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BAFTAs 2026, Eric Dane Tribute, Talamasca, Cross Season 2 & Line of Duty Series 7 | Geektown Radio 486
Dave is joined this week by Darryl from Hollywood North News for a packed episode covering the February BAFTAs, a tribute to the late Eric Dane, fresh show impressions, a report from the London Anime & Gaming Con, and a full run of UK and US TV news.
Darryl brings early thoughts on Talamasca: The Secret Order, the new Netflix entry in the Anne Rice universe, and whether it works if you haven't seen the other shows. He's also been into Cross Season 2 on Prime Video and reports back on whether it lives up to the first. There are impressions from The Night Agent Season 3, and some thoughts on Ryan Murphy's The Beauty that may save you some time.
Dave breaks down the February BAFTAs in full, including the biggest upset of the night in Best Leading Actor, why Marty Supreme's 0-from-11 night made history for the wrong reasons, and the moment involving Tourette's campaigner John Davidson that dominated post-show coverage — and why the BBC's handling of it was the real story.
There's also a heartfelt tribute to Eric Dane, who passed away on 19th February 2026 at the age of 54 following his battle with ALS. Netflix has released his episode of Famous Last Words, and it's well worth your time.
On the TV news front: UK cancellations, renewals including Can You Keep a Secret? and The Floor, an ABC renewal status update, Peter Krause eyeing a new NBC pilot, first-look photos for S.W.A.T. Exiles, Robert Carlyle joining Line of Duty Series 7, and the first original cast member confirmed for the Fox Baywatch reboot.
For more information on motor neurone disease, visit mndassociation.org and myname5doddie.co.uk in the UK, and targetals.org in the US.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro and welcome back 00:18 – Talamasca: The Secret Order (Netflix)
04:37 – Cross Season 2 (Prime Video) 09:41 – London Anime & Gaming Con report
14:45 – The Night Agent Season 3 (Netflix) 17:28 – The Beauty (Disney+)
19:53 – BAFTAs 2026: winners, upsets and the John Davidson moment
28:20 – Tribute to Eric Dane
33:53 – Dave's weekly catch-up: Starfleet Academy, The Rookie S8, Watson, Matlock S2, The Lincoln Lawyer S4
38:29 – Cancellations: You Bet, Jeopardy! UK, Virdee, No Strings Attached
40:06 – Renewals: Can You Keep a Secret?, The Floor, The Mistletoe Murders, The Night Agent S4 writers room
42:10 – ABC renewal status round-up
45:03 – Peter Krause and the Protection pilot for NBC
48:17 – S.W.A.T. Exiles: photos released, still no broadcaster
51:18 – Robert Carlyle joins Line of Duty Series 7
53:05 – David Chokachi joins the Fox Baywatch reboot
56:02 – Highlights for next week on TV
59:00 – Outro and where to find everyone
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