Something that is truly fascinating about our modern society, is how it tends to utilize a ‘one size fits all approach’, when it comes to how we should find our way in life. For it is a standing expectation that we get out of high school with an idea of what our career path should look like. So that we can pursue it right after leaving college, so that we quickly become a contributing member of society, before we settle down and have a couple of kids; that we inspire to follow the same path before we prepare to exit this life. And while that approach has definitely paid off for so many people throughout the years, this particular structure simply doesn’t work for everyone. Since some young adults need a little more care and direction when it comes to finding their path in the world.

Which is why it is paramount that we support youth groups and after school activities for teenagers, so that they find people with similar interests and likes, since that helps teens that are struggling to find a niche, feel as though they belong. Plus, it also helps them get a taste of what the world is all about, which in turn should motivate them to start to think about what their future is going to look like. But while those programs are important to helping those that are lost, find their way, there is one other key component that matters in regard to this particular equation; and that’s making sure that lost teens have a solid mentor as well. Because a good mentor keeps people grounded and motivates them to do more and be more, and really, all of this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because it was one of the focal points of the next episode of CHiPs.

For ‘Brat Patrol’ saw Officer Frank Poncherello take on special duty after suffering an ugly shoulder and arm injury. In that, he was tasked with taking command of the CHP Explorer Program. Which was an initiative that allowed for teens to get a taste of police work in order to see if that was something that they might be interested in pursuing later on in life and well, Ponch had to deal with quite the challenging group for certain. For the teens under his watch, were indeed struggling in life, since they were lost and didn’t have all that much confidence in themselves. But thanks to Frank’s tutelage, they found that confidence and came to realize they had potential and value, and they even came to learn that police work can be quite intriguing for certain and really, this was just a super feel-good plot line and the fluffy storytelling in this particular tale, didn’t end with the Brat Patrol’s growth. 

Because while Ponch was working hard to help these teens achieve more in life, Bruce and Kathy were working to arrest a real nasty drug dealer that was selling some PCP laced weed to kids on the street. And the fact that he hurt kids with his drugs and worked his territory without fear of reprisal, left the good people of this particular neighborhood in utter fear to go out of their homes. But Bruce and Kathy’s dedication to the good people that lived here, and to the letter of the law, allowed for them to narrow the net on this particular drug dealer and eventually bring him to justice. Which in turn brought joy and a sense of security to the neighborhood, one so strong that a young girl that was hospitalized by this guy's rotten and dangerous weed, was happy to return home and heal from her harrowing experience in a safe and peaceful manner.

But what truly allows for this episode to shine, is that the viewer doesn’t at all become annoyed with the fact, that this is a super-sugary episode. Because it really is filled to the brim with souped-up feel-good moments and fluffy concepts that don’t totally align with reality. But believe it or not, all of these concepts work in this particular tale, largely due to the fact that they are presented in an earnest manner to the audience and also because, uplifting storytelling really is a core element of the series. For every single character in this series has been focused upon making the world a better place since day one and let's be honest, it would be super cynical and weird to sit here and knock a show for offering up excess positivity. Especially in this day and age when the world keeps making the struggle quite real, every single day. So, this one gets a pass and praise for doing its best to make us feel good about ourselves and the world. Until next time.

As we continue to barrel toward the series finale of the police serial, CHiPs, another fascinating pattern is beginning to emerge. In that, episodes are starting to offer up dueling plot threads, the kind that remind us why we love the show, alongside stories that quite frankly annoy and remind us why this series went off the air. And truly, it is the next episode in this storied franchise that puts this particular pattern on display. Since ‘Fox Trap’ is a tale that features a traditional and juicy, Creep of the Week story, one that is bookended by an underdeveloped one, that also just happens to feature one epic gimmick. The kind that likely motivated audiences to roll their eyes when this episode originally aired back in 1983, and now for that matter as well.

Simply because this particular plot thread revolves around some super cool rockers that are trying their best to get their big break at last and while that doesn’t seem all that gimmicky, the first problem inherent with this plot thread; is that the leader of the band is a real-life pop star. For Laura Branigan, who was best known for her hit song ‘Gloria’, plays Sarah in this tale, and the show was so eager to suck in viewers that the episode opens up with her and her band performing that very song, in its entirety before they run into the Creeps in question. Which in turn allows for Bobby and Ponch and Bruce to get to know and romance the ladies, after they handle police business of course, and that’s when their storyline takes an interesting turn.

Because they eventually get a contract with a slimy club promoter. One that is planning to straight up sell them into a human trafficking ring. Which means it is up to our titillating trio to save them from that fate, which they do, but as you can see… this storyline is pretty darn gimmicky and it features a missed opportunity as well. Because the show had the chance, once again, to dive into and address a taboo topic that we barely discuss in 2021, but instead it opted to stick with feel good vibes and creepy moments with the promoter, to hammer home the fact that he was a scumbag and that really is a shame. But it is also par for the course for season six and rather than continue to lament this missed opportunity and the decision to try and make a pop star a television star, it’s best we talk about this storyline’s outright foil.

For the whole plot thread involving our Creeps of the Week really was, vintage CHiPs through and through. Because it featured some intelligent and cunning jewel thieves. The kind that did their homework and went the extra mile to outsmart law enforcement in general and even though we don’t spend all that much time with them, both of these thieves are fleshed out characters for certain, as is their henchman. But what matters most when it comes to this particular storyline, is the sheer fact that it finds a way to offer up a thrilling chase sequence, one that involved some tiny little motorbikes and it really was nice to enjoy some classic elements once again and it was equally as fascinating to see this strange battle between dueling storylines play out. 

Because in a way, this whole back and forth between great plot lines and sloppy ones, leaves one to wonder if there was a struggle behind the scenes. Where some of the writers didn’t want to totally sensationalize the show and injected the stuff that fans love to keep them happy. But alas, we may never know and that’s okay. Because it is just nice to know that good storytelling was still a priority for some of the people involved with this series, and it was also comforting to see a quality guest star pop up in this particular tale, since Terry Kiser did a phenomenal job as the greasy promoter and well, just like that, another chapter in this final leg of the journey has come to a close. And it should be interesting to see if this particular back and forth pattern continues along as we close in on the final episode of CHiPs.

Thus far, our journey through the sixth and final season of CHiPs, has brought forth some in depth discussions on the dangers of excessively using gimmicks in television shows. Simply because a heavy use of gimmicks on this particular series, helped for the show to lose sight and focus of what made it so wonderful in the first place, and that definitely helped to bring about the show’s demise in the spring of 1983. But while we have indeed focused upon the negative, often, when it comes to this particular storytelling tool, we would be foolish to not point the fact that sometimes, gimmicks can actually be a positive thing.

Because when they’re handled just right, they can provide audiences with a learning experience when they tune into their favorite show and for proof, then look no further than the next episode in this storied saga. Because ‘Journey to a Spacecraft’ was a space shuttle themed episode, one that saw everyone in the CHP be captivated by the launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and this episode’s desire to offer up facts about the shuttle and what it can do in space, really did do a phenomenal job of teaching the audience about what was, a new vehicle and era for space travel back in 1983 and it was quite cool to see the show find a way to integrate this into the story… all while offering up some feel good subplots.

For this particular tale had Officer Kathy Linahan working a dognapping case. Which might have been cheesy and annoying to some. But as a beagle owner, this reviewer was definitely suckered in by this particular plot line. Simply because pets are family and having one stolen has to be a harrowing experience. But thanks to Kathy’s fine detective skills and an assist from Bruce, she was able to determine that there was a groomer in Los Angeles that was working with his assistant to steal top-pedigree dogs, so they could sell them on the black market and of course, that discovery also allowed for her and the B-crew to capture this guy, before reuniting the nice owner in this tale with her beloved puppy.

Plus, there was also the entire other spaced-themed plot thread in this tale revolving around an ill young man named Kevin. Who wanted nothing more than to survive his unfortunate liver affliction and be involved in the space program somehow, and the risk of not making it to tomorrow; eventually motivated him to make the risky decision to set out on his own to see the shuttle Columbia land and that of course, set up a race against time to find him and save him. Because his condition was deteriorating fast, thanks to the fact that he lost his medication and of course, everything ended happy in the end since this is CHiPs we are talking about, and really, this was quite the satisfying episode when all is said and done.

Because it really did do a fine job of using a gimmick in a positive light since the world was still new to the shuttle program at this point, and you really cannot go wrong with an episode that features the California Highway Patrol, going the extra mile to help out people that are desperately in need. Now, is it a flawless episode? No, it is not. Because once again, there is little crimefighting to be found in this tale outside of Kathy’s dognapper hunt. But that can be forgiven because of the fact that this episode, took the time to once again embrace a keystone element of this series and at this point, we really do have to celebrate the wins when they come along. Especially since the next episode in this final season… is another rough ride. Until next time.  

Ten. That’s exactly how many regular season episodes (including this one, and the reunion special) remain in our journey through the police serial CHiPs and being this close to the end definitely brings about a point of inflection. Because this grand re-watch of this once wildly popular series was designed to be more than a mere nostalgic run. It was set up to be a grand analysis as to whether or not a show this old and this niche could withstand the test of time and it was also going to examine what can bring a hit series to its knees and lead to its cancellation. And with the finish line in sight, now seems like the perfect time to reflect upon those goals and whether or not this grandiose re-watch has provided us with the answers we seek.

As it turns out, it most certainly has, since we’ve come to learn that for the most part, this series has held up quite well. Because its desire to engender good vibes in just about every tale and attempt to explore topics that were somewhat taboo in the 70s and 80s has allowed for it to withstand the test of time and offer up some wholesome entertainment for certain. To the point where one can easily overlook any glaring issues that reflect its host era. But most important of all, this journey through six seasons of the series has indeed revealed what it was that brought about the end of this series and the finest example of what brought this about, was put on full display in the next episode of this storied saga. 

For ‘Country Action’ sees Ponch and Bobby investigate some crimes of a bovine nature. Since a bunch of creepy cattle rustlers are snatching up whatever cows they can find in order to sell them to the highest bidder, and in order to bring them to justice, our dynamic duo has to go undercover at a country/western bar with a pet orangutan and well… that’s ridiculous. Because trying to capitalize on the country craze of the early 1980s, whilst making a reference to Any Which Way You Can (three years too late) just isn’t something that one would expect to find in an episode of CHiPS. But it is here, and it is all, as awkward and out of place as it sounds. But what makes this supremely weird plot worth our while, is the sheer fact that it offers up a simple explanation as to why this show went off the air after the season six finale.

In essence, it all boils down to the fact, that this series abandoned what made it great. Because when this show started out, it was about two down-to-earth police officers that went above and beyond to help the public and solve highway related crimes in a realistic or dynamic manner. And it also focused on what made these officers and the criminals they chased after, tick, allowing for accessible and dynamic storytelling, the kind that did indeed explore mental health issues and the like. But in season six, it’s all about gimmicks and cool things that the audience likes to do on the weekend and that just doesn't translate well to television. Because it’s boring to sit through multiple country music numbers on a TV show (in fact, those segments ate up nearly a third of a forty-eight minute episode) and focusing on all of that, instead of the good stuff, brought about all kinds of messy episodes that clearly turned people off. 

Plus, it’s equally as silly to have an orangutan running around, helping to solve crimes, regardless of how cute it is, and now we know it was episodes in this vein that truly motivated fans of this series to begin to step away from it. Because no one wants to sit through gimmicks of this manner when they're tuning to see good and honest cops try and make the world a better a place and that really is tragic for certain. Because had the show stayed the course, it might have made it a few seasons longer, even with the cast changes, since Bobby and Bruce aren’t so bad after all. But alas, this was the course the producers took and as we inch closer to the finale, it is a safe bet that we will be seeing more outlandish episodes in this vein. Because once a show breaks out the cute animal sidekick, it’s gone all in on the gimmicks. Until next time.    

When we think of criminals, we think of adults, quite frankly. The kind who have outright lost their way and feel that they have no other option in life, but to brake the law in order to get by, and it makes sense as to we think that way. Because more often than not, the people that do indeed commit heinous crimes, tend to be fully grown adults that make, poor, poor choices and find themselves in jail. But the fact of the matter is, that particular line of thinking isn’t one hundred percent correct. Because young adults are fully capable of committing big time crimes as well if the circumstances are right, and it just so happens that the next episode of CHiPs took the time to explore what exactly might motivate a teenager to turn to a life of crime.

For ‘High Times’ introduced us to a pair of teenagers named Matt and Benny, who decided their knowledge from auto shop class could be put to good use and help them to steal high value muscle cars to make some extra money. And their plan was going swimmingly until they had a close call with Ponch and Bobby. Because our intrepid heroes couldn’t help but notice that one of the teens (Benny to be specific), left behind some arcade tokens. Which led them to discover that the culprits of this heist had to be attending a nearby high school, that was within walking distance of said arcade. But sadly a quick canvassing of the school, made it clear that no one was going to tell a uniformed officer what was really going on, and that meant our dynamic duo had to get creative in cracking the case. 

Which motivated them to make use of dear Bruce Nelson as an undercover agent, since he was young enough to pass as a teenager, and that’s when the exploration into what could turn a teen into a criminal, got underway. And as it turns out, some sour influence from someone that teens trust and some financial troubles from stupid and foolish decisions, can serve as mitigating factors into making this happen. Because Bruce was able to learn that Benny discovered the wonder of gambling and was placing all kinds of ridiculous bets on silly things, and the financial trouble that got him into, is why he opted to start ripping off cars at every turn. To the point of course, that he got greedy, and that allowed for Ponch and Bobby to put the cuffs on him.

But there was mention of influence coming from a position and a person of trust as the other reason as to why this could happen, and that was handled by way of a surprise reveal as to who was the brains of this carjacking operation. And wouldn't you know it? It wasn’t the ex-con auto shop teacher that used to steal all kinds of cars back in the day. No instead, it was the ego-fueled football coach who decided the time had come to make a little money on the side, and his ability to lead young men is what allowed for him to build a little crime syndicate. But a poor choice on his and Matt’s part to kidnap Bruce when things went south, led to his downfall and of course… Matt’s as well and really, in the end, this was quite the entertaining and downright fun tale.

Because this one just turned Ponch and Bobby loose and let them play detective for a change and that really did lead to a more traditional crime story. One that moved at a breakneck pace and kept the viewer on the edge of their seat, and there’s nothing wrong with a little high-octane CHiPs from time to time. If anything, the only real complaint one can lodge in regard to this story, is the weird sub-plot involving a salesman/admirer of Harlan. Since that just felt out of place and didn’t make any damn sense. But outside of that, this one is aces for sure and thus far, that means the hot streak of good episodes has extended itself to two, and the only big question that remains after this one, is whether or not the series can extend that streak… to three. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three premiere of ‘American Gods’.

If there is one shameful thing that each every and every one of us will do at some point in our lives, it would have to be, that we will run and hide from our problems. Because there comes a point where life and everything, we’re currently experiencing is just too much to deal with or outright resolve. So, we pack up and hit the road in the hopes of simply starting over or straight up escaping our problems and for a time… this is something that works like a charm. Because just like that, our troubles are in the rear-view mirror and we can enjoy a little peace and quiet for a change, and a fresh start and a second chance. But while that is appealing and quite lovely in its own right, what brings about shame from such a bold and dynamic act… is the sheer fact that we eventually come to realize that we cannot escape our problems or our past.

Because the universe prefers that we deal with such matters, and that’s why our issues eventually come back to haunt us or catch up to us whilst we are working to escape them and it just so happens, that this particular notion serves as the focus of the season three premiere of American Gods. For ‘A Winter’s Tale’ picks up a few months after the disaster at the funeral home, wherein we find Shadow living a new life far away as a factory worker and he’s finally finding some peace and success in that role. But it doesn’t take long for a government contract at his new gig to put him in hot water once again, which brings his past and an old family member back to the forefront of his life by way of the return of Mister Wednesday. Who is quick to try and save his son from prison time by pointing out that Shadow cannot run and hide from his destiny or yesterday and well… that revelation and the possibility of going back to jail, prompts Shadow to hit the road with dear old dad once more.
 
Which at first glance just makes it seem as though the All-Father is spitting out such talk because he is eager manipulate Shadow to reconnect with him and have some kind of a relationship with him. But as the episode rolls along, it is quickly revealed that for once in his sassy and extensive life, Odin is telling his son the truth about needing to walk his path and choose a side in the forthcoming conflict. Because whilst they hit the road to meet with a God named Whiskey Jack, evil machinations were happening behind the scenes. For Mister World, now transformed into Miss World, was working hard to see the SHARD Project come to fruition, and part of that hard work was putting the fear of herself into others in order to finally get some results. Which of course… gives Technical Boy cause for concern in this tale, thanks to his prior failures and all of his worries, motivate him to try and do her bidding, with minimal success of course. 

But what matters more, is that Shadow does indeed begin to understand that he cannot escape his destiny in the slightest as this story continues along. For the meeting in question offers direction and guidance for Shadow, as does his father’s intense push to have his way. And all of these moments finally bring Mister Shadow Moon the place he has been working to avoid since the end of season two, Lakeside, Wisconsin. Which is a frozen place that is full of warm people and clearly it is supposed to serve as an important waypoint on Shadow’s journey toward fulfilling his destiny. How exactly, well we will have to wait to find out. For this particular tale ends with Shadow in distress instead of discovery and really, in the end, this fast-paced story makes it clear that the series is trying to atone for the poor reception revolving around season two in a bold manner.
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Because this particular story doesn’t give the viewer a single moment to catch their breath and that’s a wonderful thing. Since the prior season was viewed by many as being far too slow. But here, we are at Lakeside in record time and we feel the tension revolving around the march to war growing by the minute and this premiere also deserves some serious credit for making another bold decision early on in this story. Because Laura Moon’s brief appearance in this tale, wherein she tries to do the dearly departed Mad Sweeney a solid by giving him back his coin to give him life, only to fumble the hand off before disappearing into dust, leaves one to wonder if Laura is going to fade away from the lexicon of this story as well as Shadow works to find himself. And really… it is that sense of curiosity and wonder that makes this episode so great.

For we simply don’t know what to expect in season three, or what exactly Shadow’s destiny entails and that definitely hooks the viewer for certain and draws them in and that makes this quite the delightful premiere when all is said and done. Because it really does appear as though the story has finally found its voice and its direction, and that it knows exactly where it is going in season three. Which means we should be in for quite the treat as Shadow’s destiny reveals itself to us and the danger of a powerful war comes to fruition, and the foundation set up here will definitely leave this reviewer and others, counting down the minutes until next Sunday. So that we can see exactly where this wild season is going to take us in the weeks to come. Until next time.    

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Watch’.
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The day that we finally decide that we’ve had enough, when it comes the current path we are on, is a special day indeed. Because it means we are finally ready to embrace change and everything that it can offer us, and the days ahead will be full of new experiences and new perspectives as we finally walk a path that brings us joy and contentment and outright fulfillment. But while that is definitely cause for celebration, and a proud moment to reflect upon when we are far removed from darker days; the moment we actually decide to alter our course is in fact… a tad messy. Because we simply don’t know what direction we should be heading in, when we start the journey or how exactly we will get where we want to go. 

If anything, this relates to our conversation today, simply because this particular conundrum served as the focal point of this week’s episode of The Watch. For ‘The What?’ saw everyone at the City Watch, eager to forge a path forward and make peace with their demons and of course… become competent police officers. But they simply didn’t have a clue where to start in those respective quests, but that certainly didn’t stop them from trying. Which allowed for more lighthearted and delightful moments to take place as they more or less threw caution to the wind and decided to try something, anything, in order to find direction, such as some actual investigative police work. After all, they needed to know what Carcer needed in order to properly control that dragon and well… it didn’t take long for their digging to pay off in spades.

Because they quickly came to learn that he was in need of a powerful item to control said dragon and the best place to find said item, was to infiltrate the one place that it would still reside within, the headquarters of the Assassins’ Guild. But of course, getting in there without probable cause would be no easy task and that allowed for a grand, two-pronged plan to hatch. Part of which involved Lady Sybil going undercover to find its exact location, whilst the rest of the Watch snuck in via connecting underground tunnels, the kind that were attached to the Musician’s Guild. Which meant that in order to get in there, the rest of the team would have to nab membership to that particular guild, and that led to one hilarious sequence. Wherein the team posed as a band named ‘The What?’, and wouldn’t you know it? They can play and they can rock, and they were solid enough on the stage to earn their Musician’s Guild membership after all.

However, while they dealt with a taste of stardom, Lady Sybil was exploring the Assassins’ Guild and that brought about some fascinating moments for her, and an opportunity for the audience to get to know what makes her tick. Because we were able to learn in this episode that when she was young, she stumbled upon an assassin as he violently murdered her parents. And of course, thanks to the laws of Ankh-Morpork, it was all done in a perfectly legal manner and all of this matters… simply because she was able to come face to face with that very assassin (and the ever-sassy Death as well) and that allowed for her to heal an old wound by seeing this assassin be captured by the Watch in a tense and clever manner. And while the team didn’t get their hands on the artifact in question… they did manage to solve a crime and grow in the end and that’s really what makes this episode so worth our while.

Because everyone’s journey in this tale offered up some fascinating insight as to how exactly we enact change in our lives. For example, Lady Sybil’s path in this tale helps to remind us that sometimes the only way forward is to confront our past in a bold and fearless manner. Because when we do, we can finally put yesterday to bed and move on. And the Watch’s journey here, serves as a fine lesson in how sometimes, when there is no clear path forward, we just need to choose a direction and go for it. Because more often than not, just giving it our best shot will accomplish wonders, since it gives us experience when it comes to what we actually want out of life and if the stars align, we might indeed enjoy a little success, just like our heroes did in this tale. In the end however, this really was quite the delightful and quirky episode. One that was filled to the brim with character growth and some serious laughs and well, all this story does, is compel folks that are intrigued by this series to continue the journey, in order to see what other lessons and off-the-wall moments await us as this fascinating inaugural season continues along. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that the police serial, CHiPs was perhaps one of the most lighthearted and uplifting police shows to ever grace the airwaves. Because week in and week out, Ponch and Jon (and later on Ponch and Bobby) worked hard to serve their community and fight crime and go above and beyond as necessary. Because they’re good people trying to make the world a better place. And keeping everything in a positive light on a consistent basis, even allowed for heavier topics to be addressed and resolved in a palatable and satisfying manner since our intrepid heroes would still find a way to bring everything home in the most positive way imaginable.
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But once in a while, this series made an attempt to go to gritty or dark places, with mixed results of course. Because this show did such a fine job of establishing itself as a beacon of light, that anything dark more or less felt out of place and was quickly forgotten by its fanbase. But when the show figured out how to properly balance a little grit with the lighthearted stuff, the end result was pretty darn amazing and it just so happens that the next episode in this storied franchise, actually offered up that flawless balance. For ‘Hot Date’ saw Officer Frank Poncherello deal with a dangerous blast from his past, one that put him in a lot of serious danger, but it sure didn’t seem like that was going to be the case early on.

For this particular tale opened up in fluffy fashion, with Ponch working desperately to get the day off so he could spend it with a beautiful flight attendant that caught his fancy, all while Central was preparing for inspection from the captain and well, it doesn’t get much fluffier than that. Because this led to all kinds of comedic moments, since Ponch was forced to give up all kinds of days off in order to spend the day with his lady, and even Grossman got in on the comedy. Since his botched attempts to offer up the perfect uniform pissed off the captain to no end. But the instant that Ponch got home to prepare for the day with his lady, is precisely when this episode took quite the gritty turn.

Because a creep named Jake Carr, who Ponch busted a while back, was waiting with his brother Charlie; inside Ponch’s apartment building. And they were quick to take our hero hostage in the hopes of settling the score and unfortunately for Jake and Charlie, things didn’t quite go as planned. Because Ponch was rightfully defiant in dealing with them, and his honey and his cleaning lady showed up, complicating the plan further, and all of this allowed for some tense moments to take place. Since there was a genuine sense of danger hanging over this segment of the story, and it also allowed for Ponch to play the hero. Because he was hell bent on getting everyone out of this mess in one piece and that allowed for him to wear down his captors and eventually overtake them in an epic and awesome manner.

If anything, this really was quite the quality tale when all said and done. Simply because it really did do a fine job of fooling us by transforming into a gritty hostage drama, and those darker moments really did allow for Erik Estrada to do his thing as an actor and remind us why we love him so. Plus, the comedy was indeed top notch and it really allowed for Paul Linke, who plays Artie Grossman, to show off his comedic chops like never before and well, it is nice to know that the storytelling pendulum has flipped back to the good side in season six. Because this was entertaining from beginning to end, and it really keeps you on the edge of your seat once the ugly stuff happens and hopefully this good episode streak lasts beyond two. Because clearly season six is capable of fine storytelling and it would be nice to enjoy a long stretch of quality tales as we enter the back half of the sixth and final season of this storied series. Until next time.  

It wasn’t all that long ago, that we took a little time to discuss the interesting pattern emerging in season six of CHiPs. One where a couple of solid episodes, are followed up immediately by a rotten or goofy one and really, that particular surprise is relevant to our discussion today… simply because that pattern is once again coming into play. Because the prior two episodes were in fact, quite solid, to the point where it felt as though we were back in the glory days of this particular series. But the next chapter in this final season, opted to ruin all of that goodwill by offering up an episode that once again neglected a brilliant storyline. 

For ‘Day of the Robot’ opted to have a powerful subplot about vigilantism, share screen time with a goofy, secondary plot line and well… that’s a damn shame. Because having Ponch and Bobby and the CHP be forced to content with a group of pseudo vigilantes that called themselves the Freeway Angels was far more interesting than that secondary plot (which we will get to in just a moment). Because the leader of the Angels, a woman named Emily, decided that she needed to step in and bring about justice on the highways because of her sorted past. For her brother was killed in a collision ages ago, one that she believed could have been prevented with better patrolling by law enforcement, and that's why she and Angels now patrolled the highways. In the hopes that no one else had to experience the pain that she did. 

But while her intentions were in fact, quite noble in this tale, and rooted in some fascinating motivations, the series rushed through this particular plot line. Which made important and reflective moments that happened to Emily seem quite hollow for certain. Because there is zero time for her character to properly ponder upon how she could have been badly hurt by two criminals that she ticked off, by stopping them on the highway illegally, and the same applies to an incident where she almost caused a diabetic driver, in diabetic shock, great harm by assuming he was drunk. Instead, the series just moves onto the next scene and eventually uses her motivations for doing this in the first place to turn her into a CHP Cadet, and that’s just cheap and silly and irritating. Because this plot line really could have provided us with some powerful and moving moments.

But alas, precious screen time that could have solved that particular problem, was instead dedicated to that secondary plot line we made mention of a moment ago, one that involved a robot. Yes, a robot. For a 'bot known as M.E.R.V. (Maximum Efficiency Robotization Vector, Series 1) dropped by CHP Central Division on a brief loan from its parent company, to show the Highway Patrol just how efficient law enforcement could be with a fast-thinking robot on the staff before moving onto its next destination, a children's hospital. But there was just one problem when it comes to this sassy ‘bot, in that… a car accident damaged its power cell, making it a ticking time bomb. The kind that our heroes diffused at the last possible second and well, this sub-plot really did drag on for far too long and it offered up far too many cheesy moments. Especially in the final act.

Since somehow, Sgt. Getraer knew exactly how to disarm the robot and Ponch somehow knew exactly which panel and which wire scheme to cut to keep M.E.R.V. from blowing up the aforementioned hospital, and this part of the story was just plain bad, and it overshadows the better plot line with its goofiness and well, this is just another case of ‘here we go again’ with series. Because once more, the show chased a fad, since robots were the hot thing to put on screen in the early 80s, and it once again relied upon cliché to create conflict, since the ‘bot just had to be dangerous and that allowed for another missed opportunity to take place here and well, at this point… it’s probably best we just get used to this up and down ride. Because this is clearly how season six is going to roll so it’s best, we just write this one off as another misstep in a season full of them and hope that the next episode swings us back to the other side of this odd pattern. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three finale of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’.
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If there is one particular constant that the various crews featured in the Star Trek Universe all share in, it would have to be that there will come a point in their voyage through the stars, where they will be tested like never before. It might be related to a massive crisis involving Earth, or they may face their own ‘Kobayashi Maru’, but one way or another the intrepid crew in question is going to face their greatest challenge and likely become legends in the annuls of Federation history when the dust settles, and they are victorious. And really this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because the crew of U.S.S. Discovery, faced their greatest test to date during this week’s episode of Star Trek: Discovery.
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For ‘That Hope Is You, Part 2’ saw the fate of the ship and the future of the Federation hanging in the balance. Mainly because Osyraa was ready, willing and able to have the Emerald Chain unleash its fury upon what was left of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet, and when faced with the prospect of the possible annihilation, or further crippling of the organization she held near and dear to her heart; along with the risk of innocent lives being harmed by the Chain… Commander Michael Burnham came up with quite the bold plan to keep the peace. In that, she asked for Admiral Vance to let the Discovery go, so that she and the crew could re-take the ship and save the day and well, that was far easier said than done.

Because Osyraa was eager to punish everyone that stood against her, and to do whatever it takes, in order to get exactly what she wanted, and that motivated her to quell the insurrection brewing in the lower decks by robbing Tilly’s merry band of warriors of precious oxygen. And of course, she was quick to torture Book in order to get the location of the dilithium planet that was resting in the center of the Verubin Nebula. Which meant it was up to Michael to save the ship from certain doom and she came through in an admirable fashion. For not only did she put Osyraa down after one epic battle, but she was also able to get Book to jump the ship to the Verubin Nebula mere moments before the Emerald Chain’s flagship was blown to bits by Discovery’s overloaded warp core. Ending the conflict with the Chain at last, and she wasn’t the only hero present in this tale.

For while all of this was going on, Saru and his away team were working hard to get Su’Kal to understand that the time had indeed come to end the simulation surrounding him and join the universe beyond. And in order to make that happen, Saru had to reveal his true identity to Su’Kal and use every bit of knowledge from their home world to finally reach this poor tortured man and eventually… his plan worked. For Su’Kal finally stood down and ended the holo-program, and also faced his sorted and painful past. Since we were able to learn that the death of his mother is what brought forth The Burn, since the pain he experienced on that fateful day is what motivated his sub-space reckoning of the galaxy’s best-known means of travel.  

But what matters more, is that he and the away team were rescued at the last possible minute, giving Su’Kal the fresh start he so desperately needs on Kaminar, and thankfully he has an advocate on that world to help him, in Saru. For he made the decision to step away from Starfleet to mentor this broken man, and to reconnect with a world he is a stranger to as well, and that means that the Discovery received a new skipper in this finale. One that has proven herself to be the right captain for the job, thanks to her repeated push to uphold the values the Federation, regardless of the risk and truly, it was quite wonderful to see Captain Michael Burnham fulfill a life-long dream of sitting in the big chair aboard the ship that has helped her to grow and learn from her mistakes and it is wonderful to know that she is going to lead the charge in helping the United Federation of Planets to rebuild its once vast network of worlds. 

In fact, the work ahead is what made this finale the show's most inspiring and dynamic one to date. Because seeing Ni'Var ponder upon rejoining the Federation, and try and help when Osyraa was wreaking havoc, along with coming to learn that Trill rejoined without question... really did send a beautiful message our way. For all of this served to remind us that good, will indeed prevail regardless of the odds and that dark times never last. A message that definitely sent our spirits soaring, whilst leaving all of us eager to see where Season 4 of this show is going to take us. Because these are fragile days for the Federation, and new challengers will undoubtedly try to prevent its reformation. Which means this intrepid crew will once again face incredible odds when it comes to keeping the galaxy safe, but they are clearly up to the task... since they are fearless and eager to boldly go, where no one has gone before. Until next season.