Spoiler-Free Review of “Pretty Little Liars: Summer School” on Max: Our Final Girls are Back and Better than Ever!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“A is out there…”

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School is the second season of Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. Season two premiered on May 9th 2024 with the first two episodes on Max. The remaining six episodes will release weekly. The teen mystery drama series (based on Pretty Little Liars) stars Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, Maia Reficco, Malia Pyles, and Faran Bryant. Each episode runs for approximately 50-52 minutes.

After surviving a brutal killing spree, the girls are forced to attend summer school together while now being targeted by a killer named “Bloody Rose Waters.”

Here is the trailer:

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School stays true to its slasher spin, introducing us to some new characters and some fantastic music to indulge in. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Max

Love these Final Girls!

I didn’t know if this series really needed a second season since it pretty much wrapped up everything at the end of season one, but I’m so happy that each character is getting more screen time this time around. Original Sin centered primarily on Imogen and Tabby so it’s nice to see the other characters getting a chance to shine.

I also really like the way the series is exploring the aftermath of the events from Original Sin and how it is impacting the girls and their relationships with others. In a lot of ways, it reminds me of The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix.

We are learning more about each of the characters and getting a chance to see them grow. We’ve also got a few new potential love interests as well, which will keeps things fresh.

Images courtesy of Max

Hooked already.

I’ve been watching PLL since the original series and have seen every spin-off. I’m happy to report that I am just as hooked with this new season. It may not have been needed, but so far I’m digging the “hot girl summer” with a new masked killer on the loose. I hope we get some more epic chase scenes because they were really great last season.

I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Max

The sub-plots are a little boring so far…

I’m hoping this improves. PLL is known for having a balance of a solid killer mystery and juicy drama, but so far I’ve been a little bored during the fluff moments. I do like a few of the new characters and I’m sensing a spark between certain characters, but some of the transitions feel a little forced.

Episode two was a lot stronger than episode one so I’m remaining confident that we’ll get back on track with the mystery and I’d love to see some kills with a touch more gore sprinkled in to hold my attention.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Max

I’m in!

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School is just as addicting as season one, presenting us with a new mystery with lots of potential and some slasher fun for good measure.

It’s safe to say that I will be tuning in each week for this one!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Pretty Little Liars: Summer School in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A Halloween they’ll never forget…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” on Prime: Spies and Marriage…

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“We’re married…”

Mr. & Mrs. Smith released on February 2nd 2024 on Prime Video with all eight episodes available to stream now. The spy dramedy series (inspired by the 2005 film of the same name) stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. Each episode runs for approximately 45-50 minutes.

Two agents are paired up to work together on secret missions while maintaining the cover of being married.

Here is the trailer:

Mr. & Mrs. Smith attempts to do something different with its take on the spy genre, but does it have enough going on to keep us invested? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime

Tries a new approach…

I appreciate when series like this take an idea or concept from an original film and try to do something unique with it. The effort was absolutely there and I loved the idea of focusing on the realistic challenges of being married and forming a relationship rather than merely glossing over things.

Glover and Erskine are both talented and had a lot to offer in their organic portrayals of these characters.

Fun guest stars and a solid opening.

The opening of this series was absolutely fantastic. I was drawn in right away and ready to binge-watch to my heart’s desire. There were plenty of familiar faces thrown in and some really fun guest stars to get excited about.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime

Our two main leads lacked chemistry together…

I think this was my biggest issue with this series. I thought both actors were strong as individuals, but the chemistry between them was lacking and felt forced. There were some sweet moments sprinkled in, but overall I wanted something either more sizzling or more heartwarming to help me invest in them together more.

Slower pacing than I was expecting.

Like, really slow. I didn’t need twenty minutes of text conversations and slow discussions. I get what Donald Glover was trying to achieve with this, but this is billed as a spy thriller and it needed a lot more action to keep me invested. The opening delivered with this, but then things just dragged after this, which made it difficult for me to bounce back with enthusiasm when we finally got more action thrown our way.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime

I’m in about 75 percent…

If you enjoy Donald Glover and shows about relationships, there may be enough here for you, but if you came for some action as well, you won’t get as much in that department.

I’m all for a show trying something new and I think there is enough substance here, but I guess I just wanted some more thrills to keep me fully engaged.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Mr. & Mrs. Smith in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

Girl Number Thirteen Lurking Promo

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Fool Me Once” on Netflix: Harlan Coben Starts the Year Off with a Bang!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Death follows you…”

Harlan Coben’s Fool Me Once premiered on Netflix on January 1st 2024. The mystery thriller limited series features eight episodes available to stream now. It stars Michelle Keegan, Joanna Lumley, Adeel Akhtar, Emmett J. Scanlan, and Richard Armitage. Each episode runs for approximately 42-50 minutes.

As Mya tries to cope with the recent murder of her husband, she gets a shocking surprise when she spots him on her nanny cam after his death, leading to dangerous secrets and reveals.

Here is the trailer:

Fool Me Once is addicting in all the right ways, presenting us with shocking twists and plenty of action-packed moments, making this an easy guilty pleasure thriller to indulge in. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

So addicting!

I always get excited when a new Harlan Coben series is released. Fool Me Once held its own and really grabbed my attention right away. It didn’t waste too much time with set-up, hooking the audience and never letting go.

I was really impressed by how well-paced this series was. It was very easy to binge-watch and the end of each episode did just enough to bring you back for more. I watched all eight episodes in one day.

I also appreciated that this series was less complicated than some of its predecessors. Sure, there were still a lot of sub-plots to sift through, but I found this one to be a little bit more straightforward, which made this a seamless and enjoyable watch.

Images courtesy of Netflix

A strong female lead to root for!

I really liked the character of Mya. I thought the actress did a great job and her fashion was on point with all of those fabulous coats! Sometimes I get too wrapped up in the mystery behind these series to care that much about the characters, but this series took enough time to flesh hers out without presenting us with too much excessive fluff.

Mya was bad-ass and relatable in a lot of ways. I hope to see this actress in more soon because I thought she was absolutely fantastic!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Repetitive flashbacks.

The crazy sub-plots didn’t bother me that much this time around…especially since I have learned to expect them with every Harlan Coben series I watch. That being said, I thought some of the mini flashbacks thrown in were a little exhausting.

I didn’t find the plot to be that complicated and it felt like the writers were over-explaining things to the audience. This didn’t overpower the series, but it was frustrating at times.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!!!

Satisfying, addicting, and perfect for binge-watchers!

Harlan Coben does it again with a well-executed mystery worth your time.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Fool Me Once in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Shining Vale” Season 2 on Starz: Courteney Cox is in Control!

*This is a spoiler-free review for season two so feel free to read on!*

“I am no longer a danger to society…”

Shining Vale season two premiered on Starz on October 13th 2023 with the first episode. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The horror comedy series stars Courteney Cox, Greg Kinnear, Mira Sorvino, Gus Birney and Judith Light. Each episode runs for approximately 30-34 minutes.

After being checked into a mental hospital by her family, Pat attempts to change her outlook on life and banish her demons for good…but are they really gone?

Here is the trailer:

Shining Vale season one flew under the radar, but it was quirky, creepy, and absolutely delightful. Is season two worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Starz

Courteney Cox is back and better than ever!

She was absolutely brilliant in season one and had me laughing out loud quite a few times. Pat may have toned down her cursing with her new “rehabilitation,” but Courteney is still commanding the screen in the best way possible.

It took me a little while to warm up to the rest of the cast in season one, but already I am liking the new character dynamics and the ending of episode one left us  with a lot of ghostly potential already. More please!

The fun is only just beginning…

I was slightly worried about the direction for season two, but I think the season two premiere did enough to present us with some familiar plots while leaving the door open for more. I’m hopeful that we can explore more behind the actual hauntings this season and maybe even meet a few new creepy characters to keep us invested. Either way, I’m intrigued and I’m happy that the shorter episodes are here to stay because they work very nicely with the overall pacing of this show.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Starz

I needed a refresher course…

I definitely recommend watching the recap in the beginning. I probably should have binge-watched the first season again because I felt a little lost at first. Now that we’ve gotten through the initial set-up for season two, I’m hoping that we kick things into high gear because season one took a little while to hit its peak. I’m confident we’ll get there though.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Starz

I’m in!

The Phelps family is back…quirks and all!

Shining Vale was one of my favorite horror comedy series of last year and I’m excited to see where season two goes. 

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Shining Vale in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Fall of the House of Usher” on Netflix: An Enthralling and Eloquent Masterpiece

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“Nobody gets away with anything…not really…”

The Fall of the House of Usher is a limited series from The Haunting of Hill House creator, Mike Flanagan that released on October 12th 2023. The supernatural horror series features eight episodes available to stream now on Netflix. It stars Bruce Greenwood, Carla Gugino, Mary McDonnell, Samantha Sloyan, Kate Siegel, Willa Fitzgerald, Mark Hamill, Zach Gilford, and Carl Lumbly. Each episode runs for approximately 60-65 minutes.

Siblings, Roderick and Madeline Usher, have built an empire of wealth with their prosperous, but potentially harmful company, but when their heirs all begin dying one by one, dark secrets are unlocked.

Here is the trailer:

The Fall of the House of Usher has plenty of familiar faces from The Haunting of Hill House world, but this show has a slightly different feel, shining a light on some of the most disturbing aspects of humanity. Is this series worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A clever mix of gothic horror and whodunnit mystery.

The gothic horror elements were absolutely present in this particular series, channeling the works of Edgar Allan Poe in a modern way. The whodunnit mystery style added some charm in as well, hooking the audience completely as we watched this unfold.

By the time I got to the end of episode two, I could not stop watching this series. The episodes were on the longer side, but it never felt that way. Each one was filled with beautiful cinematography, moving performances, and welcomed nods to a classic short story that transported me back to the page. I loved that this series embraced its inspiration while still creating something chilling, thought-provoking, and shocking of its own in the process.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Exceptional performances.

Fans of The Haunting of Hill House anthology will be pleased to see several familiar faces in this entry. We also welcomed in several new actors, who did an incredible job. Overall, I was really impressed by the performances, as these characters didn’t necessarily have the heart and soul of previous ones, but they were still layered and intriguing all the same.

Stand-out performances go to the amazing Carla Gugino and Willa Fitzgerald, who dominated the screen and then some. Wow!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Jam-packs in a lot…

I really don’t have too many cons for this series. Episode one was really over-stuffed with set-up and I was slightly overwhelmed by the time jumps, but I think the series found its way with this with the remaining episodes.

This series had a different feel from the others, highlighting characters obsessed with drugs, sex, and power, but it still resonated with me by the time I got to the end, proving to be another worthy Mike Flanagan series.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 1000 percent!

Sheer perfection with a deliciously dark plot worth devouring.

The best show I’ve watched all year!

If you enjoyed Mike Flanagan’s previous series, you’ll find plenty to love in this new entry that isn’t afraid to take some risks along the way that certainly pay off.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Fall of the House of Usher in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Surviving Summer” Season 2 on Netflix: Blue Crush-Esque Series Returns

*This is a spoiler-free review for season two so feel free to read on!*

“I’m back…”

Surviving Summer season two released on Netflix on September 15th 2023. The Australian teen coming-of-age series features eight new episodes available to stream now. The show stars Sky Katz, Kai Lewins, Savannah La Rain and Lilliana Bowrey. Each episode runs for approximately 27-28 minutes.

After returning back to New York, Summer decides to go back to Australia to try out for the surfing team while re-connecting with old friends.

Here is the trailer:

Surviving Summer season one was a quick and delightful treat, transporting us to a beautiful setting with some predictable, but heartwarming moments. Does season two do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Aesthetically pleasing once again.

If you’re attempting to hold on to the summer season for just a little while longer, Surviving Summer season two will do the trick with gorgeous scenery and feel-good music. We got fewer episodes this time around, which was smart, and I like that they kept them under thirty minutes each, making this season extremely easy to binge-watch.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Favorite characters return.

In season one, Summer was trying to figure out where she belonged and surfing gave her that chance. The ending of the series was actually really well-done and I didn’t think another season was necessary.

That being said, I missed the quirkiness of Summer and I was glad she got to shine again in season two. She was a lot more sure of herself this time around and I loved that she showed off her new surfing skills with style, proving that she is worthy of the competition.

Our other supporting characters returned as well and were given some layers too, which helped flesh them out more.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Not a fan of the new potential love interest…

I get that we needed to shake things up in season two, but I wasn’t really a fan of the new “bad boy” potential love interest for Summer. He fit too neatly into a trope for me. I get that this is a coming-of-age series filled with predictable and “wrong” choices along the way, but I think more effort was needed in this department. I wanted something or someone based more in reality. The Summer I Turned Pretty does this very well and perhaps this series could learn a thing or two from that one…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent…

Surviving Summer season two manages to capture the same vibe as season one, making this a charming and effortless watch. 

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Surviving Summer in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Harlan Coben’s Shelter” on Prime Video: An Addicting Mystery with Layers!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“I just want answers…”

Harlan Coben’s Shelter premiered on Prime Video on August 18th 2023 with the first three episodes available now. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The YA mystery thriller series stars Jaden Michael, Constance Zimmer, Sage Linder, and Adrian Greensmith. Each episode runs for approximately 45-55 minutes.

After undergoing a family trauma, Mickey moves in with his aunt in New Jersey and adjusts to his new life. Only things get complicated when he passes by a creepy house and an old woman tells him a secret that will alter his life forever, as he tries to piece together the truth with his new group of friends.

Here is the trailer:

Shelter is Harlan Coben’s first YA series adapted for television, featuring an intriguing mystery with enough moving pieces to keep you coming back for more. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Characters to root for!

I really like all of the characters so far, but especially this group shown above. In a way, this show has similar vibes to School Spirits and Stranger Things, but it’s got its own feel and mystery. It took me an episode or so to warm up to these characters, but now I can’t wait to see what they do next and I honestly care about what happens to them.

Images courtesy of Prime Video

A mystery that hooks you from the start.

I love the eerie vibe to this series. I’m always hooked by Harlan Coben mysteries, but this one is really interesting and I think it has a lot of potential already. We have a lot of moving pieces that will hopefully pay off in the end. I’ve got some working theories already and I can’t wait to see how the rest of this unfolds. 

Either way…I’m intrigued and ready for more.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

The crazy subplots are back.

This should come as no surprise for a Harlan Coben series. You need to pay attention to these series because you’ll miss some minor detail that will make way more sense by the time you get to the end. 

That being said, the first episode felt a bit overwhelming, chaotic, and slightly messy, but I think it found its way by the time we got to episode two. So stick around if you’re feeling this way initially.

Some of the dialogue is also a bit generic and cliché, but the actors are making the most of it.

I’m also not sure how I feel about the weekly episode approach. I’m used to these addicting series being on Netflix, where you can binge-watch the entire thing. Luckily we got three episodes at once for the release, but I wish all of them were available now.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I’m in!!!

The first YA Harlan Coben streaming series doesn’t disappoint!

Shelter is a consuming watch that already has me anxiously waiting for more episodes to drop.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Harlan Coben’s Shelter in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

 

 

 

 

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Hardy Boys” Season 3 on Hulu: Saved the Best for Last!

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“No loose ends…”

The Hardy Boys (season 3) premiered on Hulu on July 26th 2023 with eight final episodes available to stream now. The series stars Rohan Campbell, Alexander Elliot, Bea Santos, Keana Lyn, Riley O’Donnell, and Bailee Madison. Each episode runs for approximately 42-44 minutes. 

Based on the iconic book series, this new re-imagining of The Hardy Boys takes place in the 1980’s. Frank and Joe Hardy are back one more time to solve a new mystery plaguing the town of Bridgeport, but will they find all the answers they are looking for?

Here is the trailer:

The Hardy Boys flew under the radar for quite some time, but it was a fresh and fun take on the teen mystery genre without all the drama in-between. Does the final season measure up? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Bailee Madison livens up the show!

She was a welcomed new character and I have to say that she really breathed some new life into this series. I love all of the characters on this show, but they needed someone new to spice things up and I think she accomplished that and then some.

We also got to see some returning favorites as well, which made sense for the final season.

Images courtesy of Hulu

A few solid twists and ends the way it should.

I have to admit that I was thrown a few times during the final season. I loved the twists and that last one really had my head spinning. 

Season three may have packed in a lot, but I think that it successfully closed out its story while still leaving the door open for more mysteries beyond the series. Everything was wrapped up neatly, which I appreciated.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Rocky start.

The beginning of season three felt really complicated and more sci-fi than anything else. When I think about The Hardy Boys, I envision traditional mysteries. It’s fine that it dabbles over to the sci-fi side, but the opening few episodes felt really odd to me.

Thankfully we moved on from that and the final season quickly became my favorite season yet. 

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in!

The final season of The Hardy Boys delivers with excellent pacing and fantastic reveals while managing to end the series in a satisfying way for mystery fans everywhere.

I’ll miss this series. It was a lot of fun!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Hardy Boys in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

Girl Number Thirteen Lurking Promo

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Justified: City Primeval” on FX: Raylan Givens Returns!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“You’re just the man for this…”

Justified: City Primeval premiered on July 18th 2023 with the first two episodes available to watch now on FX (next day on Hulu). There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The sequel series stars Timothy Olyphant, Vivian Olyphant, Boyd Holbrook, Adelaide Clemens, and Aunjanue Ellis. Each episode runs for approximately 50-52 minutes.

While on a road trip with his daughter, Raylan Givens encounters a couple of criminals that set him on a new path and case in Detroit, Michigan.

Here is the trailer:

Justified City Primeval gives fans another chance to connect with their favorite Deputy U.S. Marshal in a brand new setting with new dangerous foes. Is the sequel series worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of FX

He’s still got it…

As if there was any doubt! Timothy Olyphant steps seamlessly back into his role of Raylan Givens. He looks like he hasn’t aged a day and sports his gray hair with style. He’s as bad-ass and charismatic as ever and I’m loving the dynamic between him and his daughter. I think it’s really cool that his daughter in real life is playing her.

We have some other interesting new players in town and so far I think that Boyd Holbrook is really lighting up the screen as well in the best way possible. I can’t wait to see the scenes between him and Olyphant continue because I think we’re in for an entertaining showdown for sure…

Solid opening!

I wasn’t sure if I’d like this sequel series or not but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the opening episodes. I was pulled right back into things and I think that this case has a lot of potential so far. We’ve got a worthy villain and a lot of other details that need to be explored.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of FX

The setting feels off…

I get that the series had to move away from Kentucky, but that felt like home for Justified and so far I’m not really feeling the urban setting so much. Maybe I need to get used to it or maybe it’s just that feeling of nostalgia that’s missing, but I think the modern Western vibe worked better in the original setting.

We’re also missing a few fan-favorite characters (mostly Boyd Crowder). I knew they wouldn’t be appearing in the series and their story-lines were wrapped up at the end of Justified, but it feels a little empty without them.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of FX

I’m in!

I have been anxiously waiting for this series to arrive and so far I am completely invested. It’s so great to see Timothy Olyphant playing this character again and I think we have enough potential here to keep us coming back each week.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Justified: City Primeval in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season Two on Prime Video: Summer’s Back and Just as Wonderful!

*This is a spoiler-free review for season two so feel free to read on!*

“Nothing would ever be the same again…”

The Summer I Turned Pretty season two released on Prime Video on July 14th 2023 with the first three episodes available now. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The young adult drama series (based on the novel of the same name) stars Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, and Jackie Chung. Each episode runs for approximately 42-48 minutes.

Summer feels different this time around for Belly after suffering a tragic loss that has severely impacted her and everyone around her. After trying to re-connect with Conrad and Jeremiah, she gets tangled in a love triangle once again that isn’t so clear cut.

Here is the trailer:

The Summer I Turned Pretty was one of my favorite series of last year, bringing us plenty of emotional moments and a real depiction of growing up that just felt effortless and moving. Does season two do enough to earn a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

A coming-of-age series that gives you all the feels…

I love soapy teen dramas like Beverly Hills, 90210, One Tree Hill, and Melrose Place. But sometimes they can be over-the-top and really unrealistic. As much as I love them, I appreciate this series because it stays away from all of the crazy drama and focuses more on real characters who go through life-altering moments with honest reactions. It just feels fresh and organic without ever trying too hard and season two keeps that feeling going, which is important.

Images courtesy of Prime Video

A love triangle plot that doesn’t seem overdone…

Love triangles can be completely exhausting, but this series makes them feel brand new again. I love both Conrad and Jeremiah and I honestly don’t know who Belly should end up with because they both bring out different sides of her. Sure, there is melodrama between them all when things get heated, but this is the driving plot of the show and it keeps us invested during season two for sure.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

The flashbacks are really confusing at times.

I get that the series is trying to fill us in with what happened between last summer and this one, but the transitions don’t always work and I was often confused about where I was in the timeline. I’m hoping this improves as the episodes continue, but a lot is being jam-packed into these episodes and I want to get back to a natural sequence of events so I can appreciate everything going on more.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I’m in!!!

The summer magic is back!

I can’t wait to watch the rest of the episodes!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Summer I Turned Pretty in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe. Thanks for your support!