After the success of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, fans looking for more legal dramas from Korea finally have a new series to follow: The Law Café.
From Noh Seung-Ah’s web novel to a webtoon, and now adapted into a K-drama, The Law Café follows the righteous pro bono lawyer Yu-ri who believes that problems can be solved even before they proceed to court. She then opens a law café where she can cater to those who are seeking legal advice. Meanwhile, the landlord of Yu-ri’s café turns out to be an old friend she had known since high school, the former prosecutor Kim Jung-ho.
Aside from the legal aspect, The Law Café also tells of a complicated romance. Jung-ho has feelings for Yu-ri, and he tries to win her affection but it frustrates him because competition seems to be persistent all the time.
The new K-drama stars Lee Se-young of Seoul Vibe and The Red Sleeve as Yu-ri, and Lee Seung-gi of Mouse and My Girlfriend is a Gumiho fame as Kim Jung-ho. It is directed by Lee Eun-Jin. The first two episodes of the 16-part series are now available for streaming, with two more episodes dropping every week.
Where to stream The Law Cafe: This new legal drama is available for streaming in the Philippines through Viu. You can watch the preview for free, and the full episodes by signing up for Viu Premium. As of this writing, you can avail a Viu Premium subscription for P49 on your first three months.
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Netflix has recently held the Waktu Netflix Indonesia event to announce all of the exciting titles from Indonesia that will soon drop on the streaming platform. The slate includes a sci-fi thriller from director Joko Anwar, an action flick where a detective teams up with assassins, and so much more!
“The Indonesian film industry has evolved rapidly in recent years. More and more creators and stories from Indonesia are now being seen and appreciated by audiences and critics around the world,” said Rusli Eddy, Content Lead of Netflix Indonesia. “Our upcoming slate from Indonesia gives you authentic and unique stories, a representation of our country that is rich with stories and cultures, and brings you high-caliber talent whose significant works have shaped the film industry.”
Check out all seven projects from Indonesia that you’ll be able to stream on Netflix soon!
The Big 4
From director Timo Tjahjanto, The Big 4 tells the story of a female detective who investigates the death of her father, leading her to discover his secret identity as an assassin. She is soon pursued by her father’s enemies and must enlist the assistance of four down-on-their-luck assassins that her own father had trained when he was alive.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
“To be able to share my story to the world, made possible by Netflix, is exciting,” said Tjahjanto who had signed a multi-project deal with Netflix. “I cannot wait for people to see the movie.”
Dear David
In director Lucky Kuswandi’s unconventional coming-of-age film Dear David, the A-list student Laras is faced with a dilemma when her fantasy blog gets spread around the campus. The movie features Shenina Cinnamon who was also the lead star in the 2021 movie, Photocopier.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Hari Ini Akan Kita Ceritakan Nanti (Today We’ll Talk About That Day)
Director Angga Dwimas Sasongko is soon to release his film Hari Ini Akan Kita Ceritakan Nanti or Today We’ll Talk About That Day, the prequel to his romantic flick One Day We’ll Talk About Today. It tells of the younger years of Narendra and Ajeng who came from different backgrounds but whose fates were intertwined by love.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Klub Kecanduan Mantan (Ex-Addicts Club)
Helmed by Salman Aristo, Ex-Addicts Club is a quirky sitcom revolving around five individuals who started their own support group to help each other in moving on from their breakups. It stars Chicco Kurniawan, Rachel Amanda, Agatha Pricilla, Andri Mashadi, and Hafizh Weda.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Komedi Kacau (Comedy Chaos)
Another comedy series announced by Netflix Indonesia, Komedi Kacau from the director and comic Raditya Dika tells the story of Panca, who must juggle the responsibilities of running his own comedy club and committing to his married life. Raditya Dika who serves as a co-writer for the series also stars in it alongside Susan Sameh.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Gadis Kretek
Showrunner Shanty Harmaynteams up with directors Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah for Netflix’s first Indonesian period drama. Set against the backdrop of Indonesia’s cigarette industry, the epic romance drama follows an estranged son who honors his dying father’s wish by searching for a woman from his past, a quest that will uncover long-buried family secrets. The series stars Dian Sastrowardoyo and Ario Bayu.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Nightmares and Daydreams
Joko Anwar of The Queen of Black Magic and Impetigore is set to bring viewers an interesting sci-fi thriller. The series revolves around people who all encounter a strange phenomenon, and whose stories are set to intersect leading to a dramatic climax.
“Indonesia is so full of unique and extraordinary stories,” stated Anwar. “I’m always excited to have the chance to bring these stories to a wider audience, especially those that relate to the origins of our world.”
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Aside from these seven titles, Netflix Indonesia also teased an upcoming project from writer-director Ernest Prakasa. Be updated on these upcoming titles by following Netflix Indonesia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also check out their YouTube channel.
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Rick and Morty fans across the world are on the hunt for spectacular displays that are part Adult Swim’s ongoing #WORMAGEDDON global “living episode”. #WORMAGEDDON is an immersive adventure that brings the two-time Emmy® Award-winning animated hit comedy series to life. It features 14 unique scenes that bridge the events of the season five finale with the season six premiere starting Monday, September 5, on HBO GO.
#WORMAGEDDON has already thrilled fans with custom builds in places such as Mexico City, Malibu, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and the Netherlands. The custom builds in Atlanta and Mexico City were revealed to fans immediately, while scenes in Malibu, The Netherlands and Pittsburgh were part of nine scenes featured in an ongoing global treasure hunt that began on August 22.
Following along via RickandMorty.com, fans are invited to decipher clues and discover nine hidden builds. With scenes reaching every continent except Antarctica, the first fan to find each hidden location in person is rewarded on the spot with a life-size golden “Rick” head.
The Philippines was revealed on September 1 as one of the global locations taking part in #WORMAGEDDON. Located within Timezone SM Megamall, this #WORMAGEDDON scene features Rick and Morty character Noob-Noob, the intern of The Vindicators superhero team. This build is also the only one in the ongoing #WORMAGEDDON fan experience where fans stand a chance to win limited edition Rick and Morty merchandise.
Fans can visit this Rick and Morty #WORMAGEDDON scene from 10:00AM to 10:00PM until September 10, 2022. More chances of winning may await those who come as their favorite characters from the series.
“We are so blown away by how engaged and excited Rick and Morty fans are for #WORMAGEDDON. Each of our hidden builds were found only mere hours after the first clue was posted!” said Tricia Melton, Chief Marketing Officer for Warner Bros. Discovery Kids, Young Adults and Classics group. “It’s so incredible to bring both our fans into this immersive Rick and Morty living episode.”
Filipinos can stream or download season six of Rick and Morty from Monday, September 5, same day as the US, exclusively on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.
ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo who has starred in dramas My ID is Gangnam Beauty and True Beauty is back to star in the new K-drama A Good Day to Be a Dog (working title).
The series is based on Lee Hey’s Naver webtoon of the same name, which is a fantasy romance involving a curse that can only be broken by a kiss. It follows the story of Hana who was cursed to transform into a dog whenever she kisses a man. The only way to lift the curse is for her to be kissed again, but the man who has to do it has a great fear of dogs due to a traumatic event he can no longer remember.
Cha Eun-woo stars as Jin Seo Won, the man who must undo Hana’s curse. Meanwhile, the actress who will play Hana is yet to be announced. Other details about the series are still under wraps.
In the meantime, fans can also check out the webcomic A Good Day to Be a Dog on the Webtoons website. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!
Netflix dropped the trailer for its upcoming series The Imperfects, a YA show which features three teens that could turn into folkloric creatures, specifically a chupacabra, a banshee, and a succubus.
It stars Italia Ricci, Morgan Taylor Campbell, and Iñaki Godoy, who we’ll also soon see as Luffy in Netflix’s upcoming live-action adaptation of One Piece.
Watch the trailer for The Imperfects below:
The series follows the teens Abbi, Tilda, and Juan who were experimented on and were turned into a succubus, a banshee, and a chupacabra respectively. They must then join forces to find the scientist responsible for their transformation in the hopes of curing themselves of the monsters inside of them. Executive produced by Shelley Eriksen and Dennis Heaton (The Order), this quirky series also stars Rhianna Jagpal, Rhys Nicholson, Kyra Zagorsky, Celina Martin, Jedidiah Goodacre, and more.
The Imperfects starts streaming on Netflix this September 8. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!
After the refreshing legal drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo and the action-packed heist film Seoul Vibe, Netflix is set to bring us yet another exciting title from South Korea, this time a thrilling drama that promises a lot of hard-hitting twists– Little Women.
Before its premiere this September 3, we’re giving you five reasons why you should catch the new series when it finally drops on Netflix this weekend.
1. The director of Vincenzo is back to bring us a new gripping mystery.
Vincenzo is one of the K-dramas that got us thrilled and entertained as we stayed at home in 2021. This year, Vincenzo‘s Kim Hee-won is back on the director’s chair to bring us yet another gripping mystery. For Little Women, Hee-won joins forces with writer Chung Seo Kyung, who is known for her works in the masterpiece The Handmaiden and Decision to Leave. Seo Kyung wrote this new tale where three sisters who live in poverty find themselves going against the richest and most influential family in Korea.
“Writer Chung Seo Kyung reimagined the novel Little Women, starting with the question ‘What if the sisters came to Korea?” explained director Hee-won at a recent press conference for the series. “The tightly-knit narrative is brought to life by the production designer Ryu Seong-hee and the powerful cast performances. It was a great experience to work with this dream team.”
Photo courtesy of Netflix
2. The show is led by three strong women played by brilliant actresses.
Little Women is led by three sisters with diverging personalities, but love and protect each other nonetheless. Playing the eldest sister, Oh Injoo, is Kim Go-eun,who has exhibited her acting skills in titles like Yumi’s Cells, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, and The King: Eternal Monarch.
“Injoo is a hardworking girl and always does her best, who seems to think it is the reason for her existence-she is complex and multifaceted, so I dived into the character from various angles,” said Go-eun about Injoo.
Photo from ‘Little Women’ trailer
The second sister is Oh Inkyung who is played by Nam Ji-hyun from 100 Days My Prince. Wiser than the eldest, In-kyung also loves her sisters but she does not want to be enslaved to money like Injoo. Finally, Park Ji-hu of All of Us Are Dead fame plays the youngest sister Oh Inhye, an art prodigy who feels that her sisters’ love are a little burdening.
Director Kim Hee-won stated, “The three actors have such a warm chemistry with their kind personalities and professional attitudes. They are supportive of each other, which makes them a perfect ensemble”.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
3. Wi Ha-Jun & more well-known actors complete the cast.
Also joining the cast of Little Women are more well-sought and veteran actors that will bring life to the characters surrounding the Oh Sisters’ lives. Wi Ha-joon of Squid Game and Bad and Crazy will play the mysterious character of Choi Do-il.
“The more I read into the script, the more I found him mysterious,” shared Ha-jun at the press conference. “’What was his upbringing like? How did he end up with such convictions and values? Why does he act that way? How does he feel about In-joo?’ I had endless questions about him, wanting to find out more about him. I found that appealing and wanted to flesh that out about him.”
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Also part of the cast are Kang Hoon (Into Your Time, Twenty Five Twenty One), Kim Mi-Sook (Artificial City, Man in the Kitchen), Uhm Ki-Joon (The Penthouse, Defendant), Uhm Ji-Won (The Cursed: Dead Man’s Prey), Jeon Chae-Eun (If You Wish Upon Me), and Jo Seung-Yeon (The Perfect Couple) to name a few.
Photo from ‘Little Women’ trailer
4. It’s a drama that “little women” can relate to.
Much like the novel that inspired the drama, Little Women aims to tell stories about the women of the world sunk in poverty and feeling powerless. “I dared to use the title Little Women with reverence and gratitude for the novel, and because the story is relatable to all girls in poverty in any place, any time,” said writer Chung Seo-kyung in a statement. “I wanted to add our story to the story of little women all around the world. I wanted to write a story where people in their teens to their 30s are the main characters.”
Director Hee-won also added that Little Women “contains both a reality relatable to all, and the mysterious workings of the imagination. Though it seems like a small and trifling story, there’s a large and deep implication underneath.”
Photo courtesy of Netflix
5. Expect a detailed mystery with beautiful mise-en-scène
Director Kim Hee-won is known for the amount of details she puts into her work, making the audiences coming back for more. In her latest drama, the director says that she wanted to “Overturn people’s expectation that Little Women is just a cozy and warm story,” and reflect the dark truth in our society through the issues each sibling is faced with.
Hee-won also expressed her admiration for the show’s writer, Chung Seo-kyung; production designer Ryu Seong-hee; and music composer Park Se-joon. “It is an honor to work with director Ryu on her first series who did a perfect job in painting the perfect picture,” stated Hee-won. “She created never-before-seen, elaborate sets that were all unique but under a unified theme. Music composer Park Se-joon who worked on Vincenzo with me, composed different genre tracks including classical music, which imbued power into the entire production.”
With such a powerhouse of creators paired with a talented cast, viewers can expect Little Women to be a work of art with a fast-paced storyline, compelling motive, and a beautifully put together mise-en-scène.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
The 12-episode drama, Little Women, starts streaming on Netflix this September 3. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!
National Geographic is bringing you more exciting and compelling titles to catch on the channel this month of September! Dive into the minds of the world’s greatest athletes with an adrenaline-filled adventure in Edge Of The Unknown With Jimmy Chin. Get a front-row seat to intimate interviews and archival footage from the world’s top adventure athletes as they recount their personal stories of transcendence on the journey to perfect the mastery of their craft.
Follow the world’s all-star top chefs on a culinary journey with host Phil Davenport, showcasing the skills that made them the culinary inspirations that they are today in Eating Inn.
Through windy railroads and mountainous terrain, hop onboard an adventure of a lifetime in World’s Greatest Train Journeys From Above. Embark on a stunning venture across world-famous and lesser-known national parks in America in America’s National Parks.
As the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks draws near, follow Luis Rivera’s mission to search for his missing wife in 9/11: Missing Carmen Rivera. Check out the highlights of National Geographic’s programs this month:
Epic Adventures
Edge Of The Unknown With Jimmy Chin
Premieres every Monday from September 15 at 10pm on National Geographic (Singtel CH 201, Starhub CH 411), (Astro CH 551), (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD)
Grab onto the edge of your seats as you witness how some of the world’s top athletes prepare mentally, physically and emotionally for their high-stakes endeavours. Redefine the psychological and physical limits of the human body with Jimmy Chin as he uncovers how athletes adapt and evolve, even after being confronted by fear, devastating personal loss, and Mother Nature at her harshest.
World’s Greatest Train Journeys From Above
Premieres every Tuesday, September 6 at 10pm on National Geographic (Singtel CH 201, Starhub CH 411), (Astro CH 551), (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD)
Follow some of the world’s most extraordinary railway journeys from above as you’re taken on the adventure of a lifetime! Marvel at spectacular scenery and explore the engineering marvels of the world with the people behind the exceptional engineering, as well as the people who live alongside the railroads.
America’s National Parks
Premieres every Tuesday, September 6 at 9pm on National Geographic (Singtel CH 201, Starhub CH 411), (Astro CH 551), (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD)
Embark on a stunning venture across world-famous and lesser-known national parks in America. Admire the geological wonders of America, from the iconic Grand Canyon National Park to the rugged beauty of Badlands National park, and get an inside glimpse into the lives of the wild inhabitants who have made these beautiful parks their home.
A Culinary Journey
Eating Inn
Premieres every Thursday from September 15 at 7pm on National Geographic (Singtel CH 201, Starhub CH 411), (Astro CH 551), (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD)
Get an in-depth glimpse into how celebrity chefs Daniel Boulud, Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck and more tastefully design some of the world’s best culinary experiences. From travelling to five star venues across Asia to Alsace in France, join Phil Davenport as he brings the hidden wonders of the culinary world right to your doorstep.
Remembering 9/11
9/11: Missing Carmen Rivera
Premieres every Sunday from September 11 at 10pm on National Geographic (Singtel CH 201, Starhub CH 411), (Astro CH 551), (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD)
Follow Luis Rivera as he embarks on a determined, months-long mission to search for his missing wife, Carmen, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Man’s Best Friend
A Dog’s World (Stunt)
Premieres Monday from September 5 at 8.30pm on Nat Geo Wild (Singtel CH 207, Starhub CH 413), (Astro CH 550), (Skycable CH66 SD | CH193 HD)
Get ready for a ball of a time with Nat Geo Wild’s favourite canine companions! Go behind the scenes with the amazing veterinarians who tirelessly work together to help our furry friends feel their very best.
This month, HBO premieres two thrillers, The Protégé and Last Night in Soho, while all-new seasons of The Cleaning Lady, DC’sStargirl and Young Sheldon return on Warner TV. Cartoon Network presents two brand-new series premiere – Monkie Kid brings us MK, a young boy who discovers the Monkey King’s staff and finds himself on a mission to defeat evil, and Mumfie, a young elephant with the best intentions. To top it off, celebrate Batman Day with the best of the Caped Crusader’s films and animated series on HBO, HBO GO and Cartoon Network!
Premieres Saturday, September 10 on HBO and HBO GO
The Protégé – Maggie Q and Samuel L. Jackson
Rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody and trained in the family business, Anna is the world’s most skilled contract killer. But when Moody the man who was like a father to her and taught her everything she needs to know about trust and survival is brutally killed, Anna vows revenge. As she becomes entangled with an enigmatic killer whose attraction to her goes way beyond cat and mouse, their confrontation turns deadly and the loose ends of a life spent killing will weave themselves ever tighter. Stars Samuel L. Jackson, Maggie Q and Michael Keaton.
Last Night in Soho
Premieres Saturday, September 24 on HBO and HBO GO
Last Night in Soho – Anya Taylor-Joy
In this psychological thriller by acclaimed director Edgar Wright, Eloise an aspiring fashion designer, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s, where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer, Sandie. But the glamour is not all it appears to be, and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker. Stars Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor Joy.
DC’s Stargirl Season 3
Premieres Thursday, September 1 on Warner TV
DCs Stargirl S3 – Brec Bassinger
Follow high school sophomore Courtney Whitmore as she inspires an unlikely group of young heroes to stop the villains of the past. This new drama reimagines Stargirl and the very first superhero team, the Justice Society of America, in an unpredictable series that focuses on the character that started creator Geoff Johns’ career as a comic book writer when he created her in 1999. Stars Brec Bassinger, Luke Wilson, Amy Smart, Yvette Monreal, and Anjelika Washington.
The Cleaning Lady Season 2
Premieres Tuesday, September 20 on Warner TV
The Cleaning Lady – Elodie Yung
A whip-smart Cambodian doctor comes to the U.S. for medical treatment to save her ailing son, but when the system fails and pushes her into hiding, she refuses to be beaten down and marginalized. Instead, she becomes a cleaning lady for organized crime, using her cunning and intelligence to forge her own path in the criminal underworld. Stars Elodie Yung, Adan Canto, Oliver Hudson, Martha Millan and Sean Lew.
Young Sheldon Season 6
Premieres Friday, September 30 on Warner TV
Young Sheldon S6 – Raegan Revord and Iain Armitage
It isn’t easy growing up in East Texas when you’re a once-in-a-generation mind capable of advanced mathematics and science in a land where church and football are king. As a vulnerable, gifted and somewhat naïve Sheldon deals with the world, his very normal family must find a way to deal with him. His father struggles with a son he doesn’t understand while his mother fiercely protects and nurtures her son in a town where he just doesn’t fit in. Sheldon’s older brother, Georgie, does the best he can in high school, but it’s tough to be cool when you’re in the same classes with your odd 9-year-old brother. Finally, there’s Sheldon’s twin sister, Missy, who sometimes resents all the attention Sheldon gets, but also remains the one person who can reliably tell Sheldon the truth. Stars Iain Armitage, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Annie Potts, Montana Jordan and Raegan Revord.
Fun adventures and escapades on Cartoon Network
Monkie Kid
Premieres Saturday, September 3 on Cartoon Network
HBO GO – Monkie Kid
A young boy named MK, who is obsessed with the old legends, discovers Monkey King’s staff that was left on top of a hill to imprison the Demon Bull King. When the Demon Bull King is released, MK must go on a journey of self-discovery to become the hero this generation needs. Through trials and tribulations, MK will discover new powers, responsibilities, and ways of defeating the villains in this futuristic world.
Mumfie
Premieres Saturday, September 24 on Cartoon Network
HBO GO – Mumfie
Meet Cartoonito’s Mumfie, a beautifully optimistic young elephant, and his best friends Pinkey and Jelly Bean! In the intriguing episode ‘The Three Promises’, Mumfie is sure he can keep all three promises to his friends, but for how long? Then in ‘Incredible Jelly Bean’, Jelly Bean tells everyone that he can speak every language in the world. Also check out ‘A Little Joke’ where it is Neighbours Day and Mumfie and his friends are busy preparing the festivities, but they are plagued by a mysterious joker who has decided to disrupt the preparations.
Celebrate Batman Day on HBO, HBO GO and Cartoon Network
The Batman
Premieres Saturday, September 17 on HBO
The Batman – Robert Pattinson
Set in his second year of fighting crime, Batman uncovers corruption in Gotham City while facing a serial killer known as the Riddler. The star-studded ensemble of Gotham’s famous and infamous cast of characters includes Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Andy Serkis and Colin Farrell. Stream The Batman on HBO GO.
Zack Snyders Justice League – Ray Fisher and Ben Affleck
Grab some popcorn and spend your weekend with the Caped Crusader through Seasons 1 and 2 of Batman: The Animated Series on September 16. Not to be missed are also some of the very best crime-fighting action from The Batman, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and The Dark Knight on September 17, all streaming on HBO GO.
Animated Action
On Saturday, September 17 on Cartoon Network
HBO GO – Batman The Brave and The Bold
Enjoy an epic Batman marathon ofLEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite, Lego DC Batman: Family Matters, Batman: The Brave And The Bold,and Justice League Action.
Enter the dystopian world of Gilead in the critically-acclaimed series, The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 and follow the struggles of survivors in La Brea Season 2. Return for animated adventures with Rick and Morty Season 6 and enjoy new episodes of We Baby Bears. Catch the highly anticipated series, House of the Dragon, an HBO Original series and more on HBO GO.
Adapted from the classic novel by Margaret Atwood, this award-winning series tells the story of life in the dystopian land of Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly the United States, where women are oppressed and only valued for their ability to produce offspring. Season 5 cast members include Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Bradley Whitford, Samira Wiley and Ann Dowd. Over its past four seasons, the series received a total of 75 Emmy® nominations with 15 Emmy® wins including for Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actress (Elisabeth Moss) and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Ann Dowd). Catch-up on seasons 1 to 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale on HBO GO.
This sci-fi mystery series centres on a group of Los Angelenos after a massive sinkhole opens in Los Angeles, pulling people and buildings into a mysterious and dangerous primeval land where they have no choice but to band together to survive. In season two, the Harris family remains separated as Eve is reeling from her son, Josh, having mistakenly gone through a portal to 1988. What she doesn’t know yet is that her ex-husband, Gavin, and their daughter, Izzy, have landed in prehistoric Seattle and now must brave the elements and animals to make their way to L.A. Relive the first season of La Brea on HBO GO.
Rick and Morty are back! This award-winning animated hit comedy series follows a sociopathic genius scientist who drags his inherently timid grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. Rick Sanchez is living with his daughter Beth’s family and constantly bringing her, his son-in-law Jerry, granddaughter Summer, and grandson Morty into intergalactic escapades. Stream all seasons of Rick and Morty on HBO GO.
Don’t miss the fresh expansion of the beloved We Baby Bearsfranchiseas Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear takes fans through spectacular landscapes and musical inspirations to go on unforgettable journeys in their magic box. Each episode transports them into vibrant and colourful worlds where they befriend legions of familiar fairy tale faces and faced with the decision to stay or to continue their journey, looking for a permanent abode they can call home. Stream past episodes of We Baby Bears and all seasons of We Bare Bears on HBO GO.
Peter Jackson’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy is probably a benchmark of what fantasy films could be and it paved the way for fantasy adventure movies and television series for years to come. It was a global phenomenon that brought the works of J.R.R. Tolkien into the mainstream and gave us so many memorable cinematic moments that will forever be etched into our minds (and memes). It is so beloved that the new Amazon Prime Video show ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ is such a risky move.
How does one produce a prequel to the well-loved trilogy without inviting comparison?
The first two episodes of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ brings us back to Middle Earth, thousands of years before the events of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ take place. In this show, the only two familiar characters (so far) are the elves Galadriel and Elrond, much younger versions of the characters portrayed in the films by Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving. The elves have left their home to face an evil entity known as Morgoth, who has wreaked havoc upon Middle Earth and whose reach has made it to even the home of the elves. In the ensuing battle, Morgoth is defeated but his successor, a powerful sorcerer known as Sauron has become the leader of the orcs but has disappeared without a trace.
The elvish commander Galadriel seeks to find where Sauron and his orc army have disappeared to but faces opposition from the elf king Gil-Galad and his right-hand man, Elrond. The elves are in a rush to end this war that has lasted for centuries and they want to declare a time of peace.
But this show is much larger than that of just the concern of elves. There are humans and dwarves and a race called Harfoots, who I suspect might be the ancestors of the Hobbits.
There are multiple stories unfolding simultaneously in the first two episodes of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ and the pacing of the show is actually quite good. There is a steady build-up of events that promises that the supposed “time of peace” that Gil-Galad wants to declare is a foolish mistake and that Galadriel’s obsession to find Sauron and his army should have been heeded more carefully.
If anything, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ is an expensive show: happening at multiple locations, following several different stories, each with fully realised sets and costumes and each with their own special effects needed to make everything feel like a fully-realised fantasy series. It’s massive in scale and scope.
The trick, though, is to give us a Middle Earth that looks like what the world of Peter Jackson’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ would have looked like and felt like a thousand years before and this is where things get muddled.
In what is familiar to us, the elves were such elegant and graceful beings. They lived for thousands of years and there was such a mystical way about them as they were presented in the movies. This texture and nuance is completely missing from the show. The first twenty minutes are steeped into the affairs of the elves and they talk and behave just like humans do, sometimes even worse. Their politics, their system, and culture – it feels so alien from the elves that we are familiar with from the film. Morfydd Clark and Robert Aramayo, who play Galadriel and Elrond, respectively, have the unenviable task of bringing to life characters that were played by Blanchett and Weaving. They have to make us believe that these versions of the characters will grow up to be the Galadriel and Elrond that we know and from these two episodes, it’s night and day.
Here, Galadriel is a warrior and proud. She’s obsessed with finding Sauron and seeking revenge. Elrond, on the other hand, is a stereotypical politician with an easy, rehearsed smile and always bargaining at every turn. Both characters are not easy to like.
With the constant reminder of Jackson’s Trilogy, it is quite difficult to get into this world that’s presented no matter how big its budget is. What it does have going for it is that the title itself leads us to suspect that the show will be about the forging of the titular “Rings of Power,” including Sauron’s ring, the one ring to rule them all and that is something I would want to see. Among the plentiful characters this show offers us, the one that I’m most attached to is the Harfoot Nori, played by Markella Kavanagh. Unlike the others of her race, she longs for adventure and curious about the world outside the safe ways of the Harfoot. Kavanagh has an innocence and a spirited way about how she plays Nori that fits so well into this genre. It’s her story I’m most eager to see unfold.
What is also interesting about this show is how it portrays the elves as some imperialist colonizers – coming to Middle Earth, setting up their own cities and kingdoms – and this has angered much of the human race. The humans were caught in a war, first with Morgoth and then the elves, and are disgruntled and prejudiced against the elves. This plays out in little moments throughout the first two episodes, which I hope they show us a lot more of in future episodes.
This might even be explored as two characters, an elvish soldier and a human healer, may have a love story brewing. Even the way Elrond deals with the Dwarves resonates with similar dealings in our modern times. The stark differences between the races and how it is played out is when the show really begins to show its promise; that it can be more than just another high fantasy adventure series.
While I’m not happy with the way the elves are portrayed here – I still have to adjust and shift my perspective from Jackson’s film trilogy – nor am I attached to any of the many characters presented to us in the first two episodes (save Nori), I am intrigued by how good the pacing is and how quick the build-up of the narrative tension appears to be. Checking the internet, the first season only runs for eight episodes, so they have a lot of ground to cover. The biggest challenge for this show is how to carve out its own niche that is separated from Jackson’s trilogy and be a show entirely of its own and yet still be able to connect itself to that trilogy and to ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy at the end of its run.
The potential is there. I feel that production-wise, it can capture the massive feel and tone of the movies but it is still grasping at the tone and characterization. Maybe in the next few episodes?
