Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Parish’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course of the past few weeks, the AMC series, Parish, has put forth a masterclass exploration regarding the dangers of not resolving the darkest parts of our past. For Gracián ‘Gray’ Parish is a broken man, one whose grief and sordid past, has outright overtaken him and pushed him to do foolish things, and well… we’ve seen the end result now of such poor choices and we’ve learned how important it is to sit down and resolve what haunts us, so we don’t go down this path. But while it has been outright fascinating to learn these lessons in a compelling and at times, nerve-wracking manner, this journey has left us curious as to whether or not two key moments would come to fruition. Specifically, whether or not Gray would ever actually take the time to face his pain in the slightest since he has done everything within his power to avoid it, and of course… what would come of his decision to defy Anton. Since we have quickly come to learn that he is a powerful man with great reach and well, by bringing the consequences lesson to bear in last week’s episode, that freed up this week’s… to explore those critical moments. For we quickly to learn in ‘Kumba’, that little came from Gray’s decision. Instead, Anton was focused on antagonizing Shephered for the sake of amusement, really, because Anton knew he was going to come out on top in this matter. For he was working with Shepherd’s father, who handed the business over to Zenzo and demanded he come home. Which put the Horse into hiding and allowed for us to discover how deep this trafficking net was cast over the city and how horrifying a business it truly was. Since we watched hopeful and joyous immigrants from beyond, be duped into a life they never wanted, and they faced horrific consequences for speaking up. All of which undoubtedly serves a purpose for this story since it does not waste a single second, but that’s as far as that exploration went for the time being, and with a better understanding at hand, we were able to catch up with Gray and his family… who were living in fear in this tale. Because despite Anton’s aloofness and concern elsewhere, Gray thought the man was coming for his family and coming for them quick. So, he made quite the ask of his family. In that, he tasked them with packing up their bags to prepare for a fresh start far from this city, and in order to properly make that happen… he needed to put the house in order to outright destroy it. All so, an insurance check would come into their hands. So, with Colin’s help the bodies were disposed of, and the insurance fraud was set, allowing for Gray to get his family out of there and finally… face his past.
In fact, the process of that began in the moments before he and his family left town. Since Gray took a moment to reflect upon every memory built in that place, be them good or bad, and once his family arrived at their destination for the night… did that all-important and long-awaited moment, come into play. Because Makayla and Rose wanted to know the truth at last, and the truth they did receive. For Gray finally opened up about his past, and explained how this moment came to be and well… that led to a messy evening in this godforsaken hotel room. For other truths came out, such as how Maddox was not the innocent soul that Gray thought he was and how complacency and concern about his parent’s love for him drove Maddox down a path similar to his father’s, and that left Gray in a tough and vulnerable place mentally. For he blamed himself for his son’s death, especially because of how their goodbye moment went down and well, the Horse used that to his advantage from afar.
Because shortly before the Parish family left the homestead, the Horse had one of his lieutenants drop off a recording device. One that Gray opted to listen to, in the hopes of clearing his head with a distraction. But alas, that device offered the worst possible gift for Gray in that moment. In that, on that device was a confession. One that came from the man that killed young Maddox on that fateful night and well, that was more than enough to push Gray into a state of fury. Wherein he wanted to know exactly who this person was, so he could exact revenge upon him. Which in turn, pushed him to leave his family behind one more time… to confront the Horse and demand answers, and the Horse made it clear that he was happy to provide that information to Gray, at quite the price. One that undoubtedly may cost Gray his very soul. For to commit to revenge and unleash fury in the name of it, is a dark path that no man should go down… but can… when that pain is still fresh in his heart, and that is precisely where Gray is at the moment. For while he did confront his past like we’ve been hoping for, he did forget to resolve it. For he did not find peace, he did not move on. He picked at the wrong wound and made it bleed and well… that means the season finale of this saga will absolutely focus upon whether or not Gray can resist the darkness and find peace. But while we wait to see that resolution, we can applaud one amazing tale. One that genuinely offered up some emotional moments, that kind that made us feel for Gray since now we know how much he is carrying in that tortured soul. Which is also a testament to Giancarlo Esposito’s acting skills… since he truly let loose here and sold the pain and sold the fury that Gray carries in his heart, and he properly set the stage for what will be one incredible finale. For there is no greater way to end the journey of a tortured soul, than through the resolution of the darkness within. Until next time. Watch ‘Parish’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Predator v Prey’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating new BBC America series, Predator v Prey, we talked at length about the show’s revolutionary nature. For it wasn’t just a collage and collection of clips and anecdotes about how the predators of the world, hunt, and feed. Oh no, it was an incredible deep dive into the science behind the hunt. How there are careful calculations into what lions do to earn their title as King and Queens of the Jungle. Which brought forth some fascinating lessons and facts that so many of us likely knew nothing about, alongside some breathtaking moments that outright shocked and surprised us and left us wondering… what else could this series teach us? Well as it turns out… this show is going to leave no stone unturned when it comes to the science behind how predators hunt, as evidenced by the next chapter in this tale. For last night’s episode focused squarely on the ‘Cheetah’ and opted to showcase elements in its life that we don’t think about all that often when it comes to the predators of the world. For instance, how they learn to hunt. Which may be attributed to a universal belief that instinct rules all in that instance and that’s fair and fine. After all, there is some measure of understanding and distinction between predator and prey in this life. But believe it or not, it goes far beyond that… in fact, this episode helped us to understand… a predator’s skill set is learned behavior. For we spent time with a family of cheetahs in this tale, a matriarch and her three cubs and well… over the course of eighteen months, the film crew was able to watch in great detail… how the mother of this family, first went about feeding them to keep everyone strong and everyone thriving, so that the cubs could in fact… learn to hunt from mother. Because once they were old enough and ready to observe, they watched mother in action in great detail. How she stalked, how she moved, how she brought down prey that was bigger and stronger than her, and soon after… her cubs would practice such acts in play and eventually… the time came where they had to physically learn how to bring down prey in preparation for leaving the family unit and heading out onto their own. Which led to some fascinating moments again, where we saw the mother carefully showcase to her children the art of hunting with a delicate care and well… her lessons paid off in spades. Since we were also privy to the moment when her male cubs enjoyed their first group kill after leaving home and where her daughter, brought forth her own solo kill as well. Bringing about an amazing coda that truly showcased how much learning goes into being a predator, and how such actions are passed down from generation to generation, something that we really don’t ever see on television or in documentaries and as mentioned before… don’t think about all that often. But now we will. Because this episode showcased that delicate learning process, one that nature undoubtedly thrives upon in order to keep the natural order going. Courtesy of one stunning tale, one that yes, also featured more of the amazing science we found in the first story. Since we came to learn a lot about how the cheetah hunts in the moment and some of the physiological traits, they carry, that give them a grandiose advantage in the wild. But this episode really did up its game and go one step further and showcase so much more, and now we will definitely look at predators in a vastly differently light and truly, it will be fascinating to see what other lessons and revelations await us in the next chapter of this story. Until next time. Watch ‘Predator v Prey’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Mary & George’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
We like to believe that once we’ve reached the top or claimed our respective goal, that life will become quite easy in nature and understandably so. After all, we see the joy the famous and the downright skilled, exude, when they speak of being at the top of their game. But what’s funny… is that sometimes being at the top doesn’t yield exactly what we want. In part because we may not have thought beyond just claiming what we want, but also because, our dream may rely upon others to help us fully realize it, and people as we know… can sometimes muck up the system. If anything, this particular surprise is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display in the next episode of Mary & George on STARZ. Which was fascinating to say the least, since ‘The Wolf & the Lamb’ should have explored how Mary and George were thriving. After all, George was now everything to King James and Mary had clout and standing and the spoils of the King’s Court and all of England should have been at their fingertips. But alas, they were not. For all George and the King did was make love often, complete with some strange behavior from the King since he took to biting George now and again, and Mary… saw her son John, falling to pieces. For he truly was listless here and foolish and well… in order to get something going, to exude power and standing… they both felt they had to nudge some people along. Which for Mary… involved trying to get John married to Frances, which would give her more sway, with minimal luck. Because Lady Hatton was not having it, and she wanted no part in her daughter marrying a psychopath. Since John did resort to some messed up stuff. But she also wanted Mary to have no agency or power in this life or in the world of royalty. So, she hid Frances away and made use of Lord Bacon to manipulate power to her favor and while that happened… George did his best to try and please the King on a trip to Edinburgh. Wherein he hoped being away from the world would strengthen their relationship and give George more to do than just screw with reckless abandon. But a chance encounter for a good time just made the whole experience awful for everyone, really. So, instead, all George could do was sit back and ponder best upon how to impress his King to finally be given some semblance of power. Which came forth… by being vulnerable. Since George’s fling was a relative of Somerset and wanted nothing more than to impart harm upon George. But thankfully Kit was there to save the day, and well, George facing death helped James grow closer to his sweet and open his heart, and through sharing a moment, one involving the King’s first love… George was finally in a spot to do more and be more. And of course, Mary knew exactly what she was doing as well. Since she figured out how to end around dear Lady Hatton to get the marriage she wanted for John and to further gain power in this life. In fact, she was able to get more of her sons’ great power in the court of the King and in doing so, Bacon was hamstrung and forced to simply watch as the Villiers continued to cement a standing in the most powerful government in the world. All of which, gave rise to a fascinating exploration about how our dreams don’t always magically come true when we obtain them. Since sometimes, we do need people to help them along and bring them to fruition and in order to do that, we must figure out how to get them on our side and that led to some powerful moments here. The kind that showcased a side of King James I that we had not seen before and reminded us of how badly Mary wants her agency and her power, since she will stop at nothing to get it and well, now that Mary is in control and George finally has the heart and the ear of his King, it would seem the dream is about to come to fruition. For at last, the Villiers have power, and it will be interesting to see what they do with it after lusting after it for so long. Until next time. Watch ‘Mary & George’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 524 of ‘Love During Lockup’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say that last week’s episode of Love During Lockup on WE tv, offered up some amazing lessons. Simply because that episode did an amazing job of reminding us why this franchise is so unique and powerful in nature, and how… love can find us in ways we never thought possible. Since every relationship we were introduced to, featured a vastly different path to love and vastly different scenarios for those in a relationship to deal with. As they hoped to make their difficult love work from afar with one half of the couple waiting patiently behind bars and well… this season is showing no signs of slowing down from a learning standpoint, as evidenced by this week’s tale. For ‘Vegas or Bust’ focused heavily on one particular theme. Specifically, the struggles that people in this situation encounter in trying to make it work and in finding the balance and happiness they seek, for all kinds of unique reasons. For instance, Ayonna struggled with the fact that one way or another, she was going to be isolated and pay the piper for her mistakes. Which she felt was going to set her and her love back in life. Plus, we were introduced to Shonta in this story, who was betting the farm on happiness here, and finding worry in doing so. Not to mention, both Andrew and Caitlin were nervous in this story, because the unknown awaited them and reconciling that was difficult to say the least, because they really didn’t know if they were going to work as a couple. But truly, there were two other vignettes here that stood out regarding that central theme, one of which involved Tennie. Simply because with Rob getting ready to come home, something important needed to take place. In that, there was bad blood between Tennie and Rob’s mother, and Tennie needed to make peace with his mother, and granted, so did he… but her going first was more feasible in the moment. Which was a move that led… to disaster. For the meeting went nowhere, because mom was only concerned about healing through tribute, of the financial sort and that led to more conflict. Which frustrated Tennie to no end, because this was a tough ask, one that needed Rob. Since he could nuance those more difficult moments, but alas, this just ended in an ugly fight and Tennie storming off, with no resolution in sight. Plus, Joey’s journey here made for some powerful moments as well that reflected the theme and offered up more. All because Joey was ready to have Michael meet his family, remotely of course, and that put a fear of terror into Joey. Because he just did not know how it was going to go, and he wanted his family to like Michael and approve of him. Which they mostly did, until a few revelations came into play. Such as how long Michael has been in jail, and that Joey relapsed shortly after dating Michael. Leaving the family to wonder if Michael was outright poison and a daydream for Joey and that left him… struggling. Because he not only had to reconcile the lack of acceptance, but the possibility that Michael might be toxic for him and that… is about as tough as it gets. Because there’s no easy peace or balance to be found in family rejection and hard, hard questions. All of which, showcased just how hard it is for folks in this situation to love and find peace. Because everyone here was genuinely battling to find that sliver of happiness and hope that love promises. But therein lies the conundrum, since we don’t always know what a new love will bring us or if it will last, and of course… navigating tough stuff without our partner is no easy task. Which brought forth a compelling episode, one deeply grounded in powerful moments and raw humanity. Especially when it comes to Joey’s storyline, which truly took us places we did not expect to go and well, all this does is leave us eager for more. So, we can see what other lovelorn lessons await us from a show that offers up a grand examination of a unique style of romance that few of us understand. Until next time. Watch ‘Love During Lockup’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 309 of ‘BMF’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there was a subtitle that could accompany the third season of the hit STARZ series, BMF, it would have to be… The Education of Terry and Meech Flenory. Simply because year three in their fight to become the last great Crime Family in America, has indeed been grounded in lessons. For they have come to understand why it is important to fail in this life, since it offers learning, and they’ve also had the chance to learn how to be smarter businessmen all around. So that less bloodshed can come into play. All of which has brought forth a fascinating season of storytelling, since we so rarely see kingpins learn in this manner in crime stories relating to the drug trade. But this has definitely been a welcome twist to inject into the story, since it has allowed for us to see these men grow before our eyes and well, it just so happens that all of this was part of a grand design for season three as well. In that, all of these lessons would eventually need be applied to Terry and Meech’s trade at a critical juncture and that juncture was put forth in the show’s next episode. For ‘Death Trap’ was more than a vacation to Miami Beach, as Markisha treated it… it was indeed a business trip that would make or break the BMF brand and thanks to the MKs and a close call with them, the business almost collapsed. Because that little brush with hell, helped them to miss the meeting with the mechanic they came to see, and he was greatly displeased over such disrespect. However, rather than sulk, rather than worry… they took the lessons they have learned and applied them to the moment. Which allowed for them to apologize to the Mechanic and get vans outfitted to give them exactly what they needed. Not to mention, newfound understanding and perspective, allowed for them to outmaneuver the MKs no problem. To the point where they injured their own leader, and where Meech was able to give them a delicate slip. Which resulted in the weight heading back to Atlanta. And while that was sized by the Red Dogs, what mattered more here was that Terry and Meech finally arrived. They were savvy businessmen now, they knew what had to be done to succeed and that is quite the turning point to witness, one made possible by the lessons learned this year. But while that made for a fascinating story through and through, one that helped us to understand how this organization rose to such power, there were other critical moments that played out in this story as well. After all, Lucille finally came to understand where her heart lies when a little pressure came forth from Charles regarding a chance to rekindle. Possibly bringing an end to their love, and of course… Henri was at her worst here. Since she blamed the death of her lieutenant on Terry, when it was Bryant all along and she of course… took that anger out on Hoop in an effort to draw Terry into all-out war. A move she will undoubtedly regret now that’s she facing a level-headed and calculating pair of brothers who are done taking crap from anyone ever again. All of which sets the stage for an explosive season three finale. Wherein Terry and Meech will gladly fight Henri and teach her a lesson and where… they will undoubtedly lay claim to their empire and reclaim their product from the growing threat that is the Red Dogs. But while we wait to see how these men seize the day and launch their empire at last, we can revel in the wonder of one satisfying tale. One that really saw these men come into their own and solidify their standing as kingpins. To the point where even Markisha’s spoiled-brat ways were put to rest, and it was just amazing to see every lesson these men have learned this season, come together in such a flawless manner, and it will be fascinating to see how quickly the empire grows once this duo seize the day during next week’s season three finale. Until then. Watch ‘BMF’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Sugar’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding suicide and self-harm, which may be triggering to some individuals.
When we last settled in to enjoy the wondrous new Apple TV+ series, Sugar, we were left with a sense of hope, despite seeing things fall to pieces health wise for Hollywood mogul Jonathan Siegel. Simply because, John and Melanie’s work in the case revolving Olivia’s disappearance, seemingly offered up results at last. For they had someone that was able to speak to how Olivia might have endured harm at the hands of her brother, David Siegel. Since Olivia was aware of his disgusting transgressions, and her understanding of those transgressions seemed to imply that David imparted harm upon his sister by getting the ever-grimy Stallings involved in her disappearance. Which meant, answers had to be on the horizon, which gave us the hope in question, and well, answers did indeed await us in the next episode. For ‘Boy in the Corner’ wasted little time in having John Sugar, confront Bernie Siegel about his son… before going to the source. Which brought about a tense sequence, one where Margit Siegel tried to deflect and discourage John before offering up threats of violence. The kind that John returned in kind to force little Davy to get off of his duff and do something to resolve the rising threats in his own home. Which he did, by agreeing to speak with John, and just like that, answers finally came pouring forth. After of course, he took the time to whine about his poor, privileged life. But once that nuisance was out of the way, he spoke to how yes… he had come to learn that Olivia was aware of his actions and rather than handle such a discovery like a normal person… he spoke to Stallings about the matter. Mainly because ol’ Stallings was a human trafficker and knew how best to make people appear and disappear. Which meant, John and Charlie needed to prepare surveillance and go over the now skimpy intelligence on the man to prepare for a forthcoming meeting with him. One that would hopefully bring about more answers, but that… was heavily delayed. Mainly because, one of Stallings’ thugs dropped by Melanie’s place to do what thugs do best. But thankfully, John’s keen eye spotted something out of place when he stopped by Charlie’s van to plan, which was parked outside Melanie’s house. Which allowed for him… to just beat the living hell out of the man that tried to mess with Melanie. Which also prompted John to have her stay at the hotel with him, to keep her safe while a new plan went into play. One where Stallings’ little idiot would return to base beaten and bruised and with news of failure. To test the monster and see his response before John did his own thing. But that, will have to wait for another time. For the remainder of this tale took the time to further explore what a piece of trash Stallings’ is, since we saw his profession in action, and we also saw John struggle with a secret… and we also saw the Siegel family face some kind of accountability for Davy’s actions. For Davy struggled mightily in this tale with the lines he crossed, and with those actions coming to light. So, he decided it might be best to try and put a bullet into his head. An act that left him badly wounded and left Bernie and Margit in utter devastation. But while we wait to see if Davy survives his injuries, what THAT meeting was about, and how things are going to go at Casa de Creep, we can revel in the majesty of one incredible tale. One that embraced the best parts of Noir. Because this episode featured, that segment of those classic stories where the hero thrives in his element and makes magic happen, and is a defender for good, and this story did that segment proud. Since the interrogation of Davy was riveting and the fight to save Melanie was tense and powerful and well, it just goes to show that this series knows what it is about and knows what fans of Noir and good television want, and it should be interesting to see what other throwback moments and other surprises await us as John continues to make great progress in this harrowing case. Until next time. Watch ‘Sugar’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Franklin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It really is quite amazing what the Apple TV+ series, Franklin, is managing to accomplish from a storytelling standpoint. For not only is this series educating the audience on a little-known aspect of how the United States of America won the Revolutionary War against the British Empire… but it is also… steadily removing the romantic aura that surrounds this war. For it really is viewed after all these years, as some kind of beautiful and noble quest toward liberty. When in fact, it was war, it was chaotic and little about it was lovely or smooth. Including the alliance born to help America beat back the British, as evidenced by the next episode in this fascinating series. For ‘The Natural State of Man’ took place in July, well after the alliance was signed. Wherein we came to learn… that the cozy joy that France and America’s ambassadors shared, was fading quickly. In fact, life in France was a bit ho-hum now that both sides were battling the British far and away. For now, routine settled in, combined with outright fatigue regarding the war. So, Benjamin set out to try and liven life up and secure Temple’s future by pushing him toward marriage. But alas, that brought about more conflict and questions. Such as how much longer either side would tolerate one another because of that fatigue. Especially since the marriage was off before planning even began. Not to mention, the alliance in and of itself was a mess. Because John Adams expected the French to move faster and with a sense of intensity. So that the British would get the message. But that was not the French way. They moved slow, and in a calculated manner and that drove Adams up the wall and prompted him to grate against the government often. Wherein dear Doctor Franklin had to step in and use kindness to gain concessions and what they needed. A process that became the norm and strained the relationship between Franklin and Adams. Since they were often at odds and eager to assert their style over the other, though thankfully they harbored enough respect and desire for the same goal to maintain a status quo. But even then, chaos continued to reign supreme in this story. In part because there was also a sense of helplessness from so many in this story. After all, they came here to accomplish a goal and really stick it to the British. But instead, there was boredom, infighting and chaos and that robbed so many of a sense of agency or purpose and that made for an explosive finale to this tale. Because Lafayette gave everyone a chance to find what they needed, to bring order to chaos by laying out a plan to attack Britain directly from the sea. Which in theory, would force British forces to pull forces away from America, giving the United States Army the edge it and well, this plan brought forth the chaos in question. Simply because this sanctioned plan inspired Temple to join the fight and feel some sense of duty beyond being a secretary to his grandfather and it also inspired a counteroffensive from evil agents that did not want to see the American side succeed, courtesy of an attempt on Franklin’s life (for history tells us that Franklin survived the incident). One that Bancroft likely helped set up, judging from the look on his face. That means the tension and the chaos are about to be elevated. Now that Franklin knows that someone in his inner circle is looking to bring harm to him and the cause, and of course… he will worry deeply about his grandson. All courtesy of the fact that war finally touched everyone in this story, as grand war often does. But that aside, this really was a great episode. One that truly did explore how chaotic the war effort was, and how there was little to romanticize since so many were focused on saving a young nation and earning the freedom they wanted, and how hard that process was, and well… now that Benjamin’s eyes will be opened to some hard truths, it will be interesting to see how he responds to such treachery and the tough road ahead. For it is indeed always darkest before the dawn and clearly at this point, Doctor Benjamin Franklin is watching the clock strike midnight. Until next time. Watch ‘Franklin’
Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 5 of Parish. Which airs 4/28/24 on AMC and will be available to stream on AMC+ and ALLBLK!
Episode 5 – “Kumba” – Premieres Sunday, April 28 on AMC at 9pm ET/PT and available to stream on AMC+ and ALLBLK Gray and his family face a terrible new normal and reckon with past trauma. Horse singles out the enemy within while expanding his business. He makes Gray an offer he can't refuse. Please Enjoy this Sneak Peek and Synopsis from Episode Four of Mary and George, which airs on STARZ, later tonight, and is available to stream on the STARZ App, now! MARY & GEORGE EPISODE 104: The Wolf & The Lamb Airdate: April 26 at 9:00pm ET/PT on STARZ George faces a daunting trip to Scotland with an erratic and closed off King James. Elsewhere, Mary attempts to enforce the marriage of John and Frances, but a fired-up Lady Hatton stands in her way. Please enjoy this sneak peek and Synopsis of Episode 309 of ‘BMF’, which airs on STARZ, later tonight, and is available to stream on the STARZ App, now! BMF EPISODE 309: Death Trap Airdate: April 26 at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ Meech and Terry travel to Miami together to meet with a mechanic known as Francois to expand and to build business for BMF. Surprisingly, Glock and the MK’s are there to welcome the Flenory brothers in true Miami fashion, yet despite the interference the brothers escape determined to accomplish the American Dream. |
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