What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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T10 WHATS UP! August 12 - 18, 2018 as lodge member Ernie Fon- taine, a plumbing salesman who befriends Dud and wel- comes him into a world of cheap beer and easy camara- derie at Lodge 49, also known as the Ancient and Benevolent Order of the Lynx. A "Lumi- nous Knight" of the order, Fontaine quickly bonds with the younger Dud, who be- lieves the lodge is just what he needs to set him on the right path. While Liz is skeptical of her brother's new venture, Dud is steadfast in his commitment to his new friends, especially Ernie — the friendship be- tween the two men is at the heart of the unique series. "In Dud, [Ernie's] own flame is rekindled," Freilich ex- plained. "These two kind of damaged people come togeth- er and unite to reinvent them- selves." At times funny, sad and even absurd, "Lodge 49" requires a versatile cast, and the show's stars fit the bill. Russell comes from a famous Hollywood family, but his focus hasn't al- ways been acting. The son of superstars Goldie Hawn ("Pri- vate Benjamin," 1980) and Kurt Russell ("Escape from New York," 1981) worked his way up through the entertain- ment industry after an injury halted his burgeoning hockey career. He appeared in such films as "Escape from L.A." (1996), "This Is 40" (2012) and "22 Jump Street" (2014). He also co-starred in the indie film "Folk Hero & Funny Guy" (2016), and has appeared in the acclaimed British antholo- gy series "Black Mirror." English actress Cassidy rose to fame as scheming shop as- sistant Clara in the BBC peri- od drama "The Paradise" in 2012 and 2013. British televi- sion audiences also watched her in the police detective se- ries "Vera" and the hit Chan- nel 4 science fiction series "Humans." She appeared as the Oracle in the Canadian/ British fantasy show "Olym- pus," and hit the big screen in the 2015 spy thriller "Survi- vor." Jennings has film and tele- vision credits dating back to the 1980s. Movie fans may recognize him from his role as Oakland Athletics coach Ron Washington in the 2011 Academy Award-nominated sports film "Moneyball." His other film work includes roles in "Witness" (1985), "Red Heat" (1988) and "An- other 48 Hours" (1990). He's also appeared in literally doz- ens of television programs, ranging from the original "Miami Vice" and "Hill Street Blues" to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Medium." Other notable cast members include Tony-nominated ac- tress Linda Emond ("Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") as Ernie's love interest Connie Mills, and Second City alum- nus David Pasquesi ("Veep") as Blaise St. John, the lodge's "alchemist." Eric Allan Kram- er ("Good Luck Charlie") por- trays Scott, a Long Beach Har- bor Patrol officer who's a drummer in a surf-rock cover band. Behind the scenes, Gavin and Freilich join forces with Peter Ocko ("The Office") as executive producers, while famed actor Paul Giamatti ("Billions") and Dan Carey ("Chasing Classic Cars") serve as producers. The on- and off- screen talent has earned "Lodge 49" a primo lead-in from AMC's hit series "Better Call Saul," which stars Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman, a role he originated in another acclaimed AMC series, "Breaking Bad." While a "Saul" lead-in will likely benefit the series, it's up to the cast of "Lodge 49" to keep viewers interested. In this week's episode, airing Monday, Aug. 13, Dud becomes more familiar with the lodge, and Ernie goes toe to toe with other Lynx over Larry's (Ken- neth Welsh, "Miracle," 2004) declining health. Catch the new series on AMC. Sonya Cassidy in "Lodge 49" continued from page T2 Fresh start: Slacker surfer finds new purpose in 'Lodge 49' TV FEATURE