Tune in each week as Marhaba delves into the wonderful world of popular culture to find the best new TV series, movies, books, and music.

BINGE WATCH THIS:

One of TV’s enduring couples is Superman and Lois Lane, and there is now another series featuring the Man of Steel and his independent journalist wife. The Arrowverse series Supergirl has already seen Tyler Hoechlin play Superman and Elizabeth Tulloch play Lois Lane  – they now star together in the spin-off Superman & Lois. The two have returned to Smallville with their teenage sons Jonathan and Jordan, reuniting with Lana Lang and her husband and daughter. Their idyllic, normal lives are turned upside down with the appearance of The Stranger, previously seen in The Flash: ‘a mysterious visitor hellbent on proving to the world that it no longer needs Superman.’ Available on The CW from 23 February.


GET THE POPCORN FOR THIS: 

I Care A LotComing this week to Netflix and Amazon Prime is I Care A Lot, a dark comedy thriller that has a lot of buzz due to a stellar performance from lead actor Rosamund Pike. She stars as a cold, professional con woman who gains guardianship over the elderly, on the basis they can’t look after themselves. The old folks are then conveniently relocated to a care home, after which Marla Grayson (Pike) makes off with their hard-earned cash. Working with her partner in crime Dr Amos (Alicia Witt), who tips Grayson off about wealthy elders, the next victim is the lonely and unremarkable Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest) with no husband or children. Trouble is, it turns out she does actually have a son, former Russian mob boss Roman Lunyov (Peter Dinklage). Looks like Grayson may have picked the wrong old person this time. Clever, dark, and despicable at times – but make sure you watch it to the end.


SETTLE IN WITH A CUP OF TEA AND READ THIS:

Confident Women-Swindlers, Grifters and Shapeshifters of the Female PersuasionConfident Women: Swindlers, Grifters, and Shapeshifters of the Feminine Persuasion is a fascinating round-up of con women throughout history, many of whom you may never have heard of. Tori Telfer, author of the acclaimed Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History, brings us a new collection of women behaving badly, a must for anyone interested in true crime. Read all about the women who have conned their way through life, from scamming NFL teams and royal jewellers to stealing show dogs and inadvertently starting a new religious movement. Many of these lurid tales could easily be the inspiration for the next Hollywood blockbuster!


CRANK UP THE VOLUME FOR THIS:

Alice Cooper Detroit StoriesNot actually a woman despite the name (or a con artist), legendary rocker Alice Cooper releases his new album Detroit Stories on 26 February. One of the city’s most famous sons, Cooper has produced a masterpiece of classic rock, R&B and soul in homage to his home town. He is ably assisted by his former band members on I Hate You, while Detroit City 2021 gives a shoutout to fellow Detroit rock legends including Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, Iggy Pop and Suzi Quatro. Disco combo from the ’70s Sister Sledge provide backing vocals on $1000 High Heel Shoes, a catchy R&B number reminiscent of numerous Motown hits. Cooper fans will want to order the CD Box Set which includes the CD and Blu-ray, a T-shirt, face mask, torch light and three stickers.


Check out more Marhaba recommendations of the best movies, shows, books and music here.


Author: Sarah Palmer

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