Today, a preview was released of Season 2 of the podcast Passenger List, which is set to be released this spring. Kelly Marie Tran, Rob Benedict, Ben Daniels and Colin Morgan are set to appear in the second season.
The preview features Benedict’s character talking to a psychiatrist, and Tran’s character, Kaitlyn, still investigating into what could have made the plane go down.
Passenger List was created, co-written, and co-directed by Peabody Award-winner John Scott Dryden (Tumanbay; LifeAfter), co-written and co-directed by Lauren Shippen (The Bright Sessions) with sound design by Mark Henry Phillips (Homecoming; Serial) and additional writing by Mara Wilson (Big Hero 6; Matilda) and Kevin Rodriguez (Deadly Class).
You can listen to the preview now on Apple Podcasts.
New year, same Disney magic. What better way to kick off the new year than with a watch party for Pixar’s latest film, Soul? Streaming on Disney+, Soul follows middle-school band teacher Joe Gardner. His dream is to play Jazz music professionally, but it hasn’t always worked out in his favor. Joe gets the opportunity to show his artistic talent to Dorothea Williams, and she offers him a chance to play with her and the rest of the quartet. His dreams are finally coming true, but one small step changes his whole world. Can Joe find his true happiness and his soul?
Join the filmmakers, artists, and some special guests for a Soul watch party at 12:00 p.m. PT/ 3:00 p.m. EST on Friday, January 1, for an experience that will touch your heart and soul.
Harry Styles has released the official “Treat People With Kindness” music video! The single from the album Fine Line is inspired by Styles’ signature phrase, with “TPWK” featuring heavily in his marketing campaigns and interactions with fans. A teaser for the video was accidentally released a few days ago, fueling speculation that Styles would time the video to release this holiday season.
The video itself features a choreographed dance number with a tap dancing Styles that co-stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge, best known for creating and starring in the hit series Fleabag. It’s fitting that Styles chose to drop the video on New Year’s Day in many places around the world, as the song’s message fits the idea of making a fresh start.
Well, Prodigies, we’ve reached the end of the road. After 20 weeks of #NerdsRewatchProdigal, we’ve reached the finale of season 1 of Prodigal Son. We here at Nerds and Beyond hope you’ve had as much fun reading these rewatches as we have had writing them. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got a ton of new content coming your way to celebrate the new season! Without further ado, let’s take a look at what happened as we see who’s really “Like Father ….”
Malcolm’s Dream Sequence
Image Courtesy FOX.
It’s a classic Prodigal Son maneuver at this point: show us something that FEELS real, but is in fact, one of Malcolm’s vivid hallucinations. But after the final scene of last week’s episode, which featured Malcolm being arrested, this opening dream felt like reality. We see Malcolm joining his father in prison, where the elder Whitly has some questionable advice for his murderous offspring. It quickly becomes clear that this is another nightmare, but the writers definitely kept us on our toes by starting off with this sequence.
Martin Loses His Privileges
Image Courtesy FOX.
We learned last episode that Endicott was not kidding around in his deal with Martin, as he tried to have Martin killed after Malcolm and Ainsley started to suspect the Endicott was not completely on the up-and-up. Not only that, but it was made clear that Endicott has friends in all the right places in Claremont, and after the failed assassination attempt, Endicott makes full use of this power by setting Martin up for an attempted escape. The scene is beautifully staged, as we see a ringing phone in the empty hallway outside of Martin’s cell and watch as Martin pushes open the conveniently unlocked door to his cell to go answer it. Endicott is on the line, and in a rare moment of nerves/fear from Martin, we hear him frantically trying to explain to Endicott that their deal has not been broken and he is maintaining the status quo. Unfortunately, Endicott does not see it the same way and tells Martin that this breach of trust means that privileges must be taken away. As we know, Martin’s life at Claremont was pretty cushy, so taking away his privileges could mean many things, but Endicott has an ace up his sleeve: Martin is outside his cell.
Edrisa Being Malcolm’s Ride or Die
Image Courtesy FOX.
Edrisa was such a real one in this episode. While the team is working on the case of Eddie’s murder (and lowkey doubting whether or not Malcolm was innocent), they must take a trip to Edrisa’s palace the morgue to get autopsy results on the vic’s body. After Edrisa gives them the rundown on the forensics, she instantly comes to Malcolm’s defense, saying that he can’t possibly be the murderer, especially because of the killer’s M.O. (“I mean, where’s the pizzazz in a pillow?!”). Though the team tries to tell her that the profile (an emotional kill) points towards Malcolm, she staunchly refuses to believe it. After the three cops leave, Malcolm comes out of hiding and reveals to Edrisa that he has a new lead to chase down; the lab that processed the DNA results is owned by Endicott, and Malcolm believes that they have been fabricated. In a touching moment, the two hug as Edrisa wishes Bright good luck and tells him that he can’t die. While being Team Malcolm is pretty on-brand for our favorite M.E., Edrisa’s loyalty went to new heights in this episode (especially since Bright was supposed to be on house arrest) — and we can’t help but love her for it.
Sterling’s Murder and Malcolm Plays Detective
Image Courtesy FOX.
We know from Malcolm’s visit with Edrisa he tracked down the attorney for Corbell Laboratories, which leads to Sterling making another appearance. Malcolm urges Sterling to be the guy he used to be instead of the Devil he’s become. Sterling, however, tells Malcolm that he cannot disclose information, but if he wants to help set himself free, he needs to find the files Sophie stole from Endicott and that Martin would know where they are. Another intruder visits the empty office, fires a shot in front of Malcolm, and kills Sterling. Now Malcolm has the blood of two people on his hands: how is he going to get out of this? By switching clothes with Leonard back at his mother’s house and putting his ankle monitor back on, of course! Ainsley and Jessica both cover for him when Gil and the team come knocking, but Malcolm being Malcolm, can’t help himself and admits he was, in fact, in Sterling’s office, forcing their hand to take him with them. Malcolm’s interrogation is memorable, to say the least. Gil and JT both tell him he’s saying a lot of things for someone refusing a lawyer while we also get disappointed-dad Gil. There’s excellent comedic timing in an otherwise tense situation. It’s in this moment the team realizes Malcolm has been telling the truth, and he didn’t kill Eddie … but he did break house arrest and still needs to be kept close. Malcolm wouldn’t be Malcolm if he were to heed that advice.
Gil vs. Endicott and Jessica’s Rescue
Image Courtesy FOX.
A showdown for the ages. While Malcolm is on “house arrest,” he tells Gil that Jessica is at Endicott’s to hear him out and see if he can help Malcolm. Gil confronts Endicott at his house and tells him that he is taking Jessica home. Gil stands his ground, but not for long, unfortunately. One of Endicott’s men stabs Gil in his abdomen, and he falls to the ground (insert screaming “NO” here). Our hearts are shattered but not to worry, Jessica is not a damsel in distress. She comes to Gil’s rescue with some action-packed moments to save Gil. She breaks a glass plate in Endicott’s face and initiates a crash to save Gil from being taken by Endicott’s man. It’s a valiant effort by both Gil and Jessica. All we can say is, Malcolm and Ainsley might want to take a *stab* at him next (we’ll just see ourselves out).
Martin’s New Life in Gen Pop
Image Courtesy FOX.
Claremont is no more. Thanks to Endicott, Martin is transferred to Rikers, a gen pop prison, and Martin comes face-to-face with criminals far scarier than himself. They know The Surgeon. He’s told that someone wants him dead, and people are floating cash to whoever gets to him first. When Malcolm and Ainsley visit their father in order to get more information on Endicott, it’s clear to them that Martin is scared of the place. He says he’s sitting there with a target on his back, he misses his cell, he misses Mr. David, and he does not like it there. Martin doesn’t have anything on Endicott, which is why he’s so scared. It’s one of the few times Martin has genuinely been scared since he’s usually the one doing all the manipulating and scaring. It’s also a foreshadowing of what was to come later on in the episode and what could happen in the upcoming season.
Malcolm and Sophie Finally Meet
Image Courtesy FOX.
Perhaps one of the most pivotal moments in this season, Malcolm continues to look for information about who actually killed Eve’s murderer to clear his name. The hunt for clues ultimately leads him to the one thing he’s been trying to find for so long: the girl in the box. He goes to a veterinary office and discovers that it’s Sophie using an alias “Dr. Sarah”. This moment is important because it proves once and for all that Sophie is, in fact, alive and well. Malcolm gets a sense of closure as he apologizes for what happened to her, and she tells him it wasn’t his fault. This moment was huge for both characters and featured great performances from Tom Payne and Anna Eilinsfeld.
Like Father… Like Daughter?
Image Courtesy FOX.
It’s safe to say that Prodigal Son is known for throwing wild, unpredictable plot twists into every episode. The finale was no exception, with Malcolm being framed for murder and Gil getting stabbed, but the most shocking of twists came in the final moments of the show. While we all thought Malcolm would be the one to rid the world of the monster known as Nicholas Endicott, Ainsley Whitly came out of nowhere, slicing his throat and proceeding to stab him several times over. The shocking twist was masterfully executed as Ainsley slowly fades into the background while all our attention is focused on Malcolm, seemingly moments from shooting Endicott. We almost forget she’s even in the room, and the stress of it all proves to be too much for her. After she finishes the deed, her trance-like state makes it clear she is completely disassociated from the moment. It’s the height of the drama; the peek of the rollercoaster, so to speak, before reality crashes down on them and fans are left with the cruelest (read: best) cliffhanger! Will Ainsley remember? How will this affect her and Malcolm, who just witnessed his sister murder a man? Will Jessica find out? Will Gil? This one act raises many questions, and we can’t wait for season 2 to start answering them!
Prodigal Son is available now on Hulu and Fox Now. The new season premieres on January 12 at 9 p.m. ET only on Fox!
As we bid farewell to 2020, we say hello to new books releasing in 2021. Kicking off the new year is Ryan La Sala’s sophomore novel (and contemporary debut), Be Dazzled. It follows Raphael “Raffy” Odom, who carries a deep passion and talent for crafting, especially creating cosplays. His story is told in two alternating time periods: the present day as he prepares to compete in a major cosplay competition –where his ex-boyfriend Luca is Raffy’s main competition — and several months before when he meets and begins a relationship with Luca.
The general pacing of the novel is well done. La Sala stretches the cosplay competition in a way that keeps it interesting; the alternating timelines ensure the intrigue of the story remains intact. Each chapter ends with small cliffhangers that keep you hooked with the respective storylines. La Sala builds to the climactic points of both timelines so that no momentum is lost, keeping the excitement of the competition and the emotion of Raffy and Luca’s relationship and personal struggles.
The alternating times also gives the characters a chance to grow. Any questions about how Luca and Raffy drifted apart are answered as the timeline tracks their relationship before the competition unfurls. La Sala shows the two extremes of their relationship: rivals and two people who spend nearly every moment together; it’s a natural and dynamic progression. Raffy and Luca’s friends, Inaya and May, also have time to shine. May remains a constant in Raffy’s life, written as someone who supports and understands Raffy as best she can. Meanwhile, while we don’t learn much about Inaya, her arc still flows well throughout the story. Another major player is Raffy’s mother, Evie. Though Evie herself doesn’t have a large amount of page time, the way Raffy talks about her paints a clear picture of the nature of their relationship, and every time she does appear, she only reaffirms what Raffy states about her. I enjoyed reading about Raffy and Evie’s interactions. La Sala includes anything pertinent to the story, but it would be interesting to learn more about how Raffy and Evie’s relationship reached the point it did. For me, their dynamic was one of the most intriguing aspects outside of the cosplay competition storyline.
Something particularly noteworthy about the book is how La Sala writes anxiety. He doesn’t fall into harmful stereotypes or mock anxiety in any way. Every experience Raffy has with anxiety, from tight con deadlines to encounters with other characters, comes across as entirely genuine. He acknowledges when he spirals without downplaying how it affects him. His experience, while the contributing factors may differ, is instantly recognizable. This is a book that serves as an excellent example of how to incorporate characters who struggle with anxiety in an incredibly real manner.
There’s plenty to admire in Be Dazzled, but my favorite aspect about the book is the obvious care and love imbued into every single word. La Sala’s attention to detail crafts a vivid story easy to visualize as Raffy talks through his process. It’s easy to feel excited about Raffy’s passions, whether they’re ones you have in common with him or not. Every pop culture reference, every mention of cosplay, and every mention of Luca (pre-competition especially) is written in a way that seems as though Raffy could talk about each one for days without stopping. And whether you’re a cosplay enthusiast, someone who generally loves arts and crafts, or neither, it’s easy to revel in the art settled right at the core of the story. La Sala shares a story that celebrates creativity and reminds us to live our lives with passion and determination.
Be Dazzled is a delightfully queer, nerdy, and intensely comforting story that demands multiple re-reads. La Sala effortlessly blends crafting knowledge, humor, and emotion to bring the story to life. He perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being at a con and the excitement that swirls around seeing the creative endeavors of cosplayers right in front of your eyes. He creates a bittersweet feeling of longing for the return of cons while remembering part of what makes them so remarkable in the first place. La Sala creates a protagonist many will find themselves in. Raffy’s story is relatable, authentic, and nothing short of dazzling.
Be Dazzled will hit shelves on January 5, 2021. Make sure to pre-order your copy here!
Happy New Year, fellow game nerds; we have made it to 2021. It is also the beginning of a new month, which means it is time for the January 2021 edition of video game releases.
Like most Januarys, the year is off to a slow start with releases. However, there are quite a few games to look forward to seeing this year, like Far Cry 6, Final Fantasy XVI, God of War sequel, Gotham Knights, Hogwarts Legacy, a new Mass Effect, and more.
Regardless of the platform you use — PlayStation (PS), Xbox (XBO/XSX), Nintendo Switch (Switch), Computer (PC), etc. — there is a game for you. Here is a list of some of the video games getting released this month.
January 5
Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues (PC)
January 8
Iron Conflict (PC)
January 12
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Core Collection (PS4, Switch, XBO)
King Arthur: Knight’s Tale (PC)
January 14
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game – Complete Edition (PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, XBO)
MXGP 2020 (PS5)
January 20
Hitman 3 (PC, PS5, XSX, PS4, XBO, Stadia)
January 21
Ride 4 (PS5, XSX)
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake (PC, PS4, XBO)
January 26
Encodya (PC)
Stronghold: Warlords (PC)
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy (PC, PS4, PS5, Switch)
Cyber Shadow (PC, PS4, Switch, XBO)
January 28
The Medium (PC, XSX)
Ar Nosurge DX (PC, PS4, Switch)
Ciel Nosurge DX (PC, PS4, Switch)
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny (PS4, Switch)
Gal*Gun Returns (Switch, XBO)
Sword of the Necromancer (PC, PS4, Switch, XBO)
The Yakuza Remastered Collection (PC, XBO)
Märchen Forest (PC, PS4, Switch)
January 29
Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World: The Prophecy of the Throne (PC, PS4, Switch)
The Pedestrian (PS4, PS5)
What game(s) are you looking forward to the most that are being released this year? Let us know in the comments below!
New character posters have just been revealed from the Russo Brothers and Apple TV+ for their upcoming film Cherry. The posters, which have been making their way around the internet the past few days, show Tom Holland with various labels: Student, Lover, Soldier, Junkie, and Thief.
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Nico Walker, Cherry follows Holland in the title role — a disenfranchised young man from Ohio who meets the love of his life Emily (Ciara Bravo) only to risk losing her through bad decisions and challenging circumstances. Cherry ends up serving in the Iraq war as an Army medic, but when he returns home, he has to battle his undiagnosed PTSD, causing him to spiral into drug addiction. After draining his finances, Cherry turns to bank robbing to fund his addiction, thus shattering his relationship with Emily along the way.
The film also stars Jack Reynor, Michael Rispoli, Jeff Wahlberg, Forrest Goodluck, and Michael Gandolfini.
Check out the new character posters below.
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Cherry makes its way to theaters on February 26 and Apple TV+ March 12.
Prodigal Son‘s season 2 debut is less than two weeks around the corner, and as such, FOX has taken to teasing us with loads of new content promoting Malcolm and co.’s upcoming adventures. Today is no different, as a new preview titled “New York’s Best Detective Has Killer Instincts” has been released! If you haven’t already, catch it below.
From the promo, it seems that Malcolm has begun to accept Martin’s role in shaping the man who he has become, the profiler that works to put bad people away. What this means for his and Martin’s relationship moving forward — especially in the wake of Ainsley’s actions — remains to be seen. But if the promos are anything to go by, Martin will be featured just as prominently, if not more, as he was last season.
Teasing some cool new cases (hello decapitation by guillotine), some thrilling action scenes, and as always, the team’s usual humorous banter, season 2 is looking to be just as exciting as everyone has been predicting.
Prodigal Son returns to FOX on January 12 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. As always, stay tuned for more updates! If you’re jonesing for some content, head on over and take a look at the newest photos from season 2, episode 1!
The day has finally come — the final chapter of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has dropped on Netflix. A modernized darker version of the popular 90s sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch, CAOS began following a teenage Sabrina in the town of Greendale as she balanced her mortal life to her supernatural side. She divided her time between high school and the Academy of Unseen Arts while taking down the town’s largest threats, including the Satanic Church of Night. In season 2, she was revealed to be the child of Lucifer Morningstar, and in season 3, she used magic to stay in Greendale and run Hell with her father at the same time.
In part 4, which has just dropped on Netflix today, Sabrina and the Coven will have to fight off yet again the terrors of the night — The Eldritch Terrors (The Weird, The Returned, and The Darkness). The Eldritch Terrors have descended upon Greendale, wreaking havoc in their wake while The Void, aka the Ending of All Things, comes to collect.
The Final Chapter of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is now available to stream on Netflix.
As the plot of His Dark Materials hurtles towards the third season (and thus the third and final novel in the original trilogy), the season 2 finale had a lot of ground to cover. “Æsahættr” delivers a moving and action packed episode that will thrill book readers and new viewers alike. From grief stricken goodbyes to prophecies revealed, this episode packs a punch. Read on to find out what happened in the season 2 finale of His Dark Materials.
We open on Will and Lyra debating about whether it is safe for the witches to continue to help them in their quest to find Will’s father, given the way Reina Miti was attacked earlier. Serafina adamantly wants to stay with Lyra, seeing it as her destiny to protect her. Will doesn’t want others to die or be hurt on his quest, especially with his dreams of his father growing stronger. He’s scared, and when the pair go to sleep that night, Pan tries to offer Will comfort as Lyra sleeps. He tells Will that Lyra believes in him and sees him as her best friend, a sentiment Will echoes. Lyra wakes, revealing she was pretending to sleep the whole time, and tells Will that she wants to help him find his father. But like Will, she’s scared: she remembers what happened with Roger, and she can’t lose another friend. The group finds they can’t go much further, concerned about the threat of the Specters. Lena, another witch, hears that an adult woman with a daemon has been spotted. Wanting to save her from the Specters, Lena leaves to help while Serafina stays with Lyra.
Image courtesy HBO.
But of course, the woman is no helpless victim but Mrs. Coulter. As Lena warns her to leave, Mrs. Coulter attacks. As a Specter drifts into the room, going after Lena’s daemon, the doomed witch tells Mrs. Coulter that Lyra will be “Eve” in this prophecy – her fall will be the cause of everything that is to come. The witch dies as Mrs. Coulter unleashes the Specter. She now has a valuable piece of information, and determined not to let Lyra “fall,” she decides to go after her to protect her from her destiny. Back with the witches, Ruta arrives to talk to Serafina. She tells Serafina that according to Asriel, the coming war is not just against the Magisterium but with The Authority himself. Asriel needs the witch clans to stand with him. Serafina, fiercely devoted to Lyra, refuses to leave her. Ruta argues that Asriel needs the Æsahættr (the knife) in the coming battle, and Serafina tells her that Ruta should find the knife if Asriel needs it that badly. But Serafina is staying with Lyra.
Image courtesy HBO.
The focus shifts to Lee and Jopari as they wander through the forest. But suddenly, the Magisterium is upon them. In a heart wrenching sequence that book readers have dreaded, Lee realizes they are outgunned and utterly lost. With just thirty bullets left in his gun and suffering from an injury, Lee makes the choice to make a last stand, giving Jopari the chance to escape and find the knife bearer. Lee makes Jopari promise that he will use the knife to protect Lyra, which he does. Lee and his daemon Hester comfort one another for the last time as Lee manages to slow down the oncoming attackers. In a last ditch effort, he summons Serafina with the pine she gave him earlier. But Serafina comes too late to save him. With his dying breath, Lee begs Hester not to leave him alone as he faces the end, saying, “don’t you go before I do.” Hester crawls towards him, whispering “we’re a-helping Lyra” as she snuggles next to him (don’t mind my sobbing). He dies with Hester by his side knowing he has helped save the child he adores, and Hester vanishes into the wind when he does.
If that’s not enough of an emotional punch to the gut, the next scene brought out even more tears. Will, sensing his father is nearby, leaves camp as the witches and Lyra sleep so he won’t put them in danger. When he leaves, Coulter arrives. She uses her Specters against Reina, kidnapping a startled Lyra. Meanwhile, Will finds his father – Jopari, or John Parry. Both are shocked, with John remembering the boy he left behind. He’s devastated to discover it is his son who is destined to be the knife bearer, knowing this will not be a happy end for him. Will reassures John that his mother is safe but is shocked to discover his father has a daemon. This brings out the anger that Will has at his father for abandoning their family. John argues that he needed to help humanity, but Will just wanted his father home with him. John tries to tell Will how important Will is to the prophecy, that the fate of worlds rest on him joining Asriel to fight The Authority. Will doesn’t want to hear it. He tells his father he’ll only agree if they both return home to his world when it’s over. John knows his destiny, but lies to his son, telling him he will return with him to both comfort Will and get him to play the role he needs to play in the coming fight.
Image courtesy HBO.
But like Lee, John’s story ends here. A Magisterium soldier spots them, and John takes the bullet to save his son’s life. As he dies in his son’s arms, John tells Will that he has angels protecting him now. Distraught, Will returns to the camp, but finds Lyra and the other witches gone. We see glimpses of the other characters as a voiceover from Lord Asriel urges an unknown entity to join the fight. We see that Coulter is smuggling Lyra away in a trunk, stroking her hair as she tells her daughter that she will protect her. Will appears to embrace his destiny without Lyra by his side. In a surprise, we then see Asriel himself (an episode centering around Asriel was cut due to COVID-19, with the creative team stating that he would not be in the season as a result). It turns out Asriel was appealing to the angels to join him, and after a moment of silence, we see the sky fill with angels as they join his cause. In a post-credits scene that foreshadows darkness to come, Roger’s ghost calls out to Lyra from the grave. Lyra asks him where they are, but he does not reply, setting up the final arc laid out in the third book, The Amber Spyglass.
The first two seasons of His Dark Materials are available now on HBO and HBO Max, with no word yet on when the forthcoming third and final season will premiere.
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