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September 21
Special Event: Cinematic Titanic: BLOOD OF THE VAMPIRES
"Dad, where's mom?" Dad: (refuses to tell kids she's locked in the basement and is now a vampire) This is the last Cinematic Titanic with the original premise of being locked in a bunker and being forced to watch bad movies. The remaining episodes were all recorded live before an audience.
Book: The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War
"An unmatched guide to the religious dimensions of American politics, Jeff Sharlet journeys into corners of our national psyche where others fear to tread. The Undertow is both inquiry and meditation, an attempt to understand how, over the last decade, reaction has morphed into delusion, social division into distrust, distrust into paranoia, and hatred into fantasies--sometimes realities--of violence" (from the book jacket, via Bookshop.org) [more inside]
Star Trek: Lower Decks: Something Borrowed, Something Green Season 4, Episode 4
Tendi is summoned back to Orion for a wedding. Spoiler alert: not hers! Not that that makes it any easier, or less involving blades... [more inside]
September 20
Movie: El Conde
Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is actually a vampire who, after faking his own death, decides that he is ready to die.
Unfortunately for him, those around him aren't ready until they get what they want from him. [more inside]
Only Murders in the Building: Sitzprobe Season 3, Episode 8
Pressure mounts on the show's most critical rehearsal day. A familiar official upends the case, Loretta's complex past threatens to upend everything else, and Charles must perform his number without going crazy.
My Lovely Liar: My Lovely Liar Season 1 (Full Season)
A woman has the special ability to detect lies from truth, but she sees her special gift as a curse, and she's unable to trust anyone. When she meets a music producer who's gone into hiding while being suspected of murder, the two get entangled. [more inside]
All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite: Dynamite 9/20 and Rampage 9/22: GRAND SLAM 2023 Season 4, Episode 51
New York City welcomes back it's hometown scumbag MJF as AEW returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium. Four title defenses tonight, and more planned for Rampage. There won't be commentary from me until afterwards, because your humble poster will be there live! [more inside]
The Morning Show: White Noise Season 3, Episode 3
When a contract negotiation becomes public, the old and new guards clash. Chris takes center stage. [more inside]
Reservation Dogs: Elora's Dad Season 3, Episode 9
Elora is looking to go to college. But college costs money. Since her mom has passed she needs to find her dad to get help with financial aid. [more inside]
Invasion: A Voice from the Other Side Season 2, Episode 5
Aneesha, Luke and the Movement make a plan to locate Sarah. Mitsuki has a devastating encounter with the alien entity.
Book: Elon Musk
A writer famed for his biographies of geniuses turns his pen to cover the impetuous, vainglorious and obsessive CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, X (nee Twitter) and NeuraLink. [more inside]
Book: Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation
A timeless story rediscovered by each new generation, The Diary of a Young Girl stands without peer. This graphic edition remains faithful to the original, while the stunning illustrations interpret and add layers of visual meaning and immediacy to this classic work of Holocaust literature. [more inside]
Ahsoka: Far, Far Away Season 1, Episode 6
The search for Grand Admiral Thrawn continues beyond the limits of the galaxy.
September 19
Book: Maskerade
Agnes Nitt, the very model of a modern operatic soprano, has left the Ramtops for Ankh-Morpork, seeking her future on the stage, while also fleeing her future as the third witch in the Lancre Coven. Unfortunately, she's built like an operatic soprano at a time when the company wants beautiful waifs in the lead roles. Also unfortunately, the Ankh-Morpork Opera House is haunted, and the ghost has become murderous of late. And also also unfortunately, Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax are on their way into town to have a word with her... (Witches #5, Discworld #18) By Terry Pratchett. [more inside]
Movie: Influencer
Social media influencer Madison is lonely and bored during a solo vacation in Thailand until she meets CW, who takes her under her wing and becomes her tour guide and friend. But then CW's plans for Madison take a darker turn. [more inside]
September 18
Movie: Crater
After the death of his father, a boy growing up on a lunar mining colony takes a trip to explore a legendary crater, along with his four best friends, prior to being permanently relocated to another planet. [more inside]
One Piece: The Pirates are Coming Season 1, Episode 4
With Zoro knocked out and dumped in a well and Luffy knocked out by eating all of Kaya's blue soup will Koby be the one to save the day?
Also, we get a better idea of why Vice-Admiral Garp is so interested in catching Luffy and his crew. [more inside]
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty: What Is and What Should Never Be Season 2, Episode 7
With the NBA Finals, the tensions between Lakers and Celtics reach a new peak in 1984, and between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. [more inside]
Movie: Elevator Game
[TRAILER] The young hosts of an online paranormal investigation show, on the verge of losing their primary sponsor, need to produce an episode... fast. New recruit Ryan suggests they look into "The Elevator Game." To play the game, you must ride the elevator from floor-to-floor in a specific sequence, invoking a supernatural creature called "The 5th Floor Woman." The game may not just be another hoax to debunk, though, and Ryan may have his own motivations for encouraging them to play. [more inside]
Movie: Smoking Causes Coughing
A group of vigilantes called the "tobacco-forces" is falling apart. To rebuild team spirit, their leader suggests that they meet for a week-long retreat, before returning to save the world. [more inside]
Futurama: The Prince and the Product Season 11, Episode 9
The crew members are reborn as toys.
September 17
Book: Soul Music
Who's ready for MUSIC WITH ROCKS IN?!?!? The Band with Rocks In has arrived in Ankh-Morpork and turned the disc upside-down. Now every teenager with a carriage house to play in has picked up a guitar, the Wizards of Unseen University are wearing denim and leather, and CMOT Dibbler has a way to merchandize all of it. But The Band have a tough road ahead of them, being chased by screaming fans, vengeful enforcers from the Musicians' Guild, and Death himself. Well, not himself himself, but his granddaughter Susan, anyway... (Death #3, Discworld # 16) By Terry Pratchett [more inside]
Billions: The Man in the Olive Drab T-Shirt Season 7, Episode 6
Bobby asks a favor of Chuck, but it's really for Andalov, and somehow Triple H becomes a strategy advisor. Meanwhile, Prince is about to Perot his way into the race while Kate tries to figure out when to jump ship.
September 16
Gaslit: Tuffy Season 1, Episode 6
Welcome to Wrexham: Welcome Back to Wrexham Season 2, Episode 1
A new football season begins as the town, the team, and owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney prepare to welcome King Charles III.
Foundation: Creation Myths Books Included Season 2, Episode 10
Season finale. Gaal, Salvor, and Hari chart a new path forward on Ignis. Demerzel heads to Trantor, taking actions that will change Empire forever.
Movie: A Haunting in Venice
In post-World War II Venice, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a seance. But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer. [more inside]
AEW Collision: September 16, 2023 Season 1, Episode 14
Since Punk's exit, the roster boundaries between Dynamite and Collision have gone by the wayside, and tonight will feature yet another big Collision debut, as Matt and Jeff Hardy head to Saturdays to take on "The Righteous," Vincent and Dutch, also making their Collision debut. [more inside]
Wheel of Time: Damane Show Only Season 2, Episode 5
Moiraine and Rand flee for their lives. Egwene and Nynaeve encounter a new foe. [more inside]
September 15
Book: The Secret Hours
Two years ago, a hostile Prime Minister launched the Monochrome inquiry, investigating "historical over-reaching" by the British Secret Service. Monochrome’s mission was to ferret out any hint of misconduct by any MI5 officer—and allowed Griselda Fleet and Malcolm Kyle, the two civil servants seconded to the project, unfettered access to any and all confidential information in the Service archives in order to do so.
But MI5’s formidable First Desk did not become Britain’s top spy by accident, and she has successfully thwarted the inquiry at every turn. Now the administration that created Monochrome has been ousted, the investigation is a total bust—and Griselda and Malcolm are stuck watching as their career prospects are washed away by the pounding London rain.
Until the eve of Monochrome’s shuttering, when an MI5 case file appears without explanation. It is the buried history of a classified operation in 1994 Berlin—an operation that ended in tragedy and scandal, whose cover-up has rewritten thirty years of Service history. [more inside]
Movie: Satanic Hispanics
A new horror anthology film featuring segments from Latinx directors Mike Mendez (Big Ass Spider), Eduardo Sánchez (The Blair Witch Project), Demián Rugna (Terrified), and Gigi Saul Guerrero(Bingo Hell). [more inside]
September 14
Laurel Canyon: Part 2 Season 1, Episode 2
Part 2 of the MGM+ docuseries follows the residents of Laurel Canyon from the late 60s through the mid-70s as they write more political songs and start locking their doors for the first time after frightening neighborhood connections to the Manson Family murders. Footage and stories of Gram Parsons and the Flying Burrito Brothers, Altamont, Little Feat, Linda Rondstadt (incl. her role helping start the Eagles), the Doors, Bonnie Raitt, an adorably young Jackson Browne, the love between Joni Mitchell and Graham Nash, the cocaine and ego battles that broke up CSN, and more.
Laurel Canyon: Part 1 Season 1, Episode 1
2-part MGM+ docuseries about the famous LA mountain neighborhood where Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, the Byrds, Love, Crosby/Stills/Nash/Young, the Monkees, the Turtles and many more found cheap housing and creative community in the mid-late 60s. With Mama Cass’s generosity and openness as a central ingredient, Lauren Canyon - above the smog, but also only a few minutes’ drive from the clubs on Sunset Strip - produced an amazing amount of psychedelic folk and rock music. Part 1. 100% on RT. [more inside]
Special Event: Cinematic Titanic: FRANKENSTEIN'S CASTLE OF FREAKS
Frankenstein's trying to set up shop again but it doesn't go too well. The Doctor is a bit hornier here than the typical Frankenstein movie; this episode has the "Breast Blimp," as a way to cover up some in-movie nudity.
The Morning Show: Ghost in the Machine Season 3, Episode 2
Technical difficulties provoke chaos at UBA. Buried secrets surface as Alex forms a surprising alliance. [more inside]
The Morning Show: The Kármán Line Season 3, Episode 1
A bold proposal to shore up a financially-challenged UBA meets with opposition, as Alex and Bradley discover their autonomy has limits. [more inside]
Star Trek: Lower Decks: In the Cradle of Vexilon Season 4, Episode 3
Well, have you tried switching the world off and switching it back on again? [more inside]
Movie: Andhadhun
[TRAILER] A series of mysterious events change the life of a blind pianist (Ayushmann Khurrana) who must now report a crime that he should technically know nothing of. [more inside]
Movie: Hukkle
Using almost no dialogue, the film follows a number of residents (both human and animal) of a small rural community in Hungary - an old man with hiccups, a shepherdess and her sheep, an old woman who may or may not be up to no good... [more inside]
September 13
One Piece: Tell No Tales Season 1, Episode 3
Introducing the great pirate captain Usopp! The Straw Hats need a bigger boat and Usopp just might be able to hook them up because he knows the owner of the shipyard, Kaya. But Klahadore, Kaya's butler has other ideas. [more inside]
All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite: Dynamite 9/13 and Rampage 9/15 Season 4, Episode 50
Moxley returns to his hometown of Cincinnati to fight seven-odd foot of Bill! Also, stop me if you've heard this one before, it's a women's 4-way match! Don Callis reveals the next part of his eeeeevil portrait gallery, Le Sex Gods stop by to chat, and Page vs. Cage III. [more inside]
Invasion: The Tunnel Season 2, Episode 4
Jamila's decision to trek the Channel Tunnel puts the group face-to-face with an even deadlier enemy.
Only Murders in the Building: CoBro Season 3, Episode 7
Charles finds an unexpected source for a major clue; a Broadway icon comes knocking at Oliver's door; Mabel forms an alternate trio to pursue a lead that sheds light on Ben's bro and CoBro history.
Reservation Dogs: Send It Season 3, Episode 8
After the elders express their regret about what happened with Maximus, the Rez Dogs and the NDN Mafia team up to bust him out of the hospital. But Big's on the case. [more inside]
Book: The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Years ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel.
Ahsoka: Shadow Warrior Season 1, Episode 5
Ahsoka confronts her past, while Hera and her allies undertake a rescue mission.
September 12
Book: Lords and Ladies
Ahh, Midsummer in in the Ramtops, where the Lancre Coven returns from Genua to learn that Magrat is due to marry the King in two weeks' time, and that in their absence a gaggle of young new witches has been consorting with beings that they may not fully understand. Magrat meets the Royal Beekeeper, learns some local history, and chooses a new hat. Nanny Ogg has a hot date, does a little spelunking, and gives out some candy. Nanny's sons shoe a horse for a stranger, put on a play, and defend the castle against an invasion. And Granny Weatherwax stares at the sun, comes to grips with what might have been, and learns to borrow the Swarm... (Discworld #14, Witches #3). By Terry Pratchett. [more inside]
Taskmaster: Series 16, "I think my legs are actually arms without fingers..." Season 16 (Full Season)
Taskmaster: Series 16! (TRAILER) — This autumn, battling it out for the Golden Head Of The Taskmaster will be: Julian Clary!, Lucy Beaumont!, Sam Campbell!, Sue Perkins!, and Susan Wokoma!. Make the biggest bowl of popcorn: your time starts on September 21, 2023.
Special Event: Peter Gabriel I/O tour
Saw the show last night in Toronto, it was FANTASTIC. I thought there might be other fans on the Blue (purple) since I found out about the tour via this thread. The US leg is just getting kicked off so maybe we can get some discussion going here.
First thoughts: amazing ensemble, amazing visuals. I had hoped he would not lean quiiiite so hard into the new material but that's his prerogative. I feel like Peter struggled a bit to hit the high notes in spots but was still a consummate showman as always. Ayanna Witter-Johnson was particularly stunning on cello and vocals throughout (she had to be Kate Bush, AND Sinead, and herself...and a cello.)
Might be the last tour. Peter is 73, and his session bassist Tony Levin is 77. [at age 52 I suspect I was barely on the right side of the age distribution median]
American Ninja Warrior: American Ninja Warrior Big Finish Season 15 (Full Season)
The season ended with a bang last night, and a million dollar winner! (Not a spoiler, they've been hyping it all season). I really liked the head-to head races this season. Echoing my comments last year, more balance obstacles to reduce the importance of upper body strength would be a good move. Still the most interpersonal conflict-free hour or two of TV you'll get. Everybody roots for everybody, everybody is relentlessly happy. I almost want to see somebody scream F*CK, as they hit the water.
Movie: The Wicker Man
[TRAILER] A reclusive lawman (Nicolas Cage) travels to a secluded island to search for a girl who has gone missing. Once there, he discovers sinister forces at work among the island's secretive residents, including strange sexual rituals, a harvest festival and possible human sacrifice. [more inside]
Movie: Ulee's Gold
[TRAILER] Widowed beekeeper and Vietnam veteran Ulysses "Ulee" Jackson (Peter Fonda) raises his granddaughters (among them, Casey, played by Jessica Biel) because his son, Jimmy (Tom Wood), is in prison. When Jimmy finds out that his estranged wife, Helen (Christine Dunford), has gotten herself into trouble with a crew of drug dealers and has run away, he asks Ulee for help. Ulee begrudgingly agrees to find Helen. When he does, he must rely on the unexpected aid of a divorced nurse (Patricia Richardson) to get Helen through her withdrawal. [more inside]
September 11
Movie: Wax, or the Discovery of Television Among the Bees
A man recalls the story of how his bees implanted in him a bee television, causing him to lose all perception of space, time, and self in the deserts of the American West. [more inside]
Movie: Vanishing of the Bees
This documentary takes a piercing investigative look at the economic, political and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee. [more inside]
Movie: My Girl
Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky) is obsessed with death. Her mother is dead, and her father (Dan Aykroyd) runs a funeral parlor. She is also in love with her English teacher, and joins a poetry class over the summer just to impress him. Thomas J. (Macaulay Culkin), her best friend, is "allergic to everything", and sticks with Vada despite her hangups. When Vada's father hires Shelly, and begins to fall for her, things take a turn to the worse... [more inside]
Movie: The Secret Life of Bees
[TRAILER] Haunted by memories of her late mother and abused by her father (Paul Bettany), 14-year-old Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) runs away with her friend and caregiver Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) to the South Carolina town that holds the key to her mother's past. There, Lily meets the Boatwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo), who take her in and teach her about beekeeping, honey, and the Black Madonna. Lily also discovers that the truth about her mother is closer than she thinks. [more inside]
Movie: Hive
Ayşe returns to her hometown in northeastern Turkey to nurse her gravely ill mother. She promises to fulfill the dying woman's last wish: to care for her beloved bee farms. AKA Keeping the Bees. [more inside]
Movie: Bee Movie
[TRAILER] Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld), a bee who has just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa (Renée Zellweger), a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey, and subsequently decides to sue us. [more inside]
Movie: The Pollinators
A cinematic journey around the United States following migratory beekeepers and their truckloads of honey bees as they pollinate the flowers that become the fruits, nuts and vegetables we all eat. [more inside]
Movie: The Bees
Corporate smuggling of South American killer bees into the United States results in huge swarms terrorizing the northern hemisphere. A small team of scientists work desperately to destroy the threat, but the bees soon mutate into a super-intelligent species that threatens the world. [more inside]