How Mayans M.C. Forges Its Own Path in the Sons of Anarchy World [Contributor: Megan Mann]

(Image credit: FX)

Four years ago, one of FX’s most popular endeavors and dramatic television’s greatest triumphs in the last decade came to a devastating close. Kurt Sutter’s Sons of Anarchy took the motorcycle club image and — still maintaining the intensity and carnage that you associate with the outlaws — stripped it down to its bare essentials: it was a family and a community — a group of people you could count on no matter what happened.

Sons of Anarchy was, and still remains, my favorite TV show of all time. Despite its often gruesome nature, what the show boiled down to was a theme of love and the sense of belonging. The show holds a special place in my heart and a certain character’s unexpected death in the fifth season still fills me with anger and sadness: a testament to the incredible writing.

It was no surprise then that when it was announced that fans of the series would be treated to a spin-off, I lost my marbles.

Enter Mayans M.C.

Mayans M.C. carries the same vibe its predecessor did; it visually feels similar and also involves a motorcycle club. Thankfully, the series and plot is not a total shock to fans; our Men of Mayhem often dealt with the Mayans in Oakland. Alvarez — a character who will continue to pop up throughout the season — was at the head of the table. The thread of continuity between Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C. allows viewers to fall back into this universe without having to fully displace them with newness.

Mayans M.C. also similar tonally to Sons of Anarchy. It’s about a rebel motorcycle gang who has a front for their criminal activities so that they can carry them out without drawing any attention. However, instead of focusing on someone who has been involved in the MC for his entire life, like Jax Teller, the show switches its focus to a prospect who is fresh out of jail and looking to find his place within the Mayans.

Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes went to jail eight years ago for a crime that, as of the pilot, we’re not yet sure of. But we are lead to believe that it is in conjunction, somehow, to the passing of his mother. After cutting ties with everyone — including his girlfriend — while behind bars, he gets out and becomes a prospect for his brother, Angel, who is already a member of the club. EZ’s tasked with his first drug run for the cartel and things go awry. What follows, I can assure you, is not for the faint of heart and follows in the Sons of Anarchy tradition.

Over the course of the first episode of Mayans M.C., we realize that all is not what it seems with EZ, and this is where it becomes a much different show from its predecessor.

But in order for the series to stand on its own and move out from under the shadow of such a colossal hit, the twists we discover within the first hour and ten minute episode were necessary. It’s clear that the information viewers are given in the pilot of Mayans M.C. is going to create the drama down the line. But instead of predictability, viewers will be swept up in the ride.

JD Pardo shines as EZ and proves he’s just as a formidable force as Jax Teller was before him. His brother Angel is played by Clayton Cardenas, and his father by Edward James Olmos. EZ's ex-girlfriend — who we later discover is a major player in this story — is played by Sarah Bolger. While some may feel that this love story is similar to Jax and Tara, I would advise you to keep watching — it’s anything but that. Meanwhile, Danny Pino plays cartel leader Miguel Galindo and is incredibly intimidating at it.

As a super fan of Sons of Anarchy, I will say that I absolutely enjoyed the pilot of Mayans M.C. I thought it stayed true to the former's tone and style, while also managing to set itself apart within its predecessor's universe. The cast of the series is fantastic and the writing is just as amazing as it was on Sons of Anarchy. I’m thrilled to see where the writers take this show and can’t wait to watch how this all unravels.

And yes, for those of you wondering, there were sweet little nods to the original series that had me maybe jumping out of my seat. Trust me; you’ll see.

Mayans M.C. premieres tonight at 9 p.m. on FX.

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The Rookie Tackles the Question: Who Do You Want to Be? [Contributor: Jenn]

(Image credit: ABC)

"A walking midlife crisis" is how John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) is described by his sergeant in the pilot of The Rookie. And though there is definitely truth to that statement — truth that Nolan admits to by the episode's final moments — that is not all that John Nolan is, nor is it truly why he chose to become a police officer at the grand 'ol age of 40.

But let's back up a minute: The plot of The Rookie is pretty simple, at first glance. It's about a man named John Nolan who works in construction and is also recently divorced. While he's at a bank, putting items in his safe deposit box, two men burst through the front doors and attempt to rob the bank. What John does begins his career path as a police officer. Nine months later, he's traded in his old life for a new one as a rookie at the L.A.P.D. Of course, he's the oldest rookie in the ranks and is constantly made fun of for his age and perceived athletic ability or lack thereof. There are actually two other rookies that the pilot focuses on, too: the driven and dynamic Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neil) and a "legacy" wonder kid named Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.). Each rookie is paired up with a more experienced training officer, and the pilot follows all three pairings as they embark on their first two days on the force.

If you're expecting a standard procedural drama, there are definitely elements that will make this new ABC series feel like home (alongside some elements that give it the distinctly ABC soapy touch). One of the most interesting elements of the series so far is a visual decision — since the officers on the show wear body cams, the pilot integrates scenes and shots that appear to be pulled straight from their cameras. It's not excessive, and was an interesting choice when used sparingly. I enjoyed the fact that it allowed us to personally connect with the characters wearing the cameras, thrusting us into more of a first-person viewing of the events.

There are a few plot twists that you might not expect from the pilot, and while Nathan Fillion is definitely the star of the series, it appears — at least from the way that the pilot went — that the show will be more ensemble-centric. We get brief glimpses into the lives of the rookies and their respective training officers. Jackson West might be a golden boy on paper and the kid who broke all of his dad's records while at the academy, but he encounters an issue while in the field that he didn't anticipate. And Lucy Chen seems like a take-no-nonsense, tough young woman but we learn that having two psychologists as parents might have taken an emotional toll on her.

The training officers each have their own personality quirks, too. Officer Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) is Lucy's training officer, and he's... well, a psychological minefield. He plays horrific mind games with Lucy on her first day than most people will ever experience — forcing her to doubt herself, question whether she can trust him, and shrink back in certain circumstances. At one point, he gives permission for a drug dealer to attack her in order to see if she can fight back and cuff him. Yeah, not your warm and fuzzy training officer.

For most of the pilot, in fact, you'll probably think that Tim is about the biggest jerk there is (you'll likely use stronger language), and you'd be right. In spite of his entire demeanor, questionable methods and personality, the show still reminds us that he is human. There's a scene where Lucy sees, firsthand, what kind of demons Tim has to face and why he commands such an icy, emotionless exterior. Granted, I still think he's a horrible human being for the way he treats Lucy (and just because he has things to deal with does not make his actions sympathetic), but at least Eric Winter gets to do some nice acting work.

Officer Angela Lopez (Alyssa Diaz) is paired with the golden boy, and we learn from the very beginning of the pilot that Officer Lopez and Officer Talia Bishop (Afton Williamson), who is assigned to John Nolan, are vying for the role of detective. Both are looking to get out of the fieldwork — Talia mostly so that she can use the step up to detective to continue her career climb at the L.A.P.D. Officer Bishop is tough, but she's also the only one of the training officers who acts like a true teacher for her rookie. She lets John take charge when she feels he's capable, and also instructs him when he makes a mistake. When John celebrates a victory, Officer Bishop commends him for his heroics but also points out the mistakes he made in the field that could cost a life in the future. She is skilled and passionate about what she does, and I'm interested to see how the mentor/mentee dynamic shifts and evolves between her and John Nolan.

What I like so far is that The Rookie will seemingly focus on those dynamics — the ones between the rookies and officers — more than anything else. While this is a show that involves the good guys solving problems and taking down bad guys (within the first episode alone, there are more than three separate calls that the officers respond to), it's also a show about what the job does to people. John Nolan is humanized and deeply affected by something that happens on his first day, while Lucy and Jackson realize that the academy is way different than being out on a call (and Jackson gets threatened by Officer Lopez at the end of the episode for how he handles something in the line of duty).

Ultimately, the pilot of The Rookie wraps up with John Nolan trying to answer the question of who he wants to be. John's sergeant, Wade Grey (Richard T. Jones), doesn't like him very much. And Wade makes a valid point earlier in the pilot to Officer Bishop that "rookies" who are as old as John Nolan is don't do well because they're so sure about what is right and wrong that there is no hesitation; there is only action. And that kind of action often leads to people being killed. At the end of the episode, Wade and John have a sort of heart-to-heart in which John admits that before entering the academy, he was in a place in his life where he's looking to reinvent himself. He didn't realize all that it meant to become a cop.

But what John Nolan says next about himself is integral to the series: he might have been looking for reinvention, but he is good enough as he is. He was good enough at the academy, and he doesn't need to change from who he has been the past 40 years in order to do his job.

The Rookie seems like it will be a series about identity — not necessarily about "finding yourself," per se, but understanding what makes you the strong, resilient human that you are and fighting to make others (and sometimes yourself) believe it.

You're never too old for that lesson.

Pilot Grade: B

The Rookie premieres October 16 on ABC!

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12 Shows to Binge-Watch Before the Fall TV Season Begins [Contributor: Megan Mann]

After months of unending heat and humidity, the summer is starting to come to a close which means that all of your favorite shows will soon be returning! But before that, we have this small window of time where nothing is airing and we’re stuck wondering, “What should I watch now?”

Luckily, I am here to help you with that quandary!

I myself have often wondered over the summer what I will watch next. With so many streaming services available to us, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and find ourselves watching the entire series of 30 Rock or House all over again. But fear not: I have compiled a list of some of the best and easiest shows to entertain you over the next few weeks before our DVRs are full all over again.

Animal Kingdom (TNT)

If you’re a big fan of family drama and maybe a little bit of crime, this is the show for you. Based on the Oscar-nominated 2010 Australian film of the same name, Animal Kingdom follows the Cody family as young J discovers the family his recently-deceased mother had kept him from. J is thrown into a world of wild partying, crime, and family drama that has you wondering how many more episodes you can squeeze in each night. All episodes are streaming on the TNT app or Amazon Prime.

Insecure (HBO)

I could literally scream from the rooftops about how amazing Insecure is and still be amazed at the fact that so many have yet to discover this gem! I recently wrote about all of the reasons why you should watch it (seen here), so I cannot stress enough how amazing this show is. It follows Issa as she tries to figure out her life in terms of job, friendships, relationships, and who she is as a person. It’s hysterical and relatable and I cannot imagine why anyone isn’t watching this. Stream seasons one and two, and the episodes of season three as it airs now on HBO. Each episode is only 24-28 minutes! Where’s the downside?!

Humans (AMC)

If you’re fearful of the future involving artificial intelligence, maybe don’t tune into this show. If not, I assure you that you will not be disappointed watching this amazing series. The premise of Humans is this: in a not-so-distant future, synths have become the norm. They’ll do your shopping, clean your house, and tend to your children. But what if the creator of the technology managed to take it what step further? What if he figured out how to create a consciousness in synthetics that replicates the human consciousness? Humans is so good, and each season is only eight episodes. Stream it on Prime or the AMC app.

Poldark (Masterpiece on PBS/Amazon Prime)

If you like period pieces and shirtless men, I would suggest heading over to Amazon Prime or your local library to check out Poldark. It follows Ross Poldark, played beautifully by Aidan Turner, as he returns home from war to discover that he’s essentially penniless. Poldark shows how the titular character struggles to gain fortune and find a wife now that the woman he loved and was meant for is no longer available. In addition to Poldark, I would also suggest Victoria and Mr. Selfridge if you want to keep up the period dramas.

Riverdale (The CW)

Not on the Riverdale train yet? Well, hurry up and get your ticket! This gritty take on the Archie comics follows Betty, Veronica, Archie, and Jughead as they navigate the criminal underbelly of their hometown of Riverdale. There’s a murder, sultry drama, Cole Sprouse with dark hair, and the return of Skeet Ulrich to your living rooms. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to catch up on one of the hottest shows of the last few years? Did I mention it also eventually involves a cult? I know — you’re ready to watch now. Stream both seasons on Netflix now.

Pose (FX)

Pose is another show from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, but they seemed to have learned from their Nip/Tuck and Glee failings and they knock it out of the park with this one. It is for all of you who are obsessed with the counterculture of 90s underground New York, between its literary scene and ball culture. It’s a fascinating look at an era of New York that’s somewhat forgotten and deserves its due, and stars an LGBTQ+ cast. I’m purposely underselling it because the dichotomy between the underground and the economic boom of the city is just really great. Catch up now on the FX app.

Alias Grace (Netflix)

If you’re a fan of Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, you’ll need to check out Netflix’s Alias Grace. Also based on a Margaret Atwood novel, the show centers on the 1843 murders of a farm owner and his housekeeper by the hands of his servants, James and Grace. While the murders are real, the story is a fictionalized version that gives the crime — and Grace Marks — life beyond the headlines. It’s a dark and twisted tale that leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering what is exactly going on. You’ll be blown away, I promise.

Mr. Mercedes (Audience)

I am not what you would call a big fan of horror, but the suspense and intensity of this Stephen King adaptation is so good that I am addicted. I’ve thought just last week, “I wonder how many episodes I can watch tonight?” This serial killer drama has so much going on between the killer and the retired cop who hates that he never solved the case. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how you can catch it unless you’re an AT&T customer (it’s on a specialty channel), but if you can find a way to watch, it is worth it!

The Magicians (SyFy)

Based on a series of books, The Magicians is often billed as a Harry Potter for adults. Well, yes and no. It’s about magic, but magic in the real world. It has spells and drama, tackles difficult subject matter and darkness and love. It’s got it all! But the conversations alone between Margo and Elliot are enough to make any pop culture fan die of laughter. If you like magic, but you wish it had a smidge more realism, this is the show for you. You can catch up on The Magicians now on Netflix.

Last Chance U (Netflix)

I love a good docuseries and this Netflix original is one of the best. Even if you’re not a sports fan, Last Chance U — which documents the lives of players and coaches and staff at two junior colleges — is enthralling. Most of these kids have come from major schools and are looking to reconstruct their image in order to take their football careers to the next level. The players and coaches come from all different backgrounds, and you’ll find yourself more connected and invested in these people than you thought possible.

Friday Night Lights (Netflix)

Speaking of sports though, this is hands down one of the best fictional series you’ll ever watch. Friday Night Lights follows the inhabitants of a small town in Texas — a state where football reigns supreme and the residents live for Friday nights. There’s so much going on and the cast (hi, Taylor Kitsch, Connie Britton, and Kyle Chandler, just to name a few) is absolutely perfect. I don’t even need to sell it more than this because it’s one of the absolute best shows to ever exist and the series can be found in its entirety on Netlfix. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

The Path (Hulu)

If you’re interested in cults, you’re interested in Hulu’s The Path. Aaron Paul plays Eddie Lane, a man who came into the Meyerist faith when he was on hard times and found the love of his life and his family. But he begins to have doubts of the validity of the faith and wonders if maybe it’s all a big hoax. However, questioning the faith can have dramatic consequences. Will he continue down the path toward the garden or walk away?

What shows are you binge-watching before fall TV returns? Sound off in the comments below!

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Orange is the New Black 6x04 Recap: "I'm the Talking Ass" (Nut Up, Buttercup) [Contributor: Chelsea Cruz]

"I'm the Talking Ass"

Original Airdate: July 27, 2018

In flashbacks, a teenage Nicky reads her speech aloud to her mother, Marka, while she is trying on dresses for Nicky’s bat mitzvah. Marka shows animosity toward Nicky and a real lack of any motherly empathy.

On the day of Nicky’s bat mitzvah, Les is annoyed on how much Nicky’s speech is influenced by her mother. In the middle of her speech, she gets into her sassy self and speaks from the heart. She starts questioning why she should honor a mother and father who never gave a crap about her. After Nicky’s bat mitzvah, instead of addressing their daughter’s concerns, her parents are furious and embarrassed to the point where neither of them want anything to do with her.

RECAP

In the present day, Nicky discusses the terms of her deal with Les and Michelle. Following their first encounter in the previous episode, Michelle tries to get Nicky consider her best way out. The cards are laid on the table for her; she has until 5 p.m. to either give up Red or 70 years will be added to her sentence on drug charges. Nicky and Red try to converse through code; Red asks for her loyalty but Nicky is lost. She finally tells Red about her possible added sentence, leaving Red speechless. Their relationship is in for a shake-up when Nicky is torn between protecting herself and the only family she’s really known.

Maria, Piper, Blanca, Hoefler, and Badison walk through the halls, having been separated into different blocks. We learn that Maria has an added 10 years to her sentence after taking a plea deal for being a riot organizer. She asks if Piper ratted out anyone but learns that Piper only received six months on her sentence (which she associates with Piper's white privilege). Maria moves on to Blanca, but Blanca resists discussing if she got added time. Knowing that Blanca stayed loyal to Gloria by giving her up, this is an added chip on Maria’s shoulder.

Piper, Flaca, and Hoelfer are placed into C-Block with Badison, who is given a warm welcome from her small crew. Badison is as much a leader as Daddy, answering to the block’s kingpin — or should we say, queenpin. This sort of entitled power she thinks she has gets on everyone’s nerves, most notably Carol and Piper’s. If we were to mirror Badison and Piper’s relationship to Daddy and Daya’s, Badison’s false sense of helpfulness might come as a twist in the series.

CO’s Luschek, McCoullgh, and Blake are now working in Litchfield Max, and the three of them are being invited to join in on Fantasy Inmate. Luschek is excited, Blake doesn’t want any part of it. McCoullgh jumps on the invitation, insisting Blake join as well.

Alex and Piper reunite in C-Block, and Zirconia finds out that Maureen Kukido was the real inmate who passed away. Upon learning that CO Piscatella also died, Piper realizes that she unintentionally ratted Red out.

While an attorney is reading all of Taystee’s charges, a startling revelation is brought up: she is being charged for second-degree murder for the death of CO Piscatella. The attorney advises Taystee not to take this case to trial since she is being used as an scapegoat for the governor. A very vulnerable Taystee, with the help of her old friend CO Ward, speaks to Caputo for any kind of help she can get.

Struggling to find a job on the outside, Aleida Diaz is given an empowering speech by a Nurti-Herbal saleswoman — who successfully sells her on becoming a saleswoman as well. During visiting hours, Blanca speaks to her boyfriend who wants a life with her but has been dealing with immigration issues on the outside. Daya and Aleida’s visit is a bit more heartbreaking; Aleida comes to terms with the fact that her daughter is now serving a life sentence.

Coates, Dixon, and Pennsatucky (in her new manly disguise) make it to the amusement park, with Dixon questioning their relationship. After a fun day at the amusement park, Coates and Pennsatucky share a kiss that results in some passersby hassling them. Dixon comes to their defense and speaks about their hardship as a couple, finally accepting them as they are as well.

ONE TOUGH COOKIE: FINAL THOUGHTS

More details have been slowly revealed about the ladies of Litchfield Max. There’s the power struggle between Blocks C and D that we’ve continued to follow. We see more of Pennsatucky’s life outside, while also getting a long-awaited update on Aleida. Things are definitely not looking good for Red and Taystee, who are going to be the last ones left in dealing with riot charges. This episode also elaborated on the loyalties between each woman, reminding us that it’s not about where you come from but where you belong.

What will happen to Red and Taystee? Who do you like more: Badison or Daddy? How inspiring was that Nutri- Herbal salesman training audio book?

Let’s keep this binge-watch going!

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Orange is the New Black 6x03 Recap: "Look Out for Number One" (There’s a Place Called Kokomo) [Contributor: Chelsea Cruz"

"Look Out for Number One"

Original Airdate: July 27, 2018

In a flashback, a young Frieda is serving her time in Litchfield Max working as a seemingly loyal bodyguard for Carol. Carol is the hot tempered C-Block kingpin who feuds with Barbara, her real-life sister, of D-Block. The girls have a rough day when they find their stash completely raided, which makes Carol furious, as she blames Barbara and D-Block.

Carol confronts Barbara about stealing her stash at the most violent kickball game we’ve ever seen, resulting in Carol figuring out she was double-crossed by Frieda. Meanwhile, Frieda turns over all the drugs to the Warden, guarantees her transfer out of Max, and hopes she stays out of trouble.

RECAP

Linda Ferguson is finally being released; unfortunately, it wasn’t quick enough to escape getting her head shaved for lice. We do get to see Carmen and Boo mock Ferguson and Skinhead Helen being lice-free because... well, she’s a skinhead.

Red races to get in touch with Frieda, calling her cowardly for her suicide attempt. Frieda explains that there are more people in Max who want her dead. As Red tries to reason with her, she advises Frieda to think of a more creative solution. As the women keep up their exercise, Frieda is able to swipe a bottle of bleach from a janitorial cart. Although Red calls her crazy for it, Frieda’s mind is already working quickly on the “creative solution.” We witness our good 'ol friend Frieda’s transition into a sweet and gullible inmate who’s much too old to remember the events of the riot.

In her interrogation, Red realizes why the F.B.I can — and might — convict her of second-degree murder for CO Piscatella. During a failed attempt of cell block charades, Red tries to explain to Nicky and Piper that Piscatella was murdered. Nicky finds out through word of mouth, but unfortunately Piper thinks that Alex was the one who was murdered instead.

Daddy is distributing janitorial jobs to the new D-Block inmates but Cindy, Flaca, Lorna, and Daya struggle to keep a hold on their toiletries as a part of D-Block initiation. These scenes are the more humorous parts to the episode, but we are getting to know the difference between Blocks C and D and the kingpins who run the blocks. The girls successfully steal a bag of toiletries but disgustingly find out that the products have been replaced with urine. We see Daddy giving Daya gifts and special treatment through the episode. These two definitely have their own storyline this season and it’s going to be interesting to see their dynamic develop.

Nicky, Frieda, and Piper go through their questioning — Nicky with Les and Michelle, Piper with her lawyer, and Frieda by her elderly self. A grieving Piper doesn’t really care about the questioning; she’s lost her need to defend her prison family. Meanwhile, Nicky is being talked into giving up Red to the F.B.I, with Michelle convincing her that this is one way to a better life. Wanting to stay safe from Blocks C or D, Frieda may have given up more than one person — but we aren’t entirely sure yet.

As the episode comes to a conclusion, newly-appointed VP Ferguson is scheduling to meet with Litchfield’s new warden, Figueroa. Frieda is escorted to her new block... but not before she is spotted by Carol, who isn’t too happy to see her. We travel with Frieda as "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys starts playing. Frieda is whisked away to the beautiful B Block, which is nicknamed "Florida." In Florida, she is greeted by Suzanne and the two happily share pudding cups and cheers their new life.

BLEACHED HAIR, DON'T CARE: FINAL THOUGHTS

More and more we are witnessing the ladies abandon their loyalty to one another. Each episode is slowly splitting everyone up. Every new relationship built treads very lightly, and we are left to consider who we can trust. Following Frieda, we’re just praying that this crafty, elderly, and crazy woman will be fine. Like she said, there are more people in Max with more reason to want her dead and she needs to be looking out for herself.

How do you feel about the new relationships building in the season? Are you excited to see an older Carol and Barbara duke it out? Which of the girls do you miss the most? Keep working through that binge-watch!

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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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2018-2019 TV Season Premiere Dates: Everything You Need to Know! [Contributor: Araceli Aviles]

Fall television season is finally upon us, and with it: all new television! Check out the schedule below to see what airs when. We'll update the post as new dates and times become available for shows.

SEPTEMBER 2018

September 25

Mr. Inbetween (FX)
The Gifted (FOX)
Lethal Weapon (FOX)
NCIS (CBS)
FBI (CBS)
NCIS: New Orleans (CBS)
This Is Us (NBC)
New Amsterdam (NBC)

September 26

Empire (FOX)
Star (FOX)
Criminal Minds (CBS)
Chicago Fire (NBC)
Chicago Med (NBC)
Chicago P.D. (NBC)
South Park (Comedy Central)
The Goldbergs (ABC)
American Housewife (ABC)
Modern Family (ABC)
Single Parents (ABC)
A Million Little Things (ABC)

September 27

The Good Place (NBC)
Mom (CBS)
Murphy Brown (CBS)
S.W.A.T. (CBS)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Young Sheldon (CBS)
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC)

September 28

Last Man Standing (FOX)
The Cool Kids (FOX)
MacGyver (CBS)
Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)
Blue Bloods (CBS)
Tracey Ullman’s Show (HBO)

September 30

God Friended Me (CBS)
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS)
REL (FOX)
The Simpsons (FOX)
Family Guy (FOX)

October 2018

October 1

The Neighborhood (CBS)
Happy Together (CBS)

October 3

SEAL Team (CBS)
Criminal Minds (CBS)

October 4

Will & Grace (NBC)
Superstore (NBC)
Station 19 (ABC)
I Feel Bad (NBC)

October 5

Into The Dark (Hulu)
The Man in the High Castle (Amazon)
Big Mouth (Netflix)

October 7

The Walking Dead (October 7-AMC)
Madam Secretary (October 7-CBS)

October 9

The Flash (The CW)

October 10

Riverdale (The CW)

October 12

Dynasty (The CW)
Blindspot (NBC)
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW)
The Romanoffs (Amazon)
The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)

October 14

Camping (HBO)
Supergirl (The CW)

October 19

Marvel’s Daredevil (Netflix)

October 23

The Guest Book (TBS)

October 24

Bodyguard (Netflix)

October 25

Deutschland 86 (Sundance)

October 26

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix)

October 28

Ray Donovan (Showtime)
Patriot Act (Netflix)

October 31

Tell Me A Story (CBS All Access)

November 2018

November 2

House of Cards (Netflix)
Homecoming (Amazon)

November 4

Outlander (Starz)

November 16

The Kominsky Method (Netflix)
Narcos: Mexico (Netflix)

November 18

My Brilliant Friend (HBO)

November 19

The Little Drummer Girl (AMC)

December 2018

Timeless (NBC)
Marvel’s Runaways (Hulu)

January 2019

Victoria (PBS)
Schitt’s Creek (Pop)
Shameless (Showtime)
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
I Am The Night (TNT)
The Masked Singer (FOX)
grown-ish (Freeform)
Good Trouble (Freeform)
Sirens (Freeform)
True Detective (HBO)
Lucifer (Netflix)
Game of Thrones (HBO)

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