Previews and Reviews that are Z's Views
In 2012, I went to MegaCon and my main purpose was to get a sketch from Wilfredo Torres. I was lucky enough to be first on his sketch list. Wilfredo opted to draw Stallone as Cobra.
Finally, in 2025, the stars aligned and I was able to get on Wilfredo’s advance sketch list for HeroesCon. I asked for Stallone from Tulsa King and Wilfredo came through royally.
The Wire: Season 3 (2004)
Created by: David Simon
Teleplay by:
Directed by: Ed Bianchi (ep. 1); Steve Shill (ep. 2); Rob Bailey (ep. 3); Ernest Dickerson (eps. 4, 12); Dan Attias (ep. 5); Leslie Libman (ep.6); Tim Van Patten (ep. 7); Agnieszka Holland (ep. 8); Alex Zakrzewski (ep. 9); Christine Moore (ep. 10); Joe Chappelle (ep. 11)
Stars: Dominic West, Idris Elba, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Robert Wisdom, Wood Harris, Clarke Peters, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, J. D. Williams, John Doman, Frankie Faison, Deirdre Lovejoy, Andre Royo, Jim True-Frost, Wendell Pierce, Corey Parker Robinson, Robert F. Chew, Method Man, Michael Potts, Hassan Johnson, Isiah Whitlock, Jr., Jamie Hector, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Felicia Pearson, Glynn Turman, Callie Thorne, Chad Coleman, Maria Broom and Michael K. Williams.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
The towers are razed for new development. This leaves the Barksdale drug organization without territory. Councilman Tommy Carcetti begins a run for Mayor of Baltimore. Since it is an election year, crime becomes a campaign issue. Pressure is put on the Baltimore PD to get crime statistics down… even if they have to massage them.
Police Major Covin comes up with an unauthorized and controversial plan to actually lower the crime stats by forcing drug dealer to move to low population areas of the city where they can freely sell drugs. Covin knows that higher ups and the mayor would never approve of his idea, but he moves forward anyway.
A new and ruthless drug dealer begins to encroach on Stansfield territory. Omar continues to steal cash and drugs from dealers. Omar is becoming a legend. Brother Mouzone, a ruthless killer, is brought in to find and eliminate Omar.
Meanwhile the major crimes unit deals with political demands and personal issues as they work to bring down the city’s drug traffickers.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Each season of The Wire builds upon the last. The series continues to be well written, well directed and well acted.
The series spends as much time with the criminals as the cops. This season we get political intrigue and the impact politics has on police work. Kudos to the writers for making each character and storyline important.
New recurring characters introduced in The Wire Season 3 that are amazing include Jamie Hector (Marlo Stanfield), Gbenga Akinnagbe (Chris Partlow), and Felicia Pearson (Snoop).
I cannot wait to start season 4.
The Wire: Season 3 (2004) earns 5 of 5 stars.
WWE: Unreal – Season 1 (2025)
Director: (Eps. 1-5) Terrell Riley, Steve Trout
Stars: Demi Bennett (Rhea Ripley); Mark Calaway (The Undertaker); John Cena; Jacob Fatu; Dominik Gutiérrez (Dominik Mysterio); Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson; Paul Levesque (‘Triple H’); Darren Matthews (William Regal); Stephanie McMahon; Bruce Prichard; CM Punk; Cody Rhodes; Jesse “The Body” Ventura; Joshua Samuel Fatu (Jey Uso); Paul Heyman; Colby Lopez (Seth Rollins); Logan Paul; Dusty Rhodes; Michael Seitz (Michael Hayes); Jade Cargill; Ashley Fliehr (Charlotte Flair); Brian ‘Road Dogg’ James and Ric Flair.
Tagline: It’s More Real Than You Think
The Plot…
WWE Unreal gives fans unprecedented access behind-the-scenes at how professional wrestling works. Cameras are allowed into the writers’ room as the executives on the creative team prepare for the WWE Netflix premiere and events leading up to Wrestlemania 41.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
When I was a kid everyone involved in professional wrestling worked to make sure that it was thought of as “real”. Then in 1989, Vince McMahon announced professional wrestling wasn’t a legitimate sport, but instead was sports entertainment. The bumps and injuries are real, but the match outcomes are predetermined. Pro wrestling fans didn’t care.
I haven’t watched pro wrestling in years, but I was interested in the behind-the-scenes access. I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, WWE Unreal got me interested in watching again.
WWE: Unreal – Season 1 (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars
I’m diggin’ the look and feel for the poster and trailer for The Lowdown.
Deal me in.
Ethan Hawke stars in FX’s The Lowdown.
Premieres 9.23 on FX. Stream on Hulu
#TheLowdown #FX
FX’s The Lowdown from Creator Sterlin Harjo and starring Executive Producer Ethan Hawke, follows the gritty exploits of citizen journalist “Lee Raybon” (Hawke), a self-proclaimed Tulsa “truthstorian” whose obsession with the truth is always getting him into trouble. When the publication of Lee’s latest exposé – a deep dive into the powerful Washberg family – is immediately followed by the suspicious suicide of “Dale Washberg” (Tim Blake Nelson), Lee knows he’s stumbled onto something big.
The Wire: Season 2 (2003)
Created by: David Simon
Teleplay by: (eps. 1-3, 6, 9, 12) David Simon from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep.4) Joy Lusco from a story by David Simon, Joy Lusco; (ep. 5, 10) Ed Burns from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep. 7) Rafael Alvarez from a story by David Simon, Rafael Alvarez; (ep. 8, 11) George Pelecanos from a story by David Simon, George P. Pelecanos.
Directed by: Ed Bianchi (eps. 1-2); Elodie Keene (eps. 3-4); Steve Shill (eps. 5-6); Thomas J. Wright (ep. 7); Dan Attias (ep. 8); Tim Van Patten (ep. 9); Rob Bailey (ep. 10); (ep. 11); Ernest Dickerson (ep. 11); Robert F. Colesberry (ep. 12)
Stars: Dominic West, Chris Bauer, Paul Ben-Victor, John Doman, Idris Elba, Wood Harris, Deirdre Lovejoy, Clarke Peters, Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, Amy Ryan, Sonja Sohn, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, Jim True-Frost, Andre Royo, James Ransone, Pablo Schreiber, Al Brown, Frankie Faison, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Bill Raymond, Hassan Johnson, Delaney Williams, Maria Broom, Callie Thorne, Michael K. Williams, Charley Scalies, Melanie Nicholls-King and Robert Hogan.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
When one woman is found dead floating in the in the Port of Baltimore, the investigation turns up a shipping container full of dead women. Human traffickers are bringing in young girls on cargo ships along with drugs and weapons. This wouldn’t happen without support from dock workers.
The major crimes unit, is told to change their focus from bringing down the Barksdale crime family to solving the murders on the docks.
But maybe they can work on both… if they don’t mind working out of the chain of command.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Wire continues to look and feel real. In fact some of the smaller roles (both police and criminals) are played by real-life police and criminals. Some of the characters are based on real-life people and events.
The series is well written, well directed and well acted. So many of the unknown actors (when the series started) went on to have great careers.
I love that the series spends as much time with the criminals as the cops. It’s interesting to see both groups struggling to stay one step ahead of the other.
Chris Bauer as Frank Sobotka is a great addition to the cast. If Rocky was remade in 2003, Bauer could have played Paulie.
When I saw that the docks were going to be a major location, I was worried. I loved the city beat and the team working to take down the Barksdale family. I shouldn’t have been concerned. The story just got bigger without losing it’s focus. Kudos to the writers for making each character and storyline important.
I cannot wait to start season 3.
The Wire: Season 2 (2003) earns 5 of 5 stars.
Here we have two trailers and one poster for Splinter Cell: Deathwatch coming to Netflix on October 14th.
Deal me in.
Get your first look at Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, a new animated series from Netflix and Ubisoft Film & Television coming soon. #GeekedWeek
From the creator of the “John Wick” franchise comes Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, a new animated series from Netflix and Ubisoft, inspired by the iconic video game franchise.
Liev Schreiber is Sam Fisher, only on Netflix on October 14th.
The trailer for The Terminal List: Dark Wolf worked.
Deal me in.
May our courage exceed our level of violence.
Stream The Terminal List: Dark Wolf August 27 on Prime Video.
Finally we have a trailer for Mayor of Kingstown Season 4. I. Can. Not. Wait.
Deal me in.
Mike fights to protect his own as new forces converge on Kingstown.
Stream season 4 of Mayor of Kingstown on October 26, exclusively on Paramount+.
The trailer for Black Rabbit did it’s job.
Deal me in.
When the owner of NYC’s biggest hotspot (Jude Law) allows his troubled brother (Jason Bateman) to return to the family business, trouble multiplies.
Make a Reservation for BLACK RABBIT here: https://www.netflix.com/blackrabbit
BLACK RABBIT is a limited series created and executive produced by Zach Baylin and Kate Susman for Youngblood Pictures.
Executive producers include #JasonBateman, Michael Costigan and Roxie Rodriguez for Aggregate Films; #JudeLaw and Ben Jackson for Riff Raff Entertainment; Brian Kavanaugh-Jones from Automatik; Andrew Hinderaker, Zac Frognowski, Justin Levy, David Bernon and Erica Kay.
The Wire: Season 1 (2002)
Created by: David Simon
Teleplay by: (eps. 1-4; 6; 8; 10) David Simon from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep.5) Ed Burns from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep. 7) Rafael Alvarez from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep. 9) David H. Melnick, Shamit Choksey from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep. 11) Joy Kecken (as Joy Lusco) from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns; (ep. 12) George P. Pelecanos from a story by David Simon, Ed Burns;
Directed by: Clark Johnson (eps. 1-2; 5); Peter Medak (ep. 3); Clement Virgo (eps. 4; 12); Ed Bianchi (ep. 6); Joe Chappelle (ep. 7); Gloria Muzio (ep. 8); Milcho Manchevski (ep. 9); Brad Anderson (ep. 10); Steve Shill (ep. 11); Tim Van Patten (ep. 13)
Stars: Dominic West, Idris Elba, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Lance Reddick, Wood Harris, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce, Frankie Faison, Andre Royo, Deirdre Lovejoy, John Doman, Peter Gerety, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, Clarke Peters, Jim True-Frost, Michael K. Williams, Hassan Johnson, J.D. Williams, Clayton LeBouef, Delaney Williams, Richard DeAngelis, Wendy Grantham, Michael Kostroff, Michael Salconi, Callie Thorne, Maria Broom, Robert F. Chew, Michael Hyatt, Melanie Nicholls-King, Nat Benchley, Tom Quinn, Fredro Starr, Jarvis George, Jeorge Watson, Brian Anthony Wilson, Doug Olear and Michael B. Jordan.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Baltimore Homicide Detective Jimmy McNulty is upset when D’Angelo Barksdale beats a murder rap. McNulty sees an opportunity when he speaks to an old friend, who happens to be a judge with political influence. McNulty informs Judge Phelan that D’Angelo Barksdale not only beat the murder rap, but even worse, Barksdale’s uncle runs a major drug operation in the city.
Judge Phelan decides to put pressure on the mayor and police commissioner. Blindsided by the judge, because McNulty skipped the chain of command, the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, the Narcotics Unit Commander and the Homicide Unit Commander are called on the carpet. The judge expects results.
The decision is made to create a small task force. The unit will be made up of a couple of rookie cops, some veteran officers who scrape by, a good street cop, and McNulty. The team will be led by Lieutenant Cedric Daniels. Daniels understands that his superiors made the task force for show. They want the squad to wrap up quickly with a few busts to appease the mayor.
As the group comes together, they struggle to become a team. But soon the squad comes realize that they’ve been given a chance to make a difference. They plan to take down the Barksdale organization.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Wire looks and feels real. The characters (major and minor) are well rounded. In fact some of the smaller roles (both police and criminals) are played by real-life police and criminals. Some of the characters are based on real-life people and events.
The character of Omar was so popular that his role was expanded and he appeared in all five seasons. Despite being a cold-blooded killer, Omar lives by a code. Ironically he is more honest than many of the cops. Also, Omar is the only major character to never curse.
The series is well written, well directed and well acted. So many of the unknown actors (when the series started) went on to have great careers.
In my review of The Last of Us Season 2, I wrote, “I’ve never seen a lead character that has irritated me as much as Ellie did.” The Wire‘s McNulty gives Ellie a run for her money.
I love that the series spends as much time with the criminals as the cops. It’s interesting to see both groups struggling to stay one step ahead of the others.
I loved season one. On to season 2.
The Wire: Season 1 (2002) earns 5 of 5 stars.
The Sopranos by Rich Pellegrino. If you’re a fan, you may have already seen this piece, but even still, it’s worth several looks. If you’ve never heard of Pellegrino, click on the link and enjoy his art.
Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes (2025)
Directed by: Joe Berlinger
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes is a three episode limited series that features vintage unheard recordings as well as modern day interviews with David Berkowitz, some survivors of his attacks and those involved in capturing him.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
If you’re at all familiar with the Son of Sam killings, there is nothing earth shattering presented. The recordings didn’t provide insight. Although Berkowitz confessed to all of the murders, he’s changed his story over the years.
The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025) earns 2 of 5 stars.
Tulsa King starring Sly Stallone – The Third Season Teaser is Here!
I. Can. Not. Wait.
Sylvester Stallone is back as Dwight Manfredi in Tulsa King. In Season Three, as Dwight’s empire expands, so do his enemies – and the risks to his crew. Now, he faces his most dangerous adversaries in Tulsa yet: the Dunmires, a powerful old-money family that doesn’t play by old-world rules, forcing Dwight to fight for everything he’s built and protect his family.
New Season of Tulsa King Streaming September 21, exclusively on Paramount+.
Dark Side of the Ring: Season 2 (2020)
Created by: Evan Husney, Jason Eisener
Director: Jason Eisener
Stars: Chris Jericho, Jim Ross, Dean Malenko, Vickie Guerrero, James E. Cornette, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Steve Austin, Vince Russo, Bruce Prichard, Sam Fatu, Don Muraco, Jimmy Hart, David Schultz, John Stossel, Hulk Hogan, Mick Foley, B. Brian Blair, Joe Laurinaitis, Paul Ellering, Nikita Koloff and Dave Meltzer.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Each episode of Dark Side of the Ring profiles a professional wrestler or event that has become infamous among professional wrestling insiders. Interviews with those who were there, archival footage and reenactments are used in each episode.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Dark Side of the Ring is must-see viewing for fans of professional wrestling. Even if you think you know the stories covered, new information and insights are presented.
Dark Side of the Ring: Season 2 (2020) rates 5 of 5 stars
The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025)
Created by: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann; based on The Last of Us by Naughty Dog
Teleplay by: Craig Mazin (episodes 1-5); Neil Druckmann & Halley Gross & Craig Mazin (episodes 6-7)
Directed by: Craig Mazin (episode 1); Mark Mylod (episode 2); Peter Hoar (episode 3); Kate Herron (episode 4); Stephen Williams (episode 5); Neil Druckmann (episode 6); Nina Lopez-Corrado (episodes 7)
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, Rutina Wesley, Robert John Burke, Tati Gabrielle, Ariela Barer, Danny Ramirez, Catherine O’Hara, Alanna Ubach, Hettienne Park, Tony Dalton, Joe Pantoliano and Jeffrey Wright.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Five years have passed since the events of season one. Although Joel and Ellie have settled in to the Jackson Hole community, some event radically changed their relationship. As the series progresses we will discover the cause. Also, something so tragically unexpected will happen that will change the trajectory of the series.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Last of Us is based on the popular video game of the same name. I’ve never played it and didn’t know the story ahead of seeing the show.
Every episode contains twists, but none as brutal as in the second episode.
The characters are well cast and well played. Of course not enough can be said about Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. They are supported by an amazing supporting cast. Standouts include Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, Tony Dalton, Joe Pantoliano and Jeffrey Wright.
I’ve never seen a lead character that has irritated me as much as Ellie did in season two.
Season two’s ending leaves me with questions. Since I haven’t played the game or know the story, I’m interested to see what happens in season 3.
The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.
