Sex, lies and paternity tests in ‘Rhythm City’
IT’S that time of the year when the TV content is saturated with all things Christmas-related. There are countless Santa Claus movies and heartwarming stories of hope intertwined with magic.
On that note, The Librarians for its third season.
The narrative is enveloped in magic, adventure and comedy: perfect escapism for the whole family.
The Librarians is one of those successful filmto-TV series adaptations.
The transition was made easier by having Noah Wyle reprise his role as Flynn Carsen. The sweetener – as far as casting coups go – was landing Rebecca Romijin as Eve Baird, the new Guardian.
Aside from bringing her sassiness to the table, she is fearless and the voice of reason among the other Librarians.
The distinct personalities and subsequent clashes between them on their missions definitely adds vibrancy to the storytelling.
Jacob Stone (Christian Kane) is an aloof genius. He doesn’t shy away from danger and can be a regular Indiana Jones at times. Cassandra Cillian (Lindy Booth) is in her element with mathematical challenges. She can decipher those numerical anomalies. It also explains her default zen-like setting.
Then there is the mischievous Ezekiel Jones (John Kim), a masterful thief whose skill set often comes in handy on mystical cases.
Lastly, there is Jenkins (aka Galeas/Galahad), played by John Larroquette, who is the group’s caretaker.
Every season, the gang confront a new nemesis as they try to ensure magic doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. This time around, they are trying to contain the mayhem unleashed by Apep, the Egyptian God of Chaos. He is mysteriously resurrected and keeps possessing different people.
While trying to do their job, the Librarians are impeded in their missions by a very gungho new secret government agency called DOSA (Department of Statistical Anomalies).
Kim, an Australian actor of Korean descent, is most chuffed to have landed his role in this franchise. His Loki-ish character is most endearing.
In an interview with Hidden Remote, he raved about the new season.
He said: “The bad guy that we have the pleasure of going up against goes by the name of Apep and essentially he is the ancient Egyptian God of Chaos. He represents and embodies chaos within himself so he’s the baddest dude that you could possibly imagine and essentially our heroes will go up against their greatest challenge.”
“It’s going to be interesting to see how they deal with all these new artefacts in the world and all these issues that come with being third-year Librarians. We get to see the Librarians in a similar political way to the left and right wing.”
The Librarians also find themselves in a few moral quagmires on how to deal with the different threats they face.
Similar to Once Upon a Time, fairytale stories often dovetail with the unfolding real-life scenarios.
The Librarians is a fun fantasy romp, more so with Wyle getting more screen time this season. And who doesn’t love the whole jump through time á la The Legends of Tomorrow.
The Librarians
3 airs on Universal Channel (DStv channel 117) on Thursdays at 8pm.
AS RIDICULOUS as the name Suffocate sounds, Mduduzi Mabaso’s long-running Rhythm City character has garnered a strong following. He started out as a gangster and the character then changed his criminal ways and became a legitimate businessman.
His storyline has been gaining a lot of traction, more so with him having two wives: the gold digger that is Niki Bongco and the traditional and humble Puleng Mofokeng.
Suffice to say, the family has been more receptive of the latter wife.
Unfortunately, her favourable standing with them has also gotten her into a heap of trouble. Let’s just say the advice of the elders – even though it is all in keeping with tradition –is not always the best.
First, a quick update. After struggling to conceive with Suffocate, Puleng was advised to go the traditional route and try to fall pregnant with his brother Themba (Sphamandla Dhludhlu).
Of course, Suffocate is oblivious to this.
In hindsight, it was probably not the best solution given the fact that Themba also had a steamy affair with Niki.
Now, thanks to Niki’s meddling, Suffocate is demanding a DNA test.
As for how Puleng is feeling at the moment, Khalo, who has an exhausting call sheet thanks to the storyline gaining traction, says: “Everything she’s done was on the advice of the aunt. After undergoing some medical tests, his aunt suggested that Puleng have a child with Themba. She says that it’s a cultural thing so he will understand. At first, she was conflicted. Then she spoke to her mum and saw reason. She went ahead with the whole traditional ceremony in KZN so that a sexual connection could be arranged for them. That was done over a week or two.”
She continues, “After returning from KZN, Puleng found out she wasn’t pregnant and she decided, on her own, to ask Themba to try one more time. Soon afterwards she finds out she is pregnant, but she keeps it a secret for some time.”
With Suffocate throwing Niki out last year, she has been aching to get back into his life. And, being the cunning person that she is, stumbling on this nugget of information is an opportunity she can’t miss.
At first, Suffocate doesn’t believe her, but it is now weighing on his mind. So much so that he needs corroboration.
On this rivalry between Niki and Puleng, she says: “At first, Puleng doesn’t like the idea. But they try to find common ground as a family and sort of form a sisterhood. But it doesn’t last long.”
How is Puleng feeling about the rug being pulled out from under her?
“Puleng feels like Suffocate is the love of her life. She can’t see beyond this man. She has hope that they will be together. She just wants what the aunt promised – to keep her marriage strong,” she explains.
Having inhabited this character for eight years, Khalo has enjoyed growing with her.
She says, “Puleng started off as a teenager who was pregnant to having her own shisa nyama business. She’s more focused. I’ve seen a lot of dimensions in the character.”
However, tapping into the demands of playing a traditional Zulu woman took some getting used to.
Looking ahead, she would like to do more theatre work. She says: “I wish I could do stage every year. It’s a high you can’t get from TV and I miss that. I would also like to work behind the scenes, whether it is as a creative directing or conceptualising ideas.”
In the meantime, viewers can satiate their appetite for drama.
She hints, “Right now, Puleng is a bit stressed. Themba is not in the picture. Suffocate is not in the picture. She’s going through all this on her own. She’s just focused on having the baby…”
Before soap addicts jump to any conclusions about the baby daddy – don’t! The writers have a fabulous twist in store.
Rhythm City
airs on e.tv at 7pm every weekday.