It is definitely safe to say, that decades from now, Heels will forever be remembered (after a seven-season run, right, Netflix?) as the only show out there to properly explore the pursuit of our dreams and what to expect when we get there. Simply because beneath the magnificent drama, great writing and acting, and epic tributes to wrestling… that is what the core of this story is about. The everyday you and me, chasing our dreams and sacrificing everything for them. Only to learn that when we get there, the top of the mountain is not what we thought it would be and that more work happens to be required to maintain what we want and keep what we love.
​
Not to mention, there’s the fact… that our dream job won’t be filled with perfect days and zero stress. Because our dream, will always have elements of work. Granted, that will be easier to swallow since the dream is at hand. But it is important to note some days won’t be rosy and sometimes… we will be faced with some hard truths and that’s precisely what ‘Heavy Heads’ takes the time to explore. To further prepare us for what lie ahead and to offer up some amazing storytelling for certain. Because that is where this series thrives and really, this episode took the time to offer up three key lessons regarding this essential theme. One of which informed us, that sometimes… the perfect gig will not offer up exactly what we thought it would. 

Which was explored via Crystal’s journey in this tale. Because despite landing a spot on the Wall of Champions at the Duffy Dome and being the reason for the DWL to start a Women’s League, she came to learn… that she was basically part of a tough corner of the business. Since she met El Dorado here, the lone lady brought in to help her defend her title and kick off the new league and El made it known how much extra hustling she had to do to maintain a standing in this industry. Since few supported women’s wrestling and that made her a nomad of sorts. Which shocked Crystal to no end and left her wondering her own fate. But it was a sobering reminder of the fact that sometimes the reality of what we seek is vastly different than we imagined, and we need to be prepared for that and need to ponder deeply upon if what we find is what we want. A process that Crystal stared here.

As for the second storyline, well that was handled through Bill’s journey. Wherein he and Diego went to a wrestling convention to sell some wares and meet up with some old friends and maybe land them for the podcast. But while there, they both came to see, the darkside of wrestling. Since so many of Bill’s old friends were revealed to be in rough shape after all those years of injuries and various treatments to… ‘maintain’ one’s standing. Not to mention, some of them saw their time in the ring as a joke, and a transition point. Which left Bill stunned since it reminded him of some supremely harsh lessons about our chosen career field. In that, not all will appreciate it, and that the sacrifices we make can be costly and that we should be appreciative when we thrive within it since not everyone gets that victory. Plus, this episode deserves a round of applause for showcasing that darker side to this industry since wrestling does chew stars up and spit them out.
​
But of course, the centerpiece lesson was handled by Jack. Who after consulting with his lawyers came to learn that he was stuck with the whole mess involving Gully, so he went full bore into it. Going so far as to write his ass off and create some incredible promos, for both he and Rooster Robbins. Who was to appear in the ring to start the promo work, and well… make no mistake about it, that made Jack miserable. Because he had zero desire to work with Gully and Rooster on anything creative. But that was the deal, and Jack did his best to put on a good show and he did, with some great twists, one of which involved the mysterious Condamned. But what mattered more, is that Jack’s journey taught us… dream job or no… there will be people we will have to work with, we don’t want to. But we must be the consummate professional when that happens, and just do the best job we can. Because that is sometimes the deal at the top, and as long as we stay true to our talents and our good nature, this too shall pass.

Since we will either outlast that person or come under the purview of someone better, and well, that lesson and all of the other lessons present here made for a very unique episode. One that hammered home the special nature of Heels and how truly, it explores elements about the pursuit of the dream that no other show touches. Because this one is special, and it still has so many more lessons about the dream ahead. But while we wait, we can bask in the wonder of one thoughtful journey, one that once again let the cast shine through powerful moments that kept our attention and taught us so much, and it really is wonderful to find these amazing lessons on display. So, that we are all ready for what comes after the moment we get to say, I did it. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1203 of ‘When Calls the Heart’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the Hallmark Channel series, When Calls the Heart, has done a phenomenal job of exploring how our modern world and the world of Hope Valley aren’t that much different from one another. Courtesy of stories that do indeed echo our world and issues we face, and that’s allowed for moving and powerful stories to come forth, the kind that give us pause in a healthy manner as we learn from these good people. If anything, this has been such a focus in the first two episodes, that it is safe to say we expected more of the same during this week’s episode.

But instead, ‘All That Glitters’ outright surprised and informed us that it would be less about the parallels we face and instead would serve as a celebration of what makes humanity worth admiration. For we are capable of real beauty now and again. Which this story reminded us of via two key storylines. One of which involved, Rosemary and Leland. Simply because Leland was acting suspicious. For he was disappearing for hours on end, and spending time at the doctor’s office. Which prompted Rosemary to enlist Elizabeth on a mission to uncover what was going on. Only for them to discover that Leland was setting up a surprise to maintain the promise he made about honoring Goldie and the doctor visits were to ensure he would see her for a long time in life.

Which reminded us of how we can indeed gift others with beautiful and meaningful gestures and how we do unique things to show we care and that was lovely to see, and it was complimented nicely by Elizabeth and Nathan’s journey. For they ran into a unique problem here. In that, they discovered that Oliver, while a great cadet and solid with organization, did not go to school. In fact, he outright lied about going, to get into this job. Because he grew up in a family that did not believe in education. But he wanted to be more, wanted to contribute, and made that call, and that put Nathan in such a difficult place. For honesty has always been a virtue for him, and he felt the need to be honest here and inform the brass of the lie. Which would end Oliver’s career before it began.

But Elizabeth pointed out, that did not have to happen. Because Oliver was his responsibility and he needed help and support, not more strife. Not to mention, if trying to appear more intelligent was that big of a deal, then so many more should be punished in this life. But most important of all, Oliver was more than a stat on a sheet or a quota to fill. He was a person, and this was a unique opportunity to help a person and lift them up, and Nathan agreed. Which gave Oliver his shot at a career and a life and only strengthened the bond between Nathan and Elizabeth. Since it showed they harbor the same values and it only made their big date, one away from the kids, all the sweeter since this is quickly becoming a love affair for the ages and this kind act only added to that.

All of which made, for an uplifting tale. One that truly did speak to how love can drive us to do wondrous acts of kindness that are selfless and beautiful. Not to mention, how we are quite capable of lifting one another up and truly helping one another succeed if we so choose, and let’s be honest… that is a message we all need to hear right now. For we are indeed divided and should instead be lifting one another up and pushing forward as one. But while we wait for that to become a norm again, we can celebrate this delightful tale. One that also set the stage for a grand mystery and challenged the good governor like never before and it will be interesting to see what lie ahead for this series, as season twelve continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Hunting Party’.
​
If there is one particular question, we have all collectively asked ourselves and one another… is what would we do if we had the power to prevent evil in this world? And we ask that question for several reasons. In part because it is a litmus test for our own moral core and the core of our friends. But also, because… it’s a legitimate question with a complex answer. For there would be no easy road to stopping evil in the world and we wonder if the world would be prepared to handle the moral nightmare that would likely accompany having the power to put an end to evil. 

Well, this is such a fascinating and unique question that NBC has deemed it worthy of a creative exploration. For a brand-new series entitled, The Hunting Party, will explore such matters and so much more and it sets up such the journey, by way of a unique plot in ‘Richard Harris’. For in this particular tale… we learn of The Pit. A decommissioned nuclear silo that has been recommissioned as the ultimate Supermax style prison. One that harbors the worst of the worst and has remained hidden for ages, until a surprise explosion creates quite the quandary. In that, said explosion unleashes a great many inmates from the Pit. Which prompts the top brass in law enforcement to call in Rebecca ‘Bex’ Henderson, a disgraced yet brilliant FBI agent to find the man whose name is in the title.

Which at first glance… doesn’t seem to be all that revolutionary of a plot. It just sounds like The Fugitive and U.S. Marshals got together and had a baby. But the devil is in the details in this particular story and soon we learn that Richard Harris should be dead. But he is alive and well, and is eager to resume his serial killer ways because of what the Pit stands for. In that, it is the cure to all evil in the world. For it is designed to study behavioral patterns of monsters in an up-close and personal way, free from the trappings of the law and of ethics to topple evil in this world and well, as pointed out by Ryan Hassini, a man close to the project, it’s worked. For the world has seen fewer serial killers and bloodthirsty monsters over the past few decades, courtesy of the Pit’s research.

But of course, some of the experiments appear to have enhanced Richard and what follows in this story is an intense cat and mouse game where Bex faces her past in so many ways, since Richard was one of her first cases, along with some real surprises to bring him down once and for all. But of course, Bex is so good at what she does, she stays on to bring in more of these monsters, a move that will force her to continue to look backward since the man that put her career on strange terms will be one of her bosses and because… she is a reflective individual that finds meaning in every moment and memory. But what matters more, is that we are treated to a refreshing answer to that question. In that, if we had the power, it would require a lot of trickery and moral grey areas to put an end to it, and the ends might not justify the means. Especially since it could uncover other dark clouds as was the case here since we learned that Richard had an accomplice, and because… it forces evil to beget evil.

But what matters more, is that answering this question will allow for this show to explore so much regarding the criminal justice system, in a refreshing and honest manner, no less. Plus, it will feature some amazing writing and some intense moments that will never allow for the moral questions to overwhelm. All of which informs us, that we are in for an exhausting, exhilarating and outright incredible ride. One that will be intelligent, moving and supremely original. For this writer is hard pressed to think of any other procedural that offers up this kind of compelling plot and moral core, and truly, it will be quite interesting to see where this refreshing series is going to take us in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of the series premiere of The Joe Schmo Show, which debuts tomorrow on TBS at 9:00PM ET/PT.
 
‘TBS sets the premiere date for “The Joe Schmo Show,” the reality hoax comedy for Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 9:00PM ET/PT. Hosted by five-time Emmy Award nominee, Cat Deeley, the show-within-a show takes aim at the absurdity of reality TV by making Ben, an electrician from Baltimore, believe he is competing for a chance to win $100,000 on a popular game show when he is, in fact, surrounded by a cast of highly skilled improv comedians.
​
“The modern revival of The Joe Schmo Show is the perfect complement to TBS’ best-in-class comedy lineup,” said Jason Sarlanis, President, Turner Networks. “Filled with heart and hilarious reality game show hijinks, the series will completely immerse our audiences in the ruse, taking them on a wild ride and keeping them rooting for our protagonist week to week.”

Each of the series’ ten episodes provides a groundbreaking, behind-the-scenes look as the actors and entire working crew scramble to keep Ben from discovering the hoax, something made more difficult by the increasingly over-the-top format of the show. With each challenge, the stakes grow higher as production is forced to pivot storylines, and castmates, who Ben sees as competition, improvise strategies to pave the path to his victory.

Viewers can join the conversation on social media by using #JoeSchmo and following @TBSNetwork. 
MTV Entertainment Studios and Fly On The Wall Entertainment produced “The Joe Schmo Show” for TBS with creators Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick, (“Deadpool”) alongside Executive Producer and Showrunner Dave Kneebone.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of this week’s new episode of Night Court, which debuts on NBC tomorrow night at 8:30 -9p.m. ET/PT.
 
Episode 306 – “THE JAKEOUT” (Airdate 1/21/25)
After learning that Jake has never been in a long-term relationship, Abby is determined to find his secret “dealbreaker.” Dan and Julianne go head-to-head to prove they don’t have feelings for each other. Ryan Hansen, Kate Flannery and Gilles Marini guest star. 

Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 556 of ‘Love During Lockup’ contains spoilers.
​
Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 556 of Love During Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip!

Love During Lockup - Episode 556 - “D*CKMATIZED”
Sam fears the worst when Krystal goes MIA. Kate and Kaleigh lawyer up for the love of Hunter. Donny drops shocking news on Jakeema. MJ faces her true feelings for her ex. Tia’s dream day with prison bae Rob is cut short when she’s forced to share.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘The Way Home’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It really is quite amazing how every single season of The Way Home on the Hallmark Channel harbors a central theme for the characters to explore. Simply because that is no easy act in this modern world of television, since so many shows have so many ideas and moments they want to get to. But this series holds to its idea’s year in and year out, and that’s allowed for us to explore the complexity of family and the power of grief, and season two dug deep into how we heal and come together and well… season three is quickly making known what it plans to dive into. Since this week’s episode informed us that year three of this journey will be about how our parents/grandparents aren’t heroes but people and a search to learn the secrets of the Pond.

Which ‘Live and Let Die’ accomplished, by way of many voyages back to 1974. For Alice felt the need to return once again to see how her grandad was getting along, following what she learned about Rick’s fate. Which allowed for her to see the man behind the mythos of her grandfather, and that helped her to learn that Colton was a complex man. One that was emotionally in touch, an outlying trait in the 70s, and that he was in fact… close with Evelyn. To the point where she confessed her love for him to Alice, and even made her own special note to accompany the one discovered at the house. All of which showcased a young man trying to figure everything out and that’s our parents and our grandparents to a tee, people that had to figure it out as well and that is something we should always keep in mind. 

In fact, that lesson was further explored by El and Vic. Since El was furious over his father’s decision to try and steal from him. To the point where he demanded that Vic leave as soon as possible. But understanding his pain and understanding how badly that broke him, prompted El to try and make nice with his dad, to be better and be stronger. Which seemingly worked, only for El to learn… that his father used that moment of peace to accomplish his ultimate goal. Which served to reinforce the lesson and enhance it further by pointing out that not only were our parents flawed in their youth, but sometimes they don’t outgrow those flaws and carry them into adulthood in a messy nature, and all we can do… is act accordingly to protect ourselves. 

However, there was mention that this story set up a bigger exploration of the Pond and the 1970s did indeed expand upon that. Since we learned here, without a doubt that Colton traveled through time often and that so many more were aware of the Pond’s power, including Evelyn and Kat’s great grandmother. Who while suffering from dementia, knew more about the Pond than anyone else. Which truly expanded upon the majesty of this mysterious location and set the stage for an epic exploration. For now, Kat and Alice are determined to know more about it and are ready to coast through history to understand its power, and why it is so important to the Landry family line.
​
All of which made for a mysterious and engaging tale. One that offered up some fine lessons regarding how we should see our parents and our elders in a far more realistic light. So, that we understand them a little better and can offer a little more grace when we need to, along with setting up an epic exploration of the Pond. Not to mention, it even offered some everyday life lessons as well, through Jacob’s drunken journey here since he taught us, we will make mistakes as we adjust in life, along with a reminder that we should always keep old friendships alive for our mental health, courtesy of Del’s journey. But it is the Pond that has us eager for next week’s adventure. So, we are so ready to learn more about it, and why it has outright chosen this family to be its protector. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Couple Next Door’.
​
While we live in a connected world, one where we can outright reach out and talk to someone around the globe with a mere tap of our thumbs… we also live in quite the isolated world. For so many of us want to keep to our digital inner circle and the handful of friends we carry and that’s given rise to a unique social setting in our world. Where we no longer know that much about our neighbors and people that are just up the road from us… when we used to seek them out and try to make them part of our lives. Which has of course, sparked a great debate about where our society could be headed and whether or not this type of connected isolation is good or bad. 

In fact, this debate is so great and so engaging, that there is no clear answer. For some speak to the fact that this may merely be the evolution of societal norms while so many are worried, we are losing out and well… that is likely why storytelling is getting on this debate. To focus the debate and help people find answers and direction and it just so happens that a new series on STARZ is helping with that. A feat that the STARZ series, The Couple Next Door, accomplishes, by taking us into the heart of modern suburbia to meet a pair of modern families that are so dynamically different. For there is Evie and Pete, a pair of expecting parents that are eager to raise their family in their new home, and there are their neighbors, Danny and Becka, who… are not what they seem.

For Danny is a cop that is struggling with his finances while Becka coasts about life, and they harbor sexual tastes and proclivities that others would find both provocative and offensive at the same time. But only the audience is privy to whom these people are behind closed doors, because of the way the world is structured, and those two polarizing couples help us to understand the debate. Since Danny and Becka showcase why we would be okay with perhaps not knowing more about people around us. Since they do have some secrets and do tend to treat people akin to playthings, but not exclusively mind you. But enough to inspire pause and concern, while Evie and Pete showcase why we should want to know our neighbors.

Because their journey in this tale is devastating, since they come to learn they won’t be parents after all because of a pregnancy complication and they are indeed broken emotionally upon learning this, and they are isolated in their emotions because we isolate from the world. But they could use friends, use real family and support. Which is in short supply here. Since all they really get are some soft words of encouragement from their neighbors. All of which alerts us to the possibility that… what we should be doing, when it comes to this grand debate, is go out into the world and meet folks and get to know them well enough to decide promptly if they should be around. To truly build a world that nurtures us. Because to do otherwise, can lead to uncomfortable surprises.

Such as being hurt by people that we thought cared… or we find ourselves sucked into a world that we never wanted to be part of because it appeals to moments of weakness and unfulfilled emotions. The latter of which appears to be on the horizon for Evie and Pete. Since they find themselves enamored with their neighbors who clearly have a real dark side to them. All of which makes, for a unique series premiere. One that offers up a story that is indeed refreshing and original and explores complex ideas through and through. Which of course, prompts us to continue the journey. To see what other commentary this series will offer on the modern world, on modern relationships and the ups and downs that accompany isolation and desire. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eleven of ‘Happy’s Place’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
When we talk and reflect upon the power of grief through loss, we tend to focus on the darker side of it all and rightfully so. Because losing someone we love is devastating in nature. It shatters our psyche, it plunges us into grief, it forces us to face the fact that death is inevitable. But above all, we become aware of the fact that someone that means the world to us… is gone. And we can never see them or hold them again and that is a lot to process and a lot to go through, so it makes sense why we see this in a negative light because so little of that is positive. But the fact of the matter is… there’s a lot of positive things we can take away from this experience and we should spotlight that as well.

In fact, last night’s episode of Happy’s Place on NBC did just that. Through a surprise involving Emmett no less in ‘Heart of the Matter’. For on this fine day, Emmett was late for work and that… just wasn’t like him. So, naturally, the team pondered on whether or not that meant he went home with a lovely lady the night before and was recovering from a wild evening. Which just ignited something within Bobbie, a real fury and a real concern. Which was only further exacerbated when he finally did arrive to work, and quickly left with a medical malady. Via ambulance no less, with Bobbie and Izzy, because they were worried something awful was about to happen to Emmett (thankfully he was okay) and well, this whole thing brought forth a unique truth.

In that, Bobbie had some deep-rooted feelings for Emmett, and she was finally ready to acknowledge that because of everything, really. Because her daddy’s passing helped her to understand that life was short, and that it was precious, and that seizing the moment was worthwhile and powerful. So, she had begun to think upon telling Emmett about her feelings for him and see where it might go. Granted, she didn’t say anything here, since she did clue into the fact that he wasn’t quite ready to hear such words. But she clearly learned a lot from death and embraced aspects of life she normally would not have because of those lessons, and that’s a wonderful thing. Because Bobbie is growing and becoming a better person from what we always see as a negative experience, and that made for a powerful and impactful story. 

One that was complimented by some real beauty back at the bar. Simply because… there was healing happening within its walls as well. For Steve let it be known that he was doing new types of therapy to help with his OCD and for his efforts, he was able to make real progress in treating it, in this moment. And his journey… inspired Gabby to think upon her own issues and her own psychological maladies. Because Steve was confronting his own head-on, and in a brave manner, and that just opened up Gabby’s eyes to the possibility that she could find some peace in her mind and her soul if she followed Steve’s lead. All of which made for a beautiful segment about healing and how our journey can sometimes inspire others.

If anything, this whole episode was beautiful in nature. Since it really did look at so many positive aspects of life. Of how powerful it is when we realize the precious nature of life since it motivates us to do wonderful things to ensure our happiness and the happiness of those around us, and of course… the power of being open about our healing journey and how that can inspire so many. Which just serves to remind us of how special this series truly is, and how refreshing it is to finally enjoy a sitcom that is both honest and hilarious and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this journey, we are absolutely ready for more. So, we can enjoy more positive angles regarding life, and to see what comes out of Bobbie’s admission that Emmett has set her heart a flutter. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 311 of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
When we are working to heal and put our lives back together, a bevy of surprises come our way. For instance, we come to learn of the impact of our actions when we were at our lowest, and that can be a supremely powerful and sobering moment emotionally, one that motivates us to be better and continue to improve. Not to mention, old haunts find their back to the front of our minds. For when we are a mess, the past is something we bury and it is something we try to ignore to help us cope in the moment, but it never leaves us, and it always finds us, and we do have to handle it accordingly or we will never complete our healing journey. If anything, that is something that is top of mind today, simply because the beginning of that journey got underway for George during this week’s episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC.

But before we dive into the heavy nature of that, let’s take a moment and spotlight, the storyline that offered some laughs and kept this story from never slipping into darkness. Wherein Quinten and Mayan, worked to fix Rosie up with a decent guy. Specifically, Quinten’s boss. Granted, they were trying to make nice to also make sure that Quinten locked up a couple’s trip to Cupertino for an Apple event, but they also wanted to see Rosie date a good guy and learn what it means to feel valued in a relationship. But alas, that went south, and they didn’t get their trip. But they did learn, people have to be ready for such a change, and you cannot push anyone to be who they are not, in the most hilarious way imageable. Since they tried to make Quinten’s boss a bad boy to entice Rosie.

But while they were learning that lesson… George was dealing with the bigger lesson at hand. Which came forth because of the fact… that Mayan let it be known she wanted to have some home movies of her as a kid at the wedding. But alas, George let her know that he lost them ages ago, and her response made him feel pretty awful. To the point where he revealed to Oscar in confidence, that they weren’t lost but locked away in a place that would bring up bad memories and great pain. But for his little girl, the time had arrived to deal with that. So, he and Oscar made their way to the Lopez Family Storage Unit. Wherein lie years of emotions… or so George thought. For upon opening the locker he found nothing but old mattresses, leading George to believe the old locker was no longer part of the family’s portfolio. 

So, he decided to make it up to Mayan, by using puppets and voiceover to recreate old memories for his daughter. An idea inspired by Chance and well… it went over well… until the past came walking through the front door. For an older woman knocked on the door and asked if George was around, mainly because… she had the old Lopez family tapes, and was made aware someone was looking for them, inside of her locker. Which allowed for a stunning truth to come forth. In that, the grandmother that Mayan never knew, because George claimed she died… was standing in front of everyone. For Elsa was alive and well, but George declared her dead because she was dead to him. Which was… a stunning and moving end to this story. One that made it clear how much of the past George has buried to forge a better tomorrow.

But as mentioned… it always comes back to haunt us and this will rock the family for certain, and rattle George like never before. For this was a life changing moment in so many ways, and it will bring up all kinds of pain and challenges for George. Which will indeed lead to some powerful episodes down the line as he deals with this and well, this episode deserves a thunderous round of applause. For this is the kind of stuff we need more of regarding stories about recovery and healing, for these kinds of things happen. Where people cut off parents because of their toxic nature and where… they eventually have to deal with them and their past in some capacity. All of which leaves us eager for next week’s episode and beyond… to indulge in what will be a stunning journey that will teach us so much about healing and the peace we seek. Until next time.