This week delivered some surprising turns on the small screen, with a hit series finding its heart and a new mystery taking root. Let's get into it.
Twisted Metal: Humor, Heartache, and Shocking Choices
This week’s Twisted Metal episodes hit harder than I expected, blending outrageous action with some surprising emotional depth.
We return to the early stages of the tournament as John and Quiet help Mayhem escape danger. But the victory comes at a devastating cost. John’s sister is captured and ultimately sacrifices herself so John and Quiet can move forward. The loss devastates John, leaving him torn between grief and the weight of his own secret wish to bring back Dollface, even after Quiet made hers.
In the following episode, John and Quiet scramble to secure a key piece that will push them into the next round. John’s focus wavers, but in true Twisted Metal fashion, they manage to pull through at the last second. Still, the team dynamic shifts as Quiet bonds with Mayhem over her first kill, only to later discover John’s hidden wish at the well. That revelation promises severe fallout.
What stood out most this week was how much the show balanced mayhem (pun intended) with heart. The performances have been fantastic across the board: Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz continue to anchor the chaos with real weight. At the same time, Anthony Carrigan’s Calypso, initially a head-scratcher, has really grown into a scene-stealing presence (especially when he puts Raven in her place). And Saylor Bell Curda’s Mayhem has been a standout addition, bringing both charm and grit to the tournament. These episodes surprised me by resonating emotionally in ways I didn’t expect from this wild series. They were a testament to the show's clever writing and strong performances.
Overall, I’d give them an 8.5/10 and can’t wait to see how Quiet responds to John’s secret.
Irish Blood: A Fresh Irish Mystery
Acorn TV’s latest mystery series, Irish Blood, debuted this week with a double-episode premiere that sets up a mix of family drama and small-town intrigue. The show stars Alicia Silverstone as Fiona Sharpe, an American lawyer who reluctantly returns to Ireland after the death of her estranged father. This man abandoned her as a child.
The Mysteries Begin
In the premiere episode, “Briefcase,” Fiona wrestles with her complicated feelings while uncovering a mysterious briefcase tied to her father’s death. The discovery not only raises questions about how he died but also forces Fiona to confront the family she’s never known.
First Impressions
The second episode, “Horseshoe,” deepens the mystery as Fiona teams up with a young police officer. Together, they follow a trail of clues pointing to foul play. Their investigation uncovers a network of shady dealings, including horse thefts linked to local con man Patsy Burgress. The deeper Fiona digs, the clearer it becomes that someone wants her out of the way permanently.
By the end of these first two installments, Irish Blood had me hooked. Acorn TV has a formula for mysteries that works well (think the comfort of a Hallmark-style mystery but with a sharper edge), and this series fits right in. Silverstone shines in the lead role: while Fiona may take a little time to warm up to, her strength and vulnerability start to shine through by episode two.
If you’re looking for a mystery series that mixes family secrets, crime, and the charm of the Irish countryside, Irish Blood is worth checking out.
Overall, I’d give the two-episode premiere an 8/10.
What to Watch This Week
This week is packed with exciting premieres and finales. Here are some top picks to add to your watchlist:
Tuesday, Aug. 19
America's Got Talent (8/7c on NBC): The first live show of the season! The top performers from the audition rounds will compete for America's votes for the first time.Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson (10/9c on NBC): Clarkson engages with some of her favorite celebrities, from Gloria Estefan, Jonas Brothers, Lizzo, and Teddy Swims, to name a few, and examines both their music and personal lives.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Hostage (Netflix, five-episode binge): Suranne Jones (Scott & Bailey, Vigil) is the British Prime Minister who learns that her husband has been taken hostage and is forced to choose between her country and her family in this tense political thriller.Peacemaker Season 2 (HBO Max): James Gunn's hit series returns for a highly anticipated second season, continuing the story of Christopher Smith and his bizarre quest for peace.
Code of Silence Season 1 Finale (BritBox): The critically acclaimed mystery series wraps up its first season with what promises to be a thrilling conclusion.
What have you been watching and looking forward to this week? Leave a comment.
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