Tip Toe is TOP quality TV. At the tail end of the Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' series, this is a top tier contender for my RATED post in a couple of weeks.
The British psychological thriller in the UK on Channel 4 written by Russell T Davies, starring Alan Cumming & David Morrissey, streams locally on Binge in Australia.
Revolving around two next-door neighbours in Manchester—Leo Struthers (Cumming), the gay owner of the Canal Street bar Spit and Polish, and his long-standing neighbour Clive Goss (Morrissey), an electrician.
Tip Toe explores the effects of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric on social media, leading the neighbours to gradually become deadly enemies. As events unfurl involving Clive's son George and online conspiracy theories, the series reaches a deadly conclusion.
Multi-BAFTA award-winning writer Russell T. Davies (It’s A Sin; Queer As Folk) continues to shine with this terrifying tale of escalating anger and fear. Timely after that mad redheads speech during the week in Canberra.
Clive has his own issues at home. With his wife and his two sons, who find their lives unravelling amidst rising social tensions and gradually become deadly enemies.
Populated by a cast of vibrant characters and underscored by Davies’ trademark wit and deft humour, the series is an urgent and timely suburban thriller that shines a light on prejudices creeping back into modern life. Its themes speak not only to the queer community but to the world at large.
If you haven't caught up with this buzz-worthy series on Binge yet, don't read on. Honestly this is the BEST Binge series in a while. Believe the hype people!
Leo and Stephanie argue about the best way to help George, with Stephanie believing Marie would be supportive. Saul sees the photo of George wearing makeup and partying with Zee and her friends, he expresses support but warns George about his friends possible reactions.
The Gosses host a football livestream during which George is violently hazed. Zee is unable to delete the photo, and goes to George's house, but he rejects her help. Clive sees Zee, and Leo agrees to help her by talking to Clive.
The confrontation soon devolves into violence, with the Gosses' friends exposing both Saul's account and George's photos to their parents. Upon seeing Zee with George, Clive attacks Leo and accuses him of taking advantage of George. George refutes this, stating Leo has HIV.
After the video of Clive helping Leo during the fight is exposed, Clive whips the crowd into a frenzy and take Leo outside to hang him. Saul desperately attempts to prevent them, but is unsuccessful.
Ultimately, Clive and his accomplices are arrested for murder, George becomes a drug-addict, Saul gets married and lives happily, Zee chooses the name Sarah and becomes a teacher, and the bar is turned into a pizzeria. Two years prior, Stephanie and Leo discuss his divorce, and the effects that coming out has had on their lives. Leo expresses a belief that something big will happen.
The finale was so intense. Maybe as intense as the last hour of The Testaments. This was full on viewing. Not for the faint hearted OK.
I enjoyed this, but it did scare the fuck outta me. Fear and anger is alive. We saw it here in Australia during the week at the press club. Wake up people, the future is also a little frightening like the past we thought we escaped. Learn lessons from the past people.
Off Campus is the latest monster smash on Amazon. They have had one incredible 2026! I am also nearly done with Scarpetta!
The young adult, romantic drama is based on the Off-Campus book series by Elle Kennedy.
I missed this when it launched last month. I quickly binged all eight episodes in Bali. But, back in February, ahead of the series premiere, the series was renewed for a second season. Which has big shoes to follow. Season one has been a smash hit!
Not to mention, ice hockey is a hot topic for TV. Following Heated Rivalry, a Netflix series will be the third, with Icebreaker (again based on books) coming soon! Talk about the gays leading the way! A streaming drama in the sheets, a cool drama on the ice.
Set at the fictional Briar University, Off Campus follows Hannah Wells, a music student, and Garrett Graham, the school's star hockey player and captain of the Briar Hawks. They agree to a "fake romantic relationship" so that Hannah can catch the attention of her musician crush, Justin Kohl.
In exchange, Hannah agrees to tutor Garrett so he can pass his philosophy class. As they spend more time together, Hannah and Garrett's relationship begins to develop into a real romance.
Subplots include Hannah's best friend and roommate, Allie Hayes, as well as Garrett's teammates, Dean Di Laurentis, John Logan, and John Tucker.
Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Mika Abdalla, Antonio Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Josh Heuston, Stephen Kalyn, Steve Howey, Khobe Clarke, AJ Abell, Francesca Bianchi, Kai Bradbury, Karis Cameron, Josh Chambers, Riley Davis, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Chelah Horsdal, Quinten James, Dylan Kingwell, Riley Orr, Lauren Patten, Frankie Randysek, Brandon Scott, Jennifer Spence, Julia Sarah Stone, Marlee Walchuk, and Chad Willett all star in season one.
With Phillipa Soo joining the cast in a recurring capacity for the second season.
Bring on season two I say!
With Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli leading, it's great seeing Aussie hunk and Heartbreak High king, Josh Heuston also starring.
Fresh from his short stint on High Potenial, Steve Howey also joins as the bad father figure. He sure was hotter in Shameless!
Watch out spoilers ahead! In the finale, Hannah drops out of the song competition.
Garrett gives the captainship to John and decides to quit hockey, as he felt he was only doing it to please Phil.
When Hannah sees Garrett skating at the rink alone, she reasons why he shouldn't quit. She changes her mind about the song contest and manages to sneak in a final spot at the showcase.
Allie convinces Dean to bring Garrett and friends to the contest to watch Hannah. Hannah performs her song The Girl That I Am, inspired by her past trauma.
Afterwards, Garrett apologises to Hannah and asks for another chance; the couple happily reconciles.
Meanwhile, to create distance in her relationship with Dean, Allie suggests to him that they sleep with other people. Dean is not able to follow through, but Allie has sex with Carter. Carter, whose real name is Hunter Davenport, and whom John has recruited to the Hawks after Garrett's suspension, walks into Malone's.
Hunter immediately gets into a fight with Dean and the other guys, due to a past incident involving Dean's younger sister.
So apparently season two will focus more on Allie + Dean. Bring that on I say. Following the drama that unfolded in the season one finale.
Until next week when The Way Home wraps for good, see again soon for another, TV binge.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is part of the Star Wars franchise and serves as a continuation of the Disney+ television series The Mandalorian.
It sounds like the series that streamed between 2019–2023. So is this the last we see of Baby Yoda? AKA Grogu.
Pedro Pascal stars as Din Djarin / The Mandalorian (who was also portrayed on set by Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder). Joining the film, The Bear's Jeremy Allen White, Jonny Coyne, Martin Scorsese, & Sigourney Weaver.
Following the third season of the Disney+ hit series, the two hour film follows the fall of the Galactic Empire, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hutt (White) in exchange for information on a target.
Favreau and Filoni wrote a fourth season of The Mandalorian by February 2023, but production was delayed by the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes.
During this time, Lucasfilm re-evaluated their plans for the franchise and decided to prioritise a Mandalorian film over the fourth season.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu premiered last month, so I am a little late to the party. Following a huge few weeks of films, the US blockbuster cinema summer is here.
So far the film has grossed $316.2 million worldwide, making it the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2026.
I asked Gaston (a co-worker) in the lift today about this film. Like Masters of the Universe, he liked it. Star Wars fan probably like it. It's a little long, but thus far baby Yoda has received mixed reviews, with critics praising the score, while criticising the plot, visuals, and action sequences.
Star Wars has been milked within an inch of its life for stories reaching far and wide across the old galaxy. From TV series (where The Mandalorian begun) to that Solo film. The first Star Wars box office bomb.
Maybe they need to rest the galaxy for a little. Whilst I enjoyed this, this could have just been a fourth and final season on Disney+.
Hopefully I'll get off to the cinema again this weekend.
Widow’s Bay is a quaint island town 40-miles off the coast of New England. But something lurks beneath the surface.
Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) is desperate to revive his struggling community. There’s no wifi, spotty cellular reception, and he must contend with superstitious old locals who believe their island is cursed.
He wants these people to respect him. They don’t. They think he is soft and cowardly. And he is. But Loftis is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination.
Miraculously, Loftis succeeds: tourists are finally coming. Unfortunately, the locals were right. After decades of calm, the old stories that seemed too ludicrous to be true start happening again. Widow’s Bay blends genuine horror with an undercurrent of character-driven comedy.
The American's Rhys stars alongside, Kate O'Flynn, Stephen Root, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Kevin Carroll & Dale Dickey.
Apple has really done it again! They are on a roll right now. Cape Fear, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, whilst, Sugar, Silo + Ted Lasso are all incoming.
Hiro Murai serves as director and executive producer on the series. Which has received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its performances, writing, direction, production values, originality, and tonal balance of horror and comedy.
Earlier this month, Widow's Bay was renewed for a second season. Bring it on I say! Apple's roster is looking damn fine right about now! Watch out for spoilers below.
Int he finale which streamed yesterday, Tom finds an oblivious Ruth going about her day at home. The two discuss their lives and the hardships of growing up on the island; Tom secretly poisons Ruth's tea with a deadly combination of her prescription medications.
At the shelter, mayor's office employee Dale uncovers evidence that the town has secretly maintained Warren’s covenant for generations by sacrificing people whenever the church bell rings.
Bechir learns that Chelle is going into labor.
As Ruth succumbs to an apparent overdose, she reveals that she is the biological mother of Tom’s late wife Lauren, making Evan—not Ruth—the last surviving descendant of Richard Warren.
Realising the curse cannot end with Ruth’s death, Tom rushes to save her, but Bechir arrives and shoots her after learning of the plan from Patricia.
Meanwhile, Evan and his friends discover tunnels beneath the shelter leading to the sacrificial chamber. Ken, the custodian at the mayor's office, finds them, but Evan's friends lock him inside, and he gets dragged through the cellar doors and sacrificed to the entity beneath the island, fulfilling the covenant and causing the storm to subside.
The following day, the church bell rings eight times, signalling that eight new sacrifices are required.
I originally thought this could have been a miniseries, however this has legs for a second season. Maybe even a third or fourth. I am loving my Apple subscription sick right now. It works in Indonesia. They stream multiple shows per week, all year round. Whilst the quality is always high! Loving it!
What if you lost your memory? What if a spy didn’t know they were a spy? Years ago, the top agents of Citadel, Mason Kane (Richard Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), had their minds wiped.
But, they’re called back to action as sinister forces emerge from the past. With the help of spymaster Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), these former lovers must remember the past to save the future.
Citadel returns to Amazon Prime Video, with the Russo brothers acting as executive producers.
The first season had production budget of US$300 million, the six-episode first season ranks as one of the most expensive television series ever made.
The second season, returned with all seven episodes premiering last month. Around three years after the first season. Which aired week-to-week. Season two arrived with little fanfare, not much marketing and blown out of the water by young adult drama, Off Campus. The show stole all the attention and the chatter. Not to mention it was also another Amazon title.
Citadel was meant to spin-off to multiple non-English language series. Initially these were to be set in, the Italian Alps, India, Spain, and Mexico. The Italian series, Citadel: Diana, premiered on October 2024, while the Indian series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, premiered on November of the same year.
Both of these have now been cancelled, while the Mexico series is off the cards. For now. Season three of Citadel, may also be off the books, with an apparent drop in viewers from seasons one, to two.
Following a dramatic second last episode to the second season, Highlands, the finale sees the Citadel agents race to prevent Joana from assassinating President Aronov at the G8 Summit, where she plans to take control of Russian satellites.
No spoilers here, however I do see a third season a bit tricky. There was a small potential cliffhanger, however I think the world has moved on from Citadel.
This was easy, breezy holiday viewing, but nothing to write home about.
Power Ballad is the third film I saw over the last long weekend until October.
Man its long haul until the next long weekend. Anyway the musical/comedy/drama film stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Havana Rose Liu, plus Jack Reynor.
Power Ballad follows wedding singer Rick who bonds with boy-band member Danny; when Danny uses Rick's song to reignite his own solo career, Rick sets out for the recognition he believes he deserves.
When Rick (Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves - even if it means risking everything he cares about.
Despite having US leads, the film is set largely in Ireland. At a beautiful property for the wedding meeting between Rudd and Jonas, moving to LA for the later scenes.
Power Ballad is a fun, crazy tale about the story of a songs creation. Also, at ageing. Ageing outta boy bands, ageing out of your dreams and playing cover songs to drunk randoms at weddings.
This is a small idea film. But damn. It is cute.
I really like Paul Rudd. I also really like Nick Jonas. His track Jealous is damn good. The Jonas Brothers not so much.
I saw three very different films over the long weekend. But this was one of my favourites. I think it's over now, however if it is screening somewhere, go check it out!
Two Years Later is the latest Australian romantic drama series. Landing on Paramount+ last week, this was a damn easy watch.
Following Emily and Ryan in a post pandemic world after the world came to a halt, they reconnect after two years in a series of brief encounters and see if they truly love each other.
When their work commute is interrupted by COVID-19, Emily and Ryan reunite two years later after a series of brief flirtatious interactions. Ryan proposes an idea: to go on a series of eight dates to decide if they are truly right for each other.
Phoebe Tonkin is Emily, whilst Brenton Thwaites is Ryan.
It's a small cast show, with Jada Alberts as Nat, Joey Vieira as Antonio, Ron Smyck as Mike, the divine Heather Mitchell as Lorna & Roy Billing as Morgan, Lorna's husband.
The show is intimate, warts and all real romance. I really enjoyed this eight episode first season. It is left open for a second season. However with the current TV climate, who knows if (or when) a second season would get made.
I really enjoyed all eight (short) episodes. The dates across each episode were cute.
I think this could easily be my favourite Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' Aussie series of the last quarter. This was storytelling at its best, with real heart.
Heather Mitchell & Roy Billing's support story was a truly beautiful one.
I can't recommend this Brisbane based series highly enough. Please, beg, borrow or steal a Paramount+ log in and give this a watch. I want a second season!
Masters of the Universe, follows Barbie as the next Mattel venture into film.
It is the second live-action film adaptation after the 1987 film. Thirst trap Nicholas Galitzine is Prince Adam / He-Man, alongside Riverdale's Camila Mendes, Jared Leto, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Kristen Wiig, Sherriff Country's Morena Baccarin, & mr can do everything Idris Elba.
Masters of the Universe, follows Prince Adam as he returns to his home planet, Eternia, to take his destiny as He-Man, and save his home from the evil forces of Skeletor.
Principal photography (most likely, largely in front of a green screen) occurred in London, England, from January to June 2025.
Surprisingly this is an Amazon MGM Studios film, meaning I actually could have watched this for free in a few months.
So was it any good? Scroll below the trailer for my verdict.
Nicholas Galitzine is sex on legs as a blonde. I honestly never really saw him as a total babe before. But now as a bulky blonde in minimal clothes - YASS!
The plot is fairly thin. The ending feels a little rushed, despite it being a fairly long film.
Despite some post credits scenes, a sequel is not yet being discussed or offical, however I think this had legs for a bit of a fantasy, comedy, action nostalgia film series. It's not like Amazon is short on cash.
A lot of the characters were a little lost on me. Particularly the poorly aged named ones like, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Fisto, & Jon Xue Zhang as Ram-Man.
Fisto had some interesting jokes.
Overall I will pass this. It was fun escapism. 2.5 Stars.
Turns out inheriting a criminal empire was the easy part… and more money really does mean more problems.
The second season on Disney+'s Deli Boys, the Dars are drowning in dirty cash and Philly’s sketchiest crooks are circling.
Enter Max Sugar: casino king, money launderer, and Lucky’s new crush who turns laundering into a chaotic situationship.
Raj plots revenge on Ahmad, Mir tries to expand DarCo without blowing it up, and Philly D.A. Andrew Chadwater hopes one big bust will make him mayor.
Girls, Andrew Rannells joins as Andrew Chadwater, a district attorney, along with Kumail Nanjiani as Danyal, Max Sugar's attorney. So there is some star power in the shorter six episode second season.
There is currently no word on a third season for our favourite Deli Boys. However the series seems popular with critics and I'd say it's not the most expensive comedy to make.
Hulu has a decent supply of comedies unlike other streamers like Paramount+ and Starz. With Only Murders in the Building, Futurama, King of the Hill, Chad Powers, and Not Suitable for Work either currently streaming or returning.
Deli Boys was an express watch this season, but a fun little ride. I would say the way things leave off, a third season may stream sometime in the future.
Scary Movie (also known as Scary Movie 6) is the return for horror-parody film series. The sixth instalment in the Scary Movie film series, following Scary Movie 5, which was released all the way back in 2013.
The return has been referred to as the spiritual sequel to the first two films. With Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, & Regina Hall all returning for some madness.
Twenty-six years after outrunning a suspiciously familiar masked killer (“Ghostface”), the Core Four are back in the killer’s crosshairs and no horror movie IP is safe.
Marlon Wayans (“Shorty”), Shawn Wayans (“Ray”), Faris (“Cindy”), & Hall (“Brenda”) reunite in Scary Movie alongside returning favourites and fresh faces to slash through reboots, remakes, requels, prequels, sequels, spin-offs, elevated horror, origin stories, anything with the word legacy in it, and every “final chapter” that absolutely isn’t final.
Nothing is sacred. No trope survives. Every line gets crossed. The Wayans are back to cancel the Cancel Culture.
Jon Abrahams, Lochlyn Munro, Cheri Oteri, Dave Sheridan, Chris Elliott, Damon Wayans Jr., Kim Wayans, Craig Wayans, Heidi Gardner, Olivia Rose Keegan, Savannah Lee Nassif, Cameron Scott Roberts, Sydney Park, Gregg Wayans, Ruby Snowber, & Benny Zielke joined the sixth film.
Whilst, Anthony Anderson, Kai Cenat, Teyana Taylor, and Shaquille O'Neal cameo as themselves.
A sixth Scary Movie film was announced in 2024 and later that same year, it was revealed to have the involvement of the Wayans family for the first time since their departure from the franchise following the release of Scary Movie 2 (2001) due to creative conflicts with the original producers.
Scary Movie has received negative reviews from critics, however the box office is solid thus far! Even beating fellow blockbuster release Masters of the Universe
This was insane, but fun. Some of the pop culture jokes were just wild!
I did need this after a LONG ass week. Gosh I am loving these long ass weekends. All hail the king. lol. Joking.
I'll pass this piss take on the crowded horror movie world right now. 2.5 Stars for bringing the silly, to a mad ass world!
Bad Company was a show I was so desperately looking forward to.
The comedy focuses on Margie Argyle (Anne Edmonds) and the Argyle Theatre, her unchecked spending has sent in Julia McNamara (Kitty Flanagan) who is tasked with saving a theatre company teetering on the edge of closure.
At the centre of the chaos is Margie, the Argyle Theatre’s wildly confident artistic director who is determined to stage her most experimental, critic-wowing masterpiece yet. There’s just one small problem: Margie’s bold creative vision might also send the already-fragile theatre hurtling towards financial ruin.
Standing between Margie and catastrophe is Julia, a corporate high-flyer with a flawless track record and the steely resolve to match. Tasked with rescuing the crumbling Argyle Theatre, Julia is determined to whip the place into shape, even if that means going head-to-head with Margie’s chaotic genius at every turn.
It's a small ensemble cast alongside Edmonds and Flanagan, music star Kira Puru stars as Kat, Louise Siversen as Carmel, with Sibylla Budd as Caitlen Allard in the finale.
I wanted to love this so much. I did enjoy parts but it was very niche. I used to work in musical theatre, theatre spaces, so this was no in joke for me. I got the theatre quirks, but I am not sure a larger audience would.
Edmonds and Flanagan were incredible together. However I will always love Edmonds for Helen Bidou and her stand up.
This was enjoyable and decent ABC comedy. I do hope they bring back their local Sunday night drama soon too. Another Sunday sitcom is incoming, Ground Up, starring Sam Pang, commences tomorrow.
Until next time, happy Kings Birthday long weekend. The final long weekend, until the October long weekend!
Season four of Sullivan's Crossing sees Maggie setting her sights on a new vision for her career, and a renewed commitment to Cal, only to be blindsided by Liam’s sudden reappearance, which threatens to disrupt Maggie’s plans.
The latest Sullivan's Crossing concluded on Stan Monday lunchtime. Sadly this week has been hectic in the lead up to the long weekend. Man I have caught up on some TV though. Deli Boys second season, started Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, damn, even though network TV is done. There are some gems currently streaming.
Sullivan's Crossing is basically a network show, originating from CTV, in the USA it streams on The CW. Basically all The CW can afford is international dramas. Their final original series, All American commences next month.
Buried in the US summer.
So, this Canadian romantic series, is possibly my mums favourite series. She is desperate on a verdict for a fifth season. A renewal which could really go either way. A fifth season for any series in this current TV climate is a big deal.
Sullivan's Crossing is sweet enough, just with losing father figure, Scott Patterson as Harry 'Sully' Sullivan, the series is only left with four main players.
This season dragged out the love story triangle, however the plot lines could be running low. It is just a sweet, comfort viewing piece of TV. I enjoy the scenery, but damn some episodes are so predictable, even my 71 year old mother can guess what's incoming...
Either way, all four seasons of Sullivan's Crossing are streaming now on Stan.
The third and final season of Euphoria, inspired by Ron Leshem's miniseries of the same name, commenced mid-April, concluding yesterday on HBO.
The season centers on recovering addict young adult Rue Bennett navigating her faith while also being drawn into the illegal drug trade.
Zendaya stars as Rue alongside an ensemble cast consisting of Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, Eric Dane, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Martha Kelly, Chloe Cherry, and Toby Wallace.
Way back in February 2022, Euphoria was renewed for a third season, filming commenced in February 2025 and wrapped in November.
The season consists of eight episodes and received mixed reviews from critics. On the same day that the final episode of the third season was released, HBO confirmed that the series had concluded after three seasons.
Which damn was obvious. Let's be honest it's a miracle the show made it to a third season.
Season one was good, season two (and the specials) were OK, this season however was rubbish. It was too much at times. The shock factor had long left the building. The show was just turning into a giant pile of burning trash.
I hate to be bold, but this was really bad. Like Riverdale bad. Every episode, just got worse and worse. Poor Sydney Sweeney, there were some low points in this season. So how'd the series end?
Rue escapes Laurie's ranch with G's help after injuring Wayne and fleeing from Harley. As the DEA closes Laurie's operation, Alamo takes control of a fentanyl shipment by switching ambulances. Facing arrest, Laurie kills herself.
Alamo gives Rue money and Percocet pills secretly containing fentanyl, and she dies from an overdose, with Ali finding her the next day.
Three months later, Ali attends his final recovery meeting, where he confesses that he has lost faith, and declares the dealers, politicians and enablers of the drug trade simply evil. He then confronts Alamo at his strip club. After Bishop secretly unloads Alamo's gun, Ali shoots and kills him.
Elsewhere, Cassie and Maddy plan to turn Nate's house into an influencer business and invite Lexi to join, but she refuses.
Jules copes with Rue's death by painting her portrait.
Ali later visits a religious family Rue had known, introduces himself by his Islam pre-conversion name, and leads a prayer, during which Rue appears peacefully in a vision.
Sound fucked up? Well it was. If you never started this series back in 2019, maybe give this one a miss.
More TV incoming. Deli Boys second season just landed, I'm pacing myself through Canadian drama Sky Med. Not to mention Canada's other favourite Virgin River style drama, Sullivan's Crossing. That is coming soon.
Following the success of Baby Reindeer, Half Man is the latest gritty drama created by Richard Gadd.
The British six-part series, is a co-production between BBC and HBO.
The series stars Gadd, Jamie Bell, Stuart Campbell, and Mitchell Robertson. Ruben (Campbell) & Niall (Robertson) grew up as brothers despite not being related by blood—one strong and fiercely loyal, the other quiet and gentle.
Thirty years later, they reunite at Niall’s (Bell) wedding, but Ruben (Gadd) seems uneasy and on edge; when a sudden act of violence erupts, it sends the story back through their shared past, revealing how their bond was shaped and how even the closest relationships can ultimately fall apart.
This series was bold, rough and damn terrifying at times. Some scenes were just way too full on. Like honestly, so gruesome.
Toxic masculinity on steroids is Half Man in a nut shell. The series (like Hacks) also is a fail for HBO Max in Australia, as Stan got the streaming rights for this big title.
Meaning two out of three HBO finales this past week, live outside of HBO Max. Why would anyone sign up to that service? Particularly if they are being merged with Paramount one day...
In the grim finale, four years pass, and Ruben is in jail for attacking Benji, but he wants to turn his life around for Mona and their son, Baird, who was born while he was in jail.
Niall's semi-autobiographical novel about his experiences with Ruben becomes a hit, but the public is more interested in Ruben than in him. Ruben's mother Maura dies, and Niall informs Ruben in prison, causing Ruben to lash out at Niall.
Niall's lifestyle of drugs and sex spirals until he reunites with Alby, years after Ruben's assault, and they rekindle their romance. With Alby's encouragement, Niall visits Ruben in prison and finally comes out to him. To his surprise, Ruben is accepting, having always suspected, and criticises him for wasting his life trying to belong. Niall blames Ruben's language for his self-loathing, but Ruben deflects back at Niall for rejecting his own truth.
Ruben also reveals he was a victim of sexual assault from his own father when he was young, resulting in him feeling like a "half man." The two become open and vulnerable to one another, but the mood sours when Niall reveals that he slept with Mona and fathered Baird, infuriating Ruben.
In the present, Ruben attacks Niall in the barn during his wedding for sleeping with Mona, and they have a gruelling fight. Niall manages to stab Ruben's side, mortally wounding Ruben, but Ruben manages to smother Niall to death, telling his brother that he loves him. The dying Ruben sits down on a bale of hay, staring at Niall's corpse.
It was an intense final hour. This show, showed a bleak outlook for angry young men. It was an interesting, yet brutal watch. Viewers be warned, this is full on!
Urzila Carlson's live shows are remarkable. Speaking of, she is touring mid this year, until late August.
So what happens when she mixes her comedy, with sketches, for a show simply titled Urzila?
Over six episodes, now streaming on ABC or ABC iView, we see Carlson tackle a range of issues. Some of the sketches do really well and are laugh out loud funny, some are a little lame.
She also has a full blown sitcom in the works (also at the ABC) with Nazeem Hussain.
Urzila Carlson is of course, a South African-born ,New Zealand comedian and actress, known for her jokes around being a lesbian and being a little larger. Prior to this ABC series, Carlson is a regular panellist on 7 Days & both the Australian and New Zealand version of Have You Been Paying Attention?
She was also a panellist on The Masked Singer Australia for the show's second and third seasons, until it got the axe in Australia. Man channel 10 are broke AF. They just scrapped I'm a Celebrity too! There biggest hit, next to Masterchef.
She was a contestant on the second season of Taskmaster NZ.
So Urzila is well known on our TV screens. A classic sketch show is something they don't make like they used to.
I'm not sure the ABC will invest in a sound round of Hire a Lez, but I sure am excited for a scripted comedy from her and Nazeem Hussain. Next up from the ABC a review of Bad Company, up soon!
