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Television

The Underwatched Series "Somebody Somewhere" Returns for Its Final Season

2024-12-09

Among the plethora of series and shows that often go unnoticed, this evening's lineup stands out. From heartwarming tales to intense documentaries and mystical sci-fi, there's something for every viewer. Let's dive in and explore the world of entertainment that awaits.

The Emotional Journey of "Somebody Somewhere"

At 10 pm on Sky Comedy, we encounter a remarkable series. It tells the story of a woman who leaves the big city to return to her smalltown Kansas childhood home and finds her feet. This poignant and belly-laugh-packed emotional journey is a blend of crude, sweet, and heartbreaking moments. Its artsy vibe fits perfectly at Sundance. The glorious final season begins with a double bill where Sam (Bridget Everett) considers dog adoption while her erstwhile roommate Joel moves in with his boyfriend, Geoff. Brace yourself for an hour of TV that takes you from weepy to joyful, including the filthiest rendition of "She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain" you'll ever hear.

The way this series captures the essence of life's ups and downs is truly captivating. It shows us the struggles and joys of returning home and starting anew. It's a story that resonates with many, making it a must-watch.

The Ultimate Christmas Guide with Josie Gibson

Stuck for gift ideas? Fear not! At 8 pm on Channel 4, Josie Gibson teams up with celebrity guests like Ollie Locke and Jenny Eclair to explore potential presents across different price ranges. She also suggests hacks to make the most of what you already have. This two-part series is a lifesaver during the Christmas season, helping you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.

Josie's expertise and the insights from the guests make this guide a valuable resource. Whether you're on a tight budget or looking for something special, you'll find inspiration here. It's a great way to make this Christmas truly memorable.

University Challenge: Durham vs. Open University

At 8.30 pm on BBC Two, the countdown to the Christmas special begins. This week, the top student brains of Durham and the Open University go head to head in the second round of the ultimate university quiz. With hopes of reaching the quarter-finals, Amol Rajan fires the questions, testing their knowledge and skills.

The competition is fierce as these students showcase their intellectual prowess. It's a thrilling display of academic excellence and a must-watch for anyone interested in education and trivia. Who will come out on top?

Renaissance – The Blood and the Beauty

At 9 pm on BBC Two, we delve into the fascinating world of Renaissance art. Who is truly "Florence's favourite son"? Michelangelo, played by Charles Dance in his old age? His superstar rival Leonardo da Vinci? Or the young upstart Raphael? With contributions from contemporary artists like David LaChapelle and Alison Lapper, this episode explores Michelangelo's most prestigious commission, the figure of David.

The exploration of Renaissance art and the different perspectives on these great artists is truly captivating. It gives us a deeper understanding of the art and culture of that time period. It's a visual and intellectual feast.

24 Hours in Police Custody

In this episode of the police procedural documentary series on Channel 4 at 9 pm, a bizarre and tragic situation unfolds in Luton. A call leads the police to a flat where they find a man lying on top of an unconscious woman. With no local ties, the questions about who they are and how they got there have no obvious answers. This case is a reminder of the complex and often mysterious world of law enforcement.

The documentary takes us behind the scenes and shows us the challenges faced by the police. It's a gripping story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Dune: Prophecy

At 9 pm on Sky Atlantic, the political machinations of the gloomily grand sci-fi prequel continue. Valya (Emily Watson) has returned to the bosom of House Harkonnen ahead of a High Council meeting. Meanwhile, at the sisterhood's bunk-bed seminary for young space witches, Tula (Olivia Williams) must contend with a psychic attack. The story unfolds with mystery and intrigue.

The combination of political drama and sci-fi elements makes this show a unique and captivating experience. It keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Film choice: Rosaline

Karen Maine's affable comedy takes a teen angle on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but drops the tropes of the high-school comedy and transports us to medieval Verona. Kaitlyn Dever shines as the titular Rosaline Capulet, a smart and career-minded girl who is also in love with Kyle Allen's floppy-haired himbo Romeo Montague. But when her newly arrived cousin Juliet (Isabella Merced) turns his head, the story takes an interesting turn.

With dive bars, sports (jousting), stoners, and youthful angst, this film is relatable to fans of "Clueless". Kaitlyn Dever's performance is terrific, making her a star to watch. It's a fresh take on a classic story.

Imagine the thrill of a car show that comes alive under the starry sky. Harbourside Place in Jupiter is set to host an extraordinary event that will redefine the car show experience. With an array of collectible cars, trucks, exotics, and super cars on display, guests have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these automotive masterpieces.

Experience the Magic of After Sundown

As Les Edwards, CEO of Cars Under Stars and Wavecrest Marketing Group, explains, "By hosting the event after sundown, guests have the ability to see a different signature from the vehicle—the headlights and taillights, bodylines reflecting off of streetlights, and the glow of interiors, all components you’d miss during the day." This unique perspective adds a whole new dimension to the car show, making it a truly immersive experience.

An Array of Automotive Treasures

The festival will showcase dozens of the most sought after vehicles from the past and present. Guests can sit in the driver's seats, feel the power under their fingertips, and inspect the intricate engines. It's a chance to connect with these machines on a whole new level and appreciate the artistry and engineering that goes into each one.

From classic cars with their timeless designs to modern super cars with their cutting-edge technologies, there is something for every auto-enthusiast. The variety of vehicles on display is truly remarkable, and it's a testament to the passion and dedication of the car community.

An Immersive Exhibit in Harbourside

The festival will be held not only in Harbourside's amphitheater but also throughout the shopping center. This creates a seamless experience for guests, allowing them to explore the cars in a variety of settings and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The immersive exhibit serves as a platform to connect auto-enthusiasts and celebrate the pursuit of distinction. It's a place where like-minded individuals can come together and share their love for cars.

Family-Friendly Fun with Food and Drinks

Cars Under Stars Speed Festival is a free family-friendly event. In addition to the amazing cars, there will be food and drinks available for purchase on site, as well as many restaurant choices throughout the shopping center. It's a great opportunity for families to spend an evening together and enjoy the excitement of the car show.

Whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking for a fun family outing, this event has something for everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready to be amazed by the "Cars Under Stars Speed Festival" at Harbourside Place in Jupiter.

For additional information, visit carsunderstars.com or contact Les Edwards at (954) 798-2022.

Native American children continue to hold a significant presence in the South Dakota foster care system. New data reveals that at the end of fiscal year 2024, they accounted for 72.5% of the foster care population, a slight decrease from 74% in the previous year. The state's fiscal years run from July to June. This percentage is astonishingly about seven times greater than their representation in the general population.

Child Protection Services Report Highlights

The state Department of Social Services recently released its annual report, shedding light on various aspects of the foster care system. It details the number of children in foster care, their care arrangements, and discharge locations. As of the end of fiscal year 2024, there were 1,710 foster care children in the state, with 1,239 being Native American.Regarding care placements, nearly 30% of children, regardless of race, were placed in kinship care with relatives or close family friends. An impressive 85% were placed in a "family setting" with a foster family. In the latest report, the department added the "kinship care placement" detail as it aims to boost the number of family members or relatives caring for a child instead of placing them in a foster home. Currently, only 11% (89 out of 824) of foster homes are Native American.The department plans to launch a Kinship Licensing Program next year to increase the number of kinship caregivers. Currently, kinship caregivers do not receive the same level of resources and financial support as foster parents unless they become licensed foster parents. This training is extensive, time-consuming, and may not be directly relevant to the kin's situation as they are already familiar with the child.

Benefits of Kinship Care

When children have to be removed from their homes, prioritizing kinship care can have numerous positive impacts. According to Child Trends, a research organization focused on child welfare, it can enhance academic, behavioral, and mental health outcomes. It allows the child to stay within their culture and community, providing a sense of stability and belonging.

Family First Prevention Plan in Development

South Dakota is currently working on its federally mandated, three-year Family First Prevention Plan. This plan aims to use federal funds to pay for prevention services without removing children from at-risk homes. South Dakota is one of the last four states in the nation to create this plan. It shows the state's commitment to addressing the root causes of child welfare issues.

Outcomes of the 2024 Fiscal Year

During the 2024 fiscal year, 1,006 children left the child welfare system. Of these, 493 were reunited with their families. A significant 233 children were adopted, with 58% being adopted by a foster parent and 37% by a relative. Additionally, 63 children were transferred to a tribal program, 65 children aged out of the system, 88 were placed into a formal guardianship agreement, 50 were placed with a relative without guardianship, four were transferred to the Department of Corrections, and six were transferred to another agency. It's important to note that two children ran away and two children died in state care. The report did not provide further details about these incidents, and a request for more information is pending with the Department of Social Services.The department also reported the placement of 241 children in adoptive homes, further highlighting the efforts to find stable homes for these children.