While the dog hunt continues things take some interesting turns for the precinct in Phantom of the Hill. Written by Michael Wagner and David Milch from a story by Steven Bochco, Anthony Yerkovich, and Jeffrey Lewis it first aired on 2 December, 1982. Grace (Barbara Babcock), who we haven’t seen in a while, pops up…
Us (2019) – Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele who delivered the incredible Get Out, followed it up with Us, another highly enjoyable horror film layered with scares and social commentary. While there may be some flaws in the film it doesn’t change the fact that it’s hugely enjoyable, filled with fascinating twists and turns, and a fantastic performance by the always…
The Equalizer (1986) – Shades of Darkness, and Nightscape
William Sadler goes toe-to-toe with Edward Woodward’s Robert McCall in Shades of Darkness. Written by Jack V. Fogarty this episode was first aired on 5 November, 1986. Sadler plays Rick Dillon, a murderer, rapist, sociopath and ex-soldier who has murdered a woman but Dan Turner (Lenny von Dohlen) is arrested for it when he’s found…
The Expanse (2018) – IFF, and Assured Destruction
Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham, collectively known as James S.A. Corey the author of The Expanse book series pen IFF, which stands for Identify Friend or Foe, debuted on 18 April, 2018. While Mao (Francois Chao) arrives on Io to confer with his science team over the protomolecule and human hybrids they are creating as…
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (2018) – Stuart Turton
An Agatha Christie story with some Ground Hog Day/Quantum Leap thrown in for good measure? When I read the blurb on The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle I was immediately intrigued. Turton’s execution of the story is whipsmart and incredibly enjoyable, combining classic English mystery with some time loops. What’s not to love? Sebastian Bell…
The Equalizer (1986) – A Community of Civilized Men, and Joyride
McCall (Edward Woodward) loses a potential romantic partner after resolving her issues at the beginning of A Community of Civilized Men when she’s murdered and McCall has to help her daughter, Valerie (Jennifer Grey) survive and elude a professional agent, and killer. Written by Daniel Pyne and Scott Shepherd this episode was first broadcast on…
The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979) – Vincent McEveety
Tim Conway and Don Knotts return as the hapless comedic pair Amos and Theodore in the sequel to the 1975 Disney family/comedy/western The Apple Dumpling Gang. This time around the pair, and the script are unfettered by everything that went before it, though the characters from the previous film are mentioned. This time, Amos and…
Uncharted (2022) – Ruben Fleischer
Some questionable narrative choices and other stylistic angles held Uncharted back from being a solid blockbuster and probably crippled its chances of turning into a franchise, which is too bad, because despite the drubbing it took, most of the film is really fun, and there’s a nice interplay between Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg who…
Hill Street Blues (1982) – Requiem for a Hairbag, and A Hair of the Dog
While the investigation into Mizell’s murder continues (and is ultimately resolved after a fashion), the precinct has a lot on the go in Requiem for a Haribag. Written by Mark Frost, this episode was first broadcast on 18 November, 1982. Hill (Michael Warren) is finally getting the boil on his backside taken care of, just…
Tropic Thunder (2008) – Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller directed the ultimate Hollywood satire with Tropic Thunder. He developed the story with Justin Theroux, and the pair wrote a script with Ethan Cohen. It’s sharp, pointed, and under its endlessly quotable dialogue and performances is a skewering look at Tinsel Town. Everything seems to be a lie, from promotions to images to…
The Mind Reels 