Sumter Scene: June 08 - June 14, 2024

‘Lazarus’ returns: British series back from the dead for final season in U.S.

BY DANA SIMPSON

There are some figures that, regardless of their origins in religion, have gained prominence and symbolism in broader cultures and in society at large. Genesis’ Adam and Eve, for example, have a place in the Bible as the world’s first couple, but in a wider societal context, their story is often adopted as lore to warn people — commonly, women — of the dangers of temptation. Lazarus, while perhaps a lesser-known Biblical character than the first humans or the son of God, is associated in broader legend with his having been raised from the dead in the Gospel According to John. Thanks in part to poems such as Sylvia Plath’s “Lady Lazarus” and David Gelb’s 2015 sci-fi film “The Lazarus Effect,” Lazarus has become and remained a pervasive figure and symbol of rebirth.

In June 2022, British sci-fi series “The Lazarus Project” premiered on Sky Max in the U.K. After having gained popularity abroad, the series — not unlike Lazarus himself — was reborn on TNT one year after its initial release. Now, despite having been canceled last year in the U.K., TNT breathes new life into the series’ second and final season.

Season 2 of “The Lazarus Project” premieres Sunday, June 9, on TNT.

Set in contemporary England, “The Lazarus Project” follows George (Paapa Essiedu, “Gangs of London”), a man for whom, after a catastrophic event, time inexplicably keeps returning to July 1. Following an encounter with a stranger named Archie (Anjli Mohindra, “Bodyguard”), George learns that he carries a rare time-loop awareness gene, and he soon begins working with a mysterious organization that “has harnessed the ability to turn back time every time the world is at threat of extinction” (per Rotten Tomatoes).

Having spent the first eight episodes of the series getting a handle on his powers and learning the boundaries and adverse effects of time control, George works hard in Season 2 to undo the harm he caused during his personal vendetta in Season 1.

“Resolute Lazarus agent George has been left in disgrace after betraying the organization in the name of love,” reads the TNT description for “The Lazarus Project’s” second season. “He is determined to redeem himself and win back the trust of his friends, colleagues and the love of his life. But when he discovers that the cause he is fighting for is more sinister than it appears, George suspects that the only person he can really trust is himself.”

Created by leading actor Essiedu in conjunction with head

writer Joe Barton (“The Ritual,” 2017), “The Lazarus Project” wrapped on Sky Max mid-November 2023, despite high approval ratings and audience engagement. In addition to the last three episodes of the series ranking highest with audience members, Essiedu was also nominated for a Best Leading Actor award at this year’s BAFTA TV Awards.

Returning to “The Lazarus Project” alongside Essiedu and Mohindra for the second season are Caroline Quentin (“British Men Behaving Badly”) as Lazarus Project team leader Elizabeth “Wes” Wesley; Rudi Dharmalingam (“Wakefield”) as Shiv, another man who, like George, carries the time-loop awareness gene; Tom Burke (“Mank,” 2020) as jaded former Lazarus agent Dennis Rebrov; Vinette Robinson (“Sherlock”) as Rebrov’s wife, Janet; and Charly Clive (“All My Friends Hate Me,” 2021) as Sarah Leigh, George’s romantic partner.

And while “The Lazarus Project” will not see a third season in the U.K., it is still possible that Warner Bros. Discovery, the company behind TNT, will pick up the project for the third season stateside. That said, that result does seem unlikely as there has been no news on the subject either way as of writing. Alas, it seems even Lazarus must eventually meet his end.

Horoscopes

The luckiest signs this week:

VIRGO, LIBRA AND SCORPIO

ARIES Your charisma will be irresistible this week. People close to you will support and show loyalty towards you. You’ll confidently present your ideas to your superior or significant other, gaining their approval. You have leadership qualities that will help you excel in all areas of your life.

TAURUS

You’ll fully invest in the lives of your children, who will need your support. You’ll take advantage of a financial opportunity to buy a house or renovate your home.

GEMINI

Use clear and precise words when talking about money. It’s important to share your desires and dreams with your significant other. Express your feelings and listen to what the other person has to say.

CANCER

You’re in an excellent position to consolidate your debts to improve your financial situation. Take the opportunity to ask for a raise at work. Your superior will be willing to grant it.

LEO Now’s the time to reinvent yourself! You’ll encounter an exciting new challenge offering a stimulating and rewarding fresh start. You could consider continuing your education or deepening your spiritual practice.

VIRGO

Your poor health is hindering your progress. It’s important to talk to a professional or seek treatment to help you progress. You’ll see improvements more quickly and perform better.

LIBRA

By developing your professional relationships, you’ll expand your circle of friends and your presence on social media. You’ll make the most of your professional, personal and leisure activities and balance work, home and play.

SCORPIO

You’ll be involved in a demanding project that will bring you lasting benefits, whether in business or another area of your life. You must be patient. Prosperity won’t come immediately but will soon be within your reach.

SAGITTARIUS

If you take a training course, you’ll obtain certification in your area of expertise. This will allow you to discover new perspectives and boost your self-confidence

CAPRICORN

Look for solutions to ease the tensions between you and your partner to improve your relationship. Devote more quality time to your better half without being distracted by outside problems. Avoid delicate subjects for the time being.

AQUARIUS

If you’re single, someone you don’t know will make a bold proposal. You’ll have the opportunity to take a business trip to benefit your career. Weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before deciding.

PISCES

You have a lot of work to do and must fine-tune many details, which will take time. You’ll likely get a promotion, which will materialize in the coming weeks.

New Streaming Movies & Shows

“Counsel Culture” - Season 1 (Available Now)

Nick Cannon, Dr. Ish Major and Dr. Mike Dow recalibrate discussions in a cancel culture world. With an expert panel, they delve into topics including mental health, toxic masculinity and modern dating, fostering a brave space for men’s vulnerability and growth. No topic is offlimits..

Word Search

“Origin” (June 10)

Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Ava DuVernay, this film chronicles the tragedy and triumph of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) as she investigates a global phenomenon of epic proportions. Isabel experiences unfathomable personal loss and love as she crosses continents and cultures to craft one of the defining American books of our time. Inspired by Wilkerson’s New York Times bestseller “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.”

“My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman” - Season 5

(June 12)

Combining humor, curiosity and in-depth conversations with extraordinary people, this series puts David Letterman back in the host’s chair, following a 33-year reign in late night TV. This season, Letterman interviews Charles Barkley and Miley Cyrus.

“Superkitties” - Season 2 (June 12)

Adorable and packed with adventure, this animated series follows four fierce and furry superhero kittens — Ginny, Sparks, Buddy and Bitsy — who are on a mission to make their town of Kittydale a more caring and “pawesome” place. Geared to kids ages 2-7 and their families, each episode features two 11-minute stories that highlight the SuperKitties as they receive a “SuperKitty Call” from one of their animal friends with a problem that only the SuperKitties can help with.

BY JAY BOBBIN

Q: What’s Danny McBride doing now? I feel like I haven’t seen him much since “Eastbound & Down” ended. A: You just haven’t been looking in the right places — and you haven’t been watching “The Righteous Gemstones.”HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones” stars McBride as part of a family of world-famous televangelists. It’s been taking up a lot of his time since it debuted in 2019 — he also serves as a writer, executive producer and occasional director. Those who know McBride for his motor-mouthed, largerthan-life comedy persona might be surprised to know he also has a pretty busy sideline as a horror movie writer, alongside his old film school buddy David Gordon Green (“Halloween,” 2018).

Best Jack Lemmon MOVIES

BY JAY BOBBIN

“Mister Roberts” (1955): Lemmon earned his first Oscar as Ensign Pulver, friend to fellow officer Roberts (Henry Fonda) and mutual nemesis of the tyrannical commander (James Cagney) of their World War II vessel in the Pacific.

“Some Like It Hot” (1959):

The long association of Lemmon and director Billy Wilder began with this classic Depression-era comedy about two murder-witness musicians (Lemmon, Tony Curtis) who disguise themselves within an all-female band to hide from the killers.

“The Apartment” (1960): One of Lemmon’s greatest performances is in Wilder’s Oscar-winning comedy-drama about an ambitious worker who loans out the key to his apartment, enabling executives who can fast-track his career to dally with their mistresses there.

“Days of Wine and Roses” (1962): Being shown by Turner Classic Movies on Monday, June 10, as part of a tribute to film composers – in this case, Henry Mancini, who shared an Oscar for the title song with lyricist Johnny Mercer – this searing adaptation of a television play features unforgettable work by Lemmon and Lee Remick (under director Blake Edwards) as a couple devastated by alcoholism.

“The Great Race” (1965): Blake Edwards’ sprawling road-race comedy goes off the tracks in multiple ways, but it gives Lemmon an opportunity to have great fun as the villain trying to derail the saga’s hero (Tony Curtis, reunited with Lemmon).

“The Fortune Cookie” (1966): Another reteaming with Wilder gave Lemmon his first project with Walter Matthau, who earned an Oscar as a shyster lawyer representing his brother-in-law (Lemmon), a television cameraman injured while covering a football game.

“The Odd Couple” (1968): Lemmon and Matthau cemented themselves as a screen comedy team as neatnik Felix and slovenly Oscar in this hit version of Neil Simon’s play.

“The Out-of-Towners” (1970): Lemmon connected with playwright Simon again as he and Sandy Dennis played Midwestern visitors who ran into every problem imaginable while in New York.

“Save the Tiger” (1973): Lemmon captured a best-actor Oscar as another businessman, this one so wracked by the state of his company that he makes a drastic decision about it.

“The China Syndrome” (1979): The dramatic skills of Lemmon again got a great workout from his role as a nuclear-plant supervisor determined to expose dangers at the site with help from a TV-news crew (Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas).

“Glengarry Glen Ross” (1992): Lemmon is heartbreaking as a onceprominent but now-declining real-estate salesman in the film of David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

“Grumpy Old Men” (1993): Lemmon and Matthau still had some hits left in them when they made this comedy about neighbors whose long-standing feud is amped up by their mutual interest in a local newcomer (Ann-Margret).

Beatles fans can believe, somewhat, in ‘Yesterday’

BY JAY BOBBIN

Say that George, John, Paul and Ringo never united, and that an entire catalog of some of the bestknown songs of all time never existed.

That would be just like “Yesterday,” which is the title not only of a Beatles classic, but also of an entertaining fantasy based on the conceit of a world without the group. Driven by two top talents, director Danny Boyle and writer Richard Curtis, the 2019 tale — which FX shows Monday, June 10 — posits a 12-second blackout in which everyone’s memory of the Fab Four is wiped out. Almost.

Only one struggling musician, played nicely by Himesh Patel, remembers the Beatles and their tunes ... and he decides to “introduce” and claim the songs as his own. That results in the character ultimately having an ethical crisis as the public marvels at his creative genius, which of course is really the genius of others. It also yields some moments of inspired humor, as when Ed Sheeran (playing himself) suggests that a certain Beatles song would be better with the slightly altered title “Hey Dude.”

The thing about “Yesterday” is not to oversell it. It’s a pleasant diversion, helped also by good acting turns by Lily James and “Saturday Night Live” alum Kate McKinnon as the hero’s manager and agent, plus a

funny cameo by James Corden. However, the humor of writer Curtis typically works best when one doesn’t approach it with huge expectations (though he readily admitted that the story idea here was someone else’s, and he then was brought in to script it).

If you think back to “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” and even “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually,” the Curtis touches evolved organically. And often, they were small moments that sometimes can be noticed only upon multiple viewings.

Chances are very good that it will be the same for many people with “Yesterday”; its concept of “no Beatles” is quite a bit to grasp initially, and that probably will be the overriding journey for most moviegoers the first time around. However, the smaller strokes — particularly those involving the relationship between Patel and leading lady James — seem likely to be recognized more upon second and third (and beyond) screenings.

That’s the quiet magic of many Curtis-written movies. As nice as it is, “Yesterday” doesn’t change the world ... but at the same time, it does change the world figuratively, thanks to its device of nearly erasing one of its most legendary pop-culture quartets.

‘Love Island’ returns: ‘Kens’ and

‘Barbies’

head to all-new villa for Season 6

‘The Boys’ are back: Brand new season of anti-superhero series begins

BY SARAH PASSINGHAM

Humanity is being goaded into tearing itself apart in a brand new season of “The Boys.” The first three episodes of the ultra-violent, anti-superhero series premiere on Prime Video Thursday, June 13. New episodes drop weekly on Thursdays.

Last season, “The Boys” thoroughly explored how and why superheroes (or “supes” as they’re called in the series) serving as military weapons is a recipe for disaster, before hinting at the political storylines that dominate this upcoming season.

Victoria Neuman, portrayed by Claudia Doumit (“Timeless”), was revealed to be a secret supe who has been using her powers to eliminate obstacles in her way as a congresswoman. This season, Victoria tries to step into the Oval Office while doing the bidding of an unrestricted, power-hungry supe.

Antony Starr (“American Gothic”) is Homelander, who has become an unstoppable force after learning last season that he can maintain a loyal following no matter what awful things he does in

View from the Couch

“GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE”

They’ve done battle with each other before, but two titans among movie monsters merge efforts to fight a mutual threat – one that also imperils the entire world – in this adventure. Another character that will be familiar to devotees of the genre eventually joins the feud, which comes to involve past civilizations, hidden tribes and telepathy. The human stars include Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry, who both also appeared in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” and Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”). The picture was a major box-office success internationally, to the degree that it now ranks as the

plain view of everyone. Together, Homelander and Victoria stoke division and erode America’s democracy for their own gains.

Returning this season are Karl Urban (“Thor: Ragnarok,” 2017) as Billy Butcher, Jack Quaid (“Oppenheimer,” 2023) as Hughie Campbell, Erin Moriarty (“Jessica Jones”) as Annie January/ Starlight, Jessie T. Usher (“Smile,” 2022) as Reggie Franklin/A-Train, Laz Alonso (“L.A.’s Finest”) as Marvin T. Milk, Chace Crawford (“Gossip Girl”) as Kevin Moskowitz/The Deep, Tomer Capone (“One on One”) as Serge/Frenchie, Karen Fukuhara (“Suicide Squad,” 2016) as Kimiko Miyashiro, Colby Minifie (“Fear the Walking Dead”) as Ashley Barrett and Cameron Crovetti (“Big Little Lies”) as Ryan.

New additions to the cast are Susan Heyward (“Hello Tomorrow!”) as Sister Sage, Valorie Curry (“The Lost Symbol”) as Firecracker and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (“The Walking Dead”) in an as-yetunnamed role. Morgan is no newcomer to the antihero scene, he starred as the Comedian in 2009’s “Watchmen” big screen adaptation.

In an official trailer for the new season, Morgan’s character embraces Butcher and joins him for a drink with the two of them looking like old friends. Terminally ill after using too much of an experimental drug that temporarily boosted powers in the final showdown last season, Butcher is also on the outs with the rest of The Boys who have had it with his manipulations. The only way to keep Homelander and Victoria from destroying humanity is to get the band back together and take them on.

“The Boys” is an adaptation of the popular comic book series of the same name by Gareth Ennis and Darick Robertson, published from 20062012. Ennis’ earlier work “Preacher” was also recently adapted into a four-season TV series on AMC, airing its final episode in 2019.

BY JAY BOBBIN

top moneymaker of all films about Godzilla; Rome, Cairo, Rio de Janeiro and the Arctic are among the story’s settings. *** (PG-13: P, V)

(Also on Blu-ray

“IMMACULATE”

One of the most popular young actresses working today, Sydney Sweeney (“Anyone but You,” “Euphoria”) stars in this unsettling suspense drama as a nun who becomes a member of an Italian convent. She notices strange circumstances involving others, with her life eventually being placed in danger while others also face perils at the site. When she tries to leave, she’s prevented from doing so, with the threats to her only increasing as realizes that escaping is her only means of survival – forcing her to take drastic measures in her desperate bid to regain her freedom. The principally foreign supporting cast of the picture (filmed mainly in Rome) includes Alvaro Morte, Dora Romano and Benedetta Porcaroli; Sweeney also helped to develop the project creatively as one of its producers. *** (R: AS, N, P, GV)

(Also on Blu-ray, Digital and On Demand)

“THE LONG GAME”

Soon after ending his run as TV’s latest incarnation of “Magnum P.I.,” Jay Hernandez is featured in this fact-inspired drama about several Mexican-Americans who took matters into their own hands in late-1950s South Texas, where

BY CAROLINE COLLACUTT

Beloved “Vanderpump Rules” regular Ariana Madix shines as she takes on a new role, leading as the brand-new host of “Love Island USA,” kicking off its sixth season this Tuesday, June 11, with episodes streaming exclusively on Peacock.

Madix — who joins comedian Iain Stirling, the franchise’s iconic narrator — is no stranger to reality television, even making a “Love Island USA” cameo last season, but the “Vanderpump” regular is now ready to visit the islands of Fiji longterm, as she hosts this season’s eager singles.

Ahead of the season’s debut, Peacock shared a brief description of what’s to come — including the introduction of a brand-new “vibrant” villa and an unforgettable Hideaway. They say: “Islanders will face more drama than ever before with jaw-dropping revelations, brand-new couples challenges and even a few surprise guests.

“Along the way” Peacock continues, “viewers will be able to vote for their favorite couples via the Love Island USA app to determine which islanders remain in the villa and who goes home heartbroken and empty-handed.”

In a brief teaser trailer shared for

they were barred from playing golf on the courses where they served as caddies. Their boss (Hernandez) became their coach as they built a course of their own and honed their games to qualify for a state championship. Dennis Quaid (also a producer of the film), Julian Works, Jaina Lee Ortiz (“Station 19”), Oscar Nunez, Brett Cullen and Cheech Marin also appear. *** (PG: AS, P, V) (Also on Digital and On Demand)

“SOUTH PARK: JOINING THE PANDERVERSE”

Presented on Comedy Central as a special edition of executive producers Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s long-running animated series, this tale satirizes certain superhero franchises by going beyond the “real” world of the show to envision what life would be like for the characters in an alternate reality … in this case, particularly from the viewpoint of Cartman, whose strange dreams materialize to become his actual existence. The story also takes shots at artificial intelligence, which impacts older residents of South Park – to their considerable alarm as they try to distinguish what is real from what isn’t. *** (Not rated: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray)

“SUPERMAN & LOIS: THE COMPLETE THIRD

SEASON”

With the CW adventure series set to return for its fourth and final

round this fall, this latest season to have aired sets up much that is yet to come. The story arc includes a deeply personal revelation by Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch) that reverberates with everyone close to her, while her husband Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechlin) – alias the Man of Steel, of course – also has more supernatural concerns, culminating in a showdown in outer space with a powerful creature. Alex Garfin and Michael Bishop play the couple’s sons. Some cast members who are present here, such as Emmanuelle Chriqui and Dylan Walsh, won’t be returning on a full-time basis for the last episodes … though Michael Cudlitz, introduced here as villainous Lex Luthor, will be back as a series regular. Several of the stories were directed by “Rookie Blue” and “Everwood” alum Gregory Smith, while one was helmed by former “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

co-star Elizabeth Henstridge. ***

(Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Bluray)

“THE JEFFERSONS: THE COMPLETE SERIES”

It’s time to be “movin’ on up” again with the title family as this Norman Lear-produced “All in the Family” spinoff gets a homevideo relaunch. Dry-cleaning mogul George Jefferson, played by Sherman Hemsley, has the means to relocate his family from Queens to Manhattan – where his brash and opinionated demeanor

Season 6, Madix is seen leaving the bright lights of “La La Land” and trav eling to the island, with the teaser giving multiple nods to last summer’s film sensation, “Barbie” (2023). Upon arrival, Madix — dressed head to toe in hot pink — looks at the camera, winks, and asks, “Who’s ready to couple up?”

The fun and fanciful theme has left some to wonder if the villa will be overrun by Kens and turned full “Mojo Dojo Casa House” or if this season’s Barbies will run the game.

Throughout their stay in a tropical oasis, islanders will couple up to face new heart-racing challenges and bigger twists and turns than ever before. Temptations will rise and drama will ensue as new “bombshells” arrive, forcing the islanders to decide if they want to remain with their current partners or recouple with someone new.

According to Deadline, “islanders will face more drama than ever before with jaw-dropping revelations, brand-new couples challenges and even a few surprise guests.”

With new episodes dropping six days a week, all summer long, Season 6 of “Love Island USA” premieres Tuesday, June 11, on Peacock.

doesn’t always endear him to the neighbors. His wife Louise (Isabel Sanford), alias “Weezy,” manages to keep him somewhat centered; however, their maid Florence (Marla Gibbs, who got her own spinoff from this sitcom) also is present with wisecracks and insults to keep his feet on the ground. The regular cast of the show (which aired on CBS from 1975 to 1985) also includes Mike Evans (as Jefferson son Lionel for several seasons), Paul Benedict, Roxie Roker and Franklin Cover; notable guest stars include Sammy Davis Jr., Gladys Knight and Billy Dee Williams. *** (Not rated: AS, P)ow. *** (NC-17: AS, N, P, GV)

Coming Home Soon

“AMERICAN FICTION” (JUNE 18)

“CHINATOWN” (4K ULTRA HD) (JUNE 18)

“THE BOYS IN THE BOAT” (JUNE 25)

“TAXI DRIVER” (4K ULTRA HD STEELBOOK) (JUNE 25)

“THE BOY AND THE HERON” (JULY 9)

“TRUE DETECTIVE: NIGHT COUNTRY” (JULY 9)

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