Written by John Edward Betancourt
Whenever a beloved series comes a close, there is but one question on the mind of every fan regarding their favorite actors from said series… what are they going to do, next? Because they are a big reason why we stay with a particular show. Courtesy of a captivating performance and well… we simply want more and are eager to see what they can do with a new story and a new character to inhabit. If anything, that question is top of mind today, simply because that’s one fans of Better Call Saul have been asking since the show went off the air last summer.
Because it boasted an incredible cast, and each and every one of them turned in their A-game week in and week out and we are indeed eager to see more from them. Thankfully, not only do we finally have an idea of what is coming next for that stunning collection of actors, since they are beginning to announce their new projects, but we now have a sampling from what to expect from the latest series starring Bob Odenkirk. For earlier today, AMC released a teaser trailer for Lucky Hank, along with an updated synopsis for the show and since you’re eager to learn more and see what the next chapter for Mr. Odenkirk looks like, here is that synopsis and teaser for all of you to enjoy, courtesy of AMC. Lucky Hank (Formerly Straight Man) New Series Premieres Sunday, March 19 on AMC+ and AMC Starring Emmy-nominated Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) and Mireille Enos (The Killing), Lucky Hank is an eight-episode mid-life crisis tale set at Railton College. Told in the first person by William Henry Devereaux, Jr. (Odenkirk), the unlikely chairman of the English department in a badly underfunded college in the Pennsylvania rust belt. Aaron Zelman (Silicon Valley, The Killing) and Paul Lieberstein (The Office, The Newsroom), who adapted the project from the novel Straight Man by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo, serve as co-showrunners. Zelman, Lieberstein, Odenkirk, Director Peter Farrelly (Green Book), Mark Johnson (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire), Richard Russo, Naomi Odenkirk and Marc Provissiero(PEN15) are executive producers.
0 Comments
Written by John Edward Betancourt
It wasn’t that long ago, that we settled in to discuss the fact that Apple TV+ was starting the new year off right, from a family entertainment perspective, by releasing a family themed show early in the year. Since January 20, 2023, will see the debut of Shape Island. Another intelligent series that will undoubtedly fuel discussions about the world and life in the households that tune in. Which is what Apple TV+ wants to accomplish with this type of programming, and to build further buzz for this series, earlier today… the network sent a gift our way.
Courtesy of the full trailer for the show, and some updated details on the series and since you’re wanting to know more about this show, here are those very details and the trailer in question, courtesy of Apple TV+. ‘Apple TV+ today released the trailer for “Shape Island,” the all-new stop motion series for kids and families based on the internationally best-selling trilogy of Shapes picture books by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, premiering globally Friday, January 20 on Apple TV+. This clever, funny, and inspiring new stop-motion animated series from Apple TV+ takes place on a charming island and invites viewers to join serious Square, intrepid Circle, and tricky Triangle on their silly adventures as they dig up some fun, search for answers, and build on their friendship - all while learning how to navigate each other’s differences. “Shape Island” shows kids that friendship can take many shapes. The series features the beloved familiar voices of Yvette Nicole Brown (“Disenchanted”) as the Narrator, Harvey Guillen (“What We Do in the Shadows”) as Square, Scott Adsit (“30 Rock”) as Triangle, and Gideon Adlon (“Blockers”) as Circle. “Shape Island” was co-created by book authors Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, who serve as executive producers alongside Emmy Award winning Bix Pix Entertainment’s Kelli Bixler and Drew Hodges (“Tumble Leaf”). Ryan Pequin serves as co-executive producer and head writer. The award-winning slate of original series and film for kids and families on Apple TV+ includes impressive all-ages offerings such as the critically-acclaimed properties “El Deafo,” “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Pinecone & Pony,” “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” and “Harriet the Spy” from The Jim Henson Company, Peabody Award-winning series “Stillwater,” “Helpsters” from Sesame Workshop, “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory” from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment, “Sago Mini Friends,” “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” from Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero, “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show” and “Get Rolling with Otis.” Live-action offerings for include Bonnie Hunt’s “Amber Brown,” "Best Foot Forward," “Surfside Girls,” “Life By Ella,” and Daytime Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter.” Also included are specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including “It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Lucy’s School,” “To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” and “For Auld Lang Syne,” and “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Daytime Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times best-selling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers. The kids and family film offerings include star-studded animated adventure film “Luck” from Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation which premiered this year and Academy Award-nominated animated film “Wolfwalkers.” Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have earned 300 wins and 1,306 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and this year’s Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.” Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $6.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.* For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Koala Man’.
Every single nerd and geek on the planet, absolutely wanted to be a superhero growing up. Simply because we all knew how awesome it would be to accomplish the same kind of wonders and feats as the hero on the page or silver or small screen. The kind that would give us the recognition we craved as a child, and the freedom we yearned for as well. But also, we wanted the powers. Because it was just intoxicating to imagine what it would be like to soar through the air like Superman or Iron Man, or have super strength like Captain America, or healing powers like Wolverine. Yes, truly, there was some kind of ability that every single superhero had that we wanted, and we spent hours wondering what it would be like to be in their shoes or to don their cape. But alas, there came a point where we realized that we would never soar through the skies or fight crime with our endless strength. Granted, that didn’t stop us from dressing up like those very heroes, but that is really as close as it gets for the nerds of the world. But what if… someone just decided that wasn’t good enough? That they needed to be a town’s protector and would stop at nothing to become the hero their city needed and deserved? What would that look like and how would someone pull that off? Well, those are questions that a brand-new animated series on Hulu takes the time to answer in a hilarious manner. For Koala Man is a series that immerses us in the small yet proud Australian town of Dapto. A city that doesn’t suffer from a ton of crime but has a citizen who believes that it needs a proper protector. That is why, Kevin Williams decided to become… Koala Man. An everyday crime fighter that works hard to keep the streets of Dapto safe and clear and comfortable and well, that is where the answers come into play in ‘Bin Day’. In that, in the everyday world, seeing an everyday citizen dress up as a hero would be awkward for everyone involved. For the people of the city wouldn’t have a clue what on earth was happening when a dude dressed like say, a koala, swooped in to save them. Nor would they care that the protector is there, and likely wouldn’t show them much respect. Which is precisely what happens in this premiere, and that leads to some utter storytelling brilliance. Because this is a comedy at heart, and that awkward nature of Kevin’s role as Koala Man in the city, leads to all kinds of jokes. The kind that more or less lampoon the superhero genre in a healthy and intelligent manner, helping all of us to remember that it is just fun entertainment designed to inspire over anything else, and that a great deal more goes into heroism. But what also makes this underlying satire/commentary worth our while, is that the show takes it to heart and explores what goes into making a hero, and it also makes sure to have fun with the whole concept. Courtesy of an actual villain for Koala Man to save the city from and the birth of a powerful avian nemesis. One that is eager to escalate a la Batman and the Joker. If anything, all of these elements, and the magnificent cast (complete with the vocal talents of Hugh Jackman, Jermaine Clement, Alexandra Daddario, Hugo Weaving, Justin Roiland, and Sarah Snook and series creator/writer Michael Cusack), make this a delightful premiere and an equally as delightful show. One that truly serves as both a send up and a love letter to the superhero genre of storytelling in the most enjoyable way possible, through its humor. Because the jokes simply work here and leave you in stitches and feeling warm about a brand-new hero that you simply want to see succeed. For Kevin really is an everyman trying to do better and make the world a better place, and the best news of all… is that you can see this magnificent series right now. For season one of Koala Man is streaming on Hulu, and we hope you check it out and join us back here as we break down every last episode of this delightful show. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Litvinenko’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating Sundance Now series, Litvinenko, we talked at length about how the death of Alexander ‘Sasha’ Litvinenko rocked the world and left so many feeling unsafe. For his passing was stunning for certain, and unprecedented in nature, and had it not been for the quick and keen work of British Law Enforcement, who knows what kind of fear would have paralyzed London over the thought that evil could act at will from the shadows. If anything, it’s important to remember the unique nature of the previous episode, simply because the unprecedented nature of this case, didn’t end with the identification of the suspects, as evidenced by the next episode in this tale. For standard procedure for law enforcement when a suspect or suspects are identified, is to bring them in for questioning. If they’re local, that’s a quick and easy and process once they are found and if they aren’t nearby, that’s what interagency agreements and extradition exists for. Which is quite easy to abide by in most of the modern world. Since most nations are able to move suspects and criminals wherever they need to go within their borders and if by chance that person isn’t in country, extradition treaties exist between most nations. To ensure that justice is served. But what happens… when the criminal in question isn’t in a country friendly to such ideas and for that matter, that same nation is working to protect them? Well, the answer to that question is simple. Law enforcement suffers and justice is not easily served. If it all. As Clive’s team came to learn in this tale. For a team was sent to Moscow to interview the two key suspects and well, that went poorly. In part because both men were supposedly ‘poisoned’ by Sasha and were not ‘doing well.’ In fact, one of them was buried under gauze, making it impossible to verify his identity and the other… was just a jerk that was uncooperative and arrogant, also… clearly not sick. Not in the manner that Sasha was. Not to mention, the evidence collected was either fabricated or a waste, since the copies of the tapes of the interviews, were blank. Making it clear that Russia had no interest in helping out here and was eager more to put on a show and protect its citizens, regardless of the crime they committed and terror they instigated. Which in turn, pushed Clive to get Brent back on the case in London, to try something vastly different here. Because there was no central focus on the case. For everyone was swinging for the fences and trying to just land the big fish and make this about Queen and Country. When in fact, this was a murder investigation and sticking to those fundamentals would do more from an impact standpoint. And the best way to move this case in the right direction, was to find the murder weapon. Which in this instance was the teapot that the Polonium was served in. A long shot for certain, since the pots had been washed for ages on end, which was a terrifying reality and revelation. But Brent and Clive agreed, they had to try, and well… that push paid off in the end, since one of those teapots, had residual alpha waves. If anything, this was just… another engaging tale from this magnificent series. For it really is taking us through every single moment in the case and exploring how difficult this whole matter was and the stunning and unprecedented roadblocks that came into play regarding justice. Because truly, these men were being protected by untouchable forces, and that protection helped them greatly and well, that sets the stage for what should be quite the complex finale of this show. For if the Russian propaganda machine and the supremely shady and disgusting leader of that nation decide to leave the matter at that… how on earth will justice be served? And it will be interesting to see/revisit what lie ahead for Clive and Brent and all parties involved, now that they are ready to present the necessary evidence to press charges against a pair of men, that are tucked away inside Putin’s pocket. Until next time.
Please enjoy a sneak peek of the new series Koala Man, which features Hugh Jackman as ‘Big Greg’ and debuts on Hulu tomorrow, 1/9/23.
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also discusses generational trauma and emotional abuse, which might be triggering to some individuals.
Truly one of the best parts about living in our world, is the sheer fact that we can learn about another culture’s richness at any given time. A feat we can accomplish by simply visiting another country via planes, trains, and automobiles, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local community of our destination and learn accordingly. Or… we can use the internet and research what other cultures believe in and practice at our own leisure, and sometimes… popular entertainment can help with that as well. Since a television show, movie, or book, can highlight what makes a culture so amazing and for proof… then look no further than this week’s episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC. For last night’s adventure, ‘Lopez vs Ghosts’, took the time to blend powerful commentary once again about personal growth, with a grand exploration of Latino/Latinx Culture. Specifically… how Latino Culture is supremely spiritual in nature. For there is a firm belief that spirits roam the earth in the Latinx community, and that they are with us every step of the way. Wherein they will guide us or punish us depending upon what we need in life or what they need in the afterlife. Which is why holidays such as El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) exist, to celebrate and honor the spirits that came before us and honor the ones we lost along the way, and the show provided this fascinating look into the power of that spirituality and its important to Latino individuals, courtesy of a cultural clash within the Lopez home. Because Rosie, and Mayan were working to teach Chance about the spirituality that permeated his family’s history and his cultural past. But Quenten took concern with the stories being told and the actions being taken to honor those spirits and basically butted heads with Rosie about such matters. Deeming them silly and outlandish. That is until Rosie pointed out how his own belief system was no different, and that it wasn’t fair to not be open to all. Which was a beautiful lesson to inject into this story, one that brought peace and understanding to the household. But what mattered more here, is that said spirituality was put on full display, as were hints of the stories that are passed down from generation to generation, such as La Llorona, whom this writer heard about often growing up. All of which made… for some beautiful storytelling and wonderful cultural education. However, there was mention of the fact that the show’s trademark commentary on growth was present here as well, and that was handled through George. Who was reminded about his angry grandmother, Dolores, and the abuse she imparted upon him. And all this talk about ghosts, brought the past up and her abuse haunted George. To the point where he had visions, or a possible visit, of and from Dolores. The kind that motivated him… to take a page from his daughter’s teachings. Wherein he needed to confront the past and lay it to rest and lay Dolores to rest as well… because he buried her ashes in the backyard. No es broma. And he went through with all of that, in an incredible manner since he spread her ashes on a video slot machine. But what matters more here, is that this sequence spoke to the fact that ghosts can be real, in the form of the memories and pain we carry with us. And the only way to be free of the ghosts we don’t want in our lives, is to do what George did here. However, maybe not spread the ashes of a loved one on a video slot machine, though, and maybe not… bury your grandmother’s ashes in the backyard. But that aside, all of these storylines really made for a brilliant episode when all is said and done. One that really did a phenomenal job of diving into some fascinating lessons about Latino culture and featured some powerful commentary on growth and confronting the past. Plus… it also featured some Latino acting legends. For Cheech Marin swung by this episode as a spiritual healer and cleanser and that was incredible, as was seeing Rita Morena play the part of Dolores. All of which added to the wonder of another incredible episode from this series and once again, we are left counting down the minutes to next week’s tale. To see what other stunning commentary and life lessons and cultural celebrations, await us. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘BMF’. To revisit the season one finale, click here.
It truly is a wonderful thing, when a television series, opts to take its time in telling its story. Simply because it means that the people behind the scenes, are extremely interested in taking us along on a grand and sweeping journey. One where every moment matters and where the payoffs will be large, and where the characters will be properly developed and grow before our eyes. And one such show that meets that particular criterion is BMF on STARZ. For this series is taking us through every single formative moment of the Black Mafia Family Drug Empire, and we will be privy to every high and every low and for proof, simply look no further than the show’s season two premiere. For ‘Family Dinner’ is a story that could have pushed us years forward in the formation of the Empire and used flashbacks and cutaways to explain how we got here. Instead, this episode simply plopped us back into the Big D mere months after the events of ‘The King of Detroit’, wherein we came to learn that life had become… stagnant for the Flenory brothers. After all, Tee was getting his license and settling into his new business with his father, and not much had changed at home. Minus LaWanda coming back into his life. And Meech… well he was simply searching desperately for a new plug to bring weight back to the streets to build BMF into a powerhouse and even that, wasn’t quite going as planned. Simply because, K-9 pushed him hard to really prove himself and of course, Big L was causing him trouble. Which really just allowed for these characters to just… live. And going that route with the story, brought forth some fascinating moments, some formative ones, and those highs and lows. The kind that saw Meech carefully begin to learn about the business from afar since he wasn’t doing a whole lot at the moment, which motivated him to try new things with both his crew and with K-9 to get his and eventually… that worked. For K-9 hooked up twenty keys for BMF, which got him rolling. As for Tee, well his downtime as he transitioned to a new chapter in his life, was filled with heartbreak. Since he came to learn that it was his mother that orchestrated him being away from his son, to pull him away from the streets. Leaving him in an isolated place. If anything, all of these elements made it seem as though the next steps for BMF were going to be simple in nature, as though the next chapter involved dealing with personal drama and personal growth since threats were gone forever. But alas, this is a show that wouldn’t step away from the harsh and terrifying nature of the criminal underworld. For while Tee and Meech dealt with those steppingstones and personal dramas, trouble was brewing. For Detective Bryant had a new partner, Detective Veronica Jin. A gumshoe as eager as Bryant to make a difference and her arrival here and the quick trust she earned, helped us to learn that Lamar lived, and the police are hiding him from the world for their plans. Giving rise to a real danger and threat to BMF since Lamar is a force of vengeful nature, and now that his eyes have opened, who knows what kind of fresh hell he will unleash. Plus, Bryant is putting the squeeze on B-Mickie, and we also learned that K-9 is not a man to be messed with. Since he took the time to both earn Meech’s trust and threaten him by gifting him with Big L’s mouth. Yes, that’s right, her literal mouth. Because he’s that ruthless and Meech cannot cross him, or things will get ugly and well… all of these elements made for a stellar season premiere. One that perfectly immersed us back in this world in a manner that was enjoyable and comfortable, since it made the characters king, and they are a big reason why we tune in. And it was wonderful to see the story take its time here and really explore their lives, and more formative moments, and it also doesn’t hurt, that the danger and the stakes are higher this season. Since BMF is now in its fledging early days with new and old threats surrounding it and it will be fascinating to see how the business grows and if brothers will be united as season two of this magnificent and carefully thought-out series, continues along. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Echo 3’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Often times, action stories that revolve around a hostage situation, follow a specific formula when the time finally arrives to rescue said hostage from the nightmare they’re living within. In that, the heroes descend upon the complex or outpost in question, with incredible skill and silence. Allowing for them to quickly lay waste to the monsters that dared to get their hands on a pure soul with minimal losses before we enjoy a satisfying final showdown between the hero and the captor. All so that the audience feels good about the difficult nature of such a story, and of course… our armed forces. Since they have to take part in such rescue operations often, giving us a sense of safety and of pride, that our military heroes do this kind of work with such precision. But of course, a story is just that, and in reality, hostage rescues aren’t always the epic affair we like to think. Sometimes, they simply involve a handoff because the real-life villain knows they’re out of options and luck and its either spend their lives in a cell or disappear from this life. Or the rescue in question, is ugly in nature. Where not all of the heroes return home and the same goes for the hostage. For evil is evil and when it commits, it truly commits. Which is why it is always incredible when one finds a story that reflects that reality. Since it is indeed sobering and shocking to say the least and it just so happens, that the next episode of Echo 3, opted to forgo the perfect hostage rescue to give us a taste of what can happen when the enemy fights back during a hostage rescue and what it looks like when things go wrong. But not before outright fooling us. For ‘Scorched Earth’ resembled a by-the-numbers hostage rescue early on. Since Prince and Bambi’s skilled squad, easily infiltrated Amber’s nightmarish new home, and they were able to easily bring down the targets needed to get to Amber. But that’s when this story took quite the turn. Because they didn’t know that Amber was still hidden away to come down from her drug trip, and that put the team into a violent scramble. One designed to flush out Amber’s location and that… brought forth the ugliness in question. For despite suffering heavy losses, the Venezuelan forces eventually fought back hard, bringing forth devastating losses for Bambi and Prince’s unit. In fact, they were so desperate to push our heroes back, that a tank was unleashed upon the battlefield. One that was only defeated after both sides saw their numbers depleted through heavy smoke and when some of Prince and Bambi’s men rammed the damn thing. Which thankfully, did allow for Prince and Bambi to do the impossible, and get Amber at last and pull her out of that place. But not without a cost. For only a handful of the mercenaries made it out, and both governments were now aware of the battle that took place. To the point where Violeta was working the phones to break the story as only, she can. Not to mention, Amber’s primary captor and tormentor never saw proper justice. She just took a bullet in the middle of the mess. And worst of all, Amber was in absolutely terrible shape. For she was out of it and mildly responsive. If anything, this assault was nothing short of a pyrrhic victory. For so much was lost in this fight and Amber is truly at her lowest, and knowing what was sacrificed to bring her home, won’t help her condition in the slightest. Not to mention, a state of war now exists between Colombia and Venezuela and just like that… the audience is left in a sobering place. One where machismo and noble notions of doing what must be done to save family, have been replaced with the harsh reality of what such a move costs. Giving us a very grey and cerebral perspective on this whole matter. And truly… it will be fascinating to see what the response is from all parties involved and all governments involved regarding this bold, and ugly mission, when the series returns to wrap things up for the season finale, next week. Until then. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘The Mosquito Coast’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One particular truth about family life that few want to admit to, is that family life can be hard and painful and sometimes… it falls apart. And it makes sense as to why we don’t discuss this, because modern society values family deeply and the thought of a foundation of our society not being perfect and wonderful, is simply taboo in nature. But it is hard, and the difficult days can sometimes last for ages on end and issues within the family world exist, for one reason and one reason alone. In that, a family is made of up of individuals, who all have different needs and wants in life and when those come into play, struggles arrive and so does hurt and the potential split that we all fear. Which is a reality that makes it seem as though family life cannot be saved when things get ugly, but that is what makes family life so special and why we should talk about its flaws. Because beyond our own individual beliefs and wants, we do share a deep bond with the people that gave us life and that we grow up with, and that bond is stronger than we give it credit and it does motivate us to forgive, provided of course… certain key things happen. Such as receiving a legitimate apology when ugly fights and ugly acts from those fight have occurred. Plus, we need to see action after that apology. The kind that informs us that they mean business and want to set things right and when we get that, all is forgotten, and a family can move forward stronger than ever. If anything, the truth about family life and how we bring it back together is top of mind today, simply because at long last… the Fox family dealt with just that during the next episode of The Mosquito Coast on Apple TV+. A feat that ‘Eulogy’ accomplished, by reassembling this shattered family at the resort that Richard had his eyes upon. Simply because Dina was there, and they had no knowledge of him or his plans. Which in turn, allowed for them to sit down and talk. Wherein apologies finally came forth, real apologies, and where Charlie was able to speak to his own frustrations about his parents and what he needed if the family unit was going to move forward as an actual unit. Which was stunning to say the least, because it never seemed as though this family would ever unite or move past their bad blood and lies. But in this moment, they finally found common ground and got through the first stage of the process. But the kids, and Margot for that matter, still needed to see that dad meant what he said and well, tragedy helped them receive that. For the family quickly came to realize that Richard was here and was up to no good and that horrible things were going to happen once he decided to do his thing. Which prompted the family to come together and try and do the right thing and save this place from carnage and pain. Which eventually they did, with some scary moments in between. Since Charlie was scooped up by Richard’s forces and nearly hurt. Which prompted Allie… to finally spring to action and do his best to save his family and show them how much he cared. And wouldn’t you know it? He did just that. By keeping Margot and Dina safe and by getting Charlie out of that nightmare in one piece. Helping everyone to understand what they meant to Allie… shortly before this whole mess took a sorrowful turn. For Wild Bill inserted himself into their escape and critically wounded Allie, forcing this redeemed father to sacrifice himself to save his family. A shocking moment to say the least, one that was painful to watch because at long last, Allie had everything he ever wanted regarding family life. But not all was lost. For Allie’s hope after this fateful day was that the family reunite at The Mosquito Coast and enjoy their days, with peace and the joy they always sought and well, they achieved that and even set up Casa Roja 2.0. Giving this family all, they ever needed and the unity they craved, courtesy of earnest forgiveness and a sacrifice that will stay with them for the rest of their days. Which was also, a powerful way to end this tale, since in many ways, it felt akin to a series finale over a season finale. Whether or not that is the case time will tell, and it would be lovely to see what comes of this family in the days beyond this loss. But if not, then this was a perfect end to both the season and the story, wherein every character here grew and found some semblance of redemption and that made for one satisfying season of storytelling. One that truly reminded us that blood is indeed thicker than water, and the importance of recognizing that. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three finale of ‘Mythic Quest’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course of the past three seasons, the Apple TV+ series, Mythic Quest, has made it absolutely clear to its fans what they can expect from this show. In that, they are going to laugh and laugh hard thanks to the wild things that happen within the offices of this popular game. Plus, they are going to be treated to bold moments that have consequences and feature growth and above all… the season finales of this show, are going to be epic and game changing in nature. For this is where the boldest of moments are going to occur and for proof… then look no further than the show’s stunning season three finale. For ‘Buffalo Chicken Pizza’ is a story that featured nothing but epic moments through and through, the kind that will change lives heading into season four. Such as the fact that once again, Mythic Quest HQ said goodbye to more employees, as did GrimPop. All by unique choice no less. For Brad came to realize, that his rushed quest to redeem himself didn’t give him the challenge or fulfillment that he was hoping it would, and he needed to leave the studio to find that. Not to mention, the declining player problem that was now facing the staff, one that cancelled the movie, prompted Jo to request to be ‘fired’ to help David focus the team and push them toward creativity, and downstairs… Dana had enough when it came to working with other people. So, with Rachel’s commission check in the house, she opted to walk away from GrimPop and team up with Jo and Brad… to start her own studio. Which is just, huge growth for this trio, and this is another big decision that will have all kinds of impact upon the future landscape of this incredible series. But while that was incredible to watch and hilarious, since Jo’s dramatic end to her time at MQ was the stuff of legend, there were more bold moments to be found in this tale. Because while Studio/Dana was coming to life, Ian and Poppy were at a crossroads. Because GrimPop was in a bad place. Because every single venture capital company turned Playpen down without giving it a second thought. Which put Poppy in a dark and broken place and left Ian beside himself. Because he simply didn’t know what to do here, for failure wasn’t a common thing for either of them and with their relationship currently on the rocks… Ian just seemed lost and almost panicked over what was to come next and that’s when this show went into its boldest territory to date. For Ian not only offered his longtime friend the pizza she always wanted, but honest and humble words about what she and their relationship meant to him, flaws, and all. Something we’ve never seen Ian really do, and it made for a powerful and moving moment. One that spoke to our flaws as people and how they can be wonderful and how perfection doesn’t exist in relationships… just work, and a celebration of the bond the best one’s share. Which led to peace at last between the two of them, a humbling moment regarding that pizza and one hell of an idea. Wherein GrimPop would be dissolved, and Ian and Poppy would return to Mythic Quest, as a team, with the coolest expansion idea ever to present to David. Where in essence, players could create their own adventure in a modified version of Playpen, a concept that David loved through and through. Which means that the dynamic duo that brought this game to life will come home to roost in season four and work to strengthen their understood dynamic, with Dana undoubtedly nipping at their heels with some competition. For she is quite brilliant and has an aggressive team around her and well, that’s about as bold as it gets. Because none of us expected Dana to go for broke in this manner, nor did we ever think that Jo would leave the office or that Brad would want back into the business in this manner. But above all, to see Ian grow like this, and see him really offer Poppy everything she’s needed from him as a friend, was powerful stuff, as was the decision to have them return to the place that brought their careers into the limelight, and well… all this wonderful episode does, is leave us anxiously awaiting the premiere date for season four of this incredible and moving show. One that is only getting better with age, and one that will undoubtedly wow us come next year. Until then. |
Archives
November 2024
|