Back to court: The CW goes to ‘61st Street’ for Season 2
BY DANA SIMPSON
It’s taken two networks and two years for a series to complete its North American run, but the time has come.
An outlet ultimately deciding not to show a season of a program it commissioned has become more common, and “61st Street” got caught in that. The drama premiered on AMC in 2022, with two seasons ordered at once (and filmed back-toback). After the first round of episodes ran there, AMC decided not to show the second set … but The CW, which was seeking material made by others to fill its schedule under new ownership, stepped in and picked up those unaired chapters. Thus, Season 2 of “61st Street” will be seen there starting Monday, July 22.
Much of the first season’s cast remains in the sophomore stanza, led by Courtney B. Vance (“The Hunt for Red October,” 1990). After winning many awards, including a Primetime Emmy, as one of the most famous attorneys ever — Johnnie Cochran, in “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” — he plays a different sort of lawyer this time around. In Season 1 of the Chicago-set “61st Street,” his Franklin Roberts
defended a young athlete mistaken for a gang member by police. The case eventually involved much more, with cops and prosecutors using it to try to settle some scores over a policeman’s death during a drug raid.
“61st Street” deals principally with a different case in Season 2, as Officer Johnny Logan (still portrayed by Mark O’Brien, “Halt and Catch Fire”) takes legal action against the Chicago Police Department while he’s under suspicion of police brutality, and Roberts represents him. Karen Aldridge (“Severance”), Paul Turner (“Road to Perdition,” 2002) and Brenda Strong (“Desperate Housewives”) are among cast additions, while other returnees include “King Richard” Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Bentley Green (“Snowfall”) and Holt McCallany (“Mindhunter”).
With “Lovecraft Country” (which also brought him a Primetime Emmy) and “Genius: Aretha” also among his recent credits, Vance has been active in television, for which he’ll receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025. Also an executive producer of “61st Street” along with others, including
fellow actor Michael B. Jordan (“Black Panther,” 2018) and series creator Peter Moffat (“Your Honor”), he says, “I think we all had to get our minds around how big this thing was. We didn’t have one person who was overseeing the day-to-day operations, so all the actors and much of the crew had to pitch in and make sure we were on the same page.”
Though “61st Street” differs from “The People vs. O.J. Simpson,” Vance — the husband of actress Angela Bassett (“9-1-1”) — was drawn to both dramas by their shared theme of the legal arena and by the ever-intensifying place the law holds for so many people in daily living.
“It is a prime time for discussions of right and wrong, of moral centers,” he reflects. “I think we’re at a crossroads about what’s right for a city, a country and a society. If someone crosses a line, what is the right thing to do? We continually find ways to say it’s the (citizens’) fault, and maybe we need to look at the way police are trained and how they react to situations. Maybe we need a reboot, but at least we need to talk about it.”
Horoscopes
The luckiest signs this week:
ARIES, TAURUS AND GEMINI
ARIES
You may need to speak up to be heard among those close to you. Afterward, you may feel tired. Resting and taking a step back this week is a good idea.
TAURUS
This week, you’ll be flooded with responsibilities. Time will be of the essence. Even if you’re on holiday, you must manage your time to ensure you do and see everything you planned.
GEMINI
A spontaneous getaway or holiday trip will make you very happy. You might even consider returning to school to start a more exciting career.
CANCER
Strong emotions often indicate a need for change. After a deep cleaning and a bit of effort, you’ll reset your priorities and feel happy again
LEO
You’re good at negotiating, which will help you professionally and personally. You might find some great deals while shopping. You’ll be able to resolve conflicts easily.
VIRGO
You’ll be busy this week, whether at work or home. You must pay attention to every detail to keep everyone happy, even if you’re on vacation.
LIBRA
You’ll be in the spotlight this week. People will be interested in everything you say, and you’ll feel proud. Expect applause!
SCORPIO
You’ll spend some of the week improving your home and hosting a family member. This will improve your quality of life and environment.
SAGITTARIUS
You’ll travel far to join your family on a holiday that will meet your expectations. You won’t compromise on anything to maximize your free time.
CAPRICORN
Although RSVPs to an activity have been slow, everyone will show up. Summer might even inspire you to start a new career.
AQUARIUS
You’ll be in the mood for partying and having fun instead of working. You’ll be promoted, which will make you very happy. You’ll enjoy your holidays to the fullest.
PISCES
You’ll have a lot to do this week, yet some things may seem confusing. Take some time to think before you act. Your overflowing imagination will help you create something amazing.
New Streaming Movies & Shows
This biographical drama explores the story of how reggae icon Bob Marley (Kingsley Ben-Adir) overcame adversity, and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Lashana Lynch, James Norton, Tosin Cole, Umi Myers, Anthony Welsh and Nia Ashi are among the cast.
Hosted by supermodel and actress Kate Upton, this new reality competition series takes fans behind the curtain of the unpredictable fashion and music industries, following 11 aspiring fashion designers on their journey to create stunning fashion pieces, worthy of global superstars like JoJo Siwa, Paula Abdul, Toni Braxton, Ty Dolla $ign and more.
Word Search
“Dress My Tour” (July 23)
“Bob Marley: One Love” (July 23)
Where all the top choices can be found in one place!
“Resurrected Rides” - Season 1 (July 24)
From the original producers of the early 2000s MTV hit “Pimp My Ride,” the new series, hosted by comedian and actor Chris Redd, takes the busted-up beater cars of some lucky owners and transforms them into jaw-dropping, roadworthy rides. Featuring a cast of expert mechanics — including Shayna Guy, Saul Valencia, Oscar Valencia, Lacey Blair, Steven Nelson and Don Abenante — the series delivers mind-blowing transformations in every episode.
“Firebuds” - Season 2, New Episodes (July 24)
This computer-animated children’s series follows a young boy named Bo Bayani (Declan Whaley), who teams up with his anthropomorphic fire truck friend, Flash Fireson (Terrence Little Gardenhigh), to keep the city safe from threats of danger. Joining Bo and Flash are Jayden Jones (Jecobi Swain) and his police vehicle, Piston Porter (Caleb Paddock) and Violet Vega Vaughn (Vivian Vencer) with her ambulance, Axl Ambrose (Lily Sanfelippo).
Q: I was wondering if you had heard if Robert Downey Jr. made “Sherlock Holmes 3” yet? If so, when was it released?
A: The long-awaited third installment of the successful Sherlock Holmes movies, with Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man,” 2008) as the titular sleuth, is still on hold. But it’s “alive in our hearts,” according to Downey’s wife and producing partner, Susan.“There’s no update, other than it’s still very much alive in our hearts,” she told ScreenRant.com earlier this year. “There needs to be a really strong reason, it needs to be a great story, and we do have some things in the works.”People have been wondering about the film for over a decade now — since the second film in the series, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” was released in 2011 and earned a half-billion dollars at the box office. But one reason people, including the Downeys, are talking about it again is the news that the films’ original director, Guy Ritchie (“Snatch,” 2000), is now working on a TV series called “Young Sherlock” that looks at the great detective as a boy.
Zoidberg (West) and embark on adventures across the universe.
General Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney and Living Wills (Declaration of Desire for Natural Death) - Plus Written Documentation Explanations. Glenn Givens has lots of experience with these documents and has given mulitple speeches on these topics. Call Glenn at (803) 418-0800; ext. 108 for Details
Best Olympic movies MOVIES
BY JAY BOBBIN
“Charlie Chan at the Olympics” (1937): Yes, really. Footage from the previous year’s Berlin Olympics figures into this caper that takes the sleuth (Warner Oland) to those Games.
“Walk, Don’t Run” (1966): Cary Grant made his final screen appearance in this comedy set against the backdrop of the Tokyo Olympics, where scarce quarters make roommates of strangers (Grant, Samantha Eggar, Jim Hutton).
“Chariots of Fire” (1981): Generally acknowledged as the top Olympics movie to date, confirmed by its Oscar for best picture, director Hugh Hudson’s drama casts Ben Cross and Ian Charleson as British competitors in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris.
TCM also presents this on July 21.
“American Anthem” (1986):
With a 1984 gold medal as a U.S. gymnast, Mitch Gaylord was suited to this drama about ... a gymnast seeking Olympic gold.
“The Cutting Edge” (1992):
A good-time hockey player (D.B. Sweeney) and a prissy figure skater (Moira Kelly) bicker a lot, en route to glory and love, in this very entertaining comedy from director Paul M. Glaser (who, as an actor, was the first half of television’s “Starsky and Hutch”).
“Cool Runnings” (1993): The first Jamaican bobsledding team in the history of the Winter Olympics, with John Candy as the trainer, fuels this popular fact-based comedy.
“Miracle” (2004): The U.S. hockey team’s 1980 “miracle on ice” over Russian opponents is dramatized, with Kurt Russell as Coach Herb Brooks.
“Munich” (2005): Steven Spielberg’s intense drama, starring Daniel Craig, traces what happened after athletes were murdered by terrorists at the 1972 Games.
“Unbroken” (2014): While it also focuses on his later military career, this drama (directed by Angelina Jolie) considers the performance by Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) as a distance runner in the 1936 Berlin Games.
“I, Tonya” (2017): Margot Robbie has the title role as the figure skater who became one of the sport’s most controversial figures, particularly through the link Tonya Harding had to an infamous crime intended to take her chief rival out of the game — and Games. Allison Janney earned an Oscar as Harding’s mother.
James Bond fights ‘Spectre’ in Daniel Craig’s fourth 007 caper
BY JAY BOBBIN
Arguably the best thing about “Spectre” is that Daniel Craig is still James Bond in it. On the other side of that coin, perhaps the worst thing about the 2015 adventure is that it spends a little too much time looking backward rather than forward.
Longtime Bond fans may be a little too critical of these movies, but too often, “Spectre” — which MGM+ shows Monday, July 22, with MGM+ Hits also running it on Friday, July 26 — goes by the numbers: a vicious train fight here (see “From Russia With Love”), an Aston-Martin car there (check “Goldfinger”). Still, great pleasure remains in seeing Craig embody Bond for what was the next-to-last time, pursuing the enemy organization that the star’s rebooted Agent 007 encounters.
It’s run by Christoph Waltz’s character, who shares a past with Bond that has made them brothers of sorts. Ultimately, though, the central bad guy turns out to be someone the 007 faithful have known very well for a long time. The spoiler alert on that has long sailed, but we’ll hold to it for those who still may not know the secret.
The main women with whom Bond gets involved in “Spectre” have ties to his enemies: Lea Seydoux (who would return in Craig’s farewell to the series, “No Time to Die”) plays the daughter of his reappearing foe Mr. White (Jesper Christensen) and is the main love interest, and Monica Bellucci — notably a more
mature fling for our hero — plays, albeit briefly, a criminal’s widow.
And it’s a delight that such then-new series regulars as Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whishaw (alias M and Q, respectively) have sufficient screen time. Sadly, however, Naomie Harris gets a bit less to do than in “Skyfall” as the resourceful Moneypenny.
Director Sam Mendes also returned from “Skyfall,” and he again furnishes solid action sequences starting with a whopper in and above Mexico City. A frantic car chase through the (surprisingly) empty streets of Rome, pitting Bond against a vicious and silent killer (Dave Bautista), is a highlight as well.
Kudos, too, to Thomas Newman for another excellent music score that partially draws upon past Bond themes, some of them his own from the preceding film. (The Sam Smith-performed song “Writing’s on the Wall” won an Oscar.) In fact, there are quite a few references overall to earlier 007 capers.
At nearly 2-1/2 hours without commercials, “Spectre” certainly pours on a lot ... maybe more than necessary, which is a feeling generated only when the result doesn’t jell completely. All the expected pieces are here, it’s just a matter of how smoothly they are (or aren’t) assembled.
Just about any James Bond movie is reason for devotees to celebrate. However, after the heights of “Skyfall,” “Spectre” may well leave them only moderately shaken and stirred.
Summer on the Seine: Boat parade welcomes athletes to Paris 2024
BY DANA SIMPSON
The Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony is causing somewhat of a “Seine” in the news. OK, that was an admittedly ridiculous pun, but the crux of the statement remains true. Airing live from Paris, France, Friday, July 26, on NBC and Peacock, the 2024 Summer Olympic Games are the first iteration of the long-running athletic tradition to host its opening ceremony (and many events) outside of a stadium.
The reason for this decision is not for a lack of stadiums — Paris has several sporting venues, which, like Stade de France, could accommodate large-scale crowds. The organizers preferred to have the ceremony, rather romantically, lit by sunset.
Due to kick off the festivities at 7:30 p.m. CET (10:30 a.m. in Los Angeles, or 1:30 p.m. New York time, for more local reference), the Opening Ceremony sees the 10,500 athletes parade in by way of 94 boats on the Seine, leaving the Pont d’Austerlitz, in the east, and headed to Pont d’Iéna, six kilometers to the west. With one boat to carry all the athletes from each competing country, as well as 80 jumbo screens with speakers and
View from the Couch
free viewing areas for the public, there is little doubt that the colorful procession will be the busiest and most beautiful start to any Olympics yet.
According to Olympics.com, “athletes on board the parade boats will get glimpses of some of the official Games venues, including Parc Urbain La Concorde, the Esplanade des Invalides, the Grand Palais, and lastly the Iéna bridge, where the parade will come to a stop before the ceremony’s finale at the Trocadéro.”
Along the parade route, 12 “artistic tableaux” are presented, drawing attention to the capital city’s famous monuments, architecture and history.
“We are delighted to have an opening ceremony that illustrates the meeting between sport and the city in the most beautiful way,” said Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 organizing committee. “With the natural light of the setting sun, the event will be even more sublime, with a truly poetic dimension, inviting both athletes and the public to appreciate the natural beauty of the City of Light.”
While the list of Opening Ceremony performers is still a secret (as of writing), the Games’ official website does promise “a unique multi-sensory spectacle ... [that] take[s] sport out of the stadiums and open[s] up the Games.”
As for NBC’s coverage of the event, “Sunday Night Football” host Mike Tirico covers his fourth Olympic Opening Ceremony, this time alongside NFL Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning (“Peyton’s Places”) and the first-ever “American Idol,” Kelly Clarkson. NBC morning favorites Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb will also host a special edition of “Today” from a bridge over the Seine.
Rapper/entrepreneur Snoop Dogg also has plans to report for NBC from various live evening events over the Games’ 16-day run.
BY JAY BOBBIN
“HALO: SEASON TWO”
The video-game-inspired saga originally shown on Paramount+ continues with its sophomore round, as the 26th-century quest to save mankind from potential elimination goes on for the supersoldier known as Master Chief John-117 (played by “American Gods” alum Pablo Schreiber) and his brigade, known as Silver Team. The threat known as The Covenant – formed by the union of several alien species –could prove to be the undoing of humanity, unless John can convince others of the imminent danger and secure their assistance. The cast also includes continuing co-stars
Natascha McElhone, Jen Taylor (who voiced Cortana, also her character here, in the original video incarnation), Bokeem Woodbine and Charlie Murphy, plus new additions Joseph Morgan (“The Vampire Diaries”) and Christina Bennington (“Midsomer Murders”).
Steven Spielberg is among the executive producers, via his Amblin Television firm. DVD extras: “making-of” documentaries. *** (Not rated: V) (Also on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Steelbook)
“THE FALL GUY”
The 1980s television series that starred Lee Majors becomes an entertaining movie vehicle for Ryan Gosling, as he plays a Hollywood stuntman who rejoins the profession after being hurt in an accident. He goes to Australia to work on a film being directed by his ex-girlfriend (Emily Blunt) and gets involved in the search for the picture’s suddenly missing star (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), leading to perils that the stunt expert’s skills come in handy in helping him survive. Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”) and Teresa Palmer also star, and anyone hoping for an appearance by Majors – as well as another album of the original show – won’t be disappointed. An extended cut of the movie is included. DVD extras: seven “making-of” documentaries; audio commentary by director-producer David Leitch
Compromised courtship: Love, religion and reality clash in allnew TLC series
BY CAROLINE COLLACUTT
With a first season promising drama, uncertainty, heartwarming conversations (and a little heartbreak to boot), there’s still time to get to know “Forbidden Love’s” inaugural couples before the chaos begins Sunday, July 21, on TLC.
This brand-new series follows four couples who are deeply in love as they face the common hurdle complicating their relationships: religion.
“Hailing from different faiths,” TLC describes, “one partner from each couple is converting or has decided to relinquish their family-of-origin and culture entirely.
“Facing such intense traditional differences,” TLC asks, “can their relationships endure the trials of converting or will their love falter under the pressure?”
Raised a devout Catholic, Laurie, 36, decided to abandon her religion after the untimely death of her father.
After meeting 32-year-old Eli, Laurie’s relationship with religion was tested, as Eli is a devout Orthodox Jew.
After deciding to convert for her partner, Laurie now finds herself “giving up her clothes, changing her hair, taking classes, studying for tests and preparing to completely change her lifestyle,” according to TLC, all the while questioning if the love of her life is worth losing her sense of self.
Next, we meet Lindsey, 34, and Elmer, 23, a couple facing some
and producer Kelly McCormick; alternate scenes; outtakes. *** (PG13: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD, Digital and On Demand)
“THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1”
The horror series gets a relaunch with this thriller, directed by Renny Harlin (“Die Hard 2”), which has a plot that will be very familiar to those who know the first two films in the franchise. During a cross-country trip, a young couple (played by “Riverdale” alum Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez) is stranded in an Oregon town, soon becoming the targets of masked strangers who torment them in various ways. It makes sense that so much of the tale would channel the original movie, since the story is by Bryan Bertino, the writer-director of that first film. Also featuring Rachel Shenton (“Switched at Birth”), this picture was made at the same time as two sequels being planned for future release. DVD extras: two “making-of” documentaries; audio commentary by Petsch and producer Courtney Solomon. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD, Digital and On Demand)
“JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS – PART THREE”
The animated, DC Comics-inspired trilogy wraps up with this
final chapter, as an enemy force known as the Anti-Monitor assaults the remaining Earths, with the clock ticking on how long the remaining ones will survive. That prompts legendary superheroes who already have joined forces to accept earlier crusaders – brought into the scenario by the literal shattering of time –into their group, all of them hoping to stave off doom. Among those reprising their voice roles from earlier cartoon tales are Darren Criss (“Glee”) as Superman, Jensen Ackles (“Supernatural”) as Batman and Stana Katic (“Castle”) as Wonder Woman. Also heard are Matt Bomer (“Fellow Travelers”) as The Flash, Meg Donnelly (“The Winchesters”) as Supergirl, Zachary Quinto (“Star Trek”) as Lex Luthor and Alexandra Daddario (“The White Lotus”) as Lois Lane. Blu-ray extras: two “making-of” documentaries. *** (PG-13: P, V) (Also on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and Digital)
“RISKY BUSINESS”
Though it’s ostensibly one of the youth comedies that were so plentiful during the 1980s, writer-director Paul Brickman’s much-praised 1983 film – now making its 4K Ultra HD/ Blu-ray debut via The Criterion Collection – has much more going for it. Foremost on that list is the performance that boosted Tom Cruise to stardom, enterprising high-school student Joel, who becomes a secret
hard realizations of their own, as Elmer has recently left his Amish community and still struggles to adjust to the “English” world. Lindsey, who held many preconceived notions about the Amish community, believed Elmer would be a wholesome, devoted and shy partner. In reality, however, Elmer’s wandering eye and the added pressures of a coming baby create endless tension, despite the couple’s levity and obvious chemistry.
At 31 years old, Mohammad has spent his whole life as a practicing Muslim. Now married to Ashley, also 31, who was raised in a conservative Catholic family, Mohammad finds himself stuck between cultures, as he wishes for their 3-year-old daughter, Rozie, to be raised Muslim, and hopes that Ashley might convert. Meanwhile, Ashley struggles with the idea of living by strict Muslim laws and feels she “doesn’t need to change a thing” (per TLC).
Finally, the series introduces Kris, 37, the son of a Pentecostal preacher, now in love with Lensa, 32, a Muslim woman who has already previously been involved in two arranged marriages. Both wanting the other to convert to their respective religions, the couple is left at odds with familial relationships hanging in the balance.
manager of prostitutes through a string of circumstances. Rebecca DeMornay also earned much attention as one of the women, the quietly and knowingly seductive Lana, with whom Joel becomes involved. The smart screenplay satirizes many principles of business while also examining a young man’s coming of age, and in one classic scene, Cruise gives a big boost to the Bob Seger song “Old Time Rock and Roll.” The excellent cast also includes Joe Pantoliano (as “killer pimp” Guido), Bronson Pinchot, Curtis Armstrong, Nicholas Pryor, Richard Masur, Bruce A. Young and (in a brief appearance) Megan Mullally. **** (R: AS, N, P) (Also on Blu-ray)
