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‘The Magicians’ Season Four, Episode Five Recap: “Escape from the Happy Place”

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Image courtesy of The Magicians on Twitter.

Peaches and plums, motherf*cker! Yeah, that’s what this recap is going to be about, but there is some other stuff we have to deal with first. So sit tight, this ship is about to set sail.

Spoilers ahead for this week’s episode of The Magicians. You have been warned.

This episode starts in a totally normal setting for The Magicians, the Physical Kids’ Cottage. Eliot is teaching Todd how to make a drink, dancing with Margo, smoking with Margo, the usual. Except someone keeps knocking on the door, and Eliot keeps ignoring it. When Margo finally answers it, she is dragged outside, screaming. Eliot runs after her and finds Margo headlocking a man who says he is trying to help, but they must get inside before “the monsters” can get them.

We zoom in on Eliot’s eye, and now we are back with The Monster and Q, who looks less devastated, more pissed and planning. The Monster goes off to find some ancient runes regarding the organs he keeps collecting, and Quentin goes to find Julia and hatch a plan.

Meanwhile, Alice is still up to… probably no good. She is going along with Plover through the Neitherlands but leads him to a different fountain than the one he was trying to find. She leads him to none other than the Poison Room fountain, and once he jumps in, she releases the rope he could use to pull himself out, effectively sending him to his death. This scene shows that, while Alice is so desperate for redemption, she will resort to murder. From there, she finds her way to the Earth fountain so she can get to Quentin, and hopefully prevent him from dying in the next two days.

Stella Maeve as Julia Wicker, Jolene Purdy as Shoshana — (Photo by: Eike Schroter/SYFY)

Margo, Julia, Penny!23, and Shoshana find themselves in Fillory. Margo is on a quest to find her birthright box mentioned in episode two, while Penny takes Julia and Shoshana back to Earth. Then, she is stabbed with a syringe by a mystery man. This would seem to be a plotline that will develop in the next episode and will possibly lead to the return of our Penny… finally!

Margo is trying to get her affairs as High King in order before revealing the news that Eliot is gone. Except, then Fen shows up, and immediately asks where Eliot is. Cut to her crying for what was apparently two hours and carrying out various weird Fillorian rituals, such as lying in a heap of Eliot’s clothes and “bare-breasted lamenting.” Margo continues to run around and problem solve, and finally Fen asks her if she has cried yet. That is when Margo tells her that she refuses to cry, “…because I can’t cry out all the sadness ever. Because if I start, I’ll never stop, understand? I’ll be useless forever.” And if that did not break your heart, then what kind of heartless monster are you? (The Castle Blackspire kind, probably.) Margo gets her box open, and inside is a lizard. But it refuses to talk, just like all of the other animals in Fillory, so that is a story that will have to continue another day.

Spencer Daniels as Charlton, Hale Appleman as Eliot Waugh — (Photo by: Eike Schroter/SYFY)

Okay, we’ve talked about everyone. Now it’s time to focus on Eliot, as this is definitely his episode. The guy from outside explains to him that he is in fact trapped inside his own head while his body is possessed by The Monster. This is his happy place, where The Monster and his mind-monsters cannot get to Eliot. So Charlton, as we learn his name to be, says Eliot must stay there. (Charlton is the guy we saw at Castle Blackspire originally possessed by The Monster, hence how he knows what to do.) But Eliot is determined to get out, so Charlton tells him he must find “the forgotten remembrance” — basically the memory most repressed due to being the most painful — and there he will find a door to reality.

From there, Eliot and Charlton take a long trip down memory lane – the time he killed his bully by using telekinetic magic for the first time, the time he participated in beating up his only school friend, the time he got so high he almost got everyone killed, the time he threw Margo in jail, the time he assisted many men in cheating, and so on. But each time, no door. He cannot figure out what he is not getting.

Meanwhile back in reality, Iris, the goddess who helped Julia at the end of last season, appears to Julia. She tells her she must help kill The Monster by “bleeding a stone” made from a substance that will keep him from traveling, and from there Iris will send him back to Castle Blackspire. Quentin gets to work literally bleeding the stone while Julia and Shoshana distract The Monster by “researching” the runes at the Brakebills library. Alice shows up to help Quentin, but Quentin is still utterly done with Alice, which honestly, is fine by me. But he lets her help him, for the sake of his life, and now it is time to kill The Monster.

These two sequences happen somewhat simultaneously. Happy Place!Eliot realizes what the memory he needs to return to is. Quentin and Alice meet Julia, Shoshana, and The Monster in a park. Eliot finds himself at Castle Whitespire, moments after Q and Eliot remember their life together from last season’s episode, “A Life in the Day.” In that episode, it cuts off after Eliot says, “we had a family.” Now, through Eliot’s memory, we see what happened after.

And what happened after, is Q asked Eliot to be in a relationship. (Yes, I can hear you screaming from here.)

Image courtesy of SYFY.

But memory!Eliot, scared of being that vulnerable and intimate, says no. “Don’t be naive, it matters. Q, come on, I love you, but… you have to know that’s not me and that’s definitely not you, not when we have a choice,” to which our Eliot looks at him and says, “What the hell is wrong with you? And what the hell are you doing?”

Eliot realizes that he made a mistake. That this was him unable to face his fear, but he could now. He tells memory!Q, “I’m sorry. I was afraid, and when I’m afraid, I run away.” and then KISSES HIM. And it is slow and magical and everything we have waited a season for. Finally, he says, “If I ever get out of here, Q, know that if I’m braver it’s ‘cause I learned it from you.” And the door appears.

Cut back to reality, and Q is about to essentially poison the Monster. But then Eliot breaks through. At first Quentin does not believe him — I mean, why would he? But then he says the one thing he knows Quentin will know only he could know — “Peaches and Plums, motherf*cker! I’m alive in here.”

Eliot disappears, but Quentin knocks him out of the way before Alice can poison him, knowing there is still a chance to save Eliot. Iris appears, pissed, and attempts to kill Julia — but Shoshana jumps in the way, getting sliced through the chest. Before Iris can try again, The Monster rips out her organ, killing her, and disappears. The episode ends on Alice trying once again to make amends with Quentin, but he tells her it’s over, and she walks out.

How will Eliot escape? How will Quentin help? HOW WILL THEIR NEXT REUNION GO? I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the rest of this season.

“A Timeline and Place” premieres Wednesday, February 27 at 9/8c on SYFY.

Rob Benedict’s Second Episode of ‘NCIS: New Orleans’ to Air March 5!

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Courtesy of CBS

If you missed it, Rob Benedict appeared in last night’s episode of NCIS: New Orleans, as Liam, Hannah’s former partner. We knew that this was one of two episodes he’s filmed, and now we know when he’ll be appearing next!

We’ve exclusively confirmed that Rob will be appearing in Season 5, Episode 16, titled “Survivor”, which will air on Tuesday, March 5!

NCIS: New Orleans airs on Tuesday nights, at 10/9c on CBS. You can catch up on previous episodes on CBS’ website, and the CBS app here.

Louden Swain Launches Massive Merch Sale – Check it Out Now!

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Louden Swain just announced a massive merch sale on their website, loudenswain.com. Select merchandise is on sale for as low as $5 as the band prepares to reveal new merch.

Check out some old favorite t-shirt designs, or maybe pick up a kazoo for your next Louden Swain concert!

Giveaway: Win 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of ‘The Little Mermaid’

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For the first time ever, Disney’s The Little Mermaid will be making a splash in 4K Ultra HD™! In honor of the film’s 30th anniversary (it originally released in November 1989), Disney just announced they’ll be releasing a special anniversary edition of The Little Mermaid! We’re doing a giveaway, courtesy of Disney, so read below for your chance to win!

Courtesy of Disney

It will be available digitally in HD, 4K Ultra HD™  and Movies Anywhere on Feb. 12, and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray™ on Feb. 26.

The Signature Edition of “The Little Mermaid” showcases its award-winning musical score and iconic songs such as “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World” with a sing-along mode allowing you to accompany this beloved cast of characters on their journey.   Never-before-seen bonus features bring legendary composer Alan Menken and some of Disney’s most recognizable leading ladies together around a piano to reminisce, sing and celebrate “The Little Mermaid.” The latest installment of “Stories from Walt’s Office” compares Walt and Ariel’s love of collecting treasures. Viewers will also receive an inside look at the “The Little Mermaid” cast in their original recording sessions, explore hidden treasures and fun facts from the film, and enjoy a special performance of “Part of Your World” by a cappella singing sensation DCapella. Plus, fans will have access to hours of additional classic bonus features!

Here’s more about the special features, thanks to Disney!

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL

  • Sing-Along Mode – Sing along to the movie in this  sing-along version of the film.
  • Alan Menken & the Leading Ladies Song – From the voice of a mermaid to the tunes of a muse, the music of Alan Menken has scored the soundtrack for some of Disney’s most iconic leading ladies. Join Alan, Jodi Benson (Ariel), Paige O’Hara (Belle), Judy Kuhn (Pocahontas Singing Voice), Lillias White (Calliope) and Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel)as we celebrate the music of their films in honor of the one that started it all … “The Little Mermaid.”  In this discussion, the ladies will share their memories of musically creating their characters with Alan, discuss what it means to be part of the Disney Princess/leading lady legacy and create new memories as they sing with Alan around a baby grand piano.
  • “What I Want From You…Is YOUR VOICE” – Enter the recording studio and get an inside look at the cast of “The Little Mermaid” in their original recording sessions.
  • Stories From Walt’s Office – Gadgets & Gizmos – Like Ariel, Walt Disney was a collector of many different things from miniatures to early mechanical characters that inspired the invention of audio-animatronics. We take a look at some the collections that Walt kept in his office in the third episode of this series.
  • #TreasuresUntold – Join Ruby Rose Turner and Olivia Sanabia from the Disney Channel Original Series “Coop and Cami Ask the World” as they take a deep dive to explore some hidden treasures and fun facts about Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”
  • DCapella “Part of Your World” Music Video
  • Classic Bonus Features – revisit four exciting bonus features from previous releases including:
    • Deleted Character: Harold The Merman
    • Under The Scene: The Art Of Live Action Reference
    • Howard’s Lecture
    • Audio Commentary With Ron Clements, John Musker and Alan Menken

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVES

  • “Part of Your World” – A 30-Year Retrospective – Songwriter Alan Menken and Jodi Benson, the acting and singing voice of Ariel, sing the epitome of Disney “I Want” songs “Part of Your World” and discuss its impact since it was first heard 30 years ago.
  • Classic Bonus Features – Over 3 additional hours of previously released classic bonus features including Deleted Scenes, Easter Eggs, Music Videos and more!

Thanks to Disney, we’re able to do a giveaway of the blu-ray! Just enter below! Contest is open to ONLY U.S. Residents, and ends on 2/26.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Swingline Celebrates ‘Office Space’ 20th Anniversary with Giveaway

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Image courtesy of Swingline.

Swingline, the leading brand in workspace business tools, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the cult movie classic Office Space! Partnering with 20th Century Fox, the office supplies company is producing a “Milton’s Swingline Red Stapler” and kicking off their one-of-a-kind One Million Staples Giveaway, giving one lucky fan the chance to win a lifetime supply of staples. Alongside a brand-new stapler, the winner will receive 200 boxes of staples (each box containing 5,000 staples) for an incredible total of one million staples.

The chance to win a lifetime supply of staples ends February 28, so hurry and visit Swingline’s Facebook page to learn more about the contest.

Office Space starred Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Gary Cole, and Stephen Root as “Milton” and told the story of three company workers who rebelled against their greedy boss.

Stephen Root as “Milton” with his beloved Swingline stapler in ‘Office Space.’ Image courtesy of IMDb.com.

If you can’t wait for the results of the giveaway to see if you’ve won, purchase Milton’s Swingline Office Space Red Stapler here now.

Also, check out this fun video produced by Swingline to commemorate the anniversary of the film and to celebrate the giveaway!

GISH Releases New Registration Video for 2019: Save the Forest Unicorn

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On Feb 16, Misha Collins teased the release of a GISH registration event as only Collins can, riding a unicorn.

As promised, GISH shared a video today recruiting GISHers for the 2019 Hunt and highlighting one of the projects, Saving the Forest Unicorn (STFU), specifically the endangered saola, a.k.a the Asian unicorn, found only in the Annamite Mountains of Laos. According to the video, there are only 70 currently in existence, and it is the most endangered land mammal in the world.  A portion of every registration, GISHolarship, invitation to register, or registration upgrade is donated to saving this beautiful animal and other endangered species. Each time someone registers or donates, 1/4 acre of forest land is saved, and March 5th is the last day to take part!

Check the video out below!

Want to get involved and STFU? Learn more about saving the unicorns and join GISH today!

Discovery Cove Designated a Certified Autism Center

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Image Courtesy Discovery Cove.

Discovery Cove worked alongside the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to complete a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training. An onsite review of the park property and guest experience was also conducted and upon completion, Discovery Cove is now a Certified Autism Center (CAC) as declared by IBCCES. This distinction makes Discovery Cove the first CAC certified all-inclusive day resort and animal interaction park in the U.S.  

Kyle Miller, President of Discover Cove, spoke about this new certification saying:

“Discovery Cove has long been recognized for its adventure-filled yet relaxed environment with a variety of open, clear spaces that make attractions and services more accessible and reduces sensory overload for guests with cognitive disorders. Autism certification is a natural step for us as we continue to create safe and meaningful experiences for all of our guests. We have seen how well received this certification has been at our Sesame Place and Aquatica Orlando parks, and we are committed in our efforts to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special needs.”

So what will this entail? As a Certified Autism Center, Discovery Cove will now provide ongoing training for all team members to ensure they have the knowledge and expertise to work with families and children with special needs, specifically on the autism spectrum. Training will focus on communication, environment, sensory awareness, motor and social skills, program development, and emotional awareness.

According to Myron Pincomb, Board Chairman of IBCCES, “We’re thrilled to see the commitment and enthusiasm of the team at Discovery Cove and its sister parks in serving guests on the spectrum and with sensory sensitivities. Certification and review are so important to ensure all guests feel welcomed and safe in these environments. This should be the industry standard, and we’re working with leaders in the field to make that happen.”

Image Courtesy Discovery Cove.

Discovery Cove will add planning resources to the park’s website including a sensory guide developed by IBCCES which will aid parents in planning a stress free and enjoyable park experience for their child’s specific needs.

Pincomb stated that,“Having a comprehensive resource that allows families to plan their day and avoid the element of surprise is vital. Understanding what the park offers, from its experiences to available food selections, helps in making their day a success.”

The park will also feature a quiet space with adjustable lighting and a comfortable seating area for guests who made need a break. Discovery Cove is a day resort park where guests have the opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel among tropical fish, and other special animal interactions.

Recap and Review: Matt Cohen’s ‘Mama Bear’ – Masterful and Magnificent

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Courtesy of Britt, Staff Writer

On Friday, February 15th 2019, Nerds and Beyond had the pleasure of attending the first “cast, crew, friends and family” screening of Matt Cohen’s short – Mama Bear. The event was held at WeedMaps Studios in the HQ Creative Office landmark building in Hollywood. There was beer, wine, and even a special meet and greet for fans that donated to the Indiegogo campaign for the short film.

The space was huge, (it was formerly a famous studio prop house in the 1970s) and had a fun and colorful atmosphere, with the seating set up on risers that were covered in astroturf and brightly colored pillows. In fact, that is where the meet and greet took place, with everyone sitting cross legged amongst the pillows. It was a sweet and intimate experience to witness, with a feeling of casual ease that was refreshing to see.

Courtesy of Britt, Staff Writer

There was an excited energy that built throughout the space as more and more people began to trickle in, eventually becoming a tidal wave of joy and celebration as the place became packed with supportive family and friends.  Several cast members of the short film were in attendance, including: Mandy Musgrave (the titular “Mama Bear”), Jeffrey Vincent Parise (Asmodeus, Supernatural, and Carlos Rivera, General Hospital), Adam Fergus (Mick Davies, Supernatural), Briana Buckmaster (Donna Hanscum, Supernatural), David Haydn-Jones (Ketch, Supernatural), Donavan Darius (Dog Eat Dog), Hayley Erin (Kiki Jerome, General Hospital), and of course Matt Cohen (the “bossman”) himself. A large portion of Cohen’s cast starred with him in both Supernatural and General Hospital, and as a result, a lot of the cast from both shows came out to show support. From Supernatural we had Rob Benedict (Chuck), Clark Backo (Patience Turner), and Ruth Connell (Rowena MacLeod). His General Hospital family that came out to celebrate were Maurice Benard (Michael “Sonny” Corinthos Jr.), Finola Hughes (Anna Devane), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri), Ryan Paevey (Nathan West), Marc Anthony Samuel (Felix DuBois), and Garren Stitt (Oscar Nero.)

Rob Benedict, Matt Cohen, Ruth Connell – © Illy/Super Inspired Photography, Staff Photographer

The crowd was enthusiastic and warm, with several people joking around (*cough cough* Adam Fergus *cough cough*) on the step and in the seats. After the screening ended, it was a veritable rush to Cohen and Musgrave to congratulate them. Luckily, we were able to chat with Matt a little bit about his process after the adoring crowds had departed. (You can read our interview with Matt here.)

Adam Fergus, Clark Backo, Briana Buckmaster and David Haydn-Jones © Illy/Super Inspired Photography, Staff Photographer

The short has already garnered some acclaim and awards on the festival circuit. It has already won “Best Picture” and “Best Director” from the Olympus Film Festival Los Angeles and Musgrave won “Best Actress” from the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards.

Matt Cohen and Mandy Musgrave © Illy/Super Inspired Photography, Staff Photographer

So let’s talk about the short itself! Or as Cohen would say, “it’s not a short. It’s a rollercoaster.” Without giving away any spoilers, the short is about a retired hit-woman turned soccer mom who, when her son is grievously injured and in need of a liver transplant, must track down her powerful crime boss of an ex in order to take his liver. The film is fast paced, action packed, and often hilarious. Nothing beats the comedic timing of Richard Speight, Jr. as a coked out mercenary, except for maybe the banter and chemistry between him and Parise’s prisoner. Their lightning fast retorts crackle back and forth and you can feel how much fun it must have been to shoot those scenes. Parise’s drawl makes for an intriguing and enticing voice over narration. The action sequences are tightly paced with excellent fight choreography. Musgrave shines as an action heroine and all around badass, imbuing emotion and a lifetime of backstory into only thirteen minutes. Supernatural fans will love the cameos from some of their cast faves (like Jim Beaver, Kim Rhodes, Briana Buckmaster, and David Haydn-Jones), especially because they often subvert the roles audiences have come to know and love them in. Overall, it feels like it’s meant to be a feature length film (in the vein of something like Kill Bill or Peppermint) or potentially a series, like we are just dipping our toes into the Mama Bear universe. There are still mysteries in her backstory, and battles ahead of her to fight, and I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Mama Bear.

Stay tuned for more updates on Mama Bear!

Interview: Matt Cohen Talks ‘Mama Bear’ – Favorite Character, Directing, and Working with Mandy [EXCLUSIVE]

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Matt Cohen, exclusively photographed for Nerds and Beyond © Illy/Super Inspired Photography, Staff Photographer

On February 15th 2019, Nerds and Beyond had the honor of being invited to the first ever screening of Matt Cohen’s Mama Bear. The screening was packed full of family, friends, cast, and crew. It was a magical evening (you can read about the night and a review of the short film here.) After the screening ended we were able to pull the ecstatic director aside and ask him a few questions about the film’s process and his experiences.

Nerds and Beyond: Now that the short is completed and being shown to an audience, what are your feelings on it? Was it everything you’d hoped it’d be? How was the process, from beginning to end for you?

Matt Cohen: Yes, and yes, it’s everything I hoped it to be. Everything I wanted it to be. And the process was chaos, you know, I didn’t know what I was doing, but I studied as hard as I could, I took as many notes as I could from the friends that I could take notes from. And then I committed to a vision, and my crew committed to me and my vision, and fucking-a we made it. I don’t know how, but it’s here and it’s great. I think I’m going to screen it in a movie theater. Like a big big movie theater. Whoever shows up is allowed in. People need to see it for all it’s worth if we’re allowed.

Nerds and Beyond: Who was the first person you showed the finished film to?

Matt Cohen: My wife and my editor were the first ones to see it when it was final final.  And both of them, and really everybody was ecstatic. I mean I was happy and nobody’s ever happy with the final product usually. I’m super happy with what we accomplished.

Nerds and Beyond: What was the most challenging part about Mama Bear?

Matt Cohen: I think just trying to figure out how to wrangle a crew. And be a director. And you know, maintain leadership. I mean, everything else you can you can feel it out you know, like you can figure out how to solve each problem if you put enough effort towards it. But keeping morale and motivation high on a film that is being shot on the weekends, and a film that has a rigid, tough pacing – it can make things, well, tough. But we had a good group of people, and they were somehow motivated by my speeches.

Nerds and Beyond: What character turned out to be your favorite?

Matt Cohen:  Oh that is tough. To say which character is my favorite. I’m gonna go with the guy that I get to shoot in the film. He’s a bald, white man, and that is Lee Ehlers. He’s my writer. And that is going to be our calling card for all the films we make. If I make a cameo, and he makes a cameo, my character gets to kill his.

Matt Cohen, exclusively photographed for Nerds and Beyond © Illy/Super Inspired Photography, Staff Photographer

Nerds and Beyond: There was talk of potentially turning this into a full-length film. Is that still an option?

Matt Cohen: It is. A lot is on the table after tonight. A full length film or potentially a series. Yeah, a bunch of things are on the table after tonight.

Nerds and Beyond: Now that it’s premiered, is there a timeline of when it will be released?

Matt Cohen: No, because this is not so much a premiere as a screening for cast, crew, and friends and family and the like. We’re going to premiere at a film festival. And then from there we may shut it down because it may be in production.

Nerds and Beyond: What did it mean to you to have all the support from your friends, family, and the fans?

Matt Cohen: It’s really amazing. And it’s really about how amazing the crew is. We became a family very quickly – in one or two days. By the second weekend we were a well-oiled machine, and we finished early on most of our days. And to have their love on top of the love of everybody I’ve known for the last 15 years in Hollywood has been amazing.

Nerds and Beyond: Do you want to keep directing in the future?

Matt Cohen: Yeah, absolutely. I’m in love with directing. I’m in love with acting. I just want whatever thing that comes to me to be in the form that I want. From now on, I’m not doing anything that I don’t absolutely love. Because when you absolutely love something it comes out like this (gestures toward the room) and anything less is unacceptable. Anything else is a waste of time. And life is short, so I want to make things that I love. You have to learn the power of the word “no” I guess, and it took me fifteen years to figure that out.

Matt Cohen and Mandy Musgrave © Illy/Super Inspired Photography, Staff Photographer

Nerds and Beyond: And finally, what was it like to work together with Mandy on a project that was so important to the of both you?

Matt Cohen: You know, surprisingly, it was a dream. Going into it, we were like “we’re going to need marriage counseling.” I’m a first-time director. I’m going to push you through a four-day shoot that is very physical and you haven’t acted in three years, let alone gun and action. You know, any kind of action piece like this requires a lot from its actors. Something of this magnitude in such a short period of time. But we thrived. We really thrived. Our marriage is stronger, and is growing better every day because of the things we learned we were willing to do for each other through this process. What we’re willing to give to each other, and the love and support when one, or the other, or both of us at the same time, fell apart and fell down – we picked each other up. It was really tremendous for us.

Stay tuned for more updates and news about Mama Bear! 

‘Russian Doll’ Review: Season 1 is a Multilayered Must See

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Image courtesy of Netflix.

When the trailer for Russian Doll first appeared on Netflix, it looked like a clever, funny show with an inventive take on the time loop, and it is. Russian Doll has an exciting, fast moving plot with funny dialogue. Natasha Lyonne is perfection as the prickly, sardonic Nadia. The show immediately presents a compelling mystery. Fans in all corners of the internet have proposed esoteric theories about Nadia’s time loop. But the show’s most affecting attribute is its searingly accurate and utterly heartfelt depiction of a person dealing with the effects of trauma. Russian Doll strikes the rare balance of depicting pain unsparingly without descending into bleakness. It provides hope without minimizing the difficulty of the journey. Just like life, it holds everything at once.

Much was initially made of the time loop format used in Russian Doll. Social media was rife with comparisons to Groundhog Day, but comparing the two would be like comparing every single time travel movie to Back to the Future. Groundhog Day was neither the first nor the last movie or TV show to use a time loop. It is simply one way to tell a story. In Russian Doll, the time loop is integral to telling this specific story and to immersing the viewer in Nadia’s emotional journey.

Spoilers to follow.

As depicted in the trailer, main character Nadia dies on her birthday, only to come back to life staring into a mirror in a bathroom. She continues to die over and over, awakening each time in that same spot, starting the night over from the beginning. Small details change in each reset, as Nadia tries desperately to figure out what is going on, while her friends remain entirely unaware of her plight.

As we get to know Nadia, we learn she is a smart, sarcastic video game developer. She copes with her problems by self medicating and by weaponizing humor to keep other people at arm’s length. It becomes apparent that Nadia has experienced a major childhood trauma that she is also attempting to keep at arm’s length.

Nadia eventually meets another person, Alan Zaveri (Charlie Barnett), who is experiencing the same death time loop. Alan has his own problems: he is suffering depression and low self-worth, which he attempts to bandage over with perfectionism and codependent behavior. His death time loop is occurring the day he is dumped by his girlfriend, which also happens to be the day he planned to propose to her.

Nadia and Alan race through the streets of New York, trying to figure out how they are connected so they can escape their death time loops. Nadia and Alan are entirely opposite in most ways, yet they are on the exact same journey. They are both trapped in self-destructive behaviors that will ruin their lives unless they can find the courage to do something different. Russian Doll portrays this journey with devastating insight.

Russian Doll contains some of the best character writing on television, starting first and foremost with Nadia. A female character with Nadia’s personality is rarely portrayed authentically in American media. Nadia is sarcastic. She chain smokes, does drugs, has casual sex, and curses. Writers often seem to doubt women like this exist, and they are often written with a self-conscious “she’s not like other girls” aesthetic. But Nadia is like many other girls. She defies stereotypes, not reality. The writers of Russian Doll clearly understand that.

In lesser hands, Nadia’s damage would likely be sexually objectified, or she would ultimately be punished for her “immoral” behavior. (Or both!) Russian Doll does neither. There is no male gaze, no moralizing. They don’t ask, “Is she still feminine? Is she still sexually attractive to men?” They just tell her story. It seems simple, but it is so rare in American media that it felt like a revelation. Russian Doll is proof that having women in your writers’ room raises the bar, especially when depicting women characters that defy stereotype.

Beyond Nadia and Alan, there are other indelible characters: the game and open hearted Lizzy, the generous and witty Maxine, the wise and devoted Aunt Ruth, the hilariously douchey Mike… the list goes on and on. I appreciate a show with a deep bench.

It all adds up to a series that is destined to be a classic. Russian Doll is exciting, funny, and rich in character. It shows how brutal and isolating trauma, mental illness, and addiction can be. It reminds you how powerful kindness is, and how human connection can make all the difference. It is a powerful love story to survivors. Aunt Ruth said it best:

You were this tiny seed, buried in darkness, fighting your way to the light. You wanted to live. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world.

Russian Doll Season 1 is now airing on Netflix.