HBO's 'The Night Of' lands 2 acting nominations with 'SAG Awards'

The "Screen Actors Guild" (SAG) Award nominations were announced today, Wednesday Dec. 14, 2016. SAG-AFTRA union members nominate their own in 15 acting categories for TV and Film. The SAG Awards will be given out "Live" on TNT and TBS Sunday Jan. 29, 2017. 

I once served on the TV SAG award nominating committee and enjoyed every minute of it. I vote every year for my favorites on film and television. 

"The Night Of" (HBO) grabbed 2 acting nominations for the 8-part limited TV series that aired in the Summer of 2016. Go below for nominations in actor category. 

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

• Riz Ahmed as Nasir "Naz" Khan - "The Night Of" (HBO)
• Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden - "The People V. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story" (FX Networks)
• Bryan Cranston as President Lyndon B. Johnson - "All the Way" (HBO)
• John Turturro as John Stone - "The Night Of" (HBO)
• Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran - "The People V. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story" (FX Networks)

 

An all new 'Hawaii Five-0' Friday Dec. 16, 2016

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. The winter mid-season finale episode is called, ""Ka’ili aku" that will air this Friday at 9/8 p.m.

TV Promo says, "Five-0 races to Mexico where Chin puts his life on the line after his niece Sara (Londyn Silzer) is kidnapped. Duane “Dog” Chapman returns as himself and George Takei returns as Chin’s Uncle Choi."

'Netflix' cancels ambitious 'Marco Polo' after 2 seasons

MARCO POLO on NET-FLIX. It was announced on Monday Dec. 12, 2016 that the online streaming giant has cancelled "Marco Polo." I just want to say that my viewership on this Blog rose because of my TV recaps of each episode with Season 2. Hardcore TV fans enjoyed the period drama surrounding Kublai Kahn (Benedict Wong) and his loyal servant Marco Polo (Lorenzo Richelmy). 

I'm a big fan of the history on "Marco Polo" and thought this TV series was excellent. It is reported that the production costs rose and the TV ratings fell in the second season. It received no award consideration anywhere, but I thought Benedict Wong deserved an Emmy and/or Golden Globe nomination for his work as Kublai Khan. 

The second TV season delved into the complexities of each character who worked close to Khan. It dealt with their choices that shaped history under Khan's power. He also had to protect his throne by enemies close to him and the threat of Christianity that was converting the Mongol people. I was waiting for a 3rd TV season, but it will not be. At least we have 20 excellent episodes...,

HBO's 'The Night Of' nabs 3 Golden Globe Nominations

THE NIGHT OF on HBO. It was an 8-part limited TV series that followed a college student caught up in murder. He was accused of the multiple stabbing of a young woman he spent the night with. He woke up downstairs on the kitchen table with no blood on his clothes or body. He is scared and runs, but is arrested. He goes through the judicial system and it is a harrowing experience. The young man is changed by his experience. The question is, "Does this innocent college student have the capability to kill?" 

HBO has not announced if there will be a second TV season. The Golden Globe nominations were announced Monday Dec. 12, 2016. "The Night Of" grabbed 3 nominations. Check Category nominees below:

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television:

• “American Crime”
• “The Dresser”
• “The Night Manager”
• “The Night Of”
• “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television:

• Riz Ahmed – “The Night Of”
• Bryan Cranston – “All The Way”
• Tom Hiddleston – “The Night Manager”
• John Turturro – “The Night Of”
• Courtney B. Vance – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”

 

'Elementary' Sherlock & Watson help a friend involved in deadly shooting

“Elementary” (CBS) can be seen each Sunday evening at 10/9 p.m. It aired at 9 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on Dec. 11, 2016 was called, “It serves you right to suffer.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 4.91 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.6 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. “The making of Frozen: A return to Arendelle” (ABC) grabbed 3.50 overall & 0.9 with adults. “Sunday Night Football” (NBC) nabbed 23.43 overall & 7.7 with adults (8:30-11 p.m).

“Elementary” stars, Jonny Lee Miller (Sherlock Holmes), Lucy Liu (Dr. Joan Watson),

Aidan Quinn (Captain Thomas Gregson) & Jon Michael Hill (Detective Marcus Bell).

“It serves you right to suffer.” A gang member is shot and killed inside the territory of a rival gang. The gun used on him was an old Japanese pistol. Shinwell showed up at the crime scene and his finger prints are on that pistol. He ran away and also left behind a “cross” on a necklace. Sherlock and Watson talk to him and Shinwell confesses that he was hired as an informant for the FBI. His job was to infiltrate his old gang and report back on criminal activity. If Shinwell's finger prints are traced by the police. He could be sent back to prison because he's on probation. Sherlock and Watson have 24 hours to figure out who killed the gang member.

Click photo for “Elementary” over at CBS.

(Shinwell, left, is helped by Sherlock)

'A Dangerous Man' from 'Dateline' has oil, murder, deceit & greed

DATELINE on NBC. The episode called, "A Dangerous Man" aired back in October 2016 and it has only played on Cable TV "Demand." So, fans couldn't watch online at the NBC website. A friend of mine recorded it on his DVR for me. I finally watched it and the 2-hour episode is a "doozy."

"A Dangerous Man." Three men were connected to North Dakota with the affiliated tribes of the Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara tribal people. An oil rush was in full swing on the Indian Reservation in 2012. Contractors descended on the land including James Henrikson who owned a trucking company. He had a deal with Doug Calile to raise $2 million to transport oil. Their contract would bring them money beyond their wildest dreams. KC Clarke worked for James and he suddenly disappeared in 2012. His body has never been found. Doug was later gunned down inside his home at Washington state. 

Police investigators found a security camera of a male running from Doug's home on the night he was killed. That male was dressed all in black and unrecognizable. Security video also captured a specific (company) white van, leaving Doug's upper-class neighborhood. A welding glove was left behind and investigators extracted DNA from it. That DNA belonged to Timothy Suckow who lived a few miles from Doug. It turns out that Timothy could be a "Hitman" connected to oil in North Dakota.

The website "Vidzi.tv" is running this episode. Watch at your own risk. Click photo.

(NBC Logo)

Millitary dad investigates son's death near Army base, 'In the Valley of Elah'

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH from WARNER MOVIES-ON-DEMAND (2007). It took me 10 years to see this film and I was absolutely floored by the Murder Mystery. (I bought it and streamed online at YouTube for only $2.99). According to "Box Office Mojo" that tracks box office receipts. "Elah" grabbed $6 million in the U.S. It nabbed $22 million at the Foreign box office.  

Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) discovers that his son Mike went missing at his military base after returning from the War at Iraq. Hank is a retired military veteran who travels to Albuquerque, NM to find out what happened to Mike. He discovers that his son was stabbed multiple times, his body cut up in pieces and burned. Who could do this to Mike? Was it drugs or gang related? Hank is stoned-walled by military politics, but is helped by detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron). 

This is loosely based on the true life story of Richard Davis (2003). He returned from Iraq and was murdered. His dad Lanny Davis investigated his son's death. I realized that this story was covered by "48 Hours" back in 2006 called, "Duty, Death, Dis-Honor." I recorded the TV episode and watched it many times. 

Tommy Lee Jones received a "best actor" Oscar nomination for his work in "Elah" (2007). He so deserved it too because, "What a performance!" The story is sad and haunting. The Iraq War crippled U.S., soldiers physically and worse, emotionally. The murder mystery unfolds and you go along for a terrifying ride. The worst fears of a father are realized and more so. Check it out if you can.

'Hawaii Five-0' A teen is hypnotised and finds a grave of real dead teen girl

“Hawaii Five-0” (CBS) can be seen each Friday evening at 9/8 p.m. It aired at 8 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on Dec. 9, 2016 was called, “Ka Luhi.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 9.33 million TV viewers overall. It reached 1.2 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. “Shark Tank” grabbed 4.87 overall & 1.0 with adults. “Dateline” nabbed 5.58 overall & 1.1 with adults (9-11 p.m).

“Hawaii Five-0” stars, Alex O'Loughlin (Steve McGarrett), Daniel Dae Kim (Chin Ho Kelly), Grace Park (Kono Kalakaua), Scott Caan (Danny Williams), Masi Oka (Max Bergman) & Chi McBride (Lou Grover).

“Ka Luhi.” A teen male named Reese is hypnotised by a therapist. He describes his nightmares and one in particular. He walks into the woods and in real time, police find a grave in a wooded area. They find a skull. That skull belonged to Maggie, a teen soccer player who disappeared ten years before. Meanwhile, Danno's sister Bridget comes to Hawaii and she is an attractive woman. Kono tells Chin Ho that he might be too involved with Sarah who he lost in a custody battle. She lives in Mexico with her aunt and uncle who Chin Ho believed to be drug dealers. He has no proof of this. Sarah is the daughter of Gabriel who was killed by an underground gang. He was also a criminal who caused a lot of problems for Chin Ho and the “Five-0” team.

Click photo for HAWAII FIVE-0 over at CBS.

(Danno welcomes his sister Bridget to Hawaii)

'Dateline' A popular Russian woman gunned down in her garage

"Dateline" (NBC) can be seen each Friday evening at 9/8 p.m. It aired in Albuquerque, NM at 8 p.m. (central time) on KOB 4. Last night's episode on Dec. 9, 2016 was called, "Someone was waiting." In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 5.58 million TV viewers overall. It reached 1.1 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic (9-11 p.m.). "Hawaii Five-0" (CBS) grabbed 9.33 overall & 1.2 with adults. “Shark Tank” (ABC) nabbed 4.87 overall & 1.0 with adults.

“Dateline” is an investigative program focusing on crime & murder in the United States. The reporter and narrator of this episode is Josh Mankiewicz.

“Someone was waiting.” Anna Moses was a mysterious Russian woman who moved to Texas. She was friendly to men and women in her community. She also had a private life that she never talked about. Anna had a son named Igor and she attracted a lot of men. She didn't show up for work on Jan. 14, 2015. Police went to her home and found her laying on the floor of the garage. Anna was shot seven times, but investigators found eleven bullet-shell-casings. It looked like someone was waiting for her to enter that garage. She tried to turn and run away. Bullets were found in her chest and in her back. Who wanted this Russian woman dead?

Watch episodes of “Dateline” streaming online at NBC. Click photo. 

Screen Legend Kirk Douglas reaches 100 years in 2016

Kirk Douglas celebrates his 100th birthday today, Friday Dec. 9, 2016. I've seen some of his movies way too many times (Spartacus, Champion, The Bad and the Beautiful, Detective Story). Below are two of my favorite westerns which Mr. Douglas starred in. Happy Birthday...,

Click posters for IMDB list of Kirk Douglas movies.

1951

1955

SAG-AFTRA wins small victory over video game producer website

The "Screen Actors Guild" (SAG) and the "America Federation of Television and Radio Artists" (AFTRA) has won a battle over the use of its' name on another website. Video game producers created a title website called, "sagaftravideogames.com" after SAG-AFTRA went on strike against them back in October 2016. Video producers have taken that website down over title trademark infringement. They have changed it to "videogamestrikenews.com." 

The SAG-AFTRA union strike has entered its' 50th day which is now the longest in SAG history. The union is asking for residual pay and on-set protection among other things. Video game producers haven't budged on anything as SAG-AFTRA blocks union members from working on productions around the world.

First Movie Trailer dropped 'War for the Planet of the Apes'

The teaser trailer was released earlier this year to a lot of fan anticipation. The 3rd installment in this reboot is called, "War for the Planet of the Apes" that will open in U.S., theaters July 14, 2017. It follows the ape "Caesar" within his evolution as a leader of other primates. (I wonder if there will be, "Conquest for the Planet of the Apes.").

Studio promo says, "Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet."

The first movie trailer was dropped today Friday Dec. 9, 2016

'48 Hours' is repeat this Saturday Dec. 10, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. This week's episode is a repeat called, "Target Justice" that will air at 10/9 p.m. It comes after 2 hour's worth of Christmas Specials. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" beginning at 8/7 p.m. "Frosty the Snowman" at 9/8 p.m. "Frosty Returns" at 9:30/8:30 p.m. 

CBS says, "A Texas town on edge -- someone was killing prosecutors. Was it a gang hit or could the killer be one of their own? "48 Hours"' Richard Schlesinger investigates."

A Sneak Peek from "48 Hours."

An all new 'Elementary' Sunday Dec. 11, 2016

ELEMENTARY on CBS. the next episode is called, "It Serves You Right to Suffer"  that will air this Sunday at 10/9 p.m. (I knew Shinwell would return in one way or another). 

TV Promo says, "When Shinwell comes to Holmes and Watson for help after he’s framed for a gang killing, they have three days to find the real murderer before he is arrested and sent back to jail."

'The Mummy' Behind-The-Scenes look with Tom Cruise

THE MUMMY from UNIVERSAL. The first trailer was dropped on Sunday and it has been viewed on the "Universal" YouTube channel 13 Million Times. That doesn't count the other platforms on social media. Of course all the YouTube critics and monster fans are weighing in. I think it's a pretty good trailer with a lot of action and it has to be because of Tom Cruise. It is a departure from the comedic family-fare of the Brendan Fraser pictures. Check out the behind-the-scenes video below.

An all new 'Hawaii Five-0' Friday Dec. 9, 2016

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. The new episode is called, "Ka Luhi"  that airs this Friday at 9/8 p.m. It's back after a 2-week hiatus.

TV promo says, "Five-0 investigates the 10-year-old cold case of a missing teen when a boy suffering from PTSD undergoes hypnosis and realizes he may have witnessed her murder. Also, Danny's sister, Bridget visits Oahu for a business conference, and he suspects that she may be getting too close to a co-worker."

 

An all new 'Dateline' Friday Dec. 9, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. The next 2-hour episode is called, "Someone was waiting" that will air this Friday at 9/8 p.m. 

NBC says, "When a captivating woman is found dead in her garage, detectives in Frisco, Texas uncover a series of suspects - all of them connected in different ways to her complicated and secretive life." Josh Mankiewicz reports.

Click photo for DATELINE TV Preview of SOMEONE WAS WAITING.

(NBC Logo)

'Princess Mononoke' comes to Albuquerque for 20th anniversary

PRINCESS MONONOKE. The animated film is set in Japan during what is called the "Muromachi" era. A beast is covered in a black disease who storms the village that is protected by Ashitaka. He tries to stop it, but his arm gets wrapped in the same black disease he cannot control. He sets out on a journey where that beast came from. Ashitaka steps into a war between the land of God's and the humans who want their rich natural land. It is an era where tradition falls into a new modern era. The struggle to hold onto that tradition is fought hard by the Princess Mononoke who finds a friend in Ashitaka. 

The 20th anniversary screening will be Jan. 5, 2017 on movie screens across the United States. For One Night Only. It will come to the "Cottonwood Mall 16" and the "Century 14" at Albuquerque, NM. You can buy advance tickets here. 

Tom Cruise revives 'The Mummy' in action packed new trailer

THE MUMMY from UNIVERSAL. The first movie trailer has been dropped and it stars of course..., Tom Cruise. It has been reported that he did his own stunt work in the sequence where thousands of bats take down an airplane. There was early skepticism about Cruise reviving an "old monster" genre that has been a staple for Universal Pictures since the 1930's. It was revived in 1999 with Brendan Fraser that spawned 2 sequels. This new movie looks to be more action packed with Cruise leading the way. "Mummy" opens in the Summer of 2017.

'Dakota Access Pipeline' halted by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Native American protesters had until Monday Dec. 5, 2016 to vacate Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The state's governor ordered the evacuation last week. It has been reported that more than 3,000 Tribal military veterans have traveled to the protest campsite in the last few days. They wanted to be a human shield between peaceful protestors and the police. MSNBC is now reporting that the "US Army Corps of Engineers" has stopped the pipeline from being built under the Missouri River which is a living resource for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

 

'48 hours' Did a psychiatrist brainwash a bi-polar young man to kill?

"48 Hours" (CBS) was seen Saturday evening at 10/9 p.m. It aired at 9 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. The episode on Dec. 3, 2016 was called, "The psychiatrist and the selfie." In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 4.26 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.8 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. “College football" (ABC) grabbed 5.32 overall & 1.5 with adults (8-11 p.m.). “It's a wonderful life" (NBC) nabbed 3.74 overall & 0.6 with adults (8-11 p.m.).

"48 Hours" is an investigative program that covers crime & murder in the United States. This episode was reported and narrated by Peter Van Sant.

“The psychiatrist and the selfie.” Jacob and Pamela were seen on camera buying a sledge hammer. He used that and a kitchen knife to go and kill her ex-lover Michael. Jacob failed in his attempt as both men were brought to the hospital with multiple knife wounds. Pamela and Michael are professional psychiatrists. She is Jacob's cousin who took him in because he has a bi-polar disorder. He claims that she brainwashed him into killing Michael the father of their son. Pamela says Jacob did it all on his own and she had no involvement. She was never charged with any crime even though she's seen on camera buying that sledge hammer. There's a video interview of Jacob talking to a prosecuting lawyer and he sounds “cold” and “vicious” as he describes what he planned to do. Was he brainwashed or was he stable enough to do it all on his own?

You can watch episodes of “48 Hours” at CBS. Click photo.

(CBS Photo)

'Dateline' A young wife disappears in the desert of California

"Dateline" (NBC) can be seen each Friday evening at 9/8 p.m. It aired in Albuquerque, NM at 8 p.m. (central time) on KOB 4. Last night's episode on Dec. 2, 2016 was called, "The Last Day." In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 6.10 million TV viewers overall. It reached 1.2 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic (9-11 p.m.). "Hawaii Five-0" (CBS) grabbed 5/79 overall & 0.6 with adults (repeat). “Shark Tank” (ABC) nabbed 5.18 overall & 1.2 with adults.

“Dateline” is an investigative program focusing on crime & murder in the United States. The reporter and narrator of this episode is Andrea Canning.

“The Last Day.” Erin was 18-years-old. She married John who went into the marines. They moved to an army base in California. She got pregnant, but had a miscarriage. Their marriage began to crack. Erin met a man named Chris at a horse ranch near the army base. He was married to Nicole. Erin and Chris had a secret affair and she got pregnant again. It was assumed that the baby belonged to Chris. John knew nothing about it. Erin wanted to scout out hiking trails at a national park. John went to work and she left early in the morning. It was the last time anybody saw her. Erin's car was found abandoned two days later. What happened to her?

Watch episodes of “Dateline” streaming online at NBC. Click photo.

(NBC Logo)

'Nocturnal Animals' is now playing in select US Theaters

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS from FOCUS FEATURES. According to "Box Office Mojo" that tracks box office receipts. "Animals" opened on Nov. 18, 2016 and has grabbed $2,019,288 as of Dec. 1. 

Focus Features says, "From writer/director Tom Ford comes a haunting romantic thriller of shocking intimacy and gripping tension that explores the thin lines between love and cruelty, and revenge and redemption. Academy Award nominees Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal star as a divorced couple discovering dark truths about each other and themselves in - Nocturnal Animals.”

 

Sandia Indian Casino $2 Month Specials for December 2016

SANDIA INDIAN CASINO at ALBUQUERQUE, NM. I usually head on over to play the Black-Jack Tables. I then eat at the "P'A Shur" Deli for free drinks and the $2 dollar month specials. They have $2 Hamburgers all the time. This month of December 2016 has added $2 Meat Tacos. So, head on over to Sandia. 

Click photos for P'A Shur Deli inside the Sandia.

An all new '48 Hours' Saturday Dec. 3, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. The next episode is called, "The Psychiatrist and the selfie" that airs this Saturday at 10/9 p.m. CBS says, " Jacob Nolan, who claims his psychiatrist programmed him to kill her ex-lover, speaks out for the first time to correspondent Peter Van Sant." (Incredible. Sounds like a murder mystery novel).