Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Bel-Air - Season Four/Series Finale

It's season finale time for Peacock’s Bel-Air. Streaming on Stan in Australia, the three week episode drop concluded yesterday. With a three episode final binge yesterday, I have now concluded the series.

In season four, Will tries to balance the fun and excitement of senior year with the expectations that have brought him to this moment. 

Carlton tests his own resolve as he deals with the fallout of some very big decisions that could threaten his future. Together, both boys will help each other through this pivotal time in their lives. 

An unexpected power shift will threaten the brotherhood between Phil and Geoffrey, whose loyalties to the Banks family will be tested. Viv struggles with reinventing herself as she looks at motherhood from a different perspective. 

Its Ashley’s freshman year in high school and she’s working through a rebellious phase but quickly learns that the status quo may no longer serve her. Hilary goes on a journey of self-exploration.

Bel-Air was the reimagined version of the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and is based on Cooper's short fan film of the same title. 

Starring Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones, & Simone Joy Jones. 

I caught up on the first three seasons back-to-back, so watching the final eight episodes was a breeze.

It felt like a good time to end this teen-pre Uni drama. Also expect a surprise cameo.

Not as amazing as Peacock's The Day of the Jackal, however I do look forward to The Copenhagen Test landing later this month.

For now, I'm halfway through the All's Fair finale. Wow!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - The Day of the Jackal - Season One

The Day of the Jackal is a British spy thriller television series, based on the Frederick Forsyth novel and 1973 film of the same name. 

Starring Eddie Redmayne & Lashana Lynch. 

I am very late to the party, with, the first series began airing in November 2024. That same month, it was renewed for a second series. Bring it on I say! Binge needs more content, ASAP! This however, is one of the best things for Peacock (USA) to have ever streamed. Maybe because it's partnered with Sky (UK Atlantic) 

The Day of the Jackal received positive reviews from critics and received two Golden Globe Award nominations, Best Television Series – Drama and Best Actor for Redmayne.

Reimagined into a contemporary political setting, this series is based on a popular novel which centres on a ruthless British assassin, known only as “the Jackal", and the intelligence officer intent on capturing him.

The Jackal, (Redmayne) makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. But following his latest kill, he meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer (Lynch) who starts to track down the Jackal in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, leaving destruction in its wake.

Filmed in multiple locations, this was perfect, addictive escapism. Read on for how episode ten went down, or if you are like me (late to the party), get on Binge now! Ten episodes, easy watch! Do it now!

River's release is postponed indefinitely. Bianca quits MI6, as Kirby refuses to keep pursuing the Jackal. 

Kirby is revealed to be acting under orders from Whitelock, together secretly working for Winthrop. Kirby lures Bianca with an unsanctioned operation to kill the Jackal. 

Bianca accepts the job, recruiting Vincent. They follow a lead to stake out the Jackal's Spanish estate, which Nuria eventually abandons with Carlitos. While attempting to leave Croatia, the Jackal sustains wounds and ultimately kidnaps an elderly couple. 

He kills them when they attempt to overpower him. He eventually returns home. Bianca and Vincent infiltrate the house, but a drunken Alvaro startles them and gets himself shot and killed, alerting the Jackal. 

The Jackal then kills Vincent and leads Bianca on a chase through his house. Tricking her into believing that she could win, he allows her to monologue about her personal achievements before shooting her in the neck and killing her. 

Fleeing the house, the Jackal is ambushed by Winthrop's men. Kirby is later promoted to Chief. She claims that Bianca and Vincent went rogue, but Halcrow knows the truth thanks to a final text message from Bianca. 

In Budapest, the Jackal meets with Zina, who also escaped an attempt on her life. She reveals Winthrop's identity as her employer. The Jackal agrees to exact revenge but heads off in search of Nuria and Carlitos first.

This was a quality thriller. Binge, you did good getting this Peacock title. Here is hoping I don't have to wait too long for season two. It's just on around a year the season one finale aired.

Film Influencer 2025 - Now You See Me: Now You Don't

I have been missing the movies after a week or so off, so with a Sydney Summer heatwave, what better place to be than the cinema. After a ten year break, Now You See Me: Now You Don't, is the third instalment in the Now You See Me film series.

Following 2016's Now You See Me 2, returning cast Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, & Morgan Freeman, are now joined by Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, & Rosamund Pike.

Rosamund Pike is outstanding as the sequels big bad, while another, sequel is in development for the film series.

So far receiving mixed reviews from critics, with many deeming it an improvement to its predecessors. What did I think? Watch the trailer and scroll down.

The tricks were fun, the new cast added a new generation of magicians/tricksters to the growing cast.

I must say, the film did leave you on a mini Mark Ruffalo based cliffhanger.

This was enjoyable, fun, put your feet up cinema. Good job team. When December gets crazy, it's also nice to see a fun, popcorn film where you can just let the worries of the world disappear for around two hours.

Until next time. A big TV week of finales. The critically destroyed, All's Fair wraps its first run. Whilst Loot and Bel-Air streams it's final three episodes, ever.

Now You See Me: Now You Don't, gets a solid 3 Stars.

AACTA Awards 2026 Nominations (TV and related nominees) | Predictions

Nominations have just been announced for the AACTA Awards 2026.

Fast facts - 

• AACTA Festival will run for 5 days from February 4 – 8th 2026.
• AACTA Awards Industry Gala: Wednesday 4 February 2026
• AACTA Awards will screen at 7.30pm AEDT, Friday 6 February on Channel 10.
• Apple Cider Vinegar has topped the TV nominations
• The Newsreader and The Narrow Road to the Deep North followed with 12 nominations and Mystery Road: Origin at 11 nominations
• Next were Mix Tape (8 nominations), The Survivors (6 nominations) and The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer (5 nominations)

Predictions bold and in red.

AACTA Award for Best Miniseries

• Apple Cider Vinegar – Samantha Strauss, Liz Watts, Louise Gough, Helen Gregory, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning – See-Saw Films / Picking scabs (Netflix)

• Invisible Boys – Nicholas Verso, Tania Chambers – Asphodel Films and Feisty Dame Productions (Stan)

• Mix Tape – Angie Fielder, Polly Staniford, Aoife O’Sullivan, Tristan Orpen Lynch – Aquarius Films and Subotica (in Ireland) (Binge, Foxtel)

• The Last Anniversary – Nicole Kidman, Per Saari, Steve Hutensky, Jodi Matterson, Samantha Strauss, John Polson – Made Up Stories, Fifth Season and Blossom Films (Binge, Foxtel)

• The Narrow Road to the Deep North – Jo Porter, Rachel Gardner, Shaun Grant, Justin Kurzel, Alexandra Taussig – Curio Pictures (Amazon Prime Video)

• The Survivors – Tony Ayres, Andrea Denholm, Cherie Nowlan, Andrew Walker – Tony Ayres Productions | Matchbox Pictures and Universal International Studios. (Netflix)

AACTA Award for Best Drama Series

• Bay of Fires – Marta Dusseldorp – Archipelago Productions and Fremantle Australia (ABC)

• Black Snow: Jack of Clubs – Rosemary Blight, Milly Olrog, Lucas Taylor, Ben Grant – Goalpost Pictures (Stan)

• Mystery Road Origin – Greer Simpkin, David Jowsey – Bunya Productions (ABC)

• The Family Next Door – Melinda Wearne, Dean O’Toole, David Ogilvy, Jenny O’Shea – Beyond Productions Pty Ltd (ABC)

• The Newsreader – Joanna Werner, Michael Lucas – Werner Film Productions (ABC)

• The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer – 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)

AACTA Award for Best Narrative Comedy Series

• Austin – Joe Weatherstone, Catherine Nebauer – Northern Pictures (ABC)

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

• Ghosts – Kylie Washington, Sophia Zachariou, Bree-Anne Sykes, Joshua Mapleston – BBC Studios Productions (Network Ten, Paramount+)

• Mother and Son – Jude Troy, Richard Finlayson, Matt Okine, Alexandra Cameron – Wooden Horse (ABC)

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

• Top End Bub – Rosemary Blight, Ben Grant, Miranda Tapsell, Joshua Tyler – Goalpost Pictures (Amazon Prime Video)

AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama  

• Alycia Debnam-Carey – Apple Cider Vinegar

• Aisha Dee – Watching You

• Kaitlyn Dever – Apple Cider Vinegar

• Tuuli Narkle – Mystery Road Origin

• Teresa Palmer – Mix Tape

• Anna Torv – The Newsreader

AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama

• Mark Coles Smith – Mystery Road Origin

• Jacob Elordi – The Narrow Road to the Deep North

• Travis Fimmel – Black Snow Jack of Clubs

• Sam Neill – The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer

• Hunter Page-Lochard – Reckless

• Sam Reid – The Newsreader

AACTA Award for Best Acting in a Comedy

• Claudia Karvan – Bump

• Asher Keddie – Strife

• Ben Miller – Austin

• Sally Phillips – Austin

• Angus Sampson – Bump

• Denise Scott – Mother and Son

• Miranda Tapsell – Top End Bub

• Michael Theo – Austin

AACTA Award for Best Documentary

• Ellis Park – Justin Kurzel (Dir.), Nick Batzias, Charlotte Wheaton – GoodThing Productions

• Journey Home, David Gulpilil – Maggie Miles (Dir.), Trisha Morton-Thomas (Dir.), Rachel Clements, Jida Gulpilil, Lloyd Garrawurra – Savage Films and Brindle Films

• Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke – Lorin Clarke (Dir.), Richard Keddie – THW Film Company & Lorin Clarke Productions

• Songs Inside – Shalom Almond (Dir.), Katrina Lucas – Songs Inside Pty Ltd

• Unbreakable – The Jelena Dokic Story – Ivan O’Mahoney (Dir.), Jessica Halloran (Dir.) – In Films

• Yurlu | Country – Yaara Bou Melhem (Dir.) – Illuminate Films

AACTA Award for Best Comedy Performer

• Hamish Blake – Lego Masters Australia: Grand Masters of the Galaxy

• Melanie Bracewell – The Cheap Seats

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

• Tom Gleeson – Hard Quiz

• Luke McGregor – Portrait Artist of the Year

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

• Sam Pang – Sam Pang Tonight

• Julia Zemiro – Crime Night!

AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama

• Essie Davis – Apple Cider Vinegar

• Aisha Dee – Apple Cider Vinegar

• Michelle Lim Davidson – The Newsreader

• Robyn Malcolm – Mystery Road Origin

• Heather Mitchell – The Narrow Road to the Deep North

• Susie Porter – Apple Cider Vinegar

AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama

• Luke Carroll – Mystery Road Origin

• Mark Coles Smith – Apple Cider Vinegar

• Daniel Henshall – The Family Next Door

• Daniel Henshall – The Newsreader

• Matt Nable – Apple Cider Vinegar

• Ashley Zukerman – Apple Cider Vinegar

AACTA Award for Best Entertainment Program

• Dancing with the Stars – Peter Beck, Amanda Bainbridge, Deb Spinocchia, Kylie Washington – BBC Studios Productions Australia (Seven Network)

• Eurovision Song Contest 2025 Grand Final: Access All Areas – Paul Clarke, Emily Griggs, Angela Downing – Beyond Productions (SBS)

• I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Australia – Beth Hart, Alex Mavroidakis, Josie Steele, Clare Bath – ITV Studios Australia (Network Ten)

• Lego Masters Australia: Grand Masters of the Galaxy – David McDonald, Hamish Blake, Di Yang, AJ Johnson – Endemol Shine Australia (Nine Network)

• Portrait Artist of the Year – David McDonald, Kate Feely, Maria Handas – Endemol Shine Australia (ABC)

• That Blackfella Show – Rowdie Walden – ABC (ABC)

AACTA Award for Best Comedy Entertainment Program

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

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

• Sam Pang Tonight – Sam Pang, John Origlasso – One Wolf Productions (Network Ten)

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

• Taskmaster Australia – Bronwynn Bakker, Cameron Bakker – Kevin & Co and Avalon (Paramount+)

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

AACTA Award for Best Children’s Program

• Do Not Watch This Show – Andy Lee, Greg Sitch – Lee Bones Productions (ABC)

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

• Play School: All Together – Bryson Hall, Lyndal Mebberson – Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

• Space Nova – Suzanne Ryan, Yasmin Jones – SLR Productions and Giggle Garage (ABC)

AACTA Award for Best Stand-Up Special

• Aunty Donna: The Magical Dead Cat – Jessica Galea, Georgia Mappin, Tom Downey

• Celia Pacquola: I’m As Surprised As You Are – Kevin Whyte, Celia Pacquola

• Claire Hooper: So Proud – Kyran Nicholson, Claire Hooper

• Geraldine Hickey: Don’t Tease Me About My Gloves – Kevin Whyte, Geraldine Hickey

• Melbourne International Comedy Festival – The Allstars Supershow – Rowdie Walden, Susan Provan

• Melbourne International Comedy Festival – The Gala – Rowdie Walden, Susan Provan

AACTA Award for Best Factual Entertainment Program

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

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

• Muster Dogs Collies and Kelpies – Michael Boughen, Matthew Street, Lauren Rudd – Ambience Entertainment Pty Ltd (ABC)

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

• The Piano – Bethan Briegel-Jones, Gemma Murphy, Josie Mason Campbell – Eureka Productions (ABC)

• The Secret DNA of Us – Josie Mason Campbell, Sophie Meyrick – Eureka Productions (SBS)

AACTA Award for Best Documentary or Factual Program

• End Game with Tony Armstrong – Steve Bibb, Dan Brown – Barking Mad Productions, Smashing Films, Allstory Pictures and Barking Mad Productions, Smashing Films, Allstory Pictures (ABC)

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

• The Assembly – Melissa Maclean, Mark Fennessy, Therese Hegarty, Julie Hanna – Helium Pictures (ABC)

• The Kimberley – Electra Manikakis, Nick Robinson, Peta Ayers, Mark Coles Smith – Wild Pacific Media (ABC)

• The People vs Robodebt – Paula Bycroft, Michael Cordell, Andrew Farrell – CJZ (SBS)

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

AACTA Award for Best Lifestyle Program

• Gardening Australia – Gill Lomas – ABC (ABC)

• Grand Designs Australia – Brooke Bayvel, Michael Collett – Eureka Productions (ABC)

• Love it or List it Australia – Karen Warner, Geoff Fitzpatrick, John Luscombe, Howard Myers-Rifai – Beyond Productions (Binge, Foxtel)

• Restoration Australia – Brooke Bayvel, Michael Collett – Eureka Productions (ABC)

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

• The Cook Up with Adam Liaw – Emily Griggs, Gavin Jarrett – SBS (SBS)

AACTA Award for Best Reality Program 

• Australian Idol – Joel McCormack, Riccy Felixberto, Wes Dening – Eureka Productions (Seven Network)

• Australian Survivor: Australia v The World – Amelia Fisk, David Forster, Phoebe McMahon, Toby Trappel – Endemol Shine Australia (Network Ten)

• Married At First Sight Australia – Tara McWilliams, Alexandra Spurway, Stevo Petkovic, Dimi Theodoulou – Endemol Shine Australia (Nine Network)

• MasterChef Australia – Marty Benson, Adam Fergusson, Eoin Maher, April Mackay – Endemol Shine Australia (Network Ten)

• The Amazing Race – Rikkie Proost, Alenka Henry, Jane Rowley – Eureka Productions (Network Ten)

• The Great Australian Bake Off – Emily Commens, Amanda Bainbridge, Deb Spinocchia, Kylie Washington – BBC Studios Productions Australia (Binge, Foxtel)

More info and categories can be found here.

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Film Club - Season One

Best friends Evie and Noa have watched films together since they first met five years ago. But are they only there for the love of movies?⁣

This English romantic comedy-drama is from Aimee Lou Wood (The White Lotus) and Ralph Davis.

Commissioned by BBC Three, the series streams on Binge in Australia. Alongside Wood & Davis, Suranne Jones, Nabhaan Rizwan, Adam Long & Liv Hill star in this six part comedy.

Filming got underway in Manchester in late 2024, with the series landing on Binge around October.

We are now getting into the catch up TV era part of 2025.

Sports, repeats, non-ratings filler content, thank god for streaming.

Binge have struggled with filling the content void of HBO when they lost the contract mid this year.

Film Club isn't perfect, its quirky, a bit romantic, very English. Also, Aimee Lou Wood is super sweet as the lead.

OK so if you are in need of romance in the lead up to the holidays, Film Club is a bit of fun. Not sure if there is a chance of a season two. Watch this space...

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Malice - Miniseries

Malice may be in the running for the most addictive series of Q4, Scorchin' Summer Streamin' for 2025.

This delicious revenge drama/thriller stars Adam (Jack Whitehall) is a charismatic tutor who charms his way into the life of the wealthy Tanner family while they’re on holiday in Greece.  

When the family’s nanny falls dangerously ill, Adam orchestrates his way in to their London home and his true vengeful nature begins to emerge.

Alongside Whitehall, X-Files and Californication legend, David Duchovny stars, with Carice van Houten, Christine Adams & Raza Jaffrey.

Malice streams now on Amazon with all six episodes either ending with a cliffhanger or a bang! I am fairly sure this is a miniseries with how episode six unfolds, however there is room for more Malice in Greece or the UK.

Amazon usually does either Superhero/anti-superhero/male action series well or teen dramas like The Summer I Turned Pretty. So it was refreshing to see Malice follow The Girlfriend, in the revenge/drama genre.

David Duchovny is delicious as this mega rich alpha father, who gives zero fucks about his family or businesses he invests in.

My mother and father were (like Reckless) hooked after episode one. So much so they stayed up later than me, night one of watching to conclude episode one.

To be fair, I was done and dusted binge watching this in around 36 hours.

Honestly, drop everything, stop watching Love Island and Big Brother, as this is so much more intense.

Really and truly in my upcoming RATED, this will be top 10, or even top 5 easy. Smashing!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Reckless - Miniseries

New SBS/NITV Original Reckless is a fast paced four-part series starring Tasma Walton (The Twelve, Mystery Road) & AACTA Award winner Hunter Page-Lochard (The Newsreader, Critical Incident).

All episodes stream now on SBS On Demand. Reckless is a deadly funny thriller straight out of Freo where guilt, family and dysfunction collide in a wickedly funny, high-stakes thrill ride. 

When feuding siblings June (Walton) and Charlie (Page-Lochard) cover up a deadly hit and run in their hometown of Fremantle, their lives spiral wildly out of control. As the lies pile up, so do the consequences and soon, everyone in town has something to lose.

Fast and fearless, Reckless, written by Kodie Bedford (Mystery Road, Return to Paradise) and Stuart Page (Total Control, Cleverman) is a uniquely Australian take on crime and chaos where small-town secrets, family feuds and guilt make for explosive TV.

I started this show a little while back on SBS On Demand with my parents. Aged 71 and 90. Both loved it. Me in my mid-40's means this little series that aims high, is a multi generational crowd pleaser.

I look forward to seeing how SBS's other new drama, The Chaplain turns our. As back in September, Reckless was named as one of two of SBS new upcoming dramas. So I was a little surprised Reckless landed this side of Christmas and 2025. You can view what SBS has in store for 2026, here.

Either way Reckless streams now, showing off the chill WA. The series moves fast across four action packed episodes.

Until next time!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Talamasca: The Secret Order - Season One

Stan has taken on the third of Anne Rice's Immortal Universe. Talamasca: The Secret Order from the shared universe based on Rice's novels, which started in 2022 with Interview with the Vampire. Which (along with Mayfair Witches) streams on ABC iView.

Talamasca: The Secret Order stars Nicholas Denton as Guy Anatole, William Fichtner as Jasper, Elizabeth McGovern as Helen, Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Olive, Céline Buckens as Doris & Jason Schwartzman guest starring as the "rakish vampire" Burton.

So it started its six episode first season strong, however the conclusion on Monday left me feeling a little flat. It just didn't have the same energy as Interview with the Vampire. It was more like a second rate spin-off series, similar to Mayfair Witches, which has always felt the less superior series of the Immortal Universe.

Stan has done well with summer content. Bel-Air commencing yesterday for a three week express final season. Power Book IV: Force is now in its final season with Spartacus: House of Ashur, the return of the Spartacus franchise early next month.

Back to Talamasca: The Secret Order, this is one of those shows I'd only recommend if you have caught up on everything else. Savage I know!

Until next time!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - He Had It Coming - Season One

He Had It Coming ends on one hell of a cliffhanger! Just when I thought the latest Stan Original (released last Thursday) was heading into miniseries territory, episode eight dropped a bomb at the end of the episode!

He Had It Coming, starts after their feminist art project is co-opted by a killer, two college women must form an unlikely alliance and track down the culprit. 

Starring Liv Hewson, Lydia West, Natasha Lui Bordizzo, with Duncan Fellows, Roxie Mohebbi, Tom Dawson, Alex Champion de Crespigny, and Miah Madden.

This was a damn fine little local series filmed, possibly in Parramatta.

With great tunes and an underlying mystery the entire run, He Had It Coming was a refreshing return to quality drama on Stan, following the slightly disappointing Watching You.

With Sunny Nights and Dear Life to come, Stan has a fairly packed local summer schedule. Not to mention a Bump Christmas movie for good measure this Sunday.

Stan is the last remaining, all local streaming service down under.

Whilst they have been lazy announcing the future of Black Snow, Ten Pound Poms, Scrublands and Wolf Like Me. They still are churning out some damn fine content.

He Had It Coming felt fresh, fun and aimed at a younger audience. This to me was well done, quality, local content. Good job all. Great song selections too!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Tulsa King - Season Three

Tulsa King is another Taylor Sheridan series living on Paramount+. Lead by Sylvester Stallone as Dwight "The General" Manfredi, Martin Starr, Jay Will, Vincent Piazza, Garrett Hedlund, & Dana Delany. 

Annabella Sciorra, Frank Grillo, and Neal McDonough joined the second-season main cast, continuing through into the third. 

Paramount announced ahead of season three, a fourth season as well as a spin-off series called NOLA King which will star Samuel L. Jackson, have both been ordered. So in true spin-off style, Samuel L. Jackson joined for episode nine and ten of this season.

I expect NOLA King to land ahead of the fourth (and possibly final) season of the Stallone mother series. Wow without Taylor Sheridan, there would be like no content on Paramount+.

So how'd you think Samuel L. Jackson did? Does he deserve a New Orleans version of Tulsa King? Time will tell. So how'd the finale, Out of Adventure go down. Spoilers below.

Margaret and Dwight discuss Thresher's election prospects which have improved since the bombing incident. Thresher later invites Margaret to join his team permanently after the election.

Dwight then discovers Joanna is missing, before then receiving a ransom call from Dunmire. Dwight musters a crew and more weapons, but while doing so Cole goes to volunteer assistance, telling them where Joanne is being held.

The crew invades the Dunmire home, and rescues Joanne. Dunmire himself escapes and is pursued by Dwight, who catches him and burns him alive in retribution for Montague's death.

Musso meets Dwight and gives him the federal liquor licence in exchange for the information extracted from Deacon. Dwight refuses to disclose where Deacon's body is but assures Musso it will never be found.

This wasn't my favourite season of Tulsa King. I have to be honest, season one felt refreshing and new. However now in the third season, it's all a little rinse and repeat. That said Samuel L Jackson did add something to the final two episodes of the run.

Next up, Talamasca: The Secret Order wraps its first season, while USA network TV is all about to go on end of year breaks. Then in Australia it's the last week of TV ratings. Expect repeats, sport, lengthy pre-sporting game panels and Big Brother hanging around a little longer. Thank god for catch ups on streaming services.

Film Influencer 2025 - Bugonia

Bugonia is a film I've been wanting to see for weeks. With Wicked, other big blockbusters this film has been pushed to the undesirable session times for a bit now. However today all the stars alighed for me to see a lunchtime session of this black comedy English-language remake of the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet! 

Bugonia follows two young men who kidnap a powerful CEO, suspecting that she is secretly an alien who wants to destroy Earth. With a small lead cast, it's lead by CEO energy Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone.

Bugonia has received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of Plemons and Stone.

What did I think of a Sunday film following a wedding and some live, local music? See below the trailer for my score.

So TV has been taking up a big part of my viewing schedule as we head into summer slack. Sydney generally dies all December/January, so hopefully I have some more time to catch up with some fine cinema over the holidays.

However for now, this Emma Stone lead oddball film was far more enjoyable than her recent random, Showtime series, The Curse. I will pass this as it gave a good commentary on the recent back and forth of net zero discussions from our so called leaders.

3 Stars. Is there any film or TV series the USA will not copy from our amazing Korean friends. I am just awaiting them to give Demon Hunters a go! lol

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Return to Paradise - Season Two

Detective Sergeant Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson) should be back in the UK, living the life she always dreamed of.

But one confession changed everything. When her ex-fiancée Glenn admitted he might still love her, Mack couldn’t walk away.

Now she’s stuck in Dolphin Cove — torn between risking her heart and revealing what she overheard.

Luckily for Mack, there’s no shortage of distractions. Her obsession with cracking the toughest cases keeps her busy, and in Dolphin Cove, murder is never far away.

Yep, Return to Paradise landed again on ABC iview and ABC TV this time last week.

Since then I have stream all six new episodes of this Australian-British crime/comedy/drama series.

This is the second spin-off series of long-running crime series Death in Paradise. Alongside Samson, the local version of this series stars some local favourites. Andrea Demetriades, Tai Hara, Catherine McClements, Celia Ireland and cutie Aaron L. McGrath. UK star, Lloyd Griffith also stars as Detective Senior Constable Colin Cartwright.

Just in the first two episodes (episode two filmed at local Anita's Theatre airs tonight) the guest star list is damn impressive these season.

Danielle Cormack (Shortland Street, Wentworth Prison), Michelle Lim Davidson (The Newsreader, Utopia), Damian Walshe-Howling (Janet King, Last King of the Cross) all star in episode one. Whilst episode two is lead by You Am I's Tim Rogers, with Justine Clarke (Home and Away) and Zoe Carides (Death in Brunswick).

Sadly the ABC announced their 2026 programming on Thursday. No existing shows were renewed or cancelled. Just new ones announced. 

This was by far the most promising announcement of programming for 2026 from any of the free to air networks or even Binge/Foxtel.

Let's hope ABC and maybe the soon to be sued BBC brings this delightful mystery series back for a third. This is ABC winning formula through and through!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Murdaugh: Death in the Family - Miniseries

Murdaugh: Death in the Family is another true crime miniseries created by Michael D. Fuller and Erin Lee Carr for Hulu/Disney+.

Starring Aussie Jason Clarke as Alex Murdaugh, Patricia Arquette as Maggie Murdaugh, J. Smith-Cameron, Johnny Berchtold, & Brittany Snow. 

Based on the Murdaugh Murders Podcast by Mandy Matney, who investigated and blogged about the unfolding case of Alex Murdaugh, who was accused of the murders of his wife, Maggie, and their son, Paul, on June 7, 2021; she is played by Brittany Snow in the series. 

The series depicts the events leading up to the double murder. Which sometimes feels extremely bloated. If this was made in the UK, this would have straight up been four episodes. Instead the USA gave us eight, long, drawn out episodes.

That said the second half of the run is way better than the first four episodes.

So who are the Murdaugh's? I'd personally never heard this story. Maggie and Alex enjoy a lavish life of privilege as members of one of South Carolina's most powerful legal dynasties. But when their son Paul is involved in a deadly boat crash, the family is faced with a test unlike any they've ever encountered. 

As details come to light and new challenges emerge, the family's connections to several mysterious deaths raise questions which threaten everything Maggie and Alex hold dear. 

Hulu on Disney+ has had loads of quality content of late. They are streaming the most talked about series, All's Fair right now, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is back, while me and the parents actually enjoyed the 2025 remake of the classic, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.

So Hulu is punching above their weight right now on the Disney+ app. While this might not be the best title I've seen for a while, it was an interesting watch.

Hopefully over the weekend, I'll get of to see the final instalment in the Wicked film saga. Have a good weekend!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Morning Wars - Season Four

Morning Wars fourth season opens in spring 2024, almost two years after the events of Season 3. With the UBA-NBN merger complete, the newsroom must grapple with newfound responsibility, hidden motives and the elusive nature of truth in a polarised America. 

In a world rife with deepfakes, conspiracy theories and corporate cover-ups — who can you trust? 

And how can you know what’s actually real? Along with Witherspoon and Aniston, the star-studded ensemble cast includes Billy Crudup, Karen Pittman, Nicole Beharie, Nestor Carbonell, Mark Duplass, Greta Lee, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Aaron Pierre, William Jackson Harper, Boyd Holbrook, and Jon Hamm.

Fans of the show will be happy to know, the series was renewed for a fifth season back in September, ahead of the premiere of the fourth season.

Spoilers below! Warning!

The November 19 finale, Knowing Violation finale was explosive. Here were some highlights of the last hour of season four. Bring on season five I say!

Having begun a sexual relationship with Celine, Cory offers to give the EPA report to the Dumont family if Celine helps negotiate Bradley's release. However, Cory contemplates his decision when Miles reveals that Martha brokered the Wolf River cover-up in exchange for getting Cory a job at UBA. 

Ben seeks Mia's help in investigating the person responsible for Alex's deepfake audio, and Mia discovers that Celine orchestrated the deepfake. Alex demands Celine's resignation, but Celine threatens to reveal Alex and Paul's negotiation with Dmitry. 

Faced with no choice, Alex announces her resignation live on TMS. Alex seeks advice from Martin, who suggests that she sue Celine for wrongful dismissal. Alex and Martin hold a press conference accusing UBN of corruption and announcing Alex's intentions to sue Celine; Ben defies Celine and runs the story on TMS. Outraged, Celine calls Cory and threatens to keep Bradley in prison unless Alex stops the conference. 

However, Cory broadcasts the phone call live during the conference, and it is revealed that Cory has given Alex the EPA report. Celine leaves the country, leaving the UBN board to find a new interim CEO. Bradley is released from prison and has an emotional reunion with Alex.

It was a wild ride of a final episode for the season. To be honest the whole season was wild. So as I said, bring on season five! Maybe that will be the last for the Apple TV long staying power drama!

Film Influencer 2025 - The Running Man

​In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated show on television—a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. 

Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Chad Power's, Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. 

But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favourite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.

Directed by Edgar Wright & written by Wright and Michael Bacall. 

This is the second adaptation of the 1982 novel by Stephen King, following the 1987 film. 

Alongside Powell & Brolin, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes & Colman Domingo all star in this action packed reality TV piss take.

With MKR and The Golden Bachie finishing the past week in Australia this is timely AF. Along with Big Brother making a fairly solid return to Network Ten.

The Running Man has received mixed reviews, though many critics considered it to be an improvement over the original 1982 film.

Look I needed a fun, popcorn, action, wham, bam, thank you maam midweek film. This hit the spot. The run time is a little long, the soundtrack could be more bangin', but overall this was solid.

Powell, is a hot star right now. Also that scene with him on the building roof just in a towel! Damn!

3 Stars.

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - RFDS - Season Three

Back in October 2023, RFDS was announced that the series would be renewed for a third season, which concluded with a double episode last Wednesday.

Now this show has been a ratings winners for the Seven Network. Drama at 7:30pm Wednesday nights worked.

Who would have thought?

Also with a lead in of popular soap, Home & Away, Seven brought drama TV back to primetime on Wednesdays.

Production commenced last August, with filming starting in South Australia, in Adelaide Studios as well as on location in the Flinders Ranges town of Quorn, the Port Augusta RFDS Base and regional surrounds, which will double for Broken Hill, as the real Broken Hill airport and RFDS base were being upgraded.

The third season finally premiered at the start of October. This followed on from season two wrapping October 2023. So it's generally a long time between drinks for this series.

Seven also left off RFDS at their upfront presentation for 2026. Sadly the only confirmed local drama for 2026, will be Home & Away.

This leaves Seven far behind Channels 9 & 10. Who though their respective streaming platforms Stan and Paramount+ are kicking Seven's ass in the output of local drama.

As Seven don't have a streaming platform (other than the ad heavy 7plus) there drama output is left to the primary and secondary channels.

Anyway aside from the poor station of local dramas on network TV, let's chat season three of RFDS below.

If you haven't watched the finale. you may not know the cliffhanger revolves around Emma Hamilton as Dr. Eliza Harrod, in Stephen Peacocke's as Nurse Pete Emerson arms.

Their on again off again, will they get back together is a key plot line in season three.

Rob Collins as Dr. Wayne Yates continues to shine, although he questions his upcoming wedding too to,Ash Ricardo as Mira Ortez.

While the gay character on the series, Jack Scott as Nurse Matty Harris has a love triangle with a bisexual cop, which Emma Harvie as Chaya Batra has also been shagging. Chaya also has many plot points, including a connection to the early on bus crash at the start of the season.

The bus crash and multiple incidents across the season begun to feel like an Aussie version of 9-1-1.

The third season also starred, Rodney Afif as Graham Morley, Sofia Nolan as Taylor Emerson, Thomas Weatherall as Darren Yates & Justine Clarke as Leonie Smith.

With the series getting from 707K to 849K viewers per episode, surely we will see this back in a few years.

With limited drama on free to air drama, it has to be acknowledged that SBS and ABC punch way above their weight with local content. Only last week delivering Reckless on SBS and Return to Paradise's second season last week.

Speaking of, I should have some reviews on those two series soon. Seeya!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - All Her Fault - Miniseries

All Her Fault is the best thing to come outta Peacock in a hot minute! Given Poker Face just got the axe (looking for a new home, with a new lead though) and Bel Air will conclude in coming weeks.

This Big Little Lies style, mystery/thriller limited series stars Aussie Sarah Snook. It was also apparently filmed in Melbourne.

Based on the novel by Andrea Mara, all eight episodes landed on Binge, down under the other week. Thus far receiving generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise towards Snook's performance.

And let's just say in Australia, Binge needed a hit!

Alongside Snook, The White Lotus season one star Jake Lacy also stars, with Sophia Lillis, Michael Peña, Dakota Fanning, Abby Elliott, Jay Ellis & Thomas Cocquerel.

A brief tale of what the miniseries is about below the trailer.

When Marissa Irvine (Snook) goes to pick up her young son Milo from his first playdate with a boy at his new school, the woman who answers the door has never seen or heard of either Marissa or her son, it's the beginning every parent's worst nightmare. 

As Marissa and her husband Peter begin a desperate search for their son, their family starts to come apart at the seams. With new friend Jenny Kaminski, the only person that Marissa can count on, the two women form a close and unlikely alliance. 

Together they hunt for Milo, uncovering deep family secrets that alter the course of both their lives forever. Charged with finding Milo and bringing the kidnappers to justice, Detective Alcaras unravels the complex and frightening web of deception and lies that has ensnared both the Irvine and Kaminski families, but his moral code is stretched to breaking point.

This was honestly addictive AF. It really gave Big Little Lies vibes being set in the windy city, Chicago.

I still need to watch, The Day of the Jackal, while I am excited for the return of Bel Air on Stan later this month.

Until next time, hopefully I'll catch a movie before The Morning Show wraps next week. Also I need to get into the double finale of RFDS this weekend. So much TV, so little time lol

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Reasonable Doubt - Season Three

Reasonable Doubt has just concluded its third season. With Power's Joseph Sikora joining as Bill Sterling, new lawyer to Jax's firm.

Emayatzy Corinealdi continues as Jax, a corporate criminal defence lawyer navigating challenging high-profile cases. Along with McKinley Freeman, Tim Jo, Angela Grovey, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Aderinsola Olabode, and joining season three, Rumer Willis as Wendy.

Last week (ahead of the the finale) the series was renewed for a fourth season.

After a tumultuous season of fighting to save her best friend from a life sentence while healing from her own deadly affair, Jax Stewart has finally earned some peace in her life...even if she sees it all as a little boring. 

So, when a former child star finds himself in a heap of trouble, Jax seizes the opportunity to spice up her daily routine. But when her client's personal life turns out to have all the drama and danger of a Hollywood movie and Jax's own professional future comes under threat from a charismatic associate at her firm, can Jax clear her client's name without losing the personal and professional successes she's worked so hard for.

This season was hectic. On many levels. A child star (Kyle Bary as Ozzie), sexual abuse from a female to a younger male, family dramas, season three had it all.

Even a cliffhanger!

With Mariah Carey and Mary J Blige soundtracking the final few moments, the series felt like it was closing out for good. Then we get that one last scene.

Disney+ has given loads of quality dramas lately. Murdaugh: Death in the Family concludes next week after a slow first few episodes, while All's Fair is blowing up online!

I for one cannot wait for season four of Reasonable Doubt. Jax is a legend! The music used is incredible. McKinley Freeman gets hotter by the minute!

Hopefully over the weekend, I'll get through the double RFDS finale. Until then, bye-bye!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Trigger Point - Season Three

Trigger Point is the UK crime series, starring Vicky McClure as a police bomb disposal expert in London. 

The third series was released on ITVX on 26 October, I think at a similar time on Stan in Australia. Good news, a fourth series is due to be released next year.

Lana Washington is an ex-military bomb disposal operative (known as an 'Expo') and Afghan War veteran who heads a Metropolitan Police bomb squad, using her skills to counter terrorist threats involving explosives.

Season three kicks off with explosives officer Lana Washington and her team are called to investigate a suspected bomb in a black cab that has been abandoned on waste ground, but they soon realise they're at the site of something far more sinister. 

Working alongside their colleagues in counter-terrorism, the team races to find out what the person behind this unique bombing campaign wants, who they are and who they might be targeting next.

The season builds tension across the six episodes. This season was pure fire. Like Slow Horses before it, this was high octane UK action.

In the finale, after the last attack, and with breakthrough evidence, the counter-terrorism police are close to finding the bomber. 

Lana faces a reckoning when she uncovers the truth behind the campaign, as the confession she fought for so desperately finally comes.

I am very excited for a fourth season of Trigger Point. Stan has done very well to hold onto this crime thriller.

Next up Reasonable Doubt and RFDS conclude this week.

Film Influencer 2025 - Predator: Badlands

Predator: Badlands is the sixth live-action film, seventh overall film, and ninth instalment in the Predator franchise. 

Set in the future on a deadly remote planet, Badlands follows a young Predator outcast (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) who finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Elle Fanning) as he embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. 

Thus far the film received positive reviews from critics. What did I think of a sneaky Friday afternoon film?

Look this was a lot of green screen and for the most part, not that much action. The bond between the Predator and Thia was sweet though.

At the end of the Covid years, I enjoyed the straight to Disney+ film, Prey. I never really got into the Arnold Schwarzenegger films back in the 80's. However apparently he maybe making a comeback in a future Predator film.

So my verdict. This was an easy leave your brain at the door, enjoy the popcorn and to be honest, the action scenes at the end of the film were pretty ace.

I'll pass this bad boy, 2.5 Stars.

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - The Serial Killer's Wife - Miniseries

The Serial Killer's Wife is a British drama based on the book of the same name by Alice Hunter. 

Now this was a quick catch TV moment for me, during my Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 series, as this landed on Paramount+ back in December 2023. The tagline for the four part trashy miniseries is, every marriage has its secrets...

When her husband is arrested on suspicion of being a serial killer, Beth Fairchild (Annabel Scholey) is certain it’s all a huge mistake. Tom (Jack Farthing) is the village doctor and a beloved member of the community. 

Yet, as she investigates, with the help of Tom's best friend Adam (Luke Treadaway), more evidence emerges that will force Beth to ask herself whether she really knows the person she married, or if she’s just lying to herself to cling onto her idyllic life?

So how trashy is The Serial Killer's Wife? Oh it's trashy!

However the four episodes whizzed by and continued my assault on catching up on UK TV. Next up is Trigger Point's third season which just landed.

This may not be Paramount+'s best title, however I did like some of the twists and turns this soapy thriller offered up. Speaking of Network Ten and Paramount+ announced their 2026 titles yesterday. You can take a look below.

Network Ten in 2026

Paramount+ in 2026

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - The Lowdown - Season One

FX’s The Lowdown from Creator Sterlin Harjo and starring Executive Producer Ethan Hawke, follows the gritty exploits of citizen journalist Lee Raybon (Hawke), a self-proclaimed Tulsa truthstorian whose obsession with the truth is always getting him into trouble. 

When the publication of Lee’s latest exposé – a deep dive into the powerful Washberg family – is immediately followed by the suspicious suicide of Dale Washberg (Tim Blake Nelson), Lee knows he’s stumbled onto something big.

The Lowdown streams on Disney+ in Australia. Adding to their brilliant run of recent shows. Including the recently added All's Fair getting the most wild reviews!

is an American television series created by Sterlin Harjo for FX. It stars Ethan Hawke and it premiered on September 23, 2025.

The series is loosely inspired by historian Lee Roy Chapman. The eighth episode concluded on Disney+ last night. Warning spoilers below.

A year before his death, Dale met Lee at the bookstore, buying a novel for his collection. 

In the present, Marty and Lee escape as the church opens fire, grazing Marty's leg. They break into a feed store to treat him, and an angry Chutto throws a brick through the bookstore window. 

Lee supports Francis at her poetry reading before meeting Betty Jo at the Philbrook Museum of Art, but she refuses to take responsibility for Arthur's death. 

Lee presents Donald with the truth: conspiring with Betty Jo, Frank instructed Allen to intimidate Dale into agreeing to the land sale; Allen hired the skinheads, who accidentally shot Dale instead, and Betty Jo staged his suicide. 

Rejecting The 46, Donald publicly honors his brother's gift of the Washbergs' land to Chutto, who signs it over to the Osage Nation. 

Donald is elected governor, and Lee publishes another article in Dale's memory, while Mark and his associates are arrested, and Bonnie guns down Frank to avenge her son. At Samantha's wedding, Francis assures Lee that he is a good man. Elsewhere, Betty Jo gives a tearful barroom performance of "Luckenbach, Texas".

It was a strange little show. Nice to see Ethan Hawke not in another horror outing following the Black Phone 2.

Next week, Reasonable Doubt concludes on Disney+, with 9-1-1: Nashville also taking a break from next Saturday till the new year.

Until next time. Hopefully I get to see a film on my day off tomorrow!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Atomic - Miniseries

Just as Lily Allen releases an iconic, well loved, reviewed album, her brother Alfie Allen is slaying in Atomic.

This is serious Adventure TV. This British series inspired by the non-fiction book Atomic Bazaar by William Langewiesche. 

I'm late to the Binge as this landed on Binge, late August via the UK's Sky Atlantic.

The five-part series is led by Allen, Shazad Latif, & The Handmaid's Tale's Samira Wiley.

Filming took place Morocco in the summer of 2024.

So I have barely been hitting my Binge app on my phone or TV. Sadly since the loss of HBO content, the streamer is kinda lame. However this was kinda incredible.

It was addictive, edge of the seat kind of TV. Just what I like. So what's it all about?

When the path of free-spirited drug smuggler Max (Allen) collides with JJ (Latif), an enigmatic outsider on the run, an unlikely friendship is formed. They’re swept into a chaotic, high-stakes mission they never signed up for— trafficking highly enriched uranium across North Africa and the Middle East, with the CIA, MI6, and a global web of opposing forces closing in fast

Leading the charge for the CIA is highly skilled scientist and a Non-Official Cover (NOC) officer Cassie Elliott (Wiley). 

Convinced Max and JJ are in league with violent extremists, her relentless pursuit puts them all on a collision course revealing that nothing is what it seems, and everyone has an ulterior motive. The pair find themselves on a wild road trip , confronting covert operatives, an internationally funded cartel, and ultimately their own pasts. 

What starts as a bid for survival slowly becomes something more: a reluctant partnership, a shot at redemption, and one hell of a ride.

So across the five episodes, it's action packed, full of twists and turns, then an explosive ending. No spoiler alerts here.

Although if like me you are looking at your Binge app like a long lost stranger. Reconnect with this series. Maybe they still have good stuff on there, just buried.

OK, happy hump day! 

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Ghosts (Australian TV series) - Season One

Ghosts now has an Aussie version on Network 10 & Paramount+ from the original British series of the same name. The USA have made a version for CBS (also streaming on Paramount+) so it would be rude for Paramount+ not to create a local version.

They are collecting subscription fees off Aussies after all. Thanks Jacqui Lambie too, for forcing the government of the day to get back on track for creating quotas for local content to be created, right here, right now. Australian stories from Netflix, Apple TV, Paramount+, Prime and more. Now get to it streamers.

The Australian version debuted two episodes on Network Ten on Sunday. All episodes, however landed on Paramount+ Sunday. Kinda like what ABC and iView do.

So what's Ghosts all about?

When city couple Kate and Sean inherit Ramshead Manor, a rundown country estate, they see it as a sign for a fresh new start. However, after Kate suffers from a near-death experience, she begins to see that the mansion is occupied by ghosts and now must navigate the issues of the ghosts while trying to maintain her normal life with Sean who unfortunately cannot see or hear the ghosts himself.

Last year, an Australian adaptation was first announced for Network 10 and Paramount+ during the network's annual upfronts event. This Thursday ahead of Big Brother returning to Channel Ten, the network (hopefully along with Paramount content) will announce their 2026 schedule.

It'll be too soon for Ghosts for Ghosts to get a second run, but I have my figures crossed for news on whether we will ever get a third season of Last King of the Cross and what drama will replace Neighbours now its actually finishing for good. This time, for good!

Eight episodes were announced to be filmed in Perth, and the ghost characters included publican and Irish Great Famine survivor Eileen, naval officer Gideon, early 20th century socialite Miranda, 1980s aerobics instructor Lindy, Chinese-born Australian Gold Rush miner Joon, and 1990s motorbike gang-member "Satan".

The living characters are played by Tamala Shelton and Rowan Witt. The ghosts are played by Rhonda, I mean Mandy McElhinney, Brent Hill, Ines English, Michelle Brasier, the handsome pant less George Zhao & Jackson Tozer.

So after not watching the UK series or the American version, is the Aussie one worth diving into? Check out my thoughts below the trailer.

Look I am not going to lie. I watched all episodes in around 24 hours. This was a super easy, short, sharp watch.

It was a little too PG and family friendly for me. However I did enjoy it. Tamala Shelton is the highlight living human. Her mum Leah Purcell pops by for an episode. Likely she had to run off to film High Country's surprise second season over on Binge.

George Zhao was the other highlight from the gold rush. A random Ned Kelly storyline with Michelle Brasier was her least interesting storyline, after some funny Aerobics OzStyle diet, life tips throughout the eight episodes.

This was decent. It's also nice to see ABC not doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to local comedies. I feel the closing moments, leave this wide open for a second run. Bring it on I say! Maybe add some new ghosts too. Some of the existing ones can go get sucked off. Watch the show to figure out what sucked off means!

Music Update V7.0

Alright well there have been two seasons of terrific Friday Flash(back)'s this year. Concluding last Friday with Florence + the Machine's Halloween friendly album title, Everybody Scream.

The remaining September Friday Flash(back)'s were EPIC! John Butler Trio and The Living End.

You can view more of the year that was 2025 on my Music Update V6.0.

My other blog will continue to feature great records until the year is out, plus announce the Album of the Year. In the running so far. PinkPantheress, Addison Rae and Ninajirachi. It's an all lady affair!

Whilst it was fun concluding Florence + the Machine's Everybody Scream, there were some other fine Friday Flash(back)'s in October.

Kicking off with The Verve's frontman Richard Ashcroft. Next up was Australia's Pete Murray, before keeping it local with, Kevin Parker's Tame Impala.

It has been a fun year. Over the past week or so we have some new albums which totally give Friday Flash(back) vibes.

So here is a taste of what might be to come in 2026 for season one, returning in Q1, 2026.

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Watching You - Miniseries

Watching You is the latest Aussie series on Stan. Unlike previous originals the six part series screened week-to-week, with new episodes landing Friday mornings.

Watching You is adapted from J.P Pomare's novel The Last Guests. 

Stan Aisha Dee stars as the lead, following her recent appearance in entertaining Stan film, One More Shot.

Alongside Dee, Josh Helman, Chai Hansen, Laura Gordon, Olivia Vásquez, Luke Cook, Sara Wiseman, Mark Paguio, Willow Speers & Benjamin Wang, all star.

Across the six episodes, viewers follow thrill-seeking paramedic Lina (Dee) and the fallout of a single decision which threatens to upend her life. Though happily engaged to Cain (Hansen), a chance encounter with mysterious stranger Dan (Helman) triggers Lina’s desire and culminates in a passionate one-night stand in a WeStay property. 

In the aftermath, Lina discovers that the affair has been captured by a hidden camera and is blackmailed with the footage. Amid mounting threats and paranoia, she sets out to unmask an insidious voyeur, only to realise that the threat is closer and more dangerous than she could have imagined.

Now it sounds a bit trashy. It is a bit trashy. But overall it was a bit of fun. Also fun fact the WeStay property where the series was filmed, is actually right across the road from Sydney Uni!

I didn't love this as much as previous Stan series, however Stan is doing it's best to showcase Australian stories.

With a Bump film and He Had it Coming landing this month. Stan are celebrating a decent number of Australian stories on their streaming service.

Next week, the finale of The Lowdown and maybe a movie.

Seeya then!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Slow Horses - Season Five

Slow Horses the brilliant British spy thriller television series based on the Slough House series of novels by Mick Herron, created by Will Smith. 

The incredible Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), with his cast of misfits. Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jonathan Pryce, Saskia Reeves, Rosalind Eleazar, Christopher Chung & Aimee-Ffion Edwards.

This quick-witted spy drama follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents, & their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb, as they navigate the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.

The fifth series, based on the novel London Rules, concluded mid this past week. For me, it was one of the best thus far. So I was excited at the end of the episode to see a sneak peak at season six. Yes, Slow Horses has been renewed for a sixth and seventh series, based on the novels Joe Country and Slough House (series 6) and Bad Actors (series 7).

Ready for some tea on episode six of the brilliant (in my opinion) season five. Read on below the trailer.

Episode six begins with Tara holding the Libyan embassy hostage and demands to Taverner that the terrorists are paid £100 million in lost oil revenues and given safe passage out of the UK. 

If the government do not comply with the demands in 1 hour, the terrorists will commence the last step of destabilisation by attacking a place of worship. Due to it being a Sunday, there are too many busy religious targets across London, so Taverner decides to pay the ransom. The money is wired to an offshore account managed by Peter Judd, who had been renting it out to the terrorists for months. 

Tara is abandoned by Farouk and the other terrorists, who still intend to commence the attack despite receiving the ransom, although one of them flees. 

Standish and Lamb’s interference prevents the Dogs from causing a scene at the embassy, and Tara is recaptured. 

Coe identifies that Jaffrey’s Abbotsfield memorial service at a multi-faith centre is the most likely target. 

River, Coe and Shirley rush to the memorial and hastily evacuate the crowd. Hearing that Jaffrey is still inside, Farouk and another terrorist decide to attack him instead of the crowd. Shirley kills he other terrorist, but Farouk holds Jaffrey at gunpoint. River and Shirley’s arguing distracts Farouk, giving Coe enough time to discreetly stab him to death. 

After a conversation with David, River realises that one Libyan was not accounted for, meaning another attack is imminent, so he rushes to protect Whelan. 

The remaining terrorist chases Whelan with a gun, seeking revenge for his role in Libya’s collapse, but River arrives in time to kill the terrorist. 

Although Whelan considers River for promotion, he plans to blame the attacks on Slough House and shut it down, following a scheme by Judd. 

Lamb responds by playing Gimball’s tape, blackmailing Whelan into keeping Slough House intact, accepting full blame for the payment add resigning immediately. Whelan complies and Taverner takes over First Desk; she agrees to release Ho but objects to promoting River to Regent’s Park. 

As Lamb relaxes, he takes off a sock to reveal a severely scarred foot, indicating that he was the torture victim from his earlier anecdote.

Season five was fire. Well done Apple TV. Bring on season six and seven. This could be one of Apple TV's most reliable series. Streaming consistently since 2022, the series is a popular title on the tech giants platform.

Palm Royale returns soon to Apple TV, whilst the brilliant Loot and drama filled The Morning Show are still streaming on Wednesday's.

Film Influencer 2025 - Good Fortune

Good Fortune is sort of a mix of supernatural, comedy, while looking at the gig economy and its negative impact on gig economy workers.

Written a& directed by Aziz Ansari in his feature directorial debut. Alongside Ansari, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh & Keanu Reeves all star.

Good Fortune, follows an angel named Gabriel (Reeves), whose failed attempt to show Arj (Ansari), a struggling man, that money does not solve one's problems—by body swapping him with his wealthy employer Jeff (Rogen)—results in Gabriel losing his wings, while the work he did as an angel begins to unravel around them.

Good Fortune had its premiere last month at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film received positive reviews from critics. What about me?

So I am mega anti food delivery and the slave like conditions the drivers operate under. This film does well to shine the spotlight on the gig economy and its negative impact on society as a whole.

Making it a little less comedy and a little more drama. I didn't laugh out loud a lot. And I have loved Rogan's recent work on Platonic and The Studio. Both on Apple TV.

Some of the jokes about the state of economy and eating the rich just missed the mark.

I did however enjoy the 1.5 hour comedy/drama/angel film. I did appreciate the film stuck to a solid runtime and didn't out stay its welcome.

Also refreshing seeing Keanu Reeves in something slightly different.

Didn't really give me the Thursday belly laughs I was after, however it was fun and shined the spotlight on dodgy operators like Uber, Menulog and Hungry Panda. 3 Stars.

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Mother & Son - Seasons One - Two

Multi Logie Award winner back in 2024, the three time Logie award winning reboot of Mother and Son returns with more misadventures as mischievous Maggie continues to derail the life of her neurotic son Arthur, who’s still stuck at home and struggling to grow up.

Mother and Son on ABC & ABC iView is sitcom reboot of the series of the same name, starring Denise Scott & former Triple J host Matt Okine as Maggie and Arthur, respectively.

Last August, it was confirmed that the series would be renewed for a second series which began airing last month, with all episodes appearing on iView.

New to the party (like Austin recently) I decided to just smash both series back-to-back. I don't think the first time around I hear about the first season in 2023, I was 100% sold. Now I'm a big fan! Even hoping a third season will be announced at ABC's 2026 presentation next month.

As Arthur flounders through freelance journalism, dating apps, and spicy snacks, Maggie sets out to make her 70s unforgettable, whether it’s joining a rogue knitting group or chaining herself to a fig tree.

 Meanwhile, their scheming sister Robbie has big plans for Maggie’s nest egg and the family home.   

Filming for the series began in Sydney in March 2023. Unlike the original series which filmed on a sound stage with a multi-camera setup with an audience, the series is filmed as a single-camera setup.

The series starts off, following a breakup from his long-suffering girlfriend, Arthur puts his future on hold to move back home with his widowed mother, Maggie. Arthur and his older sister, Robbie, attempt to care for Maggie, who may recently have almost burnt down the kitchen, but still runs circles around her children.

The series is warm, joyful and sweet. I even laughed out loud multiple times. Both seasons had their fine moments, while seeing Sydney on the big screen is always nice.

I would highly recommend this if you want a laugh and something light to have on. It's a joy to watch.

Well done Denise Scott, Matt Okine, all writers and all involved. Fingers crossed the ABC has a solid 2026 line up to announce next month. Cause 2025 has been a cracker. Optics, The Family Next Door, Austin, Mystery Road: Origin and Return to Paradise's second season incoming!

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Chad Powers - Season One

Chad Powers is an American version (well, set in the US) of Ted Lasso from Hulu/Disney+.

Powers was created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, starring Powell in the titular role. 

The sis episode first season (not yet renewed at the time of this post. Side note, Only Murders in the Building has just been renewed) follows Russ Holiday after he disgraces himself on the field while serving as a star quarterback at a major college program.

After ruining his reputation, Holiday undergoes a physical transformation, with the help of prosthetics and a wig, to disguise his identity in order to join the floundering football team at a small school under the name of Chad Powers.

Alongside Powell, Steve Zahn, Toby Huss, Perry Mattfeld, Clayne Crawford, Wynn Everett, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Colton Ryan, Keese Wilson, Xavier Mills & Quentin Plair all star in this first season comedy.

Disney+/Hulu is really firing on all cylinders right now. With Reasonable Doubt, High Potential (going on break tonight, returning early January) and Only Murders in the Building, currently streaming. With All's Fair by Ryan Murphy and a stellar cast incoming, along with returning seasons of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Tell Me Lies, Paradise and Deli Boys.

Chad Powers though is fun, light hearted and at times laugh out loud funny! Spoilers below the trailer from the cliffhanger episode six!

While Coach Hudson suffers a heart attack, Chad realises he must drive him to the hospital in his Cybertruck. 

Ricky, upon seeing the vehicle, realises that Chad is really Russ Holiday. At practice, Ricky removes Chad's armband, revealing an arm tattoo that Russ is known to have. Chad leaves practice and tells Danny that he's been caught and is leaving the team. Danny convinces Chad to drive to Atlanta, where his dad his working on a movie. 

After finding his dad in Atlanta, Russ's father is impressed by his hard work to pull off the disguise and encourages him to show up for the game against top-ranked Georgia. Ricky goes to the hospital to visit Hudson, who remains excited that they are contenders for the National Championship because of Chad. 

Russ, in his Chad persona, shows up to the game and attempts to talk to Ricky. Ricky does not forgive him and threatens to expose Chad unless he quits the team. Russ calls her bluff, stating that revealing him as Chad would ruin her father's career. 

Chad shows up for the game, which encourages the team, except for Gerry, who is furious.

The episode concludes with the game yet to begin.

I feel Hulu will renew this. With a very open ending to its first run, Powell's sex appeal, this is a no brainer.

The world needs more comedy now, meaning the world needs more shows like Ted Lasso. I mean Chad Powers.

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Only Murders in the Building - Season Five

The fifth season of Only Murders in the Building, concluded this afternoon.

Steve Martin, Martin Short, & Selena Gomez return as a trio of friends producing true crime podcasts that investigate murder cases in their apartment building, often assisted by their neighbour (Michael Cyril Creighton).

This seasons murder (in the building, or courtyard) is their beloved doorman, Lester, dies under suspicious circumstances, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel refuse to believe it was an accident. 

The trio uncovers a dangerous web of secrets connecting powerful billionaires and old-school mobsters. 

The ten episodes flew past this time around. Usually starting a late winter, the later start didn't really matter with a triple episode premiere.

This season Keegan-Michael Key, Christoph Waltz, Renée Zellweger, Logan Lerman, Jermaine Fowler, Beanie Feldstein, Dianne Wiest & Bobby Cannavale also joined the all-star cast.

This season though, it literally ended on a cliffhanger, with no word on a sixth season. With the "building" outta trouble with the sixth season be the final murder? The ending does leave it all wide open!

SPOILERS ALERT dear friends.

Nicky's mother reveals that Sofia recognized that the finger belonged to her lover. Realising that the lover killed Lester, the trio call the billionaires to the casino room on the day of Camila's press conference, before the Arconia gets demolished. 

When Mayor Beau Tillman comes down for Camilla, Mabel realizes that it's his finger, as Howard's phone auto-corrects "Beau Tillman" to "beautiful", just as Lester's did. 

Beau confesses that the billionaires would invite him to their games to gain permits and favours. On the night of the murder, Nicky knew about the affair and attacked Beau. Lester then attacked Nicky, then took the finger. After learning the security cameras belonged to Bash, Lester grabbed his bird whistle and headed to the fountain, where Beau killed him. 

Beau's corrupt cops lock the trio in the secret passage, but while THÉ stalls the conference, the trio break out, and publicly reveals Beau’s confession. Jay confesses to the police that Tillman demanded the finger in exchange for a casino permit, and the billionaires used Bash’s cryogenic chamber to hold Nicky's body for a week before relocating it to the cleaners, making them accessories to the murder, thus saving the Arconia. 

Three months later, Howard is dating Vinny, Sofia is vacationing in Italy, and Lorraine is living in the Arconia. 

While the trio listens to a new Cinda Canning podcast, Cinda herself arrives just outside the Arconia before dying, grabbing the gate so that she’s a "murder in the building".

So who killed Tina Fey AKA Cinda Canning?

This has been one of Hulu's biggest shows. Airing yearly for the last five years. Super consistent, buzz worthy, with huge guest stars. I feel it's almost outta gas, however. I do reckon one more season would be fitting to see the trio off in style.

Tomorrow, Chad Powers has also finished on Hulu. Then Slow Horses wraps and finally Watching You concludes on Stan.

Huge week of TV!

Film Influencer 2025 - Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere is the latest biographical musical drama film starring Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen. Allen White is absolutely killing it right now.

From his past long-term role in Shameless, to the huge success of The Bear. He looks like his usual rat boy. However at times he looks like Springsteen.

The film also stars Succession's Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, Stephen Graham, & Odessa Young.

Based on the 2023 book Deliver Me from Nowhere by Warren Zanes, as well as some elements from Springsteen's autobiography Born to Run, it chronicles Springsteen's personal and professional struggles during the conception of his 1982 album Nebraska. It was a lot sadder in parts than I imagined. It went back to his childhood, covered his depression, along with the musical geniuses behind his 1982 album.

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere might not reach the heights of previous biographical musical films, however I really enjoyed it. It was only just under two hours, with solid pacing.

Over the weekend I was lucky enough to head off to Northeast Party House's farewell tour, where Adam Hyde (AKA Keli Holiday) was also at. He happened to cover a track from "the Boss" too late last week. Good timing brother!

Either way, if you love music like me, then this will be for you. If you have personal struggles, this will be for you. I enjoyed the film.

Solid stuff, 3.5 Stars.

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Gen V - Season Two

The second season of Gen V, commenced last month, concluding mid this week.

This is the third series in The Boys franchise, based on The Boys comic book story arc We Gotta Go Now by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. Another series Vought Rising is currently filming for Amazon. However, there is no sign of a third season for Gen V yet. It also appears at the end of this season, a possible MAJOR crossover is coming with the parent series.

Which will return for a fifth and final season in due course.

The season stars Jaz Sinclair, Lizze Broadway, Maddie Phillips, London Thor, Derek Luh, and Asa Germann returning from the previous season, along with Hamish Linklater.

Following the fourth season of The Boys, Marie Moreau (Sinclair) and the rest of her friends return to Godolkin after months of suffering where a new dean (Linklater) trains Supes to be soldiers. 

On the brink of war between humans and Supes, the team discovers a program that could change everything.

Don't want spoilers, don't read on past the trailer.

The final episode, Trojan kicks off in 1967, as Thomas injects himself with "V-1", the version Soldier Boy and Stormfront had, just before being burned in a laboratory fire. 

We quickly move to the present, the group tends to an injured Doug, whom Marie cannot heal, as she is too weak. 

When I mean quickly, this season finale moves fast. It's also only 45 minutes or so. Or if you like me have the free-ad version, around 50 odd minutes.

Polarity drives Doug to a hospital, talking about Andre's kindness and bravery, when Black Noir II attacks, killing Doug and capturing Polarity. 

Marie reconciles with Cate and heals her. 

Thomas prepares seminars with the students to eliminate the weak and enhance his powers, hoping to control Marie and eventually Homelander, who he blames for the Supes' decline and weakness to not be overshadowed by others. 

When Sage disapproves of his plan, she secretly frees Polarity. Marie arrives at the seminar, while the rest of the group infiltrates inside Black Hole; they subdue Thomas after Harper controls him, and evacuate the students. 

Thomas manages to control Marie and, through her, tries to kill them. 

Polarity arrives and manages to remove Thomas's control, allowing Marie to kill him. 

Afterwards, Polarity tells the group to flee while he stays as a scapegoat. As fugitives, they are recruited by Annie to her resistance against Homelander and Vought, which includes A-Train.

Does this set up season five of The Boys hard? Absolutely, does it leave Gen V fully open for a complete reboot - absolutely. As it feels like the current class of Gen V, have all matured to the adult version of the show.

I must say, Vought Rising does interest me too. Amazon is on a winner with this franchise.

Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25 - Task - Miniseries

From Brad Ingelsby, who previously gave us Mare of Easttown back in 2021, also on HBO.

So HBO gave him a three year deal, so Task is his latest offering.

Another crime/drama miniseries, where no doubt people will request a second season.

Mark Ruffalo gives a brilliant performance, alongside Tom Pelphrey, Emilia Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Raúl Castillo, Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, Fabien Frankel, Alison Oliver, Silvia Dionicio, & Martha Plimpton. 

Similar to his previous HBO series, Task is only 7 episodes long. But what is this about you ask? It's not your usual Hollywood glossy look at America. It's bleak, slow to start, but packs a punch.

Philadelphia-based FBI agent Tom Brandis is put in charge of a task force investigating a string of violent robberies against stash houses run by outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Spoiler alert for the seventh and final episode ahead. This did stream Monday on HBO Max (the latest and hopefully LAST streaming service to launch down under) which will launch It – Welcome to Derry next week.

Tom and Aleah look for evidence to prove Grasso is the source of the leak in the task force, Grasso struggles to deal with his feelings of guilt, Perry is under pressure to turn on Jayson, and Jayson tries desperately to find the money, unaware that the Dark Hearts are hunting him.

So how does it all go down?

Well it is full on, following a huge, action packed episode six.

I really enjoyed this series after a slow start. Like episode one was real slow. The build was real, but the episode was long and at times super drawn out. I did end up smashing episodes 2-7 back-to-back not week to week.

In, A Still Small Voice, Tom tells Aleah that Grasso was accused of leaking information to the Dark Hearts several years ago. 

He says he believes Grasso was the source of the leak to the Dark Hearts about their current investigation as well, but that their options are limited because they have no real evidence. She persuades Tom that the two of them should go to Wissahickon Park to look for such evidence. When they visit the park the next morning, they find the stolen car Cliff was driving when the Dark Hearts attacked him. In the car they find the phone he was using at the time. They ask Kathleen to get them Ray Lyman's phone so that they can prove it was used by Grasso to direct Cliff to that location. Kathleen obliges. 

They discover that a different phone has been substituted in evidence for Ray's phone, and that this different phone made calls from Grasso's neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Eryn's body is found in the lake where she was drowned by Perry. A chain with Perry's initials is clutched in her hand.

Grasso visits his sister Frankie. He tells her that "some things are going to come out" about him because he has been involved in wrongdoing that got a young woman killed. To her dismay, he admits that this wrongdoing is the source of the money he has provided to help their family, including her, in recent years. He says he can no longer live with his actions and plans to turn himself in.

Vincent meets with Chief Dorsey. He tells Dorsey that due to the killing of an FBI task force member in the shootout, they must "cut ties" with anyone involved in the task force's investigation. Dorsey agrees and indicates he plans to kill Grasso and make it look like suicide. 

Perry, hiding with Jayson at an isolated house owned by Donna's late mother, calls Vincent to find out "where I stand." Vincent tells him that he must kill Jayson by the next morning if he is not to face retribution from the Dark Hearts. Perry arms himself with a knife for the purpose, but cannot bring himself to kill his protege.

Vincent visits Donna. She discloses that she overheard Breaker talking with Jayson about going to see Maeve, who is Billy's daughter and Robbie's niece. Pressed by Vincent, Donna tells him where Perry and Jayson are hiding, and Vincent sends his henchmen to deal with them.

Breaker calls Jayson to reveal that Eryn's body has been found, along with evidence that Perry killed her. Perry, swimming nearby, sees Vincent's people approaching and tries to warn Jayson, but Jayson stabs him to death and then flees.

Chief Dorsey goes to Grasso's house to carry out his plan, but Grasso surprises him and holds him at gunpoint. As they talk, Vincent appears and shoots both Dorsey and Grasso, killing Dorsey and wounding Grasso. Grasso returns fire, killing Vincent. Dorsey told Grasso that the Dark Hearts would seek out Maeve. Grasso drives off to intervene, unaware that Kathleen is monitoring his phone and has alerted Tom.

Grasso arrives at Maeve's house, bleeding badly from his wound but able to warn her to leave immediately with the children. She is intercepted by Jayson and Breaker, who force her to reveal where she has hidden the money. Tom and Aleah arrive and enter the house looking for Maeve. Aleah is attacked by Breaker but after a prolonged struggle manages to shoot him. Jayson tries to escape with the money by using Maeve to shield himself from Tom and Aleah. The wounded Grasso has hidden in Jayson's car; he surprises Jayson and shoots him dead, saving Maeve.

Grasso is taken to the hospital to recover. Kathleen is told by her boss in no uncertain terms to close the case. 

Tom visits Grasso, who asks whether Tom, the former priest, will give him "a penance" for what he has done. Tom replies that he has never given anyone a penance because he believes people punish themselves enough for their sins. Tom decides not to tell anyone about the bag of money he found when Jayson was killed. Weeks later, Maeve takes Harper and Wyatt and they leave town to start a new life.

At home, Tom makes peace with Emily, promising he will always keep her safe. Tom, Emily and Sara attend Ethan's sentencing hearing, where Tom has decided to make a "family impact statement." He states that despite the many challenges of dealing with Ethan's mental illness and despite Ethan's actions that caused his wife's death, he forgives and loves him and will welcome him back to their home when his sentence is over. Ethan listens silently, tears running down his face.

Some time later, Tom is informed that a foster family has taken an interest in Sam. Father Daniel urges him to think about whether it would be best for Sam to remain with the Brandis family, given the problems they may have to deal with in the future. Tom decides that it is best for Sam to have a new family. After Sam leaves, Tom repaints Ethan's room, where Sam has been staying, making it ready for the time when Ethan will come home.

What a ride. This could be one of HBO's best series of 2025. I look forward to seeing It – Welcome to Derry's first episode next Monday at a special screening. I may even do a special post for that.

I loved the recent It films, so I am excited for their final one hour series of 2025.

Until next time. At least it's not 40 degrees today. I clearly knew bad weather was coming early with my new series title, Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25.