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Maria: Is Kodi Smit-McPhee’s Character Mandrax A Real Journalist?

By
Teresa Frazer
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kodi-smit-mcphee- as Mandrax -maria

The Netflix biographical drama Maria, which comes out in 2024, is about the famous opera singer Maria Callas in her last days. The movie, which was directed by Pablo Larrañn and written by Steven Knight, shows Callas’s retreat into her Parisian apartment, where she struggles with her identity, her health, and the emotional toll of living a public life. Mandrax, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, comes into the story at a fascinating time when Callas is thinking about her life. But who is Mandrax? Is he based on a real reporter?

Who is Mandrax? Is Mandrax Based on a Real Journalist?

Mandrax is first seen in the movie as a young reporter who goes to see Maria Callas to interview her for a TV show. His presence, on the other hand, becomes less clear over time. He shows up out of the blue, without his film crew, and no one else, like Maria’s butler Ferruccio or her housekeeper Bruna, talks to him. This makes me wonder what kind of person he really is.

Its name, “Mandrax,” is also interesting because it sounds like the name of a drug that Maria Callas was known to have taken in her last days. The movie makes a subtle connection between Mandrax the reporter and Maria’s battle with addiction and her mental health getting worse. Through the story, it becomes clear that Mandrax is not a real person but Maria’s imagination and a hallucination. He gives her a safe place to remember the good times and face the truths of her past.

The Significance of Mandrax in Maria

Mandrax is a plot device that lets the movie jump between Maria’s present life and her past. The character gives Maria a way to talk about her deepest feelings and thoughts, giving the audience a personal look into her mind. Maria’s story ends with her death, and Mandrax disappears, proving that he was just a projection of her mind, a ghost of her memories rather than a real person.

In reality, there is ‘NO’ Evidence—to suggest that Maria Callas interacted with a journalist like Mandrax toward the end of her life. While it is documented that Callas relied on prescription medication such as Mandrax [a combination of methaqualone and diphenhydramine] in her later years. And there are no known records of her conjuring a hallucinatory figure resembling a journalist.

Adding Mandrax to Maria in a way that isn’t true to life gives the story more depth by mixing fact with creative storytelling. His presence brings out the mental effects of Maria’s being alone and her health getting-worse as well as her struggles with addiction.

Mandrax: The Truth About the Drug’s Link to Callas

The drug called—Mandrax was a sedative that had methaqualone and diphenhydramine in it. It was used a lot in Europe to help people sleep and relax, but it was taken off the market in the 1980s because it was being abused so much. Maria Callas’s need for these drugs shows how hard it was for her to deal with the stresses of her work and—personal life.

Mandrax, as portrayed in Maria is a fictional construct rather than a real-life journalist. In the movie, he plays a symbolic role as a link between Maria Callas’ inner thoughts and the outside world. Even though the character isn’t based on real events—he adds a touching layer to the story by showing how the opera legend was thinking about herself and being vulnerable in her last days.

For more detailed recaps and TV insights, visit otavo.tv.

What Happened to Maria Callas’ Dogs?
Maria: Is Mandrax a Real Medication?
Maria Callas’ Older Sister: What Happened to Yakinthi “Jackie” Callas?

[Netflix] No Good Deed Filming Locations!

By
Teresa Frazer
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No Good Deed (1)

No Good Deed is a new dark comedy created by Liz Feldman for Netflix. Lisa Kudrow, Ray Romano, and Linda Cardellini, who is playing a role very different from what she has done before, have all won Emmys for their work on the show.

In No Good Deed, three very different families are competing to buy a Los Feliz villa in the Spanish style from the 1920s. Each family thinks the house is the answer to all of their problems, but they quickly learn that the dream home hides some terrible things.

The Morgan family is at the center of the show. Kudrow and Romano play Lydia and Paul, an empty-nester couple whose lives are about to change in big ways. The choice to sell their longtime home brings up dark secrets from their past— forcing them to face truths they had buried for a long time.

Margo is played by Linda Cardellini, who shines as the brave and mysterious Los Angeleno with her own plans. Liz Feldman, who runs the show, made Margo one of the most interesting and dynamic characters because Cardellini wanted to play a “badass bitch.”

The show shows how the search for a dream-home can reveal personal lives and hidden motives. It is both funny and suspenseful. Feldman got the idea for the story from his own experiences looking for a house, which made the hidden dramas of real estate seem more real.

Behind the Scenes: Where was No Good Deed Filmed?

No Good Deed Season 1’s principal photography began in February 2024 and concluded on May 10. No Good Deed was filmed in Los Angeles, California, primarily in the Los Feliz neighborhood. The production used a real 1920s Spanish-style villa as its main location, with most of the original interiors left intact. Los Feliz is known for its peaceful atmosphere and historic charm, which makes it the perfect setting for the dark plots that happen inside the house.

Key attractions like Griffith Park, Barnsdall Art Park, and Vista Theater give the show’s setting more personality and show how Los Angeles’s architecture and culture are so different from each other.

Linda Cardellini was excited to play Margo and said that the part was “completely different” from what she had done before. She said, “Margo gave me the chance to play someone brave and not sorry at all.” At the same time, Kudrow and Romano praised the script for its smart balance of humor and tension, pointing out that it shows problems that families really do face.

Feldman, who runs the show, talked about what inspired her to make it: “When I was house hunting, I realized that every house had its own secrets.” That event was the beginning of this story. She dreamed of a show that looks into the complicated lives of people involved in real estate and the hidden dramas that happen there..

For more detailed recaps and TV insights, visit otavo.tv.

Hit Man Movie: Is Jasper Based on a Real New Orleans Cop?

By
Teresa Frazer
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Hit Man (2023) is a dark comedy crime movie directed by Richard Linklater. It stars Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio and Retta among others. The movie is about Gary Johnson, a nice professor at the University of New Orleans who also works as a hitman for the New Orleans Police Department during the day. When Jasper, Gary’s coworker, is suspended for bad behavior—Gary is forced to take his place in sting operations to stop murder-for-hire plots. This puts Gary in a world of lies and moral ambiguity. But because Gary is so good at his job, his coworker Jasper starts to bother him—making the game of cat and mouse dangerous.

People are especially interested in Jasper, the character, and want to know if he is based on a real New Orleans police officer. Let’s find out what’s really going on with Jasper and see if there’s any link to a real police officer from New Orleans.

Is Jasper Based on a Real New Orleans Cop?

Austin Amelio plays Jasper, one of the main bad guys in the movie. Jasper quickly goes from being a shamed police officer to a major problem in Gary’s life after he is suspended for being violent. Throughout the movie, there is tension because he tries to stop Gary from succeeding and he starts to think that Gary is really a fake hitman. But is this character based on a—real police officer in New Orleans?

No, Jasper is not based on a real police officer. Along with co-writing the screenplay, Richard Linklater and Glen Powell made up the character of Jasper just to add drama and tension to the story. There is no mention of an officer who looks like Jasper in Skip Hollandsworth’s profile of Gary Johnson, the real-life character who inspired the movie. The profile was published in Texas Monthly. The character adds an interesting level of conflict to the movie, but he is not based on a real person from the New Orleans Police Department.

How Jasper’s Character Was Made

Jasper is an important part of the story. His presence in the story is meant to cause trouble and make Gary’s job as an undercover agent harder. From the start of the movie, it’s clear that Gary is much better at his job than Jasper ever was. Because Jasper is rude and impeding, he is a problem for the department, and it seems like his coworkers have given up on him a long time ago. Gary’s calm, methodical way of doing his undercover work is directly at odds with what he does and how he acts.

In an interview with Esquire, Austin Amelio, who plays Jasper, talked about the part. He said that the character was supposed to be a “itch” that was hard to scratch. Even though the movie is funny, Jasper’s character has a real goal: to keep a close eye on Gary and figure out that he is really a fake hitman. Amelio said that the character was based on a member of an old rock ‘n’ roll band. He specifically mentioned Vincent Gallo—the actor and director from the movie Buffalo ’66.

The people he saw on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where the movie takes place also gave Amelio ideas. What the character looks like and how they act show how twisted and manipulative Jasper is. His part in the story is to keep challenging Gary which makes the plot more complicated. But Jasper is still a character in a story, even though he is very real.

Why Did You Make Up Jasper as a Character?

It’s likely that the filmmakers made Jasper up so they wouldn’t misrepresent real police officers or events. They were able to explore the character’s dark and complicated personality without being limited by reality because the antagonist was made up. There is a lot more that Jasper does in the movie than any real-police officer would have probably done in the same situation. He goes from professional jealousy to blackmail to murder.

Linklater and Powell were also able to explore themes of power, Jealousy and moral choices in a more exaggerated and theatrical way by making Jasper a made-up police officer. The stakes of the story are raised by Jasper’s growing dislike for Gary. This makes for an interesting story where the line between good and evil becomes less clear.

The Real-Life Inspiration for Gary Johnson;

In contrast to Jasper, Gary Johnson’s real-life counterpart also named Gary Johnson was not involved in any criminal activity. As a police officer in New Orleans, Gary Johnson worked as an undercover hitman. His only job was to collect evidence from would-be criminals who wanted to hire a hitman. While Gary eventually kills Jasper to protect Madison, the woman he likes, the movie version of Gary Johnson never did murder. His job was to use his communication skills to find out about illegal activity, not to take part in it.

The ending of the movie, in which Gary kills Jasper to clear his and Madison’s names, is made up to make the scene more dramatic. Gary Johnson’s real-life job was to reveal the people who hired him to kill, and he never used violence himself. To make the movie more dramatic, Gary kills Jasper, but this is a made-up event that has nothing to do with real events.

In short, Hit Man’s Jasper is not based on a real New Orleans police officer. The character of him is made up to add conflict and tension to the story. A real Gary Johnson did work as an undercover hitman, but his job was to investigate and talk to people, not kill them. The fact that Jasper is a jealous and hostile police officer moves the plot along but he has nothing to do with any real police officer. Although the movie is based on true events, it’s important for people to remember that the characters and plot are mostly made up for entertainment purposes.

For more detailed recaps and TV insights, visit otavo.tv.

Is Hit Man (2023) Based on a True Story?

 

Is Hit Man (2023) Based on a True Story?

By
Teresa Frazer
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hit man true story

The 2023 romantic crime film Hit Man, directed by Richard Linklater tells the story of Gary Johnson— a nice professor who secretly works as a hitman for the cops. The movie stars Glen Powell and Adria Arjona . The movie goes on, and Gary ends up in a complicated relationship with Madison, a woman who hires him to kill her dangerous husband. When Gary’s personal and professional lives collide, the story takes unexpected turns that lead to a shocking ending that changes—Gary’s life Forever.

But is there a real story behind this movie? In a few words, the answer is— yes! but only in certain ways. Even though the movie is based on true events, the plot is made up, especially the romantic and criminal turns.

Hit Man’s Story

Glen Powell plays Gary Johnson—a quiet psychology professor who helps the New Orleans Police Department with sting operations. Gary is put in charge of a fake hitman when his coworker Jasper is fired for being nasty to someone. He quickly learns how to fake being the cold-blooded killers that are hired for murder-for-hire cases. Because he is good at making fake identities that seem real, he gets a new case involving Madison, a woman who wants to kill her abusive husband.

Gary takes on the identity of “Ron” for Madison and pretends to be a hitman while falling personally in love with her. Even though Gary is a criminal, he feels sorry for Madison and even tells her not to use the money to kill someone and to leave her husband and start a new life. But as their relationship gets worse, an unexpected tragedy happens and Gary’s real identity comes out. As the story goes on—Gary is drawn deeper into the dangerous world of lying and manipulating people. This leads to a final showdown with Madison’s ex-husband and a twist involving blackmail and betrayal.

Is Hit Man based on a True Story?

Yes, Hit Man is based on real events, but not entirely. This story was based on an article by Skip Hollandsworth in Texas Monthly that told the story of Gary Johnson, a real person who worked as a fake hitman for the police. The way the movie shows Gary’s job as a chameleon-like figure who changes identities to get into criminal groups is based on real events.

In real life, Gary Johnson started out as a “fake hitman” in 1989, when he was an investigator for the Harris County District Attorney’s office. Johnson was good at pretending to be a hired killer—which helped him get caught over 70 times during his undercover work. Creating identities like “Mike Caine,” “Jody Eagle” and “Chris Buck” was something he was known for. People said nice things about how calm he was and how he could make even rich criminals believe he was real. Although this was true—Johnson was a shy—quiet man who liked to meditate and spend time with his cats when he wasn’t working as a spy.

In real life, Gary Johnson did not kill anyone, unlike the movie’s sped-up love story and violent turns. Instead, he helped prevent crimes by invade these dangerous scenarios and bringing the criminals to justice. While the character of Madison [played by Adria Argiona] is inspired by a real person mentioned in the article— her actions in the film, including the murder of her ex-husband, are fictionalized.

Richard Linklater, who directed the movie talked about how important it was to find a balance between staying true to Gary Johnson’s story and—making changes that made the movie more interesting. He said that the movie wasn’t just a retelling of Johnson’s life—but instead focused on the interesting and unique parts of the story.

In an interview, Linklater talked about how he thought some parts of the movie were exaggerated. Gary Johnson did wear masks to trick criminals, but Linklater said that these ideas were taken to a funny extreme in the movie. In the movie, Gary, for example, is shown to be very good at hiding his identity by taking on crazy identities, such as one with a Russian accent. The real Gary Johnson, on the other hand, was better at hiding his identity. Linklater said, “Glen Powell really ran with those false identities.” He meant that while the real Gary did wear some disguises, they were blown up in the movie to make them funnier and more interesting.

Linklater also talked about how hired killers are interesting to people and said that hitmen are often portrayed in movies but are very different in real life. “They don’t exist at the retail level, and they’d be so easy to entrap and arrest,” he said. He said that part of the movie’s appeal comes from the idea of a hitman as a professional killer who can solve all problems with one deadly act. “The fantasy of a hitman occupies a place in our brain because it feels like a simple solution to life’s complicated problems,” he said.

The movie takes a lot of artistic license especially with how it shows Gary’s relationship with Madison and how it ends with a surprise. For the record—the Real Gary Johnson never dated the women he helped and he never got personally involved in any of the cases he worked on. The romantic subplot in the movie, in which Gary has a complicated and eventually sexual relationship with Madison, is made up to give the story more emotional depth and tension.

Also, the murder at the end of the movie and the blackmail scheme that follows are completely made up by the filmmakers. The truth is that Johnson was never in such a violent fight. These dramatic elements are used to raise the stakes and make the story more interesting for viewers.

Hit Man (2023) is based on a true story, but the plot and characters are very different from what happened in the real life. It’s interesting to learn about Gary Johnson’s real life as an undercover cop who worked as a hitman, but the romantic and criminal plot twists in the movie are made up to make the story more dramatic. Richard Linklater and Glen Powell took the true story of Gary’s amazing undercover work and mixed it with a made-up love story and exciting crime scenes to make a movie that is both fun and interesting. The movie might not show every part of Johnson’s life, but it does show a fascinating side of a real-life career that was used as the basis for an interesting and dramatic movie.

For more detailed recaps and TV insights, visit otavo.tv.

Hit Man Movie: Is Jasper Based on a Real New Orleans Cop?

Richard Ramirez’s Cousin: What Happened to the Killer Mike Valles?

By
Teresa Frazer
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mike vales - the nifgt stalker

Michael “Mike” Angel Valles had a big part in the crazy life of notorious serial killer Richard Ramirez, who was also known as “The Night Stalker.” As teens, Richard and his friend became close and this may have set the stage for the horrible crimes that followed. Read about Mike’s life, the shocking things he did, and what happened to him in the end.

Mike’s early life and time in the military

Miguel “Mike” Angel Valles was born in Durango, Mexico, on June 14, 1949. His parents were Juan Valles and Sebastiana BarscЭas. He joined the U.S. Army after high school and served in Vietnam in 1970. During his time in the war, there was brutal fighting and horrible crimes that words can’t describe. People say Mike was proud to talk about the assaults and murders he did during the war. He even kept Polaroid pictures of his victims as trophies.

Mike’s experiences left him with deep mental scars. He was released from prison in 1971 with a 100% disability rating after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. When Mike got back to normal life, he had trouble with nightmares and flashbacks. His younger cousin Richard Ramirez was willing to listen.

A Deadly Influence

Richard spent a lot of time with Mike when he was a teenager. The older cousin told long, detailed stories about how he used stealth and “kill tactics” to get away with crimes in the past. Richard was deeply interested in Mike’s disturbing stories and pictures, which sparked a morbid curiosity in his naive mind.

Mike also introduced Richard to drugs like LSD, which made their relationship even stronger. Juan Miguel Jr., Mike’s 5-year-old son— died in a terrible accident in 1973. Mike’s Mental health problems and this loss seemed to make things even worse for him.

The Murder of Josefina Valles;

On May 4, 1975, Mike had the most shocking event of his life. While Richard Ramirez, then 15, was having a fight with his wife Josefina “Jesse” Valles in their home—he saw something horrible happen. Mike got angry and pulled out a gun to shoot Josefina in the forehead. Richard was told to leave and never talk about what he saw afterward.

Soon after, Mike was arrested, and Josefina died from her wounds. The court said Mike wasn’t guilty because he was insane because of his PTSD from being in the military. He did not get a long prison sentence. Instead, he was sent to “Rusk State Hospital”for a few years and then went to prison to serve his time.

Later in life and health problems:

Mike got married again and tried to start over after he got out of jail. That time, Richard Ramirez had already moved to California and started his scary job as the Night Stalker. Mike, on the other hand, had a lot of health issues, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and drug abuse.Mike had a heart attack and died in El Paso, Texas, on April 8, 1995. He was 45 years old.

The story of Miguel “Mike” Angel Valles shows how trauma and violence can have long-lasting effects. His actions and stories had a big effect on his cousin Richard Ramirez, who went on to become one of the most famous serial killers in U.S. history. Even though Mike’s life ended many years ago, his dark legacy is still linked to the scary story of the Night Stalker.

For more detailed recaps and TV insights, visit otavo.tv.

FBI Season 7 Episode 7 Recap: Monumental

By
Teresa Frazer
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FBI Season 7 Episode 7 Monumental

“Monumental” the seventh episode of FBI‘s seventh season, tells a gripping story that starts with a shocking murder and turns into a complicated investigation that includes hate crimes and conspiracy theories. Here is a full summary of this exciting episode.

A terrible death on federal land

The episode starts with the shocking murder of park ranger Desiree Cole on Governors Island, which is federal land run by the National Park Service. Desiree said she saw a person wearing a snake mask lurking near the group of kids she was leading. She made sure the kids were safe, but when she was by herself, the attacker killed her right away.

The FBI has been asked to look into this federal crime. As the investigation starts, the team thinks about a lot of different possibilities, such as whether the attacker was a man, as witnesses think.

An ex and a threat on the Internet

Drew Ambrie, Desiree’s ex-boyfriend, is the first person the police are looking into. Their relationship ended badly, with Drew being kicked out of his apartment and being accused of cheating. Drew had a registered handgun, which made her a possible suspect. But ballistics quickly cleared Drew, and her story—that she was on a group outing with friends—turned out to be true.

Their shooter wasn’t Drew, but the team finds another clue: Desiree’s online fights with a user named “Scroll Lord,” whose real name is Brandon Halford. Halford, a well-known racist, had called for violence against Desiree in public because she was Black and a lesbian.

Trying to Find Halford

He is found by the FBI at the home of another park ranger. The crazy and violent Halford thinks that the National Park Service is involved in child trafficking. This idea comes from a fake conspiracy theorist named “Calvin.” When the team arrests Halford, they find that he is linked to several threats against park rangers.

Even though Halford has violent outbursts and acts in ways that could lead to his arrest, his gun does not match the one used to kill Desiree or another park ranger. Because of this new information, the FBI has to look into Calvin’s influence and role in encouraging these crimes in more depth.

The Dangerous World of Calvin: “Calvin,” a mysterious online persona, writes messages that followers have to figure out. Duke Ducoyle, Calvin’s newest follower, thinks that his message means that the National Park Service is just a front for a child trafficking ring run by gay men. Duke’s claims cause anger online, which leads to violence in real life.

The FBI talks to Duke and tells him that his messages are hurtful. Duke stays on the right side of the law by using smart legal moves and careful wording. The team thinks he might be Calvin but doesn’t have any proof.

Figuring out a personal link

As the investigation goes on, Drew’s father, Phil Ambrie, comes to light as another suspect. Phil found comfort in conspiracy theory groups after losing his wife and his job, both very sad events in his life. When Duke said Desiree was involved with trafficking children, Phil posted where she was online, making it easier for her to be killed.

Phil’s descent into conspiracy-based hate shows how badly Calvin’s words hurt people. At first, Phil won’t believe the truth, even though there is a lot of proof. Drew is determined to save her dad, so she tells him the truth: the bar doesn’t have a basement where he thought kids were being held. Phil slowly starts to see the lies he has believed.

FBI Season 7 Episode 7: Ending!

The FBI finds out that Phil and an online partner were working on a very scary plan. A second attack is about to happen at Drew’s job, which is a bar that is very important to both Desiree and Drew’s relationship. The team works quickly to stop the attack.

The active shooter shows up at the bar and starts firing randomly, setting off a dramatic showdown. He is taken down by OA in a high-stakes fight. At the same time, Duke is being held on charges of inciting violence and hate crimes.

Duke has been caught, but the words he said to Special Agent Isobel Castille (Alana de la Garza) as he left are scary. He makes threats against her, which clearly scares her. At the end of the episode, Isobel takes extra safety measures by walking home with her gun. This shows how dangerous people like Duke and the toxic communities they create are.

“Monumental” tells an exciting story of violent acts motivated by hate, conspiracy theories, and personal growth. This episode not only shows how dangerous it is to become radicalized online, but it also shows how these crimes hurt people emotionally. This episode of FBI keeps viewers on edge and eager for what comes next with its intense action and themes that make you think.

Visit Otavo.tv again soon for more “FBI” news, previews, and recaps.

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NCIS Season 22 Episode 8: Who is Lily? Explained!

By
Teresa Frazer
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ncis-22 eps 8 recap who is Lilly (1)

In NCIS Season 22, Episode 8 called “Out of Control” the team takes on a new case, but Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole) has to deal with a personal mystery that has been bothering him since Season 21. The name “Lily” echoes through his mind, tied to a series of eerie and unexplained sightings. Who is she, and what does she mean to Parker? Fans are left with more questions than answers after this episode, which shows more of his past.

The Ghostly Sightings Begin

The episode opens with Parker arriving late to a crime scene. His reason? Too much sleep. But it’s clear right away that he’s having a deeper problem. Parker sees a young girl named Lily walking down the hall while he is investigating at a hospital. It’s scary because she doesn’t belong there. Parker seems uneasy, so Knight (Katrina Law) checks on him. He brushes it off, saying it’s because he hasn’t slept enough and still doesn’t like hospitals after almost dying in one. Still, Lily shows up again, and this time she waves at him like she knows him.

A Creepy Mystery

The visions get worse. Parker starts to zone out again during a briefing in the bullpen, which makes Knight confront him in the elevator. She thinks he’s dealing with trauma or even PTSD from the time he almost died. Lily tells Parker it’s all in his head, but when he sees her standing by the side of the road while he’s driving, things get dangerous. His mind is elsewhere when he runs through a stop sign. Knight tells him to face whatever is going on.

Parker doesn’t want to call his therapist, Grace (Laura San Giacomo), but he does. We find out that Parker first saw Lily when he was very sick on the ship and almost passed out from a fever. He thought at the time that she was a hallucination, but she has kept showing up for no apparent reason. Grace asks, “Who is she to you?” “That’s the trouble.” Parker says, “I have no idea.”

When Parker thinks back, he remembers his mother, who also showed up in his fever dream. She left quickly one day to get pastries and never came back, which was a big part of his childhood. Grace brings up the idea of repressed memories and warns against forcing answers because it could lead to False ones. For now, she advises Parker to track the circumstances around Lily’s appearances.

When Grace says that Parker might see his mother as an angel—their sessions get more emotional. Parker flatly rejects this idea. “She wasn’t an angel,” he snaps, ending the talk. But the fact that he doesn’t want to face his mother’s memory only makes things more mysterious.

A Secret Message

In its last few minutes, the episode builds up to a peak. Lee sees Lily again after the case is over. This time she is sitting at a table in the NCIS building. She runs away when he gets close and leaves a note that says, “Don’t tell anyone.” Parker is left with the piece of paper in his hand and staring into space as the mystery of Lily grows.

What will happen next with Parker and Lily?

Parker and Lily still have a long way to go. Her vague message makes us wonder why she is showing up to him. What does she want to hide? What does this have to do with Parker’s past and the way he still feels about his mother? As the season goes on, NCIS fans can expect more twists and turns as Parker continues to think about these issues.

Network: CBS

Available on: Prime Video | Paramount Plus | Netflix

For more detailed recaps and TV insights, visit otavo.tv.

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NCIS Season 22 Episode 8 Recap: A Haunted Past and a High-Tech Mystery

By
Teresa Frazer
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0
ncis-22 eps 8 recap -parker-

“Out of Control,” the eighth episode of NCIS‘s 22nd season, is a thrilling ride that combines a cutting-edge carjacking case with a deep look into Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker’s past and mind. The Major Case Response Team — (MCRT) is investigating a strange crime involving an AI-driven car that has gotten away. Parker’s unresolved trauma takes center stage, revealing layers of mystery and vulnerability that may help them figure out what’s going on with his hallucinations.

A Carjacking Case

The show starts with a normal argument between a couple about loading the dishwasher, but it quickly turns into something out of the ordinary. Their car’s AI suddenly takes over the—manual controls and drives itself into a strange garage. Once the team gets there, they find the car but no Navy Lieutenant Mason Winslow, who they thought was in it.

It’s clear that this isn’t a simple carjacking as the MCRT looks into it. Kasie Hines finds a link between this crime and a string of similar high-tech car thefts in the area. With her forensic skills, she finds that Winslow’s car’s control point is connected to a hotspot that belongs to a girl in prison. This prisoner says that her old hacking gear may have gotten into the hands of a drug cartel. At the same time, the team finds out that Winslow has been killed, which changes their focus from theft to a bigger criminal plot.

Parker’s Haunting Hallucinations

Parker’s mind starts to fall apart as the team gets deeper into the case. Parker (Gary Cole), sees a little girl named Lily in his head while interviewing Winslow’s wife at the hospital. This is not the first time Lily has shown up. The vision reminds me of the season 21 finale, when Parker, who was hurt and stuck on a Navy ship, saw Lily in his mind helping him stay alive. In this episode, though, she comes back much more often and keeps getting in the way of Parker’s concentration at crucial times.

The number of Parker’s flashbacks grows. One scary scene is when he swerves into oncoming traffic after seeing—Lily on the side of the road while driving with Agents Nick Torres and Jess Knight (Katrina Law). The near-accident makes it clear that Parker’s unresolved trauma from the incident on the Navy ship is coming back to haunt him and it’s making it hard for him to lead.

A Glimpse Into Parker’s Past

The NCIS therapist, Dr. Grace Confalone (Laura San Giacomo) comes back after a long break to help Parker deal with his problems. During their time together at Parker’s house, she tells him to look into his family history to try to figure out where his visions come from. Parker says he asked his dad if they had ever had a —Lily— before but couldn’t find a link. But the fact that he doesn’t want to talk about his mother suggests that he still has problems from when she left and died. Parker doesn’t want to think about these memories any further, but the visions he keeps having make him think that his mother and Lily may be the key to his inner turmoil.

The Case Takes a High-Tech Turn:

As Parker fights his inner demons, the case of the car theft gets trickier. Knight and Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) find out that the hacker can get into even their NCIS vehicle. The car locks its doors and drives off, leaving the agents shocked and embarrassed as they watch their car disappear. The event shows how vulnerable modern technology is and raises the stakes for the team.

Once again, Kasie is indispensable by figuring out where the hackers are by reverse-engineering their work. Her research leads her to a smart car driving around Washington, D.C., which she can take control of from afar. Kasie brings the car and its driver back to NCIS headquarters with great care and strategy. The team is ready to jump.

When the car arrives, the team is shocked to find that the driver is a lawyer for the criminal with ties to the cartel whose hotspot was used in the plan to steal the car. The lawyer’s involvement in the case suggests a larger web of corruption and crime. At the end of the episode, the team is starting to figure out the links but they still can’t figure out the whole plot.

Parker’s Struggles Continue

Even though the case is over, Parker’s personal problems have not been solved. His hallucinations and the fact that Lily’s identity is still a mystery point to deeper problems in his childhood and with his relationship with his mother. Parker’s journey to get better will be a running theme throughout the season, as Dr. Grace will still be involved.

In this sad episode, there are also tributes to characters you love from NCIS. McGee (Sean Murray) thinks back to when Abby (Pauley Perrette) told him about her strange love of blood spatter while he was investigating a crime scene. Palmer (Brian Dietzen), in honor of the late Ducky (David McCallum), hangs a dartboard in the morgue, which is a reference to the famous character’s favorite pastime.

Episode 8 of NCIS Season 22 strikes the perfect balance between a high-stakes tech mystery and a touching look into Parker’s past. As the season goes on— the unanswered questions about Lily and Parker’s trauma will likely add emotional depth and mystery to the main story.

Network: CBS

Available on: Prime Video | Paramount Plus | Netflix

For more detailed recaps and TV insights, visit otavo.tv.

NCIS Season 22 Episode 8: Who is Lily? Explained!
NCIS Season 22 Episode 5 Recap – “In from the Cold”
NCIS Season 22 Episode 4 Recap — “Sticks & Stones”
NCIS Season 22 Episode 1 Recap: Empty Nest
NCIS Season 22 Pays Tribute to George Schenck

[Fall Finale] Brilliant Minds Season 1 Episode 11 Recap: Is Dr. Ericka Kinney Alive?

By
Teresa Frazer
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0
Brilliant Minds eps 12 - Erica at elevator

Brilliant Minds‘ fall finale on NBC ended with a shocking cliffhanger that made people hold their breath. In the dramatic last few minutes of the episode, Dr. Ericka Kinney is trapped in an elevator when her apartment building falls down, putting her life in danger. With no idea what will happen to her, this is the most intense moment of the series so far.

The interns at Bronx General have really liked Dr. Ericka Kinney, who is played by Ashleigh LaThrop. Michael Grassi, who created the show, said that Ericka has become a leader as a friend and a doctor. Throughout the season, her drive to do well and willingness to help others have made her an important person for her fellow interns. In this episode, though, Ericka faces her Biggest problem for the first time.

Ericka goes back to her apartment after ending her relationship with Dr. Van Markus. She gets into an elevator with a younger woman and an older man who lives in the building. At first, the Elevator that won’t move is just a minor problem. But when the camera cuts to the hospital staff talking about a news story about—a building falling down in the Bronx— it becomes clear how serious the situation is.

At the end of the episode, Dr. Dana Dang figures out that the building that fell down is Ericka’s. While her coworkers get ready to treat the new patients, Ericka is stuck and her survival is uncertain. Not only does this shocking cliffhanger test Ericka but it also tests the other interns, who are now in trouble without their leader.

Personal Lives Collide

Another big part of the fall finale was how people at Bronx General interact with each other. The rivalry between Dr. Jacob Nash and Dr. Van Markus reached a peak. Jacob was clearly envious of Van and Ericka’s relationship, so he challenged Van to a race to see who could get more patients released. But the game had to wait because Jacob found a rare disease in one of his patients, which made Dr. Oliver Wolf happy. Even though Jacob had a professional win, his jealousy got the best of him when he told Ericka that Van had been hiding the fact that he has a child.

This news was the last straw for Ericka. She talked to Van about it and broke up with him. Ericka was upset and said, “This isn’t fun for me anymore,” even though they were just friends with benefits. For Van’s part, it looked like he was caught off guard, which made their future uncertain.

Dr. Wolf’s Change of View;

At the same time, Dr. Oliver Wolf was thinking about his own moral problems. His client, Ezra, wanted surgery on his brain to help with his Tourette’s syndrome symptoms. At first, Wolf didn’t want to do it because he thought Ezra should accept his differences. Dr. Josh Nichols, Wolf’s boyfriend and coworker, disagreed with this point of view, saying that Wolf’s opinion could be affected by the fact that he is dealing with an untreatable illness himself.

Wolf had a change of heart by the end of the episode. The surgery went well for Ezra, which made Wolf admit his mistake and say sorry to Nichols. Wolf told Nichols from the bottom of his heart that he valued him as both a partner and an equal.

What Dr. Pierce Decided

The episode also wrapped up the story of Dr. Carol Pierce. Carol made a very important choice for herself after saving a patient named Alison and diagnosing her with borderline personality disorder. She told her husband Morris “I love you, but I can’t forgive you.” that she wanted a divorce when she got home. This was a big step in Carol’s journey that showed how determined she was to put her own health first.

A Look Ahead

Fans still have a lot of questions about Brilliant Minds as it goes on winter break. Will Ericka make it through the fall? What will happen to the hospital staff and her fellow interns while she’s not there? What will happen next for Jacob, Van, and Wolf as they deal with their personal and professional problems?

The next episode, “The Doctor Whose World Collapsed” will air on Monday, January 6, 2025 and it looks like it will pick up right where the last one left off. People will have to wait and guess until then what will happen to Ericka and what will happen after this intense hour of TV.

Earth Abides Episode 2 Recap: “The Space Between”

By
Teresa Frazer
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0
Earth Abides eps 2

In its second episode, Earth Abides‘ post-apocalyptic show delves deeper into survival and how people connect with each other. In Episode 1— we met Isherwood “Ish” Williams (Alexander Ludwig) — a lone survivor who was dealing with the loneliness caused by a mysterious disease that killed most people. At the end, Ish saw smoke coming from a nearby house, which was a sign that there was another survivor there. Episode 2 builds on this glimmer of hope by presenting viewers with a challenging journey full of hardships, strength, and a thrilling cliffhanger that hints at a new arrival.

Earth Abides Episode 2 Recap

As Episode 2 starts, Ish walks up to the house while emitting smoke and runs into Emma (Jessica Frances Dukes), a cautious survivor who points a gun at him. Emma is skeptical at first, but she changes her mind when Ish tells her that he hasn’t seen a person in days. She lets him in and while they eat together, they start to get to know each other and share stories about their lives before and after the end of the world. This is the start of a relationship that is tentative but growing.

Emma tells them how she plans to stay alive: she only lives in homes that are for sale so she doesn’t have to deal with dead bodies. Ish then offers Emma a safer place to live that he had built for himself. Upon arriving at Ish’s home, Emma notices a noose hanging from the ceiling, a stark reminder of Ish’s previous despair. Her presence rekindles Ish’s will to live, and the two decide to face the post-apocalyptic world together.

When people aren’t around nature starts to take back the land it used to live on. It’s hard for Emma and Ish to get used to their new surroundings but they learn to live with it. Emma is very resourceful as she looks at Ish’s yard to see if she could farm there. Even though they still buy food in cans—they start getting ready for a Future where they can feed themselves by growing crops and using solar panels to power their home.

They become dependent on each other over time. Ish learns new things—like how to Hunt and Kill animals, while Emma shares what she knows about hunting and survival. As they help each other meet their basic needs, their friendship turns into a romantic bond.

Dealing with the Past and Making Plans for the Future

Emma gets used to her new life, but she has a hard time letting go of the past, and at first she doesn’t want to tell Ish about it. She finally lets down her guard and this emotional openness makes their bond stronger. Emma also expresses her desire to seek out other survivors, longing for a sense of community. Ish, accustomed to solitude even before the pandemic, is less enthusiastic but respects Emma’s perspective.

When Emma says she is pregnant, their relationship takes on a whole new meaning. Ish is nervous at first because he thinks there won’t be enough medical facilities but Emma’s confidence and determination make him feel better. He promises to be there for her and look out for her health and safety as they get ready to have a child.

A Fight Against Rats’

A new threat shows up just as the couple’s future starts to look bright. When they find a rat in their house—they worry that there might be more of them. To get rid of the problem, they seal up all the possible entry points and get rid of any food that the pests could use. But because of all the noise, they leave their dog outside by accident. Ish puts everything at risk to save the animal but he lets more rats in by accident. He takes on the dangerous job of getting rid of the pests while Emma keeps herself and the dog safe.

The start of a new chapter

Earth Abides eps 2

Emma gives birth to their daughter Heather, even though there were some problems. Emma and Ish’s relationship gets stronger as they take on the role of parents. When Heather shows up, she gives them new hope and a sense of purpose, which makes them even more determined to start over in this empty world.

Emma wants to connect with other people, so she puts up a big sign outside their house with their address and a note saying that they are survivors. At the end of the episode—a mysterious figure shows up in front of the sign, indicating that Ish and Emma’s life of being alone is about to change. We still don’t know if this new character will be a friend or a threat.

What’s Next?

Episode 2 of Earth Abides raises the stakes by showing how hard survival can be and how weak human connections can be. The introduction of a possible new survivor sets the stage for some interesting events in the next episode. People are looking forward to seeing how Ish and Emma’s journey goes in this tough new world.

For more detailed recaps and TV insights, visit otavo.tv.

Where Was Earth Abides (2024) Filmed?
Earth Abides Episode 1 Recap — “Alone”

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