Monday, September 15, 2025
Classic Podcast '48 Hours' episode 'Jade Janks and the Secret Nude Photos' 2023
48 Hours says, "A woman discovers explicit photos of herself on her stepfather’s computer. Soon after, he’s found dead. Jade is a likely suspect, but did she do it?"
Tracy Smith reports.
This episode last aired on 10/15/2023.
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Excellent 8-Part TV Series 'The Count Of Monte Cristo' 2024
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO from RAI (2025). The TV series had already premiered in Europe 2024/2025. It will land in America on PBS Masterpiece (2026). I watched all eight episodes in one sitting. This is a review.
I'm a huge fan of the book by Alexandre Dumas published back in 1846. "Monte Cristo" has been made into numerous movies plus several TV mini-series.
The story is simple. Sailor Edmond Dantes is falsely accused of treason by three ruthless men. He is imprisoned for 15 years and is presumed dead. He escapes and discovers the gold of "Monte Cristo." That helps him plan his intricate revenge.
In this 8-part TV series. There are numerous flashbacks that smoothly move the story forward. We see everything through Edmond's eyes. It stays really close to the book.
There are also new touches we haven't seen in the other filmed versions. Edmond is so consumed with revenge. His anger has to be balanced out. So, he tastes from a small bottle to calm himself. He is a chemist and probably made the drug. This revenge consumes his entire body.
After 15 years in prison. Edmond does not age here. He instead grows a beard and mustache. His enemies never notice. In the other versions. Edmond has grey hair and/or a scar across his face.
Also - There is a sword fight and a pistol duel involving Edmond. That is not here. What is most important are "words" from a simple letter. It destroys his enemies much harder. The revenge is then a lot sweeter.
There is a question. Did Edmond's revenge kill his love for Mercedes? It looks like it did because when she begs him to spare her son's life. She kisses him. The feeling isn't there after so many years. The ending gives us a little hope of them reuniting. But, can they ever rekindle their love?
I want to see it again. I give "Monte Cristo" 5 out 5 Stars*
Top Box Office 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' is Number #1 with $70 Million
TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / Sept. 14, 2025 / ESTIMATED
1. Demon Slayer - Infinity Castle $70,000,000 Sony Pictures
2. The Conjuring: Last Rites $26,100,000 Warner Bros.
3. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale $18,100,000 Focus Features
4. The Long Walk $11,500,000 Lionsgate
5. Toy Story $3,500,000 Walt Disney
6. Weapons $2,725,000 Warner Bros.
7. Hamilton $2,200,000 Walt Disney
8. Freakier Friday $2,100,000 Walt Disney
9. Spinal Tap II: The End Continues $1,674,926 Bleecker Street
10. The Sound of Music $1,486,231 Fathom Events
New Podcast 'Dateline' series 'Deadly Engagement' Streaming Sept. 16, 2025
Dateline says, "Denita Smith was about to fulfill her dreams. Just months away from getting her master’s degree, Denita had recently gotten engaged to her college sweetheart. But her future vanished in a puff of smoke with one gunshot from a mysterious assailant."
"Josh Mankiewicz takes you to North Carolina for a twisted story of sex, lies and betrayal that will keep you guessing until the very end."
Saturday Night '48 Hours' double episode
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Podcast '20/20' episode 'First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder'
Friday Night 'Dateline' episode 'The Night of the Audition'
DATELINE on NBC. Last night's episode was called, "The Night of the Audition" (9/12/2025). This was a new episode. Check it out if you missed it.
Friday, September 12, 2025
My Favorite 'America's Got Talent' performance from 2014
AMERICA's GOT TALENT on NBC. The winner will receive a headline show at Las Vegas, Nevada. Plus, $1 million dollars.
Season 9 (2014).
I've been watching past auditions. I really enjoyed Mike Super who is a "mystifier." He uses magic with human energy. He even has an imaginary friend named "Desmond" whom he brought to his audition. All of the judges voted him to the next round.
Mike was eliminated during the Judge's Choice (Quarterfinals). He was brought back as a Wild Card by judge Howie Mandel. He made it to the Semi-Finals but did not have enough votes to reach the top 6. He was eliminated during the Finals.
I don't know what happened to Mike with being consistent. I guess he was confusing to the judges. I do think he had a shot at Las Vegas. His idea was unique.
Below is Mike Super's excellent AGT audition from 2014.