WATCH/READ/PLAY: JANUARY 2017
FILM & TV
Conviction moves to a new night
Channel: ABC
In short: The Rogue and I have been enjoying Hayley Atwell’s new gig after Agent Carter was cancelled. Of course because I like it there will be no second season. So I have to be content with watching these last few episodes. (January 1st)
Sherlock Fourth Season Premiere
Channel: PBS
In short: Sherlock returns with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Toby Jones is the new villain (we’ve been watching him in the Detectorists which is really sweet by the way) and I look forward to more mysteries with them. (January 1st)
Beyond Series Premiere
Channel: FREEFORM
In short: A young man awakens from a 12-year coma with special powers in this sci-fi thriller produced by Tim Kring (Heroes). New episodes will air weekly on Freeform (starting with tonight's 2-hour premiere), but all 10 episodes will be available immediately on demand and on Hulu beginning after the premiere. (January 2nd)
Bones Final Season Premiere
Channel: FOX
In short: It’s been a while since I have watched Bones, but I have a few friends that are both excited and slightly dismayed about the final season. (January 3rd)
Portlandia Seventh Season Premiere
Channel: FREEFORM
In short: Season 7 giest stars include Abbi Jackson, Andy Richter, Rachel Dratch and Laurie Metcalf plus some returning regulars like Kyle MacLachlan and Kumail Nanjiani. (January 5th)
Emerald City Series Premiere
Channel: NBC
In short: This Wizard of the Oz reboot not only has Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall) directing all ten episodes, but also has Kelly Sue DeConnick (Bitch Planet, Pretty Deadly) on the writing team which makes me very excited about this show. Plus Dorothy isn’t a kid anymore and Toto is a police dog. I think it looks pretty great and I will be giving it a go. (January 6th)
Grimm Final Season Premiere
Channel: NBC
In short: Thus begins the series final 13 episode season. We haven’t watched it all yet, but it is in our queue. (January 6th)
Underworld: Blood Wars
Genre: Action/Horror
Stars:Kate Beckinsale, Theo James, and Tobias Menzies
In short: Selene has resurfaced yet again as she fights to end the battle between the Lycans and The Vampires once and for all. (January 6th)
A Monster Calls
Genre: Drama/Fantasy
Stars:Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, Lewis MacDougall, Liam Neeson
In short: This looks amazing and utterly heartbreaking at the same time. It tells the story of a young boy who seeks the help of a tree monster to help cope with the fact that his single parent mother is dying of a terminal illness. Lord knows I wish I had a monster to call when life gives me the suck in spades. (January 6th)
74th Golden Globe Awards
Channel: NBC
In short: Jimmy Fallon hosts this year. Award Season has officially begun. (January 8th)
Taboo Series Premiere
Channel: FX
In short: Tom Hardy stars in this 8 episode series about a revenge-seeking adventurer set in the early 1800s. It also stars Jonathan Pryce, Franka Potente, and Michael Kelly. I am a sucker for conspiracy thrillers and Tom Hardy. (January 10th)
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events Series Premiere
Channel: NETFLIX
In short: Patrick Warburton, Neil Patrick Harris, Malina Weissman, Joan Cusack, and Aasif Mandvi star in this eight-episode adaptation of Daniel Handler's popular books. Handler himself is writing the series (which will cover the first four books in this first season), with Barry Sonnenfeld directing. So excited. (January 13th)
Victoria Series Premiere
Channel: PBS
In short: Victoria, starring Jenna Coleman and Rufus Sewell, follows the Queen of the same name during her first three years on the throne, beginning when she was just 18. (January 15th)
The Young Pope Series Premiere
Channel: HBO
In short: Billed as a miniseries (though a second season is unofficially in pre-production), this 10-episode drama from acclaimed director Paolo Sorrentino (Youth, The Great Beauty) stars Jude Law as the (fictitious) first American-born Pope in history. (January 15th)
xXx: Return of Xander Cage
Genre: Action/Adventure
Stars:Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen
In short: The Rogue is excited to see Xander Cage back in action with his over the top antics. In this outing he has been left for dead, though secretly returns to action for more impossible feats. I think this is why the Rogue likes him. Plus Donnie Yen, so… (January 20th)
Split
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Stars:Anya Taylor-Joy, James McAvoy
In short: I love James McAvoy and have since he was in the Children of Dune series many moons ago. I think he is insanely talented and I look forward to his myriad of personalities. I am also an M. Night fan (though not recently) and am one of those rare individuals that actually liked the Village and Lady in the Water. I hope this is M. Night returning to what I love about him. (January 20th)
The Red Turtle
Genre: Animation/Fantasy
In short: This dialogue-less film follows the major life stages of a castaway on a deserted tropical island populated by turtles, crabs, and birds. It looks beautiful, though with my luck will not play anywhere near here. (January 20th)
Frontier Series Premiere
Channel: NETFLIX
In short: Jason Momoa stars in this series that chronicles the North American fur trade in the 1700’s. So while we wait for more Aquaman, try this series which has already been renewed for a second season. (January 20th)
Beaches Movie Premiere
Channel: LIFETIME
In short: Lifetime's remake of the 1988 Bette Midler film stars Idina Menzel and Nia Long and is directed by Allison Anders. Will there be a new version of "Wind Beneath My Wings"? Count on it. Also make sure you have your tissues ready. (January 21st)
The Magicians Second Season Premiere
Channel: SYFY
In short: The Rogue and I just starting watching this during the Holiday season since the first season became available on Netflix. If you still carry cable, check out the second season. (January 25th)
Riverdale Series Premiere
Channel: CW
In short: The latest CW comic book series comes without a single superhero; the source material here is the 75-year-old Archie Comics series. Greg Berlanti's latest drama aims to present a "surprising and subversive take" on Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and the rest of the gang from Riverdale, emphasizing the "surrealism" and "darkness" of small-town life. Producers call it a "teenage Twin Peaks," and, like that show, it attempts to blend murder mystery with high school romance and other elements. Not sure how I feel about it, but I know I will probably give it a try. (January 26th)
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
Genre: Horror/Action
Stars:Ruby Rose, Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter
In short: Picking up immediately after the events in Resident Evil: Retribution, Alice (Milla Jovovich) is the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity's final stand against the undead. Now, she must return to where the nightmare began - The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse. (January 27th)
Z: The Beginning of Everything Season Premiere
Channel: AMAZON
In short: This Amazon original stars Christina Ricci as Zelda Fitzgerald. Could be interesting. (January 27th)
Planet Earth II Premiere
Channel: BBC AMERICA
In short: Yay more animals and more David Attenborough. (January 28th)
BOOKS
The Book Jumper by Mechthild Glaser (January 3rd)
In short: Amy Lennox doesn't know quite what to expect when she and her mother pick up and leave Germany for Scotland, heading to her mother's childhood home of Lennox House on the island of Stormsay. Amy's grandmother, Lady Mairead, insists that Amy must read while she resides at Lennox House—but not in the usual way. It turns out that Amy is a book jumper, able to leap into a story and interact with the world inside. As thrilling as Amy's new power is, it also brings danger—someone is stealing from the books she visits, and that person may be after her life. Teaming up with fellow book jumper Will, Amy vows to get to the bottom of the thefts—at whatever the cost.
The Witch’s Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories by Terry Pratchett (January 3rd)
In short: Do you believe in magic? Can you imagine a war between wizards? An exciting journey in an airship or down in a submarine? Would you like to meet the fastest truncheon in the Wild West? The Witch’s Vacuum Cleaner is the second fabulously funny short-story collection from the late acclaimed storyteller Terry Pratchett. A follow-up to Dragons at Crumbling Castle, this second batch of storytelling gems features stories written when Sir Terry was just seventeen years old and working as a junior reporter. In these pages, new Pratchett fans will find wonder, mayhem, sorcery, and delight—and loyal readers will recognize the seeds of ideas that went on to influence his most beloved tales later in life. As Neil Gaiman says, “a Terry Pratchett book is a small miracle”—and The Witch’s Vacuum Cleaner proves to be another miracle taking its place alongside Pratchett’s astounding and cherished body of work.
Windwitch (The Witchlands #2) by Susan Dennard (January 10th)
In short: Sometimes our enemies are also our only allies… After an explosion destroys his ship, the world believes Prince Merik, Windwitch, is dead. Scarred yet alive, Merik is determined to prove his sister’s treachery. Upon reaching the royal capital, crowded with refugees, he haunts the streets, fighting for the weak—which leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed. When the Bloodwitch Aeduan discovers a bounty on Iseult, he makes sure to be the first to find her—yet in a surprise twist, Iseult offers him a deal. She will return money stolen from him, if he locates Safi. Now they must work together to cross the Witchlands, while constantly wondering, who will betray whom first? After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. Alone in a land of pirates, every moment balances on a knife’s edge—especially when the pirates’ next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.
Frostblood by Elly Blake (January 10th)
In short: Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a fireblood who must hide her powers of heat and flame from the cruel frostblood ruling class that wants to destroy all that are left of her kind. So when her mother is killed for protecting her and rebel frostbloods demand her help to kill their rampaging king, she agrees. But Ruby's powers are unpredictable, and she's not sure she's willing to let the rebels and an infuriating (yet irresistible) young man called Arcus use her as their weapon. All she wants is revenge, but before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to take part in the king's tournaments that pit fireblood prisoners against frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her and from the icy young man she has come to love. Fast-paced and compelling, Frostblood is the first in a page-turning new young adult three-book series about a world where flame and ice are mortal enemies—but together create a power that could change everything.
Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth (January 17th)
In short: On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world? Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows. Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuvhe, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive—or to destroy one another.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber (January 31st)
In short: Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . . Welcome, welcome to Caraval—Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game. Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over. But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner. Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.
Wires and Nerve, Vol 1 by Marissa Meyer (January 31st)
In short: In her first graphic novel, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestseller Marissa Meyer follows Iko, the beloved android from the Lunar Chronicles, on a dangerous and romantic new adventure -- with a little help from Cinder and the Lunar team. In her first graphic novel, bestselling author Marissa Meyer extends the world of the Lunar Chronicles with a brand-new, action-packed story about Iko, the android with a heart of (mechanized) gold. When rogue packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers threaten the tenuous peace alliance between Earth and Luna, Iko takes it upon herself to hunt down the soldiers' leader. She is soon working with a handsome royal guard who forces her to question everything she knows about love, loyalty, and her own humanity. With appearances by Cinder and the rest of the Rampion crew, this is a must-have for fans of the bestselling series.
Bitch Planet V. 2: President Bitch by Kelly Sue DeConnick (January 31st)
In short: Eisner Award-nominated writer KELLY SUE DeCONNICK (PRETTY DEADLY, Captain Marvel) and VALENTINE DE LANDRO (X-Factor) follow up on the success of EXTRAORDINARY MACHINE with the second installment of their highly acclaimed and fiercely unapologetic BITCH PLANET. A few years down the road in the wrong direction, a woman's failure to comply with her patriarchal overlords results in exile to the meanest penal planet in the galaxy. But what happened on Earth that this new world order came to pass in the first place? Return to the grim corridors of Auxiliary Compliance Outpost #2, to uncover the first clues to the history of the world as we know it…and meet PRESIDENT BITCH. This volume collects issues #6-10, a reader discussion guide and additional bonus materials.
GAMES
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Platform: PS4, Windows PC, Xbox One
In short: It’s first person perspective this time, but with familiar Resident Evil Gameplay such as green herbs. Could be fun. (January 24th)
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