Today's Entertainment

2 • February 10 - 16, 2019 • Brainerd Dispatch By Francis Babin TV Media L ast month marked an important milestone in the history of en- tertainment. Twenty years ago, "The Sopranos" debuted on HBO to high praise and instantaneously changed the television landscape forever. In the years since its much- talked-about finale, the Jersey- based mob drama has only be- come more important. The track- suit-wearing wiseguys ushered in a new golden age of television, with seemingly every network, in- cluding AMC, trying their hand at character-driven dramas regard- less of their overarching program- ming focus. After the award-winning one- two punch of "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad," AMC — former- ly a movies-only channel — struck gold once again with "The Walking Dead." For nearly a decade, the post- apocalyptic comic book adaptation has dominated pop culture with its addictive story arcs, over- the-top villains and many memora- ble moments. On Sunday, Feb. 10, "The Walking Dead" returns for the second half of its thrilling ninth season. In the wake of Negan's (Jeffrey Dean Morgan, "Watchmen," 2009) defeat, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lin- coln, "Teachers") became the lead- er of all of the surrounding commu- nities. He worked tirelessly to as- sure the co-operation between Maggie's (Lauren Cohan, "The Vampire Diaries") Hilltop group, Daryl's (Norman Reedus, "Ride with Norman Reedus") Saviors and Ezekiel's (Khary Payton, "General Hospital") Kingdom in order to build a sustainable future for every- one. Eventually, his vision and lead- ership were questioned, and amid the rising tensions and infight- ing within and between the communities, an in- surrection took place. Unfortunately for Rick, he was not be able to see the com- munities overcome their differences and live harmoniously with one an- other. The last time we saw him, he was being whisked away via helicopter piloted by Jadis (Pollyan- na McIntosh, "Hap and Leonard") and her friends after being severely wounded during a bloody fight with a horde of walkers. In the six years since Rick's dis- appearance, much has changed. Yes, there are still walkers aplenty and danger still looms at every turn, but new groups of survivors and new relationships are thriving. What hasn't changed is the post- apocalyptic series' penchant for ending seasons (or half-seasons in this case) with a bang. The second half of the season picks up immediately after last fall's cliffhanger that saw Jesus (Tom Payne, "Luck") struck down at the hands of a new, more dangerous kind of walker while the surround- ed Michonne (Danai Gurira, "Black Panther," 2018), Aaron (Ross Mar- quand, "Avengers: Infinity War," 2018), Yumiko (Eleanor Matsuura, "Wonder Woman," 2017) and Daryl discovered the shocking truth re- garding these grotesque monsters. It was revealed in the last mo- ments of the half-season finale that the walkers that killed Jesus are not evolved zombies like many had spec- ulated, but in fact humans wearing walker skins in order to blend in and easily stalk their victims. Not a lot is known about these mysterious Whis- perers, their motivations or desires, but we will soon find out more. In an interview with Insider, showrunner Angela Kang ("Terriers") discussed how these faux-walkers, led by Alpha (Samantha Morton, "Harlots") and her second-in-command, Beta (Ryan Hurst, "Bates Motel"), are unlike anything that our survivors have en- countered before. In time, the series will explore their origins, philosophy, way of life and what makes them so different (besides the living-dead mask) from the others. With the emergence of a new, deadly group, things can't get worse for our survivors, right? Wrong. To worsen matters, Negan has managed to escape confine- ment. After more than half a de- cade locked up, the bat-wielding former tyrannical dictator is now once again on the loose. What kind of sinister plans does he have up his leather jacket sleeves? Further- more, was his escape a simple mis- take of not locking his cell proper- ly, or an inside job that's part of a more elaborate plan? Nobody knows, just like nobody knows how long his cell door had been unlocked. Did the maniacal baddie unknowingly turn himself into a long-term prisoner by never check- ing the lock? These questions will hopefully be resolved in due time, but what is certain is things are not going to get better anytime soon. While it might seem like Holly- wood's love affair with zombies is a recent phenomenon, this is not the case at all. Ever since the public first laid their eyes on the zombies fea- tured in George A. Romero's film debut "Night of the Living Dead" (1968), they've been infatuated with brain-eating ghouls, and film and television execs have given the people what they want. Since its premiere all the way back in 2010, "The Walking Dead" has continu- ously differentiated itself from its predecessors by focusing on its characters and their relationships, and exploring questions of power and morals in a post-apocalyptic wasteland rather than gore. Over the course of the series, our survivors have faced many obsta- cles and have always come out on top, but have they finally met their match? On Sunday, Feb. 10, tune in to find out what transpired in the past six years and see who lives and who dies when "The Walking Dead" returns for the second half of its ninth season on AMC. 'The Walking Dead' returns with new foes Cover Story this week Danai Gurira as seen in "The Walking Dead" The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon TSA agents aren't getting paid, and one of them said that morale is approaching "rock bottom." You can tell TSA agents are depressed, 'cause when they see mouthwash in your carry-on, they drink it. The Late Late Show With James Corden A woman in China was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare condition that caused her to lose the ability to hear men's voices. Doctors offered to treat the woman, and she was like, "Nope, I'm good." Jimmy Kimmel Live Karen Pence has taken a part-time job at as an art teacher at a school that bans gay and lesbian teachers and students. For real. The school is called "Immanuel Christian School." The school agreement explicitly states it will refuse admission to students who participate in or condone what they call "homosexual behavior." It's like a Slytherin-only Hogwarts. Late Night With Seth Meyers According to new research, 60 percent of Americans say they plan to get in shape in 2019. And according to newer research, it's now just 10 percent. According to reports, Nike's new self-lacing basketball sneaker will only be released in men's sizes. Said women, "That's fine, we know how to tie our shoes." Late Laughs 501 W Washington St., Brainerd, MN 218-828-1823 • heartlandtireservice.com Must present coupon to get this price. Applies to most vehicles. No other discounts apply. See associate for details. Exp. 3-14-19. HEARTLAND TIRE Must present coupon to get this price. Applies to most vehicles. No other discounts apply. See associate for details. Exp. 3-14-19. HEARTLAND TIRE Savings excludes tires & batteries. Must present coupon to get this price. Applies to most vehicles. No other discounts apply. See associate for details. Exp. 3-14-19. HEARTLAND TIRE Let us take the hassle out of getting your car serviced. 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