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Hello RTV Fanatics Unite fans! From Ricky the Rat, Rufus the Rat Terrier, And of course, me, Catlover04! Good morning RTV people, How are you on this fine Sunday morning? I did get to see "Jesus Revolution" yesterday. It did not disappoint. So nice to watch a movie in a theater that I truly find a deep connection with. Now, I was only seven years old in 1969. Like everyone else in the world, I knew about "hippies" and the rebellion of the younger generation against the "establishment" ... somewhat. When you're seven, watching the news isn't a priority. I always had my nose in a book, even that young. But I was touched by this "Jesus Revolution" when I met Jesus in a small, non-denominational church at the age of sixteen. You see, I didn't grow up in church at all. Though my parents were both Christians when they passed, they didn't raise us that way. This movie tells the story of how non-denominational churches like the one I met Jesus in were born in the early seventies. And how through a "spiritual awakening", God reset the steps of many in that younger generation back towards Him. "Jesus Revolution" is a true story and a love story, focused on Greg Laurie and his wife Kathe (played by Joel Courtney and Anna Grace Barlow). They first met in 1969 and followed the "hippie" path into drugs and rebellion, only to walk away from that feeling empty and lost. Then they crossed paths with a street preacher named Lonnie Frisbee (played by Johnathan Rhoumie, who I know and love as Jesus in "The Chosen" - perhaps the best portrayal of Jesus in the history in all media). I didn't know anything at all about the real Lonnie Frisbee before hearing about this movie, so I did a bit of research on him before watching the film. Lonnie Frisbee walked into town one day and was picked up by Jeanette, the daughter of Pastor Chuck Smith (played by Kelsey Grammar - who was brilliant in this part. I've never liked Kelsey Grammar so much as I did watching him in this movie). Chuck Smith was the pastor of a struggling church called Calvary Church. Like many adults at that time, he thought the world was literally going to HELL while watching news reports about protests and violence and rebellion going on in the country. Jeannette (played by Alley Loannides) was cynical about church and her father's inability to even try understanding her generation. And while she herself was not in rebellion or doing drugs, she was struggling with wanting to remain a part of a church who refused to walk in love and support for those searching for hope. She heard her father say "If a hippie walks through the door, I'll ask him what they're thinking"); the minute she met Lonnie, she knew this was the "hippie" that could help her father understand. In the end, Chuck Smith embraced Lonnie and his "friends" and invited them all into his Church where Lonnie was allowed to preach his message, much to the frustration of the old board who ended up leaving. What followed was a "spiritual awakening" across the country (not just in California) that people still talk about today. Calvary Church exploded with so many young people on a search for God they had to set up a large tent just to make room for them all. There were so many kids wanting to be baptized, they moved the baptisms to Pirate Cove beach to make sure they all could be. Amazing to watch on screen. We saw testimony of those present as the "baptism" scenes were filmed; people were actually asking to be baptized and choosing Jesus for the first time. The real Pastor Greg Laurie was there, performing his duty. Amazing. The inspiration for this film came when the folks at Kingdom Story began researching a couple of Time magazine covers from the late sixties / early seventies: the most famous one asking the question "Is God Dead?", then a few short years later declaring our country was having a "Jesus Revolution". After meeting Pastor Laurie, (Pastor of Harvest Ministries in California, one of the largest of its kind), he knew the story must be told from the perspective of one who not only lived through it but also had the steps of his life reset because of the Jesus Movement. Believe it or not, nothing I said up there is anything one couldn't get from one of the many previews of the movie. It was a thrill to watch everything unfold in such a beautiful way. Nothing was left out: not even Lonnie Frisbee himself walking away from this movement he was so instrumental in establishing. He fell away from his faith for a while, divorced his wife and returned to his "before Jesus" life. Then he found his way back to Jesus before he died in 1993. Lonnie Frisbee is a clear picture of how God chooses to use "flawed" people to accomplish his purposes. So many times in history, even in Bible history, we see this. We are all human. We are all going to making mistakes; we all do. It's the human condition. But if we are open, God can use us to do great things. That is what this movie illustrates so beautifully. More than you all wanted to know, I'm sure. Go see the movie. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You might even see Jesus in a way you never have before - through the telling of the 1969 Jesus Revolution. Shall we talk about this week now? Sunday, February 26th "American Idol", Season 21 Episode 2, 8 pm on ABC Must say, I very much enjoyed the premiere; show is off to a fantastic start. I will probably continue. Not sure if it will be first priority but I'll keep watching. BTW, I hear we will get a visit from a first judge on the original series, Paula Abdul, on tonight's show. "Magnum PI: Number One with a Bullet", Season 5 Episode 3 at 9 pm on NBC Katsumoto takes a job providing security for a chart-topping K-pop star; Higgins and Rick find themselves in peril while trying to help Rick's friend. I didn't think the move to NBC changed much of this show. It picked up literally right where season four left off, with Magnum and Higgins finally admitting feelings for each other. "Australian Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains" Week 5, Episodes 13 - 14 Considering the fact that this is the week US Survivor kicks in, I think we would be wise to try to work in episode 13 tonight if we can. Maybe 8 pm ish if everyone is ready? If we don't, we'll have to watch three episodes on Friday. Might be difficult. What do you all think? "The Company You Keep: A Sparkling Reputation", Season 1 Episode 2, 10 pm on ABC After Daphne sets a quick turnaround for payment, the Nicolettis devise a plan to steal a valuable necklace at an auction; as Emma and Charlie are both pursuing Daphne, their worlds nearly collide. A page for this could be done if people want one. I haven't decided yet if I'll be participating. Monday, February 27th "The Bachelor: Zach", Season 27 Episode 6, 8 to 10 pm on ABC Zach is making up for lost time in Tallinn, Estonia, where he tests the strength of one connection in a friendly local competition and steps out of his comfort zone at a nude sauna; an Estonian witch works her magic to help him find love. Seems his Covid is finished and the tongue action can return to its excessive amounts. And yay! It's time for the season's annual witch appearance! "Alert: Missing Persons Unit: Brianna and Max" Season 1 Episode 9, Two Hour Finale, 9 pm on Fox When a bride goes missing on her wedding day, Mike and Kemi discover the woman was living a deceptive life; the mystery surrounding Keith's disappearance starts to unravel as he tells Jason and Nikki more details about his time in captivity. Short season, but enjoyable one. I haven't heard yet if it will be renewed, but if not, I sure hope they resolve the Keith question satisfactorily for me. Tuesday, February 28th "The Rookie: The Enemy Within", Season 5 Episode 17, 8 pm on ABC Now that Elijah and Abril have become allies, the team must rely on Monica, Elijah's lawyer, to uncover their plans; Officers Nolan and Juarez reopen her sister's case and discover a discrepancy that leads them on a new trail. I suppose I should know who Abril is, heh. I will be happy to see the Elijah Stone story end; hopefully it does with this episode. Still, the actor who plays him is fantastic; I get scared just watching him. Then watch him on "Turner and Hooch" (Disney Plus), to see a softer, kinder, funnier side to him. Such range! That's why Brendon Jay McLaren is such a fine actor (hope I got that right. Didn't take the time to look it up). "La Brea: The Journey Part 1", Season 2 Episode 13 and "The Journey Part 2" Episode 14, 9 to 11 pm on NBC Gavin leads his family toward a new way home, but each step inches everyone closer toward his devastating vision of Eve's death; Levi, ostracized from the others, is given a chance at redemption when an old foe proposes a deal. Will refrain from episode 13 synopsis because it might actually be a bit of a spoiler for Episode 14. I hear there will be a season three. Pretty good for a show I thought would be lucky to finish out the season after watching the premier. But it's actually turned out to be much fun - far-fetched maybe, but fun. "Will Trent: Two Hundred Hours and a Bus Pass", Season 1 Episode 8, Season 1 Episode 8 When a case that hits close to home comes across Will's desk, he discovers there is more to the incident than meets the eye; Angie and Ormewood investigate a murdered magician while uncovering some extra tricks that had been up his sleeve. Murdered magician. Of course that means someone will do the old "pull a chihuahua out of a hat", doesn't it? Wednesday, March 1st "Survivor: I Can't Wait To See Jeff", Season 44 Episode 1, 8 pm on CBS Immediately upon reaching the beach, the three tribes go full throttle in their first challenge to earn crucial camp supplies; the remaining two tribes choose between a mental or physical challenge to earn their camp essentials. Bet Probst picked that title. I never did do a kickoff page or even look at the cast list; I've been so locked into the greatness that is Australian Survivor. Here's hoping this new season doesn't disappoint. I'm not holding out much hope. Will try to get an introductory page set up sometime today. Maybe? New Show Alert, premiering after Survivor. I recall the old movie being a comedy. Might we expect a "dramedy" here? And will it be more of a "Will Trent" dramedy or a "So Help Me Todd" dramedy? "True Lies: Pilot", Season 1 Episode 1, 10 pm on CBS Helen makes the shocking discovery that her seemingly ordinary husband is leading an extraordinary double life. They don't look like Arnold and Jaime Lee but I think it's based on that scenario. Might check it out. "The Masked Singer: New York Night" Season 9 Episode 3, 8 pm on Fox Two new contestants take on the reigning champ from last week and sing a collection of songs synonymous with the history of New York. Who thinks it is inevitable that we will hear "New York State of Mind?" As for last week, while the reveals were not nearly as fun as Dick Van Dyke, one was pretty entertaining. Yep, it was Abba night so we had a new character do "SOS". I would be deeply disappointed if both our Canadians don't know this person immediately. But I will say: this performance tells us why this man "judges" and does not "perform" music. Funny germ-phobic comedian; not a great singer. That's right... Howie Mandel took a break from "America's Got Talent" and NBC to entertain us as "The Lobster" and rejoin former AGT host Nick Cannon. Did you two Canadians get it quickly? Thursday, March 2nd "Next Level Chef: Rice Guys Finish Last", Season 2 Episode 4 8 pm on Fox The chefs are challenged to make a next-level Chinese-inspired dish. We had a great chat for this last week, but with "Ghosts" back, will that become the first priority for all of you? Hmm, I haven't decided yet. "Ghosts: Issac's Book", Season 2 Episode 16, 8:30 pm on CBS Sam struggles to keep Isaac's spirits up after she hits a wall trying to publish a biography about him; Trevor and Hetty conspire to keep their relationship hidden; Thor tries to prove to Flower that he can control his anger. Will do a chat page for both and see who shows up where. "So Help Me Todd: Against All Todds", Season 1 Episode 15, 9 pm on CBS When Veronica appears at the law firm requesting a favor from Todd, he agrees to help but soon realizes she may be out for revenge; Margaret is upset when she is taken off a high-stakes case. OOOOH! Veronica returns! We've been waiting for this! I'll be watching THIS instead of... "Animal Control: Cougars and Kangaroos", Season 1 Episode 3, 9 pm on Fox Dispatch radios the team with a cougar sighting; Amit squares off with a kangaroo. I will on-demand this; I've been enjoying it. "Alaska Daily: Enemy of the People", Season 1 Episode 7, 10 pm on ABC The stakes are high when Eileen is taken hostage in the newsroom; as the clock ticks, the team races to help before it's too late. "Daily Alaska" is back! And we'll find out what Eileen's hostage taker intends to do with her (I'm guessing shooting her in the opening scene is out of the question...) Friday, March 3rd This will have to be our main "Australian Survivor" night so hope Tigger and DNA are able to join us. If we ended up not getting the first one for the week in tonight, we might need to do all three on Friday. Too many conflicts all week.
These are my rat musings for the day. If anyone has anything to add, please do so in the comments.
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