Stargate Lady – Google

I love this show. I could end this review there, but there is a lot that should be said about Zahn McClarnon. I first saw him in Longmire and was really impressed. In Dark Winds he’s found his stride as an actor—he’s very good. In fact everyone in this show really impresses me. The other fascinating part of this series is the Navajo mysticism that permeates almost every episode. And, I find it believable because at the age of 71 there are many things that can’t be explained by logic or reason—there’s just something spiritual going on. I hope when the Emmy’s are announced, that this show and the actors get a nod because they deserve it.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. There are two stars of this movie: Native American culture and the other is a more primitive form of the Predator. Spoilers********* (kind of) A Native American woman wants to be a warrior but is hampered by attitudes from male warriors in the tribe. Nevertheless, she practices with help from her brother. These skills and her trusty dog will be crucial to defeating the Predator. The Predator is unlike any seen in previous movie-making about the Predators. Low tech helmet, primitive combi-stick, but the trusty laser (with its 3-point aiming reticule) are all present along with some weapons never seen before. This is as far as I’ll go in describing this movie, but I have to say this is a refresh the Predator franchise needed badly. It is a true tribute to an iconic sci-fi character, as well as, Native American culture and ideals. Bravo to the makers of this film.

I’ve come to expect a lot from an Apple-produced TV production and I’m waiting for this show to do just that. I don’t think it’s there yet. This is a character driven sci-fi show not into showing the aliens that are “invading” but showing natural human reactions to an event of aliens invading. The cast of characters appears to be an American soldier stuck in Afghanistan trying to get home who winds up in Great Britain instead. A bullied British boy who appears to have a mental link to the aliens and winds up in the company of the American. A married couple with children (the husband is found by the wife to be cheating), and a Japanese communication engineer working on the Japanese version of NASA. —Spoiler alert— So far, there is one event showing interaction with an alien attacking the married couple with their children. The son discovers a shard of rock that seems to kill and/or repel the aliens-the wife appears to kill the alien using the shard. The scene was dark, rainy, and unclear—no clear look at the alien. The shard becomes important later. I’m willing to hang in there because the acting is good but be aware this is a slow-moving tale with some intriguing sci-fi value that is slowly building to “something.” I just don’t know what that something is yet. Update 12/3/2021 Well, this episode went a long way to advancing the story. The big question is, why are they here? Who are the real villains here? The American military with its knee jerk reaction? Or, the aliens whose intentions are unclear?

1883’s realism almost hurts from episode to episode. The immigrants who know literally NOTHING about the journey ahead as pioneers, or the day to day conditions just to survive. The new world is not very kind. The whole cast is wonderful but some stand out. Tim McGraw (James Dutton) and Faith Hill (Margaret Dutton) are great as a couple who are very tough and tag along with this wagon train of immigrants for safety (they have a son and daughter) and so McGraw’s character can help out the wagon master (played by the only actor who could have played this character—Sam Elliott). The story of this journey is narrated by their daughter (Elsa Dutton) played by Isabel May. There is such wisdom and poignancy to the story of their travels that she weaves. It’s uplifting and also very sad. My description really does no justice to the quality of this show. You simply must watch this great show.

I think people forget that this type of TV show is story-telling, just like the Mandalorian. I also thought it was genius bringing back Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett) to play Boba Fett—his clone son. The addition of various characters from so many Star Wars films simply enriches the story. I’m seeing the Sand People in a completely new light—as an oppressed people roughly shaped by their environment, the Empire, and criminal elements preying on them. I would wait for more episodes before deciding this Star Wars show doesn’t satisfy your inner Star Wars selves.

Started watching this series early evening on a Sunday night. I couldn’t stop myself from binge watching the whole first season. Finally got to bed at 4am. Yes, it’s that good. I’m not familiar with the lead actor…Manuel Garcia-Rulfo…but he OWNS this character and this role. Neve Campbell also great. In fact, they were all great. If you like smart and clever legal dramas with plots that turn on a dime, you will love this series.