Binged 2021 - Them (2021 TV series)

Wow! Them is a full on ride. Its horror mixed with US race relations. 

Created by Little Marvin and executive produced by Lena Waithe (The Chi). Them season one stars Deborah Ayorinde, Ashley Thomas, Alison Pill, and Ryan Kwanten. Yes Australia/True Blood vet Ryan Kwanten.

The series streams on Amazon Prime Video. Streaming back in April.

This is not to everyones taste. Maybe watch the above trailer first, then read the below brief overview. Apparently this will be an anthology. However no second season has been greenlit yet.

Set in 1953, Covenant follows a black family who, during the Second Great Migration, moves from North Carolina to an all-white neighborhood in Los Angeles. The family's idyllic home slowly transforms into an epicenter of evil forces, next-door and otherworldly, that threaten to haunt, ravage and destroy them.

It's a bit supernatural, it's a bit what goes bump in the night, it's a lot about race and privledge.

I enjoyed all ten episodes of the first season now streaming in Australia on Amazon alongside the interesting Nine Perfect Strangers.

Amazon for me is an interesting player in the streaming wars. It has more of a profile than Apple TV+, less of a profile than Netflix while having less Aussie content than Stan.

With so much to choose from, maybe do a free trial, give this, The Wilds, Jack Ryan and The Boys a go.

Until next time, peace out crew...

Wentworth | Season 8 Part 2: The Final Sentence

Its back Wentworth Season 8, part two is titled The Final Sentence.

Season 8 part one wasn't that great. It was fine but honestly it had seen its best days in season seven with the siege and Joan (The Freak) Ferguson still six feet under.

With the introduction of characters like Vivienne Awosoga as Judy Bryant and unlikable new prison boss Jane Hall as Ann Reynolds along with Pamela Rabe as Joan Ferguson the season had far too many characters fighting for screen time.

Now we are used to Lou Kelly and Reb Keane (Zoe Terakes - also starring in Nine Perfect Strangers) we lost one of them at the end of the episodes at the hands of former TV good girl, Marta Dusseldorp as Sheila Bausch.

Yep the drama turned up to nine already in episode one. With nine episodes to go how will it end? I enjoyed this episode a lot. Here are a few spoiler alerts about what went down. Don't read ahead if you are not up to date!!!

* Joan/The Freak turns to Dr. Miller for help as she struggles to keep her feelings from emerging and confides in him that her memory has returned. With his career now on the line, Dr. Miller agrees to help her. 

* Allie returns to the compound following her stabbing and immediately reveals that she will never walk again due to spinal damage. Her attacker Judy is reluctant to face her, fearing that she will be exposed. Allie for some reason believes it was Lou who attacked her.

* It was a big night for Allie. Deciding to step down as top dog, leaving Boomer as the interim top dog. I give this one episode.

* Rita pays a visit to her dying father, on the outside.

* Sheila is charged with murder when Lou and Reb are questioned by the police and put forward their version of events regarding the deaths of nine people. 

* Marie tells Sheila that Lou was responsible for the deaths and assists her in taking revenge against Lou. However, Marie, having had no idea of Sheila's true intention, is shocked to discover who is dead when she returns to her unit to find a heartbroken Lou holding Reb in her arms.

Hoping to do an episode recap weekly in the final nine episodes.

Binged 2021 - Girls5eva

Girls5eva is not the best comedy out right now (see past posts for The White Lotus and Hacks) however the world needs a laugh right now. So even though some episodes they were few and far between, this critically acclaimed comedy on Stan was watchable.

Airing originally back i May of 2021 the following month the series was renewed for a second season.

Basically the series is based on a 90's girl group that only managed to score one hit gets an unexpected chance at a comeback when their song is sampled by an up-and-coming rapper.

Sara Bareilles is one of Girls5eva. This follows her series Little Voice, the first to be cancelled by Apple TV+. Also starring in the group,  Renée Elise Goldsberry, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell alongside Ashley Park.

Tina Fey (one of the shows producers) also gets a cameo playing Dolly Parton.

The series is original, however not the best on Stan nor the best comedy of 2021. However if you want something super light, non offensive and easy to binge, Girls5eva is streaming right now. All eight musical episodes.

August TV Finales - The White Lotus

The White Lotus is up there with one of the best shows of 2021. Following on from fellow HBO series Mare of Easttown, The White Lotus is straight up BRILLIANT.

Created, written and directed by Mike White (Enlightened) commenced on July 11, before concluding August 15. This short sharp six episode run stars Murray Bartlett (Looking), Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde), Alexandra Daddario, Jake Lacy, and Steve Zahn.

The season focuses on the lives of the staff and guests at a tropical resort in Hawaii over the course of a week. The series has received acclaim from critics and nearly everyone I know who has seen the series. Whilst some episodes were confronting, it was simply hilarious. Looking at those wealthy enough to enjoy this top resort.

The series (originally intended as a mini-series) has been renewed for a second season, which will tell the story of a different group of travelers during their stay at another White Lotus property.

So clearly HBO wants to keep the gravy train of this comedy gold on their books.

After some of my luxurious holidays before the shit show that was 2020 hit. I was lucky enough to travel to a number of these "exclusive" resorts. This just touches the side of how vile some holidaymakers can be.

I really enjoyed this from episode one. Whilst I waited for the first four episodes and then binge those and waited patiently for the final two. This was TV at it's best. Not a complex story to be told but a worthwhile one.

I am almost to the end of the August TV Finales series, however a number of new shows are landing soon. Wentworth takes a bow tomorrow, The Walking Dead also starts its long winded final season whilst American Horror Story returns for its tenth season mid week. Talk about a busy month of TV. 

September is also bringing a number of your favourite series back. From Money Heist, Billions finally returns, American Crime Story takes on the Clinton's, The Morning Show returns for its second season along with regulars like Big Sky, Station 19, 9-1-1 and Dear White People's final season.

I'll see you all again soon.

August TV Finales - American Horror Stories - Season One

American Horror Stories has just concluded ahead of American Horror Story: Double Feature, the tenth season kicking off this next week.

This seven episode anthology horror television series also by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk finished it's first season run last week.

This is the third instalment in the American Story media franchise, a direct spin-off from American Horror Story. 

Select cast members from the original show include Matt Bomer, Celia Finkelstein, Naomi Grossman, John Carroll Lynch, Charles Melton, Billie Lourd, Chad James Buchanan, Cody Fern, Dylan McDermott and Jamie Brewer. 

American Horror Stories series has already been renewed for a second season. This season however leant a little too much into the Murder House season one storyline. With three of the seven episodes based in the Murder House.

My personal favourite episode in this run was BA'AL. Starring Scream Queens Billie Lourd.

I am excited about Double Feature along with the next instalment of American Crime Story. Recently American Sports Story and American Love story will also join Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's American Story world.

American Horror Stories broke no new barriers, with episodes like Feral feeling a lot like a Wrong Turn film spin off. A lot of good looking cast members were used in this run of episodes which is often criticised of Murphy's work.

Either way American Horror Stories is an easy seven episode watch. It streams right now on Binge. 

August TV Finales - Superman & Lois - Season One

Superman & Lois finally wraps for its first season. Commencing in late February with five (six if you count the pilot being a double episode) episodes ahead of a lengthy break till mid May. The show played through May/June before a number of breaks giving fans two episodes in July along with two in August.

Tyler Hoechlin is extremely likeable as father to two boys/ Clark Kent / Superman whilst Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane reminds me so much of Teri Hatcher. 

Already renewed for a second season (back in March), set to premiere in early 2022.

Season two was set up in the last minutes of the finale after a swift resolution of season one's big bad.

The finale was enjoyable, however not my favourite episode of the season.

While real life issues of small towns struggling with limited career opportunities, flawed heroes and villains, Superman & Lois felt much more grounded than other Arrowverse series such as The Flash & Legends of Tomorrow. Along with Batwoman this is my favourite of the remaining Arrowverse series.

With Superman & Lois concluding this makes way for the final run of Supergirl episodes. Joining Stargirl, Supergirl continues The CW commit to DC characters. Legends of Tomorrow is also set to conclude in coming weeks ahead of returning with Batwoman (now midweek on Wednesdays) mid October. The Flash will also return in November. It's tipped this will be the final season.

August TV Finales continues soon with my long awaited chat about one of the years biggest series The White Lotus. Also the short run of American Horror Stories ahead of the parent series returning soon.

Binged 2021 - We Are Lady Parts

Receiving good reviews across the globe, We Are Lady Parts is another one of those random shows that showed up on Stan a while back.

Not one of premium Showtime or Stan originals but another interesting series that makes me recommend Stan to more people than Netflix. I find Stan works a little more on the quality over quantity you sometimes see on Netflix.

However with the streaming service losing all new Showtime titles to Paramount +, Stan may need to develop some more deals quick smart. 

The British television sitcom was created, written and directed by Nida Manzoor. 

Premiering back in May, 2021, I am using this less packed few weeks of August to catch up on a few titles.

We Are Lady Parts follows an all-female Muslim punk band in the UK taking inspiration from London's rich & diverse collection of cultures. 

Friendships, relationships and cultural differences are navigated as the band seeks musical success. The six twenty something minute episodes fly by. It was an easy two night binge for me.

This was different with a nice spin on a music series. If you are looking for something different, We Are Lady Parts streams now on Stan in Australia or Peacock in the USA.

Binged 2021 - Hacks - Season One

Hacks is the latest success from HBO Max. Following the buzz worthy mid season finale of Gossip Girl yesterday.

Hacks aired back in May in the USA, however Stan dumped all ten season one episodes this month in Oz.

Starring Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Carl Clemons-Hopkins, like The White Lotus, this is one of the BEST shows of 2021. I am so grateful the show has already been renewed the series for a second season.

Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is a legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedy diva, trying to maintain relevance as the head of the casino where she performs tries to pare down on her performance dates. Ava (Hannah Einbinder) is a Gen Z comedy writer who is unable to find work due to being "canceled" over an insensitive tweet. The two reluctantly team up to freshen up Vance's material and learn to respect each other's differences.

The show has so many highs, its laugh out loud funny, the two leads are super likeable, this show is a bloody winner!

So in this extended Lockdown 2.0, Hacks is honestly the show you need to priorities right NOW! Jean Smart is worlds away from her role in Mare of Easttown. Both shows have easily been some of the nest TV in 2021.

Hacks season one streams on Stan.

August TV Finales - Gossip Girl - Mid-Season Finale

Gossip Girl is back! Well right now its on a wee break with the first season consisting of 12 episodes, split into two six-episode parts. The second half of the season returning in November on Binge.

Narrated by Kristen Bell (reprising her role as the voice of "Gossip Girl"), while  Jordan Alexander, Whitney Peak, Tavi Gevinson, Eli Brown, Thomas Doherty, Emily Alyn Lind, Evan Mock, Zión Moreno, and Savannah Lee Smith star in the reboot.

In a sense it's a sequel to The CW television series of the same name. However it is a lot more sexy now it's moved to HBO. With raunchy gay sex, threesomes and the recurring teacher/student lust theme. The show has 100% grown up over the years.

Based on the novel series written by Cecily von Ziegesar, filming takes place in New York City. 

The opening six episodes have been wild whilst featuring some great music along the way.

You can read a full recap here of the sixth/midseason finale. I for one will be looking forward to the next six episodes. Will a second season get off the ground? I sure hope so to see some more Evan Mock on TV.

August TV Finales will continue next week with the excellent The White Lotus closing out its six episode run. Whilst Superman and Lois concludes its first season spin off from Supergirl. The White Lotus honestly could be my favourite show for 2021, so look out for a glowing post!

August 2021 TV Highlights

I am surprised the end of winter is delivering so many new TV gems. 

First Mr. Corman. I am excited to try out this new Apple TV+ series starring the dreamy Joesph Gordon-Levitt. Last Friday, the first two episodes dropped. Looking forward to checking them out after finishing Hacks on Stan which finally got its Australian premiere. Lucky it's already renewed for a second series. The Jean Smart led comedy is terrific.

Over on Binge Reservation Dogs also dropped its first two episodes. Stargirl also finally returned for its second season, whilst a reboot of the 70's TV show, Fantasy Island also debuted.

On Stan (following on from Hacks) Heels is coming this Sunday. Joining Power Book III, Starz/Stan has an exceptional Sunday line up.

The White Lotus (which has now been upgraded from a mini series) will conclude this Sunday. At least it's back for a second season.

The brilliant Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens also returns next week for its long awaited second season.

The strange, sometimes bat shit crazy Riverdale returns (tonight) for the second half of its fifth season. Good news Riverdale fans, it's returning for a sixth season later this year.

Nine Perfect Strangers airs its first three episodes filmed in Byron next Wednesday on Amazon. So excited for this! Nicole Kidman along with a strong, solid cast who escaped Byron Bay just in time.

The Walking Dead returns for one last zombie kill fest on August 22. Streaming on Foxtel/Binge the same day as the USA.

Whilst I am enjoying American Horror Stories, I am very excited for the tenth season of American Horror Story (titled Double Feature) commencing with a double episode towards the end of the month.

Apple TV+ will see the return of Jason Momoa series See. Apple TV+ is starting to really get some good programming on the platform.

August TV Finales - Physical - Season One

Physical is the latest Rose Byrne project concluding this weekend on Apple TV+. Like The Chi this has just been renewed for a second season ahead of its first season finale.

The comedy-drama/aerobics/political series created by Annie Weisman that premiered on Apple TV+ in June. Running for a tight 10 episode run the series has received good reviews and shined the spotlight on how fab aerobics really is.

Set in 1980s San Diego, Physical is a dark comedy following Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne) through her journey of self discovery via aerobics.

Apple TV+ is starting to build a quality empire with series like Ted Lasso earning award nominations and renewals. With The Morning Show, See, Servant and more starting to get more attention. The poor mans streaming services may have a bright future.

I loved Physical (however bias I am due to my love for Rose Byrne) for it's deep dive into aerobics, political campaigning as well as its look into eating disorders and the masks we wear on the outside to look "perfect".

This would have to be my equal favourite (along with The Morning Show) Apple series to date. 

Paul Sparks, Rory Scovel, Lou Taylor Pucci, Della Saba, Dierdre Friel, and Ashley Liao all join Byrne in this classy, well scripted series we all needed in yet another lockdown.

I for one say bring on season two of Physical! Let's pray the gyms reopen by then or I will be doing Sheila's workouts from home too!

August TV Finales - The Chi - Season Four

Big news The Chi (pronounced THE-SHY) fans! Season five is coming in 2022! Yes the series from a neighbourhood on the South Side of Chicago, which premiered on Showtime on January 7, 2018 will continue for another year. No word yet from Showtime on fellow August TV Finales series Black Monday yet.

Rotten Tomatoes originally scored the series @ 87% considering it "certified fresh". The critical consensus reads, Like an optimistic companion to The Wire, The Chi explores the complexities of life in the South Side of Chicago, with a tender touch and a clear affection for its captivating characters.

Jacob Latimore as Emmett Washington continues to shine in The Chi. This season we find him in an open marriage along with a sick mother diagnosed with cancer.

Yolonda Ross as Jada Washington (Emmett's mother) has her best season yet whilst young stars Alex Hibbert as Kevin Williams, Shamon Brown Jr. as Stanley "Papa" Jackson & Michael V. Epps as Jake Taylor continue to shine.

The Chi has joyful moments whilst it also brings big drama to the screen.

I loved this season the longer it rode on. I am over the moon the show will return for a fifth season. So in Australia this apparently airs on Disney+ so check it out there.

July TV Finales - Dr Death - Miniseries

Another series landed on my birthday this Covid sequel year, Dr. Death. As all episodes landed on Stan (in Australia) on July 15, 2021, it is a late entry to my now closed July TV Finales series.

Yes August TV Finales series is now open with The Chi post landing tomorrow.

But now time for some true crime in a drama miniseries format. For TV the series was created by Patrick Macmanus which is based on the podcast of the same name. Joshua Jackson plays Dr. Christopher Duntsch, who can only be described as pure evil. Joining the Dawsons Creek/The Affair vet, Alec Baldwin, and Christian Slater were cast as Robert Henderson, and Randall Kirby, respectively.

The series follows Duntsch, an arrogant, sinister doctor who treats his Hippocratic Oath about the same way he treats his patients. As his malignant narcissism and psychopathy escalate, his fellow surgeons and a young assistant district attorney set out to stop him.

Hubert Point-Du Jour, Carrie Preston and Maryann Plunkett also star in the eight part true crime horror show.

The crimes are horrific, the surgery scenes are brutal and the drama is real. It does feel a little day time TV in parts (particularly episodes one and two) however it builds, builds and delivers in the final three episodes.

The court scenes are gripping where True Blood/Claws legend Carrie Preston excels as attempting to defend Duntsch.

If you have a visit to a hospital coming up, this is not for you. Dr Death packs a punch, it's nice to also see Slater and Baldwin on the small screen again.

Dr Death streams all episodes now on Stan.

#RATED - March - July TV Finales

It's been a few BIG months of TV. So let's have a recap of the best TV finales over the past few months.

Man with lockdowns etc, I watched a lot of series. Thank god filming is happening again in the USA.

1. Mare of Easttown - Limited Series (May)
2. Pose - Season Three/Series Finale (June)
3. Run the World - Season One (not yet renewed, come on Starz!) (July)
4. Genera+ion - Season One (July)
5. Love, Victor - Season Two  (June)
6. The Handmaid's Tale - Season Four  (June)
7. Fear the Walking Dead - Season Six  (June)
8.  The Falcon & The Winter Solider - Limited Series (April)
9. Married at First Sight - Season 8 (April)
10. Eden - Season One  (June)
11. The Blacklist - Season Eight  (June)
12. Station 19 - Season Four  (June)
13. 9-1-1 Season Four (May)
14. First Wives Club - Season Two (not yet renewed) (July)
15. Shameless - Season Eleven/Series Finale (April)
16. Kung Fu - Season One (July)
17. Batwoman - Season Two  (June)
18. Cruel Summer - Season One  (June)
19. 9-1-1: Lone Star - Season Two Finale (May)
20. Younger - Season Seven/Series Finale  (June)
21. All American - Season Three (July)
22. Big Sky - Season One Finale (May)
23. Mayans MC - Season Three Finale (May)
24. Prodigal Son - Season Two/Series Finale (May)
25. Servant - Season 2  (March)
26. Q Into the Storm - Limited Documentary Series (April)
27. Pennyworth - Season 2 (not yet renewed) (April)
28. American Gods - Season 3/Series Finale  (March)
29. Betty - Season Two (not yet renewed) (July)
30. Mr Inbetween - Season Three/Series Finale (July)
31. Black Lightning - Season Four/Series Finale (May)
32. Loki - Season One (July)
33. Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist - Season 2/Series Finale (May)
34. Everything's Gonna Be Okay - Season Two Finale (not yet renewed)  (June)
35. Snowpiercer - Season 2 (recently renewed for a fourth season, ahead of season three)  (March)
36. The Equalizer - Season One (May)
37. Queen of the South - Season Five/Series Finale  (June)
38. The Walking Dead - Season 10 (April)
39. City on a Hill - Season Two Finale (May)
40. Clarice - Season One (not yet renewed) (June)
41. The Flash - Season Seven (July)

Mid Season Finales (Superman & Lois, season one finale in two weeks)

1. Superman & Lois - Mid-Season Finale (March)
2. Riverdale - Mid-Season Finale (March)
3. Supergirl - Mid-Season Finale (May)
4. The Nevers Season One, Part A (not yet renewed) (May)

August TV Finales - Black Monday - Season Three

Black Monday could be the most batshit comedy Showtime has ever aired. Starring Don Cheadle, Andrew Rannells, Regina Hall, Casey Wilson, and Paul Scheer, season three gets even more crazy!

Regina Hall constantly steals the show including in the wedding themed finale.

Andrew Rannells really is everywhere right now. Following his Netflix film appearances in The Prom and The Boys in the Band, he also appeared in fellow new Stan drama, Girls5eva.

Don Cheadle is also wild, in the show based around Black Monday which has travelled into a place of complete insanity.

With the murders continuing and bodies building up, will there be enough cast left for Showtime to renew the series for a fourth season. If it does I suspect that would be its final run. Showtime had The Chi as well as Black Monday conclude last night. Will both (or either) series be back?

In Australia you can still catch Black Monday on Stan before all Showtime series (moving forward, including Dexter) will move to Paramount+.