Autumn TV Finales - The Flight Attendant - Season Two

The Flight Attendant is the latest showy HBO Max which concluded late last week.

Kaley Cuoco's Flight Attendant's second series premiered on April 21, 2022.

Season two takes place a year after the events of the previous season. Cassie now works part-time as an asset for the CIA, where she surveils people in between flights. 

She has been sober for a year, is a regular member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and has relocated to Los Angeles, where she has a new boyfriend, Marco. 

During an assignment in Berlin, her target is assassinated by a woman pretending to be her, down to the tattoo. She is haunted by the images of her doppelgänger and tries to figure out who is impersonating her, while suffering hallucinations once again, this time of the past versions of herself who try to persuade her to revert to who she once was. 

It is later revealed that Cassie's year of sobriety is a sham and that she had relapsed at least twice within that period, but suppressed the memory of doing so.

The first season was a camp, wild ride. Season two really just travelled along nicely. With that crazy Stacey Q ringtone, more murders than previously along with a few new characters along the way for good measure, season two continues the crazy, fun we experienced in season one.

Streaming in Australia on Binge, this series has continued a decent range of series coming out of the new HBO streaming service, MAX. Hacks is easily the best new 30 minute comedy series currently airing, Minx has been extremely sexy while Love Life has delivered two loved up seasons.

So if you need some fast-paced travel in your life, book a ticket to Binge with The Flight Attendant, Season Two.

Autumn TV Finales - Young Rock - Season Two

Young Rock was one of my favourite COVID binge watches in early 2022. However season two didn't reach those incredible peaks of season one. Or maybe it was due to the fact that I didn't have a massive fever or throat that was full of razor blades!

I have never been a huge fan of US network sitcoms. They are lame, lack the swear words that make HBO comedies like Veep and MAX title Hacks work so well.

Censoring comedy from swear words should also be a crime. That said Young Rock was renewed for a third season.

Randall Park continues to be charming throughout season two. Uli Latukefu also continues to be handsome AF!

Season two enders, really leaves the door wide open for a third season. I am not sure where they will go exactly with the plot, however I have a fair idea.

Young Rock moves to Fridays in the USA later this year, so this will make easy Saturday afternoon/evening viewing. I feel NBC will give it one last go before it goes out to rest with a number of other series calling it a day.

If you are homebound with the spicy cough or have been hot by the return of the flu, Young Rock on Binge might just be for you.

Still to come, Atlanta, The Flight Attendant and possibly more!

The Masked Cinema 2022 - Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is yet another movie, however more of a spin-off from the hit Disney+ series WandaVision with Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) playing almost the second main character in the space-drama.

Of course also featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange, this is the first real "Avengers" Marvel film in a bit. Also the OG Doctor Strange was released all the way back in 2016.

Also starring in this film, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Rachel McAdams. 

We also see Strange protect/spin-off a new character in the Marvel universe America Chavez (Gomez), a teenager capable of traveling the multiverse, from Wanda Maximoff (Olsen).

There were some added elements of the horror genre, with Maximoff appearing the villain of the film whilst also having a softer side all at once. Its a lot I know!

I was a little late to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which premiered on May 2, 2022. With so many sessions still to choose from, why rush out with all the nerds on opening weekend!

I had very low expectations for this film after seeing the trailer SO MANY TIMES! However for me Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) made the film.

The film has grossed over $820 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2022. 

Critics praised the direction, the visuals along with the performances of the cast (particularly those of Cumberbatch, Olsen, and Gomez), but the pacing and writing received criticism.

I agree with that. Like all Marvel films, it felt too long. That said I'll give this an unexpected 3 Stars. I expected to not like this at all compared with previous Marvel films. Until next time when the finales continue at a rapid pace

Autumn TV Finales - Snowpiercer - Season Three

Snowpiercer concluded late March on Netflix inAustralia, so I am a little late to the party on this one.

The series airs on TNT (Animal Kingdom - final season soon, Claws previously ended) which has now decided to conclude all scripted series.

So ahead of the third-season premiere, the series was renewed for a fourth season, will this be the end?

Based on both the 2013 film of the same name, directed by Bong Joon-ho and the 1982 French graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand and Jean-Marc Rochette, from which the film was adapted.

The series follows the passengers of the Snowpiercer, a gigantic, perpetually moving train that circles the globe carrying the remnants of humanity seven years after the world becomes a frozen wasteland. The series questions class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival. 

Jennifer Connelly and Daveed Diggs had mixed seasons in the third season. Melanie (Connelly) was mixing for a large part. But spoiler free there is an outcome on that storyline.

Chelsea Harris and Archie Panjabi joined the decreasing (by the minute) cast for the third season.

I played a lot more attention this season binging the entire ten episodes almost back to back. It was a thrilling ride on the Snowpiercer this season. To New Eden or splitting the train, the show has a bit more steam left in it for season four. However with TNT tuning its focus away from scripted dramas. I see Snowpiercer like Animal Kingdom and Claws ready to come to an end.

It's been a wild ride this series, I still however need to watch the original film. With a large number of shows still to finish/me to do some last minute catch ups. The Autumn TV Finales will conclude (like America) when the next season (for them summer, me winter) June 21, 2022. With Paramount Plus loading all episodes of series like Super Pumped and Tokyo Vice late in Australia's autumn, I need some time to catch up y'all.

So stay tuned plenty more Autumn TV Finales posts to come. If you feel like some action on a train around 1,069 carriages long Snowpiercer streams on Netflix in Australia, now. Alongside new Stranger Things!

Happy sunny weekend Sydney!

Autumn TV Finales - All American - Season Four || All American: Homecoming - Season One (Double Feature)

All American had its longest season in 2022 whilst also gaining a spin-off series All American: Homecoming. 

Geffri Maya as Simone Hicks came into All American season 2-4. A classmate that who became pregnant and got married to Jordan when they were in Las Vegas. The marriage was short lived, but the two continued dating. She gave birth to a baby boy, but decided to give the baby up for adoption. After graduating from Crenshaw High and reconciling with the foster family to retain visiting rights, she applies to go to Bringston University, a historically black college in Atlanta at the request of her aunt, where she decides to revive her dream to become an aspiring tennis player. All American: Homecoming was born.

Like the parent show both shows were renewed. All American renewed for a fifth season, Homecoming in May 2022, was renewed for a second season.

Following Spencer Paysinger (Daniel Ezra) the series has given us 71 episodes of schools sports and drama.

I found there was a bit too much drama, along with filler in the fourth season. I was not surprised it will return later in 2022 for a fifth season. However Homecoming I kinda was surprised it got a second run.

JJ was almost absent all season four, while I saw some online comments that he may come out. Now that would be interesting! There was no real cliffhanger in the season finale, making me feel all CW shows were on order to make their seasons finales, more like series finales. Let's hope that is the cast for Dynasty when it wraps soon. Below take a look at my take on Homecoming's first 13 episode run.

All American: Homecoming is Simone Hicks leaves behind her boyfriend Jordan in Los Angeles and attends Bringston University, a historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia where she decides to pursue her dreams of being a pro tennis player. Also attending the school is Damon Sims, a fellow freshman who is navigating the college scene to pursue his dream of playing baseball for the university after rejecting an MLB draft to continue to play baseball for Bringston under the guidance of his coach, Marcus Turner. Also included is Amara Patterson, Simone's aunt, who teaches journalism at Bringston.

With a backdoor (rude) pilot airing back in July last year, the series eventually kicked off in February this year.

Running almost 13 weeks in a row (alongside the parent show) Homecoming really didn't offer anything all that different towards the back end of the run.

The drama and break ups (including the Simone x Jordan across the two shows) and paternity tests all got a bit much with the baseball and tennis action taking a backseat.

I enjoyed the opening few episodes, however by the mid-point I thought it was Katy Keene and Riverdale all over again. I could have easily seen the CW cancelling the hell outta this series. Like Legends of Tomorrow, Batwoman, Dynasty and more...

Whether or not Homecoming will be on par with All American for more episodes is anyones guess for season 2. It will be back later this year apparently...

Autumn TV Finales - Big Sky - Season Two

Big Sky was one of the biggest, brightest new series in the US network 2020–21 television season. The second season sort of stalled a wee bit.

Created by David E. Kelley, based on The Highway series of books by C. J. Box, earlier this month, the series was renewed for a third season.

Which kind of surprised me.

The plots were a little all over the shop with storylines from season one playing out for way too long. Or there was the case of John Carroll Lynch as Rick in season one, then as Rick's twin brother Wolfgang in season two. Weird.

Joining the cast for season two were Vinny Chhibber, Romy Rosemont, Ryan O'Nan, Michael Malarkey, David Meunier Constance Zimmer and Bernard White. Zimmer from UnReal added some class to the series, although her character only came into its stride mid season.

Newcomer Jensen Ackles had a bit of a promo in the finale (free of cliffhangers, sort of like a reboot to set the show up for new beginnings in season three) while Reba McEntire was cast a series regular for the third season.

With two big names incoming, I feel ABC has higher hopes when the show returns later this year on Wednesday nights. Leaving Station 19/Grey's to get a new 10pm series.

I never thought this show had the same appeals as Shonda's series, so we will see how a new night, new characters (therefore storylines) will pan out for Big Sky. It's an OK watch, but nothing special. They have drawn in big names for network TV, so I am hopeful for maybe a shorter, more focused third season. By ending like a series finale this season, I also have odds on the third could be, a third & final run.

The Masked Cinema 2022 - The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson

The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson makes it to the big screen, following a stage adaption of Leah Purcell’s acclaimed play based on Henry Lawson’s classic short story.

Starring Sam Reid, Jessica De Gouw, Rob Collins, Leah Purcell, Malachi Dower-Roberts. Purcell shown in Wentworth, now she shows true grit in the latest Australian big screen moment.

A searing Australian western thriller asking the question: how far do you go to protect your loved ones?

It's brutal, it's tough viewing at time whilst also showcasing the beauty of the Australian bush. Regional Australia has never looked so dark and light all at once in this feature film.

The Drovers Wife opened at the start of the month, however only just opened at my local Hoyts. Thanks for screening it Hoyts, however it maybe should have opened when it was scheduled to. My screening was poorly attended however Sydney's rain continues for the 19th month in a row. No summer, now no Autumn.

For a full piece on the film, click here, whereas I give this film a solid 3 Stars.

Autumn TV Finales - Station 19 - Season Five

Station 19's fifth season finale felt almost like a series finale. With Grey's Anatomy surely coming to an end soon, that would likely spell the end for Shonda Rhimes number two Thursday drama.

Starring Jaina Lee Ortiz, Jason George, Grey Damon, Barrett Doss, Jay Hayden, Okieriete Onaodowan, Danielle Savre, Boris Kodjoe, Stefania Spampinato & Carlos Miranda.

Earlier in January 2022, the series was renewed for a sixth season. Could it end with a sixth season then?

With no cliffhangers or crossovers with the parent show, the final episode had some happy endings whilst tying up a few loose ends. See some moments below.

I feel like we are at the crossroads with US network dramas right now. With streaming stealing most decent dramas, no restrictions with language or content. Shonda Rhimes has already shined her star bright on Netflix with Bridgerton (similar to Still Star Crossed (formally on ABC) just successful.

Station 19 is easy viewing. Jay Hayden is super easy on the eye, whilst his Seattle mayor storyline could be the one interesting reason to stick around for season six later in 2022.

Season five has been a real mixed bag for the folks at Station 19. Deaths, drama, life saving efforts while crossing over with the parent show a few times. You can catch all your favourite firefighters from Seattle (well it's actually filmed in LA with some dodgy exterior shoots) on Disney+

Autumn TV Finales - Killing Eve - Season Four/Series Finale

Killing Eve has finally had its swan song. Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) & Villanelle (Jodie Comer) have been playing cat and mouse for four seasons now. Concluding last month, I ended up catching up on the whole damn thing in one run on ABC iview.

Based on the Villanelle novel series by Luke Jennings, each of the show's series is led by a different female head writer. The first series had Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the head writer, the second series Emerald Fennell, the third series Suzanne Heathcote and the fourth series Laura Neal.

Already in the works is a spin off based on Carolyn Martens' early life at MI6.

I enjoyed the kooky, some what off beat series, however I do think it could have easily stopped at two seasons.

Following a year off last year, it was a quick and easy watch a final globe trotting season.

We got some back stories, some flashbacks, some major character deaths, all what you would expect in a final season run.

It was good escapism whilst it latest. Sandra Oh is EPIC. I did love her in The Chair too.

Where will Oh go to next? Will the spin off be any good? Is it fair critics are adding it the worst ever finale list? It's up to you, TV is subjective (like music) so some fans might find it to be a masterpiece. Either way it all streams now on iview!

Tomorrow we take another trip to a fire station with the Station 19 finale, then Big Sky, Young Rock, All American(s) and The Blacklist all wrap up next week too.

Congratulations too, to the Australian Labor Party, the teal independents, the Greens and Australians, the ScoMo years are finally a distant memory, bye bye Liberal party. Next NSW in March, 2023!

Autumn TV Finales - 9-1-1 - Season Five || 9-1-1: Lone Star - Season Three (Double Feature)

9-1-1: Lone Star has just concluded it's third season with a wedding on the way! Like it's sister series (below) 9-1-1 there were no real cliffhangers this season. Does this mean the end is in sight?

A fourth season is on the way, with the Fox network announcing this the day of the season finale.

Gina Torres has been a real standout this season. With Lone Star kicking off with a Rob Lowe ice storm (yes in Texas) running it's 18 episodes (up from 14 last season) almost week to week. That's a lot of 9-1-1.

Especially once The Cleaning Lady wrapped up and the two 9-1-1's were on the same day. It's still up in the air what Fox will schedule in (along with what day) for it's 2022-2023 season.

Likely the two will remain on Mondays, however will they live together from September till May or stay spilt like the first three years?

Brianna Baker was promoted to series regular for the third season, starting a new romance with Julian Works as Mateo Chavez. But as above Torres with her husband pacing, then his brother sneaking in a kiss, was the season standout for me. Lowe was touch and go for a bit whilst TK and Carlos will always be gay favourites. How can a couple be that good looking! It's criminal!

How camp will the wedding be in season four? Will Rob Lowe leave? Will there be a fifth season? Fox is enjoying keeping everyone waiting on decisions lately, so only time will tell.

9-1-1 is the OG, 9-1-1, however I have been enjoying the spinoff 9-1-1: Lone Star (above) a little more of the past few seasons.

Season five really felt like it was running low on gas with Angela Bassett almost completely carrying the series.

The Jennifer Love Hewitt (Maddie) / Kenneth Choi (Chimney) situation with their new born was resolved, while they totally left hunk of burning love John Harlan Kim out of the show!

The series has been renewed for a sixth season, like its sister show, however I almost wonder whether it's the final season on the way. It is by far Fox's best performing series year in, year out, however the storylines and cast look tired.

Whilst Ryan Guzman is handsome, Angela Bassett is super talented, Oliver Stark keeps gay baiting folks with the Guzman bro-mance. The show is looking a little, so yesterday. That's how the Hilary Duff song went right?

With no cliffhangers, lives in the balance, no real drama. The show ended, kinda flat. After seeing earthquakes, tsunami's, mud slides/COVID and LA wide black out/power hack, it has been a wild ride.

My only question is, how long can this wild, wild, wild ride go in LA? Lone Star has more heart and interesting characters, so maybe a merge of the two shows would work? Taking the best from both series? Either way the first responders should be back late September(ish).

Autumn TV Finales - The Equalizer - Season Two

The Equalizer is the hit Queen Latifah series on CBS. Getting its second season run out of the way this Sunday gone. It's been a big finale week already. With CBS continuing to keep The Equalizer on Sunday nights for two more seasons. Yes, the series has been renewed for a third and fourth season!

Alongside Queen Latifah, the action procedural stars Liza Lapira, Lorraine Toussaint, Tory Kittles whilst Jada Pickett Smith also guest stars in an episode in the second season.

Social issues like Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate and general Karen behaviour were all explored in this 18 episode supersized second season.

I enjoyed the series, the take on social issues including a school yard revenge porn situation. It covered a lot this year, with Queen Latifah also having a much longer running series than her former Star co-star Brandy, who's Queens gotta the boot after one, lonely season.

Season two saw some episodes getting over 10 million viewers after 7 day catch ups. Which in a quickly declining US network ratings game, that is a decent figure.

The Equalizer will likely return for a third season towards the end of 2022. Next up, a 9-1-1 double finale wrap up.

Autumn TV Finales - Moon Knight - miniseries

Moon Knight is the latest Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) miniseries. Although there is speculation there could be more Moon Knight in one way or another.

Oscar Isaac stars as Marc Spector / Moon Knight and Steven Grant / Mr. Knight, two alters of a man with dissociative identity disorder.

Also starring is May Calamawy, Karim El Hakim, F. Murray Abraham, Ethan Hawke, Ann Akinjirin, David Ganly, Khalid Abdalla, Gaspard Ulliel, Antonia Salib, Fernanda Andrade, Rey Lucas, Sofia Danu, and Saba Mubarak.

Filming took place from April to October 2021, primarily in Budapest as well as in Jordan, Slovenia & Atlanta, Georgia.

Moon Knight premiered the first of its six episode run on March 30, 2022, concluding on May 4. 

The series received positive reviews, with particular praise for Isaac's and Hawke's performances and the darker tone compared to previous MCU series. I however wasn't completely sold.

Whilst it was different to previous series like Loki or WandaVision, it really seemed to lack direction or a decent conclusion at the end of the sixth episode.

A plot summary suggests, Marc Spector, a mercenary who has dissociative identity disorder (DID), is drawn into a deadly mystery involving Egyptian gods with his multiple alters, such as Steven Grant.

Look I talked to imaginary friends as an only child, however this got a little dull by episode four. Maybe a standalone movie would have been better than a six episode run, week to week. That said though I only just caught up on all six episodes, in one sitting.

I am losing a bit of interest in all the Marvel hype. I am yet to see Doctor Strange's sequel film, I also hope the next Marvel series is a lot more engaging than this one.

Tomorrow I will shift gears into one of many US network TV's Autumn TV Finales. The Equalizer comes tomorrow followed by 9-1-1 (double), Station 19 and Big Sky! Big finale week!

The (Non) Masked (Home) Cinema 2022 - Gold

Gold landed on Stan back on 26 January 2022, this followed a limited theatrical on 13 January 2022. However when recently in Thailand I noticed it was also coming to the cinemas there. So it was high time I saw this Australian made, Zac Efron film.

Described as a survival thriller it's directed by Anthony Hayes along with starring him, Efron with Wentworth's Susie Porter. It's a small cast in a COVID safe filming kind of new world order.

It currently has a great Rotten Tomatoes score 89%, that said, what did I think of this at home "cinema" experience?

To be honest, I LOVE, love, LOVED Senior Year earlier this week, which is kind of opposite to Gold, with Rebel Wilson starring in a US picture unlike Gold with Efron starring in an outback South Australia film. To be precise the Flinders Ranges, the town of Leigh Creek.

Fun Facts:

The film includes a desert sandstorm scene, for which fans and sand were transported to the desert location. However a real sandstorm began in the region and the actors agreed to shoot in it instead. Efron broke a bone in his hand halfway through the shoot, but concealed it from the crew to avoid stalling production.

While I love Efron (even though I hated Firestarter last week) this just wasn't for me. Was it the lack of action, pace or storyline? Or even conclusion at the end. This was really just an old slow burn.

If you need some background noise or just an Efron fix, this might be for you. Don't expect much, 2 stars.

PS - Why on Earth is the latest Aussie film, The Drovers Wife so hard to see? HOYTS better late than never it lands three sessions a day at my local from tomorrow!

Logies - 2022 - My Picks

My picks in Red + BOLD, let's see how I go. The Logies return to the Gold Coast mid-June 2022, after three long ass years.

It's three years worth of nominations. This could be a bad idea....

Full story, details and links to the old TV Week HERE

Most Popular Awards

TV Week Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television

Hamish Blake, Lego Masters Australia, 9Network

Julia Morris, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Network 10

Karl Stefanovic, Today/ 60 Minutes, 9Network

Melissa Leong, MasterChef Australia / Celebrity MasterChef Australia, Network 10

Ray Meagher, Home And Away, Seven Network

Sonia Kruger, Big Brother, Holey Moley, Dancing with The Stars: All Stars, The Voice Australia, The Voice Australia Generations, Seven Network

Tom Gleeson, Hard Quiz, ABC

Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter

Carrie Bickmore, The Project, Network 10

Hamish Blake, Lego Masters Australia, 9Network

Leigh Sales, 7.30, ABC

Melissa Leong, MasterChef Australia / Celebrity MasterChef Australia, Network 10

Sonia Kruger, Big Brother, Holey Moley, Dancing with The Stars: All Stars, The Voice Australia, The Voice Australia Generations, Seven Network

Tom Gleeson, Hard Quiz, ABC

TV Week Silver Logie – Most Popular Actor

Bernard Curry, Wentworth – The Final Sentence, Foxtel

Guy Pearce, Jack Irish, ABC

Hugo Weaving, Love Me, Binge and Foxtel

Ray Meagher, Home and Away, Seven Network

Rodger Corser, Doctor Doctor, 9Network

Stephen Peacocke, RFDS, Seven Network

TV Week Silver Logie – Most Popular Actress

Ada Nicodemou, Home and Away, Seven Network

Anna Torv, The Newsreader, ABC

Bojana Novakovic, Love Me, Binge and Foxtel

Deborah Mailman, Total Control, ABC

Kitty Flanagan, Fisk, ABC

Sophie Dillman, Home and Away, Seven Network

Graham Kennedy Award For Most Popular New Talent

Alessandra Rampolla, Married At First Sight, 9Network

Carlos Sanson Jr, Bump, Stan

Matt Evans, Home and Away, Seven Network

Melanie Bracewell, The Cheap Seats, Network 10

Tony Armstrong, News Breakfast, ABC

Will Lodder, Love Me, Binge and Foxtel

Most Popular Drama Program

Doctor Doctor, 9Network

Home and Away, Seven Network

Love Me, Binge and Foxtel

RFDS, Seven Network

The Newsreader, ABC

Total Control, ABC

Most Popular Entertainment Program

Anh’s Brush with Fame, ABC

Gogglebox Australia, Foxtel

Hard Quiz, ABC

Lego Masters Australia, 9Network

The Masked Singer Australia, Network 10

The Voice Australia, Seven Network

Most Popular Panel or Current Affairs Program

7.30, ABC

Australian Story, ABC

A Current Affair, 9Network

Four Corners, ABC

The Front Bar, Seven Network

The Project, Network 10

Most Popular Comedy Program

Aftertaste, ABC

Fisk, ABC

Have You Been Paying Attention?, Network 10

Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell, ABC

The Hundred with Andy Lee, 9Network

The Cheap Seats, Network 10

Most Popular Reality Program

The Block (Fans Vs Faves), 9Network

Celebrity Apprentice Australia, 9Network

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here, Network 10

Married At First Sight, 9Network

MasterChef Australia, Network 10

SAS Australia, Seven Network

Most Popular Lifestyle Program

Better Homes and Gardens, Seven Network

Bondi Rescue, Network 10

Gardening Australia, ABC

Love It Or List It Australia, Foxtel

The Living Room, Network 10

Travel Guides, 9Network

TV Week Silver Logie – Most Popular Australian Actor Or Actress In An International Program

Angourie Rice, Mare of Easttown, Binge and Foxtel

Jacki Weaver, Yellowstone, Stan

Murray Bartlett, The White Lotus, Binge and Foxtel

Sarah Snook, Succession, Binge and Foxtel

Troye Sivan, Three Months, Paramount+

Yvonne Strahovski, The Handmaid’s Tale, SBS

2022 Most Outstanding Awards

TV Week Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Drama Series

Bump, Stan

Love Me, Binge and Foxtel

RFDS, Seven Network

The Newsreader, ABC

Wentworth – The Final Sentence, Foxtel

TV Week Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Miniseries or Telemovie

Fires, ABC

New Gold Mountain, SBS

The End, Foxtel

The Tourist, Stan

The Unusual Suspects, SBS

TV Week Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Actor

Hugo Weaving, Love Me, Binge and Foxtel

Jamie Dornan, The Tourist, Stan

Richard Roxburgh, Fires, ABC

Sam Reid, The Newsreader, ABC

Scott Ryan, Mr Inbetween, Foxtel

TV Week Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Actress

Anna Torv, The Newsreader, ABC

Claudia Karvan, Bump, Stan

Deborah Mailman, Total Control, ABC

Isla Fisher, Wolf Like Me, Stan

Miranda Otto, Fires, ABC

TV Week Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Supporting Actor

Colin Friels, Wakefield, ABC

Damon Herriman, The Tourist, Stan

Hugh Sheridan, Back To The Rafters, Amazon Prime Video

Matt Nable, Mr Inbetween, Foxtel

William McInnes. The Newsreader, ABC

TV Week Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Supporting Actress

Heather Mitchell, Love Me, Binge and Foxtel

Katrina Milosevic, Wentworth -The Final Sentence, Foxtel

Mabel Li, New Gold Mountain, SBS

Noni Hazlehurst, The End, Foxtel

Rachel Griffiths, Total Control, ABC

Most Outstanding Entertainment or Comedy Program

Hard Quiz, ABC

Lego Masters Australia, 9Network

Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell, ABC

The Masked Singer Australia Australia, Network 10

The Voice Australia, Seven Network

Most Outstanding Reality Program

Beauty and The Geek, 9Network

Celebrity Apprentice Australia, 9Network

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Network 10

MasterChef Australia, Network 10

SAS Australia, Seven Network

Most Outstanding News Coverage or Public Affairs Report

60 Minutes – ‘Nazi’s Next Door’, 9Network

7News – War In Ukraine, Seven Network

Four Corners – Bursting The Canberra Bubble, ABC

Insight – Intimate Terrorism, SBS

The Project – Brittany Higgins Interview, Network 10

Most Outstanding Sports Coverage

2021 AFL Grand Final, Seven Network

2021/2022 Fox Cricket Ashes Coverage, Foxtel

2022 Australian Open Women’s Final, 9Network

Olympic and Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020, Seven Network

State of Origin – Game 1, 9Network

Most Outstanding Children’s Program

Bluey, ABC

Dive Club, Network 10 & Netflix Australia

Hardball, ABC

Little J & Big Cuz, NITV & ABC

Mikki Vs The World, ABC

Most Outstanding Factual or Documentary Program

Burning, Amazon Prime Video

Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra, ABC

Incarceration Nation, NITV

See What You Made Me Do, SBS

The School That Tried To End Racism, ABC

The (Non) Masked (Home) Cinema 2022 - Senior Year

Finally! A fun, feel good film in 2022!

Senior Year is the latest Netflix film, landing last Friday (the 13th) on the streaming platform. I usually ignore Netflix films, however I had a younger friend over, I needed something light, that described Senior Year to the tee.

Alex Hardcastle (in his feature film directorial debut) directs Rebel Wilson (who also produced), Sam Richardson (also from the Afterparty on Apple TV+), Zoë Chao (also from the Afterparty on Apple TV+), Justin Hartley, Chris Parnell, Angourie Rice, Michael Cimino (Love, Victor), Jeremy Ray Taylor, Scott James, and Alicia Silverstone also star. 

Senior Year follows Wilson as a 37-year-old woman who wakens from a 20-year coma and decides to go back to high school to earn her diploma. 

The music is dope, the lines are funny and fast whilst as someone who completed high school in 2000, I can honestly look at this going, how shit must high school be now?

Yes there was bullies, jocks, popular kids and annoying puberty issues back in 1999/2000. However now, treading on egg shells, social media. Give me school in the 90's any day!

So is this worth keeping your Netflix subscription for another? HELL to the YASS!

I loved this film. Rebel Wilson was a lot of fun. The whole film just worked. From dance sequences to a super fun late 90's, early 200's soundtrack, to quick humour and jokes about where we are now as a society.

Give this one a go or add it to your watch list NOW!

4.5 Stars!

The Masked Cinema 2022 - Firestarter

OK, Stephen King's novels continue to dominate our big (and small - remember The Stand on Amazon) screens. Firestarter is the latest film based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King.

It is yet another remake of the 1984 original. Like Pet Sematary recently.

Starring hunky Zac Efron (gosh he gets better with age), Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Sydney Lemmon, Kurtwood Smith, John Beasley, Michael Greyeyes, and Gloria Reuben.

This will be my first of two (Gold (Stan original film) incoming posts Efron posts.

Firestarter was released in the United States on Friday May 13, 2022. Oh Friday the 13th with its links to horror!

In the USA the film was also released on streaming platform Peacock (currently streaming Girls5Eva). 

The film received negative reviews from critics. What did I think? Check out the verdict under the trailer.

This film sucks. Not even Efron could save it with one shirtless scene.

Like Morbius recently, the film is short, still though there is no point to it.

Blumhouse Productions usually have hits on their hands, this most definitely is a MISS!

At 94 minutes this film really was dull. There are a couple of jump moments however I was bored AF for 90 of the 94 minutes.

2022 is really not serving up many hits at the cinema. Luckily I had vouchers again to see this film. As I would struggle to pay a $1 to watch it.

Filmed in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, this is a 1 star film. Just awful, AVOID at all costs!

Autumn Binged 2022 - Starstruck - Season Two

Starstruck was one of my favourite binges in 2021. Sadly season two is not as fun as its first. Season two was released back in February. I slept on it for a bit, but here we are mid-May.

Russell Tovey (Looking and so much more) joined as a new cast member for series two. His role was fairly annoying as an overbearing film director. 

Both Rose Matafeo as Jessie and Nikesh Patel as Tom continued to have good chemistry however their constant bickering was a bit much this season.

A third season seems to be out of the question with Wikipedia listing the series as concluded.

I think a third season would be a massive stretch, however I am a huge fan of twenty minute comedies right now.

However that said, I did find the laughs a little few and far between this season. Season one I think I laughed a lot more, whilst also feeling the series in my feels.

With less romance and more fighting/couple dramas, even my parents found this a slightly tricky watch.

The Autumn finales series continues soon whilst I am also hoping to get back to the cinema. It's been a bit. Also I haven't even seen the latest Marvel film.

Next week sees the conclusion of The Equalizer, Big Sky (not yet renewed), Station 19, Atlanta & 9-1-1 (and the Lonestar, Texas one).

Until then. BYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEE

Autumn TV Finales - Elite - Season Five

Elite (Spanish: Élite; stylized as E L I T Ǝ) is back for season five! Landing on newsworthy streaming service, Netflix on 8 April 2022. Last October Netflix renewed the series for a sixth season. So 2023 will continue to be steamy!

The fifth season is the most sexual by far! Seriously there were some rogue sex scenes this season! The main plot points are as follows.

In the aftermath of Armando's death at the hands of Guzmán, Samuel and Rebeka are keeping the truth about what happened from everyone, including best friend, Omar. 

That is, until his body is discovered and it sets off a chain events changes that rips their relationships apart and changes their lives forever. 

In a flash-forward, Samuel's body is discovered floating in a pool, with every plot leading to how he got there and finding out what actually happened. 

Also, two new students – Isadora and Iván – begin attending Las Encinas and soon form bonds with the current class of students, mainly Phillipe and Patrick, but some of these relationships prove to be more deadly than others.

Of course there is another mystery, with a series of flash forwards. However for me this took the back seat following all the SEX! Yes it is really all about the sex this season!

I enjoyed all the flesh (particularly André Lamoglia as Iván Carvalho) however I wonder how long this high school sex romp series can go on for. With a sixth season set for a 2023 Netflix launch. I wonder how much longer these kids can remain in school. Is uni on the cards? A flash forward or a whole new group of students? A number of cast members have already been announced for season six.

Will Patrick & Iván work as a long term couple?

Time will tell when E L I T Ǝ returns next year....

Autumn TV Finales - Luxe Listings Sydney - Season Two

Luxe Listings Sydney is an Australian reality production for Amazon Prime Video which premiered on 9 July 2021. I am a little way through season one, however I just jumped straight on into the second season.

The second season premiered on 1 April 2022, I had smashed all six episodes (including that Delta moment) at the conclusion of their weekly airings on a Friday.

It's been announced that the show was renewed for a third season, 2 days prior to the release of season 2. An October/November release date is expected for season 3, as executive producers stated that Prime Video is currently looking to expand the series with Canadian and European spin-offs.

Go Australian reality, leading the way for a potential Vancouver/Toronto or even Paris Luxe Listing series!

Real estate agents D'Leanne Lewis, Gavin Rubenstein along with buyer's agent Simon Cohen are joined in season two by Monika Tu.

Joining Gavin Rubinstein, are Shani Asadon, Daniella Jooste, Oliver Lavers, Remi Lindsay, Jarryd Rubinstein, Tammy Soglanich and Cae Thomas. You also meet some of D'Leanne Lewis co-workers along with Simon's sassy friend Tammy. Well co-worker, but it's more like a friendship!

Prime Video has stated that Luxe Listings Sydney was its highest viewed series in the history of its Amazon Originals' premieres. That's a big deal for a local Australian production!

This is really easy viewing. Along with some serious Sydney real estate eye-candy! Gavin also likes to show off a little bit which is also a little easy on the eye.

If you need some escapism, Luxe Listings Sydney is totally for you! Showcasing some of Sydney's rather overpriced Eastern Suburbs homes along with the occasional house outside of Sydney'e exclusive East! When I'm done with season one I may return for another post on my thoughts of how that went down. Until next time (spoiler alert I finally finished Elite's fifth season) seeya!

Autumn Binged 2022 - Search Party - Season One - Five

Search Party started strong. I think I started season one way back in last winter's lockdown. Now in the midst of piles and piles of Autumn TV finales or new series coming in, I managed to finally finish the fifth and final season of Search Party.

Primarily set in New York City, the series follows a group of friends who become involved in the search for a missing young woman and the events that result from their involvement.

The series premiered on TBS/maybe Stan in Australia on November 21, 2016. 

For the third season (2018), the series moved to WarnerMedia's HBO Max streaming service. Yep another HBO Max post!

HBO Max has produced some serious content lately. Raised by Wolves, Peacemaker, Love Life, Minx, the Flight Attendant  along with And Just Like That...

The continuation of Search Party sadly saw the show spiral into crazy town. Season one and two were fun. Season three become a legal drama. Lead by the outstanding Shalita Grant as Cassidy Diamond.

Season three was still fun whilst season four saw Susan Sarandon star as Lylah. The aunt/mother of a twink kidnapper. Yep shit got weird. Season five was just plain crazy! I got through it, just. However the early days of this comedy was where the real comedy gold was.

Elliot and Portia were just wild. Dory and Drew grew to be more annoying as the five seasons played out. 

The fifth and final season premiered on January 7, 2022, I have to say the early seasons kept me sane during the last (hopefully final) lockdown.

With crazy good (surprisingly talented) special guests popping up across the five seasons, Search Party was one hell of a wild ride. The entire series streams here on Stan in Australia. So if you are looking for a weird, new 30 minute sitcom/legal drama/mystery/multi genre series, Search Party may be for you.

Until next time!

The (Non) Masked (Home) Cinema 2022 - All the Old Knives

All the Old Knives is a surprise little spy thriller film directed by Janus Metz Pedersen landing on Amazon Prime, on April 8, 2022.

So when up on the Coast recently for a pre-Mother's Day visit, this was an easy family watch.

Recently I mentioned 2022 wasn't the best year for films (thus far).

Streaming is one of the reasons behind this, so when the streaming giants are also branded as Amazon Studios (in this case) it's a worrying time for cinemas, film studios. Although look at Disney, they are living their best lives with big Marvel releases, along with a top streaming service.

All the Old Knives is written by Olen Steinhauer, based on Steinhauer's 2015 novel of the same name.

Starring Chris Pine, Thandiwe Newton (Westworld) , Laurence Fishburne, Jonathan Pryce and David Dawson. 

It's an all star cast in a tight little 101 minute thriller. The dialogue is fairly classy whilst the acting is great. Newton and Pine work well together whilst the story keeps you locked in for the full run time.

If you have Amazon Prime I highly recommend this. 3 Stars.

Autumn TV Finales - Minx - Season One

Minx is yet another HBO Max series which landed on March 17, 2022. Airing double episodes over five weeks, this sexy, dick filled comedy-drama has given us plenty of dicks with pubes over autumn.

Created and written by Ellen Rapoport and starring Ophelia Lovibond and Jake Johnson, the series concluded whilst I was in Phuket, however my TV catch up period has commenced.

Set in the 1970s, a young feminist from Los Angeles joins forces with a low-rent publisher to create the first women's erotic magazine. She's boisterous and starry-eyed, and said low-rent publisher is looking to make some quick bucks. This unlikely alliance sees the characters learning about life while finding meaningful relationships in the most odd places.

Starring Ophelia Lovibond as the lead, alongside Idara Victor, Oscar Montoya, Jessica Lowe, Lennon Parham, Michael Angarano, Jake Johnson and Taylor Zakhar Perez was cast as firefighter Shane.

The series is fun, racy whilst also having heart. It streams on Stan in Australia whilst of course overseas it is featured on the streaming platform of HBO, HBO Max. Which has some serious content out now or coming soon.

If you are finding the TV landscape too much right now, I hear you. However I will keep this pace with an Amazon original film shortly. Until then, happy Sunday/first day of May 2022. A pinch and punch for the first day of the month. LOLZ