Have I mentioned that Tom Hammerschmidt is my spirit animal? Can you believe I ever disliked this man. He deserved better.

Just finished House of Cards, for good. Had to get that out of my system.

I’ll say that the strength of a show is based on its weakest character, and overall the show proved its strength...for a time. 

How you come up with a finale like that, however, well, I could have written that. Yes, Robin Wright is the glue that held the final season together, and I’ll never say this was Kevin Spacey’s show because it should never have been his to begin with. But here we are. And here is this finale. And even knowing what I was going into was like trying to Band-aid a broken leg, somehow I remain even more disappointed.

Damn.

I guess we’re supposed to be accustomed to loose ends.

it’s the 4th of July 2018 and i still haven’t finished season 5 of voltron because every twenty seconds or so Lotor moves or speaks or someone reacts to him.

and then i have to pause the episode and writhe because he is so good, he is so fucking good at this, he says all the right things, he emotes all the right things, it’s too perfect it cannot be sincere, I know he is a manipulator par excellence and i want to believe him anyway because that would be a happier story, which is exactly how it works for him in-universe too, and the simultaneous opposite instinctive reactions make head splodey.

also they were keeping him in solitary confinement in a tiny cell with nothing to do or look at or even an actual bed when the season started, which is technically torture, and i was glad he wasn’t being trusted and given full run of the Castle but that’s still not appropriate treatment of even a captured enemy when there are other reasonably secure options, let alone someone who’s done you a big favor and applied to you for asylum.

asylum seekers do not belong in tiny cages even when they’re creepy space orc princes, Allura.

R&S: Chapter 22-25

Rumors and Secrets: Victor | 李泽言 

Note:

R&S for this card (CG above)

Chapter SPOILERS up to Season 2: Chapter 22-25 (read at your own risk)

Contains 5 chapters

Translation isn’t 100% accurate (or include grammar errors)

Every part for LZ’s dialogue would be in “this setting”

Do not repost to any other site (reblog is fine)

Chapter 1 Page 1 "You didn't consider the pressure we might go through!" "We only prompt risks in strict accordance with relevant laws and regulations." "Isn't the public opinion already enough of a big a risk? What if the public reports us?" "You are secretly changing the concept." Page 2 At this moment, the president’s office is a little bit lively. Huarui’s large-scale acquisition of "Small Syringe" brought about a huge social impact. After each reported the response plan, the heads of the legal department and the public relations department finally quarreled. Wei Qian (Goldman) played round the match between the two, while sneaking at Li Zeyan's expression.  These two departments have been under a lot of pressure recently, and there are often conflicts in their work areas. It is predictable that today they can't bear it anymore.  Li Zeyan seemed to understand their feelings, and just flipped through the documents calmly, allowing them to confront each other in his office. It wasn't until the quarrel faded that Li Zeyan straightened up and tapped the desk lightly with a pen. Page 3 "You have all raised the core issues just now. The most important thing now is to ensure that there are no substantial legal risks and that public opinion can be maintained." Li Zeyan raised his eyes and looked at the two capable officers. "Thanks for your hard work, the plan itself is good, just adjust the center of gravity." The atmosphere in the room eased a lot in an instant, and Wei Qian just breathed a sigh of relief, and he heard the legal supervisor open up hesitantly. "Mr. Li, the possibility of the police being involved in the investigation has not been ruled out too. You'd better prepare in advance." Page 4 He also handed over a document containing possible questions and response points for any possible investigation related questions by the police. Li Zeyan was about to read the documents, but then the scene in front of him flickered, and suddenly an image was inserted in his mind. A person reached out to him, as if to help him. The picture dissipated briefly, and Li Zeyan blinked. He motioned to the two supervisors indicating that they can go and continue with their work. Recently, the frequency of these fragmented fragments of images has increased and the images has become clearer. Over time, his curiosity gradually surpassed his vigilance. He kept these pictures in his heart, that could be connected. The fragments could be related in any possibilities. Page 5 He had seen those hands just now in many clips.  It was a pair of girl's hands, seemingly weak, but they always made him feel unexpected power.  He often wondered, what kind of picture would it look like if these fragments were all connected? What is the relationship between what happens in the picture and the life in front of you? The office door was closed again, and Li Zeyan returned to his senses and looked at Wei Qian who walked forward. "President, the emergency plan you gave before has been communicated, and the authorization letter of the agent in charge of each department will be summarized to you today. " Page 6 Li Zeyan nodded, Wei Qian looked at his expression, hesitant to say something. This emergency plan is based on the premise that Li Zeyan himself cannot participate in business affairs normally, that is to say, he has already prepared for the worst.  But if it was really to get there... As if aware of Wei Qian's concern, Li Zeyan glanced at him, then looked down at his watch. "Has the morning's ad hoc meeting notified?" "Ah, I'm sorry, President! I haven't had time to post it, I will do it right now." Page 7 "That's right, put the time off for ten minutes, and have some rest." Wei Qian opened his mouth, nodded in response, turned and left the office. Chapter 2 Page 1 During the lunch break, Li Zeyan came out of the office and saw that Wei Qian was still working.  It seems that someone is more nervous than his client, Li Zeyan put on his coat and waved at him. "Come out with me for a meal." "Ok, what do I need to prepare?" "Get your stomach ready." "..... Huh?" Page 2 After sitting down in a restaurant near the company, Wei Qian finally confirmed that it was just an ordinary lunch and he can finally relaxed a little.  The hot meal was on the table, and the two paused to chat. Suddenly the news on the TV in the store appeared clearer.  Key words such as ‘Huarui’ and ‘Small Syringe’ were repeatedly mentioned, and the name of the program production company was inevitably shown. Wei Qian put down the knife and fork, hesitated for a few seconds, his mouth opened seemingly trying to say something. "President, in fact, I have not been able to understand, how can investee companies fall into trouble at this time. Especially their company. Huarui has always treated them well, right?" Page 3 Li Zeyan glanced at the TV screen with caution. In the screen is a fragment of the two previously interviewed, cut into opposing gestures and displayed on both sides of the screen. "From the perspective of social responsibility, as a media company, they did the right thing." "But for such a big matter, don't they need to communicate with us before publishing it?" "The opportunity such as this major events naturally need to be seized." Li Zeyan turned his teacup, his expression relaxed, "Since the decision to acquire, Huarui has been mentally prepared. Even if it weren't for them, other companies would follow up with the news." Page 4 Wei Qian met his gaze and sighed.  Li Zeyan raised the corner of his mouth and took the teapot to add tea to him. "The outside world doesn't know the whole picture, and the comments are naturally biased. So don't bother, you just need to know what you are doing." Wei Qian was silent for a moment, and finally nodded firmly, "I will try to get rid of the influence of the outside world. But President, now that you have become a target of public criticism, you still have to be careful." Li Zeyan responded lightly, and his thoughts suddenly floated back to that night not long ago.  The girl who is now "opposite" him, took him to engrave on the tree. He watched the words gradually take shape, and it felt like they were gradually overlapping with a casual memory. He seemed to have promised someone to be safe and healthy. Page 5 Li Zeyan lowered his eyes and stared at the quiet phone. He realized that something was wrong in the world early on, and arranged a secret experiment team in BS to conduct research, but he still lacked a key clue. If those "memories" that keep flashing are also part of the "wrong", perhaps he would be more efficient to find and touch on his own initiative. So that night, he replaced a word engraved by the girl in response. He wants to pull those incomplete "memory" into the reality before him. Whether or not the girl in front of him knows the promise in the memory, he has the confidence to prove to her that everyone is safe and healthy. Page 6 It's just that when the enemy is in the dark, this plan is somewhat risky. Originally, he didn't want to involve her, but for a moment he forgot, how could he stand idly by in her style.  Now, he needs to prepare another retreat for her so that he can rest assured. When the tea in the pot reached the bottom, the waiter came to add tea.  The clear tea pulsed in the cup, and warmth came through the thin wall of the cup.  The scene in front of him was a bit familiar, Li Zeyan paused, and quickly found the comparison one in his memory. In the small wooden house in the afternoon, an old man handed him a glass cup and poured a good cup of tea. A plan quickly took shape in Li Zeyan's mind. Chapter 3 Page 1 Li Zeyan came to Mr. Chen's cabin again. After realizing the anomaly in the world, he was always looking for someone who could establish a dialogue, and after a while, he learned of the existence of old Mr. Chen. A person who is also a Time Evolver who can cross the time and space, but for some unknown reason, the old man now only lives alone in the woods, fascinated by the burning of colored glaze. Old Chen didn't seem to be surprised by his visit again, and as usual he took out a new teacup and poured tea for him. "When you first came, you knocked on the door quite decisively. I saw you at the door just now, are you worried with something?" Page 2 Li Zeyan lowered his eyes and tacitly agreed, and Mr. Chen smiled and took a sip of tea. "Is there anything I can help?" "The younger generation does have an unsympathetic request." Li Zeyan sat up a little bit, looking into the eyes of the opposite person, "some things may happen during this time. I hope you can help me protect someone." Li Zeyan handed over a business card with the name of the girl and her company. He was about to explain, but old Mr. Chen opened his eyes in surprise. Page 3 "This is the company of an old friend of mine." He raised his eyes to Li Zeyan, "Is this his daughter on the card?" "I did hear that she inherited the company from her deceased father." "All of this happens so fast. The little girl had to shoulder it all alone. I don't know how she's doing alone now." "Most  of the time, she's so-so, but fortunately the person is courageous and firm in what they want to do." Li Zeyan recalled her sulking appearance when she was fighting for small reasons, and raised the corners of his mouth slightly. Old Mr. Chen looked at Li Zeyan's expression that showed a clear smile. Page 4 "That's good. But if you say you want to protect her, is something dangerous going to happen?" "....As long as she is by my side, there is no way for her to stay away from danger. Coming to you for help is the safest way I can think of " "If she is unwilling to hide at that time, you can tell her to believe my judgment and make sure to tell her that I'll come back to pick her up." Li Zeyan showed an apologetic look, and old Mr. Chen smiled and waved his hand. The young man in front of him has a calmness and firmness that is not suitable for his age but he sometimes feels dangerous, like walking on the edge of a cliff in order to achieve his goal. Page 5 He seems to have great ambitions, wanting to explore and fight against something. But Mr. Chen knows best that the laws of this world are more indestructible than imagined. Can he really bear everything he will face in the future? Old Mr. Chen closed his eyes and took a sip of tea, and when he opened his eyes, he took Li Zeyan into the isolated studio. "You said last time that you would occasionally see some memories that do not belong to you. Does it been happening lately?" "Well, and more frequently than before. Do you think it is because the influence of Evol?" Page 6 "Actually, I have encountered the situation you mentioned, but the these time-related things may not be as simple as just because of Evol." " You mean... " "There are people who are adjusting and correcting this world. They also have the Evol of the time system, but they come from a higher dimension." "Who are they?" Old Mr. Chen looked at a piece of fired glaze not far away, and spoke slowly. "Time Observer, maybe you will be able to see it soon." Page 7 When Li Zeyan left Chen Lao's cabin, the setting sun had already set. He stepped into the twilight, and suddenly he heard the sound of a violin in addition to the sound of steps walking on the fallen leaves.  The voice was so far away that he couldn't tell whether it was a reality or memory. He stopped and looked around, he didn't see anyone. Chapter 4 Page 1 At night, Li Zeyan returned to Huarui, and after handling his work, he began to prepare for the worst.  If something happened to him, he must leave a key message for a trustworthy person without being discovered by others. The vibration of the phone broke the silence, and the girl's name appeared on the screen.  The more the outside world portrays the relationship between the two people, the more diligent she sends him messages, and the content is also full of strange things, which often makes him laugh. Page 2 He picked up the phone to reply while flipping through the files in the office. The documents here have been neatly sorted out. Important information about the "small syringe" has been transferred to different places for storage according to levels, and the rest are documents for daily operations. Li Zeyan took out a file box from the bottom of the cabinet and looked at it. Inside it was the old plan that the girl had handed in. Few newcomers who have just entered the industry can make the file format so standard, and the writing style is completely in line with his habits. She seemed to know many "rules" from the beginning, but never gave in to differences in content. Instead, she revised her plans quite a few times. Page 3 She has made many detours because of this stubbornness, but this is her advantage.  Li Zeyan looked at the notes on the paper that has come and go, and his expression softened. The document was about to be turned over. He sorted out the meeting minutes sandwiched in it. Before he could see what the content was, the phone popped up a message again, and the girl said that she would order an overtime meal for him. Suddenly he thought of something, and then looked at the minutes in his hand.  At a meeting she was attending, she rushed past without eating and screamed out of hunger, and wrote him a note. He turned at the back page and he saw the pink sticky note on the back of the document. Page 4 At that time the girl also asked him what he was eating, but he did not answer. The half blank sticky note was just enough for him to write down an important address. He then place a stack of old plans on the reception table and press down the file with the sticky note at the bottom stack. Li Zeyan was slightly relieved.  Reason reminded him that this method is a bit risky, but he felt inexplicably that he would never lose the bet he placed on her. Page 5 The overtime meal proposal was rejected, and the girl quickly changed the subject to remind him that the night is beautiful tonight, don't miss it. Li Zeyan walked to the window. The light was on in the office, and the reflection was clearly printed on the glass, a little dazzling.  He was about to turn around to turn off the light when a familiar scene suddenly unfolded before his eyes. On a small sunny road, someone walked up to him and stretched out his hand to help him carry something. He heard himself saying, "Don't need to think about helping me at all," and the other party answered "Why won't you let me help at all?". In the next second, the weight in his hand disappeared, and the other party took a supermarket bag and held his now vacant hand. Page 6 It's those "memory" again. Connected with the fragments seen before, it completes a warm picture. Li Zeyan raised his hand and pressed it against the glass palm in front of him. It was cold, and the temperature in his mind was not here. The small gap is like a temptation, leading him to constantly explore the reasons and secrets behind it. The mobile phone rang a special alert tone. He looked down and found that it was the BS secret experimental team that had sent a phased research report. He scanned it quickly, peeling away the text, and the results did not surprise him. Next time, maybe they should make a bolder attempt, allowing them to go a little bit forward, or change a research method... But even if everything has not been effectively advanced, Li Zeyan still feels a certain comfort at this moment. Page 7 The hand that guided him didn't seem to be an embarrassment but seems to help him. Li Zeyan retracted his thoughts, turned off the lights in the office, photographed the night scene outside the window, and replied to the girl. Thousands of people's stars flickered in the distance, and he knew that one of them was standing with him. Chapter 5 Page 1 After several meetings, Li Zeyan returned to the office and closed the door. Part of the emergency plan has already begun to work, and he temporarily relieved some of the burdens to concentrate on dealing with the next challenge.  A little bit of time has passed, and some issues is still ongoing. The board of directors and the invested company are both upset about Huarui's decision, but there seems to be no new news other than that. Even Hua Rui and the BOSS couldn't hear the wind, the fish he wanted to catch was destined to be extraordinary. However, he was very confident in the bait he released, even if he hid in the bottom of the sea, he could still sense this bloody smell. Page 2 Li Zeyan walked to the desk. He checked and acknowledge some small tricks. The pinhole camera was in place, and the key documents were hidden in the hidden grid. He tried the buckle of the hidden grid. It was very tight, and it was indeed true. ...it is just uncertain if the dummy will be fooled. As soon as this thought appeared, he smiled and shook his head. She can be regarded as an expert in using this kind of cleverness. However, if she found out that her "rival" was an empty office this time, how would she react? Page 3 Li Zeyan leaned back in the chair, imagining the girl approaching step by step, thinking, and finally realized that there was something missing.  She has the ability to decipher the clues he left, and she can also figure out what to do next. But with her personality, knowing such a development, she would definitely inevitably recite a few words from him. Li Zeyan looked at the object at hand, moved his mind, and pressed the timed message function of the landline. Asking her to do such a big favor should indeed need to leave some "encouragement". There was a slight noise from the employees outside the office, and he closed his eyes and concentrated on thinking. What will she do after figuring out all this? "You must be doing something naive right now." Page 4 Will you feel worried, afraid, or hope to get a definite answer? "I know what you can do, to what extent, and how long it will take." If you want to negotiate terms with him, how will you agree? "Based on your enthusiasm for naive things, what you are most likely to do right now." Li Zeyan smiled as she appeared in his mind, gently bending his knuckles. Page 5 Not everyone has the courage to take on his trust, and not everyone will let him care so naturally. Even in those strange memories, she is the most frequent person. Intuition has already given him the answer, but he does not want to impose his expectations on her prematurely. In the future, he may lose all external reliance, but this instead gives him a sense of ease that is no longer pulled by reason: it is better to follow this trust and tacit understanding. Just give it a go. "I can pull the hook with you now." Page 6 There was no one in front of him, but he seemed to know what temperature would cover his little finger. He left a long blank for her possible rhetoric, and in this silence, he suddenly heard the faint footsteps outside the office room. There was more than one person, and the pace was not fast and a little heavy. It indicates that the footsteps were not the people Huarui. Li Zeyan opened his eyes, imagined at the shaking figure not far away, said the last message, straightened up and pressed the confirm button. The two pinhole cameras were turned on in time, silently recording the moment no one knew. Page 7 After an unceremonious knock on the door, three people in uniform walked into the office.  They chose the right time when the workers was busy. No one noticed what happened in this office. Li Zeyan did not look up, still holding a pen to correct the documents in front of him. The words of a few people were like unimportant reports, not worthy of his thoughts, but he knew that he had to go with them.

Page 8 "Since you are so sincere, it would seem stingy if I refuse. Lead the way." He deliberately made a mockery of what he said, and when passing by the meeting table, he threw the papers in his hand on the table. Small dust lifted up and the table lightly covered with wet ink. The door was closed, there was silence in the office, and a thousand words were left unspoken.

And The Nominees Are… (Part 2/2)

#younghowzetheatreawards

By Ricky and Dana Young-Howze

Mays Landing, NJ

Venmo: @rndyounghowze

The nominations for the first ever Young-Howze Theatre Awards are finally here! We have been working hard since March of 2020 reviewing over a hundred and forty digital productions. We have been poring over them all since January to bring you these categories and the shows vying for them.

Let’s remind everyone what our criteria were: Because of the pandemic this year every show that we have reviewed was nominated for at least one category. We picked winners by a very specific set of criteria: What was this show attempting to do? Was it successful? Was it the most successful of all the shows that tried to do this? We apologize to anyone who thought that we would be announcing winners today. We decided that we wanted to save all of the spoilers for the live show on February 21st at 8PM EST. Please remember that even if you only get one nomination it is because we wanted to honor everyone who worked hard this year (every theatre artist who did a show this year deserves a medal). However we understand that specific nominations are useful for theatre creators in their resumes, grant applications etc.

All Nominees should receive a nomination email from us. If you haven’t gotten an email by Monday 11:59pm PST email is at [email protected]

Congratulations everyone! We are so proud of your accomplishments and amazing work. We’ve already seen shows this year that are award worthy. You all exceeded our expectations. Without further ado...

Solo Performance

“Chewie Award” For Team Behind A Solo Performance

“Blood/Sugar” by Diana Wyenn in Los Angeles, CA

“Kristina Wong For Public Office” by Kristina Wong in Los Angeles, CA

“Disenchanted: A Cabaret of Twisted Fairy Tales” by Eliane Morel at Melbourne Fringe

“All By Myself Award” For Solo Performance Of The Year

“The Bassoonist” by Sean P. Mette and Autumn Kaleidoscope at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Kristina Wong For Public Office” by Kristina Wong in Los Angeles, CA

“Sarah Palin: Rogue None” by Amanda Nicastro in NYC, NY

“What Would John Hughes Do?” by Telia Nevile at Melbourne Fringe

“Campfire Award” For Storyteller Of The Year

“Right Now” By Martin Dockery at Minnesota Fringe Minneapolis, Minnesota

“Life Underground” by Brad Lawrence at FRIGID NY in NYC, NY

“Pumpkin Pie Show” by Pumpkin Pie Show at FRIGID NY in NYC, NY

“UnterClub” by Juan Sebastian Peralta in Uruguay

“Full of Woe” by Genevieve Yosco and Sour Grapes Productions at FRIGID NY in NYC, NY

Seasons, Series and Festivals

“BIPOC HERO” For The BIPOC Creative Team Of The Year

TBA

“Worldwide Award” For Collaborative Work Of The Year

“The Art of Facing Fear Brazil” By Os Satyros in São Paulo, Brazil “The Art of Facing Fear US” Os Satyros and Company of Angels and Rob Lecrone, in co-production with Os Satyros and Darling Desperados. “The Art of Facing Fear Africa/Europe” Os Satyros and Cie Kaddu, Crown Troupe of Africa, Darling Desperados, Oddmanout Theatre Company, Portuguese Cultural Center of Mindelo, Tell-a-Tale, The Kwasha! Theatre Company, The Market Theatre Laboratory, Village Gossip Productions

“Macbeth #6” Os Satyros São Paulo, Brazil and the Center for Interdisciplinary Performance Art - Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Enough Plays to End Gun Violence at Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken, NJ

“Down the Stream” For Digital Season of The Year

Frigid NY in NYC, NY

Combined Artform in Los Angeles, CA

“There’s No I in Theatre” For Non-Profit Theatre of The Year

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village in Woodstock, GA

Sour Grapes Productions in NYC, NY

Opal Theatre in Boise, Idaho

Know Theatre of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH

Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke, VA

“Deja Vu Award” Recurring Streaming Series Of The Year

“Tilted Frame” by Combined Artform in Los Angeles, CA

“Bingewatch and Friends” by Diana Brown and Dan Wilson in San Francisco, CA

“Reparations Show” by Kevin R Free at Frigid NY in NYC, NY

“Monologues For Us By Us” By Cincinnati Black Theatre Artists Collective in Cincinnati, Ohio

“Bard Brunch” by Sour Grapes Productions in NYC, NY

“On The Fringes” Fringe of the Year

Minnesota Fringe

Halifax Fringe

Melbourne Fringe

Montreal Fringe

Cincinnati Fringe

“The Shortie“ Short Form Festival Of The Year

“48 Hours in Harlem” By Harlem 9 in Harlem, NY

“Overnight Sensations” by Hollins Playwrights Lab in Roanoke, VA

Estrogenius Festival by FRIGID NY in NYC, NY

Fire This Time Festival at FRIGID NY in NYC, NY

Single Shows

“Weird and Worth It” For Experimental Production Of The Year

“Paul And Erika’s House Show” By Theatre Mobile at Cincinnati Fringe

“Hivemind” by Solasta Theatre at Cincinnati Fringe

“#TXT Show” by Brian Feldman at Minnesota Fringe and Melbourne Fringe

“Butterfly Effect” by Unnatural Disasters at Halifax Fringe

“New Normal” by Os Satyros in São Paulo, Brazil

“One Man Nutcracker” by Chris Davis in Philadelphia, PA

“Cabaret De Profundis” By Buntport Theatre in Denver, CO

“So Nice We Saw It Twice” Touring Show Of The Year

“Desperately Seeking The Exit” by Peter Michael Marino and PM2 at Cincinnati Fringe And Queerly Festival and Show Up, Kids! In NYC!

“Paul and Erika’s House Show” by Theatre Mobile at Cincinnati Fringe and Minnesota Fringe

“Love and Other Lures” by Dr. Dour and Peach at Cincinnati Fringe and Minnesota Fringe

“Killjoy, Ohio” by Queen City Flash at Cincinnati Fringe and Minnesota Fringe

“TXT Show By Brian Feldman at Minnesota Fringe and Melbourne Fringe

“Kristina Wong For Public Office” by Kristina Wong in Koreatown and Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles, CA

“Before Times” For Pre-Pandemic Recording Of The Year

“Petunia and Chicken” by Animal Engine at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Unrepentant Necrophile” by The ColdHarts at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Knife Slingin’” By Motz at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Occupy This!” By Rev Nuge at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Stow You Baggage” By Alexx Rouse at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Butcher Holler” by Ad Hoc Economy at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Lady Macbeth and Her Pal Megan” by Megan Gogerty at Cincinnati Fringe Festival Cincinnati, OH

“Dammit, Jim!” by Polly Esther in Toronto, CA

“A Night With The Dead” by Martha Preve and Something From Abroad at Hartford Fringe in FRIGID NY in NYC, NY

“A Christmas Carol In Harlem” by Classical Theatre of Harlem in NYC, NY

“Forbidden City” by Martin Dockery at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Practical Game Changer” For Practical Effects Of The Year

“Killjoy, Ohio” by Queen City Flash at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Zoo Motel” By Thaddeus Phillips in Columbia, South America

“A Light Touch” by Mind of a Snail at Minnesota Fringe Minneapolis, Minnesota

“Digital Game Changer” For Digital Effects Of The Year

“M-O-U-S-E” by Rory Sheridan at the Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“King Lear” by SF Shakes in San Francisco, CA

“War Of The Worlds” by Ben Hernandez at Cal State in Los Angeles, CA

“Claws Out! A Holiday Drag Musical” by City Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA

“18+ Allowed” For Adult Variety Of The Year

“Disenchanted: A Cabaret of Twisted Fairy Tales” by Eliane Morel at Melbourne Fringe

“Creepy Boys” by Scantily Glad at Melbourne Fringe

Red Mill Revue at Melbourne Fringe

Queers On The Fringe at Melbourne Fringe

“Reach Out“ For Immersive Production Of The Year

“Feast” by Megan Gogerty at Know Theatre of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH

“In Lak’Ech” by No Peeking Theatre in Jersey City, NJ

“Twelfth Night”” by Food of Love Productions in NYC, NY

“Grace Notes” For Musical Production Of The Year

“Dream &” By Sarah Willis and The Queer Feminists Next Door at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Colony” by Psophonia and Aura at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“TV Tunes” by Leslie Vincent at Minnesota Fringe Minneapolis, Minnesota

“The In-Between Years” By The Champagne Drops in Minneapolis, Minnesota

“Love and Other Lures” By Dr. Dour and Peach at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Hollow” by David Kent at Edinburgh Fringe

“One Vote Won” by Nashville Opera in Nashville, TN

“Meet Me In St. Louis” By Irish Rep in NYC, NY

“Power” For Fifth-Wall Breaking Show Of The Year

“Matriarch” by Sandy Greenwood at Melbourne Fringe

Chanukahmunication by the Feldman Dynamic in Washington, DC

“Proof Of Love” By Chisa Hutchinson and BLBW in Chicago, IL

Individuals

“Magician” For Press Contact Of The Year

Emily Godfrey For FRIGID NY in NYC, NY

Liz Carman For Know Theatre of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH

“Tech Witch” For Tech Person Of The Year

David Svengalis for “Tilted Frame” by Combined Artform in Los Angeles, CA

Henry Bateman for Know Theatre of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH

“Extensions“ For Movement Artist Of The Year

“Proximity” by Pones at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Definition of Man” by DConstruction Arts at Halifax Fringe

Marina Calendar For Tree She at Estrogenius Festival NYC, NY

Nick Daniels For “Folk Dances of A Nucleic Village” at Pittsburgh Fringe Pittsburgh, PA

“You Oughta Be In Pictures” For Film Of The Year

“Proximity” by Pones at Cincinnati Fringe

“Opinions Of Men” by Ben Dudley at Cincinnati Fringe Cincinnati, OH

“Macbeth” by Gorilla Repertory Theatre in NYC, NY

“Black Emperor of Broadway” by Vision Films Inc and Egeli Productions in Provincetown, MA

“Concord Floral” by Jordan Tamanelli at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado

Zoom

“Pioneer” For Innovative Achievement Of The Year

Waiting for the Host” by Mark Palmieri in NYC, NY

“Desperately Seeking the Exit” by Peter Michael Marino in NYC, NY

“Long Zoomie” For Long-Form Zoom Play Of The Year

“3 Way Lovve” by Marcus Ma’at Atkins at Minnesota Fringe Minneapolis, Minnesota

“Im Ur Hamlet” By Genevieve Yosco and Sour Grapes Productions in NYC, NY

“Rideshare” by Reginald Edmund and BLBW in Chicago, Illinois

“Disrobed” by Steven Vlasak and Troy Peterson at Hollywood Fringe Hollywood, CA

“Sons of Liberty” by Cris Eli Blak in Louisville, KY

“Call For The Wailing Women” by Katrina D. RiChard and BLBW in Chicago, IL

“Jump!” By Charly Evon Simpson at TSU in Nashville, TN

“Short Zoomie” For Short-Form Zoom Play Of The Year

“Soup” by Rachel Carnez at Project Y Theatre in NYC, NY

“Missing Ingredient” by Colleen O’Doherty at Project Y Theatre in NYC, NY

“Pas De Deux” by Kevin Ferguson at Missouri S&T in St. Louis, Missouri

“Scaramouche and Pinochle” by Mike Moran Missouri S&T in St. Louis, Missouri

Screen Manager Of The Year

TBA

Stream Yard

“Duck“ For Streamyard Production Of The Year

“Infemous” by Infemous at the Queerly Festival and Montreal Fringe Festival

“Romeo and Juliet Virtually” By Miles Beyond Entertainment in Los Angeles, CA

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Perry Mason Episode 6 Review: Chapter Six

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This Perry Mason review contains spoilers.

Perry Mason Episode 6

Perry Mason, “Chapter Six,” delivers the title character’s courtroom debut. For a man who is going to embody an icon of courtroom drama, Perry Mason is off to a much less than auspicious start. Matthew Rhys coughs, stammers, makes self-effacing jokes as he stumbles into objectionable oratory and forgets to bring water to court before he even makes it through the first paragraph of his opening statement.

His worthy opponent, District Attorney Maynard Barnes (Stephen Root), is just finishing his two-hour opening statement as the episode opens, and we can tell it went flawlessly. He is a veteran attorney and an effective showman, who is so fully prepared he even brought an extra glass for Mason. The defense attorney goes as long as he can before he takes that glass, and immediately tries to douse the prosecution’s fiery salvos.

The trial scenes are fun to watch. The actors treat the trial court like a basketball court and the guilt and innocence is the ball. Root plays keep-away, not exactly dominating the game, but covering Mason so tight he can barely dribble. When Mason finally spins out, Rhys sinks a 3-pointer into nothing but net from 40 feet out, only to get called on a shooting foul.

Things get better for Mason on cross examination. While Matthew Dodson (Nate Corddry) doesn’t break down and confess on the stand, Mason certainly gets under his skin. Is Herman Baggerly (Robert Patrick) a wealthy guy, the attorney wants to know about the witness’ recently discovered father, who has a vested interest in the case. “Up there with Vanderbilt and Ford,” Mason informs the jury, which is more than Matthew did for his wife.

The judge has to repeatedly warn the witness how close he is to being jailed for contempt. But the contempt Mr. Dodson throws at his wife Emily (Gayle Rankin), registers on the jury in ways which still sting at Mason’s case. The testimonial breakdown must be signs of things to come, as this will be the defense lawyer’s signature gimmick.

Stephen Root can play off anyone, but some witnesses refuse to play nice. In DA Barnes’ courtroom scenes with Mason there are multiple connections made between the two actors. In his briefing with Detective Ennis (Andrew Howard) there is a major disconnect, but not in the acting, which is amazing.

Ennis is very reluctant, a hostile witness even in the friendly environment of the District Attorney’s office. Ennis’ partner pulls a great scene out of the wreckage. He smashes up a beloved car and ends with a vow to protect his corrupt partner even if someone has to die over it.

Ennis is a compelling antagonist and Howard does a fantastic job unambiguously playing moral ambiguity. He’s corrupt, so what? He was trained to be corrupt by the best. It’s just a job gone wrong. What’s the big deal? I got mouths to feed. Howard gives these one-dimensional excuses meaning and depth. He, more than any other actor on the series, is a time capsule of the period.

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Officer Paul Drake feels the crush of the period, and Chris Chalk allows him to awaken to it with strong reluctance.  When Drake goes on the stand and allows Mason to hold back damning evidence because of some promise he made, Chalk walks an emotional tightrope. He goes from utter fear to a palpable desire to come clean, occasionally within eye-blinks. He has a love/hate relationship with the one piece of evidence, a denture-break-off, which can save an innocent woman from the gas chamber.

Mason’s “just fishing” line is very telling. He keeps a promise and loses an opportunity, but Drake’s anguish is a creaky doorway to a scary cellar. As a Black police officer, Drake can’t even arrest a white criminal. A white murderer gets to look down on him. When he takes the money for making the whole division look good in court, Chalk makes it look like he’s playing Judas bagging blood money.  His pregnant wife has to get out of town while he makes it right. Of course, this being HBO’s Perry Mason, it all starts with a bit of legal trickery.

Mason and Peter Strickland (Shea Whigham) chafe over their new distribution of duties. There is a great scene where Strickland basically spoon feeds Mason his investigative findings. Strickland goes on to get spit on by a toothless old-timer, commit ad hoc mail fraud, and ultimately be out-wiseassed on the job by a lady county clerk. But between him and Della Street, who wills success through the power of pertinent curiosity, Mason’s team comes up with the goods, as bad as they are. George Gannon was stealing from the church for the church.

The investigation and courtroom scenes play off each other well. Each adds context and suspense to the other. The music helps piece it together as discovery gets its own theme music. The new player in the conspiracy, Seidel, is a church man. Everything points back to where it begins, ends and centers. Street and Strickland dance separately around the clues, but pirouette into Mason’s lane. Sometimes it is a trapeze act, and sometimes they miss each other by inches.

The matron Barbara Frye probably breaks a commandment on the stand and the charge against Emily goes from kidnapping to murder. This is a huge moment. It is done with an orchestral grace with Maynard conducting and the judge completely drowned out in the mix. It escalates to the symphonic glissando. The press runs to file copy and question the defendant on her way out of the courthouse. Led by Elder Brown (David Wilson Barnes), the Sister Alice (Tatiana Maslany) protesters block the steps with signs counting down the days to the resurrection. Jesus did it in three. Alice has ten until she is exposed.

Alice has taken beating after beating on stage and is ready to fall from grace if that is the divine plan. Her mother Birdy McKeegan (Lili Taylor) has a contingency plan: Run. She’s all packed, probably needed to get out anyway. But the slap across the face Birdy gives Alice is a shock.

The way Alice recoils, the shake in her hands and full body language, shows this has happened before. She is waiting for the next blow to fall. It is a brutal second of time. Alice is remembering a lot of things, Mama. Meanwhile Emily believes she will get off if Mason finds the real killer. We don’t know if she’s once again suffering hunger pains or truly out to lunch, a choice Della visibly ponders without saying a word.

In “Chapter Five,” John Lithgow’s son Ian Lithgow gave a drop dead impression as Byron Jonathan, the son of EB Jonathan. Tonight Rhys does it in his car after the trial. “How did it go, EB,” he asks himself and then mimics “a few observations” from his former mentor. It rises until he breaks down and Mason is screaming at EB. It is almost daring, yelling at a dead person like that, calling him a coward with true anger and no regret. Until you see it is all remorse and desperation.

“I’ve been waiting for you to find me,” says the man with the gun at the very closing scene, which encapsulates the pulpy fun of the series. Perry Mason isn’t only a good courtroom drama, it is good drama. All of the performances have necessary flaws. The action builds to nerve-wracking levels, and the breaths in between are mirrored by the characters.

Rhys wears his frustration openly. Chalk barely contains self-loathing. Rankin is naked in her misguided faith. Maslany welcomes failure. Mason’s girlfriend Lupe Gibbs (Veronica Falcón) is getting to be an annoying detail on the show. It is an unnecessary added blemish of cynicism. Rylance offsets this by bringing a sense of wonder into mundane snatches of paperwork. “Chapter Six” makes the most of its motley crew of ensemble players in a decisive win for a losing defense.

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