S. Epatha Merkerson Movies
S. Epatha Merkerson is a Tony-nominated and Obie-winning, African-American stage actress, but is best known for her portrayal of detective squad chief Lt. Anita Van Buren in the series Law and Order. Born and raised in Detroit as the youngest of five children, she was a fine arts graduate of Wayne State University and began her New York theater career in the late 1970s. Merkerson was nominated for a Tony award for Best Actress for her performance as Berniece in The Piano Lesson and won an Obie award in 1992 for her work in I'm Not Stupid. Her screen credits include Jacob's Ladder and Loose Cannons and, perhaps most visibly, her role as Joe Morton's terrified wife in James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day.Merkerson made her television debut as Reba, the Mail Lady on Pee Wee's Playhouse, and has appeared on The Cosby Show, among other series, but her most important single television appearance may have been in the first season Law and Order show "Mushrooms," in which she portrayed the grief-stricken mother of an 11-month-old boy who is shot accidentally. Her work was not only memorable to the audience during that key first season, but also to the producers, who later picked Merkerson for the role of the new detective squad chief in the series' fourth season--a role she continued to play for over ten years. Merkerson's talent on the small screen led to roles in numerous TV movies such as Breaking Through and A Mother's Prayer, as well as roles in such films as Radio and The Rising Place. Still, her monumental gifts in both presence and interpretation may not have truly been utilized until she took the part of a strong matriarch who runs a 1960's boarding house in HBO's mini series Lackawanna Blues. Her first leading role in almost twenty years on screen, her performance earned her an Emmy Award as well as a Golden Globe. After her triumphant turn in Lackawanna Blues she returned to the big-screen in Craig Brewer's follow-up to Hustle & Flow, Black Snake Moan co-starring Christina Ricci and Samuel L. Jackson. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
A sequel to the sci-fi action thriller that made him and star Arnold Schwarzenegger A-list Hollywood names, writer/director James Cameron upped the ante with this follow-up by employing a more sweeping storyline and cutting-edge special effects. Linda Hamilton returns as Sarah Connor, now a single mother to rebellious teen John Connor (Edward Furlong), during the late nineties. Having been informed by a time-traveling soldier in the first film that John will one day grow up to become humanity's savior from a computer-controlled Armageddon, Sarah has responded by becoming a muscle-bound she-warrior bent on educating John in survival tactics and battle strategies. Her ranting about humankind's future has landed Sarah in an insane asylum and John in the foster care system. The rebellious John has responded to his situation by getting into scrapes with the law. When a new and improved Terminator android called the T-1000 (Robert Patrick) arrives from the future to eliminate John, an older model T-800 (Schwarzenegger) is sent to protect the boy. The T-1000, however, has the ability to morph itself into any shape it desires, allowing it chameleon-like powers and near indestructibility. The T-800 saves John's life and helps break Sarah out of the institution. Staying only one step ahead of the dogged T-1000, Sarah leads her son and the T-800 to the headquarters of Cyberdyne Systems, the company that will invent a robotic intelligence that will eventually take over the world. There, they attempt to convince inventor Miles Dyson (Joe Morton) to help them stop the future from ever occurring by destroying his work. Dyson sacrifices himself in an explosion to save the world, leading to a final showdown between the two Terminators at a steel foundry. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), which won four Oscars in technical categories for its groundbreaking effects, was followed by a short sequel filmed exclusively as an attraction for theme parks, Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time (1996). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, (more)
This exercise in patriotic, high-tech action centers on a select group of Navy commandos and their battles against a Middle East terrorist group. This particular squadron is led by a pair of rivals: cocky, fiery Hawkins (Charlie Sheen) and stoic, unflappable Curran (Michael Biehn). When an anti-terrorist mission goes awry, allowing an enemy leader to escape with a supply of stolen American missiles, both men are certain that, given another chance, they can redeem themselves and the squad. Their rivalry plays out against a background of high-powered amphibious battles, allowing the film to revel in dangerous stunts and advanced weaponry. Joanne Whalley-Kilmer provides brief romantic relief as a journalist with important information, but the focus remains on the macho interplay between Hawkins and Curran. Co-written by former Navy Seal Chuck Pfarrer (with Gary Goldman), the film presents authentic details about the elite unit, but the bulk of Navy Seals tends to rely on familiar combat film conventions. Viewers seeking rapidly paced action sequences will not be disappointed, though other viewers may be less likely to overlook the predictable storyline and routine characters. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charlie Sheen, Michael Biehn, (more)
A tortured man finds himself caught in a middle-ground between hallucination and reality in this supernatural thriller, scripted by Bruce Joel Rubin of Ghost (1990) and My Life (1993).
Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) is a soldier stationed in Vietnam who undergoes a traumatic experience on the battlefield - the nature of which is initially unclear. The film then moves into his post-Vietnam experience in 1970s New York, where he feels consistently traumatized, but can never quite remember exactly what happened to him in Southeast Asia or to free himself from his anxieties over the recent tragic death of his young son (Macaulay Culkin). Though well educated, Jacob works as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and has become romantically involved with one of his co-workers, Jezzie (Elizabeth Pena), after divorcing his wife. Soon, Jacob's tenuous hold on reality starts to slip as horrifying events befall him; he is nearly run over by a subway train, pursued by faceless demons in cars, and spots reptilian tails and horns protruding from the bodies of those he encounters. Jacob also suffers severe panic attacks related to the chaos that may be reality, or may exist only in his mind. He seeks counsel from Louis (Danny Aiello), a kindly chiropractor, as his ex-wife Sarah (Patricia Kalember), fellow Vietnam vet Paul (Pruitt Taylor Vince), and enigmatic stranger Michael (Matt Craven) all try to help the tortured soul. Jason Alexander, Ving Rhames and Eriq LaSalle highlight the supporting cast. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) is a soldier stationed in Vietnam who undergoes a traumatic experience on the battlefield - the nature of which is initially unclear. The film then moves into his post-Vietnam experience in 1970s New York, where he feels consistently traumatized, but can never quite remember exactly what happened to him in Southeast Asia or to free himself from his anxieties over the recent tragic death of his young son (Macaulay Culkin). Though well educated, Jacob works as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and has become romantically involved with one of his co-workers, Jezzie (Elizabeth Pena), after divorcing his wife. Soon, Jacob's tenuous hold on reality starts to slip as horrifying events befall him; he is nearly run over by a subway train, pursued by faceless demons in cars, and spots reptilian tails and horns protruding from the bodies of those he encounters. Jacob also suffers severe panic attacks related to the chaos that may be reality, or may exist only in his mind. He seeks counsel from Louis (Danny Aiello), a kindly chiropractor, as his ex-wife Sarah (Patricia Kalember), fellow Vietnam vet Paul (Pruitt Taylor Vince), and enigmatic stranger Michael (Matt Craven) all try to help the tortured soul. Jason Alexander, Ving Rhames and Eriq LaSalle highlight the supporting cast. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, (more)
Loose Cannons may be a wacky buddy-cop comedy, but it starts with a chilling premise. It seems that a film is discovered that depicts the final moments of Adolf Hitler's life. The climax features young German officer Von Metz, who is seen putting Hitler to death. Von Metz (Robert Prosky) is now running for chancellor of West Germany. If this film gets out, his political career is finished, so Von Metz has arranged for the murder of anyone who has seen the film. The killings have taken place in the Washington area and Mac (Gene Hackman) and Ellis (Dan Aykroyd) are sent to investigate the crimes. Mac is a middle-aged veteran of the force, a professional who gets things done. But Ellis is a different ball of wax. Suffering from a multiple personality disorder, he has spent two years in a Benedictine monastery to recover from his problems. But he is far from cured -- as Mac discovers, whenever Ellis is confronted by violence, he blacks out and begins to assume the characters of popular culture icons like Popeye, Captain Kirk, and the Road Runner. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gene Hackman, Dan Aykroyd, (more)
- 1989
It's time to redecorate the Playhouse, and it promises to be a noisy event inasmuch as today's secret word is "House." (SCREAM REAL LOUD!) Borrowing a page from Tom Sawyer, Pee-wee tricks his friends Cowboy Curtis, Ricardo, and Miss Yvonne into doing all the work. When Reba the Mail Lady arrives to deliver Clocky, the gang unexpectedly meets two new friends: Floory and Mrs. Rene (Suzanne Kent). And to top it off, Miss Yvonne stages an impromptu tea party. William Marshall makes his debut as the King of Cartoons, bringing a vintage TV to the festivities. "Open House" was released on video in tandem with "Pee-wee Catches a Cold" in Volume 1 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
Back from her vacation, Countess the Cow entertains the gang with her home mooooovies (complete with four-legged skiing). Then, Globey gives Pee-wee a foreign-language lesson. But all this is forgotten when Pee-wee "adopts" a little lost puppy--which happens to belong to Reba the Mail Lady. Will our hero do the right thing, even if it breaks his heart? "Puppy in the Playhouse" was released on video in tandem with the series pilot "Ice Cream Soup" in Volume 13 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
Today's secret word is "Well", which the ailing Reba the Mail Lady definitely is not. Offering his own brand of medical assistance, Pee-wee is aided and abetted by "nurses" Chandelier, Magic Screen and Pterri. In addition to the always-welcome presence of future Law and Order costar S. Epatha Merkerson as Reba, this episode features the Del Rubio Triplets performing "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'". "Dr. Pee-wee and the Del Rubios" was released on video in tandem with "Rebarella" in Volume 9 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1988
Season three of Pee-Wee's Playhouse finds the irrepressible Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) and the whole Playhouse gang (human and otherwise) back for even more hilarious adventures -- though not as many adventures as in previous seasons, inasmuch as only a handful new episodes were produced. In "I Remember Curtis," Pee-Wee reminisces about his old pal Cowboy Curtis (yes, that's a young Laurence Fishburne) with the help of clips from previous episodes. Future Law & Order co-star S. Epatha Merkerson is prominently featured as Reba the Mail Lady in "Reba Eats, Pterri Runs." Jimmy Smits guest stars as a muscular computer repairman in "Conky's Breakdown." In "To Tell the Tooth," Pee-wee must practice what he preaches after admonishing his friends not to be scared by the dentist. A frantic search is conducted for several of Pee-Wee's favorite playthings in "Mystery." A popular singing trio is spotlighted in "Dr. Pee-Wee and the Del Rubios" "Front Page Pee-Wee" finds our hero transforming the playhouse into a newspaper office. And rascally Randy accidentally causes a"Fire in the Playhouse," though Fireman Frank (Stephen Parry) prevents things from getting out of hand. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens, Lynne Stewart, (more)
- 1988
For the first time ever, Clair's all-female literary discussion club invites some men to attend. The only one who shows up is Cliff (Bill Cosby), whereupon Clair (Phylicia Rashad) worries that her husband will embarrass himself by exhibiting his ignorance of the book being discussed--but she's in for a big surprise. Meanwhile, the kids spend an eventful night in the shabby apartment of newlyweds Sondra (Sabrina LeBeauf) and Elvin (Geoffrey Owens). Featured among the book-club ladies are future stars Angela Bassett and S. Epatha Merkerson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
Pee-wee solicits the aid of Jambi when he wants to deliver a letter "Now" (which happens to be today's secret word). Reba the Mail Lady is not happy about giving up her day off, so Pee-wee mollifies Reba by inviting her to lunch. Meanwhile, Pterri is exiled to his nest for being naughty, leading to a few anxious moments when the crestfallen pterodactyl decides to run (or fly) away from home. "Reba Eats, Pterri Runs" was released on video in tandem with "Cowboy and the Countess" in Volume 14 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1987
Pee-wee is confused when Conky produces today's magic word: "Zyzzybalubah." But sure enough, the magic word is spoken, whereupon the entire Playhouse gang is whisked into Outer Space, including visitor Reba the Mail Lady. Landing on a mysterious red planet, our friends confront a squeaky-voiced alien who bears a startling resemblance to Miss Yvonne --- and an omnipotent ruler whose name happens to be Zyzzybalubah! "Playhouse in Outer Space" was released on video in tandem with "Pee-wee's Store" in Volume 3 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1987
The big news for season two of Pee-Wee's Playhouse is the selfsame Playhouse's "new look"--which extends to redesigning several puppet characters, notably Globey. Though Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens), Miss Yvonne (Lynne Stewart), Cowboy Curtis (Laurence Fishburne), and many other regulars are still in attendance, there are also several new faces including Suzanne Kent as neighbor lady Mrs. Rene and William Marshall as the King of Cartoons, replacing the previous season's Gilbert Lewis. The season's ten half-hour episodes include "Open House," in which Pee-wee supervises the Playhouse's makeover; "Puppy in the Playhouse," wherein our hero tries to adopt a doggy that already belongs to one of his best friends, Reba the Mail Lady (S. Epatha Merkerson); "Store," wherein Miss Yvonne goes shopping at Pee-Wee's imaginary convenience shop; "Pee-Wee Catches a Cold," an object lesson in how anything can be cured with a good dose of chicken soup; "Why Wasn't I Invited," in which a misunderstanding almost causes Pee-Wee to miss the Countess' big party; "Tons of Fun," highlighted by a lip-synched performance "That Certain Feeling" (original artist: Bob Hope); "School," which brings Christopher Columbus briefly back to the land of the living; "Spring," a study in disconsolation as Pee-Wee fails to make the baseball team; "Playhouse in Outer Space," which proves that even a secret word like "Zyzzybalubah" can crop up in casual conversation; and "Pajama Party," which delivers just what the title promises (and it's co-ed, too!) For its second season, Pee-Wee's Playhouse earned still another Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Children's Series. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1986
The secret word is "This" on this (SCREAM REAL LOUD!) episode. Pee-wee throws a party and invites all the gang, including Cowboy Curtis, Captain Carl, Miss Yvonne and Reba the Mail Lady. They do the hokey-pokey (and turn it all around), then wrap things up with a quick game of "Pin the Tail on Globey." This (SCREAM REAL LOUD!) is loads of fun. "Party" was released on video in tandem with "The Gang's All Here" in Volume 5 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1986
Today's secret word is "there"...but where is Pee-Wee's mail? Everyone else in the playhouse has gotten a letter except our hero. Reba the Mail Lady makes the wise observation that to receive a letter, you must send one out first, so Pee-Wee does, to Captain Carl. Later, Randy swipes a few apples from Mrs. Steve (and lives to regret it). Then, Pee-Wee wishes he was a fish, and Jambi obliges him. Listen for the premiere of that hit tune "Pee-Wee Herman Had a Farm." This first season episode of Pee-Wee's Playhouse is one of the few that was not released to home video in the 1980s. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1986
The 13 first-season episodes of Pee-wee's Playhouse have become such beloved classics that it hardly seems necessary to offer an overview, but here goes anyway: In "Ice Cream Soup," the series opener, Pee-Wee (Paul Reubens) introduces us to his friends Miss Yvonne (Lynne Stewart), Cowboy Curtis (yes, that's Laurence Fishburne), Jambi the Genie (John Paragon), Captain Carl (Phil Hartman), and the King of Cartoons (Gilbert Lewis), among many others. He also treats us to the first Secret Word, "door" (and remember to SCREAM REAL LOUD!). "Luau for Two" finds Pee-Wee throwing a luau in the Playhouse, tiki torches and all. Our hero breaks out the paper airplanes and whipped cream when he is cooped up indoors on a "Rainy Day" -- and also makes a prank phone call, much to his everlasting regret. In "Just Another Day," Cowboy Curtis teaches Pee-Wee how to square-dance. "Now You See Me, Now You Don't" is highlighted by Pee-Wee's magic show, which ends up rendering him invisible. Miss Yvonne treats grouchy neighbor Mrs. Steve (Shirley Stoler) to a "Beauty Makeover" in the episode of the same name. "The Restaurant" is what Pee-Wee calls his own kitchen when Captain Carl shows up for a peanut-butter sandwich. Everyone has "Ants in Your Pants" when the denizens of Pee-Wee's animated ant farm make good their escape. A one-eyed "Monster in the Playhouse" soon finds Pee-Wee surrounded by a whole bunch of new friends. A nervous Cowboy Curtis stages a dress rehearsal of his date with Miss Yvonne in "Cowboy and the Countess." Rascally Randy suffers mightily when he consumes the "Stolen Apples" from Mrs. Steve's backyard. Pee-Wee is rescued from a mousehole by his kiddie pals (including at least one overgrown "ringer") in "The Gang's All Here." And it's nonstop fun for everyone, including the usually reserved Reba the Mail Lady (S. Epatha Merkerson) in the aptly titled "Party." It was during this maiden season of Pee-Wee's Playhouse that the series won the first of its many Emmy awards, one for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction and Outstanding Achievement in Videotape Editing. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
