Streaming
Midnight Mass: The Blood of Life
The isolated island community of Crockett receives a mysterious new head priest, full of secrets and a brand new testament under a very unusual Messenger of God.
Meet poor Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford), freshly released from prison and wracked with guilt over what got him there, a stupid drinking accident that caused the death of his ex-girlfriend. The last thing he wants to do is go back to Crockett and the judgment of the mostly religious community there, his disappointed family, and the nightmares of his ex’s death that plague him. But where else would have him? Resignedly on the ferry, he goes.
Riley’s dad Ed (Henry Thomas) isn’t the kind of man who talks very much at all, much less about his feelings, or his very real disappointment in his elder son. Riley’s teen brother Warren (Igby Rigney) has no idea what to say to him either, and just generally keeps mum. Riley’s mom Annie (Kristin Lehman) is accepting and loving, hesitant in how to help her eldest son but never wavering in her faith in the help of our lord Jesus. Mom seems to think a good heaping dose of the Church would set Riley right but is surprised to learn that the old priest of the Parish, Pruitt, has taken an extended leave of absence from the island, and his newcomer replacement Father Paul (Hamish Linklater) is young, charismatic, and bursting at the seams to tell the whole island about the gifts he brought them, most especially what he claims as a new testament under a messenger of God.
We’ll get back to that whole ball of issues in a moment, the other interesting characters of Crockett Island. Bev Keane (Samantha Sloyan) is the nightmarish overly polite and gently, almost lovingly condescending neighbor Christian woman you’ve ever loathed, the kind of person who explains away every last thing her Church may do wrong or contradictory because, after all, God works in mysterious ways. Pfft. Of course, Bev immediately ingratiates herself as the second to the new Father Paul in their services and is the first to start covering up his transgressions as they become more rampant.
Newcomers to Crockett Sheriff Hassan (Rahul Kohli) and his son Ali (Rahul Abburi) present a burgeoning problem to the plans of Father Paul and his shadowy companion, for they are both practicing Muslims. The practical side of investigating these so-called ‘miracles’ and strange happenings falls on Hassan’s shoulders, as he already struggles with barely-concealed racism and suspicion from his fellow islanders, and of course his son is being wooed away from him by the promise of actual, tangible miracles, but from a different whole faith and God. Father Paul definitely does not practice a traditional Christian faith and relies far too much on making use of the eucharist, the ceremony of the blood and flesh of Jesus Christ turning into bread and wine and, well, consumed.
Wade (Michael Trucco) and his wife Dolly (Crystal Balint) are lifers of the island and both in general interested in one thing, the advancement of their own family, specifically their daughter Leeza (Annarah Cymone), who happens to be in a wheelchair. And that happens to be the canny Father Paul’s first real miracle-with-a-cost that he demonstrates to the astonishment of the parishioners, after a heartfelt and rousing sermon, Father Paul commands Leeza to rise, to stand, and to walk. And lo, she does. What parents wouldn’t wholly dedicate themselves to a cause after seeing this happen to their beloved precious daughter? The fringe benefits of healing, and power, the ones that come at a mighty, currently unnamed, cost, are simply a nice bonus.
Joe Collie (Robert Longstreet) is the town drunk, and while his reasons for drowning his sorrows in the sauce might be understandable, absolution wears a very different face when it comes from Father Paul. While Leeza might be willing to forgive Joe, and even as Joe begins attending the newly-formed Al-Anon meetings on the island of course hosted by Father Paul, redemption might’ve been better sought from medical professionals, and not this newfound method of religious worship.
Dr. Sarah Gunning (Annabeth Gish) is the islands’ kind of all-around medic, and this is how she and Riley’s old friend Erin (Kate Siegel), also newly returned to the island, a few months pregnant but traveling quietly alone, met when Erin comes to the Doc for obstetrics. Sarah’s older mother Mildred Gunning (Alexandra Essoe) has many medical and mental issues, and Sarah struggles in their shared home, to take care of her addled mom and balance her own life. Then Father Paul takes it upon himself to visit one of his oldest parishioners, bringing the sacred host and wine with him to give directly to Mildred, who starts looking and acting so much better under his loving care.
The show is very much a slow slow burn, with a lot of the actual action taking place in the last two episodes. Much of the beginning and middle episodes feature two people just sitting alone, having quiet and seriously in-depth conversations about heavy subjects – grief and repentance, what happens when we die, the disasters that come as a result of addictions, how our actions’ consequences reverberate to those we love around us, faith and the foibles of man, and of course, the giving of oneself over to a higher power, for strength, and guidance, and love.
Except, for the higher power that Father Paul brought back with him, to share with his beloved flock of Crockett Island, while it may be extremely powerful and full of what could be considered miraculous magic, everything comes at some kind of a cost. And when the Messenger of God is finally revealed to the shocked denizens of Crockett at Easter Mass, with Father Paul rapturing on about rebirth as the bloody massacre begins in earnest, it’s faith, not in any kind of God or religion, but faith in each other, that may save a few hardy souls.
Question the wisdom of your religious leaders along with the rest of us in a fine slow-burn addition to the Flanaverse, Midnight Mass is on Netflix now!
The highly anticipated new season of Squid Game is set to deliver even more nail-biting suspense and shocking twists that fans of the global phenomenon have come to love. As the series returns, viewers can expect an escalation in the deadly games, with new challenges that push participants to their physical and psychological limits.
In this season, the stakes are higher than ever as a new group of contestants enters the arena, each with their own desperate reasons for participating. The games are more dangerous, the alliances more fragile, and the betrayals more heartbreaking. With the introduction of new characters and deeper insights into the shadowy organization behind the games, Season 2 promises to expand the *Squid Game* universe in unexpected ways.
The creators have teased that the upcoming challenges will be more complex and terrifying, testing not only the contestants’ physical endurance but also their moral boundaries.
Expect to see returning characters facing new dilemmas, as well as fresh faces whose backstories will tug at viewers’ heartstrings.
The new season is rumored to feature shocking revelations about the origins of the games and the true motivations of the game’s organizers, ensuring that fans remain on the edge of their seats.
Squid Game has captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary, and Season 2 is poised to take these elements to the next level. Fans can brace themselves for a roller-coaster of emotions as the game continues with even more at stake.
Rating: 7/10
Platform Crunchyroll
Bonjour Sweet Love Patisserie is a delightful treat for fans of romance and cooking anime. Set in the prestigious Fleurir Confectionary Academy, the story follows Sayuri Haruno, a kind-hearted girl who enrolls in the school’s special confectionery course. Surrounded by handsome male instructors and fellow students, Sayuri navigates the world of baking while developing sweet friendships and potential romances.
The anime shines in its charming character interactions, light-hearted humor, and visually appealing desserts that are sure to make your mouth water. However, with episodes running around five minutes each, the series sometimes feels a bit rushed. The plot, while enjoyable, is fairly predictable, sticking closely to typical reverse harem tropes. That said, its short length makes it a perfect watch for those looking for a quick and sweet anime fix.
While Bonjour Sweet Love Patisserie may not break new ground in the genre, it does what it sets out to do well: offering a sugary escape into a world of love, pastries, and heartwarming moments.
Rating: 9/10*
Cells at Work! CODE BLACK, streaming on Crunchyroll, is a riveting spin-off of the original Cells at Work! series, diving deep into the dark side of the human body. This anime is not just another fantasy series; it’s an eye-opening exploration of what happens inside a body that’s been subjected to poor health habits. For those who are fascinated by medical terminology, biology, and how the body works, this anime offers a unique blend of education and entertainment.
One of the standout aspects of Cells at Work! CODE BLACK is its commitment to medical accuracy. The series tackles various health issues like smoking, alcohol abuse, stress, and sexually transmitted infections, showcasing the devastating effects these habits can have on the body. The episodes are filled with medical terminology and accurate depictions of how cells and organs function under duress. The show’s creators consulted medical experts to ensure that the biological processes portrayed were as close to reality as possible, making it a great watch for those interested in learning about the human body in an engaging way.
Whether it’s the depiction of erythrocytes (red blood cells) struggling to deliver oxygen in a clogged artery or neutrophils (white blood cells) fighting off a severe infection, the series remains grounded in real medical science. This accuracy adds a layer of authenticity that sets it apart from other fantasy anime, making it not only entertaining but also informative.
The Narrative of Cells at Work! CODE BLACK is significantly darker and more intense than its predecessor. The anime delves into the lives of cells as they navigate a body in crisis, facing life-threatening conditions at every turn. The storylines are gripping and filled with tension, capturing the urgency and desperation of the cells trying to keep the body alive.
The relationship between the main characters—Red Blood Cell (AA2153) and White Blood Cell (U-1196)—is particularly compelling. Their interactions reflect the camaraderie and shared sense of duty among the body’s cells, even as they face overwhelming odds. The anime does an excellent job of portraying the emotional toll that these cells experience, making them relatable and deeply human despite being representations of microscopic organisms.
The dynamic between Red Blood Cell and White Blood Cell is one of the highlights of the series. Their relationship is complex and evolves as they face increasingly difficult challenges together. Red Blood Cell, initially overwhelmed by the deteriorating state of the body, finds strength and resolve through his interactions with White Blood Cell, who is steadfast and determined despite the dire circumstances.
Their partnership symbolizes the interdependence of different systems within the body, with each character representing a vital function. White Blood Cell’s protective nature and Red Blood Cell’s perseverance highlight the importance of teamwork in maintaining the body’s health, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This relationship adds a layer of emotional depth to the series, making it more than just a medical drama but a story of resilience and hope.
Cells at Work! CODE BLACK is a must-watch for anime fans who appreciate a mix of education and entertainment. Its accurate portrayal of medical conditions, coupled with intense and emotionally charged storylines, makes it stand out in the fantasy anime genre. The series is particularly engaging for those interested in medical terminology, human biology, and how the body works, offering a unique perspective on the inner workings of our bodies.
With its gritty depiction of the consequences of unhealthy living, Cells at Work! CODE BLACK serves as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the resilience of life. The relationship between Red Blood Cell and White Blood Cell, along with the series’ commitment to medical accuracy, makes this anime an unforgettable experience.
Rating: 9/10 – A dark, educational, and emotionally engaging journey through the human body.
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