The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NIV)
What is the first thing you notice in the above picture?
Guess why I chose this picture.
If you said the containers are empty, you're right.
Care to share your thoughts?
Spirit of God, replenish me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
There has been a huge visceral response to the CBS summer replacement series Reckless. Fans are writing, posting, tweeting, and using a Facebook page specifically designed for renewing Reckless. Fans' outcries are often the only way series TV can be salvaged.
Reckless did everything right – except, according to some South Carolinians, some faux pas with area references and specific cuisine choices. Those kinds of mistakes are easily corrected with the proper researchers/contributors. Each week the characters revealed more of themselves, the intrigue increased, the UST intensified, important background information added to the fullness of the circumstances, and sometimes the bad guys and gals triumphed. It ended with questions that need to be answered. The fans of Reckless have been left clamoring for more.
We all have different preferences for our television viewing, and at times it's hard for us to understand how some shows survive while others are canceled. Quality is at a premium, and Reckless had it. From start to finish, Reckless gave its audience week after week of a solid storyline, terrific acting, court room clashes, backroom deals, a good guy in the midst of corruption, and a talented, confident but vulnerable female making a name and place for herself far from her Yankee comfort zone. Romance lingered. Lust prevailed. Bad things slid under the radar and seemed to dominate certain lives. There were unique twists and sad occurences. There were egos, pride, greed, and slander. Multiple kinds of conflict. Beauty, ugliness, and evil.
I can't imagine not being able to enjoy more of this drama and learning the results of that cliffhanger ending. And I'm not alone. Reckless has a cache of fans who are bombarding CBS with their requests for more. We're hoping CBS will respond favorably to this serious fan base and bring back Reckless.
Lord, please use the talent you've given so generously. Let it be that you receive the gratitude you deserve for your love and kindness. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Forty altogether. I love you, Michael.
Thank you, Lord, for bringing us through the deep waters, for saving our souls, for watching over us, for loving us more than we can know, and for being who you are. Always. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
For whatever reason, by design, genre, or insufficient access to money or imagination, few television series dramas can muster "having it all". From costumes, set designs, hues and colors, stunning photography, even future episode previews to perfect casting, great acting and creative direction with character understanding/development, superb dialogue and original/provocative writing and editing, and a carefully scripted inclusion of poignant soundtracks, Reckless had it all. The CBS summer replacement series kept upping its game and culminated in a two-part, same night dynamite Series Finale. As it stands, Reckless ended its run in the shocking Series Finale, leaving viewers in desperate need of a Season Two.
Although Reckless was initially promoted as a southern steamy evening soap opera, Reckless proved to be so much more.The "steam" diminished and was replaced by the much more desirable UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension). There were definite flare-ups of the sexual scenes because of the overall defining theme of the first season focusing on the wrongful termination/defamation of character trial of Lee Anne Marcus v. the City of Charleston and the CPD. As her character became more exposed, we watched as she wielded her sexuality like a powerful weapon, intoxicating men and bringing them under her spell.
Creator and writer of Reckless Dana Stevens closed the season with a knockout punch preceded by writer Corey Miller's tantalizing set-up power jabs. Their Season Finale efforts activated shock and awe from Reckless viewers and have successfully spawned the #RenewReckless campaign for a Season Two.
Although I enjoy several CBS dramas, few contain every possible element of creativity – not that they all should. However, the fact that all of these amazing elements weren't only included in Reckless but were so exceptionally done is not only surprising for a summer replacement, it's generally unheard of in TV dramas. From Dana Stevens to the Sander/Moses duo to the producers, actors, writers, editors, directors, casting crew, camera crews, costumers, sound technicians, and the multitude of people who worked hard to make this show great: you did a fantastic job. You deserve another chance to keep the excellence going, but I must admit it will be very difficult to sustain such a high level of performance at all levels.
Thank you to all of you for producing such quality TV with such riveting drama.
Father, you give all the talents and gifts to us. I pray each one would be thankful for the blessings you've given them in creating their lives. Thank you, God. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Detective Preston Cruz played by Adam Rodriguez is a former New York cop, having been in Charleston for a year when the Lee Ann Marcus trial begins. At the start of Reckless he is cocky and secure in his relationship with Yankee attorney Jamie Sawyer, but when his undercover work puts him in compromising positions which he's not allowed to explain or expose, he loses Jamie, and Roy Rayder is quick to capitalize when given those moments with her. When Preston's undercover work puts him in danger, he makes a trip to Jamie's office to pledge his love for her in case something happens to him – which it does. Roy rushes to tell Jamie when Preston is shot and accompanies her to the hospital. When Preston recovers and refuses to report Terry McCandless's activities to the Deputy Chief, he and Roy continue to conduct police business, but once the depositions for the trial begin, they express their animosity toward one another over Jamie. Another character who has a sense of right and wrong, he's a loyal man pledged to the CPD. Adam Rodriguez plays the cop role well, but the chemistry between his character and that of Jamie Sawyer can't compare to the Roy and Jamie combo. In his final scene with Jamie, he warns her she's making a mistake taking up with Roy and assures her their "story" isn't finished.
Deputy Chief Holland Knox, played by Michael Gladis, has his police force under surveillance using Detective Preston Cruz to help him uncover the corruption in the CPD. Knowing Detective McCandless is at the root of the problem, Holland wants Preston to work with Terry until they can catch him red-handed in his gun running operation. Holland Knox is a stoic character, rarely allowing anything to move him from his firm approach. He briefly lets down his stern demeanor when he's with his best friend Roy Rayder, but it never lasts long. He's a man under pressure, and it seems he sees more than he ever lets on, but we don't know that for sure because he's rarely forthcoming.
Arliss Fulton, played convincingly by Falk Hentschel, is Lee Anne Marcus' husband, a paraplegic Iraq war vet, willing to forget Lee Anne's transgressions until the sex tape of her activities is leaked and televised for all to see. It crushes his hopes for his marriage and he disappears, leaving his wrecked pickup deserted. Terry McCandless learns Arliss' dog tags were discovered near a "gator's nest" and returns them to Lee Anne after she makes a bold visit to the police department to demand answers about her missing husband. As Arliss reveals when he's found, he wanted to hurt her so he left but promises they can leave together and start over if she will drop the lawsuit and the lies and settle with the City. Her desire to win the lawsuit and cash in turns Arliss in his chair and he rolls away from her, knowing he's lost the battle to appeal to what goodness she might have remaining. Very well played by Falk Hentschel, particularly his final scene.
Shelby is Roy's ex-wife who we first meet when she announces her engagement to "Nolan", a real estate magnate who's set up a shell company with her father to buy a coveted area of housing in Charleston to resell for a huge profit to a resort hotel chain for development. Played by Megan Ketch, she brings that southern belle persona to life. She returns in the Series Finale with their older daughter Julia having broken her leg at a birthday party, requiring surgery, and no more Nolan. Roy is there for them and Shelby reminisces about their older daughter's birth. Roy clearly remembers the eventful day, and we can see Shelby wants him back. When she suggests they start dating again, taking it slowly, the conflict on Roy's face is tangible. She's needy and vulnerable, and Roy realizes he's finally gotten over her now that she wants to start over. What will "doing the right thing" require of him?
Pictured above are Gregory Harrison who plays Dec Fortnum and Linda Purl who plays his "longsuffering wife" Barbara Fortnum, Shelby's dad and mom, Roy's former in-laws. Dec is a senior partner in the law firm where Roy works. He's a conniving philanderer who will exploit people and circumstances to get whatever he wants. Barbara Fortnum is equally tainted, her inherited status and the power it affords her of primary importance in her life. She "allows" Dec his dalliances until one of Dec's mistresses comes up pregnant. When Dec is given the choice to run for mayor and possess the power and position it will give him or keep his pregnant mistress, he draws up a document to ditch his mistress, agreeing to take care of her as long as she keeps her mouth shut and leaves Charleston. She signs, but her parting shot reveals Dec's child she's carrying is the son he's always wanted.
Dec and Barbara are two of a kind which is probably why they remain together. Power and prestige dominate their decisions, Barbara's only concern being publically humiliated by her husband's illicit affairs. Dec's charm is flaunted whenever necessary, but his cold, calculating agenda involves all kinds of wickedness. In the Season Finale we're shocked to see just how broad that scope of evil stretches and what happens as a result.
Dec and Barbara show their other sides when their granddaughters visit, both attentive and tender toward the girls. Shelby appears to be totally unaware of her parents' "untoward" habits, but Roy most likely has his suspicions about Dec. Gregory Harrison and Linda Purl give the professional performances they're used to performing, filling their characters with both charm and venom.
There are a few more sterling performances in this CBS series, each one of them contributing to the whole of Reckless. It's been a real pleasure to view this drama. My final summations will appear tomorrow.
Father, we're all people caught in the web of sin. Only you can free us from our own evil if we'll turn our hearts to you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Through you we push back our enemies;
through your name we trample our foes.
Psalm 44:5 (NIV)
Kim Wayans plays Jamie Sawyer's assistant Violet "Vi" Briggs in the CBS drama Reckless. Street smart, snappy, sistah-girl ways, wise like a fox, and as her ex-husband told her "able to do anything she puts her mind to", Vi is the kind of assistant everyone should have. She knows what to do and how and when to do it, and she keeps Jamie in line and on track when Jamie's emotions want to interfere with her job's demanding responsibilities and restrictions.
Like so many of the characters in Reckless, Vi has a strong streak of the right way to get things done. She's now a single mother of a daughter in college and a son in high school. Her ex is a well-known plastic surgeon who Jamie defends in a lawsuit waged against Dr. Briggs by his former lover. Winning that suit depended largely on what Vi discovered in her research.
Vi regards Jamie not only as her employer but fondly thinks of her as family, especially when Jamie considers moving back to New York following the initial dismissal of Lee Ann's case and the immediate departure of her brother after finally finding him and successfully defending him. Vi is an essential part of Jamie's practice because of her maturity, investigative skills, and the ability to see the value in Jamie's relationship with Roy Rayder, recognizing but not vocalizing their chemistry and mutual loneliness.
Vi Briggs brings a snap, crackle, and pop to Jamie's office, a colorful conglomeration of wit and wisdom, insightful analysis of circumstances, and a woman who adds empathy, toughness, and never fails to make clear the confines of the job. By so doing, she protects Jamie from her most vulnerable self.
Kim Wayans is a pleasure to watch as she continues to add on meaningful moments with Vi Briggs. Well played. And again: great casting.
Father, our ability to do the right thing lies solely in you – whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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The infamous former cop Lee Anne Marcus of the CBS drama Reckless is convincingly played by Australian actress Georgina Haig. In the top picture, we see the victim Lee Anne Marcus on the stand in another embarrassing exposure with Detective Terry McCandless. The second picture displays more of who Lee Anne truly is after spending the night with Terry. With just the right amount of sympathetic victimhood transforming into the intensely manipulative sexual strumpet, Lee Anne Marcus is able to use men for her personal sex slaves in order to complete her agenda. She fools us as viewers - or some of us – right up until the Series Finale. We can't decide who she really is which is exactly what Roy Rayder asks the jury in his closing statement at her trial. And right up until the Series Finale, it seems Roy Rayder is one of the few who knows exactly who Lee Anne is.
Turning her sexual charm on high for Detective Terry McCandless, he's hypnotized into believing she might actually run away with him to escape the strain and humiliation of the notorious trial. She continues to reel him into her web to insure victory in her lawsuit.
Whenever she needs to pull out the victim card with her attorney Jamie Sawyer, she dons the necessary pitiful expressions and pours out excuses while fostering just the right lies to bring Jamie back to trusting her. She turns on her southern difficult upbringing, uneducated, lower working class shtick when she's really a savvy, scheming vixen, using everyone to attain her well-strategized goal.
We don't fully realize until the end how Lee Anne's sexuality is her major skill, and she wields it like an effective tool to build her agenda.
Lee Anne Marcus doesn't miss stride when Jamie discovers she's been taken in completely by her client. Lee Anne both insults Jamie's slowness in finding out about her and threatens her with "precautions" should Jamie decide to quit her case or expose her. Lee Anne's objective about wanting to have what she'd need to care for her paraplegic husband Arliss, who is missing and presumed dead after seeing the televised sex tape of his wife with several police officers, rings as untrue as all of the concocted tales she's told to put herself in position for a huge payoff.
If you enjoy symbolism, as I confess I do, in the confrontational scene with Jamie, Lee Anne luxuriates by the pool with her porcelain white skin contrasting to her blood red bikini. The "purity" of her skin clashes with the symbolically evil and/or passionate red of the bathing suit. And when she dives into the pool, the water which can symbolize cleansing or purification, only serves to hide or immerse her in her own rebellion. There is no holiness in her water.
When it's revealed in the Series Finale with whom Lee Anne has been secretly linked to set up this trial, the depth of the deception is well past scandalous.
Finally when she is confronted by her husband Arliss at Jamie's office, she seems to actually struggle with his request, but he knows immediately from her response that she's put everything ahead of him. Even his encouraging words to her no longer can reach the hardened heart of the woman he loves. Her wickedness has consumed her and the shred of decency she could cling to with him is gone.
As viewers, we're left slack-jawed at the amazing turn of events. We wonder if Lee Anne's story is finished when Roy promises the City will appeal the ruling. And will she continue to pursue Terry McCandless as she suggests in their final contact? Is she really a sociopath?
More fine casting of Georgina Haig who was able to convince us to hurt with her and then to detest her at the end.
Lord, we're all immersed in sin without you. We're desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Shawn Hatosy plays the obnoxious, corrupt, cynical, notorious, and lovestruck Detective Terry McCandless in the CBS summer replacement drama Reckless. In the first picture above you see Terry with his formerly disgraced cop father Pat McCandless, the reason for much of Terry's self-centered thinking and corruption. Like father, like son. To a degree. Pat McCandless lives with Terry until this scene where Terry confronts him about the bombing of Lee Anne Marcus's home and Pat is hauled away by the Charleston PD.
Terry McCandless is the primary focus of an undercover operation in the CPD investigating corruption in the department. In the second picture you see Terry with a briefcase full of money received from a gun-runner, who is a commercial celebrity and seller of jet skis, for delivering a gym bag full of unmarked handguns from the evidence locker and for which he uses Detective Preston Cruz to assist him, not realizing Preston is the Deputy Chief of Police's plant to expose Terry and his corrupt operations.
Terry's an enigma. He's got that bad boy persona with just a hint of goodness surfacing when it's unexpected. "Boy" being the descriptive word of choice because of his young and cocky behavior and looks, even when he's in huge trouble or danger, and because he seems to be a total sap when under the spell of Lee Anne Marcus. But the savvy side of Terry rises up when put in a pinch, when he's forced to shift the blame in order not to be caught. It finally backfires on him when Jamie Sawyer's assistant Vi Briggs discovers he bribed her daughter to plant a camera in Jamie's office. This act gets him suspended from the force until he agrees to testify honestly at Lee Anne's trial. Terry's endless bag of tricks for survival at all costs explodes on the witness stand.
He intimately understands the ability to use people for personal gain, and when the supposed love of his life tries it on him, he regains a measure of his self-control and self-respect. Even if we're not sure it will last.
It's obvious Terry's gotten his wily ways from his bullying father who ultimately seems to want to protect his son. The McCandless motto seems to be "Do unto them before they can do it to you." They're survivors who know how to exploit the system and beyond to secure what seems to motivate them the most: money and power. Pat McCandless put in years on the force until his crooked ways caught up to him and left him fired without a pension and living somewhat vicariously through his son. Terry seems to value his work on the force, telling Lee Anne in the Season Finale that there's no place he'd rather be and that he has "a nose for bad people", probably because he can be one so easily.
In Terry's final scene once he's reinstated to the force, there's a nighttime call regarding a shooting. We see him arriving at the scene of the firm where Roy Rayder and his former father-in-law work, and in slow-motion we observe the suspicious, cautious, thought-provoking look on his face leaving us wondering who he suspects might have done this. With his "nose" will he really discern who's responsible and then will his tendency to manipulate crime interfere with justice?
In spite of the dark sides to Terry McCandless and what appear to be fairly simple motivations, his character generates a deeper complexity than his overt actions personify, giving him just the minimal sense of appeal. As viewers, we tend to forgive his iniquities because of those brief moments when an almost heroic action appears, no matter how outrageously delivered, and when that "little boy" look of getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar brings an even briefer sense of regret.
Shawn Hatosy pulls off Terry McCandless with ease and perfection. Another great casting decision for the crew of Reckless.
Father, we are all corrupted until we give you access to our hearts. You make us new, clean. Help us to stay connected to you, Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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