Sunday Service

Mark S. touches heaven as The Pitt prepares for hell

March 23, 2025

Announcements

  • A Snowfall spinoff pilot is a go at FX

  • Two more join Netflix’s Nemesis

  • Lil Murda joins DC’s Lanterns in recurring role

Matt and Wilson succumb to temptation in Daredevil: BA’s best episode yet

Episode four of Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again showcased the best the series has offered thus far. As Matt and Mayor Fisk become frustrated with the system’s processes, their alter egos scream to be unleashed.

Matt faces the failures of justice on multiple fronts. On top of Hector Ayala’s murder, a man charged with petty larceny describes how little he’s valued. Rather than adequately feed and house him, the system spends millions to incarcerate him over a box of caramel corn. If that isn’t enough, Matt’s investigation into White Tiger’s death leads him to Frank Castle’s (Jon Bernthal) doorstep. Instead of offering solace, Frank hits Matt with the truth: justice isn't enough.

On the other side of town, Fisk has become impatient with the red tape of politics. After a grave mistake from junior strategist Daniel Blake (Michael Gandolfini) and a heated therapy session, Fisk recesses from his white savior diet for a more blood-filled meal. With a devastating reveal, both Fisk and Matt succumb to temptation.

The episode delivers a flavorful bite similar to the original Netflix series; the strongest entry overall with great performances. Bernthal doesn’t miss a step slipping back into Frank Castle’s combat boots, making his upcoming standalone special more intriguing. Gandolfini exudes a soft vulnerability his character hadn’t shown before. It speaks to how he miscalculated being in Fisk’s orbit.

Gannibal returns for a second season

A little K-horror series returned on Hulu/Disney+ this week. Based on the manga, Gannibal is set in a small village where the wealthy and longstanding Goto family reigns with a traditionalist fist. When a young police officer agrees to be the new deputy, he discovers a sinister secret about this family’s heritage and how they became so powerful.

The series stars Yûya Yagira as Officer Daigo Agawa and Tokyo Vice’s Shô Kasamatsu as Keisuke Goto. The action and storytelling are top-notch. Its mix of organized crime, cult ritualism, and body horror makes for a unique experience. Two episodes are available now on Hulu/Disney+, with new ones arriving every Wednesday.

Innie’s Choice

The second season of Apple TV+’s Severance closed in cinematic fashion. Directed by Ben Stiller and written by Dan Erickson, the 18-episode saga culminated in a bloodied finish that saw the world of Kier, as we know it, crumble down. My thoughts:

  1. Give Adam Scott the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama. It’s easy to forget that four leads play dual roles. The camcorder scene was a testament to his craft as an actor.

  2. Give Tramell Tillman the Emmy for Supporting Actor in a Drama. He was the dark horse in season one, usurping even Christopher Walken. He catapults this season, exposing Milchick’s complex layers.

  3. Episode 7 is the episode of the year. Cinematography. Acting. Writing. Directing.

  4. This sci-fi workplace thriller is truly about self-worth and love, against all odds. And how capitalism gets in the way.

  5. As much as I hated seeing Gemma in such pain, Mark S.’s choice was bigger than the two of them. It’s bigger than him and Helly. His option to choose himself and the others bound by the walls of that floor — and beyond — is a match to the capitalistic enslavement Lumon enforced on the people of that town. It’s for Petey. For Harmony’s childhood.

  6. It was a stark reminder that rebellion is violent. And this guy showed his true colors and got dealt with.

  7. We could use Helly R’s energy in our reality now; a lot of good insubordination.

Season three of Apple TV’s Severance has already been greenlit.

All Quiet on the ER’s Front

Before submerging myself in the beautiful chaos of Severance, I sat emotionally stunned in awe of The Pitt’s 12th episode. After receiving news of a mass causality event at a music festival, Dr. Robbie and the staff transformed that emergency room into a full-blown war medical bay. My eyes watered as body after body, patient after patient, was transported in with the hope of living to see the next hour.

It was both heartbreaking and inspiring. In an instant, the previous quarrels and melodramas between the characters dissipated. Even Langdon returned as all hands were necessary. Humanity at its finest. But it’s tragic to be reminded that our country only shows grace and concern when darkness strikes, especially when we have the wealth, resources, and common sense to spread more light.

As someone who worked in healthcare for 16 years, the thought of it happening here or near was always present. We would complain about participating in half-day drills for this scenario. Nonetheless, it was necessary because only a few years ago, an incident at a local middle school could have been worse.

Three episodes remain in Max’s season one of The Pitt.

Netflix’s The Residence is a fun political whodunit

Paul William Davies’ new comedy series, The Residence, borrows from the TV mystery trend with great success, for an engrossing and fun caper set at 1600 Penn. Produced by Shondaland, the limited series excels with its nimble writing, extensive cast, and comedic chops. When the Australia State Dinner turns into a murder scene, Uzo Aduba’s world-renowned Detective Cordelia Cupp is summoned to solve the impossible crime. Among 200 guests and a hundred more White House staff and personnel, Cupp must find who killed Chief Usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito).

Directed by Liza Johnson and Jaffar Mahmood, the show effortlessly juggles multiple characters, large doses of information, and two timelines. One could become confused with the transitions between the present-day narration and flashbacks to the night in question; however, the great pacing and capable cast make it seamless. The writing and humor are acrobatic, nimbly flying from scene to scene, between subtle and bold moments.

Check out Netflix’s The Residence available now.

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