SUPERMAN AND LOIS Are Parents

 Article first published as SUPERMAN AND LOIS TV Review on Seat42F.

The CW has a new entry to their DC Arrowverse with SUPERMAN AND LOIS. Superman is a character who has had many, many incarnations on screens big and small, and the CW has had a lot of superhero shows over the past decade. But while key elements to Superman’s well-known legend are present, SUPERMAN AND LOIS feels different on both counts, and a worthy addition to a crowded slate.

SUPERMAN AND LOIS spends a few minutes reminding fans of the story between the titular couple, which is both a refresher on the often-told origin story and an outline of what choices have been made differently in this version of the tale. Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch reprise their lead roles from earlier CW DC appearances. Then, we catch up with the couple in Metropolis, where Lois is “the most famous reporter in the world” while Clark’s Superman is successfully keeping the planet safe. And they have twin fourteen-year-olds at home, Jonathan (Jordan Elsass, Little Fires Everywhere) and Jordan (Alex Garfin, The Peanuts Movie), who sometimes feel a bit overlooked by their busy parents, especially Clark, whose secret they don’t know.

The primary plotline in the pilot of SUPERMAN AND LOIS finds Clark feelings out-of-touch as a father and struggling to right that. He still saves people, but he’s realizing that he needs to be present at home, as well, a sentiment that Lois agrees with, but her father, General Sam Lane (Dylan Walsh, Nip/Tuck), does not. So when Clark is laid off by The Daily Planet and his mother, Martha (Michele Scarabelli, Alien Nation), passes away, he takes the opportunity to move his family to Smallville and try being a stay-at-home farmer-father.

In true hero fashion, Clark has multiple motivations for doing this, besides his wife telling him to be a better dad. Lois strongly suspects something rotten is going on in the dying small town as a rich man forces residents into reverse mortgages and buys up properties. Also, moody Jordan exhibits superpowers, although his brother, star athlete Jonathan, does not. And the boys discover Clark’s secret. So he’s trying to get back in touch with them while helping them cope with tough stuff in the only way he knows how – the same way his parents did with him.

Smallville is full of memories, of course. Besides the farm, there’s Clark’s ex, Lana Lang Cushing (Emmanuelle Chriqui, Entourage), who works for the bank. Her husband, Kyle (Erik Valdez, Graceland), is kind of a jerk, though Lana makes excuses for him. Their daughter, Sarah (Inde Navarrette, 13 Reasons Why), is clearly a love interest for Jordan, despite already having a boyfriend. Plus there’s a villainous Luthor afoot because, of course.

But SUPERMAN AND LOIS won’t be a rehash of Smallville or any other Superman adventure because Clark is in a different place. He’s the dad now. And his sons are very different from him. They have their own challenges and relationships, which are pretty different from Clark’s with his parents. All of the Arrowverse shows have some kind of family element, but on this one, family is the central core, with the superhero stuff being the side story. For now, anyway. So it’s a new twist on an old tale, and one I’m very much looking forward to. Fresh Superman is not something I expected in 2021, but SUPERMAN AND LOIS delivers.

There are two things that bother me a bit about the setup. One, Jonathan and Jordan seem way closer and more understanding of one another than any two siblings I’ve ever seen in real life. Two, I get Clark being busy with his Superman stuff, but Lois is an extremely present mother while still maintaining her international reputation? That seems far-fetched. More likely, there’s a missing caregiver who was with the boys a lot before the series begins.

Still, these are small squabbles, and I’m excited to see this iteration. SUPERMAN AND LOIS airs Tuesday evenings on the CW.

SHUT EYE Review

Article first published as SHUT EYE Review on Seat42F.

My name is Charlie Haverford. I used to be a magic trick inventor. Until I became a fake psychic for a bunch of gypsies. When you’re a fake psychic, you’ve got nothing: no say in what you do. You do whatever work the Romas who control the area send your way. You disappoint anyone who’s still talking to you: an unsatisfied wife, a screw-up sister, kids, too, a hypnotist, if you’re desperate. Bottom line? Until you figure out how to get out from under the Roma thumb, you’re not going anywhere.

OK, so fun with the intro to this review aside, there are major difference between Jeffrey Donovan’s previous USA series, Burn Notice, and his new drama on Hulu, SHUT EYE, premiering this week. Still, it’s hard not to draw some parallels. Donovan’s Charlie used to be great at something, has gotten into a situation where he’s not doing what he wants to do, and doesn’t have an easy way out, sort of like Michael Weston. Also, those around him, while supportive, are not the A team he might pick, but he’s committed to them.

Yet, I like SHUT EYE a lot better than Burn Notice. Burn Notice was a thin, case-of-the-week procedural that rarely went anywhere until the end. SHUT EYE is a much more complex, ongoing tale in which a man who has been beaten into submission gains an actual clairvoyant gift, which may just be what he’s been waiting for to make some changes.

Donovan is good, building upon his success in Fargo last year. He’s someone who can play pathetic and obedient well, but there’s an edge to him that is interesting. He is surrounded by a decent cast that includes KaDee Strickland (Private Practice), Isabella Rossellini (Alias, Joy), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Entourage), Susan Misner (The Americans), David Zayas (Dexter), Mel Harris (Saints & Sinners), Dylan Schmid (Once Upon a Time), and Angus Sampson (Fargo). Almost all are well cast, and the dynamics are set pretty solidly in the pilot.

The world is one not often portrayed in long-form, that of con men and women running a very successful racket of an industry, which I appreciate. Of course, those involved are little better than thugs and gangsters, and who is on top is purely a matter of showing strength and effectively threatening. It’s seedy stuff, but a new version of the dark worlds that currently populate television.

Somehow, though, through it all, Charlie comes across as being a likeable character. Rossellini’s Rita says it best when she calls him an honest liar. Charlie does engage in the same trickery as the others, but he also helps people and cares about people. He is loyal and he follows the rules, until he is pushed past a breaking point. Even then, his intentions are good, and he’ll only turn on those who deserve it. He’s a bit noble, which is surprising, given his profession and the situation he’s in.

SHUT EYE is set up to be a hero’s journey. We’re likely to see Charlie find his inner spirit and fight back when he needs to. We’ll see him rise from his lowly position and be a man to be proud of. Hopefully at least Linda (Strickland), his wife, will see that, and maybe stop fooling around with Gina (Chriqui) on the side, not that viewers are likely to blame her in the moment; Charlie hasn’t yet awoke when that occurs. Still, I find myself rooting for them to fix their marriage, and thinking Charlie might forgive her if he learns the truth.

SHUT EYE isn’t a perfect series. The story isn’t as gripping as one might like, with the flaws in the characters being a detriment to engaging with the story. Some of the plot twists or momentum seems forced and artificial. None of the performances are the type to make you start thinking of awards season, though they’re serviceable across the board. But it’s pretty good, and I do want to see more of it.

SHUT EYE will release its entire first season Wednesday, December 7^th on Hulu.

Entourage reaches "The End"

     On HBO's Entourage finale, appropriately titled "The End," everyone finds their happy ending. Ari (Jeremy Piven) quits his job so he can give his wife, Melissa (Perrey Reeves), usually known as Mrs. Ari, the attention that she wants. Vince (Adrian Grenier), after a single 24-hour date, invites everyone to his wedding with Sophia (Alice Eve) in Paris. With some help from his friends, E (Kevin Connolly) has another chance with the mother of his baby, Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui). Entourage begins as a series about friends, but ends with a focus on family, both actual relations, and friends that are as close as such.

     If there is one complaint to be had about "The End," it's that it is far too short. Minimum, it should have been an hour. Two would have been even better. The extra time is needed because there are a number of things that were not shown, but should have been. First, viewers never get to observe Vince and Sophia on that magical date, and only see them together as they are getting ready to fly away. Second, Ari's breakup with Dana (Constance Zimmer), though logical based on the previous episode, is also done off stage. There is no chance to see if E and Sloan will ever work things out, just that they have the opportunity to. And in a perfect world, Billy (Rhys Coiro), Lloyd (Rex Lee), and Scott (Scott Caan) would go to the wedding, because they are all part of Vince's expanded entourage now. Maybe Shauna (Debi Mazar), too. It would be nice, if a tad cliche, to see the wedding.

     Perhaps, biggest of all, Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and Drama (Kevin Dillon) get no personal plot in "The End," spending all their screen time helping out friends. While that serves them well, fans also care about the two as individuals. One can assume that Drama's career is finally in good shape, given the development in the previous episode. But while Turtle now has money, fans never get to see how his next investment plays out, or if he finds romantic happiness. These are important elements to the character, and with the shortened final season, there is no time to address them.

     Vince's sudden nuptials are not surprising. His character is frequently passionate, and prone to obsession throughout Entourage. Given the way that he handles his career, it should be predictable that he will finally treat his love life the same way. Vince has great follow through, too, so it just might work out. But to complainers who think a single day is not enough time for Vince to choose marriage, re-watch the character for the past eight seasons and consider again.

     A feature film followup to Entourage seems an almost sure thing at this point, so it's hard to get too nit picky about how things should end. After all, life goes on, and the series has to stop at some point. Presumably, we will see if E and Sloan can make it work, if Sophia and Vince will last, how Drama will do with his renewed acting career, what happens to Turtle, and how Lloyd becomes a super agent replacement for Ari. It is for this reason that "The End" is not a total disappointment. The events that happen in "The End" are wonderful, and it's very much a feel good episode. But it definitely leaves viewers wanting more.

     Finally, what will Ari do? If you stick around after the closing credits begin to roll, you are treated to a scene where John (Alan Dale) calls Ari and wants Ari to replace him. Ari is clearly tempted, and lies to Melissa about it afterwards. Barely a week into their one year vacation, and hardly off of the brink of divorce, is there any chance he will ask her to consider letting him start a new, demanding career? Is there a way they can make it work and still save their marriage? Maybe she will grow tired of him after a solid week of being together, and wish for their old life back? These are questions for the movie to answer.

     Thank you, Entourage, for a great eight seasons. Here's hoping the beloved characters continue for some time to come.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To catch up on Entourage with streaming episodes and DVDs, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Entourage - "The End" on Blogcritics.

There's a "Motherfu*ker" on Entourage

     This week's episode of HBO's Entourage is censored in many places, including TV guides and HBO's official website. The fact that it appears differently in each, seems to indicate the real, intended name. Let's go with "Motherf***er," for the purposes of this review, and it's likely you will understand what it really is.

     In "Motherf***er," Sloan's (Emmanuelle Chiriqui) ex-step mother Melinda (Melinda Clarke, Nikita) approaches  Eric (Kevin Connolly) for representation. Eric is a bit torn; he is not over Sloan, and isn't sure he should represent Melinda because of that. Melinda assures him it will be a good idea, gets a drink with him, and Eric and Melinda end up sleeping together. Which is exactly what Melinda plans, and Sloan calls to warn Eric, too late.

     Longtime fans of Entourage may still be rooting for an Eric-Sloan reunion before the series comes to a close. With only three episodes to go, this now appears more than a little unlikely. Sloan is still angry with Eric, and she doesn't even know yet about his hookup. Of all the mistakes Eric could make, sleeping with Melinda is surely one of the least easily overcome ones. Why would the writers throw such a huge, horrible curve ball with so little time left in the series? It's disappointing, to say the least.

     Luckily, not all of "Motherf***er" is such a let down. Jeremy Piven, who already has multiple Emmys for the role of Ari, is having his best season yet, by far. Usually an arrogant, loudmouthed, SOB, Ari takes a softer side as his marriage to Mrs. Ari (Perrey Reeves) falls apart. Despite talking a big game, Ari is in love with Mrs. Ari, and never cheats on her. But she is tired of him choosing his job over family. This season, Ari doesn't put work first, almost ever, but the few times he does, such as in this episode, Mrs. Ari is right there to catch him at it and berate him for it. It's not fair, and he deserves a second chance.

     But does Ari even need her? Sure, he would still go back to Mrs. Ari in a heartbeat, and that's probably how the series will end. Yet, at nearly the last minute, Ari's long-ago love Dana Gordon (Constance Zimmer) returns and they strike up a renewed relationship. Dana understands the situation, and likely won't fight for Ari should he be allowed to return to his family. But she also offers Ari unconditional love for who he is, and provides an alternative should the marriage not be saved. Piven kills with the subtleties involved in the whole mess. He keeps Ari on the edge, letting his professional life slip in the name of happiness. It's a tour de force that deserves one more gold statue. And perhaps a happy ending with Dana.

      Elsewhere, Drama (Kevin Dillon) is on the verge of a successful career. Despite his worry that his new animated show will fail without Andrew Dice Clay (himself) involved, Andrew Klein (Gary Cole) assures Drama that he is the one the studio intends to build the series around. Could it be possible, or is Klein just stroking Drama's ego? One hopes the former, as Drama has suffered enough ups and downs, mostly downs, in his career. While it's hard not to believe Drama's insistence that the series sucks with Dice's replacement (Jamie Kennedy, Ghost Whisperer), perhaps Klein is right. Certainly Entourage won't end with Drama on a such a sour note?

     It's hard to see how the show can wrap things up neatly with only three weeks left, but they haven't let fans down yet. The final season of Entourage, which also stars Adrian Grenier and Jerry Ferrara, continues Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET on HBO.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To catch up on Entourage with streaming episodes and DVDs, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Entourage - "Motherf***er" on Blogcritics.

Entourage wishes for "Home Sweet Home"

     As HBO's Entourage begins its final season with "Home Sweet Home," a lot changes for the boys. Vince (Adrian Grenier) is out of rehab, and Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon) goes to great lengths to make sure there isn't a substance around to tempt his brother. Drama is only partially successful, as Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) can't bear to part with everything. E (Kevin Connolly) and Scott (Scott Caan) have taken over the management company they work for, and their names now grace the letterhead. Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui) upsets E when she mails back his engagement ring. Ari (Jeremy Piven) is in much the same boat as E, learning Mrs. Ari (Perrey Reeves), from whom he is unhappily separated, is seeing another man.

     Ari is the single best character in "Home Sweet Home." At heart, he is the same guy he has always been. Ari talks a big game, as he needs to, to be successful in his chosen career. But he is still a devoted family man to Mrs. Ari and the kids. After ten weeks of being apart, Ari is letting work slip, though, as Lloyd (Rex Lee) points out. This is a change for the sharkish agent, and almost a tad regrettable. Ari does have a tendency to let work rule his life when it shouldn't, but only because he cares so deeply for his family and certain clients. Certain clients, of course, being Vince. However, Mrs. Ari says she wants Ari to put family first, and he is doing that now more than ever. He is bending over backwards to try to make her happy.

     Is it too late? While Ari does his best to work his way back into Mrs. Ari's good graces, she reveals to him that she is seeing another man. Ari talks tough, but he never cheats on her. They have been married many years. Besides only recently splitting, they are in counseling together. That, along with the lengths Ari is going to win her back, which are implied, even if not explicitly shown much, makes her reentry into the dating world so soon a severe betrayal to him. If she is that done with her marriage, why keep stringing Ari along, as counseling does? Why not tell him sooner? It's pure torture. Mrs. Ari is the heartless one in this coupling.

     The tears rolling down Ari's cheeks at the end of "Home Sweet Home," as he says he doesn't want to be left out to the guys, may be Piven's most moving, best acted scene to date. It also demonstrates range away from the loud, foul-mouthed character he usually is. Though, of course, no one wants him to permanently change from that guy.

     E has been in an on again/off again relationship with Sloan for nearly the entire run of Entourage. Disappointingly, they are currently off. Why? Haven't they been through enough? It almost feels like a cop out, that the fight over the prenup is only shown in aftermath. Did the writers decide that fans have seen enough of the duo arguing? Because that is true. But when there is a real issue to work out, and surely they will work it out before Entourage comes to an end, it would be nice to see them really explore their feelings. Instead, they are already in a bitter feud as "Home Sweet Home" starts.

     Professionally, E is having a better time of it. He doesn't always see eye to eye with Scott, but considering how the latter has become a part of E's circle of friends, there is enough commonality for them to work out a business arrangement. With the two having taken down their boss, again, something it would have been nice to see on screen, they will likely be capable of keeping things running smoothly. E certainly has his weaknesses as a manager, but Scott is a nice balance, who can pick up the slack where E falters. A brief scene where the two try to sign Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory) as a client is nothing short of wonderful.

     Johnny Drama actually has an acting career in "Home Sweet Home," something he has merely yearned for throughout Entourage's seasons. With his animated series going well, and a possible TV movie in the pipeline, the older brother is in demand more than he has been in years. Will he screw it up? Inevitably, he will probably fail again. Drama is his own worst enemy, and cannot allow himself to do well for long. However, with the series so close to a close, perhaps this time will be different. Fans will be disappointed if Drama is back in the unemployment line as the final credits roll, which hints that maybe this time fame will stick. Well, relative fame, anyway.

     A sober Vince is a strange sight to behold. The lynchpin of Entourage, Vince has many ups and downs. Last season, his drug use reveals a brand new, very deep low. Now Vince is staying away from even alcohol. With his friends walking on egg shells around him, even Billy Walsh (Rhys Coiro), who knows how Vince feels, they are doing more harm than good. Vince needs to find normal again, albeit a new normal, where mind altering substances are not a part of it. If he cannot feel relaxed with the people he cares most about, how can he be expected to reacclimate? Worse, Vince may soon begin blaming his sobriety on their new behavior, and seek to return to an arrangement he is comfortable with, which will include alcohol and drugs.

     But, again, because Entourage is in its final season, it is more likely Vince will stay on top of his problem. He only has seven short episodes left to reignite his career, and so much focus will be on getting him there, rather than fighting old demons. His next big picture is months away, so something else will have to come along in the meantime. Whatever it is, for a storytelling climax, it is likely to be life altering.


     Entourage continues its final season Sunday nights at 10:35 p.m. ET on HBO.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To catch up on Entourage with streaming episodes and DVDs, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Entourage - "Home Sweet Home" on Blogcritics.