#TheRoundUp By Enzer - No. 67

 HOT ON TV 

You guessed it! 

What’s HOT ON TV this American Fall is the new and captivating series, Ratched (USA).

Yes, it’s a Netflix original.

Yes, it was developed by Ryan Murphy.

And yes...the drama, isn’t as wretched as it sounds, lol. 

I was blown away by every single aspect of this show. It's based on a book (well the lead character is), which I am not going to bother reading anymore (just like how I didn’t bother reading the Harry Potter ones as well, *hides*) because, again, I was blown away by this adaptation. 

The lead character, Nurse Mildred Ratchet played by Sarah Paulson, does not come anywhere close to anything imaginable. 

She isn’t a good person per se, but I can guarantee you that you’ll fall in love with the on-screen persona before the pilot’s credits start rolling. 

And whoever did that opening sequence created a masterpiece. 

Well, the whole first season is a masterpiece in my eyes and a great start to a memorable fall TV season - don’t you think?

Here’s to great first impressions! #RavingAllDay

Netflix is killing it with those opening sequences, by the way.

Speaking of great first impressions and the unimaginable, another amazing series on the fall lineup that I am also #totally in love with, is Raised by Wolves (USA). This new series takes viewers to a time when the planet earth is no longer habitable for humans, whilst playing with the idea that androids could do more harm than good (to humans), in more ways than one would think of. 

What stands out the most is the unpredictable story-line and the outstanding child actors. 

One TV critic said that the series could put HBO Max (the original streaming service) on the map - I couldn't agree more.  

It truly is a never-seen-before production of its genre or kind, I swear. 

The All-Stars edition of Big Brother (USA) is one of the few seasons of the show’s franchise that I’ve honestly been able to religiously watch. Though at times the house guests may become overly sensitive, emotional, dramatic (maybe even childish or bratty), the lighthearted curve-balls or challenges thrown at them keep the show’s fire burning, making it more of a challenge competition, and less of a celebrity trash show. #NahMean. 

 

 

HOTTER:

The second season of Love Island (USA) premiered about a month ago with a group of Kens and Barbies, all expecting to find love and win thousands, in exchange for guesting on a rooftop in Vegas (baby!). 

This season is my favorite season (across the board) because of how entertaining the cast is. You know, unlike other reality stars, these people are not zombie-sh on-screen. They #totally deserve that primetime spot, #LOL.

Love Island is the 8th Enzer’s World (E.W.) Recognitions’ Outstanding Reality Series (Dating).

 

The 2020 ACM Awards (USA) unlike the 2020 MTV VMAs (USA, MTV) were a bit dull and disappointing. The ads for the ACM Awards made it look like the show was going to be...spectacular, but...no. Keith Urban made the whole situation uncomfortable with his dry jokes, as host. 

I'm sorry, but the show needs a live audience to work. 

The 2020 MTV VMAs where somewhat lit for an event broadcast from multiple locations, featuring pre-recorded performances and celebrities observing social distancing guidelines on-screen. Yes, it was that evident, lol. The show was hosted by Keke Palmer who pretty much looked like a first-timer as well. #Awkward-ish

Dear White People (USA, Netflix) is ending with its fourth season; and Katy Keene (USA) didn’t get a second season renewal. 

I was saddened by Dear White People’s cancelation because I believe it is a unique and groundbreaking offering of our time. However, I gotta admit, the show was beginning to border on tastelessness. 

Katy Keene was a great TV pastime which I wish could have gotten a better ending. #Deservedly

Moving on, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the series finale of the hit comedy, Modern Family (USA). Though the show was becoming stale and even though that can’t be the only reason its ratings were falling, the finale was a perfect tribute to this long-running series. 

The 2020 Primetime Emmys (USA) hosted by funnyman Jimmy Kimmel were (actually) a great television presentation. I didn’t feel like I was watching a semi-virtual telecast at most times, and even though the red carpet show was canceled this year, most stars surprisingly made an effort with their outfits and remote settings. A surprise win by Zendaya and Canadian Series, Schitt's Creek’s sweep, will be one of the moments to remember for years to come. 

The E! Network has once again canceled fan favorites with the recent news of the axing of E! News (USA) and Keeping Up with the Kardashians (USA) making headlines and causing a little bit of controversy; well mainly because of the Kardashian clan. 

I am sad to see E! News go. It was truly a distinct series. #NoDoubt

As for Keeping Up with the Kardashians, well, it was fun while it lasted. #SorryNotSorry #Probably

E! News is the 8th E.W. Recognitions’ Outstanding Reality Series (Magazine).

Other series to catch: 

The 100 (USA), 

The Haves and the Have Nots (USA, OWN), 

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue (USA, VH1), 

Ghosted: Love Gone Missing (USA, MTV),

Catfish: The TV Show (USA, MTV),

Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (USA, BET),

America’s Got Talent (USA),

Tyler Perry's Bruh (USA, BET+)

 

WEB TV: 

The S-Class World Premiere (Germany) event hosted by Mercedes Benz was a 100% virtual show that featured the new offering and advancements from the developers at Merc. in Germany, as well as insightful reviews from a few prominent people; including Alicia Keys. 

The luxurious automobile is one to take note of and the event itself showcased the upscale brand effectively. 

Don’t miss out on E.W.’s T.V. Moments on Twitter and Facebook! Use the hashtag #EWTVMoments to view all of the selected videos. 

 

A.I. UPDATE:

Auditions for the new season of American Idol (USA) are ongoing. Hopefully, they’ll be able to produce a show which is not entirely virtual, and of course, unearth the next great talent. 

 

E.W. GLOBAL:

Lasizwe: Fake It Till You Make It (South Africa, MTV Africa) is a reality series that follows the somewhat glamorous, and at times inspiring life of YouTuber, Lasizwe. The show, which is in its third season, couldn’t have been done any other way and is something to highlight on your schedule. 

Lasizwe: Fake It Till You Make It is E.W. Global’s Outstanding Reality Series (Lifestyle) for the 8th E.W. Year, 2020. 

The star of the show, Lasizwe is E.W. Queer’s Outstanding Reality Star and E.W. Queer’s Top Celeb on TV, for the 8th E.W. Year, 2020. 

Other series to catch: 

Canada’s Drag Race (Canada, Crave)

Drag Race Holland (Netherlands)

Big Brother Naija (Nigeria, DSTV)

The Bachelor (Australia, Network Ten)

 

THROWBACK:

2 Broke Girls (USA) was one of my favorite sitcoms when it was on the air between 2011 and 2017.

The idea of placing opposites in the same financial predicament, all in the name of humor made me a fan. 

Wait, I still am! 

Though the comedy is on point, the show is still one of those I watch when nothing else is on. A few episodes are outstanding and the finale, the series finale is something to look forward to. #NotSoBingeWorthy

 

SPEAK OUT

#Celebs:

Dinah Jane is the 8th E.W. Recognitions’ Top Female Celeb!

She is undoubtedly a beautiful girl whose singing career is quite noteworthy. I am impressed by her artistry as a solo act and how she has shed off that girl group member tag so effectively. As a member of Fifth Harmony, Dinah Jane was overshadowed and constrained, but as a solo artist, she seems to be one act to keep up with within the RnB-Pop sphere, mainly because of how she is packaged – as authentic as they can package her. 

I mean, what's not to love about her?

*E.W.’s Top Male Celeb for the 8th E.W. Year is the rapper, Nasty C. 

*Find out who the other 8th E.W. Recognitions Winners are at: https://enzerworld.blogspot.com/p/8th-annual-ew-independent-online_10.html

 

#Quotes:

''Character is a by-product in the great manufacture of daily duty''- WOODROW WILSON 

''A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring sharing person inside.'' - UNKNOWN

''If there are dreams of a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.'' - NELSON MANDELA

''The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.'' - UNKNOWN

''It is possible to store the mind with a million facts and still be entirely uneducated.'' - ALEC BOURNE

''Teenagers are people who express a burning desire to be different by dressing exactly alike.'' - ANONYMOUS

''The world of achievement has always belonged to the optimist.'' - J. HAROLD WILKINS

''Even the rich are hungry for love, for being cared for, for being wanted, for having someone to call their own.'' - MOTHER TERESA

''There can be no real individual freedom in the presence of economic insecurity.'' - CHESTER BROWN

''Never underestimate the feelings from the heart.'' - RENEE SCALFANI

 
MUSIC SPOT

The evolution of Chris Brown from this new RnB act to a versatile mainstream performer with hits playing everywhere is a journey that continuously wows me.

His music is relatable to all demographics and has us wondering what the never-ending tales about love are inspired by. 

Who knows? Maybe it’s just his/their incredible songwriting skills. 

Songs we like by Chris Brown as Lead Artist:

- Run It (ft. Juelz Santana)

- Yo (Excuse Me Miss)

- Gimme That ‘’Remix’’ (ft. Lil Wayne)

- Say Goodbye

- Wall to Wall

- Kiss Kiss (ft. T-Pain)

- With You

- No Air (with Jordin Sparks)

- Take You Down

- Forever

- Superhuman (ft. Keri Hilson)

- I Can Transform Ya (ft. Lil Wayne, Swizz Beatz)

- Crawl

- Deuces (ft. Tyga, Kevin McCall)

- Yeah 3x

- Look at Me Now (ft. Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes)

- Beautiful People (ft. Benny Benassi)

- Next to You (ft. Justin Bieber)

- Turn Up the Music

- Don’t Wake Me Up

- Don’t Judge Me

- Fine China

- Loyal (ft. Lil Wayne, Tyga)

- New Flame (ft. Usher, Rick Ross)

- Ayo (with Tyga)

- Five More Hours (with Deorro)

- Grass Aint Greener

- Party (ft. Usher, Gucci Mane)

- Pills & Automobiles (ft. Yo Gotti, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Kodak Black)

- Questions

- Tempo

- Undecided

- Back to Love

- Wobble Up (ft. Nicki Minaj, G-Eazy)

- No Guidance (ft. Drake)

- Heat (ft. Gunna)

- This Christmas

 

Another favorite artist of mine, who I believe is a underrated performer, is none other than, Alex Newell. His vocal abilities are the drawing card. Add on his queerness - you get a treasure. 

Alex Newell won three 8th E.W. Recognitions, all in Music: Best Dance Act; Best Dance Song (Mama Told Me); E.W. Queer’s Best Act. 

Songs we like by Alex Newell as Lead Artist:

- Basically Over You (B.O.Y.)

- Boy, You Can Keep It

- Mama Told Me

 

 

THESE ALBUMS ROCK!:

Fine Line (Harry Styles)

SONGS WE LIKE: Watermelon Sugar; Adore You; Lights Up; Falling. 

ALBUM NAME: Sorta makes sense.

ALBUM COVER ART: 2/5.

 

Smile (Katy Perry)

SONGS WE LIKE: Never Really Over; Cry About It Later; Daisies; Smile; Champagne Problems; Harleys in Hawaii; Small Talk.

ALBUM NAME: Kinda does make me wanna smile.

ALBUM COVER ART: 3/5.

 

Translation (Black Eyed Peas)

SONGS WE LIKE: Ritmo (with J Balvin); Vida Loca (with Nicky Jam, Tyga). 

ALBUM NAME: Lol. Wack.

ALBUM COVER ART: 2/5.

 

Heaven & Hell (Ava Max)

SONGS WE LIKE: Kings & Queens; Naked; Who’s Laughing Now; So Am I; Sweet but Psycho. 

ALBUM NAME: Eeh.

ALBUM COVER ART: 1/5.

 

B7 (Brandy)

SONGS WE LIKE: Borderline; Baby Mama (ft. Chance The Rapper). 

ALBUM NAME: Pass. Thumbs-down.

ALBUM COVER ART: 4/5.

 

Alicia (Alicia Keys)

SONGS WE LIKE: Time Machine; Wasted Energy (ft. Diamond Platnumz); Underdog; So Done (ft. Khalid); Love Looks Better. 

ALBUM NAME: Perfect, actually.

ALBUM COVER ART: 3/5.

 

 

BUZZING MUSIC VIDEOS OF NOW:

- Over Now (Calvin Harris, The Weeknd)

- Dzave Ndangariro (Sanii Makhalima)

- Love Looks Better (Alicia Keys)

- Pa Ti (Jennifer Lopez, Maluma)

- Wanna be (Evie)

- Moet Chandon (Wara ft. Lion Sel)

- POPSTAR (DJ Khalid ft. Drake)

- Me Gusta (Anitta ft. Cardi B, Myke Towers)

 

  

View all of E.W.’s top music videos right now by simply typing in: 

‘MUSIC SPOT #SongOfTheDay’

…into your Twitter and/or Facebook Search Bar(s) (and then click ‘Search’) and all of the tweets will appear on your screen.

For new music videos, cover versions, classics, lyric videos, acoustic versions or live performances type in:

‘MUSIC SPOT #FreshVideo’

Or

‘MUSIC SPOT #CoverSongOfTheDay’ 

Or

‘MUSIC SPOT #Classic’

Or

‘MUSIC SPOT #LyricVideo’ 

Or

‘MUSIC SPOT #Live’

 

IN THE NEWS

The Black Lives Matter Movement has gained unprecedented traction worldwide after the murder of George Floyd, an African-American, under police custody in the U.S. 

The footage that was released showing the inhumane acts of the police officers involved, is a real cause for concern. This incident (amongst others) derails efforts for world peace, racial harmony and tolerance, inclusivity, and many other efforts tied to equality. 

However, I am glad that several major or influential organizations and people have taken it upon themselves to speak out against such vices. 

Because it is never too late to try and change the world. 

FLICK PICK

The sequel to the Baby Sitter (USA, Netflix) movie, The Baby Sitter: Killer Queen (USA, Netflix) is a killer!!!

I wasn’t sure a sequel would work. 

Good news: it did! 

The movie takes a step in the direction towards the occult by reviving the original characters accompanied by a few new ones in a plot that will leave you wanting a third release. #FingersCrossed

 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Who’s Following E.W. on Twitter?: 

- Homeless America (Non-profit)

 

Who’s Tagging E.W. on Twitter?: 

 

 

NEW ON E.W.

Carrensdale Chapter 2 was released a few weeks ago on this site. The story continues with Part 1 and 2 of the Chapter, that I encourage you to read. 

Click the link  to read Chapter 2: https://enzerworld.blogspot.com/p/carrensdale-chapter-2-part-2.html

Click the link below to catch-up with the story (Chapter 1): https://enzerworld.blogspot.com/p/carrensdale.html

 

 

 

 

‘til Next Time

>>> Totally Unbiased <<<