DEXTER RESURRECTION, SEASON 2: PREMIERE REFLECTION

I'm chipper as a vengeful lark that Showtime's Dexter: Resurrection, Season 2 has premiered and wish to reflect on the kickoff episode. 

In the case of "Risky Business," I relished Michael C. Hall's rundown of Mr. Morgan's latest, moral slays. Wait! Is that too extreme to say? I mean, I know one disagreeable goofball (a big-time, anti-violence advocate) who'd argue so, but then he's one who believes pedophiles should run free, based on the notion that any form of "love" is A-OK. I wonder what this creep does in his spare time. Too bad there isn't a real-life Dexter to investigate because, well ... 

Anyway, I also found the Lucio Fulci-inspired, New York Ripper inclusion promising and assume it's this season's long-term focus. The character, Don Frampt, is played by cinema's first Hannibal Lecter, Brian Cox, and thanks to the skewed lay of the land, the episode showed the fiend being let off the hook. (We were also introduced to Dan Steven's Lucas Smart, the Five Boroughs Killer, who dominated a large slice of the episode's tail end, but is he just another come-and-go, Dexter casualty? Hmmmm.)

On the broader front, I was pleased that so many of the prior season's characters have returned (though with a few yet on the horizon, whether in the flesh or through reverie): Jack Alcott's Harrison, Kadia Saraf's Claudette, Dominic Fumusa's Melvin, James Remar's Harry, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine's Blessing, Uma Thurman's Charley, David Zaya's Batista, Krysten Ritter's Lady Vengeance and Eric Stonestreet's Rapunzel (the Ponytail Killer). Desmond Harrington's Joey Quinn is there, too, already in regular, legacy-culled mode, which feels right, even kind of cozy. (For what it's worth, I presumed this season would have transitioned to another locale, joined by another crop of characters, but hey, it's fine that it dances on last season's turf, since there's so much yet to explore.)  

Nonetheless, I'm anticipating a deep-cutting duel of serial-killer wits to unfold. It's just a matter of waiting it out, and you got it: I'll submit my hearty two-cents worth when the season is through. 

(PS: Kane Hodder's plastic-wrapped cameo was a genuine treat. It would be cool if he'd nab one for Crystal Lake: Season 2, or better yet, a recurring role in the Voorhees prequel. Fingers crossed!) 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2026

 

FAREWELL, PATRICK STEWART

To the world--to the glorious cosmos!--you were (and will remain) Captain Jon Luc Picard. 

In the Star Trek universe, you ushered forth a next generation of wonderment, with television and streaming series, theatrical features, as well as appearing in William Shatner's uplifting documentary, The Captains.

Your sophisticated style seasoned additional productions, as well, including Moby Dick (1998), Dune (1984), Lifeforce, Excalibur, The Kid Who Would Be King, Christmas Eve, A Christmas Carol (1999), The Canterville Ghost (1996), Hamlet (2009), Macbeth (2010), Antony and Cleopatra, The Lion in Winter (2003), I Claudius (1976), Animal Farm (1999), Sinbad: The Fifth Voyage, The Doctor and the Devils, The Anatomist, The Madness, Masterminds, Green Room, The Emoji Movie, The Pagemaster, Conspiracy Theory, Safe House, Wild Geese II, Code Name: Emerald, Gunmen, The Sheep Detectives, Death Train, Coda, Ted, Dad Savage, Blunt Talk, Little Roy Fauntelroy (1980), Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Jeffery, Dragonheart: Battle for the Heartfire, Dragon Rider, Fall of Eagles, Hedda, The Gathering Storm, Pope John Paul II, A Question of Faith, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979), Lady Jane, North and South, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), The Prince of Egypt, Bambi II, The Plague Dogs, Chicken Little and, as the omniscient Professor Xavier in the X-Men and Avengers franchises.

You also made the episodic rounds, with appearances on Frasier, Omnibus, Coronation Street, 2nd House, Joby, Churchill's People, Hennessey, Maybury, Drama, Story Parade, The English Programme, Theatre 625, BBC 2 Play for the Day, Play of the Week, and the BBC Television Shakespeare.

You were an inspiration to so many. I know you were to me: a reminder how to keep cool and sharp in the face of adversity. Such an influence goes a long way, Sir Stewart, and the same can be said of your illustrious career: the fruits of which will continue to dangle for endless nibbles ... always ripe, forever sweet. 

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEINN & BLOOD FOR DRACULA

GOODBYE, PETER MEDAK

As a director, you conquered genre upon genre, contributing to both the big and small screens. 

Some say your crowning achievement is the chilling, George C. Scott endeavor, The Changeling. Others say it's the satirical The Ruling Class with Peter O'Toole. 

In truth, it's rather hard to choose a favorite with so many quality productions under your belt: Romeo Is Bleeding, Hunchback (of Notre Dame), David Copperfield (2000), The Babysitter (1980), The Feast of All Saints, The Krays, Species II, Zorro the Gay Blade, Beverly Hills Cop III, The Men's Club, The Odd Job, The Rocking Horse Winner, Personal Demons, Let Him Have It, Pontiac Moon, Negatives, Sex and Lies in Sin City, Falls Road, Dating Game Killer, Mistress of Paradise, Cry for the Strangers, A Day in the Death of Joe Figg, The Third Girl From the Left, Ghost in the Noonday Sun, The Ghost of Peter Sellers and The Gun, the Cake and the Butterfly. 

You episodic, television sojourns are gems, as well: Space: 1999, Tales from the Crypt, Hannibal, Masters of Horror, The Twilight Zone (1985), Kindred: The Embrace, Faerie Tale Theatre, Carnivale, Agatha Christie's Marple, Return of the Saint, Hart to Hart, South Beach, The Professionals, The Persuaders!, The Guardian, Chicago Hope, St. Elsewhere, House, Hand of God, 7th Heaven, In Justice, Court Martial, The Assets, The Wire, Cold Case, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Homicide: Life on the Street and Breaking Bad.  

Other directors may have received more recognition for their talent, but to those in the know, you not only held your own in the field, you exceeded the competition a hundredfold. Indeed, you did it all, Mr. Medak, and did it well, ensuring that your place in cinema history is not only respected, it's eternal.👼

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP: UN-HUMAN DOUBLE FEATURE - BODY SNATCHERS & INDESTRUCTABLE MAN

 

R.I.P. ELKE SOMMER

In the annals of the macabre, you struck gold with Mario Bava's terrifying trio, Lisa and the Devil, its refurbished, companion piece, House of Exorcism and the ghastly Baron Blood. You also appeared in chiller, The Astral Factor (aka The Astral Fiend), and had several real-life, ghost encounters, which have since become the stuff of eerie, Hollywood legend. 

In addition, you became a powerful pressence in Dounce violence, The Wicked Dreams of Paula Schultz, A Shot in the Dark, Deadlier Than the Male, The Wrecking Crew, Stage Fright (1960), The Money Trap (1964), Ten Little Indians (1974), The Net (1975), The Prisoner of Zenda (1979), Among Vultures, Percy's Progress, Meet Him and Die, Probe, The Prize, The Oscar, And Then There Were None, The Venetian Affair, The Swiss Conspiracy, Trip to Vienna, The Peking Medallion (aka The Corrupt Ones), The Treasure Seekers, Don't Bother to Knock, The Double McGuffin, Exit Sunset Boulevard, The Man in Pyjamas, Stunt Seven, The Death Ship, Death Stone, Hotel of Dead Guests, Four Kinds of Love, Lily in Love, Life is Too Long, The Art of Love, Severed Ties, The Victors, Peter the Great, Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna, Inside the Third Reich, Himmelscheim, The Emperor's New Groove, Carry On Behind, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and I Miss You, Hugs and Kisses. 

On television, you were a stellar staple on The Gong Song and had memorable stints on The Six Million Dollar Man, Adventures Beyond Belief, St. Elsewhere, Counterstrike, Destiny Ridge, Jenny's War, The Muppet Show and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. 

You were one of the cinema's stand-out, exotic beauties, Ms. Sommer, who quickened many a heart (above all, my own), but more than that, you emoted with depth and sincerity: a special, one-of-a-kind lady who'll remain embedded in the fondest regions of our ever-adoring hearts.💖