INSIDE THIS ISSUE Horoscopes....................................................... 2 Now Streaming................................................. 2 Puzzles............................................................. 4
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‘Mary Poppins Returns’ in Disney sequel on Freeform
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More than ‘Murders in the Building’: Leoni joins expanding mystery series
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Gaga dethrones Swift with most nominations for 2025 MTV Video Music Awards
TV Schedules..................................................... 5 Top 10.............................................................. 6 Home Video...................................................... 7 Comics..............................................................8
September 06 – September 12, 2025
Mother vs. ‘Girlfriend’: Frances thriller series adaption debuts on screen BY DANA SIMPSON We’ve all heard phrases such as “mother knows best” and “a mother is a son’s first true love,” but what happens when
manipulative social climber, or is Laura just paranoid? The truth
and art galleries also feature prominently in the trailer, leading
is a matter of perspective.”
to the assumption that class consciousness and financial status
these heartfelt and innocent sentiments are taken to the ex-
The series’ official trailer begins with a sexy interaction
treme? Worse yet, what if a mother spots her son in danger
between the young, budding couple before Daniel asks, “So
but is helpless to stop the inevitable from occurring?
what do we do?” In response, Cherry questions, “Do I have to
These questions are at the heart of the unsettling new Prime Video limited series “The Girlfriend,” which premieres Wednes-
will be among the show’s main themes.
meet the parents?” What follows is a gripping illustration of the suspense at the
day, Sept. 10, on the Amazon-owned streaming service.
heart of the series as Cherry tries to make a good impression
Based on Michelle Frances’ thrilling debut novel of the
on Daniel’s well-to-do family, all the while sparking increasing
same name from 2017, “The Girlfriend” follows Laura (Robin
amounts of ire and distrust from his mother. While it is com-
Wright, “House of Cards”), a woman who seemingly has it
pletely natural for a parent to question their child’s choice of
all — from her glittering career, to her loving husband Howard
partner to a certain degree, the trailer shows Daniel’s father,
(Waleed Zuaiter, “London Has Fallen,” 2016) and her pre-
Howard, caution Laura about how doggedly she has chosen to
cious son Daniel (Laurie Davidson, “Will”).
pursue her hunch that Cherry has ulterior motives.
Lending credence to this educated assumption is Frances’ source material, which operated upon the same central themes to create a climate rife with suspicion and trepidation. Described on Amazon.ca by one reader as “a chilling, intriguing, page-turner that at its core is a novel about family, manipulation, jealousy, deception and obsession,” Frances’ involvement in the adaptation as executive producer signals that the overall tone and message of the series will remain true to the novel. “The Girlfriend” also stars Francesca Corney (“Fistful of Vengeance,” 2022), Simon Meacock (“Outlander”), Anna Chancellor (“Jupiter Moon”), Shalom Brune-Franklin (“Dune:
However, Laura’s “perfect life begins to unravel when Daniel
Atmospherically, “The Girlfriend” cuts a crisp, cool and fair-
brings home Cherry [Olivia Cooke, “House of the Dragon”], a
ly cosmopolitan cloth. Featuring several hotels, villas, bars and
Prophecy”), Leo Suter (“Vikings: Valhalla”) and Ottawa’s own
girlfriend who changes everything,” reads the official descrip-
restaurants across Europe as well as streamlined and well-tai-
Tanya Moodie (“A Discovery of Witches”). The series also
tion from Amazon MGM Studios. “After a tense introduction,
lored outfits for its leading characters, the series is likely to ap-
features a musical score from highly esteemed British composer
Laura becomes convinced Cherry is hiding something. Is she a
peal to fans of the “Gossip Girl” or “Succession” aesthetic. Art
Ruth Barrett (“Victoria”).
End of
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