My apologies for not sending a newsletter last week. It was an emotional week, and I didn’t get to much in the way of dining or entertainment. My last child moved out and I wasn’t ready for it.  He’s been home for quite a while since college, but it wasn’t one of those “parent support” situations. He was my roommate. He paid a fair market rent, utilities, groceries etc. He did his own laundry and helped with chores. Best of all, he was live-in tech support! It was nice having him around. 

Last week, he found a studio apartment and decided that it was time to strike out on his own. I had just a few days’ notice and didn’t have time to fully process the idea. It’s bittersweet. I’m proud of him for finding a place of his own, but sad that a chapter of my life has ended. For the first time since 1989, I don’t have one of my children under my roof. 

After we moved everything out, I sat on the floor of his bare room and wept. I’m officially an empty nester and I’m all alone.

For years, I heard the parents of my kids’ friends dream of the day they could get their kids out of the house. Maybe I’m weird, but I was in no hurry. I like my kids. I like having them around. The thought of an empty nest scared the hell out of me, and… now that day is here. I shall endeavor to adjust. But… enough about my trials and tribulations…

Here’s what I’ve got this week…

TV

SHE-HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW

Disney Plus

This is a fun ride. As you know, I’m a comic book guy, but didn’t know much about this character. I was pleasantly surprised! If you know anything about the Hulk, he’s a scientist named Bruce Banner who has a gamma ray experiment go wrong, so whenever he gets angry, he morphs into a giant, green, rage-filled monster. The fantastic Mark Ruffalo has played Banner in the Avengers movies. He also makes a guest appearance in this series.

In this incarnation, Tatiana Maslany plays Jennifer Walters, Banner’s cousin and a mousey lawyer. She gets into a car accident with Banner and gets some of his blood in her wounds. The reaction is that she can turn big, green and strong without the rage and without losing her faculties. She can do it at will. Including in the courtroom during closing arguments. It’s really funny and Jessica often breaks to fourth wall and talks directly to the camera. 

I call it “Ally McHulk” because that’s the tone of this show. I’ve only seen the pilot but, so far, I think it’s a gem!

Copie’s Choice: WATCH

TMZ INVESTIGATES:

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO RICHARD SIMMONS?

Hulu

For almost forty years, fitness guru and television personality Richard Simmons was a constant presence on talk shows, workout videos, soap operas and more. He’d even stop the celebrity tour buses that came by his Hollywood Hills home and greet the passengers. Then, on February 14, 2015, he simply disappeared and hasn’t been seen in public since.

TMZ investigates the rumors surrounding the eight-year-old mystery. Is he dead? Did he transition to a woman? Is he the victim of elder abuse and being held hostage by his long term housekeeper?

This was one of those shows that I didn’t really want to see but there was nothing else good to watch, so I thought I’d check out five minutes. I was riveted for the entire hour. Simmons was a much more complicated man than any of us knew.

Copie’s Choice: WATCH

EATS

Marin Joe’s San Rafael

931 4th St.

San Rafael, CA

(415) 456-2425

While I had visited several of the Joe’s restaurants around the Bay Area (North Beach, Daly City), I had never been to this location. It was what I expected. Similar ambiance to the others. A hearty, old style menu. Good hearty food. I had the Joe’s Special, their signature dish comprised of ground beef, eggs, onions, spinach and mushrooms. DELICIOUS.

If you like the other Joe’s locations, you’ll like this one. Dine in or take out!

COPIE’S CHOICE: GO

STUFF

A few things…

My new COPELAND’S CORNER blog is going great guns as is the COPELAND’S CORNER podcast. The blog drops every Wednesday. The podcast every Thursday. You can subscribe to both for free by going to briancopeland.com.

My new solo play, "Grandma & Me: An Ode to Single Parents," starts previews at the Marsh in San Francisco on September 9. The press opening is October 8. It’s already garnering some very kind press.

Broadway World did a wonderful piece on the show.

We also made the Fall Arts Preview of the San Francisco Chronicle.

I hope that you’ll come to the show. For tickets visit themarsh.org.

That’s it for this week.