STACK April 2016 Issue 138

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When the original Heroes series smashed onto our
screens in 2006, we couldn’t get enough of that
superpowered stuff. But it petered out over its four
seasons, and few thought much more about it. Creator
Tim Kring did though, and he reminds us of everything
that we first loved about the show in this ace 13-episode
‘event miniseries’. Many new faces – including Chuck
himself (Zachary Levi) – join several originals as things
begin with a human and ‘Evo’ love-in. It all goes horribly
wrong, as somebody has a vendetta against the highly
evolved. This all plays out against a backdrop of impending great balls of
fire – yep, Earth’s about to go all crispy fried, and heroes are required.
Just the right length to burn out rather than fade away, the comic book
stylings of Heroes Reborn make for power-packed viewing. AF
A new phenomenon begins.
HEROES REBORN
Release Date: 21/04/16 Format:
As we learned in the first season of this superb drama
that’s flown somewhat under the radar, on 14 October
2011, two per cent of the world’s population just vanished.
FOOF! They were gone. Here, after a head-scratching
prologue involving a cavewoman that’s sure to mean
something at some point, we’re spirited to present day
Jarden, Texas. Or, to be more accurate, ‘Miracle’, so
renamed as the town suffered no departures back on
that fateful day. As such it’s become a Mecca for those
wanting answers, and our friends Kevin, Nora, Jill and
baby Lily count among these numbers. Oh, along with Guilty Remnant
stalwart Patti – yes, the one that died. This and many other mysteries unfold
through another head-scratching but captivating season that could only have
emanated from the delightfully twisted mind of Damon (Lost) Lindelof. AF
In the town of Miracle, you can't escape your past.
THE LEFTOVERS: SEASON 2
Release Date: 06/04/16 Format:
It’s a big ask taking one of the Coen brothers’ best
flicks and adapting it for TV. It’s a bigger ask to make
it actually good. The stunning first season proved that
it could be done, and this second season backs that
up – in fact it’s arguably even better. Set before that
last one, way back in 1979, the story revolves around
Fargo’s preeminent crime family, the Gerhardts, and
events that unfold after one of them is mown down
in a hit and run. Spare your sympathy, as he’d just
massacred diners at a diner. Local beautician Peggy
Blumquist (Kirsten Dunst) was the hit and runner, and her decision
not to stop leads to increasingly full-on consequences for her and
hapless hubby Ed (Jesse Plemons). Fargo is utterly unmissable black
comedy TV – trust us, just say ”Yah!” AF
BC - Before Coens.
FARGO: SEASON 2
Release Date: 20/04/16 Format:
With terrorism continuing to cast a lengthy shadow
over the real world, Homeland has plenty to draw
upon for inspiration, and ISIS and the crisis in Syria
provide much of the impetus for this season. Carrie
has relocated to Berlin and is now working as head of
security for a billionaire, but quickly finds herself back in
a war zone during a trip to a refugee camp in Lebanon.
And she goes off her meds again! The hacking of
classified CIA files threatens US and German relations
and brings Saul into the action, Quinn finds himself in
the midst of a terrorist cell planning a major attack, and Miranda Otto
joins the cast as an icy CIA station chief. Even more tense and topical
than the previous season, Homeland continues to up the stakes and
reinvent itself after laying Brody to rest. Must-see TV. SH
Better call Saul.
HOMELAND: SEASON 5
Release Date: 28/04/16 Format:
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