Sumter Scene: May 05- May 10, 2024

Family secrets: Sisters learn about their mother’s life in ‘MaryLand’

BY DANA SIMPSON

Life’s tide brings two estranged sisters ashore the Isle of Man to look into their mother’s sudden death in “MaryLand.” The new three-part drama miniseries premieres Sunday, May 5, on PBS. Suranne Jones (“Gentleman Jack”) and Eve Best (“Nurse Jackie”) star as sisters Becca and Rosaline, whose paths have diverged in adulthood only to cross again as they delve into their mother’s hidden life away from home.

Mary, portrayed by Judy Clifton (“Endeavour”), is found dead on a beach on the Isle of Man. Supposedly away to Wales for a vacation with a friend, it soon becomes clear to Becca and Rosaline that their mother was much more comfortable there than the average tourist.

Starting with the house Mary was living in, Becca and Rosaline piece together a side of their mother that they never knew. The home, left to them by Mary, is filled with framed photos of her closest friends like a trail of crumbs leading to the answers Becca and Rosaline seek. These people are complete strangers

to the sisters, but they must know something about Mary’s life that explains her death.

“MaryLand” is not exactly the murder mystery it looks like at first glance — a woman leading a double life is found dead far from home — but rather a complex drama about sisters repairing the frayed bond between them. Becca, a wife to Jim (Andrew Knott, “Tom Jones”) and mother to two teenagers, couldn’t be more different than her career-focused sister Rosaline on the surface.

In a trailer for the miniseries, their differences are crystal clear in each sister’s reaction to the revelation of their mother’s secret life. While Rosaline appears to immediately, calmly accept that Mary had a secret life of her own, Becca lashes out at her sister’s plain observation that they’d been lied to, insisting that it was more personal for her.

Whether the two chose to follow such different paths by circumstance or with intention, the sisters find themselves learn-

ing to lean on each other now that they have the truth of their mother’s life laid out in front of them. The process of healing their relationship while on the island takes two steps back for every one step forward as they really get to know each other again as adults.

“MaryLand” was created by Jones and American writer and producer Anne Marie O’Connor (“Trollied”). The miniseries explores the raw feelings we all experience after losing a loved one, exacerbated by the mystery of Mary’s double life. Furthermore, in an interview with The Sun ahead of the series U.K. debut on ITV last May, Jones shared that the series was inspired by her own experience with grief, having lost both of her parents. About grief, Jones said, “There’s humor in it and it’s not an easy, straightforward ride. You don’t get a blueprint of how you’re going to feel.”

Don’t miss the premiere of “MaryLand” Sunday, May 5, on PBS.

Horoscopes

The luckiest signs this week:

GEMINI, CANCER AND LEO

ARIES

Take time to rest to regain your energy and enthusiasm. You’ll follow your intuition to discover a new spiritual path, pushing you to adopt a more exciting life style.

TAURUS

Your vivid imagination could lead you to undertake a success ful artistic project. Make an effort to arrange a festive get-together with your friends. It will be well worth it. Be mindful of distractions at work.

GEMINI

You’ll be tasked with organizing a social event or an important meeting as part of your job. You’ll overcome your shyness and discover your more extroverted side to excel in this role.

CANCER

You’ll be given new and stimulating responsibilities at work. These tasks will allow you to discover and develop skills you didn’t know you had, leading to a raise in the coming weeks.

LEO

You’ll be given the opportunity to embark on a surprising adventure, such as a spiritual journey. This experience will broaden your horizons and guide your personal and profes sional development. It could also reveal itself through a sporting activity.

VIRGO

You’ll be filled with a range of emotions that will lead you to a significant transformation. Consider making drastic changes, such as moving to a new home, exploring new horizons or changing jobs.

LIBRA You’ll be faced with an agonizing choice. Think carefully before deciding. Rushing into a decision you have to reconsider is a waste of time.

Balance is the key. Know how to weigh the pros and cons.

SCORPIO

You’ll have a lot of work to do this week. You could be entrusted with a confidential file with a significant financial payoff. You could also consider starting your own business, which will be very rewarding.

SAGITTARIUS

You may experience love at first sight and connect with a potential soulmate. You’ll have an instant connection. However, family considerations could complicate things before fully investing in the relationship.

CAPRICORN

Watch what you say, especially around certain people who can’t hold their tongues. You’re planning a move and will spend time decorating to personalize your new space.

AQUARIUS

Someone may tell you a confusing secret. You’ll wonder whether revealing it to the people involved would be the right thing to do. You may need to re-evaluate your circle of friends, especially if debt or betrayal are involved.

PISCES

Getting a promotion could solve some of your financial problems. Having a conversation with your boss could lead to this advancement, paving the way for a more promising future. Talking to your better half ensures you’re both getting what you want from the relationship.

New Streaming Movies & Shows

“The GOAT” - Season 1 (May 9)

From the Fijian islands of “Survivor” to the dating pods of “Love is Blind,” this reality series asks 14 television superstars to live within the gilded walls of “GOAT Manor,” where they will be “hosted and roasted” by comedian Daniel Tosh (“Tosh 2.0”), who presides over the house and the game itself, leading his guests in endlessly grueling challenges. As they earn and break one another’s trust, the reality stars take part in games that activate their wit, grit and spirit as they fight for $200,000 and the coveted title of “Greatest of All Time.”

Word Search

“Black Twitter: A People’s History” (May 9)

Based on Jason Parham’s WIRED article “A People’s History of Black Twitter,” this three-part docuseries, according to Hulu, “charts the rise, the movements, the voices and the memes that made Black Twitter an influential and dominant force in nearly every aspect of American political and cultural life.”

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

“Super Rich in Korea” - Season 1 (May 7)

This brand-new reality series documents the luxurious and lavish lifestyles of mega-rich individuals living throughout Korea. Following “a Singaporean tycoon, an Italian luxury brand heir, a Pakistani noble and more” (per Netflix), the series offers a glimpse into a gilded world filled with glitz and glamor, unlike anything the average watcher has seen before, as the multibillionaires share how they came into their wealth. Sharing social media sensations and true fashion icons, the series comes from creator Park Hye-seong (“Steven Universe”).

BY JAY BOBBIN

“Monsters at Work” - Season 2 (May 5)

Featuring the voice acting talents of John Goodman (“Barton Fink,” 1991), Billy Crystal (“Forget Paris,” 1995), Henry Winkler (“The Waterboy,” 1998), Mindy Kaling (“The Office”), Lucas Neff (“Trash Truck”) and more, the second season of this “Monsters, Inc.” (2001) spinoff series follows as Tylor Tuskmon (Ben Feldman, “The Perfect Match,” 2005) works at being a Jokester, soon weighing his options as an opportunity unexpectedly opens at their rival energy company — FearCo — leaving Tylor to wonder where he truly belongs.

Q: Is Al Pacino scheduled to do any more work for television?

A: Not as of the time this column was written, but the Academy Award and Primetime Emmy winner certainly has made his mark in projects for the home screen. Seen on the most recent Oscar telecast presenting the honor for best picture at the end of the ceremony, Pacino had his earliest known role on film in a 1968 episode of the ABC police drama “N.Y.P.D.,” a series on which many New York-based performers found work in the course of establishing their careers. It was a long time after that until Pacino did TV projects again, since his 1972 success in “The Godfather” set him on a course of work that kept him in feature films and theater. It was the HBO version of an iconic play that brought Pacino back to the home screen, as he played attorney Roy Cohn in the Mike Nichols-directed 2003 film of “Angels in America.” His Emmy win for that performance was part of a huge victory for the piece at those awards, which also honored the acting of Meryl Streep, Jeffrey Wright and Mary-Louise Parker in it.

“Peaky Blinders” 11. Angler’s gear 13. WKRP, e.g. 15. Letters before Q 18. In poor health 21. Buttermilk morsel? 22. Aviary sound 23. Movie that Brendan Fraser won his Oscar 25. Expected 26. Goof 30. Stinks 31. “American Experience” network 32. “___ Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” 33. Grannies 35. “What’s ___ about that?” 36. “See what you think!” 37. “___ Jeopardy!” 38. ___ Alto, Calif. 39. “The Simpsons” bus driver 40. Union foe 41. DiCaprio, to fans 43. “48___”

General Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney and Living Wills (Declaration of Desire for Natural Death) - Plus Written Documentation Explanations. Glenn Givens has lots of experience with these documents and has given mulitple speeches on these topics. Call Glenn at (803) 418-0800; ext. 108 for Details

Best PAUL NEWMAN MOVIES

BY JAY BOBBIN

“Somebody Up There Likes Me” (1956): Newman made a big leap into stardom in the story of boxer Rocky Graziano.

“The Long, Hot Summer” (1958): An ideally cast Newman plays Ben Quick, a reputed troublemaker who gets a mixed reception in his new locale, in this William Faulkner tale.

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958): Newman makes a first-rate Brick to Elizabeth Taylor’s Maggie in the Tennessee Williams play.

“The Hustler” (1961): One of Newman’s most memorable roles is

“Fast” Eddie Felson, a pool-playing upstart who wants to take on the legendary Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason).

“Hud” (1963): Called “the man with the barbed-wire soul” in ads, Newman’s character in this excellent drama is a rancher’s (Melvyn Douglas) rebellious, amoral son. The film will be presented Wednesday, May 8, on Turner Classic Movies as part of the month’s “First Name Basis” series of films with singlename titles.

Lawrence and Pratt are intergalactic “Passengers”

BY JAY BOBBIN

Movies that are set aboard big spaceships for long journeys, such as “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Silent Running,” can make you wonder how the folks onboard spend their time. Yes, it’s a lot of space, but it is still confined space.

“Passengers” — which Starz airs Thursday, May 9, and Friday, May 10 — addresses that issue, with Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt as the major characters awakened from a deep slumber after an asteroid hits their vessel that’s destined for a colonized planet.

Actually, Pratt is the one who’s actually revived by the collision. His character is an engineer alone in being conscious, and he decides he needs company, so he wakes up the journalist played by Lawrence. More than 5,000 other passengers remain dozing, so these two pretty much have the run of the intergalactic place, for better and for worse.

Their trek is supposed to span 120 years, and since they can’t go back to their previous state of sleep, they probably won’t live to tell others about it. They bond — closely — over their shared situation, with an android played by Michael Sheen on hand for some comic relief. However, he also knows some things that make for a tense race to the finish line.

“Torn Curtain” (1966): This Alfred Hitchcock-directed spy story involves Newman in a brutal kitchen scene. Trust us, you’ll know it when you see it.

“Cool Hand Luke” (1967): An outstanding Newman plays an independent-minded convict who shows “a failure to communicate.”

“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969): Newman and Robert Redford had their first teaming as the title outlaws who, at least here, stage robberies with a humorous spirit.

Even more emotionally than visually, though the visuals are stunning at times, “Passengers” succeeds in merging the basics of sci-fi with the roots of a romance. And Lawrence and Pratt work well together, which is a good thing, since this movie would be doomed instantly were that not the case.

While there also are a few other actors on hand (Laurence Fishburne and Andy Garcia also turn up), Pratt and Lawrence certainly are the focus of the two hours. They have a tightly interlocked arc to go through, demanding lightness as well as tougher stuff, and they make that trip together quite successfully.

Also, the film gives director Morten Tyldum the opportunity to try something that seems vastly different from the picture he was best-known for at that point, “The Imitation Game.” At the same time, this still is a relationship story principally, so he’s on familiar territory there — just with a lot more technology to handle, and clearly with a more sizable budget that reportedly netted Lawrence and Pratt very big paydays that were much-discussed in the media then.

If you’re debating booking passage for “Passengers,” thanks to the intriguing premise and the effective acting, the related advice is simple: do it.

“The Sting” (1973): The reunited Newman and Robert Redford are great in this best picture Oscar winner as Depression-era con men out to even a score with a tough gangster (Robert Shaw).

“The Towering Inferno” (1974): Though he faces more immediate peril than any architect hopefully would, Newman makes a fine action hero in producer Irwin Allen’s disaster epic about a fire in the world’s tallest building.

“Absence of Malice” (1981): Newman is in top form as a mobster’s grandson seeking justice after a newspaper article wrongly suggests he’s involved in illegal dealings.

“The Verdict” (1982): In what many deem his career-best performance, Newman plays a down-on-his-luck Boston lawyer seeking redemption via a case against the Catholic Church.

“The Color of Money” (1986): Newman won an Oscar for reprising his “Hustler” role as Eddie Felson, now the mentor to a younger pool shark (Tom Cruise).

Guess ‘Who’s’ coming to Disney: Disney+ welcomes the ‘Doctor’ after 60 years

BY SARAH PASSINGHAM

Whovians got a taste of what was to come this past holiday season when “Doctor Who” premiered “The Church on Ruby Road” as a part of a selection of Christmas specials on Dec. 25, but this spring is finally time for the real deal. Now that fans of the show — and no doubt some new viewers, as well — have been introduced to the Fifteenth Doctor, played by quickly rising star Ncuti Gatwa (“Sex Education”), the TARDIS is officially preparing to take off on a new adventure through time — and from the looks of it, this may be one of the most exciting seasons (or “series,” to the Brits) to date.

Series 14 of “Doctor Who” premieres Friday, May 10, on Disney+ in the United States and Canada.

Kicking off with the 305th episode in the “Doctor Who” saga, Rwandan-Scotsman Gatwa has already been turning heads and garnering great reception in the role of the extraterrestrial Time Lord, thanks to his first appearance in “The Giggle,” wherein the Fourteenth Doctor, played by fellow Scot David Tennant (“Good Omens”), passed him the torch.

“He has everything he needs to be a charismatic and defining Doctor for the second Russell T Davies (RTD) era,” wrote Guardian writer Martin Belham of Gatwa’s performance as the Doctor in “The Church

piece, acclaimed Welsh screenwriter and television producer Russell T Davies (“Torchwood”) is once again attached to the newest string of episodes as lead writer/showrunner. In fact, Davies wrote six of the releasing season’s eight episodes, including the premiere and two-part finale (scheduled to air June 15 and 22).

Behind the camera, direction duties are shared by Jamie Donoughue (“A Discovery of Witches”), Dylan Holmes Williams (“Servant”), Julie Anne Robinson (“Bridgerton”) and Ben Chessell (“Deadloch”), each providing direction on two episodes.

On screen, Gatwa is also in good company. Joined this season by his partner in time travel, the optimistic Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson (“Coronation Street”), the pair navigate “infinite adventures across time and space in the TARDIS” (per Disney+). With a name reminiscent of the 1967 Rolling Stones’ song “Ruby Tuesday,” the Doctor’s cohort is described by DoctorWho.tv as “kind, curious and playful.”

Scoring a match: Soccer superstars search for love in hot new reality series

BY CAROLINE COLLACUTT

With series like “Welcome to Wrexham” and “Ted Lasso” sweeping the nation and big-named celebrities making headlines just by canoodling with (American) football players, there’s no doubt what viewers are hungry for: sports, romance and drama. This brand-new series marries all three; “Love Undercover” premieres its first three episodes Thursday, May 9, on Peacock.

to the United States on a secret quest for true love. We’ll follow them on an epic journey filled with drama, heartbreak and self-discovery.”

View from the Couch

“REMEMBERING GENE WILDER”

The late, beloved and famously gentle star of such films as “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,”

“The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles” and “Stir Crazy” is recalled in this film-clip-laden documentary that recounts his career as well as his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mel Brooks — who worked with Wilder on a number of movies — is among the interviewees who offer comments about him, as are Carol Kane, Alan Alda, Harry Connick Jr., “Willy Wonka” co-star Peter Ostrum, Dick Cavett, Eric McCormack, Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz, frequent Wilder co-

Carla Sunday is portrayed by “After Life” and “It’s a Sin” actress Michelle Green, while Angela Wynter, known for her role as Yolande in more than 400 episodes of “EastEnders,” plays Ruby’s nan, Cherry Sunday. Existing fans of the show will be happy to see Yasmin Finney (“Heartstopper”) and Bonnie Langford (“EastEnders”) return as Rose Noble and Mel Bush, alongside Jemma Redgrave (“The Beekeeper,” 2024) as UNIT head Kate Lethbridge-Stewart and Anita Dobson (“EastEnders”) as Mrs. Flood, but the fun hardly stops with the familiar “Who” faces.

Joining the cast for this first Disney+ season are “Torchwood” star Indira Varma as the Duchess; Lenny Rush, who last year won a BAFTA at age 14 for his role in “Am I Being Unreasonable?,” as Morris; Aneurin Barnard (“Dunkirk,” 2017) as Roger ap Gwilliam; Jonathan Groff (“Hamilton,” 2020) in a “mysterious and exciting guest role”; and Jinkx Monsoon, twice a winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” who takes on the enchanting role of the Doctor’s “most powerful enemy yet” (according to DoctorWho.tv).

Other guest stars are said to include former Doctor Tennant, as well as Catherine Tate (“Starter for 10,” 2006), Ruth Madeley (“Renegade Nell”), Karl Collins (“Trying”) and Alexander Devrient (“All the Old Knives,” 2022), among many others.

Don’t miss a minute of the series BBC and Disney are marketing as “your cosmic joyride.” The time jumping begins when the first two episodes of the season air back-to-back Friday, May 10, on Disney+ in North America.

BY JAY BOBBIN

star Richard Pryor’s daughter Rain and Wilder’s wife Karen (with the latter also supplying home movies and family photos). Wilder himself is heard talking about his experiences in segments drawn from the audiobook of his memoir “Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art.” Julie Nimoy, who made a similar film about her father (and Wilder’s friend) Leonard, was one of the producers here. **** (Not rated: P) (Also on Blu-ray)

“THE CROW”

While this supernatural action tale — which is marking its 30th anniversary with its 4K Ultra HD debut and includes a new documentary about the film — proved popular enough to launch a franchise that has encompassed a television series and a video game, it is also remembered for the tragedy of star Brandon Lee’s death in an accident during filming. The son of martial-arts icon Bruce Lee, he plays a musician who dies in an attack that also kills his fiancee (Sofia Shinas). Later, though, he mystically returns from the dead and assumes the identity of The Crow to seek revenge on the gang members responsible. Co-stars include Rochelle Davis, Ernie Hudson (“Ghostbusters”), Michael Wincott and Tony Todd (“Candyman”). A remake, with Bill Skarsgard (“It”) in the lead role, is slated to be released soon. *** (R: AS, P, V)

“ONE FROM THE HEART: REPRISE”

Celebrated filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola revisited his 1982 musical film — very much a pet project of his — in this recently released version, now offered on home video in 4K Ultra HD. Frederic Forrest and Teri Garr play a couple who call it quits after several years, each taking up with a supposedly more suitable person; Nastasja Kinski plays Forrest’s match, while Raul Julia portrays Garr’s. The story doesn’t end there, though, and it plays out against Las Vegas backdrops, though it was made primarily on studio soundstages. Also in the cast are Lainie Kazan, Harry Dean Stanton and (before she became a star in “Risky Business”) Rebecca De Mornay. The picture’s production and distribution complications are legendary, but it also yielded some moviemaking practices that proved revolutionary and economical. Plus, the music score by Tom Waits earned an Oscar nomination. *** (R: AS, N, P) (Also on Blu-ray)

“NOVA: BUILDING THE EIFFEL TOWER”

The title of this recent episode of the PBS program leaves little doubt about the subject. An amazing fact about one of the world’s most legendary and enduring landmarks is that it took only two years and two months to build, an accomplishment that initially was tied to the World’s Fair of 1889. The engineering savvy that went into it became a

With each journey narrated by comedian and podcaster Jared Freid (“Seeking Sublet”), this reality series follows as five different international soccer superstars begin their search for love, traveling to Los Angeles to meet single women from across America. The catch? While they know they’re involved in a dating game, the women in question have no concept of their potential partner’s fame overseas or their skills as an athlete. Any and all connections must be built of first impressions and first impressions alone.

In a news release regarding the show, Peacock explained: “Today’s athletes are mega stars with extreme wealth, giant fandoms and lavish lifestyles. You could even call them royalty. And naturally, with any royal story, a fairytale is never too far away. ‘Love Undercover’ is a modern-day fairytale meets buddy comedy about an elite group of international soccer stars who come

benchmark for the entire construction industry, and it’s natural for this series to delve into that part of the Paris attraction’s history. Interviewed present-day engineers reflect on, and sometimes marvel at, the innovations that made the Eiffel Tower possible at the speed involved in erecting it. *** (Not rated)

“BOBBY DEERFIELD”

Director Sydney Pollack’s (“The Way We Were”) 1977 drama, about a moody Formula One racecar driver on the European circuit, earned mixed reviews at the time. However, Al Pacino remains true to the character’s arc that sees his emotions develop as he falls for a hospital patient (Marthe Keller). Deerfield goes to the facility to visit a fellow racer and gets much more than he bargained for, though he and his new love interest also leave that site for activities such as visiting a balloon festival in an especially engaging sequence. Alvin Sargent’s (“Ordinary People”) screenplay is based on the Erich Maria Remarque novel “Heaven Has No Favorites,” and the melancholy score is by frequent Pollack collaborator Dave Grusin. The largely foreign supporting cast includes Anny Duperey and Romolo Valli. The film is part of a “Director’s Showcase” Blu-ray that also includes Pollack’s 1969 war drama “Castle Keep,” starring Burt Lancaster. *** (R: AS, P)

“WE GO ON” Several alumni of the series “Smallville” are featured in this

The description continues: “Can they win over the ladies without their fame and fortune? Will they manage to keep their true identities a secret? And will any of them fall for an American princess before inviting them back to their home countries and testing their relationships on the global stage? For these men, finding love is the No. 1 goal.”

The athletes joining the experiment for its inaugural run include Premiere League stars Jamie O’Hara (36, United Kingdom), Ryan Babel (36, Netherlands) and Lloyd Jones (27, United Kingdom). Joining the trio are Olympic gold medalist Marco Fabián (33, Mexico) and football champ Sebastián Fassi (29, Mexico). Together, the men must leave their lavish lives behind, taking on secret identities to complete their dating “mission.”

Packed with twists, turns and gasps galore, “Love Undercover” comes from executive producers Alycia Rossiter (“The Bachelor”), Jessica Nahmias (“Where To I Do?”), Sonya Wilkes (“Pooch Perfect UK”), Michael Krupat (“Battle of the Decades”) and John Luscombe (“MythBusters”), and premieres Thursday, May 9, on Peacock.

2016 horror tale, now getting a Blu-ray release. Annette O’Toole plays a lively widow whose son (Clark Freeman) deals with numerous phobias, leading him to offer a small fortune to anyone who can prove there is life after death. The relatives travel together to visit three people who respond, one of whom is portrayed by John Glover — who was Lex Luthor to O’Toole’s Martha Kent in “Smallville.” The story eventually takes on a “Sixth Sense”like premise of deceased people reappearing. Writer-directors Jesse Holland and Andy Mitton also are noted for their 2010 thriller “YellowBrickRoad”; Freeman’s sister Cassidy, who was a “Smallville” regular as well, also appears. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on DVD)

Coming Home Soon

“DUNE: PART TWO” (MAY 14)

“LAND OF BAD” (MAY 14)

“AMERICAN SNIPER” (4K ULTRA HD) (MAY 14)

“AMERICAN HUSTLE” (4K ULTRA HD) (MAY 21) “BAD