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2 • April 26 - May 2, 2020 • Brainerd Dispatch By Kyla Brewer TV Media W hile millions of TV viewers may be obsessed with the lat- est news or big-cat royalty as of late, discerning audiences will soon have another darkly imagina- tive world into which they can es- cape. A tale of supernatural forces, murder, racism and political ten- sion is about to premiere on prime time. In 1938, the LAPD's first Mexican- American detective, Tiago Vega (Daniel Zovatto, "Here and Now"), and his partner, Lewis Michener (Na- than Lane, "The Birdcage," 1996), investigate a grisly murder in the de- but of "Penny Dreadful: City of An- gels," airing Sunday, April 26, on Showtime. What follows is an epic story that explores L.A.'s tradition of Mexican-American folklore, the es- pionage of the Third Reich and the rise of radio evangelism. While it may share a supernatural theme with its predecessor, "Penny Dreadful," this new series is not a continuation of that story. It is, in fact, a whole new saga in its own right. In a March article on Entertain- ment Weekly's website, Rory Kinnear, who portrayed Fran- kenstein's monster in the original series, explained how "City of Angels" is connected to the ac- claimed British-American horror dra- ma. "The continuity from the first iter- ation of 'Penny Dreadful' to this one is the supernatural element in which monsters are present, but the main monsters are within the characters," said Kinnear, who returns to the franchise as pediatrician Dr. Peter Craft, head of the Ger- man-American Bund in "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels." In the new series, the supernatural is embodied by two ghostly sisters. Natalie Dormer ("Game of Thrones") plays Magda, a danger- ous goddess who can take on the appearance of anyone she chooses. Lorenza Izzo ("Aftershock," 2012) has a recurring role as Magda's sis- ter, Santa Muerte, the Angel of Holy Death, who is cursed to collect the souls of the departed. In an interview with ew.com in December 2019, Dormer said her character would take on different personas to manipulate those around her and sow the seeds of chaos, and she promised that three of those disguises would be revealed to audiences throughout the season. Convinced that humani- ty is inherently evil, Magda is undoubtedly the agent of chaos in "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels." However, there's more to the hor- ror drama than jump scares and spooky char- acters. "Set in 1938, it's L.A. just before the Second World War, but it's really a commentary on the day," Dormer said in a behind-the- scenes sneak peek posted on ew.com in March. As the story unfolds, viewers are introduced to a rich cast of charac- ters connected to Magda, Vega, Mi- chener and Craft. When rising tensions in the city threaten her loved ones in the sea- son premiere, Vega's mother, Maria (Adriana Barraza, "Babel," 2006), asks Santa Muerte to protect her family. Mateo Vega (Johnathan Nieves, "Grey's Anatomy"), Tiago's younger brother, lacks purpose and, as a result, is easily influenced by those around him. In contrast, eldest son Raul Vega (Adam Rodriguez, "CSI: Miami") is a community advo- cate and union leader. The youngest Vega sibling is Josefina (Jessica Gar- za, "The Purge," 2018), the quiet and obedient younger sister. While Michener is determined to uncover the actions of the Third Reich in Los Angeles, LAPD Capt. Ned Van- derhoff (Brent Spiner, "Star Trek: The Next Generation") just wants clear sailing into his retirement. Religion also factors into the "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels" story. Radio evangelist Sister Molly (Kerry Bishé, "Halt and Catch Fire") has captivated many faithful follow- ers thanks to her skills as an orator and singer. As Molly grapples with the demands of her complicated life, her mother, Miss Adelaide Finnester (Amy Madigan, "Roe vs. Wade," 1989), manages the church's financ- es and keeps watch over their grow- ing religious empire. In the political arena, Councilman Charlton Townsend (Michael Gladis, "Mad Men") heads the city council's transportation committee, which has been busy building the city's first freeways. Unfortunately, such con- struction threatens to displace local Mexican-American communities, leading to increased social tension throughout the city. Mysterious Ger- man architect Richard Gross (Thom- as Kretschmann, "Dracula") has grand plans for the city and does his best to ally himself with the city's leaders. He also has ties to the Third Reich. He's shadowed by his body- guard, chauffeur and assassin, Kurt (Dominic Sherwood, "Shadowhunt- ers"). Something wicked Showtime presents the series premiere of 'Penny Dreadful: City of Angels' Cover Story this week Adam Rodriguez as seen in "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels" Conan Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg has been accused of plagiarizing Barack Obama in his campaign speeches. When asked about it, Buttigieg said, "I would never plagiarize a speech, and neither would my wife, Michelle." So that works. A Little Late With Lilly Singh Sexuality has more flavors than Baskin Robbins! Right now, not enough people care about climate change, and, honestly, if even Leonardo DiCaprio can't make us care, then we're doomed. I don't understand how anyone drinks and then doesn't want to dance. That's like if you took Viagra and decided to just watch Netflix without the "chill." The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Taco Bell announced that they are offering every American one free Doritos Loco Taco. Experts are calling it "not what we need during a national toilet paper shortage." The Wimbledon tennis tournament is the next big sporting event that will be canceled. Don't worry, if you still want to hear men and women grunting all day, just listen to the quarantined couple next door. A Dutch museum says that a Vincent Van Gogh painting was stolen. Apparently, the security guard tried stopping the thieves but couldn't get within six feet of them. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert It turns out Bolton was concerned that Trump did favors for autocratic leaders. Just concerned?! That's it?! That's like your doctor saying, "Alright, your blood pressure is normal. I am concerned about this arrow sticking out of your heart." Folks, I hope you're sitting down, because I have some terrible news: the news. Late Laughs Truth Lutheran Church 501 Kingwood Street, Brainerd, MN (Corner of 5th & Kingwood) truthlutheranchurch.com An LCMC Congregation …Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ SUNDAY WORSHIP • 9 AM Fellowship and Sunday school following worship Visit our website for information on when our Services will resume. 218-829-5278 321 South 7th Street Suite 105 • Brainerd, MN 56401 Sunday, June 28, 2020 10 am to 4 pm Located in Gregory Park Brainerd MN 56401 JOIN US! Come See Some Amazing Art Talents At Work! (Artists, Food Vendors, Family Activities, Guitarists & Singer/Song Writers) Downloadthe"VistBrainerd"App intheAppleorGooglePlayStores. Events,lodgingandthingstodo inthepalmofyourhand. VISITBRAINERD PlanningYour VisittoBrainerd JustGotEasier. TheOfficialDMOforBaxterandBrainerd,MN EntertainmentGuide_July_2x4.indd 1 6/26/2019 12:42:53PM

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