commenced back in 2018. 

This season had an entirely new load of cast joining a few original cast members. Bre-Z, Samantha Logan, Michael Evans Behling all returned, with former hunky lead Daniel Ezra returned for one episode.

Back in June last year, the series was renewed for a seventh season. This commenced late January this year. 

 

So how did the seventh season conclude with its fate up in the air?

It's one of few series in the USA still awaiting advice on its continuation. I strongly predict this will face the axe, alongside recently cancelled Rescue Hi-Surf and Found (only this morning).

In the finale, the playoff match between Beverly High Eagles and South Crenshaw Chargers, with the former down by four going into the final play of the game. The final stages of the episode saw quarterback KJ throw a long pass, with credits rolling before viewers learned the ball's destination.

So the only cliffhangers is, viewers were left wondering about the outcome of one fateful football game? Who fucking cares.

I would miss Jordan (Michael Evans Behling) if this show was cancelled. However probably should have left off on a high(ish) note last season with the better season six finale, before the majority of the OG cast were axed to save cash.

The 2025–26 is going to be much different in the USA. It appears to be budgets first, creativity and originality second or third or not at all.

In Australia, All American streams all seven seasons on Stan.

Friday, May 9, 2025

Post Holiday Blues 25' - Memory #4

Today we move to Kyoto. Visiting Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijōjō) which was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868).

Shogun just got renewed, so maybe I should finish season one. Also my first sighting of cherry blossoms!



Thursday, May 8, 2025

Post Holiday Blues Streaming 25' - The Equalizer - Season Five/Series Finale

The Equalizer was renewed for a fifth season which returned to our screens last October. Earlier this month, the series was canceled after five seasons. This follows the show avoiding the axe last season, when CBS needed to make space for new shows.

This year with Blue Bloods, Fire Country spin-offs and other new shows slaying, it was always going to be touch for the Queen Latifah action series to continue on. Rumours were a short, sixth and final season might be announced, however TV stations in the states are all about budgets and balance sheets. So expect a few more shows to get the axe before the upfronts start, possibly tomorrow with CBS first cab off the rank.

I think NBC is next Tuesday, no doubt ABC will follow then the smaller players, FOX and The CW.

Back to The Equalizer, warning spoilers below as Robyn McCall hangs up her action shoes. Honestly for me, I totally would have preferred Star to continue for Queen Latifah. That season three cliffhanger! Right!


The season booted off with McCall being asked to rescue a little girl, Randi, after her older brother Kevin steals a grocery truck filled with guns from career thug Paco Alvarez, a lieutenant for a low-level drug dealer Diego Sueño. 

Harry finds the truck but it's locked down in an NYPD impound lot, so McCall must improvise. Kevin is captured trying to rescue Randi himself. Just when McCall needs Harry on over-watch, Mel has a post-traumatic panic attack, calling him away. 

He also misses Dante's call, warning him that major cartel member Angel Salazar and his deadly crew are about to show up. McCall is captured, tortured, and nearly killed escaping. Back at home, Miles tends to her wounds, and she must admit she no longer has a team.

So the season ends with more Angel Salazar. In the second last episode, Mel and Harry spot Angel Salazar in a photo with the target. In the Poconos, Salazar's men prepare to storm Marcus' and Robyn's cabin. Which was meant to be a romantic getaway. But it was not meant to be.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, continuing in the series finale with Poconos hikers Duncan and Rosita are slain by Xiomara, one of Angel Salazar's Guatemalan mercenaries. 

Ikal asks him how to handle McCall and Dante. Gary and Glenda Thompson interrupt Marcus' and Robyn's romantic reminiscing, and help themselves to their wine. 

Mel and Harry try to find a connection between Salazar and the bomb. Harry poses the question, can they stop their dangerous equalizing? 

Salazar's men kill Gary. Robyn and Marcus split up to save Glenda. 

At the cabin, Harry fixes satellite/cell service, while Mel and Robyn spot Salazar's base of operations. They develop a plan to rescue Marcus, but he is shot. Harry stays with him, while Robyn and Mel go after Salazar. 

The episode does wrap up with all getting some kind of ending. The show had really run its course. I do believe this season was a bit of a push. However the social justice and issues the show shone the spotlight on, was kind of refreshing, other times slightly cringe and preachy.

Otherwise this show did well to get five seasons. In the current TV climate it may not have been so lucky.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Film Influencer 2025 - Warfare

A24 continue to distribute quality films, Warfare is the latest.

Written & directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland. Warfare is based on Mendoza's experiences during the Iraq War as a U.S. Navy SEAL, the film depicts an encounter he and his platoon experienced on November 19, 2006 in the wake of the Battle of Ramadi.

To maintain historical accuracy, the film's material is exclusively taken from the testimonies of the platoon members, and is presented in real time. Giving old school 24 vibes, with an intense setting within one house for the majority of the film.

Starring an all male cats, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Mendoza, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Finn Bennett, Joseph Quinn, Charles Melton, Noah Centineo, and Michael Gandolfini. 

The film is dedicated to platoon member Elliott Miller (played by singer Cosmos Jarvis), who lost his leg and the ability to speak in the incident.

I was a little late to the party, however the Tuesday session I attended was largely full with an engaged audience.

Warfare is intense, disturbing and gruelling to watch.

As someone against wars, this film reinforced my beliefs, with the film showcasing the sheer horror of war.

You feel like you are in the house with this group of young soldiers.

This film will not be for everyone, however its a damn well made film. 3 Stars.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Post Holiday Blues Streaming 25' - The Righteous Gemstones - Season Four/Series Finale

The Righteous Gemstones has concluded its four season run on HBO. Leaving the premium content producer with limited comedies. Well the Max brand still has the super funny Hacks, which really looks like it will get a fifth season.

Gemstones created by Danny McBride, originally premiered in August, 2019. There has been some big gaps between seasons with the fourth commencing early March with a very random Bradley Cooper lead episode.

Throughout the fourth and final season, the Gemstone children continue to lead the church amidst their turbulent personal lives: Jesse struggles to leave a lasting legacy and keep control of his rebelling sons while Judy must care for a depressed BJ after he is injured in a pole-dancing accident. 

Having entered into a romantic relationship with Keefe, Kelvin gains prominence after creating PRISM, an LGBT-friendly ministry. Things spiral completely out of control for the Gemstone offspring when a lonely Eli enters into a relationship with Lori Milsap, a close friend of Aimee-Leigh. The origins of the Gemstone empire, led by outlaw-turned-reluctant preacher Elijah Gemstone, are likewise explored.

Alongside McBride, Adam DeVine, Edi Patterson, Tony Cavalero, Cassidy Freeman, Gregory Alan Williams, Tim Baltz, & John Goodman also star.

The long standing HBO comedy series, has had a positive reception and has been nominated for a number of awards.

Watch out spoilers below for the series finale, That Man of God May Be Complete.


This was the ninth episode of the fourth season & the 36th overall episode of the series. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the performances, humour, emotional tone and closure to the storylines.

In the finale, at the Cape and Pistol Society, Vance tells Jesse that he is opening 10 new churches around his malls and then proceeds to throw a yellow hanky, challenging him to a pistol duel. Eli volunteers as Jesse's second, but he is scared about Jesse's plan. 

The duel begins, and Vance shoots first, but accidentally hits a car in the distance. He subsequently begs for his life, prompting Jesse to shoot at a pole, which ricochets at a member's leg. He decides to spare Vance, but quits the society, deciding that he does not need it, with Eli also quitting.

Kelvin surprises Keefe by proposing marriage, which he gladly accepts. BJ feels depressed over Dr. Watson's absence, so Judy and Amber help him get in touch with Dr. Watson, who now resides at a new home. However, Dr. Watson refuses to acknowledge him, so Judy scolds Dr. Watson into reconciling, deciding that they will adopt Dr. Watson again. 

Baby Billy returns to the Teenjus set, wanting the crew to thank God for saving him. He suddenly has an epiphany, realising he has left his family aside. He announces his resignation, deciding to spend time with his family.

When Lori mentions that Corey has been distant since Cobb's death, the Gemstones decide to return to Galilee Gulch. Corey finally reveals his conflict: the bank will seize Cobb's farm, and Corey needs $7 million to buy it back. When Corey turns aggressive, Jana decides she has had enough and states that she wants to divorce him. 

Kelvin sneaks into Corey's room and is shocked to find a gun in his duffel bag, as well as Elijah Gemstone's gold-plated Bible. He informs his siblings, when they are approached by Corey. He reveals that he covered Cobb's role in stealing the Bible, and also conspired with him in getting rid of Lori's boyfriends, with Cobb even killing one of them. Corey does not threaten them, simply asking them to not tell Lori.

When Jesse, Kelvin and Judy return to the lake house to discuss how to proceed, Corey appears and shoots Judy. Jesse and Kelvin hide in the house, but they are both caught by Corey and mortally wounded. Running out of ammunition, Corey leaves for his truck to retrieve another rifle. 

The siblings crawl through the house, with Judy using a bell to call Dr. Watson and ask him to retrieve a gun from Jesse's bag. The monkey delivers the gun just as Corey returns, with Jesse managing to shoot him in the head. Corey apologises for his actions and refuses to get help, asking them to simply pray with him as he dies.

Eli officiates Kelvin's and Keefe's wedding, which is held in Kelvin's treehouse. Eli and Lori have not pursued a relationship again, but Eli maintains they are in good terms. As Eli proudly sees his children dancing, Aimee-Leigh narrates a letter that she left to Eli. 

Lori grieves over Corey's gravestone. Baby Billy is happily spending time with Tiffany and his children. The gold-plated Bible is displayed in the Gemstone centre, while Gideon participates in a skateboarding competition in the church. 

Eli returns to his yacht in Florida, where he reunites with Lori. She asks to join him as his first mate, worrying that he might get lost. Eli smiles.

Judy had some bloody wild lines in this finale episode. For me she will always be my favourite character from all four seasons.

This season had its ups and downs, Will & Grace's Megan Mullally as Lori Milsap was a fun addition to final run. While Seann William Scott as Corey Milsap & Arden Myrin as Jana Milsap were also good additions.

I need more Edi Patterson in my life. She is just a dream. The Righteous Gemstones 2019 - 2025, you will be missed. Across four seasons I have never heard so much bad language in my life. LOVE IT! Just got this in before all HBO titles sadly moved from Binge to MAX. Still not sold on Max and now that I didn't buy the launch month offer, there may be less HBO at my house!

Monday, May 5, 2025

Film Influencer 2025 - Sinners

Sinners is thus far, the sixth highest-grossing film of 2025! Written, co-produced, and directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta.

Starring supreme hunk, Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers who return to their hometown to start again, only to be confronted by a supernatural evil. 

Alongside Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo.

Sinners (the first vampire film in a minute)has received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Coogler's direction and Göransson's score as well as the performances of Jordan, Steinfeld, Lindo and Caton.


There is no denying the talents of leading man Michael B. Jordan. This film manages to mix music, with vampire action and racial relations in the 1930's.

There is a reason why this film is doing so well at the box office, sessions at my local cinema and chatter online.

Sinners is a fun piece of election distraction. Its run time is the only thing I would criticise, however I guess I just need to get used to long ass films in 2025. I do however want to check out Warfare next week, which my cousin recommended and the 90 odd minute runtime does really appeal to me.

For now Sinners is a solid 4 Star film.