Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘American Rust: Broken Justice’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
As we continue our journey through season two of the fascinating Prime Video series, American Rust: Broken Justice, it is becoming inherently clear what this show wants to accomplish in its sophomore season. In that, it wants to deeply reflect upon the challenges we all face in life, and how a group of shattered people respond to them. To offer perspective on the world, and perhaps help us through our own issues, the kind that resembles the struggles of this group, and well… never was this more evident than during the next episode of the show. For ‘The Hand You’re Dealt’ focused deeply upon something we all deal with in life, taking two steps forward… only to be pushed one step back. Which is what everyone dealt with in this tale. For instance, Billy, Lee, and Isaac sat down to talk about their past, and the return of that damned wrench, not to penalize, but to move forward. Because that’s what Lee recognized needed to happen here. So, everyone made a point to be rid of that godforsaken thing and started to make progress in healing. Which helped Isaac find some stability and unexpected romance during a tough and scary day, while Lee kept making progress on uncovering what was going on at her firm. To the point where she sought advice from Del, and Billy… he started his journey toward serving his country, toward doing something selfless. But of course… those setbacks awaited. Since Isaac continued to struggle with his on again/off again affair with Russell which left him searching still for peace, while Lee battled blowing the whistle because of the possible backlash… while Billy… struggled with worse. Because he has not resolved the pain inside of him, and that latent PTSD came back to haunt him at the end of this tale, and potentially will jeopardize his standing with Lee… something Isaac was privy to and this was… a fine example of how our own mistakes and journey can put us on a pendulum, which was further explored by Grace’s journey in this tale. Simply because… she thought she was on easy street with an offer on the table to help recruit others to the fracking cause, with big payouts of course. Plus, she helped Del corner a crook and she wasn’t exactly losing any sleep over Sue’s passing. But alas, Chief Park being told consistently that he was barking up the wrong tree and that he made this whole mess appear to be a targeting issue… combined with coming to discover that one of the murders did not involve his chief suspects, pushed him to just send the video of Grace screaming at Sue to the news… to try and make his case. Which of course, embarrassed Grace to no end, and hammered home… how we are our own worst enemy sometimes and will set ourselves back. Because a lack of that video would have kept her smiling. But of course… sometimes we have no control over setbacks and that was explored via Del’s journey. Because the end of his weekend with Vic was quite fruitful, since Vic was cool with sharing his desires for goals for the Brotherhood, and that likely meant… Del had the whole group dead to rights and could finally wrap this mess up. But alas, Vic’s desire to be an abusive piece of trash, and the fact that his indiscretions made it to Fisher’s desk… prompted a real ominous fate for Vic. For he didn’t show up for the poker party, but Fisher did, and Fisher was the last person to interact with him before the game… leaving all of us to wonder if by chance… Fisher handled some business. But more importantly, that left the case hanging wide open and set back Del’s plans to bring down the corruption within the Pittsburgh Police Department, and it was totally out of his hands. Which was the perfect way to bring home the life lessons present in this tale, one that has now undoubtedly set the stage for how we respond to those setbacks. Because now Billy must reconcile his pain, and Lee and Virgil must decide what comes next. Not to mention, Grace now must respond to negative press that can harm her new plans and Del, needs a new plan of attack. But while we wait to see that response, we can celebrate another smart and engaging tale from this series. One that truly did offer up great lessons and relatability, the kind that was indeed a humbling reminder that life is indeed what we make it, and even then… sometimes it is just not fair. Until next time. Watch ‘American Rust: Broken Justice’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Franklin’.
It is quite fascinating how the Revolutionary War is viewed in the United States of America. For Americans collectively hold to the concept that it was… glorious in nature and understandably so. After all, this was the moment when the founding fathers of the republic, stood together and demanded their freedom from England and demanded better days ahead for those who came to America. Not to mention, there are plenty of sections of the history books dedicated to how General George Washington, the commander-in-chief of American forces, led so many in battle to victory, and there are plenty of stories of how the Red Coats were sent running with their well-tailored tails between their legs. But the fact of the matter is, the Revolutionary War was not as rose-colored as we like to think. For the British Army was well-trained, well-armed and well-funded, and they did not quickly lay down their arms and surrender. They fought hard and kept the war going for years on end. Not to mention, in the early days of the war, they managed to give the Americans quite the scare. Because for a short while there, the initial onslaught of combat cost American forces greatly and put them in a position where victory was possible for the enemy. Which does beg an important question. In that, how then… did America turn the tide and obtain freedom? Well, one part of that answer is simple, in that… the French came to offer aid. For their weapons and wealth aided America in combat the way America aids others in their own fights now. But even the origins of that… aren’t discussed enough, but they should be. Because in the end, it took the efforts of one man to bring the French into the war, a man known… as Benjamin Franklin. Yes, you read that right. The man on the one-hundred dollar bill, who coined the phrase, ‘Early to bed and early to rise makes a man, healthy and wise’ and had great involvement with scientific discoveries in that era… was the man who convinced an entire nation to step into a war that would shape the future of the world and his exploits in that moment, are to be explored in the new Apple TV+ series, Franklin. Which takes us back to that ambassadorial meeting back in the late 1700s and well, the series premiere makes it inherently clear that this is going to be quite the powerful and fascinating journey. One grounded in every moment involving Franklin’s fight to keep America alive through new alliances. Which means that the opening chapter of this story, ‘Sauce for Prayers’, is indeed… a slow burning, calculated story. One that yes, picks up shortly after Benjamin has landed in France with his grandson Temple, but that’s all the action you’ll find in this particular story. For this beginning is a long and winding character study, one designed to set the stage for the dire fight back home and explore the geo-political inner workings of France in that era, and its trepidation in helping a country with no clout. While of course, introducing us to Benjamin and his own inner workings. Which allows for some fascinating scenes to come to life, the kind that gently world build and explore the fight ahead for Benjamin. Because getting officials in France to say yes, was not an easy task. In fact, it’s something of a failure in this tale, and that… outright engages you to continue the journey. Because now you must know, how the hell did Ben Franklin pull this off? Because it really does seem as though, there was minimal interest in helping the United States, and that this adventure was nothing more than a grand opportunity for folks back in Europe to hear about the wonder of the new world, something that Franklin uses to his advantage. But that’s just fine, because it means we are going to be treated to a long and winding story that explores every victory and every setback, while showcasing what America meant to one of its founding fathers and how that inspired others. But what is important right now, is that we celebrate a solid series premiere. One that sets the stage wonderfully and is filled to the brim with amazing performances with Michael Douglas leading the way as the titular Franklin, and truly… this will be quite the delightful history lesson. One that hopefully offers new perspective on the wonder of America and what makes it worth fighting for. Until next time. Watch ‘Franklin’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the documentary series, ‘Secrets of the Octopus’.
It is definitely safe to say, that humanity has a very specific and unfortunate view of the wildlife that surrounds us. In that, we see it as truly inferior for a variety of reasons. One of which relates to the fact that animals cannot communicate with us in the manner we communicate with one another, so we simply seem them as unintelligent beings based upon that. Not to mention, that they lead such simple lives, filled with hunting and gathering, and that they cannot organize exactly as we do, adds to that bias. One that is downright incorrect. Because the fact of the matter is, wildlife isn’t inferior to us nor is it ‘dumb’ or simplistic… it simply functions differently than we do. Not to mention, there are creatures in the world that have proven time and again they are intelligent and thoughtful, and can communicate with us in ways that are impactful and well… that means we as a species need to be a little more open to the wonder of wildlife, to respect it, to properly understand it and how special it can be, and one way that can be accomplished is through documentaries. Since they can teach us the truth about wildlife in an objective and compelling manner and it just so happens that last night, in celebration of Earth Day, National Geographic offered up a documentary in that vein. One that spotlights and educates us on a species of aquatic life that we don’t offer enough respect to, the Octopus. A feat that Secrets of the Octopus accomplishes by having us spend time with these unique creatures, who traditionally… have been seen in that negative light. After all, their fascinating appearance has engendered some measure of fear, and there is a belief that all they do is swim around all day and fire off that ink when bothered. But this documentary series really does prove, they are so much more than that. For instance, this series showcases how their lives are in fact, filled with purpose. For the Octopus has no desire to just exist and swim about. It has a life to lead, one that features fascinating complexities from a social standpoint since they are social creatures, and they are true masters of disguise and use that evade capture by other predators. Which speaks volumes to how badly they want to thrive and survive. But what truly is impressive about the Octopus, is its intelligence and its ability to recollect, and how it uses recollection in a positive manner to socialize. Because were able to see Dr. Alex Schnell, spend a lot of time with a Day Octopus in the first episode of this story. Wherein she made sure to make the Octopus feel comfortable and safe, and she simply observed and hung out with it, and well… this little Octopus, began to remember her, respond to her, and socialize with her. All of which is proof positive that this particular species of aquatic life isn’t some unfeeling force of nature driven by mindless primal instincts. It’s a social and supremely friendly creature that will make friends with whatever species it knows it can trust. All of which makes for a powerful documentary, one that really does offer up a fine education in addition to the surprises, but more importantly, helps us to see wildlife in a different light. Wherein we come to understand how special these creatures are, the incredible lives they lead and how they are more than just indignant stereotypes and myths and legends. They’re functioning beings that harbor so much depth to them and that really does open one’s eyes to the reality that everything that lives on this world is quite special, and something to behold, and that makes this an important watch, one that should be experienced with the family. All so that discussions can take place and learning can be had, courtesy of this wondrous exploration about our eight-tentacled friends of the sea. Watch ‘Secrets of the Octopus’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Parish’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course of the past few weeks, the intense AMC series, Parish, has offered up quite the cautionary warning. One that informs the viewer that it is not wise to ignore the pain we carry in our hearts. Because doing so does not provide us with a proverbial badge of honor that will propel us forward in life. Instead that pain will fester, it will drink the essence from our very soul and leave us numb and demand the worst of us to feed further. To the point where we will act out and do stupid things to give it what it wants and give ourselves a sense of feeling. But alas, while that is a powerful message to hear and one that has played out in an awful manner for one Gray Parish in this series, the only way to truly hammer home a message of that caliber is to showcase the consequences of feeding what should never be fed. A feat that ‘Impimpi’ accomplished by quickly introducing us to Anton and exploring exactly why he took the time to step into the Parish home. In that, back in the day, when Parish was enjoying the spoils of living a normal life and was free from the trauma and darkness that plagues him now, he turned down a hell of a job offer from Anton. One that would have set him up for life. But Gray wanted that better life, wanted that peace and the price he paid for having Anton leave him alone… was that he agreed to never get behind the wheel for a gig for the underworld again. A promise he broke and that was why Anton showed up, to make Gray pay the piper for breaking his word to a man of his stature and well, the price was simple. In that, Gray either killed the Horse so Anton could have more power, or Rose and Makayla would die in the Horse’s place. A horrible choice that truly hammered home, that if we do not deal with our trauma and put our past to bed, there will be consequences. The kind that will cost us everything. Granted, it may not be in the same dark manner as Gray faced here, but we will lose so much. For our behavior will become so toxic in nature that those we love will step away. We will also likely lose work, lose agency. and basically find ourselves adrift, and we may in fact, step back into the past to find comfort when we hit that rock bottom since there would be nothing left for us in the real world. All courtesy of raw fear, and bringing the message home early in this tale, allowed for the plot to get underway so we could see how Gray, and his family would handle the challenges ahead of them.
Because Rose and Makayla were basically prisoners in their own home and unable to do anything but sit and wait for their end, really. For they both overhead the thugs that Anton left behind, speak to how if they didn’t hear back by a certain time, they were to put an end to all of this and get out of there. Which paralyzed Rose with fear, especially when the police dropped by with more questions. Because despite knowing they would be her salvation, she was unable to act. But eventually, Rose came to understand that the only person that would save her and her daughter, was the person she saw in the mirror every morning. Which was why, when the bad guys started talking about finishing the job because of extended silence… she took matters into her own hands and killed those two men to keep her daughter safe and to see another tomorrow.
Of course, we needed to know why there was such silence in the first place and the story was keen to supply us with that answer as well. Because Gray spent most of his time in this story, doing everything within his power to not kill the Horse. For one solid attempt to kill taught him, that murder and mayhem was not his style and not his desire. He just wanted to end this and leave the life and enjoy peace at last. Which prompted him to take part in some wild actions, such as call in Colin for backup, an act made easy when Anton’s lackey said Colin was the spy in the Horse’s midst. All so he had someone at his side that he trusted if by chance his desperate last-minute plea to the Horse failed miserably. One where Gray tasked this enigmatic and ailing criminal to let it all go, and let Parish go as payback for having his life saved by Gray. A move that offered up that freedom and shock for Anton when he came face to face with his mark. But alas, the damage had been done. After all, danger had surrounded the Parish homestead, and Rose, herself… was transformed. For she was in a catatonic state when Gray returned home, despite calling her love earlier to check upon him. Informing Gray that his poor choices here were now destroying his family and that more hard times lie ahead. After all, he now must explain his past and explain how it brought them here and that may cause serious damage as well, and of course… Anton won’t be happy. But while we wait to see how all that plays out, we can revel in one dark and powerful tale. One that finally saw the chickens come to home to roost and challenge Gray like never before, because he refuses to let go of his pain. Until next time. Watch ‘Parish’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Predator v Prey’.
One particular truth about Mother Nature that we’ve all come to understand, is that she is brutal for certain. For Mother Nature embraces chaos and loves to enjoy the wonder of survival of the fittest, and for proof… look no further than 2020 when she challenged man’s prowess in a simple yet effective manner. For that required a little work on our part to survive, the kind that while harrowing, does pale in comparison to what the animals of the world, deal with. For they face challenges ten times more stunning than a virus, and we understand that as well and think little of nature’s brutal actions because of the edict that Mother Nature has put forth. For that is just the way of things. But the fact of the matter is, there’s more that goes into survival of the fittest than just raw luck or raw strength. There’s science and logic and strategy that goes into such success, much like it was for us by designing a vaccine so quickly and well… it just so happens that BBC America is now home to a series that explores exactly how survival of the fittest works and what goes into how the strong overcome the weak around the world. A feat that Predator v Prey accomplishes… by offering up unique perspective on such matters. For this is more than a documentary series about predators and their prowess, it genuinely breaks down how they are physically superior and the science that goes into their hunt and that made ‘Lion’ a fascinating watch. Because this is a story that wasted little time in showcasing, the science of how a pride hunts. For instance, we came to learn there that every attack on zebras and other such wildlife, are carefully coordinated. Right down to the distance and moment when a lion should strike. Which brings about great success, and the physical tools present within these predators also aid in success. Since this opening chapter of the show made sure to showcase in fascinating CGI, how their muscles, work, and react and how their strategy pays off in spades. Which led to fascinating moments, and a stunning one. Wherein a pride used strategy and their physical collective strength, to bring down an actual elephant. But of course, that doesn’t mean they are flawless predators and win every battle. Because sometimes… there are failures to be found. After all, sometimes the environment allows for prey to get away since the lion cannot properly react to said environment. Plus, a lack of food and downright fatigue can impact their actions deeply. All of which was showcased by way of that incredible CGI breakdown. Not to mention, sometimes failure comes out of sacrifice. Since we were able to learn that now and again, a pregnant mother will leave the pride to raise her little ones, and in doing so, will struggle to keep up the fight and struggle to put food into the mouths of her cubs. All of which reinforced the chaotic nature of the wild… in an unprecedented manner no less. For this writer is hard pressed to think of another series that breaks down the wins and the losses by predators in the wild in a manner this frank and this incredible. Because we truly do walk away from this premiere with a flawless understanding of how lions feed and how they conquer incredible odds to eat, and how they struggle some days and well, that made for one incredible episode. One that offered up refreshing perspective and outright leaves us curious to learn more. Because this is the kind of stuff that engages a viewer through and through, and it will be genuinely fascinating to explore how other predators function as this series continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Predator v Prey’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Mary & George’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One particular surprise that none of us are prepared for when we make every push to have our dreams or goals come to fruition… is that there will be push back. Because sadly, not everyone in this life wants to see us rise to the top or see us complete our goals… for a bevy of unique reasons. For some, it’s all about the fact that they believe they deserve what we are about to obtain and will sabotage out of the belief it will somehow fall to them. Whereas others are simply jealous and bitter and want others to fail to satiate their own twisted sense of justice. While others, know that our ascension to the top or our outright success… will mean they will be replaced, and they simply cannot have that. If anything, this unfortunate truth is top of mind today, simply because… it served as the focus of the next episode of Mary & George on STARZ. A feat that ‘Not So Much By Love As By Awe’ accomplished, by having George and Mary, deal with some difficult times. Because despite the fact that George had been intimate with the King on several occasions and was deeply desired by him… he was suddenly removed from being close to his lover. In fact, he was oft assigned to the worst duties a knight could possibly be assigned to, and he was even forced to sit idly by and play instruments while the King enjoyed the company of other lovers, sometimes in a group setting. All because, one man was pissed. For Somerset was livid over the fact that George was near the man he desired, and livid at the possibility that the King would choose someone else to be at his side. So, he put forth machinations to ensure that George would be humiliated and devastated and hopefully leave the King’s court and of course, since Somerset was a giant weasel, he also figured out how to get ahead of Mary as well. For his wife jumped in on the game and humiliated Mary and left her without a leg to stand on. Giving rise to the reality that this family’s desire to be near the King and share in his power, was going to be no easy task. Largely because of the fact that Somerset loved his standing and for a time… it seemed failure was in the cards. Especially when George contracted a case of ‘The Pox’ after a one-night stand to satisfy his own needs. But Mary… wanted that power, at any cost, and that prompted her… to fight back and push harder. By crafting with George, a grandiose plan to use the very murder of Sir David that Mary engendered, to pull Somerset from power. Which she executed in a brisk and faithful manner. One so swift and decisive that the King turned his back on Somerset. To the point where Somerset desperately made love to George in an attempt to curry his favor so they could share the King. But that was just part of the ploy to mess with the man’s mind while the case was built against him and in the end, Mary and George won the day and saw Somerset pulled from court and embarrassed for all time. Whereas George had his status as the King’s favored lover, resorted. All of which offered up a fascinating yet brutal tale. One that spoke to the games once played in royal court long ago, all over the power and majesty of standing. Giving us fascinating insight into how little has changed in our world since battles happen often now in politics and everyday life to curry favor and enjoy power and standing. But more importantly, it did remind us, that not everyone will be pleased when we fight for what we want, and so we must be ready to counterpunch and fend off those attacks. Or see our dreams derailed. Granted, we likely don’t have to go as hard as Mary did here, but we will indeed need to fight back, to reach the top as this duo did here, and now… it will be interesting to see what spoils await them, now that they are so, so close to King James. Until next time. Watch ‘Mary & George’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘BMF’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous STARZ series, BMF, we talked at length about how the series explored a concept that we don’t talk about enough in life. In that, when we fail, and we will fail… the only way back to the top or to finding agency… is to take baby steps and enjoy little victories. Because we need to rebuild our confidence and we need to learn how to be objective, so we do not fail once more and going slow and working our way back to the top does just that. For it truly does let us approach things with a keen eye, where we are playing chess instead of checkers and we can make better decisions because of that, as evidenced by the next episode in this series. For ‘Code Red’ saw both Terry and Meech begin to make big moves that didn’t feel large in the slightest. Simply because both men now had understanding and perspective and were able to quickly see several steps ahead. Terry for instance, came to understand that the only way to destroy Henri and keep her away from the business… was to break her completely and utterly. Which meant destroying her business and that would in turn destroy her psyche and well, Terry had a great plan to make that happen. For he opened lines of communication with the people running her ailing distribution network and promised them better product, at better prices. All they had to do was stop working with her, for all time, and riches were theirs. Which they agreed to. Putting a cold end to Henri’s empire thanks to foresight and calm. As for Meech, well he returned to Atlanta to discover the infighting he left behind got worse. Which helped him to calmly understand… that this infighting was downright stupid. Because the real problem at hand, wasn’t one another, it was the Red Dogs. Who were constantly going after product and dealers. So, Meech tried to broker peace and broker unity, to no avail. But that would have been nothing more than a bonus. For what was really needed, was a way to move product without the Red Dogs knowing, since they were aces at finding it. So Meech set out to find the perfect cover from the perfect mechanic, with minimal luck. But oddly, his foresight and some of that infighting gave him what he needed to prepare to secure BMF’s future in Atlanta. Because despite ending on sour terms, Angel threw a warning Meech’s way. One that let him know that Glock wanted him out of the picture as soon as possible, a warning that came to fruition, and that he escaped. But thankfully, other words from Angel and an understanding that Glock was perhaps the only dealer moving product through Miami inspired him to get ahead of the competition by doing something bold and daring. In that, they would never expect Meech and Terry to go behind enemy lines to secure what they needed, so the plan was set in motion to head to Miami and find the right mechanic to save the growing BMF empire. All thanks to the fact that Meech kept his mind on a swivel and thought three steps ahead and assessed every situation, because he learned deeply from his failure. All of which made for a fascinating episode to say the least, one that also featured some follow-up on other critical plotlines. Since Jin and Bryant made progress in their unsanctioned case, despite their struggles from a depression standpoint. Plus, Charles may have finally made some inroads with his love since Lucille was impressed with what Charles sent her way. Plus, it would seem the whole third wheel problem involving Officer Vince was laid to rest, thanks to Markisha and Terry putting a full court press on him to disappear. But what mattered most here, is that we are seeing Terry and Meech come into their own at last and understand the importance of logic and business savvy over bloodshed and it will be interesting to see how well their new skill set serves them on their trip behind enemy lines. Until next time. Watch ‘BMF’
Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 4 of Parish. Which airs tonight on AMC/AMC+ and ALLBLK!
Episode 4 – “Impimpi” – Premieres Sunday, April 21 on AMC at 9pm ET/PT and available to stream on AMC+ and ALLBLK When Anton, an old colleague, learns Gray is working with the Tongais, he forces Gray to choose: his family or The Horse. Rose and Makayla work together to survive. The Horse searches for a traitor. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 523 of ‘Love During Lockup’.
There are a fair number of people, who truly despise reality television and everything it stands for. For they see it as theater, where the people involved are putting on one heck of a show for the camera via some convincing performances. But those folks, are wrong. For while reality television does have television elements, a lot of what you see is what you get, and it is giving us what it advertises. In that, this is a view into the unique lives of other individuals, the kind that can teach us a great deal about the human condition and that is why the WE tv franchise, Love After, is of note. For this is that perfect saga that explores matters of the heart we do not understand. If anything, that franchise and the power of reality television are top of mind today, simply because last night saw the return of Love During Lockup on the network, and ‘The Watcher & The Dancer’ offered up a bevy of fascinating lessons about love and what it pushes us to do in its name. Since this episode reminded us that when we feel it, we will do anything and everything to make it work. Which is why dear Andrew went the extra mile in this tale, to ensure that Candace was going to be comfortable when she left prison. By getting her an apartment set up, and by looking into his finances to make sure he could be a provider for her. Because he loved her, and his heart told him this was the right path, and he wasn’t alone in thinking like that. Since Tennie did something quite unique to make Michael feel comfortable and help him prepare to live with her. By allowing for him to set up cameras in the house, the kind that caught everything and allowed for Michael and everyone in the household to interact, during vulnerable moments no less. Plus, Joey was ready willing and able to do whatever he needed to, to help his Michael have a smooth time in prison, and to make sure their love would grow. For he was deeply thinking upon offering up a fake photo of he and his love to gain visitation rights. All of which spoke deeply about love’s power and how it drives us, and we were able to see that in action through people that deeply want to be near those they love behind bars. But of course, what always makes episodes of this franchise worth our while, is that they also teach us that while the heart wants what it wants and that there are people willing to sacrifice and go the extra mile for a love that is behind bars… it is no easy life or easy task. After all, Tennie had a lot of worry hanging over her head since her Michael spoke to a secret he kept at bay at every turn. Not to mention, Andrew may go broke caring for his love, when she’s willing to rebuild her life with help instead of dependance, which led to a fight. Plus, Joey was deeply worried about crossing moral lines and our bonus story, involving Ayonna, just spoke to how hard life can be. Since Ayonna made a lot of mistakes before settling in on what she wanted and had to mentally prepare to spend time in jail for them. All of which, gave us an hour of storytelling, that truly did showcase life as it is, because this is stuff happening right now, and it doesn’t make these folks less or weird, it’s just their journey. One we do not understand… but can. Provided we watch this with an open mind and with an earnest heart. Because these are powerful stories playing out here, the kind that will teach us and those involved plenty about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. While yes, dropping a little drama and serving some hot tea along the way. But that’s part of the human condition too, and it’s something that also fascinates us and truly… it will be interesting to see how these relationships grow, fail, or endure… as new episodes of this fascinating series, continue along. Until next time. Watch ‘Love During Lockup’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Sugar’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One unfortunate truth that most investigators are aware of, is that a fair number of crimes in this world, revolve around people who know one another. That means, that far too often, an unfortunate truth or a powerful disagreement, brings forth violence or concerning decisions that lead to someone being hurt in a multitude of ways. Where pieces must be put together when the dust settles, often times by family members, and well… that unfortunate truth is top of mind today, simply because, it was put on full display in the next episode of Sugar on Apple TV+. A feat that ‘Starry-Eyed’ accomplished by first offering the audience a touch of peace regarding several concerning matters that have been hanging over the show for a bit. One of which is the fact that John Sugar has exhibited some strange physical behavior. The kind that has us wondering if he can function and if something is horribly wrong. But a visit to the doctor first thing, more or less revealed that John basically pushes himself too hard and is now suffering some fatigue related consequences and may have some psychosomatic symptoms plaguing him. But all he wanted to hear was that physically he was fine and once he got that, he got back on the road and came to discover that Davy’s desire to uncover the truth about him, went nowhere, as planned. For ‘Momma Sugar’ was nothing more than an actor who threw Davy off the track and with those matters resolved in John’s mind, he was eager to get back to work and that’s when that truth came to fruition. Because Melanie came to see John, with concerns about a friend that Olivia spoke with ages ago. Simply because there was pain in that conversation, enough to raise concern and well, that allowed for more of that magical noir to come into play. For Melanie and John hit the streets to see if they could find anyone that recognized the mystery person that Olivia was talking to, and it turned out… that Melanie’s sheer presence brought them to the right person. Wherein the duo came to learn, that Olivia’s distressed friend, Taylor, called out Olivia for her activism against assault, because there was a monster in the family’s midst. For Taylor and Davy hooked up long ago and he used that against her, to demand she be with him again, and that of course… allowed for John to learn about Davy’s indiscretions and consistent abuse of women. Which of course, prompted John to talk to Jonathan Siegel post haste. To get ahead of this and understand the rot present within the Siegel family. But that was no easy task, because Jonathan and his family were attending a special screening of an old Siegel film. Giving rise to star-studded moments for John as he waited patiently for a chat that did not take place. For in the midst of Jonathan’s Q&A, the news broke that little Davy, was an abusive scumbag and had problems reaching far and wide. Which prompted a heart attack for Jonathan and the reveal… that family was likely involved in this madness. Since Stallings had some harsh words for Davy on his way out of town, and the reveal of a specific trinket in his home, and a locked door… strongly indicated that Davy had Olivia kidnapped and that she’s hidden away in a gross and dingy basement. All of which, sticks in line with that truth. For if Olivia was indeed aware of what Davy had done, she would not have stood idly by and let him continue, to cause harm. Especially since she was willing to kill in self-defense against individuals that took their own fury against women too far. Which sets the stage for a dark back half of the season. One where poor John Sugar will have to unravel the many ugly layers surrounding this family, the kind that extend to Melanie since she still has ties to Bernie. But while we wait to see what John uncovers, we can celebrate one amazing tale. One that really did offer up an old-school noir vibe, via the hunt for answers and via the little surprises along the way, and truly, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead now that John has some answers regarding what he is actually up against. Until next time. Watch ‘Sugar’
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