Sumter Scene: February 08- February 14, 2025 by The Sumter Item

Survival by committee: Contestants’ families rule the game in ‘Extracted’

BY SARAH PASSINGHAM

Surviving the challenges of everyday life is tough enough, right? Well, 12 contestants are willing to brave the elements of the Canadian wilderness for a serious payday of $250,000 in the new reality competition series “Extracted,” premiering Monday, Feb. 10, on Fox.

Survivalists have long held our fascination when it comes to reality television, from the boom of CBS’s “Survivor” defining the genre in the early 2000s, to the Canadian hit “Mantracker,” which premiered nearly 20 years ago, to current-day series like “Alone” on History and Fox’s “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.” However, “Extracted” is not just your average game of survival of the fittest.

The upcoming series adds a couple of new twists to the competition. First, the contestants vying for the grand prize are amateurs. No lifelong survivalists are among those trekking out into the wilds of British Columbia to set up camps from scratch. Without any specialized training and completely isolated from each other, competitors battle hunger, cold and the threat of predators for a chance to win a life-changing purse. While con-

testants control their basic needs — building shelter, making fire and collecting food — the rest of their game is not up to them.

In a remote headquarters far from the contestants’ camps are their loved ones, watching and dictating the game from afar. Competitors receive supplies that their designated family members prepare for them while playing a strategic game of their own at HQ. The power is in the hands of the contestants’ families, as only they can pull their survivalist from the game by pressing the big red extract button at HQ.

Contestants are surveilled 24/7 by remote cameras set up around their camps in addition to what they film of themselves, sometimes sharing emotional confessions of the struggle to survive in the great outdoors on the wall of screens in HQ. They pull on their loved ones’ heartstrings but also provide other families with intel that they can use to build or destroy alliances within the game.

“Extracted” contestants include model Anthony, 18 (Dallas and New York City); teacher Ashley, 38 (Granbury, Texas); hairstylist and clown Davina, 42 (Jacksonville, Florida); river

guide Haley, 26 (Long Island, New York); mortgage loan officer Jake, 35 (Meridian, Idaho); off-road event promoter Jakoben, 25 (McComb, Mississippi); wellness coach Meagan, 30 (Mandeville, Louisiana); personal assistant Robyn, 56 (Las Vegas); registered dietitian Rose, 30 (Denver); diesel mechanic Ryan H., 28 (Lincolnton, North Carolina); eBay reseller Ryan W., 41 (Conifer, Colorado); and retired law officer Woody, 50 (Grovetown, Georgia).

Each competitor has brought along two loved ones they trust to help guide them to the grand prize. In HQ are Anthony’s parents, Yolanda and Tony; Ashley’s father-in-law, Scott, and fiancé, Austin; Davina’s stepdaughter Tori and sister Devin; Haley’s friends Karly and Natalie; Jake’s brothers Austin and Justin; Jakoben’s uncle Terrance and cousin David; Meagan’s friend Abby and father, Gerrad; Robyn’s daughter Faith and husband, Lance; Rose’s cousin Kelsey and aunt Laura; Ryan H.’s parents, Roger and Candance; Ryan W.’s wife, Sarah, and brother Sean; and Woody’s son Blake and nephew Collin.

Horoscopes

The luckiest signs this week:

GEMINI, CANCER AND LEO

ARIES

You may have to wait at home all day for something like a package delivery. It’ll be the perfect opportunity to consider a stylish interior makeover.

TAURUS

If you’re going somewhere that’s hard to find, precise directions will be essential to avoid wasting a lot of time. A GPS navigation app will be your best friend.

GEMINI

Nobody likes feeling deprived, but it can motivate you to seek solutions. You’ll be ready to act once you figure out how to gain financial freedom.

CANCER

Exciting activities abound, bringing a whirlwind of commitments that will fill up your schedule. However, you’ll skillfully organize all your tasks and meet all your deadlines.

LEO

A cold is often your body’s way of telling you it’s time to slow down and recharge. If you’re feeling stressed, take some time to unwind with relaxation and meditation.

VIRGO

You’ll be in a leadership role, and your team will look to you for guidance. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to showcase your management skills. Embrace the position you’ve earned and assert your authority with confidence.

LIBRA

As you juggle family and professional commitments, you won’t have much spare time or any time to devote to your own activities. You’ll also have to organize professional or social gatherings.

SCORPIO

At work, your productivity will catch the attention of your superiors, who will feel compelled to offer you a raise to secure your longevity with the company. You’ll have every reason to be proud!

SAGITTARIUS

You may be faced with existential questions this week, which may prompt you to seek a more enlightened outlook on life. In your relationship, loyalty and dedication are highly valued.

CAPRICORN

You’ll find common ground with those around you after a conflict. Your wisdom will be crucial in this situation.

Quick action will be needed to stop things from getting worse.

AQUARIUS

This week will be full of professional challenges. Set realistic expectations to ensure your success matches your efforts. Keep an eye out for potential friction with colleagues who may be jealous of your achievements.

PISCES

All the attention will be on you this week. You’ll receive well-deserved praise for your amazing accomplishments.

This will give your self-confidence a major boost.

New Streaming Movies & Shows

““My Fault: London”

(Feb. 13)

When Noah’s (Asha Banks) mother, Ella (Eve Macklin), falls in love with the very wealthy William (Ray Fearon), the two move from America to London to live with William and his son Nick (Matthew Broome). With an immediate attraction between Noah and Nick, Noah spends the summer adjusting to her new life, making new friends from Nick’s various circles and navigating a complicated relationship with him while they fight to keep the attraction at bay. Meanwhile, Noah’s estranged father has been released from prison and starts tracking her every move.

Word Search

“Omni Loop” (Feb. 11)

This sci-fi drama follows Zoya Lowe (MaryLouise Parker), a quantum physicist who finds herself in a time loop, with a black hole growing in her chest and only a week to live. But what the doctors and her family don’t know is that she has already lived this week before; so many times, in fact, that she doesn’t even know how long it’s been — until one day, Zoya meets a gifted student named Paula (Ayo Edebiri). Together they team up to save her life and to unlock the mysteries of time travel.

Where all the top choices can be found in one place!

The docuseries tells the gripping real story of the horror and heroism behind the events that inspired Ridley Scott’s blockbuster movie “Black Hawk Down” (2001), blending raw, immersive storytelling with first-person interviews from both sides of The Battle of Mogadishu.

BY JAY BOBBIN

Follows the lives of two squads and their fierce, hardworking coaches, Lexington Kentucky’s Dunbar High School coach Donna Martin and her daughter, Ole’ Miss head coach, Ryan O’Connor. While Donna pushes her team to new heights to return Dunbar to its former glory of reigning champs, Ryan is fighting to earn the respect of her peers, her collegiate team and her mother.

Q: Who is the creepy actor behind the Pale Man in “Pan’s Labyrinth”? And does he do other stuff?

A: The actor who brought the terrifying Pale Man to life in “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006) was Doug Jones. Not only does he do other stuff, but he may be one of the hardest-working people in Hollywood, though few would probably recognize him.

That’s because there’s usually layer upon layer of prosthetics and makeup between his face and the camera. But filmmakers keep casting him specifically because of his ability to project through all that junk — to make audiences connect with and believe the characters anyway, whether they’re terrified by them or moved by them.

His biggest roles do a little bit of both — he’s gained accolades for playing misunderstood monsters of one type or another. For example, he was Abe Sapien, Hellboy’s amphibious sidekick, in “Hellboy” (2004) and “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” (2008), and he was another amphibious man (and also the most unlikely romantic lead ever) in the multi-Oscar-winning 2017 drama “The Shape of Water.”

“Surviving Black Hawk Down” (Feb. 10)

“Cheerleader Generation” - Season 1 (Feb. 10)

Bob Hoskins’s role in “Hook” (1991)

“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) Oscar winner Alan

John Wayne shows ‘True Grit’ in his Oscar-winning role

BY JAY BOBBIN

Rooster Cogburn was the right role at the right time for John Wayne.

The screen icon said in his Oscar acceptance speech that he would have done the part long before if he’d known that award would be a result for him, but 1969 was an ideal year for the classic Western “True Grit” since it came when the movie industry was making a major thematic shift. Tales of the Old West were being phased out for more modern stories, in both plotting and execution, and “True Grit” — which Turner Classic Movies shows Saturday, Feb. 15, as part of an “Oscar-Worthy Cowboys” night during the channel’s “31 Days of Oscar” event — turned out to be a sort of victory lap for an actor and a category that had served audiences well for decades.

Wayne would continue working for several more years until his death, but he didn’t really get another part that fully equaled the impact of Cogburn (though he reprised the character in a sequel). In the Henry Hathaway-directed adaptation of Charles Portis’ novel, the eyepatched lawman is enlisted by spirited young Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) to help find her father’s killer.

The murderer is known to be one of the victim’s employees (played by Jeff Corey, among the many familiar and great character actors in the cast), but locating and capturing him proves tricky because of

his alliances with other criminals. Some of them are quite familiar with Cogburn and vice versa, and their showdowns prove to be threatening and amusing at the same time.

“True Grit” also is notable for the presence of music star Glen Campbell, who had acted a couple of times previously, but this was his first major screen credit. He plays La Boeuf, a Texas Ranger with his own reasons for wanting to apprehend the man who killed Mattie’s dad; logically, Campbell also is given a chance to sing, though that happens offscreen as he croons the Oscar-nominated title tune.

As for that roster of “True Grit” co-stars, anyone who knows their actors has to appreciate a group that also includes Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, Jeremy Slate, Strother Martin, John Fiedler, John Doucette and two uncredited players: Jay Silverheels, who was Tonto to “The Lone Ranger” on television, and Wilford Brimley.

While the Coen brothers made an even grittier, widely praised remake of “True Grit” in 2010, the original picture holds a special place with many film lovers. A huge reason has to be Wayne, seen in his full movie-star glory right down to the picture’s final image ... and since it’s the one and only John Wayne we’re talking about here, that is reason enough.

Best HENRY FONDA MOVIES

BY JAY BOBBIN

“Jezebel” (1938): Sort of a “Gone With the Wind” without the same exact characters, this well-regarded drama casts Bette Davis as a willful Southern belle who wants to retrieve the man she let get away (Henry Fonda).

“The Grapes of Wrath” (1940): A milestone in American movies, director John Ford’s version of the John Steinbeck novel hinges largely on Fonda’s moving portrayal of Tom Joad, the next generation of a Depression-era migrant family.

“The Lady Eve” (1941): Director Preston Sturges’ celebrated comedy makes Fonda the target of a former flame’s (Barbara Stanwyck) deception.

“The Ox-Bow Incident” (1942):

A potential lynch mob is at the heart of director William A. Wellman’s famous Western, with Fonda as one of the men who wants to see true justice done in the case of a farmer’s possible killers.

“Fort Apache” (1948): John Ford called the shots for Fonda again — as well as for John Wayne, Shirley Temple and others — in this signature Western about opposition between the commanding officers at a military outpost.

“Mister Roberts” (1955): Fonda recreated his Broadway performance in the title role as a Navy officer having his own war with his ship’s captain (James Cagney) while stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. Turner Classic Movies presents the film on Saturday, Feb. 15.

“12 Angry Men” (1957): Also serving as producer, Fonda mounted a classic by turning a television play into a movie vehicle for an outstanding ensemble cast as the members of a deliberating jury in a murder trial.

“Fail Safe” (1964): In the same year he vied for a movie presidency (“The Best Man”), Fonda was already in the Oval Office in director Sidney Lumet’s tense thriller about nuclear gamesmanship between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

“The Best Man” (1964): Gore Vidal’s play made a fine screen vehicle for Fonda and Cliff Robertson as highly dissimilar rivals for a political party’s presidential nomination during a very eventful convention.

“Yours, Mine and Ours” (1968): Fonda is pleasingly comfortable in the fact-inspired comedy about a widow (played by Lucille Ball) and a widower who marry and merge their big broods of children, much to the kids’ displeasure.

“Once Upon a Time in the West” (1968): A notably vicious Fonda, playing a hired killer in the Old West, was a highlight of “Spaghetti Western” director Sergio Leone’s much-admired epic.

“On Golden Pond” (1981): The climax of Fonda’s big-screen career came with his Oscar win for this moving adaptation of Ernest Thompson’s play about a couple in their twilight years, produced by Fonda’s daughter (and co-star) Jane and also marking another Academy Award victory for Katharine Hepburn.

Across ‘The Gorge’ : Taylor-Joy, Teller co-star in action thriller this Valentine’s Day

BY DANA SIMPSON

It’s been almost exactly a decade since Anya Taylor-Joy made her captivating debut in Robert Eggers’ “The Witch” at Sundance Film Festival in January 2015, but what a decade it has been. From “Split” (2016), to Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit,” to iconic franchises such as Dune, Mad Max and even Super Mario Bros., Taylor-Joy’s repertoire averages out at a little more than three on-screen projects per year. Now with the beginning of a new decade, the mesmerizing Argentina-born, U.K.-based actress starts off strong with an Apple TV+ film fresh out of the gate.

“The Gorge,” a dark, action-packed thriller from “Doctor Strange” (2016) director Scott Derrickson, premieres globally Friday, Feb. 14, on Apple TV+.

In “The Gorge,” Taylor-Joy stars as Drasa, a “highly trained operative” who has been assigned to guard the East Tower overlooking a mysterious, misty gorge in a remote location outside the contact of regular society. Luckily for Drasa (and Taylor-Joy herself), she has a companion — even if she isn’t supposed to engage with him.

“War Dogs” (2016) and “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022) actor Miles Teller stars as Drasa’s West Tower counterpart, Levi, through whose eyes au-

diences are introduced to the mission in question and, subsequently, the film’s plot. Once an elite military sniper, Levi is hired by an industry bigwig named Bartholomew (Sigourney Weaver, “Alien,” 1979) to help Drasa guard the titular gorge, which the trailer reveals as the mouth of Hell. Stationed on opposite sides of the cavernous trench, Levi and Drasa are ordered to be on alert and make sure nothing from within makes its way to the surface. To avoid distraction, it is also imperative that the agents not engage with one another in any meaningful way. But while this is an action thriller, the Valentine’s Day release signals love in the air.

The trailer shows Drasa reaching out to Levi by way of an attention-grabbing gunshot followed by a “Love Actually”-style (2003) cue card reading “What is your name?” from across the misty expanse. What follows is a telescope-supported conversation, some long-distance chess and a tense buildup to the moment it all goes awry as Levi attempts to meet Drasa in person on the gorge’s East side.

When it comes to Teller and Taylor-Joy, however, the actors were already well acquainted.

View from the Couch

“CONCLAVE”

Following its release in other home-video formats at the end of 2014, this involving and widely acclaimed drama -– now nominated for eight Academy Awards including best picture — makes its 4K Ultra HD debut. Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes leads an impressive cast as a cardinal who convenes a meeting to choose a new pope after the latest one’s death. There turns out to be much intrigue surrounding the leading candidates, plus some involving the possibly ambitious cardinal himself. Among others performing for director Edward Berger (“All Quiet on the Western

Hot and heavy: Chaos reigns in Season 9 of ‘Summer House’

BY CAROLINE COLLACUTT

Premiering with a supersized episode, Season 9 of “Summer House” begins Wednesday, Feb. 12, on Bravo, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.

“Miles and I have known each other for a really long time,” Taylor-Joy told Collider Editor-in-chief Steve Weintraub at Brazil’s CCXP film festival this past December. “I really wanted to work with him. I’m a big fan of him as a person and as an actor, and I knew I’d have fun.”

In response to his friend and co-star’s statement, Teller anticipated press write-ups by announcing that “Miles echoes that statement” before praising the originality of the film’s concept.

“We’re always looking for something that feels original,” said Teller, no doubt alluding to the onslaught of reboots, remakes and sequels cropping up in cinemas and on streamers in recent years, adding, “and this was entirely original.

“I just thought it was so incredibly creative,” the “Whiplash” (2014) star elaborated. “I really felt for both of these characters. There’s such a longing, there’s such an isolation, and all the things that come with having to do what they do for a career. Some of my best friends are in the military, and for what they’re required to do, there needs to be an outlet. You can’t carry it inside you — we know what the ramifications are of that. So I was just so excited to film those scenes with Anya.”

BY JAY BOBBIN

Front”) are Isabella Rossellini (who’s also Oscar-nominated for her work here), Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto and Bryan F. O’Byrne. Peter Straughan adapted the script from Robert Harris’s novel; the unique music score is by Volker Bertelmann. **** (PG: AS, V) (Also on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital) “PRETTY IN PINK”

One of the most popular of the youth-oriented comedies written by John Hughes, this 1986 feature gets a new 4K Ultra HD edition. Widely considered to have been Hughes’s muse, Molly Ringwald plays Andie, a high-school outsider who suddenly finds herself propelled toward the inner circle when a privileged classmate (Andrew McCarthy) takes an interest in her. Jon Cryer has an iconic role as Andie’s friend Duckie, who isn’t happy at all about her budding relationship. Directed by Howard Deutch (the husband of actress and fellow filmmaker Lea Thompson), the film has a renowned soundtrack that includes “If You Leave” by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark; James Spader, Harry Dean Stanton, Annie Potts, Kristy Swanson and Andrew Dice Clay also appear. *** (PG-13: AS, P, V) (Also on DVD and Blu-ray)

“MASTERPIECE MYSTERY!: MISS SCARLET — SEASON 5”

The series that previously was “Miss Scarlet and the Duke” has continued on PBS with its central female character as the sole lead, still played by Kate Phillips (“The Crown”) as Miss Eliza Scarlet engages in more criminal probes and new personal relationships in Victorian England. Duke’s ongoing absence forces her to make some major decisions regarding her investigation agency, and a new detective inspector at Scotland Yard (Tom Durant-Pritchard) poses additional challenges for her. A serial killer and a slain theatrical star are among the subjects of the cases. Those who acquire this set as soon as it’s released will be able to see the last of the six new episodes before it’s broadcast. *** (Not rated: AS, V)

“LIFEGUARD”

A surprisingly incisive character study, director Daniel Petrie’s 1976 drama – now getting its Blu-ray premiere – was a very solid starring vehicle for Sam Elliott (who had been a lifeguard himself) early in his career. He plays Rick, who’s generally content with his Southern California job, which he has longer than many with the occupation of watching out for swimmers’ safety ... but he starts reconsidering it after he gets a car-selling opportunity

“Returning this summer unsure of where everyone stands, these housemates find themselves bonding over a growing wombmate and determined to get back to the carefree group that loves to send it,” describes Bravo. With Kyle Cooke, Amanda Batula, Paige DeSorbo, Carl Radke, Ciara Miller, West Wilson, Jesse Solomon, Gabby Prescod and Lindsay Hubbard all returning, the drama is sure to be hot.

This season, relationships are tested and new bonds are formed between the bunch, as dynamics shift among ever-changing friends. While Kyle’s DJ career takes off, Amanda shifts focus to her own career as she crafts her first swimwear brand. Paige makes waves by joining Amanda in the fashion world, designing a pyjama line while she preps for an upcoming tour, and Carl shares career expertise and stressors of his own as he puts his energy towards opening a bar and cafe.

It’s not all work and no play, how-

and has a reunion with his highschool flame (Anne Archer). Parker Stevenson plays a trainee who spends a summer at the beach with him, and Kathleen Quinlan portrays a teenager with an all-consuming crush on Rick. Stephen Young also co-stars. *** (PG: AS, P) (Also on DVD)

“20TH CENTURY ICONS –JFK: THE ASSASSINATION”

As the title of the documentary spells out, the events that led up to the tragedy in Dallas, Texas, on Nov. 22, 1963, are recounted. Much of the included footage deals with that world-shaking day specifically, but the material also recaps the election of John F. Kennedy to the U.S. presidency, and how symbolic his occupation of that job was internationally as well as domestically. What happened in Dallas has been a major subject of history and controversy, making “conspiracy theory” something of a household phrase. Also newly available as part of the same series is “The Kennedy Legacy,” showcasing various members of the family that has meant so much in the spectrum of American politics and social crusades. *** (Not rated: V)

“HALLMARK 4-MOVIE

COLLECTION: THE LOVE CLUB”

This set of 2023 cable dramas unites four films that share a cast

ever, as some friends enter the house single and ready to mingle. While Season 8 proved tumultuous for Ciara, she now returns determined to leave her ex in the past and have a good, fun summer among friends and singles alike — something easier said than done, as West (Ciara’s ex) will be spending his summer right down the hall. West hopes to lean on his best friend for support, but when sparks fly between Jesse and Ciara, tensions reach an all-new high.

While old rivalries bubble to the surface, the OG “Summer House” crew will also be joined by rookies Imrul Hassan and Lexi Wood. Called a “full-time party boy” by Bravo, Imrul brings a rowdy spirit and a constant string of one-night stands, fueling the fire with a little extra chaos. Meanwhile, self-proclaimed “lover girl” Lexi has packed her suitcase full of high expectations and immediately clicks with one of the boys, making for a wow-worthy love triangle.

Leave your bags by the door and make yourself at home, because the entertainment is endless in Season 9 of “Summer House,” premiering Wednesday, Feb. 12, on Bravo.

and a similar theme, all connected to several women who form a pact to support one another through new romances after they all experience failed relationships. Each story puts one female character at the forefront, while the others take supporting roles. The best-known of the lead actresses is Brittany Bristow (seen recently in Lifetime’s “Engaged by Christmas”), and she and co-star Marcus Rosner are the only actors reprising their parts in another four-story “Love Club” anthology that is coming this year. Lily Gao, Chantel Riley and Camille Stopps are the others with the central roles here. **** (Not rated: AS)