I really do love Simone and Lucas. I think they can be the next heart of the show, Derek and Meredith if you will, seeing how Grey’s Anatomy was just recently renewed for another season. Teddy and Owen definitely are not it.  Bailey is stressed because a world renowned surgeon is coming to help her with a patient. Gabby Mims who was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a tumor that encases several of her critical blood vessels. The surgeon Bailey brought in (one of her heroes), Dr. Joseph Chase, is the doctor that led to Simone being kicked out of her first program. According to Simone he ignored her for weeks, which is something she could live with but he ignored a black patient and when she brought it to his attention, he was dismissive of her and called her aggressive which led to her being fired.  NATASHA YVETTE WILLIAMS, ALEXIS FLOYD, CRAIG BIERKO, CHANDRA WILSON (Disney/Anne Marie Fox) Owen and Teddy are a dang mess. She pushed for the open marriage and then wanted to back out but did not get the message in time to Owen. Also, she is kind of being a jerk to Warren. I never really liked Teddy and she can easily fade in the background and I am quite sure no one would notice. They have a patient with an ice pick stuck in his heart and have to move him very slowly to the OR. Millin finds the girl of this patient's dreams and he moves to see her picture and passes out as he bleeds out.  Bailey is just star struck over Dr. Chase. Richard has an issue because he thinks Dr. Chase is arrogant but also he consulted on Bailey’s patient a few months ago and feels that Bailey did not care for his opinion. I really did like the relationship between Gabby and her mother. Often, Grey’s does not deep dive into the patients like they used to and although our time with these two were brief they made an impact.  Link and Kwan have a patient that has an issue that may require an  amputation but Link won’t let Kwan assist because he is hyped up on energy drinks. Drowning his sorrows as his ex has moved back to California. Lucas is having his own (silly) problem with Richard who won’t let him view the Chase surgery. Instead he offers to show him some old surgeries of his, the problem is the surgery is on a VHS.  Meanwhile, Chase decides the patient cannot continue with the surgery due to the tumor hitting a vessel they didn’t anticipate. Bailey finally wakes up and kicks him out and decides to try and finish the surgery. She calls in Richard and Lucas and they come up with a plan to save Gabby.  Elsewhere, Brendan, Owen and Teddy’s patient is having a bad time, his heart won’t restart and Teddy finally calls in Warren to assist but he was down too long and they lost him. Even though Brendan had an interesting backstory, I was not as moved as with Gabby.  KEVIN MCKIDD, KIM RAVER (Disney/Mike Taing) Part of me wishes Simone got to tell her story but she did confront Chase however he got the last word. I’m going to need him to come back so she can get her lick back. I am very, very confused as to why Teddy is so upset with Owen, like my girl this was YOUR plan. At this point, just let them move on for each other and call it a day. Over them. Simone was not happy for Lucas who could possibly get back into their class and I’m already seeing the cracks which will lead to a breakup and the new guy coming in. If you need to which new guy I am referring to, check out our casting news here . Overall, an ok episode with no real standout moment. Onward and upward with Grey's Anatomy. What did you think of the episode? Drop a comment.

This week’s episode of 9-1-1 felt like a return to the old. Lately the show has been feeling a bit ridiculous to me and that is saying something for a show that sort of specializes in over the top, ridiculous story telling. Remember this season started off dealing with a tornado of stinging bees.  The episode starts off with the 118 responding to a pile up involving a bus that lost its brakes. Ravi thought he cleared one of the cars but there was a baby in the back covered by items in the car so she was easily missed. Bobby goes back to save the baby and there is an explosion and a fake-out death with Bobby (cough cough, if you know you know).  PETER KRAUSE (Disney/Christopher Willard) This shakes Ravi who considers quitting the 118 team. Buck does not want to hear that though. Seriously, Buck cannot lose another team member with Eddie moving to Texas (speaking of Eddie, he is absent in this episode and it makes sense for the story). If people do not stop trying to leave Buck, he will be baking for the rest of his life.  Bobby and Athena are still working on the remodel of their home. Seriously, how long has construction been going on here? I feel like their house should have been done a season ago. Another problem? At least for May and Harry, Athena is ready to be an empty nester as May is without a room (she’s an adult) and Harry’s room is doubled as a guest room. Athena’s mother will have to stay at the Red Roof Inn or something. I am here for Athena building her dream home and not have to worry about taking care of others. It would be a shame if something disrupts that (sips tea). "Guess we're not a part of the dream anymore." - May Later, the team is called to a fire at a bio lab. Quick backstory here: Moira from the bio lab broke all kinds of protocols by speeding up the process of some super virus and creating a cure. She is fired for breaking the protocols, attacks a co-worker and starts the fire and dips. When the 118 shows up there is an explosion and everyone is trapped (minus Buck) and Chim’s helmet breaks and he contracts the virus. Bobby has to perform surgery on Hen for her to breathe.  BRIDGET REGAN (Disney/Christopher Willard) The Army shows up to help but they stand down once they learn of the super virus. They even threaten Bobby and Ravi with jail if they try to retrieve the virus, which they may need later to create a vaccine should the virus get out to the general population. Now we all know that was going to stop the 118 but when Ravi goes to get the cure (Chim is not doing well at all) Moira has stolen it.  What is going to happen to Chim? Does Ravi still plan on quitting? So much is going and I am excited to see what happens next week. We have a real villain here on our hands unlike last week with the bus villain. Plus Bridget Regan is no stranger to playing a villain Queen. I mean her role on The Rookie, not to mention she was Poison Ivy on Batwoman. What did you think? Drop a comment!

It's 2009, New Year's Eve. UHOP (University Hospital for Outpatient Patients) is abuzz with activity. A 14-year-old female, Gigi, is brought into the ER by paramedics. Her Father's there updating the ER doctor on what happened. She's unconscious and reportedly has no feelings in her legs. A few minutes later, her sister, DeeDee/Ingrid Derian, arrives panicking and searching for her sister. The medical assistant is unable to give her any new information.  Fast forward to 2025, Ingrid's grown up and is working for Watson at the Holmes Clinic, UHOP (University Hospital for Outpatient Patients). This episode finally provides Ingrid’s backstory, one of Watson’s mysterious clinic team members. Her attitude is seemingly dark and unfeeling when compared to the other three team members. Now we see why. She and her sister suffered and sustained injuries from an abusive parent. Ingrid gives Watson a look at her latest pet project that helps paralyzed people walk by creating a digital bridge between the spinal signal and implant in the brain. It literally transports patients’ thoughts over the injured tissue, and converts them into action. Fascinating! This research has miraculous possibilities if it could work. They still have to perform the first surgery. This is the most excited and playful Ingrid's been since the show began. It doesn't last long, when she gets a harrowing call from her sister Gigi. Ingrid rushes home to help her sister. She's experiencing excruciating pain in her arms and fears she may become a quadriplegic. She refuses to go to any other hospital, other than UHOP. Ingrid hesitates, but agrees after Gigi promises not to tell anyone they're related.  They get to the ER, and Ingrid acts like they barely know each other. She tells her sister to use her changed name and not to say anything about the electroconvulsive therapy she's undergoing. Ingrid tells her sister to keep quiet or they’ll lose everything, Gigi will get kicked out of the research program, and Ingrid could lose her job. At the Team's Office, Sasha is helping Stephens set up his dating profile. She even brought dogs to use in the photos. One is a cute three-legged dog named Tripod. Ingrid snidely teases them. The profile worked, and Stephens is getting a lot of date requests. In the midst of all that's happening, Mary asks Watson out on a date. They're dinner plans change for the better. They have a heart-to-heart talk about all that’s happened including the loss of their child. Mary shares that she’s finally healing.  Ingrid’s patient, Gigi, becomes a Holmes Clinic Team Project. Mary sits in on the briefing. Flashback to 2010, and Ingrid asks Dr. Mary Morstan (Yes, the Same Mary!) for help with her sister, Gigi.  Pictured: Eve Harlow as Dr. Ingrid Derian Photo: Sergei Bachlakov/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In the present, Watson sees through Ingrid's roadblocks to suggested treatments for Gigi. He knows she's her sister. He gets her to explain what she did. Ingrid and Mary meet again. They battle over Gigi's past treatment. The truth comes out. A surgery that might have saved Gigi’s legs was never performed. Watson figures out Gigi’s problem! He rallies the team. They quickly administer the meds and treatment Gigi needs.  The artful use of the flashbacks unravel and reveal a story that was hidden for years by both Mary and Ingrid. Mary had no idea who Ingrid was until now. She doesn't pull Gigi from the experimental research program, but does give Ingrid an ultimatum to leave or get fired. Watson doesn't advocate for her. The last flashback shows why that was a very good idea. She murdered her Father. One happy moment in tonight's episode is Tripod getting a new owner, Stephens. A picture with her in his dating profile improved his dating prospects. He also developed a soft spot in his heart for her. This episode was a dark one, but now shows what Ingrid is capable of doing. Everyone should be very afraid, especially since Moriarty's already contacted her for a future team-up.

There’s lots of action in this movie. Levon Cade (Jason Statham) wakes up in his truck. He was in the military, but won’t discuss what he did. He was injured, and left the service. He's now working as a construction foreman. They are on their latest job. One of his workers gives him food because he knows he doesn't have anything. Levon gives the construction team a pep talk before they begin their job.  In the construction company’s office, Joe Garcia, and his daughter, Carla Garcia, talk over the cost of her next semester college class. She’s an accomplished pianist.  Outside, Levon stops some bad guys from attacking a friend of his, the person who gave him a meal. Carla saw what he did. He exhibited fighting skills that no regular person has. He asked her not to say anything. She’s impressed, but honors his request, and gives him some more food. Levon has a daughter, Merry Cade, and goes to pick her up at his Grandpa’s house. He shares a picture of her Mom with his daughter. She says she’s mad at her Mom for leaving them. His wife killed herself while he was overseas. His father-in-law hates him, and is suing him for custody of his daughter. Levon gets an apartment because he needs to prove that he can care for his daughter in a real home, not his truck. It is located in a rundown area of town, but it’s a start.  In a nightclub, Carla throws up in a bathroom. She’s out having fun with friends, but doesn't know  she’s being stalked. She gets kidnapped. The family reacts and Joe says not much is being done to find her. He’s determined to find his daughter, but Levon knows he’s not equipped or trained to do that. Levon volunteers to find Carla. He starts by questioning the owner of the rival construction company. He won't give him any answers, and kills him. He goes looking for someone who can give him some answers.  They discover Carla is still alive. No telling for how long. She was taken by child traffickers. She escaped the traffickers, but was returned to them by local police officers. Carla was later taken to the traffickers’ rich client’s house by those same local police officers.  Levon Cade gets there just in time. He was able to track down the traffickers and finally find Carla. They escape, and blow up and shoot out of the fancy home. All the partygoers run in every direction to get away. This movie was filled with lots of death and destruction. It was kind of Ramboesque. There were parts where it was confusing to follow, but the action and destruction worked to distract viewers. There is lots of action and mayhem. After all of that destruction, it would seem all the people who caused all this were eliminated. The end shows why that is not the case.

As we near the end of Suits L.A.’s debut season, the law continues to find its way to center stage as Ted Black (Stephen Amell) finalizes his team at Black & Associates entertainment law firm.  The episode opens with Ted approaching legal tenant Amanda Stevens (Maggie Grace), once again, about heading up his criminal division. Weary of jumping back into defending the rich and privileged, the pro bono attorney politely declines the offer. Not one to take “no” sitting down, Ted asks for her assistance to, at least, help him build the team for the firm, as a consolation. Enamored with his tactics as much as he is of her principles, Amanda relents and agrees.  The setup for the pair to take their relationship outside the confines of legal review is more than obvious — the slow burn sexual tension between the two has been simmering since Amanda first appeared on the 26th floor, in the series opener. With just two more episodes remaining to close out the season, we will just have to wait-and-see what happens next for the two attorneys. On the other side of town, Stuart Lane (Josh McDermitt), Ted’s former partner and criminal defense arm must deal with his problem-child client, David Bowie. No, not that one. Fictional Bowie, a hired muscle and intimidator for a Hollywood studio, has been charged with threatening a studio whistleblower. Less-than enamored with Stuart as his attorney, Bowie believes the attorney does not have the same level of credibility as his partner Samantha Railsback to win Bowie’s case. Undaunted, Stuart schools the non-musical client on his more-than-qualified credentials. In this week’s NYC flashback, we take a deeper look into Ted’s federal prosecution case against mob boss Pelligrini. Much like his first L.A. criminal defense case with producer Lester Thompson in episode 6, Ted’s time on the other side of the courtroom had its own moments of going off the rails when, yet another, key witness is less-than-truthful.  This episode’s memory moments, which dominate the screen time, mark the long-awaited return of Ted’s brother, Eddie, (Carson A. Egan), and his New York law colleague, Harvey Specter (played by OG Suits’ Gabriel Macht). Both serving as sounding boards and wake-up calls for Ted to remember that what he does, is about arguing the law and what he knows to be the truth in doing that.  Pictured: Gabriel Macht as Harvey Specter -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC) Oddly enough, while it is Stuart’s presence during this time to defend his client, the witness, and also to remind Ted how to connect with the jury, it is Kevin (Troy Winbush) who is, once again, proving he is the one character who remains the true constant in Ted’s life, showing up in every experience imaginable for the star attorney — both professionally and personally speaking. Ted’s time in New York continues to provide a foundation for understanding for the moves and decisions he makes in present day, with both his professional work and personal relationships. It is that clarification of who Ted truly is that Amanda seeks when she approaches Stuart about his former partner, as she reconsiders Ted’s offer. Sandwiched in between the past and present is a step towards a legal life that dies not involve Ted. Back at Black & Associates, both Erica Rollins (Lex Scott Davis) and her associate Leah (Alice Lee) receive separate unexpected phone calls notifying them of rather unsettling personal news - their response to each would go on to set the tone for their interactions for the remainder the episode.  And, I have to say, this is where things take a turn — for me as a viewer, anyway. I have been pretty agreeable to the storylines and corresponding dialogue between the characters, until this plot point surfaced for Erica and Leah. Whether intentional or not, the narrative of the black woman having to be stoic in the face of loss while everyone else gets their respectable moments to grieve is neither noble nor was it necessary to advance the action along, even for this singular episode.  The needs of the black woman are not inconvenient, and Hollywood needs to take caution in treating them like they are, and to make her angry in the face of others as they get their moment of consolation is a trope that is uninspired, and, up until this point, Suits L.A. had done a fairly good job staying clear of stereotyping its onscreen personas.  Only with her mother towards the close of the episode does Erica, the character, get to show her full vulnerability with her own grief; only then does someone get to care about her loss. And, while Davis does a yeoman’s job bringing all the emotions to the moment, to do so with someone who already gets it was a missed opportunity — to have someone outside of Erica’s family catch her tears would have been powerful. Nevertheless, what really lost me in the lead up to that decidedly tender moment is when the accomplished attorney is called to the principal’s office, I mean, the office of the firm’s new HR director, to admonish her for, of all things, her tone with her own subordinate. But, if that were not enough, she is later chastised and made to apologize by Ted’s executive assistant Roslyn, played in a recurring role by Azita Ghanizada. I am sorry — but the last time the credits rolled, Erica was a partner at the firm, was she not? What did I miss about how organizational charts work, and who reports to who? The entire sequence of scenes was wildly unnecessary, and continues to showcase the show’s uncertainly of what to do with Leah the character. Using a strong female lead to prop her is not it. Leah’s potential as a dynamic character continues to be wasted as the series remains focused on her as this wishy-washy upstart who is still trying to figure out adulting and her place in the legal work world — leaving the other female characters, which by the way are the few she has interacted with since the opening credits on episode 1, to have the same conversation on repeat — does she or does she not want to work for Black & Associates? And, if so, it is time for her to demonstrate that commitment. Repackaged in this one-off “grief” storyline of the episode was the same song, third verse of this narrative. Pictured: Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins -- (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC) This neglect not only limits her character's development but also diminishes the show's emotional complexity of finding productive interactions for the female characters on canvas, outside of their connection to Ted Black. By giving Leah, Erica, and even Roslyn, for that matter, more substantial storylines on their own, we could witness their dynamic interactions with other characters, and the thematic depth it could bring to greater, more robust stories the series could potentially tell, overall.  The talent is there to make it meaningful. Next week brings the penultimate episode of Suits L.A.’s first season. Check it out for yourself Sundays each week on NBC. Streaming is available the following Monday on Peacock.

Ask and you shall receive!  Suits L.A. has returned for episode 7 in its debut season. And, if you have been “watching” each week through these recap reviews, you know I have repeatedly called for the series to return to its focus on the entertainment side of the show’s entertainment law focus. To do so is truly where the show shines and makes a legit case for distinguishing itself from every other legal drama on the small screen, at present. So, when I tell you the “Good Times” episode, which dropped this past Sunday, April 6, does just that, giving us some of the best content of the new series, thus far, it is not hyperbole.  Released by NBC Universal on Feb. 23, Suits L.A. has, indeed, finally found its best lane — bringing all the feels and, more importantly, the relevant backstories and present moment messages for why we should care about these characters and their lives, in and out of the courtroom.  In a call-back to the series’ very first episode, in what felt like a throw-away moment between lead protagonist Ted Black, played by Stephen Amell, and veteran actor John Amos, playing himself as Ted’s client, comes a full circle moment that I will go on record calling must-see TV.  In one of the closing scenes of that first episode, Amos pushes Ted to make amends with his estranged father before it is too late. Little did Ted, the character; Amell, the actor; and we, the audience, know at the time how prophetic that scene and those words would be for both life and art. John Amos died August 21, 2024, four months after that scene was filmed. The time in between allowed the series to weave his passing into Sunday’s episode — making his loss central to the storyline, particularly, for Ted and his former protege, Rick Dodsen (Bryan Greenberg), who had also worked with Amos as an onscreen client when Rick worked at the former Black Lane law firm at the start of the season.  In separate inopportune staff meeting moments as the episode opens, both Ted and Rick come face-to-face with the actor’s passing onscreen. Understanding what the other is grappling with, Ted reaches out to his former colleague. Amos’ death prompts the two to reconnect and bond over a round of Old Fashions and their shared memories of Amos, as their client, and the lessons his presence and time as a beloved character actor taught them about strength and resilience, guilt and forgiveness. To say the episode was beautifully wrapped around this melancholy real-life moment for friends and fans, alike, would be an understatement. In a show that you would have never expected to have John Amos get his overdue flowers for his portrayal of James Evans Sr. on the trailblazing series, “Good Times,” of the late ‘’70s, shows the cultural significance of that role as much for today as it was for its time. Not only did the Evans father character and the show, itself, entertain audiences, together, they also sparked important conversations about family, race, and the pursuit of a better life, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of television and beyond. James Evans Sr. became an iconic figure in television history, symbolizing the struggles and joys of the black experience. His character contributed to broader discussions about socio-economic issues, class, positive role models, and representation in American society.  To be dropped unexpectedly in the middle of a present-day show that often highlights power and privilege, underscores the cultural relevance of the former series for how far we have come to honor Amos and his character before its too late. To watch Amell’s Ted berate those around him who do not fully comprehend just who Amos was and what he meant, not just to him as a client, but what he and his character meant to television lore, the industry, and the relationship of fathers and sons, was an important step in helping to define the type of man HIS character could be going forward. It was especially poignant when Ted tells his best friend Kevin (Troy Winbush), a black man, how Amos’ James Evans character was what he always wanted his father to be, though his dad could never seem to get there. It was, at once, such a remarkably quiet, yet incredibly powerful statement.  And, while he may not have carried the official title of "America's Dad," as Ted confidently professes in his tirade to get the veteran actor a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, John Amos' impact as a father figure in popular culture is noteworthy, and his portrayal of such has left a lasting legacy on our television memories. And, for those who do not know, Amos’ best-known character paved the way for many TV dads we know and still love today — “Steven Keaton” (Family Ties); “Cliff Huxtable” (The Cosby Show); “Danny Tanner” (Full House), and even “Uncle Phil” (Fresh Prince). Still, to place those sentiments into this day and time, reminds us all of how are best examples of the human spirit can and do cross needed racial, socio-economical, and cultural divides, if we allow ourselves to break those barriers. I applaud Suits L.A. for allowing us this chance to appreciate what was and what it meant, for all those who have always known, in these past 45 years.  If you have not yet caught an episode of Suits L.A.,  I encourage you to watch this one, for sure, as this homage to one of the cinematic greats of our time shows how good this series can and should be. Subtle and sincere, the episode is authentically crafted TV poetry of art honoring life. Ain’t we lucky we got it…Good Times.

Skye Marshall crushed it this week on Matlock. From finding out that Maddy has lied to her the entire time and then learning that her ex-husband possibly has done something illegal, everything around her is crashing down. Olympia has had her ups and downs this first season of Matlock but this episode finally showed the audience Skye Marshall’s ability.  Marshall was so good in the scenes with Kathy Bates that she was down right scary. From taking her phone, telling her what to say to Alfie and her husband. The look on her face gave scary black mama that is not playing around. I even sat up straight while she was talking. Maddy had no other choice but to comply. Shout out to Kathy Bates who was amazing in this episode but all praise today goes to Skye Marshall. Olympia was angry of course but also hurt, shocked, troubled and scared. I mean she was calling Maddy out for each lie but I also wanted her to give Maddy the chance to explain. The moment when Edwin gave it away that Maddy really did care for Olympia the look on her (Olympia) face was just so heartbreaking.  Speaking of heartbreaking, how about the anger she felt when she thought Julian was spying on her? In flashbacks we got to see her home life with the twins. Her arguing with Julian and then eventually checking all the pens in her home thinking that they were recording devices. As Olympia collapsed to the floor and later was woken by her kids with ink all over her shit showed the depths of Maddy’s lies and depictions. Was all this worth it for Maddy’s goal? Olympia was finally (it appears) convinced when she finished Maddy’s letter and confirmed that her daughter did die by reading her obituary. The episode ends with her going to Maddy’s home to meet her family. Skye Marshall ate this episode up and had viewers going through the emotions with her and that is why she is The TV Cave’s Performer of the Week.

This week on Doctor Odyssey, squads of cheerleaders from across the country aboard the cruise and Avery, Max, and Tristan find out the future of their baby predicament. In Episode 14 titled “Hot Tub Week,” Tristan talks about his time as a cheerleader with Max, Avery, and then with some of the cheerleading guests in a hot tub. Max and Avery listen to Captain Massey and Heather’s baby’s heartbeat. Massey tells them that he’s itchy due to changing soap for Heather, and Max clarifies to him that those are not soaps, they are detergents that dry out his skin. The first medical emergency that arrives is a cheerleader, Brandi, getting her hair stuck at the bottom of the pool. Tristan, Max, and Avery jump straight into action even having to remove a piece of the drain near her artery. Afterwards, Avery tells Max and Tristan that it’s time to take the paternity test. Avery performs the test and when she sees the results, she’s left speechless. Max and Tristan find her in the hot tub and drinking champagne which they are perplexed about. She tells them that she was never pregnant and that the false positive was due to a corpus luteum cyst on her right ovary. It’s the shocker of the season. Max asks how she’s doing emotionally, and she says she's disappointed but relieved because it will make everything simpler. However, the more she talks about it, the more upset she gets, and she leaves. Tristan and Max try to go after Avery, but another cheerleader experiences a medical issue, possibly a panic attack. The next morning Max sets a huge spread of junk food in the hot tub for Avery and Tristan so they can all process their emotions together. They all open up about what they saw for their lives, and at first Avery didn’t see herself as a mother, but then she started talking to what she thought was her baby. She had even come up with a name if it was a girl, Charlotte. It was a very emotional moment. PHILLIPA SOO (Disney/Tina Thorpe) Massey interrupts by telling the trio that his itching has worsened and spread. Turns out he has the shingles. In the hot tub where he’s taking a saltwater bath, Massey admits that he’s anxious to be a dad again. Max reassures him that the baby will be lucky to have him as a father. Avery finally opens up to Massey about her cyst on her ovary and her pregnancy scare and he gives her beautiful words of encouragement. At the end of the episode, Avery undergoes her procedure and wants Max and Tristan there in the room when she does it. It’s a success and she ends up being just fine. The big three share another spread in the pool, toasting to their friendship and what’s to come. Next week comes with even more twists and turns. Max has a twin brother no one knew about, and Rosie and Spencer face medical emergencies while Max is away. Episode 15 will air April 17, 2025, on ABC. It will also stream on Hulu the next day.

Doctor Who is back for a brand new season (season two to be more specific) on Disney+ with weekly episode drops. I am not biased or anything but Ncuti Gatwa is quickly becoming one of my favorite Doctors, my favorite Doctor Whos. The Robot Revolution was a great season opener.  The Doctor also has a new companion this season by the name of Belinda Chandra played by Varada Sethu who guest starred last season as a soldier. The chemistry between these two will be just fine. I have no issues in that department. Belinda just wants to go home, a change from most companions who cannot wait to explore the universe with the mysterious Time Lord.  We get her backstory rather quickly so here is hoping more will be revealed as the season goes on. She is in an awkward relationship with her boyfriend who for her birthday names a star after her. I mean that is a nice gesture but apparently not really Belinda’s cup of tea. Even their kiss feels weird. It was a definite cringe moment that you just wanted to end for the love of God.  Cut to a time jump of years later and Belinda is working at a hospital (have we seen this before) overworked and underpaid to quote a famous Beyonce line and when she gets home she has roommates so it is clear that (at least to me) that her and her boyfriend did not work out. She is in bed when a spaceship appears and robots enter her home to take her to a planet (the star that was named after her) so she could be their queen.  When she is taken away (that old lady that has been popping up just happens to be her neighbor) the Doctor shows up too late but when she arrives on the planet he is already there waiting for her arrival to save her from the AI controlling the planet that wants to marry her. Turns out it is her ex-boyfriend. Belinda of course is having none of it reminding him how awful he was as a human being.  “All you ever did was correct me and tut and huff and roll your eyes and tell me off.” In the end the AI just wanted it to end as he was in so much pain. As a viewer, you end up feeling for him. So with danger seemingly done, as mentioned Belinda wants to return home but the Tardis has other plans. What did you think of the episode? Drop a comment!

Liam flatlines at the hospital. Steffy begs him to wake up, and he’s rushed into the OR after they detect a heartbeat. He stabilizes, but Dr. Buckingham warns that it’s a waiting game. Steffy stays close, offering unwavering support. When Liam finally wakes up, the doctors ask what happened. He starts to explain, but key pieces are missing. Steffy begins to suspect Bill might have harmed him. Liam asks her to keep his hospitalization a secret. She agrees—but not from her husband. She calls Finn, who comes down to meet them. Liam thanks Steffy for saving his life and expresses how grateful he is for their time together and for Kelly. Alone with the doctor, Liam thanks her and asks if there’s more information. She says tests are still underway and gently urges him to tell his family. But Liam refuses, believing secrecy protects them. Meanwhile, Brooke urges Ridge to give Hope another chance. Carter reminds Ridge that he said Hope could keep her job. Ridge is glad she’s not speaking to Carter and warns Brooke to stop bringing her up after what she did. Hope confides in Deacon, who supports her. They agree Carter isn’t the right man for her. Back at the office, Deacon confronts Carter. Their argument escalates until Daphne steps in to break it up. Deacon warns Carter to stay away from Hope. Daphne later flirts with Carter. Finn is at work, concerned he hasn’t heard from Steffy or Liam. He notes that Liam never picked up Kelly—she’s now with a friend. His mother, Li, arrives and they talk about Kelly and Steffy. Later, Finn runs into Bill, and they discuss Liam. Bill says he’ll do what he wants, regardless of what Liam thinks. Finn eventually makes it to the hospital and checks in with Dr. Buckingham, who confirms Liam is stable. Steffy explains that Liam doesn’t want anyone—especially Kelly or Beth—to know. Finn and Dr. Buckingham talk privately, while Liam and Steffy discuss his daughters. Liam becomes fatigued, and they leave him to rest. Back at Forrester, Ridge praises Zende’s talent and says dismantling Hope for the Future isn’t about him. Daphne offers to create a new scent and insists Hope’s absence isn’t a loss. Zende disagrees, prompting Ridge to accuse him of sounding like Brooke. Zende argues Hope was the only one punished—others showed remorse. Hope returns home and tells Brooke that Deacon is the only one who supports her. Brooke insists that’s not true and says she tried with Ridge but failed. Hope says Carter wasn’t the one and that he risked everything for the Forresters. Sheila and Luna continue bonding. Luna opens up about Finn being her biological father and mentions Will Spencer. Sheila believes she’ll have a relationship with Finn—and that she can’t let Steffy keep standing in the way. Deacon meets with Hope and tells her about his confrontation with Carter. He reflects that her life was better when she was married to Liam. Brooke and Taylor clash again. Brooke later talks with Carter, and they agree that some things never change. Carter is still hung up on Hope. Meanwhile, Taylor thanks Daphne for being such a good friend to Steffy. Daphne confides that she wants Carter—and believes Brooke hasn’t changed. Sheila and Luna plot to get Luna close to Will by having her deliver a pizza in disguise. When Luna arrives, she overhears Will and Electra planning a spa date—and Will talking about taking things to the next level. Daphne overhears Carter speaking about Hope and makes it clear—she’s not giving up. Later, Steffy and Finn talk at home about Liam’s request to keep his condition from his daughters. Kelly walks in, and they gently tell her how much Liam loves her—without revealing the truth about where he is.

Tate is still trying to get Holly to speak with him when Sophia informs him that EJ has been shot. Sophia believes this might be the opportunity for her mother to reconsider her stance. Amy is open to the conversation, but Tate decides to see Holly before the meeting. Holly wakes up, as does Doug, who had been sleeping on the floor. They briefly discuss her grandmother and her situation with Tate and Sophia. Holly makes it clear that she and Tate have broken up. She learns that EJ has been shot and says she’ll check on Johnny later before leaving to get breakfast. Doug smiles at a photo of Holly and Tate. Holly runs into Sophia, who tells her how terrible Tate feels and that he went to her house. Holly realizes that’s bad news—Doug is there. She rushes off to deal with the situation. Soon after, Tate arrives just as Doug is getting dressed. The two men have it out, and Tate punches Doug right as Holly walks in. She orders Tate to leave. She checks on Doug, who assures her he’s fine, and she heads downstairs to get them breakfast. Over food, Holly and Doug talk about her relationship with Tate—she begins to wonder if she ever really knew him. Meanwhile, Sophia and Amy talk. Amy is frustrated Tate hasn’t shown up, and Sophia covers for him. Eventually, Tate arrives. They tell Amy about EJ, hoping it’s a sign that things might shift. Amy agrees, but says she still needs to speak with Johnny and Chanel. After Amy leaves, Sophia and Tate talk about the altercation with Doug, and Tate admits it might be the end of his relationship with Holly. JJ talks with Shawn D, questioning whether Gabi could have shot EJ. Shawn thinks he should just ask her directly, but JJ disagrees. They go over a list of potential suspects—Gabi and EJ’s own sister are both near the top. Gabi lets herself into the DiMera mansion using the key Stefan gave her but is caught by Kristen, who demands it back. They argue over who might have shot EJ. Shawn D and JJ arrive with a search warrant and find a gun in Gabi’s purse. Later, in her office with Melinda, Gabi insists Kristen is trying to frame her—but adds Kristen had her own motives, too. Melinda gets a call from Kristen, summoning her to the station. Alone, Gabi reflects on the night of the shooting, watching EJ pour himself a drink. Kristen is cornered by JJ and Shawn. She refuses to answer their questions and is taken into custody. At the station, they present their theories, but Kristen just laughs and tells them nothing. Brady tells Belle about EJ being shot. Her conflicted feelings for him are more palpable than ever. At the Kiriakis mansion, Mr. Shin, Philip, and Xander strategize how to take over DiMera now that EJ is in the hospital. When they learn Kristen is in custody, they decide to strike. Later, Philip and Xander arrive at DiMera Enterprises and inform Gabi that she’s no longer in control—Gabi Chic is theirs now. Melinda arrives and says there’s still no proof Kristen shot EJ—they’re waiting for the bullet to be matched. Melinda then goes to see Kristen, who smugly says she’ll never reveal whether she did it or not. Philip tries to get information about EJ’s condition from Kayla, but she shuts him down and makes it clear she’s aware of his business motives. Chad visits Johnny, urging him to see EJ while he still can, before it’s too late and he’s left with regret. Belle visits EJ and dreams of him waking up and confronting her about her feelings. She’s startled awake by Kayla, who gives an update—Steve is doing everything he can to bring John home. After Kayla leaves, Belle finally admits aloud that she loves EJ—just as Sami walks in. The two women argue, with Sami throwing harsh jabs and calling Belle a substitute. Belle leaves to call their mother about John, and Sami stays with EJ as Johnny walks in. Philip and Xander lay down the terms for Gabi: she can stay as the face of Gabi Chic, but she has no real power. Gabi is shaken. Alex shows up and reassures her, saying he doesn’t believe their alliance will last long anyway. Philip and Kate discuss EJ being shot. She tells him she didn’t do it, but when she’s alone, she coldly says EJ got what he deserved—and glances at her gun. When Rex visits, they talk about his accident and EJ. Alone, Rex finds Kate’s gun while searching for a pen. Later, he voices his suspicions to Roman. Roman insists Kate didn’t shoot EJ and then privately tells her they need to talk. Alex and Stephanie discuss the secret they’re keeping and head off to work. Xander, meanwhile, confronts Sarah about what she’s hiding. She continues to lie, and Xander struggles to make sense of it all. Philip arrives as Sarah leaves, and he and Xander discuss the DiMera takeover. At the hospital, Stephanie warns Sarah, and when Sarah returns home, Alex tells her he’s deeply disappointed in how things are unfolding. Xander and Sarah enjoy a moment together at a small bar. Sarah nearly reveals the secret but stops herself. Xander gives her a gift. Meanwhile, Kate and Philip toast to their success when Vivian arrives. She demands payment and says she wants Xander dead. They refuse, but she threatens to expose the secret. When Xander arrives home, Vivian is there. Sami and Johnny share a vulnerable and intense conversation. Sami explains why she chose to forgive EJ and opens up about her past sexual trauma—including taking advantage of Austin—and how not dealing with her pain shaped many of her decisions. She says some choices were out of her control, but she’s grateful for her son. When she steps out to return a call, Johnny flashes back to the night he found Roman’s gun. Chanel and Paulina talk about the adoption and EJ’s shooting. Paulina says she didn’t shoot EJ—but makes it clear she’s still looking for ways to put him behind bars. At the hospital, Kayla receives the ballistics report and rushes to share it with JJ and Shawn.

Charlie Heller is a brilliant, yet unassuming, CIA decoder whose life takes a desperate turn following his wife’s tragic death in a London terrorist attack. When his agency supervisors refuse to take action, Charlie takes matters into his own hands becoming a “novice” spy, as he embarks on a dangerous trek across the globe to track down those responsible in The Amateur.  Based on the 1981 novel by Robert Littell of the same name, the modern-day film adaptation, released April 11 by 20th Century, takes us on another deep dive into the world of global espionage, codes and coordinates, and nefarious covert ops hiding in plain sight. The film as much as its literary predecessor remains notable for its exploration of the darker aspects of spy work and the personal toll it takes on those involved, even if it brings nothing substantially new to the spy action film genre, itself. Nevertheless, thrilling and intense, The Amateur does have everything you want in spy action cinema — impactful, high stakes drama, adrenaline-fueled action, the balance of power in one’s hands, the ultimate test of good versus evil on a global scale, and the extent to which individuals will go to seek justice, or, let’s just call it what it is…revenge. Throughout the film, Charlie navigates a dangerous landscape of international intrigue, political conspiracies, and the moral ambiguities of the intelligence community, as a fish out of water self-appointed operative. Yes, parts of the film feel eerily similar to other films of the same genre that have come before, to include the globetrotting locales, from London to Paris to Istanbul and even the Baltic Sea; scenes with the same pacing and blocking; and even the orchestrally intense musical score to hang in the background.  Though the film tries to bring you in with its own quirkiness, such having our newbie spy YouTube “lock-picking” in the heat of the moment, no doubt, what truly draws you to this particular story as it unfolds is the film’s lead. Academy Award winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) , stars as Heller, the CIA analyst with a legit score to settle, who seemingly has neither the physical nor the emotional capacity to be a cold-blooded killer, on the surface. But, as they say, hard work beats talent, every time, when talent doesn’t work hard, particularly when that hard work is fueled by a dangerously analytical mind and one goal. Without question, Malek’s portrayal of that blend-in-the-background guy at work who masters channeling his grief into productive action, carries the film. The versatile actor brings yet another nuanced approach to his character, emphasizing subtle gestures and facial expressions, as well as the meticulous nature of the character, to draw the quiet observer into the tension of Charlie’s pain and singularity of purpose. This allows Malek to portray the Jason Bourne -meets- The Accountant styled character with authentic depth and believability, capturing his intense emotional spectrum throughout the film, punctuated by his significant inner turmoil and conflict. In short, Malek gives us every reason to care and stay to the bitter end. And, yes, while the amateur operative’s skills and controlled emotions do improve with his limited time “in the field,” as we knew they would, Malek ensures Charlie, as the determined, yet anxious reluctant hero, never loses his vulnerability, an endearing quality that keeps you engaged, even when you think you know how it will all end. In a surprise to no one, Laurence Fishburne holds his own playing opposite Malek as the tough-as-nails Col. Henderson, the CIA legend tasked with training Charlie for the field. Always a commanding presence on our screens, Fishburne’s role as the grizzled veteran brings his familiar gravitas and authority to the Colonel.  And, while The Amateur is in no way not meant to be a some sort of buddy movie — far from. The dynamics of Fishburne and Malek together onscreen is the dynamic duo I didn’t know we needed and now has me anticipating a sequel for this cinematic pair as the novice agent and his would-be handler, out to right the wrongs of the world.  Hey, stranger cinematic things have happened. But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  Directed by James Hawes and written by Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli, The Amateur also stars Rachel Brosnahan, Holt McCallany, and Caitrionia Balfe, and is out now in wide release.