Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘A Wild Year on Earth’.
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Spring is a special time for all of humanity. Because not only does it signal the end of a long and chilly winter, but it is also a time where beauty returns to the landscape and where new beginnings take place. For nature begins to thrive once again and blossom before our very eyes and that motivates us to venture out from our homes and back into the world. So that we can enjoy all the wonder that nature has to offer and also so that we can forge new memories and/or execute the resolutions we’ve held off on starting until the weather finally improved. But while we go about our carefully crafted springtime plan once we hear the birds begin to chirp and the temperature goes up, nature views this particular time of year in a far different manner, as was explored in last night’s episode of A Wild Year on Earth.

For ‘A Time of Renewal’ examined how spring is a signal for nature to begin to do what it needs to in order to keep the circle of life going. Which is why we see so many animals settle down and find a mate. All so that they can ensure the continuity of their line, and that allowed for us to watch in great detail, how various creatures around the world raise their young and teach them important life lessons, such as where to find food. Which is why elephants push their youth hard to make it to their respective feeding grounds, so that the route is engrained in their minds and speaking of food, that was another fascinating aspect of spring that this episode managed to delve into. Since animals seem to understand that the blossoming of the world is a signal to eat hearty and enjoy this bounty while it lasts.

But while it was fascinating to see just how quickly nature makes a push to get moving on reproduction and finding food and rearing their young once the temperature gets comfortable, what made this segment of the story supremely special… is that is also took the time to remind us that this pattern of renewal isn’t limited to the lush forests and grasslands. For new beginnings happen even in the most inhospitable places in the world, such as the dry and arid California desert. Because out there is a species of owl that lives underground and feasts on the various insects that thrive during this time of year, and they too are eager to find a mate and start a tiny little family. Which in essence, just goes to show that it is the planet, that drives all of us to get moving and live, and that particular epiphany allowed for this documentary to offer up quite the unique twist.

In that, this particular chapter felt the need to step away from its fascinating exploration of nature’s response to the wonder of spring, in order to focus deeper upon mankind’s unique response to it. Because we truly do celebrate this changing of the season in a more primal manner than we think, since we straight up honor this season of renewal with festivals around the globe as our ancestors once did, and of course… there's Easter. A holiday that shows our understanding of the importance of birth and re-birth since the eggs that children hunt for help us to teach them of how nature begins a new cycle of life during this season and of course, reflecting upon the Bible's teachings of Christ's death and resurrection speaks volumes to how much we believe that spring is all about new beginnings and renewal, where anyone can receive a fresh start if they choose.

Which at first glance, seems out of place to find in a documentary about nature, since one would expect that only the animals would be the focus. But this particular series is eager to point out one important fact about the Earth that we tend to forget. In that… humanity and nature share this tiny little blue world and we are in fact, all connected in some form or fashion. To the point where our evolved civilization still understands on a fundamental level that the shifting of the seasons means something quite powerful and that is honestly, a brilliant twist to inject into this documentary. For it gives it gravity and meaning, and it undoubtedly gives the audience pause as well, since a surprise in that vein really does get one thinking about their connection to nature and of course, if they’re doing enough to properly answer that call for renewal. And now that our exploration of springtime has come to a close, it should be interesting to see what other powerful and poignant lessons await us as our journey through a wild year on earth, continues along. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘WandaVision’.
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If there is one thing that fans of the new Disney+ series, WandaVision, have been patiently waiting for… it would have to be answers. Simply because the first few episodes of this fascinating show have been mired in mystery, since the story hasn’t been forthcoming in the slightest in regard to what exactly is happening to Wanda Maximoff and how on earth Vision has to returned to life, Nor has it to bothered to explain why they’re both trapped in a unique sitcom world that is changing around them on a regular basis. But thankfully, after weeks of dropping clues and building tension, this series finally decided that the time was right to offer its loyal fans some outright answers. 
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Which made ‘We Interrupt This Program’ a fascinating and compelling and downright heartbreaking tale. One that oddly wasted little time in giving us some of the answers we seek, such as Geraldine’s true identity. For in the opening moments of this episode, we came to learn that she is in fact, Captain Monica Rambeau. Who last made an appearance in the MCU in Captain Marvel​. And when we catch up with her, here, she’s returned from the void that Thanos put half the universe into and is trying to put the pieces of her life back together and reconcile the fact that her mother died while she was lost to The Snap/The Blip. Which motivates her to just get right back down to work with S.W.O.R.D. and for her first mission back, she’s tasked with examining some strange occurrences involving a town named Westview out in New Jersey.

A decision that of course, quickly changes her life in a supremely strange manner. For it isn’t long before she discovers that there is an energy field surrounding this town and that everyone that either works there or is from there, doesn’t believe that the town exists and well, a little curiosity on what that field is all about, gets her sucked into the town and that in turn, brings every agency known to man to Westview. Which allowed for fans to spend plenty of time with FBI Agent Jimmy Woo, who finally learned that damn card trick, and Darcy Lewis also returned to the MCU fold by coming in to offer her analysis on this mess, and we were able to learn that she’s grown as a character and has become an outright brilliant doctor. Since she is the one that figured out that a television signal was broadcasting from this town… one starring two Avengers. 

But what matters more, is that this setup allowed for us to learn that some of the stranger moments that Wanda has experienced from within the confines of her own sitcom, have in fact… been related to S.W.O.R.D. For it was Darcy that was watching the show in the closing moments of ‘Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience’ and it was a S.W.O.R.D. agent that popped out of the sewer at the end of that tale, as well. Plus, it turns out that Jimmy Woo was the mysterious voice on the radio in ‘Don’t Touch That Dial’, meaning that everything strange that’s happened to Wanda isn't sinister in the slightest, and is in fact, related to a rescue mission in essence. Since this group of incredible minds have been working to free her from whatever force has captured her, and that’s when this story dug into some devastating territory.

For in the closing minutes of this tale we finally arrived at the moment that Monica returned from WandaVisionLand and she had something quite powerful to say. In that, it appears that Wanda is the true mastermind of this whole thing and there’s a lot of truth to be found in that statement. For not only is Wanda the reason that Monica is back in reality, since she used her powers to eject Captain Rambeau from Westview, but Wanda was quick to fix any damage to the house and this fictional world before the story revealed something quite shocking to us. In that, Wanda is in possession of Vision’s broken and lifeless corpse and she is somehow giving him a second chance at existence by way of this sitcom and well, not only was that awe-inducing and heartbreaking… but it changes the entire tone of this series through and through.

Because now it would seem that this story is nothing more than a grand tragedy. One where a hero that also returned from The Blip, fell into a dark place mentally, when the reality of what happened in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame finally sank in, and her broken spirit has motivated her to create her own world to cope with the horrors of reality and that is a powerful twist for certain. Because fallen hero stories are rare to say the least, and the closest the MCU has ever come to exploring it before this, was by way of Iron Man 3. In the end however, this really was an incredibly brilliant tale. One that filled in the gaps nicely whilst offering up a game changing revelation and that ending is going make the wait for next week’s episode a difficult one for certain. As we eagerly wait to see where this incredible twist is going to take us. Until next time.

It has often been said that we are a product of our environment, and there is a lot of weight behind that particular phrase. Because the world we are introduced to in our youth, and the lessons that our parents and other adults teach us as we grow; help to form our opinions and our views of the world. Which is why it is important for us to see some of the world and learn about other cultures when we get older. So that we don’t become stagnant in our ways and our thinking. But while a vast majority of us are able to travel and learn when the time is right, that opportunity isn’t afforded to all and those are the folks that relate to that initial statement the most, since they are locked in a world that is exclusive to them. 

Which begs a fascinating question, in that, is it possible for someone who holds to a particular worldview to change their perspective and the habits that come about from said perspective? Well, it just so happens, that the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation was eager to dive into the answer to this question… by having the crew of the Enterprise encounter a young and impressionable youth that was indeed a product of his environment. For ‘Suddenly Human’ sees the crew of the 1701-D answer a distress call from a ship that belongs to a war like race known as the Talarians. And during the transfer of the wounded to the ship, Doctor Crusher comes to learn that a human teenager is among the causalities. One that oddly enough, believes in everything the Talarians stand for, which prompts an investigation on Captain Picard’s part.

Because it is clear that this young man doesn’t belong with another species and it is imperative for Starfleet to learn who he is and how he got there. And thankfully it doesn’t take long to learn that this young man is named Jeremiah Rossa, and that his parents were killed in a Talarian raid on his home colony years ago and clearly, he was raised by the people that murdered his family, giving him a unique perspective on life and the universe, one that Picard works to alter. For his grandmother, Admiral Rossa, would like to see him returned home and that’s where this grand exploration begins. Because Jeremiah struggles mightily with being from two worlds, and while he tries his best to acclimate to humanity, pressure from his adopted father and the conflict of being from two different civilizations proves to be too great of a challenge for Jeremiah, and he is allowed to return to his surrogate home to live his days out in peace.

Which at first glance, makes it appear as though Captain Picard fails to reach Jeremiah on a fundamental level and that the answer to the question posed earlier, is a big fat no. But when one takes a moment to really ponder upon the subtlety of this particular tale, it quickly becomes evident that the bittersweet nature of this ending, actually manages to answer that aforementioned question in a unique manner. Because in essence, Picard gives Jeremiah a choice, one where he can embrace a new world view or stick with what he knows and that’s really the whole philosophical point to that all-important question. In that, such a change is in fact, up to the individual. And if they’re curious about learning more about the world beyond the bubble they’re currently within, then they have to be open to change and the effort that will go into discovering a new world and potentially a new life, when they’re presented with realities that they never knew existed, and that can be quite scary.

For we are creatures of habit through and through and enjoy comfort and status quo and that is why it makes sense that Jeremiah chose a different path. And while that makes it seem as though this episode ends in a bitter and downtrodden manner, that’s simply not the case. No, instead, that ending is about as realistic as it gets since that is undoubtedly something that plays out in real life more often than we know. If anything, episode deserves serious credit for presenting such a unique concept in a realistic and dynamic light and it just goes to show, that season four of TNG is eager to explore every corner of the human condition, no matter how complex or uncomfortable it might be and that definitely makes this a powerful tale when all is said and done. One that also features a horror legend by way of Howard Sherman (credited as Sherman Howard here), who just so happened to play Bub in George Romero’s Day of the Dead and his performance here as Jeremiah's surrogate father, adds depth and gravity to a supremely cerebral tale. Until next time.

One particular quirk that has come up often in our grand re-watch of Star Trek: The Next Generation, is how the series loves to expand upon certain concepts over the course of several episodes. For example, season one featured a fascinating arc revolving around how far people and/or aliens are willing to go in order achieve a particular goal and more recently, season three took the time to dive into real world topics and put them on display in a wonderful and creative manner. And it just so happens that season four of this legendary series, is wasting zero time in offering up its own contribution to this particular concept/trend.

Because after taking the time to explore the benefits of family life and how it can help us in ways, we never thought possible, the writers’ room saw a grand opportunity to explore the darker side of family life. Specifically, the fact that fractures can and do exist in families, and that sometimes there is no repairing those divides when it comes to supremely toxic family members, regardless of how badly we want to see that frayed relationship improve. And it accomplished this particular storytelling feat by reuniting Lieutenant Commander Data with his estranged and supremely evil brother Lore, in the most unique way imaginable. For ‘Brothers’ saw Data lose control of his faculties in the opening moments of this tale, in order to bring him (and the Enterprise) to an unknown, out of the way planet.

All because, Dr. Noonien Soong was eager to see his son after all these years and provide him with a gift, an act that he failed to complete. Because unfortunately for both Data and Dr. Soong, Lore was also recalled by the same homing beacon that Soong used to bring Data home and his arrival brought about the exploration in question. For Lore truly made it clear that no apology or act of kindness would ever repair the rift that Data and Dr. Soong created in his mind, and despite Soong's best efforts to repair his relationship with his son, Lore continued to be Lore, and he even caused harm to his father after receiving the emotion chip that was meant for Data. Simply because evil is his jam, and he saw this reunion as a grand opportunity to stick it to the two men he believed hurt him the most. And really the whole point of this segment was to not only explore the notions we discussed above, but also to teach us that there comes a point where we can no longer coddle or indulge bad family members. Instead, we need to acknowledge they’re bad and remove their toxic drama from our lives.

Which makes it sound as though this episode was quite heavy handed in nature and free from any positivity, but it found a way to sneak that into the story as well. Because Soong’s decision to bring Data home was grounded in some particularly beautiful notions. In that, if both parties are willing and if the opportunity is there, it is never too late to repair broken family relationships and that we should definitely make efforts to do so. Since we never know how much time we have to make amends. A point that was hammered home by Soong’s admission that end of his life was near and that he wanted Data to have said emotion chip to aid him in his quest to become more human, and to show him that his father did indeed care about all those lost years between them. But what was truly unique about this message, is that it was emphasized twice in this tale, by way of another subplot aboard the Enterprise. Wherein a different pair of brothers at odds, came to realize after a health scare, just how important it is to cherish the family we have in our lives, and they quickly patched up their differences.

Which was something that was likely designed to engender hope for Data and Lore to reconcile since their true fates were up in the air at this point, and to continue to lighten the mood of a truly bleak episode at its core. Because Lore really is at his worst here, and the disdain he shows toward his father and his brother, really does hit home. Since we either have, or know of family members that see blood as an inconvenience and a nuisance and truly, this episode deserves some serious credit for exploring the other half of the family equation in this manner. Because this was raw and powerful and realistic as well, and it definitely gives the one pause in regard to the similar situations we’ve all run into when it comes to sour family members. If anything, this episode just goes to show that TNG ​was willing and able to examine any topic out there in a compelling manner, and it will be interesting to see what other concepts season four is going to explore in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the midseason premiere of ‘Big Sky’.
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Normally, crime dramas come to a close in a pretty standard manner. Wherein our intrepid and heroic sleuth has figured out how to rescue someone that is in dire need of their help, or they’ve cornered the criminal in question. Allowing for a tense and satisfying showdown to take place. The kind where the hero and the villain exchange powerful words before finally settling the matter in an epic and violent fashion. Where the hero is of course victorious and reflective before the pages run out or the screen fades to black, and for a time it seemed as though that particular type of ending was going to take place on the ABC series, Big Sky.
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For when we last settled in to enjoy this powerful show, Cassie Dewell had cornered Trooper Rick Legarski in the basement of the All In Bar whilst he was preparing to hand the women Ronald captured, off to their new owners, and of course, after spending a few minutes exchanging tense words… Cassie opened fire and dropped Legarski. Leaving us to wonder where this story was headed next now that the women were safe and thankfully, the midseason premiere wasted no time in answering that. For ‘The Wolves Are Always Out for Blood’ immediately picked up after that fateful bullet entered Legarski’s skull and well… you don’t get more of a traditional ending than that. Because those brave women were off to the hospital to heal their physical wounds and Trooper Legarski was barely alive and in custody, meaning that justice could finally be served.

But going by the book and ending this story in a traditional manner, simply wouldn’t be this show’s style. Not after it spent most of the first half of its inaugural season, shaking up all the tropes that the crime drama tends to offer and once the dust settled and the investigation into Trooper Legarski’s twisted side hustle began, is when this show opted to explore something that definitely isn’t handled enough in this genre, specifically, the fallout of the villain’s actions. A feat that this episode accomplished, in part, by allowing for Jenny and Cassie to grieve over the man they both loved. Because at long last, Cody’s body was recovered by the police and that brought forth painful closure for both women and it was quite powerful to see them grieve and try to figure out a way forward without Cody, when they held so much hope in their hearts that he was going to be okay, and the gravity of what Legarski and Ronald have done, didn’t end with Cody’s funeral. 

Because Merilee Legarski, was left holding the bag for her husband’s actions and had to deal with perhaps the most difficult journey of the night. After all, she was still Rick’s wife, ‘till death do them part, and she had to reconcile the fact that she didn’t know anything about her husband’s actions in the slightest and that those he hurt, more or less blamed her for what happened and understandably so. For their pain needed to go somewhere and she was the easy victim for that kind of ire and to her credit, she handled all of this with kindness and grace. Even going so far as to disarm Jenny when she tried to unload her fury and pain on Merilee for what happened to Cody and this was perhaps, the best sub plot of the night. Simply because this made for some powerful and realistic and original moments, since we rarely see how the loved ones of a criminal, handle the news that their beloved is a monster. 
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But while it was quite powerful to see everyone take a moment and breath and grieve and ponder upon what comes next, there was only one major issue left unresolved from this incredible and breathtaking rescue. In that, Ronald Pergman was still out there, and he was in a hurry to hide his involvement in this whole matter. Which motivated him to not only alter the appearance of his truck in order to keep law enforcement off of his back, but he also made a grand attempt to break into the Legarski home. For Rick has a secret room full of records that could put him away forever and while he wasn’t successful in getting to those records in this particular tale, it is only a matter of time before he makes another attempt to get them ad it won’t be long before he returns to the spotlight. Because that note on Jerrie’s door is an indicator that he’s still lurking about and biding his time, and that is a terrifying prospect indeed.

In the end however, this really was quite the impressive midseason premiere when all is said and done. Because not only did it wow us by moving the case along in a dynamic and unexpected manner, since a great deal of us believed that those poor captive women would be hidden away for a good long time, but it also did a phenomenal job of providing the viewer with original storytelling and an outright sense of impending danger. Because it really was quite refreshing to see the fallout of Rick and Ronald’s actions and see the characters grieve and mourn and try to heal since that gives them incredible depth, and it really is chilling to know that Ronald is still out there and scheming and well, all this premiere does, is leave us eager to enjoy more of this incredible series. So that we can learn exactly how Jenny and Cassie are going to hunt down a cunning monster, one that is now as dangerous as they come… since Ronald will likely do whatever it takes to keep himself and his creepy mother, safe. Until next time.    

When it comes to television shows, it is definitely safe to say that cliffhangers are quite difficult to wrap up, especially when the first half of a two-part story is epic and flawless in nature. Because that means that ‘Part 2’ has to either exceed or maintain the high standards that its predecessor brought to the table and that really is no easy task. Because shows break for several months on end and that means the writers’ room has to figure out how to recapture the feel and the magic of the original entry when they return to work and sometimes, they miss the mark and that is why we are often treated to sub-par finales to these types of tales. The kind that feel as though they came within inches of being something great, but faltered for various reasons.
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But while mediocrity and failure are often the norm for episodes in this vein, once in a great while you run into a show that straight up sticks the proverbial landing, and they accomplish that particular feat in a surprisingly simple manner. Because not only do they maintain the elements that drew us into this particular story arc in the first place… they find a way to keep the finale from going stale, by either offering up unique twists and turns or an outright powerhouse ending, and for proof as to how effective this particular formula is in closing out a two-parter, then look no further than the season four premiere of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

For ‘The Best of Both Worlds, Part II’ utilizes everything we just discussed to a tee in an organic and impactful manner. Case and point, the fact that the writers’ room figured out how to keep the Borg interesting. Because an invincible foe with zero weaknesses eventually bores an audience, since they expect the hero to make some kind of progress or chip away at the villain’s armor. And having the crew look for new solutions and try things that Captain Picard wasn’t briefed on allows for that happen, and it also leads to one impressive sequence for certain. Since the newly minted Captain Riker’s plans to rescue his former commander turned Locutus is thrilling and compelling, and it helps to lighten the mood. 

Which is important since this episode features a supremely bleak and sobering moment. Because the aftermath of the Battle of Wolf 359 really is horrifying when one takes the time to revisit it in adulthood. Since the gravity of thirty-nine ships being laid to waste really hits home. But while there is a great emotional factor that comes with seeing those proud ships burning in space, this too is all part of the master plan of this episode. Because having this battle end in utter failure, raises the stakes of the story and once again reminds the audience the Borg are a horrifying enemy, one that will stop at nothing in their quest to conquer humanity and that sets the stage for the best part of this particular tale, it’s phenomenal ending.
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Because by the time the Borg and the Enterprise have arrived at Earth, the tension in this tale is at all a time high and the viewer is utterly worried that the crew might fail in their mission. Because despite the fact that the crew manage to best the Borg and bring Locutus aboard, the Borg are still a superior foe and ready to rip the 1701-D to shreds in order to achieve their assimilation goals and that’s why Picard’s suggestion to have them to go sleep is so wonderfully brilliant. Because it just goes to show that the Borg are in fact… a touch arrogant, since they didn’t bother to protect lesser systems because they truly believed that no one would ever challenge them, and it also offers up a fine lesson for the audience as well. In that, sometimes the simplest solution will solve a great deal of our problems, and to look for that when difficult problems come our way.

As an added bonus, this episode also takes the time to set up a great deal for the future. Since that closing image of a rattled Captain Jean-Luc Picard serves to remind us that this particular incident would haunt Picard for the rest of his life, and that the series would revisit the lasting impact of his time as Locutus. In fact, the show did that, sooner rather than later. Since the next episode in season four digs right into such matters. But before we dive into that particular tale, it’s best we celebrate one delightful premiere, one that genuinely wowed us with some quality and satisfying storytelling. But most important of all, it hammered home the fact that this series was now in the midst of its stride and that top-notch storytelling was on the agenda for the foreseeable future. Until next time.      

It turns out, that our grand re-watch of the once popular police serial CHiPs, yielded some fascinating discoveries about this classic show. Such as the fact that this series was actually ahead of its time. Since it often examined topics and real-world issues that other shows wouldn’t touch in the slightest. Plus, we also came to learn that bad storytelling decisions, did this series dirty in its sixth and final season, since a push to make gimmicks and timely fads a focus of the series helped to move it into the realm of cancellation. But while it was fascinating to uncover those little tidbits along the way, what matters most when it comes to this show… is that despite its sour series finale, it was able to figure out how to resurrect itself just long enough to give this saga a proper ending.
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A feat that was accomplished by way of outright nostalgia. For reruns of this series were commonplace on TNT back in the 1990s, and the positive reception that all of those classic episodes brought forth, motivated the network and a fair chunk of the original cast and crew to reunite for a T.V. movie entitled CHiPs ’99. Which saw Francis ‘Frank’ Poncherello and Jon Baker return to the Los Angeles highways after fifteen years of not riding together, in order to bring down a group of car thieves that were using a retrofitted tour bus to move their stolen loot down Mexico way. Which is a classic CHiPs plot, one that is more or less repurposed for this story from the ‘Pilot’ episode. But while it is wonderful to see these two men riding the highways again and doing what they do best, it is the little things present in this true finale, that allow for it to shine.

Such as the fact that it takes the time to show us how these characters have grown since the last time, we saw them. For Artie Grossman is now a detective with the CHP, Bruce Nelson is now a sergeant and while Barry ‘Bear’ Baricza isn’t moving up the ladder, he’s still doing his job well and is a more seasoned officer now. Plus, we come to learn in this tale that Joe Getraer is now the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol, which is damn fitting for certain. And of course, Jon Baker is now a captain that is happily married and Ponch ended up falling in love and marrying the woman he just so happened to save in the Pilot episode, and they even had a son before she passed away and it is her death that is central to a great many things in this story. 

In fact, it is safe to say that her passing is exactly what serves as the catalyst for this movie to serve as the true series finale. Because once characters begin to reflect upon their fictional life journey and look ahead to the future, it signals the end of a particular story, and Ponch and Jon do that here no problem and that allows for a genuine sense of finality to hang over this particular tale, one that is of course… supremely satisfying. Since eventually we are secure in the knowledge that Captain Jon Baker and Officer Frank Poncherello continued their careers in happiness and contentment long after this story came to a close. And speaking of that dynamic duo, how this finale handles the strain to their long-standing friendship/biffleship (best friends for life), is what makes this particular story so absolutely perfect through and through.
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Because their frustrations with one another here, allows for the show to once again to examine and explore a notion that was once again ahead of its time. For these two, brothers really, stopped talking to one another over some baseline machismo bullshit. The kind where they felt the need to internalize their feelings instead of being open and honest with one another. Which was the true male mantra of the 70s, 80s and most of the 1990s. So, to see them take the time to feel their feels here and be honest with one another, and repair their biffleship in the process, is something that was simply unheard of on television at the time and it was definitely visionary since that wouldn’t be a commonplace discussion in popular media until really the last couple of years. Only because modern society is just now starting to realize that letting men feel their emotions and express them is a healthy thing.

If anything, all of these elements really do recapture the magic of the first few seasons of this series, and every element we’ve discussed today, sucks you into the story and leaves you hanging on every word and moment. Because this is what fans wanted in season six and we finally got our wish, some fifteen years later and well… it really is wonderful to close out these Retro Recaps on a high note. Because it doesn’t always end that way for television shows, but thankfully, CHiPs received the happy ending it absolutely deserved. Because a feel-good show should end on a feel-good note and it doesn’t get more feel-good than knowing that we leave this universe as we found it, with Ponch and Jon keeping the highways safe while Joe Getraer guides them on how to do it the right way, and well, that’s it my fellow Chippies. We’ve reached the end of this long and winding journey, and I certainly do hope you enjoyed revisiting every waking moment of one of my favorite television shows, as much as I did.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘American Gods’.
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Over the course of its illustrious three-year run, the STARZ series, American Gods, has managed to establish itself as one of the most dynamic television shows out there. A feat that it has accomplished by offering up some unique storytelling for certain. Because this iconic tale about a seeming everyman, now caught up in the meddling of the Gods, has made a point to switch up the themes and concepts it explores on a fairly consistent basis. Giving its viewers a fascinating viewing experience, since sometimes they simply don’t know what kind of story they are in for, and really, what’s made this acceptable, is that the show handles this shift on a weekly basis. All so that the show doesn't overwhelm the viewers and has proper time to examine whatever concept the writers’ room opted to dive into.
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But this week’s episode, took the time to change things up further, by outright offering up all kinds of storytelling shifts within a single episode. Which made ‘Ashes and Demons’ quite the fascinating tale for certain, since it focused upon the need to look at our lives in an objective manner, why honesty is important in all things, alongside a little storyline involving the possible dangers of Lakeside. And perhaps the best way to handle an examination of an episode that features this many storylines, is to follow the order we just laid out and ponder upon a surprise journey in this particular tale, one that involved Laura Moon. Because it turns out that she hasn’t been removed from the narrative in the slightest.

No instead, her decision to surrender the coin allowed for something quite powerful to happen. For when we catch up with her in this particular tale, she’s finally found her way to the afterlife. Purgatory to be specific. And as it turns out, this particular place is the DMV of the galaxy since nothing gets done in a prompt manner and that motivated Laura to scheme her way into her next steps forward and that brought forth quite the roadblock for her. Because despite her best efforts to just move forward as she saw fit, the people that work in purgatory wouldn’t let her do things her way, and they instead forced her to take a moment to reflect upon her life and face her sorted past. Not in the way that she remembers it, but in an objective manner. In order to teach her that a lot of what she blames herself for, isn’t her fault and that her life was bad, because she put the sins of her parents upon her soul and adopted them in some weird attempt to purge them. Which made for some powerful and poignant moments for certain, the kind that might finally allow for Laura Moon to forgive herself at last.

As for the second topic of the night, well that was handled by way of Mister Wednesday. Who made his way to a mental health facility to rescue the seeming love of his long and storied life; a goddess named Demeter. But as Wednesday is wont to do, his motives didn’t quite appear to be all that noble or romantic. For Demeter just so happened to be sitting atop a boatload of money, the kind that could fund the war effort and she was quick to demand the truth from Wednesday as to whether he was there for her, or the cash. And well, while being called to the carpet for his special brand of B.S. is nothing new for the All-Father, the fact that Demeter gave him pause in doing so, speaks volumes to the fact that having someone we care about do that from time to time is important. Since it keeps a person, or in this case, a God… grounded and downright honest.
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Whether or not that will help Odin grow as a person, and motivate him to tell the truth, will have to wait for another time, however. Because there was also mention of the fact that this episode continued to explore the mystery that is Lakeside and well, let’s be honest… no good came out of this segment of the tale. Because despite Shadow and everyone else’s best efforts to find young Alison, they came up empty handed and a little research on Mister Moon’s part, after his search shift ended, revealed something sinister to the audience. In that, kids seem to go missing often in Lakeside, and the ones that disappear, seem to disappear for good. Leaving one to wonder if by chance, the right ones go missing in order to pay tribute to whatever deity watches over Lakeside. An idea that is reinforced by the cold open of last week’s episode, wherein a young child was sacrificed in the name of a God.

Which is another plot thread that will have to wait to be properly resolved. Since this episode ends with Shadow heading off to New York City to check in on Bilquis, since Shadow dreamed of her crying out for help. And judging from the blood in her apartment, she’s clearly in some kind of trouble and really in the end, this was simply a fascinating tale through and through. Because it offered us so much to chew upon and it really did explore some unique concepts and all of that helps to reinforce the fact that this series can do anything storytelling wise and truly, it will be quite interesting to see where these plot threads take us in the weeks to come. For all of this was likely part of a grander plan, one that will undoubtedly come together in an epic and satisfying manner. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Watch’.

If there is one thing that everyone on this planet is searching for at some point or another during their lives, it would have to be purpose and direction. For so many human beings believe that they are here to make an impact and a difference in life, by way of a special talent or gift. But what that gift/talent is and how one discovers it, isn’t exactly common knowledge and that is why so many people spend years searching for their true north, and that is also why we see a lot of stories that revolve around this quest. Because the search for our purpose in life is downright captivating and inspirational and we simply cannot resist being motivated by a story that involves someone going after what brings them peace, with gusto.   
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But what is supremely unique about this particular quest, is the sheer fact that some people actually manage to stumble upon their purpose with minimal effort, or learn about it at an early age, and end up experiencing quite the adverse reaction to that discovery. Because sometimes knowing one’s purpose without going through a fulfilling journey to uncover it and/or seeing one’s future outlined in an abrupt manner can be downright terrifying. And that same fear comes into play for folks that are outright broken in life and believe they’re not deserving of a path that could bring them happiness, or because they’re terrified of leaving a comfortable status quo behind. If anything, this is relevant today, simply because the more uncomfortable aspect of discovering one’s purpose, served as the focal point of last night’s episode of The Watch, and that made ‘Not On My Watch’, quite the powerful affair.

Because we were able to watch in real time, how that particular type of fear takes root within someone’s soul. For the words that Carcer Dun fed Captain Sam Vimes during last week’s tale, about how Vimes would do something special down the line; haunted our intrepid captain. After all, he is a man that doesn’t believe he’s worthy of being admired as a hero, or capable of doing anything good outside of keeping a status quo going. So, the thought that he could be viewed in such a positive light, and save this city from its darkest hour, shook him to his core and motivated him to do something quite drastic. In that, he thought it would be a good idea to take the mysterious sword known as ‘Wayne’, and toss it into a lake where it and its magic would be dissolved. Thus, allowing for him to keep that status quo going and not have to worry about changes to his life. 

Which was a decision that did not settle well with his coworkers. For they were making progress with Wayne and starting to discover where the other artifacts were hiding, which would in turn give them complete control over the dragon. But with the captain locked in on this particular path both Lady Sybil and Cheery opted to follow him on this dangerous quest and that brought about a fascinating twist. For while the team was out in the desert surrounding the lake, they came to discover that the powerful magic present here, would overpower the minds of those traveling through this wasteland without protection. And it would force them to face their worst fears and traumas in life and well, that allowed for us to not only learn exactly what haunts Vimes, Sybil, Cheery and later Angua… but this whole segment helped to remind us of something quite important.
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In that, in order to move ahead in life, we have to face our fears and our trauma. Because until we release their hold upon our souls, they will forever be with us and will forever hold us back and it was quite powerful to see the team overcome their fears and their pain and stand tall in front of Carcer Dun when he made his move against Vimes at the lake. And while the Watch lost the sword in that showdown, that’s okay. Because this particular fight helped them grow and it also informed them that they need to work together as one and support one another. Which means that at long last, they are finally united as an actual team, one that will never let their friends fall to the wayside and that’s just plain awesome. Because now they will be unstoppable in their quest and they will fulfill the destiny that one of them so greatly feared.

In the end however, this was a supremely refreshing and uplifting episode for certain. Because not only was it filled to the brim with incredible character growth through and through, but it also did a phenomenal job of exploring some supremely powerful concepts. Because an outright fear of success is something that is real and crippling for some, and it is rarely talked about in popular media and the show deserves serious credit for injecting that into the plot here and for finding resolution for it in an equally powerful manner. Because the team’s push to help Vimes overcome his fear also serves as a wonderful reminder that the company we keep is what helps us to grow, since good people inspire us to be better. If anything, it is just wonderful to keep finding helpful life lessons embedded within the framework of a quirky story about magic and it should be interesting to see where this newfound confidence and direction will lead Vimes and his heroic companions as they set out to grab control of their future and the future of Anhk-Morpork. Until next time.