Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There was a time in our history where… people could basically get away with anything from a psychological abuse standpoint. Simply because… there was little understanding of how certain words and certain types of abuse impacted the human psyche. We just saw yelling and screaming from everyday people in our lives, and our parents, as part of growing up, and part of life, really. As though we simply had to deal with this kind of madness and would hope to high heaven we didn’t end up ‘crazy’ like those folks. But thankfully, advances in psychology and science have finally helped us to understand, these are learned behaviors, cyclitic in nature as well, and there are now names for these types of issues and ways to put an end to them. 
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For instance, Gaslighting is a name that has been applied to when people do their best to use emotional and verbal manipulation to bring us to their side or absolve themselves of their negative actions. An act we’ve experienced more times than we’d like, but now that there is a name to it, and an understanding as to how we combat it… we can now confront it and begin to stop it and the steps one might need to take to do so, were put on display in the next episode of Lopez vs Lopez. For ‘Lopez vs Gaslighting’ is a story that saw Rosie become quite concerned about Mayan’s work schedule. Because Chance had started to play little league baseball, and Mayan was missing those precious moments and well, since it seemed as though there would be no change to the schedule, Rosie took matters into her own hands. 

So, she swung by Mayan’s office, to have Churro looked at under the guise of illness. All so she could make Mayan’s boss aware of the fact, that she was writing a terrible schedule and needed to let her best employee enjoy time with her family. A move that shocked Mayan through and through, simply because it was embarrassing and made her look like a fool and unprofessional in nature. And when confronted about her behavior, well… Rosie immediately went into Gaslighting mode. Using every trick in the Gaslighting book to come out smelling like a rose and make her daughter look even more foolish, and while Mayan put up with that as she had in the past, the revelation that Chance was undergoing this process as well… prompted her to fight it. 

Which brought forth the lesson in question. Because this needed to end, and better communication needed to be had in this family. So, Mayan took the time to expose the Gaslighting that her mother took part in, with receipts. Not to be cruel, but to call Rosie to the carpet and help her understand the impact of her Gaslighting and the unhealthy nature of it. And while that didn’t end as perfectly as Mayan would have liked, because George stepped in and took more of the blame since this kind of truth was something that Rosie struggled with, the point was clear. In that, we have to call this stuff to the carpet when it happens. So that those who do it, are aware of this long standing learned behavior and that it needs to stop. So that we can have honest and pure communication with people that matter, and this show deserves a round of applause for addressing this.

Because it is a topic, we aren’t discussing all that often right now. But we need to, because this is something that needs to be addressed because it is commonplace in the world, and it needs to stop. Because it creates undue suffering and undue pain, and it is wonderful to see a show as progressive as this, bring this to the forefront while still maintaining balance with its cultural commentary as well. Since a great deal of Rosie’s actions also speak to Latino and Latinx culture from a family standpoint. For Latino mothers have no qualms stepping in and speaking their mind regarding the worth and wonder of their child, regardless of whether or not it will embarrass their baby. In the end however, this was just another wonderful episode from a wonderful series, and it will be interesting to see what lessons await us when Lopez vs Lopez returns from its winter break, later tonight. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Kold x Windy’. 
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There are few things in this world that we cherish more than people chasing their dreams and it makes sense as to why. Because making the commitment to do what is necessary to do what one loves, is a bold and brave decision. One that separates folks from the pack and makes them a living embodiment of the American Dream. Since working hard and enjoying the endless fruits of our labor, is the point of that dream and of course, we see the wonder of it time and time again when we watch celebrities discuss how they went from nothing to something through hard work and dedication. So, it makes sense that when someone chases that dream, they are admired and encouraged and viewed in a vastly different light. 
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But what is fascinating about the pursuit of a big dream, is how many never achieve it. For reasons that quite frankly… we don’t discuss. As though not grabbing hold of it or pivoting along the way, denotes failure. One so great that discussing it would somehow sully the concept in general. But we should in fact, talk about such matters. Because the cold hard truth about chasing a dream is that it isn’t easy in the slightest and all too often, we romanticize the pursuit and only applaud those who reach it, when in fact… there are folks who need help finding their way for reasons that can bring about failure. If anything, that more complex and ‘darker’ side to the pursuit of our dreams is top of mind today, simply because that is what the new WEtv series, Kold x Windy, focuses upon.  

A feat that the series premiere accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of Chicagoans named Malika Wise and Renee Johnson. Who are supremely talented singers and rappers that take part in Drill music and make up the musical duo, Kold x Windy. And they of course… have big dreams ahead of them. The kind that would see them take Drill music to the mainstream and that in turn would allow for them to enjoy all the spoils of being big time singers that rule the world with their talents, and in ‘It’s Called a Stain’, they appear to be on their way. For they are loved by fans everywhere in the city and everyone is talking about their latest track and its meaning and its power. Making this appear to be a story that is going to follow the standard formula and see these characters grow before our eyes in a magnificent and inspiring manner.

But instead, we come to learn a lot about Kold and Windy, and why they haven’t jumped to the top of the game faster or signed a major deal, thus completing the quest for the dream. For this duo operate often in the gray area of life, since they hustle on the streets in a sometimes shady and/or illegal manner to make ends meet and appear to what to keep those actions as secretive as can be. Not to mention, they are deeply tied to their community and some of the drama that comes with that… is impossible to let go of. At least, in their eyes. Which means that as season one of this fascinating and raw series continues along, Kold and Windy are going to have to make a powerful choice. Specifically, how badly do they want their dream and are they willing to truly sacrifice the life they currently lead to have it?  

Which is… the perfect way to explore the pratfalls and speed bumps that exist in chasing one’s dream. Because it isn’t just enough to want it, one has to work for it and make changes to their lives and stick to that to reach the top and watching these two dynamic women hopefully learn that and hopefully embrace that, will make for a powerful season of storytelling. The kind that will help others who feel stuck in chasing their dreams, realize what they need to do to grab hold of what matters most to them. Courtesy of a story that feels real and engages us beyond its core concept. Because Kold and Windy are dynamic characters that we are immediately invested in and want to see succeed. Which is a testament to the writing and Sh’Kia Augustin (Kold) and Nijah Brenea’s (Windy) incredible performances, and truly, this premiere sets the stage for a powerful journey. One that will teach us so much about life in Chicago and what it really looks like to chase our dreams with emotional baggage in hand. Until next time. 

To learn more about the characters, Kold and Windy, check out our interview with the actors that play them; Sh’Kia Augustin and Nijah Brenea.

Our journey through season one of the STARZ series, BMF, has been downright incredible to say the least. Simply because… not only has the first season of this show been a masterclass in how to tell an origin story, but it has also been a masterclass in how to tell a story, period. For there’s been quality character growth every single step of the way, and critical plot threads that help with that growth or set the stage for bigger moments. And of course, the characters in and of themselves are as rich and dynamic as they come, and Terry and Meech’s quest to rule Detroit’s drug underworld has captivated us through and through. But alas, all amazing journeys must come to their end, and endings are top of mind today for one reason and one reason alone.
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For we have in fact, reached the season one finale of the show, and wow… the producers and writers, definitely saved the best for last. For ‘The King of Detroit’ is a story that masterfully brought multiple storylines to their respective conclusions, all while growing the characters and setting the stage for season two and well… perhaps the best place to start in discussing what made this tale so great… is to examine those closure points. Since this is a story that saw the police, utterly fail in trying to bring down the Flenory operation. Because despite arresting everyone to try and sweat them, they had nothing to keep anyone behind bars, freeing the team at last and leaving the police besides themselves, and unable to act. Which meant operations could resume and a critical important plot point could be handled.

Specifically, Lamar. Because he was still on the streets and still working to cause trouble and bring Terry and Meech down and that prompted Meech to try something bold and confirm his suspicions about Kota. Because that had been gnawing at him for some time and once B-Mickie spilled the beans… Meech saw a grand opportunity to go for broke and lure Lamar into a trap. Which worked like a charm since he and B-Mickie isolated the two of them and were able to handle business the gangster way. Bringing an end to Kota and to Lamar’s reign of terror and once again, freeing the business to finally grow as Terry and Meech saw fit. And that peace gave rise at last to a new direction for the franchise. Wherein anyone that worked for Tee and Meech would be part of the Black Mafia Family, or BMF for short, and that made it seem as though, a happy ending was on the horizon.

The kind that would see BMF quickly rise to the top and dominate the landscape as the last great American crime family. But that… would betray the detailed work that goes into this series and its quest to show us every formative moment and every roadblock the Flenory brothers overcame to achieve the sweet life. Which is why this story also saw Terry decide to leave the business behind to take care of his little one and try his business savvy in a new field, a car service that his father helped him put together with that settlement check. Leaving Meech in a shocked and uncertain place, and of course… the police aren’t done with BMF just yet. As evidenced by the fact that Detective Bryant brought B-Mickie in with proper evidence at hand to try and get him to work for the police in bringing Meech down. Setting the stage for a powerhouse season two.  

One where Terry will have to truly decide if everyday life is for him and where Meech will have to figure out how to handle the business alone, and with but a few allies around him. In the end however, this was the perfect end to a perfect season. Since this finale truly did a wonderful job of closing one chapter in the life and times of the Flenory brothers, to give way to a new one. Not to mention, this tale was filled with more quality tension and memorable moments and well, it truly does not get any better than that for a finale. But the best news of all, is that rather than wait ages on end to enjoy more of this series and geek out about it with our friends, we only have to wait a few more hours before fresh stories from this series head our way. For tomorrow will see the season two premiere of BMF drop on STARZ and we cannot wait to dig into this brilliant series further and learn more about how these troublesome times gave rise to one of the most powerful criminal empires in American history. Until next season. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It has often been said that time heals all wounds, and it makes sense as to why that is such a popular saying. After all, as the days and years roll along, big, and painful moments in our lives… don’t have the same power that they did in the days following the trauma in question. Making it truly seem as though… there will come a day when the hurt no longer matters, and we can move with our lives with a lesson learned from that ugly day or days. But the fact of the matter is, that is a saying that is only half right. Because time… and self-work, and self-care are the true elements that go into healing our souls so we can find peace and a lesson inherent and that is sadly… a lesson we learn through quite the difficult surprise.  
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For now, and again, we will run into a scenario that reminds us of that fateful moment that broke us emotionally, and we are instantly triggered and plunged back into it and the only way out… is by confronting our pain in an honest manner and working to resolve it. If anything, that truth and that process is top of mind today, simply because Mayan experienced it during the next episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC. For when we caught up with the family in ‘Lopez vs Birthdays’, a very special occasion was upon the homestead. In that… Chance’s birthday had arrived and oddly, George had some concerns about the plans that Mayan and Quenten were making to celebrate the big day. Because they were taking him to see all kinds of bugs for his special day and George thought, maybe something different could be done instead.

Such as hosting a birthday party at the house and inviting everyone for a grand celebration of Chance. One complete with big time sweets and decorations, and classic birthday games and even a giant bouncy castle because… why not? And of course, a Piñata. Because you simply have to have one of those at a kid’s birthday party. All of which Mayan went along with, after Chance said that was in fact, what he wanted. Because she and Quenten weren’t footing the bill, so why not let Abuelita and Abuelito take the reins and just give Chance one epic party? But as the big day rolled along, Mayan started to feel a little off about the whole thing. In fact, she got downright testy and even stepped in during key moments to really assert her standing as mother.  

To the point where this kind of behavior became aggressive, and that even led to the destruction of the bouncy house. Simply because… Mayan was indeed triggered through and through. Because… this was what she wanted growing up. She never had these kinds of parties, and never saw this kind of enthusiasm from her dad for her big day. So, it made her jealous and it brought up all the hurt and emotion that lay dormant because she let time heal that wound instead of working to actively close it. And letting that get the better of her, motivated Mayan… to finally be honest with her dad about her feelings and help him understand the pain he caused her, and only then… did she find some peace with this, and some joy and pride in her old man. Because George was trying to make things right in his own way and that did mean that he was growing as well.  

However, while that makes it sound as though this was a ‘very special episode’, one devoid of humor… make no mistake about it, the comedy was still there. In fact, the jokes came rapid fire in this one since the competition between George and Mayan to be the ‘Alpha Parent’ at this party led to some hardcore hilarity, especially when it forced Chance to pin the tail on the Tía and speaking of aunts, the whole subplot involving them and Quenten was amazing. Because there was just something magical about watching him transform into a chisma machine at this party and well, all of these elements blended together to make, one incredible episode. One that once again offered balance in its explorations and fine advice on real world problems, and it will be fascinating to see what other lessons await us in the next episode as we continue our journey through year one of this magnificent series. Until next time. 

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the crime drama/mystery is enjoying quite the renaissance right now. For they truly are all the rage and are popping up left and right on television and on the silver screen. And one particular person that is helping this genre enjoy its current success, is Rian Johnson. For his keen skill set as a writer and director and creation of the Benoit Blanc mysteries, has everyone abuzz about this genre and it just so happens that Rian is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to keeping this genre in the limelight.
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For his next mystery project will feature his television debut, on Peacock no less, and Poker Face is shaping up to be a supremely unique and refreshing series. One that Rian has helped shepherd forth as a writer/director and executive producer, alongside series star/EP, Natasha Lyonne. All of which has created quite the buzz for this series, and to further build excitement for this mystery-of-the-week series, earlier today Peacock sent some magnificent gifts our way. By releasing the official trailer and some key art for this highly anticipated and dynamic new show and without further ado, here is that trailer and some details on the series (courtesy of Peacock) to help you count down the days to January 26, 2023, when Poker Face, hits the airwaves. 

‘A Note from Rian Johnson and Natasha Lyonne 
Never underestimate the power of a good dinner conversation between friends. What started as a discussion over steak frites about detective shows and what made them such a reliable pleasure—the exploration of little worlds within each new setting, the guest stars playing killers and victims, and most importantly, a scrappy protagonist you were always ready to kick back with and see win—ultimately resulted in the creation of Charlie, the driving force behind POKER FACE. 

We invite you to follow Charlie on a cross-country road trip as she meets a rogue’s gallery of characters and avenges a new injustice each episode, armed with little more than her uncanny ability to detect lies and a genuine appreciation for her fellow humans (and the occasional dog). 

Now please leave the overthinking to Rian, who has masterfully crafted ten self-contained puzzles for Charlie to solve. Just jump in the back of her ‘69 Plymouth Barracuda and enjoy the ride. 
Thanks, 
Rian and Natasha 
 
SERIES DESCRIPTION:
Poker Face is a 10-episode mystery-of-the-week series following Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie, who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. She hits the road with her Plymouth Barracuda and with every stop encounters a new cast of characters and strange crimes she can’t help but solve. 

ABOUT THE SERIES:

• Launch Date: January 26, 2023 (four episodes at launch, new episodes streaming Thursdays) 
• Creator / Writer / Director / Executive Producer: Rian Johnson   
• Executive Producers: Ram Bergman, Natasha Lyonne, Nena Rodrigue and Iain B. Macdonald 
• Showrunners / Executive Producers: Nora Zuckerman and Lilla Zuckerman 
• Co-Executive Producers: Maya Rudolph and Danielle Renfrew Behrens   
• Produced by: T-Street and MRC Television   
• Starring: Natasha Lyonne as “Charlie Cale”  
• Guest Stars: Adrien Brody, Angel Desai, Audrey Corsa, Benjamin Bratt, Brandon Michael Hall, Charles Melton, Chelsea Frei, Cherry Jones, Chloë Sevigny, Clea DuVall, Colton Ryan, Danielle MacDonald, Dascha Polanco, Ellen Barkin, Hong Chau, Jasmine Aiyana Garvin, Jameela Jamil, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Judith Light, Leslie Silva, Lil Rel Howery, Luis Guzmán, Megan Suri, Niall Cunningham, Nicholas Cirillo, Nick Nolte, Reed Birney, Rhea Perlman, Ron Perlman, Rowan Blanchard, S. Epatha Merkerson, Shane Paul McGhie, Simon Helberg, Stephanie Hsu, Tim Blake Nelson and Tim Meadows   
• Format: Mystery drama series, 10 episodes x 60 minutes’

​Please enjoy this sneak peek from Episode Nine of Echo 3, which debuts on Apple TV+, tomorrow, 1/6/2023. 

It is definitely safe to say, that a large buzz surrounds the upcoming SYFY series, The Ark, and understandably so. After all, this is a series that sci-fi legend Dean Devlin is attached to, and that alone informs us that it’s going to be a quality show, one filled with ambitious concepts and commentary. A statement that is backed up by the unique and enthralling plot of this series. Not to mention, the teaser trailer that SYFY released late last year, implied we were going to be treated to some stunning visuals, all of which just gets a sci-fi fan excited to see what this show has to offer, and well… it just so happens that SYFY felt the time was right to amplify the buzz surrounding this show further.

Because earlier today SYFY released the official trailer, the release date, and some new key art for this exciting new series and of course… we are happy to share all of those goodies with all of you dear readers, who have been eagerly awaiting more information regarding this show. So, without further ado, here are those goodies and a quick refresher on the details of The Ark, courtesy of SYFY. 

• “The Ark” premieres on Wednesday, February 1 at 10pm on SYFY. Streaming the next day on Peacock.

 

• Created by Dean Devlin, “The Ark” takes place 100 years in the future when planetary colonization missions have begun as a necessity to help secure the survival of the human race. The first of these missions on a spacecraft known as Ark One encounters a catastrophic event causing massive destruction and loss of life. With more than a year left to go before reaching their target planet, a lack of life-sustaining supplies and loss of leadership, the remaining crew must become the best versions of themselves to stay on course and survive.

 

• The series stars Christie Burke, Richard Fleeshman, Reece Ritchie, Stacey Read and Ryan Adams.

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• Dean Devlin (“Independence Day,” “Stargate”) and Jonathan Glassner (“Stargate SG-1”) are co-showrunners and executive producers alongside Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan-Wilson of Electric Entertainment. Jonathan English of Balkanic Media and Steve Lee serve as producers.

It is definitely safe to say, that Apple TV+ plus dominated the landscape in 2022 when it comes to family themed entertainment. For one quality family show after another found their way to the network last year, complete with a stunning holiday lineup that warmed our hearts and started wonderful discussions with family members that took incredible meaning away from such intelligent and magnificent shows. And as it turns out, Apple TV+ isn’t planning on slowing down when it comes to releasing quality family entertainment in 2023.
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For earlier today, the network let the world know that it has locked down a release date for its upcoming, stop motion, family themed series, Shape Island. A unique series that boasts an incredible roster of stars voicing creative characters that will captivate and ignite imaginations everywhere. And the best news of all, is that families won’t have to wait that long to settle in and watch this show, since it debuts on January 20, 2023, and as an added bonus to accompany this news… we also have some details on this fascinating series, to help parents understand just how worthwhile this show is going to be, courtesy of Apple TV+. Alongside some news regarding the release date for the upcoming season of Helpsters. 

‘Apple TV+ today announced the all-new stop motion series for kids and families, “Shape Island,” featuring the beloved familiar voices of Yvette Nicole Brown (“Disenchanted”), Harvey Guillen (“What We Do in the Shadows”), Scott Adsit (“30 Rock”) and Gideon Adlon (“Blockers”). Based on the internationally best-selling trilogy of Shapes picture books by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, “Shape Island” premieres 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 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.
 
Also this month, “Helpsters” season three returns with all-new episodes Friday, January 6, featuring an impressive lineup of guest stars including Emmy Award winner Andrea Martin (“Evil”), Emmy Award winner John Oliver (“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”), Emmy Award nominee Tami Sagher (“Search Party”), Nathan Lee Graham (“Zoolander”), Mario Cantone (“And Just Like That”), Grammy Award nominee Rebecca Naomi Jones (“Genius”), Johnathan Fernandez (“Gossip Girl”), Eugene Cordero (“Loki”), Maulik Pancholy (“Only Murders in the Building”), Sunita Mani (“Spirited”), Emmy Award nominee Ikechukwu Ufomadu (“ZIWE”), Emmy Award and Grammy Award nominee Margaret Cho (“Fire Island”), Grammy Award nominee Alex Newell (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”), Rebecca Henderson (“Russian Doll”), Grammy Award and Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes (“Ain’t Too Proud”), Emmy Award nominee Jackie Hoffman (“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”), Danny Pudi (“Mythic Quest”), Shannon Devido (“Difficult People”) and more, as well as musical guests Grammy Award nominee Blood Orange, Blanco Brown, Jensen McRae and Grammy Award nominee Syd.
 
The acclaimed series follows Cody and the Helpsters, a team of vibrant monsters who love to solve problems. Whether it’s planning a party, climbing a mountain, or mastering a magic trick, the Helpsters can figure anything out—because everything starts with a plan.
 
The recipient of a Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Award and Common Sense Media Award, “Helpsters” has been recognized as "immersive, educational and entertaining.” The series teaches young viewers important lessons in pre-coding skills and inspires self-confidence, collaboration, effective communication and much more. Emmy Award winner and Parents’ Choice Gold Medal winner Tim McKeon (“Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Destination Imagination,” “Odd Squad”) is the creator and showrunner of “Helpsters.” McKeon, Benjamin Lehmann, Adam Peltzman, Eileen Braun and Sesame Workshop’s executive vice president of Creative and Production Kay Wilson Stallings are executive producers.
 
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 BAFTA Award-winning “El Deafo,” “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Pinecone & Pony,” Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” and “Harriet the Spy” from The Jim Henson Company, Peabody and Emmy 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,” Daytime Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” from Sesame Workshop, and “Puppy Place.” 
 
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,” Emmy Award-winning “Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” 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 280 wins and 1,184 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/tvprand see the full list of supported devices.’

One thing that fans of animation themed entertainment can agree upon, is that Hulu is doing a phenomenal job of bringing fresh and original animated content to their network, and they are showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to this kind of content. For we are mere days away from the premiere of the animated superhero series, Koala Man. A tale that features a unique hero for certain and in anticipation of its arrival, Hulu gifted the world with quite the treat.
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In that, the network recently released the official trailer for the series, and some key art. All so that we the fans are ready to experience the latest and greatest animated offering from Hulu, one that will make its debut on Monday, January 9, 2023, on the streamer, and of course… we just so happen to have all of those goodies, and an updated synopsis, to share with all of you (courtesy of Hulu) to build more anticipation for will be a magnificent new series. 

‘SYNOPSIS: "Koala Man" follows middle-aged dad Kevin and his titular not-so-secret identity, whose only superpower is a burning passion for following rules and snuffing out petty crime in the town of Dapto. Though it may seem like any other Australian suburb, forces of evil both cosmic and man-made lie in wait to pounce on unsuspecting Daptonians. On a quest to clean up his hometown, and often roping his frustrated family into his adventures, Koala Man stands at the ready. He’ll do whatever it takes to defeat villainous masterminds, supernatural horrors, or worse: jerks who don’t take their rubbish bins down on the proper days.
 
CAST: Michael Cusack, Sarah Snook, Demi Lardner, Hugh Jackman, Jemaine Clement, Alexandra Daddario, Rachel House, Angus Sampson, Hugo Weaving, Michelle Brasier, Mark Coles Smith, Liam McIntyre, Claudia O’Doherty, Jordan Shanks, Natalie Tran and Jarrad Wright
 
CREDITS: “Koala Man” comes from Aussie creator/animator Michael Cusack (“YOLO: Crystal Fantasy,” “Smiling Friends”) – who also voices the titular hero - and executive produced by “Solar Opposites” and “Rick and Morty” co-creator Justin Roiland and "Pokemon: Detective Pikachu" writers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit. Michael Cowap also serves as executive producer. “Koala Man” is produced by 20th Television Animation for Hulu.’

We like to believe that the dark moments in our lives, the kind that see plans begin to unravel or where excessive trouble comes our way, are the result of pure bad luck. Where we either made one wrong decision or stumbled into the wrong moment and that… allowed for our universe to just come crashing down around us. Which is a line of thinking that has some merit, since we’ve seen people in the wrong place at the wrong time suffer greatly in life. But the fact of the matter is, those perfect disaster incidents are rare and that line of thinking overall is woefully incorrect. For the dark times in our lives are a result of the choices we make and our inability to address problems we know needed addressing, and well, that particular truth is top of mind today, simply because it presented itself to Terry and Meech in the next episode of BMF on STARZ. 
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For when we caught up with the Flenory family in ‘All in the Family’, they were in a tough place. For Nicole was terrified over what happened, and the police were eager to swoop in to try and bring someone to justice over the illegal happenings taking place on the street. And while Nicole didn’t rat her brothers and their operation out, the fallout from this made life hell for Tee and Meech. Simply because Charles was outright ready to leave as quickly as possible and take Lucille and Nicole with them, and the business was suffering as well. Because now, the cops were flooding the streets and making life difficult for the team to move their weight, with a deadline to pay Big L looming, and that prompted some extreme measures from both Terry and Meech.

Such as having 12th Street, go after their former leader so they too could get back to work. Which didn’t end exactly as Meech wanted, since Lamar survived the attempt on his life, but it did subdue him and give the family breathing room. Since Lamar was badly injured and showed his true colors to Monique and Zoe in the process when he broke into the old homestead to try and patch up his wounds. And as for Terry, well he tried to buy some time with Big L to no avail, and that put some serious stress upon this duo and this family, because there really seemed to be no silver lining on the horizon. In fact, things were so dire, Lawanda asked Terry to leave the game, something that took him by surprise, and all of this stemmed from the fact… that the Lamar situation was never resolved and the fire it created was stoked and fed. Which hammered home the lesson at hand and what’s incredible, is that things only got worse from there.

Because Detective Lopez saw an opportunity at one point, to go after the crew to get answers and that led to a tussle with Meech and his subsequent end when Kota stepped in to help her boss/mark escape the clutches of the law. Putting even more heat on the crew since now they were seen as cop killers and the Lamar situation did not fade quietly into the night. For he took the time to expose himself at last by stopping by B-Mickie’s to demand that Kota help him in a final battle to bring the Flenory brothers down, putting B-Mickie in a tough place since Kota asked for his help in a double-cross designed to take down Lamar. A move that will test his loyalty like never before. Plus, Detective Bryant made it clear that unless Meech gives up Lopez’s killer, the crew would go down and go down hard, setting the stage for a messy season finale.

For there is no clean resolution on the horizon for the problems that Meech and Terry have created for themselves. Which means they will have to get their hands dirty for certain if they want peace and time to figure out a way forward. But while we wait to see what comes next for this bruised family, we can celebrate one quality penultimate episode. Because this set up the season finale perfectly, and it was filled with big moments and critical decisions and even some huge stars. Since Eminem pops up via a quick cameo as White Boy Rick, and it’s just wild to have Eminem and Snoop Dogg in the same episode of this incredible series. But all awe aside, this is another story that leaves us hungry for more of this incredible series, so we can see how all of these complex plot threads are going to come together at last. Until next time.