What do a dolphin-loving woman, a successful businesswoman who runs her parents multi-million-dollar flooring empire, a bachelorette who is hiding a big secret about her past involving Nick, and a no-nonsense Southern belle who has Nick in her cross-hairs for a big country wedding all have in common? They all have their sights set on making the Bachelor, Nick Viall, their future husband when the much-anticipated 21st edition of ABC’s hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres, MONDAY, JANUARY 2 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.
Nick Viall, 36, a handsome, accomplished technology salesman from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, meets 30 potential soul mates as he begins his exciting search for true love. In the premiere, “Episode 2101,” Nick prepares for the night of his life as the 30 beautiful bachelorettes, all clamoring to meet him, begin to arrive. Sarah, a bubbly school teacher, runs up the driveway in sneakers to make the point that Nick isn’t a “runner-up” in her eyes or heart. Jasmine G. is accompanied by the one-and-only Neil Lane, so that she can show Nick what engagement ring she prefers should he choose her that final day. Vanessa uses her multi-lingual skills in French and Italian to impress the Bachelor. Alexis shows off her exuberant side, not to mention a quirky obsession, when she rolls up decked out in a “dolphin costume.” Liz is the woman with a past – with Nick. What is she hiding and what is her end game?
Once inside, things heat up between Nick and the women. The chemistry between Nick and Vanessa is palpable, and they look like they might have the first kiss of the season – if it wasn’t for a very persistent Corinne who swoops in and steals Nick away. Danielle M. bonds with the Bachelor over their shared Wisconsin roots. Ultimately, Nick makes his first difficult decision as he offers the much-sought-after first impression rose to a breathtakingly beautiful bachelorette.
The long, stressful evening ends on a high note for 22 lucky women, who will continue on the path to capture Nick’s heart.
The 30 women who can be revealed are:
Alexis, 23, aspiring dolphin trainer, Secaucus, NJ
Angela, 26, model, Greenville, SC
Astrid, 26, plastic surgery office manager, Tampa, FL
Briana, 28, surgical unit nurse, Salt Lake City, UT
Brittany, 26, travel nurse, Santa Monica, CA
Christen, 25, wedding videographer, Tulsa, OK
Corrine, 24, business owner, Miami, FL
Danielle L., 27, small business owner, Los Angeles, CA
Danielle M., 31, neonatal nurse, Nashville, TN
Dominique, 25, restaurant server, Los Angeles, CA
Elizabeth (“Liz”), 29, doula, Las Vegas, NV
Elizabeth, 24, marketing manager, Dallas, TX
Hailey, 23, photographer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Ida Marie, 23, sales manager, Harlingen, TX
Jaimi, 28, chef, New Orleans, LA
Jasmine B., 25, flight attendant, Tacoma, WA
Jasmine G., 29, pro basketball dancer, San Francisco, CA
Josephine, 24, unemployed nurse, Santa Cruz, CA
Kristina, 24, dental hygienist, Lexington, KY
Lacey, 25, digital marketing manager, Manhattan, NY
Lauren, 30, law school graduate, Naples, FL
Michelle, 24, food truck owner, Los Angeles, CA
Olivia, 25, apparel sales representative, Nashville, TN
Rachel, 31, attorney, Dallas, TX
Raven, 25, fashion boutique owner, Hoxie, AR
Sarah, 26, grade school teacher, Newport Beach, CA
Susannah, 26, account manager, San Diego, CA
Taylor, 23, mental health counselor, Seattle, WA
Vanessa, 29, special education teacher, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Whitney, 25, Pilates instructor, Chanhassen, MN
Streaming
The Perfect Couple on Netflix – A Twisty and Engrossing Thriller
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Netflix’s The Perfect Couple offers an intriguing blend of suspense, romance, and family drama, wrapped in a murder mystery that leaves viewers guessing until the very end. Based on the best-selling novel by Elin Hilderbrand, the limited series dives deep into the complexities of relationships, secrets, and privilege in a story that pulls you in from the very first scene.
The show centers around the seemingly perfect union of Celeste and Jake, a couple whose idyllic Hamptons wedding turns nightmarish when a dead body is discovered. As tensions rise, secrets start to unravel, revealing that beneath the glamour and charm, dark truths and betrayals run deep.
Nicole Kidman delivers a magnetic performance as the matriarch, Annabelle, effortlessly conveying both vulnerability and authority. Her scenes are riveting, and she adds an underlying intensity to the family dynamics. Liev Schreiber as the groom’s father, Tag, gives a grounded and nuanced performance that complements Kidman’s. The young couple, played by Dakota Fanning as Celeste and Billy Magnussen as Jake, share a complex chemistry that evolves with each revelation, keeping viewers both captivated and unsettled.
The plot’s pacing is handled well, with each episode unveiling new layers of the story, drawing audiences deeper into the lives of these flawed characters. The series masterfully combines flashbacks and present-day scenes to reveal motives and hidden relationships, creating a web of suspense and intrigue. While the murder-mystery element drives the narrative, the story’s emotional weight rests on the characters’ strained relationships and societal pressures. This balance between mystery and drama is both compelling and refreshing.
Shot against the stunning backdrop of the Hamptons, the cinematography elevates the series, capturing the dichotomy of beauty and darkness within the affluent world of the characters. The lavish settings, paired with a haunting soundtrack, create an unsettling yet luxurious atmosphere that enhances the story’s tone.
While the series is an absorbing watch, the storyline sometimes stretches plausibility with a few twists that feel overly dramatized. At times, the show leans into melodrama, but the strong performances and complex character arcs keep it grounded enough to stay engaging. Fans of psychological thrillers might find the plot a bit predictable, but the character-driven drama and twists offer enough surprises to keep the experience fresh.
The Perfect Couple is a gripping watch for fans of high-stakes family drama and suspenseful thrillers. With a stellar cast, a visually captivating setting, and a storyline that keeps you hooked, it’s a binge-worthy series that digs deep into the layers of human relationships and the secrets we keep. This series is perfect for a weekend watch, delivering just the right amount of intrigue and emotional depth to satisfy thriller enthusiasts.
Rating: 4/5
Streaming
Dragon Ball Daima – A Fresh, Nostalgic Adventure for Dragon Ball Fans
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Dragon Ball Daima has landed on Crunchyroll, and it’s a wild, unexpected, yet nostalgic ride that blends the classic energy of Dragon Ball with some bold new twists. This latest addition to the Dragon Ball universe doesn’t just revive the beloved characters and world – it reimagines them, serving up fan-favorite elements while introducing some surprises that make it feel fresh.
In Dragon Ball Daima, the story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious magic spell transforms Goku, Vegeta, and others into children. This reversion back to childlike forms brings a fun, youthful energy to the series that harks back to Dragon Ball GT. Yet, unlike GT, which was often divisive among fans, Daima leverages the “de-aging” twist to delve into new adventures with an old-school vibe. As the characters face familiar threats with newfound challenges in their younger bodies, the plot offers a balance of high-stakes action and a humorous, nostalgic tone that longtime fans will love.
Toei Animation outdid themselves with Dragon Ball Daima. The colors are vibrant, the action sequences are fluid, and the character designs blend the retro look of Dragon Ball Z with a modern twist. The reimagined character designs – especially seeing iconic fighters like Vegeta and Goku as kids again – add a fresh visual layer that makes the series feel lighthearted yet intense, capturing the unique spirit of Dragon Ball.
One of the best aspects of Daima is how it allows fans to reconnect with the characters in a fun new context. Goku’s mischievous personality shines in his younger form, and seeing Vegeta adjusting to being small again is a constant source of amusement. Their dynamic is still strong, yet with new challenges in the mix. The voice acting is top-notch, with Masako Nozawa (Goku) and Ryo Horikawa (Vegeta) bringing the characters to life in ways that feel familiar yet fresh.
Dragon Ball Daima doesn’t hold back on the action, delivering the classic fast-paced, energy-charged battles that fans love, albeit with some interesting limitations due to the characters’ transformed states. The action scenes are a perfect blend of old and new, with each battle sequence bringing out the strategic side of the characters as they work around their changed abilities. The pacing is also well-balanced, keeping the story engaging without feeling rushed or dragging on.
Streaming
Anime Review: Tower of God
Rating: 8.5/10
Tower of God is a unique anime that dives deep into a mysterious world filled with peril, ambition, and complex character motivations. Based on the popular South Korean webtoon by SIU, the series combines fantasy, action, and psychological drama in a way that keeps viewers engaged with every episode.
The story follows Bam, a boy who’s spent his entire life in a dark cave until he meets Rachel, his only friend. When Rachel disappears to climb the mysterious Tower in search of something greater, Bam sets out to find her, stepping into a world full of strange creatures, powerful individuals, and unyielding rules. The Tower promises anything to those who reach the top, from wealth to power, and even the realization of one’s deepest desires. However, each level is a deadly challenge, and Bam soon discovers that the Tower’s residents—both friends and foes—have their own motives and secrets.
The art style is unique, slightly rough but incredibly fitting for the otherworldly setting of the Tower. While some of the animation might feel less polished compared to high-budget series, Tower of God’s style has an authentic, almost raw feel that captures the danger and mystery of each level. The color palette shifts from dark tones to striking colors, setting the mood for each scene and making the intense battles and emotional moments stand out.
One of the show’s biggest strengths is its cast. Bam, the protagonist, is intriguing as he starts naive and innocent but quickly grows more complex as he learns the reality of climbing the Tower. Khun, a strategic and cunning character, becomes a fan favorite due to his loyalty and calculated mindset. Then there’s Rak, a battle-hungry giant with a hilarious personality, bringing some much-needed humor. The character dynamics are strong, and each character’s backstory adds depth, making them feel real and memorable.
Tower of God explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. It also delves into how power and desire shape individuals and relationships. The Tower itself serves as a metaphor for the hurdles people face in pursuit of what they want most, and it challenges the characters’ morals and values along the way.
Soundtrack: The soundtrack, composed by Kevin Penkin, is exceptional and elevates the anime to another level. The music captures the mystery and tension of the Tower while bringing an almost haunting beauty to the series. Tracks like “Against the Sky” are intense and epic, fitting the show’s dramatic tone.
Tower of God is a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy and psychological thrillers. It combines a complex storyline with unpredictable twists, layered characters, and thought-provoking themes. However, it does leave some questions unanswered and ends on a cliffhanger, so it may feel incomplete without a continuation. Overall, Tower of God offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre and a deep, rewarding journey up the Tower for anyone willing to follow Bam’s quest.