Post Strike Cinema 24' - A Real Pain

Happy New Year! With my final and sadly one of the best films of 2024.

Yes my best of list has already gone live (maybe a little too early) then along came A Real Pain.

The comedy-drama film written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, is an international co-production between Poland and the United States.

Starring director Eisenberg, alongside Successions own, Kieran Culkin.

The pair star as a pair of mismatched Jewish American cousins who travel to Poland in an attempt to honour their late grandmother. 

Alongside Eisenberg & Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, and Daniel Oreskes also star.

We had a long wait to get this film to our big screens, following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January.

The film has received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for Eisenberg's direction and screenplay, Culkin's performance, and its emotional weight. 

The National Board of Review and the American Film Institute named it one of the top ten films of 2024.

And honestly this should have been on my best of list for a year that cinema really didn't kick a load of goals.

With deep subject matter, along with comedy, this may not have worked, however it really did.

I laughed out loud, was touched, all within ten minutes of the film. This was really good cinema. 4 Stars.

Summer Streamin' 24 - Shrinking - Season Two

Shrinking had a huge comeback. They even added two episodes for the second season. Which in fact had its good and bad points.

Back in March 2023, it was renewed for and XL second season which landed on Apple TV+ midOctober. That same month it was renewed for a third season. This could in fact be one of Apple TV+'s most successful series to date.

Starring an all-star cast of Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, & Ted McGinley.

The first season received multiple nominations and praise, whilst the second season, was recognized as one of the top ten television programs of the year by the American Film Institute.

The season started a little slow, however once it picked up, it really got there in the back end of the series. I loved season one, so maybe I was a little tough on the first half of the run. The last two episodes however were fantastic.

Maybe adding two episodes to the season was a mistake. The ten, tight episodes of season one was pure fire. Comedy is a little tricky. The timing, the pacing, all needs to be right. The show is about a tough subject, a subject that got even more tricky in season two. Spoilers below.

As we head into the final two episodes, Jimmy and Alice argue about Louis and she decides to stay with Gaby, after Summer's suggestion. 

Gaby tries to get back on her mom's good side by inviting everyone, including her mom, to Thanksgiving. She neglects to invite Derrick #2 and he decides to break up with her. 

Paul starts to have more symptoms and tremors, due to the stress of having Julie move in with him. He goes to see his doctor and discovers she is sleeping with Sean; she tells Paul that he probably has 6 months to a year before his meds stop working altogether. 

Brian and Derek try to provide Sean an opportunity to move out of the pool house, which he declines.

Brian and Charlie get a call from the 1st birth mother who has changed her mind. Jimmy helps a patient, Wally, return her neighbour's dog after she kidnaps the dog. Paul says Jimmy helps his patients to get a 'high' instead of facing his own trauma. 

He also advises that Jimmy will either revert back to how he was when Tia died or will need to seek his own therapy. Jimmy begins to have a mental breakdown and caves.

Then in the finale, The Last Thanksgiving. After a few false starts, the entire crew, get together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

There is some really heartwarming, along with heartbreaking stuff in the finale. It was honestly an almost perfect 44 minutes of TV.

Apple TV+ have set the bar high for streaming. Bad Sisters, Silo (to a point) and various other 2024 shows, it has taken a minute, however Apple TV+ are now (in my opinion) one of the hottest streamers around.

With Silo concluding early next month, Severance making its long awaited return. I think I will have to jump into the recently released miniseries Disclaimer too.

Stream all 22 episodes of Shrinking NOW!

Summer Streamin' 24 - Get Millie Black - Miniseries

HBO gave us a wild amount of content at the back end of 2024. With Get Millie Black being a co-production with Channel 4 in the United Kingdom. In Australia the five part series streams on Binge.

Commencing last month, Jamaican-born detective Millie-Jean Black is forced out of Scotland Yard, and she returns home to join the Jamaican Police Force. 

She and her partner, Curtis, investigate missing person cases, and their lives are up-ended when one of their investigations crosses paths with another that brought Scotland Yard detective Luke Holborn to Kingston.

The series stars Tamara Lawrance, Joe Dempsie, Gershwyn Eustache Jnr, & Chyna McQueen.

I do love a short and sharp miniseries, particularly from HBO. However whilst Get Millie Black started strong, it really died off in the last few episodes. I really started to lose interest from the end of episode three.

Episodes one and two were great. Now this did conclude on Monday, so you may be up to date. However if not there are spoilers below the trailer.

In Kingston, Curtis faces the consequences of Millie's actions and must decide what matters most.

Meanwhile, an undercover Millie arrives back in London searching for Romeo. Millie contacts Meera, her ex-partner when she worked in London to help her in her investigation. Hilborn survives the knifing, and returns to London. He finds Millie, and they search together for Romeo. 

However, during their investigation, Hilborn is run over by a car, and then shot by Natalie, who is working with the traffickers. Millie continues researching the case on her own, and eventually locates and rescues Romeo. When she returns to Jamaica, Millie leaves the JPF, and tells Hibiscus in a voice message that she sold their house, but will be staying in Jamaica, this time on a permanent basis.

I don't think this will be HBO's biggest title of 2024, however it did start solid, so maybe it could have been a streaming movie in place of a miniseries.

One more finale to post before the end of 2024. It was the wholesome, touching Apple TV+ finale of Shrinking. That is coming soon.

Until then, stay safe this summer.

Best Movies of 2024 (Post Strike Cinema 24')

OK real talk (again), 2024 is when we have now come out (finally) of COVID and the writers/actors strikes. Now that was a back-to-back double whammy. Notably, finally the superhero bubble has completely burst. HARD. I mean the Joker sequel, wow!

So where are the original ideas, what is Hollywood churning out in 2024?

What have been my films of 2024? Read on dear readers. Warning its been a HUGE year (again) for horror! Also I saw one of the best films twice this year. Civil War was simply outstanding. In the year of a monster US election, this film had everything.

So what were my favourite films of 2024? Take a look at the list below.

BEST hyped film of 2024 - Anyone But You (released late, late 2023)

BEST jump out of the seat film - Longlegs / Heretic

BEST Teen drama/coming of age/comedy blah - Wicked (Part I) - at a pinch. Sorry slim pickings for this category this year.

BEST film of 2024 - Civil War

BEST small (budget) film - Monkey Man (10 million dollar budget)

BEST Aussie Movie - Force of Nature: The Dry 2

BEST Music(al) film - Wicked (Part I)

BEST controversial film of 2024 - Blink Twice / The Substance (tie)

BEST Drama - It Ends With Us

Ok so all the It Ends With Us (real life) drama was unfolding as I was doing this post. So apologies if this was triggering, however a film that was both dramatic on and off screen, well.

Summer Streamin' 24 - Bad Sisters - Season Two

Bad Sisters is the Irish black comedy series that received twelve nominations at the 19th Irish Film & Television Awards, winning four including Best Drama, and received the British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series at the 2023 BAFTA Awards alongside two additional wins. 

Set in Dublin and filmed on location in Ireland, the second season returned mid-November. Concluding at lunchtime yesterday on Apple TV+. Slightly earlier than its usual regular Wednesday streaming. The series has streamed alongside fellow popular Apple TV+ title Shrinking this time. The two shows have made a good pairing mid-week, giving viewers double the comedy fun.

Apple TV+ has really excelled this year with returning titles continuing in good form, a run of big name new shows and giving viewers advance warnings of upcoming ending series, like Silo. Recently renewed for a third, then fourth, final season.

So where does Bad Sisters pick up after a big of an absence on our screens?

Viewers return to the sisters, two years after the death of John Paul, Grace is about to marry Ian, Ursula has divorced, and Bibi and her wife are trying for another child. 

The wedding festivities are overshadowed by Roger, who is tormented with guilt and harbours unreciprocated feelings for Grace, as well as the arrival of Roger's sister Angelica. 

The remains of JP's father are discovered in a suitcase submerged in a pond, prompting a renewed police investigation into the Williams family's affairs. 

Roger tells Grace that he wants to go to the police, causing her to panic. Grace tells Ian about how John Paul died. The next morning, Blanaid runs to Eva's house to tell them that Ian is gone and Grace can't stop crying.

Series star/executive producer Sharon Horgan, has not been shy talking about the series possibly ending. Horgan has on the record say, the season two finale felt final.

It did for me too, the story was excellent throughout season one. Season two had its moments, however it would feel if the series would return for a third season it would be pushing this series.

I have enjoyed this Apple TV+ series. The mix of comedy, drama and revenge are all a great mix for a fun little show. Add the Irish element, it's golden. 

If you are looking for a post Christmas, pre New Year's binge, all 16 episodes of Bad Sisters stream now!

Summer Streamin' 24 - Dune: Prophecy - Season One

Dune: Prophecy was recently renewed for a second season. Right ahead of the finale airing on Binge on a hot summer's Christmas Eve, eve.

Yes this movie spin-off that landed on HBO following getting upgraded from a HBO Max title earlier in the year.

Dune: Prophecy is set 10,000 years, before the events of Dune. Prophecy follows sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen as they combat forces that threaten the future of humanity, and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit.

Set in Frank Herbert's Dune universe, the series focuses on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful social, religious, and political force whose members possess superhuman powers and abilities after undergoing years of intense physical and mental conditioning. 

Dune: Prophecy draws upon, but is set after, the Great Schools of Dune novel trilogy (2012–2016) by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

The first run of six episodes commenced last month. With high production value and a packed HBO 2025 schedule, I don't expect this back till 2026 at the earliest. 

HBO has three new series to launch in 2025, along with a number of returning series. New series include A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the second Game of Thrones spin-off, It: Welcome to Derry. You guessed it, an It spin-off and Task. A new Mark Ruffalo lead miniseries.

The White Lotus has also been announced to commence around Valentine's Day too.

OK, spoilers below about the finale The High-Handed Enemy. You have been warned!

Tula sees Valya order Dorotea's suicide, then reveals her pregnancy. Valya shows Tula Anirul, and plans mating Javicco to Natalya. Nazir tells Tula fear feeds the virus, but dies analysing it. 

Natalya arrests Ynez for trying to free Keiran. Valya gives Francesca a metacyanide gom jabbar ("high-handed enemy") to kill Javicco. 

Javicco unsuccessfully tries to send Natalya away. Javicco begs Valya's assistance against Desmond. She reveals the Sisterhood manipulated his whole life; he has her arrested. 

Dorotea-possessed Lila reveals Valya made Dorotea's followers commit suicide. Francesca shows angry Javicco the needle, blaming Valya. Valya uses the Voice to free Ynez and Keiran; Theodosia poses as Ynez. Javicco threatens Francesca, but, despairing, stabs himself. 

Keiran, Ynez, Valya flee. Natalya stabs Francesca with the needle. Lila shows the acolytes Dorotea's followers' skeletons, then destroys Anirul. Young Tula exchanges Desmond for a stillborn. Harrow's recording device sees Valya with Francesca. 

Desmond ignites Valya's virus; Tula, finding her collapsed, tells her to abandon fear. Valya sees a blue-"eyed" machine operating on Desmond. She considers killing him, but Tula reveals his parentage. Valya says some hidden hand also realized Desmond's potential. Tula embraces Desmond; his guards arrest her. Valya, Keiran, and Ynez land on Arrakis.

Dune: Prophecy is the first of two HBO finales this week. Get Milli Back concludes alongside Bad Sisters on Apple TV+ around lunchtime today.

OMG it's Christmas tomorrow!

Summer Streamin' 24 - Laid - Season One

Laid originally aired in Australia on the ABC, 9 February 2011 – 6 June 2012. A lot has changed in the dating world since then. A lot has changed in the world full stop since then!

Add a US twist, with the new series based in Seattle in place of Australia. We have seen the US try their take on Kath & Kim, which wasn't great, however this Laid (reboot) was actually a fun, easy watch.

I may or may not have watched it within 24 hours.

I did leave the house though, I promise!

The American romantic comedy follows Ruby Yao (Stephanie Hsu). A 33-year-old single party planner who is trying to solve why her sex partners are dying in the order she slept with them. Girls leading lady, Zosia Mamet plays AJ, Ruby's best friend and roommate. Drama unfolds when when Ruby and Zack (Andre Hyland) have a thing. Thin is Zack is AJ's boyfriend.

The handsome Tommy Martinez plays Isaac. Who adds further complication to the mix, with Ruby following for him. He starts out as a client who hires Ruby to plan his parents' 40th anniversary party. Things escalate fast over the eight (short) episodes.

So where can I watch this US interpretation of an Aussie series? Binge in Australia, Peacock in the USA. Comment on that first. Peacock are really starting to release/build a decent library of programming now.

Laid also stars, Michael Angarano as Richie, one of the people whom Ruby slept with who doesn't die, Olivia Holt as Merci, Isaac's girlfriend who is a marine biologist and Ryan Pinkston as Brad, Ruby's co-worker.

Overall Laid was an unexpected, easy, at times funny little show. I thought it would wrap up the entire story, however at the end of episode eight, we get a real twist. A cliffhanger leaving you wanting more. In Australia it ran for two seasons, so hopefully Peacock will see the potential and give it another run.

Big finale week this week. Kicking off at lunchtime with the recently renewed Dune: Prophecy. Bad Sisters and Shrinking wrap their second seasons on Apple TV+. Finally joining Dune on HBO/Binge, Get Milli Back ends its limited season run tomorrow lunchtime. Huge finale week with limited new shows landing.

Happy holidays!

Summer Streamin' 24 - Nacho - Miniseries

Nacho is one of those hidden gems on Stan. Well a massive perve fest.

This Spanish biographical series follows the beginnings of pornographic actor Nacho Vidal in the sex industry and the Sala Bagdad in Barcelona.

Starring Martiño Rivas as Nacho Vidal, along with María de Nati, Andrés Velencoso, Penélope Guerrero, and Miriam Giovanelli. The series orignally streamed back in March 2023. So I am playing summer catch up.

So is it just a sex-fest? Yes and no. But back in 1993, Nacho to everyone who knows him, is a crazy, magnetic kid with overflowing energy, who has decided to live his life to the limit. 

Born into a conventional and Catholic family, in the eyes of his father, he is nothing more than a young man with no future, lacking talent. But nothing could be further from the truth. 

Nacho was born with a “gift” AKA a big penis!

Through his “gift” & thanks to Sara Bernat, the first great love of his life, Nacho is committed to a career in adult cinema and becoming an international star. Finally, the time has come to show the world that you can be someone. His journey to success and fame has only just begun.

Through Spain, across to the USA, he gets nominated for an AVN and has sex with hundreds of women.

Is is worth sitting through the eight episodes? Well yes and no. The real life Nacho Vidal is nowhere near as hunky as Martiño Rivas.

That said, Nacho streams now on Stan. The streamer about to give us returning local series Bump and Black Snow.

Summer Streamin' 24 - Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is the second season of Ryan Murphy's biographical crime drama anthology television series Monster.

Alongside Murphy, Ian Brennan delivers this series for Netflix. 

The second outing centres around the 1989 murders of José (Javier Bardem) and Kitty Menendez (Chloë Sevigny), who were killed by their sons, Lyle (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Erik (Cooper Koch). 

So how does Murphy follow up the incredible Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story?

Which was originally meant for a limited series. However following the huge success of the first run, Netflix announced in 2022 that it had been renewed as an anthology series, with two further editions to come. 

I missed this when it streamed back in September, so in the summertime heat, its time to catch up following my previous run of Murphy series earlier this quarter. 

Since its release, Erik Menendez denounced the season for its inaccuracies and Lyle's characterisation. However, it has achieved global commercial success, debuting as the number-one series on Netflix worldwide. 

Then, at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, it earned three nominations: Best Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film, Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film for Koch, and Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film for Bardem.

A third season (The Original Monster) is in the works. Not bad for originally being a miniseries. Charlie Hunnam will be the lead as murderer and graverobber Ed Gein.

So Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is not anything new to popular culture. In 2017 (on NBC - so less explicit, yes there is loads of swearing and a penis in the Netflix version) I watched the Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders, eight episodes miniseries.

Across the nine episodes (up one episode from the above NBC series) while the prosecution argued they were seeking to inherit their family fortune, the brothers claimed—and remain adamant to this day, as they serve life sentences without the possibility of parole—that their actions stemmed out of fear from a lifetime of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

So we all know how it ends, but beware there are spoilers below the trailer.

In 1995, O. J. Simpson is declared not guilty, causing public outcry and adding to the tensions that have risen among Erik, Lyle, and Leslie, with the brothers now blaming each other. 

The new trial has Mr. Conn as the prosecutor, who despite Leslie's constant objections successfully makes a case of the brothers being guilty based on numerous witnesses of their manipulative tactics, spoilt behavior, and disrespect—rather than vulnerability—toward José and Kitty. 

He also surmises that the evidence for sexual abuse is very scarce, as well as the illogicality of confessing everything to Dr. Oziel except the abuse. 

He believes the brothers lied about being abused, with the real motive having been money, based on their greed, materialism, and having spent $700,000 in the weeks after the murders. Finally, he condemns Leslie's history of emotionally manipulating juries for money. 

The jury finds Lyle and Erik guilty of first-degree murder, sentencing them to life imprisonment without parole in separate prisons. 

In a flashback to the day the family goes sailing, José encourages Kitty to return to journalism while Lyle and Erik discuss their plan.

Look it would be hard to be as terrifying as Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. That was intense AF. This was too intense when it comes to the descriptions of sexual abuse, but as I'd already watched a series about this case before, I felt like there was no new ground covered here. That was just me.

Either way, it's worth a watch. Who knows whether this will help Lyle and Erik Menendez, but all I know is if the abuse was true, the parents were also monsters.

Summer Streamin' 24 - Cross - Season One

Cross is the perfect replacement for Jack Ryan on Amazon.

Based on the Alex Cross novel series written by James Patterson, starring Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, & Juanita Jennings. 

Cross follows Alex Cross (Hodge), a forensic psychologist and homicide D.C. Metro Detective, alongside his partner, Detective John Sampson, as they pursue some of America’s most dangerous killers. Together, they navigate the perils of the criminal underworld while Alex strives to safeguard his family from its threats. 

Cross was renewed for a second season even before the premiere of its first season. So keep an eye out for when season two will land in the future.

Tell me more about the first run?

Alex Cross is a Washington, D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist who is also a devoted father and family man. Driven by an obsessive determination to delve into the minds of killers and victims, he works tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring perpetrators to justice. Struggling with escalating temper issues and resisting therapy for over a year after the murder of his wife (Chaunteé Schuler Irving), Cross considers taking a leave of absence. 

However, he is drawn into a high-profile case involving the murder of a local Defund the Police/Black Lives Matter activist. The politically over ambitious white police chief, seeking both a black detective as the public face of the controversial investigation and a swift resolution, complicates matters further.

Watch out spoilers below the trailer!

In the finale, Alex Cross soon uncovers that Peter Lenox’s entire family is deceased, leaving no direct ties to him. 

However, he did have a figure in his life he referred to as his "fairy godmother" and "street mom." As the investigation deepens, Cross realises that his efforts to protect his family may have inadvertently placed them in even greater danger realising the "street mom" is Miss Nancy. 

Having discovered she was the one to convince Deidre to confess to something Peter did thinking she would get away with it for being "white". With time running out, he races to save the people he loves before it's too late. 

As for Ed Ramsey - Ed is led into an interrogation room as he has only to speak with Alex. Alex spins things away from Ed, telling him that Bobby Trey is the one who owns the book, but John decides to burn the entire thing right in front of Ed via a live feed. 

He rips out the pages and reveals that the police are going the route of “crooked ex-cop is a serial killer” instead of making Ed famous. Instead, Ed is going to be classed as clinically insane. Alex is also being cleared of charges, while Chief Anderson gets a shiny promotion up to Mayor. As for Malika, she swallows her pride and shows up at the station to collect Emir’s belongings. She also showed to say thanks to John for solving the case alongside Alex.

While Damon does his big piano recital, Alex finally has the courage to visit Maria’s grave. He also decides to dig into the past, and finally attends therapy. In a mid credits scene: Kayla engages with Bobby Trey, who is being labeled as America’s Most Wanted and the Fanboy killer. While Trey did kill Vanessa and Tavio, his hands aren’t entirely clean, he sees an opportunity for a deal. 

He agrees to provide information about at least six Fanboy victims in exchange for full immunity and a reduced sentence of 24 months. Trey also offers to provide crucial intel to help bring down some of the corrupt individuals in high places.

For me the real award winning performance here is by former Blacklist star, Ryan Eggold as Ed Ramsey. He played a real big bad!

This was high class, solid TV. The production was high, the storyline was exceptional. Made for bingeworthy TV. If you need a holiday binge this season, make sure its Cross. Bring on season two!

Fall finales wrap

A lot of your favourite US network (NBC, ABC, The CW, CBS and FOX) are on break now. So here is a recap of what I have been watching, their return dates and my opinion for their chances at another season.

Well, well, well, after years of interruptions to regular programming, the 2024-2025 season is off to a regular start. While in Australia the heat is on, in the USA it's getting closer to a white Christmas in parts.

They are also heading into four more years of the news cycle losing their minds when the fat orange man takes the oval office again. What a wild time to be alive. The MAGA cult leader also has beef with CBS, so how will they fair from 2025 onwards. That impacts Australia, as CBS owns the countries fourth (or second last) watched network, Channel Ten.

So Sundays in the USA have become sports and reality shit night. Only CBS has had dramas on this fall. With NBC to launch Suits: LA next year. The Equalizer apparently has a spin-off in the works, but has also been bumped to the scary slot of 10pm Sundays. Their other series (I am yet to watch) Tracker, has been going strength to strength, making The Equalizer's future a little shaky! That said it returns February 16, 2025.

Monday's have also had their share of sport and The Voice, however there was one of two remaining The CW shows wrap earlier this month. Yes, Superman & Lois has concluded its fourth and final season. Making way for All American (streaming on Stan) to be the last original The CW series to stream January 29, 2025.

Sadly Disney+ has not loaded the final run of episodes for FOX's 9-1-1: Lone Star yet. The final 12 episodes are almost done, with the final three airing in February. Let's hope Disney+ load the season soon. While this is concluding, Rescue: HI-Surf just started up on FOX. It's a little Baywatch, it's a bit sexy. From Shameless guru, John Wells, this is not his best work. The eye candy is solid, so it will hopefully return on Binge January 20, 2025. Or thereabouts. They held back the first episodes, to let them run all the way up to today.

Wednesday's are all about Abbott Elementary for me. Sadly like 9-1-1: Lone Star, Disney+ usually load this as one long ass binge a bit after the final episode airs. This is one of a few ABC shows I watch, with 9-1-1 on Thursday's being in the same boat. In August last year I was lucky to binge the short seventh season all in one hit in Singapore, where the series streamed earlier on Disney+. Being a new series, Doctor Odyssey is free to air week to week. Praise be. We get it slightly later on Saturday mornings, however at least it is on fairly close to its US airing. That said, it and 9-1-1, have huge airing gaps. 

9-1-1 and Doctor Odyssey return March 6, 205.

Found is my only NBC series, which streams on Binge here. It also airs in the USA on Thursdays, however will be back next month. January 16, 2025 to be exact. My thoughts on this series. Well with an NBA game or two coming to NBC next TV season, that means a drama or two gotta go. I predict Found was lucky to get a second season, so a third is looking unlikely.

Friday's are all about Trump's hated CB network. Fire Country currently streaming, returning January 31. Where it will return with NCIS: Sydney. Yes the Australian NCIS will be back for a second run next month. Fire Country has a spin-off in the works, so it is safe AF. NCIS: Sydney, we will have to wait and see.

For now my predictions for next season:

The Equalizer - with a move to 10pm, limited spaces on the CBS roster, this will be the last season.

All American - the latest season is yet to start its 13 episode run. However The CW is broke. I reckon the refresh, all the new characters is a bit much. Like The Equalizer I think its had a good run, but it will join it's spin-off All American: Homecoming, in TV heaven.

Rescue: HI-Surf - John Wells is TV royalty, however this show has already been pulled to air post the Super Bowl. I reckon it might be more suited as a summer show, or taking a rest or a shorter second season. 9-1-1 are rumoured to be growing and Hawaii could be the setting. One first responder series is enough for the small island in my books. That said, the eye candy is HEAVEN!

Abbott Elementary - renewed for sure. The only network show (other than newcomer Matlock) that gets award nominations. Critics love this!

9-1-1 - renewed for sure. Will the new spin-off really be Hawaii? I was hoping for somewhere random. New Orleans, Minnesota? Anywhere other that the same TV locations, please!

Doctor Odyssey - I am really not sure on this one. They need to pay lip service to Ryan Murphy at ABC. He is single handily saving Thursday's. That said, this is fairly lame. Again the eye candy is the best part!

Fire Country - renewed for sure. Will the new spin-off air on Friday's too? Could it bump The Equalizer or just take the now vacant Blue Bloods spot?

NCIS: Sydney - Paramount+ streams this local series here, it also got an easy run last year airing against re-runs and rubbish due to the Hollywood strikes. I am not sure a third season is likely, however it might just get another short, third season as mid-season filler.

So my top pick of the slim pickings of US network TV. Streaming is definitely king for quality nowadays.But based on eye-candy along Rescue: HI-Surf wins this fall for me.

All TV return dates HERE

Summer Streamin' 24 - Yellowstone - Season Five/Series Final

Yellowstone has bowed out for the final time. The last rodeo streamed this evening. Most likely airing to record number in the US on the Paramount Network. In Australia, all five series now stream all 53 episodes now on Stan.

This very well could be one of Stan's biggest ever series. Now it has concluded the same month, Bump will end its five season run.

Recently it was Ryan Murphy season, now we are well and truly in Taylor Sheridan season.

With season five (like many US series) impacted by the writers strike, the first part of the season premiered back in November, 2022, while the second part premiered last month. Yes that is a long ass weight for six episodes. However the finale was almost two episodes.

Season five starred Kevin Costner (part one only), Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, and Gil Birmingham. 

Across the five seasons (which I was late to the party) Yellowstone, followed the conflicts along the shared borders of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, a large cattle ranch, the Broken Rock Indian reservation, Yellowstone National Park, and land developers.

Apparently along with two upcoming spinoffs (6666 & 1944), the mothership series will be followed by a sequel series titled The Madison.

We have already seen prequel series 1883, the the second prequel series titled 1923, which will return for its second and final run next February.

So how did it all end? Read on below, however some spoilers may appear. You have been warned!

The finale is titled, Life Is a Promise, with more time showcasing Texas, 6666 the series must not be far off now!

With several characters teasing their futures in the next series, Jimmy might be joined by Teeter, all working under Travis.

When we get to see Beth, she explains to Rip, they are on the move. To a property two hours from the proposed site of the airport. 

ThenBeth gets the call from the funeral home. John Dutton was ready to be buried. Rip gets ready to dig aa grave.

Kayce and Monica get ready to sell the land back to Rainwater at the same cheap price for which it was bought an eternity ago. 

All Kayce asked was to keep his home at the East Camp and that Broken Rock never unload the property.

When John is finally laid to rest, after five episodes of him being discovered to have "killed himself" at the top of the second half of the season.

The funeral ends quickly, with Beth whispering to the coffin “I will avenge you.” 

Poor Rip was left filling in John’s grave. Once he returned to the house, Beth was gone. Jamie was largely absent for a chunk of the episode, then at the Capitol, Jamie gave the performance of his life to try to clear his name.

Rip sped away after Beth left, realising she had revenge on the mind. Rip called Beth and ordered her to pull over to the side of the road. She had a plan, though, she insisted, and her husband was a big part of it, so he’d better put the pedal to the metal.

Once Jamie got home, Beth brutally attacked him and hit him with bear spray. This brother, sister fight was the moment of the finale. It was brutal and raw. Rough and intense.

Rip arrived in the knick of time, following the brutal sibling fight. Beth then plunged a knife deep into Jamie’s stomach. Rip then knew where to get rid of the body, while Beth dialled 9-1-1, to frame Jamie.

Rainwater and Kayce signed their agreement, the chief assured John’s son that the Yellowstone would never change. 

A large amount of the episode was around how Yellowstone would be maintained.

As the almost hour and a half episode drew to a close, Rip and Lloyd disposed of Jamie’s body at the train station, and then set fire to Jamie’s car, in Idaho, no less. 

At the hospital, Beth seemed happy her scheme was all seemingly going to plan

Then we went back to 6666 territory, Texas, where Teeter reported for work with Travis. Ryan, sought out Abby in hopes of getting the happy ending, at a country music fest!

Fianlly, Beth, Kayce and Rip did a last walk-through of the barn and the main house. Finally a voiceover took over (maybe Elsa from 1883?) spoke of the high price paid by those who chose to be stewards of wild land. 

Kayce, Monica and Tate began their new life herding their own cattle. And at their new ranch, Beth and Rip seemed happier than maybe we’d ever seen them. The town even had a bar with no tourists. It's almost like Beth hated people from blue states?

It all ended and after those 53 episodes, one of TV's biggest series has ended. However with 1923 returning soon, 6666 being pushed this entire run, Yellowstone will remain on the small screen one way or another with the Dutton's family legacy living on.

Post Strike Cinema 24' - Kraven the Hunter

Kraven the Hunter is the sixth and final film in Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU), but also another possible superhero film flop.

Starring handsome Kick-Ass star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, & Russell Crowe. 

Taylor-Johnson plays Kraven the Hunter, who has a complex relationship with his father (Crowe) and his path to becoming the greatest hunter. His path of vengeance and motivates him to become the greatest, while also being the most feared hunter.

Following two years of delays, Kraven the Hunter was released by Sony Pictures this week. The film was largely panned by critics, who criticised its story, screenplay and visual effects, though some praised the action sequences and Taylor-Johnson's performance. Some of the action scenes are actually fairly cool, but the story is average AF!

If you left thinking the film, left the story open for a sequel, well. This month, following the projected financial failure of the film, it was reported that Kraven the Hunter would be the final film in Sony's Spider-Man Universe, ending any chance for a sequel.

So where does that leave us with superhero films in 2025? Also where are all the good end of year films this year? Boxing Day, New Year's Day films? WTF.

Unless you like the Lion King or Disney, it's a fairly quiet end to the year in film.

So, how do I rate Kraven the Hunter? Well with limited ATJ (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) shirtless scenes, I can I only give this 1.5 Stars. Sorry Sony.

Summer Streamin' 24 - It's Florida, Man - Season One

It's Florida, Man is one of those HBO hidden gems. However for now (yes HBO/Warner will also launch a streaming service in Australia in 20225) this little gem lives on Binge.

An anthology comedy series can always be hit or miss. It's Florida, Man is created by Mark Herwick and Jeff Tomsic, with the six episodes commencing mid-October, finishing last month.

These are easy, short AF episodes. Like one or two episodes clock in at 19 minutes. SHORT! Forget Sabrina Carpenter, this is short and sweet!

With a piles of guests across the six episodes, these six stories from Florida are bat shit cray, cray!

So who is in it? Betsy Sodaro as The Vigilante, Anna Faris as Whitney, Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Mia, Jon Gries as Denver, Sam Richardson as Phil, Simon Rex as Eric Merda, my favourite Randall Park as Real Steve, Matty Cardarople as Creepy Steve, Cameron Britton as John, Steven Ogg as Jeff, Echo Kellum as Deerrick, Steve Little as Bassnectar, Ego Nwodim as Carolyn and finally Yellowjackets, Juliette Lewis as Kim.

So over summer if you want a (super) quick binge, It's Florida, Man is totally for you. I have read online that a second season has been green lit. I hope that was correct.

Either way, it's the weekend, happy viewing whatever you watching. A RATED for the Summer Streamin' 24 blog series coming early January.

Summer Streamin' 24 - The Sticky - Season One

The Sticky has been getting a lot of press of late. A December streaming binge, post Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas. Was it a good idea to release in the midst of all these holidays? Well maybe.

The dark comedy is series set in Canada, while being produced by Jason Blum and OG scream queen, Jamie Lee Curtis. 

The Sticky is loosely based on the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist. Ending on a monster cliffhanger, which confuses me. Some sites say it's a limited series/miniseries, other say they could be hopeful for a second run.

The cast is led by the excellent Margo Martindale with, Chris Diamantopoulos, Guillaume Cyr, Gita Millier, Guy Nadon, Mickaël Gouin, Suzanne Clément, Mark O'Brien, and Meegwun Fairbrother. While producer Jamie Lee Curtis has a guest role. But boy is that role critical in the last two episodes.

Gosh it was an easy binge, with most episodes under 30 minutes, even with those annoying new Amazon ad's. Carnival Cruises, Better Man the Robbie Williams movie or other Amazon ad's. They don't seem to have a big range of advertisers thus far.

So what is The Sticky all about? Well it is classed as a comedy-drama, with Margo Martindale leading as Ruth Landry, who is a bit of an old battle axe. She is also a maple syrup farmer who, in defiance of a heartless system, assembles a team to undertake the Canadian heist of the century. The target: the country’s multi-million dollar maple syrup surplus.

Filming took place in Quebec in 2023 with filming locations including Montreal. So there are some French dialogue scenes. Warning. But they quickly revert back to English. Which is kinda weird as one character speaks French for a sentence then speaks English the rest of the scene. Random.

Either way, this series is a wee bit random. I did want to like it more, I did want to give an Amazon series a go after being stuck on Paramount+ and Disney+ a lot of late. Even Apple TV+ have three good series on at present week-to-week. Shrinking, Silo and Bad Sisters are all humming along nicely.

So if you haven't watched any Canadian TV since Sullivan's Crossing, maybe give The Sticky a run!

Golden Globes TV 2025 Nominations | Predictions

Happy holidays! Its clearly awards season! My predictions in bold and red. But you know this already if you are a regular reader.

Best Television Series – Drama

The Day of the Jackal

The Diplomat

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Shōgun

Slow Horses

Squid Game

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Drama

Donald Glover, Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Jake Gyllenhaal, Presumed Innocent

Gary Oldman, Slow Horses

Eddie Redmayne, The Day Of The Jackal

Hiroyuki Sanada, Shōgun

Billy Bob Thornton, Landman

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Drama

Kathy Bates, Matlock

Emma D’Arcy, House of the Dragon

Maya Erskine, Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Keira Knightley, Black Doves

Keri Russell, The Diplomat

Anna Sawai, Shōgun

Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Baby Reindeer

Disclaimer

Monsters

The Penguin

Ripley

True Detective: Night Country

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television

Colin Farrell, The Penguin

Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer

Kevin Kline, Disclaimer

Cooper Koch, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

Ewan McGregor, A Gentleman in Moscow

Andrew Scott, Ripley

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television

Cate Blanchett, Disclaimer

Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night Country

Cristin Milioti, The Penguin

Sofía Vergara, Griselda

Naomi Watts, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans

Kate Winslet, The Regime

Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy

Abbott Elementary

The Bear

The Gentlemen

Hacks

Nobody Wants This

Only Murders in the Building

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy

Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This

Ted Danson, A Man on the Inside

Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building

Jason Segel, Shrinking

Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building

Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

Best Performance By A Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy

Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants This

Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

Ayo Edebiri, The Bear

Selena Gomez, Only Murders In The Building

Kathryn Hahn, Agatha All Along

Jean Smart, Hacks

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television

Tadanobu Asano, Shōgun

Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story

Harrison Ford, Shrinking

Jack Lowden, Slow Horses

Diego Luna, La Máquina

Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television

Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear

Hannah Einbinder, Hacks

Dakota Fanning, Ripley

Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer

Allison Janney, The Diplomat

Kali Reis, True Detective: Night Country

Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television

Jamie Foxx, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was

Nikki Glaser, Nikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die

Seth Meyers, Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking

Adam Sandler, Adam Sandler: Love You

Ali Wong, Ali Wong: Single Lady

Ramy Youssef, Ramy Youssef: More Feelings

More info here.

Summer Streamin' 24 - Rivals - Season One

Rivals is one of the best UK TV series you will see over summer. If you missed it back in October, good news, this month the Disney+ was renewed for a second season. Yes you heard right, Disney+ now has the C word airing on it!

Based on 1988 Jilly Cooper novel of the same name, Rivals stars David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, Victoria Smurfit, Alex Hassell, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Emily Atack and Danny Dyer.

So what's this UK series based on the TV landscape all about? Oh and yes it has loads of sex and the old penis!

In 1986, British nobleman, old money MP Rupert Campbell-Black and, coming from the bourgeoisie nouveau riche (though married into old money), Tony, Lord Baddingham, have a rivalry that seeps into the world of Baddingham's Corinium independent commercial television station, located in the (fictional) county of Rutshire, in the Cotswolds region of southwest England.

Lord Baddingham brings American producer Cameron Cook to help strengthen Corinium's programming, and hires dynamic Irish newsman Declan O'Hara, husband of actress Maud, away from the BBC.

I smashed this first season once I got into it. Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black is a hoot, whilst David Tennant plays an absolute ruthless boss, he is wicked to the core!

I can hardly wait for season two to land on Disney+. Man the Summer Streamin' 24 series has had some damn fine shows. From local series, to the return to form following years and years of Covid and writers/actor strikes.

I will have loads to catch up on this summer slack. Bring on the holidays ASAP please!

Summer Streamin' 24 - Somebody Somewhere - Season Three/Series Final

Somebody Somewhere is one of the sweetest shows to ever air/stream. In Australia all three seasons are now up on Binge. In the USA this has been the best HBO series in a bit. So funny, so wholesome, so easy to relate to.

Starring Bridget Everett, set in Manhattan, Kansas, the series follows Sam (Everett) as she returns to her hometown and navigates life after the death of her sister. Then she meets a solid group of friends over 21 episodes and things get real wholesome.

Her best friend, Jeff Hiller as Joel, shares some beautiful (and wild moments) with Sam. The ones in a friendship, we all have, if we are lucky enough to have solid friendships over the years.

Then there is her surviving sister, Mary Catherine Garrison as Tricia Miller. Whilst she is a red hot mess, she is an absolute hoot. She drinks, swears and goes rogue AF.

The relationship between the two sisters over the three seasons is beautiful to watch.

Whilst this has been a short and sweet journey on HBO for Somebody Somewhere. It has always been pleasant since day one in mid-January, 2022.

Back in June 2023, the show was renewed for a third season, by August 2024, it was confirmed the series would end after the third season. The seven episodes ran weekly from late October. 

Last night, sadly we said goodbye to Somebody Somewhere.

I will struggle to rank all the top series that have aired over the past few months. Somebody Somewhere is close to perfect TV. While also being extremely funny, raw and real.

If you need some holiday cheer, quit those dodgy holiday films and fire up Binge. Give all three seasons of Somebody Somewhere a go!

Summer Streamin' 24 - Lioness - Season Two

Lioness (formerly in season one, known as Special Ops: Lioness) is another Taylor Sheridan/Paramount+ series which just concluded last night.

Back in May this year, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered late October.

In the season season, as the CIA’s fight against terror moves closer to home, Joe, Kaitlyn, and Byron enlist a new Lioness operative to infiltrate a previously unknown threat. With pressure mounting from all sides, Joe is forced to confront the profound personal sacrifices she has made as the leader of the Lioness program.

With an all star cast including Zoe Saldaña, Michael Kelly, Morgan Freeman & Nicole Kidman, the show is deserves the credit it's getting in its second run.

With ad's all over World Square Sydney for all the Paramount+ series currently screening. From the upcoming Dexter prequel to this and The Agency.

So as the war in Lioness sets, it's still Taylor Sheridan season with Yellowstone setting its final (ever) episode, this time next week, Landman halfway through its excellent first run and 1923 set to return in February.

So listing all those titles just there, Lioness may not be Sheridan's best work, however season two did ramp up the drama, action. Zoe Saldaña is also excellent across all eight episodes.

Paramount+ through a big amount of Taylor Sheridan's output is finally coming into its own as a streaming service.

Next up the brilliant final ever episode/season post on HBO's excellent Somebody Somewhere.

AACTA 2025 Nominations | Predictions

Nominations were announced over the weekend, here are my TV category predictions. Predictions bold and in red.

Only limited categories and predictions. Some of the more niche ones, I ditched.

TELEVISION

AACTA Award for Best Acting in a Comedy

Patrick Brammall – Colin From Accounts

Aaron Chen – Fisk

Harriet Dyer – Colin From Accounts

Kitty Flanagan – Fisk

Genevieve Hegney – Colin From Accounts

Asher Keddie – Strife

Michael Theo – Austin

Felicity Ward – The Office

AACTA Award for Best Children’s Program

Bluey – Joe Brumm, Charlie Aspinwall, Daley Pearson, Sam Moor – Ludo Studio (ABC)

Eddie’s Lil Homies – Sophie Byrne, Mark O Toole, Anna Scullie, Eddie Betts – Highly Spirited and Eddie Betts Promotions (Netflix, NITV)

Hard Quiz Kids – Chris Walker, Kevin Whyte, Tom Gleeson, John Tabbagh – Thinkative Television and ABC (ABC)

Little J & Big Cuz – Ned Lander – Ned Lander Media Pty Ltd (ABC, NITV)

Play School: Big Ted’s Time Machine – Bryson Hall – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

Spooky Files – Paul Watters, Andrea Denholm, Tony Ayres, Guy Edmonds, Matt Zeremes – Tony Ayres Productions and Megaboom Pictures (ABC)

AACTA Award for Best Comedy Entertainment Program

Guy Montgomery’s Guy-Mont Spelling Bee – Cam Bakker, Bronwynn Bakker, Greg Sitch – Kevin & Co and ABC (ABC)

Hard Quiz – Chris Walker, Kevin Whyte, Tom Gleeson, John Tabbagh – Thinkative Television and ABC (ABC)

Have You Been Paying Attention? – Michael Hirsh, Rob Sitch, Deb Herman – Working Dog Productions (Network Ten)

Thank God You’re Here – Michael Hirsh, Deb Herman, Rob Sitch – Working Dog Productions (Network Ten)

The Cheap Seats – Michael Hirsh, Deb Herman, Rob Sitch – Working Dog Productions (Network Ten)

The Weekly with Charlie Pickering – Chris Walker, Charlie Pickering, Kevin Whyte, Frank Bruzzese – Thinkative Television and ABC (ABC)

AACTA Award for Best Comedy Performer

Wil Anderson – Taskmaster Australia

Aaron Chen – Guy Montgomery’s Guy-Mont Spelling Bee

Anne Edmonds – Taskmaster Australia

Tom Gleeson – Hard Quiz

Guy Montgomery – Guy Montgomery’s Guy-Mont Spelling Bee

Charlie Pickering – The Weekly with Charlie Pickering

AACTA Award for Best Documentary or Factual Program

Australia’s Sleep Revolution with Dr Michael Mosley – Celia Tait – Artemis Media (SBS)

I Was Actually There – Kirk Docker, Josh Schmidt, Loni Cooper, Julie Hanna – Docker Media Pty Ltd (ABC)

Maggie Beer’s Big Mission – Celia Tait, Laki Baker, Phillipa Hutchinson – Artemis Media (ABC)

Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian – Jo Siddiqui – Southern Pictures Pty Ltd (ABC)

Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye – Sky Kinninmont, Deb Spinocchia, Kylie Washington – BBC Studios Australia (SBS)

Who Do You Think You Are? – Maxine Gray – Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia Pty Ltd (SBS)

AACTA Award for Best Drama Series

Fake – Imogen Banks, Emelyne Palmer, Asher Keddie – Kindling Pictures (Paramount+)

Heartbreak High – Carly Heaton, Sarah Freeman, Hannah Carroll Chapman – Fremantle Australia (Netflix)

The Artful Dodger – Jo Porter, David Maher, David Taylor – Curio Pictures (Disney+)

The Twelve – Hamish Lewis, Michael Brooks, Ally Henville, Ian Collie, Rob Gibson – Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia Pty Ltd and Easy Tiger Productions Pty Ltd (Binge, Foxtel)

Thou Shalt Not Steal – Dylan River, Tanith Glynn-Maloney, Charlie Aspinwall, Daley Pearson, Sam Moor – Ludo Studio & Since1778 Productions (Stan)

Total Control – Darren Dale, Rachel Griffiths, Stuart Page, Erin Bretherton – Blackfella Films (ABC)

AACTA Award for Best Entertainment Program

Dancing With The Stars – Peter Beck, Deb Spinocchia, Kylie Washington – BBC Studios Australia (Seven Network)

LEGO® Masters Australia vs The World – David McDonald, AJ Johnson, Di Yang – Endemol Shine Australia (Nine Network)

Mastermind – Lucy De Luca, Kylie Washington, Deb Spinocchia – BBC Studios Australia (SBS)

Spicks and Specks – Rowdie Walden, Michiko Smith, Anthony Watt – ABC (ABC)

The 1% Club – John Leahy, Michiko Smith, Kylie Washington, Deb Spinocchia – BBC Studios Australia (Seven Network)

Tipping Point Australia – Amelia Fisk, Becky Taylor, Miles Reeves, Roslyn Saunders – Endemol Shine Australia (Nine Network)

AACTA Award for Best Factual Entertainment Program

Alone Australia – Riima Daher, Beth Hart, Keely Sonntag – ITV Studios Australia (SBS)

Gogglebox Australia – David McDonald, Will Minchin, Natasha Pizzica – Endemol Shine Australia (Binge, Foxtel, Network Ten)

Muster Dogs – Monica O’Brien, Michael Boughen, John Unwin, Matthew Street, Jo Chichester, Rachel Robinson – Ambience Entertainment Pty Ltd (ABC)

Stuff The British Stole – Marc Fennell, Alan Erson, Richard Finlayson, Kate Pappas – Wooden Horse & Wildbear Entertainment and Cream (Canada) (ABC)

Take 5 with Zan Rowe – Zan Rowe, Nikita Agzarian, Josh Schmidt – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

The Assembly – Mark Fennessy, Therese Hegarty, Julie Hanna, Vanessa Oxlad – Helium Pictures (ABC)

AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama

Zac Burgess – Boy Swallows Universe

Felix Cameron – Boy Swallows Universe

Rob Collins – Total Control

Brendan Cowell – Plum

Sam Neill – The Twelve

Noah Taylor – Thou Shalt Not Steal

 

AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama

Asher Keddie – Fake

Deborah Mailman – Total Control

Leah Purcell – High Country

Anna Torv – Territory

Phoebe Tonkin – Boy Swallows Universe

Sherry-Lee Watson – Thou Shalt Not Steal

AACTA Award for Best Lifestyle Program

Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia – Naomi Elkin, Sarah Thornton, Helen Biggs, Leisa Pratt – Network Ten Pty Ltd (Network Ten)

Gardening Australia – Gill Lomas – ABC (ABC)

Grand Designs Australia – Brooke Bayvel, Michael Collett – Fremantle Australia (ABC)

Grand Designs Transformations – Brooke Bayvel, Michael Collett – Fremantle Australia (ABC)

Restoration Australia – Brooke Bayvel, Michael Collett – Fremantle Australia (ABC)

Selling Houses Australia – Kam Vurlow, Monique Bushby – Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia Pty Ltd (Foxtel)

AACTA Award for Best Miniseries

Boy Swallows Universe – Andrew Mason, Troy Lum – Brouhaha Entertainment Australia (Netflix)

Exposure – Nicole O’Donohue, Justin Kurzel, Shaun Grant – Thirdborn (Stan)

Four Years Later – Ian Collie, Stephen Corvini, Rob Gibson – Easy Tiger Productions (SBS)

House of Gods – Sheila Jayadev, Deborah Lee, Bree-Anne Sykes, Blake Ayshford – Matchbox Pictures (ABC)

Human Error – John Edwards, Dan Edwards, Samantha Winston, Greg Haddrick – Roadshow Rough Diamond (Nine Network)

Last Days of the Space Age – Laura Waters, Emma Fitzsimons, Chris Loveall, Stephanie Swedlove – Princess Pictures (Disney+)

AACTA Award for Best Narrative Comedy Series

Austin – Catherine Nebauer, Joe Weatherstone, Darren Ashton, Ben Miller – Northern Pictures (ABC)

Bump – Dan Edwards, John Edwards, Claudia Karvan, Kelsey Munro – Roadshow Rough Diamond (Stan)

Colin From Accounts – Kevin Greene, Ian Collie, Rob Gibson – Easy Tiger Productions (Binge, Foxtel)

Fisk – Nicole Minchin, Kitty Flanagan, Vincent Sheehan, Tom Peterson – Origma 45 (ABC)

Strife – Steve Hutensky, Jodi Matterson, Asher Keddie, Mia Freedman, Sarah Scheller, Lorelle Adamson – Made Up Stories and Fifth Season (Binge, Foxtel)

The Office – Sophia Zachariou, Kylie Washington, Linda Micsko – BBC Studios Australia and Bunya Entertainment (Amazon Prime Video)

AACTA Award for Best Reality Program

Australian Idol – Joel McCormack, Wes Dening, Rikkie Proost – Eureka (Seven Network)

Australian Survivor: Titans V Rebels – Amelia Fisk, David Forster, Toby Trappel, Phoebe McMahon – Endemol Shine Australia (Network Ten)

MasterChef Australia – Marty Benson, Simon Child, Eoin Maher, April Mackay – Endemol Shine Australia (Network Ten)

Shark Tank Australia – Cat Bowden, Ben Ulm, Jemma Carlton – Curio Pictures (Network Ten)

The Amazing Race – Jane Rowley, Rikkie Proost, Lucy Connors, Emma Hanna – Eureka Productions (Network Ten)

The Great Australian Bake Off – Alenka Henry, Sophie Johnston, Kylie Washington, Deb Spinocchia – BBC Studios Australia (Foxtel)

AACTA Award for Best Stand-Up Special

Anne Edmonds: Why Is My Bag All Wet? – Anne Edmonds, Frank Bruzzese, Kathleen McCarthy, Kevin Whyte, Georgina Ogilvie – Guesswork Television (Network Ten, Paramount+)

Lloyd Langford: Current Mood – Lloyd Langford, Frank Bruzzese, Kathleen McCarthy, Kevin Whyte, Georgina Ogilvie – Guesswork Television (Network Ten, Paramount+)

Mel Buttle: Let Me Know Either Way? – Mel Buttle, Frank Bruzzese, Kathleen McCarthy, Kevin Whyte, Georgina Ogilvie – Guesswork Television (Network Ten, Paramount+)

Melbourne International Comedy Festival – The Allstars Supershow – Rowdie Walden, Claire Hammond, Susan Provan – ABC (ABC)

Melbourne International Comedy Festival – The Gala – Rowdie Walden, Claire Hammond, Susan Provan – ABC (ABC)

Rove McManus: Loosey Goosey – Rove McManus, Frank Bruzzese, Kathleen McCarthy, Kevin Whyte, Georgina Ogilvie – Guesswork Television (Network Ten, Paramount+)

AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama

Simon Baker – Boy Swallows Universe

Wayne Blair – Total Control

Bryan Brown – Boy Swallows Universe

Travis Fimmel – Boy Swallows Universe

Lee Tiger Halley – Boy Swallows Universe

Ewen Leslie – Prosper

AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama

Essie Davis – Exposure

Rachel Griffiths – Total Control

Heather Mitchell – Fake

Deborah Mailman – Boy Swallows Universe

Sophie Wilde – Boy Swallows Universe

Asher Yasbincek – Heartbreak High

More info/full list of nominees can be found HERE

Music Update V4.0

Late September, I gave you a quick update on music in 2024. With TV winding down for 2024, I thought it was timely to given an update on my other blog, Flashing off the Record. Big news, this week the Album of the Year for 2024 winner was announced.

Drum roll please...

Well the year was brat! So well done Charli XCX!

The Friday Flash(back) also concluded the other week with Ben Folds. The Friday Flash(back) will be back in Q!, 2025.

Wrapping up 2024 with some big Friday Flash(back)'s. Ben Lee, Coldplay, Shihad's Jon Toogood, The Offspring, Laura Marling, Sarah Blasko, Paul Kelly and Gwen Stefani. Of course as above Ben Folds was the season finale.

Next week Flashing off the Record will shine the spotlight on Mashd N Kutcher's debut record, Legacy.

To get you in the mood for the weekend here is some Mashd N Kutcher! See you for the Lioness and Somebody Somewhere finales!

Summer Streamin' 24 - The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives - Season One

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is not  my normal go to, however this was addictive AF!

In 2022, Utah influencer Taylor Frankie Paul went viral for revealing that she and her husband had been "soft-swinging" with other Mormon couples.

The series begins months later as Taylor & her group of influencer friends, dubbed "MomTok," deal with the fallout of the scandal.

The show soon became a sensation, despite the history of polygamy under US law. At work this has been an old school water cooler series.

Airing/streaming on Hulu in the US, in Australia, this wholesome series airs on Disney+. Following a group of eight Utah-based TikTok influencers, known as "MomTok," as they navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives.

The first season was a mere eight episodes, then becoming Hulu's most-watched unscripted season premiere of 2024. 

Back in October, the series was picked up for an additional 20 episodes, set to be released next year.

So ahead of these twenty new episodes, where does all the drama leave off? Well... Taylor confronts Dakota about the cheating rumour, & Dakota later confronts Mayci about interfering in his relationship.

Whitney does not attend Mayci's brand launch party, despite Mayci being her only remaining friend in the MomTok group. Taylor gives birth to her and Dakota's son. Jen leaves MomTok.

It is all happening. For me the Las Vegas/Chippendales episode was a highlight.

We all also have a friend like Whitney in our respective friend groups.

So as we near the end of 2024, bring o n 2025 and more The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives! After Heretic this is the year of Mormon's on the big and small screen. Also The Book of Mormon is returning to theatres in 2025! What a time to be a Mormon.

Summer Streamin' 24 - Superman & Lois - Season Four/Series Finale

The fourth & final season of Superman & Lois is the first network series to conclude for 2024-2025's US TV season.

This is the second last The CW series standing, with All American (the last) returning to Stan in January.

Superman & Lois is based on the DC Comics characters Superman and Lois Lane created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. 

The fourth & final season has Superman continuing his fight with the mutated Bizarro, known as Doomsday, as Lex Luthor begins his next plot that involves setting up a new base where the Manning Farm is. Things go worse for the Kent family when Doomsday gives Superman's heart to Lex Luthor as he ordered.

The series stars Tyler Hoechlin & Elizabeth Tulloch (Clark Kent/Superman, &  wife, Lois Lane), with Alex Garfin, Michael Bishop, Dylan Walsh, Inde Navarrette, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Wolé Parks, Tayler Buck, Erik Valdez, Sofia Hasmik, Michael Cudlitz & Chad L. Coleman.

The season premiered early October with two episodes, concluding tonight on Binge.

Now Superman & Lois was initially conceived as a spin-off of Supergirl with many of the cast in the universe reprising their roles, the series' second-season finale established it as set in an adjacent universe. So it is technically not the last in a long running number of Arrowverse series.

Showrunner Todd Helbing explained his initial pilot script included multiple references to the Arrowverse, that were slowly removed. 

Once they were, it "became a can of worms" to try to tie into the universe, with Helbing discussing with DC during the first season that the series would instead be on an alternate earth, which he could not reveal publicly until the end of the second season, which concluded in June 2022. 

At that time he said, "I totally understand DC's position... This wasn't meant to alienate us from the Arrowverse, but because a lot of the other shows are sadly no longer going to be on the air, it felt like the right thing to do.

So with all that said, SPOILERS below, so let's get into the finale.

Despite Superman's insistence on fighting Doomsday alone, Lois encourages the twins to help their father. Thanks to them creating a distraction, Irons lands a critical hit on the monster's head with his hammer. 

As Superman takes him into space, Doomsday, having regained his memories as Bizarro, allows himself to be pushed into the sun to be killed permanently. 

Lois has the twins rescue McCoy from being assassinated by Luthor so she can confess the truth behind his crimes on camera. Luthor attacks the family in Smallville, nearly killing Jonathan in the process until Jordan revives him. 

Before he can kill Lois, Superman returns and takes their final battle to the sky. Despite his kryptonite and advanced suit, Superman is ultimately able to defeat Luthor as Irons and the DOD arrest Fine and McCoy reveals Luthor's criminal activities to the public. 

Luthor is put away for life in Stryker prison, where Mannheim ensures his stay won't be as luxurious as it was before.

The series ending depicts the following 32 years after Luthor's defeat. Irons marries Lana, with Clark walking her down the aisle and Lois officiating the wedding. 

Chrissy and Kyle find they are expecting another child. Superman forms a superhero team with Jonathan, Jordan, Irons, and Natalie. 

Clark and Lois use their fame to work with charities and bring attention to various world issues. The twins grow up, get married, and have several children. As they grow older, Lois' cancer eventually returns and ultimately kills her. 

After her death, Clark adopts a golden retriever he names Krypto to keep him company. A few years later, Clark dies from his replacement heart shutting down with his sons by his side. He reflects on all the people in his life before ultimately reuniting with Lois in the afterlife.

It has a sweet, romantic ending, reminding the viewers that time goes fast. Live your life. Now after all these Arrowverse shows are completely done and dusted, I indeed will do that. Summer is here and it's time to get social!

Superman & Lois is the first network series to conclude in the 2024-2025 season. A few others will conclude early in the new year, including the final ever episode of 9-1-1: Lonestar. Let's hope Disney+ fast tracks it and doesn't wait too long for Channel 7 to bugger around with it's scheduling.

Until next time, slip, slop, slap people, Summer is 100% here!