The beloved CBS comedy Ghosts  is back from the afterlife and wasting no time raising hell, literally. Season 5 kicks off with Episode 1, titled “Soul Custody,”  diving headfirst into soul-selling deals, unexpected romantic hesitation, and one ghost’s surprisingly redemptive goodbye. If you thought the show might ease into the new season, you were wrong. Ghosts  is fully leaning into its supernatural absurdity while still finding space for emotional payoffs and long-awaited character developments. Spoilers ahead, obviously. A Deal With the Devil... Sort Of When we last left Woodstone Mansion, Jay had unknowingly signed his soul over to Elias Woodstone, the 1800s ghost with zero moral compass and a deep fondness for contracts that trap the living. Season 5 wastes no time addressing this bombshell. “Soul Custody” opens with a frantic and funny attempt to undo the deal, as Sam, Jay, and the resident spirits scramble to break the devilish pact. The stakes are higher than usual, but Ghosts  handles it with its usual flair, equal parts supernatural lore and full ensemble chaos. It’s the kind of high-concept plotline that could have felt too heavy for a sitcom, but thanks to the strong ensemble and tight pacing, it works without ever losing the comedic tone. Carol’s Exit Is Weirdly Perfect The real twist, though, comes from Carol, Pete’s long-dead ex-wife who finally gets a shot at redemption. After several appearances marked by selfishness and betrayal, remember, she literally cheated on Pete while he was alive, Carol decides to be the one to break the soul contract. Her sacrificial move to free Jay earns her a ticket to the afterlife, complete with the classic Ghosts  "sucked off" moment. Oddly enough, it feels right. Carol's send-off wraps up her arc, frees up space in the already ghost-crowded mansion, and makes room for new spirits to shake things up this season. Her exit was a surprise, but a surprisingly satisfying one. Pictured (L-R): Betsy Sodaro as Nancy and Caroline Aaron as Carol. Photo: Bertrand Calmeau/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pete and Alberta Hit a Snag While one ghost heads to the great beyond, another storyline is just heating up, or rather, cooling off? Pete and Alberta’s budding romance, a slow-burn fans have waited seasons for, finally takes center stage. But instead of joyfully shouting it from the ghostly rooftops, Pete pumps the brakes. The same Pete who spent four seasons pining is suddenly unsure about going public. Come on, bowtie guy. He gives a good reason, but I can't help but wonder is there some underlying issue there. It’s a frustrating move, but also painfully on-brand for Pete, whose self-doubt and need to please everyone often get in his way. It adds a layer of realism to a show filled with Revolutionary War officers and Viking ghosts. And yes, it gives Alberta yet another reason to roll her eyes, which is always a win. Patience Might Not Be Just a Gag New-ish ghost Patience also returns, and for now, she’s sticking around. Her ultra-pious attitude could easily veer into one-note territory, but there are hints she may start walking the walk, not just preaching it. If the writers play it right, she could evolve into a wildcard moral compass or even the instigator of some delicious hypocrisy. The Season Is Alive and Kicking Ghosts  Season 5 is off to a strong start with “Soul Custody,” combining clever writing, emotional moments, and plenty of ensemble magic. The episode strikes a solid balance between wrapping up old threads and setting up new ones. The soul contract arc gave the premiere some real stakes, Carol’s redemption provided a satisfying emotional payoff, and the Pete and Alberta drama kept things grounded in good old-fashioned ghostly awkwardness. If this premiere is anything to go by, Ghosts  isn’t just floating along, it’s levitating. New arrivals, relationship tension, and moral dilemmas promise a season full of laughs, feels, and probably at least one more séance gone wrong. Missed Carol already? Ready for a new ghost to shake things up? Sound off in the comments. Just no summoning rituals, please.

This episode of Chicago PD  is one of those deeply emotional, multi-layered stories that sticks with you. Right away, we hear Sasha’s voice through tapes, she’s talking things out, trying to make sense of her life and the weight she’s carrying. It’s haunting and intimate, making you feel connected to her even after she’s gone. Sasha’s story is complicated by her mixed-race identity and her father’s suicide about a year ago. That loss is a shadow over her, and you can tell she’s searching for her roots and something stable in her life. These feelings aren’t just hers, they resonate with Kim, who’s watching her own daughter, Mackenzie, grow up. Kim worries Mackenzie might not have all the tools to embrace her own heritage, just like Sasha struggled. The way this worry threads through the story adds a beautiful, human touch to the episode.  All of these things happen in Canaryville Kim and Adam’s neighborhood so this hits close to home. Bought tells them to go tell Sasha’s mother what happened. By the time they get there it’s clear that word of mouth has spread. They speak to Sasha’s mom and her best friend Lilly is there helping where she can. Kim is searching for clues in Sasha’s room. That is where she finds the tapes that seem like the soundtrack to Sasha’s life and she finds a picture of Sasha and a boy. Kim asks about the boy. Lilly says it’s her brother Tommy and he and Sasha used to hook up. We also learn Sasha recently started working on an election campaign.  Sasha’s mom says working on the campaign was something new and big in her life, giving her hope and a future. When Kim and Adam go to the campaign headquarters and tell them the news the reaction is not expected. Sasha’s friend bolts and tries to run. When she is caught she confesses it’s all her fault Sasha is dead. We later learn that Agna is a close friend of Sasha, she confides in her that something terrible happened at a party hosted by Alex, the local donor. This friend is clearly shaken and worried, and it becomes clear this party is at the center of a dark secret. The  police uncover DNA evidence. Tommy’s DNA was found inside Sasha, confirming they had sex the night she died. But the medical exam can’t confirm rape, there were no signs of physical trauma. The detectives wonder if Tommy came back to see Sasha after Alex dropped her off, and what happened next remains unclear.   Frank  is Tommy and Lilly’s father and a former cop. This adds a whole other layer of family pressure to the case. Frank is deeply involved, and upset his son has been brought in especially by Adam who knows his family and should have given a heads up. Frank is upset and says he will not leave until his son is released.  Later we find out that Agna and Kim are going to try and get a confession out of Alex about what happened to Sasha that night. But the confrontation doesn’t go as planned, Kim gets drugged with a hand stamp at the party, which turns out to be the method they used to drug the women. This was a chilling moment, showing how dangerous and manipulative the whole situation really is. Meanwhile, the investigation digs deeper. Alex denies killing Sasha, claiming he only threatened her and drove her home. But crucially, Sasha never went inside, she was standing on her porch, looking down the street at someone. That someone’s identity becomes a big question mark in the investigation. Kim knows she is missing something, she just can't put her finger on it. Kim goes to the CCTV and puts on her headphones to listen to Sasha’s tapes then recreate Sasha’s last night. It is with this focus that we see Alex was telling the truth. Sasha never went inside the house. When Kim zooms in she can see Sasha staring at someone and when she waits a little longer it’s Lilly that steps into the frame and they walk off together.  The next day Kim goes to Lilly’s home to confront her. Lilly is home alone and said her dad will be back. While Kim is talking to Lilly you can tell she is uncomfortable. Lily finally admits to a fight with Sasha that night at a cellar, a place they hung out a lot. She talks about how Sasha was changing, pulling away, and how a moment of panic led to tragedy. She didn’t mean to kill Sasha, but when Sasha hit her head hard, Lily panicked and tried to cover it up, even going so far as to make it look like a rape. It’s heartbreaking to see this fear and desperation unfold. When confronted, Lily tells Kim, “My dad said he would take care of it.” That line perfectly captures the tangled loyalties and the lengths people go to protect family, no matter what. Kim alerts the team they call in his plates and they have an idea where he is headed.  Frank is deeply involved, we see him caught trying to dispose of evidence that Lily had. Evidence that could implicate Lilly in Sasha’s murder.  Through all of this, Kim reflects on her fears for Mackenzie. She talks about how their home and neighborhood might not be a place where Mack can fully feel at ease or connect with her identity. Yet, despite the uncertainty, Kim is hopeful. She wants Mack to be able to grow into her own person, beyond the weight of their shared past and losses. One of the most striking things about this episode is how the procedural elements, the investigation, the evidence, the confessions, are woven so closely with the personal stories. Sasha’s voice tapes remind us that she was more than just a victim; she was a young woman with hopes, fears, and a complicated life. And the grief, the search for identity, and the tangled relationships of those left behind give the story a powerful emotional core. This isn’t just a murder case. It’s a raw exploration of how loss shapes everyone involved, friends, family, even the cops trying to find justice. The episode closes with this sense of messy humanity, reminding us that in the search for truth, the most important thing is understanding the people at the heart of it all.

The network crime drama isn’t dead, it just moved to Boston and got a much-needed upgrade. Boston Blue , the latest CBS procedural and a spinoff of the long-running Blue Bloods , proves that franchise fatigue can be cured with sharp writing, a refreshing cast, and one seriously charismatic duo at the center. And here’s the twist: I’ve never seen a single episode of Blue Bloods . Didn’t matter. Two episodes pre-screened for this review into Boston Blue  and I’m not only invested, I’m considering a full back-catalog binge. That’s how good this show is. From the first scene, Boston Blue  makes it clear that this isn’t just another cookie-cutter cop show. It introduces us to a Boston PD where personal stakes feel as urgent as professional ones, and where character development actually shares equal weight with the weekly case file. Leading the charge is Donnie Wahlberg, reprising his role as Danny Reagan, now older, maybe a little wiser, and carrying the wear-and-tear of years on the job. But this isn't a one-man show. Enter Sonequa Martin-Green as Detective Lena Silver, and suddenly the entire thing clicks into place. Their chemistry? Instant. Authentic. Unforced. It’s the kind of dynamic you don’t see often on network TV, two seasoned detectives, equals in every sense, carrying both the emotional and procedural weight of the show. Wahlberg brings a familiar grit and warmth, but Martin-Green is the revelation here. I will watch anything she does, but Boston Blue  is right up there with her best TV work since The Walking Dead . Her character is intelligent, no-nonsense, and deeply human. She’s not just the conscience of the team, she’s the heart of the show. But what really sets Boston Blue  apart is the presence of a Black family at the center of the story. It’s not performative. It’s not a subplot. It’s the spine of the series. The Silver family is layered, complicated, and refreshingly real. We get family dinners, sibling tension, career struggles, and cultural nuance, not as side dressing, but as essential texture. It gives the show emotional resonance that most procedurals can only fake. As someone coming in completely fresh, I never once felt out of step. Boston Blue  is clearly rooted in its predecessor’s DNA, but it stands confidently on its own. And better still it doesn’t feel like a retread. The Boston setting adds grit and personality, the supporting cast brings depth, and the storytelling isn’t afraid to engage with modern issues. It explores race, policing, and justice without turning every moment into a soapbox. It’s socially aware without being self-righteous. The procedural elements are still here, yes, there’s a case-of-the-week structure but they’re framed through character relationships that actually evolve. The investigations are compelling, but the real hook is watching how these people handle the personal fallout of doing the job every day. It feels more serialized than you might expect from CBS, and that’s a very good thing. Final Verdict: Watch It Boston Blue  is everything a spinoff should be, familiar enough to appeal to franchise fans, but bold enough to draw in a new audience. As a newcomer to the Blue Bloods  universe, I found myself hooked not by the brand, but by the people. The storytelling is clean, the tone is grounded, and the performances are genuinely excellent. Most importantly, the show respects its characters and its audience. It doesn’t pander. It doesn’t preach. It just tells a good story and tells it well. If this is the future of network procedurals, sign me up. Boston Blue  is absolutely worth your time, whether you're a loyal Reagan family follower or, like me, just discovering the world they're expanding.

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy , the new scripted limited series streaming exclusively on Peacock, drops all eight episodes at once and flips the switch on everything we’ve come to expect from serial killer dramas. Gone are the lurid montages and overcooked voiceovers. Instead, we get something far more unsettling: a story that refuses to look away from the failures of the systems we trust most. Yes, it’s about John Wayne Gacy, the infamous Chicago contractor and part-time clown who murdered 33 young men in the 1970s but this is not your standard killer-of-the-week fare. This is prestige television that trades shock value for sharp commentary, careful pacing, and genuinely unnerving performances. A Fresh Take on a Familiar Monster Peacock’s John Wayne Gacy  series doesn’t waste time fetishizing the killer. We already know what he did. Instead, the show is laser-focused on how he got away with it for so long. And here’s the uncomfortable truth the series keeps hammering home: he was able to operate undetected because his victims were young, poor, gay, and often ignored by the very people sworn to protect them. This angle makes Devil in Disguise  stand out in a sea of true crime content. It’s less about Gacy himself and more about the blind spots that allowed him to thrive. Police apathy, institutional bias, media indifference, all of it gets dragged into the light. It’s not always easy to watch, but it’s the kind of storytelling that sticks with you long after the final episode fades to black. Michael Chernus Is Absolutely Terrifying Let’s talk about that performance. Michael Chernus, typically known for his more grounded roles, goes full chameleon here, delivering a John Wayne Gacy that is both banal and bone-chilling. He doesn’t play Gacy as some Hollywood monster, but as a guy who could blend into a neighborhood barbecue. And that’s what makes it so disturbing. This isn’t horror. It’s reality, and Chernus leans into that banality to terrifying effect. The supporting cast also brings their A-game. From dogged reporters to skeptical detectives to heartbroken families, every character adds weight to the narrative. Nobody feels like filler. Everyone matters. Pacing That Demands Patience And It Pays Off Now, let’s address the pacing. If you’re coming in expecting Mindhunter  meets CSI , you might be in for a surprise. The show takes its time. It builds its world brick by brick, detail by detail. Some episodes feel like slow burns, but that’s part of the tension. The dread builds, and by episode five, you’re glued to the screen even if the action remains mostly offstage. Yes, it could have trimmed ten minutes here and there. Yes, some points are made more than once. But honestly, that redundancy feels deliberate. It mimics the way institutions ignored warning signs again and again. The repetition becomes part of the message. True Crime for Grown-Ups Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy  is the kind of true crime storytelling that actually challenges the viewer. It asks real questions. Why do we sensationalize killers? Why do we ignore victims who don't fit the media's preferred profile? Why does it always take too long to believe people when they say something’s wrong? Peacock might not have the massive reach of Netflix or HBO, but this series proves it deserves a seat at the grown-up table of prestige drama. It’s bold, it’s brave, and it’s just the right amount of unsettling. Final Thoughts Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy  on Peacock is not the binge-watch you put on while folding laundry. It’s heavy. It’s smart. It might ruin your night, in a good way. For true crime fans who are tired of cookie-cutter docuseries and glamorized killers, this is the evolution the genre needed. All episodes are now streaming, and trust us, you’ll want to pace yourself. Or don’t. Just be ready for a series that’s more mirror than monster story.

Luck be a lady at the ol’ Arconia, as the investigation into the season 5 death of doorman Lester Coluca in Only Murders in the Building continues. Hulu’s hit mystery comedy, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez,  nears its season wrap up as episode 8 finds the amateur super sleuths desperate to lock down the beloved doorman’s killer before they are locked out of their apartments at the Arconia building.  Firing on all cylinders as we go into the home stretch, the episode showcases what the series does best in spotlighting both impressive actor performances and meticulously crafted scene setups in such a way that you find yourself invested in both the mystery, itself, and the often quirky relationships between the characters.  And, with the versatility of the star-studded cast given the sheer number of guest appearances this season, the character dynamics, integral to the unfolding storyline, do not disappoint.  Picking up where we left off... With the trio’s current No. 1  suspect — uppercrust interior designer Camila White (Renee Zellweger) — buying up Arconia apartments like Monopoly game property to build out her own casino, the billionaire is just one lease away from taking control of the NYC landmark. The clock is ticking. The episode opens with a flashback to the recent past where we quickly learn how the high brow hospitality industry maven found herself eager to take over the building with a burgeoning partnership with the now-deceased drycleaner and would-be casino boss, Nicky Caccimelio (Bobby Cannavale).  It seems an innocent request to start a monthly ladies nite at the Velvet Room in the basement of the Arconia from Camila two years prior may have also ignited an unrequited situationship with Nicky. Back in present day, Mabel Mora (Gomez) goes to see Vincent Fish, Only Murders popular recurring character and fellow west tower neighbor, to warn him of Camila’s plot.  First introduced in Season 4, with a wicked case of drug-resistant pink eye, the eccentric Vince Fish, is played by funny man, Richard Kind, known for his roles in "Mad About You" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm .” As always, Vince is eager to get the 411 on the podcasters new mystery. With a little help from her childhood friend and the building’s resident pop music sensation, Althea (Beanie Feldstein), who drops by, Mabel pulls together a rather eclectic group of ladies to crash the secret speakeasy festvities in the hopes of getting Camila to cop to the murders. Mabel updates Oliver Putnam (Short) and Charles-Haden Savage (Martin) on their plans as the trio workshop their approach to getting answers from the elusive billionaire designer. Oliver’s still-fresh-off-the-altar new bride Loretta Durkes, portrayed by the incomparable Meryl Streep, wants in on the fun and eagerly joins the plot to get Camila to confess. Detective  Williams, played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph, relunctantly jumps into the fray, herself, no doubt to serve as the adult in the room when the plan ultimately goes off the rails. Hey, this is not her first rodeo with this group.  Of course, no undercover plan would be complete without a music montage, slow-motion walk-up sequence to get the party started. Cue Kool & The Gang — you know the song — as Mabel and her misfit ladies make their way through the lobby en route to the Arconia’s off-the-books gaming room.  And, as luck would have it, Lester’s widow Lorraine, played by Dianne Wiest, runs into the undercover girl gang and asks to join the group, eager, herself, to find out who killed her husband.  Upstairs, Charles and Oliver go door-to-door in the Arconia trying to convince residents not to sell to Camila. The podcasters’ investigation has uncovered that the billionaire’s rapid buy-up of apartments puts her minutes from garnering controlling interest in their long-time homes. Meanwhile, the Velvet Room is filled with NYC high society, celebrities, and anyone of notoriety with money to burn. The ladies split up to blend in, only to find themselves back together at the blackjack table. Camila arrives shortly thereafter with her high-dollar tray of chips, ready to challenge Mabel and Lorraine to a game. Det Williams, who has somehow ditched her sequins for a blackjack dealer uniform, sweetens the odds with a stacked decked pulled from her pocket. With all due respect to the series’ entire production, it is the steller writing that keeps the jokes flowing and the laughs coming as the witty dialogue consumes the scene. And, with Only Murders known for always being one plotline away from a surprising twist, the episode packages the first one of the night in the form of Loretta showing up to the table portraying a supposed psychic. She quickly gains Camila’s trust with a cavalcade of creepy facts about her backstory (gleaned from a quick read of a magazine expose on the decorating moneybags mere hours before). The clever setup creates an engaging tone that fluctuates between lightheartedness and suspense, keeping you invested in the unfolding mystery despite this departure into the somewhat absurd. Nevertheless, Loretta gets the supposed murderer to open up and dish about her history with the Vevet Room, particularly her association with Nicky Caccimelio.  Still trying desperately to save the Arconia from being sold, Charles and Oliver run into the building’s resident psychologist, Dr. Grover Stanley (Russell G. Jones), who up until now has only appeared sporadically onscreen, most often showing up in the crowd scenes of building’s HOA meetings, despite being on canvas since season 1. The two podcasters-turned-super sleuths, came to urge the good doctor not to sell to Camila. However, when an impromptu therapy session breaks out, revealing some inner feelings for Oliver and Charles, the distraction pushes Grover passed an important legal deadline to hold onto his apartment.  In these moments, the series shines in its authentic portrayal of its cast of characters’ flaws, vulnerabilities, and relationships. While traditional mystery shows often lean heavily into suspense and dark themes, Only Murders employs humor and character-driven narratives with great success that allows for both laugh-out-loud moments and these unexpected poignant reflections on life, particularly regarding aging and relationships.  Back to the matter at-hand, the jokes are giving at the ladies nite at the Arconia as Camila continues to unburden her soul about her business deal with Nicky to Loretta, which she unexpectedly reveals the planned private party with herself and the other two billionaires regarding the casino development on the night of the murders. However, through tears, Camila also reveals she almost got everything she wanted until a certain doorman got in the way. Oliver radios Mabel that they lost the building. Mabel bemoans the loss, along with her podcast and conflicted feelings for billionaire Jay Pflug (see episode 7) . She seeks some motherly advice from of all people, Lester’s widow Lorraine, while smoking cigarettes on the fire escape. Thinking that all was lost on their busted evening, the podcasters retreat to Charles’ apartment to recap how things fell apart. Loretta Durkes returns to tell the trio and Detective Williams what she learned from Camila about her casino plans with Nicky that may have been foiled by “the doorman!” Hmmm…are you hearing possible motive, too? Loretta’s discovery of Lester’s bloody elevator crank in Nicky’s office adds decidedly to the intrigue. As an aside, what we also learn is that, at the time Loretta was skipping down memory lane with Camila, Lorraine Coluca was reminiscing about her late husband as she played a soft call on Lester’s old bird whistle. Unbeknownst to everyone, a feathery friend responded, activating the bird camera in the courtyard that Lester and Vince Fish had once set up. Turns out, it was a camera that not only stored video, but was also not controlled by billionaire Bash Steed (Christoph Waltz). Alerted, Vince finds Lorraine, and together they roll camera back to the night in question to show the footage to the podcasters and Loretta. It reveals the activity in the courtyard that night, involving the supposed murder weapon.  The final plot twist of the night comes when an unexpected figure enters the video frame and to everyone’s surprise reveals who went back to retrieve that bloody elevator crank on the night Oliver and Loretta said, “I do!”  And, just like that, we are down to the final two episodes before the big reveal to end the season 5 whodunit for Only Murders in the Building . To catch up on any clues you overlooked, check out this week’s episode and others you may have missed along the way. All are streaming now on Hulu. New episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.

Grab your pearls and brace for scandal — the trailer for Palm Royale  Season 2 just landed, and it's as delightfully outrageous as the high-society mess it promises to serve. Apple TV has officially set the stage for a glitzy return to Palm Beach, with the first episode of the Emmy-nominated comedy dropping on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Weekly episodes will follow through January 14, 2026, giving fans just enough time to sip, judge, and repeat. Kristen Wiig is back as Maxine Dellacorte, the lovable social climber with enough ambition to power the entire state of Florida. After Season 1’s finale left her publicly unhinged and socially exiled, Maxine is coming back swinging. Season 2 picks up with Maxine as a full-blown outcast, determined to claw her way back into Palm Beach’s exclusive inner circle — one well-placed lie at a time. The cast lineup remains a glittery fever dream. Alongside Wiig, the ensemble includes Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, Carol Burnett, and more scene-stealers than a red carpet. New guest stars this season include John Stamos, Patti LuPone, Vicki Lawrence, and Matt Rogers, just in case things weren’t fabulous enough already. Expect plenty of drama, biting one-liners, and just enough felony-level chaos to make you wonder how any of these people are still invited to brunch. What makes Palm Royale  pop isn’t just the luxury, the hair, or the absurdly high shoulder pads. It’s the show’s willingness to ask: What would you really do to fit in? In Season 2, the stakes are higher, the secrets are deeper, and Maxine’s claws are sharper. The first season snagged 11 Emmy nominations, including nods for Wiig and the legendary Carol Burnett, and even took home the award for Best Original Main Title Theme Music. So yes, Palm Royale  isn’t just good — it’s award-winning chaos, with a martini in hand. If the trailer’s any indication, Season 2 is ready to deliver unfiltered Palm Beach scandal with a side of satire. So, mark your calendars, fluff your wigs, and get ready — Maxine Dellacorte is about to make one hell of a comeback. Stay tuned to The TV Cave  for interviews, breakdowns, and all the tea you didn’t know you needed from Palm Royale  Season 2.

Title:  I Accidentally Hired a Shadow Walker (ARC) Author:  Jessica Cage Genre:   Romantasy Rating: Enjoyed Spice: Flamin Hot Cheeto Synopsis: Security breaches? Check.  Dimensional chaos? Naturally.  Forbidden attraction? Oh, absolutely! Jericha Brown is used to being the boss and in charge. Raymond, her new temporary business partner with a shadowy past is great at taking a backseat in the office but when it comes to his personal life, no one’s running the show but him. And what a show it is.  Raymond's hands are more than capable of taking over. Will Jericha be able to sit back and enjoy the show?  Thoughts: Holy hell this series just gets better and better!  Jericha is every hyper independent woman. She works hard and can't let anyone help her. She must remain in control at all times bc when she's not...sh*t goes left.  Raymond is every hyper independent woman's fantasy. Someone you don't have to ask, they just do it. They anticipate your needs, meet them, then exceed them.  As to be expected from J.Cage, the world is beautiful,  the men are smokin’ hot and the fems are fierce as f*ck!  I enjoyed this ride immensely. First there was a rotating cock, then there was ceiling sex and now...shadow hands! I cannot wait to see what she thinks up next! Quotes:  Another glorious part about living alone was the freedom to walk around butt ass naked. -Jericha “Does that mean you won’t protest tonight when I put you in your place?” -Raymond **************                                                                                       @booksteantravel Rating: LOVED= 5 Stars. A new fav. Will be talking about every chance I get.  ENJOYED= 4-3 Stars.  It wasn’t a life changer but I would recommend.  0-2 Stars/ DNF= I will not post a review about a book I didn’t enjoy or did not finish. Good vibes only. I support anyone who’s brave enough to create their own work and put it out into the world for others.  Spice:  Puffy Cheeto- No Spice.  Crunchy Cheeto- Closed Door/Fade to Black Flamin Hot Cheeto- Spicy. A few detailed scenes.  Takis- Erotica. With more mature themes.

After the success of Interview With the Vampire and the flop that is Mayfair Witches, I went in ready to screen Talamasca with an open mind and while I hoped for a breakout entry into the growing Immortal Universe, what I found was a series that struggles to define itself, never quite hitting the highs of Interview With the Vampire , but thankfully avoiding the lows of Mayfair Witches . This spoiler-free review covers the full six episode season. Let’s start with the positives, I enjoy anything Lady Grantham, I mean Elizabeth Mcgovern is in. She plays Helen, a high-ranking figure in the secretive Talamasca order, with a sense of cool control and deliberate mystery. There’s something compelling about her presence on screen. However, fans of Downton Abbey  will remember the flack she caught for her inconsistent British accent and unfortunately, that issue carries over here. On Downton , the excuse was that her character had lived in London most of her life despite being American. In Talamasca , her character is meant to be fully English, yet her accent switches on and off, which becomes a noticeable distraction. Despite that, McGovern brings just enough intrigue to make Helen one of the more engaging parts of the show. Courtesy of AMC Networks A standout that needed more screen time is Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Olive. She is positioned largely on the periphery of the narrative, almost watching the main events unfold from the outside. Her character clearly has more to give, and Richardson-Sellers brings quiet intensity to every moment she appears. I found myself wishing the show had done more with her. That said, based on how the season wraps up, it’s likely she’s being positioned for a larger role in a potential second season. The same can’t be said for the show’s main villain. William Fichtner plays Jasper, a character that should serve as a sinister counterpoint to the Talamasca’s moral rigidity. Fichtner is a seasoned actor who usually does well in roles with a hint of moral ambiguity, and he tries here, but the material lets him down. Even when Jasper leans into more vampiric behavior, he never feels threatening. The stakes never feel urgent. The villain is just too subdued to generate real tension. Then there's Nicholas Denton as Guy, the story’s reluctant hero. Denton’s performance is, frankly, mid. The character is written with some complexity, he’s caught between skepticism and belief, trust and betrayal, but Denton doesn’t rise to meet the emotional demands of the role. He misses too many key beats, and without a strong lead performance anchoring the show, it becomes easy to tune out and wait for the next scene to bring something more compelling. I kept hoping he would grow into the role as the season progressed, but that never quite happened. The biggest issue with Talamasca  is that it doesn’t seem to know exactly what kind of show it wants to be. It’s billed as a supernatural spy thriller, but the espionage elements are undercooked and the supernatural world it teases never fully takes hold. There are moments of promise, secret societies, hidden histories, dangerous magic but they’re often pushed aside in favor of melodrama or pacing that never builds momentum. The show connects directly to the existing universe, Eric Bogosian appears, reprising his role as Daniel Molloy from Interview With the Vampire , letting the audience know that all this exists in the same universe or a clever ploy to get people to tune in, let me know your thoughts about that in the comments. Jason Schwartzman also shows up in a small role as a vampire named Burton, and of course name drops to readers familiar with Anne Rice’s novels. These moments of crossover hint at the larger world, but they’re fleeting and don’t do much to elevate the series as a whole. Perhaps Interview With the Vampire  has spoiled me. That series managed to be atmospheric, emotionally rich, and daring. Talamasca , by contrast, feels safe and unfinished, a show with potential that never quite steps into its own power. It’s not a total failure, but it is a disappointment. Behind the scenes, Talamasca  comes from creators John Lee Hancock and Mark Lafferty, who both serve as co-showrunners. Hancock also directs. The show was filmed primarily in Manchester, England, beginning production in the fall of 2024. AMC announced the series as part of its broader effort to build a shared Anne Rice Immortal Universe, with Talamasca  serving as its third installment after Interview With the Vampire  and Mayfair Witches . It premieres October 26, 2025, on AMC and AMC+, with a two-episode debut before moving to weekly releases. AMC is clearly committed to the Anne Rice universe, and that’s commendable. The mythology is deep, the source material is beloved, and the pieces for great television are all on the table. But Talamasca: The Secret Order  is not the win the franchise needed. It’s a step up from Mayfair Witches , but still a step behind where this universe should be heading. AMC, get it together, for all our sakes.

The teachers head to a Phillies game and end up stealing the spotlight in Abbott Elementary’s hilarious Season 5 Episode 3, “Ballgame.” By the time Abbott Elementary reaches its fifth season, you’d think the faculty might finally get a peaceful evening off. But in true Abbott fashion, even a night at the ballpark turns into a lesson in chaos, capitalism, and questionable headgear. “Ballgame” opens with the teachers attending Teacher Appreciation Night  at a Philadelphia Phillies game. Sounds wholesome, right? Wrong. Because nothing stays simple when you mix Gregory’s suspicious side-eye, Janine’s chronic over-preparedness, and a stadium full of flying baseballs. Phillies, Phanatics, and Janine’s Paranoia Janine Teagues shows up fully prepped for disaster, donning a helmet and a novelty foam hat combo that screams “main character energy with trauma.” She’s convinced a baseball will find her skull, and spoiler alert she’s not wrong. Janine spends most of the game looking like she’s cosplaying as a sentient safety manual, and when she finally lets her guard down, a rogue ball proves her right in glorious slow-motion karma. Of course, this being Abbott Elementary , Janine’s baseball-to-the-face moment comes with perks. The Phillies offer an apology package that includes a VIP meet-and-greet with team mascot Phillie Phanatic and home run king Kyle Schwarber himself. The teachers get autographs and selfies, but Melissa? She gets dollar signs in her eyes. Gregory vs. the Black Market of Lafufus Back at Abbott, Gregory uncovers something fishy in the toy department. Students are trading knock-off versions of the wildly popular Labubus  toys, here hilariously renamed Lafufus  (smart student). Gregory’s confusion over how kids can afford the trendy plushies leads to a mini-investigation, only to find that these bootlegs are cheaper, flimsier, and, frankly, terrifying. But hey, supply and demand wins again. In the episode’s most unintentionally brilliant subplot, one enterprising student attaches Kyle Schwarber’s autograph to their stash of Lafufus and jacks up the price. Somewhere, capitalism is slow-clapping. Schwarber Steals the Show: On and Off the Field Let’s not ignore the real-world flex here. “Ballgame” was filmed at an actual Phillies game on August 28, 2025, the same night Kyle Schwarber hit four home runs in real life. The writers seamlessly folded his jaw-dropping performance into the episode, giving Schwarber a cameo that feels both earned and delightfully absurd. Art imitates life, then life hits four dingers and waves from the dugout. The Phillies’ blowout win over the Braves, a ridiculous 19 to 4, only adds to the surreal vibe of the episode. It’s not every day a sitcom captures a sports milestone while a character gets beaned in the head. Final Score: Abbott 10 “Ballgame” is Abbott Elementary doing what it does best, mixing heartfelt absurdity with social commentary, all while dragging its characters through ridiculous real-world situations. Between the corporate toy takedown, Schwarber’s MVP night, and Janine’s helmet foreshadowing, this episode is a grand slam of humor and heart. The side plots of Mr. Johnson, Ava trying to get on the kiss cam and Jacob's annoying non stop talking were a hit. Not to mention Barbara being a superfan. The series proves once again that even a simple field trip can become a pitch-perfect mess when Abbott’s teachers are involved. Whether you came for the Phillies or stayed for the Lafufus scandal, this episode knocks it out of the park. What did you think of the episode? Drop a comment and vote in our poll below.

Welcome back to The TV Cave , where we don’t just watch TV — we binge with purpose . Today’s line-up is stacked with space storms, courtroom chaos, fishy challenges, ghostly negotiations, and, oh yeah… Freddie Prinze Jr. is back  in action. Buckle up, couch commandos — here’s what’s actually  worth watching today. 🌅 Early-Morning Binge-Fest: Streaming Drops You Can’t Miss (Starting 3:00 AM ET) 🔪 Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy  (Peacock – Full Season Drop) True crime junkies, this one’s for you. Michael Chernus slips into the chilling skin of one of America’s most infamous serial killers, but this dramatized series smartly centers the victims’ stories . It’s dark, emotional, and absolutely bingeable. Lock your doors. 🌍 The Diplomat – Season 3  (Netflix – Full Season Drop) Kate’s in deeper than ever, now tangled in a role she didn’t want — and a bond with the First Gentleman that’s making things… complicated. If high-stakes diplomacy with personal drama is your thing, don’t sleep on this political thriller. 🔪 I Know What You Did Last Summer  (Netflix – Movie) You thought it was over? Not quite. Madelyn Cline and Chase Sui Wonders take the reins in this new chapter, while OG scream king and queen  Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt return to remind Gen Z how slasher royalty does it. 🕵️‍♀️ Karen Pirie – Season 2 Finale  (BritBox) Karen’s latest case has hit its boiling point. Kidnapping, corruption, and a ticking clock — it’s a nail-biter ending you’ll want to dissect over your second cup of tea. 💣 NCIS: Tony & Ziva  (Paramount+ – Penultimate Episode) It’s all coming to a head. Our favorite slow-burn couple are facing off with their enemy, and yes — the emotional stakes are sky-high. Protect these two at all costs. ⚖️ Reasonable Doubt  (Hulu) Secrets come crashing into the courtroom as a key witness exposes long-buried trauma. And if you thought your family dinners were awkward… just wait. 🏀 Starting 5 – Season 2  (Netflix – Full Season Drop) Get courtside access to NBA stars like KD and Harden in this glossy, high-energy docuseries that peels back the curtain on the 2024-25 season. Hoop dreams and hard truths collide. 🌆 Prime Time Picks: Appointment TV Starts Now (8:00 PM ET) 🚨 9-1-1  (ABC) A geostorm + a space mission = total chaos. Hen and Athena are out of this world (literally), and Earth’s not looking too stable either. Expect maximum mayhem and emotional whiplash. 💍 Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage – Season 2 Premiere  (CBS) Marital bliss? Not quite. Georgie and Ruben can’t agree on a tire, let alone a life plan. Meanwhile, Jim’s on an existential journey that may or may not involve rubber. 🐟 Hell’s Kitchen  (FOX) It’s a fishy relay challenge and Gordon Ramsay’s in no mood for undercooked sole. Both teams come in hot for dinner service — and we mean literally  hot. ⚖️ Law & Order  (NBC) A billionaire’s murder has the jury distracted by his shady past. Price and Maroun try to keep the focus on facts, not tabloid fodder. Good luck with that. 💅 The Real Housewives of Orange County  (Bravo) Jenn’s bridal lunch goes sideways, Heather drops a daddy bombshell, and Gina’s family is back together (for now). Champagne is served, drama is spilling. 🏈 Thursday Night Football  (Prime Video – 8:15 PM ET) It’s Steelers vs. Bengals at Paycor Stadium, and the rivalry is real. Expect tackles, tension, and way too many commercial breaks. 👻 Ghosts – Season 5 Premiere  (CBS – 8:30 PM ET) Jay’s deal with the devil (Elias Woodstone, obviously) is biting back. Isaac turns into the ghost whisperer for Patience. You’re laughing, you’re crying, you’re haunting your neighbors. 🌃 Late-Night Must-Sees: Drama, Babies & Bombshells (9:00–10:00 PM ET) 🚑 9-1-1: Nashville  (ABC – 9:00 PM ET) A marriage hits a turning point, Cammie plays doula on-the-fly, and Dixie sends Blue on a mystery mission. The southern spin-off stays spicy. 🕵️‍♂️ Law & Order: SVU  (NBC – 9:00 PM ET) A devastating case involving a tween miscarriage leads the team into a maze of online deception. Meanwhile, Rollins is thinking long-term — professionally and personally. ⚖️ Matlock  (CBS – 9:00 PM ET) Matty and Olympia go head-to-head over that  document while trying to keep a witness safe. Someone’s about to break the rules. 💎 The Real Housewives of Miami – Reunion Part 3  (Bravo – 9:00 PM ET) Lisa wants an apology, Larsa faces off with Jody, and Marysol’s pot-stirring finally comes to a boil. Grab popcorn — and maybe a helmet. 🪂 Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test  (FOX – 9:00 PM ET) 330-foot drops, mental tests, and sheer terror. Just your average celebrity bonding experience. 🕙 10:00 PM ET: Last Call for TV Excellence 🧠 Elsbeth  (CBS) Elsbeth negotiates a hostage crisis with her signature charm and legal gymnastics. David Cross guest stars, and yes — things get weird . 🏥 Grey’s Anatomy  (ABC) A chaotic first day of surgical rotations + ongoing hospital renos = total mess. Meredith is back (again!) and bonding with Amelia. Paging the drama department… 🛋️ Final Thoughts from The TV Cave Today’s menu serves up true crime thrills , returning fan-favorites , and enough drama to cancel your evening plans  (do it — your friends will understand). Whether you’re glued to ghosts, grey coats, or grill fights , there’s no shortage of premium content to devour. Catch you tomorrow, same cave time, same cave channel. 🦇🍿 Need recaps, reviews, or previews? Hit up The TV Cave  daily — where we cut through the static so you don’t have to.

Get ready to feel all the nostalgic butterflies. Larenz Tate and Nia Long, the iconic duo from the 1997 cult classic Love Jones , are officially reuniting for a brand new romantic drama at Netflix. The couple that gave us poetry nights, trench coats, and that unforgettable Chicago romance is back and this time with a fresh story and some serious streaming power behind it. Here’s what we know. The untitled Netflix project brings Tate and Long together nearly three decades after they first lit up the screen as Darius and Nina. This new film won’t be a sequel, but it will  reunite their undeniable chemistry, and that’s enough to send fans of Black love stories into a full swoon spiral. Directed by Eugene Ashe, the filmmaker behind the dreamy Sylvie’s Love , and penned by This Is Us  writer Kay Oyegun, the film is reportedly inspired by Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite . Translation: expect smooth vibes, complicated feelings, and a soundtrack that knows what it's doing. Both Nia Long and Larenz Tate are executive producing, which means they’re not just onscreen, they’re calling some of the shots behind the scenes too. The project is backed by Macro Film Studios, the production powerhouse known for Judas and the Black Messiah  and They Cloned Tyrone , so safe to say this is more than just a trip down memory lane. While Netflix has yet to drop a title or release date, anticipation is already bubbling over. Fans have been begging for a Love Jones  reunion for years, and while this new project isn’t a direct follow-up, it’s close enough to get the group chat buzzing. So grab your wine, cue up some Maxwell, and brace yourself for a new era of Larenz Tate and Nia Long on-screen magic. If this reunion is even half as electric as their last one, romance lovers are in for a serious treat. Stay tuned. This one is going to be worth the wait.

The long-awaited Season 2 trailer for NBC’s favorite comedy St Denis Medical has officially landed and yes, it’s just as unhinged as you hoped. The wait is over, and so is any pretense that St Denis Medical is a normal hospital. NBC just dropped the official trailer for St Denis Medical Season 2  and, folks, it’s clear the scrubs are still off and the chaos is still very much on. The new season returns November 3 at 8 PM, and if the trailer is any indication, we’re in for more absurd hospital hijinks, therapy animals with hooves, and a staff that probably should not be allowed near a thermometer, let alone patients. Set in a rural Oregon hospital barely clinging to functionality, St Denis Medical  has become a sleeper hit thanks to its razor-sharp satire, ensemble cast, and unfiltered jabs at America’s broken healthcare system. The Season 2 trailer promises even more of what fans loved about Season 1 with a few wild surprises thrown in. Among the most talked-about moments is the appearance of a full-sized horse trotting through the hallways as a “therapy animal,” prompting genuine concern about this hospital’s licensing. Kristen Schaal also makes her guest appearance as a quirky sci-fi enthusiast, which somehow fits perfectly into the already-bizarre world of St Denis. Meanwhile, Wendi McLendon Covey’s hospital administrator Joyce is hellbent on turning the place into “St Denis 2.0,” which sounds more like a threat than a promise. Oh, and did we mention the geese? Yes, actual geese are terrorizing the parking lot, because of course they are. With the same chaotic energy and biting humor that made Season 1 a surprise hit, St Denis Medical  Season 2 looks ready to diagnose us all with uncontrollable laughter. Tune in November 3 on NBC or stream it next day on Peacock.