SERVANT Brings More Answers in Season Two

 

Jeri Jacquin

Returning to Apple TV+ for its second season from writer Tony Basgallop and executive produced with M. Night Shyamalan is SERVANT.

Dorothy (Lauren Ambrose) is devastated by the disappearance of her son Jericho and Leanne (Nell Free). Calling the police to report the kidnapping sends husband Sean (Toby Kebbell) running through the house to hide anything that that would suggest the infant was there. Instead, Sean and brother-in-law Julian (Rupert Grint) tell the police that Dorothy is suffering from the loss of their son and the fake baby was supposed to help.

Once alone, Sean decides he is going to do everything possible to find Jericho even if it means dealing with the cult Leanne has brought into their life and the woman known as May. Julian has other plans for the doll and decides he knows what is best for his sister and even hires Roscoe (Phillip Brannon) to help out. Dorothy begins to use her reporter skills and goes insane on the internet looking for new stories that can tell her more about the cult.

The story of what happened to Dorothy slowly makes its way to the surface, she keeps busy with her on-air reporting and announcing Leanne’s disappearance. When they believe her location is clear at the Marino house, Sean uses his cooking skills to find out for sure. Tobe (Tony Revolori) becomes a delivery driver and does not realize he is also being used to bring Leanne back. Dorothy has no intention of making life easy for Leanne and relies on tactics to get the information about Jericho.

What she does not count on is the arrival of Uncle George (Boris McGiver) who makes it clear that none of this should have ever happened. Convinced that Leanne has gone astray from their beliefs, he brings a mysterious case that is to remind her of why she should return to the fold. The Turners are not exactly sure what his plan is but are blinded with hope when Uncle George assures them that things will work out.

Dorothy is on a spree preparing for Jericho’s return and wants to have a family gathering. Bringing them all together is not exactly going to go as planned as Dorothy, Julian, and Sean deal with their own troubles that are hitting them hard. As if everything was not difficult enough, a knock comes at the door as a woman in a black veil introduces herself as Aunt Josephine (Barbara Sukowa).

Josephine makes it clear to Dorothy and Sean that Leanne has strayed and although the couple are in pain regarding Jericho, nothing more can be done. A showdown is about to happen with all involved and the shock is yet to come.

Ambrose as Dorothy has now been put to every ounce of stress dealing with something she has no control over. The only thing she seems to have control of is not having control. Ambrose give Dorothy moments of sanity where she seems to be on the right track and then she goes whack-a-doodle but in the best of ways that keep my attention because, and let us be honest, it is like a train wreck, and we have to see the outcome.

Kebbell as Sean seems to be the one that truly understands the insanity of what he and Dorothy are dealing with. Yet, there is that part of him that can not help but be caught up in it all with the help of Julian’s own brand of craziness. He wants Jericho, he wants his wife happy, and he wants his world back so jumping in with both feet – he seems to be landing in quicksand!

Free as Leanne comes from a world that is twisted and altered in the perception of religion. It is her breakaway to Dorothy and Sean’s house that has caused all the issues until the issues start knocking on their door! Free is torn between two worlds and the consequences be damned – literally.

McGiver as Uncle George creeps me out to the highest level of creepiness. That is how you know this character is bringing in more story that is just bursting to be told. Sukowa as Aunt Josephine is another piece to the puzzle and covered in a veil just like the mystery that is still waiting to be uncovered.

Now, lets talk about Grint as Julian because let’s put in an OMG right here. As Julian he is the go between in the chaos even if he brings a bit of unusualness to the way he thinks. Of course, dealing with his own demons, those demons sometimes cross the lines between what his sister wants, his own life and helping Sean. Then again, being an uncle to a doll is not always easy. Grint is stunning, entertaining and completely engrossing as Julian and this season he crosses a few more dangerous lines.

Other cast include Mason and Julius Belford as baby Jericho, Katie Hillas Kourtney, Alison Elliott as May Markhem, Todd Waring as Frank Pearce, Jerrika Hinton as Natalie Gorman, Molly Griggs as Isabelle Carrick and M. Night Shyamalan as a pizza delivery man.

Apple TV+ is a streaming service featuring Apple Originals, award-winning series, compelling dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, kids’ entertainment, comedies, and more with new Apple Originals added every month. To see more of what they have to offer please visit www.appletvplus.com.

SERVANT is twisted, mysterious, chaotic, amusing, jaw dropping, and I almost wish it was an hour long instead of the half hour. Thinking about that more I realize that the series would not be as on-the-edge if the show became an hour per episode. Each ending is spectacular and pushes the brain to want more.

This leads to the anticipated ‘ohhhhh maaaaaaaaaaaaan’ when the season is over for the next year. Let us hope that Apple TV+ can kick into high gear and keep the tension to a minimum, oh alright, I want to know more about the secrets that seem to always be eluding. Both season one and two are available now.

In the end – where is Jericho?

 

M. Knight Shyamalan Brings Mystery to SERVANT

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Apple TV+ from creator Tony Basgallop and M. Knight Shyamalan is the stunning and jaw dropping series SERVANT.

Chef Sean (Toby Kebbell) and television reporter Dorothy (Lauren Ambrose) are a couple that are dealing with the loss of their son Jericho.  At the suggestion of family friend, Sean gives Dorothy a doll that she sees as her son. Dealing with the situation, the arrival of the very young and meek Leanne Grayson (Nell Tiger Free) is hired to be Jericho's nanny. Following Dorothy's lead, it is Sean who waits until they are alone to inform Leanne that she doesn't have to pretend with him.

A few days after her arrival, Sean hears a baby crying and follows the sound to the nursery where Dorothy's doll has become a live baby. Freaking out, Sean calls brother-in-law Julian (Rupert Grint) to show him what has happened. Immediately Julian suspects that the new nanny has something to do with it and shares his theories with Sean.

Dorothy doesn't seem to notice the difference and is thrilled to be back to herself with a new baby and doing her reports once again. Leanne is actually fascinated and disturbed by the goings on in the Turner house with Sean's sous chef Tobe (Tony Revolori) taking an interest in her. At her husband's request, Dorothy starts asking questions about where Leanne is from and her life.

In the meantime, Julian is on the case hiring Matthew Roscoe (Phillip Brannon) to find out where this mysterious girl has come from and what she is up to. He can't wait to show his brother-in-law what they have discovered which deepens the mystery.

So, I'm going to stop right here because this is a series you absolutely have to experience for yourself!

Kebbell as Sean is an arrogant chef who loves his career and wife (even though they can, at times be mouthy to one another) and is twisted by what is happening. Giving a performance that mostly, so far, has this actor with a huge question mark above his head, also can't help but feel fatherly toward Jericho #2. I have to say that watching him great dishes during the show is pretty cool. He gets a chance to experience a one two punch of mystery and good eats and I'm all for that.

 

Ambrose as Dorothy is a woman who is proud of her reporter skills yet she seems to have blank screen when it comes to actually knowing what's going on in her own home. She's a good person with a quick wit and a protectiveness towards her family - including brother Julian. At first I was annoyed with Dorothy and then I just dropped my jaw and became in awe of her. Certainly most of us might behave differently but that isn't going to stop viewers from jumping on to her bandwagon to see where this ride is going to take us. Well done Ambrose!

Free as Leanne is a young girl who seems to be missing part of the real world in her life. Fascinated by the life she is beginning with the Turner's, she also seems to enjoy taking care of baby Jericho (that is, the doll that is now a real baby Jericho - confused yet?). Taking a liking to Dorothy, she begins to feel part of the family even if she gets snide comments and judgmental looks from both Julian and Sean.

Grint as Julian is a messed up human being who loves the wine at his brother-in-law's house. It is clear that he'd like nothing better than to expose Leanne for whoever he thinks she is but worrying about his sister has become a full time job. Julian wants to protect her from any more pain but this is a situation that isn't going to let that happen. Grint is on his game and I must admit to it being weird not hearing Ronald Weasly's voice come out. Trust me when I say that thought will fade fast because he is aaaaaamazing as Julian.

Brannon as Matthew is on the case by going with Julian to where Leanne says she comes from. What he finds disturbs him just as it would anyone else. Revolori as Tobe is attempting to be friends with Leanne but is confused by her reaction to things. That's not going to stop him from being Sean's best sous chef so we'll be seeing more of him in upcoming episodes.

Apple TV+ is a video on demand web television service of Apple Inc. The content is viewable through Apple's website and through Apple's TV app which is available through electronic devices. Accessible in about 100 countries, they distribute their own content and original programming.

The directing duties begin with Shyamalan taking the helm with the first episode Reborn, with the directing duties going to Daniel Sackheim for episode 2 Wood and 3 Eel. There are seven more episodes to bring the series to a climatic season finale with that feeling of 'awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!' knowing the wait it on.

SERVANT is a series that is going to have you wanting more and more and even more. The episodes are a half hour each which absolutely and totally drives me insane. That's probably what creator Basgallop had in mind in the first place. Sitting at his keyboard wondering what would be the best way to make everyone growl like a bear when the credits start to role - it worked so well played sir!

The show is a bit of brilliance and it is clear why Shyamalan would want to be part of it, the storyline is right up his professional ally. SERVANT is a mixture of feeling crazy, not understanding what is in front of us, twisting our brains trying to jump ahead and figure things out but then stopping because we can't get away from the crazy feeling. Now personally, I happen to like when a show does that and I'm not going to lie, SERVANT had me slapping my head a few times, yelling at the screen with 'what…THE…&$%@!' or 'you've GOT to be kidding me!'

Yet, I went back, again and again wanting more, wanting answers and wanting to be riveted and I got it (I still want more than a half hour but I guess you can't have everything - yet!). The show is creepy, eerie, maddening and filled with twisted humor moments. Apple TV+ has a hit on its hands and now I am curious to see the other series they have to offer and trust when I say I'll be checking them out for you so stay tuned.

In the end - there is not an easy mystery to unravel!

KUU KUU HARAJUKU: Super Kawaii Brings Adventure!

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from SHOUT! Kids Factory and the mind of Gwen Stefani is the hit series KUU KUU HARAJUKU: Super Kawaii.

The girls; G, Love, Angel, Music and Baby along with manager Rudy, are thrilled to be working in the garden growing vegetables but Luv can’t wait to show them the Kawaii Fire machine. Made to amplify Kawaii-ness the other girls are a little nervous about her latest invention. When a festival is a chance for the girls to perform in the battle of the bands, they are not happy with their bland costumes. Remembering the Kawaii Fire machine, they create awesome costumes and work together to put on a great show.

Getting ready for Super Kawaii Sunday, the girls are thrilled that a famous photographer is coming to town to find fresh faces. Hitting the shops the girls want to look their best and be fashion fantastic. When they show up at the mall they are a little dishearten and think they don’t really have a chance. When photographer Egal begins to take their picture while they are being themselves, a new Kawaii level is reached. Now, the camera Egal used has turned into a Kawaii monster and tries to steal people’s Kawaii! Don’t worry; the girls know just what to do.

Rudy brings HJ5 doughnuts and the girls notice a rainbow bubble. Ms. Shout wants the girls to participate in a Bubbleland competition that could lead to a recording contract. Once at Bubbleland, the girls are shown to their own bubbles before the competition. Quickly the girls learn Mrs. Shout actually wants quit and has captured HJ5, the Tanaka Boys and others to make that happen. The girls have to be clever if they are going to get themselves and everyone else out of the bubble!

The HJ5 girls are trapped in a rocket that has launched to destroy an asteroid. The problem is the rocket has explosives and once in outer space the girls only have twenty minutes to make something happen. Discovering that the asteroid is named Sparkle Star, she just needs help to get back on her space course. The girls figure that the explosive can help Sparkle Star regain her fire.

Rod the Robot is the girl’s new driver taking them to their next gig. The girls are getting ready for a performance when the underwater dome they are in springs a leak. Trying everything from Kawaii bandages and bubble gum, nothing seems to stop the inevitable. Once out of the dome, the little Octocorns see HJ5 as their friends and when they run out of gas in their vehicle, they make sure the girls – and Rudy – get to the surface.

The girls get a gig at the zoo along with a free pass to visit the animals. All is going well until Mr. Smyth, the head zoo keeper, cancels the concert because Music has been banned from the zoo. Her list of rule breaking is put out for the other girls to see. Luv manages to get her on probation so they can play the concert but Music thinks she might need special help to stay out of trouble.

Monotone Records wants to sign the girls to a record contract. The girls aren’t sure they are a good fit for the label. Immediately the executives want to change everything about HJ5 and the girls aren’t having it. They also learn that an evil super computer is controlling musicians to become monotone. They want to rob them of their individuality and while the girls continue to refuse to change, they are also planning their escape.

HJ5 performs at a beach party but critic Heddy Harumph wonders if the group is washed up. Now G is suffering from stage fright because of what Harumph said. The girls want to use dream therapy to fix G’s problem before the concert that is only hours away.

G is also in a creative rut and with a show coming the girls think it’s a chance for her to get new ideas else where. Creator Pigment is an artistic genius but doesn’t really help G with her slump. When a butterfly painting comes to life, it begins an art attack on Kawaii. Realizing its something Rudy did, they have to literally formulate an antidote before they all turn to art.

Luv shows the girls all her latest inventions. Rudy sets up a chance for the girls to perform on Twisty Tea’s next video. They have to house sit to get the gig but the girls are all in. That’s when Rudy tells the truth that the girls were supposed to be watering the plants for over a month. When they see the shriveled up plants, the girls use on of Luv’s inventions but Rudy once again causes the girls to stop chaos before Twisty Tea gets home.

Luv creates the Oops machine that can fix things that have gone wrong. Waking up the next day, there are five HJ5 gold records on the wall and it’s easy to see Luv is in an alternate universe. Now highly successful, this other dimension is twisted and people have no choice in their decisions. HJ5 have become the bad guys and the kitten-bots want to capture Luv. This isn’t the HJ5 universe Luv wants to be a part of.

Finally, Rudy takes the girls to his Aunts beauty salon. Trixie Latrell is the make-over maven who believes she can give the girls a fantastic new hair look. Angel is thrilled to be getting a make over for the Honey festival. When it doesn’t go well, the girls know they need to help Trixie come into the modern age. Using the internet and social media, HJ5 has a concert and brings the Baubles magazine editor in to see what’s new and exciting. When hair gets out of control, HJ5 comes to the rescue!

SHOUT! Factory has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty And The Beast. Also their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT Factor has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

The DVD includes the Bonus Feature of Meet the Voice Cast! as well as all twelve episodes: The Kawaiifier, Super Kawaii Sunday, Delectabubbles, Kablooey Chewie, Water Baby, Music Zoo, The Dotted Line, Life is but a Dream, Oh G, Green House, Control+Alt+Dimension and Angel Hair.

Also, check out the “kawaii” soundtrack to the much-loved TV series, available for download now on itunes.com and Amazon.com or stream it on Apple Music and Spotify. HJ5: KUU KUU HARAJUKU features the show theme and five new songs from the hit children’s television series including, Dancing in the Sunlight, Change It Up and All For One.

This animated series brings music, fashion, color, friendship, loyalty and silliness together with so much fun. The show brings out such an amazing group of characters that all are unique in their own way yet work together to get themselves out of a lot of predicaments (to be honest most of them are because of Rudy!).

So enjoy a little fun and adventure from a group that always wants to do the right thing and take care of one another – we can all learn from that.

In the end – you can save the world and still look fabulous doing it!

KUU KUU HARAJUKU: Music, Baby Brings Characters to DVD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from SHOUT! Factory, DHX Media and co-creator Gwen Stefani is the animated series that will have you dancing with KUU KUU HARAJUKI.

Love, Angel, Music, Baby and G are members of the band HJ5. Music isn’t their only love as they mix it up with fashion and style as well. In this magical world the girls are part of the Harajuku district of fashion and a kid culture.

G and her ‘tick tock time to rock!’ tag line is the enthusiastic lead singer in the HJ5 group. The dancer of the group who is also its fashionista is Love who creates amazing inventions. Angel brings chic and fun to the gang of gals with her 325 pairs of shoes and accessories.

Music brings edge and attitude to the group with her honesty and toughness while protecting her musical family. Baby is exactly as her name implies with her good nature and the kawaii of babies and rattlesnakes.

Finally, Rudie is the HJ5’s manager who does his best to keep the group busy with gigs. The problem is that a lot of weirdness happens when you are dealing with aliens and general Harajuku.

Life and weirdness make it hard to finish a concert!

SHOUT! Factory has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty And The Beast. Also their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT Factor has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

DHX Media brings pure-play children’s content such as Teletubbies, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Calilou, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget and the award winning Degrassi franchise. For more of what DHX Media has to offer please visit www.dhxmedia.com.

Also available is the kawaii soundtrack to the successful series HJ5: Kuu Kuu Harajuki with the shows theme and five new songs from the television series including Dancing in the Sunlight, Change it Up and All for One.

The inspiration for this series is provided by Gwen Stefani, a Grammy Award-winning songstress. She brings the show to encourage and celebrate self-expression, imagination and individuality surrounded by street fashion and music.

The DVD includes the episodes Totally Teen Genie, Angel’s Flight, Music Baby, Wanted Audience, Game Over, Phony Ponies, Hello Puppy, G This is Awfully Deep, Baby’s Birthday, Labor of Love, Bad Boy and Little Girl, Yummy Bear Nado, Drums of Doom, and Adventures in Housesitting.

KUU KUU HARAJUKU contains all fourteen episodes are on the DVD along with the featurette Bringing the Band to Life. This series is fun, colorfully animated and bring characters together that are different and yet are so very cool together.

The one person I turn to when it comes to knowing whether a series works is my granddaughter. She loves animation, fun characters and music and KUU KUU HARAJUKU gets her seal of approval. Laughing, dancing and focused on each episode, she has found a group she enjoys watching again and again.

This is a series that totally encompasses loyalty, friendship, fun and a sense of humor about the challenges of being together. That is something I want all kids to embrace and with this group of animated characters it is a sure thing.

In the end – they are bringing the music and fun!