Wednesday, May 31, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): The Flash {Season 3 - Finale}


The Flash came in at Number 36 on this list of 2016-2017 US shows. Not bad for a show on The CW, the only show in fact to make the list. No Arrow, no Legends of Tomorrow nor Supergirl.

The Flash had an identity crisis in series three, from musical romps with Supergirl to possibly the worst villain on superhero TV EVER, himself? In the future, what the actual fuck???

I wonder the end game for The Flash with a new movie on the way (without Grant Gustin playing The Flash) I wonder whether the world of superhero loving fans will get sick of this speedy star.



As we limped over the line of 23 (yes 23) episodes this season I realised this was the longest series I watched this US regular TV season. And it felt long. With the occasional breaks, crossover episodes with Arrow, LOT and Supergirl, it was all a bit much by the end of the series. I stopped caring about Iris West and Barry Allen midway through the epic marathon of a series and wondered when will it end???

The finale left you on a bit of a cliffhanger but I really want this show to have a good villian, a good story line and time for young Australian (and now out and proud bisexual) Keiynan Lonsdale.

Wally West/Kid Flash is left to walk/run/sprint around like a bit of a lost sheep this season and I really want him to get some direction.

I think a full reset is due for season four, that is what I would like to see. Anyway that is it for May Day TV month, it's getting colder so I hope my viewing over the "getting cooler" months can help you make a decision for your next binge series. Tomorrow starts a month of Queens in aid of the Queens Birthday Long Weekend.

See you then...

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): The Real Housewives of Sydney {Reunion}


America apparently says NO to The Real Housewives of Sydney, too mean and well it was. Lisa Oldfield and Anthea X were mad and like Oldfield's disgraceful husband (One Nation Version 1.0) lies came easy to this Sydneysider.

The show itself was mad and my love of Melissa Tkautz from Channel Ten's hey day E-Street continues as she releases new music just this week.

I ended up loving Maddy sick and Victoria really was just an evil old has been clinging onto younger ladies and making everyone feel like shit. Much like Lisa and Anthea X, Victoria was just a little more sneaky about being pure evil.

The women were a mad bunch but sadly it's VERY Sydney.


Will The Real Housewives of Sydney be a one off thing? There is no word of a second season, although the Melbourne version is about to launch it's fourth outing, so it could have legs or maybe they will just move to the Gold Coast or even Adelaide could be fun.

This has been one of the most camp, over the top crazy as fuck shows on TV and Foxtel has continued to deliver some interesting content. Wentworth is an absolute dream of a show and The Real Housewives franchise is easily Australia's best reality effort at present.

So need a series to find out how bitchy this Vivid loving city I call home Sydney is, get 12 hours of these witches into your life.

May Day TV month finishes real soon with The Flash.

Monday, May 29, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {John Wick Chapter 2}


I gave this first John Wick film a fairly solid 3.5 Stars in 2014 and I might even copy that score for Chapter 2.

John Wick Chapter 2 is fierce, loud and full on from the get go. The car chase scene at the start is bigger, more brash and more full on than anything I have seen in a Fast & Furious film.



Keanu Reeves is looking fat and old in this film which just shows Hollywood doesn't give a flying fuck about how males look (excluding Zac Efron) but females always have to look like Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman.

In one scene you honestly see rolls when Keanu sits and you never see him shirtless from the front, NEVER. This isn't really a thing but whenever women are in these action films they must be trim, taught and terrific. Did Rupert Murdoch have a say in most recent action films???

Ok enough of this rant because Keanu is not a great actor and John Wick was one of those films which I actually think the studio were like, what this works? We made coin? And serious coin. WTF

Action films come thick and fast this does and this is actually a cut above some of the recent action films I have seen. Nice to also see Ruby Rose kicking some ass and looking so much better than old Keanu.

There is a completely over the top pencil killing scene which makes the Dark Knight scene look like a playgroup scene and the action scenes are 100% outstanding.

This was a lot more fun than Alien which I saw the previous day, and I am going to up the rating on this film, 4 Stars.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {Alien: Covenant}


So I was lucky enough to have a two film action weekend extravaganza this weekend after completely missing out on movies last weekend so here is review one of two as May Day TV month is almost done and it will then be turn to celebrate Queens all June long.

Here we go Alien: Covenant.



Right first up 100% honesty here I am no Alien super fan, yes that's right I can't remember if I saw Prometheus, the Alien film this film follows in the timeline of the series.

Look it had a super slow start and to be honest after watching the Empire finale during the week I was over Jussie Smollet (AKA Jamal Lyon), yes he is as handsome as fuck but otherwise girl I need some time between my hot actor crushes.

Once this film gets going it really gets going. Michael Fassbender is outstanding as David 8 & Walter and Katherine Waterston is a tough as nails hero I would want around in an Alien attack.

Look I loved the second action film more I say this weekend (John Wick Chapter 2) and you will hear more about that tomorrow, but this film did entertain me. For the most part it builds and creates tension and then it packs a mean as Alien punch.

Will I see the next Alien film and catch up on the others? Maybe, if Netflix slow down with the super slick as fuck new TV shows.

I am going to give this sci-fi film a solid 3 Stars, it wasn't bad but it wasn't my favourite.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Empire {Season 3 - Finale}


I am the one of three from my sample of three who stuck out season three of hit US music drama series Empire.

Yes it was a rough ride for season three of one of the biggest dramas in the USA. Filled mid season by the fun newcomer Star which I am happy to see return in later 2017-2018, Empire went from performance to drama to Las Vegas.

Like Supergirl more former Desperate Housewives stars popped up, along with this impressive list of guests:

Mariah Carey
Eva Longoria
Estelle
Tinashe
Fetty Wap
Rumur Willis
Taye Diggs
Demi Moore

The finale which is what this post is all about SPOILER ALERT is nowhere near as dramatic as the season two balcony fall. Who fell, who dies? There is no real cliffhanger this year except for usual TV drama plot points like a framed murder suspect and oh wait, memory loss. BORING!

If Star wasn't there to compare to this would have been a better season. Lee Daniels does a sterling job on both shows however something felt fresh about Star, maybe because it's in season one and the honeymoon period, however Empire is feeling like it's already heading down cray cray avenue.

With insane plot lines and more relationships and inter-relationships than an episode of Married at First Sight or The Bachelor/Bachelorette.

On a whole this season had some great performances and moments, however I have to say the final felt like a bit of a let down. Cookie still continues to steal the show and let's only hope her story lines continue to shine in the already renewed fourth season.

With Star and Empire to air on the same night and going head to head with NBC powerhouse (or fading star in others eyes) The Blacklist and The CW's newcomer Riverdale, how will Empire go in round four?

Here are some of the years highlights as we say BOY BYE to Cookie and the rest of the Lyon family for another season.







Thursday, May 25, 2017

Post #100, 2017


Let's take a break from all the TV and on the couch time I have done this month and focus on 100, yes there have been 100 posts in 2017 and as we see an end to May, 2017 I welcome June with a month of Queens.

In aid of the Queen's Birthday long weekend, me returning to Asia I will pay homage to some YASS Queen's all June long. From singers to screen legends it's all about the women of the world. Sorry stale pale males out there it's a celebration of the better sex all next month.

Yesterday this BLOG was about Supergirl and next month is all about Super Women!

I want to also pay my respect to the people of Manchester, I too am a ticket holder for Ariana Grande when she heads down to Australia. I am disgusted someone would attack the international language of people coming together - MUSIC.

This was disgusting and the Quadrant publication equally disgusting for their comments around the bombing and the Q&A comments. Unfortunately extreme right wingers are ultimately unhinged and this publication/commentary is unacceptable and hardly helpful.

Can I just urge people to reach out to others, embrace difference challenge simple ideas from the likes of Pauline Hanson, Donald Trump, go out and read, discover new culture. The real losers in life are the likes of One Nation squads, extreme left and right wingers. We need to come together not drift apart.

Come on people, it's people power and love and knowledge always wins.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Supergirl {Season 2 - Finale}


Season two has been a bit of a cluster fuck. First it moved from ratings giant CBS to the CW and dropped a huge amount of viewers. Episode One, Season One on CBS 16.92 million viewers, Episode One, Season Two 4.08 million viewers.

The departure of Calista Flockhart part way through the series was a huge loss for the sense of humour (one of the best elements of this series) and some of the best one liners this show had.

Superman also entered the series and their was romance galore both between Supergirl and another alien and lesbian love of the highest degree. Teri Hatcher also joined Dean Cain on having minor roles in this series.

We had a semi musical crossover with The Flash and also a flirt with some Legends of Tomorrow.

Now to the finale which was almost like a Desperate Housewives Reunion special with Brenda Strong joining Teri Hatcher in a blow up, building smash up red hot mess.

Yes Supergirl takes on Teri Hatcher in this bumped up 22 episode season marathon's finale. We wait now for Season Three to commence late 2017.

It's been a rough and at times long ride this season, that said it has been the best of The CW Arrowverse shows. Admittedly I have yet to watch more than the pilot of Arrow but The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow have really struggled in my mind. Supergirl has tackled human and current issues, same sex relationships, acceptance, compassion and other big topic issues I haven't seen explored in the other DC series.

It hasn't been perfect, it hasn't been a complete cluster fuck like I mention in the opening paragraph but I hope in series three they hit RESET and start a fresh. New network, new start, don't go the messy timelines that The Flash has gone, don't allow characters in and out then out again let Legends of Tomorrow and make the Crossovers meaningful.

Supergirl at it's core has heart and that is special in these superhero, mass produced shows. Heart is what the world needs now along with some compassion.

Bring on series three but let's have a clear vision and keep it simple, the show works best when it's simple and has it's heart on it's sleeve.

Saturday, May 20, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): The Blacklist {Season 4 - Finale}


Another NBC crime series comes to an end after the slightly fucking off the chart Blindspot finale, reviewed/discussed below this.

The Blacklist has had it's ups and downs, like Blindspot it used to be predictable with every week instead of a new tattoo a new number/target from Red's book. That changed and now we had Red vs one of his own, Elizabeth Keen being a mother after she returned from the dead and then another character returned from the dead. Hello Gotham.

Except with the Blacklist the dead characters ended up being the best.

The now dead on arrival Redemption spin off show has seen Tom Keen return to his original TV home and bring us some unanswered questions for season five.

Season Five has a lot to offer and honestly without a spin off/parallel show it might be better off alone.



Procedural crime shows with a gimmick like a list of bad guys provided by the worst guy are heard to keep interesting but somehow the Blacklist, Red and Elizabeth Keen have been an interesting feature on the TV circuit since 2013.

I can't say this is TV's best but the double finale was actually a bit of fun, a few deaths (one major - no spoilers here, but you can guess who bites the dust) and Tom Keen returning.

Time will tell how season five goes but I do hope it continues at the pace it is. Sure it's losing a few viewers week on week, season on season but this show is starting to stand the test of time.

The Blacklist it is far from perfect but it was one of the most consistent US Network shows this past season gone.

Friday, May 19, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Blindspot {Season 2 - Finale}


Where do I begin... What a red hot mess of a season finale. Like Quantico it feels like producers and writers braced for this show to be canceled and throughout the season I liked it, however the glowing tattoos storyline at the end, fuck off.

Facebook fans seemed to like the fact the two leads finally got it on, I however unmoved on their attraction to each other. Roman and Sandstorm mastermind Shepherd appear to have room to grow in most likely the third and final season.

Blindspot moves to Friday nights in the 2017-2018 season. In Australia that is where shows go to die a slow and lonely death.

Look don't get me wrong this series was an improvement on the first and honestly the tattoos and crimes were all becoming a little underwhelming so the Sandstorm terror group was much more interesting than the regular week on week procedural seen it all before crime drama.

I liked Shepherd but Australian Luke Mitchell as Roman as a good guy/bad guy, who knows go didn't grab me.

Honestly this finale left me thinking why did NBC keep this on their books, sure it was a hot new show in 2015-2016 but that said so was Quantico. Seems viewers are a fickle bunch and second seasons are almost as tough as the difficult second album syndrome for singer/songwriters.



If it wasn't for Scream Queens, American Crime, Secrets and Lies, The Catch and the Blacklist spin off show all being cancelled I would maybe skip season 3, but I think it still has fine moments, just they are getting fewer and further between.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Iron Fist


I have only hear bad things about Netflix's fourth foray into the world of Marvel Comic book stars and it's March 17 effort Iron Fist.



Feeling a lot like the start of Arrow (DC series on The CW) the show starts with the son of a wealthy New York family returning to New York. As I am only 2 episodes in and currently I would say on the level of hooked or not interested, I am mildly hooked.

It's nowhere near as addictive as 13 Reasons Why, the fight scenes are nowhere near as entertaining as it's rivals like Daredevil or Jessica Jones. Some of the fight scenes look plain dodgy thus far. It's nice to see a the martial arts side of thing but I don't know how convincing Finn Jones is as a martial artist.

I will come back and talk more about this series once I am more invested in it as I need to get up to speed with my Marvel series ahead of The Defenders coming August 18.



Iron Fist may not be Marvel's best but it's better than the god awful second series of Agent Carter so in my books that is something. Coming soon a review/look at the second series of Blindspot and it's finale airing today/tonight in the USA.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Quantico {Season 2 - Finale}


In 2015-2016 Quantico was one of the hottest new titles on TV, second season however this show got it's renewal the same day as it's finale. And to boot unlike this season and the first, what I am assuming is the third and final season will be cut to 13 episodes.

From 22 long and drawn out episodes this season I am hoping the episode count will help cut the fat from a show that drags from late September all the way through to late May the following year.

So to the finale which in my mind could have been the final episode ever. How neatly it all wrapped up compared to it's first season farewell.



It's been a tough year for the ABC series and even with the sexy addition of Russell Tovey from HBO's Looking and David Lim the series seemed doomed from the get go. A good one season story but with too much going on and then adding Marcia Cross to try and save the sinking ship plus sexy as can be Weeds king Hunter Parrish, it became a revolving door of TV legends and upcoming stars.

When the episode came to a close one could easily say, look this show had it's moments, it had a lot of locker room scenes with handsome gentlemen in towels but there is only so much locker room fun one can have on network US television.

Give this season a go if your a Tovey, Cross, Parrish or original cast fan but this really is a for the fans season only. Let's hope they really hit the reset button hard next year.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): The Leftovers {Season 3}


The third and final series of HBO Rapture drama concludes in a few weeks time after taking 2016 off. HBO is really feeling the push with Game of Thrones concluding next year and the holes left in their schedule.

The Leftovers is a low rating but fan favourite drama at the former king of pay per view series.

Justin Theroux just oozes sex all over the screen a lot of time as he plays the complete anti hero. And the supporting cast are all strong as the series moves down under in it's final season.

Yes Melbourne, Australia is the setting for where this story from Lost co-creator Damien Lindelof will wrap up.



Unfortunately like Lost the first series was by far the best and really this could have been a one season wonder where you as the viewer wanted more not less.

Season two was a little lacklustre followed by a year off and now the show is really struggling in my eyes to wrap things up and give the viewer a decent send off.

Stories with a limited places to go should really go off with all questions answered but something tells me when the eighth and final episode of this seasons credits roll I may still be scratching my head, why did I keep this show on my books? Oh yeah that's right Justin Theroux's booty.

Monday, May 15, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Riverdale {Season 1 - Finale}


The CW has had a bad year with new shows, Frequency & No Tomorrow have both been cancelled and next year we get another DC Comics series come to life and a remake of Dynasty. Joining them will be two other series I don't know too much about as well as Riverdale returning for a second series.

Being aired weekly in Australia on Netflix, this series has a bit of a following here in Australia.

The Archie comics all grown up and Ginger series Riverdale started with a mystery (Twin Peaks style) and ended with a wee mystery.

I won't do any spoilers but I found episode 12 a bit better than the 13th in this series. We knew who killed Jason Blossom.



Where will Riverdale take us in 2018? Time will tell as this surprise hot of the 2016-2017 season is one of The CW's most exciting series.

Let's countdown to more shirtless Archie scenes, more Josie & the Pussycats and unfortunately no more of one of the 90's biggest TV stars. I said no spoiler alerts but that is a little sneaky one. See you for Season Two in 2018.

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {Snatched}


I was super pumped for this but you know when you have super high expectations and watch the trailer too many times for a film, well U Know!

Yes dear readers SPOILER ALERT - this trailer.

Like a lot of US comedies this hands down features some of the funniest moments in the latest Amy Schumer work. Unlike her recent Netflix Leather Special I knew when all the good bits were coming and all the different ways the plot would go.



Sad but true this had potential, HUGE potential, Goldie Hawn returning to the big screen, Randall Park as Schumer's lover. Oh the HOPE.

Joan Cusack is a hidden gem though in this film as Barb, as a huge fan of Shameless it was great seeing her in another role.

Look don't get me wrong the funny bits still got a laugh or two in the cinema and anything around vagina and pussy gags are pretty amusing in this little picture. Unlike Trainwreck the editor got this right getting it down to 97 minutes. So much more love for a comedy that doesn't stay past it's welcome.

The thing is the first half is far funnier than the second half.

Anyway I love Amy, I don't mind Goldie and it is totally all about Mother's and Mother's Day so heres to you Mothers of the world. 3.5 Stars.

Saturday, May 13, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Renewed, Cancelled, Pending....


So in place of a TV review or piece on a single show, the US networks have been busy, cancelling, renewing and ordering the odd new show here and there, here is the one place on Saturday to read the latest. Or click HERE or HERE:

American Idol was a big news story this week, it was cancelled a year ago now back on ABC from FOX after one year. Is there any hope for Australian Idol? Well Channel 10 is almost dust so maybe not. That said Paulini put it down in the Bodyguard this week at Sydney's Lyric. She remains my third favourite contestant (after Lisa Mitchell and Matt Corby).

Movie to TV series Taken is back next year on NBC. Guess since I've seen the three films I might catch up on this one once a lot of my current dramas wrap up.

Shonda had a double hit this week, Scandal renewed for season seven will be the last and this week's episode of The Catch is the finale. The Catch officially ends after two short, Luke warm seasons.

Like Dallas, Dynasty is back but not on TNT on The CW of all places, a reboot starring the former dream boat Grant Show is coming to a screen near you next year.

Blindspot and The Blacklist have been renewed for another season each, unfortunately The Blacklist spinoff Redemption has been cut short after one extremely short season. NBC has limited hit shows at present so it was no real surprise these shows are back for another round of crime and bad tattoos.

Speaking of NBC they renewed three our of four of their Chicago series, all but Chicago Justice is a go for the 2017-2018 season.

Along with Dynasty The CW brings another DC comic series to their schedule, this time it's Black Lightening. Considering The Flash is losing it's sparkle and Supergirl feels a little over long how will this series go?

The CW has also renewed quirky DC comic odd ball hit iZombie, it's a bit of a grower and will be back for a fourth season. Also lasting for four seasons will be Gotham FOX has given the show where NO-ONE ever dies another go.

Starz has already given American Gods the nod for a second outing, it's one of the most talked about shows on cable right now.

I have talked a lot about DC comics shows but now to Marvel, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has been renewed on ABC for a fifth series. Netflix continues to have wall to wall Marvel series on the streaming giant.

ABC gave American Crime a miss for a fourth season. I disliked this season but apparently it was the most critically acclaimed. I am sad as season four was to take Fox News to the cleaners featuring a character similar to the disgraceful Bill O'Reilly. ABC has also given Kiefer Sutherland's latest TV giant Designated Survivor another chance with a second season.

ABC has also dumped low rating Australian remake series Secrets & Lies. Season two was a little lame but still we were left with a massive cliffhanger never to be explained. Similar to Devious Maids.

FOX still has up in the air two of my series 24: Legacy and Scream Queens. Both performed badly and Scream Queens seems like a Ryan Murphy pleasure package deal with a new series 911 also ordered to Fox.

So there you have it. I believe next week is the upfronts and there for time for them to make their final decision on any outstanding series.

Stay tuned next week it's a big week of finales, The Blacklist, Quantico (ABC is yet to say if season three is a yes or a hard no) & Blindspot.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Wentworth {Season 6}


It's true - Season Six - ANNOUNCED!

News Flash!! This season of Wentworth has been off the hook, this week's episode and Juice Vs the Freak - spoiler alert, it was all sorts of cray, cray!

In breaking news on other May Day shows, 13 Reasons Why has been renewed on Netflix for a second series. So we will see more Hannah Baker and co.

Also Love Child which in it's second week has shed another 100,000 viewers. Episode two scored 521,000 viewers. Anything below 500,000 I would start to feel the axe hanging over it.

Wentworth on the other hand Australia's leading Tuesday night drama has gone from strength to strength now becoming Foxtel's longest running series.



I can only imagine how the Freak former Governor and now Top Dog will go in H Block. Shit is getting real and the main thing to remember is we are only part way through the season.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Billions {Season 2 - Finale}


Billions has never been my favourite all of all favourite shows but this season has stepped it up a notch.

After a dodgy bondage scene early on in the piece with main character 1) Paul Giamatti and the resurrection of main character 2) Damian Lewis the Showtime king of Homeland.

Showtime loves it's regular killer stars so it was no surprise the queen of Weeds Mary Louise Parker rolled in as a guest this season.



But Taylor Mason stole the season AKA Asia Kate Dillion. The non binary identifying genius. Not only was the season finale a good point of no return for this show however it's back for another season in 2018.

This show had a great idea on paper for a single season but now the show is one of Showtimes gems in the small crown of hit shows currently airing and going head to head not only with HBO but Netflix.

A show about money and excess in my mind is interesting in parts but it was all about the relationships, the development of the characters this season. I enjoyed it more than the first however as I said this show could have again wrapped up neatly. SPOLERISH ALERT - it ends all neat and tidy but with enough up but with Asia Kate Dillion signed on for season three, I am sure this show will continue to expand and improve, if all I am reading online is right, I am not alone in saying Season 2 was way more enjoyable than the first.

Monday, May 8, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Sense8 {Season 2}


Since mid 2015 this Netflix series has blown peoples mind and been yet another unique and terrific series joining Netflix titles like House of Cards, Orange is the New Black (recently leaked online), Bloodline and a long list of others.

I recently gave 13 Reasons Why a glowing review, another Netflix heavyweight recently renewed for a second series. This show is in the "difficult" second series phase after a terrific Christmas Special back in late December last year.

Thank god that came as we were already close to 18 months with no sign of a new episode or season.

Sense8 is a sensational series, it's visually stunning and the cast are all banging.



I am only one full episode and a bit in but this show is just so gosh damn addictive and so colourful. The Netflix 4K quality is just heaven. If I didn't love the cinema so much (hello new Alien and Amy S's films this weekend) I could honestly stay in all Winter catching up on Iron Fist, finishing Sense8 and watching everything else coming my way.

Stay tuned I may review another Netflix title or give my commentary on this show as I get knee deep in it.

Saturday, May 6, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Veep {Season 6}


I shouldn't have set the bar so low with Love Child as a first entry into TV May Month. I was hard on a local production and I generally support brilliance in Australian arts and culture but Love Child is a show which has lived on way, way, way past it's used by date.

Now onto the other end of the spectrum, VEEP. Making news AGAIN in this country Veep continues to deliver outstanding laughs, crude humour and who needs Donald Trump when the world had a very comical Selina Meyers in charge of the US of A.

I think Ivanka and Tiffany would struggle to understand just why this HBO show is so gosh damn brilliant! HBO has given this show this show life since April 22, 2012. Ever since we have been laughing along with Selina Meyer and her team of misfits.



Poor Gary he can't put a single foot right again, Amy is well Amy, Sue is MIA and Dan is a TV star, what?

Veep is one of those outstanding shows which really gives it to it's inspiration, US politics. If the 2016 election showed us anything, it's a shit show over there. The analysis of Donald Trump's 100 Days, him meeting the NRA on 99th day, his continued rallies, his golf days, his meeting with Malcolm Turnball with Greg Norman and Gina G (I mean Gina R), Rupert and Grant "fresh from rehab" Hackett all in attendance.

Now Grant Hackett cleared had mental health and substance abuse issues before, now he is at a Trump meeting? WTF? I'm sorry has the world completely turned on it's head?

Back to Veep, season six has started with a bang, I am praying for a season seven pick up, but I think with other options in 2017 if HBO doesn't Netflix, Amazon or Hulu would be stupid not to jump on it.

There is so much life still left in Veep, not only with Selina but the rest of the gang too.

I can't recommend this show highly enough, it's easily the funniest half an hour show on TV, well until June 18, 2017.

Veep it's excellent, terrific, the best, outstanding, superb, super, sensational and every other positive description of a US scripted comedy.

What on Earth will I tackle tomorrow? Some season finales are incoming and also Sense8 season 2 is set to stream on Netflix.

Further Reading - Veep and an Australian MP - OH GEEZ!

Thursday, May 4, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): Love Child {Season 4}


The season no one asked for, nor wanted, it's Love Child Season 4. A long way from the magic million episode one rated pretty damn bad at 624,000. Looking at other series, the first season back in 2014 saw 1.59 million viewers, season 2, 1.11 million viewers and who could forgot the super rushed season 3 last year 1.01 million viewers.

So this season has almost halved it's audience after the dreadful Delta bangs on about her superstardom on The Voice.

The issue is also some of the main stars like LaPaglia is MIA and now we have a new lot of characters who were all introduced in a real rush in this latest episode.

Unlike the originality and brilliance of 13 Reasons Why, Love Child is actually a very dull old affair. Back in 2014 it felt fresh and the drama and something new on Australian TV. In 2017 and an additional two episodes per series now like the brisk double episode quick, sweep it under the cover season three.

Why is there 10 episodes in place of 8 episodes like the original two seasons?

Why did Channel Nine feel the need renew this for a fourth season? Surely it's the last, right?

Love Child in the current climate of strong dramas like Wentworth (on the same time as Love Child on a pay TV network) and House of Cards, is Channel Nine best spending it's drama dollars, I sadly think not.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

MAY DAY (TV Month): 13 Reasons Why


The most talked about show of 2017 has been reviewed, discussed and written about more than any other Netflix show I can recall. The Guardian had this article on the front page and leading story earlier this week. Multiple news sites have reported on the show and it's graphic and heartbreaking nature. I for one found 13 Reasons Why extremely powerful, heart wrenching and a portrait of the bullshit teenagers are forced through in a modern social media world.

I agree to a degree with some of the reporting on this show however along with the 13 episodes the shows actors and creative team came together for a series wrap show which to me was extremely touching and in a world of Trump and hatred and fear we learn that maybe, just maybe if we were nicer to each other, there would be no 13 reasons why.

The final episode broke my heart, but the series as a whole was one heartbreaking experience, the viewer and Hannah Baker go on one hell of a ride together.

This show in my books was exceptional, I am a little unsure of whether a second series is required, what storyline we are left with? A school shooting? That would be in order after Trump spent his 99th day as president talking to the NRA faithful.

13 Reasons Why is really not everyone's cup of tea, at the heart of the story is a girl pushed to the edge, but if anything the series has opened up the discussion about a tough topic. I had a coworker go through depression and the eventual end of Hannah Baker. He was a sweet, gentle, extremely handsome, fit and capable young man, when I received the call about a younger co-worker I was grief stricken.

I knew him only briefly in person, I dealt with him for a couple of years over email and the brief times I had with this young man he was an extremely kind, caring and talented both professionally and on the sports field.

This show made me think of him and the final struggles he would have faced and how I would NEVER want someone close to me feel so alone, so helpless. So today, maybe reach out to someone, are they OK, let them know you value them.

13 Reasons Why, it shits all over House Rules, The Voice and Masterchef, but what do I know, free to air stations in Australia are now facing a cliff, it's programs this sensational that prove Netflix is a force to reckon with. For $10 a month you get the highest of high quality.

Well done again Netflix, this is brave, fierce TV we need.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Silver Screen in 2017 {Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2}


I know it's meant to be TV month but I saw two movies on the weekend, one great (SPOILER ALERT - Get Out) and one very average. So let's hear my review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2.



A sequel to the 2014 surprise hit and with a third film on the way Guardians of the Galaxy is the latest in Marvels string of hit films.

I have to say Chris Pratt is really growing on me. As bad as Passengers was which I caught up on over Easter, he made that dull, dry space juggernaut.

Pratt is again space and here but all I am hoping for is the release date for Jurassic World 2 is definitely June, 2018!

Pratt again is actually the best part of this film, I didn't love it, it's special effects and fight scenes cover up some rather dull moments.

With the flood of superhero shows on Netflix, American networks and with Iron Fist being the first major flop I sort of think this film is not the usual high standard of Marvel films.

Doctor Strange was just plain Strange, the latest Captain America was a little more of an Avengers light film rather than a standalone hero film but Ant-Man was a standout.

So overall I keep changing the subject and this film made my mind wander. It's not bad, it's nothing new and it's all a little pedestrian when you have such awesome films like Get Out currently playing.

2.5 just passing it, by the skin of Chris Pratt shirtless scene.

Monday, May 1, 2017

May Day - May is all about...


TV and more importantly TV finales. However I have just finished bingeing the Netflix series on everyones lips 13 Reasons Why. The show has recently been renewed and has caused a real fuss online.

It's one of the reasons (maybe 13 reasons) why Netflix may see the end of Channel 10 and more commercial stations to come.

TV is huge business at this moment, we are at the end almost of the US 2016-2017 season and some shows like This is Us have been huge winners and other shows have been massive losers.

Netflix has a pile of favourites returning to our streaming screens soon and no doubt will have some more of your new favourites on the way soon.

So May will focus on finales, new series, returning series and what is getting me hot under the hood on the idiot box.

Thanks for enjoying Good News Month. BY-EEEEEEEEE