Casting The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air Reboot

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there. I’ll tell you how there’s a drama reboot involving The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Corny puns aside, a drama reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is in the works. However, the show will take a dramatic twist as the series will have a more serious tone. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the reimagined series will “dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions, and biases of what it means to be a Black man in America today.”

The series will draw inspiration from Bel-Air, a four-minute viral clip from director Morgan Cooper that showcases what the show might look like in 2020. Will Smith will team with Cooper to adapt the series.

Remakes and reboots can be superb like the Ocean‘s series or problematic like the newest Robocop. However, Bel-Air could be interesting since the show is switching from a comedy to a drama. This got me thinking. Who will be cast in these iconic roles?

Here are a few rules I implemented.

  • No A-list stars: As much as I would love to cast John David Washington and Zendaya in every project under the sun, their schedules would make it impossible.
  • Can’t be tied up as a lead on another show: The Caleb McLaughlin Rule. I think Caleb McLaughlin will be in the running for the role of Will, but that all depends on his schedule for Stranger Things. For now, I’m keeping actors with commitments to big shows off the list. Smaller commitments on shows will be allowed.
  • Age range similar to character: We’re not making Will a 32-year-old who looks like a 21-year-old. Each actor has to be in the ballpark of when the original actor played the role, especially for the children. The adult roles will get more leeway.

Remember, this will be a dramatic reboot, not a comedic reboot. So I’ll be zeroing in on actors who would fare better in a drama.

Jharrel Jerome as Will Smith

John Lamparski/Getty Images

I’m calling my shot now. If Caleb McLaughlin is unavailable, Jharrel Jerome will play Will. Jerome first made waves for his role as Kevin in the Oscar-winning Moonlight, but his biggest role came as Korey Wise in Netflix’s When They See Us. Jerome has the dramatic chops to carry a show as evidenced by his Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Will Smith was a rising star with a ton of potential when the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air debuted. Jerome could be on a Will Smith-like trajectory if things break right for him.

Mekhi Phifer as Uncle Philip Banks

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Philip Banks is the tough, fair, and loving Uncle that shapes Will into the man he becomes. Uncle Phil is Will’s voice of reason and advisor. In this reboot, I’m expecting Uncle Phil to implement even more tough love. My pick is Mehki Phifer. Two words: Greg Pratt. Mehki should channel Dr. Pratt from ER as his inspiration for the role. Pratt was a natural leader but went against the grain at times, which ruffled some feathers with the higher-ups. He eventually became a mentor to many residents and practiced tough love throughout his tenure. The same rules can apply to Uncle Phil’s relationship with Will. Phifer is about the same age as Avery when he played the role so it makes for a believable Uncle.

Ruth Negga as Aunt Viv

The Irish Times

My cast can A-C-T Act. Ruth Negga is one of those actors that improves after every performance. Negga had small roles in World War Z and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but she showcased her true potential in Loving, which garnered her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Lo and behold, Negga’s schedule just opened up after the end of Preacher. Negga will have no problem being the matriarch of the Banks family.

Asante Blackk as Carlton Banks

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

The chemistry between Will and Carlton is one of the reasons why The Fresh Prince worked. It’s the second biggest relationship in the show behind Will and Uncle Phil. If Jerome plays Will, it would be beneficial to have an actor with an established rapport to play Carlton. Enter Asante Blackk, who played Kevin Richardson in When They See Us. Blackk currently has a pivotal role in This Is Us, but he’s not in the main ensemble just yet, which is good for this reboot. Just like Smith was Alfonso Ribeiro’s senior by three years, Jerome is Black’s senior by four years so there is already an older brother/younger brother dynamic.

Jordin Sparks as Hilary Banks

Yahoo!

In order to play Hilary, one must be beautiful, charming, and unintentionally funny. In the trailer, even though it’s a drama, Hilary still slips in a joke about shopping on Rodeo Drive. I have no idea if this actress loves to shop, but for some reason, Jordin Sparks reminds me of Hilary and I mean that in the nicest way. Sparks is probably too famous for this role, but if she wants to get back into television, she could be the perfect Hilary. Hilary may be unintelligent at times, but she’s so innocent and likable that it’s hard to find anything wrong with her. Who doesn’t like Jordin Sparks? That’s my point.

Quvenzhané Wallis as Ashley Banks

Black-ish

Is Quvenzhané Wallis too established for this role? It’s possible due to the fact she’s the youngest actress to ever be nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars. Wallis was nine-years-old when she received an acting nomination for Beasts of the Southern Wild. Besides this performance, Wallis has been in less than 10 productions since 2012. Wallis would be perfect for the fiery and musically gifted Banks’ sister. Wallis was recently cast in Swagger, which chronicles basketball on the AAU circuit, but has no other roles in pre-production so her schedule theoretically checks out.

Clarke Peters as Geoffrey

HBO

Witty and reliable, Geoffrey was the loyal butler to the Banks family. He was also brutally honest and sprinkled in some wisdom to the Banks’ children. Who’s better at giving advice than Clarke Peters aka Lester Freamon from The Wire? After watching Da 5 Bloods, I realized I need more Clarke Peters in my life. Although Peters is about 20 years older than when Joseph Marcell portrayed the character, I’ll make an exception for the smooth, likable Peters, who will mold Will into a man just like he did with Pres on The Wire.

Who would you cast for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reboot? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

17 Years Later, I Still Miss The O.C.

The O.C.

On August 5, 2003, Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie), an intelligent but troubled teenager from Chino, gets arrested after trying to steal a car with his older brother in the pilot episode of The O.C. Ryan’s public defender, Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher), understands that Ryan’s had a tough life and offers his business card if Ryan ever needs to call him. After getting kicked out of his own house, Ryan has no other options but to call Sandy, who lives in an extravagent house in Newport Beach with his wife, Kirsten (Kelly Rowan), and teenage son, Seth (Adam Brody). Cue the music.

17 years later, I miss The O.C. In the pantheon of shows, The O.C. is never going to be compared to The Sopranos, The Wire, or Breaking Bad. However, it’s one of the most influential television shows of the 21st century. Without The O.C. popularizing the lifestyle of Southern California teenagers and their families, there’s no Gossip Girl, Laguna Beach, The Hills, Real Housewives. Without The O.C. creating a teen drama that also focused on adults, there’s no Friday Night Lights, Riverdale, or Desperate Housewives.

What made The O.C. special is the fact that they focused on relationships between both the kids and the adults. It wasn’t just a show for kids, about kids. The show was able to incorporate issues of alcoholism, wealth, and class seen through the eyes of both teenagers and adults. Creator Josh Schwartz created a primetime television, major network drama with soap opera elements that centered around teenagers. I’m on the record saying the first season of The O.C. is one of my favorite television seasons ever. I’ll go one step further by saying it’s as close to a perfect season as you can get. The show’s pilot is also one of my 10 favorite pilots of all time and I know I’m not the only one who shares that opinion.

Due to its overwhelming popularity, The O.C. became part of the cultural zeitgeist. The O.C. embraced pop culture and included these references throughout the series. From baggy jeans to flip phones and puka shells, The O.C. had a pulse on teenagers during that timeframe. The audience felt like they were growing up with Ryan, Seth, Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton), and Summer Roberts (Rachel Bilson). The show also provided iconic scenes and moments that were odes to popular moments in pop culture. Who could forget the upside-down spiderman kiss between Summer and Seth?

To all my girls and guys out there, I’m sure we all wished that “Fix You” would play at our high school dances. Am I right?

Speaking of songs, the music drops is as elite as you can get for a show. Schwartz and musical supervisor Alexandra Patsavas had an impeccable taste (and still does cc: Looking for Alaska) for pop, indie, and alternative music. The O.C. helped popularize bands like The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Rooney, Imogen Heap, and The All American Rejects. As I write this piece, I’m listening to Dice by Finley Quaye, which was featured on the New Year’s Eve episode where Ryan shared a kiss with Marissa just after midnight. Suck it, Oliver.

Like many shows, The O.C. ran into problems, especially during the third season. It pains me to bring up bad memories, but the third season is such a departure from what worked in all of the first season and most of the second season. Killing Marissa Cooper because Mischa Barton wanted to leave the show wasn’t a great decision, but their hand was forced. However, the fourth season channeled some magic from the earlier seasons and made Taylor Townsend into a formidable fourth character to Ryan, Seth, and Summer. This comment is out of place, but I have to honor the wonderful holiday that is Chrismukkah.

Teen dramas have tried to recapture the magic of The O.C. and some shows like Euphoria and Riverdale have found some success, but nothing will beat the teenagers of Newport Beach. “They don’t make them like this anymore,” is an overused phrase, but in regards to The O.C., it’s an appropriate response.

Welcome to the O.C., bitch.

Do you miss The O.C.? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

23 Thoughts About The 2020 Emmy Nominations

Better call saul

Who’s ready to argue and become “#madonline?” Whenever any list or nominations hit the Internet, in classic Internet fashion, we go right to Twitter to vent. Today was no different after the 2020 Emmy nominations were announced this morning. Below is my thread from this morning.

After taking the day to think, I came up with 23 thoughts.

1. I love that the nominations were announced at 11:30 AM EDT. I never understand why the Oscars announce their nominees at 8:20 AM EDT/5:20 AM PDT. I can’t process information that early. Frankly, the network that hosts the ceremony should have a primetime special to announce the nominations. I expect my check in the mail when a major organization steals that idea.

2. No Rhea Seehorn? I want to puke.

3. Watchmen deserved to lead the field with the most nominees with 26. Watchmen was a fantastic show from start to finish that eerily predicted what’s going on in the world in 2020. As I stated in my Emmy preview, “Watchmen should bring a broom for the clean sweep.”

4. Ramy Youssef is a rising star. I’m very happy he received an individual nomination, but I’m sad the show was not nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series.

5. No Bob Odenkirk? I want to vomit.

6. Speaking of rising stars, I’m elated Paul Mescal received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie. Normal People is at the top of my list for favorite shows in 2020. It’s a heartbreaking depiction of first love between Millenials. Mescal was excellent and has a bright future ahead of him.

7. As happy as I am that Mescal received recognition, I’m disappointed his costar, Daisy Edgar-Jones, was left out of the Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie category. It’s hard for me to reward one of the actors over the other because of their strong chemistry and connection. This won’t be the last we hear from Edgar-Jones.

8. No Normal People in the Outstanding Limited Series category hurts. If you haven’t heard by now, I loved Normal People.

9. ZENDAYA IS MEECHEE!

10. I, too, also share Laverne Cox’s excitement for Zendaya’s lead acting nomination for Euphoria. Zendaya is the standout on Euphoria. The sky is the limit for this insanely talented actress.

https://twitter.com/bywagnermoura/status/1288160201682620417?s=20

11. No Jonathan Banks? I want to gag.

12. HBO has their new Game of Thrones in the form of Succession. The Roy Family won’t dominate as Thrones did in the technical categories, but 18 nominations including one for Outstanding Drama Series position Succession to become HBO’s new staple program.

13. I’m still catching up on Succession and Ozark so I apologize for my lack of comments about both programs. However, Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy is throwing 98mph fastballs every time he’s onscreen. He deserves his Emmy nomination.

14. THE MANDALORIAN IS UP FOR OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES! I’m still in shock, but it’s a great surprise. I can’t wait for Season 2.

The Mandalorian / Disney

15. No Tony Dalton? I want to heave.

16. I need to watch What We Do in the Shadows.

17. I miss Fleabag.

18. Unbelievable is a classic case of an excellent show coming out too early in the season. Unbelievable, a harrowing and emotional tale about sexual assault and the search for justice, premiered in September 2019 to rave reviews. Unbelievable nabbed nominations for Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Toni Collette, but the show’s two leads, Kaitlyn Dever and Merritt Wever, were snubbed from the lead acting category. If the show premiered in 2020, I bet Dever and Wever receive their well-deserved nominations.

19. I would have loved an Emmy nomination for Justin Hartley of This Is Us. However, Sterling K. Brown, Ron Cephas Jones, and Phylicia Rashad all received nominations so it’s a good consolation prize.

20. No Giancarlo Esposito? Oh wait, they did nominate Gus Fring! That’s cool, although Gus really hasn’t been “Gus” yet.

21. In a perfect world, Devs and Dave take home hardware. Maybe we’re in a simulation and need to find another outcome.

22. I can’t stop thinking about how Better Call Saul was snubbed so badly. I wrote about what would happen if the cast didn’t win any awards. However, I assumed most of the cast would receive nominations. Boy, was I wrong!

On one hand, the show scored a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. However, in the show’s best season, none of the major stars besides Esposito received acting nominations. What am I missing? I understand snubs happen every year, but Odenkirk was one of the favorites heading into nominations. Search “Rhee Seahorn” and you’ll find 20 articles about how she’s the MVP of the show and needs to receive an Emmy nomination. Jonathan Banks is a six-time nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor, and yet he won’t hear his name called at the podium. Tony Dalton is the Breaking Bad universe’s best villain since Gus Fring, and he couldn’t even sniff the nominations. I should not be this mad about television when the world is in a pandemic, but here I am screaming at the Internet like Bob Odenkirk.

Better Call Saul didn’t even receive any directing or cinematography nominations. What is going on?

“Bagman,” Better Call Saul / Sony Pictures Television
Better Call Saul / Sony Pictures Television

There is a lot to celebrate about the nominations, but I can’t erase the sour taste in my mouth due to the lack of recognition for Better Call Saul.

23. We don’t deserve Rhea Seehorn. If I ever win an Emmy, I’m going to thank Rhea Seehorn.

For the complete list of nominations, click here.

Do you have any thoughts about the 2020 Emmy nominations? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Johnny Bananas Cemented Himself As The Greatest Player In Challenge History

Johnny Bananas

In basketball, the GOAT debate is between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. In movies, Citizen Kane and The Godfather typically duke it out for the top spot. In MTV’s The Challenge, there is only one GOAT and his name is Johnny Bananas.

Last night, Johnny Bananas and Jenny West won Total Madness, the 35th season of The Challenge. The duo split the $1 million prize down the middle so $500 thousand a piece is a nice chunk of change. The final challenge was all about endurance as the 9 competitors hiked up a snow-covered mountain in freezing cold temperatures, completing tasks along the way. If I’m being honest, this wasn’t my favorite final challenge. I enjoy it when the final challenge consists of solving puzzles, eating disgusting animals, and puking at every corner. The mountain is tough for competitors, but the entertainment value suffers to a degree. Despite the disappointing final, the season as a whole was a return to prominence for the MTV reality show.

Finals are hard to win and what Jenny and Bananas did was beyond impressive. Jenny is my favorite female competitor and Bananas is my favorite male competitor so it was a good night in the Girolamo household. Jenny will be a beast for seasons to come and I look forward to her evolution as a competitor. However, last night was about a king cementing himself as the greatest player in Challenge history.

There is no argument as to who the top dog is anymore. Johnny Bananas is the greatest competitor in the show’s history. In 20 seasons, Bananas has won 7 times, which is the most for an individual player in the show’s history. After last night’s 500K purse, Bananas is now the all-time money earner on the show with $1,184,720.

It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for Bananas early on. Before Johnny Bananas became a star, he was simply “John Devenanzio.” In his first season of The Challenge, The Duel, Devenanzio was embarrassed as the first contestant eliminated and sent home. After The Duel, John Devenanzio evolved into Johnny Bananas and unleashed his dominance. In his next nine appearances, Bananas reached seven finals, winning five of them.

How did Bananas become the greatest competitor in the show’s history? In simplest terms, Bananas “gets it.” The Challenge is not just about being the most physically gifted athlete. CT, Landon, Laurel, and Alton would have won every challenge if it was all about physicality. The smartest players do not always win as well. Sarah Rice and Mark Long played great political and social games, but that didn’t always lead to victory. In order to win The Challenge, you need a combination of brains, brawn, and strategy. You need to pick your battles, stay out of early eliminations, and make sure the majority of the house vote is on your side. No one plays a better game than Bananas. He’s the strongest political force in the game, flipping votes in the house at the drop of a hat and brokering side deals with players to ensure his victory. When it comes to physical eliminations, Bananas can keep up with the best of them. Just ask Jordan.

Bananas did suffer a few hiccups on the road to greatness in the form of the CT Backpack, which is a top-five moment in the show’s history.

Sarah Rice also turned on Bananas before the final of Battle of the Exes II.

However, Bananas had the last laugh when he pulled the biggest villain move in the show’s history by keeping all of the prize money instead of splitting it with Sarah.

Some, including Bananas himself, cited that moment as a curse since Bananas hadn’t been to a final since that moment. It’s safe to say that the curse is over. This season was no walk in the park. Bananas had to defeat both Wes and Rogan in eliminations as well as come from behind to win the final.

Johnny Bananas is the GOAT of The Challenge, but there is a case to be made that he’s the GOAT competitor throughout all of reality game shows. I’m not a huge Survivor fan, but I know only two competitors won the game twice: Sandra Diaz-Twine and Tony Vlachos. American Ninja Warrior and The Amazing Race are similar in nature to The Challenge, but no one has ever won seven times. Singing competitions like American Idol and food competitions like Top Chef are almost in their own section of reality game shows. If Bananas is not the GOAT of reality game shows, he’s at least on Mount Rushmore.

Bananas hinted at taking a break, although it’s not an official retirement. Bananas will be back in the future at some point. However, if this was the last time we see Bananas, then let’s toast to the king.

MTV’s The Challenge

P.S. I don’t think it was rigged.

Is Johnny Bananas the GOAT? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

2020 Emmy Predictions: Storylines To Monitor Ahead Of Nominations

Better call saul

The quarantine has made us all stay inside. Instead of focusing on the negatives, let’s talk about the positives, which include more time to stream new shows. It may be July, but the 2020 Emmys are on the horizon and scheduled for the end of September. Whether the ceremony moves back a few weeks or goes virtual, what won’t change is the voting period for nominations, which began on July 2.

2020 will usher in new contenders in both drama and comedy as HBO’s stalwarts, Game of Thrones and Veep, are no longer on television. Can Succession be the new HBO juggernaut, or will Ozark and Better Call Saul breakthrough with huge victories in drama? Fleabag finished as well so The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Good Place, and Schitt’s Creek will all be vying for comedic victories.

Ahead of the nominations announcement on July 28, here are a few storylines to follow.

Can Succession Carry The HBO Torch With Game Of Thrones Gone?

Game of Thrones may have disappointed fans with its final season, but that sadness did not affect Emmy voters when fantasy series won Outstanding Drama Series last year. After its fourth win in five years in the drama series category, Game of Thrones is no longer with us nor in the drama category. Now, HBO is looking for another show to exert dominance once again. Enter Succession, which is coming off of a “near-perfect” second season. HBO’s drama about the Roy family is the favorite to take home the top prize on Goldderby. The last drama series to win in this category for its second season was Mad Men in 2009. However, the last show to win in this category for its second season without winning for its first season was The Practice in 1998. If Succession wins, Kendall Roy must perform “L to the OG” onstage as the acceptance speech.

Full disclosure, I have yet to finish the first season of Succession so I have some catching up to do before the ceremony airs in September. I’ll catch up with the Roy family, don’t worry.

Will Better Call Saul FINALLY Win A Primetime Emmy?

I understand that there are a lot of television shows eligible for awards every year. There are a lot of great shows that will never win Emmys in the big categories. The prime example is The Wire, which is regarded as one of the greatest shows of all time with zero Emmys wins. With all that being said, it will be a CRIME if Better Call Saul goes home empty-handed this year. The show’s fifth season was by far its best season as Saul inches closer to the Breaking Bad universe. Let’s assume Saul receives nominations for Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor for Bob Odenkirk, Outstanding Supporting Actress for Rhea Seehorn, and Outstanding Supporting Actor for Jonathan Banks. How could any voter sit down and cite a better performance in all four categories? There are arguments to be made for stronger performances in a few of those categories, but all four? That’s impossible. If Better Call Saul does not win an Emmy in at least one of those four categories, I’m starting the following hashtag: #The2020EmmysAreOverParty

Should Watchmen Bring A Broom?

Watchmen should bring a broom because they’re going to sweep away their competition in the limited series categories. Get it? Brooms sweep so if the show brings a broom, it symbolizes a clean sweep in their categories. Isn’t it funny?

All (bad) jokes aside, Watchmen was phenomenal. It’s one of the most powerful comic book adaptations ever brought to screen. Between masked cops, white supremacy, and the Tulsa Race Massacre, Watchmen scarily became a reflection on certain aspects of our society. Yes, this is also the same show with a naked blue man.

In terms of categories, Watchmen will be a big favorite to win Outstanding Limited Series. From there, Regina King should be a favorite Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series/Movie but will face tough competition from Cate Blanchett for Mrs. America. Tim Blake Nelson and Jean Smart will be towards the top in their respective supporting categories. It’s important to note that Smart’s name holds weight within the television academy, having won three Emmys prior. The only longshot from Watchmen will be Jeremy Irons, who if nominated, will be a heavy underdog to Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Jackman in the lead acting category.

Will Any Of My Favorite Shows Of The Year Receive A Nomination?

Hulu Netflix shows

If I’m a fan of your show, your Emmy chances dramatically decrease. I apologize for being a kiss of death. Devs, Dave, and Normal People are three of my favorite shows of the year and all three can be streamed on Hulu. Devs made me question life, Dave made me laugh, and Normal People brought me to tears. All three are in my top 10 shows of the year. However, all three may be shut out entirely from the Primetime Emmys. After looking at the odds, my best hope for a nomination lies with Paul Mescal, who gave a star-making performance in Normal People. In a perfect world, Mescal, Daisy-Edgar Jones, and the entire series receive nominations in their respective categories. Unfortunately, the world is far-from-perfect so if Paul is the only nomination, then we will stan our king.

What storylines are you following ahead of the nominations? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

The Challenge: How I Reunited With One Of My Favorite Shows On MTV

I think we can all agree the pandemic sucks. I’m trying to be a glass half full type of person during this time in order to make the best out of the situation. I’m using this time to stream endless amounts of movies and television shows. Furthermore, I’m excited to announce that I’ve reunited with an old friend from MTV. It’s a show from my childhood that I grew up with and it happens to be the unofficial “fifth major sport of America.”. The show I’m referring to is The Challenge. We took a break for a few years, but just I’m back just like Al Pacino in The Godfather Part III.

For those that have never watched, The Challenge is a reality tv game show that pits contestants from reality shows like The Real World, Ex on the Beach, and Big Brother up against each other in a series of physical and mental tasks. In simpler terms, MTV sticks a bunch of drunk idiots into a house and forces them to compete for money. It’s one of the “OG” competition reality shows. It even debuted before Survivor, which is a fun fact you can share at your next trivia night if we’re ever let out of the house again.

I started getting into The Challenge around 2005 with The Inferno II and The Gauntlet 2. These shows featured stars on the tail end of their reality careers like The Miz, Theo Von, and Jamie Chung while Johnny Bananas, Derrick Kosinski, and Evelyn Smith were just getting their first taste of the competition. The Challenge used to be the perfect mix of physical and mental competitions to go along with house drama and hookups. However, as the years went on, the show started to focus more on the latter instead of the former, so I stopped watching after Rivals III in 2016 aka when Bananas became the most legendary Challenge player of all time.

Fast forward to last month. With sports off the air, I needed some athletic programming back in my life. Enter The Challenge: Total Madness. I’m happy to report that Total Madness has been pretty good so far. If I had to describe a perfect episode of The Challenge, it would include four components: A challenge, house drama, spicy hookups, and an elimination. Besides one or two episodes, this season has stuck to that format.

Total Madness has given us a few noteworthy moments with the biggest occurring when Jay beat the iconic CT in an elimination. Jay defeating CT in an elimination is a bigger upset than the “Miracle on Ice.” Unfortunately, “Dad CT” was out of shape and couldn’t correctly tie a knot so that sent him packing.

The key twist to this season involves the elimination itself. In order to qualify for the final, contestants must win an elimination. There have been seasons where contestants can avoid eliminations, make the final, and win the prize money. Just look at Rogan last year, who won never went into an elimination before winning the final. In my opinion, that’s bullshit so I’m happy this stipulation was put into place.

The only downside to this season is the cast. In terms of storylines, this cast has a flair for the dramatic, which can be both good and bad. Bear trying to win over Kailah while plotting to ruin her relationship is hysterical. Bananas and Wes are secretly teaming up, which is a nice wrinkle. Nany throwing a cup of noodles at Aneesa was equally funny as it was disrespectful.

That being said, it’s hard to root for the majority of these people. Maybe it’s a “me problem,” but I dislike 50% of the cast. Plus, I’m indifferent about 35% of the remaining members so that doesn’t leave a lot of room for my rooting interest. If I had to narrow it down to my top 3, it’s Bananas, Jenny, and the nicest person in the house, Big T.

I can’t wait for our first “This Changes Everything” moment. It’s the highlight of every season. For those interested, my Top 5 Favorite Challenge Contestants:

  • Alton
  • Johnny Bananas
  • Derrick
  • Laurel
  • Paula

It pains me to leave CT off the list, but he would be my sixth man.

Enjoy watching America’s fifth major sport!

What’s your top 5? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Normal People Review: Heartbreaking Depiction Of First Love Is One Of 2020’s Best Shows

Normal People Hulu

In the sixth episode of Normal People, Connell (Paul Mescal) and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) spend the afternoon at a friend’s pool party. The duo had been exchanging heartfelt gazes at each other throughout the entire episode, but neither one wants to make a move. When Connell finally swims over to Marianne on the edge of the pool, his arm wraps around her side while he gently kisses her shoulder. For one brief moment, the world stops for Connell, who constantly struggles to express how he feels, and Marianne, who believes she’s not worthy of real love. No words are said, but their silent embrace speaks volumes.

These moments of love and affection are prevalent throughout Hulu’s Normal People, the terrific adaptation of Sally Rooney’s best-selling novel from 2018. Normal People depicts the relationship between Connell and Marianne from secondary school through college in Ireland. In the beginning, Connell is the popular star athlete from the blue-collar family that struggles to make ends meet. Marianne is the outspoken and opinionated social outcast from a wealthy family who fails to acknowledge her existence. The two strike up a relationship but decide to keep it a secret in order to preserve Connell’s popularity.

Although Connell and Marianne come from two different families and societal groups, the young lovers see each other in their purest form. Society perceives Connell as a dumb jock and Marianne as an entitled brat. However, Connell views Marianne as a beautiful, free-spirited thinker while Marianne views Connell as an intelligent, heartfelt gentleman. Time stands still when the lovers are together. Connell and Marianne look at each other like it’s the first time they’ve ever seen real beauty. They don’t see flaws; they see perfection.

Their strong, emotional connection strengthens in the bedroom thanks to the chemistry between Mescal and Edgar-Jones, two stars in the making. Their first sexual encounter starts out awkward since Marianne is a virgin while Connell has is not. However, the awkwardness turns to pure admiration as the two lock eyes and form a bond that cannot be broken. For the first time in their lives, they experience what true love is all about. Both try to find new sexual partners in their later years, but quickly learn that they can never truly lose themselves in the moment with other people. These tense, masterful sex scenes are works of art and make the audience question if they’ve ever experienced what it truly means to “make love.”

Like most relationships, things are never easy. When Connell and Marianne head to the same college, the roles reverse. Marianne becomes a social butterfly and while Connell elects to be the loner who struggles to find his place. However, their love never disappears even though they continue to be a victim of bad timing. Marianne spends time in Italy and Sweeden and experiments with new sexual partners while still feeling dissatisfied with her life, especially from her family. Connell struggles to fit in at college and battles a serious case of depression after tragedy strikes. Despite their arguments and differences, Connell’s and Marianne’s love for each other never disappears. They lean on each other in their darkest times which culminates in a heartbreaking scene involving physical and emotional abuse towards the end of the series.

Thanks to brilliant performances from Mescal and Edgar-Jones, Normal People stands out as one of the best shows of 2020. It’s one of the purest depictions of young, first love that you’ll ever see. Their love is complicated, but the show is perfect.

What did you think of Normal People? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow. All episodes of Normal People can be streamed on Hulu.

I’m Officially Obsessed With Netflix’s Outer Banks

Chase Stokes and Rudy Pankow in Outer Banks _ Netflix

This past Friday night was business as usual in the Girolamo Apartment. Pizza at 8, ice cream at 10, and television/movies before, during, and after my meals. After watching Extraction, an entertaining action movie where Chris Hemsworth killed approximately 500,000 bad guys, I broke out the ice cream and fired up Netflix’s latest teen drama, Outer Banks. To be honest, I knew almost nothing about the premise going in. Outer Banks has only been out since April 15 so it’s a fairly new show. It’s been consistently sitting in Netflix’s Top 10 since it dropped so I gave it a shot.

I started watching the show at 10 PM on Friday night. By the next night, I binged the entire 10-episode first season, and folks, I’m addicted to “Pogue Life.” I’m going on the record saying that I’m officially obsessed with Outer Banks. I’m a sucker for a good teen drama. Give me a bunch of kids who like to hang out, drink, hook up, and get into trouble and I’ll watch. I promise you that.

So what’s it about? The basic storyline revolves around the lives of four teenagers: John B, JJ, Pope, and Kiara. These four friends make up “The Pogues.” The Pogues live on the blue-collar, working-class side of the Outer Banks called “The Cut”. Like any good story that deals with economic and social status, the Pogues need rich rivals. Enter “The Kooks,” the preppy, entitled elitists who live on the other side of the island called “Figure Eight.”

While battling with the Kooks, John B and the Pogues discover a legendary tale about a treasure in the Outer Banks worth over hundreds of millions of dollars. It turns out that John B’s father, who went missing a year prior, had been working on finding the treasure for twenty years and was on the brink of discovery before his disappearance. John B believes that if he finds the treasure, he’ll find his father. I’m attempting to not reveal any spoilers so I’ll stop with there. Watch the trailer below.

P.S. Obviously, there’s a Romeo and Juliet storyline with the princess of the Kooks, Sarah Cameron.

https://youtu.be/GC68w9tvv6I

Here’s the synopsis provided by Netflix:

Outer Banks is a coming of age story that follows a tight-knit group of local teens (aka the Pogues) in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. When a hurricane kills the power for the summer season, it sets off a chain of illicit events that force the friends to make life-altering decisions. The search for their ringleader’s missing father, forbidden romances, a high-stakes treasure hunt, and the escalating conflict between the Pogues and their rivals turn their summer into one filled with mystery and adventure they’ll never forget.

If you love teen dramas and that synopsis doesn’t get you fired up, then something’s wrong with you. I’ve seen Outer Banks compared to The O.C. and Gossip Girl. If I’d say if those two shows had a baby with a murder mystery, Outer Banks would be the result. I appreciate how Outer Banks throws conventional storylines out the window. In no world could teens outsmart the local police on a daily basis, but in Outer Banks, the teens are geniuses and the police are dumber than rocks. That’s not a dig at the show, by the way. I appreciate how Outer Banks embraces its chaotic and crazy nature. In the final few episodes, the show becomes unhinged, and I loved every second of it.

Let’s be honest. There’s one main reason to watch the show and his name is John B.

John B, the legend himself and captain of The Pogues. This kid could not have more swag if he tried. He oozes coolness. I would follow John B into battle any day of the week. From his immaculate hair to charming persona, it’s so easy to believe in this kid. He’s what I like to call a “save some for the rest of us” guy. All the girls want him so he needs to save some for the regular shmucks like myself. I can’t get enough of this kid. Do you know what I did the other night? I bought bandanas. It’s been at least five years since I tied a bandana around my neck, but since John B wears bandanas, so will I. I’m ready to drop everything and move to the Outer Banks in order to become a Pogue. Do not even get me started on how he buttons his shirts. If you don’t see me like this at a beach bar in July, then I’m a fraud.

I’m an addict and Outer Banks is my drug. I’ve already formed my group of Pogues (shoutout Dan and Katie). I still have two spots open so if you think you’re worthy of joining my group, let me know. It will not be easy, but if you’re lucky enough to make my tribe, it will be the greatest accomplishment of your life.

Pogues for life.

What did you think of Outer Banks? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter, @unafraidshow.

Devs: Prepare For Your Mind To Be Blown

Devs FX on Hulu

Have you ever struggled to explain something you like that’s considered weird? No matter how you try, there’s no way to put together a coherent series of thoughts to strengthen your position. For example, I enjoy watching pimple popping videos. I’m fully aware it’s super weird and I can’t describe why I continue to watch, but I like seeing blackheads removed from someone’s face. It’s satisfying and entertaining. Apply the same logic of “weird and enjoyable” to a television show and the result is Devs.

Welcome to the weird and compelling world of Alex Garland, the creator, writer, and director of Devs, which streams on Hulu. Garland, the genius mind behind Ex Machina and Annihilation, has once again created another sci-fi thriller that will blow your mind for all the right reasons. In typical Garland fashion, there are more questions than answers. It’s a show that not only challenges the viewer to think critically but to suspend disbelief in the process.

The initial premise of Devs revolves around Lily, played by Sonoya Mizuno, a computer programmer at the giant tech company, Amaya. When Lily’s coworker and boyfriend, Sergei (Karl Glusman), dies at the facility, she believes that Amaya and its CEO, Forrest (Nick Offerman), are responsible for his death. Lily begins to investigate Amaya and quickly learns that both Sergei and the Devs team are full of secrets. After the first episode, the show’s murder mystery premise acts as a launchpad for debates over free will, predestination, and determinism.

Much like the characters in the show, I, too, struggle to explain what Amaya does with the Devs team and how they do it. Quantum computing isn’t exactly my cup of tea. Don’t freak out. Devs isn’t a Harvard bar with equations and shit on the walls. It’s more interested in questioning powerful technology and what people will do to acquire and protect it. Can a group of computer programmers play God? Set in San Francisco, Devs is fucking beautiful to watch. With its funky style and emphasis on light, episodes are like watching the video to “Space Oddity” by David Bowie. The spectacular drone shots of San Francisco, the warm, illuminating lights at the Devs lab, and the giant statue of a little girl in a redwood forest at Amaya are just some of the fantastic images that make Devs so visually appealing.

Though Garland is the concertmaster, he’s nothing without his performers. Mizuno’s inquisitive performance perfectly represents the ideas of the audience, who look for answers after every turn. Offerman’s deadpan comedy on Parks and Recreation skyrocketed his popularity, but his dramatic turn as a powerful, godlike entrepreneur grieving the loss of his daughter is a revelation. However, Zach Grenier’s performance as Kenton, the head of security at Amaya, is one of the many reasons why I keep coming back to the show. Kenton is a cold-blooded and ruthless fixer that would make Mike Ehrmantraut from Breaking Bad nervous if the two ended up in the same room. Kenton’s monologue to open the show’s fourth episode was so damn evil and scary that it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

Devs may be on the of the wilder shows out right now, but it’s by far one of the best on television. The confusion only adds to the suspense and amplifies the action. It’s fully ok to admit that Devs can be weird and still acknowledge it’s greatness. Embrace the unknown in Devs.

What are your thoughts on Devs? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Devs streams on Hulu as part of FX on Hulu. As of 4/8/2020, six of eight episodes have been released. New episodes arrive every Thursday at midnight.

What Is The Greatest Television Theme Song Of All Time?

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air television theme song

What is the greatest television theme song of all time? Christopher Gates posted this question on Twitter.

I was born in the early 1990s so I apologize in advance to the older crowd for missing theme songs from the 1950s-1990s. I respect Happy Days, The Jeffersons, The Brady Bunch, M*A*S*H, and Cheers (which could be #1 on a lot of lists), but I rarely watched those shows so therefore, I never made a connection to their theme songs.

With so many theme songs, I’m going to forget many of the great themes so please take hit me up on Twitter, @danny_giro, and let me know what song should be added to the list.

Honorable Mention

Full House

Whatever happened to predictability?

Law & Order

DUN DUN.

One Tree Hill

Gavin DeGraw has a sneaky-good discography and this anthem will live on in the lives of many teenagers.

Gilmore Girls

Whenever I think of the Gilmore Girls theme song, the word, “delightful,” comes to mind.

The Wire

This might ruffle some feathers. The Wire is one of the greatest television shows of all time. However, I view the theme as an experience, not as a song. Most of the songs on this list were made to be catchy. The Wire‘s theme was made to tell a story about what to expect in the upcoming season. It served a purpose and didn’t care about making the Billboard Hot 100. Every season has a different recording of “Way Down in the Hole.” My rankings for each recording by Season: 1, 4, 2, 5, 3.

Friends

Even if the opening theme for Friends is allowed on the list, it misses my top 5 by a hair. It’s still a jam at any ’90s bar.

The Golden Girls

An instant smile on my face whenever I hear “Thank You for Being a Friend.”

My Top 5

5a/5b. Game Of Thrones/The Office

I wanted to include at least one instrumental theme song on the list, but I cheated and named two. The Game of Thrones theme opening song is a long, intricate masterpiece. The graphics are superb, highlighting the regions that would be covered in the episode. When that cello hit on a Sunday night at 9 PM, you knew it was time to visit Westeros. On the flip side, The Office theme is a short, uplifting tune that’s a head-bopper. When a theme is good enough to be remixed by Lil Wayne, then it’s a flat out winner.

4. The O.C.

I fully expect to be in the minority on this one. First of all, The O.C. Season 1 is as close to perfection as you can get. The pilot is top 10 in my book. Without The O.C., there are no MTV reality shows like Laguna Beach. There’s no Real Housewives of any city, and “The Californians” on SNL ceases to exits. When the drums start to build and you’re about to belt out “California” as loud as you can, that’s when you know it’s special.

3. The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

Finish the lyric: “Now this is a story all about how…” I’m a betting man by nature so I’d venture to say that if you walked up to 10 strangers under the age of 50, seven of them would be able to finish the lyric with “my life got flipped-turned upside down.” You’re a true Fresh Prince fan if you can rap the longer version with “First class, yo this is bad, drinking orange juice out of a champagne glass.”

2. Family Matters

https://youtu.be/kYvNiKwWvhk

This is my favorite piano opening to a television theme. It makes me want to pull out my keyboard and tickle some keys. (I’m not good at playing the piano.) Fun fact: Steve Urkel was not featured in the original opening credits. Urkel appeared midway through the first season as a one-time appearance. However, Urkel was so beloved that he eventually became a main cast member and the show’s most memorable character.

1. Growing Pains

The reigning, defending, undisputed television theme song champion of the world is Growing Pains. Once “show me that smile again” hits my ears, without hesitation, I reply with “show me that smile.” Everything about this theme song is perfect. The show’s premise revolves around growing up so adding pictures of the cast at various stages of their lives was a genius move. “As Long As We Got Each Other” is a beautiful duet that will always hold a special place in my heart.

What is the greatest television theme song? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us your answers, @unafraidshow.