Television’s landscape is serving up a deliciously unexpected feast of reunions this spring—and honestly, who doesn’t love a good comeback story? The small screen’s about to get a whole lot more interesting with J.J. Abrams making waves again, this time bringing his former “Lost” collaborator Josh Holloway along for the ride. Meanwhile, “Doctor Who” continues its emotional rampage through time and space, leaving viewers breathless (and possibly reaching for tissues).
Let’s talk about Abrams for a moment. Television’s mystery-box maestro is finally stepping away from his sci-fi comfort zone—and thank heavens for that. His latest venture, “Duster,” drops this May on Max, trading alien encounters for getaway cars in what’s shaping up to be 2025’s most anticipated crime thriller. Set against the backdrop of 1972 (because apparently, everything old is new again), this eight-episode series might just be the shake-up television desperately needs.
The real kicker? Josh Holloway’s return to the Abrams universe. Those signature dimples haven’t seen this much action since his Sawyer days, and his response to reuniting with his former showrunner is pure gold. “Are you kidding me? He called me up and asked if I had a minute, and the answer is ‘yes’. Always ‘yes’. Whatever he is asking.” There’s something refreshingly honest about that kind of loyalty in an industry where allegiances change faster than streaming service prices.
“Duster” isn’t just another nostalgia play, though. The series breaks new ground with Rachel Hilson portraying the first Black female FBI agent—partnered with Holloway’s getaway driver, no less. It’s the kind of casting that makes you wonder what took Hollywood so long, especially given the industry’s perpetual promises about diversity and representation.
Speaking of breaking new ground… across the pond (or rather, across several galaxies), “Doctor Who” continues its emotional assault on viewers’ hearts. Poor Ruby Sunday—brought to vivid life by the remarkable Millie Gibson—just can’t catch a break. After that whole podcasting paramour debacle (seriously, who trusts a conspiracy theorist these days?), Gibson hints at brighter days ahead for her character.
“If I was her, I’d look in the mirror and just sob, but she’s stronger than me!” Gibson admits. She envisions Ruby “rocking it out with her band” somewhere down the line—though perhaps steering clear of romantic entanglements for a while. After the Conrad situation? Smart move.
And about that Conrad situation… Jonah Hauer-King’s prison break sequence, masterminded by the ever-mysterious Mrs. Flood, sets up what’s bound to be an explosive season finale. Gibson’s praise for her co-star feels genuine: “He’s really gifted and he’s such a giving actor, and he has such a beautiful, calm nature about him on set that I really need. He is nothing like Conrad, obviously.” (Well, thank goodness for that.)
Both shows exemplify television’s constant evolution—where familiar faces create fresh magic and beloved franchises push boundaries. “Duster” hits Max on May 15, 2025, while “Doctor Who” continues its weekly emotional rollercoaster every Saturday.
Sometimes the best television comes from mixing something familiar with something fresh—like finding an old recipe and adding just enough spice to make it sing. Or maybe that’s just the martini talking.
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