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The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Duster' series review: Rachel Hilson's sass and Josh Holloway's laidback charm rock the retro ride
From the title sequence featuring a miniature car race, with the King's famous Blue Suede Shoes swinging jauntily from the telephone wires, to the music and costumes, J. J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan's Duster, brings 1972 Phoenix, Arizona to thrilling life. Duster (English) Season 1 Episodes: 8 Creators: J. J. Abrams, LaToya Morgan Starring: Josh Holloway, Rachel Hilson, Asivak Koostachin, Sydney Elisabeth, Benjamin Charles Watson, Camille Guaty, Adriana Aluna Martinez, Greg Grunberg, Keith David Runtime: 52 minutes Storyline: A driven FBI agent co-opts a skilled getaway driver into helping her bring down a crime boss Nina Hayes (Rachel Hilson), the first Black female FBI agent (supposedly loosely modelled on Sylvia Elizabeth Mathis) right out of Quantico, asks to be posted to Phoenix. She faces chauvinism with a smile, a sharp wardrobe, and a sharper mind. She is determined to bring down Ezra Saxton (Keith David), a crime boss whose power and influence are increasing by the day. No one at her office believes she can do it, as others have tried and failed — with the last agent on the Saxton case losing his mind and getting locked up in an asylum. Nina's boss, Nathan Abbott (Greg Grunberg), tries to be supportive of her even as he has to answer to his superiors, while the other male agents, including Chad Grant (Dan Tracy), are openly hostile. Only Awan Bitsui (Asivak Koostachin), a Navajo, who also does not get any respect from the other agents, supports Nina. Even though not as willing to colour outside the lines as Nina, Awan is a loyal partner and follows Nina to the end. Nina feels the only way to crack the Saxton case open is through a mole, and she identifies Saxton's getaway driver, Jim (Josh Holloway), for the job. We first meet Jim as he is driving his red 1970 Plymouth Duster like a bat out of hell. We learn that he has to pick up a time-critical package. In the car is Luna (Adriana Aluna Martinez), Jim's ex Izzy's (Camille Guaty) daughter. Nine-year-old Luna loves to ride with her Uncle Jim, and he obliges her whenever possible. We learn that Jim is going to take delivery of a heart for Saxton's son, Royce (Benjamin Charles Watson), who has a congenital heart disease. The heart transplant is conducted in Saxton's mansion, with Jim pumping the heart to get it beating again. Ezra's daughter, Genesis (Sydney Elisabeth), is the brains and a more than capable heir — if not for her gender. After all, this is the '70s we're talking about. Jim's family, including his father Wade (Corbin Bernsen) and brother, Joe, have been working for Saxton. Joe died on the job, and Nina figures out a way to turn Jim with some information she has. Charlotte (Gail O'Grady), Wade's wife, is not particularly fond of Jim, and the feeling is mutual. Billy (Evan Jones), Ezra's muscle man, is unpredictable and suspicious of everyone, including Jim. Throw in dirty cops, including a particularly nasty one, Groomes (Donal Logue), a conspiracy from the highest powers, Elvis Presley's Blue Suede Shoes, a discussion on Pitirim Sorokin's six types of mobility, and Howard Hughes, and you are guaranteed one hell of a ride. The period detail is exquisite but lived-in, from the music (Jimi Hendrix's 'Foxey Lady', Presley's 'Teddy Bear', Chakachas' 'Jungle Fever', and more), clothes (shorts, scarves, wide collars, and flared trousers), and movie references to delightful blasts from the past — including a Rolodex and Agent Bitsui's Superman wallet. There is also Hughes in all his eccentric glory, insisting the suitcase be handled with tissue, his visitors wash their hands four times, while also giving Luna a taste of the millionaire lifestyle with the 350 gallons of banana nut ice cream he has stashed and a screening of Bullitt, that ultimate car chase movie with the king of cool, Steve McQueen, as the eponymous San Francisco cop. ALSO READ:'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 review: Mark Strong and Nicole Kidman's wig sizzle in quasi cosy crime saga The acting is spot on, and it is difficult to draw the eyes away from Holloway's easy rider and Hilson's uncompromising politeness and charm. Duster, with its muscle cars and retro vibes (I almost expected Amitabh Bachchan as the laconic, dangerous Vijay to lock the godown door and ask Peter to try and take the keys from him), is a blast from the past in a million delicious ways. Can Season 2 come already? Duster is currently streaming on Jio Hotstar
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Get ready to giggle and groove: Durban's ultimate comedy and music line-up awaits
Carvin H. Goldstone returns to stage with his hilarious one-hander, "My New Debit Order". From laughter-filled performances to toe-tapping musical tributes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Durban is set to come alive with a vibrant mix of comedy and music this week, offering residents and visitors a chance to indulge in some much-needed escapism. "My New Debit Order" Carvin H Goldstone's latest venture dives into the chaotic yet relatable journey of welcoming a new baby in his 40s. He discusses topics such as childbirth, raising a teenager, the impact of new presidents in both South Africa and the United States and the cost of living going into 2025. Where: Sibaya Izulu Theatre. When: Friday at 7.30pm. "Elvis Has Left The Building" Music enthusiasts can revel in the musical talents of some of Mzansi's finest performers in the show "Elvis Has Left The Building". Belinda Dolphin, Junaid Cassimjee, and Lorraine McVean will take to the stage, bringing to life iconic tracks such as 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Devil in Disguise' and 'Jailhouse Rock'. Adding to the experience will be saxophonist and guitarist Kerwin Robert, along with talented dancers Keandre Brahim and Nicole Dolphin. Where: The Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Road, Durban. When: Monday, June 2, at 6.30pm.
Daily Record
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Castle Douglas Accordion and Fiddle Club's final meeting of the season was a great success
Castle Douglas Accordion and Fiddle Club's final meeting of the season was a great occasion with so many local players contributing, they had to be rationed to one set each. Steven McWhan from Dumfries opened the show with a fine classical performance on his five row button accordion, and was followed by William Little from Dumfries on his whistle. Stuart Faulds from Dreghorn was next with his accordion, ably assisted by Graham Barbour, who accompanied most of the local players. Jenna Youngman from Kirkgunzeon was next with her accordion, followed by John Cowan from Kirkcudbright with his fiddle. Jimmy Little, all the way from Alnwick in Northumberland, gave a fine set of jigs on his mouth organ and then Newby Park from Carlisle entertained the audience on his accordion. Bob Watson from Torthorwald finished off the local players' first half contribution. The guest artistes were the Frank Morrison Band with Frank Morrison and Cal Smith on accordions, June Meikle and fiddle, Alex Graham on keyboard, Ruth Rintoul on bass fiddle and Billy Goodfellow on drums. This fine sextet provided music that was well balanced, giving a varied selection of tunes from Scotland and many other places which the audience were very appreciative of. After tea and biscuits and the raffle, George Shanks from Castle Douglas led off the local players on his mouth organ, then Graham Barbour and Pauline Swan from Dumfries gave a fine duet performance on their accordions, after which Graham treated us to a superb 'party piece' performance of Blue Suede Shoes. Jim McConnachie from Dumfries then gave a third mouth organ set, surely a very unusual happening for any accordion and fiddle club. The audience then had the pleasure of hearing Elisabeth Morrison from Law, wife of band leader Frank who played second accordion to her, and then Barbara Fisher and John Douglas from Dumfries played an accordion duet. The last of the local players was Tom Killean from Wishaw along with Frank, Alex and Billy from the band on second box, keyboard and drums. A fine afternoon which fully justifies the decision of the local committee to change the timing from Tuesday evenings to Sunday afternoons. There will be a special meeting on Sunday, July 27 to which all interested players and spectators are warmly invited.
