This week on the Geektown Radio podcast, Dave is joined by Darryl from Hollywoodnorthnews.net for a superhero-sized chat about all things TV, film, and streaming. From James Gunn’s bold new take on the Man of Steel to Marvel’s First Family finally joining the MCU, plus Jensen Ackles leading a covert task force and Jason Momoa going full warrior-chief, this one’s packed.
James Gunn’s hopeful new ‘Superman’
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s James Gunn hitting the reset button on DC. Darryl has been to see ‘Superman’, with David Corenswet (Hollywood) donning the cape, Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult (The Great) as a deliciously hateable Lex Luthor. “It skips the tired origin story and drops us straight into a fully-formed Superman,” Darryl says. “It’s fast-paced, fun, and feels like a new blueprint for superhero movies.”
Dave hasn’t caught it yet, but judging by the glowing box office numbers and critical buzz, Gunn’s Superman is exactly what DC needed — hopeful, energetic, and a proper fresh start.
Marvel’s First Family arrives: ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’
On the Marvel side of things, Dave reviews ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’, which finally introduces Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm into the MCU, played by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn.
“It’s a solid setup movie,” Dave explains. “Lots of world-building, a sprinkle of Galactus, and some really fun dynamics between the team, especially between Ben and Johnny.” It may not have smashed box office records like Superman, but for Marvel fans, it’s a promising first step (pun intended) for the franchise.
Jensen Ackles goes undercover in ‘Countdown’
If you’ve been missing Jensen Ackles since Supernatural (and The Boys), you’ll want to check out ‘Countdown’ on Prime Video. Ackles plays an LAPD detective suddenly pulled into a shadowy multi-agency task force investigating a Homeland Security agent’s murder.
“It’s like 24 meets Chicago PD,” Darryl says, “which makes sense since it’s from Derek Haas, creator of the Chicago series.” The ensemble also includes Jessica Camacho (Sleepy Hollow), Violett Beane (The Flash), and Eric Dane (The Last Ship). “It takes a few episodes to warm up, but once it does, it really delivers. And honestly? Jensen Ackles is the hook.”
Jason Momoa goes full warrior in ‘Chief of War’
Dave heads to the Hawaiian islands (metaphorically) for ‘Chief of War’, Apple TV+’s sweeping historical drama co-created by and starring Jason Momoa. “It’s stunning to look at,” Dave says, “and almost entirely in Hawaiian, which adds to its authenticity. Plus, you get a lot of Jason Momoa — and I mean a lot.”
Set during the unification of the Hawaiian islands, it’s a limited series with high stakes, big battles, and a surprising amount of political intrigue. If you liked Shogun but wanted more ocean views (and fewer kimonos), this might be for you.
And also…
Because one podcast isn’t enough for all this content:
- Darryl dives into Netflix’s gloriously bizarre animated adventure ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’.
- Prime Video’s twisty YA psychological thriller ‘We Were Liars’ gets a thumbs up.
- Dave celebrates the return of ‘Fire Country’ Season 3 on Sky Witness.
- And he finally catches up on the Shondaland classic ‘Scandal’ — better late than never.
TV news: Renewals, cancellations & a Bond shake-up
In the news this week:
- Netflix cancels ‘FUBAR’, the Arnold Schwarzenegger action-comedy.
- ‘Line of Duty’ is reportedly returning — thanks to Adrian Dunbar spilling the tea.
- ‘The Gilded Age’ renewed for Season 4 at HBO.
- ‘Untamed’ surprisingly gets a second season on Netflix.
- Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) will write the next James Bond film, with Denis Villeneuve (Dune) directing.
Oh, and Hulu is developing ‘Stay Tuned’, a multiverse TV comedy where characters get trapped inside binge-worthy shows, from Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells.
Coming up this week…
There’s plenty to look forward to:
- ‘Wednesday’ Season 2, Part 1 (Netflix – 6th August)
- ‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’ (MGM+ – 9th August)
- ‘Resident Alien’ Season 4 (Sky Max – 12th August)
- ‘Ridley’ Season 2 (ITV – 10th August)
- ‘FBI’, ‘FBI: International’, and ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ returning to Sky Witness
Want to hear our full thoughts on James Gunn’s fresh new Superman, Marvel’s First Family, Jensen Ackles’ latest role, and Jason Momoa going full warrior? You can listen to the full episode of Geektown Radio Episode 467 below, or on your favourite podcast app.
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