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Sugar Daddy
Neal Lander Jr. Is a new writer from Ohio. He has put together a story that will keep you turning the pages until the end. If you are looking for something exciting and new, check out this romantic thriller “Sugar Daddy” it may give you second thoughts about dating, actually staying in your own age group maybe the best thing to do.
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“GRIMEY”, from Billboard chart-topping singer-songwriter, PORCELAN. “GRIMEY” is lifted from PORCELAN’s upcoming debut album, “MOOD RING” to be released on September 25th, 2020, via the Made In Memphis Entertainment/Beat Root label imprint. “GRIMEY” is available on all streaming and download platforms now. The single was written by Porcelan, Denarious Holmes and Brandon Christian and produced by Topski. “I really wanted to speak about some of the ugly moments of being in a relationship and when you give that special person chance after chance to make things right and they simply continue to turn around and disappoint you,” mentions Porcelan. “But then there is that one day that you say enough is enough and you call them out on their “grimey-ness” and see that they were never good for you, so they have to go,” she adds.
Jamie Fox as Art
On the streets of New Orleans, word begins to spread about a mysterious new pill that unlocks superpowers unique to each user. The catch: You don’t know what will happen until you take it. While some develop bulletproof skin, invisibility, and super strength, others exhibit a deadlier reaction. But when the pill escalates crime within the city to dangerous levels, a local cop (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) teams with a teenage dealer (Dominique Fishback) and a former soldier fueled by a secret vendetta (Jamie Foxx) to fight power with power and risk taking the pill in order to track down and stop the group responsible for creating it. Starring Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominique Fishback, Rodrigo Santoro, Colson Baker, Allen Maldonado, with Amy Landecker, and Courtney B. Vance
JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT as FRANK in PROJECT POWER Cr. SKIP BOLEN/NETFLIX © 2020
Starring Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland and Boyd Holbrook star in this edge-of-your-seat crime thriller from the creator of Most Dangerous Game and co-executive producer of Prison Break in which an innocent man on the run, desperate to clear his name, is chased through Los Angeles by the cop who will not rest until he is captured. This action packed thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. Directed By Stephen Hopkins.
FATAL AFFAIR: (L-R) OMAR EPPS as DAVID, NIA LONG as ELLIE. Cr. BETH DUBBER/NETFLIX © 2020
Another Netflix original is coming to your living room on July 16th called Fatal Affair. The film uses the tried and true formula of an obsessed yet attractive stranger swooping in and attempting to break up a happy couple. Can Nia long take a page from Jada’s book and survive this entanglement? Here’s the scoop via Netflix’s press release.
“Ellie (Nia Long) tries to mend her marriage with her husband Marcus (Stephen Bishop) after a brief encounter with an old friend, David (Omar Epps), only to find that David is more dangerous and unstable than she’d realized. Fatal Affair is directed by Peter Sullivan.”
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Actor/Comedian Kevin Hart is the next household name to lend their star-power to the new streaming service Quibi. The company is a mobile based entertainment app that plays short form films and tv shows. Actors like Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones), Dwayne Johnson, Lebron James, Chrissy Teigen and more are leading their own projects on the platform with more to come.
While Quibi confused many consumers as a relatively new style of watching content, the short duration, celebrity talent and unique stories are garnering buzz for the company.
In DIE HART, Kevin Hart plays a fictionalized version of himself who’s tired of being the comedic sidekick. He gets his wish when a famous director offers him his dream – to be a leading man action star – but there’s a catch: Kevin must first train at the world’s greatest action star school, run by a lunatic. Pushed to his limits by this action school coach and a tough-minded rival student (Nathalie Emmanuel) Kevin must survive a series of hilarious, over-the-top action sequences and face his fears if he wants to achieve his dream and land the role of a lifetime.
Die Hart launches on Quibi July 20th.
Dayton Ohio’s Human Race Theater releases their Theatrical Lineup for 2021, having to rearrange their schedules like so many due to COVID-19. Check out the letter from the Executive Director of the Human Race Theater.
The Human Race Theatre Company Announces Changes to 34th Season Schedule
A letter from Kappy Kilburn and Kevin Moore
The Human Race Theatre Company would like to thank our artists, audiences and community for their support and commitment to our work during this troublesome time. We could not continue to do what we do without that support. Since March, when the pandemic forced us to close our season, we have worked with state and local officials, union representatives and other producers around the country to strategize reopening our theatre. We have listened to our audiences’ concerns about group gatherings and desires for a safe and celebratory return to LIVE theatre on our stage. After much thoughtful contemplation, we have decided to move forward with a new time frame for our full “Dayton Premieres” season. In order to provide the safest experience for our audience and our artists, we are moving the entire season into the 2021 calendar year and will reopen The Loft in February, 2021. Below is the new schedule. Additional information on each production can be found at www.humanracetheater.org
THE OLD GUARD (2020) – (L to R) Marwan Kenzari as Joe, Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker, Charlize Theron as Andy, Luca Marinelli as Nicky, Kiki Layne as Nile.
Photo Credit: AIMEE SPINKS/NETFLIX ©2020
With Summer Blockbuster season essentially canceled due to COVID-19, Netflix and other streaming services have dominated the entertainment landscape. The Old Guard is Netflix’s at-home summer action blockbuster for all the audiences that can’t make it to the theater.
The Netlfix original is Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (love & Basketball, Shots Fired) and stars Oscar Award winning actress Charlize Theron who also serves as a producer on the project. The crew in front of and behind the camera seems diverse and perfect for the current times.
Cr. AMY SPINKS/NETFLIX © 2020
The Old Guard follows a warrior named Andy (Charlize Theron), and a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die who have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. But when the team is recruited to take on an emergency mission and their extraordinary abilities are suddenly exposed, it’s up to Andy and Nile (KiKi Layne), the newest soldier to join their ranks, to help the group eliminate the threat of those who seek to replicate and monetize their power by any means necessary. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Greg Rucka, The Old Guard is a gritty, grounded, action-packed story that shows living forever is harder than it looks.
R&B legend Brian McKnight is back with 20th studio album Exodus. This marks the award winning sing-songwriters 20th album. According to McKnight this will be his final release of original material. If McKnight keeps his word, he will have left his fans and the wider music-world an incredible legacy of hit singles and albums. We all look forward to the day Brian returns to the road to perform his songs for sold-out crowds all over the world, but until that day arrives you can purchase, stream, download, “Exodus” today!
Exodus is globally available on all streaming and download today, check here EXODUS by BRIAN MCKNIGHT.
Nobody is the 1st single off the album and Brian McKnight brings the touching and emotional visuals he’s know for. The video even has footage from his actual wedding ceremony!
Check out the visualizer for another hot song off the album, called Bad
Exodus encompasses 13 tunes with signature Brian love songs, a poignant emotional tribute and a surprise cover-song performed as only Brian McKnight could.
EXODUS TRACKLIST:
1. Unbelievable
2. Neva Get Enuf Of U
3. ’42 (Grown Up Tipsy)
4. Nobody
5. Bad
6. Stay On UR Mind
7. My Baby
8. Hula Girl (Leilani)
9. Sexy
10. When I’m Gone
11. Good Ol’ Fashioned Love
12. Can’t Say Goodbye
13. Fragile
Via Press Release
John David Washington is the new Protagonist in Christopher Nolan’s original sci-fi action spectacle “Tenet.” The son of Denzel Washington is starring in one of the first films to release in what is hopefully post COVID-19, in theaters July 17th.
Armed with only one word—Tenet—and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.
Not time travel. Inversion.
The international cast of “Tenet” also includes Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Clémence Poésy, with Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh.
Nolan wrote and directed the film, utilizing a mixture of IMAX® and 70mm film to bring the story to the screen. “Tenet” is produced by Emma Thomas and Nolan. Thomas Hayslip served as executive producer.
Nolan’s behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema, production designer Nathan Crowley, editor Jennifer Lame, costume designer Jeffrey Kurland, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson, and special effects supervisor Scott Fisher. The score is composed by Ludwig Göransson.
Via Press Release
Popular book series Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer is gearing up to be Disney+ next streaming hit, whether they like it or not. The film was initially set to release in theaters May 29th but due to COVID-19 has been moved to Disney+ burgeoning streaming platform with a release date of June 12th. The family adventure film is directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars newcomer Ferdia Shaw as the titular criminal prodigy.
The film follows Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old genius and descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds. He soon finds himself in an epic battle against a race of powerful underground fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance. Check out this special look showing just how clever Artemis and his father really are as he deciphers a coded message.
Disney+ has been successful so far in the streaming war, capitalizing on young audiences and nostalgia for their long list of content, but has struggled in gaining wider audiences like Netflix. New live action films may be just the thing to give Disney the edge. Check out the vast and creative world of Artemis Fowl as you shelter in place June 12.
The gritty action thriller Survive the Night is among the brave new film releases hitting theaters this month. With a May 22nd release date, the Bruce Willis film hits select theaters. With the country slowly moving towards reopening film studios are testing the waters, if cautiously. The action flick is still set to release On Demand at the same time as no film would dare miss out on the lifeline of at-home entertainment during quarantine. A quick, snappy Bruce Willis action film could be just what we need. With a smaller budget and a big name Survive the Night is a low risk release. But will people turn out to watch?
Hollywood Legend Bruce Willis(Die Hard franchise) drives the action in this gripping home-invasion thriller. After his brother Mathias (Tyler Jon Olson) is mortally wounded in a robbery gone bad, Jamie (Shea Buckner) stalks trauma doctor Rich (Chad Michael Murray, “One Tree Hill”) from the hospital to his home. While holding Rich’s wife and daughter hostage, the unhinged murderer forces Rich to operate on Mathias. But in order for him and his family to survive the night, Rich must team up with his estranged tough-as-nails father, retired sheriff Frank (Willis), in order to gain the upper hand and turn the tables on the criminals.
Check out the trailer below!
Thriller’s starring African American Women are in these day’s check out Janelle Mona’e in ANTEBELLUM
Successful author Veronica Henley (Janelle Monáe) finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality and must uncover the mind-bending mystery before it’s too late. Hit play and take a look.
Mary J. Blige plays a cop in this mystery thriller BODYCAM when a routine traffic stop results in an unexplained grisly death of her colleague, Mary J. Blige realizes footage of an incident will play for her eyes only. Can you imagine the excitement and passion soulful singer Blige will bring to the role. Streaming on May 19 push play and take a look.
PEOPLE! if anyone has cut you off on the highway and you pulled out your gun this movie is not for you.
In Russell Crowe’s new film Unhinged a near accident turns into Road rage mayhem. Russell Crowe is large and in charge and definitely unhinged in this new film, hit play and check it out.
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Get all the info. on the upcoming sequel from cast quotes to clips of the upcoming flick below!
Via TV ONE: This second installment reunites the leading ladies Garcelle Beauvais (White House Down), Malinda Williams (Soul Food), Terri J. Vaughn (Daddy’s Little Girls), and Essence Atkins (A Haunted House) with an end-of-summer premiere on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET. Directed and produced by Roger M. Bobb (Why Did I Get Married?, Madea Goes to Jail), GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY 2 is about four girlfriends who travel to Puerto Rico for a destination wedding, only to face chaos when a simple affair turns into extravagant, expensive nuptials.
“While Cas Sigers Beedles and I were shooting the first GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY in Trinidad last year, we knew then that a sequel was going to happen,” said Vaughn, who, along with Sigers Beedles, is also one of the film’s producers. “We had something special that needed to continue – the chemistry, genuine camaraderie, overall talent of the cast, and how we jelled – prompted us to start thinking about the storyline for GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY 2. Of course, the story changed about 1000 times during the process, but every great story does.”
Following last month’s crowd-pleasing American Black Film Festival Alumni screening, TV One’s original movie GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY 2 features Beauvais as Vicki, a 40-something successful real-estate agent who is one week away from marrying her handsome, yet conservative high school teacher fiancé, Garrett, (Stephen Bishop, Being Mary Jane, Moneyball). The low-key wedding turns into a disaster as best friend Camille, a freelance blogger played by Williams, loses sight of the true meaning of marriage and encourages her to kick-it up a notch for a four-page magazine spread.
“Camille is much more driven in the sequel than she was in the first film,” said Williams. “Whereas she used to be the life of the party, she is now focused on her career, so much that she forgets the importance of her relationships. In GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY 2, we see my character grow and evolve in her pursuit to find work-life balance.”
Joined by Camille (Williams) and fellow best friends Sophie (Vaughn) and Lauren (Atkins) five days before her wedding, Vicki’s (Beauvais) intimate affair goes off-the-rails with the support of wedding coordinator Marie Nunez (Xiona R. Nieves-Vargas, En Busca de la Nueva Diva)as she upgrades everything – the food, venue, and even her dress – without consulting her fiancé. “The adventures continue for Vicki Holmes,” said Beauvais when asked how her character evolves in the sequel. “She is newly engaged and really trying to figure out how to fit a man into her life. Thank goodness for her friends, who’ve got her back.”
But the problems in Puerto Rico aren’t just Vicki’s (Beauvais) as Sophie (Vaughn), a fiery second-time mom, is on a mission to shed the baby weight, and manage her marriage to Kyle (Khalil Kain, Girlfriends). “Sophie is still learning to trust her instincts when it comes to love, the good and the bad of it,” said Vaughn about her character’s evolution. “She comes to take responsibility for the choices she makes and to embrace what those choices bring. The beautiful thing about this group of friends is that they all realize they are all works in progress and will probably always be. They learn to be good with that.”
And Lauren (Atkins), a Zen-loving, free-spirited yogi attempts celibacy after a year-long self-realization journey, but finds it difficult when she meets Antonio (Eli Cay, The Preppie Connection). “Lauren continues to search for feeling complete and satiated without compromising all that she’s learned,” said Atkins. “She’s anxious NOT to repeat unhealthy cycles and to help her friends keep from doing the same.”
GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY 2 is complete with laugh-out-loud antics and “a-ha” moments as the fearless foursome come together to not only save the day, but to also save themselves. It is a story that captures the true meaning of friendship as writer Cas Sigers Beedles can attest: “There is nothing like genuine love between friends, but love between good girlfriends is invaluable. I enjoyed every moment of writing, producing, and experiencing this project. When audiences sit and watch this film, I hope it will make them laugh and share true moments that only good friends can understand.”
Runaway Island Premiers tonight at 8pm on TV ONE!
If you’ve missed out on the buzz of this upcoming flick written by Christopher Brandt and directed by Dianne Houston, then click here for the trailer,cast and images.
And now that you’re up to date check out these teasers while you wait for the big release! Click here to see a pool scene clip featuring Mr. Thomas Q. Jones, a.k.a. Mr. Runaway Island stud.
Courtesy of TV ONE.
TV ONE’s Newest Start Studded Film Runaway Island is Releasing Saturday, Don’t Miss It!
What happens when five people from different walks of life, come together on an island? That’s one question that is answered on TV One’s new original movie “Runaway Island,” a new two hour television movie written by Christopher Brandt; the 2014 American Black Film Festival screenplay competition winner.
With a great ensemble cast this movie takes you to a lush tropical island off the beaten path. A refuge called Isle du Soleil, a secluded 1700s Gullah Sea Island. As the story progresses everyone examines their relationships, lives and futures. This back drop of lush beauty makes you feel that life is not all that bad, and all your problems can be worked out on the Isle du Soleil.
TV ONE’s Runaway Island
The wonderful cast is made up of newcomers and actors that you have seen in other great shows and movies. The director of this wonderful movie is Dianne Houston, an Academy Award nominee for Best Short Film (Live Action). Get a sneak peak at the film with the trailer below!
Lorraine Toussiant (Naomi Holloway) “Orange is the New Black
Thomas Q. Jones (Raphael Burrows) “Being Mary Jane”
Aisha Hinds (Lara Cook-Nordholm) “Star Trek Into Darkness”
Branton Box (Erick Nordholm) “The Purge:Anarchy”
Leon Thomas (Evan Thomas) “Victorious”
A. Russell Andrews (Reverend Clinton) “Grey’s Anatomy, House of Payne”
Erica Tazel (Vonda Hines; Clinton’s wife) “Justified”
Melanie Liburd (Kira Geoffries) “CSI, Stalker”
Tom Wright (Raymond Tepper) “All My Children, Barbershop”
Herizen Guardiola (Freya Nordholm) “Has a starring role in the upcoming Baz Luhmann a Netflix drama The Get Down.”
On Saturday July 25 at 8:00pm, get your popcorn and other goodies together. Watch the World Premiere of “Runaway Island” on TV One; tell all your family and friends.
Look for interviews from the director Dianna Houston “Take the Lead” and Thomas Q. Jones “Being Mary Jane” in the upcoming issue of JO Magazine.
By: Yvonne L Lander
Tina Campbell backstage at the I Hear Music In the Air Conference
JO caught up with the iconic Tina Campbell backstage after her performance at the I Hear Music in the Air Conference over the weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio. From music off of her new album to her own self-image and struggles, Campbell explains it all.
“I think too much of myself to let somebody’s thoughts of me become my thoughts of me.”
Despite her recent marital problems and disagreements with her sister on their popular reality show Mary Mary Campbell was buzzing with positive energy backstage as she spoke with us about her newly released book and even gave us a taste of a new song from her upcoming album. Check out the full interview here.
Sorry for the low quality audio, but we figured you would want the scoop on the gospel superstar.
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The 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame invited music superstars to join their legacy this past April, and HBO presented the special event over the weekend. The show made for a heartfelt and exciting ceremony. A surprising duet from Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Bill Withers performing hits like “Use Me” and “Lean On Me”, was just a part of a show packed with great performances.
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 18: Ringo Starr performs onstage during the 30th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Hall on April 18, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
Check out the full list of Inductees,details, images and clips below from HBO.
The HBO special features some of the biggest names in music and celebratory reunions, moving tributes and heartfelt speeches from both presenters and inductees. Celebrating its 30th year, the ceremony took place on April 18 at Cleveland’s legendary Public Auditorium and welcomed its newest inductees:
– Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
– The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
– Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
– Green Day
– The “5” Royales
– Lou Reed
– Bill Withers
– Ringo Starr
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 18: Joan Jett and Tommy James perform onstage during the 30th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Hall on April 18, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
This year’s ceremony featured an exciting array of guests, including Dave Grohl, Miley Cyrus, Zac Brown, Tom Morello, John Mayer, Jimmie Vaughan, Karen O, Nick Zinner, Beck, John Legend, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.
Other HBO playdates: June 3 (8:00 p.m.), 11 (6:00 p.m., 2:55 a.m.), 13 (4:30 p.m.), 16 (3:00 p.m.), 19 (9:00 a.m.), 24 (2:00 p.m., 1:30 a.m.) and 28 (11:30 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 1 (11:00 a.m., 12:30 a.m.), 5 (8:00 p.m.), 9 (4:30 p.m.), 15 (1:45 p.m., 10:30 p.m.), 21 (11:30 a.m.) and 27 (12:45 a.m.)
The 30th annual induction ceremony took place April 18 at Cleveland’s legendary Public Auditorium, the venue for many historic performers, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Rolling Stones. The HBO special features some of the biggest names in music in celebratory reunions, moving tributes and heartfelt speeches from both presenters and inductees.
The HBO special features:
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Induction: Miley Cyrus
Performance: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts perform “Bad Reputation.” Dave Grohl then joins to perform “Cherry Bomb.” Tommy James with Miley Cyrus then join to perform “Crimson and Clover.”
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Induction: Peter Wolf
Performance: Zac Brown and Tom Morello perform “Born in Chicago.”
Bill Withers
Induction: Stevie Wonder
Performance: Stevie Wonder performs “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and is joined by John Legend for “Use Me.” Bill Withers then joins to perform “Lean on Me.”
Green Day
Induction: Fall Out Boy
Performance: Green Day performs “American Idiot,” “When I Come Around,” and “Basket Case.”
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 18: Billie Joe Armstrong performs onstage during the 30th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Hall on April 18, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
The “5” Royales
Induction: Steve Cropper
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
Induction: John Mayer
Performance: Jimmie Vaughan and Double Trouble are joined by John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr. and Doyle Bramhall II for “Pride and Joy” and “Texas Flood.”
Lou Reed
Induction: Patti Smith
Performance: Karen O and Nick Zinner perform “Vicious,” and Beck performs “Satellite of Love.”
Ringo Starr
Induction: Paul McCartney
Performance: Ringo Starr performs “Boys.” Joe Walsh steps in to perform “It Don’t Come Easy.” Paul McCartney returns with Joan Jett, Miley Cyrus, Dave Grohl, Tom Morello, Zac Brown, Gary Clark Jr., Leon Bridges, Green Day, Karen O, Beck, Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Bill Withers to perform “With a Little Help from My Friends” and “I Wanna Be Your Man.”
Paul Shaffer and members of the CBS Orchestra served as backup band for several of the night’s performances.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was established by legendary record executive Ahmet Ertegun and a group of music business executives to honor the artists who have defined rock and roll and have inspired and continue to inspire a generation. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission both through its operation of a world-class museum designed by I.M. Pei in Cleveland, Ohio that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as educational programs. For further information, visit rockhall.com.
This year’s special marks the fourth year HBO has presented the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and is the first year in a recently announced three-year deal to present the ceremony. The network also presented the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary special in 2009 and a concert spectacular celebrating the opening of the museum in Cleveland in 1995.
2015 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY is produced by Playtone and Line By Line Productions; executive producers, Jann Wenner, Joel Peresman, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman; supervising producer, Frank Garritano; co-producer, Barbra Dannov; producer and director, Alex Coletti.
How to get away with Murder By Crawford Norman
Thank God its Thursday is the catch phrase attached to ABC’s historic weeknight. Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, and How to Get Away with Murder all exist in Shondaland. The nickname for the three hour block of television all from the mind of Shonda Rhimes. Shondaland is also the name of her production company responsible for the shows. As a fan of Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder, I may be somewhat bias, but what is undisputable is the fact that there has never been two shows lead by African American females back-to-back, at primetime. Especially not three all created by Shonda Rhimes, a writer from Chicago. Scandal is the show that has pushed Rhimes to an even higher level, and with the release of this new drama, we at Jo want to share our thoughts, good and bad, with Rhimes fans out there. So let’s talk, How to Get Away with Murder. I’ll the cover the series as a whole so far, and from there we’ll discuss the melodrama week by week.
Since this is a review of episodes there will be spoilers!
So please, if you prefer to be surprised by each episode, then watch it first. Three episodes in and the thrilling, break-neck speed of HTGAWM’s introduction is still one of the show’s major highpoints. Not to say that the show has gone downhill but the first few scenes of the show are strong, from visuals and audio to the dialogue, Murder is a strong contender from the start.
Though created and run by Peter Norwalk, the stamp of the show’s executive producer, Shonda Rhimes, is all over this legal drama. Much like Scandal, the show is full of rapid-fire dialogue that can be witty, harsh, or full of exposition (making me put the DVR to work to go back and catch that phrase again). As a part of Shondaland, and completely endorsed by ABC, a full season, and a huge audience are almost guaranteed, the show only needs to keep that momentum going. Viola Davis plays intro. To law professor and cutthroat attorney Annalise Keating, who’s merged her class and work into one, challenging her students to try and solve her own cases. With Keating at the forefront, the show is also about her cunning students: Wes, Michaela, Connor, Asher and Laurel. And while they are trying to become great lawyers first they’ve got to cover up the murder of Annalise’s husband Sam Keating. Each episode shows us a little more of what happened that night, but it also shows us that no one is exactly how they seem.
