Caution: This article contains spoilers for ‘The Larkins’ Holiday Special. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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These days, the Holiday season seems to be more polarizing than ever. After all, there are some who firmly believe that there is a ‘War on Christmas’ taking place because people now say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Which is a silly and wasteful debate for certain. Plus, a great of deal of people are concerned about the commercialization of the holidays, since events like Black Friday have made the gift the focus of a season that they believe is about unity and harmony above all else. If anything, all of these Holiday conflicts, make it no surprise that we often hear people declare that they wish we could go back to a simpler time, when the season was about love and unity and nothing more.

A statement that quite frankly begs an important question. In that, was there ever really such a time where that kind of harmony in the Holiday season existed? Well at it turns out, The Larkins at Christmas is a Holiday special that takes the time to ponder upon that question. After all, it is set in a simpler time, the 1950s, and that should allow for us to get a better idea as to whether or not the Holidays back then were a joyous time or as conflicted as they are now and this special wasted little time in informing us of the possibility… that a 1950s Christmas, offered both harmony and chaos. A feat that it accomplished by taking us on quite the emotional rollercoaster for this intrepid and loving family.

Because on the one hand, they got the best gift they could ask for. In that, Mariette and Charley enjoyed their time abroad and got the traveling bug out of their system and returned home for good. Reuniting everyone at last. Plus, the town was abuzz over Edith taking over the Nativity special and love and hugs were everywhere and that’s when the wild ride came into play. For Pop and Ma thought it would be nice to have Charley’s parents over for a Holiday lunch since the two lovebirds were getting so cozy and close and that uh, that went bad. Since Charley’s parents harbored polarizing personalities and were judgmental and distant during a time when we believed unity was the priority. Plus, the Nativity scene was falling to pieces and to top it all off, there was a thief going about town swiping incredible valuables from everyone’s home, during the Holiday season, and well… this polarizing presentation of the season, made one thing inherently clear.

In that, the Holiday season has always been up and down for humanity, we just allow for the memories that bought us utter joy as kids during that time of year, to guide our belief in what it should always feel like. But what’s wild, is that the show also pointed out… that we can in fact recreate those memories and create a joyous season. Provided of course, we do our best to cut through the frustrations and the drama and remind others of the purity of the season, which is what the Larkins did here. Which allowed for peace on Earth to be found between Charley and his parents, and it let the Nativity scene bring joy to all and it even pushed Pop Larkin to save the thief from harming himself further and their efforts allowed for a harmonious Holiday to take place. One that even featured the engagement of Charley and Mariette. 

In the end, this was simply a brilliant holiday special when all is said and done. Since it really works hard to point out that the Holiday season is what we make it, and we should be taking a page from the Larkin playbook and working to spread love and cheer throughout the season. And there really is something quite wonderful about seeing a show set seventy years ago, not only point out how little has changed, but that there is a better way, one that we all badly need to embrace in these trying times. Which just goes to show that this is one the finest feel-good shows out there and hopefully… a new season of The Larkins will be green-lit and soon. So, we can once again spend time with this pure and delightful family, one that makes a point to remind us of the power of kindness and what it can do for the people we encounter in our travels.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘Queens of Mystery’. To revisit the last episode, click here.
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One particular decision that each and every one of us in life will make, and regret… is keeping the truth from people that we love or people that are important to us or of importance and it makes sense as to why we make this difficult choice. For sometimes, the truth is overwhelming and devastating and informing that list of people of it, can bring about some ugly consequences. Such as deeply hurting a loved one or chasing away someone we want to keep around. Or it could in fact, bring about legal trouble. So, we instead keep things a secret and hope for the best and well, that always brings about mixed or unfortunate results. Because eventually... the truth finds its way out of its impromptu grave.
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If anything, that unfortunate choice and the ugly results that can stem from it were put on full display in the season two finale of Queens of Mystery on Acorn TV. A feat that ‘The Raven’ accomplished by giving us the Stone family’s toughest mystery to date. For the whole town was abuzz about how their prized original copy of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart was about to sold to the highest bidder to keep Hasting House in business and shortly after everyone dropped by to bid it farewell, the mystery got underway. Because in the middle of the night someone managed to steal the original copy of The Tell-Tale Heart, and to complicate matters further… the foremost authority on the matter died in the process. Leaving the Stones with a case that simply offered no easy answers.

For every clue either brought them to a dead end or the wrong answer. And even the two most important people at Hasting House, Robin and Karen… made a weird attempt to confess to the murder in the supremely vain attempt of keeping scrutiny off the other. Not to mention, their one good lead revealed a great deal of new crimes and this case kept bringing up the past. Since the mysterious thief known as the Raven seemed to be back in the mix. But in the end, these crimes all came down to desperate attempts to keep a secret alive. In that, Karen and Robyn were aware of the fact that their prized copy of the manuscript... was a fake and decided to stage the theft to keep that truth from coming to life. Allowing instead for insurance money to save Hasting House and no one would ever be the wiser. But the death of the expert, who came to steal the manuscript himself, complicated matters and well… it didn’t take long for the truth to make things worse as well. Because this basically backed Robin into a corner, one where he unleashed his panicked fury and, in the end, his darling love Karen died during his angry onslaught, and he of course… went to jail.

But while that alone would have been a straightforward way to explore the theme of this episode, it was keen to go further in its examinations. For this is a tale that saw Inspector Thorne and Matilda’s aunts work very, very hard to ensure that she learned nothing about the Raven. To the point where we learned that newspaper clippings and microfiche and any other record of that case, was wiped from the face of the earth. A reality that didn’t sit right with Matilda and motivated her to dig twice as hard to find something since it seemed that the Raven somehow related to her mother and well, what she apparently might uncover… would be devastating, in the eyes of her loved ones. Lending credence to how sometimes family will go the extra mile to keep a secret hidden to protect those who might be hurt by the truth and well, this segment made it clear that this is a supremely dangerous game to play. For if Matilda discovers the truth and that it was kept from her, things will never be the same between her and her aunts.
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But alas, we will have to wait until later on to see if by chance she gets those answers and while we wait for that possibility, we can bask in the wonder of another wonderfully intricate and whimsical tale. One that really did hammer home the dangers of keeping secrets and how they can destroy us and put us in tough places, all while moving the Raven plotline forward and the romantic chaos surrounding Matilda as well. Since Daniel finally figured out, he made a huge mistake in letting Matilda go, and Terry was eager to tell her about his feelings for her and both of them are at a crossroads now that George has made his move. Which means, those romantic twists and Matilda’s newfound desire to solve the mystery of the Raven, makes it imperative that we get a season three. So, we can watch those plot threads grow and of course, be treated to more intricate and inventive mysteries for these incredible women to solve.

But while we wait for such an announcement… the good news is that we can revisit seasons one and two as we please on Acorn TV, and some of the Easter eggs present in this series. Such as say, the authentic recreation of the end of Poe’s life that was present in this particular tale. Plus, we here at Nerds That Geek aren’t done talking about this show either. For we landed an interview with the show’s creator and writer, Julian Unthank. So, stay tuned for that special edition of the Nerds That Speak Podcast and for more coverage of this dynamic and inventive and downright refreshing television in the days and weeks to come. Until next time.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of the season two premiere of Fast Foodies, will air on truTV on January 27, 2022.

There are lots of unspoken rules in the entertainment industry and one of them, is that every story out there should find a way to evolve and grow and it makes sense as to why this rule exists. Because every creative mind out there will tell you that sticking with the usual will make the story or the creative in question, stagnant, and said stagnancy will motivate readers and viewers to tune into something else since it is always the same old thing. And this is why television shows, and movie sagas, and a book series change things up and surprise us at every turn, to grow and keep things interesting and this is so important a rule, that even reality themed television and competition shows subscribe to it as well by way of rule changes or tweaks to the competition.

But while that rule challenges both creatives and the audience in healthy manner, and does indeed keep us invested, sometimes it is in fact… okay to stay the course storytelling or presentation wise. Because some shows and stories, have figured out the perfect formula to operate within. The kind that allows for different kinds of growth to take place within the framework of the story and well, it just so happens that a television series that meets that particular criteria is about to return to the airwaves, and we here at Nerds That Geek thought it would be a good idea to preview season two of Fast Foodies in a spoiler-free manner and break down exactly how sticking to what works can actually benefit a series. 

Because in essence, season two of this series is indeed more of the same. Since our intrepid chefs still take the time to hang out with celebrities and learn about their favorite foods before recreating them to see if by chance, they can recapture the magic of the moment said celebrity first enjoyed that meal. All before taking the time to deconstruct that food and make their own iteration of it to see if new memories can be forged and well, there is great comfort to be found in the fact that season two sticks with what worked so well in season one. Since it lets the audience know that the production team gets it and is happy to provide us with more of what we enjoy and what we love so we can just kick back and lose ourselves in the fun and it is sticking to what we know that works to the show’s benefit.

For it actually allows for original and unique and dynamic moments to take place. Because every single celebrity guest that visits the kitchen has a different and unique story to tell. The kind that engages us and fascinates us since we are getting to know them on a fundamental level, which breaks down the mystique that often surrounds celebrities and that’s fresh and original in its own right, as is the cooking. Because you simply don’t know how the chefs are going to prepare the cloned meal or the reimagined one and watching them figure out the best way to handle these meals, really does suck you into this series further and leave you curious as to whether or not they will stick the landing. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that there is still fun to be found in the kitchen as these meals are prepared.

Which means that in essence, Fast Foodies has done the impossible and figured out the perfect structure with which to operate in. One that feels familiar but knows exactly how to evolve and change and that makes season two of this series supremely worth your while and a wonderful way to lose yourself for a half an hour after a busy day. But above all else, what truly makes season two of this show so special and meaningful, is that it constantly reminds us of our love affair with food and the wonder that comes with breaking bread with others and sharing meals we love with them. Because few things bring us together in that manner and the best news of all, is that you don’t have to wait that much longer to plunge back into this dynamic and unique show. For Fast Foodies returns to the airwaves on truTV this Thursday, January 27, 2022.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve been left in awe of the storytelling surprises that the STARZ series, Power Book II: Ghost, has sent our way. Simply because… never in a million years did we think that Tariq St. Patrick and Monet Tejada would be okay with the horrible hands they’ve been dealt. Because they’ve been played on a consistent basis this year, to the point where Tariq is poised to take the fall for crimes he didn’t commit, and Monet is this side shy of being locked away as a trophy wife. One that is trapped forever within the game. But while it has been amazing to see these dynamic characters just keep taking their lumps and do little about it, deep down we’ve all known that it is only a matter of time before they strike back, and re-take control and it just so happens that last night’s episode… served as the perfect moment to make that happen.
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Because ‘Drug Related’ saw things get worse for this duo. For the money was gone at this point thanks to Mecca feeding all of his product to Lorenzo. Which meant that Monet had no way of re-taking control of her life nor was there any way to build a nest egg up for a future out of the life and Tariq… well he was moments away from losing his council. Because Davis MacLean doesn’t work for free and was ready to walk and well… that motivated Tariq to basically say, ‘enough’, to his current situation and put together one hell of a bold plan to put his life and Monet’s back on track. Which is why he called for a meeting of the minds, one that included Cane and Brayden and Effie so that he could present his daring plan to Monet and believe it or not… she and Cane bought into it real quick.

Largely because, this one was actually foolproof. For Tariq envisioned an incredible heist, one where GTG, at Cane’s direction… would steal Mecca’s latest shipment and while that chaos was unfolding, Dru and Lil’ Guap would break into Mecca’s apartment with Effie and Brayden’s help, to steal a diamond that would help Tariq with his financial troubles. And what made this foolproof, was that GTG and Guap would take the fall for this whole thing and that would keep Mecca off their backs while he focused his attention on retribution and this plan, outright worked. In fact, it even allowed for Dru to engage in a measure of his own revenge, since he killed Guap on the way up to Mecca’s apartment and just like that… product was back in Monet’s hands and Tariq was able to fund his slick defense. But what’s amazing… is that Tariq’s push to fight back and re-take control of his life, didn’t end there.

Because he came to learn that Lauren recorded all of his conversations, including the one that would more or less incriminate him. But rather than go after Lauren and make her pay for betrayal the old school way, Tariq opted to change things up and exact revenge on someone else. Specifically, Carrie Milgram. Because he knew if she was properly motivated, she would step in and try to play the hero and get caught in the crossfire of this case, and help MacLean inject doubt into the jury and make Jenny look like a fool. All while destroying her life in the process for interfering with Tariq’s business and well, the plan worked. For Carrie stepped up as expected and was eviscerated on the stand and knew her job was gone for publicly admitting she had a relationship with Zeke. And of course, the prosecution’s credibility took one hell of hit. However, no one could have foreseen what came after Carrie’s humiliation. Because at her lowest, a few hard words from Monet, apparently motivated Carrie Milgram to take her own her life.
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Or did she? Because there was mention of the fact that Monet spoke with her before that surprise reveal and why Monet wanted to talk to her is of note. Because despite getting her business back on track, Monet’s feud with Diana finally came back to haunt her. For Diana and her always clever mind finally figured out some hard truths about her family and when backed into a corner further, those truths were revealed. And just like that, Zeke now knows that Monet is actually his mother and that his NBA career might be over before it started since he’s 23 and not 19, and of course… it’s now common knowledge to the family that Monet has lied to everyone and that harsh reality motivated Lorenzo to cast her out and while she was in exile, she visited Carrie to see if Zeke had swung by. And while she was there, she came to realize that Carrie was quite the nuisance, and that Zeke would use Carrie as a reason to steer clear of his family.

Which means, that Carrie either gave into the darkness because of the raw embarrassment and pain she’s endured over the past couple of episodes, or Monet made it look like an accident. But while we wait to learn the truth to that mystery, we can bask in the glory of one wild tale. Because this one didn’t mess around in the slightest and it delivered one powerhouse moment after another and took our breath away at every step. All because Tariq had enough of his current path and took a page out of his father’s playbook and that’s scary for sure. Since his decisions and plans here, continue to inch him closer to becoming his own iteration of Ghost, leaving all of us to wonder if by chance he can be saved or if his destiny is a criminal empire after all and well… the only way to find out is to continue the journey. And we will all undoubtedly be counting down the minutes until next Sunday, to see what becomes of Monet and whether or not Tariq will continue to inch toward the darkness. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Total Control’.
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There was a time, where television shows about the inner workings of the political world were everywhere. Because there was a genuine curiosity from the public regarding how political systems worked and what the day-to-day operations of the government looked like and well, not only did audiences have some of their curiosities satisfied by way of these shows, but they were also treated to some inspiring stories as well. The kind that featured noble and gentle politicians, who were eager to do the right thing on a regular basis and work for the public and the greater good. But what is fascinating about these shows, is that they left the airwaves as quickly as they conquered them, and it makes sense as to why.

For a closer look at something that interested us, also prompted a closer look at the real thing and well… what we saw about real-world politics, was and remains something of a turn-off. Because we came to learn that politics is often a messy and egotistical business. One where the everyday person isn’t important, just polls and re-election campaigns and special interests and the party. But while our disdain for how Washington and the other governments around the world operate, killed a popular sub-genre of storytelling, there is still room for the right kind of political drama. Because with a little care, they could instead shine a light on what we dislike about politics and potentially get some conversations going about change and reform and it just so happens, that shows like that do exist and  a series that embodies those unique elements has returned to the airwaves on Sundance Now.

For Total Control is a series that serves as the anthesis to the traditional political drama. Since its main character, Alex Irving, is an everyday woman. One that wants to make a difference and shook up the political world to do so in season one, and it would seem that season two, is going to take her quest to a whole new level. For when we catch up with her here, she’s trying on a new party for size and is of course, revered and feared after bringing a Prime Minister down and well… it doesn’t take long for Alex to realize that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. For her old rivals, are just as interested in the same games as her prior party played and that doesn’t sit right with her, especially when a trip home brings about some eye-opening experiences for her.

Since everyone in her hometown is suffering financially and from a resource standpoint as well. To the point where an old friend takes their own life in a horrifying manner, rather than face the indignity of losing his home and well… having to deal with that, and the arrogance of modern politicians, breaks Alex in a good way. To where she is motivated to run as an independent in order to really create change in the government, and that is a brilliant direction to take this series in. Since it speaks to the power of the people and how desperate we are for change and a champion of it and Alex appears to be just that. And it will be quite interesting to see the tough path that will await her as she navigates a two-party system that is eager to maintain a stranglehold. 

But what matters more, is that this season is going to offer the audience everything it wants. For not only does the audience get a character that isn’t some ambitious political mind eager to gain power, but having her go the outsider route, will offer up powerful commentary on what’s wrong with the system now and what needs to change, and that will make this a poignant and revolutionary season of storytelling. One that might also engender hope in our hearts that perhaps someday, someone like Alex will step up to the plate in our world, and actually tell it like it is and care about the people they represent, and this setup definitely leaves one eager to continue the journey. To the point where we all might be counting down the minutes until next week’s tale… so we can once again plunge ourselves into a refreshing universe where someone actually wants to bring about change to our world and to an ancient and outdated system. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Single Drunk Female’.
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The phrase ‘rock bottom’ is one that we are all familiar with, likely because of popular media. Because there have been countless stories that chronicle such a moment. Wherein an addict finds themselves at their absolute lowest because of the substance they abuse, and reaching that point means that they must either choose life or wallow in the darkness that drugs and alcohol surrounds them with and that’s where these stories get quite inspiring. Since every single character within them, chooses to live and fights hard to reclaim what they’ve lost and these journeys are so uplifting in nature, that the phrase in question… has become something of a rallying cry that we use for inspiration in our everyday lives to push through tough times.
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But while it is wonderful to know that these stories pull at something deep within us and leave us feeling as though we can overcome anything, the consistent push to present the road back from addiction in a positive light and the romanticization of that phrase… has indeed take something away from a journey that is so visceral. Because recovering from addiction and hitting rock bottom is actually quite the ugly and uncomfortable process. One that requires a person to really acknowledge their actions and their mistakes and work to break years of negative habits and reform their life to live with an addiction that will never go away. But thankfully, as audiences demand better and more realistic stories from Hollywood and New York, there are creative minds that are bringing to life, tales that properly examine addiction and what rock bottom actually looks like and one such series in that vein made its debut on Freeform last night, and going that route storytelling wise, made the premiere of Single Drunk Female, quite powerful in nature.

For ‘Pilot’ and ‘One Day at a Time’ held nothing back in their exploration of addiction and rock bottom. And it wasted zero time introducing us to Samantha Fink, a twenty-eight-year-old woman that is immediately in hot water in this tale when she assaults her boss in a drunken rage. An act that brings her life to a screeching halt and sends her back home in shame to live with her mother, Carol, as she works to put her life back together and recover from her addiction and that is where this story takes a painfully moving turn. Because it doesn’t take long for this story to teach Sam, and the audience, that rock bottom is no joke. It’s not a rallying cry in the slightest. Nor is it some kind of moment of inspiration. It’s a tough place to be, where the future is completely and utterly uncertain and fear and worry populates the mind, and to top it all off… staying sober in that moment is no easy task.

Because all an addict knows in immediate recovery, is what makes them feel good and happy, and that allows for Sam to quickly slip back into old habits and get into fresh trouble. Making it clear that rock bottom isn’t a single, defining moment. It’s a state of being, a place that one resides in until they realize they have a problem and need to make sweeping changes to their life and that is where the series truly shines. Because we watch Sam come to realize all of that and feel the gravity of her decisions at last and start the long road back and there’s more realism to be found in that part of the journey as well. Since Sam getting a job at the local supermarket and trying to navigate the tough moments with her mother, who seems to believe that alcoholism can be conquered through discipline… teaches us that starting over in life is downright difficult and carries with it, personal stigmas for us to overcome. 
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Which makes this, a powerful opening to a powerful journey, one that is also lighthearted in nature. Because writer Simone Finch injected a great deal of humor into Samantha’s journey. Which means the quirkiness and downright hilarity of some our lowest moments, the kind we laugh about when reflecting upon them, are here, presented in the hilarious raw of course. Plus, the casual awkwardness of family life and the hum drum nature of life in general, are on full display here, making this a supremely relatable series as well. In large part because we’ve known plenty of folks that are struggle bussing through life and are working hard to keep it together. But it is also relatable, because… some of us have been in Sam’s shoes and know this path well and this show deserves a round of applause and our praise for doing the impossible.

In that, it is finally presenting alcoholism and recovery in the raw and it is undoubtedly going to cover the fight for sobriety and what that new beginning looks like as well and that makes this series a must-see for certain. Because it is rare to find shows that offer this kind of honesty revolving around topics that definitely make us uncomfortable. But this show does so in a brave and bold manner, and it is bolstered by stunning performances. Since Sofia Black D’Elia (Sam), sells every moment with incredible gravity and honesty and she is counterbalanced nicely by Ally Sheedy’s (Carol) interpretation of how little we understand about addiction, and the rest of the cast turns in top work as well, and it is definitely safe to say that this sensational series will leave you eager for more, because of the powerful moments it provides us with, and it will be quite interesting to see where this incredible journey is going to take us, in the weeks to come. Until next time.  

Please enjoy three sneak peek clips from Episode 208 of Power Book II: Ghost, which will air on STARZ on January 23, 2022, at 9 p.m. EST.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘Close to Me’. To revisit ‘Episode 5’, click here.

Domestic abuse/violence is a topic that is so taboo and so uncomfortable in our modern world, that those who suffer from it… don’t always know what to do when it enters their lives. For while there are support networks and help out there for victims of this heinous act, the silence surrounding it, and our consistent desire to believe that we must stay with those we love when ‘tough times’ come calling… keep so many within DA/DV’s disgusting realm. Not to mention, there is real fear that exists in this scenario as well, since those dealing with it don’t have a clue how far their significant other will go in their violent actions, or they do and know that silence and compliance is the best route to go. But while these norms provide an odd sense of comfort for those not dealing with this nightmare, and shaky stability for those who do, the fact of the matter is… the time has come for the silence surrounding this issue, to be broken.
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Because people are going through hell experiencing this, and some are losing their lives, and conversations about their experiences need to start happening and better support and guidance revolving around this needs to be out there and quite frankly, ire from the everyday world… needs to come into play with such matters as well. So, it can finally be dealt with, and that is why the Sundance Now series, Close to Me, should be applauded. Because from day one it has exposed this problem and explored the warning signs and symptoms if you will, of domestic abuse and violence. Specifically, the psychological acts that go into it, so we can finally learn more about this problem, and for its season finale… it decided that the time was right to answer several long-standing questions in regard to this topic and Jo’s journey. In that, it finally addressed what happened on that fateful night a year ago, and it offered guidance on what those who have been victimized can do in their situation. In that… when it is safe… it is best to confront one’s abuser.

For those that choose to impart that kind of cruelty on another human being, are often weak in every way and being stood up to and confronted about their actions, would indeed make them crumble. But before the show went full bore into that, it needed to make clear that such an act is scary and uncomfortable and it takes time to get to that point. As evidenced by the fact that Jo basically went on the run in this tale, with her father no less. All because the prospect of dealing with the reality of the past year and the fact that her husband abused her… was more than she could bear. But spending time with her dad and reflecting upon his own violent tendencies made her realize that we tolerate this kind of behavior far too often and we do need to stand up to it more and that allowed for Jo to take her dad home and return home for a showdown.

One where she gathered the entire family to speak some truth about the past year and well, that went about as well as one might expect. Simply because Rob was quick to paint Jo as incompetent or broken, verbally abusing her in plain sight of her children and even going so far as to gaslight her. But she stood the course, and she told the truth about Rob and everything he’s done and well… that changed everything. Because not only did it put Rob in his place for the first time ever and force him to own up to his own disgusting actions and give Jo some semblance of power and standing in the relationship for the first time… but it also allowed for the biggest truth of all to come to light. Specifically… what happened on that night one year ago and the truth about that moment, was both painful and powerful to watch.
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Since we came to learn that while Rob didn’t push her down the stairs, he had no problem letting her fall. Which quite frankly, is just as bad as a push. For it was the coward’s way out, and a twisted way to reset the relationship and the power dynamic. A reality that Rob admitted to as well. But the powerful aspect of this, came about from the fact that Jo didn’t speak to revenge or violence in response to Rob’s cruelest act of all. She simply left, she simply robbed him of his power and left his future in tatters by getting the truth out in the open and that’s precisely what needs to happen more often with men like Rob. Because when they are powerless and exposed, they are the weak nothings they don’t want to be seen as, and that is now his legacy. As for what came next for Jo, well… she was able to get a fresh start at last.

One where she can forge her own path and find what makes her happy and while we don’t see her second act here, the knowledge that it will be filled with peace and joy and healing, is a satisfying way to end this tale. Since it speaks to the fact that escaping these kinds of situations are indeed worth our while. Because to do so will give us freedom and perspective and growth, and while it may seem scary to leave someone that one genuinely thinks is their everything in that moment, one must confront that fear and the abuser if possible… to obtain what they deserve. Which is respect and dignity and freedom and well, that message makes this a brilliant and poignant series when all is said and done. One that put a terrifying and uncomfortable topic in the spotlight and hopefully this series will open a floodgate of discussions so that this long-standing problem in our world, can finally be addressed.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Book of Boba Feet’. To revisit, ‘Chapter 3: The Streets of Mos Espa’, click here.
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​Chapter 4 of The Book of Boba Fett brought us closer and closer to the big fight we know is coming. We were met with the true story of how Fennec and Boba met. Or rather how Boba saved Fennec’s life. Turns out, being shot in the stomach is a sure-fire way to die… extremely slow too. Luckily Boba found her and got her to a mod-shop of sorts. Apparently, there’s a niche of young people on Tatooine who want to be part human, part robot. Which is weirdly frowned upon somehow, yet also super prevalent throughout the entire galaxy.
 
Either way, Boba spends the cash to have Fennec saved and her insides replaced with robot parts, and I would say that’s really cool, if the idea of waking up to find out that I had gears for a stomach, didn’t freak me out so bad. Fennec was way calmer about the whole ordeal. She wakes up, sees she’s part droid now, and instantly accepts it and moves on. She even offers to help Boba get his ship back in return for saving her life. After that, they hunt down the biker, or I guess speeder, gang that killed the Tusken Raiders. And then Fennec just decides to hang out. She helps Boba get his armor back, they overthrow Bib Fortuna, the guy that took over for Jabba, and they start building their little crime family.

From there the rest is kind of history, only not so much. With it now being present day, Boba is all healed from the Bacta tank, and there is a growing war coming. The Pykes are still assembling their army, the mayor is nowhere to be found, but his assistant is giving all the information. Boba is out to seek an army of his own. He’s got the hired Mods as he’s calling them, and a baby Rancor, plus Fennec. The army is off to a good start. Boba even decides to make a show of still being around and visits the local bar. Krrsantan is there causing trouble, ripping the arms off of innocent drunk aliens, the usual. In fairness, the owner did her best to talk the Wookie down, but it didn’t go well. Wookies’ seem to be very temperamental, especially this one. Which makes him the perfect addition to Boba’s little family.

Speaking of families. It’s time for a Mob Boss Dinner—I mean—a get together with the heads of the local ‘families’. Boba isn’t asking for their support, not necessarily speaking. He’s mostly asking that if they aren’t going to help him fight against the Pykes, that they stay out of the fight all together. Which is a much more palatable notion to everyone involved, apparently. Granted, rival families aren’t always going to come together to fight a bigger gang. Especially when that gang has a bigger army and there isn’t any money in it.
 
Boba understands that. Being a Space Don seems a lot cooler than it really should. Fennec asks about how much money they really have, and Boba claims to have plenty. To her point, Fennec says that muscle can easily be bought, and she isn’t wrong. Does this mean the Mandalorian is going to be making a guest appearance in episode 5? That does seem to be what is being hinted at. However, it’s not for certain. Let’s be honest though, we all are dying to see Din and Boba team back up. Fingers crossed for next week!