If you thought Kevin’s twins were going to arrive on their due date, then you must be new to This Is Us. Right before his A Few Good Menmoment with Robert De Niro*, Kevin receives a call from Madison, who tells him she’s having contractions. Stealing a page from Jack Pearson’s playbook, Kevin leaves the film, jumps in his car, and heads back to LA. Fans everywhere were happy when Kevin stood up to the director and quit the film.
Side note: Do you think they had to ask De Niro if they could use his name in the show? I think they did. More importantly, does De Niro watch This Is Us? Up until 2020, I’m guessing he never watched. However, I bet he watched a few episodes during quarantine and liked what he saw.
I’m a sucker for a long car ride as a framing device for Kevin’s internal crisis. In the span of an hour, Kevin quits the movie, talks to Randall, secures a flight home thanks to Miguel and Rebecca, and promises Madison he will make it in time for the delivery. Oh, that’s right. He also saved a man in a car accident!
Side note: I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I predicted Kevin wasn’t in a car crash. Instead, he would be the one to help out at the scene.
While conversing with the victim (Joshua Malina from The American President and The West Wing), Kevin conveys how he wants to be like his father, who was always there for every major event. Malina’s character assures Kevin that his kids won’t remember anything about their birth. Still, Kevin doesn’t want to be an absentee father, and missing the birth of his twins would most likely send him on a downward spiral.
This conversation ties in with the two other timelines on last night’s episode. A young Jack must drive his drunk father home after a little league game. Jack’s father, Stanley, berates Jack for losing the game. Fast forward to adult Jack, who travels with 13-year-old Kevin to football camp. Kevin starts to feel the pressure especially after overhearing Jack call him “soft.” After discovering that the coach insults Kevin at practice, Jack takes Kevin to dinner to talk. Then, serendipitously (I pray I’m using that word correctly), Jack runs into Kevin’s coach in the bathroom of the restaurant and orders him to refrain from calling Kevin stupid.
To put a bow around the paragraph above, the idea of becoming a better father than your own father is on full display. However, you’ll always have a piece of your father no matter how hard you try to embrace or avoid it. Jack wanted nothing to do with his father and swore he would never act that way around his kids. When Jack realizes he’s pressuring Kevin as much as his own father, he stops that behavior immediately. Jack emphasizes that Kevin will be a better father than himself one day. Now, Kevin is trying to be like Jack by being “there” for all the big moments. As much as Kevin wants to be like Jack, he will soon realize he needs to carve out his path to become his own man.
At the end of the episode, Kevin makes it to the airport in time for his flight. When he attempts to get passed TSA, it’s to no avail since he dropped his wallet with his ID at the crash site. It’s unknown whether Kevin makes the flight or not.
Randall To The Rescue
I predicted that Kevin would help at the crash site, but I was surprised when Randall called Madison at the end of the episode. Ever since the fight between Randall and Kevin, I said that the birth of Kevin’s twins would bury the hatchet between the brothers. It appears my prediction might come true after all as the promo for the next episode teases Randall and Beth coaching Madison through labor over the phone.
Next week, babies might arrive for both Kevin and Kate!
Did you like last night’s episode? Leave your comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.
In 2021, the Golden Globes, not the Oscars, will be airing at the end of February. In a normal year, the Golden Globes would have aired in January, and the Oscar contenders would have been making one last push for votes right about now.
However, this year has been nowhere near normal. Between theater closings and streaming wars, the way we watch movies and television changed dramatically. By now, I would have seen 95% of films nominated at the Golden Globes. Now, I’m playing catch up.
Let’s not skip ahead to the Oscars just yet. The Golden Globes nominations will be announced on Feb. 3. I wrote this last year, but the same principles apply when predicting nominations.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) loves to spotlight new shows and talent. Ask yourself “What dominated pop culture,” or as the kids say, “What’s hot in the streets?”
The HFPA LOVE stars. If there’s an A-list star in a movie or television show, whether it’s good or bad, there’s a solid chance they’re getting a nomination in order to guarantee their attendance. NOTE: I have no idea if there will be people in attendance so this guideline may adust. However, stars on Zoom calls are better than no stars at all.
The Golden Globes don’t predict Oscar winners, but it’s a good barometer. For example, Joaquin Phoenix, Renée Zellweger, Brad Pitt, and Laura Dern all won in their respective categories before going on to win at the Oscars.
With so much unknown, my confidence meter is lower than usual in both film and television. Despite my lack of belief, I trust my gut when it comes to a few of my standout predictions.
Hamilton – Voters are going to love it.
Leslie Odom Jr. is going to receive three individual nominations in three separate categories.
Chadwick Boseman will be a double nominee, and he’ll win Best Actor in a Drama.
I’m buying the Bridgerton hype especially for Best Series, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
Borat will be well-represented and could sweep Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical, Best Actress in a Comedy Musical, and Best Comedy/Musical
Dave Burd is my long shot to not only receive an acting nomination, but win the category.
I have not studied the submissions yet for this category. However, Leslie Odom Jr. is going to be nominated for a song from One Night in Miami. Look out for Taylor Swift in this category as well.
Let the solo episodes begin. Last night on This Is Us, Randall finally learned the story of his birth mother, Laurel.
This Is Us Season 5 Episode 6 Recap: “Birth Mother”
Jennifer C. Holmes as Laurel and Anthony Hill as Marshall Winston in This Is Us / NBC
Laurel DuBoi
Randall, meet your mother, Laurel. Randall and Beth traveled to New Orleans to meet with Hai Lang. The duo met Hai at a lakeside house, which unbeknownst to Randall, belonged to Laurel. Over a day of conversation at the kitchen table, Hai shared Laurel’s story and how they came to know each other.
The Spark Notes Version
Lauren grew up in New Orleans. Her father never truly accepted her.
Comforted by her brother, Jackson, and Aunt Mae, who was secluded from the rest of the family.
Jackson died in Vietnam. Aunt Mae encouraged Laurel to swim in the lake and scream her problems away.
Laurel meets Hai, who moved with his parents from Vietnam.
Hai and Laurel fall in love, but her father disapproves. When Laurel’s father forces her to accept a proposal, she asks Hai to leave town with her. He rejects her proposition so Laurel heads to Pittsburgh.
Skip ahead to Laurel’s overdose. William leaves with baby Randall, never to see Laurel again since she technically died for a few minutes. William didn’t lie to Randall about his birth mother because that’s what he believed to be true.
Laurel miraculously survives, but she’s arrested a few days later. She pleads guilty to drug possession and serves five years in a California jail.
After jail, Laurel moves back to New Orleans and lives with her aunt. Laurel believes she could never be a good mother, which explains her decision to never seek out Randall.
Laurel works at the same market at Hai. Although Hai is married with children, they remain friendly from afar.
After Hai’s wife dies decades later, he finally reconnects with Laurel. However, Laurel has breast cancer and stops treatment. Hai happily spends Laurel’s final two years at her side before she dies in 2015.
Hai gives the house to Randall.
Everything about the first forty to fifty minutes was so sincere. Although Laurel had tough moments, her life was not a tragedy; it was a story of redemption. For Randall, he finally received definitive answers about Laurel and her life. There were no tricks or curveballs about Laurel’s story. It felt like a completed story that Randall could accept and move on with without any regret.
Here’s where things could get controversial. Towards the end of the episode, Randall goes for a swim in the lake. (Sterling K. Brown, drop the workout to stay shredded in the comments.) Randall entered the water because his mother used to do the same thing when she was feeling angry or upset. Not only did Randall feel his mother’s love in the water, but envisioned her physical self. Laurel told Randall that she loved him and needed to let go of his pain and anger. Randall screamed, and all of his pain went away.
The idea behind the scene was heartfelt. Since Randall spent time with William on camera, it makes sense to show an interaction with Laurel. The scene was beautifully written and acted and hit all of the emotional notes between Randall and Laurel.
For lack of a better word, This Is Us just went “supernatural on us.” The show uses flashbacks, but this is the first time where a character envisioned someone out of thin air. It wasn’t silly, but I’m not sure how I feel about this. This Is Us was on the X and Y axises and last night opened the door to the Z axis. Once again, the acting and heart of the scene was great, but envisioning Laurel didn’t make sense to me in the grand scheme of the show. Instead of the lake, what if Randall found a letter written by Laurel that stated her love for her child that she never knew? She could’ve written that entire monologue from the lake on paper and read it as a voiceover, with flashbacks to the day she wrote the letter as well as the happier moments in her life. Wouldn’t that have been just as effective?
Randall Calls Kevin
When Randall was ready to forgive his brother, Kevin was having a crisis of his own. Randall tries to bury the hatchet with Kevin, but the oldest member of the Big Three can’t concentrate because Madison went into labor while he’s in Vancouver. Kevin is speeding back to be with Madison, but in the promo for next week, a car crash will occur. I pray Kevin wore his seatbelt.
Did you like last night’s episode? Leave your comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.
Between the election and winter hiatus, This Is Us has experienced more breaks than a long-distance relationship between freshmen at college. Thankfully, the show should be rattling off a large chunk of episodes in succession so let’s get cooking.
This Is Us Season 5 Episode 5 Recap: “A Long Road Home”
THIS IS US — “A Long Road Home” Episode 505 — Pictured in this screen grab: Sterling K. Brown as Randall — (Photo by: NBC)
Kate’s Pregnancy, Abortion, And Trip To San Diego
In the last episode, teenage Kate held a positive pregnancy test in her hand. This Is Us spent little time beating around the bush as the first scene confirmed Kate’s pregnancy. She also revealed that she had an abortion and Marc, her abusive ex-boyfriend, was the father. After confessing to Toby, Kate drove to San Diego to confront adult Marc, who was still the same asshole from the past. Kate took back control of her life, forgave herself, and gave her pain back to the source, Marc.
Good for Kate. Marc traumatized her for years so it was inspiring to see her win back her confidence and strength. The abortion scene was both harrowing and practical so I respect the care the writers put into that scene.
Having said that, the meeting with adult Marc was a bit of a letdown. I understand why the scene happened, but it felt too good to be true. I’m a firm believer in separating television from real life, but Kate tracking down Marc seemed way too easy and unrealistic. Marc then conveniently lived in the same state as her less than two hours away. I wasn’t offended by the scene whatsoever. However, for a show that has tackled present-day issues such as COVID-19 with accuracy and attention to detail, this chance encounter seemed far-fetched.
Kevin The Father Or Kevin The Actor?
This Is Us / NBC Universal
Currently, my favorite member of the Big Three is Kevin. His evolution from the funny, half-wit brother to a complicated, compassionate adult has been a highlight for the show. In the episode, Kevin receives a notice that his film will be shooting in Vancouver and must leave for a few weeks. Madison allows Kevin to go but reveals her concerns over his commitment to their relationship. Without specifically stating the circumstances, Madison gives Kevin an ultimate, his career or fatherhood?
Since when could actors not become fathers? Kevin needs to prove he can be a good dad, but doesn’t this argument seem a bit premature? Madison has every right to question Kevin’s intentions, but can we give the man a chance before an ultimatum? The twins haven’t even been born yet! I’m going to cut Kevin some slack. Let him go make some money for the family in Vancouver and come back before the birth of the twins.
Towards the end of the episode, Kevin surprisingly called Randall for advice about Madison. Kevin expressed his regret for the horrible insults he directed towards Randall months prior. It wasn’t an official apology, but it was a step in the right direction. Randall ends the call early, leaving Kevin to ponder if Randall still hates him. I originally predicted that Kevin and Randall would bury the hatchet once Kevin’s twins arrive so I’m sticking with that prediction.
Randall Learns About His Mother
Since next week’s episode will be entirely dedicated to Randall and Laurel, I’ll try to keep this brief. Because of Randall’s viral video, Hai, the Vietnamese grandfather showcased in earlier episodes, reached out to Randall and stated he knew his birth mother, Laurel. He also stated Laurel died in 2015 from breast cancer. After deliberating on what to do, Randall called Hai and learned his mother spent time with Hai in New Orleans. More importantly, Hai said William probably did not know she survived the overdose so what William told Randall wasn’t a lie; it’s what he believed.
Can Randall catch an emotional break? Every episode, he gets metaphorically punched in the stomach multiple times. Credit to the terrific Sterling K. Brown for his ability to cry on demand. He cries every episode! Randall reminds me of Elisabeth Moss, who stars in The Handmaid’s Tale and The Invisible Man. These difficult and emotional roles take a toll on a person’s well-being so I pray Elisabeth Moss mixes in a rom-com every so often. Likewise, can Randall just have an episode where he has a great day? Maybe he goes for a run, spends time with the family, and makes a few dad jokes. I’m hoping it all turns out ok for Randall.
Next week, we’re off to New Orleans to learn about Laurel. Bring your tissues!
Did you enjoy last night’s episode? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.
Who’s ready for a top 10 movie list for 2020? Unfortunately, I don’t have one. I haven’t been to the theater since February, which makes me depressed. Thankfully, television was fantastic. I did enjoy quite a few movies on demand and via streaming with many standout performances. Let’s stay positive, shall we? Here are the best TV and movie performances of 2020.
Anya Taylor-Joy in The Queen’s Gambit
THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT: Beth was a grandmaster in outfits and a really good chess player. pic.twitter.com/2LZBWojTfB
Who knew chess could be so interesting and intriguing? The Queen’s Gambit could be the sleeper hit of the year, and most of the show’s success can be attributed to the fantastic lead, Anya Taylor-Joy. Between her exquisite fashion choices and brutal honesty, Taylor-Joy captivated my attention from start to finish. I couldn’t look away for fear of missing Beth and her magnetic stare.
Elisabeth Moss in The Invisible Man
Remember movie theaters? I miss them dearly. The last movie I saw in a theater was The Invisible Man so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Horror movies are always better in theaters, and The Invisible Man continues that trend as my theater was on the edge of their seats throughout the entire film. The Invisible Man is a good movie anchored by a great performance by Elisabeth Moss. At this point, I hope Elisabeth does a rom-com soon because she deserves a hug and a kiss instead of a traumatizing experience, one after the other.
Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones in Normal People
Normal People / Hulu
The “Chemistry of the Year” award goes to Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones for their work in Normal People. I’ve screamed my praise for Normal People from the highest mountains on Twitter. It’s one of the most moving depictions of young love you’ll ever see. Mescal and Edgar-Jones were spectacular as the show’s leads. Buy stock in these two young performers now before they skyrocket.
Malachi Kirby and Shaun Parkes in Mangrove from Small Axe
Mangrove / Amazon Studios
Is it a movie? Is it a television show? Don’t worry about the confusion surrounding Small Axe, Steve McQueen’s film anthology series on Amazon Prime Video. Instead, focus on the source material within the five movies of Small Axe and appreciate McQueen’s sheer brilliance as a director and storyteller. Small Axe focuses on West Indian immigrants in London during the 1960s and 1970s. The best film in the series is Mangrove, which tells the story of the Mangrove restaurant and the subsequent trial against nine Black activists who were charged with inciting a riot in response to the unfair treatment from the police to the Mangrove restaurant. Not only is Mangrove one of the best films of the year, but it’s one of the strongest depictions of institutional racism in films of the 21st century. Both Malachi Kirby and Shaun Parkes, who play two members of the Mangrove Nine, bring emotion to a new level with their passionate speeches during the trial. Mangrove is a must-watch film in 2020.
Rhea Seehorn in Better Call Saul
No acting nominations for Bob Odenkirk AND Rhea Seehorn. HUH? S5 of @BetterCallSaul is the best season of TV in 2020 so far. I understand there are snubs every year, but come on. That's an egregious error. What more do they have to do? #BetterCallSaul#emmyspic.twitter.com/pQwpsttspQ
Rhea Seehorn is perfect.Better Call Saulis about Saul Goodman, but all I care about is Kim Wexler and what happens to her before the show ends. Kim may be the second lead of the show, but she’s the most important character. Not only does Seehorn go toe-to-toe with Bob Odenkirk, but she ends up stealing the spotlight in Season 5. Take a bow, Rhea.
Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti in Palm Springs
Palm Springs / Hulu
In a year of few laughs, the film where I had the most fun was Palm Springs. The film stars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti as two guests at a wedding that become stuck in a time loop and relieve the same day over and over again. Palm Springs tackles depressing topics like hopelessness and infidelity with a comedic, rom-com approach. The result is a charming movie with two standout performances from Samberg and Milioti.
PALM SPRINGS: A delightful, refreshing take on a time loop movie. It successfully balances romantic, comedic humor with dark, depressing realizations. It's very easy to root for Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti. They're so damn likable. #PalmSpringsMoviepic.twitter.com/6gn7w02pG9
2020 will be remembered as the year of the pandemic. Right behind the pandemic should be television and how it captivated my life for 365 days. This past year, I’ve never watched more television in my life. Every week, a new TV show grabbed my attention and dominated my discussion within my social circles.
This is the first year where my list for top 10 TV shows was harder to make than my top 10 movies. That speaks volumes for me personally. As a result of the pandemic, I haven’t gone to a theater since February 2020, which is depressing. However, television filled my void admirably. I was willing to try more new shows because of my abundance of free time. There were so many tv shows to watch that I even missed out on notable programs like I May Destroy You and The Boys.
Below is my list for the top 10 best TV shows of 2020.
10. Devs (Hulu)
Devs FX on Hulu
Can man play God? That’s one of the questions behind the sci-fi mystery, Devs. Set in San Francisco, a young software engineer (Sonoya Mizuno) named Lily works at the tech-giant, Amaya. When her boyfriend dies on the job, Lily investigates the company’s CEO, Forrest (Nick Offerman), which leads her down a dangerous but compelling path. Framed as a murder mystery, Devs dives deeper into themes of free will, determinism, and quantum computing. Many will be turned off by the show, but if you enjoy the work of Alex Garland (Ex Machina and Annihilation), Devs is a weird sci-fi thriller with a satisfying conclusion. Plus, it’s beautiful to watch.
My favorite premise on television belongs to PEN15. Co-creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle play 13-year-old versions of themselves in the year 2000 while being surrounded by actual teenagers. The show sounds silly and childish, but it’s a stroke of genius. The gag never loses its charm, and the show hilariously dives into themes of adolescence in their own charming way. I cringe for all of the right reasons. Don’t forget to set your away message on AIM before watching.
8. ZeroZeroZero (Amazon Prime)
Zerozerozero Season 1, Episode 7 Andrea Riseborough and Dane DeHaan CR: Stefania Rosini/Amazon Studios
Remember March? That feels like five years ago. Right before the world went to shit, ZeroZeroZerohit Amazon Prime video. The story centers around the cocaine trade and involves three groups: the Mexican cartel, the American brokers, and the Italian mafia. The story tracks how cocaine is shipped from Mexico to Italy. It’s a fascinating look into a corrupt world and how power is worth more than gold. Standouts from the show include Harold Torres as Manuel Contreras, a rising soldier in the Mexican army, and Dane DeHaan as Chris Lynwood, one of the cocaine brokers who battles Huntington’s disease.
ZeroZeroZero: If Sicario, Narcos, and the Italian scenes in The Godfather had a baby, it would be this show. There are A LOT of storylines and characters, but it entertained me throughout. Looked and felt like a crime movie. @danedehaan is a fascinating actor. #ZeroZeroZero
If Normal People did not air in 2020, then Unorthodox would be the show that moved me the most. Unorthodoxplugs viewers into the ultra-Orthodox community in Brooklyn, NY. It’s here we meet Esty Shapiro (Shira Haas), an unhappily married teenager who decides to escape to Berlin and find her estranged mother. It’s a beautiful and delicate look into a world that at times, feels like a foreign country, not a neighborhood in Brooklyn. The brilliant Shira Haas is a star, and her captivating and emotionally-gripping performance is one of 2020’s best.
Getting around to a lot of the shows I missed this year. Just finished Unorthodox. That was one hell of a performance from Shira Haas. #Unorthodox#Emmys
Hi, I’m Dave. The surprise of the year belongs to Dave, the fictionalized tale of Lil Dicky and his quest to become the best rapper in the world. Dave is borderline ridiculous at times with milk boards and shitty hikes. However, Dave is more than just dick jokes. It has subtle nuance and tackles real problems in a caring way, highlighted by the standout episode dedicated to GaTa’s bipolar disorder. The show really hit its stride towards the end with “Ally’s Toast,” and ended with one of my favorite scenes of the year. At the end of the day, Dave makes me laugh more than any other show on TV.
The winner of the “show that came out of nowhere to captivate the nation” was The Queen’s Gambit. Somehow, a show about chess became the sexiest thing on television. The Queen’s Gambit chronicles the life of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), an orphan chess prodigy that strives to become the world’s best player in the 1950s and 19660s. As an average chess player, I was so captivated by the show that I found myself researching The Sicilian Defense and Queen’s Gambit. It’s as entertaining of a binge-watch as you’ll find all year. Anya Taylor-Joy is a captivating performer. From her stylish outfits to her killer instinct, Taylor-Joy has a magnetic look in her eyes that reminds me of a young Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone. I just want to hang out Beth and drink a cocktail over a game of chess. Buy your Taylor-Joy stock now.
THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT: Beth was a grandmaster in outfits and a really good chess player. pic.twitter.com/2LZBWojTfB
In my best Carl Weathers’s voice, “Mando!” Star Wars has reached new heights due to The Mandalorian. The bounty hunter tasked with returning Baby Yoda aka Grogu is an absolute blast. Even if you’re not a diehard Star Wars fan, this show is so fun and compelling that viewers can learn the ways of The Force without seeing any of the movies. Every episode is a fun adventure from start to finish. Season 2 continued to highlight where this show can go conceptually, and thanks to the recent Disney+ announcements, The Mandalorian will continue to open new doors in the Star Wars universe.
I’m ready to have this conversation.
Rogue One + The Mandalorian > The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy
The MVP of quarantine was The Last Dance. Spending two hours every Sunday night for five weeks with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls was one of the few highlights of 2020. From his rise in the 80s to his dominance in the 90s, The Last Dance brought fans on an emotional journey into the mindset of one of the most influential athletes of the last 100 years. When my mom and sister, who don’t play sports, are raving about a basketball documentary, then you know it’s fantastic. Jordan’s speech about winning and leadership is in my top ten scenes of the year.
If this doesn’t motivate you to be great, I don’t know what will. “Winning has a price, leadership has a price… ‘The one thing about Michael Jordan was he never asked me to do something that he didn’t ****ing do.” pic.twitter.com/sEt4eE9nTz
The show that brought me to tears was Normal People, Hulu’s adaption of Sally Rooney’s novel about two young adults who fall in and out of love over the course of a few years. Normal People is one of the most heartbreaking and purest depictions of young love I’ve ever seen. It floored me both emotionally and mentally. The chemistry between Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones was undeniable. It’s the type of show that I will be thinking about for many years to come.
NORMAL PEOPLE: I am speechless. It was one of the BEST depictions of first love that I've ever seen. Emotional and captivating. Star-making performances for Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones. A marvelous adaptation and one of the best shows of 2020. @normalpeople#NormalPeoplepic.twitter.com/4v61o7DRj5
Rhea Seehorn and Bob Odenkirk in Better Call Saul / Greg Lewis/AMC/Sony Pictures Television
This was an easy decision. The best show TV show in 2020 was Better Call Saul. Most shows start off great and plateau in the middle seasons before declining towards the end. With Better Call Saul, it’s quite the opposite. Vince Gilligan’s prequel to Breaking Bad has gotten better every year, culminating with a perfect fifth season. Every episode is like watching a masterclass on acting, writing, and directing. The show is so strong that most fans care more about the status of the secondary lead, Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), than the titular character, Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk). Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, and Tony Dalton all deserved Emmys for their performances. In particular, Seehorn can arguably make the claim that she’s giving the best performance on television today. She’s that damn good. Better Call Saul is no longer in the shadow of Breaking Bad. They are finally contemporaries.
Finally watched the last few episodes of @BetterCallSaul. Season 5 hasn't missed once. It's so damn tense and addicting. @mrbobodenkirk, @rheaseehorn (KIM EFFING WEXLER!!!), and Jonathan Banks all need Emmys. I'm in awe of its brilliance. #BetterCallSaul
Quick shoutouts to shows that just missed the cut and shows I didn’t get a chance to watch.
Honorable Mention: How To with John Wilson, Lovecraft Country, Ramy, Sex Education, Dash & Lily, The Real Bros of Simi Valley, Outer Banks
Did Not Watch: I May Destroy You (will 100% watch), The Boys, The Undoing, Ozark (Season 3), The Crown, Ted Lasso, Mrs. America, The Good Lord Bird
Editor’s Note: The Queen’s Gambit was originally at 4 and The Mandalorian was at 5. After a terrific Season 2 finale, The Mandalorian moved up to 4 while The Queen’s Gambit moved back to 5
What shows are on your top 10 lists? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet us, @unafraidshow.
The fifth major sport is back on MTV. To quote a nervous cast member after TJ Lavin reveals a twist and diabolically laughs, “This changes everything.” Tonight, The Challenge returns for its 35th season titled Double Agents.
If there’s one silver lining in quarantine, it reassured my love for The Challenge. Back in April, there were no professional sports on television. I was miserable. I noticed The Challenge was returning and decided to give it a shot. I used to be a diehard fan for about 10 years, but took a break for a few seasons because the product began to suffer.
Let me be the first to say I’m glad I watched last season because I’m fully back into this crazy world of reality television. The Challenge is the perfect blend of athleticism, drama, and politics.
– It’s weird to not see Johnny Bananas on this list. Going into every season, he’s always the favorite since he holds the record for most season wins with seven. He deserves a break and during a pandemic, who could blame him?
– For the veteran guys, Wes and Darrell will be popular picks to win it all with CT and Leroy in the tier below. However, the overall favorite should be Fessy, who was an absolute beast last season. If Fessy spent quarantine on a treadmill to improve his cardio, I don’t see anyone beating him until the final.
– On the ladies’ side, it’s much harder to pick a favorite. Can you believe that Ashley is the only female to have previously won a season? Ashley’s two wins should make her the frontrunner, but her unpredictability makes it hard to trust her longevity. Lolo Jones is a former Olympian so by default, she will be one of the favorites. The most anticipated debut belongs to Natalie Anderson, a legendary winner on Survivor. If I had to pick one favorite, my vote is for two-time finalist Kam Williams, who dons an impressive 7-2 record in eliminations.
Quick Questions
Who Will Give The Toast?
The unofficial start of The Challenge is the famous “Bananas Toast.” As fans, we all look forward to the party on the first night and in particular, the Bananas Toast. Without Johnny B, the toast won’t be the same, but someone has to do it. The logical selection would be CT or Wes. However, CT rarely drinks on the show and many people hate Wes. I’m calling my shot right now and picking Kyle to make the toast.
Will Josh Cry?
Is the Pope catholic?
Will Cory Talk About His Daughter?
Did you guys know that Cory has a daughter?
Who Will Nany Fight?
Nany is going to fight with someone. It’s only a matter of time before Hurricane Nany goes on a rampage. Last season, she went toe-to-toe with Aneesa and some ramen noodles. Looking at the cast, someone will either try to hit on Kaycee or call Nany a liar. My money is on Ashley.
Who Will I Root For?
Back in the day, I had my squad that I rooted for every week. It included Bananas, CT, Alton, Derrick, Paula, Laurel, and Diem. Last year, Jenny West earned a spot on my team. This year, I’m hurting for favorites. I’m very indifferent to this year’s cast. I enjoy the drama and always root for train wrecks, but can’t say I’m going to root for a lot of new people this year. Gabby Allen is the leader in the clubhouse to join my inner circle. She’s a personal trainer from England who made the finals on Love Island U.K. and Celebrity Big Brother U.K. Say no more because I’m in.
My Picks
The smart picks to win it all are Fessy and Kam. I think Kam is the right pick for females. Kam’s one of the strongest girls and finals’ experience narrowly puts her ahead of Lolo and Natalie.
Fessy is the guy to beat, but I’m going to zig with my selection. The man I’m picking to win is…
Devin.
There will never be another Johnny Bananas, but Devin’s game is as close to Johnny’s strategy as you can get. His political game is elite, which he displayed by taking out multiple vets in Rivals III. His physical game is so-so, but he managed to beat Bananas in an elimination in Vendettas. At times, he’ll bite off more than he can chew, but Devin is sneakily one of the best guys in the house. I’m picking Devin to win in an upset.
Devin and Kam
Enjoy the fifth major sport!
Who do you believe will win it all? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.
Kevin dominated last night’s episode, but Kate and Randall stole the show with two big reveals at the end of This Is Us.
This Is Us Season 5 Episode 4 Recap: “Honestly”
THIS IS US — “Honestly” Episode 504 — Pictured in this screengrab: (l-r) Lonnie Chavis as Randall, Mackenzie Hancsicsak as Kate, Parker Bates as Kevin — (Photo by: NBC)
Kate’s Secret Pregnancy
The promo for episode four used the classic bait and switch technique. The short video clip teased a conversation between Kate and Ellie about adoption and if Ellie was having second thoughts. That idea was quickly squashed after Ellie said she was conflicted about her own life but still wants to give her baby to Kate and Toby. It turns out that the name Kate picked for the child, Chloe, prompted a negative reaction from her past life.
However, the conversation with Ellie triggered a past memory from Kate after Ellie mentioned thoughts about abortion. When Kate was a teen, she was in an abusive relationship with Marc, who had the slimiest of mustaches known to man. After their breakup, Kate realized that she was pregnant.
What did Kate do with her unborn child? I’m guessing she had an abortion, which is why her conversation with Ellie triggered this memory. What I want to know is who knew about the pregnancy besides Kate. Did she tell Marc? Did Kate confide in a friend we don’t know about? As a dedicated viewer, I’ve learned that no character faces problems alone. There’s always someone else involved.
Let’s just call a spade a spade. Sterling K. Brown is shredded. The man is ripped from head to toe. Was his striptease a mistake or an audition for Chippendales?
Back to the topic at hand. Randall’s striptease may have shown off his hard work in the gym, but it also served as a connection to his birth mother, Laurel. At the end of the episode, the Vietnamese grandfather watches Randall’s viral video. Unlike most people, he’s less focused on the dance and zeroes in on the name, William Hill. If you bet that Randall would find out about his birth mother because he stripped in his office at 1000 to 1 odds, then cash your tickets immediately and move to a tropical island.
Is Laurel alive? I’m back and forth on this issue. It would be too fitting for Laurel to be alive. My prediction is Randall meets Laurel’s daughter or son with the Vietnamese man, which would make them half-siblings.
Atta Boy, Kevin
Ever since the middle of the third season, Kevin’s storyline interests me the most. He’s having twins with Madison, fighting with Randall, and attempting to win an Oscar for his mom. That’s a hell of a platter. Last night focused on his work ethic in both the past and present. As a kid, Kevin’s potential in football began to grow, but he struggled to memorize the plays and put in the work. Thanks to Randall’s color-coded flashcards, Kevin started to bond with his brother and memorize the plays.
In the present, Kevin failed to impress his new director. Instead of quitting, Kevin made more color-coded flashcards, and it appeared to work since his director sent Kevin a gift basket. The episode began to lay the groundwork for Kevin and Randall’s future conversation. Kevin is starting to sympathize with Randall and the issues he experienced as a black kid in a predominately white community.
There has to be an “a-ha” moment for Kevin. What is the moment that will unite the brothers? My money is on the birth of Kevin’s children.
Other News And Notes
– I immediately recognized Jack’s Cool Hand Luke reference. What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.
– This Is Us tried to plant conspiracy theories in our heads with the baby name, Chloe. Kate and Toby’s daughter will be named Hailey so after Kate used the name Chloe, the idea of Ellie keeping her baby ran through our minds for precisely 5 minutes. Nice try, writing room, but I didn’t fall for it.
– Malik should forget about his idea to open a restaurant. Instead, he should run for mayor of Philadelphia.
– I’m in the Jamie Chung Hive. Big year for Ms. Chung with Lovecraft Country and a guest appearance on This Is Us. If you have time, watch Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong on Hulu. She costars with her husband, Bryan Greenberg. It’s a charming rom-com that will make you miss traveling.
See you in January when This Is Us returns from its hiatus.
Did you enjoy last night’s episode? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.
After an extended hiatus due to the pandemic, This Is Us finally returns tonight for Season 5 with a special two-hour premiere. Frankly, America needs the Pearson family back in our lives in order to provide a necessary distraction from COVID.
When we last saw the Big Three, Kevin and Randall squared off in a fight that mirrored Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed. Instead of throwing punches, the brothers verbally spared, trading haymaker after haymaker until Kevin dropped the hammer when he said, “Hand to God, Randall, the worst thing that ever happened to me was the day they brought you home.”
Awkward…
Here’s a quick recap of everything else that happened in the Season 4 finale.
Both Nicky and Kevin are wearing wedding rings in the flash-forward.
Rebecca is going to St. Louis for the clinical trial with Miguel.
In typical This Is Us fashion, the writers left us with multiple cliffhangers in the finale, which will all be addressed at some point this season or the next. So what can we expect in Season 5?
https://youtu.be/xP9pwlzeLBw
-Fallout of fight between Randall and Kevin: This is the biggest storyline of the season. I don’t expect this fight to end overnight. As we’ve seen in the flash-forward, Randall and Kevin will eventually be on good terms. However, what is the moment that will bring them together?
-Rebecca’s Clinical Trials: At the end of Season 4, Rebecca decided to sign up for the clinical trials in St. Louis. Rebecca and Miguel will head to St. Louis during the season, but when will they head home? During the Season 4 midseason finale, Rebecca’s memory significantly deteriorated and needed a police escort back to the cabin for the 40th birthday party, which will air tonight. Did Rebecca leave the trials because they failed or did something happen to Miguel?
-Kate And Toby’s Relationship: At the end of last season, Kate and Toby decide to explore adoption, and we know that they will adopt a girl and name her Hailey. However, what we don’t know is the status of their marriage. Kate and Toby have had problems in the past (Thanks, Lady Kryptonite). Expect problems to occur once again this season, but will it lead to a divorce or something much worse?
-Birth and Rebirths: According to Dan Fogelman, this season is about “births and rebirths.” The obvious birth will be Kevin and Madison’s twins. With that being said, I’m more interested in the rebirth. Does the rebirth represent Kevin and Randall’s relationship? Is it a new love interest for Kevin or Kate? Does it signify Rebecca’s love for Miguel?
-Jack: When in doubt, add Jack into a storyline. We all need a little more Jack Pearson on the show.
With a preview comes predictions. I made these predictions at the end of last season.
Kevin will name his daughter after his mother, Rebecca.
Miguel will die.
The birth of the twins will end the fight between Kevin and Randall.
For now, I’m sticking with those predictions. I’m confident that Miguel, who I love dearly, will die at some point within the next two seasons. In regards to the twins, my confidence meter is 50/50. Now that the premiere has arrived, here are a few more predictions.
Kate Will Die*: I’ve been on this hill since Season 2. There’s no reason to abandon ship just yet. This Is Us is all about the fragility of life and cherishing every moment spent with family. Death ties every storyline together. The deaths of Jack, William, and Kyle (original member of the Big Three who died in childbirth) rocked the Pearson family and became crucial plot points in the story. Kate has not been seen in the flashforward at Kevin’s house. Toby is also not wearing his wedding ring. Are Kate and Toby divorced? Maybe, but for now, I’m leaning towards “’til death do us part.”
*Kate will die if and only if Miguel dies in Season 5. Two deaths in one season are too much to handle. If Miguel dies in Season 5, then Kate could die in Season 6 if that’s truly the final season. If Miguel’s death occurs in the final season, then Kate will live.
-Nicky Pretends To Be Married To Rebecca: This is my outrageous prediction. In the flash forward, Nicky is wearing a wedding ring while sitting next to a dying Rebecca. There’s no chance in hell that Nicky marries Rebecca. However, since Rebecca’s memory is shot, Nicky pretends to be Jack on the surface since most of her memories are gone and she only remembers Jack. Nicky wears the wedding ring and acts like Jack even though he’s serving as Rebecca’s caretaker. It’s an odd prediction, but a spicy take.
-Rebecca Will Die In The Series Finale: Rebecca will die in the bed surrounded by her loved ones in the series finale. Rebecca’s death will complete the circle of life.
Can’t wait to see how many of these predictions come true!
What are your predictions for This Is Us Season 5? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.
The Oscars may have been pushed back, but the show will go on for the 2020 Emmys on Sunday, Sept. 20. Like most parts of the country, large, indoor gatherings are banned so the Emmys will be a virtual show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.
If you know what to expect on Sunday night, then let me know because I’m clueless. I understand why the show went virtual, but I don’t want an online event to dilute the meaning and value of the ceremony. The Emmys are the pinnacle of television awards and a win could literally change someone’s life. The entire world was dealt a bad hand due to COVID so I won’t hold the decision to air a virtual ceremony against the Television Academy. However, I pray the show errs on the side of caution and presents a serious show as opposed to an influx of silly hijinks. The ceremony can still be funny, but make sure the show continues to focus on the winners and their speeches.
Let’s not lose sight of the fact that this year of television was tremendous. In a year where television lost Emmy-giants like Game of Thrones, Veep, and Fleabag, shows like Succession, Schitt’s Creek, and Watchmen are ready to collect their hardware. It’s a wide-open field, especially in the dramatic categories. Below are a few storylines I’m keeping an eye on.
HBO Dominance
Goodbye Game of Thrones, hello Succession. The rich could get richer if Succession wins Outstanding Drama, which means HBO would have won five of the last six Emmys in the drama category. Succession is the favorite or second-favorite to win in six categories. The same can be said for HBO’s frontrunner in the Limited Series category, Watchmen, which received the most nominations of the night with 11. There’s a world where HBO wins every category it’s in for both Drama and Limited Series.
Can Paul Mescal Pull Off The Upset?
Normal People / Hulu
No show emotionally moved me more than Normal People, Hulu’s brilliant series about young love and adolescence in Ireland. Led by two stellar performances from Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, Normal People became one of the most heartbreaking and accurate depictions of young love I’ve ever seen. Although Edgar-Jones did not receive a nomination for Outstanding Actress, Mescal and the show itself garnered nominations for Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Limited Series, respectively. It’s going to be tough to beat Watchmen for Outstanding Limited Series, but Mescal has an outside chance at winning Outstanding Actor. Mark Ruffalo is the favorite, but the show itself was not as critically acclaimed as Normal People, which works in Mescal’s favor. I’ll be pulling for Connell and his chain on Sunday night.
Outstanding Drama Series
Who Should Win: Better Call Saul
Who Will Win:Succession
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Who Should Win: Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul (not nominated)
Who Will Win: Brian Cox, Succession
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Who Should Win: Zendaya, Euphoria
Who Will Win: Jennifer Anniston, The Morning Show
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Who Should Win: Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul (not nominated)
Who Will Win: Kieran Culkin, Succession
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Who Should Win: R H E A S E E H O R N, Better Call Saul (all-caps are necessary)
Who Will Win: Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown
*I’m obnoxious, but it’s a sin that Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, and Rhea Seehorn were snubbed from their respective categories.
Outstanding Comedy Series
Who Should Win: What We Do in the Shadows
Who Will Win:The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Who Should Win: Ramy Youssef, Ramy
Who Will Win: Eugene Levy, Schitt’s Creek
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Who Should Win: Issa Rae, Insecure
Who Will Win: Catherine O’Hara, Schitt’s Creek
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Who Should Win: Mahershala Ali, Ramy
Who Will Win: Tony Shalhoub, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Who Should Win: D’Arcy Carden, The Good Place
Who Will Win: Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Outstanding Limited Series
Who Should Win: Watchmen
Who Will Win:Watchmen
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Who Should Win: Paul Mescal, Normal People
Who Will Win: Mark Ruffalo, I Know This Much Is True
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Who Should Win: Regina King, Watchmen
Who Will Win: Regina King, Watchmen
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Who Should Win: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Watchmen
Who Will Win: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Watchmen
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Who Should Win: Toni Collette, Unbelievable
Who Will Win: Jean Smart, Watchmen
What are your Emmy predictions? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.
