Tag: television

Zendaya Shines in Euphoria’s Electrifying Season Premiere

Broken mirror shards, spilled foundation, red lipstick, powders, brushes, and glitter on a wooden surface

Euphoria Season 3 Episode 1, titled “Ándale,” is an electrifying return to form that reminds us exactly why this show has captivated audiences for years. After a long wait, the series picks up with its signature raw intensity, delivering a premiere that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in the chaotic lives we’ve come to know.

The opening sequence is one of the best I’ve seen in years. Rue tries to literally drive over Trumps wall (a very large palisade fence) using long planks of wood. They are already in place. However, she gets stuck at the top as the back wheels are in the air when she needs thrust to go downwards. Then she tries to move her weight around to see if it makes a difference, it doesn’t. So, she has to get out of the car, walk down the plank and walk. A classic start.

Zendaya once again delivers a powerhouse performance as Rue, capturing the vulnerability, wit, and quiet desperation of her character with breathtaking nuance. The episode’s opening sequence is a masterclass in tension and visuals—cinematography that is nothing short of stunning, blending high-stakes action with the show’s trademark stylized beauty. It’s thrilling, visually immersive, and sets a gripping tone for the new chapter as the characters navigate life beyond high school.

What stands out most is the blend of dark humor and emotional honesty that permeates the hour. Moments of levity cut through the heavier themes in ways that feel authentic and surprisingly funny, while the character dynamics remain as messy, compelling, and addictive as ever. The direction keeps everything feeling intimate yet epic, and the absence of over-the-top explicit content in this episode allows the story and performances to shine even brighter.This premiere expertly reintroduces us to a world that’s evolved but still pulses with the same heart-wrenching energy. It’s bold, beautifully crafted, and leaves you eagerly counting down the days until the next episode. If this is any indication, Season 3 is going to be an unforgettable ride. Highly recommended—Euphoria is back. Four stars out of five from me.

Animal Kingdom Review: A Gripping Crime Drama on Netflix

Hello readers, I do hope you are all keeping good. A nice series for you on this Monday afternoon. It’s called Animal Kingdom, and currently available on Netflix.

It’s one of those rare television series that grabs your attention from the very first episode and never lets go. Animal Kingdom is an American crime drama television series developed by Jonathan Lisco. It is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, which in turn was inspired by the criminal Pettingill family. The series was produced by David Michôd, who wrote and directed the original film.

The series centers on Joshua “J” Cody who, after the death of his mother when he was 17 years old, moves in with his estranged relatives, the Codys, who run a criminal family enterprise set in Oceanside, California, that is governed by the respected matriarch Janine “Smurf” Cody.

What makes the show truly exceptional is how it balances high-stakes criminal activity with rich emotional storytelling. The family’s heists are thrilling and expertly staged, but the real drama comes from the relationships within the family—loyalty, betrayal, jealousy, and the constant struggle for power.

The writing throughout the episodes I’ve seen (First seven episodes of first series) is consistently sharp and layered. Each episode builds tension in a natural way, developing long-term storylines while keeping the pace gripping. The characters evolve significantly over time, which makes the journey feel authentic rather than repetitive. You genuinely feel the consequences of their choices, and the show never shies away from the darker sides of its characters.

The performances are outstanding across the board. Ellen Barkin delivers a magnetic portrayal of Smurf, creating a character who is both intimidating and strangely charismatic. The younger members of the Cody family are equally compelling, each bringing their own personality and internal conflicts to the story. Their dynamics—sometimes supportive, often volatile—create the emotional core of the series.

Another strength of the series is its realism. The criminal world is portrayed with grit and consequence rather than glamor. Every heist carries risk, and every decision has repercussions that ripple through the family. This grounded approach makes the drama feel far more impactful than many typical crime shows.

Drawbacks –

It is unclear how Smurf maintains control. She threatens them with being out of the family, never physically. It’s unclear why she cannot simply be bypassed.

Not much violence. A cop has been accidentally killed so far.

So far, I give the show 3 and a half marks out of five.

Have you seen it? Let me know what you think.

I’ll be back when I get through the six seasons.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Review – A New Era of Cadets

My dear readers, a new Star Trek series is here! Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is the 12th Star Trek series and part of executive producer Alex Kurtzman’s expanded Star Trek Universe. Set in the 32nd century, the far-future time period that was introduced in the later seasons of the series Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024), Starfleet Academy follows the first new class of Starfleet cadets in over a century as they come of age and train to be officers. This is the period after “The Burn” that almost totally destroyed the Federation

Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, and Bella Shepard portray Starfleet Academy cadets, starring alongside Holly Hunter and Zoë Steiner, as well as Tig Notaro and Oded Fehr, who are reprising their roles from Discovery, and Robert Picardo returning as the character of the Doctor from other previous series.

So far, I’ve only watched the first episode, and I think it will gain traction. From a kind, non-violent Klingon to the first holographic cadet, it could get very interesting. The ensemble cast is introduced with care, giving each character a clear emotional hook without overwhelming the audience. Their interactions feel lived-in and sincere, suggesting long arcs of growth rather than quick archetypes. Importantly, the episode allows vulnerability to coexist with ambition; these cadets are capable and driven, but also uncertain, impulsive, and still figuring out who they want to be. That balance makes their journey immediately compelling.

One of the episode’s greatest strengths is its focus on perspective. By centering the story on cadets at the very beginning of their Starfleet journey, the show reclaims a sense of awe that longtime fans may remember from earlier Trek, while also making that wonder feel fresh. The Academy isn’t just a school—it’s presented as a crucible where personal histories, cultural differences, and ethical ideals collide. The premiere smartly uses this setting to explore what Starfleet represents in a changing galaxy, and why those values still matter.

On a more negative note, I feel the show could do with some eye candy. Most are plain, there is no seven of nine vibes, which I think is a pity.

Overall, the premiere succeeds because it’s hopeful. In a television landscape often dominated by cynicism, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy leans into the idea that learning, empathy, and shared ideals can genuinely shape a better future.

So far, I give the show three stars out of five. I’m looking forward to watching more.

Any other Trekkies out there? Leave a comment.

And don’t forget to subscribe.

Skyfall (comedy)

Every now and then I decide to do something totally crazy, but this time I might have totally lost the plot.  I decided to cancel my Sky subscription, afterall I could still watch Netflix, have some of the free channels and the RTE player.  Sure, I’ll hardly notice I thought to myself.

That first night I was quite proud of myself thinking of all the suckers paying for their sky; I was now just better than the average person.  Admittedly I was somewhat surprised by how few stations I now had, but I was brave even if there was now no Rte.

Night 2 – A slight flaw in my cunning plans.  My “smart” tv, which in my mind is new is actually a few years old and is now incompatible with the internet, apart from netflix.  Even RTE is dodgey.

Night 5 – This might even be worse than when I tried to give up alcohol for a month.  That didn’t end well..  There are not even enough channels to mindlessly flick through. Aaaargh!

Week 2 – Oh how great it would be to see people being ripped apart on The Walking Dead once more, an interesting documentary on anything except food or even just hear the chimes before six one.  All those small pleasures have now been whittled away.

Week 3 – My “precious”.  Must get my “precious” back.

Week 4 – Note to oneself – Never attempt abstinence of anything again.  It’s just not me.  Now me and My Sky are back together for ever and ever.

I believe in better.