Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1402 of ‘Doctor Who’. To revisit the Season 14 Premiere, click here.
When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous new season of Doctor Who, on Disney+, we talked at length about how the show was in many ways… reinventing itself. Because not only did the Season 14 Premiere offer up a new Doctor and Companion, officially off on new adventures through time and space… but the show itself clearly set a new direction in motion. For the stories we were treated to were brighter and more hopeful in nature, and they featured new challenges for the Doctor and Ruby to combat. All while keeping the mythos of the last of the time lords to a minimum and well, that refreshing nature of the premiere is top of mind today, because the show is showing no indication that it will be heading back toward old haunts. For ‘Boom’ was a story that was as unconventional as the premiere. In large part because it took a fair chunk of the episode before we even remotely saw Ruby and the Doctor. Instead, we were introduced to a group of faithful warriors, fighting hard on a faraway, war-torn world. Wherein one of them was put down due to horrific injuries and well… that was when our heroes arrived and found themselves in quite the conundrum. For while the Doctor was trying to help the very man that was put down via a strange, automated health care droid, he found himself trapped atop a mine. Which in turn, brought forth one wild and unique plotline. For this was where 90% of the episode took place, around that mine, something we don’t see often in this franchise, since it loves to explore the galaxy. Which brought about, a chaotic and intelligent tale. One that saw everyone be put in harm’s way like never before and featured a unique fight for the Doctor to take part in. Because he had to save an injured Ruby, and himself from being blasted apart with that mine, all while saving lives in the midst of this war since the ambulance system was diabolical in nature. But eventually, he did. By turning the technology designed to bring war upon this planet against itself. Allowing for peace to fall and for his and Ruby’s adventures to continue. All of which, was supremely unique to enjoy, and also… powerfully philosophical. Because this was one of those rare moments where the Doctor actually faced death, and faced the potential for failure, something that he does not endure often. Giving rise to some powerful musings on how we face both of those very real concerns.
But while all of that made for a different kind of episode, what truly made it stand out, was its biting commentary on the world as it stands. Because the war machine that permeated this planet, was clearly a stand-in for how modern warfare has transformed into something hideous. For it is no longer about having a defense ready but about obtaining resources over nobility and causalities be damned. All of which brought about scathing commentary on the American War Machine, and its questionable actions over the past few decades following 9/11, and well… what the show had to say was spot on. In that, we need to take a look at this evolution of war and rein it in before it becomes commonplace. Not to mention, it also clapped back hard on the numb approach some Americans approach violence with, primarily the Republican/MAGA crowd, via the show’s brilliant mocking of ‘thoughts and prayers’.
Yet while that commentary would have been enough to carry this episode, it still had more to say on such matters. Because it also dug deep, into the horrors of capitalism and how that too is way too tied into war. Since these days, there are corporations that focus their entire portfolio on war. To the point where they live and die on the contracts, they sign with the United States military, and why? Why is that allowed, why is that even a thing? Because it makes for bloody greed, the kind that has pushed more questionable actions to take place throughout the years through privatized war machines that don’t answer to anyone but the almighty dollar, and that’s frightening, and this episode made it clear… it has to stop. Because war should never be put in the hands of a hedge fund manager, since it is so costly and so devastating. All of which made… for a sobering adventure to say the least. One that was tense, scary, and reminded us that war is hell… and that… all side lessons aside… we should focus on ending war over anything else. Then we don’t have to worry about nobility, suffering or whether or not the shareholders gained their dividends in exchange for the wholesale slaughter of lives. Ergo, one powerful episode for certain, one that was bolstered by another amazing performance from Ncuti Gatwa, who continues to impress as the Doctor, and Millie Gibson held her own here as well. And now that we’ve reached the end of this incredible journey, and now that the show has our complete attention from a commentary standpoint, one cannot help but wonder what lies ahead from a lesson and adventure standpoint. For we are in undiscovered country with this series, and that is downright wonderful and exciting. Until next time. Watch ‘Doctor Who’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season 4 Finale of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One particular trope that exists in modern day crime dramas, especially those on television, is how every single season of storytelling, tends to wrap up for the heroes in a perky and uplifting manner. Wherein the heroes stand victorious, with new life lessons in hand and where the bad guys are dead or behind bars and it makes sense as to why this is so popular. Because it allows for new crimes and new stories to be introduced year in and year out and it helps support the escapist nature of such stories. Since that way, good always wins and everyone feels good about it. But alas, while that is engaging and fun, it does do the genre a bit of a disservice. Because we also enjoy these types of shows because they help us explore a world we don’t understand and sometimes… a little realism helps fill in those blanks for us and that is why the season four finale of Law & Order: Organized Crime is of note. Because ‘Stabler’s Lament’ offered up a fairly realistic tale about how things go for investigators. For instance, it made sure to ponder upon how tough their home life can be. Because while Stabler was working with his team to bring down Emery for good, life at home was a little chaotic for the right reasons. Since we learned that Eli and his girlfriend were expecting, and that Eli did in fact, want to follow in his father’s footsteps as a cop. Which gave Elliot pause, because of how tough this life can be, and he opted to offer up a tough love lesson in such matters to make sure that was what Eli wanted. But while that was fascinating to experience, the case was still cooking. Because Joey was getting all kinds of incredible intelligence and was inching closer and closer to bringing his boss to justice and well… that led to some tense and scary moments for Joey. The kind that left him wondering how safe he was going to be, and that tension extended to the team. Because they wanted nothing more than to end this smoothly and well, as it is in real life, no one got that wish. For when the time finally came for the team to confront Emery and his goons at an airfield, to stop the sale and distribution of a hideous nerve agent that Emery was hocking out to the underworld, things went wild. For there was a grandiose firefight, one that cost lives on both sides and while the chemicals were indeed retrieved, this was a pyrrhic victory at best. Because Emery evaded capture at the last possible second, and to maintain his cover and make sure that Emery would eventually face charges for his crimes… Joey followed him onto his private jet. Wherein he was promoted to keeper of the backup nerve agent. Which made him fully aware of the reality that he was in deep. Giving rise to a bittersweet ending really. One that was brutal, costly, and real. Because sometimes the bad guys get away, and sometimes a stalemate is progress, and all of that weighed heavy upon Stabler. Because he desperately wants to do right, to do good and make the world a better place. Which led to a tender and powerful moment at the end of this story where Stabler took a moment to recommit to his fight, to his oath if you will… to make the world a better place, by visiting his wife’s grave, and well, that brought about… a powerful ending to a powerful season of storytelling. One that was incredible in nature and featured some magnificent plot points and emotional beats for us to latch onto. But above all, it was a supremely realistic ending. One that truly reminded us that for every victory that a police officer enjoys, there are countless failures and countless stalemates. Which means the true victories are indeed that much sweeter, and so incredibly special. But what matters most, is that this finale, also sets the stage for a far different type of season from this series. One that should continue the Emery plotline in a more aggressive and darker, and downright more visceral manner and that’s a good thing. Because this show has the potential to do incredible things from a storytelling standpoint and shock us and wow us harder than before by moving to Peacock, and it will be interesting to see what this show looks like when it lets loose, when it arrives on the streamer come next year. Until then. Watch ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season 25 Finale of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one particular question each and every one of us would like to ask police officers, but rarely if ever, get the chance… it would have to be… why did you choose this career path? Because let’s be honest… the police aren’t in the best of standing with the public right now, and that’s tough to reconcile. Not to mention… this is a dangerous and depressing gig. For people with nothing to lose or who simply don’t care, put those wearing badges in harm’s way, and they impart nasty harm on innocent people. Through acts that are dark in nature and disturbing for certain. So why then, would anyone want to willingly wear that shield and chase after monsters of that caliber? Well as it turns out, the season 25 finale of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, takes the time to answer that particular question. A feat that ‘Duty to Hope’ accomplished by giving Captain Benson and her team, one awful monster to deal with. For the city was under siege from a serial assaulter, who committed awful acts, in the midst of his attacks and well, they were under fire from a new hot shot in the District Attorney’s office… to bring this monster in post haste. But alas, clues were scarce, and the attacks continued and well… one lone surprise clue was enough to seemingly bring forth charges at last. Since the man who matched the evidence, named Billy… was also correctly identified by the victim. But something about that did not sit right with Benson. It just felt too perfect and too coincidental and well, she was right. Because the attacks continued, and it was obvious that the NYPD had the wrong man in custody and was tearing a family to pieces in going this route. Since Fin had to go the extra mile to cover for Billy’s son when he crossed a line in anger. If anything, all of this put incredible pressure on the unit, and left them drifting because they could not catch a break. But thankfully the bravery of a new victim, who was spared the worst parts of the assault because of said bravery… managed to secure a big fat clue for the unit to look into. One that finally offered up a legit name for a suspect, mainly because he was former military, and well, that revelation brought about one explosive finale to this story. Wherein the perp, made life hell for the police. Because he knew he was caught, and he was cornered, so he naturally… opened fire on anyone that came within inches of his home and was fully prepared to end his life and the life of his partner in a violent manner if it meant avoiding jail. But thanks to the stunning bravery of Benson and the NYPD, only one person died on this day, the perp, giving rise to peace to the victims, truth about who their attacker was… and the reason why Benson and others wear the badge. Because despite the horrors they face and the danger that surrounds the job, officers akin to Benson are hoping to inspire hope in others. Hope that evil can be beaten, hope that better days lie ahead for those who were wounded and hope… in humanity. That we can in fact, overcome our worst instincts and be better as a species. Which made… for quite the uplifting season finale (one that also featured a lovely voice cameo from Christopher Meloni as Stabler) and that’s saying something. Because everything before that moment was downright scary. Because the attacks here were simply brutal and disgusting, as was the behavior of the new kid on the block and her deep want of charges regardless of innocent until proven guilty and due process. But that is what makes the ending and the message so worthwhile. Since it does speak to a counter to that, to a real desire from good people to make the world a better place, and that definitely answered our question and reminded us why we enjoy this tough show, so much. Because it does provide that hope and it does remind us that there are agents out there fighting the worst of us. Until next season. Watch ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season 23 Finale of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One would like to believe, that becoming a public servant and serving the public trust in a high-profile position within the framework of the judicial system… would bring peace to one’s life. After all, that person is doing good in the world and making sure that people can rest easy at night, ergo… they should be adored by the public and feel as safe as those they work for. But alas, that simply is not the case. For every move that person takes part in, in that position, harbors incredible scrutiny and disagreements on end results since others have their own idea of how things should go. Not to mention, enemies will be made, the kind that could possibly seek revenge and well, that’s not an easy life to reckon with, one that most of us avoid. But some, hear that call and go for it and suffer through the consequences of sacrificing for the greater good, as evidenced by last night’s season 23 finale of Law & Order on NBC. For ‘In Harm’s Way’ focused squarely on District Attorney Nicholas Baxter, who faced quite the surprise. For while he was out with his family and preparing to enjoy an evening downtown, a shot rang out. One that put down a beloved baseball player, and scared everyone in the area, and more so scared Baxter when he came to learn… that he was the target of that bullet, and he only survived this assassination attempt because he leaned down at just the right moment and well, a crime this heinous put the entire city on alert and through the efforts of Shaw and Riley, a suspect came to light. Because they quickly came to discover, that a member of the notorious Cobra 10 Gang was the one who had his sights set on killing the District Attorney. In part because the gang and Baxter had tangled years ago, and the top boss wanted revenge, and well, the trail of evidence made it seem as though this was going to be an open and shut case. Since they had motive, evidence that lined up with the weapon used in the attack and even a witness to place the accused, a Hector Canseco, at the crime scene. But alas, the death of that witness put the case in jeopardy and forced Baxter… to not only reflect upon his career and his choices made, including the reality that he was hated and marked for death, but tasked him with how much he was willing to sacrifice for the job he had chosen. For there was a person he could lean upon to end this, and swiftly, his daughter Carrie. For she had seen Canseco outside of her parent’s house, casing the joint, and he even used Carrie to confirm that the house in question was the Baxter residence. But doing so, would expose some skeletons in his closet and potentially derail his re-election campaign, and potentially cost him his marriage. Since Julia made it clear he’d given too much in the name of justice and putting his daughter on the stand crossed a line. But it happened nevertheless, and exposed so much and did indeed seem to cost him his marriage. But Canseco did go down for his crime and likely spent ages in jail, and well… that really was the perfect way to examine the central theme of this episode. Since it truly spoke to how much sacrifice goes into a job such as this, and the roadblocks and clap back a civil servant will face in the name of justice and a better tomorrow, and this finale deserves a round of applause for exploring that and for also… adding a little personal twist to it as well. Since Baxter did have other options for putting the case away, but really dug deep and sacrificed so much in the name of justice, and for the chance to prove to the people of New York, that he genuinely wants to be their District Attorney and work for them. All of which added some humanity to a cerebral and engaging finale. One that truly informed us, that there is no glamor or glitz to be found in leading the charge for justice, and to be prepared for that if any of us feel the call to chase such matters. Until next season. Watch ‘Law & Order’
Please Enjoy this Sneak Peek and Synopsis from the Season Finale of Mary and George, which airs on STARZ, later tonight, and is available to stream on the STARZ App, now! MARY & GEORGE EPISODE 107: War Airdate: May 17 at 9:00pm ET/PT on STARZ George embarks on a monumental and historical trip to Spain with Prince Charles in a bid to ease English and Spanish tensions and avoid war. Mary attempts one last throw of the dice to ensure absolute power. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 508 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
There are a great many things that the Star Trek Universe does well from a storytelling standpoint. For instance, it really is one of the most positive and forward thinking shows out there. Since it does showcase a future, where humanity is better, where it stands with other species in the galaxy in the name of the betterment of all. Not to mention, it is a franchise that deeply explores the wonder and the majesty of the human condition, and its flaws. All in an effort to give its audience plenty to chew upon and learn from. But of the many wonders this franchise continues to accomplish on a consistent basis, there is one above all it excels at… realistic character development. For this is that rare franchise that follows its captains and its crews for decades on end, and in doing so, it allows for us to see how the chapters of our lives play out and how we grow and what we learn along the way. Which has brought forth some enriching journeys and some equally as powerful moments that teach us so much and prepare us as well, and well… it would seem this is something the franchise won’t be stepping away from anytime soon, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Star Trek: Discovery on Paramount+. For ‘Labyrinths’ took the time to move Captain Michael Burnham from one chapter of life, into the next, and it accomplished such an amazing feat… by way of a hunt for the final clue. Because this episode saw the intrepid crew of the U.S.S. Discovery, arrive at the iconic Badlands to hunt for the clue and that led… to quite the impressive sequence for certain. One that returned us to a violent and ugly place we haven’t seen since the days of Voyager and Deep Space Nine and introduced us to a supremely unique facility. Since the Archive was a nerdy dream. One filled from top to bottom with the compendium of the galaxy’s knowledge and that really was quite the treat. One that featured some amazing emotional beats as well since Book had a chance to revisit his Kwejian roots. But while it was amazing to see this place and be immersed in a world of knowledge, we did mention that there was real growth to be found here for the captain and that came… from within.
For the Betazed clue put Captain Burnham within her own mind, complete with an avatar of Book… wherein she had to find the final clue or face certain death and that led… to quite the emotional journey for the captain. One filled with failure and misdirection. Because the point of this was not to outwit one’s mind, nor was the clue magically buried within her via the device that put her into this mental space. It was about understanding… Michael Burnham. The person she had become, the person she was, and what she felt about herself and wanted. Which made this sequence the moment in time… where we as an adult face such matters. For we all deal with a reckoning, one where we must know these things, in order to move into a more confident chapter of our lives.
Which allowed for Michael to grow before our eyes and leave behind old fears and traumas by seeing the progress she has made, by seeing how great a captain she has become. And that honesty, that good nature, allowed for the clue to come into hand, and not a moment too soon. For Ruhn and his Breen brood arrived to cause trouble, and they most certainly put the fear of death into the hearts of those in the Archive and the crew aboard the Discovery. Because Ruhn was relentless in wanting the clue and willing to kill and break oaths to have the knowledge he sought. Which led to a bold gambit from the captain to escape, and some class on Moll’s part. Since she stood up to the Primarch and killed him. In the name of salvation, power and the resurrection of L’ak. All of which set the stage for a race to the Progenitor’s technology, where Burnham has the upper hand. But all action and good deeds from Moll aside, since she saved a lot of lives, make no mistake about it… this was indeed a powerful episode about the human journey. Of how reflection and introspection does wonders for us and how important that moment is to all of us, and now is the right time to do this for Burnham. Since it helps to bring her five-year journey to a close in preparation for the farewell tour. Because the penultimate episode awaits, and it will likely feature more action and adventure over philosophy and that’s just fine. Because the STU is also amazing at executing those elements, and it will be incredible to see them in action as the endgame begins for this important and incredible series. Until next time. Watch ‘Star Trek: Discovery’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Normally, documentaries about events in sports, are supremely positive in nature and understandably so. After all, sports are designed to enthrall us, and make us feel inspired, so it stands to reason that documentarians would find unique angles to do just that, and they most certainly have. Since we have been treated to so many tales about how teams overcame adversity to win a championship or overcome a tragedy. Or we learn how a group of individuals that had no business being on a field together, came together as one to do the impossible and win games and accomplish wonders. But alas, while it is nice to be inspired and know what heroes accomplished if you will, those are not the only stories out there in the sports world. Because for every champion there is a loser that was so close and has a story to tell, and there are teams mired in multiple losing seasons that have to dig deep and find a way to even get onto that field and give their best, knowing full well, they stink. But thankfully, the demand for more diverse stories out there is bringing forth sports documentaries that focus upon more than just the folks that raise the trophy. In fact, there is a brand-new sports docu-series on Peacock that takes the time to look at one of the wildest stories to ever take place in sports, the tale of the 1990 New York Yankees. One that stands forgotten because of how many championships the Yankees have won with superstars at the helm. But Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball, takes the time to remind us that it wasn’t always sunshine and roses at Yankee Stadium. In fact, 1990 was perhaps one of the darkest chapters in Yankees history. After all, this is a season where egos clashed over money and performance, and where superstars from other sports joined the team. Plus, this is also a season where some strange and disturbing things happened in the clubhouse and as this team outright hit rock bottom at the ballpark. All of which are vignettes that were indeed forgotten to time and buried beneath so many pennants, but these are moments that need to be spotlighted and explored. Because they are moments in sports history, and it is paramount that we recognize the bad as much as we celebrate the good and thankfully, we get all of that in this documentary. Because director D.J. Caruso, makes sure that every stunning moment is explored in equally as stunning detail. Through engaging interviews with team members from that era, and through the lens of the many beat writers that were present when all this went down and chronicled it with gusto. Which draws you deeply into this story, and compels you to see it through to the end. To not only see what wild moments await next, but because you're in awe that this happened to one America's proudest teams, and truly, the facts will take you off guard here and leave you in awe, and revisiting such surprises in such amazing detail, makes this, an important and powerful documentary. Because it is just an incredible reflection upon one of baseball’s lowest points, and it showcases that with the right care, and the right objectivity, all the ups and downs of sports can be put upon display in an engaging and impactful… and uplifting manner as well. After all, there are some highs that are chronicled here too, and that helps us to understand how… sometimes it truly is darkest before the dawn and well, all of these elements, make this an absolute must-see documentary. Primarily because of its revolutionary perspective, but more so because it is so incredibly compelling and so incredibly fascinating. Thanks in large part to how much one learns when watching this comprehensive slice of history. One that finally informs us of the fact that sports, aren’t always about glory. They are filled with failure, filled with mistakes and outright darkness at times… so that the people that play can find strength, and move forward, and become the champions that we celebrate. Watch ‘Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball’ on Peacock. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 12012 of ‘Chicago Fire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks for a long-running television show to accomplish, especially a procedural that features a supremely specific setting, is keeping things fresh and original. Because mixing it up and wowing the audience is what keeps them coming back for more and time and again, we’ve seen great shows stumble and fall when it comes to such matters because there does come a point where it seems ideas are thin and there’s not much else the story can do. But one particular franchise/universe has in fact, figured out how to buck that problem. For Dick Wolf’s television shows, have come to understand that offering up diverse stories that borrow from just about every genre is the way to keep shows intriguing and for proof… well then look no further than what Chicago Fire on NBC is doing. For it is a series that should, by virtue, run out of ideas and steam. After all, it’s a firefighter serial, one set in a firehouse and one would think that there are only so many ideas to play with there. But this series loves to mix it up and take us unique places. Since last week featured a heist story, and a dangerous one at that. Which really did keep things interesting and well, this week’s episode found a way to keep that fresh nature rolling as well. Since ‘Under Pressure’ made use of the rich characters in this story to explore a bevy of concepts that kept our attention. Such as how trauma and fear, can bring about conflict in our personal lives when left unresolved. Since Joe came to learn after a brush with the emergency room, following a rescue, that his problems with Chloe were related to her traumas about the past, and that she was projecting those fears upon Joe. An epiphany that prompted confrontation and resolution thankfully, but it was just one of many grand concepts present in this story, bringing forth that engaging diversity in question. For this is a story that also featured, some paramedic drama as well. Since Lennox crossed a line while on that same call where Joe had to go to the hospital, prompting Kelly and Violet to file a report regarding his conduct since Lennox nearly killed a man, and while that investigation took place, Violet also had to help Novak cope with a hard truth she had never faced before in her career. In that, we cannot escape emotional ties to what we do, despite our best efforts to treat it as a job or an everyday routine. Because we’re human and we commit and make it part of ourselves and we have to be ready for that reality, and act accordingly. Which Novak took under advisement, and hopefully, to heart eventually. All of which brought forth a wildly diverse hour of drama that explored so much about the human condition. Since we enjoyed lessons regarding what it means to be a hero, how dark times stay with us until we confront them and the power of caring over what we love. Which would have been enough to carry this episode, yet… this story still had more to offer. Since we also had a little fun injected into this tale, courtesy of Capp and Tony. Who decided to flex up on Squad 4 with a bet regarding a world record. Which Kelly told them to ignore, until Squad 4 made it personal with Kelly, which put the wager back on the line, and with some good prompting and cheering, this duo managed to pull off pulling a truck quite the distance in under a minute. Giving rise to some bragging rights, and some feel good moments for all of us, and yet… this story STILL had more to offer us. Because the big shocker regarding the Lennox incident was that… he was let go from his job. Which shocked Kelly and Violet because he was Robinson’s right-hand man. But that was all part of a master plan to seize power by Robinson with DC Barnes preparing to step down, giving rise to an endgame for Kelly, since Lennox let him know what she was up to. Which was the bow on quite the gift of an episode. Because this one, had it all really, just plotlines galore, all of which were fascinating and powerful and moving and just showcased… how diverse this show can be. Because one week, it can be a juicy thriller that puts us on the edge of our seat, and the next, it can be a powerful reflection of the human condition and our struggles, and it can be fun and compelling and offer up some serialized moments. All in one episode no less, and that’s why we love this show, and why it has longevity. Because it always finds new ways to be interesting, and it will be fascinating to see what surprises await us storytelling wise, during next week’s season twelve finale. Until then. Watch ‘Chicago Fire’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Something that is genuinely fascinating about the Freeform series, Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise, is the sheer fact that this reality series, is eager to explore the nature of causality. For so many other stories in this vein, simply focus upon the moment… and the drama in that moment. But here, we’ve been privy to the emotional response of folks that have endured some real surprises here, and we’ve seen them hold others to account for their actions. Giving rise to a vastly different kind of reality show. One where yes, drama exists, but it is healthy in nature. Since it is a consequence for those who crossed a line and conducted in an effort to heal. If anything, the show’s fascination with causality is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display one more time during last night’s season one finale. For ‘Easter Rumble’ saw everyone show up at Julian’s place to enjoy a grand Easter party, Cayman style and well… there were several that saw this party as the right time… to hold people to account. For Dillion has caused a lot of trouble on the island, and of course… Elizabeth has indeed gotten away with some woefully toxic actions and behavior that cannot be allowed to continue. So, Chelsea, Trevor, Vic, and Julian were ready to do what needed to be done. Which led, to quite the tense party. One that started out okay, but once Dillon got there… the tension came into play. Because Chelsea took the first opportunity available to her, to inform Dillon of how hurtful it was for him to spread rumors like that, and well, his decision to play it off and be defensive in doing so… only brought more heat down upon him from Trevor and Vic. Because they outright told him to skip the wedding for crossing the lines he did, and that prompted him to just leave the party, under the realization that he pissed off a lot of people. As to whether or not those consequences hold weight for him, we don’t know… but he did face them for certain, as did Elizabeth. For she decided it was wise to make a cameo at Julian’s, mainly because he did her the solid of running the bakery launch last week, but it was a decision that ended up becoming quite costly for her emotionally. Because shortly after she arrived, Julian was quick to sit her down and confront her about her actions, and rightfully so. Because she did dump the bakery upon him, and she did not plan properly for her own grand opening and needed to be held to account for it. But this was too much for her to process, as was a follow up confrontation about her actions and that prompted Elizabeth to leave post haste and informed us… there’s a lot going on within her internally, that she needs to resolve since that kind of response speaks to someone who is walled off emotionally. But that is not to denote sympathy or side with her actions. She did do Julian dirty and needed to face the consequences for it, and it was incredible to see that on display here and to see how agency and confrontation and a desire to combat drama can benefit so many. Since we saw follow-up facts and snippets about how everyone grew beyond this moment, through the strength accountability gave them. All of which gave rise to a fascinating end to this season’s journey, one that wraps this story up if Freeform opts to not bring about a second season. But they should, because this has the chance to do something quite special. But in the here and the now this was quite the satisfying ending, one that informed us that reality television can be different and deeper, if the show in question prioritizes humanity over the drama. Watch ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’
Written by John Edward Betancourt For the most part, science fiction tends to be a genre that examines the human condition through deconstruction. All in the hopes of moving us forward really. For taking apart how love can make us silly, or how anger can lead to trouble… helps us to understand how our emotions get the better of us, and what the power of analytical mind can do. Which is why so many sci-fi stories feature such unique and cerebral stories, and often end in a very even keel manner. Because the genre handles those goals well, and gives us pause in doing so, and we of course… happily keep coming back to learn more about ourselves and the people that surround us. But what’s fascinating, is that this era of peak television, is working to change that particular standard for science fiction. For there are stories out there now that question… if science fiction has to be so direct and dry in its examination. If it can instead use what it stands for to take us on a different ride. One that still offers up what we love about it but does so in a manner that is subtle and moving, so that the lessons stick with us in a manner that has emotional gravitas. Which is why the Prime Video series, Outer Range is of note. Because its first season posed that very question and dabbled within it while it built up the incredible world that Royal and his family and friends inhabit. However, with its second season arriving tomorrow, it is evident that Executive Producer Josh Brolin and Showrunner Charles Murray are eager to take that to the next level. For year two of Outer Range is a powerful and emotional season of storytelling. One grounded deeply in the human experience and the human condition. Wherein we are privy to less analysis of emotion and more immersion into what the characters of this world feel and experience. Which gives rise to a second season of storytelling, that is supremely dramatic in nature, to the point where we oft forget about what brought us here. But in doing so, we are treated to some uniquely philosophical questions along the way, the kind that question more than the human condition. For there are moments and episodes in this story that deal with the power of our past, and our legacy. Of what it means to be part of something greater, and what family means to us. Alongside deep explorations about what we want in this life above all, and how we get those things. Making this a season of storytelling that just explores… everything about us both good and bad, and that leads to some fascinating television to say the least. The kind that deeply moves us now and again and forces us to think upon our own journey and where it’s taken us, alongside of course… giving us plenty to hunger for when it comes to this amazing and unique story as whole. After all, we still have questions about the black mass that has brought people to unique points in time, and why it exists, and what its purpose actually is. And of course, we all have questions waiting to be answered after season one’s incredible and epic finale, so there is more than philosophy to be had here, a plus for viewers who want to tune into a story and just get lost within it, and there is nothing wrong with that. Because everyone tunes into stories of this caliber for various reasons, and there are indeed a bevy of juicy plotlines in season two for people to find, and more amazing performances from actors that are deeply passionate about this project. All of which brings together, a deeply compelling season of storytelling. One that does not let go of your attention or your emotions and we cannot wait to geek out about every single moment with all of you, once Outer Range returns to the airwaves, tomorrow. |
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