Ghosts Season 5 Episode 15 , titled "Michael Jackson Goes to HR," arrives to remind us that being dead is significantly easier than holding down a 9-to-5. In an episode that finally puts Trevor’s sketchy remote-work career on the chopping block, we get a delightful blend of corporate cringe and supernatural pettiness that proves this show hasn’t lost its bite five seasons in. The Catfish Finally Gets Caught For seasons, we’ve watched Trevor Lefkowitz (Asher Grodman) play a dangerous game of "Corporate Catfish," using Jay as his physical proxy to climb the ladder of a high-end data firm. It was a victimless crime, unless you count Jay’s dignity. But in Episode 15 , the house of cards collapses. After Trevor decides a stripper-gram is a perfectly "professional" way to congratulate a teammate, the firm’s HR department calls a mandatory in-person meeting. Enter Christopher Jackson (yes, the Hamilton legend) as Anthony, the world’s most exhausted HR representative. Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) is forced to suit up as the alias "Michael Jackson" a name Trevor clearly chose in a moment of 90s-finance-bro inspiration, and the results are appropriately painful. Ambudkar, who also directed this episode, leans into Jay’s social anxiety with a performance that feels like a long, slow-motion car crash. Watching him try to "moonwalk" out of the situtaion is hilarious. It reminds me of Nick from New Girl, he would also try to moonwalk his way out of awkward situations. Pictured: Christopher Jackson as Anthony. Photo: CBS©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pete and Alberta: The Small-Talk Scandal While Jay is fighting for the household’s only steady income, the B-plot delivers a refreshing dose of ghost-on-ghost drama. Pete (Richie Moriarty) makes the tactical error of mentioning a casual visit to his ex-wife, which sends Alberta (Danielle Pinnock) into a tailspin of "not-jealous-but-actually-very-jealous" rage. The chemistry between Pinnock and Moriarty remains the secret sauce of the series. Alberta’s disdain for Pete’s "nice guy" routine is starting to feel more like a protective layer, and seeing her get rattled by a woman who’s been alive for forty years longer than her is a top-tier character beat. It’s a sharp reminder that even after a century, these spirits are essentially stuck in high school. A Financial Cliffhanger for the B&B The real sting of "Michael Jackson Goes to HR" isn't just the humor; it’s the stakes. By the time the credits roll, Trevor is officially unemployed. For a show that often resets its status quo every thirty minutes, this feels like a genuine turning point. Without Trevor’s salary padding the B&B’s abysmal profit margins, Sam and Jay are officially back in the red. The episode also sneaks in some lore-heavy flashbacks to Alberta’s death , suggesting that we haven't seen the last of her family history. It’s a dense, fast-paced half-hour that balances the absurdity of a ghost losing a job he shouldn't have had with the very real threat of Woodstone Mansion going into foreclosure. Why You Can’t Skip This One Ghosts Season 5 Episode 15 is a testament to why this ensemble works. It’s smart, it’s mean when it needs to be, and it manages to make a corporate HR meeting feel like a life-or-death struggle. If you’re looking for a recap that sums it up: Sam and Jay are broke, Jay is traumatized, and the audience is winning. Do you think Sam and Jay can survive without Trevor’s paycheck? Let us know your theories in the comments!

Season 1, Episode 14, "Show of Force," catapults us into the back half of the season with a grim realization: the town’s biggest threat is a shadow in the woods. The Bones in the Backyard The episode kicks off with Deputy Cassidy Campbell (Michele Weaver) doing what she does best, actually paying attention. She drops a bombshell on Sheriff Mickey Fox (Morena Baccarin) with a mountain of evidence suggesting that Edgewater has a serial killer on its hands. Mickey, ever the pragmatist, gives Cassidy the green light to scout the woods with a CSI tech. Normally, Mickey would be leading the charge, but it’s the start of the Blood Moon Festival. In Edgewater, that means Mickey has to trade her investigative instincts for political babysitting. She’s stuck playing nice with sponsors while the local "artist-in-residence," Van Wainwright, spends his 20th year at the festival starting fistfights and making everyone’s life a living hell. Punch’s Priorities and Rookie Mistakes While Mickey is busy being the town’s reluctant diplomat, Punch is doing what he does best: worrying about the bottom line. He’s breathing down Mickey’s neck to ignore the tension so the town can rake in that sweet festival revenue. It’s a bit rich coming from a guy who’s currently price-gouging the locals at every turn, but hey, that’s small-town politics for you. Meanwhile, the "Big Boy Cop" award goes to Deputy Hank, who clearly skipped the day they taught "don’t leave your keys in the ignition." Eager to prove himself, Hank ignores Boone’s direct orders and leaves a car thief alone in his cruiser so he can, I kid you not, pick up his lunch. Predictably, the thief escapes his cuffs and takes the cruiser for a ride. This leads to a classic Boone-and-Hank buddy-cop side quest. Boone spends the afternoon mentoring the kid, teaching him that "thinking" is actually a part of the job description. They eventually recover the car from a guy who just wanted to make it to his daughter’s birthday party, but Mickey isn't exactly handing out gold stars for the effort. A Killer in the Cornfield Back in the woods, the vibe shifts from incompetent to terrifying. Cassidy finds the remains of the missing girls, forcing Mickey to officially declare that a serial killer strikes every time the Blood Moon Festival rolls into town. Does Punch shut it down? Of course not. Instead, the deputies are forced to stake out the festivities, looking for a predator hidden among the cotton candy machines. Cassidy’s research points a finger at Van Wainwright, who has been a festival staple for decades and had ties to one of the victims. The hunt leads to a high-tech drone chase through a cornfield, where they catch Van assaulting his assistant. It felt like a "case closed" moment, until Van lawyers up and proves he was out of town during the previous disappearances. The Cliffhanger We Deserved Just as we think we’re safe, the episode delivers a gut-punch. As Cassidy leaves a voicemail for her mother, a shadowy figure emerges from the dark. One taser shot later, and our favorite deputy is down. "Show of Force" succeeds because it refuses to wrap things up in a neat little bow. We’re headed into the home stretch with a kidnapping, a killer still on the loose, and a sheriff's department that is spread dangerously thin. It’s the kind of high-stakes storytelling that makes Sheriff Country more than just a spin-off, it's become essential viewing. What did you think of the Van Wainwright red herring? Let us know in the comments or find more deep dives at The TV Cave !

Port Charles was rocked by tragedy, tension, and shocking revelations this week. A devastating crash changed everything, suspicions ran wild, and emotions reached a breaking point. Just when it seemed like things couldn’t get more intense, new secrets and shifting alliances raised the stakes even higher. Sidwell confronts Sonny and Ric at the church following Marco’s funeral, questioning how far Sonny thinks he can push him. Ric calls it a threat, but Sonny recognizes it as the grief of a father. Sonny maintains he did not kill Marco and warns Sidwell that an unknown enemy may be responsible. At the gym, ADA Turner runs into Jordan, who shares how tense things felt at the funeral. Turner admits she had a brutal week, including a legal loss to the WSB. She remains unconvinced of Sonny’s guilt and later urges Jordan to help de-escalate Sidwell’s accusations. Danny visits Charlotte at Crimson, still struggling with anger over his father’s situation. He talks about making the WSB pay, hinting that he already has a plan in motion. Charlotte warns him to be careful, but Danny is clearly determined. Trina prepares for her performance at Charlie’s Pub reopening, supported by Kai and Josslyn. Though nervous, she pushes through and delivers a standout performance alongside Gio, who also overcomes his own doubts. Their return to music becomes one of the most uplifting moments of the week, with friends and family celebrating their success. Emma encourages Gio before he takes the stage, helping him shake off his nerves. Afterward, she sees right through his attempt to downplay it—he loved every second of being back. Josslyn proudly supports Trina, reminding her just how talented she is. Meanwhile, Britt is confronted by Cassius, who warns her she is in serious danger. He insists he is trying to protect her, revealing he convinced Cullum and Sidwell that she could complete their father’s work. That decision is the only reason she is still alive, but it puts her in an even more dangerous position. Jordan and Curtis’ night takes a tragic turn when they are involved in a serious car accident. Jordan is rushed into surgery while Curtis waits helplessly at the hospital. Doctors manage to save her, but her condition remains critical as loved ones gather and hope for her recovery. Sidwell attempts to use the accident to further accuse Sonny, but ADA Turner refuses to act without solid evidence. She pushes back against Sidwell’s claims, making it clear she won’t be manipulated. Carly and Valentin clash after he opens up to her, only to be shut down. Despite lingering feelings, they agree to keep their relationship strictly business. Carly struggles with her emotions, especially as Jack Brennan reenters her life with information about Jason’s location. Danny overhears a critical conversation between Sonny and Ric, learning that Sidwell may be connected to Jason’s disappearance. The information fuels Danny’s anger and deepens his determination to take matters into his own hands. Brook Lynn and Chase receive conditional approval to foster Baby Phoebe, giving them a hopeful step forward. Stella continues pushing her plan to bring the family together by having everyone help decorate the nursery, emphasizing unity and connection. As the week unfolds, tensions rise across Port Charles. Secrets begin to surface, alliances shift, and the mystery surrounding the car accident deepens. With multiple suspects and unanswered questions, the truth remains just out of reach. This was a strong week filled with emotional highs and dramatic turns. Trina and Gio’s performance brought heart, while the fallout from the accident added urgency and suspense. The balance of character-driven moments and ongoing mystery made this an engaging and memorable set of episodes. I give it 4.7 out of 5 stars.

This week’s case focuses on a client who has an AI generated version of her mom who has passed that is responding and talking to her throughout the case. Matty, Sarah, and Hunter talk about Julian and Olympia meeting with the client and her “mom.” They need the client’s sister’s second will that was made during her cancer treatment to be null and void to save the AI company. I thought this was an interesting case of the week because it’s something that realistically could happen in this day and time and it’s honestly concerning.  Julian goes to talk to Senior about help with his financial advisors, we find out that The Wolf is now Senior’s power of attorney, which throws a wrench in their plan to track the hush money down from the Wellbrexa trial. Senior worries about his place within the company as he is getting older and having memory issues. Julian is starting to feel conflicted about targeting him for the Wellbrexa case. Julian plays on Senior’s memory issues, and says that he is going to get him set up for a second opinion, which Senior doesn’t remember…because it didn’t happen. Julian says that this would be the perfect opportunity to pivot the conversation from his health to his retirement. I’m getting really nervous about what is going to happen here. I can’t tell for sure whether Senior knows what’s going on and is playing with them, or if he actually is having these health issues.  Matty, Edwin, and Alfie discuss his mom and whether he would talk to her if he had the opportunity through AI. It’s clear that he is missing his mom since he didn’t know her that well and it’s affecting him, especially since he has missed out on a lot of moments with her due to her untimely death. We get a flashback of Matty and Edwin finding out that Ellie was pregnant with Alfie and some of their suspicions they had during that time. Particularly because she did not know exactly who the father of the baby was. Tense moment between Joey and Matty. She tells him that she could’ve gotten him help and he could’ve met Alfie sooner, but she was trying to keep Ellie on track with her on sobriety during the pregnancy. Joey confesses that he was with Ellie when she told her parents about the pregnancy and he’s known about Alfie this whole time. I was really surprised by this and honestly, the really emotional work between Matty and Joey was really well done. They played off of each other in a way that I don’t think I’ve seen before since they haven’t had much screentime together. I’m curious to see where this is going to go or if he is going to continue to be a series regular beyond Season 2.   Hunter and Sarah share a moment of being kind to one another. He asks about what happened with her and Olympia & she is honest with him and encourages him to always be honest with Olympia and things will be great. Meanwhile, Sarah and Olympia have a little bit of tension as Olympia further explains that she overreacted when she found out the truth about Sarah working on Senior’s behalf due to dealing with her other trust issues. Later on, Sarah and Olympia discuss this further and get back on better terms. Around the corner, Hunter is standing there and eavesdropping on their conversation. I don’t know if this is indicative of him using this as some sort of power play or leverage over Sarah, but I was actually really enjoying them and their friendship chemistry that they’ve grown over the last two episodes.  Overall, another really good episode! I feel like the story’s pacing has slowed down a bit these last few episodes, but I have enjoyed getting to delve deeper into our cast of characters and each of their own personal and interconnected storylines. Only 2 more episodes left this season and I’m eagerly awaiting to see where we end up at the end of this season. I would give this episode a 4/5.

The man who basically invented the "tired but dedicated physician" aesthetic is currently steering the ship at The Pitt , and he isn't just checking pulses, he’s checking the suits at HBO. In a recent deep dive into the show's creative hurdles, Wyle opened up about the bureaucratic wrestling match behind that Season 2 ICE storyline and why the upcoming Season 3 might finally give us a change in the weather. The ICE Negotiation: Balancing Act or Creative Compromise? Television loves a "ripped from the headlines" moment, but when The Pitt decided to bring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) into the ER, the temperature in the executive offices spiked. Wyle admitted that the storyline, which involved agents entering the hospital, triggered some intense back-and-forth with the network. HBO reportedly pushed for "balance," a word that usually makes creators break out in hives. Wyle was initially protective, fearing that the political weight of the story would be sanded down into something unrecognizable. However, the veteran actor-producer eventually came around to a version he describes as more "elegant and restrained." By avoiding a heavy-handed "poking of the bear," the show managed to keep the focus on the medical ethics rather than a shouting match, resulting in a narrative that felt authentic to the high-stakes environment of a modern hospital. Season 3 Scoop: No More Massive Gaps If the ten-month time jump between the first and second seasons left you feeling like you missed a few chapters of the textbook, Wyle has some good news. As he heads back into the writers' room for Season 3, the goal is to keep things a bit more grounded. Instead of jumping nearly a year into the future, the creative team is eyeing a shift in the literal seasons. Wyle teased that he’s itching to explore the medical mayhem that comes with winter. Think black ice, hypothermia, and the specific brand of misery that only a snowy city can provide. It’s a smart move that keeps the "one-shift" real-time intensity while giving the wardrobe department an excuse to buy some heavier coats. Labor Pains and Corporate Mergers Wyle didn't stop at plot points. He also took a swing at the Paramount and Warner Bros. merger, proving he’s as sharp in the boardroom as he is in the trauma bay. As a dedicated union man, Wyle was blunt: consolidation is "not good for labor." His logic is simple, fewer streamers and fewer studios mean fewer paychecks for the people actually making the shows we binge. While the shareholders might be popping champagne, Wyle is looking out for the crew and cast members who get squeezed every time two giants decide to become one. So, are you on board for a winter-themed Season 3 , or did the ICE storyline leave you wanting more grit? Let us know in the comments! Check out our latest recap of The Pitt here .

Move over, Hollywood, Tyler Perry has found a new stage to conquer, and for once, it doesn’t involve a floral housecoat or a high-speed police chase in a Cadillac. The billionaire mogul has officially joined the producing team for the Broadway revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone , proving that even when you own a literal studio city in Atlanta, the bright lights of 47th Street are still hard to resist. While Perry is usually busy churning out enough content to keep half of the streaming world afloat, his pivot to the Great White Way is a calculated move into the world of "Prestige Theater." This isn’t just a vanity credit, either. Perry is reportedly getting his hands dirty as a co-producer, bringing his massive brand and even larger bank account to help anchor a production that was already stacked with talent. A Cast That Actually Matches the Hype If you thought Perry was going to show up and cast himself as Bynum Walker, take a breath. The production, currently settled into the historic Ethel Barrymore Theatre , is lead by the legendary Debbie Allen . Directing a Wilson play requires a certain level of finesse that Perry usually swaps for slapstick, so having Allen at the helm ensures the "thespian" energy remains intact. The cast is a TV lover’s fever dream. Taraji P. Henson is making her long-awaited Broadway debut as Bertha Holly. Given her history of carrying every scene she’s ever been in, her transition to the stage is less of a "let's see if she can do it" and more of a "what took so long?" Joining her is Cedric the Entertainer , who is trading the sitcom laugh tracks for the heavy, soulful weight of Seth Holly. Why This Matters (Beyond the Red Carpet) Perry’s involvement isn't just about the opening night photo op. By joining lead producer Brian Anthony Moreland and fellow heavy-hitters like Kandi Burruss and Tameka "Tiny" Harris , Perry is signaling a major shift in how Black-led Broadway productions are marketed. He knows how to find an audience, and more importantly, he knows how to make them buy a ticket. August Wilson’s work is the gold standard of American drama, focusing on the African American experience in the early 20th century. Joe Turner’s Come and Gone deals with the search for identity and the scars of the past, heavy themes that Perry usually dresses up in melodrama. Here, he’s playing the role of the benefactor, ensuring Wilson’s voice reaches the widest possible demographic. The Verdict: A Must-Watch Migration For those of us at The TV Cave who are used to seeing these stars through a 65-inch OLED, seeing them breathe the same air as the front row is a necessary change of pace. Perry’s Midas touch might be controversial to some film purists, but his presence on the producing roster almost guarantees this 15-week limited run will be the hottest ticket in Midtown. Whether you're there for Taraji’s powerhouse presence or to see if Tyler Perry actually sits through the whole show without checking his email, this revival is shaping up to be the event of the season. Are you heading to the Barrymore to see this star-studded revival, or are you waiting for the inevitable film adaptation? Let us know in the comments what you think of Tyler’s latest career pivot!

All Dressed Up and No One’s Coming The Carriage House looks like a scene straight out of a Regency-era Jane Austen fantasy. There’s an abundance of food, wait staff dressed in period costumes, and everything is being narrated by a delighted bride-to-be, Rachel. She talks about inheriting a beautiful French villa while instructing everyone on exactly what to do. As she’s being dressed in a stunning gown, it’s clear this is meant to be a grand, elegant event. Later, Rachel is the only one left, aside from the caterer, Blaze, and the wait staff. She checks her phone and sees messages from all her invitees, each one initially confirming, then canceling. Realizing no one is coming, she tells Blaze to send everyone home and clean up in the morning. Alone, she drinks heavily, moving from cocktails to champagne. Frustrated and humiliated, she shoves over a tray of shrimp and storms out with a bottle in hand. Walking down the sidewalk, Rachel bumps into a man on a bike. When he warns her not to jump, she snaps back that she’s not jumping, he just ruined her Jane Austen-inspired heels. He awkwardly reassures her that no one is ever truly alone and hands her his business card, asking her to call when she gets home so he knows she’s safe. Rachel notices he’s a barista and walks away, muttering that she attracts “broke boy” types. Rachel arrives at her apartment and confronts her roommate, Kimberly, demanding to know why she didn’t attend the party. Kimberly explains that she and everyone else thought the event was over the top. Rachel lashes out, tearing Kimberly down with cruel remarks. She insists she enjoys being single and shouldn’t be judged for it, pointing out she’s been a bridesmaid sixteen times and feels unappreciated. She lists all the ways Kimberly should be grateful to her. Kimberly finally pushes back, admitting she was the one who encouraged others to cancel. She tells Rachel that inheriting a house is not the same as major life milestones like marriage, and it’s not her friends’ fault those things haven’t happened for her. Enraged, Rachel grabs an $800 pot and strikes Kimberly in the back of the head as she walks away. Kimberly collapses face-first onto the floor. Horrified, Rachel tries to process what she’s done. In a panic, she puts the pot in the dishwasher. Just then, a drunken Howie stumbles in, asking “Boo Boo” to make him mac and cheese before passing out on the couch. Rachel places another pot on him, removes Kimberly’s wedding ring, and tosses it onto the kitchen floor to stage the scene. Then she leaves. A Fallen Hero Admits He Lied Alec Bloom holds a televised press conference, publicly apologizing for his behavior. He takes responsibility and urges voters not to support him as a person, but to support the movement he represents. Elsbeth watches the speech repeatedly in her office as Captain Wagner observes from the doorway. When asked what prompted his honesty, Alec says someone important to him made him realize that without truth, he has nothing. Captain Wagner asks Elsbeth how many times she plans to watch the speech, noting it won’t fade anytime soon with the election approaching. When she asks if he would vote for Alec, Wagner says no, he didn’t like how Alec treated his friend. He then brings her a new case: Kimberly Brooks has been found murdered in her apartment. Her third husband, Howie, called the police on himself, believing he may have done it. That immediately grabs Elsbeth’s attention. Pictured: Wendell Pierce as Captain Wagner Photo: Michael Parmelee/CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Investigation Begins At Kimberly’s apartment, Detective Donnelly questions Howie while Elsbeth listens closely. Donnelly asks if he was holding one of the heavy Le Potique pots when the incident occurred, and Howie says he must have killed Kimberly. Elsbeth gently suggests it seems like he wants answers, even if it means blaming himself. He insists Kimberly was the love of his life. Elsbeth notices strange marks on the floor. Howie claims they’re from their neighbor’s cane, but Elsbeth points out the marks don’t match. She also observes that the pot and lid found at the scene don’t match in color. Since every pot should have a matching lid, she searches the cabinets and finds the correct match. Howie adds that he would never put a Le Potique pot in the dishwasher, no matter how drunk he was. A text arrives on Kimberly’s phone, it’s from Rachel, asking if she’s okay after missing her party. That raises immediate suspicion. Detective Donnelly, working alongside Elsbeth, believes the case is straightforward: the husband confessed. Elsbeth disagrees and asks to speak with Rachel. Meanwhile, Captain Wagner is interrupted by his daughter, Julia, who is upset that her ex, Detective Rivers, may have been invited to their anniversary party. Wagner explains they invited multiple detectives and didn’t want to exclude anyone, but Julia insists they should have considered her feelings. She makes it clear she won’t attend if Rivers shows up. Elsbeth later visits a party planned by Rachel, a gender reveal event where she’s handed a pink cowboy hat. Rachel explains she enjoys planning celebrations for her friends and works as a data governance manager. She also volunteers negative information about Howie, claiming she was concerned for Kimberly. After making her case, Rachel leaves Elsbeth to participate in the festivities. Will They Reunite, Broken Hearts Later, Elsbeth runs into Alec Bloom outside her office. She tries to avoid him, but he approaches and asks her to watch E.T.  with him, hoping to prove he can be honest and committed. Elsbeth says she needs space, while Alec insists he’ll wait for her because he can’t lose her. As the investigation continues, Elsbeth and Detective Donnelly interview Rachel’s friends. They reveal Kimberly had a history of bad relationships, with Howie being the worst. She even bought her own engagement ring. They also describe Rachel as controlling and suggest Kimberly was the dominant personality in the group. Detective Rivers later speaks with Captain Wagner, explaining that he was honored by the invitation but may not attend due to a recent family loss. Wagner expresses sympathy, adding another emotional layer to the situation. Persistence and a Round Heel Solves the Case Elsbeth visits Rachel again at another event she planned. She points out how surprising it is that Rachel isn’t angry at her friends for skipping her own party, especially after Kimberly allegedly encouraged them not to attend. Rachel’s reaction feels off, raising further suspicion. Elsbeth also mentions the mismatch between the Le Potique pots, which Rachel quickly tries to dismiss. As Elsbeth leaves, a staff member named Ben mentions returning to collect leftover food, including a seafood tower, for his seven cats, an odd but memorable detail. Back at the precinct, lab results reveal traces of Kimberly’s blood in the dishwasher trap, confirming that evidence was cleaned. However, it’s still not enough to hold Howie. This episode begins as a seemingly joyful celebration but quickly turns into something much darker. Elsbeth and Detective Donnelly methodically piece together the clues, building a strong case against Rachel. As they prepare to present their findings, Captain Wagner informs them that Rachel has arrived with an alibi. What detail do they accidentally reveal? What exactly is a “round heel”? Does the alibi hold, or does Elsbeth still get her moment to expose the truth? Will Elsbeth and Alec reconnect, and do they ever sit down to watch E.T.  together? Will Detective Rivers attend the party after all, despite the tension with Julia? His situation adds a genuinely emotional note to the episode. The episode ends with a sense of hope, at least for one couple. Elsbeth and Detective Donnelly make a strong investigative team, balancing differing perspectives while combining sharp instincts and attention to detail to identify the real killer. There are multiple layers to the case, including a near-successful distraction that ultimately falls apart due to one revealing clue. This was a stylish, character-driven episode with a unique approach, even skipping Elsbeth’s traditional big reveal in favor of a direct confrontation. Elsbeth’s wardrobe stood out as always, highlighted by a pink cowboy hat and her signature bags. I enjoyed this episode and give it 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Breakfast Bacon Bend Takes Down Colonel Quinn Colonel Quinn is in his quarters, about to sit on his comfy couch and enjoy a tasty breakfast of bacon and eggs. He drops a strip of bacon and bends down to pick it up. There’s a cracking noise, and he can’t stand back up. Just that easily, he throws out his back. He falls onto the couch but still reaches for that strip of bacon. Grimacing and groaning, he pleads that he’s defended his country his whole life, please let him have this bacon. He strains to reach it in a whole lot of pain. Colonel Quinn seriously stretching for one piece of bacon from the couch while in agony is hilarious. Outside Colonel Quinn’s office are Captain Maggie and Sergeant Conway. Captain Maggie starts panicking when her dad is late reporting to work. He’s always said, “Five minutes early is ten minutes late.” Sergeant Conway points out it’s only 0803 in the morning, which really freaks Captain Maggie out. She immediately assumes the worst, saying he’s probably dead, and pulls out her phone to call him. She gets his voicemail, which he’s never even set up. She adds that he’s been putting a down payment on a heart attack for a while. Sergeant Conway mentions that last week he told her he was in his “bacon era,” and she’s been begging him to cut down to a slab every other day. That sends Captain Maggie into full panic mode, and she takes off running. The panicky banter between Captain Maggie and Sergeant Conway brings plenty of laughs. Captain Maggie rushes into her dad’s quarters and is relieved to see he’s not dead. She asks what happened. He’s lying sideways on the couch and asks her to come closer because he has something to tell her. She rushes to his side, and he tells her to put the bacon in his mouth. She reaches for a piece on the plate on the coffee table, but he insists on “floor bacon” first. Oh no. She reluctantly picks it up and puts it in his mouth, and he hungrily bites off a piece. This scene would be gross if it weren’t for Captain Maggie’s disgusted facial expression. It’s too funny. Captain Maggie helps her dad sit up and surrounds him with pillows to make him comfortable. She tells him to rest, just like the doctor ordered. Colonel Quinn complains that he slips a couple of discs and suddenly the doctor is at the top of the chain of command. Captain Maggie assures him the base is in good hands, and she and Major Shah will hold things down until he’s back on duty. She sets him up with his favorite documentary, troops trashing Hitler’s bunker and hands him the TV remote. He tunes out everything else as he happily watches. Captain Maggie heads to work. Difficult Shared Job and No Feelings Allowed Captain Maggie is sitting at Colonel Quinn’s desk when Major Shah walks in. He says he’ll be in his office, but things quickly get awkward as they try to decide who should work where. Captain Maggie offers to go to her office if he wants to use her dad’s, then suggests they both share the colonel’s office instead. She acknowledges that she respects Major Shah for not wanting to get romantically involved because it’s unprofessional, even though it clearly makes him uncomfortable. She insists she’s fine with his decision. He sits across from her at the desk, and they agree to keep things “pro.” They tell themselves they don’t have to act on every feeling, because if everyone did, there would be chaos. Their attempt at casual small talk is painfully awkward but endearing. They steal glances at each other when the other isn’t looking. When the phone rings, they both reach for it, and their hands touch just as Major Shah answers. He quickly uses the call as an escape, saying there’s a report of a land mine on a nearby farm field. Captain Maggie brushes it off as a regular crank call, they get them twice a week and reminds him the last time they dug up sardine cans. Major Shah insists on checking anyway and rushes out to assemble a UXO team. Captain Maggie mutters to herself that it went terribly. Major Ruxo Leads the Way Major Shah assembles a team consisting of Sergeant Conway and Corporal Papadakis to investigate the reported land mine. He explains that when locals find unexploded military devices, they call the army, and they’ve been tasked with sweeping a local farm. He boasts about his extensive land mine defusal experience, claiming he’s worked with the best of the best and that even the team from The Hurt Locker  came to him when they got scared. When he asks if they’ve read the manual, Corporal Papadakis jokes that who needs a manual when you have Ruxo. Ruxo is a robot UXO unit, the latest in land mine detection technology, with high-tech sonar that can identify mines from every era of modern warfare. It’s also cute and can dance, which Papadakis and Conway demonstrate as they dance along with it. Major Shah shuts that down quickly, calling the robot useless. He insists that real-world situations require human adaptability, something robots can’t replicate. Sergeant Conway reminds him the army requires them to use Ruxo on all land mine missions. Major Shah reluctantly agrees, though he’s surprised to learn Ruxo outranks him as a major. Performance Review Misery Back at the office, Captain Maggie speaks with Specialist Gideon and Private Sumone about the DFAC inventory due that day. She initially asks them to handle it, then immediately backtracks and says she’ll take care of it herself. Private Sumone also asks what to do with the performance reviews Colonel Quinn wanted filed. Captain Maggie takes those as well. The two thank her and head back to the barracks, leaving her buried in work. She flips through the reviews to find her own, curious what her father wrote, and is clearly not pleased with what she reads. Meanwhile, Major Shah, Sergeant Conway, and Corporal Papadakis arrive at the field. While Ruxo rolls off to scan the area, Shah grows increasingly frustrated, asking if they’re really just supposed to sit there and watch a robot do the work. Conway and Papadakis think that sounds great and settle in with snacks. When Papadakis checks the remote display, he realizes Ruxo is stuck in the mud. Shah points out that a human wouldn’t get stuck like that, but when they call Ruxo’s handler, he’s ordered to rescue it immediately because the robot is worth $2 million, more than Shah’s life. Shah is completely exasperated. Colonel Quinn hears someone enter his quarters and sees Maggie, who is clearly upset, something he notices immediately by the aggressive way she fluffs his pillow. He jokes that she’s going full Kathy Bates in Misery . She admits she read her performance review, and he tells her she hesitates when giving orders because she’s too worried about hurting people’s feelings. Captain Maggie defends her leadership style, saying a relaxed workplace is a productive one, but he argues that soldiers are supposed to hate their commanding officer and besides, it’s fun to be mean. She concedes he may be right, switches the TV to Real Housewives of Minnesota , and deliberately drops the remote out of his reach before leaving him there in misery. Majors Ruxo and Shah Need Saving and Love Declared for Real Out in the field, Ruxo flails its arms and calls for help while Sergeant Conway encourages it to stay strong. Major Shah, now in full EOD gear, carefully marks a path toward the robot using red flags. When he tells Ruxo to advance, it misinterprets the command as “dance.” Frustrated, Shah removes his helmet and steps forward, only to land on a mine. Ruxo alerts them to the danger as Shah calmly informs Conway and Papadakis that he is, in fact, standing on a land mine. Back at the office, Captain Maggie questions Specialist Gideon about whether she cares too much about being liked. He suspects it’s a trap but answers honestly, listing her tendency to avoid confrontation and other shortcomings. She thanks him and dismisses him, clearly taking it to heart. In the field, Major Shah radios Conway and Papadakis, instructing them to contact Captain Maggie but to play it cool and not mention he’s in danger. They fail spectacularly at being subtle, awkwardly explaining they need an expert opinion on a World War II land mine. Captain Maggie tries to find help and briefly enlists Jan, whose uncle claims expertise because he helped lay mines during the war. When it becomes clear he was a Nazi collaborator motivated by chocolate, she immediately has him escorted off base. Realizing she needs real help, Captain Maggie goes to her dad and orders him to assist with disarming the mine. Colonel Quinn is impressed, that’s exactly how to give an order. When she arrives at the field, she learns the full situation: Major Shah is the one standing on the mine. She gears up and joins him, and in the middle of the crisis, they finally admit their feelings and share a kiss. For a moment, she wants to stay there forever, but quickly snaps back into command mode. Captain Maggie calls her dad for guidance and then takes control, issuing clear, confident orders to Sergeant Conway and Corporal Papadakis. She fully steps into her role as a leader. The operation unfolds under her direction, and Sergeant Conway later announces she’s leaving the UXO team. Captain Maggie returns to her dad, and they discuss what happened. She admits she finally felt like a real leader. Colonel Quinn tells her that’s because she’s his kid and inherently better than everyone else, and she should stop pretending otherwise. She jokes that she can be a jerk to everyone but him, and they share a toast. There were a lot more laughs in this episode, along with some genuinely touching moments. It was a strong installment, and I’d give it 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Clear your queue and cancel your plans, tonight’s TV lineup is stacked with everything from buzzy premieres and finales to live events you’ll actually want to watch in real time. Whether you’re here for prestige drama, reality chaos, or a nostalgic throwback binge, we’ve got you covered. 🌙 STREAMING DROPS (STARTING AT 3:00 AM ET) The early hours are doing a lot  of heavy lifting today, with major premieres and finales hitting all at once. Christy  (HBO Max) Sydney Sweeney steps into the ring as boxing legend Christy Martin in a gritty biopic that packs both punches and drama. For All Mankind  (Apple TV) The fallout from Ed’s decisions begins, while Aleida scrambles for a solution that could change everything. Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat  (Prime Video, 2 episodes) The social experiment continues with reunion specials bringing fan-favorite participants back together — with James Marsden steering the chaos. The Last Thing He Told Me  (Apple TV) — Season 2 Finale Bailey’s search for the truth reaches a breaking point in a finale that promises answers… and maybe some closure. Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair  (Hulu, 4-episode binge) Malcolm gets pulled back into family dysfunction for a milestone anniversary — because of course he does. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters  (Apple TV) A mysterious signal and ancient Titan connections raise the stakes in this monster-filled saga. Outcome  (Apple TV) — Movie Premiere Keanu Reeves leads a star-studded cast in a Hollywood scandal thriller where secrets refuse to stay buried. The Reunion: Laguna Beach  (The Roku Channel) The iconic cast returns to relive the drama, the love triangles, and the unforgettable beachside chaos. Temptation Island  (Netflix, 9-episode binge) — Season 2 Premiere New couples, new temptations, and absolutely zero chill as relationships are put to the ultimate test. Thrash  (Netflix) — Movie Premiere Sharks + hurricane = nightmare fuel. A coastal town fights to survive as nature (and predators) close in. Your Friends & Neighbors  (Apple TV) A party gone wrong sends shockwaves through the Cooper family while tensions bubble beneath the surface. 🚀 LIVE EVENTS & PRIMETIME PICKS Tonight isn’t just about streaming — live TV is bringing some major moments, too. CBS News: Artemis II Return to Earth  (7:30 PM, CBS) A historic return from the moon wraps up with live coverage. NBA on Prime  (7:30 PM & 10:00 PM, Prime Video) Doubleheader action closes out the season with Cavaliers vs. Hawks, followed by Thunder vs. Nuggets. NBC News Special Report: Artemis II Splashdown  (8:00 PM, NBC) Another angle on the mission’s dramatic return, with splashdown coverage off the California coast. Outlander  (8:00 PM, Starz) After the dust settles from battle, alliances shift and new paths emerge. RuPaul’s Drag Race  (8:00 PM, MTV) — Penultimate Episode Eliminated queens return for a high-stakes lip sync smackdown with serious cash on the line. Happy’s Place  (8:30 PM, NBC) A house sale turns complicated when family ties get involved. Sheriff Country  (8:30 PM, CBS) A festival turns dangerous as a serial killer investigation heats up. Fire Country  (9:30 PM, CBS) A rodeo celebration spirals into chaos when things go wildly off track. Boston Blue  (10:30 PM, CBS) Undercover work leads to personal reckoning in a tense late-night drama. Pictured: Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan . Photo: John Medland/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 🗓️ TONIGHT’S FULL TV SCHEDULE Time (ET) Show Network/Platform Details 3:00 AM Christy HBO Max New streaming release 3:00 AM For All Mankind Apple TV+ New episode 3:00 AM Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat Prime Video Two episodes 3:00 AM The Last Thing He Told Me Apple TV+ Season 2 finale 3:00 AM Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair Hulu Four-episode binge 3:00 AM Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Apple TV+ New episode 3:00 AM Outcome Apple TV+ Movie premiere 3:00 AM The Reunion: Laguna Beach The Roku Channel Special 3:00 AM Temptation Island Netflix Season 2 premiere (9 episodes) 3:00 AM Thrash Netflix Movie premiere 3:00 AM Your Friends & Neighbors Apple TV+ New episode 7:30 PM CBS News: Artemis II Return to Earth CBS Live special 7:30 PM NBA on Prime Prime Video Cavaliers vs. Hawks 8:00 PM NBC News Special Report: Artemis II Splashdown NBC Live special 8:00 PM Outlander Starz New episode 8:00 PM RuPaul’s Drag Race MTV Penultimate episode 8:30 PM Happy’s Place NBC Special time 8:30 PM Sheriff Country CBS Special time 9:30 PM Fire Country CBS Special time 10:00 PM NBA on Prime Prime Video Thunder vs. Nuggets 10:30 PM Boston Blue CBS Special time 🍿 WHAT’S THE VIBE TONIGHT? If you’re in the mood for a binge, the streaming lineup alone could carry your entire weekend. Prefer something live? The Artemis II coverage gives you a rare real-time moment worth tuning in for. And if you’re chasing drama, reality, or high-stakes competition, primetime is packed with can’t-miss episodes. Bottom line: your watchlist is about to get longer.

This week’s episode of The Rookie  felt like a fever dream. I wonder if this was meant to be a filler episode because that’s what it felt like. The storylines lacked depth and it left me with a feeling of unfulfillment. We got some heavy topics in this episode, yet they went with the comical approach with the execution and I don’t understand why.  Celina Working with Missing Persons Celina is working with the Missing Persons department and I, selfishly, wanted to see how she handled it being that her sister was a missing person once too. I wanted to see this storyline taken more seriously, because in reality, just like they showed in the episode, not much thought or care goes into missing person cases. Celina went there wanting to make a change and she was met by Detective Desmond, who couldn’t care less about looking through cases. You can tell this job has gotten to him; with the amount of missing person cases that end up cold cases, or worse, he doesn’t work too hard when a new case comes in.  (Disney/Mike Taing) BRENT HUFF, LISSETH CHAVEZ Celina notices this about him, but is determined to prove him wrong. When a case she went a little too hard on turns out to be nothing, it would’ve been easy to give up but she didn’t. Now, what I will say is, Celina should’ve called for backup before checking out a case on her own. This missing person's case was someone who lived in her building; it was a girl who went missing during Coachella and Celina thought it wouldn’t hurt to look into it. She knocks on the door of her apartment and her roommate answers. This roommate was so sketchy. Wanting to close this case must’ve caused Celina to drop her guard because something should’ve gone off when the roommate started talking in past tense and then quickly correcting herself.  It was too late and Celina found herself in danger. The roommate attacked her, knowing that her cover had been blown and Celina was on to her. Luckily, Celina held her own, but it could’ve been bad. The reason why I felt like there could’ve been more to this storyline is because when Detective Desmond saw Celina again, he had an emotional reaction. It was subtle, but his anger felt more like worry. This to me made me think that he’s like Celina; he wants to put more effort into finding missing people, but the constant let down and desensitized him. I’d like to see him and Celina work together again. Do You Want to See a Dead Body? Well, no. Unless you’re in Dash’s class. When he comes across a dead body he heard about in school, of course Dash’s first call is to the only cop he’s close to: John Nolan. We come to find out that the dead man is a teacher at this prestigious school Dash attends and all the students who talked about the dead body were brought in.  (Disney/Mike Taing) KIARA BARNES I was so disconnected from this storyline – which is why it felt like this episode was a fever dream to me. It started off as an angry parent who was upset that paying for grades didn’t get their daughter into an Ivy League school and ended with Dash’s father getting both him and Dash kidnapped for owing people money. It was storyline within a storyline.  Dash is a sarcastic kid, however, it’s hard for me to believe that he would put himself in danger the way that he did. Any normal kid would be terrified; there were men with guns in his home threatening his father – you’re telling me he managed to calmly come out of the closet he was hiding from, to distract them and lure them to a home of one of his rich classmates? Doubtful.  When he got to this classmate’s home, it turned out to be Autumn’s place; a girl who he had a crush on. She was home and now she  was a hostage as well. One of the robbers decides to duct tape Dash and Autumn’s hand together, as if they were stuck…holding hands… cute . Tim and John eventually get there and all is well, but man this case had potential; bringing in Dash’s dad and introducing him as a deadbeat was… a choice. This was definitely not one of my favorites.  (Disney/Mike Taing) LISSETH CHAVEZ Del Monte and Evers? I Like It I wish we got more of this duo. With Vivian being DA elect, Wesley knew he wanted to get out of there. Vivian is everything Welsey was against becoming an ADA and it was great to see that he didn’t lose that side of him despite “working with the enemy”. His goal was always to fix the system from within. This would prove difficult working with Vivian and when Del Monte caught wind of this, he asked Wesley to work one shift with her to see if it’s really worth it to leave.  Turns out, yes, it was. In their last shift, Vivian showed her true colors and Del Monte and Wesley were out. What I didn’t see coming was Del Monte and Wesley working together. I remember when Wesley first arrived, Del Monte wasn’t as welcoming to how Wesley wanted to run things, so to see them come together like this is growth. I hope they truly do open a firm together. Please don’t let this be a concept this show introduces and never executes.  What’d you think of this week’s new episode of The Rookie ? Share your thoughts!

Rumors of Deborah Vance’s death have been greatly exaggerated, mostly because Deborah Vance is too spiteful to let a TMZ notification have the last word. The Hacks Season 5 premiere, titled "EGOT," wastes no time reminding us that while Vegas might be a desert, Deborah’s ambition is a perennial cactus: prickly, immovable, and surprisingly capable of drawing blood. After a fake-out involving a private jet "incident" in Singapore that sent the internet into a mourning frenzy, Deborah returns to her palatial estate to find the vultures circling. Specifically, former network head Bob Lipka is already measuring the drapes for a legacy-killing retrospective. But Deborah isn’t interested in being a memory; she’s interested in being a monument. The EGOT Quest Begins The central engine of this premiere is Deborah’s pivot toward the ultimate industry flex: the EGOT. Having already secured a Daytime Emmy and a Tony (the latter of which she likely uses as a paperweight), she sets her sights on the elusive Grammy and Oscar. In a move that perfectly encapsulates her "try-hard" energy, Deborah attempts to hijack a Grammy by featuring on a Regional Mexican Music album. It’s a spectacular failure of cultural awareness that lands with the grace of a lead balloon, proving that even a comedy legend can’t just "Babel" her way into a trophy cabinet. Ava’s Calculated Betrayal While Deborah is busy chasing gold, Ava is busy playing 4D chess. Bound by an 18-month non-compete clause that forbids Deborah from even telling a knock-knock joke in public, the duo stages a "secret" stand-up set. In a twist that highlights just how much Ava has learned from her mentor, the younger writer leaks the footage herself. It’s a brilliant, cynical play. The leak triggers a legal firestorm that Deborah uses as a massive PR springboard. Standing on the courthouse steps, a venue she treats like the MGM Grand, she announces her ultimate comeback: selling out Madison Square Garden the second her non-compete expires. New Blood at the Agency Back in Los Angeles, Jimmy and Kayla are still operating out of their scrappy, borderline-illegal agency. The highlight of their B-plot is the introduction of Randi, their new assistant. Randi brings a dry, unimpressed energy that cuts through Jimmy’s frantic optimism and Kayla’s... whatever it is Kayla does. It’s a necessary injection of reality into an office that usually runs on fumes and delusion. The Hacks Season 5 premiere succeeds because it refuses to let Deborah Vance rest on her laurels. By stripping away her ability to perform legally, the show forces her back into the scrappy, cornered-animal mode that made the first season so electric. It’s a sharp, polished return for a show that remains the gold standard for watching two people who hate how much they need each other. Do you think Deborah can actually pull off a Grammy , or is she destined to remain a two-letter wonder?

This week’s episode starts off feeling like a routine case, but it doesn’t stay that way for long. What looks like a string of ATM robberies quickly turns into something heavier when a woman is killed during one of the hits. That’s when things shift, and you can feel the stakes go up immediately, especially once Voight steps in and makes it clear Intelligence is taking this one all the way. Not because he witnessed the woman ran over, but when he tracks down the ripped ATM he runs into former CI Rabbit.  The crew behind it is organized. They’re using stolen trucks, ripping ATMs straight out, and moving fast enough to leave almost nothing behind. The break comes with Rabbit, who isn’t some mastermind, just the guy who cracks the machines open after the fact. He gives up a  name, Deon,  but it’s clear early on that what he’s offering isn’t enough to actually close the case. At the same time, there’s some side tension bubbling with Imani, who’s been quietly digging into her own angle and asking questions without giving much up. It doesn’t take over the episode, but it adds that extra layer of unease, like not everyone is playing from the same sheet. So instead of locking Rabbit up, Voight pushes him back out there as a CI. Rabbit doesn’t want it, but he doesn’t really have a choice. That’s where things start to get shaky. The plan is simple: wire him up, send him back in, and follow the money. But the second he’s inside, you can tell it’s not going to go clean. The audio starts cutting, the movement isn’t what they expected, and then everything just drops. Silence. Confusion. Imani is suspicious so she goes into the store Rabbit is in to try to get the rest of the conversation. It’s clear Rabbit is hiding something but what? After that, the trust is gone. Rabbit says he doesn’t know what happened, but nobody’s really buying it. Still, he gives them something new, a name they haven’t heard before, Bruiser, and a heads up that another job is going down that night. Now they’ve got a decision to make. Move early with what little they have, or let it play out and catch them in the act. Voight makes the call to take the risk and send Rabbit back in again. That’s when the truth finally comes out. Rabbit didn’t just mess up the wire, he messed with it on purpose. Bruiser isn’t just some guy in the crew. He’s Brian. Family. More than that, he’s the person Rabbit’s been trying to protect the whole time. Suddenly everything Rabbit did makes sense. He wasn’t playing both sides for money. He was trying to keep someone he cares about from going down. Brian is the one that helped him get clean and he cares for him.  It all comes to a head when Rabbit meets back up with Brian and tries to convince him they can just take the cash and run. For a second, it almost feels like they might actually try it. But Deon isn’t stupid. He’s already clocked that something’s off, and once he starts asking questions, the whole thing unravels fast. The final confrontation is messy in the way this show does best. Nobody’s really in control. Guns are up, everyone’s talking over each other, and Rabbit is right in the middle of it, realizing too late that he doesn’t have the leverage he thought he did. When he turns and says, “you lied to me,” it lands, because from his perspective, they did. He trusted a deal that Voight offered that was never fully his to count on. In the end, they get them. Dion and Brian are taken in, and the case is technically a win. Rabbit gets a reduced deal and gets moved out, but it doesn’t feel like a clean victory. It never does on this show when someone like Rabbit is involved. What sticks with you is that he wasn’t just a CI. He was trying to hold on to the one person he had, even if it meant making bad decisions the whole way through. And Voight, for all the right reasons, still used that against him. By the time it wraps, you’re left with that familiar feeling this show does well, yeah, they solved it, but it cost something. And then right at the end, with Imani still quietly working her own angle and that missing sister thread lingering, it’s clear things aren’t slowing down anytime soon. It’s a strong episode. Not just because of the case, but because it takes its time with Rabbit and lets the situation breathe a little. It’s clear that Voight cares for Rabbit as a person, but he had a job to do and at the end of the day they closed a case and now the family of the murder victim has closure. All in a day's work for the intelligence team!