'Awake' Season 1, Episode 8: 'Nightswimming' Recap

Over the past seven episodes, Awake has worked to offer new ways in which Michael Britten (Jason Isaacs) and his two worlds can offer insight into one another that help to solve a case, offer new insight into Britten's condition or provide clues as to the larger conspiracy that has been hinted at on more than one occasion. The beauty of the show, however, is when it utilizes the police elements to tell a better story about Britten and help move his story forward.

In 'Nightswimming,' Britten, naked at a college swimming pool and addressing two police officers from the high dive, begins the episode with a certain amount of whimsy. Awake isn't necessarily a dreary show, but starting things off with the series' main protagonist in the buff isn't exactly textbook either.

After the rather curious opening, Britten and Freeman (Steve Harris) are working with Marcus Ananyez (Elijah Alexander), after he narrowly survived being killed by a car bomb planted at the behest of his (former) employer Maxim Basayev. After a little prodding by the two cops, Marcus is ready to enter the Witness Protection Program. Marcus' wife Alina (Ayelet Zurer), is another matter, however. It turns out, Alina was unaware the seedier details of her husband's employment, and after realizing that her life and his would soon come down to a single suitcase each, she flees. Naturally, Marcus refuses to cooperate unless his wife is safely brought into Witness Protection.

Mercifully, the episode doesn't become about bringing Basayev to justice, but rather about bringing two people who have drifted apart back together. Of course, none of this would have any meaning if Britten and his wife Hannah (Laura Allen) weren't in the process of moving to Oregon ' a move which Britten still has some reservations over. Just as Marcus and Alina are about to be permanently displaced, so will Britten and Hannah; only their lives were interrupted under much different circumstances.

After tracking Alina down, Britten offers her the chance to enter Witness Protection on her own, or with her husband. One way or another Alina will be altering her life irrevocably; it's up to her whether or not the love she used to know with her husband is enough for them to start over. To a certain extent, the same has to be said for Britten and Hannah: the life as they once knew it has ended, so they can chose to begin anew, or let the past keep them at a tepid distance. Given that the writers of Awake, largely Kyle Killen, have worked to make Hannah so likable ' and a refreshing antithesis to the typical Hollywood grieving mother ' it's easy to see why Britten's psyche (if it is indeed just that) pushes him to make a gesture that reconstitutes the love between the two.

Notably, Britten manages to do this without the assistance of either one of his therapists, Dr. Lee (B.D. Wong) or Dr. Evans (Cherry Jones). The absence of his son Rex (Dylan Minnette) is also noticeable, but since this appeared to be just a standalone episode focused on Hannah, and the notion of people letting go those things from the past that prevent them from moving forward, there probably isn't too much to read into with that.

Some of the other standout episodes like the pilot, 'That's Not My Penguin' and 'Kate is Enough,' all had elements that balanced the series' larger mystery with grief and a twinge of optimism, which suggested Britten was headed down a new path that would lead him to some momentous discovery. 'Nightswimming' does this on a smaller scale; leading Britten toward something uncertain in Oregon ' which is causing him to uproot more than his own life, but that of people who rely on him like Jake (Steve Lawrence) his C.I. But the episode also suggests that when it comes to Britten and Hannah, there is something from the past worth going back to, and the slightly sad trip down memory lane that eventually leads to a naked high dive plunge, is as good a place as any for this couple to start over.

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Awake returns next Thursday with 'Game Day' @10pm on NBC. You can preview the episode below:

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Open Discussion ' Apr 20, 2012

As usual ' talk about whatever you like as long as it's related to movies, TV or Screen Rant itself ' just remember to play nice.

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Cinemax Picks Up 'Hurt People' Starring William Petersen

Even though Cinemax is relatively new at attracting talent to its expanding line up of action-oriented dramas like Strike Back and Transporter, the network has managed to pull in some noteworthy names as of late. Now comes word that the channel has just ordered the pilot for William Petersen's return to television in Hurt People.

Petersen serves as star and producer of the series, which aims to take the well-trodden notion of the hitman and spice it up with a hint of familial dysfunction. Hurt People follows Hollis Brown (Petersen), a hitman who is clearly concerned with his future employment prospects, since he remains in the employ of the same shadowy criminal organization that was responsible for his wife's death. Adding to the dysfunction, Hollis is tasked by the same group to eliminate his own daughter, who has become hell-bent on destroying the group as retribution for her mother's murder.

Needless to say, the holidays at the Brown home must be one heck of a dour affair.

Hurt People is from an original script by Peter Macmanus ' previously an AMC production executive ' and will be produced in conjunction with Graham King's GK-tv, which produced last year's short-lived fantasy series Camelot on Starz.

Other than the occasional guest appearance, Petersen has largely been out of the spotlight since calling it quits after nine seasons with CBS's original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The actor, however, has a slew of projects ready to go in the coming months. In addition to Hurt People, Petersen can be seen in this summer's Steve Carell and Keira Knightley comedy, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, the recently released Detachment with Adrien Brody, and the television miniseries To Appomattox ' in which he will play William Tecumseh Sherman.

Even though CSI has been successful with high-profile actors like Laurence Fishburne, Elisabeth Shue and Ted Danson shuffling into the vacancy created by Petersen's departure, much of the show's singular appeal was due to the nine years the actor spent portraying Gil Grissom ' and separating the two has proven difficult. It will be interesting to see if fans have a similar reaction seeing Petersen as a slightly less heroic figure in this new series.

Strike Back: The Dr. Pepper Ten of cable programs

For Cinemax, however, the acquisition of Hurt People will add more juice to its stable of original content. In addition to ordering a second helping of the machismo-fueled, anti-terrorist series Strike Back, the network has the Alan Ball (True Blood) produced crime drama Banshee, as well as the Melissa George-led spy series Hunted. Eventually, Cinemax also plans to roll out Transporter, but an injury to series lead Chris Vance and two showrunner changes seriously delayed filming, likely pushing the premiere date back a few months.

While it's just a pilot order for now, Hurt People stands a good chance of moving past that stage, as both Banshee and Hunted went straight to series, and Petersen's global recognition from CSI will make the program perfect for international distribution.

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Screen Rant will update with more on Hurt People as it moves into casting and production.

Source: Deadline

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Kevin Feige Teases 'Different' 'Iron Man 3'; Jackson Talks 'SHIELD' Movie

It will be interesting to see how exactly the Marvel movie universe changes in the aftermath of The Avengers. The next film in line following Joss Whedon's superhero extravaganza, Iron Man 3 already looks to set a precedent by tackling a famous comic book storyline that not only breaks away from the narrative format of previous Marvel Studio efforts ' but would also force the Tony Stark character (Robert Downey Jr.) to literally evolve.

Marvel President Kevin Feige is already hyping the idea that the third Iron Man movie will shake things up, more than fans might expect (take that boast with a grain of salt). Similarly, when asked about the possibility of a SHIELD movie centered around his onscreen counterpart, Nick Fury, Samuel L. Jackson described a film that would indeed be a relatively far cry from a 'traditional' superhero movie.

To go along with his previous statements suggesting that Iron Man 3 will take its cues from the first act of Iron Man, Feige recently teased ABC News with the following bit about Tony Stark's overarching journey in IM3:

'It's going to be very different, very unique and I think not ascribe to any specific formula that [moviegoers] think they may have pegged us on. It's all in the story. It's where you take Tony Stark on his journey in an unexpected way and have him come out of ['The Avengers'] a slightly changed individual, which people will see when they see the movie.'

Iron Man 3 director Shane Black's vision for the movie has been likened to that of a semi-grounded, globe-trotting espionage thriller (in the vein of a Tom Clancy novel) that pits Tony against 'real world villains' - one of which may or may not be portrayed by Oscar-winner Ben Kingsley ' who, judging by one of the film's shooting locations, could indeed be playing a Mandarin-like antagonist (official denials to the contrary).

All that does point in the direction of an Iron Man threequel that stands apart from its predecessors. If nothing else, Tony's problems in IM3 could feel much more compelling than those in Iron Man 2 ' which is kind of odd, when you recall that he was literally dying in that movie. Such was that lackluster execution of that particular subplot (in our opinion), but, moving on'

During a separate Avengers-related interview, Jackson offered the following insight about a potential SHIELD movie (when prompted by MTV, that is):

'Natasha [a.k.a. Black Widow] is part of S.H.I.E.L.D., Hawkeye is part of S.H.I.E.L.D., and I couldn't do a S.H.I.E.L.D. movie without those two people. They're essential elements of what's there' Now we know Agent [Maria] Hill is an essential element of S.H.I.E.L.D. so she would have to be there. And I'm still not sure if she's the eyes and ears of the council hanging around inside their place and telling people, 'We've got these superheroes over here!' She wants my job. I can tell. She's ambitious.

'' I don't know how much of S.H.I.E.L.D. [Marvel] want[s] to expose'I mean, we're not superheroes. We're more of a shadow world. So, it would be more like 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' with good toys'closer to a 'Bond' movie than a superhero movie.'

Jackson's specific comments about the SHIELD movie probably being akin to a James Bond flick (or Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, albeit not quite so low-key) allude to a film that bears more than a passing resemblance to the proposed approach for Iron Man 3. That is, both could be fashioned as more 'realistic' thrillers than any other Marvel Studio-backed movie to date, including The Avengers (based on what we know of that movie).

In other words: parts of the Marvel movie universe appear to be evolving in a distinct direction, as further supported by popular speculation that Captain America 2 and the impending Ant-Man movie could likewise be taking the shape of relatively down-to-earth adventures (rather than live-action versions of Saturday morning cartoon serials).

How exactly all that fits in with those long-standing rumors that Marvel will go cosmic post-Avengers, that's another matter'

The Avengers assemble in U.S. theaters on May 4th, 2012.

Iron Man 3 will fly into theaters around the U.S. almost exactly a year later on May 3rd, 2013.

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Source: ABC News, MTV

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Laika Studios Preps 'Goblins' For Their Next Stop-Motion Animated Feature

With the very successful Coraline already behind them, Laika Studios is preparing for the release of their forthcoming stop-motion animated feature ParaNorman. But the studio will not stop there; in fact, they are already preparing for the future by adding an adaptation of Philip Reeve's children's fantasy horror novel Goblins to their production slate as well.

Variety reports that The Fantastic Mr. Fox animation director Mark Gustafson will be the one to helm the project, and next up, a writer must be found to pen the script, along with the voice talent.

Reeve's Goblins book is already available in the U.K. as of earlier this month and it should hit North American bookshelves later this year. The film adaptation will be in stop-motion and of course, in 3D.

The story of Goblins is about the ruthless and bloodthirsty titular creatures, but specifically about how not all of them are evil. Among the band of troublesome goblins is Skarper, the young, smart and unique protagonist who doesn't fit in, but has insight to an even larger, more troublesome issue than his brethren.

It's a fantasy tale with neat twists that throws a goblin on the unlikeliest adventures, and those themes combined with the visual aesthetic of the concepts behind goblins and other mythical creatures is ripe for animation, in this case, practical stop-motion effects.

It could be a while for Goblins to hit the big screen. Gustafson is currently co-directing the Guillermo del Toro's stop-motion version of Pinocchio. Stop-motion animation is also a painstakingly meticulous process. The slightest mistake could cost an entire scene. But that's what makes the process of the animation style so special and unique.

Coraline was an unexpected surprise hit and I cannot wait to see ParaNorman. So I suspect that Goblins will just as good if not better than Laika's previous works.

Source: Variety

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RIP Dick Clark, Dead at 82

It's a sad day in the world of television as Dick Clark, 'America's Oldest Teenager,' passed away this morning at the age of 82.

According to Clark's representative, the famed television icon suffered a massive heart attack this morning, following an outpatient procedure Clark underwent last night.

Over the course of Clark's amazing 66 year-long career, he is credited with producing 170 television series, many of which he himself hosted. Clark's Career began in 1945 by working in the mail room of WRUN at the age of 16. Two years later, he was an on air announcer.

While employed as a disc jockey at the radio station WFIL in 1952, Clark got his first break on television when he was asked to serve as a regular substitute host on Bob Horn's Bandstand, which was later renamed American Bandstand after Clark was brought on full time.

Continuing his career on television, Clark would go on to produce five different version of the game show Pyramid, while also serving as executive producer of the The American Music Awards, The Academy of Country Music Awards, The Golden Globe Awards, The Family Television Awards and perhaps the most iconic, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

In total, Clark was nominated for 19 Emmy Awards, winning 4 ' including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994. Clark had also been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Dick Clark is survived by his wife Kari, daughter Cindy, and sons Richard and Duane.

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Source: TMZ

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Disney is Planning a 'Mr. Toad's Wild Ride' Movie

There are so many Disney theme park attraction-based movies in some stage of development right now that it's difficult to keep tabs on them all. Besides Jon Favreau's Magic Kingdom project and the Guillermo del Toro-supervised Haunted Mansion reboot (you read that correctly), there's also Jungle Cruise with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen loosely attached to star ' and a cinematic take on the Mouse House's abandoned Museum of the Weird.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is now joining the ranks of other Disney park rides headed for the big screen. That film version of the long-running Disneyland staple ' which is partially based on the Mouse House's famous 'Wind in the Willows' animated short adaptation that served as one-half of the 1949 release The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad ' will be directed by commercial/music video helmer Pete Candeland (no joke).

Candeland began his filmmaking career at Disney, working as an animator on TV cartoon fare like Bonkers and the Aladdin television spinoff series ' along with such direct-to-video features as The Return of Jafar and Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas. He moved on to provide animation for titles ranging from the 'toon sequel All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 to the Tank Girl movie, before collaborating with The Gorillaz on a few of their music videos.

That's all to say: Candeland was clearly recruited for the Mr. Toad's Wild Ride movie because of his experience as a visual artist (rather than a storyteller), similar to how production designer Robert Stromberg was hired on to direct Disney's Maleficent project. Deadline says that Disney hasn't even found a screenwriter for Mr. Toad's Wild Ride yet ' preferring to instead get going first on the look for the live-action/CGI hybrid flick.

Curiously enough, the 'plot' (if you can call it that) of the Mr. Toad's Wild Ride' ride is actually pretty straight-forward ' and not just a direct rehash of the storyline for Wind in the Willows. Instead, it follows the ill-behaved Mr. Toad on an variety of hair-brained ventures which eventually (literally) land him in Hell. Whether or not the film version will feature quite so bold and darkly whimsical a plot twist, well, there's good reason to wonder about that.

All the same, that Disney would move ahead with a Mr. Toad's Wild Ride movie next is kind of unexpected ' especially when there are other rides that seem to lend themselves more readily to a cinematic interpretation (ex. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as a western/adventure). Of course, many people will probably be too busy shaking their heads in disbelief upon hearing this news to think about such issues, but still'

What are your thoughts/feelings about a Mr. Toad's Wild Ride movie? Feel free to let us know in the comments section.

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Source: Deadline

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