2014 is coming to an end, but don’t fret – The Indiependent writers are here to get you excited for what’s hitting your screens in 2015! In this massive two-part feature, we’ll be talking you through the TV shows and Films that have got us giddy for the new year – From huge blockbuster movies, to returning TV seasons that finally resolve some agonising cliff-hangers. In Part One, we start with the shows and films coming your way, from January to June… (Be warned, spoilers from previous TV seasons may feature)
TV: Broad City: Season 2
Comedy Central’s Broad City is a vibrant, unapologetic, and frankly wet-your-pants-funny comedy, which follows the crazy lives of best friends Abbi Abrams and Ilana Wexler in New York City. It had a tour-de-force of a first season last year, developed by writers Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, alongside executive producer Amy Poehler – who is pretty much always a sign of a good thing! Although the premise is nothing new, the show feels gritty and down-to-earth, and even in its most absurd moments, there’s something undeniably real about it, which could be connected to its roots as a low-budget web series. Abbi and Ilana as protagonists are refreshingly normal, amongst a myriad of female characters on TV who are constantly in perfect makeup and hardly ever discuss the day-to-day realities of being a woman. What’s more, unlike the comparable HBO drama Girls, Broad City has solid racial diversity – but in a way that feels realistic rather than a tick-box effort.
It’s one of those shows which – for me, at least – produces uncontrollable giggling rather than only the occasional snort, because it’s just that funny. Effortlessly mixing slapstick (Abbi attemptingparkour over a bike rack) with one-liners (“Pillows are nature’s packing peanuts!”), Jacobson and Glazercreated a comedy which still manage to give it’s characters emotional depth – I did shed a tear or two in the season finale! The second season, the trailer for which was released in November, looks set to be just as raucously funny as the first. Running gags remind us of previous episodes https://tbimauritius.com/services/lifestyle-services– Abbi is still rolling around on things – but there also seems to be plenty of new material, including a woman who looks as if she might be Ilana’s mum, Abbi finally getting her dream of instructing at the gym, and a Seth Rogencameo. In Ilana’s words – “oh my God, get ready bitch!”
Broad City: Season 2 will be broadcast on Comedy Central in January 2015 | Words by Priya Bryant
TV: Better Call Saul (Breaking Bad Spin-Off)
Very few shows can match the award-winning Breaking Bad. The acting was incredible, the plot lines were always triumphant, and the dark humour was downright twisted. ‘Will there ever be another show like Breaking Bad?’, I hear you ask. Well, if anyone can give it a try then Vince Gilligan’s the chap.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g1IGSM3Hgs
Better Call Saul is the spin-off of the dearly beloved Breaking Bad, and sees Bob Odenkirk reprise his role as Saul Goodman, the troubled criminal lawyer with a (very) questionable moral compass. Not much is known about the plot as of yet, but we know that the show will span the period leading up to his collaboration with the now infamous Walter White et al. There are vicious rumours and high hopes that the flexible timeline of the show will allow for some cameos from Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul retrospectively, but for now it appears that Gilligan and his team are keeping their cards close to their chest. With a couple of months to go until its release date, now is a better time than any to hit play on your Netflix account and get those science juices flowing. It’s what Walt would’ve wanted.
Better Call Saul will be broadcast in February 2015 | Words by Sophie Mace
TV: House of Cards: Season 3
When House of Cards first premiered in February 2013 it was an immediate hit, garnering multiple awards as well as proving Netflix to be a viable distributor of original TV shows. A complex political drama based on the BBC show of the same name, the series follows ruthless congressman Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) who, feeling betrayed after not appointed as the Secretary of State, joins forces with his equally conniving wife (Robin Wright) to carry out a vengeful plan that will get him into a position of great power. There’s countless things to enjoy about House of Cards – the acting is stellar, the plot gripping and engaging, and a strong game of political chess is always fun to watch. What really knocks the show out of the park is Kevin Spacey as Underwood, as he is right now one of the most prominent anti-heroes on television: immoral, power-hungry and manipulative, Underwood is a commanding presence that is willing to do whatever it takes in order to get what he wants. He addresses the audience directly several times, often letting us in on the joke and even talking to us as if we’re on his side, which begs the very question – are we? Last season’s finale saw Underwood’s plan finally fall into place as he was appointed as President of the United States. With the third season to be released in February, it’s anyone’s guess what new corruption and deceit will line the new episodes. Will Underwood be able to hold his power, or will his ambition ultimately become his downfall?
House of Cards: Season 3 will be available on Netflix from 27th February 2015 | Words by Samantha King
TV: Brooklyn Nine Nine: Season 2
When you hear about a TV cop show with Saturday Night Live’s Andy Samberg in it, you know it can go either way. Luckily, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is refreshing and hilarious. It is a self-parody of 70s police shows with a hint of The Office to it. It uses loose camerawork to really make the whole programme seem like some sort of mockumentary. The comedy series focuses on main character, Detective Jake Peralta (Samberg) who is a bit of a maverick in the Brooklyn 99 Precinct. Despite his great detective skills, he’s a class clown. He is constantly kept in check by his boss, Captain Ray Holt. Captain Holt is a robotic and emotionless boss, but provides many laughs. Peralta’s best friend in the force is Detective Charles Boyle, who’s a clumsy and kind-hearted cop. He’s often the butt of jokes. Elsewhere is tough cop Rosa Diaz who terrifies her co-workers; Amy Santiago who plays by the book and tries to impress the Captain with disastrous circumstances; Sergeant Terry Jeffords is panic-prone officer despite his strong physique; and Gina the sarcastic administrator who is narcissistic and the most underrated character of the series. Season 1 has already shown Detective Boyle get over his crush on Detective Diaz, nearly marrying his new partner, Vivian. Terry has went back to the streets after a long stay in the office for months and Jake and Amy seem to have glimpses of romance throughout the series.The show won two Golden Globes in its first year and has been critically acclaimed by reviewers. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is currently in its second season in the US, but in the UK it is likely to start its second season in February.
Brooklyn Nine Nine: Season 2 will be broadcast on E4 in early 2015 | Words by Michael Houston
TV: Aquarius
David Duchovny has given life to two of television’s most well-known characters, both occurring within the past two decades. It’s all thanks to him that we have brooding alien-hunting FBI Agent Fox Mulder, and the oh so rock ‘n’ roll, poor man’s Bukowski Hank Moody. Both characters have landed Duchovny Golden Globes for best Actor, and have forever encapsulated him as one of television’s greats. And as if by magic, a miracle has occurred. Though my denial over the end of Californication has lasted for close to seven months , Duchovny is thankfully set to star in yet another television show – Aquarius. This time, he plays Los Angeles Police Sergeant Sam Hodiak, investigating the disappearance of a respected lawyer’s teenage daughter – All set within one of my favourite eras, the late 1960s. 1967 to be exact, just as small-time cult leader Charles Manson was silently creating the Manson Family out in the Californian Desert. Hodiak and his partner Brian Shafestumble into Manson’s world as their investigations lead them to a man who, (unbeknownst to them) became one of the most infamous murderers and cult leaders in American history.
Aquarius will be broadcast on ITV in early 2015 | Words by Sophie McEvoy
Film: Chappie
When I think about films being released in the new year, I think of quite a few big releases coming up and it’s safe to say that 2015 is going to be a massive year for films. However there’s one that stands out for me from the clutter of superhero and action flicks, and that comes in the form of a robot called ‘Chappie’. Yes, South African based screenplay writer and director Neill Blomkamp, the genius behind films such as Elysium and the massively successful box office hit District 9, will return to our movie screens next year with a new sci-fi robot focused film titled CHAPPiE. The film focuses on a robot called Chappie, (voiced by Sharlto Copley – who starred as the lead in District 9) who is created by inventor Deon, (Dev Patel – Skins, Slumdog Millionaire). CHAPPiE is programmed with artificial intelligence so he will grow to learn and think for himself, as a child would do. The film also stars Hugh Jackman and Die Antwoord’s very own Yolandi and Ninja who will be starring as themselves in this feature film. Being a massive fan of District 9, I was overjoyed when I came across the news about this film and was in a massive hurry to find a trailer. Upon watching the trailer, I became obsessed with everything about it; it looks visually incredible, the acting is on point and even DieAntwoord themselves come across as key characters, especially the scene with Yolani and CHAPPiE in bed talking about the term ‘Black Sheep’. The film is released in March and I can’t stress enough my wish for all of you to go and see it straight away.
Chappie will be released on 6th March 2015 | Words by Connor Brown
Film: Child 44
Child 44 is a thriller, set to hit the big screen in April 2015. It is set in Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Union and is based on the acclaimed novel of the same name from writer Tom Rob Smith. It is contingent on the real life child murders carried out by Andrei Chikatilo; the Rostov Ripper. Tom Hardy stars as disgraced MGB (Ministry of State Security) agent, Leo Demidov, who is investigating the aforementioned murders and begins to find that the case goes far beyond a simple murder mystery. The plot explores the themes of the times such as paranoia and the mysterious education system of the age, as well as homosexuality in the USSR. I first found out about this film via my meticulous online searches for new Tom Hardy projects. I’ve been a fan of his ever since I saw his portrayal of prisoner Charles Bronson (real name Michael Peterson) back in 2008, which is still in my top three favourite films to date. Watching other movies in his filmography like Warrior, Inception, The Dark Knight Risesand Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy only further increased my admiration for the actor. This is what piqued my interest in Child 44. Upon learning more about the project over time I became more intrigued and regularly checked for news of the expanding cast. I found that Tom Hardy is going to be joined by a brilliant cast including his boyhood idol Gary Oldman, Charles Dance (who needs no introduction) and Noomi Rapace – whose blossoming career makes for a feature boasting a plethora of star power. It is undoubtedly a talented cast with a deep, dark world to explore over the course of the runtime that I’m looking forward to sinking my teeth into. I for one, cannot wait for April 17th to roll around.
Child 44 will be released on 17th April 2015 | Words by Luke Nodder
TV: Game of Thrones: Season 5
Game of Thrones fans are expecting a lot to come with the release of Season Five in April 2015. Its arrival will bring a waterfall of tears, pain, heartache and deceit. Oh boy we just can’t wait! GoT is based around the best selling series ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ by George R.R. Martin. It was first released in 2011 and enthralled the minds of thousands with the political chaos and plot twists that give the mythicaldrama its cutting edge. So much so that after Season Four, HBO confirmed plans for the show to continue for another two seasons and its certain these won’t be the last either; With the release of the final books of the series still to come. Seasons’ 1-4 explain the battle of nine houses fighting to claim the iron throne after the king has died, each being as deceitful, sneaky and vengeful as theother with House Lannister fighting as fierce as lions to keep their position on top at King’sLanding. The war still wages in season five and with its release comes the answers to the many questions that Season Four dumped – like a pile of old bones – into our minds. Can Tyrion escape the consequences of killing his father? Has Bran found what he is looking for? How will Daenerys fare with her dragons in chains? And what will happen to Sansa now that it’s clear she’s playing the game too? People have attempted to answer these questions and many others but now the truth is coming. Still, there is only one question that really matters and that is; who will win the iron throne? It’s certain that Season Five will have the same superb acting, mesmerising mise-en-scene and skilfully written dialogue that we saw in Season Four. And with more grizzly deaths and plot twists, it’s bound to be a killer.
Game of Thrones: Season 5 will be broadcast on Sky Atlantic in April 2015 | Words by Alice Moulding
Film: Avengers: Age of Ultron
After the events of Iron Man 3 and The Winter Soldier, Tony Stark has decided to boot up and old defense program created by his father and Hank Pym. However after the program (Ultron) starts to think for it’s self and decides that humans themselves are the cause of earth’s problems, things go very, very wrong. Only to be made worse by Ultron’s recruitment of The Maximoff Twins, Quicksilver and Scarlett Witch, played by the talented Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass, Nowhere Boy) and the stunning Elizabeth Olsen (Godzilla). Not to mention the impending threat of Baron Von Strucker who now wields Loki’s Staff which contains one of the infinity stones. If the more serious and darker tone isn’t enough for you to turn into a giant green rage monster, then the addition of Paul Bettany as The Vision and Andy Serkis as Klaw plus the ramifications that this film sets up Captain America 3: Civil War, where the heroes of the Marvel Universe bash heads due to contrasting ideals.‘Then how are you holding it in? Huge baga’ weed?’.
‘This is the end, the end of the path I started us on.’ No Tony, this is the middle. We’re 10 films in to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and this years Guardians of The Galaxy and Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier, were the best Marvel Studios films to date. After Age of Ultron we will have 10 more films to go. This is a huge checkpoint for Marvel Studios, and in the comics The Avengers fail against their arch foe Ultron. Cracks are beginning to show in The Avengers line up, but can they band together for the greater good? or will the world be cast into darkness like it was in the comic book series? We will all be there with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for one of, if not the most anticipated movies since The Avengers.
Avengers: Age of Ultron will be released on 24th April 2015 | Words by Eddie Michael
Film: Jurassic World
It’s been 14 years since we last encountered the awe-inspiring/visitor-munching, dinosaurs of John Hammond’s illustrious ‘Jurassic Park‘. However, given that Jurassic Park 3 was an arguably rubbish finale to end Steven Spielberg’s otherwise epic franchise, I – like a T-Rex who has only been given a measly goat to eat for an evening – have been hungry for more. And thanks to director Colin Trevorrow, my hunger seems set to be quelled as in June 2015, audiences are welcomed into Jurassic World. Set on Site B (Isla Nublar), the Masrani Global Corporation have taken over from inGen and created a spectacular theme park, wherein visitors can interact with the dinosaurs. However, visitor numbers are plunging and in one of the dumbest moves an executive can take, they decide to start mixing dinosaur DNA to create new, dangerous hybrids, set to excite (and probably eat) the spectators. Unlike the previous three films, the main hero is not Sam Neill or Jeff Goldblum, but instead is played byGuardians of the Galaxy star, Chris Pratt. Also starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, New Girl‘s Jake Johnson and Iron Man 3′s Ty Sympkins, Jurassic World looks set to be one of the most exciting films of the year. And if you don’t believe me, just check out the trailer; With a jawdroppingSeaworld-ish dino-display and what certainly looks like a badass Velociraptor/T-Rex hybrid – this thrilling adventure is sure to get a few people jumping (either from excitement or fear) in their seats.
Jurassic World will be released on 12th June 2015 | Words by Annie Honeyball
Other TV Shows and Films released between January and June, 2015:
How To Get Away With Murder: Season 1 (January, Universal) – The much talked about first series of the thrilling murder mystery show, starring Viola Davis, continues for UK audiences in the new year.
Inside No. 9: Series 2 (Early 2015, BBC Two) – League of Gentlemen and Psychoville stars, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton return with six new tales in their dark comedy anthology series.
Hannibal: Season 3 (Mid-2015, Sky Living) – After the devastating Season 2 finale, Fannibals are eager to find out what’s next for Will Graham and the FBI team – who has survived the Doctor’s murderous rampage? And more importantly, will Hannibal ever be caught?
Cinderella (27th March) – Kenneth Branagh’s live-action remake of the classic fairytale looks set to enchant audiences in March – Starring Lily James, Game of Thrones‘ Richard Madden, Helena Bonham-Carter and Cate Blanchett. Frozen fans can also rejoice, as the animation short ‘Frozen Fever‘, featuring all your favourite Arendelle residents, is set to be shown in cinemas before the film.
Pitch Perfect 2 (15th May) – The Barden Bellas are back ‘Pitches’! Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson return in this ‘aca-awesome’ sequel to the 2012 musical comedy.
Minions (26th June) – Loud, cute and yellow, the Minions from Despicable Me are getting their own movie, exploring their origins, from beginning to Gru. Featuring the voice talents of Sandra Bullock, Michael Keaton and Mad Men star, Jon Hamm.