IOL TV Issue 1 June 2020

ISSUE 1, JUNE 2020

TV

Magazine

MEET THE STARS OF NETFLIX’S

BLOOD &WATER SHOW GOES ON Young actors working in the time of Covid-19

EXCLUSIVE

WITH

Fiona Shaw

The Bachelor’s first black lead

MATT JAMES

Julia Stiles reprises her role as Georgina Clios in the second instalment of RIVIERA on BBC First DStv channel 119. This season, Georgina does her best to get away with murder, but it isn’t an easy task as she wrestles with much guilt over it. “It’s not only in terms of her own conscience. She has to watch the family, whom she has a very complicated relationship with, grieve over the loss of their son and brother, knowing she’s the one culpable. She feels torn because she feels justified but she also knows it’s not okay.”

THE SHOW AIRS ON SUNDAY, JUNE 28 AT 8PM

FROM THE EDITOR WHAT better way to celebrate Youth Month than to recognise the new faces on TV and various streaming platforms. Let’s be honest, there’s an abundance of up-and-coming talent in the industry, which is encouraging for its future.

In fact, Netflix’s critically-acclaimed Blood & Water has newcomers anchoring the homegrown series, which has been given the green light for a second season. Naturally, the actors are pretty chuffed about the news and, with their performances praised around the globe, they should be.

We interviewed supporting leads Dillon Windvogel and Arno Greeff to gauge their views on the topic and how it relates to their career. As much as they got to work with seasoned names that added gravitas to the series, they held their own against the giants.

Meanwhile, Covid-19 has also had a huge knock-on effect on the entertainment industry.

With production on most shows resuming, several young actors, who are set to make their mark in the industry, provided insight into the new way of shooting. In this issue, you will get to meet a new kid on the block as well as the six hottest young actors on TV. Transformation is slow in the industry but The Bachelor finally gets its first black lead. Progress.

And, to avoid Fomo, we rate the shows that should be on your radar. We hope you enjoy this edition and would love to hear from you!

Debashine EDITOR | DEBASHINE THANGEVELO | debashine.thangevelo@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE EDITOR LIFESTYLE | NELANDRI NARIANAN DESIGNER | MALLORY MUNIEN

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COMING SOON

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STAR

This Youth Month, we celebrate Dillon Windvogel and Arno Greeff, who have been holding their own in the Netflix Original Series, Blood & Water, writes

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TALK

DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

HIS home-grown young adult series generated a lot of hype. Was it deserving?

Yes. Critics have been pleasantly surprised by it. It was a chilly morning when I got to interview Dillon Windvogel and Arno Greeff. Given the lockdown regulations, it was done over Zoom. This is what they had to say about the show, which revolves around a local teen tracking down a sister who went missing a long time ago.

Dillon Windvogel (Wade Daniels): Relatively new to the industry, fans will remember him from the movie, Bhai’s Cafe. This is his breakthrough role. Cast as the principal’s son, he explained: “I also feel like, with Wade’s quirkiness and awkwardness, it made it quite easy for him to connect with any other character. He is naturally himself around the characters and I think, especially with Puleng (Ama Qamata), because of how natural it came across - her reciprocating conversation with him - it made him like her even more, if that makes sense. Wade’s interaction with Puleng was definitely based on her seeing him for him and not his awkwardness.”

Landing this break has been a huge blessing for him and it was his agent who steered him towards auditioning. “It was a big, ‘Wow!’, and humbling, getting it, and reading through the script. To this day, I can’t believe it. I feel like I’m in a dream,” Windvogel laughed.

There are many seasoned actors in the show like Gail Mabalane, Sandi Schultz, Xolile Tshabalala and Patrick Mofokeng but it was Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, who left him feeling sheepishly tongue-tied.

Arno Greeff (Chris Ackerman): He’s been around the acting block having performed in a slew of Afrikaans offerings: Vaselinetjie, 7de Laan, Desember, Tydelik Terminaal and Vergeet My Nie. Bagging Blood & Water is a big deal for him, too. Like Windvogel, he was also in awe of Ka-Ncube. Greef laughed: “For me, I remember the day Sello was on set and I felt like a little girl, man. I couldn’t go into the make-up trailer because they told me he was in there. When I heard his voice, I was so intimidated and felt like I was not worthy of being in the same makeup trailer as him.”

He got over the nerves and got some great advice at the end.

As for his character, Greeff plays a pansexual. He offered: “I didn’t know what pansexual meant so it was a process of finding out what that means and then realising now I’m representing a community.”

He added: “It was a great honour to play this character and the love I have received was so beautiful.”

Netflix confirmed that Blood & Water will be back for a second season. Show runner and director, Nosipho Dumisa said: “Blood & Water’s success is a testament to the hard work put in by the entire team. It’s a privilege and a blessing to return to our beloved characters. Parkhurst is about to get really messy.”

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5

THESE TV PERSONALITIES ARE REGULAR NOISEMAKERS

Sometimes loved, sometimes loathed, they unfailingly trend with their social media posts, writes KEDIBONE MODISE

THERE’S A NEW

BUNTU Petse made her acting debut on SABC1’s Generations: The Legacy a few months ago and she has already turned into a fan favourite. Her character, Nontle, is a high school teenager on a mission.

On the soapie, she, along with ALYSSIA BIRJALAL and I had such a wonderful BFF Melokuhle (Busi Kondleka), chats to Buntu Petse... time discovering mine.” are in a major story arc, centered She said being on the show on climate change. Petse got the is amazing. “It’s been only role after auditioning several a few months, but it feels like times. it’s been two weeks and two years, all at the same time.

“The auditions were quite the process. All the ladies I think this is because I am happy with my character, who were called back made it difficult to choose from.

Nontle, and with the storyline.

“That made it all the more exciting to get the role. I “It’s bold and daring. And I am challenged by it remember saying ‘OMG, I’m blessed!’,” she said. everyday.”

When describing her first day on the set,Petse Getting into her character is effortless. She said it’s admitted although she did well, she remembers because she understands her background, her pains that she made a lot of mistakes due it being a new and what makes her happy. environment.

She explained: “I first breathe then I ask the She added: “Naturally, I made mistakes since the questions ‘what’ and ‘why’ in order to get into her environment was still new. thought process of the scene and the way she is feeling “I think what’s important is how quickly one learns in regards to what she’s talking about. Then I’m able from those mistakes. to adapt to any story line thrown her way.”

“My expectation of the experience of being on set Petse added that she was not picky about the was surpassed by the reality. Everything and everyone roles she gets and would love to work with other has their own unique part to play in this game, newcomers.

KID ON THE BOX

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MEDIA personalities around the globe use their clout on social media to raise awareness and effect change when they aren’t posting about themselves. Here are five South African stars who fearlessly speak their mind.

REFILWE MODISELLE

SIVUYILE “SIV” NGESI

In a recent post, Ngesi posted a picture of a placard asking for donations for sanitary towels for young girls, and he wrote: “If men bled once a month, sanitary products will be free, period!”

She started making waves as a model. Now she is flying the South African flag high following her stellar performance in the UK short film White Gold.

An advocate for those living with albinism, Modiselle recently said on Instagram: “I know what it’s like to constantly go through the prejudice of not fitting a specific mould because the media or society wants you to be a certain type.”

RAMI CHUENE

TREVOR NOAH

If she’s not educating the masses about the cut-throat entertainment industry, she delves into politics and pleads with the government to take issues of gender-based violence seriously.

SOMIZI MHLONGO

Tweeps applauded Mhlongo and his hubby Mohale Motaung-Mhlongo for donating more than R200 000 in food vouchers.

He always encourages healthy debate on social media. The US-based South African comedian celebrated six million followers on Instagram.

Since the global pandemic, he has been hosting The Daily Social Distancing Show from his penthouse. The world can’t get enough of his authenticity and engagement on social media… don’t get me started on those cute dimples.

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6 LIAM KARABO JOYCE

HOTTEST YOUNG ACTORS TELEVISION has a unique way of introducing you to characters that find a way into your heart for many reasons.

You could relate to the character’s story, see yourself in them, understand their struggles and even their successes. Or you could look and them and marvel over how they hit the genetic lottery with those jawdroppingly good looks.

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SIPHESIHLE NDABA

NTOBEKO SISHI

THABANG MOLABA

When Mzansi Magic’s newest daily drama Gomora hit our screens we knew it would be a hit. With celebrated performers like Katlego Danke and Thembi Seete it has all the right ingredients, also including introducing new talent. Siphesihle Ndaba plays Mazet, a gorgeous and dangerous young woman who tempts a young man into a life of crime. Ndaba, who is a Rhodes University graduate, also has a background in stage.

This actor and singer stars in Gomora and he has been a fan favourite since his debut. Formerly, a Hectic Nine-9 presenter, he plays Ntokozo, the son of Melusi and Gladys. He is extremely smart and very good looking. However, he has always struggled in his family.

It’s hard being Ntokozo. He feels enormous pressure to perform and also has a strict family. He chooses to seek out love and appreciation in all the wrong places.

A musician and model, Thabang Molaba is no stranger to our screens. He made his big debut on Mzansi Magic’s The Queen where he played Gift Mabuza alongside Rami Chuene and Zenande Mfenyana before his character was killed off. This year he stars in Netflix’s local drama Blood & Water, which was recently renewed for a second season.

LEXI UNDERWOOD

ROBERTO KYLE

LEE RODRIGUEZ

Lexi is an American actress and singer who has starred in television and theatre productions.

Her work as Pearl Warren in Little Fires Everywhere was called “excellent” by the NY Times, which said “the scenes between (her mother) Mia and Pearl, both the tender and the angry ones, are the show’s highlights”. In the hit mini-series, Lexi stars alongside Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon.

This award-winning actor, singer and model is best known for his starring role as Lee-Roy Foster in kykNET & Kie’s Arendsvlei.

Roberto walked away with the Best Actor in a Telenovela award at this year’s virtual South African Film and Television Awards. He has appeared in numerous stage productions and made his television acting debut in an episode of the international Showtime drama series, Homeland.

She got her big break on Netflix’s coming of age comedy-drama, Never Have I Ever, this year. The American actress and social media star first hit our screens when she starred in Class of Lies in which she portrayed Bea. Lee plays Fabiola Torres in Never Have I Ever alongside Maitreyi Ramakrishnan.

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The

Bachelor’s first black lead AFTER 24 seasons aired over 18 years, The Bachelor will finally feature a black man as the show’s lead. Recently, Good Morning America announced that Matt James, a 28-year-old who was originally cast as a contestant on Clare Crawley’s upcoming season of The Bachelorette, will be the flagship show’s next Bachelor.

The Bachelor and its spin-off shows have long been criticised for their lack of diversity in casting, and for the way contestants of colour are treated on the show. In 40 seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, there’s only been one person of colour as the lead: Rachel Lindsay, who first appeared in Nick Viall’s 2017 season of The Bachelor and then went on to be The Bachelorette in 2018.

Recently, a Change.org petition calling on ABC and Warner Bros, the show’s production company, to cast a person of colour in the lead role garnered over 85 000 signatures.

“The franchise, and all those who represent it, should reflect and honour the racial diversity of our country – both in front of and behind the camera,” the petition reads, following up with 13 commitments signatories would like to see, including giving equitable screen time to white contestants and contestants of colour and fair compensation for the show’s employees of colour.

When asked on Good Morning America whether James thought ABC’s decision was “too little, too late”, he responded: “I don’t think it’s ever the wrong time to do the right thing.”

James noted that he didn’t even tell his mother about the announcement before it was made because she can’t keep a secret. He’s looking for a woman who’s “selfless, honest, caring and compassionate”, adding that he hopes his cast of contestants will be diverse, too.

Lindsay appeared on Good Morning America as well, saying that the show still has a long way to go. She’d like to see producers of colour behind the camera. The announcement of James’s casting comes a few days after Lindsay spoke out strongly against Bachelor Nation’s record on diversity on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast. | The Washington Post THE T V M AG | J UN E

BEX IN THE BIG TIME DEBASHINE THANGEVELO VIEWERS will recognise relative industry newcomer Bex Taylor-Klaus from the big and small screen. She’s explored several genres from horror to superhero offerings as well as crime drama.

Now she’s attracting a wider fan base with Universal TV’s police series, Deputy. Cast as Brianna Bishop, she is acting sheriff Bill Hollister’s (Stephen Dorff) right-hand woman. And it’s not an easy position as he has an unorthodox approach to solving cases.

Before working alongside the industry giant, Taylor-Klaus told an interesting story on how she got this role. She shared: “Funny story; I auditioned for it (role) and didn’t get it. I ended up being in Atlanta while they were shooting the pilot and something went wrong with the original cast member and production, and they called me in as I was on my way to the airport to head back to California. They told me to turn the car around and to come to meet David Ayer ( producer and director) on set.”

Before she knew it, she was in costume, shooting scenes. The 25-year-old actress loved slipping into the skin of Bishop.”She is smart, steady and strong. She came from the Pentagon. Through the season, you get to see how Bishop gets utilised. It is a very maledominated space. Bishop is used to that. All the trials and tribulations that Bishop has been through have given her this expertise. There’s no reason for Bishop to be insecure. She is ridiculously powerful,” she said.

In the show, Taylor-Klaus has a short hairstyle.

She’s always in a pant suit and wears a poker face.

The actress plays a by-the-book character, who warms up to her new boss’s unorthodox way of working...

She’s direct and doesn’t beat around the bush, which throws Hollister, at first.

As much as Bishop and Hollister are looking at getting the same end-result, their approaches to getting it are poles apart.

“Both of them care more than people say they should,” she explained. “They want good things for innocent and good people. On that level, they connect. Bishop is way more by the book. I think Bishop wants to be a little crazy like him but she comes from the military; it’s difficult to make that adjustment, at first.”

On working with Dorff, Taylor-Klaus said: “Stephen comes in with a knowledge of an industry.

I’ve come in recently. It was interesting. We get to dive into these characters and their individual lives in and out the sheriff’s department.”

By the way, Karrueche Tran makes a guest appearance as Genevieve, Bishop’s girlfriend.

Yes, the series follows a familiar blueprint but the cast takes you on a journey, nonetheless.

Deputy airs on Universal TV (DStv channel 117) on Monday at 8pm.

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O K

Nothing is certain in the world of spies

O

BUHLE MBONAMBI speaks to Fiona Shaw, who plays Carolyn Martens on ‘Killing Eve’ KILLING Eve is one of the shows that comes once every few years.

It’s about women and all their complexities. It celebrates women, which is no surprise since it is created by Phoebe Waller Bridge, one of film and TV’s most respected screenwriters.

Based on the Codename Villanelle novel series by Luke Jennings, it’s a journey of international espionage, the interaction between spy agencies and the criminals they sometimes have to keep on their side to help fight the more dangerous criminals.

It’s so well written, directed and acted, that the stars are reaping the rewards for their work – Sandra Oh won a Golden Globe award, Jodie Comer an Emmy and Bafta, and Fiona Shaw a Bafta.

While the bulk of Killing Eve is about psychopathic female assassin Villanelle and the MI6 agent Eve Polastri hunting her down, a big part of the story is also about the enigmatic Carolyn Martens, an MI6 boss.

Carolyn is the dependable force who calms everything. But is Carolyn who she says she is or is there more to her than we expect? Is she part of The Twelve? “Oh noooo,” Fiona Shaw says, shocked at the question when I called her in London. “Nothing is certain, really… She’s also trying to find them. The Twelve are very hard to get hold of. They are a force that seems to be underneath all the gremlins that happen around the world.” Did the strong women characters attract her to the script? “I wouldn’t say they are strong women characters. Most characters for women are underwritten in both film and TV… women take too little space on screen, compared to their male counterparts. Women live just as complex a life as their male colleagues.”

She enjoys portraying Carolyn. “She’s very much not like me.

She is full of that gift that people in her field have – the capacity to be very quiet when other people are speaking so as to not get caught up in the argument. And to keep a clear head.”

SPOILER ALERT: Season 2, Fiona says, is going to be an interesting ride. “Carolyn knows more than she lets on. Even the things Eve does that she thinks Carolyn doesn’t know about, she knows. And it makes their relationship even more interesting.”

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Marlo Kelly (centre) as Beth Cassidy in Dare Me. | Netflix

MEDICAL SERIES SIZZLERS DEBASHINE THANGEVELO THE RESIDENT (SEASON 3): Think of crime dramas. Every series in the genre offers something that satiates viewers’ appetites. The same applies to The Resident. This medical drama, which is a mustsee, has been renewed for a fourth season. It has a phenomenal cast of Matt Czuchry (Conrad Hawkins), Emily VanCamp (Nic Nevin), Morris Chestnut (Barrett Cain) with new arrivals Kearran Giovanni (Andrea Baydon), Rob Yang (Logan Kim), Shazi Raja (Nadine Suheimat) and more. In this season, the staff are subjected to new rules and doctors. This series gives a surreal feel of a hospital. The writers are most creative with the storylines, especially when it comes to the emergencies handled by the staff at Red Rock Mountain Medical. Of course, it is wonderfully offset by personal adversities faced by the characters. The series is a few episodes shy of its finale.

NEW AMSTERDAM (SEASON 2): This has grown on me. It is helmed by Ryan Eggold, who viewers may remember from The Blacklist. He plays Max Goodwin, the new medical director at New Amsterdam Medical Centre. He puts patients before profits and is backed by an incredible team of specialists. Their motto is: “How can I help?” In the previous season, we learnt Max has cancer and his wife is pregnant. This season, he is a single dad (his wife died) and his tumour is shrinking thanks to a new therapy. As always, he juggles the politics of the hospital and the resulting drama of his patients and staff. This series has a lot of heart.

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While Grey’s Anatomy raised the bar for medical dramas, these shows are not far behind...

CHICAGO MED (SEASON 5): This is the third Chicago spin-off series, where characters from Chicago Fire as well as Chicago P.D. cross over in some of the story lines. Viewers have taken a strong liking to the series, which has been renewed for three more seasons. This series follows the doctors and nurses at Gaffney Chicago Medical Centre. Nick Gehlfuss is the lead as Dr Will Halstead (younger brother of Detective Jay Halstead of Chicago P.D.). Creators Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead have woven a wonderful balance with ingeniously-penned trauma cases and individual setbacks.

NURSES (SEASON 1): A new series which takes viewers into the inner sanctum of a young group of nurses as they navigate their way on the job. The new recruits arrive eager and idealistic. Their first day on the job becomes a crash course in juggling their personal emotions with their professional responsibility. Ethics come into play with tough judgement calls being made. Amid handling the calls that come into trauma, each cast member is going through their own personal challenges. This series is similar to Grey’s Anatomy, in that it features a wellrepresented cast.

TEENS TURN IT UP! Never Have I Ever: Mindy Kaling’s creation of Never Have I Ever delves into the life of Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), a Tamil-speaking IndianAmerican who finds high school life a tough experience in Sherman Oaks, California. Her social life is exceptionally difficult as she navigates a rocky freshman year, making her desire a great change in her social status. However, it is easier said than done as she has to deal with the trials and tribulations of her family and friends. Complications abound in this coming-of-age drama. The show also stars Lee Rodriguez and Poorna Jagannathan. Streaming on Netflix High Fidelity: After five heartbreaks it’s finally time to face the music. High Fidelity centres on Rob (Zoë Kravitz), a record store owner in the rapidly gentrified neighbourhood of Crown Heights, Brooklyn who revisits past relationships through music and pop culture, while trying to get over her one true love.

The show stars Da’Vine Joy Randolph, David H Holmes, Jake Lacy, and Kingsley Ben-Adir. Kravitz also serves as an executive producer on the show.

Available on DStv Catch Up or 1Magic (DStv 103) Dare Me: Created by Megan Abbott and starring Willa Fitzgerald, Herizen F Guardiola, Marlo Kelly and Paul Fitzgerald, the shocking psychological coming-of-age drama showcases the troubling road to being the best. The lives of the Midwestern high school cheerleaders is anything but easy, and it gets even more competitive as the new coach, Colette French, struggles with the team. The friendships

Looking for something new to sink your teeth into?

ALYSSIA BIRJALAL highlights some of the best young adult shows available right now

within the team are put to the ultimate test as jealousy and loyalty are called into question as they discover that cheerleading is more cut-throat than cheerful. Streaming on Netflix 13 Reasons Why (Season 4): What began as a relatively accurate television adaptation of Jay Asher’s young adult novel has evolved into a larger conversation around the portrayal of serious issues on television. In its fourth season, the show finally puts an end to its long-winded and emotional narrative.

The first few episodes of the season outline another death at Liberty High School. This season’s narrative also delves into Clay’s paranoia and hallucinations of the dead – specifically the deaths he helped cover up over the seasons. Streaming on Netflix T H E T V M AG | J UN E

Alyssia Birjalal chats to three actors about their set experiences during Covid-19

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ANTON DAVID JEFTHA

THE Covid-19 pandemic has really put a damper on show business, one of the biggest industries in the world.

This includes everything from TV and film productions to theatre and live music performances coming to an abrupt halt. Many in the industry have been left jobless and in financial ruin.

Actor, Anton David Jeftha, recently returned to film M-Net’s Legacy, which is scheduled for release in September.

Jeftha says being on set is not the same.

The former Homeland and Arendsvlei actor said.“It’s a different world for sure. The regulations are pretty strict. The production takes sanitary protocol extremely seriously.

“The environment is not the same, but we do what must be done and we are very grateful to be working during a time like this.”

Although he is aware that there is a chance the virus could spread, he is not afraid to be working.

“I am exceptionally happy with my being able to work and this reward, to me, outweighs the risk. As individuals we also need to be aware that our space on set has changed and that we need to ensure that we take the necessary precautionary measures whenever we are at work now – it’s a new way of working,” he said.

KWEZI NDLOVU

THE 26-year-old is currently in the second season of 1Magic’s Housekeepers, where she plays Thuli Ngubane. The actress was shooting for the new season when the pandemic struck and production halted.

After losing out on the opportunity to audition for many roles, she’s back on the set. “It’s been a few weeks that we’re back on set and are trying to keep up with the new rules and regulations. It was introduced to us in a way that made us understand the pandemic and why we need to adjust,” the actress confirmed.

“We now have to carry our own personal items to avoid sharing and spreading the virus, we sanitise before walking into any department, we have our temperatures checked and are not allowed to touch each other

except on set once we have sanitised thoroughly,” said Ndlovu.

“I’m not scared of being on set, but I have changed (my approach) in the workplace because of Covid-19.”

Anton David Jeftha

NOXOLO MATHULA

The actress plays Lilly in the hugely popular show, Uzalo.

Mathula, like many other actors, was hard hit by Covid-19 pandemic as she faced the “no work, no pay” dilemma. Thankfully, the ease of regulations means she is back on set.

“It’s great being back. We all understand that we need this job in order to make ends meet so everyone is adhering to the rules. It is quite tricky acting with masks on because now our eyes need to tell the story, which is a great challenge,” she admitted.

She said the production company has put in place all the necessary measures to make sure that everyone is protected.

“There’s no kissing, touching or anything that has to do with physical contact. We even social distance in our scenes. Our food is packaged.

The makeup department sanitises our brushes regularly. Our number one rule is #NoMaskNoEntry!!! Literally turn back from wherever you come from just to get your mask,” the actress explained.

While she’s adjusted to the changes, she does miss one thing greeting her work colleagues with a hug.

“It’s just really hard not being able to hug my fellow colleagues, but we need to keep everyone safe. We’re getting used to the new normal.”

“BEING AN ACTOR IS HARD ENOUGH, BUT BEING AN ACTOR DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC IS EVEN HARDER...”

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REVIEW FEATURE

For Life 1MAGIC | DSTV CHANNEL 103 | WEDNESDAY, 8PM

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★★★★✩

★★★★✩

WHEN rapper and television producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson first heard the life story of Isaac Wright Jr, who was sentenced to life for a crime he didn’t commit, he knew the story needed to be told. Inspired by true-life events, For Life is a courageous story of perseverance with Nicholas Pinnock cast as Aaron Wallace, who was charged with being a drug kingpin and got convicted on a series of false testimony. He was sentenced to life in prison plus an

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additional 70 years. While in prison he discovered that education could be his weapon and his liberation. He obtains his law degree and starts representing fellow inmates, in the hope of getting his own conviction overtuned. 50 Cent, who plays Cassius Dawkins, doubles as the show’s executive producer. The show also features Joy Bryant and Timothy Busfield. This heart-wrenching series takes viewers through some of the realities of prison life. | Kedibone Modise

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THIS has been one of my favourite shows since the first season. Aside from the powerful casting of Damian Lewis (Bobby ‘Axe’ Axelrod), Paul Giamatti (Chuck Rhoades), Maggie Siff (Wendy Rhoades), David Costabile (Mike ‘Wags’ Wagner), Asia Kate Dillon (Taylor Mason) and Condola Rashad (Kate Sacker), the script is superlative. For the first four seasons, the storyline centred on the all-consuming war between hedge fund king Bobby and disgraced politician, Chuck. These

two went for the jugular and showed no mercy to each other. This season is a minefield of deception. Chuck is once again vying to take Bobby down. Taylor offers to help him by returning to work for Bobby. But the real threat this season is Mike Prince (Corey Stoll), who artfully secures the Vanity Fair cover, which was earmarked for Bobby. Battle lines are drawn and Bobby, after that insightful cleansing ritual, isn’t taking his eye off his new rival. | Debashine Thangevelo

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Little Fires Everywhere

POPPIE NONGENA

Billions

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NETFLIX

★★★★✩

★★★✩✩

by night. She’s filled with mystery and can never settle down in a town long enough to let her daughter paint all four of her room walls. On the other hand, Witherspoon’s character, Elaina, prides herself with her beautiful house, satisfying career and family. However, nothing is as clear cut as it seems.

As the series unfolds, the story takes a deep look at the power of motherhood and love. | Alyssia Birjalal

SHOWMAX

★★★✩✩ MOTHERLAND: Fort Salem is set in an alternate supernatural universe where the Salem Witch trails came to an end due to the Salem Accords. This legal and magical binding document provided magical martial support for the US Army and is made apart of the US Constitution. In this world, since the army consists of female witches for over 300 years, society as a whole is matriarchal.

The stars of the show are three witches; Taylor Hickson as Raelle Collar, Jessica Sutton as Tally Craven, and Ashley Nicole Williams as Abigail Bellweather; who are cadets at the Fort Salem military base.

The show is full of twists, intrigue and is stacked with great female lead characters.

Men pretty much take a back seat in this show. The acting starts off a bit shaky at the beginning, but as the show plays out, our lead actors get more and more comfortable in their roles. | Jamal Grootboom

All Day And A Night

DSTV CATCH UP

HOLLYWOOD A-listers Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington co-produce and star in Little Fires Everywhere, which traces the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother -daughter duo, who arrive at Shaker Heights. It’s refreshing to see Washington in a toned down role, she portrays Mia, a single mother and weed smoking artist by day and a waitress

Motherland: Fort Salem

DIRECTED by Joe Robert Cole, this Netflix film is about a young man, Jahkor Lincoln (Ashton Sanders), whose dream of becoming a successful rapper is shattered when he ends up in prison for murdering a man who used to sell drugs to his father.

The film reflects on the problems faced by most black men in society as most of them grew up being abused by their fathers, who taught them that violence is

the answer.

They grew up with the perception that a man shouldn’t feel pain. If he ever does, he should take it out on other people and that is extremely wrong, which sums up Jahkor’s childhood. This movie doesn’t have a happy ending.

One of the biggest takeaways from this film is that most of the time, your downfall is caused by the people closest to you. | Thobile Mazibuko

T H E Colla T V M AG UN E Ashley Nicole Williams, Raelle and| JJessica Sutton in Motherland: Fort Salem. | Showmax

BLACK LIVES MATTER

THE T V M AG | J UN E

Dyllón Burnside, who fans will remember as Ricky in POSE, will soon be in PRIDELAND. In a recent interview with “Variety”, he was asked what the BLM movement means to him: “The movement for Black Lives is really rooted in the radical Black Liberation Movements of the past.

“I don’t consider myself an activist or anything like that. I take a lead from people who do that work daily and I seek to learn from them. It’s all interconnected for me because I’m Black and queer. Me fighting for Black liberation is me fighting for liberation from white supremacy, patriarchy, transphobia and homophobia - all of which are symptoms from white colonialism. Those are all things that have been passed through generations of oppression.