Classics: A Review of Ponies By Lauren Ennis

"We're women. People only look at us if they want to have sex with us or marry us" embassy secretary Twila Hasbeck aptly notes. With that revelation begins a madcap adventure through the streets of 1970's Moscow where danger and secrets lurk around every corner. Blending dark comedy with Cold War spy drama to expert effect Ponies is one of the most original, exhilarating, and hilarious series on television today. For thriller that will have you gasping and laughing in equal get off to the races with Bea and Twila in Ponies.

The story begins in 1970's Moscow with Bea Grant and Twila Hasbeck working as secretaries at the American Embassy while their husbands are working operations for the CIA. Both women soon find their lives upended when their husbands are killed in a plane crash. As they learn about the unusual and mysterious circumstances surrounding the crash they become convinced that the tragedy was part of something more sinister. They then decide to conduct their own investigation and persuade their husband's former boss to hire them as agents. Despite his misgivings he eventually gives in because women are considered "persons of no interest" who the Soviets would never suspect. The unlikely duo are then thrust into a world of intrigue, danger, betrayal, and plenty of spyjinks. Can two CIA widows share a mission without driving each other crazy? Find out when you pay a visit to Moscow with Twila and Bea in Ponies.

Equal parts espionage thriller and buddy comedy Ponies is some of the best viewing this side of the Iron Curtain . The story offers a fresh twist the Cold War drama through its unique blend of breezy humor and gritty honesty. Rather than acting as a tired propaganda piece the series casts an equally critical eye to both the KGB and their CIA counterparts. Through its depiction of the crosses, double-crosses, and exploitation that both the US and USSR engaged in the series highlights the devastating lengths that both were willing to go to secure victory. In this way, the series sets itself apart from both classic and modern spy dramas by refusing to either sanitize or subvert history. Even as it rachets up the tension with each episode the series never loses its sense of humor. Through its depiction of two fish-out-of-water heroines who are in way over their heads the series highlights the outlandish nature of intelligence work. Similarly, its portrayal of Bea and Twila's efforts to maintain their cover showcases the terrifying absurdity of life in the USSR. Through its blend of humor, thrills, and history Ponies easily outruns its competition.  

The series takes viewers on a groovy journey to 1970's Moscow thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Harriet Walter blends maternal warmth and steely resolve as Bea's grandmother, Manya. Petro Ninovskyi imbues local asset Sasha with an endearing blend of moral uprightness and boyish charm. Vic Michaelis is deliciously devious as scheming secretary, Cheryl. Artom Gilz expertly balances charisma and menace as ruthless KGB agent, Andrei. Lila Walters infuses black market racketeer Ivanna with biting wit. Adrian Lester is no nonsense as Bea and Twila's put-upon boss, Dane. Nicholas Podany balances quirky humor with decency as CIA agent, Ray. Even in the midst of excellent supporting performances the series belongs to Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson as Bea and Twila. Clarke turns her Game of Thrones image on its head in a nuanced performance that sees Bea evolve from bookish good-girl to resilient, capable agent. Haley Lu Richardson steals each scene in which she appears in her magnetic turn as street-wise and wise-cracking Twila. The two play off of each other with a comedic timing and chemistry worthy of such classic duos as Lemon and Mathau. 

Alternating between thrills and laughs Ponies is a Valentine to Cold War thrillers and classic buddy comedies alike yet still manages to feel refreshingly original. The script expertly blends tension and hijinks to create a madcap caper that is certain to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The performances transport viewers to the danger and absurdity of Cold War Moscow. For a guaranteed winner place your bets on Twila and Bea in Ponies.

Classics: A Review of Death By Lightning By Lauren Ennis

 "Assassinations can be no more guarded against than death by lightning; it is best not to worry too much about either" President James Garfield infamously said. Tragically, he could not have been more wrong. 2025's Netflix drama Death By Lightning chronicles Garfield's unlikely meteoric rise from obscure congressman to president and his tragic fall to an assassin's bullet. At once a compelling portrait of a largely forgotten chapter of US history and an eerily prescient warning for the present, Death By Lightning truly captures lightning in a bottle.

"I have never had the presidential fever; not even for one day"

The story begins in the 1960's with National Archives employees discovering the brain of Charles Guiteau. The series then flashes back to 1880 with Guiteau drifting between jail, local communes, and his sister's sofa as he searches for his call to greatness. Meanwhile, congressman James Garfield resists his call to greatness when he is recruited to speak at the Republican National Convention. After a barn-burner speech the party turns its attention to the morally upright Garfield in hopes that he will rid the party of the corrupt spoils system. Guiteau witnesses Garfield's unlikely assent and does everything in his power to attach himself to the grassroots movement behind it. When Garfield ultimately wins the presidency Guiteau seeks what he believes is his rightful place in the new administration. Much to his dismay, he soon learns that there is no place for him in Washington. Meanwhile, Garfield struggles to fend off the rampant corruption in the capital and usher in the reforms that he promised voters. When the two cross paths the stage is set for an American tragedy.

In an era dominated by glamorized and sanitized portrayals of history Death By Lightning brings its tale to gritty, startlingly relevant, life. Rather than transporting viewers to a bygone era of polite manners and elegant costumes the series takes viewers on a journey into the darkest depths of American history. The series' portrait of the era's machine politics is at once fascinating and revolting. The blunt depiction of 'how the sausage gets made' in Washington proves to be both timeless and especially timely in today's political climate. Similarly, the depiction of Guiteau's grandeur-fueled descent into madness takes on an eerie resonance in the midst of influencer culture, as more people than ever desperately pursue their moment of fame. His turn from supporter to assassin proves especially visceral in a news cycle dominated by political violence. Even as it portrays some of the darkest aspects of American culture, however, the series still offers hope in its depiction of one man's efforts to make his country a better place. Experience American politics in all of its grit and glory in Death By Lightning.

"Mark my words, my name will be known one day all across this country"

The series transports viewers to the gritty streets of the 1880's America thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Bradley Whitford blends charm with shrewdness as political kingmaker James Blaine. Betty Gilpin is a portrait of quiet strength as Garfield's wife, Lucretia. Nick Offerman expertly portrays Chester Arthur's evolution from corrupt, incompetent, congressman to reluctant leader. Shea Whigam makes for a villain viewers will love to hate as political boss Roscoe Conkling. Even in the midst of compelling supporting performances, however, the series belongs to Matthew Macfayden and Michael Shannon as Guiteau and Garfield. Shannon proves himself to be leading man material as he infuses Garfield with integrity, warmth, and unassuming charm. Macfayden steals each scene in which he appears in his manic depiction of Guiteau's delusional quest for greatness. What easily could have been a cartoonish caricature of a madman is in Macfayden's hands a nuanced and tragic portrayal of a man undone not only by mental illness but also by his all too relatable desire to be somebody.

Through its depiction of one of America's forgotten tragedies Death By Lightning delivers four of the most compelling hours of television in recent years. The script portrays the stranger than fiction history of the Garfield assassination with startling accuracy while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The performances bring the cast of historical characters to vivid, breathing, life. For truly electrifying viewing tune in to Death By Lightning.

"Here and only here, a man can be anyone"

Podcast with a Fellow Middle-Grade Author!

 Hello Readers,

I just couldn't resist sharing my latest podcast appearance with Isabelle Knight. She's a fellow middle-grade author and an emerging talent to be on the watch for!

https://www.youtube.com/@isabelleknightbooks

Wishing Shelf Awards Finalist!

 Hello readers,

I'm thrilled to announce that A Boy's Best Comrade has been named a finalist in the 2025 Wishing Shelf Book Awards. Wish me luck in the finals next month!

Award Finalist!

 Hello Readers,

I have exciting news. A Boy's Best Comrade was chosen as a finalist in the 2025 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards in the Young Readers category. I sure didn't see this coming when I got the idea reading a dog trivia calendar! https://readerviews.com/literaryawards/winners/2025-category/#childrens-categories

Classics: A Review of A Face in the Crowd By Lauren Ennis

 "I'm not just an entertainer, I'm an influence, a wielder of opinion, I'm a force!" declares television host and rising populist political star Lonesome Rhodes. In its depiction of Rhodes' fictional meteoric rise and inevitable fall 1957's A Face in the Crowd predicted the modern media and political landscapes, offering a dire warning against both. Considered both a critical and commercial flop by its contemporaries the film has since gone on to obtain classic status as it continues to gain in relevancy with each passing year. Follow the road to stardom with Lonesome Rhodes in A Face in the Crowd.

The story begins with ambitious radio producer, Marcia, on the search for 'the next big thing'. While recording a segment at an Arkansas jail she encounters drifter Larry Rhodes. While Rhodes is an obvious drunken lout, Marcia sees potential in his folksy charisma and southern charm. She soon books him on a segment in Memphis in which his humorous ad-libbing and politically tinged music leaves the audience captivated when a stunt against the show's sponsors leads to increased ratings and sales the station realizes that Rhodes' full persuasive powers. He is then offered his own show in New York City, catapulting him to national stardom. His celebrity status inspires a national movement and puts him on the road to a political career. As his fame increases, however, so to does his callousness, recklessness, and need for power. It's up to Marcia to expose the monster that she's created before it's too late.

Panned by critics and audiences for its naturalistic performances and bleak tone A Face in the Crowd was an unquestionable flop upon its release. In the decades that followed, however, the film has gone on to attain classic status and it's little wonder why. In its depiction of Rhodes' meteoric rise and inevitable fall the film expertly captures the fickle nature of celebrity and the manipulative power of the media. Beyond merely commenting on the failings of its time the film uncannily predicts the modern media landscape. For example Rhodes; folksy television chats remarkably resemble the modern fascination with unscripted programming offered by reality tv. Similarly, the grass roots movement that he inspires eerily parallels the phenomenon of online influencers. Through its portrayal of his foray into politics the film mirrors our own political landscape in which politicians rely upon celebrity endorsements and hire influencers to official positions. Perhaps most prescient is the way in which Rhodes' appeal to the 'common man' of rural America foreshadows the rise of populist politics across the globe. Beyond merely commenting upon the changing media and political landscapes the film offers a dire warning against giving in to them which has only become more relevant with every passing year. Witness the dazzle and darkness of modern media with Lonesome Rhodes in A Face in the Crowd.

I'm not just an entertainer. I'm an influence, a wielder of opinion, a force... a force!

Each member of the cast offers a tour de force performance. Anthony Franciosa is the epitome of sleaze as Rhodes' smarmy manager. Lee Remick aptly balances naivete with sex appeal as Rhodes' teen fan turned wife, Betty Lou. Walter Mathau blends integrity with grit as television writer turned crusading journalist, Mel. Patricia Neal is captivating in her portrayal of Marcia as a capable, modern ,woman nearly undone by the manipulations of a common grifter. Andy Griffith is a revelation in his magnetic turn as Rhodes. 

In just over two hours A Face in the Crowd captures the emerging media phenomenon of its time while eerily predicting our own. The biting script predicts everything from reality tv to social medial to the reemergence of political populism with uncanny prescience. The performances bring each of the characters to life iwth a depth and nuance that ensure each of the characters is fully three dimensional. At once perfectly capturing its era and entirely ahead of its time, A Face in the Crowd still stands out from the crowd nearly seventy years after its release.

 Good Night you stupid idiots. Good Night, you miserable slobs.

Sample Pages!

 Dear readers,

Thank you for all of your support! To show my appreciation I'm sharing sample pages of my new graphic novel Daughters of Attrition.

                            As their world unravels two girls find strength in each other

                          In the face of oppression Noor and Laila find freedom in their imaginations and comics!