Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘A Wild Year on Earth’.
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It is definitely safe to say that each and every one of us, can plan out our year with relative ease. Simply because our modern world affords us a great deal of planning resources. For we do a wonderful job of keeping track of time by way of calendars and digital devices and the important dates that we celebrate and keep an eye upon, also help us to know when the seasons are going to change, and we can plan for that accordingly. If anything, our modern world has made life a well-oiled machine, so much in fact, that we can navigate it with relative ease. But while we plan for birthdays and lay down new year resolutions without giving it a second thought because that’s simply how life goes in the modern era… we tend to lose sight of the fact that beyond our carefully controlled world, lies chaos. 

For nature doesn’t understand resolutions or birthdays or a holiday season. It only knows survival and savagery, if that helps some animals see another day, and while we are bundling up to enjoy ice skating in the middle of the winter or buying suntan lotion for our beachside vacation; nature is embroiled in an endless fight for survival. Because the natural world is constantly evolving and thriving and growing while we go about our day and well, that does leave one curious as to what exactly a year of that particular brand of chaos looks like, and thankfully… BBC America is taking the time to show us. For the brand-new series, A Wild Year on Earth takes the time examine how life away from our carefully planned world functions in an unrestrained manner and that allowed for ‘The Year Begins’ to provide all of us with some fascinating perspective on the world. 

Such as the fact that our view of the seasons and the passage of time, often relates to our location in the world. Because in January and February, those that live in the northern hemisphere see the New Year as a chilly affair, since winter is upon us and the animals surrounded by the snow and the cold, do indeed have to fight hard to see another day. Because food is scarce in the winter, which is why monkeys in Japan and the birds of prey of North America use patience and care when searching for food, since they know full well it will take time and effort to get exactly what they need. But while that hammered home the desolate nature of the winter, this episode was also quick to remind us that life also thrives in harsh conditions, as evidenced by the polar bears that roam the arctic and the otters off the coast of California that work to raise their young while the world collectively shivers. 

However, there was mention of the fact that perspective was the real focus of this particular tale and that was accomplished by showing us what life is like on the other half of the planet during this time of year. Because while those of us in the northern hemisphere shiver in the cold, everyone down south is working on their tan. For it is summer in the southern hemisphere in January and February and the animals in this region of the world… take full advantage of the plentiful food that accompanies the supremely warm temperatures and that led to the most difficult segment of the night. Since this particular part of our journey through the year… put the sheer savagery of nature on display. Which served to remind us just how chaotic and brutal our world can be since we were witness to the death of a baby hippo by way of the jaws of hungry predators, and we even came to learn that birds in Australia will even work to stoke fires if it means they can flush out a meal. 

Which made for some powerful and heartbreaking moments, the kind that in the end, weren’t designed to make us afraid of the world and what it can unleash when the moment is right. No instead, all of this was put forth to provide us with a sense of gratitude and humility. Because we are in fact, fortunate creatures to live in an environment that we have complete and utter control over, one that also provides us and our families with unprecedented safety and security. As for the humility aspect, well that comes out of the sheer fact that this documentary helps to remind us that we are a part of something special and powerful, since we are in fact, surrounded by teeming life and outright wonder and truly, all of these elements made this quite the special opening chapter to this documentary. One that will not only offer us a raw look at our powerful planet in the weeks to come but will also motivate us to appreciate the gift of life that we’ve been given, and it should be interesting to see what other powerful moments we are going to be treated to as we continue this voyage through a wild year on planet Earth. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘WandaVision’.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating new Disney+ series, WandaVision, we talked at length about how this particular series was truly unlike any other entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Because up until this series premiere, the MCU really didn’t want to play around in live action, off-the-wall, ‘What if?’ territory in the slightest. But after years of telling epic and grand stories, it finally decided the time had come to try something new and the end result was nothing short of fantastic. Since fans everywhere found themselves immediately entranced by this unique and fresh story, one that saw Wanda Maximoff and Vision finally enjoying the good life as a married couple, that is also trapped within the confines of a sitcom world.

But while it was indeed wonderful to experience something refreshing and new, it is definitely safe to say that this fascinating premiere left us with more questions than answers and it also left us curious as to how exactly, this story is going to play out. After all, television shows are often a long game, and can stretch out ideas and questions for weeks on end before even remotely bringing them to resolution. Leaving us to wonder if this new Avengers themed story, was going to use that slow premiere to outright surprise the audience with an episode that moved the plot along at warp speed. Or if it was going to employ that slow-burn approach going forward, and reveal just a little bit at a time, in regard to what's going on. And as it turns out, the next episode in this fascinating new series wasted no time in informing the audience, that it’s probably going to feature a little bit of both of those elements. 

For ‘Now in Color’ did actually move the whole matter involving Wanda’s pregnancy along at a brisk and stunning pace. Because in this particular tale, she went from baby bump to full term in a matter of hours and that allowed for some wild shenanigans to take place, since her powers were amplified and unrestrained as her baby grew and speaking of the baby… it turned out to be a pair of twins that were growing inside of her. Which means that hardcore comic book fans everywhere, were treated to the first on screen appearance of William and Thomas Maximoff (or Billy and Tommy as their parents prefer). But while it was awesome to relish in another comic book moment come to life, that's about as far as this episode went in regard to advancing the plot in a bold manner, since everything else surrounding this happy moment only offered us a handful of answers in regard to Wanda and Vision's predicament.

Such as the fact that Wanda does indeed have a great deal of control over this world. Since she was able to change the nature of the 'plot', when Vision nearly broke the fourth wall. Which means the beekeeper incident wasn't a fluke, and we also came to learn that their neighbors and friends appear to be in on whatever is going on. Since Agnes and Herb hinted at knowing far more than anyone expected, to the point where they were willing to make things awkward with Vision by cutting off their conversation before the truth came to light. But the ending is what finally provided us with something solid, since it more or less revealed the fact that Wanda and Vision are indeed trapped in some kind strange anomaly, since Geraldine was cast out of Westview for asking the wrong question to Wanda and found herself back in the real world, with S.W.O.R.D. keeping watch over a static bubble surrounding the town. 

Which of course… brings forth more questions since we are now curious as to whether or not S.W.O.R.D. is friend or foe, since clearly, they’re outside the perimeter of this madness, and either keeping watch or conducting an experiment. And Geraldine’s questions about Pietro and his fate only add to that confusion since we don’t know if she was trying to reach Wanda or push her to test her limits and well, that’s just a sampling of where we are at questions wise. Since there are so many more hanging over this tale and while it should infuriate us that there seems to be no quick resolution in sight… let’s be honest, we’re all loving this twist. Because we simply don’t know what’s coming in the slightest, and the sense of wonder and awe that sends our way, only energizes us to continue to the journey. For eventually, all will indeed be revealed and knowing Marvel, the truth about Westview and what is happening to Wanda Maximoff and her beloved Vision is going to be nothing short of stunning. So it is best we just buckle up and enjoy this wild ride. Until next time.  

Few elements in the television industry are as fascinating as the series finale. Simply because this all-important final episode, is so incredibly diverse. After all, some shows end on a perfect note, where the characters and the plot come together in a satisfying and conclusive manner. Whereas there are other finales that end in a mediocre and somewhat unsatisfying fashion, or in an outright disaster. The kind where the fans are left stunned over the fact that their final memories of their favorite show are going to be unpleasant and reviling. But what truly makes the series finale so downright intriguing, is the sheer fact that so many shows out there, end a year of storytelling without anyone having a clue that the season finale, is instead going to serve as the series finale.
 
Because T.V. Land is a brutal and savage place sometimes, where executives are ready to say goodbye to a show whenever they see fit. Which means that when they make that call, how it ends, is how it ends, and a show’s legacy will forever be determined by the quality of that unexpected final tale and oddly enough, this particular problem is something that CHiPs flirted with. For its season six finale, ‘Return of the Brat Patrol’, became a series finale a few months after it aired and that’s unfortunate, since this uneven episode was the show’s outstanding legacy for quite some time. One that basically pointed out to any viewer that caught it in syndication or on home video… that this series was lost and searching for direction at the end of its surprise final season. As evidenced by the fact that this tale rehashed a plot thread that was used only a handful of episodes ago, and that it also made some odd storytelling choices with the characters.
 
Take Sergeant Getraer’s journey for instance. Since his brand-new ride was stolen right before his eyes in this tale, all because he opted to leave his keys in his car while he went to get change to buy a newspaper and yes, you read that right. Sergeant Joe Getraer, a man that is a stickler for procedure and rules… and follows them to a tee so that he is a beacon for those rules, opted to abandon them because he thought it would only take a second. Which is just weird and doesn’t make sense in the slightest for the character. If anything, it is obvious that someone behind the scenes decided that the comedic chops that Robert Pine exhibited in ‘Fun House’ should be resurrected here by way of this plot line, sine it does allow Robert to mug for the camera. But rather than give the character and Mister Pine a proper storyline to make people laugh, this decision ends up making the Sarge look like a buffoon and the problems with this story don’t end there.

Because there was mention of a re-hashed storyline and as the title indicates, Ponch’s wonder troupe of explorers return to this tale to have him, help them, win a basketball game for the Captain and well, some dubious choices were made with these characters as well. Because when we last saw them, they were finally growing into their own and becoming intelligent and productive teenagers. But here, they’ve reverted back to their old habits and old personalities, which is stunning to say the least. Because it completely negates everything these characters went through in ‘Brat Patrol’, thus making them one-dimensional and dumb, since only Ponch can teach them and grow them, and it also makes this plot thread a straight up re-hash of the original episode. Which means that nothing here has value or worth storytelling wise, and this whole plot thread really speaks to the fact that season six had run out of steam, and that the show was indeed worthy of cancellation.
 
But what matters most about this ending, is that it would thankfully serve as a cautionary tale. One that would teach future television shows to never toy with their formula and make massive casting changes and chase gimmicks over quality stories. However there was mention of the fact that this series only flirted with an ugly legacy, and thanks to syndication and nostalgia and those very lessons, eventually the show was able to atone for its sins and figure out a way to end the saga on its own terms after all. For in 1999, the cast and some of the original crew returned to the Los Angeles Highways for a CHiPs reunion movie. Which would in essence, become the show's rightful series finale and by having the story of Ponch and Jon come to a close in a satisfying and logical manner, one’s perspective on this particular finale and the season that preceded it, outright changes
 
Because just like that, season six transforms itself from an awful mistake, into a season that oddly fits the theme of the series after all. Because at its core, CHiPs was always about the life and times of the officers of the California Highway Patrol, and all of the ups and downs they faced in their careers and lives, and in many ways, seeing Jon and a chunk of the team leave and seeing Ponch deal with a new role, lends to that notion and provides us with the sense of realism that always permeated the earlier seasons. Because life is chaotic in that same way, where friends and coworkers come and go, and that really does make this final season special and unique in its own right. Because in a weird way, we actually got what we wanted out of season six after all, and now that we’ve gone through a tough year in Francis ‘Frank’ Poncherello’s life… we can finally move on to greener pastures and see exactly how his storied career in the CHP, comes to a close. Until next time.

If there is one important lesson that the sixth and final season of CHiPs has taught television fans everywhere, it would have to be that the end of a popular television series is often related to multiple factors, instead of the prevailing belief. Which is that one incredibly bad episode or moment will bring a beloved television show to its knees. Instead, we now know that excessive casting changes and alterations from a formula that is loved and embraced, will help to drive audiences away from a show that they once would make a great effort to watch. But while it is fascinating to learn that particular lesson, the impact of a terrible, bottom of the barrel episode, cannot be ignored either.
 
Because that type of tale, not only serves as a fine reminder that the series in question has lost its way, but it can also be quite devastating to the legacy of the show. For now, fans will forget about anything good that came before that goofy story and they will in fact, view that particular episode as the cause of the show’s demise. For it is easy to tie failure to one specific moment, regardless of being armed with the knowledge that the end was cumulative in nature, and really… all of this relevant to our discussion today, simply because the next episode in this storied franchise, just so happens to be an embarrassing and devastating and downright damaging, bad story. The kind that a great deal of fans will likely point to as the episode that brought forth the end for this beloved franchise, and it is easy to see why folks would believe that.
 
For ‘Things That Go Creep in the Night’ simply doesn’t belong in the CHiPs universe, as evidenced by its plot. Because this particular tale revolves around a woman named Anna who is in complete and utter distress when we meet her here. For she’s running around the highways, screaming about being chased by a sea-monster and well… in brief, eventually Ponch and Bruce and Bobby come to discover that Anna is caught up in a strange kidnapping/extortion scheme. One involving a comic book artist/magic enthusiast who kidnapped Anna’s mother, in order to keep the truth about her mom’s involvement in the creation of a comic book character, a secret, so he could reap the benefits. Which, as you can see, is a ridiculous plot that absolutely belongs on another series, and the problems with this episode don’t end with its outlandish story.
 
Because this particular tale really wants to sell the audience on the possibility that what is happening to Anna, is genuinely related to the supernatural. Which means that a lot of horror themes and tropes and even camera angles in the style of horror movies pop up here, alongside a dude in a sea monster outfit and well… all of these elements are just as silly as the plot and they really make the audience feel uncomfortable and disjointed and irritated while watching this tale. Because we’re not here to watch a spooky show about cops that solve mystical mysteries. We’re here to see blue collar, good cops, solve crimes on the highway and try to make the world a better place, and while bad storytelling is nothing new to season six, the wasted opportunities here are what really make this episode so incredibly frustrating to watch.
 
For Sergeant Getraer himself, Robert Pine, directed this episode and his steady presence behind the camera actually does allow for some crisp visuals and decent pacing to take place, and if he was given a better, less outlandish story to work with, who knows what kind of episode we would have been treated to. Plus, this dumb plot wastes a bevy of solid guest stars since Kelly Preston, Rich Little and Elvira are forced to mug for the camera in the hopes of selling over-the-top moments and once again, you cannot help but wonder what could have been, if those exact same stars were given better material to work with. But alas, what’s done is done and, in the end, we are left with the worst episode in the franchise’s illustrious history. One that truly is the epitome of all of season six’s problems, and the sheer existence of this sloppy story, leaves little hope that this series will end, on a high note. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that the sixth and final season of the police serial, CHiPs, has been a supreme disappointment. Simply because just about everything we came to love about this storied series, is outright missing from this particular season of storytelling. For Jon Baker and a great deal of the supporting characters that brought us joy in seasons one through five, aren't present in year six’s adventures, and the episodes themselves simply aren’t the same in the slightest. For stories that once featured meaning and tackled topics that were ahead of their time, were instead replaced with episodes full of gimmicks and notions that were relevant to the times.
 
But while that has made this re-watch quite difficult at times as we slog through some rough entries, this journey hasn’t been a total loss. Because from time to time, classic elements from prior seasons found their way into the framework of a particular tale, allowing for a wonderful sense of nostalgia to arrive as we reflected upon wonderful days gone by, the kind that could never be reclaimed. Or rather, so it seemed. Because believe it or not, the next episode in this storied franchise actually managed to perfectly recapture the magic of the seasons that came before it. A feat that ‘Fast Company’ accomplished, by first offering up a little late season shakeup when it comes to the cast and also by providing the audience with a back-to-basics tale, one that genuinely embodied the spirit of the past.
 
One that saw Ponch and Bruce head out to investigate a slimy car theft ring that was operating far away from the city of angels and well, it takes all of two minutes to make it clear… that Bruce and Ponch should have been partners from the get-go. Simply because these two actors share genuine chemistry, and their dynamic gives Ponch the chance to slip into the mentor role and grow his character whilst Bobby takes on the role of the eager student and that really works like a charm here, and it allows for the two of them to operate as a genuine team when things get hairy. Because while they are in the middle of the boonies, they come to learn that the Sheriff of the small town they’re visiting, is connected in all the wrong ways and he’s willing to put down a couple of real cops if it means he can benefit financially.
 
Which is where the classic elements come into play. For now, Ponch and Bruce are forced to not only think in a creative manner to save their hide, but they also have to do what they can, in order keep a couple of witnesses to a murder, safe. Since the sheriff lured said witnesses to this town as well, in the hopes of turning them over to a drug kingpin and well… this was just amazing. Because once again we saw noble officers, going above and beyond and risking their lives in order to keep these women out of harm’s way, and to bring a true Creep of the Week to justice and seeing them figure out ways to make all of that happen, was downright thrilling and engaging and quite frankly… inspiring. If anything, it was just wonderful to see those elements return to the forefront of this show, since they are true staples of this franchise and well, that makes this episode bittersweet in a way.
 
Because while it was nice to once again enjoy everything that makes this franchise so great and so compelling, it is disappointing that this wasn’t the direction that season six took to begin with. Because this episode makes it one hundred percent clear that this series could have gone to new heights if it had taken this route storytelling wise. But instead… it opted to take the easy way out and that’s heartbreaking in retrospect. But all reflection aside, make no mistake about it, this is hands down the finest episode that season six has to offer and it really is nice to enjoy one last quality tale from this dynamic series. Because what awaits us next is supremely disappointing for certain and the next episode in this storied franchise, is likely what put the final nail in the coffin for this once proud series since it is the perfect and unfortunate foil to this wonderful tale. Until next time.

When one takes the time to reflect upon season six of CHiPs, a surprising discovery emerges. In that, this final season of highway adventures with Francis ‘Frank’ Poncherello, and his friends, offers up three distinct styles of episodes. In that, there are some quality tales to be found in this season's lineup, the kind that appear as though they were brought to life by an unused script from the Ponch and Jon era of the show. Or you’re going to enjoy a downright terrible and gimmicky tale, or one that is just straight up mediocre. Which is a fascinating variety of episodes to find within the framework of a show that was once the toast of prime time. But what is truly intriguing about this particular categorization is that it seemingly abandons something that was central to prior seasons.
 
Because years one through five often featured a guilty pleasure tale, one that was so goofy and outlandish that you couldn’t help but love it, regardless of the quality. And that’s intriguing, simply because this would have been the perfect season to drop those episodes into the mix, but alas, they were simply void from the fabric of this season… that is until the next episode of this storied saga came along. Because ‘Fun House’ is a tale that features some oddly polarizing storylines that shouldn't work together in the slightest. But they do, in part because this story opted to take full advantage of the comedic moments that one plot line offered up, since this episode is in many ways an homage to the college flicks that were permeating the fabric of this era. Thanks to the fact that Ponch and Bobby and Bruce, were sucked into a case involving a frat house full of goofy and gross and outlandish characters.
 
But while their shenanigans alone could have carried this particular tale, since their wild nature was perfectly contrasted by Ponch and Bobby… what made this part of the story so supremely worth our while was Sergeant Getraer’s involvement in this mess. For the fraternity that was in trouble in this case, Delta Delta Tau, was the Sarge’s old fraternity, and having him work to try and restore honor to this once proud house, actually allowed for Robert Pine to show off his comedic chops, and holy cow… he’s actually quite good at playing the goofball. Because his timing was flawless and his ability to mug for the camera when necessary was equally as seamless, and that really allowed for us to see a fun side to this character that we simply didn’t know existed, and the wonder of this tale doesn’t end there.
 
For the B-plot in this particular episode, dealt with some heavy subject matter. Specifically, how trauma can break us and motivate us to do bad things if we let it, and that was explored by way of a woman named Hildy Hopkins. Who sadly, lost her daughter a little while back and rather than hunker down and deal with that pain… she decided that maybe she could replace her missing daughter with someone else’s. Which of course led to one intense manhunt for certain, one that wrapped up at the Mexican border once Ponch and Bobby and Bruce and Kathy, figured out where Hildy was headed with her kidnapping victim. And what made this particular storyline so compelling, is that the show didn’t shy away from the gravity of this subject matter in the slightest and presented this aspect of trauma in an honest and powerful light. 
 
Which is, simply amazing, since season six has done everything it can to avoid dealing with heavy subject matter in a realistic or compelling manner and that particular surprise, combined with the revelation that Sergeant Getraer once covered himself in ketchup because he could… helped to make this one incredibly enjoyable tale. One that actually manages to make you laugh and feel your feels and it really is that guilty pleasure episode that we have been waiting for in season six. Because everything here works, and it sucks you in and you’re hopeful that the frat house and young Lindsey (played by another Poltergeist alum, Heather O’Rourke) are going to be saved and well, this is just vintage CHiPs through and through. And it definitely engenders hope that this grand and sweeping highway journey, is going to end on a high note. Until next time.

You know, it truly is amazing how time flies. Because it seems like only yesterday that we started this grand re-watch of the police serial CHiPs. One that was designed to examine if a cop show from the late 1970s would hold up well in the early 21st Century, whilst also exploring what exactly brought his wildly popular series to its unfortunate end and well, this reviewer is suddenly nostalgic in regard to the journey… because not only have those important questions been answered, but also because the end of this grand re-watch is now in sight. For we are now in the home stretch of these Retro Recaps, since there are only a handful of episodes of left to re-watch and well… that’s a bittersweet prospect for certain.

Partly because, it means that we will soon have to say goodbye, once more, to a quality series that unfortunately lost its way. But also, because we are likely going to be treated to one wild rollercoaster ride storytelling wise, when it comes to these final episodes. Because clearly, desperation set in during this particular season since it relied upon gimmicks and over-the-top moments to try and keep the ratings up. And well, with the end of the season/series at hand, there is a fair chance that same desperation gave life to stories that were designed to end this season in a manner that would keep audiences and the networks interested enough in CHiPs, in order to grant it a season seven renewal. Which is both a good and bad thing since that could bring about quality stories that impress, or… it could bring forth some rough and gimmicky tales, the latter of which sadly describes the next episode to a tee.

For ‘Firepower is another chapter in this storied saga that offers up a lot of uneven moments designed to draw in new viewers. Such as the entire plot line involving Bruce Nelson. Because the decision to have him re-enter the racing circuit and romance up one of his fellow and hardened racers… was clearly to showcase Bruce's sex appeal and suck in folks that hadn't watch the show before and found him visually appealing and sadly… this all just falls flat. Because there’s nothing romantic or sexy about this plot line in the slightest and it is just... there. If anything, this is just the perfect example of an actual MacGuffin, since the only real benefit of having this plot line in the episode is to help move along Ponch and Bobby’s investigation, which was far more interesting to watch. 

Because our dynamic duo spent their time in this tale, working to solve quite the odd case. One that revolved around a tough-as-nails biker gang that stole explosives, in order to sell them on the black market and well, what made this particular segment so interesting; is that it attempted to explore Ponch’s past. Because a bar owner that he grew up with, was caught in the middle of this mess and that brought forth a measure of excitement, simply because, anytime Ponch was forced to navigate the rules of his youth with the reality of his present job situation in this series, we were treated some fascinating conflict and growth. But alas, that excitement quickly faded away, because that element is quickly glossed over in this particular tale, since the story instead opts to focus more on the villains and their machinations and the gags that come about from having Ponch and Bobby go undercover as bikers.

If anything, it is just best to declare this episode as supremely uneven. As though once again the writers’ room was trying to weave together another tale that mixed together the finest elements of the series with the stuff that the producers thought the audience was eating up and sadly, this odd mix just doesn’t jibe here. In fact, there’s so much going on that you aren’t able to invest yourself in this episode at all, which is a shame. Because the Ponch stuff could have been incredibly compelling if it was handled better and sadly, this scattered approach wastes a quality guest star in Miguel Ferrer. But this is what desperation brings to the table and it really is par for the course for this final season. Because up and down and all around is where it thrived and it should be interesting to see if this push to impress is going to end this series in a magnificent manner, or an outright embarrassing one. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 302 of ‘American Gods’.

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous STARZ series, American Gods, we took a little time to discuss how the season three premiere definitely served as a shift in tone for this fascinating show. For its fast-paced nature and desire to move the plot along at a breakneck pace, served as a stark parallel to what we experienced in season two of this sweeping adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s masterpiece novel. But while it was indeed wonderful to see this show suddenly kick into overdrive and offer up a jam-packed and briskly paced episode, it is definitely safe to say that a great deal of fans likely wondered; as to whether or not the show was going to continue this new pace and design as the new season chugs along.
 
After all, it has been quite the challenge for this series to stop itself from exploring the rich universe that surrounds these colorful characters in great detail and understandably so. For the world of the Gods is indeed about as fascinating as it gets and there is so much to learn about them and what makes them tick. But as it turns out, it would seem that the extended break for this particular series allowed for the writers’ room to figure out how to balance exploration and exposition, as evidenced by the next chapter in this grand tale. For ‘Serious Moonlight’ managed to provide the audience with a compelling and engrossing story, one that not only moved the plot along in fine fashion, but also took the time to further examine how the Gods live. 
 
Which is a feat that this particular tale accomplished, by having Shadow Moon do more than just hunker down like Wednesday asked him to do and it is a good thing that he opted to ignore his father's wishes once again. For this allowed for Shadow and the audience to explore the wondrous little oasis that is Lakeside, and come to learn that this is quite the idyllic little community for certain, one where everyone truly knows everyone to a tee. Plus we also came to discover that this is a town that is apparently designed to feed the power of the Gods. For Lakeside is steeped in rich tradition, the kind that clearly pay tribute to a higher power. Which leaves one to wonder if this is a town that was founded by Wednesday, or another deity, for their benefit... and that makes Lakeside not quite what it appears to be. But more on that later.

​Because there was mention of the fact that this tale explored how the Gods live and that was accomplished by way of a memorial service for the now departed Zorya Vechernyaya. For a fair majority of the Old Gods, including Wednesday, took the time to gather in Chicago to pay tribute to her long and storied life in an epic manner and well, this was just fascinating to say the least. Since it spoke to the fact that mankind and the Gods aren’t all that dissimilar in the end, outside of the whole immortality thing. For this felt like an everyday memorial that we have all taken part in and it was quite incredible to see this kind of parallel on display and know that deities outright grieve just like humanity does, when one of their own departs from this particular plane of existence.
 
Yet what truly made this particular vignette quite the pleasant surprise, is that it is precisely what allowed for the plot to move along. For Shadow also dropped by to pay tribute and spending a little time amongst the Gods again, allowed for him to speak with Zorya Polunochnaya once more and be reminded of the fact that he is meant for a bigger purpose and a bigger cause, and that he will never find comfort and direction until he embraces that particular reality. A fact that was hammered home after his tense return to Lakeside, when he came to discover that the very coin that Zorya-P gave him, and his lineage for that matter, grants him some serious power for certain… since he was able to toy with the moonlight. 
 
Which implies that Lakeside is a town that is amplifying his hidden power, making this tiny little community quite critical to Shadow’s journey and it also might be a potentially dangerous place as well. For upon his return, Shadow was greeted with disdain and suspicion over a now missing teenager, and it will be quite interesting to learn of her fate and the true mystery surrounding this town. But in the here and the now, we can definitely celebrate one fascinating tale. One that really did offer up wonderful balance and subtlety and well, outright satisfaction. Because this is a story that really did give the audience everything they could ask for and more and it is nice to know that this series has finally found its stride in season three, and that will make the wait for next Sunday’s episode a tough one for certain. Since it is definitely safe to say that we are all eager to see what other wonders and revelations await us, as Shadow’s journey toward his destiny continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Watch’.
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For the most part, brand-new television shows, rarely deviate from their baseline structure and understandably so. After all, they really want audiences and fans to understand exactly what this series is going to stand for and sticking to a plan, is a tried-and-true way to establish the framework of a fresh universe. But some rookie T.V. shows, well they’re looking to stand out from the get-go and have no problem with trying new things storytelling wise, in order to tell their tale. Because the folks in the writers’ room seem to understand that they have been gifted a grand opportunity to create something special, so why not go for broke? And one particular series that fits this mold, is The Watch.
 
Because from day one, this show has worked to established itself to be a unique fantasy/sci-fi adventure, unlike any other. One that not only thrives within the realm of the fantastical since it features dragons and magic and everything in between but can also offer up so much more. Since it also is host to fascinating commentary on the human condition, some fine comedy and there are even hints of redemption to come since Captain Vimes and his merry band of officers are trying their best to be beacons of hope in a city trapped within the status quo. But while alone is enough to make this series worth our while, and stand out from other fantasy shows, it turns out that this story is eager to continue to push the envelope, as evidenced by this week’s episode.
 
For ‘Twilight Canyons’ opted to add another genre into the mix, by turning this particular tale into an outright crime drama. One that featured a majestic cat and mouse game between the Watch and Carcer as everyone worked to find the sword known only as Gawain, and this led to one compelling tale. One that really did help us to understand just how cunning and resourceful our villains are, since Carcer and Wonce were eventually able to hunt down the sword itself, and this really was wonderful to see since it added depth and intelligence to these two characters, ensuring that they won’t be one-dimensional in the slightest. But while it was incredible to see what Carcer and Wonce can do when left to their own devices, there was mention of a little give and take between both sides and well, it turns out that the members of the Watch are actually quite good at their jobs.  

Because Vimes and the gang were able to quickly figure out the stuff that Carcer missed. Such as the fact that the most important part of the sword was its hilt, and that it was still residing within the magical retirement community of Twilight Canyons. And that without said hilt, the sword had no power and coming to learn this, allowed for the Watch to lay down quite the trap. Because they knew that Carcer would eventually return to get his hands on that hilt. And that’s really when the story opted to go ahead and abandon any further notions of Ankh-Morpork SVU, by diving right back into its lighthearted roots. Since it turns out this retirement community is armed to the teeth with peaceful spells for those that wish to fight, the kind that allowed for Vimes and Carcer and Wonce and Lady Sybil to cut a rug to the tune of Wham’s ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’, the instant they attempted to duke it out for ownership of the hilt.
 
Which was, hands down, an absolute treat to watch since it brought forth all kinds of laughs. But once the dust settled and the music came to a close, our heroes were left victorious. For they had both pieces to the sword, and they were even able to learn that Gawain is sentient and likes to be called ‘Wayne’. Plus, we also for the first time ever… got a glimpse of who is ‘employing’ Carcer. Because he was yanked back to the very place that he spent the last twenty years residing within, during his dance with Vimes. And this strange place was full of disembodied voices that announced that they feared Captain Vimes and the Watch and the hope they could bring to the world, since that would render these beings powerless and well, that was quite the revelation for certain. Since it plays into the redemption theme that this series has been toying with from day one and more importantly, it sets the stage for the back half of season one.
 
Because clearly the Watch is about to be challenged like never before. For Carcer was sent back to finish his mission and is enlisting the Thieves’ Guild to help in his meddling and of course… Vimes has to decide if his duty is to the people or his boss since she made it clear she wants this dragon to help her control Ankh-Morpork and really in the end, this was just an incredible episode through and through. Because it really did demonstrate just how versatile this show can be since it pulled off the whole crime drama twist in a compelling manner, and it managed to pack in a bevy of future plot points, all over the course of a single hour. Which is no easy feat, but it speaks to the ambition of this series. One that is clearly building to something big down the line and it should be quite interesting to see exactly how this hopeful revelation surrounding Vimes and his team, is going to unfold. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘WandaVision’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has outright accomplished what appeared to once be the impossible. In that, it actually managed to create compelling and moving downright powerhouse superhero flicks. Because before the arrival of Tony Stark and The Avengers on the big screen, these types of movies were more or less lamented by audiences. For they rarely featured any stars of name, with Christopher Reeve’s Superman films being the exception to that rule, of course. And they also featured low budgets and low-rent villains, making them mere parody of the incredible worlds they were supposed to represent.
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But the MCU genuinely changed all of that, pleasing nerds and geeks around the globe, of all ages by finally bringing big ideas to life on the big screen. But while we’ve spent the past decade or so relishing the majesty of ‘The Infinity Saga’ and all the wonders it offered us, the incredible success that these films have enjoyed has indeed left hardcore fans of Marvel comics wondering, as to whether or not big stories will remain the primary focus of the MCU and it is understandable as to why that question comes up. Because comic books are a supremely unique and creative storytelling medium, and throughout the years they’ve been able to tell some supremely wild tales, the kind that the folks at Marvel might be choosing to shy away from, largely due to the fact that some of those stories are super weird. 

For those alternate stories really do take some serious risks, the kind that leave even the heartiest of fans wondering what the heck is going on. But as it turns out, the MCU has indeed been wanting to dive into more unique styles of storytelling, the kind that challenge the audience and outright embrace the weird and for proof… then look no further than the brand MCU series that premiered on Disney+ yesterday, WandaVision. For this opening chapter to Phase Four… is completely off the wall bonkers entertainment, the kind that quite frankly, leaves you flabbergasted and confused when you first start this brand-new journey. After all, we are indeed expecting big time storytelling and action and adventure when the Avengers are involved. So, to see Wanda Maximoff and Vision playing it up as a classic 50s (and later 60s) married couple is extremely unsettling. 

As is watching them go through traditional live audience sitcom shenanigans as well. Since they mug for the camera and do all the goofy things that sitcoms focused on in the 50s and 60s. But while this should be off-putting and fine motivation to believe that the MCU has jumped the shark and that the time has come to re-watch ‘The Infinity Saga’ instead, a few key elements suck you into this particular premiere. Such as the cast, because Elizabeth Olson and Paul Bettany outright shine here once again, and their acting skills and comedic chops oddly sell these awkward clichés and tropes to a tee. To the point where you find yourself laughing aloud as they perform their various shenanigans. But while that alone could make this premiere and series worthwhile, it is the other surprise elements in this tale that truly compels you continue the journey.
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Because as these two episodes roll along, odd circumstances begin to pepper themselves into the fabric of this idyllic sitcom world. And seeing logos from S.W.O.R.D. appear here and there, alongside some strange radio transmissions and the time jump from the 50s to the 60s and even the 70s… clues us into the fact that the silly here isn’t some grand departure from the format of the MCU, but all part of a master plan. Because clearly there is something strange happening to Wanda. Leaving one to wonder if she’s trapped in some kind of powerful simulation, or if she’s locked away in her mind and it is the mystery surrounding the Scarlet Witch that truly draws you into the story. Because you’re dying to know more about whatever the heck is going with Wanda and how the first MCU appearance of S.W.O.R.D. relates to her current conundrum. 

But what truly made this premiere so outright impressive, is that Marvel accomplished the impossible once more. Because this is a living, breathing, off-color, ‘weird’ comic book come to life. The kind that that captivated us growing up, because of their bold desire to tell us a supremely unique tale, and that’s just wild. Because who knew that such weird stories could in fact, translate well to the silver or small screen? But they can, and it opens up all kinds of storytelling possibilities for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and really, in the end, all of these elements make this a wonderful way to kick off Phase Four. And it really is quite wonderful to once again be immersed within this world with these incredible characters and it will be quite interesting to see what other surprises and wonders await us as this story unfolds in the weeks to come. Until next time.