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December 27
Movie: The Color Purple
A decades-spanning tale of love and resilience and of one woman's journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. [more inside]
Movie: Anatomy of a Fall
A woman is suspected of her husband's murder, and their blind son faces a moral dilemma as the main witness. [more inside]
December 26
Infinity Train: Book 1 Season 1, Episode 1
Infinity Train was a short-lived Cartoon Network series, who for its second two Books was moved to HBO Max, then unceremoniously delisted from there, because WARNER BROS IS TERRIBLE. That's right: current Infinity Train right now can only be legally seen on DVD or from tapes of on-air recordings. This is what you missed. Contains minor spoilers. [more inside]
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: We Visit The Garden Gnome Emporium Season 1, Episode 3
The Quest Begins! [more inside]
What If...?: What if… Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper? Season 2, Episode 5
The Watcher does not normally do sequels but... [more inside]
Book: The Color of Wealth
The Color of Wealth: The Story Behind the U.S. Racial Wealth Divide
Movie: Poor Things
Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, a young woman runs off with a debauched lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
December 25
What If...?: What if… Iron Man Crashed Into the Grandmaster? Season 2, Episode 4
Here we have the 'missing' episode from season 1 that was the source of the Gamora we met in What If…The Watcher Broke His Oath? [more inside]
Movie: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Aquaman (Jason Momoa) balances his duties as king and as a member of the Justice League, all while planning a wedding. Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen) is on the hunt for Atlantean tech to help rebuild his armor. Orm (Patrick Wilson) plots to escape his Atlantean prison. [more inside]
Reacher: A Night At The Symphony Season 2, Episode 4
Reacher and his team head to Boston to track down a political aide with insider knowledge of a top secret military-defense contract that may be the reason behind their friends' deaths. (IMDb) [more inside]
Movie: Wonka
Willy Wonka’s musical origin story, directed by Paul King of Paddington and staring Timothée Chalamet as the eponymous Wonka, Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa, plus appearances by just about everybody else in showbiz.
Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road Season 14 (Specials)
Long ago, on Christmas Eve, a baby was abandoned in the snow. Today, Ruby Sunday meets the Doctor, and perhaps, the secret of her birth.
Special: A Muppet Family Christmas
From 1987. Fozzy invites all of his friends to join him at his mother Emily Bear's farm for Christmas, disrupting her plan to vacation in Malibu and rent her home to a couple of boarders. They're joined by a few friends from Sesame Street and Kermit and Robin an interesting discovery below the house. [more inside]
The Great British Bake Off: The Great Christmas Bake Off 2023 Season 14 (Specials)
Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith judge a Christmas special featuring the Baker Ghosts of Christmas Past - one contestant from each previous series broadcast on Channel 4. [more inside]
December 24
Culprits: (Full Season) Season 1 (Full Season)
After a heist, the crew have gone their separate ways, but now, they are being targeted by a killer one-by-one. [more inside]
Special Event: Cinematic Titanic: SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS
When we went through Cinematic Titanic, we passed over one episode to save it for the Holiday Marathon: their re-riff of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. A weird conceit (the lives of Martian children are too regimented so they need Santa to break them out of it), the actors give it their all but the low production values have given it a reputation of one of the worst movies ever made. Among the actors in this are a young Pia Zadora as Girmar the Girl Martian, and Bill McCutcheon, who later appeared on Sesame Street and in Steel Magnolias, as the childlike Martian Dropo.
Book: How Civil Wars Start
"Drawing on the latest international research and lessons from over twenty countries, Walter identifies the crucial risk factors, from democratic backsliding to factionalization and the politics of resentment. A civil war today won’t look like America in the 1860s, Russia in the 1920s, or Spain in the 1930s. It will begin with sporadic acts of violence and terror, accelerated by social media. It will sneak up on us and leave us wondering how we could have been so blind."
Movie: The Shepherd
Christmas Eve night, 1957. A young RAF pilot finds himself lost over the North Sea with no radio, no compass and little fuel. Adapted from the 1975 novella by thriller writer Frederick Forsyth (The Day of the Jackal) who himself had flown the De Havilland Vampire in the RAF. [more inside]
What If...?: What If... Happy Hogan Saved Christmas? Season 2, Episode 3
This holiday season, things are gonna get... purple. [more inside]
AEW Collision: December 23, 2023 (& Rampage, December 22) Season 1, Episode 28
Say "thank you" to Santa if your holiday wishes included: (1) a nail-biter conclusion to the Continental Classic Blue League, (2) the company's four spoooOOOOOooookiest women in a tag match, or (3) a big hoss battle, because this week you got all three. PS if you watched this week's Rampage you also got a PPV-quality luchador title match! [more inside]
December 23
Podcast: Serial: The Retrievals - Ep. 1: The Patients (full season)
Patients at a fertility clinic experience excruciating, unexpected pain. For months the reason for that pain remains hidden. Then they get a letter from the clinic. [more inside]
What If...?: What If... Peter Quill Attacked Earth's Mightiest Heroes? Season 2, Episode 2
Which is to say, what if Yondu handed young Peter over to his father, Ego the Living Planet, as per the original plan? Well, then you might have a gathering of Earth's Mightiest Heroes... of 1988. Can a couple of plucky kids help save the day? Hey, it's the eighties. [more inside]
Movie: Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire
When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, a mysterious stranger living among its villagers becomes their best hope for survival. [more inside]
Book: Pageboy / Elliot Page
"Full of intimate stories, from chasing down secret love affairs to battling body image and struggling with familial strife, Pageboy is a love letter to the power of being seen. With this evocative and lyrical debut, Oscar-nominated star Elliot Page captures the universal human experience of searching for ourselves and our place in this complicated world." -- MacMillan [more inside]
December 22
Book: Assistant to the Villain
ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits. [more inside]
What If...?: What If... Nebula Joined the Nova Corps? Season 2, Episode 1
The multiverse-spanning animated series starts its second season with the cyborg daughter of Thanos working as a part of the planet Xandar's police force in what you could call NCPD Blue. Jeffrey Wright returns as the Watcher. [more inside]
For All Mankind: Crossing the Line Season 4, Episode 7
Helios workers go on strike. "Moscow Margo" returns to Houston with diplomatic immunity. Dev, Kelly and Alexei arrive on Mars. [more inside]
Movie: All of Us Strangers
A screenwriter drawn back to his childhood home enters into a fledgling relationship with a mysterious neighbor as he then discovers his parents appear to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before. [more inside]
December 21
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Episodes 1 & 2 Books Included Season 1, Episode 1
12-year-old demigod Percy Jackson discovers his abilities, gets expelled from school, is hunted by monsters, runs away to Camp Half-Blood, and plays capture-the-flag. [more inside]
All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite: December 20, 2023: Holiday Bash Season 5, Episode 12
As AEW comes to Oklahoma City we welcome back Good Ol' JR on commentary for the finals of the Continental Classic Gold League. The next challenger for Toni Storm's title will be revealed tonight, and MJF is gonna run his mouth at some very dangerous people. [more inside]
Fargo: The Tender Trap Season 5, Episode 6
Lorraine calls things off, Gator asks questions, Wayne makes a surprising discovery and Indira offers a new perspective.
Slow Horses: Cleaning Up Show Only Season 3, Episode 5
Tavarner and Tearney face off for control MI5. River and Louisa find themselves caught in the crossfire.
December 20
Carol & The End of the World: Sometimes when the world is ending, you just want to feel normal. Season 1 (Full Season)
An asteroid is heading toward earth and there are about 7 months before it's all over. How the world reacts isn't what you might expect. But Carol would prefer something simpler, just some nice apps at Applebees. [more inside]
Movie: Rambo: First Blood
A veteran Green Beret is forced by a cruel Sheriff and his deputies to flee into the mountains and wage an escalating one-man war against his pursuers.
December 19
Book: Asterix and the White Iris
"A strange new philosophy is gaining popularity amongst the Roman soldiers, spearheaded by the charismatic Isivertuus. When its enchanting influence reaches the Gauls, everything they once held dear is turned upside down. As news of the dire situation reaches Asterix and Obelix, they embark on a thrilling quest to confront Isivertuus and restore the indomitable spirit of the Gauls. Armed with their trademark humour, bravery, and trusty magic potion, can our heroic duo save the Chief's wife and break the spell of the White Iris?" [more inside]
A Murder at the End of the World: Retreat Season 1, Episode 7
The remaining guests gather and discover the killer among them.
December 18
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Elon Musk Season 10, Episode 21
This week, Rudy Giuliani sued for defamation of two Georgia election workers, dinged for $148 megadollars, and went right back to repeating the claims that got him successfully sued outside the courtroom. The main story: Elon Musk, the good and bad. A bit of good (getting the big automakers to care about EVs), but a whole lot of bad. On Youtube (31 minutes). And Now: People On TV Do Not Understand This Holiday Dessert (fruitcake). And finally, this is the end of Season 10 of Last Week Tonight. There is a look back at some episodes, and talk about some stories that didn't happen because of the (necessary!) writer's strike. Thanks for watching along, see you when Season 11 starts. [more inside]
AEW Collision: December 16, 2023 (& Rampage, December 15) Season 1, Episode 27
As the Continental Classic nears completion, members of the Blackpool Combat Club seem to dominate as Eddie Kingston hangs on by a thread. Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale attempt to settle scores in a streetfight, and Abadon is back so we get two women's matches on one show! [more inside]
Reacher: Picture Says a Thousand Words Season 2, Episode 3
After more of his friends fall victim, Reacher forges an uneasy alliance with a dogged detective, and their only clue in the case leads the 110th to a troubling discovery. (IMDb) [more inside]
Reacher: What Happens in Atlantic City Season 2, Episode 2
The investigation into Franz's murder takes Reacher and the surviving members of his former Army unit to Atlantic City where the mystery deepens, danger awaits, and an old flame is rekindled. (IMDb) [more inside]
Movie: Wedding Crashers
John Beckwith and Jeremy Grey, a pair of committed womanizers who sneak into weddings to take advantage of the romantic tinge in the air, find themselves at odds with one another when John meets and falls for Claire Cleary. [more inside]
The Gilded Age: In Terms of Winning and Losing Season 2, Episode 8
The van Rhijn staff question their employment. Jack's patent is approved. Peggy wins for local schools, ponders leaving NY Globe. Marian reveals feelings to Dashiell. Bertha and Mrs. Astor make final opera war maneuvers. [more inside]
December 17
Saturday Night Live: Kate McKinnon / Billie Eilish Season 49, Episode 8
Dr. Hattie Davis is not a real person. [more inside]
The Curse: The Fire Burns On Season 1, Episode 6
A plan is hatched to spice up the show.
The Curse: It's a Good Day Season 1, Episode 5
Whitney and Asher struggle to see eye-to-eye in the hunt for a homebuyer.
December 16
Reacher: ATM Season 2, Episode 1
Reacher and Neagley investigate the murder of a member of 110th, a group of Special investigators assembled by Reacher, only to realize the whole unit may be at risk. The first 3 episodes have dropped, weekly thereafter on Amazon Prime. [more inside]
December 15
Movie: A Hard Day
After covering up a hit-and-run, a crooked homicide detective is stalked by a mysterious figure claiming to have witnessed the event. Directed by Kim Seong Hun. [more inside]
Special Event: Ring Of Honor: Final Battle 2023
It has been a wild year for Ring of Honor since last year's Final Battle. After tragically losing ROH mainstay Jay Briscoe in January this year, the company rebuilt itself following Tony Khan's 2022 purchase and resumed national tours. Talent from ROH and All Elite Wrestling have been mingling all year, and with the ROH World Championship and the Tag Team Championships locked down in AEW storylines, the show has compensated by adding emotionally rich grudge matches and some out-of-town spectacle to the normal lineup. Tonight's show, like all of Ring of Honor dating back to 2002, can be watched by members of Honor Club at the ROH website. [more inside]
The Crown: final six episodes of season 6 Season 6, Episode 5
Covers the episodes "Willsmania," "Ruritania," "Alma Mater," "Ritz," "Hope Street," and "Sleep, Dearie, Sleep." Might as well put them all into one post since they all dropped at once.
December 14
For All Mankind: Leningrad Season 4, Episode 6
Unlikely partnerships are formed at a high-stakes international conference. [more inside]
Special Event: Mystery Fandom Theater 3000: INVASION OF THE ANIMAL PEOPLE
Second of five fan-made episodes that seek to recreate a Comedy Central-era Mystery Science Theater 3000 experience. The movie is hard to explain... aliens in a round spaceship come to Earth and use a remote-controlled monster to kill reindeer and tear apart houses. There's also a lady they're harassing. Rifftrax covered this movie some 17 years later.
Podcast: 99% Invisible: 562- Breaking Down The Power Broker (with Conan O'Brien)
The podcast 99% Invisible is reading The Power Broker next year. Let's do a readalong / listenalong! I know I've done this under the podcast and not the book, but the book weights three point five freaking pounds and I like the idea of discussing it in chunks. We could talk about the book and the podcast here.
Fargo: The Tiger Season 5, Episode 5
Dot creates diversions, Roy meets his match, and Indira helps a new friend.
Movie: Theater Camp
After the indomitable and beloved founder of a scrappy theater camp in upstate New York falls into a coma, the eccentric staff must band together with her clueless “crypto-bro” son to keep the thespian paradise afloat.
December 13
All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite: December 13, 2023: Winter Is Coming Season 5, Episode 11
Tonight is synergy-a-plenty, as Dynamite airs from Dallas and celebrates the Von Erichs, which also handily promotes The Iron Claw (coming soon to theaters featuring MJF in a teeny tiny role), while also finishing the remaining matches for the Continental Classic. Riho gets her return match, and Samoa Joe is super-pissed off. [more inside]
Book: Starter Villain
Inheriting your uncle's supervillain business is more complicated than you might think. Particularly when you discover who's running the place. [more inside]
Slow Horses: Uninvited Guests Show Only Season 3, Episode 4
Tearney takes bold decision. Unaware of their hidden agenda, slow horses assists the tiger team. Meanwhile, Lamb and Ho Goes on a road trip. [more inside]
December 12
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Freight Trains Season 10, Episode 20
This week... a BBC anchorperson is caught flipping a bird to the camera for a brief moment as her broadcast begins. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announces that the security camera footage of the House from Jan 6 he plans on releasing will have faces blurred to help protect them from prosecution for trying to overthrow the US Government. And Now: Everyone on CBS Mornings Wants To Fuck Meteorologist Jim Cantore. The main story is on freight trains, which were massively deregulated in the 80s so they could compete with trucking, but now it seems only a matter of time until another accident occurs like the one that happened earlier this year in East Palestine, Ohio. As John Oliver puts it, "Industry + Deregulation - Government Oversight = Episode of Last Week Tonight. And guess what guys: here we are." And it concludes with a new adventure on the island of Sodor, narrated by Matt Barry: fun! And the giant explosion it ends with is fun too. On Youtube (28 minutes) [more inside]
Glitch: (2022, Kdrama) Season 1 (Full Season)
Glitch (2022) is a Korean scifi drama. Hong Ji-Hyo (Jeon Yeo-been) and Heo Bo-ra (Nana) are childhood friends who are obsessed with UFOs and alien abductions. Years later, they reunite to solve the mystery of Ji-hyo's mysteriously missing boyfriend, which leads to deeper and more sinister mysteries. It's on Netflix in the USA. [more inside]
A Murder at the End of the World: Crime Seen Season 1, Episode 6
Darby uncovers the secret retreat within the retreat.
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