Eric Butler's Blog, page 31

DC Comic fans rejoice: 2021 looks amazing...

DC Comics and Warner Brothers have had a devil of a time getting their act together when it comes to the DC Movie Universe. With an almost unbeatable blueprint already established by Marvel, the brain trust behind getting DC on the big screen kept running into problems.

In a series of indecision, wrong decisions, and complete misfires, DC stumbled around trying to find the right tone and frame of mind to place their Universe. The main issue they faced was the inability to please the established comic book fans and the incoming comic movie fans.

Something Marvel was able to do with superior casting, staying as true as possible to the source material, and having good explanations for any changes needed. They also sucked the viewer in by including Easter eggs during the movie and at the end as they foreshadowed the next chapter/movie. This is an important aspect to the success of the Marvel Universe that DC has struggled to duplicate.

The reason for this seems to be a case of too many chefs in the kitchen, something Marvel hasn't had an issue with. Marvel placed a man in charge, a final say to any idea, and gave him the complete support needed when dealing with so many strong and imaginative creatures. DC/Warner Brothers struggle with this kind of setup. I don't know if it's because WB is already established or if the people placed in charge don't have the iron will and complete faith that Feige has with Marvel. With each stumble, the powers that be at WB seem to pull away from the original plan put in place by Zack Snyder.

Snyder has been a visual powerhouse in the movies since his record-breaking 300. 300 was his first foray into comic book movies and his use of CGI was cutting edge. His success with this film offered him a chance at the comic book holy grail...The Watchmen.

The Watchmen was the type of movie that many attempted to get made over the years, but no one had been able to figure out how to pull off the complex story and visuals. As CGI became more polished and essential to the movie-making process, WB/DC was ready to allow the Watchmen to be made. Zack Snyder was the man they thought could pull it off and they were correct. The Watchmen was a commercial success, and maybe more important embraced by the fans.

Man of Steel, Batman V Superman, and Justice League all have the trademarks of a Zach Snyder film. Visually amazing, with a story that is gritty and darker than the typical superhero movie. They looked at these heroes in the lens of today, instead of the optimistic light of their comic sources.

Which I believe is the reason for the backlash. Comics didn't become truly dark and reflective of real-life until the early 80s. There were a few tales in the late 70s that helped paved the way, but for the most part, the Comic Code kept DC comics light-hearted and a bit campy. Even Batman mirrored more of the 60s TV show than the Batman we see today.

Even though many comic books embraced the dark, gritty, and in your face storytelling of the 80s and beyond, Superman was a constant. He was the good guy, the shining beacon of hope, the hero who stayed above it all, the example for all Super Hero and mankind, and the one who never waived in his belief in doing what's right. Zach Snyder flipped that on its head and gave us a Superman filled with doubt and indecision. He showed us what might happen if a super-being with Godlike powers were to appear today and not back in the "good old days". He showed us a flawed hero within a character we'd been told was perfect our entire life and many simply dismissed it. They wanted the Christopher Reeves's Superman. In Zack Snyder's Universe, that ship had sailed.

He then gave us the introduction of an older, bitter, and tired Batman in the next movie. One who feared this Superman and questioned his intentions. Snyder showed us the other side of a super-beings sudden appearance, and let us decide which way we would lean. Would we see Superman as a savior, as a Godlike being, or would we see him as a threat to our way of life and our very existence? It's a very interesting idea...one that Marvel handled spectacularly with the Civil War movie and hero registration.

Batman/Bruce Wayne saw the destruction that Super Beings fighting in the streets can cause, and decides he must do what is necessary to remove the threat. Of course, Batman's way of dealing with crime and doling out punishment catches the eye of Clark Kent who wants to stop what he sees as a menace. I know many didn't like this movie; finding it rushed, and a bit confusing but I suggest watching the directors cut which fills in the blanks and makes for a much more satisfying movie experience.

Of course, the movie ends with the ultimate sacrifice, and Batman realizing Superman is not a threat but an icon. This leads to Justice League and what many felt was another misstep by DC. Marvel introduced each Avenger in their movies; building them up and encouraging the audience to become invested in each one before teaming them up. It not only led to a solid foundation of films, but it gave a sense of growing excitement as each movie got the viewer closer to the main goal of The Avengers.

DC decided we knew enough and threw them together first, hoping the strength of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman would be enough to get the uninitiated into the theater. The other issue with Justice League, the main issue in my eyes, was the suicide of the director's daughter. Instead of stopping production, Snyder stepped away and WB replaced him with Joss Whedon, the man behind the Avengers' success. The problem here is the scenes directed by Whedon change the feel of the movie. Many believe the final product is inferior by the addition of Whedon.

Of course, all of this is just a bit of setup so I can share the exciting news from this weekend's big announcements from DC. We are going to get a flood of amazing movies and video games based in the DC universe. I wanted to share some of them here...

There will be a Zack Snyder cut of Justice League...here's a trailer and it looks great. Here's hoping they fixed the issues

https://youtu.be/u77M-oANRtQ

It was announced Ben Affleck was coming back as Batman in the Flash movie. This is great news as there was no denying the chemistry between the two characters in the Justice League...it also keeps the door open for a Batman/Wonder Woman team-up. I'd love to see a movie focus on those two, especially with Affleck and Godat.

Now for some trailers...

First up is The Batman, with Robert Patterson as Bruce Wayne. This puts the character in his earlier days and shows how the Batman and some of his rogues' gallery got started. Written and directed by Matt Reeves, who gave us Let Me In, Cloverfield, and the last two Planet of the Apes movies. Catwoman, the Penguin, and the Riddler will all make an appearance in the film...

https://youtu.be/90j19Cl8QCk

Next, we get Wonder Woman 1984. The sequel to the hit Wonder Woman and introduces one of her greatest foes, The Cheetah.

https://youtu.be/Q-g_YNZ90tI

Then they showed us a teaser of Black Adam, starring the Rock as the main character. This is basically an evil Shazam...I expect they will avoid the humor they interjected in Shazam and focus more on the magic and strength of the character.

https://youtu.be/ZIp2gZkAMT4

And finally, we got the next lineup for Suicide Squad. The first one fell a bit flat, but this one is being directed by Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn...

https://youtu.be/aakx8RI5QSU

They also shared a few video games that are coming out set in DC's universe. The Batman games were spectacular and I can't wait to see how these games play...

The first game focuses on the role players of Batman's universe:: Red Robin(Tim Drake), Batgirl, Red Hood(Robin #2 - Jason Todd), and Nightwing(Robin #1 - Dick Greyson). Batman is dead and it is up to them to protect Gotham from the bad guys now...

https://youtu.be/wDJWmSuDfXY

Finally, there will be a Suicide Squad game by Rocksteady but it won't be ready until 2022. I'll have more on it when we get closer.

Feelings, Comics, and fuzzy beasts

I am in a reflective and downright melancholy mood. It is 2:26 a.m. in Texas and I have yet to finish what I wanted to share in today's post. I am finishing up the 2nd story for the Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years but every time I think I am finished, the story refuses to end. So as I continue to write the tale of Inspector Kimbell's first meeting with the Whitlocks, I decided to pivot.

Instead, I am going to write about a few things and then most likely fight a husky for my spot in the bed. If I'm lucky it's the younger one and not Totoro, pictured below.

I want to jump right into my angry rant about DC comics and Batman but first, I feel some back story is needed...

For lack of a better explanation, I am sad. I'll let you in on a little secret, I have to take medication to help balance some anxiety issues. Nothing too crazy, just something to allow me to function. Once I start to feel level, I have a tendency to forget about them and miss some doses...which then leads to times when I get sad because let's be honest depression can be a bedfellow to anxiety. Mine feed off each other like 2 fat guys in a pie-eating contest.

That being said, I've been pretty consistent with my daily doses during this pandemic so it hasn't been an issue. Except it can flare up under extreme stress, something I thrive in normally, but when compounded with other outside forces can overwhelm my feels...I also think allergy medicine mixed with said meds has a wonky effect but what do I know...anyways...

July and August have been 2 months of extreme stress and I have found myself experiencing emotions I usually ignore or tap down until they fester. You know like most men are taught to do by their fathers and/or society. You have to understand I come from an older generation, where feelings are a sign of weakness and unappealing as a mate.

I'm talking about getting upset at commercials kind of feelings. The kind of feeling where the right thing at the wrong time will leave you a blubbery mess with no rational explanation.

then find yourself on a comfy couch

It's the reason I lay down on them before we buy them. I need to make sure they don't kill my back if and when I am banished...or can't convince one of the dogs to make enough room for me.

Seriously though it's been a roller coaster of emotions but it feels like it's leveling off a little as we get closer to football starting and the boy starting his senior year of high school.

And now we get to my issue with DC Comics and Detective Comics in particular...

So usually I will do everything in my power not to spoil a movie, book, or comic with too much info in case you are inspired to go and check out whatever nonsense I am recommending. But today I will just warn you...I am going to spoil the collection leading up to the 1000 issue of Detective comics. You have been warned.

I have three ways I read comics now in my old age. Large collectible omnibus style, trade paperbacks, or on the kindle. I prefer to read comics in a "book" format. Just something about it, even in the oversized collections, reminds me of reading these stories in the old days. It's a special thing for me, especially since I was into these characters way before it was cool to call yourself a fan.

Stan Lee said it best...

"Comics are like breasts. They're fun to look at on a screen but better to hold in your hand." And true believer, I don't think it's wise to argue with the creator of Spider-Man.

That being said I do purchase a few series on my Kindle so I can read at night after Dawn's gone to sleep and I've wrestled a few inches of bed space from the hounds. You can find collections regularly on sale and score $25-50 books for pennies on the dollar. Add in the out of print factor on some of the older books, and it's the best way to grab a collection to read. While I have Batman, Wonder Woman, Justice League, and the Suicide Squad Rebirth collections in Deluxe Hardcover editions...the Rebirth Detective Comics made it to my kindle during a massive sale.

Enter Detective Comics - Mythology: New collection, new writer, new artist, and leading up to issue 1000 - a pretty big deal. Let me set the scene...

It was late. I was tired but not sleepy tired just emotionally/mentally tired and the best way for me to unwind is to read a few panels or if I'm more in book mode, a few chapters. I had just downloaded the newish collection (I'm years behind in some of these stories as I've given up reading them issue to issue).

The story starts with the murder of 2 people - identical to Bruce Wayne's parents. Psss-Bruce Wayne is Batman - just in case. Of course, Batman is going to be like, "Listen, Gordon, I know I'm a dude in a bat suit but I'm going to take lead in this investigation because I'm close friends with Bruce Wayne" BIG WINK, and then he's off to put the clues together.

That's part of what makes Detective Comics different from the other Batman titles - it's written more towards solving the crimes, detecting whodunit so to speak, and less punching bad guys in the face. I mean sure, he's still going to punch people in the face...someone just made 2 people look like his parents and murdered them in the same way.

So far so good, I mean this is an interesting premise...I won't lie and say the "someone knows Bruce Wayne is Batman" story is getting a bit tiresome as they continue to pull from that well yearly but I get it. I mean how many times has Tony slipped up with the bottle or Captain America die only to return months later? Frank Miller even used some of the same themes and ideas in both his Batman work and his Daredevil material so it's not unheard of to see the same idea recycled.

Yet as this continued and the clues led the Batman on a merry goose chase, the writer did something unexpected. He started to attack those who helped "create" the Batman. The people in his life that taught him the skills needed to become the world's greatest detective...its greatest superhero.

So we are getting to the spoilers if you've come this far...well be warned the ride is about to get bumpy. 2 characters who shaped him more than anyone except the killer of his parents and if you want to nitpick, Bruce Wayne himself. Those characters are Alfred Pennyworth & Leslie Thompkins.

Alfred is a given. He is the Wayne's butler at the time of their death and the man who takes care of Bruce from the age of 10 on. He is in every cartoon, comic, and movie with Batman. He is as important as the Batmobile, Robin, and Batman himself to the mythos. He is the father figure not only to Bruce but to those that Bruce brings in to join his mission. He is the rock of Wayne Manor.

Leslie Thompkins is different. She wasn't introduced until 1976. Her character was initially shown as the woman who comforts Bruce the night of his parent's murder. She dedicated herself to helping slum kids avoid a life of crime. Every day on the anniversary of the death, Batman visits with her but she doesn't know it's the boy she comforted all those years ago.

As time went on, the writers tweaked her back story and soon she was a friend of Thomas Wayne - Bruce's father - and she took it upon herself, with Alfred, to look after Bruce and help him deal with the aftermath of his parent's murder. Her character comes and goes, depending on the writer at the time, and builds a stronger connection with the Batman and Bruce. When Rebirth began (DC's millionth relaunch) she was back as a central character. The mother figure to Alfred's father figure so to say.

Enter Detective Comics issue #995, the killer stayed a step ahead of the Batman. He is forcing the great detective to play catch up and when he discovers what is happening he calls Leslie...who is being attacked by the killer. Bruce sweeps in to save her but before it's over, Leslie is somehow dosed with Joker venom. He rushes her to the Batcave and while he and Alfred attempt several antidotes, she starts telling him all these things. Things a mother might feel necessary to repeat if she thought she might never see her child again. Things that she would feel were important for the man who dresses up as a Bat might need to remember to keep on living.

As it becomes clearer that none of the Antidotes are working, we are forced to watch Bruce accept the fact that he's failed another "mother" figure. While no one could argue that a 10-year-old should carry the burden of his parents' death; that is exactly what Bruce has done the entire series. His guilt is the reason he became the Batman and the reason he suffers from every disaster Gotham City faces. Tie in the loss of Catwoman as his bride to be(check out Batman for those stories), and this is very easily a breaking point for Bruce. It is an emotional tour de force and incredible feat in any writing but especially in the comic book format.

Almost as quickly Alfred is stabbed and left on life support. While it makes for an interesting idea, there is no way they are killing Alfred off. There was no need, the death of Leslie Thompkins is the type of catalyst that would not only affect issues of Detective but the entire DC universe. However, this does remove the "father" figure from the board if only for a bit. Something that has become a big player in the Batman mythos lately is the control he has over his emotions, the cold and logical way he faces every and all problems. With these 2 characters out of the way, will we be seeing a meltdown...an emotional explosion - especially since it didn't happen after Catwoman left him at the altar.

I closed the Kindle that night, affected in a way I haven't been by the written word in quite some time. When I awoke the next day, it was the first thing I thought of...the daring to carry it off - the brilliance in its simplicity and the horrible imagery that her death would play on Bruce as she died from a toxin created by his greatness foe. That night I went to bed earlier than normal, just to see what was about to happen. Was Bruce about to unleash the Batman to capture the one responsible for Leslie's death and Alfred's current condition?

All that the writer had created was a lie. Near the end of the collection while the Batman battles the villain one of the speech balloons spills the beans..."Batman is the villain, he set the whole thing up, everyone is still alive...because it's an @$%$*! simulation."

The weakest of weak story writing. The power Leslie's death erased in a panel. Turns out every year, on his birthday, Bruce hooks himself up to a computer and runs a simulation...it gets harder every year but it's still a simulation. I never wanted to throw a book across the room so badly as this. The disappointment was almost as intense as the real emotional connection I had with the material the night before.

The moral is don't do "it was a dream/simulation" if you are writing...especially if you can convey the heartbreak and loss experienced by Bruce on those few pages. While some may argue that this approach forced me to experience the book more intensely, and here I am days later speaking about it...they are wrong. I want to fly to the next convention, roll up issue 995 and smack the writer on the head for a full day while I say "no" over and over.

Okay, that got a little more personal than I normally would like but I had to get this travesty off my chest. And while I have been a little up and down these past few months, I know why and have been taking care of the matter. This can be a very serious subject if left untreated.

And it's okay if you're having a tough time right now. Isolation and other pandemic factors can have a serious effect on your well-being. Heck, everyday life can affect you and those around you. Don't be scared to reach out to your family, your friends, or even a stranger if that makes you more comfortable. Let them know how you're feeling, that you're serious - in case like me you joke about things more often than not and that you need some help.

There are resources out there to help: check out Lifeline for more information.

And feel free to find me on Facebook or email me through this site. I'm always happy to lend an ear.

Stumbling into Monday

This is the face of a thief. Do not be fooled by Totoro's sweet expression or her big blue eyes. She will try and distract you from her crimes with a kiss or a snuggle but you must resist. If you don't there will be no sweets left in the house for you to enjoy.

She has been know to sneak away with cookies by the dozen, muffins - paper cups and all, bread by the loaf, and anything else you were foolish enough to leave too close to the edge of the countertop...and by edge I mean, on the countertop. She will go as far as to eat any paper towel used for cooling to remove the evidence of there even being anything on the cabinet. Forcing you to stand around and question if said baked good ever really existed.

Today's victim, other than the humans in the house that may have enjoyed eating it, was an Orange Salted Honey Cake. My wife is a baker and has branched out from everyday baked goods into a world of delectable treats. This cake is such a treat.

This cake was made from scratch and exploded with orange, salted honey, and buttercream flavors. It allowed her to practice her icing technique and came out looking beautiful. So eye-catching in fact, the little thief immediately decided she must have some. Luckily, the cake made it through the first day and everyone in the house was able to sample the cake before Totoro's plan was put into effect. It was a simple and grab.

The last section, sat on the counter, forgotten for a moment by everyone but the mastermind. She spun the plate enough to reach her target and woofed it down, before sneaking off to lay by the couch as if nothing happened. 30 minutes later the plate was discovered, licked clean, and the culprit wouldn't break under questioning...

While I'm finishing up editing my 3rd novel, writing a couple of prequel stories, and mapping out my 4th novel so I can get started, I wanted to remind you that you can read 2 of my stories for free with Kindle Unlimited.

The Irving Fontaine books are action-horror short(ish) stories of 5000-15000 words. They focus on a Civil War survivor who is traveling around the American West looking for a way to forget the atrocities of war. In his quest, he comes to realize that there are more monsters than man out in the open frontier. Every 6 to 8 weeks, I hope to have another short adventure ready for you to read. The goal is to keep the lengths shorter than a traditional book so you can enjoy them with a quick read. They will normally be $2.99 but you can get Skin Walkers for $1 or if you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you can read these books for free.

You can find them here: Skin Walkers & To Stare Death in the Eyes.

In case it slipped by you in all this madness, The Peanut Butter Falcon is available to stream on HULU and Amazon Prime. If you haven't seen last year's best feel-good movie, then I'd suggest sitting down and watching it.

It was tough to track down in theaters - man I miss movie theaters - when it was released and took a little time to find its audience so it's easy to understand if you did miss it. This movie can't help but raise your spirits as you are introduced to the two main characters, Zak and Tyler.

Zak is a grown-up, but since he has down syndrome he is forced to live in a special home and feels stifled by their rules and regulations. He has one dream, and he has decided to pursue it no matter what.

Tyler is living with the weight of loss pulling him down. He is the down-on-his-luck loser that many people go out of their way to avoid for fear it may rub off on them. And yet, even with this burden the viewer can't help but root for Tyler.

When the 2 pair up, an epic American quest begins and we get to meet the colorful characters the American south can offer. Zack Gottsagen(Zak) and Shia LeBeouf(Tyler) shine as you watch their friendship grow and become stronger through their adventures. LeBeouf's performance reminds you why many thought he'd become a force as he grew up and out of his Even Steven role on television.

Most importantly, this movie offers something you don't get much nowadays...hope. Hope for a better tomorrow, a better place for you and your loved ones, and hope that just around the bend there just might be a happy ending.

https://youtu.be/UNl9RqjLCwc

So Disney+ finally got it right with Muppets Now episode 3.

They brought in Statler and Waldorf to serve as a focus group.
They kept the Swedish Chef going even though it wasn't a competitive cooking show
They had Pepe return to do another game show
Dr. Honeydew and Beaker had another appearance
Ms. Piggy's show was actually funny this time.

Hopefully they can continue with this momentum.

A Wednesday hodgepodge - MacGruber's back & movies to take your mind off the end of the world

In 2021 the MacGruber's story continues...so we know next year will be better already...

https://youtu.be/GcQS6SRCrU0

And in case you're worried a man like MacGruber can't make it in today's social climate, don't because he's taken sensitivity training...

https://youtu.be/ZPNZv8J94uA

Speaking of Peacock, there are a ton of movies and show you can stream for free but I wanted to highlight 2 for you to check out.

First up is a great Kathleen Turner in the role she tackles head-on and makes her own. Quirky John Waters, the mind behind Cry Baby and Hairspray, enters the world of horror as he follows Beverly in her pursuit of keeping her family life picture perfect.

A great precursor for Matthew Lillard before his Scream and Scooby roles.

https://youtu.be/-iAmOxpCdCE

The next horror suggestion has an all-star cast, including Dwight from the Office and Frodo. What happens when tainted food turns children into zombies? This film will show you what to expect...

https://youtu.be/W7TD4Frazq8

As an animated movie super fan, I was excited to see some of my favorites on Amazon Prime and thought I'd share them in case you aren't as old as I am and missed them when they first came out.

First up is an apocalyptic rock and roll extravaganza, Rock & Rule. Featuring original music from Blondie's Debbie Harry, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Cheap Trick, and Earth, Wind & Fire this movie takes place in a dark future where man is no longer around after nuclear war and animals have mutated into the primary humanoid race. One of those creatures is the music mogul Mok and he needs the perfect voice to open a gateway to another dimension...he has found that voice.

https://youtu.be/RISzXw3WsNY

Starchaser was the first animated movie to try using 3-D in the theaters back in the mid-80s. While they focused on the novelty of 3D, they also made an entertaining space adventure filled with colorful characters and awesome animation.

Set on the subterranean Mine-World, a band of human workers is treated like slaves under the power of the evil overlord Zygon until Orin unearths the hilt of a mythical sword that only he can master. Escaping the planet, he runs into the rogue smuggler Dagg and a pair of helpful droids and the princess, who plan to defeat Zygon and free Orin's enslaved people.

https://youtu.be/x8UZ2WfLG70

Do you like dirty humor, barely clothed barbarians, and incredible quests...then you might want to watch the Danish movie Ronal The Barbarian.

It's dubbed in English on prime so you don't have to worry about reading.

Ronal is weak, skinny, and doesn't have the usual barbarian traits like everyone else and therefore is considered a laughing stock. But one day his village gets attacked, his tribe kidnapped by the evil Volcazar. Ronal decides to save his tribe and defeat Volcazar.

Fans of Conan or any sword & sorcery pulp fiction will find a ton of great gags throughout the movie. However, if you like dirty jokes and visual humor this movie delivers that as well.

https://youtu.be/c_JTguQ1KNk

Finally, I present Fire and Ice by the great Ralph Bakshi and Frank Frazetta. This movie is the pinnacle of not only barbarian movies, but adult animation. With characters designed by Frazetta and a story written by Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway, this movie incorporates everything you need in a good sword & sorcery story. It's not free on Amazon Prime, but you can stream on both Tubi and VUDU Free but there will be commercials...I find Tubi doesn't interrupt as much.

https://youtu.be/if4WhCzQzyU

Don't forget you can find both The Shadow Within and The Pope Lick Massacre on Amazon for the Kindle and in paperback. If you like horror just click on the title. I think you'll enjoy them both.

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Monday ramblings and something a little...

Although it seems things are slowly getting back to normal - in some places more than others - there is still a need for things to watch as many people prefer to stay at home. So as I have become accustomed to doing on my Monday posts, I have a few suggestions...

https://youtu.be/r9QvSry2-CM

In 2017, BBC and FX came together to produce one of the greatest shows to play on either side of the pond, Taboo. The 8 episode show revolves around the sudden reappearance of James Delaney in London during the war of 1812. He is looking to rebuild his recently departed father's shipping empire. The Crown and the all-powerful East India Company have other ideas.

From the creator of Peaky Blinders, and Tom Hardy - who plays Delaney - comes a show that plops you right down in the middle of the slop that is early 19th century London. You can taste, smell, and feel the dirt and waste that was life during this time. More importantly, the show pulls no punches in sharing all levels of life within the city. It drags you through the back alleys and underbellies of those that ruled the Empire and those just trying to survive there.

James Delaney was believed lost in Africa and when he reappears in London to accept his father's inheritance, rumors begin that he is a changed man...not longer an Englishman, a gentleman, but something darker...something unnatural. He uses those rumors to his benefit. For you see, he has been in Africa and participated in many dark and terrible things. Things he will use to gain every advantage in gaining not only his father's shipping company up and running but more importantly his revenge.

This is 8 episodes of restitution, redemption, and revenge; not just for James Delaney but for the cast of oddball characters he surrounds himself with as his plans move forward. While I think Hardy is spectacular in everything he does, he shines as Delaney. From the first scene to the final second of the first season, he grabs your attention and forces you to pay attention.

If you haven't seen this or if you only saw it when it aired 2 years ago, I suggest you sit down and watch. You can stream it on HULU or purchase it on Amazon.

Season 2 was supposed to film some time in 2020 but I have a feeling Covid-19 is going to delay it further. That being said, even if there is only 1 season, it is a full story that completely satisfies.

My 100th post was Wednesday and focused on a short story looking back on one of the characters from my monthly serial. While it does look at the backstory of a character in a series you may not have read or finished, the story itself is a stand-alone. You can read it with no knowledge of the characters and find it very enjoyable...although I might be a smidge bias.

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles is the overall title for the universe I have built in the weekly serial, and for the books to come. It is a Victorian-based supernatural mystery, and while I might argue it is in the vein of Sherlock Holmes, it has no super sleuth to fall back on. Instead, the stories revolve around an ex-soldier who is a disbeliever of the supernatural arts, a simple inspector, and a woman raised in the world of the supernatural. The three, with their friend Dr. David Livingstone, are thrust into a story of revenge and reawakening.

I'm working on the edit of the serial to put the first group together in book form, and while doing that I plan on writing some stand-alone tales to show you a little glimpse into these character's past. You can read Zona's tale here.

The 2nd episode of Muppets Now is up on Disney+. This time we have more Fozzy and less Kermit, who only appears for a minute or two. Oddly enough Ms. Piggy and the Swedish Chef return for full segments, but this time we get to see a game show run by Pepe - one of my favorites, and Beaker and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.

Much like episode 1, this show falls a bit flat. The format is just so limiting for the natural flow of muppets and guest stars to move in and out. That being said there are enough funny moments to keep you watching and hoping they get the balance right...

The star segment is the Swedish Chef as he takes on Danny Trejo in an Iron Chef-like battle on Tacos. Just listening to the Chef say taco fillings in his"Swedish" accent makes the whole episode worth watching.

Lastly, I wanted to share a movie that might have slipped by with all this Covid-19 madness. The Night Clerk(2020) stars Tye Sheridan as a 23-year-old man who suffers from Asperger Syndrome. He studies those around him in an attempt to be more normal. In doing so he stumbles across a murder and quickly becomes the prime suspect.

https://youtu.be/8j6wDoyiyd4

While there is nothing particularly spectacular or new about the story, this movie has a stellar cast that rises the material up. Even with the incredible talents of De Armas and Leguizamo, it's the acting of Sheridan that makes this movie a real treat. His portrayal of the main character as he battles through not only the way AS makes him feel but others around him is fascinating to watch.

I've been a big fan going back to his early work in Joe and Mud where he held his own with Nicolas Cage and Matthew McConaughey. He has had lead roles in Ready Player One and Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. He's also Cyclops in the newest X-Men rebooted movies.

You can catch it on Netflix.

Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: Zona Whitlock

This is a stand alone story that takes a look back at a preexisting character from the Ephraim Godwin Chronicles serial.

, Winter of 1856...

Zona Whitlock stepped from the carriage. Glancing back, she nodded her approval to the driver who was busy helping her governess, Ms. Bicker, down. The bustling crowd flowed around her as she waited for the man to unload their belongings as well. Issuing a sigh, Zona frowned at the train sitting in front of her. She'd spent too many hours inside such steel beasts since leaving but soon she'd be home.

She wondered why the thought offered no comfort. In a little over a day, Zona wouldn't need to ride on a train for a very long time...or, so she hoped. She last graced those halls as an eight-year-old child, but she was returning a child no more. ,Five years since Father banished me for desiring a true education., His harsh words echoed in her thoughts as her cheeks flushed with anger.

Zona recalled trembling in her nightgown as she stood near his overstuffed chair by the fire. Her father, still bitter and angry at her mother's recent death from consumption, roared at her audacity. Zachariah sat quietly, aware any input from him would be more than frowned upon.

He gave her an out, a chance to reconsider...to choose a more traditional path. When she held steadfast...well he made the cost quite clear. ,Not a cost as much as a punishment in his mind,.

"And so we are at the final leg of this journey," her governess whispered into her ear.

Zona turned her head and smiled. She patted the old woman's hand which now rested on Zona's bicep. Her father's punishment had backfired in a way. Oh, Zona missed her brother terribly but these last five years had been eye-opening. Honestly, Zona learned more than she ever had thought possible when they left those cold halls.

"True, but I hope there is still time for more lessons dear Ms. Bicker," she said with laughter on her lips.

The old woman returned the smile, "Of course...of course, but first we need to board that awful contraption. These old bones will be quite content to never travel again."

The women pressed forward, locked together arm in arm as the driver followed behind dragging their luggage.

,***

"Well what do we have here?" a slightly overweight man said to Zona as she stepped toward the train car.

He wore the latest styles from Paris, but in the rumpled manner of one who drank too much. He leaned in close and his breath confirmed her first impression.

"Excuse me sir," she offered in as polite a manner as she could muster. This was not the first gentleman to try to stop her progress this past year; just the first one to meet her at the entrance of a train. With her thirteenth year, Zona's body began to mature in a rush to catch up with her mind. Or as Ms. Bicker liked to say, her womanhood was blossoming.

The man snorted, a tiny belch slipping out as he held up his card. Zona stared at the rectangle and wondered if it was her age or her newly found bosom that was attracting such men. She glanced back to his face, startled at the open flash of desire she witnessed in his gaze.

"Thank you," she whispered, taking the card and moving to slip past. Ms. Bicker's hand offering reassurance as it pressed against her back. The man shifted so he blocked most of the space, forcing Zona to slide against his mass. His eyes blazed as he chuckled, and Zona shifted so her umbrella handle struck the man below the belt. He barked out a cry and crumpled into himself as the women passed.

"Terribly sorry," Zona said her voice sweet and even as she stepped up into her car.

"Serves you right," Ms. Bicker hissed as she shuffled by. He glared at them but said nothing as he turned to find his seat in second class. Once he sat he stared at Zona's car with fiery anger as he attempted to ignore the snickers of the few close passengers.

,***

Zona stared out the window as the train moved through the countryside. Ms. Bicker snored softly across from her. The gray sky grew darker as nighttime approached and butterflies reappeared in Zona's stomach; even though her father was gone, the thought of returning home...returning to such an oppressive environment, worried her to no end. She only hoped her memories of her brother leaned closer to the truth than to the colored ideals of a child.

A loud screech sounded from underneath as Zona lurched forward into Ms. Bicker.

"Wha...?" the woman murmured her eyes wide in confusion.

"Begging your pardon," Zona said with a forced smile as she settled back to her seat, "I was unprepared for the sudden change in speed."

"But why have we stopped?"

Zona bit her bottom lip, forcing her mouth to stay closed. A sharp retort would help neither woman and most likely would come back heavily on Zona. ,If the past is any indication,; which of course Zona knew was the case. While Ms. Bicker was the employee in the sense of the word, she was more of a parent to Zona than either her mother or father had ever been. So while they traveled alone, Zona quickly learned that treating their relationship any other way was disastrous. Instead of answering, Zona decided a question would better serve the situation.

"Would you like me to step out and see?"

Ms. Bicker studied the girl for a moment before issuing a tentative nod. Zona smiled in excitement, grabbed her umbrella, and sprang from the carriage before Ms. Bicker could change her mind.

,***

"Bloody hell," the conductor said as he spat a wad of tobacco off to the side.

He stood at the front of the train but glanced back as the engineer hopped down. The fireman stuck his head out but after a moment seemed to decide leaving the engine was a bad idea.

"Dumb luck that was," the engineer said as he stalked up to the conductor. "Any darker and I woulda missed it."

The conductor nodded as he turned his attention back to the felled tree across the track. He didn't need to say it out loud or need the confirmation of any other train employee. What they were looking at wasn't an accident. It was deliberate. The only question was why?

,***

As Zona stepped down to the ground she paused as a shimmering energy shot towards her from the wooded area to the train's left. It passed through her with a tingle and for a second her body went numb. Zona stumbled to her knees and slumped down to the ground in a daze. Ms. Bicker's cries of distress barely registered to the young woman as darkness overtook her.

,***

Ms. Bicker stared down at her pupil's young face with a sad smile. She had hoped they would return home before it happened. There would have been more opportunity for her or Zachariah to control the variables but now the girl would be on her own. ,Maybe this is for the best...to face these spirits on her own with no guidance and only her wits to succeed.

"Ma'am, can I offer some assistance?" a voice called out. Ms. Bicker stood, turning towards the voice's location and smiled. A young man, in his early twenties she guessed, strolled towards her. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with close-cropped hair under a simple workman's cap. His clothes, while clean, showed the wear and tear of numerous restorations.

"Yes please, kind sir," she said as the man pulled up and swept the cap from his head while offering a stilted bow. "She's just fainted but I can't seem to revive her and I'm too old to lift her unaided."

He offered a friendly smile as he squatted next to Zona, pausing only long enough to study her face a moment before scooping her up. Ms. Bicker held open the car door so he could carry her aboard and set her gently on the seat. The man looked around at the car with a flash of envy. As he turned to step out he noticed Ms. Bicker's outstretched hand.

"Oh no," he said, his smile returning, "I couldn't accept that. It was my pleasure to help."

He stepped around Ms. Bicker after offering a nod and made his way back to the end of the train. She slipped the coins back into her purse and stepped aboard, closing the door with a click.

,***

Zona stood next to Ms. Bicker as they both stared at Zona's body on the ground. She glanced at her governess before returning her attention to her body. ,What is going on?, Raising her right hand in front of her face, she poked it with her left. There was resistance, but she somehow understood if she pushed harder, her finger would go through. She gasped as she looked closer at her hands; not only could she see inside the flesh but with some effort, she could see through them.

A handsome man appeared and scooped up her body. He took it back into the cart and Ms. Bicker followed. The whole time Zona stood still, watching her body moved about like a sack of wheat. The man stepped back out of the car and walked past Ms. Bicker. Zona let out a sharp squawk as the man stepped through her.

Zona's essence floated apart for a moment but sprang back together as the man moved passed her. A sharp pain stabbed her forehead, and she pressed her palms against the spot. It all reminded her of blowing on a dandelion except instead of floating away, the seeds reformed.

"Whatever is going on!" she cried out, stamping her foot in frustration. No one acknowledged her, and she turned to storm onto the car when a flash of light caught her attention.

Zona followed the floating light as it danced back and forth by the trees in the distance. Letting loose the breath she held, she glanced back at the car before shrugging and stomping off toward the light.

,***

As she got closer to the light, Zona slowed and began to take careful, quiet steps. It wouldn't do to stomp into something she knew nothing about. Years of traveling with Ms. Bicker had taught her that. ,Yes, a cool head was what was needed at this juncture,.

The light was lazily floating back and forth, sweeping in a figure-eight motion but never farther than a few feet apart. Zona glanced back and saw a pile of forest debris in front of the train. ,Ah, so that was why we stopped so suddenly,. The thought gave her a moment of peace until she realized there was nothing normal about her current situation.

"Well what did you expect...you're a Whitlock," a tiny voice said from the forest.

"Pardon?" Zona asked wondering who might know her name. The light slowed until it simply hung in the air at the edge of the forest. It pulsed blue, then red in a pattern that Zona did not recognize.

"You're a Whitlock," the voice replied. "Nothing will be normal from now on."

The light floated closer to her, staying a solid blue no longer flashing back and forth. Zona reached out, tentative at first, only stopping with her fingers an inch from the light.

"I wouldn't do that unless you are ready to go back," the voice said with a snicker.

Zona pulled her hand away. ,Go back?, She realized she wasn't ready just yet; she needed to know what this was all about. Zona searched the edge of the forest for the source of the voice, but as the sky darkened she saw only shadows. Glancing at the ball of light, Zona bit her bottom lip. ,It could help if I knew how to direct it,.

"Just tell it what you want," the voice called out. Zona's eyes closed to slits as she glared at the shadowy forest.

"How are you doing that?" she asked, her voice full of frustration. It took all she had to not stamp her foot. The voice's only response was more giggles. "Fine, please light the edge."

The ball pulled closer to her for a moment, and Zona almost thought she caught a glimpse of a person before it zoomed to the forest edge and ran back and forth. The soft blue light illuminated the trees, but nothing near the ground. Zona stepped closer only stopping when a sense of dread filled her belly.

"If you wouldn't mind," Zona called out, "could you go lower?"

The light pulsed a light blue, and then dipped down as it continued to move back and forth. The forest floor's edge appeared and after the third pass, Zona pointed at a tiny human shape.

"There you are," she said, clapping her hands together in excitement.

The voice's owner stepped out of the shadows and took a bow. Zona smiled in triumph as she studied the little man in front of her. He stood no higher than six inches. His clothes were simple, and all in various shades of brown. His long hair hung loose and past his shoulders, with flowers and vines weaving throughout until they came together at the top to form a pointed hat.

"Hello my dear," he said as he straightened up, "My name is Eidhar and you are in danger."

"Whatever do you mean?"

Eidhar moved closer, the ball of light hovering over him with each step. Zona knelt so she would be closer to the little man. He offered her a nod of thanks and reached out his hand. She hesitated a moment, unclear what to do, then mimicked his action. He grabbed her pointer finger and shook it before turning her hand over.

"You see here," he said as he ran his finger across her palm. "This line tells me you are in immediate and grave danger."

Eidhar glanced up and offered a toothy grin. Zona studied the little man holding her hand. The longer she held his gaze, the more his smile retreated until it was replaced with straight, pressed lips. She sighed and pointed to the line his finger still touched.

"That's my love line...it has nothing to do with predicting danger," she said, her eyes piercing through the tiny man. "More importantly, rarely will a palm give the reader that information."

Eidhar lifted his finger clapping his hands together and whooped a laugh as he spun around under the light.

"What did I tell you Abeyance, she's a bright one...almost as bright as you," he said with glee. The ball of light blazed as if to challenge his assertion. Zona watched the silly little man continue to spin, until she felt her stomach begin to lurch forcing her to shut her eyes.

"Deep breaths," she whispered as she attempted to settle her senses.

"You're right of course my lady," Eidhar said. Zona opened her eyes and smiled as he deeply bowed. "Your palm told me nothing. It was the shallow grave in those trees that hinted danger was here. That and Fotz the hobgoblin complaining about his tree being cut down by a bloke looking to bury a Whitlock."

Zona rocked back as if struck in the chest, and landed on her fanny. The cold instantly seeped from the ground into her skin and then to her bones. ,As if touched by the chill hand of death?

"Whatever do you mean?" she said her voice hollow and empty. Eidhar pranced forward, like a dancer searching for a partner, and pointed toward her.

"Well it seems obvious to me," he said as he began to dance side to side as the light above pulsed to an unheard rhythm. "Whoever cut down the tree to stop the train is going to kill you and stick you in that shallow grave yonder." He nodded his head towards the forest and then began to clap to the same silent tune.

"I mean why?" Zona asked as she started to shiver uncontrollably, from fear or the simple cold she could not say.

"Because of your brother of course," Eidhar sang his voice a countertenor and almost approaching that of a soprano. "He has breached the other side, he is becoming quite a menace to those who wish such things to stay hidden in the shadows. You must be made a message before you join him in his duty."

Nothing the tiny dancing man said made any sense. Zona shook her head and struggled to rise. She needed to get off the ground and away from the cold. Its icy fingers traveled slowly up her spine freezing everything in its path, making movement difficult and her mind foggy.

Zona wanted to leave, to turn and run back to the train car. Except she didn't move, instead she found herself planted to the ground and staring at the spinning dancing tiny man. Her eyes grew heavy as the light's pulsing increased and varied in brightness. Zona's body swayed, and she fought to keep her impossibly heavy body from tipping over. Her vision blurred, and she opened her mouth to beg Eidhar for help but no words came out.

Instead, the tiny man said, "Your salvation will be in your hand if only you check your pocket." His words dragged out as if slurred and heard through a long tube. The light shot forward striking her on the forehead. Zona bent back and with a cry began to fall. She passed through the earth and fell through a seemingly unending hole. She took a breath to scream but darkness claimed her, ending the terrifying tumble as quickly as it started.

,***

Zona wondered if the train was moving once again as she experienced a gentle sway. Her eyes fluttered open, and she found herself in the arms of the man who helped Ms. Bicker earlier. The moon wasn't yet full but there was enough light for her to recognize the man as he carried her across the field and towards the forest.

"Help," she murmured before closing her eyes as sleep threatened to rush over her once again.

"Ah that time has passed little missy," the man said with a chuckle.

Zona wondered what that meant when the train whistle sounded loud and clear. The blaring noise pushed past her exhaustion and drew her towards a memory; specifically of standing near the forest and speaking to a tiny man in brown.

"Eidhar?" she asked out loud. The man stopped and when she opened her eyes, she found him staring down at her face.

"What did you say?" he asked as anger flooded his voice. "WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

A wind began to blow through the trees, gaining strength and power as it blew towards the two. The man shivered in the cold, but on the wind Zona heard a voice, "Your pocket."

The train whistle sounded again, and the loud grind of metal on rail filled the night air. Zona reached into the special pocket Ms. Bicker had sewed on her jacket. Her fingers wrapped around the cold metal of her favorite writing pen. Covered with carvings of fairies and flowers, it was the last thing Zachariah gifted her before her banishment began.

Zona pulled the pen out and drove it up towards the man's face. His cry of agony drowned out the sound of the pen piercing his left eye. He dropped her to the ground as he reached for the wrecked socket. The whistle sounded a third time and Zona knew time was short.

She crawled forward and as her momentum built, she used it to spring up and run towards the now departing train. Zona locked her eyes on the car she once shared with Ms. Bicker and suddenly wondered why the woman wasn't stopping them from leaving without her. She waved her hands and cried out, but as the train gained speed, it drowned out all surrounding noise.

"You'll pay for that," the man howled.

Zona glanced back and yelped as he was rushing towards her. The moonlight hid the worst of the injury, but Zona could see the dark gore staining his left cheek and collar. She picked up her speed, praying for some unknown strength to get her there before her assailant.

"Please, please, please," she cried out, the word gaining volume with each utterance and somehow giving her legs much-needed energy.

The train was pulling away, but Zona sprang towards her car and gripped the handle with both hands. Her pursuer's fingers grazed the back of her dress before slipping away. She glanced back to witness the man stumble and fall. He lay quite still on the ground and Zona sighed in relief. After a moment's struggle, she forced the door open enough to slip into the car.

"Oh Ms. Bicker," she said, anguish in her voice as she stared at her governess slumped back in her seat. A gash marked her forehead and dried blood informed Zona why she hadn't stopped the abduction or the train. She reached out tentatively, pausing only for a moment before gently touching her skin with her fingertips.

Ms. Bicker's eyes opened and with a cry of relief, the old woman wrapped Zona up in a fierce hug.

"Dear girl, I thought you lost forever."

Zona nodded, unable to speak as the tears finally came.

,***

The train came to a stop and after a moment's hesitation, Ms. Bicker opened the car door. The conductor let out a curse as she barreled out of the car, dragging Zona behind. Waiving the man off, she hurried towards the excessively tall man standing just off to the side of the crowd. When he spotted them, he nodded and moved to meet them halfway.

"Thank God," Zachariah Whitlock said in the subdued voice Zona remembered. "I was worried something had happened."

Zona stepped up and wrapped her arms around her brother, holding him until he cleared his throat in discomfort. She leaned back and smiled, looking up at the giant of a man her sibling had become. ,He's always been tall and gangly, but he's something out of a fairy tale now., The thought struck her as funny and a giggle slipped out.

A man appeared with their bags and Zachariah instructed his carriage driver to load them up so they could get moving. Zona glanced back one last time before boarding the carriage. She hoped to not see another train for quite a while.

© 2020 Naked Cat Press. All Rights Reserved

Is he the hero we need? Well...no, but is he the hero we deserve? Most likely, yes.

Do you have 86 minutes? Do you have a love for off the wall, indie cinema? Do you love Superheros? Do you love pasta? Then I have a movie for you...SpaghettiMan.

From 2016, this gem uses the classic superhero origin story to introduce you to this newest crime fighter. Clark Kant is a down on his luck loser who can't keep a job. He has no skills, no desire, and no drive to improve his situation. He does have an idealistic roommate who knows everything about truth, justice, and the world of comic book heroes.

One night in a drunken stupor, Clark eats a bowl of radioactive spaghetti. The next morning our hero is born...sorta. After a funny interaction with a doctor, Clark accidentally uses his powers in front of his roommate. After a lecture on responsibility, Clark finds himself in a situation that requires him to either step up and be a hero or walk away. He puts a bag over his head to protect his identity and then saves the day...with a catch.

After stopping the crime, the victim makes a mistake...he wonders how he could ever repay SpaghettiMan. Clark asks how much he has in his wallet and demands payment for his "good" deed. This morphs SpaghettiMan's story from traditional hero to more of a vigilante anti-hero storyline.

I was surprised by how well written and smooth this movie is. The story arch is well-executed, and most importantly...the movie never admits it's in on the joke. While silly at moments, the movie embraces it all in a serious manner that helps the viewer appreciate the situations our hero faces. And most importantly, and a little surprising, there is actual growth here. We see a Peter Parker accepting responsibility for his actions kind of development. Is it possible for Clark to not only understand but to embrace the motto; "With great power, comes great responsibility"? You'll find out in 86 minutes...

Catch it for free on VUDU free or Amazon Prime. https://youtu.be/kcvP9OxWmWg

Okay so you're a coward and won't check out the SpaghettiMan...can I interest you in some Muppets? Disney+ is streaming a new weekly show showcasing Kermit and the gang.

https://youtu.be/x6647smCPHQ

The first episode is out now, with the next one starting sometime this week - honestly, I have no idea what the release day is for new episodes and I can't find the info, so you'll just have to keep checking. The first episode has Muppet favorites Ms. Piggy, Kermit, Scooter, Walter(from the movie relaunch), Sam the Eagle, and the Swedish Chef as they interact with several guest stars. Other Muppets make appearances, but I bet they will rotate all the characters, except Ms. Piggy and Kermit of course.

While the show has the layout of the original show, the streaming/computer set up limits the interaction and ability for many of the jokes and characters that made the first series so perfect. There is no feeling of spontaneity and the behind the scenes jokes fall a little flat as it is handled with zoom-like calls or message boards. The two old guys in the balcony are sorely missed but then I wonder in this day and age are they even welcomed?

All that being said, I loved the Swedish Chef doing a Chopped/Iron Chef type cook-off, and seeing Sam the Eagle is always welcome.

If you have a little more time on your hands and want to do a deep dive into one of the greatest comedy teams ever...Netflix has a series of 6 episodes that chronicle the life and times of the men behind Monty Python. While this series is a few years old, if you haven't checked it out and are a fan of these silly Brits, it's worth the 6 hours. This is filled with behind the scenes nonsense and gives a real flavor of how the men not only came up with the brilliant sketches but how they interacted with each other.

The first three introduce the men, show how the show came into being, and how it affected not only the Python crew but comedy itself. The last three deal with the movies, and Graham's death.

https://youtu.be/-hE56TZw2-c

After you watch it, or instead of if documentaries aren't your jam, you can watch all the shows and movies on Netflix as they showcase everything the men have done as a group. The Life of Brian, Holy Grail, all the episodes(individually and Best of), and the Hollywood Bowl are all available on Netflix. If you want to see the Meaning of Life you can stream on DirecTv or Starz or purchase on any streaming service.

Finally, I wanted to let you know I wrote some books...you can get them on Kindle or paperback. I've had the covers turned into gifs so enjoy...

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Wednesday Ramblings

First I wanted to let you know that Crawl is available to stream on Hulu and Amazon Prime. It's a fun little man vs beast movie set in Florida as a hurricane moves in. Since we are getting to hurricane season you might want to watch so you can figure out how to outsmart these eating machines. Stars Kaya Scodelario and Barry Pepper with direction by Alexandre Aja(who did High Tension, Horns, and The Hills Have Eyes remake)

https://youtu.be/H6MLJG0RdDE

So you might be wondering where an original story is since this is Wednesday and Wednesday is when I released the next installment to The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles. Well if you read last week's installment, you are aware that the first arc is complete. I am working to edit that into a proper book form. Honestly not sure if there will be any changes from the weekly parts, but I have a feeling a little polishing will be called for.

So for the next couple of weeks, Wednesday may look like Monday...meaning some quick hits, movie/TV suggestions, and maybe some random bit of reminding that I wrote a few books and they are available on Amazon...

But don't worry, I'm also working on a collection of short stories set in Ephraim Godwin's Victorian England. These stories will focus on the main characters from the first serial and give you a peek into what makes them tick. The first one will focus on Zona and Zachariah Whitlock and as soon as it is ready I will post it on here for your enjoyment...

If you like BBC comedies, I have a show for you...

Just put up on Hulu, Spy is 2 seasons of hilarious fun. I would have most likely just scrolled right by it except Hulu knows what it's doing and highlighted Robert Lyndsay. You may know him from the rash of Horatio Hornblower movies A&E put out in the late 90s or if you're lucky from a show called My Family, which follows the Harper family. A couple of fun facts...

The mom, Zoë Wanamaker, was Madame Hooch in the Harry Potter movies.
The oldest son Nick, Kris Marshall, is a big player in Love Actually and took over the Death in Paradise series as the lead detective.
The youngest son Michael,

BBC America played a few seasons in the early 2000s but for some reason, you can't find the show on any American streaming service. I was able to pick up the complete set on DVD but also needed a region 2 player to watch it. Hopefully, it will be released at some point, otherwise, everyone is going to have to squeeze into my living room for a showing...but back to Spy since you can watch all 17 episodes (each around 25 minutes each).

https://youtu.be/9Pc76objhcc

Reviews are coming in slowly but surely on my first 2 novels...if you've been waiting to see reactions, well now's the time to pounce...

Find The Pope Lick Massacre


Get The Shadow Within

The Pineapple returns to greatness.

If you don't already know, the greatest whodunit on television started in 2006 on USA. Psych was the perfect combination of humor, mystery, and unique characters. I have to admit I was late to the party, having blindly picked up the first season on DVD for my wife thinking it was something she might find entertaining.

I was partially right. Psych not only entertained my wife but after a few seasons, it grabbed the attention of our son who became a fanatic. It was the show the family could all agree on, and one that stopped down everything so we could watch together.

Shawn

For those that don't know the show, it's a very simple premise. The main character, Shawn has a retired police officer for a father. A father who was extremely demanding and made Shawn hypersensitive to his surroundings. And while Shawn, as an adult, rebels against his father, he can't help but notice things to solve crimes.

https://youtu.be/Ec9TKJq0QsA

After being accused of being the criminal himself, Shawn pretends to be a psychic to get out of trouble.

https://youtu.be/PVJ5KC6kFd4https://youtu.be/51yzDD9PS8U

He drags his best friend from childhood, Gus - a pharmaceutical salesman, into his scheme to make money as a police consultant. Everyone just has to back him up on his claim of being psychic.

Gus

https://youtu.be/iFa_w2mOHWk

James Roday(Shawn) and Dule Hill(Gus) have a special kind of chemistry that makes you believe they've been friends since early childhood. More importantly, the entire reoccurring cast plays very well off the carefree and silly interactions they have with Shawn as he tries to get away with as much as possible.

While it came out first buy a few years, Psych and The Mentalist have a lot in common. Both are about con men who use their life experience and observational powers to help solve crimes. The difference with Psych is how the stories and characters allow for a more light-hearted and funny experience each week. Patrick Jane, The Mentalist, is helping the police out of guilt and a desire to get revenge on his family's murderer. Shawn is more gliding through life and an opportunity has presented himself. Both are good at solving crimes, but Shawn is having fun while doing it.

That being said Psych has more than enough drama, world-building, and character growth to allow for the audience to truly become invested in not only Shawn but the whole Psych universe. Sprinkle in a growing number of guest stars and reoccurring characters and you have a very fun, and funny, hit show.

After 8 seasons, the show ended but there was enough demand that USA produced a movie to help try and tie up some open story plots. However one of the most important supporting characters, Detective Carlton Lassiter, was barely there as the actor suffered a stroke before filming. With the more serious, by the book character absent, the first movie seems to be missing one of the important elements to the Psych chemistry; a ying to Shawn's yang so to speak. It's worth the watch for completion's sake and to see how some storylines end but I was disappointed overall.

Detectives Lassiter and Juliet O'Hara

Enter the 2nd movie, just released on NBC/Universal's new streaming platform

They have included some Peacock exclusive TV shows and as mentioned the Psych 2 movie. With the actor's difficulties of dealing with his stroke written into the story, we get the return of Lassiter or Lassie as Shawn affectionately calls him. Still not presented in the typical ying/yang role, the inclusion of such a vital component of the show only helps. The 2nd movie is truly an embrace of everything that made Psych such a winning show for its 8 seasons.

https://youtu.be/oQdt2zlt4UA

While funny enough to watch with no back story, I would suggest taking some time and watching the whole series. As I mentioned you can watch it for free with adds on Peacock, or upgrade to remove the adds and get bonus programming. You can also stream the series for free on Amazon Prime and then jump over to Peacock for the movies.

Right now Peacock(and HBOMAX) are in a slight dispute with some streaming systems so you might have to look around to find the right device. There is an app on XBOX, AppleTV(4th gen+), many Android streaming smart TVs - including Vizio, LG smart, and google Chromecast(2nd gen+). You can also of course stream online your computer and through some browsers on tablets. I stream it through the Xbox One and a Vizio smart TV in the bedroom.

I was worried about commercials. Some free streamers will stop down shows and movies several times to show you the same 3 ads over and over. Peacock showed 3-5 minutes of adds before the movie and then no interruptions. Dawn and I also watched some SNL compilation stuff and there were no adds. Hopefully, they keep it like this.

FYI - There are a ton of great shows and movies to access on Peacock as well. It was well worth signing up (I mean it's free) just for Psych and the 2nd movie. However, as a fan of horror, animation, and older TV shows, there is a ton to see here.

They have all Heroes, Blind Spot, Battlestar Galactica, Downton Abby, This is us, Project Bluebook, and countless others.

They have 7 seasons of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Birds, and Psycho.

They have many Universal Horror and Hammer horror remakes as well. A few are under the pay icon, but there is still The Invisible Man, Dracula, Phantom of the Opera, Bride of Frankenstein, Curse of the Werewolf, the Evil of Frankenstein, and many more.

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - Part 28 - Chapter 66.

,CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

"So we are in agreement?" Livingstone asked the group gathered at the table. No one responded at first, but soon Ms. Whitlock nodded. Inspector Kimbell quickly followed but Ephraim Godwin stared at the doctor with no response either way.

Kimbell shifted his attention to the man on his right, "Well Mr. Godwin is this plan not satisfactory to you?"

Ephraim glanced at the inspector before returning his attention to Livingstone. Truth be told, the doctor couldn't recall the man speaking at all since he woke up. Ephraim announced he was conscious with a low moan, mirroring the depth of pain permeating through his body from the impact with the fish cart, but no actual words.

Ms. Whitlock studied the man, and Livingstone wondered if that something he witnessed blossoming earlier in their adventure would be allowed to grow. He'd seen many connections fall apart under less drastic circumstances. ,That's neither here nor there,, he reminded himself.

Ephraim stood, pushing his chair back, so he could step away from the group. The man paced back and forth, his newly acquired limp becoming less pronounced each day.

Livingstone hoped after a few days in the country, the man would be all healed up. ,Might even be able to remove the sling as well,, yet the doctor didn't want to get ahead of himself with Ephraim's arm. Although the arm didn't break in the fall, Ephraim wrenched his shoulder quite badly.

Ephraim came to a stop and studied the three at the table. Taking a deep breath he finally released it and said, "Fine," before stalking out of the room.

Livingstone turned his attention back to the others, "Great, now that's settled we can move forward."

"Ms. Whitlock...the letter," the inspector said as he held out his hand. She hesitated a moment but produced the folded letter from her dress.

"I will keep investigating this with Constable Hill's help, while the three of you head to Mr. Godwin's family estate."

"I think it's for the best," Livingstone said with a nod as he stood to follow Ephraim.

He found the man sitting in the garden, his eyes glued to a bluebird splashing around in a birdbath. Dark circles around his eyes betrayed his lack of sleep, and Ephraim held himself in a slumped, defeated manner. Livingstone found it a startling change from when he first met the man a few days before.

"I was just thinking how we so recently met," Livingstone said as to announce his presence. A slight nod was Ephraim's only reaction. After waiting a moment, Livingstone sat on the bench next to Ephraim.

"I know you want to stay here, to pursue the clues to see if you can find Mr. Cooks', pardon... Mr. Whitlock's apprentice, but you and Ms. Whitlock need to rest."

"I know," Ephraim said after a brief moment of silence. "I am simply worried that any delay will spell disaster for that boy. Yet, as you say, Zona and I need the rest and my brother needs help, and so we will travel to a place I have refused to visit since I left for the war."

"And why is that?" Ms. Whitlock called out as she entered the garden. Livingstone glanced back, a warning flashed in his eyes. One he hoped she noticed, but furthermore one she would heed.

Coming to a stop in front of the two men, Ms. Whitlock staring down at them. Livingstone shrugged; mostly to himself as it was evident her choice was to ignore him. Ephraim sighed and offered a sad smile.

"My older brother frowned upon my marriage, and his disappointment deepened when I chose to fight in the war. I had duties at home that he felt were more important."

Ms. Whitlock squatted in front of Ephraim and took his free hand. She offered a crooked smile before gazing at his palm. She squinted bringing the hand closer to study, her fingertip tracing the lines until she pressed hard in the middle of his hand.

"All will be forgiven but at a cost; life will go on but not for all; you will find the truth but at a great sacrifice," Ms. Whitlock said in a voice cold and distant.

Livingstone studied the woman as if seeing it for the first time. Her face, like marble, was smooth and cool and her eyes no longer squinted but stared far away. He glanced at Ephraim who wore a disbelieving smirk and stared at Ms. Whitlock's hands. He cleared his throat, and Ms. Whitlock shuddered.

She looked at Ephraim, following his eyes to his hands still being held by her. With a yelp, she let him go and stumbled backward as she stood. Offering a chagrined smile she asked, "Did I say anything?"

"Yes but it was all gibberish," Ephraim said with a forced laugh. Livingstone offering a weak smile nodded. ,Maybe staying with the inspector is the safer choice.

,***

Mr. Zachariah C. Whitlock stood on the dock of a small French town he had never heard of before. He smiled as a pretty young lady slipped past him and paused, glancing to see if she caught his eye. He tipped his hat at her but turned to walk in the opposite direction.

It wouldn't do to start feeding his appetites right off the boat. He needed to find someone first. Someone who knew how to secure him more seeds. If need be, he would travel back to Africa but his dreams told him there was a woman here. A woman with the necessary ability to help him create the seeds he lost in England. A sigh slipped out as he relived the reborn god bursting from the sea to aid his escape.

,It was worth it to remove those meddlers from the board,. The thought warmed his heart. His plans needed time to grow, and so at the time, it was worth the loss of his final seed. My only regret was not witnessing their demise with my own eyes. The ship had sailed too far away but the time the creature had begun its rampage.

Oh, well, there will be plenty of time to witness the miracles of the others. ,Especially my dear Oringo...when his true potential awakens, the whole of London will quake in fear., But first, he needed to find the woman...and convince her to help with his crusade.

,***

Oringo jangled the chains once again. The sound drowned out the clawing and squeaks of the rats moving behind the walls, but only for a moment. He bit down on his bottom lip, increasing the pressure until blood filled his mouth. The sudden taste of copper brought him back, and he loosened his jaws. If there was anything he feared more than death, it was the dark.

The Colonel used darkness as a training tool. It was very effective in molding Oringo into the subservient helper Mr. Cook set free. ,I was never free... I merely traded one master for another., He shivered, wondering just how long he'd last in the dark. Something would get him unless the Master returned. His stomach grumbled as if to remind him how long since his last meal.

"Not even a meal," Oringo whispered, the memory of the seed slithering into his mouth froze his blood. He stuck his fingers down his throat; trying again to force the creature out by vomiting. He gagged but nothing came.

Oringo jangled the chains again; contemplating if now was the time to pray. A clear memory of his mother praying for his father's safe return floated in but blurred as the door burst in. The Colonel entered flashing a wicked-looking knife.

Oringo shook the chains madly, hoping the noise would distract him from the remembrance of horrors the Colonel visited on his mother that night. His prayers died on his lips as the memories played anyway.

His hoarse laughter joined the jangling of the chains as he realized the only god who would save him grew in his belly.

"I will have my revenge," he screamed into the darkness, "sooner or later... I will have my revenge."

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