Friday, May 17, 2019

Law & Order SVU “End Game” Recap & Review – Season 20 Finale


Law & Order SVU finished season 20, breaking Law & Order’s record number of episodes along the way, and heading for a record breaking season 21. The series is strong and has a lot going for it. So why I am I so agitated after seeing the season 20 finale, “End Game”? While watching, I had to keep repeating to myself, “It’s just a fictional TV show. It’s just a fictional TV show.” This episode hit me in all the wrong places. It turned Benson’s detectives into “dirty” cops, but made sure that Olivia Benson remained unblemished along the way.  She's not directly a part of a frame-up, but  she did push everyone's buttons which helped start it.

Not only does Peter Stone bring all of Benson’s detectives (and attorney Nikki Staines) into his plan to frame Rob Miller, he also manages to get a murder conviction despite having ZERO EVIDENCE. I’m perplexed as to how this even got to trial.  Rob Miller is initially released as a Federal judge ruled that Rob's  statement “No Nikki, no case” didn’t rise to the legal standard, yet later, Stone manages to get an arrest warrant for Rob on nothing but circumstantial evidence. I have a hard time believing that Rob’s defense attorney wouldn’t dispute the evidence before the trial.  Clearly he knew how a large sum of money was deposited in a young woman's bank account. Why wait for the trial to call Nikki Staines to testify that she was the one that did it, not Rob Miller? Wouldn’t this matter be brought before a judge in advance of the trial, throwing the rest of the evidence in doubt? Something about the way this got to trial didn’t feel right. I’m also surprised that the defense didn’t make a move to throw out the verdict as I don’t think Stone met the burden of proof.

I’ve come to the conclusion that Olivia Benson should come with a warning label that states she is hazardous to the career of an ADA, and she may incite you to compromise your ethics. (This would have helped Rafael Barba.) I cringed at the end when Peter Stone seems to profess his feelings for Benson when he says the she became more important to him than the case he is trying. This is the same Peter Stone, who, just a few months ago in the SVU episode “Part 33”, told Benson to keep her “bleeding heart” out of the courtroom. Even in the early stages of this episode he was reluctant to proceed as they had no proof. He seemed firm on that issue. But the minute he hears that Olivia and Noah are under threat, he decides to risk his entire career for her? Sorry, this was so contrived it almost made me laugh. I’m sorry to see Peter Stone go; my disappointment with the character is that we were force-fed a back story early on, before we could really get to see his legal expertise. And when we did see his legal expertise, it was - like in this episode - not consistent. I would have enjoyed it if he had been the one person to keep Benson in check. Instead, he seemed to have backbone in one episode and not in another, or, like in this episode, his backbone disappeared mid-episode. I can only hope that in season 21 we will get an ADA that is their own person and that can resist the pull of Olivia Benson.

While Benson didn’t participate in the frame-up, she does what she always does best: gets indignant that Stone won’t prosecute someone based on her opinion, with no evidence. She goes so far as to insult Stone by wondering whose side he’s on. Later, she’s shocked that he can move ahead with a trial,  saying that the case is basically a “bunch of arrows on a corkboard, signifying a whole lot of nothing.” First she wants him to go full throttle on Rob Miller, then she gets cold feet when Stone delivers. Benson’s flip-flop here is head-scratching and whiplash inducing.

At the end, Stone tells her that she’s the one person who could make it on her own. Then why did he feel the need to frame Rob Miller for her? We keep hearing that Olivia Benson is such a strong woman, yet it seems like everyone always needs to protect her and save her from all the bad in the world. It’s a variation on the old “damsel in distress” trope and I think Law & Order SVU has used this far too many times with Benson. Her bias and inability to cope with Rob Miller has incited her whole team to frame him for a murder that they can’t prove he committed. Frankly, Rob Miller looks like the victim here. He may have very well committed the murder, but as the SVU didn’t really get any hard proof to that effect;  all we know is the SVU/Stone had to do something illegal to get a conviction. It looks like the “arrow on the wheel of justice” was fixed in one direction, and now that the SVU has participated in a frame-up, what’s stopping them from doing it again to protect their own interests?

The brightest spot in this episode was Titus Welliver, who was excellent in playing Rob Miller, a deliciously nasty human being with a lot of power and influence, none of it used for any good. I can only hope that something happens where he can appeal and get out of prison, if anything so he can commit a crime that lands him back in jail without the frame-up. Callie Thorne also helped to round things out with her emotional, believable performance. I did like how they tied this story back to the Italian exchange students in the SVU episode “Exchange”. Otherwise, this story annoyed me and agitated me more than anything else. I could probably write for a few more hours on how much it bothered me, but I think I’ll cut my losses. “End Game” didn’t leave me with a great feeling about the Special Victims Unit going into season 21.


Update May 23, 2019: A viewer noticed a continuity error, occurring between the previous SVU episode, “Assumptions” and the SVU finale, “End Game”. “Assumptions” ends with the date May 7, when Rob Miller approaches Benson and Noah in the restaurant. Benson seems shocked to find he’s out. But “End Game” begins on May 5 – two days earlier – and it seems Benson had already found out Rob Miller is out and we are told police are already watching her and Noah – two days earlier than the end of “Assumptions”!




Here is the recap:

A private party goes on with many young girls in attendance. One man questions a girl’s age.

Benson, arriving at the SVU, speaks with Fin, saying she barely closed her eyes since Rob Miller got out of prison. She adds he is targeting her and wants her to know he has all the power. Fin explains they have an unmarked car on her block and in front of Noah’s school, there’s no way he can he can get at her. Benson snaps back that he walked right into that restaurant and introduced himself to Noah, adding she should have shot the son of a bitch. Fin tries to calm her, suggesting not so loud, Stone is in her office, Fin called him in.

As they walk into her office, Stone comments he wishes he had better news. Benson asks him to tell her it’s not worse than Rob Miller making bail. Stone replies that the Feds dropped the charges. Fin says “Damn!” and Benson looks stunned. She comments that he blackmailed a judge and threatened witnesses, adding he threatened Nikki Staines, they have him on tape saying “No Nikki, no case.” Stone counters that a Federal judge ruled that statement didn’t rise to the legal standard. Fin asks what now, Benson also asking what about Nikki’s rape. Stone replies there’s nothing there; Nikki is scared and is claiming it was consensual. Benson pauses, looking at Fin, and whispers she will talk to her.

At the apartment of Nikki Staines, at 1239 West 47th Street on Sunday, May 5, Nikki tells her daughter it is going to be okay, suggesting she go to her room and lie down. As her daughter races off, she cries and asks “What kind of person?” Nikki tells Benson that Miller killed her daughter’s dog. When Benson asks if she is sure, Nikki emphatically says yes, she’s sure. She points to the dog Penny’s ashes, saying the vet said it was rat poison. Getting upset, she explains the landlord didn’t put down any rat poison and she didn’t either. Benson asks how, and Nikki says her daughter said that a woman offered Penny a treat on their walk last night and she thought it was okay and this morning the dog was…Benson says she is so sorry. Nikki goes on to say the woman said to say hello to her mom. Nikki asks why, saying Rob Miller knows she was not going to testify. Benson replies that is whys he is here, they need her to testify. She adds that the Feds dropped the charges. Nikki is shocked, saying “no no no no!” When Benson asks Nikki to hear her out, Nikki shouts NO! Benson asks her to talk to her about the Wally Stevens case, the underage girls, saying Miller thought he’d be implicated and that is why he stole her phone. Nikki emphatically says there is nothing on that phone that connects him to that case. Benson asks why, what was he afraid of, can Wally put him at those sex parties. Nikki pauses and when Benson presses her to tell her more, Nikki shouts she can’t, citing attorney/client privilege, asking with sarcasm if Benson ever heard of it, adding she is not about to risk getting disbarred. She says she is appreciative for what Benson has done for her but orders Benson to go now, and Nikki storms off. Benson leaves.

Back at SVU, Benson tells the detectives there has to be a way to tie Rob Miller to Wally Stevens and the sex parties. Benson comments he blackmailed a judge (Judge Brian Leonard) and stole Nikki’s phone, saying it has to be connected, asking what are they missing. Rollins explains they have gone over the case forwards and backwards, it is falling apart. Carisi says the girls at the party are all backing off the story. Benson thinks Miller got to them or their parents. She suggests they check their bank accounts. Fin comments Miller doesn’t leave a fingerprint on the knife, and Benson reminds him they have half a dozen witnesses. Fin counters they HAD witnesses, they all lawyered up. Benson, getting increasingly agitated, shouts, “Exactly! That’s my point!” Fin comments since Leonard retired to the Maldives. Wally Steven is untouchable – double jeopardy. Benson retorts she knows, she was there. Fin sighs. Carisi gets a message and tells Benson he hears her on all of this but they have something from the harbor unit they have to deal with right now. A young female washed up on a pier on the Hudson river. Benson says, “Let’s go.”

Monday, May 13, 2019

Mariska Hargitay Attends the NBC Entertainment's 2019/20 New Season Press Junket

Mariska Hargitay attended the the NBC Entertainment's 2019/20 New Season Press Junket, held on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Radio City Music Hall, New York City, NY.  Here are photos of Mariska at this event.

Note: Copying these images from my web site is not authorized.



NBCUNIVERSAL UPFRONT EVENTS -- NBC's Party at THE POOL Celebrating NBC's New Season -- 
Pictured: (l-r) Paul Telegdy, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment; Executive Producer Dick Wolfe, 
Mariska Hargitay, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" on NBC; George Cheeks, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment

Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBCUniversal 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC




Photo by: Peter Kramer/NBCUniversal 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC






Photos by: Mike Coppola/NBCUniversal 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC





Photos by: Heidi Gutman/NBCUniversal 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC



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Sunday, May 12, 2019

NBC BUILDS ON WINNING LINEUP WITH STRONG INVESTMENTS IN RETURNING HITS, DOMINANT ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMMING, ADDICTIVE NEW DRAMAS, A RENEWED FOCUS ON COMEDY AND HOMECOMINGS FOR BIG NBC STARS

NBC Press Release
May 12, 2019

NBC BUILDS ON WINNING LINEUP WITH STRONG INVESTMENTS IN RETURNING HITS, DOMINANT ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMMING, ADDICTIVE NEW DRAMAS, A RENEWED FOCUS ON COMEDY AND HOMECOMINGS FOR BIG NBC STARS

Monday: “The Voice,” #1 in Its Timeslot, Returns With Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, Providing Coveted Launch Spot to Aspirational New Legal Drama “Bluff City Law,” Starring Emmy Award Winner Jimmy Smits at 10 P.M.

Tuesday: Winning Tuesday Lineup Remains Unchanged with “The Voice” Setting the Stage for # 1 Drama “This Is Us” at 9 P.M., Leading Into Last Season’s #2 New Drama “New Amsterdam” at 10 P.M.

Wednesday: Building Off Last Season’s Total Viewers Win, Chicago Block Returns to Dominate Wednesday Nights Starting With “Chicago Med,” at 8 P.M. Leading Into Wednesday’s Most-Watched Series “Chicago Fire” at 9 P.M. and Concluding With #1 Timeslot Winner “Chicago P.D.” at 10 P.M.

Thursday: Night of Laughs Returns With “Superstore” Anchoring at 8 P.M., Followed By Comedy “Perfect Harmony” at 8:30 P.M., Starring Two-Time Emmy Award Winner Bradley Whitford and Anna Camp; 9 P.M. Kicks Off the Mike Schur Hour With the Return of Critically Acclaimed “The Good Place” Leading Into New Comedy “Sunnyside” at 9:30 P.M., Starring Kal Penn; “Law & Order: SVU” Returns to 10 P.M. in Its Record-Breaking 21st Season.

Friday: “The Blacklist” Returns for its Seventh Season at 8 P.M. to Pair With Two Hours of America’s #1 Newsmagazine “Dateline.”

Sunday: America’s #1 Primetime Television Show for a Record Eight Consecutive Years, “Sunday Night Football” Will Broadcast 19 NFL Games During the 2019 Regular Season.

Post-Fall: Building Off Last Season’s Success, January Marks the Return of Last Season’s Most-Watched Alternative Series “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.” Also Returning for Its Third Season Is “Ellen’s Game of Games” and “Little Big Shots” with New Host Melissa McCarthy; “World of Dance” Launches its Fourth Season; Comedy Favorites “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Will & Grace” Return With “Indebted” and “The Kenan Show” Joining in on the Laughs; Last Season’s #1 New Drama “Manifest” Flies Back on the Schedule Along with Fan-Favorite “Good Girls”; “Blindspot” Celebrates its Fifth and Final Season; Bold New Dramas Complete NBC’s Year-Round Schedule With the Joyous Family Series “Council of Dads,” Innovative Musical Drama “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” and Crime Series “Lincoln” Based Off Best-Selling “Bone Collector” Book.



NEW YORK — May 12, 2019 — In the midst of a winning season that will mark the network’s sixth consecutive September-to-September victory fueled by an unbeatable summer of alternative programming, NBC unveils a new year-round lineup that builds on the industry’s most stable schedule with top returning stars, addictive dramas and an infusion of original comedies. The new slate, which will add four first-year dramas and four freshman comedies over the course of the 2019-20 season, will carry a robust fall lineup into a powerhouse midseason filled with returning favorites and big new shows for every audience.

“We came into this season from the vantage point of extreme stability, but without any complacency,” said George Cheeks and Paul Telegdy, Co-Chairmen, NBC Entertainment. “Our 52-week schedule takes into account the seismic shift in viewing habits, balancing short-term wins with long-term potential. Comedy is at the heart of the NBC brand, and we’ve picked up four new comedies that we think viewers will love for generations to come. Our new dramas will compel audiences to tune in week after week to our network while also delivering binge-worthy storylines, and our unparalleled alternative programs continue to delight audiences of all ages, providing enviable launch pads for many of our new shows.”

The newest drama to join the fall schedule is “Bluff City Law,” starring Emmy Award winner Jimmy Smits in his return to the network. A thrilling legal family drama, the series reunites a father and daughter attorney duo as they take on social injustice.

NBC is turbo-charging its Thursday night comedy lineup with two new additions to its winning roster. In another network reunion, Bradley Whitford comes home to star in “Perfect Harmony” as a former Princeton music professor who finds himself unexpectedly presiding over a small-town church choir. From star Kal Penn and executive producer Michael Schur, “Sunnyside” tells the story of a disgraced New York City Councilman turned champion for a diverse group of hopefuls who dream of becoming American citizens.

Dramas set to debut in midseason are “Council of Dads” from executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer, centered on a loving father of four who calls on a few of his closest allies to step in as back-up dads following a personal health scare; “Lincoln,” based on the best-selling book “The Bone Collector,” follows former NYPD detective and forensic genius Lincoln Rhyme (“Grimm’s” Russell Hornsby) and his new partner, Amelia Sachs (Arielle Kebbel of “Midnight, Texas”), as they join forces to crack the city’s most confounding cases, all while working to bring down a notorious serial killer; and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” starring Jane Levy (“Suburgatory”) as a whip-smart computer coder who, following an unusual event, starts to hear the innermost wants and desires of the people around her through songs.

Joining the comedy lineup later this season is “Indebted,” starring Fran Drescher (“The Nanny”) and Adam Pally (“The Mindy Project”) as mother and son. Things take an unexpected turn when a young man’s parents show up unannounced and broke, leaving him and his wife with no choice but to open the door to the people who gave him everything. In the family comedy “The Kenan Show,” “Saturday Night Live” star Kenan Thompson strives to be a super dad to his two adorable girls while simultaneously balancing his job and a father-in-law who “helps” in the most inappropriate ways.

Over the holidays, NBC is using its robust schedule of live events and specials to eventize the second season of last summer’s breakout hit “Making It” with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. As a special gift to viewers, the season is packaged over a two-week period and will feature innovative partnerships to help audiences craft alongside our makers this December. Ellen DeGeneres will also be making a list and checking it twice over the holidays as she kicks off a new tradition packed with massive surprises on “Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways.” Over the course of three one-hour specials, DeGeneres, along with her celebrity friends, will deliver life-changing gifts to unsuspecting people who’ve topped her nice list.

NBC’s dominant 52-week schedule is once again highlighted by a powerful midseason featuring the January return of the #1 most-watched alternative series “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” as well as bona fide hit “Ellen’s Game of Games,” both returning to their winning timeslots on Mondays nights at 8 p.m. and on Tuesdays at 8 p.m., respectively. Last year’s #1 new drama, “Manifest,” will also return to its coveted 10 p.m. slot Mondays. Comedy favorites “Will & Grace” and top-rated digital hit “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” also return, as well as the final season of “Blindspot.”

Following football season, Sundays will feature a great new line-up focused on bringing women to the night. An all-new take on “Little Big Shots,” hosted by Melissa McCarthy, will kick-off at 8 p.m. followed by “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” and rounding out the night will be the third season of fan-favorite “Good Girls.”

With a year-round primetime roster that is 83% originals, NBC will once again harness the power of the Olympics in Summer 2020 with a packed schedule of entertainment programming that includes the return of “World of Dance” alongside summer staples “American Ninja Warrior” and “America’s Got Talent.”

NBC ranks #1 for the 2018-19 primetime season in adults 18-49, and is #1 or tied for #1 in adults 25-54, adults 18-34 and all key adult-female demographics, with a schedule that features broadcast television’s #1 primetime series in 18-49 and total viewers, “Sunday Night Football”; the #1 scripted series in 18-49, “This Is Us”; the #1 and #2 new dramas in 18-49, “Manifest” and “New Amsterdam”; and the #1 most-watched alternative series, “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.” NBC is well positioned to finish #1 in 18-49 for the traditional September-to-May season for the fifth time in six years and the full September-to-September season for a sixth year in a row.

Returning shows for the 2019-20 schedule include “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” “The Blacklist,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Dateline NBC,” “Ellen’s Game of Games,” “Good Girls,” “The Good Place,” “Hollywood Game Night,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Manifest,” “NBC Sunday Night Football,” “New Amsterdam,” “Superstore,” “This Is Us,” “The Voice,” “The Wall,” “Will & Grace” and “World of Dance.”

Additional previously announced new series include “Bring the Funny,” “Small Fortune,” “Songland,” “That’s My Jam” and the return of “Who Do You Think You Are?”

Decisions are yet to be made on “Abby’s,” “A.P. Bio,” “The Enemy Within,” “The InBetween,”

“The Titan Games” and “The Village.”

For photos and additional show information, go to http://www.nbcumv.com/

NBC FALL 2019-20 SCHEDULE
(New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)

MONDAY
8-10 P.M. — The Voice
10-11 P.M. — BLUFF CITY LAW

TUESDAY
8-9 P.M. — The Voice
9-10 P.M. — This Is Us
10-11 P.M. — New Amsterdam

WEDNESDAY
8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med
9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire
10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D.

THURSDAY
8-8:30 P.M. — Superstore
8:30-9 P.M. — PERFECT HARMONY
9-9:30 P.M. — The Good Place
9:30-10 P.M. — SUNNYSIDE
10-11 P.M. — Law & Order: SVU

FRIDAY
8-9 P.M. – The Blacklist
9-11 P.M — Dateline NBC

SATURDAY
8-10 P.M. — Dateline Saturday Night Mystery
10-11 P.M. – Saturday Night Live (encores)

SUNDAY
7-8:20 P.M. — Football Night in America
8:20-11 P.M. — NBC Sunday Night Football



NEW DRAMA SERIES

“BLUFF CITY LAW”
Coming from a famous Memphis family known for taking on injustice, brilliant lawyer Sydney Strait used to work at her father Elijah’s celebrated law firm until their tumultuous relationship got in the way. After barely speaking to him for years, Sydney is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly. In the wake of her loss, hoping to reconnect with the daughter he loves, Elijah asks Sydney to rejoin his firm. She agrees because despite her lingering resentment and distrust, she knows that working alongside her father is her best hope at changing the world … if they can ever get along.

The cast includes Jimmy Smits, Caitlin McGee, Scott Shepherd, Barry Sloane, Michael Luwoye, MaameYaa Boafo, Stony Blyden and Jayne Atkinson.

Dean Georgaris will write and executive produce. Michael Aguliar and David Janollari will executive produce.

“Bluff City Law” is produced by Universal Television in association with David Janollari Entertainment.

Please visit the official show site at: www.nbc.com/bluff-city-law.

Facebook: /NBCBluffCityLaw

Twitter: @NBCBluffCityLaw

Instagram: @NBCBluffCityLaw

Hashtag: #BluffCityLaw


“COUNCIL OF DADS”
When Scott, a loving father of four, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare, he calls on a few of his closest allies to step in as back-up dads for every stage of his growing family’s life. Scott assembles a trusted group of role models that includes Anthony, his oldest friend; Larry, his AA sponsor; and Oliver, his surgeon and best friend to his wife, Robin. These men agree to devote themselves to supporting and guiding Scott’s amazing family through all the triumphs and challenges life has to offer – just in case he ever can’t be there to do so himself.

The cast includes Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Tom Everett Scott, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver and Michael O’Neill.

Tony Phelan & Joan Rater will write and executive produce. Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman and KristieAnne Reed will executive produce. James Oh and Bruce Feiler will produce.

“Council of Dads” is produced by Universal Television in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Midwest Livestock Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: www.nbc.com/council-of-dads.

Facebook: /NBCCouncilofDads

Twitter: @CouncilofDads

Instagram: @NBCCouncilofDads

Hashtag: #CouncilofDads


“LINCOLN”
Inspired by the best-selling book “The Bone Collector,” former NYPD detective and forensic genius Lincoln Rhyme was at the top of his game until a serious accident at the hands of a notorious serial killer forces him out of the field. When Amelia Sachs, an intuitive young officer who’s got her own gift for profiling, finds herself hot on the killer’s trail, Rhyme in turn finds a partner for this new game of cat and mouse. As the unlikely detective duo joins forces to crack the city’s most confounding cases, they must also race to take down the enigmatic “Bone Collector” who brought them together.

The cast includes Russell Hornsby, Arielle Kebbel, Brían F. O'Byrne, Tate Ellington, Courtney Grosbeck, Ramses Jimenez, Brooke Lyons, Roslyn Ruff and Michael Imperioli.

VJ Boyd and Mark Bianculli will write and executive produce. Seth Gordon will direct and executive produce. Avi Nir, Peter Traugott and Rachel Kaplan will executive produce.

“Lincoln” is produced by Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television and in association with Keshet Studios.

Please visit the official show site at: www.nbc.com/lincoln

Facebook: /NBCLincoln

Twitter: @NBCLincoln

Instagram: @NBCLincoln

Hashtag: #Lincoln


“ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST”
In this joyous and celebratory drama, Zoey Clarke is a whip-smart computer coder forging her way in San Francisco. After an unusual event she starts to hear the innermost wants and desires of the people around her through songs. At first, she questions her own sanity but soon realizes this unwanted curse may just be an incredibly wonderful gift.

The cast includes Jane Levy, Skylar Astin, Peter Gallagher, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, Carmen Cusack and Mary Steenburgen.

Austin Winsberg will write and executive produce. Richard Shepard will direct and executive produce (pilot only). Paul Feig, Jessie Henderson, Kim Tannenbaum, Eric Tannenbaum, David Blackman and Daniel Inkeles will executive produce.

“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” is produced by Lionsgate in association with the Tannenbaum Company, FeigCo Entertainment and Universal Music Group.

Please visit the official show site at: www.nbc.com/zoeys-extraordinary-playlist.

Facebook: /ZoeysExtraordinaryPlaylist

Twitter: @ZoeysPlaylist

Instagram: @ZoeysPlaylist

Hashtag: #ZoeysPlaylist

NEW COMEDY SERIES


“INDEBTED”
Young parents Dave and Rebecca are ready to reclaim their life after years of diapers and sleepless nights. However, things take an unexpected turn when Dave’s parents show up unannounced and broke, leaving Dave with no choice but to open the door to the people who gave him everything. But these boomerang parents aren’t great with boundaries and the question of who’s parenting who quickly becomes blurred in this multi-generational comedy starring Fran Drescher and Adam Pally as mother and son.

The cast includes Adam Pally, Abby Elliott, Steven Weber and Fran Drescher.

Dan Levy will write and executive produce. Doug Robinson will executive produce.

“Indebted” is produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with Doug Robinson Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: www.nbc.com/indebted

Facebook: /NBCIndebted

Twitter: @NBCIndebted

Instagram: @NBCIndebted

Hashtag: #Indebted


“THE KENAN SHOW”
In this family comedy, Kenan Thompson strives to be a super dad to his two adorable girls while simultaneously balancing his job and a father-in-law who “helps” in the most inappropriate ways.

The cast includes Kenan Thompson, Punam Patel, Dani Lockett, Dannah Lockett and Andy Garcia.

Jackie Clarke will write and executive produce. Chris Rock will direct and executive produce. Kenan Thompson, Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer will executive produce.

“The Kenan Show” is produced by Universal Television in association with Broadway Video.

Please visit the official show site at: www.nbc.com/the-kenan-show.

Facebook: /NBCKenanShow

Twitter: @NBCKenanShow

Instagram: @NBCKenanShow

Hashtag: #KenanShow


“PERFECT HARMONY”
Bradley Whitford stars in this comedy about finding inspiration in the most unlikely places. When former Princeton music professor Arthur Cochran unexpectedly stumbles into choir practice at a small-town church, he finds a group of singers that are out of tune in more ways than one. Despite the ultimate clash of sensibilities, Arthur and his newfound cohorts may just be the perfect mix of individuals to help each other reinvent and rediscover a little happiness, just when they all need it most.

The cast includes Bradley Whitford, Anna Camp, Tymberlee Hill, Rizwan Manji, Will Greenberg, Geno Segers and Spencer Allport.

Lesley Wake Webster will write and executive produce. Jason Winer will direct and executive produce. Bradley Whitford, Adam Anders and Jon Radler will executive produce.

“Perfect Harmony” is produced by 20thCentury Fox Television and Small Dog Picture Company.

Please visit the official show site at: www.nbc.com/perfect-harmony

Facebook: /NBCPerfectHarmony

Twitter: @NBCPerfHarmony

Instagram: @NBCPerfectHarmony

Hashtag: #PerfectHarmony


“SUNNYSIDE”
Garrett Modi was living the American Dream. As the youngest New York City Councilman ever, he was rubbing elbows with the political elite, attending star-studded parties and was the pride of Queens. But instead of spending his time in office helping the people that got him elected, he lost his way amidst the power and glamour of politics. When his downward spiral got him busted for public intoxication (and downright stupidity), it was all caught on tape and ended his career. Now, Garrett’s crashing with his sister, Mallory, and wondering where it all went wrong. That is, until he’s hired by a diverse group of hopefuls who dream of becoming American citizens and believe he can help – giving him a new sense of purpose and a chance for redemption, as long as he remembers where he came from.

The cast includes Kal Penn, Diana Maria Riva, Joel Kim Booster, Kiran Deol, Poppy Liu, Moses Storm and Samba Schutte.

Kal Penn and Matt Murray will write and executive produce. Michael Schur will be supervising executive producer. David Miner and Dan Spilo will executive produce.

“Sunnyside” is produced by Universal Television in association with Fremulon and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Please visit the official show site at: www.nbc.com/sunnyside

Facebook: /NBCSunnyside

Twitter: @NBCSunnyside

Instagram: @NBCSunnyside

Hashtag: #Sunnyside


# # # 


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Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Friday, May 10, 2019

Law & Order SVU “End Game” Sneak Peeks – Season 20 Finale

Here are preview clips from Law & Order SVU “End Game” which will air on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 10PM ET on NBC. This is the season 20 finale.  The videos feature Mariska Hargitay, Peter Scanavino, and Kelli Giddish.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “End Game” can be found at this link.



PLEASE NOTE:  These videos have a limited life and may be removed at any time, so catch them while you can!









Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.



Law & Order SVU “End Game” Photos – Season 20 Finale

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “End Game” which will air on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 10PM ET on NBC. This is the season 20 finale. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, Philip Winchester, Annie Baltic as Lindsay Parker, Travis Mitchell as Sgt. Carl Matthews, Ryan Vincent Anderson as James, Quincy Giles as Lamar Jackson, Callie Thorne as Nikki Staines, and Titus Welliver as Rob Miller.

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “End Game” can be found at this link.


Update May 21, 2019 - NBC has released an additional photo from this episode featuring Titus Welliver:


Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC


















Photos by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC


Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.







Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” Recap & Review


Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” had everyone making assumptions, but that’s somewhat normal for every case. Most investigations start with few facts and the detectives often get to the truth using assumptions to fill in the blanks. In this case,  there are more assumptions than normal, some which steer them in the wrong direction.  There's been an apparent sexual assault (Stone states the rape kit was inconclusive) against a Muslim New York City councilwoman which occurred in a synagogue, allegedly perpetrated by two Jewish teens.  That sounds like enough right there, but wait, there's more!   The boys ran from the scene as they assumed they would be found guilty. A witness assumed a red cap one of them wore was a MAGA cap and that they shouted a slur at her, both of which were incorrect. The councilwoman hides key pieces of information as she assumes it would destroy her family and career (we know it doesn’t destroy her family). The detectives look at a section of video evidence and assume that the boys were the instigators in a conflict at a protest outside the councilwoman’s office. The whole video reveals the facts regarding the boys and later helps to prove that the councilwoman’s ex-husband is a liar and a rapist.

The victim wasn’t exactly sympathetic once it became clear that she took advantage of the protest to further her own agenda. It was made worse when it’s revealed she’s hiding that she is a lesbian for fear of losing her position and family. It seemed Stone was having some difficulty with the councilwoman's story but once the facts became clear regarding her assault, he was zealous in getting her justice.

Overall, this was a solid, well-written episode with MUCH visual interest. The latter is one thing that I think Michael Chernuchin and the production team have brought to SVU this season and I hope we continue to see this in season 21 when under "new management".

I enjoy seeing Peter Gallagher as Chief Dodds; he brings great energy to every episode and I wish we’d see him more often. Along that line, the more interesting parts of the episode involved the release of Rob Miller from jail, and then his later appearance at a restaurant where Benson and Noah are dining. Titus Welliver plays creepy like no one else can.  His return in this episode is a sizzling tease for the season finale!




Here is the recap:

Two teen boys run out of a synagogue and a woman stops them, saying she saw them running out. She asks what they were doing there, saying she is calling the cops. They run off, but not before one of the boys knocks the woman over.

Benson, at home, is watching the news on TV and hears, to her surprise, that Rob Miller, the disgraced NYPD attorney, has been released on bail. She hears his lawyer proclaim his innocence, hoping for a favorable ruling. Benson says, “Son of a bitch” and Noah calls out “Mom! Mom!” to her to get her attention. He asks if she is mad at him and she is not, be he knows she is mad. She admits it, but not at him. She asks what is up. He asks for help on how to spell “believe” as she watches Rob seemingly stare at her through the TV screen. She shakes her head.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Meyers, who saw the two white boys, one wearing a MAGA hat, makes a statement to police. She mentions anti-Semitic incidents that recently occurred at the synagogue. At first the police see nothing inside the synagogue but soon find a woman unconscious on the floor and they call for a bus and SVU.

Later, Rollins and Carisi are on the scene and hear the woman was a Muslim and her name is Nahla Nasar. Carisi recognizes the name as a councilwoman. Rollins comments she’s been in the news a lot lately, Carisi adding it was for making anti-Semitic remarks. Rollins wonders what she was doing in a temple. As she is been wheeled out by the EMT, Carisi asks Nahla what happened. She explains she was set up, by “those people”, motioning to the synagogue.


In the morning, Benson arrives to meet Chief Dodds, who is just stepping out of his car. He asks that Nahla was set up by Jews. Benson explains that’s what she told the detectives, and an eyewitness saw two boys fleeing the scene, one wearing a MAGA hat. Dodds says it gets better and better. Reporters outside pepper them with questions about it being a hate crime and the asking for details, one mentioning Nasar is an anti-Semite. Dodds says rest assured the NYPD does not tolerate bigotry or hate motivated violence of any kind. He and Benson move inside the building.


As they walk in the door, Dodds tells Benson to fasten their seat belts. He adds they haven’t even discussed Rob Miller yet, asking if she heard. Benson says yes - that he is out on bail – stating she would have appreciated a heads up. Dodds comments he only saw it on the news himself. Rollins and Carisi are waiting inside, and Benson asks how is Miss Nasar. Rollins explains she is being treated for a concussion and they are doing a rape kit. Dodds wonders if they have any idea of why she was in that synagogue, and Carisi replies not yet, but her chief of staff just got there, her name is Aida Galanis. Benson tells them to find out what she knows, and Dodds tells them to ask her not to make any statements to the press, they don’t need this blowing up any more that it already has. Dodds and Benson get in the elevator,

Rollins and Carisi speak with Aida Galanis who explains Nahla is passionate about her beliefs and is exercising her rights to criticize Israel, saying she is not anti-Semitic. Carisi says his understanding people got offended by her choice of words, and Rollins says that aside, they need to find out why she was at that synagogue. Aida does not know. Carisi reminds her she is chief of staff, and Aida says Nahla can be a very private person and she respects her boundaries. Rollins asks about recent threats, and Aida explains their office is besieged by protesters and they get dozens of hate-spewing calls a day. No one said they want to rape her. Rollins asks for phone and email records and any threats made on social media. Aida comments she hopes they need the overtime. She is sick about what happened but the only upside is that everyone will realize she is the true victim here.

Meanwhile, Nahla enters the hospital room where Benson and Dodds are waiting. They offer their apologies but she explains her parents are from Syria and she knows what woman and girls have endured in the wars zones and she won’t feel sorry for herself. Benson offers help and Nahla says to catch who did this. When Benson asks what she remembers from the attack, Nahla says she was alone in the sanctuary looking at the cabinet for the Torah scrolls. It felt like a place of reverence on godliness. Then she was struck violently on the back of the head and she fell to the ground. She pauses and cries, saying he pinned her down, he was rough and he tore off her hijab and pulled up her skirt and forced himself inside her. He did not say anything, she did not see his face or know when he left. She must have passed out. Benson comments she told her detectives she was set up and asks why was she in the synagogue, and Nahla says she was lured there by a man pretending to want peace. She was lied to by a Zionist.

Law & Order SVU “End Game” Promo – Season 20 Finale

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU “End Game” which will air on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 10PM ET on NBC. This is the season 20 finale.  Note: there are two versions of this promo and the difference is very subtle.

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “End Game” can be found at this link.










Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.


Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” Sneak Peek

Here is a preview clip from Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” which will air on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10PM ET on NBC. The video features Ice-T and Peter Scanavino.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” can be found at this link.













Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Friday, May 3, 2019

Law & Order SVU “Diss” Recap & Review


The big guest star in “Diss” was billed as Snoop Dogg, but he didn’t have much of a story in this episode. The real performance was delivered by Orlando Jones, playing the rapper “Snake” who is in a “diss” war with Snoop Dogg’s character, RB Banks. Snake’s wife was attacked – but not sexually assaulted – and while things seem to point to a feud between the rappers, the attack has nothing to do with it. Lucky for the SVU, they were there to intervene in what could have been a gun battle.

When the rappers are ruled out, the story got a little confusing for me and I momentarily had trouble connecting the dots. The SVU for the most part was chasing down Dallas’ attacker, but Fin was on his own mission. Part of it was tied to the current case, part of it was tied to an old murder, and part of it was tied to the death of his mother. I figured early on that Carisi questioning some random "lookie-loo"  on a bike on the scene, highlighting the model of his bike,  would turn out to be key in their investigation.

This episode was a nice feature for Ice-T, giving Fin a deeper back-story after all these years. We learn that he saw his mother killed in a shooting outside a bodega, and as his father had been involved in illegal activity, Fin was sent to live with Snake’s mother, Jo Anderson, for a short while. The current case also gives Fin a chance to close the loop on a murder that happened years before involving his friend Snake.

The story had cookie-cutter rapper stereotypes, which disappointed me. I also found interesting the commentary on the dark side of social media and celebrity stalkers. Clearly, social media is critical to the survival of some shows and has helped keep SVU alive, yet the show frequently likes to bite the hand that feeds it. Yes, we get it, social media has a dark side. When Benson was talking about celebrity stalkers, I had a twinge that made me feel Mariska speaking from experience. I feel sorry for celebrities who get hounded by rabid fans. Sometimes I think some fans need to take William Shatner’s advice and “get a life.” A big plus with this episode was that it was visually interesting!




Here is the recap:

A woman - Dallas Monroe -  gets pulled over by police. They tell her to step out of the vehicle. They push her against her car and one officer says to be sure to frisk her for drugs. One officer gropes her. Looking worried, she says if they want to have some fun, to at least let her look at them. One officer comments “What did I tell you?” The woman turns around and then kicks one of the cops and takes his gun, ordering the other cop to give her his gun. He complies. She orders them to the ground and they comply. The scene changes to a music video of this event, a director yelling to “cut.” The director talks sex appeal, but the singer says she is talking police brutality, black lives matter, and me too. He says as long as she’s shaking that booty while she’s talking, he’s good. Her daughter Lexi asks if they can go to Dave and Busters now, and Dallas says daddy has his concert tonight, and another man offers to take Lexi there. She asks Bill about Veneshia opening for Snake’s concert, and he asks that Snake didn’t tell her, and she says he didn’t. Lexi asks if Wallace can take her, and Dallas agrees, telling Wallace to take her home before. She moves to leave the set.

Later, Wallace gets Lexi home and notices something is not right. He enters cautiously and pulls out a gun. He calls out for Dallas. He finds her on the floor in blood, unconscious.

Afterwards, EMT’s take her away in an ambulance as a crowd has gathered outside her home. Benson, there with Rollins, asks if that is really her, and Rollins replies yes. She adds she fought back and she shouldn’t have. She was struck multiple times in the back of her head, has bleeding behind her ears with a possible skull fracture – they have to do tests. Benson asks an officer if she was raped, and the officer states they will have to run a kit but her robe was torn. Carisi speaks with a possible witness outside and he said it was dark, he wasn’t looking. Carisi complements him on his bike, which he says is a Mongoose. He asks if he can go and Carisi lets him. Benson approaches and asks if the person knew anything, and Carisi says he is just a lookie-loo. Benson comments she hates celebrity cases, and Carisi mentions the singer has 10 Grammys and 25 nominations; the president could be on the gurney and get less media attention. A reporter asks Benson if it was Snake and Benson replies no, no comment. Carisi moves the reporter’s microphone away as they enter the home.

Inside, they look over the scene. There is a glock which they will run for prints. It was under her body. Fin comments there was no sign of forced entry and the alarms were off, the security cameras were hacked last week. Rollins says a neighbor walking her dog at 8:15 saw Dallas in a heated squabble with her husband Justin Anderson – AKA Snake. Benson comments she knows who he is, and Fin doubts that he did this. Carisi says maybe not but he wouldn’t be on that; the Third has already investigated two domestic disputes at this address in the last month. Fin says the bodyguard said Snake is in concert at the Apollo.

At the Apollo Theater at 253 West 125th Street on Monday, April 22, Fin and Carisi arrive backstage to the concert in progress. Snake pulls Fin out into the stage and Fin gives Snake the news. Snake tells the crowd the show is over, it’s a family emergency. The crowd is not happy and Snake leaves the building.


As they leave the Apollo with a crowd and paparazzi there, Carisi asks Fin if he knows Snake, and Fin explains they grew up together, their moms were best friends. Carisi says he could have told him that. They get in Snake’s limo and question him and they mention the argument the neighbor said he had with Dallas before he left. He denies laying a hand on her. Carisi brings up previous visits by police, and Snake says when Carisi gets a woman, we’ll see if they yell now and then. When Fin asks if that is all he did was scream, Snake asks Fin “you too?” and asks what the hell happened to him. Fin states they are just trying to find out why they were arguing. Snake explains it was about Veneshia, there were reports they were together which were false. Carisi notices the injuries on Snake's hand, and asks how he go that bruise. Snake claims he got into a fight with a pappo who was too close to Lexi and he was protecting his daughter. He asks Carisi if that is alright with him, calling him “wonder bread.” Fin asks that it made the news, and Snake explains his manager paid off the pappo, Amir Khoury. He adds when he left Dallas, she was fine.


Now at the hospital, Rollins explains to Fin, Carisi, and Snake that Dallas has brain swelling and had to be put in a medically induced coma. A rape kit was sent to the lab. When Snake questions the rape kit, Fin explained they decided to cover their bases. Snake tells Fin whoever did this is about to die, and Fin tells him, “C’mon cuz”. Snake sees Dallas and moves to be with her. Carisi wonders to Fin if this is a good idea; he knows Snake is his buddy but he is still a suspect. When Rollins asks about Fin knowing Snake, Fin explains he hasn’t seen him since he was 16. Carisi thinks Fin thinks he is innocent, and Fin says they need to talk to the paparazzi. Carisi asks what if Snake runs for it, and Fin replies that Rollins is there, wondering where will he go? He asks Rollins if she is good and she nods. Fin and Carisi leave.


Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” which will air on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, Peter Gallagher as Deputy Chief William Dodds, Ryan Buggle as Noah Porter-Benson, Elise Hudson as Aida Galanis, and Titus Welliver as Rob Miller.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” can be found at this link.














Photos by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC




Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.




Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” which will air on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10PM ET on NBC.

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” can be found at this link.








Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.



Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Law & Order SVU “Diss” Sneak Peek

Here is a sneak peek from Law & Order SVU “Diss” which will air on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 10PM ET on NBC. The video features Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino, Orlando Jones as Justin "Snake Eye" Anderson, and Snoop Dogg as P.T. Banks.

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Diss” can be found at this link.


Please note: this video has a limited life and may be removed at any time, so catch it while you can!





Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.