Categoría: OffSide

Created by Melissa London Hilfers, ‘Monarch’ is a musical drama series about the Roman family. Dottie Cantrell Roman and Albie Roman, the heads of the family, have poured their blood and sweat in an effort to establish their prominence in the country music industry. However, their reign as the royal equivalents of country music is threatened when their authenticity becomes questionable. Nicolette “Nicky” Roman, Dottie and Albie’s daughter, gives her best to safeguard her family’s reputation while ensuring that her star remains bright.

Starring Trace Adkins, Beth Ditto, and Anna Friel, the show has gained a fine reputation among viewers, especially country music fans. The cast does a phenomenal job of bringing the characters to life and keeping the audience captivated. The interesting mix of music, family, and mystery is one you do want to miss out on. For those curious about how to watch the series, we have the answers you need!

What is Monarch About?

‘Monarch’ tells the story of the Romans, whose heads, Dottie Cantrell Roman and Albie Roman, have worked hard to establish their family as the apparent ruling dynasty of country music. The artists are known for their authentic work, but the past actions of Dottie and Albie might put their reputations in danger. Nicolette “Nicky” Roman, the daughter of the two artists, steps in to save her family’s name and establish herself as an artist within the field. If you cannot wait to check out the show, here is how you do it.

Is Monarch on Netflix?

No, ‘Monarch’ is not available on Netflix. However, the platform does offer similar shows like ‘Dynasty‘ and ‘Greenleaf.’ Both shows are centered around two different families and the politics that the members participate in to come out at the top.

Is Monarch on Hulu?

Hulu + Live TV does allow users to stream ‘Monarch’ on the platform. Regular Hulu subscribers, who were intrigued by the series, are sure to enjoy ‘Empire.’ It is another musical drama series that follows the Lyon family and their role in the hip-hop industry.

Is Monarch on Amazon Prime?

While Amazon Prime does not have ‘Monarch,’ it does offer some amazing shows to its members. For those interested in the Trace Adkins starrer, we recommend ‘Mad Men‘ and ‘Suits.’ The shows follow several characters who are trying their hardest to be the best in their respective cutthroat industries.

Is Monarch on HBO Max?

Even though HBO Max does not have ‘Monarch,’ the platform’s giant media library does have some excellent stories. If the family-centered series captured your eye, you might like ‘Succession.’ The show is centered around the Roy family and their reign over the media industry.

Where to Watch Monarch Online?

Those interested in watching ‘Monarch’ can do so on FOX NOW. Alternatively, you can stream the music show on FuboTV, Sling TV, Youtube TV, Spectrum TV, and Xfinity.

How to Stream Monarch for Free?

You can watch ‘Monarch’ for free on FOX NOW if the channel is part of your TV plan. FuboTV and Spectrum TV also offer week-long free trials to their new users, which can be used to watch the show. New subscribers can also utilize Sling TV’s 3-day trial to check out the series. YouTube TV provides 14 days, while Xfinity has a 30-day trial that can be used for the same purpose. We urge our readers to not use any illegal means to watch the show. Paying for relevant channels shows your support for those who have worked hard to bring your favorite stories to life.

Read More: Where is Fox’s Monarch Filmed?

Created by Justin Haythe, ‘The Serpent Queen’ is a period drama that revolves around the life of Catherine de’ Medici. The Italian noblewoman is married into the French royal family in the hopes that she might bring a hefty dowry as an orphaned daughter of a wealthy family. However, after she is wed, Catherine discovers that her husband is more interested in an older woman. Moreover, Catherine realizes that she may not be able to conceive any children.

Despite the odds stacked against her, Catherine manages to leave a lasting mark on history and effectively rule France for three decades. Starring Samantha Morton, Amrita Acharia, and Enzo Cilenti, the series is a captivating retelling of one of history’s hidden stories. Given the fascinating premise of the show, it is no wonder that many are eager to watch how the vents unfold. If you are in the same boat, here’s how you can watch the historical series.

What is The Serpent Queen About?

Based on Leonie Frieda’s 2004 non-fiction book titled ‘Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France,’ ‘The Serpent Queen’ tells the story of Catherine de’ Medici, an Italian noblewoman who was orphaned at a young age. Given her considerable dowry, she is arranged to marry into the French court. However, Catherine’s life after marriage is far from ideal as she discovers her husband’s love for another woman. Furthermore, she is horrified to realize that she may not be able to give her husband any children. The show depicts how Catherine overcomes several obstacles and becomes the ruling power of France for around thirty years. Those interested in watching the series, we know just how you can check it out.

Is The Serpent Queen on Netflix?

No, ‘The Serpent Queen’ is not available on Netflix. The streaming portal does offer a deep insight into Catherine de’ Medici’s maiden family through the aptly named show ‘Medici.’ The series highlights how the family gained power and wealth and focuses on historically significant Medicis through multiple generations.

Is The Serpent Queen on Hulu?

By adding Starz to your Hulu plan for $8.99 per month, one can check out ‘The Serpent Queen’ here. The platform’s regular offerings include excellent alternatives such as ‘Harlots‘ and ‘The Great.’

Is The Serpent Queen on Amazon Prime?

You can indeed watch ‘The Serpent Queen’ on Amazon Prime by adding Starz to your plan for $8.99 per month here. Alternatively, the platform offers its regular members several similar shows like ‘The White Queen.’

Is The Serpent Queen on HBO Max?

HBO Max may not have ‘The Serpent Queen,’ but its media library does make up for it. For those interested in a journey through history, we recommend ‘Catherine the Great.’ The series chronicles the life of Russian Empress Catherine, who became one of the most notable monarchs of Russia.

Where to Watch The Serpent Queen Online?

You can watch ‘The Serpent Queen’ on the online platform of Starz. Alternatively, the show can be viewed by adding Starz to the services of YouTube TV, FuboTV, DirecTV, and Sling TV.

How to Stream The Serpent Queen for Free?

You can watch ‘The Serpent Queen’ for free on the Starz website by availing of its week-long trial. FuboTV, Hulu, and Amazon Prime also offer week-long free trials to their new users for watching the Starz show. New subscribers can also utilize Sling TV’s 3-day trial to check out the series. We urge our readers to not use any illegal means to watch the show. Paying for relevant channels shows your support for those who have worked hard to bring your such shows.

Read More: Where is Starz’s The Serpent Queen Filmed?

Created by Melissa London Hilfers, FOX’s musical drama series ‘Monarch’ follows the Romans, a family that celebrates country music like no other. Their lives change significantly when the matriarch and country music legend, Dottie Cantrell Roman, is diagnosed with cancer. The series progresses through the consequences and impact of the same on the rest of the family’s personal lives and careers.

As the sagas and music of Albie and Dottie Roman, along with their daughters Nicolette “Nicky” Roman and Gigi Taylor-Roman, unravel, one can’t help but be eager to find out the reality behind the characters and their stories. If you are intrigued by the same, let us share what we know!

Is Monarch a True Story?

No, ‘Monarch’ is not based on a true story. The origin of the fictional show lies in producer Gail Berman’s wish to conceive a country music-themed show for FOX. When creator Melissa London Hilfers came to know about Berman’s wish, ‘Monarch’ was born. “What if we reimagined the Romanov dynasty as a family of country music stars in Austin, Texas?” Hilfers pitched to Berman, as per The New York Times, which became the show’s foundation.

Thus, the House of Romanov, the family that ruled Russia from 1613 until 1917, which didn’t have any connection to American country music, inspired Hilfers to conceive the show. The Romanovs are one of the most intricate families ever to exist. The interpersonal relationships, their association with the infamous Grigori Rasputin, and their startling assassinations are intriguing. Hilfers integrated such intricacies into the lives of the Romans and their relationships with each other in the show.

The tensions between Nicky and Gigi, their brother Luke Roman’s presence in Gigi’s married life with Kayla Taylor-Roman, Dottie’s mysterious death, and Albie’s descent into a murderer became some of the engrossing storylines of the show as well. While the foundational structure of the Roman family reminds us of the Romanovs, Albie, Dottie, Nicky, and Gigi’s lives as singers and Luke’s life as a producer opens a window to the world of country music within its fictionality.

“There can be all the crazy s–t that may never exist in real life, which makes for a great soap, but there has to be some realness — and that, coupled with the music, was really, really important to me,” Jason Owen, one of the executive producers of the show, told Billboard concerning the show’s connection with reality. He wanted the fictional Romans to appear authentic as well. To achieve the same, he brought several real-life country music figures to the cast for them to appear as themselves.

“I wanted it to feel like the Romans existed in our world currently. So I thought it was important in the script, and Melissa [London Hilfers] agreed that we bring in these real characters as themselves,” Owen added to Billboard. Collaborating with real-life country music figures like Owen, whose management clients include Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, etc., and the renowned musician Trace Adkins, who plays Albie, seemingly helped Hilfers to conceive her fictional narrative with a connection to the reality of country music.

Even though the show explores the country music scene in detail, ‘Monarch’ isn’t a show that can be appreciated only by country music admirers or viewers from the “middle of the country.” “This is the story of a woman [Nicky] who’s just trying to live her dreams and dealing with her crazy family amidst the most pressure you can possibly imagine. I think that’s something that everybody in any state can relate to,” Hilfers added to The New York Times concerning the show’s relatability.

Read More: Where is Fox’s Monarch Filmed?

As if Water From Your Eyes’ 2023 couldn’t get any better, the band’s own Nate Amos has announced a new EP under his longtime solo project This Is Lorelei. The new record, titled EP #33, is arriving this Friday. To coincide with the announcement, Amos has unveiled a single called “The Laughter Remains,” a folk-inspired, reflective track that juxtaposes greatly with Water From Your Eyes’ recent gem Everyone’s Crushed—showcasing Amos’ undeniable range.

Amos says of “The Laughter Remains”: “In ‘The Laughter Remains’ an unnamed narrator observes an angel singing to a dying bird on a beach. Inspired by the waltzes of Shane MacGowan and the poetry of Emily Dickinson, I wrote it as a song of comfort for myself at a time when I was undergoing intense therapy and felt in the midst of a painful but ultimately worthwhile personal transformation. Music is and always has been an outlet for me, but in this particular case it really gave me a boost when I felt unboostable. Listening to the song now I realize that I was more equipped to navigate emotionally tumultuous terrain than I gave myself credit for at the time. It’s a song about a future that is always there, in one form or another, and will always be worth looking forward to.”

Listen to “The Laughter Remains” below.

After releasing three records under the moniker Lingua Ignota, Kristin Hayter has re-emerged with a new album under her own name—Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter, to be exact. Her next release, Saved! is set to arrive October 20 via Perpetual Flames Ministries. Lead single “All of My Friends Are Going To Hell” officially opens Hayter’s new chapter, and it does so with a great magnitude.

“All of My Friends Are Going To Hell” is not the grand, orchestral, harrowing work we heard on the last Lingua Ignota record, Sinner Get Ready. Instead, it’s much more subdued and organic. The gospel it exudes is much more akin to a dilapidated, eroding church than it is a boiler room choir. At the center of a raw, foreboding piano is Hayter’s voice put to a 4-track recorder, an embellishment of source decay and revelation and salvation. “When you hear him coming, you better run,” Hayter intones. “Better hold your name fast on your tongue, better fear his wrath in all you do. Better pray what befell me won’t fall upon you.”

Watch the music video for “All of My Friends Are Going To Hell” and check out the Saved! artwork and tracklist below.

Saved! Artwork:

Saved! Tracklist:
I’m Getting Out While I Can
All of My Friends Are Going To Hell
There Is Power In the Blood
Idumea
I Will Be With You Always
Precious Lord Take My Hand
May This Comfort and Protect You
The Poor Wayfaring Stranger
Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole
How Can I Keep From Singing

Netflix’s ‘The Imperfects‘ is a supernatural drama series created by Dennis Heaton and Shelley Eriksen. The narrative revolves around Abbi, Juan, and Tilda, three young adults who transform into monsters after undergoing experimental gene therapy. However, the trio resolves to turn human again and hunts down the scientist responsible for their state. In the process, they face several dangers and are assisted by Dr. Sydney Burke.

The series feature engaging action and drama with coming-of-age elements, making it entertaining for young adults. If you enjoyed watching the show and are looking for more such options, we’ve got you covered! Here is a list of similar shows you will also enjoy. You can watch most of these shows like ‘The Imperfects’ on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu!

8. Misfits (2009–2013)

The British sci-fi series ‘Misfits’ is created by Howard Overman and a group of young offenders. The group is sentenced to work in a community service program but receives supernatural powers following a strange electrical storm. As a result, the group must come together and understand their powers and implications. Hence, the characters from ‘Imperfects’ and ‘Misfits’ face a similar experience in coming to terms with their new life and grappling with their morality. Moreover, the British setting gives viewers a fresh influx of cultural and narrative context.

7. Doom Patrol (2019-)

Based on the DC Comics team of the same name, ‘Doom Patrol‘ is a superhero comedy series developed for television by Jeremy Carver. It follows the titular superhero film formed by individuals who got superpowers after tragic incidents. In the series, Niles Caulder/The Chief, a medical doctor, aids the group much like Dr. Sydney Burke. Furthermore, both shows explore the social implications of the characters having supernatural powers and try to paint their “monstrosities” in a human light. Unlike ‘The Imperfects,’ the series dives into the superhero genre and embraces its humorous elements.

6. The Nevers (2021–)

‘The Nevers‘ is a science fiction television series created by Joss Whedon. The series is set in Victorian London and follows a group of women known as the Touched. The women suddenly manifest abnormal abilities and find themselves on a strange mission. The narrative has several mysteries about the group’s powers, making it similar to ‘The Imperfects.’ However, the period setting and the female-centric plot give viewers a fresh perspective on the supernatural drama genre. Furthermore, the series features a diverse cast and subverts viewer expectations by delivering shocking twists about the origins of the protagonist’s powers.

5. Shadowhunters (2016–2019)

‘Shadowhunters’ (also known as ‘Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments’) is based on Cassandra Clare’s ‘The Mortal Instruments’ book series. The fantasy drama series revolves around Clary Fray, who learns she comes from a family of human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons. The series takes Clary into a dark and twisted underworld of monsters as she learns the implications of her new abilities. Like ‘The Imperfects,’ the series follows young adult characters and features several supernatural drama tropes that will keep viewers hooked. Hence, fans of ‘The Imperfects’ will find the show’s world familiar yet enticing.

4. Immortals (2018)

‘Immortals’ is a Turkish series that follows Mia, a young woman turned vampire who is unhappy with her immortality. Therefore, she hunts down Dmitry,  the vampire who turned her, hoping it will revert her to a human. Mia’s attempts to get close to Dmitry Mia’s quest to return to her human self is reminiscent of the trio’s mission in ‘The Imperfects.’ Likewise, the characters face similar moral dilemmas and emotional conflicts. Moreover, the show’s Turkish setting and exploration of the vampire genre provide fresh elements, making ‘Immortals’ worth your time.

3. Mortel (2019–2021)

Created by Frédéric Garcia, ‘Mortel‘ is a French television series about three teenagers with superpowers. In the series, Sofiane, Victor, and Luisa get strange abilities after their experiments with voodoo. The trio then uses their powers to solve the mysterious murder of Sofiane’s brother, Reda. Like ‘The Imperfects,’ the series follows three protagonists who are different from normal humans and are driven by a personal goal they must achieve. Moreover, the series explores the concept of voodoo and magic, adding a new flavor to the teen supernatural genre.

2. The Irregulars (2021)

‘The Irregulars‘ is an adventure series created by Tom Bidwell and based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It follows the Baker Street Irregulars, a group of teenagers living on the streets of Victorian London who Dr. Watson recruits to solve several supernatural mysteries. The series puts a supernatural spin on the classic and beloved world of Sherlock Holmes. Hence, the narrative offers viewers a fascinating blend of suspense, mystery, and monsters, similar to ‘The Imperfects.’ Furthermore, the emotional conflicts form the heart of both shows and present their protagonist with vividly different challenges.

1. Teen Wolf (2011–2017)

‘Teen Wolf‘ is a supernatural thriller series developed for television by Jeff Davis based on the 1985 film of the same name by Jeph Loeb and Matthew Weisman. It follows Scott McCall, a teenager who is turned into a werewolf after an accident in the woods. Scott struggles to understand the changes he faces due to his turning into a werewolf. However, he soon develops into a capable pack leader and protects the town of Beacon Hills from supernatural threats.

While the narrative is different from ‘The Imperfects,’ the series explores the meaning of being human through the stories of supernatural creatures or monsters. Moreover, ‘Teen Wolf’ creates an expansive and exciting world with diverse characters and mythology that fans of the teen supernatural drama genre will love to explore. Hence, the series takes the top spot on this list!

Read More: Where is Netflix’s The Imperfects Filmed?

Netflix’s ‘Narco-Saints‘ is a crime drama series inspired by riveting true events and created by Yoon Jong-bin and Kwon Sung-hui. It follows Kang In-gu, an ordinary businessman who travels to the South American nation of Suriname to earn more money. However, he soon gets caught up in a scheme to arrest a drug lord ruling the country.

The series takes viewers on an enthralling journey as a civilian attempts to apprehend a notorious criminal and showcases the inner workings of a drug cartel. Therefore, if you enjoyed the series, you must be searching for more such steaming options. In that case, we’ve compiled a list of similar shows you will also enjoy. You can watch most of these shows like ‘Narco-Saints’ on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu!

7. Squid Game (2021–)

‘Squid Game‘ is a global phenomenon created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. The survival drama series follows Seong Gi-hun, a poor and single father who finds himself roped into a series of deadly games with a grand cash prize. However, as the game progresses, Seong realizes the threats he faces and must work with other players to survive. While the narrative is drastically different from ‘Narco-Saints,’ the series is rooted in South Korean culture and follows an ordinary man’s quest for money, landing him in grave danger. Moreover, actor Park Hae-soo is another common link between both shows.

6. Queen of the South (2016–2021)

‘Queen of the South‘ is a crime drama developed for television by M.A. Fortin and Joshua John Miller. It is based on the Spanish telenovela ‘La Reina del Sur,’ which itself is adapted from the novel of the same name by author Arturo Pérez-Reverte. The series centers around Teresa Mendoza, a poor Mexican woman who vows to become a powerful drug lord after a personal tragedy. Like ‘Narco-Saints,’ the series showcases Latin-American culture and the impact of drug smuggling on it. Furthermore, Teresa’s rise to the top of the drug world is enticing and subverts the drug cartel tropes.

5. Ozark (2017–2022)

Created by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams, ‘Ozark‘ is a crime drama series that follows Martin “Marty” Byrde, a self-employed financial advisor. After Marty’s money laundering scheme for a Mexican drug cartel goes wrong, he is forced to conjure another operation in the Lake of the Ozarks. As a result, the Byrde family finds themselves juggling the challenges of the suburban lifestyle and their involvement in local crimes. Like ‘Narco-Saints,’ the series explores the theme of family in the context of the drug world. With several Emmy Awards to its name, the series has gained critical acclaim, making it one of the best shows in the crime genre of recent times.

4. El Chapo (2017–2018)

‘El Chapo‘ is a Spanish-language drama series created by Silvana Aguirre and Carlos Contreras. It tells the story of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, a low-level member of the Guadalajara Cartel. However, El Chapo soon rises to power as head of the Sinaloa Cartel, but a series of unfortunate events lead to his downfall. Viewers will find several similarities between El Chapo and Pastor Jeon from ‘Narco-Saints,’ as both shows highlight the rise and fall of a particular drug lord and are inspired by real events. Therefore, viewers of ‘Narco-Saints’ will relish watching ‘El Chapo.’

3. Animal Kingdom (2016–2022)

‘Animal Kingdom‘ is a crime drama series developed for television by Jonathan Lisco. It is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name written and directed by David Michôd. It follows 17-year-old Joshua “J” Cody, who is forced to live with his estranged relatives, the Codys, after his mother’s demise. The Codys are a crime family operating in Oceanside, California, and J soon learns about their dangerous family business. Like ‘Narco-Saints,’ the series blends elements of crime and family while presenting the criminal underworld from an outsider’s perspective.

2. Narcos: Mexico (2018-2021)

The crime thriller series ‘Narcos: Mexico’ is created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro. It explores the origins of the Mexican drug war and is loosely inspired by real events. It follows Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo and his creation of the Guadalajara Cartel in the 1980s. On the other hand, DEA Agent Kiki Camarena learns of the drug artel’s rise and plots to take down Gallardo. Hence, the cast of characters in ‘Narcos: Mexico’ will remind viewers of certain characters of ‘Narco-Saints.’ Similarly, the series gives viewers a look into the world of drug cartels and honest law enforcement officers trying to apprehend criminals. Hence, viewers will certainly be entertained by ‘Narcos: Mexico.’

1. Narcos (2015–2017)

‘Narcos,’ the parent series of the aforementioned ‘Narcos: Mexico,’ is also the brainchild of Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro, who are credited as creators. It tells the story of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and the other drug kingpins who exploited the nation for several years. The series is based on real events, making it similar to ‘Narco-Saints.’ Moreover, it is primarily set in a South American nation and maps out the rise and fall of a notorious drug lord. Hence, the story will remind viewers of ‘Narco-Saints.’ The series is known for reinvigorating interest in the drug cartel stories of the crime genre as a whole. Therefore, ‘Narcos’ takes the top spot on this list!

Read More: Where is Netflix’s Narco-Saints Filmed?

With her brand new album Tomorrow’s Fire arriving October 13 via Polyvinyl, Chicago’s Squirrel Flower has released “Alley Light.” The beloved project of Ella Williams continues to expand its own universe, and “Alley Light” is no different—conjuring flickers of Springsteen-like storytelling and Heartland-inspired melodies. “She says she wants to go far, outta town in my beat up car,” Williams sings from the POV of a down-on-his-luck guy with a dying car and a failing relationship. “Will she find another man who can take her there, when my drive burns out?” It’s a huge, exciting turn for Squirrel Flower, and one of Williams’ most well-constructed tracks to date.

Williams says of “Alley Light”: “This song is about the man in me, or a man who I love, or a man who is a stranger to me. The video references a neo-noir Chicago heist movie where they use this thermal metal contraption to cut into a safe. They run around the city making sparks fly and getting up to no good. I wanted to do all that.”

Watch the video for “Alley Light” below.

Showtime’s crime series ‘American Gigolo’ follows Julian Kaye, a gigolo who gets wrongfully convicted for the murder of Janet Holmes, one of his clients. When a serial killer confesses to murdering Janet, Julian gets released from prison and he sets out to find the truth about his wrongful conviction and reunite with his former lover Michelle Stratton. A “reimagining” of Paul Schrader’s eponymous 1980 film, the series explores Julian and Michelle’s intricate lives as they deal with several obstacles. Since Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton play Julian and Michelle respectively in the film, the viewers must be wondering whether the duo will appear in the Showtime series as well. Well, here’s everything we know about the same!

Is Richard Gere in Showtime’s American Gigolo?

As of yet, neither Richard Gere nor showrunner of the series Nikki Toscano has revealed whether the actor will appear on Showtime’s ‘American Gigolo.’ Jon Bernthal portrays Julian Kaye, a reimagined version of Gere’s character in the 1980 film, in the show. While the film focuses on Gere’s Julian’s sex appeal and his magnetism to explore the intricate world of the sex trade, the show distances itself from the same and presents Bernthal’s version of Julian, who is past his prime as a gigolo, trying to discover the truth behind his misfortunes.

Since the show finds its own independence from the film through an originally conceived murder mystery, it is doubtful whether Toscano and her team will pay their homage to Schrader’s film through a Gere cameo. Bernthal, who plays Gere’s character, also offers a highly distinct version of Julian in comparison with the latter’s portrayal of the same character. Such a reimagination is also an indication that the show is not trying to replicate the film. Considering these factors, it will be interesting to see whether Toscano’s show will connect to Schrader’s film through a possible appearance of Gere.

Gere, who was named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1999, was a perfect fit for Schrader’s Julian. His sex appeal in the film also established him as a sex symbol. As far as Bernthal is concerned, he doesn’t believe that he possesses such an appeal. “I do not believe that I possess any kind of natural sex appeal,” Bernthal told GQ. But the same belief also motivated him to portray the character. “I just really fundamentally believe you’ve gotta pursue the things you’re scared of,” he added.

Is Lauren Hutton in Showtime’s American Gigolo?

Like Richard Gere, Lauren Hutton has not revealed whether she will appear in the Showtime series. Nikki Toscano has also chosen to remain silent about the possibility of Hutton’s appearance. Gretchen Mol, who is known for her performance as Gillian Darmody in ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ plays Hutton’s character Michelle Stratton in the show. Like Bernthal’s version of Julian is different from Gere’s, Mol had also seemingly tried to separate Michelle from Hutton’s portrayal to present an innovative dimension of the character.

“You need to know a few key things about your character and their history but then you’re in it and whichever way the wind blows, you just go with it. I have to be comfortable in the not knowing,” Mol told New York Daily News. As Mol offers a distinct Michelle altogether, we can await to find out whether the character will encounter a possible guest character Hutton may portray in the show.

Read More: Is American Gigolo’s Julian Kaye Based on a Real Gigolo?

Disneyland will be welcoming its latest restaurant on September 7, when Tiana’s Palace officially opens in the theme park’s New Orleans Square area, the company announced last week. Based on the 2009 animated film The Princess and the Frog, Tiana’s Palace can be found in the former home of The French Market, which closed in February. The French Market served up classic New Orleans fare like jambalaya and po’ boy sandwiches, and although no menu has been released yet for Tiana’s Palace, you can expect a similar Cajun influence on its food. After all, the name might be different, but it’s still a New Orleans-themed restaurant, only this time with a direct connection to a Disney film that grows more classic with every passing year.

The first and most obvious change to The French Market that you’ll notice is the large Tiana’s Palace sign atop the building, with two crown-topped columns above it. This design comes straight from the film. The Tiana’s Palace in the movie was actually based on The French Market to begin with, so this retheme is fitting. Inside the newly redesigned space you’ll find various design elements that reference The Princess and the Frog and Tiana’s story from the movie and beyond, as well as a color scheme patterned after the distinctive yellow and green hues of Mardi Gras. The beloved Mint Julep Bar will also reopen alongside the launch of Tiana’s Palace, although I imagine its version of the southern staple will still leave out the primary (and pretty much only ingredient), bourbon. The Mint Julep Bar is also home to the always popular Mickey Mouse beignets. Tiana’s Palace will also offer mobile ordering when it opens, so you won’t have to worry about finding a table to try out its dishes.

Tiana’s Palace is part of a larger effort to expand the presence of Tiana and The Princess of the Frog in Disney parks. It started last year, with the opening of Eudora’s Chic Boutique featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets in New Orleans Square last year. It’ll peak with the 2024 opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the first attraction based on the movie, in the ride formerly known as Splash Mountain. The Princess and the Frog was already steeped in New Orleans culture and history—Tiana herself was based partially on Leah Chase, the “Queen of Creole Cuisine” whose iconic Dooky Chase restaurant has a staggeringly important legacy—so introducing its characters into Disneyland’s longstanding New Orleans Square area makes perfect sense. 

The Princess and the Frog has a singular legacy within the Disney animated canon. It was the first film by Walt Disney Animation Studios to star a Black lead, and at this point is the second-to-last film Disney has made in its traditional hand-drawn style. (It’s often considered the last, but 2011’s Winnie the Pooh arrived two years after The Princess and the Frog.) When it was released in 2009, it was an intentional attempt to revive the studio’s classic style in the wake of computer animation’s box office domination. Unfortunately it underperformed at the box office, and that supposedly influenced Disney’s decision to once again leave the hand-drawn space after the already-in-production Pooh. The studio has since said that hand-drawn animation isn’t permanently off the table, and might return if it makes sense for a specific project, but it’s been over a decade since they’ve produced one. Perhaps the expanded presence of Tiana in the theme parks might inspire Disney to return to its classic art form if the new restaurant and attraction prove popular enough? Here’s to hoping. Either way, Tiana’s Palace will be open for business on Thursday, Sept. 7, only at Disneyland in California.

Developed by David Hollander, Showtime’s crime series ‘American Gigolo’ revolves around a male escort named Julian Kaye, who gets wrongfully convicted for the murder of Janet Holmes. After spending fifteen years in prison for a crime he hasn’t committed, Julian returns to the sex industry of modern-day Los Angeles to build his life ahead and unravel the truth behind Janet’s murder. Starring Jon Bernthal as the titular gigolo, the series explores the world and trade of sex realistically along with an engrossing murder mystery storyline. Intrigued by the show’s captivating narrative, we have dived into the origins of the show. Here are our findings!

Is American Gigolo Based on a True Story or the 1980 Movie?

‘American Gigolo’ is based on the eponymous 1980 movie written and directed by Paul Schrader. “It’s hard to believe it’s been more than 40 years since the film release of American Gigolo and now we have the chance to continue the story of American Gigolo as a TV series,” Jerry Bruckheimer, executive producer of the show and producer of the film, told EW. Even though Schrader’s film is realistic and explores the distinct dimensions of the sex industry, it is not based on a true story either.

Schrader conceived the film while he was teaching screenwriting at UCLA’s film and television department. While teaching characterizations, the director used to discuss a particular character’s profession, which led him to consider a character who is a gigolo. He then modified the character as someone who gives affection but fails to receive the same. The idea became the foundation for the protagonist Julian Kay in ‘American Gigolo,’ the film. According to Schrader, the film is the “reverse side” of ‘Taxi Driver,’ one of the greatest films of all time, written by Schrader himself.

“The character in ‘Taxi Driver’ was compulsively nonsexual. The character in ‘American Gigolo’ is compulsively sexual. He is a man who receives his identity by giving sexual pleasure but has no concept of receiving sexual pleasure,” Schrader told New York Times. Still, Schrader’s film is not outrightly distanced from reality. It does offer a window to the nuances of escorting as a profession, the dynamics of affection and other emotions involved with the same, and the presence of male escorts in the upper strata of society.

Rather than a remake or sequel, Showtime’s ‘American Gigolo’ is a “reimagining” of Schrader’s film. In the show, the protagonist Julian’s storyline is different from the film’s Julian. While the former starts a new life after getting wrongfully convicted, the latter fights to avoid one. Still, “getting framed for a murder” plays a significant role in both the film and the show. The show also offers a backstory to Julian’s life, depicting how he became a gigolo, something the film never addresses.

Michelle Stratton’s storyline is also different in the show when compared to the film. In the show, Michelle is a mother while in the film, she decides against becoming a mother after starting to share her life with Julian. But the unhappy marriage Michelle endures in the film is present in the show as well. Lorenzo, Julian’s best friend in the show, is the counterpart of the film’s Leon James. Rosie O’Donnell plays Hector Elizondo’s Detective Sunday in the Showtime series after the character’s gender change.

Although Showtime’s ‘American Gigolo’ is a reimagining of an iconic film, it has its own independence and identity. While Schrader’s film prominently focuses on Julian’s loneliness and the lack of affection he receives as a gigolo, the show is more of a murder mystery than an exploration of a gigolo protagonist’s life. In addition, Schrader neither was involved in the creation of the show nor did he wishes to even see the same. “AMERICAN GIGOLO. After the Showtime trailer appeared online I’ve been asked if I am involved. The answer is No,” the director of the film clarified.

Schrader believed that his film doesn’t warrant a remake as a series. “Some years ago I received a call from Paramount asking about remaking American Gigolo as a series. I replied that I thought it was a terrible idea–times had changed, internet porn had redefined male sex work, viruses, etc. I couldn’t imagine Julian Kay working a Hen Party,” he added. However, Jerry Bruckheimer and Paramount Pictures had the film’s rights to proceed with the creation of the show without Schrader on board. “I don’t plan to watch the Showtime series. I don’t think I could be objective about it and, even if I could, it’s too much agita,” Schrader further shared.

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Showtime’s crime series ‘American Gigolo’ revolves around Julian Kaye, a male escort who gets wrongfully convicted for the murder of Janet Holmes. When a serial killer confesses to killing Janet, Julian gets released from prison to step into the world and trade of sex in modern-day Los Angeles. Julian’s decision to become a gigolo again paves the way for severe consequences, which also helps him to unravel the truth behind Janet’s murder. Since the show offers an intimate portrayal of Julian’s life as a gigolo, the viewers must be intrigued to know whether the character has a real-life counterpart. Let us share the answer!

Is Julian Kaye Based on a Real Gigolo?

No, Julian Kaye is not based on any particular real-life gigolo. The character is a “reimagination” of Julian Kay, the protagonist of Paul Schrader’s eponymous 1980 film, the source movie of the show. Schrader originally conceived the character on his own, while teaching screenwriting at UCLA’s film and television department. While discussing characters’ professions, he started to think about a character “making his living as a gigolo,” which became the foundation of Julian’s character. In addition, Schrader conceived Julian as a reversal of Travis Bickle, the protagonist of ‘Taxi Driver’ and a character conceived by Schrader himself.

“The character in ‘Taxi Driver’ was compulsively nonsexual. The character in ‘American Gigolo’ is compulsively sexual. He is a man who receives his identity by giving sexual pleasure but has no concept of receiving sexual pleasure,” Schrader told New York Times. Through Julian, Schrader wanted to explore how a person can remain a giver of affection but not the receiver of the same. Gigolo, as a profession, helped Schrader to explore the same through his character. Julian’s relationship with Michelle Stratton and the tensions that initially arise between the couple in the film indicates the repercussions of being a gigolo.

Still, Schrader’s version of Julian is closer to reality than the Showtime version. In the film, Schrader explores Julian’s loneliness and how he is used by his clients for affection while he receives none of the same. In the show, Julian is more of a wrongfully convicted individual seeking the truth behind the murder that paved the way for his imprisonment than a gigolo. Even his return to “work” is a way for Julian to investigate Olga and Isabelle rather than his wish to remain as a male escort.

Even though Julian is a fictional character, his life as a gigolo do resembles the lives of real-life gigolos who have shared their experiences over the years. Their presence in unhappy marriages, the need to comply with their client’s sexual preferences and kinks, and their position in the higher class of society do remind us of the lives of Julian Kay of the 1980 film and Julian Kaye of the Showtime show. Considering these factors, it can be concluded that Julian Kaye is a fictional character who has roots in reality, which enhances the authenticity of the character.

Despite being fictitious, the two Julian characters lead us to the unfamiliar worlds of the sex industry and escorting, which have strong connections to real-life gigolos. Even though Julian does not exist in real life, traits of the character can be observed in such real male escorts.

Read More: Is American Gigolo a True Story? Is it Based on the 1980 Movie?

HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon’ tells the story of the brutal civil war between two factions of the ruling Targaryen dynasty. The series is based on certain sections from George R. R. Martin’s 2018 book ‘Fire & Blood’ and is a prequel to ‘Game of Thrones.’ It depicts Targaryens at the height of their power, being the only family in the world that possesses dragons, and how their own actions set off the beginning of their end.

In the early part of the first season, Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine) sits on the Iron Throne. He is an amicable, good-natured ruler who prefers to avoid confrontations of any kind. Besides Considine’s remarkable outing as Viserys, what interested many viewers about the character are the injuries he keeps sustaining. They refuse to heal, and Viserys has lost at least two of his fingers to it. Here is everything you need to know about it. BOOK AND SHOW SPOILERS AHEAD.

What Disease Does Viserys Have?

The most prevalent theory among the fans is that Viserys has greyscale, a condition where flesh becomes stiff and dead, and the skin becomes cracked and flaking. The coloring of the afflicted areas changes to mottled black and grey. And when touched, these areas feel stone-like. None of this applies to what Viserys has. In many ways, greyscale is a fantasy version of leprosy. We have already seen a character with greyscale in House of the Dragon, Craghas Crabfeeder, whose condition looks nothing like that of Viserys.

In the books, Viserys I doesn’t have any such disease. Although he does cut himself while sitting on the throne and loses two of his fingers because of it, that happens later during his reign. Afterward, he never sits on the Iron Throne again. In contrast, ‘House of the Dragon’ depicts Viserys I sustaining such an injury after he banishes Daemon following the deaths of his wife and son. In episode 4, we see that Viserys has several other similar injuries across his body. So, something much more than what is depicted in the books is going on here.

The Iron Throne is a symbol of conquest, created from the blades of Aegon I Targaryen’s enemies. It has spikes and jagged edges and is not meant for comfortable sitting as Aegon I believed that a king should never sit easy. Viserys I is not the first to be injured by the throne; he will not be the last. There is a belief that the throne rejects an unworthy occupant. While Viserys I is not his grandfather, nor is he the conqueror, he is still a decent ruler, so it will be extremely unfair to call him unworthy. The dubious honor of having that particular sobriquet belongs to someone else in the Targaryen dynasty.

And anyway, the injuries themselves aren’t as big of a concern as the fact that they all seem to have become necrotic. One possible answer is gas gangrene. Viserys’ wounds have been infected by bacteria, which has led to sepsis. The maggots that the Grand Maester uses to treat the king only eat the necrotic cells, but if the bacteria have reached the bones or healthy tissues, they survive the treatment and cause gas gangrene, a bacterial infection that creates tissue gas in gangrene.

Another possibility, hemophilia, can be related to the Targaryen tradition regarding incest. Hemophilia is a rare inherited genetic disease that affects blood clotting. Known as “the royal disease,” it was prevalent among European royalty in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, especially among those related to Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Given how frequently Targaryens marry each other, it’s within the realm of possibility for them to develop such a genetic condition.

This condition of Viserys seems to foreshadow his ultimate fate and what happens afterward. Although Viserys I dies while taking a nap, his wife and her allies don’t reveal the news for several days, while his dead body rots away in her old room. Like almost everything else in ‘House of the Dragon,’ Viserys’ condition appears to symbolize the dark future ahead.

Read More: Is Mysaria Pregnant in House of the Dragon?

Starz’s ‘The Serpent Queen’ tells the incredible story of the rise of Catherine de Medici from the utter misfortune that followed her since her birth to becoming one of the most powerful women of her time. An Italian feeling completely out of place in France, and then becoming its queen, is a story worth capturing the interest of the viewers. There are a lot of things that the show sheds light on, but the more one knows about Catherine, the more interesting she becomes. The series does well to portray her sharp intellect and witty charm that keeps her alive throughout the tumult of the French court. But how does that connect to the title of the show? Why is Catherine known as the Serpent Queen? Let’s find out.

Catherine de Medici’s Association to the Title The Serpent Queen

The term “serpent” is used to describe someone poisonous, someone, who doesn’t attack directly but bides their time and then takes their enemies by surprise. Someone, whose very presence can prove deadly. Over the course of her reign, Catherine’s image was formed around this idea. One of the things that need to be kept in mind while understanding Catherine’s position in France is that she was considered an outsider. French, at the time, did not harbor a liking for Italians, and either didn’t take them seriously enough or perceived their actions in such grave light that all things seemed to be their fault.

In her case, Catherine was the representation of all things Italian to the French, which made it easier for people to vilify her using titles such as “the serpent queen”, “the black queen” and “the maggot from Italy’s tomb”. Because she was a woman, and an intelligent and ambitious one at that, with the power that others in the court vied for, the ruin of Catherine’s reputation worked in their favor. Considering this, there is a good chance that most, if not all, of the accusations and conspiracy theories surrounding her, were propagated by the people who wanted to see her gone.

When Catherine came to France, she brought with her a love for sciences like astrology and astronomy, along with the trend of using scented gloves, among other uses of perfumes. Her interest in these things was considered to be a sign of her interest in sorcery, which further stretched into an investment in the occult and dark arts. The fact that people like Nostradamus, known for his dark predictions about the world’s fate, were her patrons, convinced people that she dabbled in black magic.

The rumors of her “unorthodox” ways to get what she wants started to spread from the trouble surrounding her pregnancy. Even after a decade of her marriage with Henry, Catherine had been unsuccessful at producing an heir. When the pressure started to mount on her, especially with the threat of sending her back to Italy, Catherine found herself ready to do whatever it took to get herself pregnant, even if it meant drinking the urine of animals. Such tricks on her part were considered to be unnatural, especially when she not only succeeded in producing an heir but got pregnant a total of ten times.

The event that really caught people’s imagination was the death of Jeanne d’Albret, the Queen of Navarre. While Catherine was a devout Catholic, Jeanne was a staunch Protestant. The difference between the faiths was already the cause of trouble for France, so Catherine decided to allay the upheaval by marrying her daughter with Jeanne’s son. The merging of the Catholic and Protestant faith was supposed to send out a message of unity to the public. But two months before the wedding, Jeanne suddenly died. The fact that she had started to second guess the decision and might have backed out of it made some people come up with the theory that Catherine had killed her to keep her plans in motion. Moreover, it was rumored that the cause of death was the poisoned glove that Catherine had gifted to her daughter’s mother-in-law.

The attack against Catherine continued to pick pace over the years. In 1576, a pamphlet titled ‘Marvellous Discourse on the Life, Actions, and Deportment of Catherine de Médicis, Queen Mother’ was published, which accused the queen of practicing black magic and using potions to subdue her enemies and elevating her status in the court. Along with this, it was also rumored that she had a group of women whom she sent to seduce men in French nobility to get dirt on them and then use it for her own political purposes. While all of these rumors were —just that— rumors, Catherine’s failures, like the St. Bartholomew Massacre, in which thousands of people died, did nothing to help her reputation.

In studying Catherine de Medici, none of the historians have come up with anything that proves the accusations against her. The “suspicious” death of Jeanne d’Albert is considered more likely to be because of tuberculosis rather than poisoned gloves. People like Leonie Frieda, who wrote Catherine’s bestselling biography, have postulated that most of the claims against Catherine are preposterous.

For example, if she wanted someone dead, all she had to do was point a finger at them or look at them a certain way. Being in her position, it would have been much easier for her to have someone killed, rather than going about poisoning people herself. As for her political actions, she was in the French court. To hold on to the power she had at the time, she, much like everyone else in court, had to play the game of chess, wanting to stay ahead of everyone else. Most of the accusations against her are unfounded and titles such as “the serpent queen” were more in line with her character assassination rather than being an actual reflection of who she was.

Read More: Where is Starz’s The Serpent Queen Filmed?

It’s comforting, on some level, to know that even as streaming services like Netflix are committing insane dollar figures to increasingly shoddy original films and programming, there are still filmmakers out there making unapologetic cinematic rubbish intended specifically for theatrical consumption. It implies a certain audience that is still willing to trundle down to the local theater to see the occasional, shameless bit of garbage, and who among us can resist that clarion call? How else might one even describe upcoming John Cena/Allison Brie feature Freelance, a film that seemingly screams “direct to streaming” from every one of its pores? Just look at the first trailer below, if you want to bathe in some of the most perfectly generic action cheese of the last decade.

Freelance feels like a perfect, lazy amalgam of films past and present, borrowing the gender dynamic and tropical setting of last year’s The Lost City while welding itself to the dumb throwback action machismo of the kinds of films Cena was making in the mid-2000s, like the original The Marine. Throw in the dangerous, peacock of a dictator cribbed from last year’s The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and you’ve got an “odd thruple on the run” story, although the trailer strangely goes out of its way to make us aware that Cena’s character has a wife, and thus not to expect any genuine romance angle with Brie (who deserves far better than this). Or as the official synopsis puts it:

An ex special forces operative stuck in a dead-end desk job (John Cena) reluctantly takes on a gig to provide private security for a washed-up journalist (Alison Brie) as she interviews a ruthless—but impeccably dressed—dictator (Juan Pablo Raba). When a military coup breaks out just as she’s about to get the scoop of a lifetime, the unlikely trio must figure out how to survive the jungle, the assassins, and each other in order to make it out alive.

Some of our favorite tropes are definitely present in Freelance, such as the nebulous South (or Central?) American nation being a composite that is apparently called “Padonia,” evocative of Top Gun: Maverick‘s inspired choice to base an entire film around the idea of an antagonistic “enemy” nation that they never have the courage to actually name. Know that we’re all anxiously awaiting the inevitable bit where Allison Brie’s character successfully operates a firearm, shocking her male protectors who grudgingly admit that maybe “she can take care of herself.”

Somehow, Freelance is arriving in wide release in theaters on Oct. 6, 2023. Check out the trailer below.

Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario since 1991 is “stepping back” from voicing Nintendo games, the company announced today on Twitter. Although Martinet’s first major in-game appearance came in 1996’s Super Mario 64, he started performing as Mario’s voice at live appearances in 1991, and made his in-game debut in the 1994 educational game Mario Teaches Typing, which was released for computers and not available on Nintendo consoles. Mr. It’s-a-Me himself will still be a part of the Nintendo family, though, serving as the world’s first official Mario Ambassador, where he’ll “travel the world sharing the joy of Mario” with the plumber’s many fans. The tweet also promises additional information soon in a video featuring Martinet and Mario’s creator, game designer Shigeru Miyamoto.

We have a message for fans of the Mushroom Kingdom. Please take a look. pic.twitter.com/U1ASicOuTO

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 21, 2023

This surprising news comes just a few months after Chris Pratt redefined Mario’s voice in the absurdly popular Super Mario Bros. Movie, which made a billion or so at the box office and is one of what seems to be only three or four movies that haven’t underperformed at the box office so far in 2023. Is Pratt’s less, uh, ethnic take on the most famous Italian man in games going to be the reference guide for future Mario voice actors? Is Pratt himself going to start popping up in Mario games with the same, um, understated performance that proved so controversial for the movie? We’ve got no idea, folks. We’re just speculating irresponsibly to pad out a news post based on a single tweet. You know, some serious internet journalism.

…

Oh wait, there’s a second tweet?

Martinet retweeted Nintendo’s official announcement with a short statement of his own. Turns out we’re all number one in his heart. Woo hoo indeed, old friend.

My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! #woohoo !!!!!!! https://t.co/3YWYewlnXt

— Charles Martinet (@CharlesMartinet) August 21, 2023

Obviously the internet is doing what it does, and some are speculating there’s more to this than an almost 68-year-old man retiring. And perhaps there is: that Mario movie was legitimately massive, and companies tend to want their intellectual property to all be recognizably on brand. So maybe when you next head to Super Nintendo World at Universal or crank up the newest Mario game in a year or two you’ll hear something closer to Pratt’s subdued performance than the exuberant cartoon-style voice of Martinet’s Mario. We’ll find out when we find out. In the meantime, Charles Martinet has more than earned a relaxing retirement after three decades of Mario.

Based on the characters created by Paul Schrader for the eponymous 1980 film, Showtime’s crime series ‘American Gigolo’ follows Julian Kaye, who has been in prison for fifteen years for the murder of Janet Holmes. When a serial killer named Kevin Finnegan confesses to killing Janet, Julian becomes a free man. The first episode of the show, titled ‘Pilot,’ revolves around Julian’s reunion with his former lover Michelle Stratton and friend Lorenzo. The intriguing episode ends with Julian meeting Detective Sunday regarding the murder. If you are intrigued to know more about Julian’s quest for finding the real murderer, let us share our findings! SPOILERS AHEAD.

American Gigolo Episode 1 Recap

‘Pilot’ begins with Detective Sunday interrogating Julian concerning the murder of Janet Holmes. Although Julian denies murdering Janet, he gets convicted for the same. After fifteen years, Sunday visits and lets Julian know that a serial killer named Kevin Finnegan had confessed to the same murder, paving the way for his release from prison. He meets his best buddy Lorenzo, who has been sending money and books to prison for his friend. Michelle is dealing with her son Colin’s relationship with his 32-year-old teacher. In flashback scenes, a potent woman named Olga “bought” Julian from his mother to make him a gigolo.

A young Julian, who had been having a sexual relationship with a neighbor woman, eventually became a high-profile male escort. Meanwhile, he met Michelle, the wife of a technological entrepreneur named Richard Stratton, and both of them start having an affair. In the present time, Julian tells Lorenzo that he doubts whether he killed Janet himself rather than a serial killer. Lorenzo tells his friend that he hasn’t killed anybody. Until he figures out his life ahead, Julian decides to stay with Lorenzo. Colin elopes with his teacher, infuriating Richard. The billionaire asks his men to find Colin and his lover, alarming Michelle.

Julian meets Michelle at the latter’s house, worrying her. Although she is glad to see and embrace her former lover, she gets concerned about whether Richard will see them and “do something again.” Detective Sunday goes to see Kevin Finnegan, who is on his deathbed, to find out the person behind Janet Holmes’ murder.

American Gigolo Episode 1 Ending: Who Hired Kevin Finnegan? Who or What is Kean?

Kevin Finnegan’s revelation that he killed Janet Holmes leads Detective Sunday to find out the individual/individuals involved in the same. After trying her best to make Kevin reveal the person who hired him to kill Janet, all she gets from the serial killer is the word “Kean.” When she shares the word with Julian to find whether it rings any bell with him, the former gigolo identifies the possibility of the word being “Queen” instead of “Kean.” “Queen” is another name for Olga, Julian’s “godmother” in the trade of sex. As Julian suspects, Olga might have hired Kevin to kill Janet and frame Julian, reminding us of how Leon framed Julian Kay for the murder of Judy in the source film of the show.

As someone who has known Julian since his adolescence, Olga knows the male escort inside out. She might have thought that it will be easy to frame Julian since he usually fails to stand up for himself in the face of adversities. Like Leon, Olga might have believed that Julian is “frameable” and she could have done it to please a high-profile client, who wanted to see Janet dead. If that’s not the case, “Kean” can be a distinct individual altogether, who doesn’t have any relationship with Olga as Julian suspects. His suspicion regarding Olga can be wrong and it may keep him far away from the truth behind Janet’s murder.

Richard, Michelle’s husband, can also be involved in the murder of Janet. While Julian meets Michelle, she asks him to be away from Richard as he will “do something again” to them. The suggestion that the billionaire already did something indicates that he might have hired Kevin to kill Janet to frame Julian and put an end to the latter’s relationship with his wife. Even though Richard doesn’t have any explicit connection with the word “Kean,” it can even be the name of one of his men who might have hired the serial killer for the billionaire.

Does Julian Become a Gigolo Again?

When Julian starts to suspect Olga’s involvement in the murder of Janet, he unexpectedly expresses his wish to become a gigolo again to Lorenzo. Julian must have realized that he needs to be a part of Olga’s inside circle to find out anything about her. When he goes to meet Olga, much to his surprise, he sees his “godmother” in a wheelchair. He realizes that Isabelle has become the new “Queen,” replacing Olga. Still, considering Olga’s warning to Julian, Isabelle seems to be as powerful as her mother. Since she has always dreamt of becoming a “Queen” like Olga, it is even possible that “Kean” is Isabelle and not Olga.

If that’s the case, Julian is expected to move forward with his plan to become a gigolo again. He must be aiming to discover anything and everything related to Olga and Isabelle’s past to find out whether they have played any role in his wrongful conviction. Since the only way to return to Isabelle’s good books is by becoming her “hot property,” Julian may need to stitch some elegant suits to please Isabelle’s clients.

Read More: Best Crime TV Shows

Created by Melissa London Hilfers, FOX’s musical drama series ‘Monarch’ revolves around the Romans, a renowned country music family. The premiere episode of the show, titled ‘Stop at Nothing,’ follows the matriarch Dottie Roman’s revelation that she is suffering from cancer. While the family members and admirers of the country music legend fear her imminent death, Dottie makes a significant decision concerning her life. Dottie and Albie Roman’s daughter Nicolette “Nicky” Roman tries to conduct a music tour to honor the legacy of her mother. The episode ends with a startling development that changes the fates of the Romans. If you are up for a magnified look at the same, you are at the right place! SPOILERS AHEAD.

Monarch Episode 1 Recap

‘Stop at Nothing’ begins with Dottie Roman’s revelation that she is suffering from cancer. She joins her husband Albie Roman to receive the lifetime achievement award at CMA Awards. Nicky joins her sister Gigi Taylor-Roman and brother Luke Roman to plan a tour to celebrate the legacy of their mother. But their promoter makes it clear that Nicky doesn’t have the star value to move forward with the same. Since Albie hasn’t released a hit in the last ten years, the promoter suspects that he cannot either. Still, he tells Nicky that they can aspire to conduct the tour if she can perform well at a performance charted a few days after the CMA Awards ceremony.

Gigi informs Nicky that she will not perform since Dottie has always made her feel not good enough. Even though the family’s company Monarch Entertainments isn’t in a good place financially, Luke manages to run the same without any downfalls. Before Nicky’s performance, Dottie reminds Gigi that the former has taught her, Nicky, and Luke to look after each other. Inspired by Dottie’s words, Gigi joins her sister during the performance, impressing their promoter. When Gigi reveals to Nicky that she didn’t pursue singing to not step on the latter’s toes, the latter tells her sister that she doesn’t want any favors from her.

Monarch Episode 1 Ending: Is Dottie Dead? Why Does She Kill Herself?

Yes, Dottie is dead. After Nicky and Gigi’s performance, she kills herself by swallowing a handful of pills with the help of Nicky. Upon getting diagnosed with cancer, Dottie decides that she should die soon. She doesn’t want to suffer from the disease and go through intense treatment procedures when she knows that she cannot recover from the same. She wants to die in her full glory as a country music legend and not as another cancer patient. Even before dying, she makes sure that she looks good. For such a person, the physical and mental deterioration that happens due to cancer treatment is beyond unbearable.

In addition, Dottie wants to die before the world forgets her name and glory. Since she cannot sing due to cancer, she realizes that it will not take long for the world to forget her. The longevity of Dottie’s glory depends upon her performance and she knows that she will be forgotten if she doesn’t grace the stage. As an ambitious singer, she doesn’t want her legacy to get tarnished like that. For her, she lives as long as she sings. Thus, she chooses to die when she becomes certain that she cannot perform anymore.

Furthermore, Dottie wants her death to be beneficial for her family. She believes that the sympathy her death creates will help Nicky’s career as the world will try to replace her with her daughter. As someone who is very proud of her daughter, her death is the best way for Dottie to boost Nicky’s career.

What Does Dottie Say to Nicky?

After having pills to die, Dottie thinks about her younger self burning down a house. She immediately tells Nicky that she had done something unforgivable and goes to explain it to her ear. Since Dottie tells the secret after thinking about the burnt-down house, it is evident that whatever she says to Nicky concerns the same, specifically the reason behind her action. It is possible that Dottie had done something selfishly for the sake of her career and the secret revelation can be the legend expressing her regret for doing the same.

Dottie has always prioritized her career. Even when she got diagnosed with cancer, she chooses death to secure and protect her legacy. Such an artist must have done everything to propel her career, including burning down the house as seen in her visions. She must have kept it a secret, even from her husband Albie, to make sure that it will not resurface in her present to affect her career.

Whom Does Albie Kill and Bury?

Three months after Dottie’s death, Albie kills and buries an unrevealed person. Although the identity of the victim is yet to be revealed, Albie does the same for the sake of his family. He carries a gun and goes to the woods to commit the deed upon revealing how the person has become the Romans’ enemy, indicating that the person is a threat to the whole family. Since a police officer witnesses Albie coming out of the woods after burying the person, he will not be able to keep the affair a secret.

At the time of Dottie’s death, the Roman family deals with several concerns. Nicky expects Gigi to be her competitor while the latter believes that Nicky helped their mother die for her to replace the legend. The family’s music production business hasn’t been great as well. Luke’s presence in Gigi’s married life with Kayla Taylor-Roman and Clive Grayson’s extra-marital affairs adds to the tensions. Whoever Albie’s victim is, it is possible that the person must have tried to take advantage of these tensions to stand against the Romans.

Read More: Where is Fox’s Monarch Filmed?

‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ is the prequel and spin-off of the original ‘Power’ series. It revolves around the youth of Kanan Stark, long before he became the dreaded antagonist (later anti-villain) that we see in the original series. The prequel follows Kanan and his family, especially his mother Raq, as they gradually establish control over South Jamaica, Queens.

In season 2 episode 5, titled ‘What Happens in the Catskills,’ Raq suddenly informs Kanan that they are going to the Catskills for a camping trip. Predictably, she has an ulterior motive. In New York, Lou Lou punches Camacho for disrespecting him, and Jukebox performs her heart out at her mother’s church. Meanwhile, Marvin tracks down Toni, who really seems to be doing well. Here is everything you need to know about the ending of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ season 2 episode 5. SPOILERS AHEAD.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 2 Episode 5 Recap

Since Howard’s big revelation, Kanan has suddenly become guarded around his mother. Raq, perceptive as always, notices this. Meanwhile, Marvin retrieves the dead body they have been keeping in the building. Raq informs Kanan that they are going to the Catskills for camping, much to her son’s surprise, as he knows that Raq hates camping. Kanan also learns that neither Jukebox nor any other family member is going with them. Kanan’s confusion further increases when he discovers they are taking a car he has never seen before. Moreover, Marvin forbids him from opening the trunk of the vehicle. As they leave New York City behind, two men belonging to the New Jersey mafia start to follow them.

During a meeting with a potential collaborator on Zisa’s music, Camacho repeatedly undermines Lou Lou, prompting the latter to punch the other man when they are alone. Meanwhile, having learned from Camacho that Zisa has used her songs, Jukebox confronts her. The other girl tells her that she had no idea it was her song, revealing that it came from Lou Lou. A furious Jukebox subsequently goes to confront her uncle, but the latter seems to know the right words to placate her.

Marvin speaks to the therapist who holds the anger management meetings, and perhaps for the first time, he candidly talks about how terrible his relationship with Jukebox has become. He blames himself and his past actions, admitting that he was never a good father.

Meanwhile, Jukebox visits Kenya, her mother, at her church. When Kenya sings, Jukebox listens with rapt attention, exuding genuine happiness. And then, Kenya asks her daughter to sing. Surrounded by encouraging churchgoers and hoping to impress her mother, Jukebox gives a performance of a lifetime.

Elsewhere, Burke questions Andrea about whether Howard said anything about the shooting. Although Andrea says no, she ends up revealing that Howard told her about his son. When Howard learns about this, he cuts his ties with Andrea.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 2 Episode 5: Why Does Raq Spare Jimmy?

It is revealed that since their last encounter, the Italians have decided to kill Raq and have sent two hitmen, Jimmy and Dominic, to do the job. When they realize that Raq and Kanan are heading to the Catskills, Jimmy and Dominic decide to do it there. However, they get stalled for one reason or another. To complicate the matter further, Dominic is a raving racist and wants to kill Kanan as well, especially after he sees him flirting with a white girl. Jimmy explicitly tells Dominic not to harm Kanan but keep an eye on the youth while he takes Raq out.

Raq’s real motive for coming to the Catskills is revealed soon after. She has brought the dead body mentioned above so she can bury it in the jungles. In her mind, this is also a way to initiate Kanan into the Business. As Kanan numbly tries to comprehend what is happening, his mother instructs him to help her bury the body.

Eventually, when Jimmy barges into the cabin that Raq has rented, she manages to surprise him and places a knife on his throat. However, she doesn’t kill him, knowing if she does so, it will mean a war with the Italians. Before she can make a decision about what to do with Jimmy, she is informed that Dominic is attacking Kanan. Jimmy shoots Dominic to stop him, and both pairs leave Catskills alive. The Italians now have the olive branch that Raq has extended. If they don’t accept it, there will be bloodshed.

Read More: Do Raq and Symphony Break Up in Power Book III: Raising Kanan? Theories