Category: Tv

FOX UK acquires TV series WOLF CREEK

28/6/2016

30,000 people go missing in Australia each year, with 90 per cent found within the first month.
The rest are never seen again

**THRILLING PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMAWOLF CREEK PREMIERES FIRST ON FOX**

FOX UK have acquired 6 x 60’ psychological thriller Wolf Creek from Banijay Group’s distribution arm Zodiak Rights. Based on the international hit feature film of the same name, John Jarratt reprises his role as murdering psychopath Mick Taylor, wreaking havoc in the Australian Outback. Wolf Creek will premiere in the UK on Tuesday 30th August at 10pm on FOX.

Wolf Creek follows American teenager Eve Thorogood (Lucy Fry, 11.22.63) on holiday with her family in Northern Australia. Sadistic killer Mick targets the family, viciously slaughtering them for his own twisted pleasure. Seriously injured, Eve survives the massacre of her parents and little brother, and sets out to bring the killer to justice. And so begins a chilling game of cat and mouse, with the roles reversed and the hunter becoming the hunted. A Tarantino-esque revenge tale, Wolf Creek reveals Eve’s complex and extraordinary journey, as she evolves from child to adult, from prey to predator. But can she triumph over Mick Taylor, evil incarnate?

Toby Etheridge, Head of Programming, FOX UK, commented: “Wolf Creek is a slick and tense psychological drama boasting gnarly thrills and heart-stopping tension. FOX is renowned for its high-quality horror hits including exorcism drama Outcast and the American Horror Story franchise, making Wolf Creek a perfect addition to our portfolio. Mick Taylor may not be good for tourism, but he’s great for entertainment!”.

Chris Stewart, VP Sales & Acquisitions, commented: “Zodiak Rights is delighted to be partnering with FOX to bring this fantastic series to UK viewers. Wolf Creek terrified a generation when the original film released in 2005 and with the same creative team at the helm, this brand new series is guaranteed to provide another premium dose of tension and terror!”

Adapted for television by Peter Gawler, Greg McLean and Felicity Packard, Wolf Creek is a Stan Original Series, produced by Screentime, a Banijay Group company, in association with Emu Creek Pictures and financed with the assistance of Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation.

A brand new series Murder in the First starts on Friday night at 10pm on FOX

14/1/2015

The brand new slick and smart FOX series Murder in the First launches this Friday (16th) at 10pm on FOX. Starring British actor Tom Felton, (better known as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films) Taye Diggs, (The Good Wife) and Kathleen Robertson, (Bates Motel). Murder in The First focuses on one single homicide that proves far more complex and mysterious than detectives first thought…

South Park vs Freemium

12/11/2014

South Park is back tonight at 10pm on Comedy Central.

If there is one thing the South Park creators (Matt & Trey) do better than anyone it's make the oddities of the world seem painfully simple. In the clips below the South Park boys take a look at the culture of Freemium games from both the user perspective and the corporate side as well.

Please be aware the videos below contain swearing and should be watched by over 18's only.

Preview of The Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 1; premiering Monday 13th October 9pm, First on FOX

9/10/2014

Please beware we will not spoil this episode but will point to events from the Previous seasons.

The pace of the Walking Dead in its entirety is a bit of a mixed bag, we have had fast paced action scenes, slow tension filled escapes and even slower looks into the human constitution and idea of civilisation. This mixture has helped grow the show over the past four seasons, as well kept the comic of which it is based running for over 130 issues.

When we first met up with Rick Grimes and the rest of the cast in Season one life was about mere survival but as time has gone on the idea of rebuilding the world has come into the forefront of people's desires. This led the group to what they thought would be their "Sanctuary". As we now know this ended up being more of a nightmare then anyone really anticipated, though not from the walkers but instead from other survivors. This examination of power and survival permeates this episode as we find out what happens in a direct continuation of the end of Series 4 and if the Terminus crew really are "Screwing with the wrong People".

It's a great opening to the season which has the ability to bring in new watchers with the small amounts of exposition that help fill people in. I will however tell you that it is better to catch up first but new watchers should not be afraid.

For those of you loyal watchers then the pay off is hugely rewarding. The tension that is created from the last season comes to a head and should grip most viewers throughout the episode. The pacing feels forgiving as the story ebbs and flows but be warned this is not for the faint hearted but what you expect anything less form The Walking Dead.

WARNER BROS. TELEVISION BRINGS THE WORLDS OF GOTHAM,CONSTANTINE, THE FOLLOWING, FOREVER AND PERSON OF INTEREST TO NEW YORK COMIC CON OCTOBER 9-12

16/9/2014

Why This has piqued our interest

Warner Bros already have a great line up of shows but with the upcoming Gotham and Constantine they are looking to really build on their comic/television ecosystem. From the details we have both shows look enormously exciting and should help to make your TV viewing over the coming months highly rewarding.

Below are some details about the panels that will be held at New York Comic Con this year for a mixture of WBTV's shows along with where you can find social media links to keep update with the shows and their stars.

Warner Bros. Television makes another exciting return to New York Comic Con (NYCC) with three new eagerly anticipated series, including Gotham (Mondays, 8/7c on FOX), Forever (Tuesdays, 10/9c on ABC), and Constantine (Fridays 10/9c, on NBC), in addition to returning hits The Following (Midseason on FOX) and Person of Interest (Tuesdays, 10/9c on CBS).

Confirmed to attend New York Comic Con 2014 for panel sessions with fans include Constantine stars Matt Ryan and Angélica Celaya, along with executive producer David S. Goyer; Gotham stars Ben McKenzie, Sean Pertwee, Robin Lord Taylor and Erin Richards;Forever stars Ioan Gruffudd and Alana De La Garza, along with executive producer Matt Miller; TheFollowing’s Kevin Bacon, Shawn Ashmore and executive producer Marcos Siega; Person of Interest’s Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, Amy Acker and Kevin Chapman, along with executive producer Greg Plageman.

For the second year at NYCC, Warner Bros. Television will host preview night screenings in the Main Stage on Thursday, October 9. Fans will not only view the complete pilot episode of the hotly anticipated seriesConstantine (series premiere Friday, October 24, 10/9c on NBC), but also the season two premiere episode ofThe 100 (season two premiere Wednesday, October 22 9/8c on The CW) will be screened.

For a full run down of all the panels taking place please click the read more tab.

Review; True Blood: Season 7 Episode 5 'Lost Cause'

4/8/2014

Warning Spoilers ahoy.

If you are new to the series then may I suggest you catch up with our look backs of the previous seasons. If you have seen the first episode or are just curious what all the fuss is about then read on McDuff.

The Stackhouse house should probably be declared a national disaster zone at this point. The deaths that have occurred from Gran Stackhouse to Tara, not to mention the attempted murders, fights and other assorted misdemeanours. In this episode thought he whole house changes its demeanour as it becomes a place for a rather surreal celebration. With Sookie still mourning the death of Alcide Lafayette takes it upon himself to try to make her life a little better by throwing a small gathering of friends better known as a crazy partee.

The gathering however is not the opening that takes place at Fangtasia and gives us the answer to a long wondered question, what good is a sex slave who you do not have sex with? The question is delivered by Ginger to Eric and within itself does give us an idea about their relationship over the years. Unfortunately she is back to being the needy Ginger of old but as Eric and Pam are packed up into their travelling coffins there is a pretty funny scene that shows her at her ridiculous best. This however is the bookend to Eric’s interaction with Willa as he seeks out her former step mother. We all know Eric is after Sarah Noolan and will stop at nothing to exact his revenge even if it means becoming that which he most hates, A Conservative.

Back at Sookie’s we get to meet Alcide’s father along with his other half who have to come to mourn with Sookie. They feel the same way for remembering the fallen as Lafayette giving the party organiser all the ammunition he needs to convince Sookie the party is the way to go. However until the first guest shows up it does not seem she will be putting her face on, but the appearance of Bill changes her mind and from there it’s time to get down and funky Bon Temps style.

I will admit that there are some nice parts to the story with the highlight being Andy proposing to Holly using Gran Stackhouse’s Ring. It caps a nice arc for the long suffering sheriff and does give him a nice moment within the story as a whole. The other members of the Fangtasia dungeon four are having mixed experiences from being returned to their loved ones; Jane Boathouse going back to her search for the bottom of the bottle is probably the only exception. Arleen’s constant need to tinkle appears to be brought on by her desire to quash has desires and Nicole seems the only one with a clear thought process on the lunacy of having a party at this time, do bring some semblance of normality (True Blood normal that is) to proceedings

Again like most of the episodes in this season it feels like a homage to our previous time spent with True Blood, I am however still concerned by the direction that the show is taking in its handling of Bill. Again we get a look back in to the glorious past of the benevolent Mr Compton as he goes about his business freeing slaves and working for the best of his family. I think these look backs are supposed to make us forget the nastier side of the man but if he truly has been drained and is a new man, Why do these memories matter to the man (Vampire) he is now?

Overall though this is an episode dominated by the affairs of the heart, one man is the dominant force for the most interesting storyline and that is Lafayette. Although he has the issue of dealing with his crazed aunt and hosting it does not stop him from taking that which is not his. The relationship between him and Jessica’s other half has been full of sexual tension and sideways glances but tonight we got to see the end of the flirtation and the beginning and end of the affair. It happens in the shake of a tail but when we get to the end we find out that one love affair has a way of starting others and in this case it’s Jason and Jess. The resolution when Violet finds out will be interesting and we do get to see a glimpse of her and this is a tension filled moment above all others.

The best though comes at the end as Eric finally catches up with his prey literally. It ends a up and down issue that shows us the beginning of the end of Mr Compton as well as the continued fall in to disease of Mr Northman, perhaps the house should not be condemned perhaps it’s the owner one Miss Sookie Stackhouse that really needs to come with a warning.

By Paul Fiander
Pictures Courtesy of Fox and HBO

FX drama TYRANT coming to the UK in September on FOX

31/7/2014

Image courtesy of FOX International

Why this has piqued our interest

Coming from Howard Gordon one the producer's behind 24 and Homeland gives this show a level of expectation that it will be gritty and pull no punches. From the release below this certainly seems the way the team are heading.
Add to that a interesting cast and a setting we have yet to explore in this way you have the makings of a must see TV series.
We will be keeping you abreast of any more details as well as reviewing the show when it airs later this year.

FOX International Channels UK has acquired the rights to FX drama Tyrant from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution. The 10 x 60 US series was created by Gideon Raff (Prisoners of War) and is executive produced by Howard Gordon (24, Homeland). The series is produced by Fox 21 and FX Productions. Tyrant will premiere in the UK this September on FOX.

The deal was brokered by Toby Etheridge, Head of Programming & Scheduling, FIC UK, and Jason Simms, SVP Global Acquisitions for FOX International Channels, with Steve Cornish, SVP & Managing Director, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution

Tyrant is a tense, political and family drama, bringing a Godfather style plot to the Middle East. It tells the story of Bassam “Barry” Al-Fayeed (English actor Adam Rayner), who has escaped his past and now lives in California with his American wife Molly (Jennifer Finnigan) and two children Emma (Anne Winters) and Sammy (Noah Silver). Barry is the youngest son of Khaled Al-Fayeed (Nasser Faris), a war-torn country’s controversial dictator and authoritarian President.

After 20 years of a self-imposed exile, Barry returns to his homeland for his nephew’s wedding and is immediately thrown back into the familial and national politics of his youth. Barry’s concern intensifies when he sees the degeneration of his older brother Jamal (Ashraf Barhom), heir to the throne. Amidst a chain of tragedies, this all-American family find themselves embroiled in the geopolitical intrigue of a volatile and turbulent Middle Eastern nation that will forever change their lives.

Toby Etheridge, Head of Programming & Scheduling, FIC UK, commented: “Topical and relevant, Tyrant is an engrossing political series. At its heart a family drama, Tyrant is fascinating and well-made, and everything you would expect from the makers of Homeland and 24, and the broadcaster that brought us Fargo, Louie and American Horror Story. “

Cecilia Beacon, Director of Broadcasting & Marketing FIC UK added: “Tyrant is the perfect addition to our Autumn line up on FOX – with big subject matter and bold themes, we know this will appeal to our passionate audiences who come to FOX for the best in first run US drama series.’

Steve Cornish, SVP and Managing Director of Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution concluded: “Tyrant, which is set in a fictional nation in the Middle East is a thrilling and dramatic family saga on a grand scale. It is international TV at its very best. Lead by Brit Adam Rayner, it features an amazing cast from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the US.”

Review; True Blood: Season 7 Episode 4 'Death Is Not the End'

28/7/2014

Warning Spoilers ahoy.

If you are new to the series then may I suggest you catch up with our look backs of the previous seasons. If you have seen the first episode or are just curious what all the fuss is about then read on McDuff.

The show seems to be suggesting throughout the episode that the reasoning’s for staying are far more built round the idea of resilience and determination. Sookie despite her faults has always strove to do what is right in her eyes, her moral compass though tends to point back to the love of her life Bill. It seems odd that such a person like Sookie should be so blind when it comes to the affairs of the heart but if you were unsure this episode is the one that really tells you how clueless she really is.

From there the melodrama comes thick and fast as we are taken through a number of encounters that show who is left to fight the Hep V band. With a force that feels somewhat undercooked we receive our salvation in the form of a diseased Eric. His appearance although shown in the show in a surprise for our resistance and Sookie especially. As always with the big Viking his entrance changes the mood of the mood of the entire place although it is tinged with sadness as we realise this is the end for Eric. His embrace with Sookie feels honest from his point of view however Sookie’s reaction does feel a little over cooked as she cannot contain her sense of loss.

The gravity of the losses the folks of Bon Temps have had to endure would cripple most people but still the residents stay. You have to ask yourself why?

There seems to be some kind of loyalty to the area but much like the Hellmouth from Buffy the Vampire Slayer I still cannot fathom why people would stay here, the life expectancy (once the Vampires are taken out of the equation) must be well below the national average. It feels odd that dirt and building materials can have such a hold but then again I’m not sure I would want to give away my home for anything.

First there is the matter of the death of Alcide; we open with Sookie calling the Wolf’s Dad letting him know of his son’s passing. It is an interesting scene as at the same time Jason is calling a glamoured Hoyt telling him of his mother’s passing. Of the two phone calls Jason’s is certainly more touching as you have the issue the joint positions of the horrendous news mixed with the normally clueless Deputy Stackhouse realising his friend has no memory of him. His occasional attempts to try to instigate a response are well timed and do strike a chord.

Of course all this background is really just the starter for the main course that is the final showdown at Fangtasia. Thanks to some rather convenient background storytelling we discover that the Club was once a video shop complete with an old underground railway tunnel from the civil war days*. From there you can guess what’s coming with the battle between the infected and the non-infected it is just as stylised as the first battle of the season except now we get to see Bill and co in top form with a slightly below par Eric still able to pull out all the stops.

I’m getting a little worried about this season with the Bill and Sookie love story seemingly back in play it seems we are supposed to forgive him for his indiscretions because he has had a blood and so soul transfusion. Obviously I cannot tell how this will end but part of me will feel betrayed if Bill and Sookie walk off into the sunset. Despite the shows flaws I have watched each season and been thoroughly entertained so even if the ending I dread does occur it will not tarnish my journey just the final destination.

* Giving Ginger her due

The slightly lost Barmaid has been an ever present in the show and in this episode we finally get to find out why. The way she is portrayed as a clever student desperate to learn is an almost polar opposite to her current form. Her demise was Pam’s fault but it plays out well and does give her a great leaving plot, it would have just been better if she would have been made more of in earlier series.

By Paul Fiander
Pictures Courtesy of Fox and HBO

Review; True Blood: Season 7 Episode 3 'Fire in the Hole'

21/7/2014

Warning Spoilers ahoy.

If you are new to the series then may I suggest you catch up with our look backs of the previous seasons. If you have seen the first episode or are just curious what all the fuss is about then read on McDuff.

Karl Marx once said “Die Religion…ist das Opium of the Volkes which roughly translates as “Religion is the opiate of the masses”. If True Blood has one person who embodies this quote its Sarah Noolan, the once wife of the preacher come vampire Reverend Noolan has had her fair share of callings from God and at the start of the episode we find she has found a new opiate to follow, but it looks like her past may be coming back to haunt her in more ways than one. There is something about her that gives her the air of a Cockroach her ability to survive is actually a real strength but there are many who would love to see her get her comeuppance.

In another search for seemingly divine inspiration Pam has finally found an ailing Eric, he is lying on his death bed seemingly from contracting Hep V. and in true Eric style he uses this time to reflect on his past conquests and the ones he has lost. His relationship with Pam has always been interesting and we find out even more about the pairs relationship with Nan Flannigan and the authority. The desire to rebel seems to run thickly through our rather large Viking and sometimes he seems to court danger just for shits and giggles. The problem is if he were to leave the series it would put a dampener on the end of the series, though the return of Mrs Noolan could be the tonic he needs to recover his resolve to at least go out swinging.

Of course thanks to Willa’s blood Mrs Daniels is also on the return to an opiate, the principle of once a junkie always a junkie seems to run deep in Bon Temps and on that front Sookie has returned to her drug of choice Bill’s blood. From all the crap he has put her through you have to wonder how she can ever trust him but like a bad penny she always seems to let him back in her pocket. Sookie however is using Bill to help her track down the missing townsfolk of Bon Temps. The way she thought of her plan is a throwback to season one it’s a little to cutsie but does make the Bill/Sookie dynamic have a little more legs.

The time the two spend together is filled with the sombre True Blood music and flashbacks. Unfortunately I’m finding these a little unjustified for the past few seasons Bill has shown us a truly evil side and it is going to take more than a few daughter filled flashbacks to make him a sympathetic character again. He is charming and Stephen Moyer does a wonderful job making him feel like a character that we may be able to forgive, however at this time I feel he needs to do a lot more before I can trust him again.

In typical Sookie fashion she has been hot headed and not filled in others on her plans which caused the wolf in her life Alcide to go on the hunt to find her. His passing was probably the most understated event in the show and felt natural with little grand standing; the most pleasing aspect was Sookie’s refusal for him to be turned. If the Wolf had become a Vamp it would have been a betrayal of his character and shown how little Sookie understood or respected him.

On the wider front the Townsfolk of Bon Temp are still on the rampage and now they are heavily armed with the Sheriffs weaponry. Of course this is new Andy an along with Deputy Stackhouse they put down some rather startling ultimatums when confronted. Of course the fact they have Violet by their sides does make them a lot more of a threat. She is now the most bad ass vampire in town and her volatile relationship with Jason has a mixture of humour with real world problems is making for great television. Their chemistry is great and they feel natural when fighting or F+#*ing.

Despite this episodes up and downs you can see the end game coming as the players move around the board. The biggest question at the moment is who do we think will survive, it takes a brave show to kill pretty much everyone off but it’s something I can see True Blood having no problem with. Of course we will have to see how things end but at the moment I cannot see a fairy tale end for our Fairy Halfling or any of her friends/family.

By Paul Fiander
Pictures Courtesy of Fox and HBO

Preview True Blood Season 7 Episode 2; “I Found You”

11/7/2014

These previews are as spoiler free as possible. We hope they can help you get excited for what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting final seasons in a while.

Keep an eye out after the episode airs for our full episode review.

I’m not sure what to say about this opening sequence except that involves two of True Blood’s hottest properties engaged in a moment that will certainly get a lot of pulses racing. It’s pretty well acted but I’m pretty sure it won’t be winning many Emmy’s however it more than likely be played more than once.

The crux of the episode revolves around the town’s ability to survive, with the federal government not answering calls the question comes down to who can people trust. The local police (Andy, Jason and Kenya), their Vampire protectors or is the answer really closer to home. We are going to find out one way or another.

The clip below the read more line (Watch out it has light spoilers) is probably the most harrowing of the episode and right up there with the most disturbing from the whole show. It has a sense of what is going to come not only for Bon Temps but for the rest of small town America. The Hep V virus seems to be the most potent force for death in the world however history tells us that there is another force in the world that can be just as destructive, the power of man with a firearm in tow.

This is a strong episode that has an emotional impact which at times can feel a little melodramatic but in a way it feels fitting for the subject matter.

By Paul Fiander
Pictures Courtesy of Fox and HBO