SDCC 2019: The Flash Stars Discuss What’s in Store for Season Six [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

Ready for The Flash to make its season six premiere? Well never fear, Just About Write was on hand at San Diego Comic-Con to get the scoop on all things season six with Tom Cavanaugh (Harrison Wells/Reverse Flash), Danielle Panabaker (Caitlin Snow/ Killer Frost), and Hartley Sawyer (Ralph Dibney/Elongated Man). So, strap in and get ready for a few tidbits to prepare you for a riveting season ahead!

On the favorite Wells to portray thus far and what we can expect from this season’s latest edition, Tom said: “I liked in season three when Harry and HR would do scenes together.  HR loved Harry, and Harry couldn't stand HR. That was so much fun to play. Last season, I thought wouldn't it be great if within the actual story that we're telling, the overarching story, we had that kind of dynamic and so that became Sherloque Wells trying to track down the Reverse Flash, and figure out who was helping Nora (Jessica Parker Kennedy) and that was a delight to play. And this year, the new Wells will be a swashbuckling bit of an adventurer. Living a life of intrigue, possibly deceit and maybe a little sensuality.”

Danielle Panabaker talked about Killer Frost this year and that new costume reveal, saying: “I think this season, we're going to get to see Killer Frost take charge a little bit more. You know, she's going to get to sort of take the wheel and make some decisions. Caitlin's going to take a break. I really loved the dynamic between Caitlin and Killer Frost that we got to explore last season. But this season, I think we’re going to get to see a little bit more of Killer Frost’s interactions with the rest of Team Flash.”

Danielle continued: “We actually started working on that costume about a year ago, and the intention was for it to be in season five, but the timing never worked out. I was obviously disappointed at the time, but I am excited that it’s finally out there now. And I'm really in love with this costume too. There were a lot of things that I really wanted. You know, there's some images to comic books, which I love I mean, Godspeed episode as well. I tried to do a video Hodges go to the pilot, there was never, it never worked out for it to appear in season five, which obviously I was very disappointed at a time. But I'm excited that it's finally out there now. And I'm really, I love this too.”

On Ralph’s character and evolution thus far, Hartley said: “When I auditioned to play Ralph, I did more of the Tex Avery walking cartoon character side of things, which I have a lot of fun doing. I love playing the slapstick comedy stuff with Ralph and I also love the way he is now. I always saw Ralph as kind of a bit more fully formed, and he's going to evolve even more. Ralph is a lot more complex than people realize, but I think there's so much to dig in with that guy. And there's such a rich comic book history, and so much progression to do, including being a detective, a superhero, and all the elements he brought last season. There’s so much more progression we can do though!”

We’ll just have to wait and see how Bloodwork compares to Reverse Flash when this season of The Flash premieres Tuesdays only on The CW!

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SDCC 2019: The Riverdale Cast Talks All Things Senior Year [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

(Photo credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

My favorite event to cover is San Diego Comic-Con, and this year did not disappoint! I had a chance to talk to the Riverdale seniors: KJ Apa (who plays Archie Andrews), Cole Sprouse (Jughead Jones), Lili Reinhart (Betty Cooper), Camila Mendes (Veronica Lodge), and Madelaine Petsch (Cheryl Blossom) who shared what’s to come in the form of academics, family, murder and mayhem in the cursed town of Riverdale.

Here is some scoop...

On Jughead’s arc for the season:

“Jughead’s only in Riverdale on the weekends now. So his main storyline is the prep school, which is the foundation and building blocks of the flash-forwards that we're doing with season four, ” Sprouse told me.

The locus of the mystery of this season is this very strange elitist prep school. The way it was described was very Gossip Girl prep, like Upper East Side kids. And then Jughead. It's sort of like Dead Poets Society. He got into this school because of the story he submitted to a writing contest about the gargoyle king. So a teacher being fascinated with his voice takes him into this prep school.”

On Veronica’s newfound freedom this season:

“Veronica is focusing on applying for colleges and dealing with the repercussions of her father's actions,” Mendes shared. “Both of her parents are in prison. She put her father, Hiram (Mark Consuelos) in there and she wants him to be there. I don’t think she wanted her mom to be there though.

But Hiram ... is causing hell in her life, making it hard for her to get into college, and reacting to the fact that she put him in prison. So because of the conflict with her parents and their current imprisonment, Smithers is her legal guardian. Mostly the house is unsupervised, which means anyone can come over and sleep over whenever they want.”

On Cheryl’s emotional state:

Petsch added: “Well, season four picks up three months later, and [the characters are] about to start their senior year of high school. And Cheryl is hyper-focused on getting into college and bringing her girlfriend, Toni, with her.

Mentally [though], she’s kind of sinking. She's hiding her brother's dead body in her basement and, after the events from the farm, she still believes she’s speaking with him. She truly feels like he’s back with her again. And I think we’re going to have to address that fairly quickly at the beginning of the season.”

On Betty’s complicated relationship with her father:

“It’s two and a half months after [Betty] saw her dad get killed in front of her, which is not a great thing to have [to] experience,” Reinhart explains. “Betty is sort of struggling with the idea that she feels like she can’t grieve him because of who he was. He was such a bad person, so morally wrong, and he was a murderer. She feels like she can’t fully grieve him or miss him because that would make her a bad person.

So that’s sad because she still has all of these memories of him being a good father to her growing up. It’s a little heartbreaking to see her deal with that. But Jughead is there for her in that situation. She’s going to lean on her friends since she can’t trust too many people, and her circle of friends is getting a little bit smaller. I think the core four is strong this season because they are all each other has.” 

On Archie’s relationship with Veronica and his mom this season: 

“Archie and Veronica both have a lot going on in their lives right now. They need each other more than ever,” Apa mentioned.  “Also, with Archie's dad being absent this season, we get to spend a lot more time with Archie and his mom, Mary (played by Molly Ringwald), which is a relationship we never really got to get to know quite well. Molly and I have already had some amazing scenes together so far. It’s been good getting to know how our characters interact with each other more. I think a lot of the stuff this season is based around relationships, especially between the core four figuring out things that we didn't know beforehand.”

Riverdale has always been so great at complex storytelling and taking the audience on journeys filled with unsuspecting twists and turns. It sounds like season four is no different; not only will we have dynamic mystery stories but also heavy family and relationship arcs as well.

Be ready for it all when Riverdale premieres October 9th, only on The CW!

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Younger 6x03 Recap: “The Unusual Suspect” (What Are You Keeping From Me?) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“The Unusual Suspect”

Original Airdate: June 26, 2019

As the time jumps in the season, we are jumping right into this week’s episode!

Josh and Clare are basically the perfect co-parents with their new baby girl and show signs of wanting to get back together. Should they be together? Haven’t they done this dance a million times before? Having a baby is a forever bond, but I am grateful after a night of spooning, they decide to get divorced and continue to be stellar co-parents. Hopefully this civil turn in their relationship lasts!

One thing that is not so rosy is Maggie’s inability to look at the female body the same since she had to quite literally catch Josh and Clare’s baby out of the birth canal. To help, Lauren takes Maggie to a support group full of men who are also having trouble with loving their women’s bodies again, post-birth. There, she meets Beth (Nicole Ari Parker) and quickly gets her groove back after group therapy and a one-on-one session. Typical Maggie!

Elsewhere, there is a new podcast called “Exonerated” that is a sexy crime thriller taking over everyone’s lives ⁠— especially Liza and Kelsey’s. Professionally, the pair have a meeting with alleged killer from the “Exonerated” podcast, Audrey Colbert (Willa Fitzgerald). Redmond accepts their verbal offer to help turn Audrey’s killer persona around by allowing her the opportunity to write her own story and control her narrative. While fans of the podcast are only interested in the sexy and murderous parts of her story, she wants an opportunity to clear her name and not be seen as a villain. Share what the podcast doesn’t. Personally, Liza is so intrigued with this podcast, that she and Charles begin to reenact the podcast in the place where it took place.

Zane and Kelsey are still doing their cat-and-mouse back and forth. Zane is still wildly secretive about what his new job is and Kelsey is celebrating getting the crime book of the century at least she things. Diana comes into work injured from her women’s group Pilates class and heard that Audrey Colbert is pitching half the major houses in town, this of course means that Liza and Kelsey have lost the bid!

Quinn is back in the office since her book, Claw, has been on the best seller list for three weeks straight. Generating a wild amount of buzz on Twitter, people become suspicious and notice that Chinese bots are responsible for the majority of the book’s buzz. When Kelsey confronts Quinn, she first denies any wrongdoing in the success of her book. Redman and Audrey pull out of their verbal agreement with Empirical as a result, and Quinn’s damage extends beyond Twitter. She finally confesses that she did what she had to do in order to create buzz before her Senate run.

Since Quinn is so concerned with having her bid announced, she blackmails Kelsey. Her book is generating a ton of money for the publishing house, so Kelsey agrees to moderate a Q&A with Quinn. But when an audience member asks specifically if the numbers are padded and the publishing house bought their own copies of Claw, Quinn throws Kelsey under the bus. In return, Kelsey announces Quinn’s run for Senate! Check and mate.

What were those papers that that Liza found on Charles’s desk? Why is he moving funds so mysteriously? I think it has something to do with Aubrey Colbert.  Tell me your thoughts! Will Liza come clean to Kelsey with what she knows? Guess we’ll find out next episode!

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Younger 6x02 Recap: “Big Day” (Is the Fight Worth It?) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“Flush With Love”

Original Airdate: June 19, 2019

Focusing heavily on everyone’s relationship status plus professional compromises, this episode of Younger moves quickly, so let’s dive in!

Liza is trying to reinvent herself at work. She wants to be taken more seriously now that everyone in the company knows that she is the assistant who was having the affair with Charles. But Liza, Kelsey, and Diana have bigger fish to fry at the moment. Quinn’s book bombed the focus group and is too harsh toward women for readers. Kelsey naturally flips out, because this is to supposed to be her first big release as publisher. Kelsey and Liza decide to meet with Quinn to shelf the release until spring... but Quinn somehow walks out of lunch getting what she wanted. How does she do it? The art of persuasion ⁠— and holding all favors she’s done for them — over their heads, that’s how!

Liza and Charles learn a tough lesson: now that Charles is no longer in charge, it is best that they don’t mix business with pleasure and refrain from having detailed conversations about the business. With Kelsey under so much pressure, she doesn’t like still being under Charles’s thumb which is understandable. She has to set her own boundaries and make her own mark. So Kelsey decides to be firm with Quinn during a one-on-one and they come up with a resolution. If her book tanks, she will walk away. Quinn is pushing this book as a stepping stone to run for Senate, and is willing to agree to almost anything to get it done on her terms.

Meanwhile Josh and Clare are full steam ahead with the baby. Josh goes shopping with Liza to get her expert opinion on what to purchase, since the baby is due in two weeks. I am not sure if I am the only one that missed this, but Clare literally waited until the very last moment to tell Josh about this baby! No wonder Maggie is suspicious. At the gender reveal party, Liza fumbles the balloon surprise, but it doesn’t matter because Clare goes into labor. She gives birth to a healthy baby girl.

Elsewhere, Diana and Enzo hit a snag when he realizes that he will never live up to the ideal version of a man (ahem, Charles) that Diana wants. He breaks up with her, tired of playing these games. Diana decides to go to a magazine about running their love story, an idea Lauren came up with, even though Diana was initially opposed to the idea. However, when she sees how hurt Enzo is, she uses the article as an opportunity to write Enzo an apology and a love letter, and they pick up right where they left off!

We didn’t get much from Zane and Charles this week in terms of their business ventures. Something tells me next episode will feature that though. So what did you think about the episode? Now that Zane is employed and dating Kelsey, will their relationship last or suffer due to work rivalry? Are Liza and Josh completely done? Will Maggie have her own agency and storyline this season? Is Diana really committed to Empirical Press?

Guess we will find out next week on an all-new Younger!

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Younger 6x01 Recap: “Big Day” (Welcome Back, Kids) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“Big Day”

Original Airdate: June 12, 2019

We kick off season six of Younger a bit slower than usual, but let’s dive in!

We start year six of the series with Liza and Charles enjoying the benefits of being fully open and out with their relationship, at least where their closest friends are concerned. Charles is spending his newfound free time doting on Liza in every way imaginable. Liza, meanwhile, is finally allowing herself to be happy and accidentally lets those three magic words slip prematurely to Charles on her way to work. Instead of navigating the aftermath, she dashes away, leaving Charles to ponder that in her apartment. Charles then encounters Maggie, who basically gives him a warning not to ruin Liza’s life. 

Elsewhere, Kelsey is starting her groundbreaking first day as the youngest publisher in New York City. While nervous, scared, and thrilled to dive into this new role, she quickly finds out that her love of and keen eye for great published works won’t be enough to keep the business afloat. The business isn’t turning a profit, and Kelsey can’t help but feel overwhelmed. With some advice and encouragement from Liza and Lauren, she will soon find her footing. Can Kelsey maintain her strength and composure will stepping into the girl boss she was always destined to be?

Diana isn’t acclimating as well as one would hope to Kelsey’s new role. At first, she seems happy enough, but once a story leaks of Charles’s affair with an unnamed employee, Diana immediately assumes that Kelsey is that woman. You can’t be mad at Diana though since this is a logical assumption considering Kelsey did just get a lucrative promotion. With no apology in sight, Diana goes straight to Redmond to inform the publishing community that she is looking for a new role.

When Zane takes Kelsey out to tell her this nugget of information, she immediately goes into preservation mode and does anything, including singing karaoke at Diana’s favorite bar and offering a part of her salary, to make Diana stay. Is Diana going to last long term though? Only time will tell, but with the team back on board for now, Kelsey needs to focus her attention on cutting some staff to keep the business profitable. Question: Can she start with investor/author, Quinn? I definitely didn’t like the vibes she was giving off this episode.

Josh, if you recall, got the surprise of his life in the season five finale when his ex, Clare, showed up with a baby bump. When Josh finds out he is indeed the father, he immediately leans on Liza. The evolution of their relationship is so good, and when Liza finally released Josh so that he could have the family he’s always dreamt of, it happened. This is not how Josh envisioned it of course, but here we are. Something tells me that while Josh and Liza are in this great space as friends, it’s not really the end for them romantically — no matter how happy Liza is with Charles right now. Will Josh and Clare give it another chance for baby? And how long will that last?

Speaking of, what’s next for Charles professionally? After giving up everything for the woman he loves, will he eventually resent Liza? My guess is yes, especially if he doesn’t find something sooner rather than later. And will he feel like she owes him because of what he gave up for her? Regardless of what he says, my guess is also yes. Charles and Zane are both in a professional standstill and something tells me that they are about to join forces to build a rival company that will give Kelsey and Empirical Press a run for their money!

Tell me your thoughts: What did you think about the season six premiere? What are your predictions? I cannot wait to see how things shake out but, per usual, it seems like Liza will be in the center of whatever drama lies ahead. Instead of in love though, it looks like it’ll be at work. That is definitely a showdown for the ages!

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Younger 5x12 Recap: “Lizability” (The Big Shake-Up) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“Lizability”

Original Airdate: August 28, 2018

So just how does this rollercoaster of a season of Younger end? With lots of change, curveballs, and more! Let’s dive in one final time.

Liza is highly sought after this episode, finally taking a chance to go to Plaza Publishing and see the gold that Cheryl Sussman has been offering in person. Cheryl doesn’t just offer her the salary that she deserves and more, but her very own imprint called Chicky, geared toward women. Liza is taken aback — her own imprint and no lies! Yet she still can’t quite cut the cord at Millennial. Why? I mean Millennial and Empirical are truly sinking ships and if they don’t get this investment money, quickly, all will be over!

Meanwhile, Charles is looking for Quinn and she delivers the cash... with a few changes. Millennial will need to become front and center, with Empirical taking a backseat. Kelsey begs Liza to stay at Millennial, but Liza knows that she is truly a liability, and decides to bow out, telling Quinn the news personally. Quinn continues to pry and so Liza confesses that she lied about her age. Quinn says that Liza need not worry (they can spin that lie), and to stay aboard Millennial because it will continue to rise.

And so Liza goes to see Cheryl Sussman and turn down the Chicky opportunity. Cheryl has planned an impromptu party with a lot of the team and does not take Liza’s dismissal well. She responds with her usual blackmail, and exposes Liza and Charles’s personal relationship. Quinn approaches Charles directly and he steps down as the face of the company in order to keep it afloat. Since Millennial will now be the focus, he promotes Kelsey to publisher and takes his seat on the board.

Liza — who you would think has more knowledge of this since she used to work in publishing — has to be told by Diana that this a demotion for Charles. He takes this demotion for him... and Liza. So, will he resent her for this? As they get their happily ever after, they don’t look happy at all. In fact, they look fearful of what’s to come. How long will their relationship last? And will Charles start a new business venture?

Zane, meanwhile, finally confesses that he "used to be" in love with Kelsey. We all know that he still is, but doesn’t want to admit it. With Empirical now taking a backseat in the company, he quits and heads to a new publishing house. Chicky, perhaps? What will happen between him and Kelsey? He hates to lose but I can’t see a relationship that works for both of them, because of the element of competition. Now that Kelsey is publisher, what does that mean for their personal relationship?

Diana, still not being totally honest about her feeling for Enzo or taking their relationship seriously because of his profession, pushes him away when she isn’t concerned or supportive of a huge job opportunity he gets. He warns her that it can be dangerous, but Diana isn’t really listening. Enzo is kind, thoughtful, moved to the city, and treats her how she deserves; yet she still considers this a fling because he’s just a plumber. When Enzo goes missing, Diana rushes to be by his side and she’s the first person he sees when is rescued. Will Diana let go and let herself be free and happy with Enzo?

As for Josh, he and Maggie bond over the potential sperm donor situation that they have found themselves in. Josh asks Lauren to chat so he can decide, but instead, they do a weird ritual to help him see the true desires of his heart. Turns out, Josh doesn’t want to be a sperm donor because he wants to have a baby with the person he loves. That person in his vision is Liza. Maggie totally gets it, but that’s not the biggest shocker — Claire comes to Josh’s apartment very much pregnant! Is it Josh’s baby? I really have no concept of time with this show. Also, she chose not to make the marriage work, but was it because of the baby?

What a ride this season was! There were lots of cliffhangers in that finale though. Will Maggie change her mind about kids? How will the talk between Liza and Diana go when she tells her she isn’t in her 20s? How will Diana handle being passed up for publisher? Did Liza use her Chicky salary as leverage at Millennial? What will the new dynamic be? Shout-out to Kelsey for this crazy amazing promotion! And shout-out to Liza for getting to stay where he heart desires! Until next summer, folks.

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Younger 5x11 Recap: “Fraudlein” (The End of the World As We Know It) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“Fraudlein”

Original Airdate: August 21, 2018

What happens when everyone goes to Frankfurt for the big book fair? Hook-ups, secrets, confessions, and lives changed. So, basically the usual on Younger. Let’s hop to it!

Charles wants Empirical to close all gaps this year at the famous book fair since Millennial is, and will likely be, the shining star of the two companies. Diana tries to get herself out of the trip, but can’t because Charles insists on having all-hands-on-deck after the L.L. Moore scandal that has left them publicly and financially reeling. He specifically calls Zane to take as many meetings as he can and help turn Empirical around.

When the team arrives in Frankfurt, Cheryl Sussman from Plaza Publishing is there to greet them — and also put pressure on Diana to be as wild as she used to get in book fairs past. Diana is more than reluctant; Cheryl is persuasive. And Cheryl can multi-task, making it clear to Liza that she remembers her ongoing lie. But Cheryl insists she isn’t there to blackmail her. In fact, knowing that Diana isn’t paying Liza what she’s worth (and that Empirical Press is in trouble), she offers Liza a job with Plaza. Cheryl — no matter how messy — brings up some valid points about how Liza’s lie can’t last forever. Every day Liza puts her co-workers, their hard work, and their livelihoods at stake when she steps foot in that office. Cheryl is offering Liza more than money; she’s offering her a chance to fully be herself and her age.

Liza and Charles have a hard time staying away from each other during their pause — especially on this trip. They clearly miss each other and I, for one, really want them to have a fair chance. Charles confides in Liza that he has received no word from Quinn Tyler about a potential investment, so he is using the book fair as leverage to meet with tons of investors. Charles is in a very tight spot with only one more quarter’s worth of operating costs on hand. He has no other option, and confides in Liza that the company is doing far much worse than he lets on. If the fair doesn’t pan out positively, the company may have to close its doors for good. On the personal front, Liza reassures Charles that the break between them is temporary and he should focus on getting the company back on track.

While Charles is looking for funding, Millennial is busy being the talk of the book fair with two of their titles selected as “The Book(s) of the Fair.” Marriage Vacation and Capital Letters are now flying off the shelves. Diana’s quick press and marketing thinking land Liza and Kelsey on an impromptu panel to keep the momentum going. While on that panel, an audience member publicly questions Liza’s age. She recommends that Liza take beauty tips from Kelsey in order to look younger. Liza apologizes, but Kelsey is over Liza’s lying; she just wants to drink and celebrate all the accomplishments of the book fair.

During the celebration, Diana (or “Didi,” apparently, when she’s abroad) and Cheryl are AMAZING cabaret dancers and singers. Surprising their co-workers, Didi and Cheryl perform their routine from years past. I am so glad that we are finally seeing Diana more outgoing and less uptight. We really only catch her letting her guard down regularly with Enzo, so it was a delight to see her let loose. After the performance, Cheryl gets drunk and kisses Charles. Diana apologizes profusely on her behalf, and Charles opts to retire back to his hotel solo.

Liza goes to Charles’ room and tells him about the job offer and the new plan. At first, he’s understandably reluctant to lose one of Millennial’s key players. But then Liza explains that this is best decision, and also gives them the opportunity to finally date in public; they don’t have to have any more secrets. Charles asks her how she is going to get out of her contract, and Liza uses her feminine persuasion to get him to fire and release her.

Meanwhile, Cheryl catches Liza on her walk of shame and Liza verbally accepts the Plaza offer.  In true Cheryl fashion, she doesn’t mind her on business and knocks on the door that Liza just left. She figures out that Liza and Charles are sleeping together. Do German hotels not have peepholes?! I have only been once and stayed with friends, but this seemed like it could’ve been prevented if Charles just looked out of his peephole. Cheryl could really learn a thing or two about privacy and minding her business. Let’s see what she does with this new tidbit in the future.

Elsewhere, Kelsey — having had far too much to drink — is taken care of by Zane. Kelsey is starting to question whether or not she misjudged him and his heart for her. He also punches a handsy guy at the bar... who unfortunately ends up being the “big meeting” that Charles needed him to take to get Empirical back on track. So, suffice it say, that isn’t going anywhere. Good thing Charles’ meetings look promising.

Back at home, Malkie, Lauren, Josh, and Maggie enjoy each other’s company. At dinner, Malkie reveals her desire to have kids and the year-long process she went through to get there. She talks about the financial and donor constraints that she has encountered and that are holding her back. Maggie is visibly thrown for a loop and Malkie admits she didn’t think Maggie was ready to know. She was worried about how Maggie would react, with good reason. This conversation turned awkward really fast too because Malkie asked Josh if he would consider being her donor — all before having an in-depth conversation with Maggie about it.

As the episode ends, Liza confesses to Kelsey that she was offered, and accepted, a new role with Plaza. She says it’s time to leave because her lies cannot sustain; she is tired of the collateral damage being left in the path. It is an emotional and raw scene that reminds you the core of the show is Liza and Kelsey’s friendship. Liza values Kelsey so much that she is willing to walk away now before Kelsey resents her. Kelsey doesn’t want to lose Liza professionally but this feels like the right move for everyone. Liza has come to terms with it, but Kelsey definitely has not.

What did you think about the episode? How will season five end? Guess we will find out on the season finale!

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Younger 5x10 Recap: “Girls on the Side” (Everything Isn’t What It Seems) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“Girls on the Side”

Original Airdate: August 14, 2018

What happens when the tables turn in the relationship between Liza and Caitlin? Does Liza even know the difference between reality and this world she’s created built on lies? How much longer can she keep secrets? This week’s Younger answers these questions and more!

It’s the first weekend apart for the newly-dating Charles and Liza, but Charles is being quite vague about why he is going on a mysterious last-minute business trip to Sun Valley. Liza — disappointed that they can’t go away together — quickly bounces back because life has other plans to keep her preoccupied.

Meanwhile Josh, signing the ten-year lease on his business after a big push from Liza, finally relaunches his newly renovated and upscale tattoo parlor, now affectionately known as Inkburg 2.0. Kelsey warned Liza that everything Josh does is to impress her, but she assured her that they are just friends. Liza must be blind though, because Josh lights up like a child on Christmas morning any time she is around. Liza is the love of his life and he would do anything for her.

So after he publicly thanks her for helping him get to this point of success in his life, he surprises her with a visit from Caitlin! Josh is so thoughtful, especially when it comes to Liza. The idea that she can’t see that he is still in love with her though is insane. At this point, I believe that she is choosing to look beyond his feelings and live in a space of friendship to avoid dealing with it directly — especially now that she’s dating Charles.

Caitlin, who very clearly wants her mom and Josh to be together, brought a surprise of her own in the form of her new, much older, former English professor boyfriend. Liza is upset, naturally, because this is her daughter. But comes off as a bit of a hypocrite since she dated Josh and provided the blueprint for Caitlin to date someone in a different age bracket. Caitlin suggests they all go to brunch, and Liza has to keep drinking as more and more details of the relationship between this older man and her daughter are revealed. Liza, the mom, wants to shield her daughter; but Caitlin needs to experience some things on her own.

Meanwhile in Sun Valley, Millennial’s newest author, Quinn, is flirting up a storm with Charles and posting about it on social media. With Liza and Charles still actively hiding their relationship, the flirting obviously strikes a nerve with Liza. She isn’t entirely sure where they stand as a couple and it makes her a bit wary. When she openly confesses to Josh that she and Charles are in a new relationship, he challenges her to really think about whether or not this is real. Josh feels so much for Liza and was always honest with her, while Liza is constantly wrapped up in lies. And this is when Josh tries to make her realize how damaging this non-stop cycle of lies truly is. Josh loves Liza, but firmly decides after their conversation that he needs to move on. He even repurposed his tattoo that they got together.

When Caitlin’s professor boyfriend asks her to leave the wedding they attended in fear of getting caught by a faculty attendee, she rushes to her mom. Liza comes clean about the lies she’s told over the past five years to get and maintain a job in publishing and support Caitlin and herself. She also admits to her secret relationship with Charles, in an attempt to try and teach Caitlin the error and harm in lying and creating these secretive environments. She encourages Caitlin to know her value and worth, and to start to receive the type of love she deserves.

When Charles returns from his business trip, Liza wastes no time letting him know that she felt uneasy about his time in Sun Valley, because it seemed like it was more then just business with Quinn. Charles confesses that Quinn is interested in investing in the company, and reassures her that he’s all in with her... just in private for now. Charles can’t be all-in in public quite yet, because things are complicated with work and his impending divorce. Liza, realizing that she only wants him in whole not in part, takes a stand and tells Charles to call her when he’s ready to go public with their relationship.

Elsewhere in the episode, Diana has her first major test with Enzo’s family. His mom invites her to dinner and asks her to bring a dish. Liza gets Maggie to make her world-famous lasagna on Diana’s behalf, and Enzo’s mother immediately knows Diana’s cooking skills are a farce. Instead of calling her out, she requests her assistance in preparing the rest of the meal. Diana works hard and tries her best, but one cheese topping mistake and Enzo’s mother loses it. She basically tells Diana that she’ll never be good enough. And while she thinks Diana will take it, Diana snaps back! She gives Enzo and his mother some hard truths about why he hasn’t settled down yet — and a lot of that is rooted in his mother’s consistent babying of him. Enzo agrees, follows Diana, and asks her to give him another chance. He will be finally leaving the nest and getting an apartment in the city!

This episode was really good to me. Seeing the level of discomfort on Liza’s face when Caitlin introduced her boyfriend was priceless. Also for the first time since her divorce, Liza is in a relationship with someone she really likes, and who understands her work, her divorce, and parenthood — yet she can’t share that openly with the world. This leads to a bigger issue of her double life catching up with her and not being sustainable. Having Josh confront Liza empowers her to really do some introspective work, which is exactly what this show needs to drive home this season’s last couple of episodes. Does Liza even know herself anymore? Does anyone know the real her?

Tell me your thoughts! Did you enjoy the episode? How much longer will Charles and Liza have to be apart? Will Enzo and Diana be getting engaged this season? Should Liza just be single and figure out who she is and what she wants? And will she sacrifice everything she’s built with Kelsey at Millennial for the sake of her relationship with Charles? Until next week!

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Younger 5x09 Recap: “Honk If You’re Horny” (Choose Sides Carefully) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“Honk If You’re Horny”

Original Airdate: August 7, 2018

The love bubble doesn’t last long for Liza and Charles as they get hit with their first roadblock as a couple in this week’s Younger.

Bliss is Liza and Charles being able to enjoy the newness of their relationship indoors. Charles is cooking for Liza while she works, and it seems like this could really work out... except they haven’t quite tested the waters outside of their respective apartments. When they do, it does not go well. Charles asks Liza on a proper dinner date at this wonderful little restaurant he knows. It’s going very well until they run into Redmond (Michael Urie) after Kelsey passed on his client’s book.

In a moment of despair and haste that any two co-workers may have that are secretly dating, Liza lies and tells Redmond that she stopped by the restaurant to give Charles a copy of the manuscript that Kelsey passed on. They were just supposed to be pretending, but when Liza left, Redmond insisted Charles read it; he did. The next morning, he agrees to publish the novel under the Millennial imprint. Kelsey obviously does not take this well.

Speaking of Kelsey: she was nominated on behalf of her “publicist” Lauren, for the Maverick Award at the Glamour Magazine Women of the Year Awards. She wins — thanks to her future payroll publicist and best friend — and is thrilled. That high is cut short though when she believes that Liza is going behind her back to sabotage all they’ve built at Millennial. This doesn’t even make sense and while I understand why Liza quickly lied and why Kelsey was mad, Kelsey's dig that Liza was being intentionally malicious was a bit over the top for me.

When Liza explained to Kelsey that she and Charles are new in their relationship (and trying to find their footing, but panicked when caught by Redmond), Kelsey should’ve understood. After all, Kelsey has had relationships with co-workers and clients virtually every season. But her lack of understanding when Charles and Liza tried to be discreet seemed irrational to me. Now, Charles shouldn’t have gone behind both Kelsey and Liza’s backs and accepted the book without giving them a heads up — especially when Liza was upfront about the book being a cover-up and Kelsey’s decision to pass on it. I just think overall the communication was poor, wires were crossed, and this all could’ve been settled with a quick meeting.

Kelsey thinks it wise to try to blackmail Charles into securing Quinn (Laura Benanti), billionaire boss woman — and the money-maker author that she wants. This is wildly unprofessional and quite frankly immature of Kelsey. This was a perfect example of Kelsey allowing her personal feelings interfere with her business acumen. She lets Charles know that she is aware of the nature of his and Liza’s relationship and that she should get the author she wants. Basically if he wants that to be kept quiet, he should do what she wants.

At the awards, Charles and Liza agree that they need to talk. But before that, Charles informs Kelsey that they will get both authors — and that she should always remember that it is his company and his decisions, personal and professional, are his business. Kelsey and Liza chat, and Liza lets Kelsey know that she will always be a priority to her and all of this was a major misunderstanding. She tries to communicate that their sisterhood and friendship is the top priority — even over Charles. Kelsey makes amends by dedicated her award to Liza, saying she can’t do anything alone and she has had an incredible partner every step of the way.

Liza lets Charles know that Kelsey will always be important to her, and Charles lets Liza know that he doesn’t want to keep waiting to start their relationship — he wants to be with her sooner than later. I agree that they’ve waited long enough!

Elsewhere in the episode, Lauren is really gunning to be everyone’s publicist. She sets up a meeting with Diana to pitch her services, and Diana politely declines. When Enzo (Chris Tardio) comes to pick up Diana, Lauren instantly recognizes him. Turns out Enzo, and his wild elephant-like sounds of pleasure, were featured in adult entertainment videos. In an attempt to win Diana over as her new client, she informs Diana of his past after she wipes it from the Internet. Smart move, diva; smart move!

All in all, this episode was probably one of the most frustrating ones for me, just because I felt like this rift between Kelsey and Liza wasn’t necessary. I am hoping they truly move past this and we can get to frying bigger fish this season.

Tell me your thoughts though. Did you enjoy the episode? How much longer can Liza and Charles keep their relationship a secret from the rest of the company? Now that Kelsey has what she wants, will she still be supportive of Liza and Charles? When is Lauren’s big career break coming? When will Josh find out about Liza and Charles? Will he fight for her and tell her his true feelings? Until next week!

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Younger 5x08 Recap: “The Bubble” (Love Is In The Air) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“The Bubble”

Original Airdate: July 31, 2018

Happy New Year (in the world of Younger, that is)! No need to wait any more, so let’s just get right to it! After years of will-they-won't-they and back and forth, Charles and Liza finally consummate their relationship! They are together and living in the euphoria of the new relationship bubble. It is blissful, and this total honesty and trust between the two of them is such a good look for the couple.

It is a new year but the same wounds for Zane and Kelsey. Apparently, the holidays didn’t help Zane move on professionally or emotionally from the fact that Jake kicked him off the book (and solely chose Kelsey to edit his book). On their date, Jake takes Kelsey that he wants her to see the apartment that he just put a bid on. He’s up for a new gig in the city and thinks that he and Kelsey are building a solid foundation and relationship.

Kelsey tells Jake that she wants to put the breaks on their budding relationship until after the book is out. He tells Kelsey that he is fine but in a move completely on brand for Jake, he calls for a lunch with Charles and suggests that his book is pulled from Millennial and published under Empirical. Jake’s need to control everything is not only childish but unprofessional. Charles, always wanting to serve the clients first, takes this idea to Zane, who immediately advocates for Kelsey and for the book to remain with the Millennial imprint. Looks like Zane has developed even stronger feelings for Kelsey than he’s let on.

The new year brought changes in other ways for our team — in the form of a new beard for Charles. And while I think it’s super sexy, obviously it is not the most comfortable for Liza to kiss. When a new author comes in to pitch her book, she suggests that love is fueled by mystery. It is clear that Charles and Liza definitely have that now, stealing touches and glances while she speaks. This entire episode, really, was so sweet; we got to see them fresh and new in this relationship — in a bubble — even if just for a few nights. Seeing Charles lean fully into his desires with Liza and be carefree is so new for us. And for Liza to be her true self in every way and completely vulnerable was beyond wonderful. While watching the two of them steal kisses and act like teenagers is cute, I have to wonder: should they come up with a plan so that they do not get caught at work?

Speaking of the blissful bubble, Pauline enters to try and pop it. She makes a quick appearance after Reese Witherspoon’s team surprisingly invites her to a meeting about potential sequel option to Marriage Vacation. The Netflix mini-series is on hold until the company finds out if there can be an additional story. Pauline pitches a sequel under the guise of just a pitch — but she basically is letting Liza know that she is aware of the relationship between Liza and Charles. This scene is awkward but also a long time coming. Liza tries to deflect, defending by sharing her side of the story. But Pauline is persistent. Afterward, Pauline calls Charles to basically blackmail him and get the option to her sequel back... in exchange for keeping quiet about his relationship with Liza. Charles agrees because he wants and needs to do this for a chance at he and Liza having the relationship they both want and deserve.

Elsewhere in the episode, Lauren hosts a dinner party for her new lady crush... and it turns out to be Malkie (Sally Pressman), our favorite Orthodox Jewish ex of Maggie's. I am so happy we are finally getting a more well-rounded storyline for Maggie! Malkie challenges Maggie in ways that she needs and calls her out almost immediately for not wanting something substantial or real at her age. Lauren, surprisingly is not upset by the development that Maggie and Malkie still have feelings for each other; she is grateful to be the conduit to helping the two find their way back to each other. Lauren realizes that Malkie and Maggie deserve a second chance. Malkie asks Maggie if she is fully ready to be with her and Maggie, of course, responds with an over-the-top artistic grand gesture that means yes!

Tell me your thoughts. What did you like about the episode? Charles and Liza are all in! How much longer can this bliss last? Will Pauline really keep quiet or will this come back to bite all of them? Will Kelsey find out about what Jake did? Until next week!

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Every Year is Bigger and Better: Kay-B's SDCC 2018 Faves [Contributor: Kay-B]

After a whirlwind weekend culminating in a struggle of flight issues, I am back and ready to give you my top favorite moments from Comic-Con 2018! Let’s dive in, shall we?

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY'S BRAVE NEW WARRIORS PANEL

This panel was hilarious, fresh, and fun. My first time checking it out, this Lynette Rice-moderated discussion featuring today’s male TV heroes included Benedict Wong (Deadly Class), Dylan Bruce (Midnight, Texas), Santiago Cabrera (Salvation), Tom Ellis (Lucifer) Jay Hernandez (Magnum P.I.), Eoin Macken (Nightflyers), and surprise guest Stephen Moyer (The Gifted). During this richly hilarious and divine panel, our heroes discussed topics that covered the thrill of playing iconic characters, the sometimes-awkward fan encounters, and the ups and downs of careers in Hollywood.

Filled with flashbacks from their haunted pasts including a model-esque photo of Stephen Moyer, an NBC promo for The Night Shift that one panelist called “the crossover between Scrubs and Sons of Anarchy,” and that really was everything I never knew l needed. When Lynette asked the gentlemen how their characters save the world, Tom Ellis said: “Lucifer doesn’t care about the world, he only cares about himself!” Jay, in turn, quipped: “Magnum P.I. doesn’t really save the world, but he definitely saves housewives.”

There were detailed stories of fake IDs, bad blonde dye jobs, secret crushes, and more reveals from Eion Macken’s childhood. Santiago said he uses his star power daily to get food at craft services first, and Dylan has always had a thing for Michael J. Fox: “I used to dress up like him Family Ties and carry a briefcase and all!” There were more laughs than I could count, and this panel is definitely not to be missed next year!

RIVERDALE SCOOP

I got so much scoop that I had to write another article, so check it out! But basically, Riverdale is the best. I’m already excited about season three, and I demand a crossover with the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina — somehow and some way — when it premieres.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A BLACK LIGHTNING FAMILY REUNION

I had the BEST Comic-Con family reunion. And I say family reunion because in my mind, we are just that. I have loved every moment of Black Lightning and any time I get a chance to support, I do! So getting the chance to talk to the cast for a second time at Comic-Con was a delight.

The cast and creators are so thoughtful and articulate not only in how they describe their vision for the show, but incredibly poignant in how they portray this black family and our community. So what did they tease about season two? Well: new tech, new suits, and probably new cell phones for Team Lightning to start. Hopefully we will also get an answer to a current work/love life imbalance for Thunder and Lightning, as well as fresh eyes for a particular law enforcement official and best friend... who will still be in the dark about his friend’s superhero alias.

Finally, we can look forward to more stories that expand the Lightningverse — with hopes that eventually characters like Static Shock will enter into the fold. Until then, let’s count the days until we get what is sure to be a dynamic second season.

WARNER BROS. HALL H PRESENTATION

From the moment that the lights went down and the multi-screens were revealed, I knew this presentation would be a highlight for me. With trailer reveals for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, SHAZAM!, and of course Aquaman, this presentation did not disappoint. The way that the studio flowed from film to film, showing highlights and exclusives, was truly fantastic. While there was some footage left just for Hall H eyes, I can say that if the Aquaman trailer didn’t pique your interest, stay the course because the extended trailer has me even more excited for December 21!

Godzilla: King of the Monsters will just be a largely insane good time, and it is good to see O’Shea Jackson Jr. in another role after his stellar performance as his father in Straight Outta Compton.

SHAZAM! is really just Zachary Levi portraying himself in a superhero suit, while The LEGO Movie 2 is going to be adorable and hilarious. Be sure to watch out for Tiffany Haddish as... what else? A unicorn, of course!

Wonder Woman 1984 (#WW84) will be a stand alone film, that — per Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot — shouldn’t be judged as a sequel, but rather another chapter in Diana’s story. So how on earth is Steve Trevor back? We will have to wait until next Comic-Con for more robust footage. Until then, the exclusive nugget they shot was adorable and had me ready for November 1, 2019.

Finally, the Fantastic Beasts trailer and presentation took us on a wild ride, with the most fan interaction of the presentation. But will this sequel exceed Potterheads’ expectations? Only time will tell. I can say with certainty though that Warner Bros. brought out all of the stops this year and have me wildly excited for this next slate of films!

All in all, Comic-Con 2018 was a success! I cannot wait to head back next year to see old favorites and get the new scoop on my favorite fandoms — and all things pop culture. Until 2019!

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Younger 5x07 Recap: “A Christmas Miracle” (Charles in Charge) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“A Christmas Miracle”

Original Airdate: July 24, 2018

Maggie is wealthy, Liza is puts mom duties first, Kelsey gets caught in her man hopping, and Charles FINALLY comes around! Ready to know more about what happened on this week's Younger?

It’s Christmas in July for the audience of Younger and Maggie looks to have received the best gift of all in the form of all of her artwork being scooped by the mysterious Penelope and Luca. Maggie can barely contain her excitement when she is handed her check... that is, until she heads to their party and runs into another artist whose work hasn’t been seen by another human in years. Maggie quickly realizes that this art-buying couple is won’t be showcasing her art but rather dumping in storage and leaving it “buried in the artistic sunken place.” They want to possess Maggie as an artist, but she’s a free spirit and can’t be contained. So she backs out of the deal! While she made the right call, I can't help but wonder how much that decision is going to cost her.

Holiday party season is in full swing, and Kelsey gets caught by Jake kissing Zane at the New York Magazine party. When Jake sees them, he goes directly to Charles and tells him that he doesn’t want to tie up two editors on his book. He then requests that Kelsey be the sole editor. When Charles breaks this news to the both of them, Zane’s feelings are hurt, realizing he should’ve leaned into his instincts last week about the personal relationship between Kelsey and Jake.

Zane’s feelings being hurt is not a surprise — he really likes Kelsey. But I still don’t feel bad for him. This is business after all, and it was Jake’s decision. I do think this work love triangle could get even messier for Kelsey, so she may want to make some decisions pretty quickly. Do you think Jake and Kelsey will have an honest conversation about this whole ordeal? When Liza finds out about Kelsey’s predicament with Zane and Jake, and asks her she didn’t tell her, Kelsey gives my favorite quote of the episode: “You’ve been gaslighting an entire company since I met you. Can I have one secret?” Touché!

Since it is Christmas, Liza goes to Caitlin’s roommate’s party with her ex-husband — oh, you remember: the roommate whose father is Empirical’s attorney. Caitlin begs her mom to do their yodeling family tradition... and Liza reluctantly complies. Charles is also naturally invited to this party and walks in on Liza and her family’s big performance. He is “introduced” to the real Liza and her daughter by the Katz’s, who think he and Liza are the perfect match. The truth is that they just might be if Charles actually communicates! It was good to see Liza be who she really is for once, and bond with her daughter. It was also good to see her and Charles have this clean slate, and for him to get to see and understand who she really is. He finally listens to why she lied to get a job and he softens. They bond over their kids and it all starts to fall into place. I wish he would’ve been this open to listening to her before. And so Charles, with a sign from The Sound of Music in a taxi cab, goes to Liza and tells her he doesn’t care anymore about what she did before kissing her in the snow. Looks like he’s all in!

Elsewhere in the episode, Josh and Liza exchange wedding presents as “friends” and Caitlin butts into Liza’s love life when she probably shouldn’t. She sees Josh and basically tells him that she wishes he was still with her mom. This will surely complicate things with Liza and Charles now that they are finally giving their relationship a real shot! Also in this episode, Enzo surprised Diana with a Christmas tree and I thought she was going to cry! Awwww. Meanwhile, Charles was in the Christmas spirit and Liza got a ridiculous bonus! (Diana got her a gaudy necklace which was hilarious.) Diana also clearly loved Liza’s handmade gift and again, this softer side is something I love seeing in her.

What did you like about the episode? Are you excited that Charles and Liza are giving their relationship a shot? Will Josh confess his true feelings? How is Kelsey going to handle this new book development personally and professionally? Am I the only one who thought that Enzo was going to propose by the Christmas tree? Until next week!

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Will-They-Won't-They No More!: A Chat With the Cast and EPs of Midnight, Texas [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

(Image credit: Getty Images)

After months of will-they-won’t-they, Midnight, Texas finally got renewed for season two and I couldn’t be more thrilled! With new showrunners Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder (Ringer; Supernatural) on board, season two will be fresh and full of changes.

According to our new showrunning duo, what can we expect from the upcoming season? “In season two, we will dig deeper into character’s backstories; everybody is coupled off this season so they are morphing and growing into couples. We witness firsthand what the growing pains are for that evolution. Season two is sexier. True Blood was the perfect template for what this show should be.”

We also asked star François Arnaud (Manfred Bernardo) what’s ahead for Manfred and he spoiled: “I am nude in the first episode of the season, but it’s less for sexy reasons and more for villainous reasons. The first shot I am in my underwear and cowboy boots and digging a grave in the desert for someone. I can’t tell you who though.” And what arc/character growth and development would he like to see this season?

“When the new writers got on board, I told them what I wanted to see what happened and they dove right in. So right at the top of the season, it is a really intense journey for Manfred. He goes sort of evil. He goes from savior to greatest threat. He can’t control his demonic cancer.”

LOVE IS THE CORE

With the twist that Manfred will be more foe than friend this season, what can we expect from our favorite witch, Fiji? Parisa Fitz-Henley shared:

“This year is really next-level stuff that I haven’t seen anywhere else, where the writers are really allowing themselves to explore what it means to be human and what the power of a soul is. Also, identity. Who is Fiji? Are you who you are born as or are you who you make yourself? That’s a very big part of this season.”

What’s ahead for her and Bobo (Dylan Bruce) specifically? “Midnight’s core is love and this is a thing that’s happening between Bobo and Fiji. These people have been best friends for years and they have such an amazing bond; they just didn’t know that they could be together. It’s this incredible sense of freedom and exploration that they have and it is so, so, sweet. Really, really loving and fun. They both aged regressed 10 years and they are just like teenagers.

It is beautiful but it is Midnight and we know that Fiji has a history of terrible and tragic things happening around relationships. We start to see suspicious things happening this season to Bobo and putting him in harm’s way. Fiji’s understandably terrified. We get to explore the experience of is this the same thing happening again or is it not. The reality is, we are going to find out things about Fiji that Fiji doesn’t even know. Season one Fiji knew who she was but she hid it from herself and others. This year she has no idea what’s happening.”

GRITTER THAN BEFORE

For Olivia (Arielle Kebbel) and Lem (Peter Mensah), Midnight’s newest newlyweds, what has the evolution of their journey been so far and where is it going? According to Arielle, “Season one we were learning about the character. Olivia is a badass but she’s very broken and there’s this tragic past that she is very secretive about. Then there’s Lem and their relationship and marriage. Season two we dive more into married life and they are learning to grow together. They are a couple on a different level and this spills over into family. What does this mean for Olivia’s wounds and her family healing when it comes to her father and her past? It is a much more emotionally-driven season, there’s still a lot of action, but there’s a lot of drama. What’s interesting about it, she has the choice not to go through it alone and go through it with Lem, but will she? That’s a good question.”

How would Jason Lewis (Joe Strong) describe season two in three words? “Sexy, gritty, dirty.” Our favorite fallen angel continues, “This is a much more visceral season than the first season. The story and character development are strong.”

What is his ideal scenario for Joe in season two? “Joe spent a lot of time [in season one] hiding a secret and hiding from the world. Because Bowie (Breeda Wool) is gone, the show can explore much more of Joe. He is now trying to figure out his place in the world. He now has to take an active participation not only in the town but in who he is going to be.”

OUTSIDE THE NORM

It sounds like everyone is excited for season two! Their affection for Midnight, Texas and the incredible supernatural world and foundation that author Charlaine Harris has built hasn’t waned a bit.

“Charlaine has an amazing imagination and she’s introduced some of the most amazing and coolest supernatural ideas ever,” Jason said. “One of the things that I love about Midnight is that it is not a singularity and it invites the idea of individualism, and individualism being awesome. I really love the idea of Midnight, whether it was The Goonies or X-Men, where you can feel like you belong... even if you don’t necessarily fit the norm. I know I look like the guy who always fits the norm, but I never did as a kid. I hid in movie theaters and libraries growing up, so stories were a safe place for me.”

Well said, Jason. Well said. I can’t wait for Midnight, Texas to be back on our screens October 26, only on NBC!

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The Future of Riverdale: An 2018 Comic-Con Exclusive [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

Photo Credit: Getty Images | Araya Diaz

Right before I left my 2018 Comic-Con experience, I popped into the Riverdale panel. Because let’s be honest: I am obsessed with this show! Moderated by another super fan, Kelly Ripa, here are some hints of things we have to look forward to:

A TIME JUMP

The show picks up three months after the events of season two, after Archie and the gang have had a restful summer.

FALICE IS RISING

More FP (Skeet Ulrich) and Alice (Mädchen Amick) for the win! We will also get an introduction to Jellybean and Gladys Jones — a.k.a. Mrs. FP and Baby Girl Jones. So how will the return of the other Jones family members shake up the rekindling of FP and Alice? Also, are FP and Gladys still married? What actors do you want to see in these roles?

THE LODGE FAMILY IS AT ODDS, MOSTLY WITH HIRAM

Hiram (Mark Consuelos), is still evil and wants to take over Riverdale. Hermione (Marisol Nichols), who has been played by Hiram long enough, is coming for his neck this season, changing the trajectory of their marriage. Veronica (Camila Mendes) is completely cut off from her father and is now an entrepreneur and high school student. So how will she make money? By waiting tables at Pop’s Diner of course, so she can be close to her new speakeasy endeavor as well. Will there be an all-out Lodge family war this season?

ARCHIE ON TRIAL

When we last saw Archie (KJ Apa), he was getting arrested for a murder he didn’t commit. So will he be rocking an orange jumpsuit when our favorite Riverdale residents return? Of course KJ wouldn’t confirm or deny, but my guess is no. Will there be trouble in paradise for he and Ronnie when they return? KJ and Camila both agreed, yes!

WHAT IN THE CULT IS HAPPENING?

FP isn’t the only thing Alice is joining this season. Last season we saw Polly approach her to go to some mysterious farm for healing. Well as it turns out, this farm is a cult and Alice... you in danger, girl!

WILL DARK BETTY RETURN?

While we don’t know if she will be making an appearance, we do know that Betty (Lili Reinhart) spent all summer drowning herself in Jughead (Cole Sprouse) and her internship to cope with the fact that her father is the Black Hood. I personally am not so sure that he was working alone, but only time will tell. What we do know is that Betty is now Queen of the Serpents, so maybe Dark Betty will come out to play every now and again for them.

JUGHEAD IS SERPENT KING

If Betty is the queen, then Jughead is now King of the Serpents. While Bughead is tighter than ever, Jughead may encounter a lot of roadblocks in the Serpent kingdom — especially with Hiram joining forces with all Serpent enemies to take over Riverdale.

TEAM-UPS ARE IN THE WORKS

This season the dads of Riverdale — Fred (Luke Perry), FP, and Sheriff Keller (Martin Cummins) — are teaming up for a new project! Not sure what the project will be, but definitely sign me up!

JOSIE AND KEVIN SHARE A BATHROOM

Looks like the relationship between hot Sheriff Keller and Mayor McCoy (Robin Givens) — can I still call them this since they both lost their jobs last season? — are more serious than their children thought. We are hearing this season they will take the next step in their relationship. How will Kevin (Casey Cott) and Josie (Ashleigh Murray) take it? According to Ashleigh and Casey, it could be a death match to the bathroom every morning! Could this unique living situation bring them together? I sure hope so!

MORE MUSICALS!

Do I really need to expand? Another musical episode is on its way!

CHERYL WILL CONTINUE TO BLOSSOM

Newly emancipated Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) is finally free of her frigid and insane family! Plus, she’s still captain of the cheerleaders and is finally out and open with her budding relationship with Toni Topaz (Vanessa Morgan), so life is good. I am sure she will encounter some hiccups in managing this newfound freedom and its responsibility’s though.

SCHOOLWORK WILL HAPPEN

It’s junior year, and since the gang will be thinking about college, schoolwork will finally happen this season! Kelly Ripa asked about this, and showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa confirmed it.

MURDER AND MAYHEM ARE AT THE CENTER OF THE SHOW

The best and most intriguing thing about this show is the murder and mayhem at its center. Season three will be no different in this department. I am looking forward to whatever mystery it is we have to solve this season.

A FLASHBACK EPISODE IS IN THE WORKS

While no specifics were given, we were promised a flashback episode. It would feature the current Riverdale cast members playing flashback versions of their parents in their former high school glory. I cannot wait to see this!

While you wade through the next few months without this show, you can catch up on the first two seasons of Riverdale which are out on Netflix now. Riverdale returns Wednesday, October 10 only on The CW.

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Younger 5x06 Recap: “Sex, Liza and Rock & Roll” (Shelter Island Secrets) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“Sex, Liza and Rock & Roll”

Original Airdate: July 17, 2018

Maggie is chosen for the Superbowl of the art world at the Whitney, Diana is bringing her blue-collar fella to a black-tie event supporting Maggie and the rest of the artists chosen, Charles is still cold and this time literally running away from communicating with Liza and anything that requires work, Kelsey feels guilt for dating two men at the same time, Josh is still in love with Liza, and Liza saves the day! So... let’s dive into this week's Younger.

When Maggie is selected as an elite artist showing her work at the Whitney, she finally gets the shine and storyline she deserves. It feels good to see Maggie’s work finally get more screentime; I feel like we have been waiting for this moment. Apparently, Maggie is too because when she tears up talking about it finally being her time, I felt that with every fiber of my being. Her art ends up catching the eyes of art-buying couple Penelope and Luca. Here’s to hoping this new fetish is lucrative!

Diana and her man, Enzo, are getting serious. I really like this guy for Diana — he doesn’t let her control everything or walk all over him. He also allows her to still be herself, but treats her well, introduces her to different things, and brings out her softer side. The best part in this storyline was when she thought he lived alone and had a maid, but it turned out to be his mom! Diana didn’t take it lying down though when mama was degrading her, though; she stood her ground — in Italian, at that! No surprise there that Diana is fluent in Italian and can handle herself. I am however curious to see if she will continue to date Enzo, seeing as he still lives at home.

Jake gets a good cop/bad cop call from Zane and Kelsey asking for more from the first chapter of his book. Jake’s ego is bruised, but Kelsey tries to smooth it over by being direct about exactly what he needs to change. They need humor and scandal — and Jake needs to provide that to his editors if he wants this book to be a success. Zane sees the way Jake looks at Kelsey but ignores it because they are sleeping together and he thinks he knows her type. He should’ve leaned into his first instincts. Kelsey feels bad about double dipping, but Lauren tells her men do this all the time, so she should relax and enjoy the two men until she figures out what she wants. Preach, Lauren, preach! In the midst of this little moment between Kelsey and Lauren, Josh asks where Liza is... and he doesn’t like Kelsey’s reply about her being on Shelter Island with Charles. Josh is still more than head over heels in love with Liza and something tells me the show's original love triangle will be back before too long!

Charles heads to Shelter Island to personally wrangle Chrissie (one of Emperial's authors) into giving them her memoir. Chrissie lures Charles there under the guise that she wants her book to be picked up by the man who signed her. When Charles informs Diana that he has yet to go get the book, she sends Liza to go after him. As soon as Liza arrives, Chrissie is upset because — of course — she asked Charles there so she could seduce him.

Chrissie is a little bit of a wild child (even as an adult) though. After Chrissie passes out from drinking too much, Liza and Charles — too drunk themselves and forced to spend the night in Chrissie's home — have a moment. Liza asks Charles point blank when he will talk to and trust her again. Charles keeps silent and avoids answering her question. He leaves the home before Liza wakes up, which strands her alone with Chrissie. Sadly this is on-brand for angry Charles. Again, he has got to be an adult and grow up soon. Good thing Chrissie really connects with the real Liza and she gets her to release her memoir. Liza boldly drops the draft on Charles’s desk, and when he asks how she got it, she snaps: “I didn’t run away.”

Tell me your thoughts! What did you like about the episode? Are you over Charles and his childish behavior? Can Kelsey keep juggling two men? Will Josh tell Liza that he’s still in love with her? Will Maggie find success now? Until next week!

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Younger 5x05 Recap: “Big Little Liza” (Always Change the Narrative) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

(Image credit: TVLand)

“Big Little Liza”

Original Airdate: July 10, 2018

Caitlin is breadfacing, Josh needs to decide if NYC is the place for him long-term, Don outs Liza in a huge Vanity Fair article and Kelsey likes her new author client, Jake. Let’s go deeper, shall we?

In the middle of Caitlin doing some weird things to bread for money, Liza goes out with Don on an icy night. While bonding over a story about his child, she slips, falls, and loses both her IDs in the chaos. While she should’ve been treated for a concussion, instead she spends the rest of her evening explaining why she has two IDs and why she’s been lying about her age. Being far too trusting of Don — who has proven to do anything for a story — is Liza’s biggest downfall. Don pretends to understand her reasoning behind lying, so maybe that is why she chooses to confide in him instead of just making up a story about the IDs.

Either way, she tells yet another person her secret, and this cannot last much longer. Elsewhere, Lauren has a big event that is helped put on her by her new and gender-queer assistant, Tam, who basically thinks she’s old. It’s an interesting dynamic seeing Lauren as a boss but also still very much wanting to be accepted by everyone.

Josh calls Liza after telling his landlord he will have a decision about renewing the lease. While a 6-year lease is very aggressive, Josh is in a state of uncertainty. He was going to marry Liza and that ended. He did marry Claire and now that’s over too. Josh feels like he has nothing left, and maybe a fresh start in a new city would be good. I actually would like to see Josh go on a pilgrimage to find himself, away from seeking his identity in the women he dates. Liza, of course, convinces him to stay because the tattoo shop is his life. But seeing other parts of the world and tattooing there isn’t a bad idea either, Liza. Ultimately Josh chooses to stay and you can see a reconciliation of some kind is likely in the future for Josh and Liza.

After Liza gets ghosted by Don, what we know is going to happen, does and Liza is blindsided with a phone call from a fact checker at Vanity Fair, wanting to confirm her age. She asks who the author of this article could be and — unsurprisingly! — it is Don. We all saw that one coming, right? Liza is furious but can’t even manage her anger at the moment since she is late for a meeting with Reese Witherspoon’s team.

Liza fills Kelsey in on what happened, and she is upset that Liza didn’t lie to Don in the first place. When the two women arrive at Reese’s office, they are met with even more opposition. The fact checker has contacted them and Liza comes up with an on-the-fly (and pretty genius) response, claiming she is age-queer and essentially says that age doesn’t matter and no one should be penalized for their success based on age. Kelsey goes along with Liza's story and that makes Vanity Fair call off the fact checker — and the article itself. (Turns out, Liza began a social media craze when she made up some terminology to define herself!) When Liza confronts Don about the whole scenario, she realizes what we have all known this entire time: Don is an jerk, and he can’t find work because of this very reason.

Tell me your thoughts. What did you like about the episode? Liza may be in the clear for this episode, but her world will soon explode and she may need to walk away from her job. Do you think Josh staying is a good idea?  Will Kelsey stop dating co-workers and clients? Where was Charles this entire episode? Guess we will just have to wait and see which of our questions get answered and how the story unfolds, next week on Younger!

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Younger 5x04 Recap: “The Talented Mr. Ridley” (You Are Not Alone) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“The Talented Mr. Ridley”

Original Airdate: June 26, 2018

Liza isn’t the only one lying in this week’s Younger! After a heated game of “Mafia,” in which Charles continues to let his personal feelings for Liza and his hurt from her betrayal guide him down the wrong path, Liza is introduced to Mr. Ridley (Sutton Foster's real-life ex-husband, Christian Borle). As someone with bylines in the most fabulous of media publications, he is persistent in his pursuit of a date with Liza. But Liza is in no position to entertain a new suitor. While Liza tries to pass up his offer of a date, Diana has a situation of her own — her toilet starts to overflow mid-soirée. Liza calls Diana’s former boy toy plumber to save the day. Even though Diana ghosted him over a year ago, he asks her out again.

At the office, Mr. Ridley continues his advances by sending a messenger to hand deliver Liza an invite to an exclusive People Magazine party. Charles, pettily tells Liza she should go but to watch out for Mr. Ridley, since Charle did catch him sneaking a pork chop out of Diana’s party.

Liza goes out with Mr. Ridley a couple of times and he half-pitches a book to her about exposing the lives of some of the world’s wealthiest people. Liza thinks it could be something, but as he is mid-pitch to Liza and Kelsey, Charles rudely interrupts and shoots all of his book ideas down. Kelsey is flabbergasted by Charles’s behavior, and gets clarity when Liza informs her that he knows about her secret.

Liza decides to confront Charles directly and resign, but he won’t let her. He claims that his behavior was in disdain of the ideas and the art — not anything personal. Charles, a poor liar, really has to work on his poker face. He is truly terrible at hiding his emotions!

Eventually, after Diana is picked up in the plumb mobile for her date, Charles admits that his outburst earlier in the day was personal. He tells Liza that she is great at her job and he can’t afford to lose her. Liza asks Charles for a chance to explain all the things that are going on, but Charles refuses. I never met an adult who avoids confrontation more than Charles. Geez, if only he would just communicate like a proper adult, a lot of this could be resolved.

So, Liza meets up for dinner with Mr. Ridley and his credit card is declined. He admits that since print is dying, he hasn’t written anything substantial in a while and is barely able to pay his bills. He accepts invites to all parties because it means free food, swag, and alcohol. This is actually more common in NYC than you think. The journalists who are on the groundbreaking of these stories make significantly less than you could know, especially compared to other people and positions in the industry. They use these events that make it seem like they have a certain level of status to offset some of the costs of living in a wildly expensive city.

Mr. Ridley is honest with Liza, which is refreshing, and owns his truth. I will say though that Mr. Ridley gives me some not-so-great vibes because he is on his last leg, and that means desperation. It seems to me that he will do anything for a story in order to sustain himself, and Liza better tread lightly.

Elsewhere, Josh and Maggie have some peak bonding time. Josh wants to do a 30-day fast from all of the things in his life he thinks are toxic (alcohol, women, etc.). Josh is 48 hours into his fast when someone leaves a dog at the bar. He puts out fliers searching for the dog's owner. When the newly-single female owner finds Josh, she takes a liking to him... and they hook up immediately. So much for Josh sticking to his fast. Maggie is elated that his “fast” is broken so soon, and offers him wine to celebrate. According to Maggie, if you are going to break fast in one area, you might as well break it in all!

Tell me your thoughts about the episode? I almost wish Liza would’ve quit, just so she can get a clean start and also so this back and forth between her and Charles would end. Can Josh actually keep a fast? I really think he needs a break from dating/women and should spend time figuring out what he wants out of life rather than take the easy route. Will Charles ever allow Liza the space to explain why she lied? Guess we will just have to wait and see. Younger is back in two weeks with a new episode!

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Younger 5x03 Recap: “The End of the Tour” (Finally!) [Guest Poster: Kay-B]

“The End of the Tour”

Original Airdate: June 19, 2018

Let’s hop right to it, shall we? This week on Younger, we saw Pauline’s major tour go from lies to truth and freedom, Charles finally confront Liza about her big secret, and Kelsey and Zane still being... well, Kelsey and Zane.

"The End of the Tour" focused pretty heavily on Pauline’s new book tour. Marriage Vacation has debuted and Pauline is making appearances all over the city. With her break-up with Charles fresh, she struggles with how much she should reveal to her new “friends” — a.k.a., her book’s fanbase — and consumers. While she is open with Liza and Diana about her impending divorce, she is concerned that if her fans don’t get the romantic ending in real life that the book provides, they won’t continue to support it. While she gets varying degrees of advice from the Millennial/Empirical staff (including Pauline lying about being happy and in love with Charles), Diana and Liza ultimately decide to try as hard as possible to get interviewers and fans to avoid personal questions and press ahead with the content.

Pauline does the best she can, but then has an emotional breakdown when a fan asks her a personal question. Diana asks Charles to show up for his wife and support her — not as a spouse, but as a friend and as a business partner invested in the success of this book. When Charles shows up, it provides a sense of closure and calm, which is exactly what Pauline needs at that moment. Pauline realizes that it is the end of the line for her and Charles, and finally tells her audience that her marriage is over in real life. A peace comes to her too as she gives Charles a piece of her mind, telling him that he is the real reason to blame for her leaving their marriage and he apparently can’t argue with that.

Elsewhere in the episode, Kelsey and Zane are competing for the attention of a new author in the form of President Obama’s former speechwriter, Jake Devereux (Jason Ralph of The Magicians). They both head to Washington, D.C. to woo him. Still arguing like children in Charles’s office about who will bag him, Charles wants them to tag team this effort and just makes sure they sign him since we all know he’s taking meetings elsewhere.

Jake, of course, decides he does not want to choose between working with Zane or Kelsey — he want them both! It is not a surprise to the audience, of course; this has literally been the theme of this relationship/storyline since Charles announced Zane was coming aboard. Oh, and Kelsey and Zane sleep together after choosing each other on the new elite dating app that Kelsey was selected for (via an application that Lauren submitted on her behalf). Oh, and Jake noticed Kelsey’s profile too, so here comes a love triangle!

The big reveal of the episode was Charles finally “confronting” Liza. I put that in quotes because he still didn’t have the gumption to directly tell Liza how he found out about her secret. Basically, in the middle of Charles and Pauline’s public end, Charles makes a not-so-vague statement about obvious things basically being right in front of his eyes. Pauline is flabbergasted and assumes that Charles is making a revelation of love to Liza (girl, you are way behind on that), but in reality, it was Charles letting Liza know that he knows her secret. When Liza runs after him and confronts him directly, they dance around the details (I kind of appreciate that since we already know) and Charles jumps straight to only wanting a professional relationship with Liza since she lied to him. I wish Charles would allow Liza time to explain, and I wish he would’ve approached her sooner.

What did you like about the episode? Lauren and Josh were unfortunately in the background, with Josh still trying to figure out how to end his cycle of heartbreak. I need more scenes with them. Will Charles ever allow Liza an opportunity to explain her story and feelings? Kelsey should give Jake a shot because I want to see more out of her character. Plus, she and Zane have done this dance before.

The question now is: where do Pauline and Liza stand? Now that she knows that Liza and Charles are more than co-workers, how will this impact their working relationship and budding acquaintanceship? Let me know your thoughts!

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