Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis from Episode Three of Monsieur Spade, which debuts on AMC later tonight!

Episode 3 – Premieres Sunday, January 28 at 9pm ET/PT on AMC; available to stream AMC+ & Acorn TV
Spade searches for answers regarding the mysterious young boy that everyone seems to be looking for. Samir takes him into hiding, but no one knows what to make of his incessant writing. Spade gets a call from the elusive Philippe. ​

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Each and every one of us, go through some powerful formative moments in this life. The kind that teach us everything we need to know about the world, our place in it and those in turn, help us understand who we want to be. Which brings forth great joy for a lot of people in this world, for there comes a day when they look back upon their journey and realize precisely when those moments transformed them into the person they are, one that is happy and joyous and enjoying every minute of every day. But this is also a tragic truth as well. Since some people… can only see the darkness that broke them and moved them deeper into anger, and onto an unfortunate path when they reflect upon their life.

Which is indeed a sorrowful reality that we don’t ponder upon often but should. To better understand how perhaps we can keep people away from it, if that’s possible, and that is in many ways why Power Book III: Raising Kanan on STARZ, is an important show. Since it is in essence, giving us that dark journey. One that is slowly providing us with an understanding as to how everyday people become, the villain of the story if you will. Since Kanan Stark is indeed a dark figure in this universe, one that didn’t just wake up one day and decide to deal drugs and take part in the ugly acts he did in Power, and well… this journey is top of mind today, simply because the next episode in this fascinating series made it clear that we are close to a supremely formative moment for Kanan and others. One that will put so many down a dark path. 

For instance, ‘Recknonings’ made it clear that Jukebox’s chip on her shoulder likely stems from this point in her life. Since her cousin opted to choose the allure of a pretty face that would take him to bed over family, and he chose the life over her as well. Not to mention, she had to endure extreme disbelief in her abilities as a singer and a dancer. Since Krystal was trying to sabotage Jukebox’s standing as the new band leader, and her safety in the band, and that… spells darkness on the horizon. For while Jukebox was okay with Krystal’s pushback, fury can only be held back for so long before it erupts and brings about real trouble. And speaking of real trouble brewing… Lou decided the time had come to just disappear and go on a bender. Giving rise to the reality that real sorrow is on the horizon for him, the kind that can wound a family deeply and create divides.

Truly though, a divided family does seem to be the source of all of Kanan’s problems. And while his mother happened to be making attempts to keep Kanan safe… that may no longer matter. Mainly because Raq spent a great deal of this story, working to set up her new network with frustrating results. Since the transport manager had little interest in playing ball. At least, not until Marvin got involved and forced his hand into giving Raq and the business what she needed. All of which should have been a celebratory and promising moment, save for the fact… that Raq’s new bosses had concerns about a surprise on the market. Specifically, the fact that competition was moving in, and Raq was pressed to find the source and shut it down so business could move along as usual.
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Which led to shock really, simply because Raquel quickly came to learn that the source of her problems, happened to be her own son, with an assist from Ronnie and Snaps as well. Which in turn prompted Raq to go all out and be a mother and a monster at once to gain control of the business and get her son under her thumb. A move that proved to cause a great deal of trouble along the way. Because her ultimatum to Snaps angered him deeply and prompted him to think deeply upon retaliation and of course… since Raq was able to learn about Juliana and Ronnie’s little tryst, she saw the opportunity to strike hard and strike fast. Giving rise to the reality that Ronnie will want retaliation, and all of this could not have come at a worse time. Because the Feds were making use of Marvin’s new friend Gerald for information, and well… clearly, big formative moments are on the horizon for Kanan Stark.

Because now, he’s about to be in the midst of a blood feud with his new employers and his mother, which will force him to make hard choices and of course, having dear old mom step in like this and cause so much trouble for him and embarrass him really, can create that divide. Not to mention the bloodshed that seems to be lurking on the horizon, and an ugly fate for a family member, may bring forth a perfect storm for Kanan Stark. The kind that removes any hope for a better life for him and embroils him in the darkness that will consume him and put him on a terrible path. All of which makes this, a brilliant episode through and through. One that really did inform us, that a very low-key season is about to ramp up, and that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode and the season three finale, quite difficult. Since we are now dying to know if this is it… if this is the season… when Kanan Stark gives into the darkness. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Premiere of ‘Hightown’. To revisit the Season Two Finale, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that humanity has a complicated relationship with the notion of change. After all, there are some people out there… who outright fear it. Despite the fact that change truly is a constant. But that doesn’t stop them from doing everything within their power to avoid it and keep it out of their lives. While others, simply don’t understand it. They have no idea that when it arrives in our lives that it is designed to send us a message, the kind that informs us we need to take this opportunity to alter and better ourselves or move in a different direction, and that applies to the other mental scenario we made mention of as well. All of which brings forth the problems we face and the cycles we find ourselves a part of.

But eventually, the majority of us come to understand the importance of change and changing ourselves when it comes our way, and we break the cycle, and well… this particular conundrum in our lives is top of mind today, simply because it was present in the season three premiere of Hightown on STARZ. For ‘Good Times’ saw a lot of change come into the lives of the folks on the Cape, that kind that did indeed hint that perhaps they should start thinking about embracing it and altering their course. But at this point in time… no one was listening to the winds of the universe. As evidenced by the fact that Osito was basically enjoying business as usual. For he found a new crew to roll with, was making that bread and didn’t think twice about the fact that he was granted a second chance and could have made a different path for himself.

The same went for Renee Segna, who also saw a lot of change come into her life. For she was away from the club. She basically got away with murder, and she was now a mother once again. Giving rise to a new start for her as well, one where she could enjoy a better tomorrow. But much like Osito, the pull of the life she thought she left behind was strong. For it gave her a strength and a freedom she certainly did not have in the present. Which in turn, prompted her to get out of the house and back into the club. Into some semblance of the life, she used to know, rather than play it straight. All because change was something she did not totally want to bear at this point in her life, and well, for the time being… there was peace in her mind. Even though deep down she knew, this was what she needed to leave behind.

As for Jackie, well, despite having a slip up and still being able to hold onto a job that mattered plenty to her, giving her a second chance at finding the right path… she was instead trying to find a way to manage both her work life and her drug life. Which gave her a thrill and gave her a belief she could slowly control her addictions. All by taking the time to pay someone else on the force to handle her drug tests while she was going out and partying through and through. And of course, it didn’t help that Jackie was involved in a massive bust on Osito’s dealer while high to reinforce in her mind… that she could handle dual lives. When in reality, drug testing on the job was the universe’s way of telling her to buckle down and fix her problems. Not to mention, we’d be foolish to not point out that while Ray Abruzzo seemed to have embraced change for most of this tale, did we see another flicker of temptation regarding his libido regarding the new undercover officer that stepped into his office to receive her assignment?
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Well, for now, everyone on these paths of resistant consistency, are in the clear with any trouble regarding it. How long it will stay that way is anyone’s guess. Because eventually the universe turns up the heat and makes it clear that this isn’t a magical reprieve, work is expected to be done and it would seem that heat is slowly turning up behind the scenes. After all, Frankie isn’t taking his return to jail lightly at all. In fact, he is going all out to put together some kind wild plan. Not to mention Alan, perhaps the only character in this series that does the right things when change comes calling, has some interesting leads in hand that could bring about trouble for some and of course… Jackie has stumbled upon some disturbing clues that dark things may have occurred during her blackout sessions, the kind that may come back to haunt her, depending upon what she uncovers.

All of which… is the perfect way to set the stage for a powerhouse final season. One where consequences for sour actions and ignorance will come into play. For this is a show that doesn’t shy away from causality. The only question that remains regarding that reality, is how badly the people we’ve come to know over the past three years will suffer for their transgressions and their desire to stay on a sour yet narrow path. Because in a final season, anything goes, and wild things can take place and that outright compels us to see this journey through. To learn who will embrace change at last and find a better way and see what becomes of those who will do everything within their power to stay the course, consequences be damned. Until next time.

Check out our interviews with Series Showrunner and Star Rebecca Cutter and Monica Raymund, and Cast Members, Atikns Estimond and Dohn Norwood and James Badge Dale and Riley Voelkel, to learn about what ‘Hightown’ and its three-year journey has meant to all of them.  

One thing that fans of good television can all agree upon, is that the news that STARZ was adapting May Cobb’s The Hunting Wives drummed up some serious excitement. In part because, what a great story, but also because… of who is assembling the story for the small screen. Since we came to learn that Rebecca Cutter, who brought to life the brilliant Hightown, will serve as showrunner and a writer and her involvement means that the story will receive proper treatment and offer up compelling moments through and through, and well, the good news keeps on coming regarding this show.
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Because recently, STARZ also took the time to announce that Malin Åkerman has been cast in the lead role of Margo Banks in the series, and well, that adds even more gravity to this series. Since Malin is as talented as they come and will provide amazing depth to this all-important character, and to properly celebrate this wondrous news, here are all the details on Malin’s casting. As we begin the long and winding countdown to the release of what will undoubtedly be an engaging and dynamic new series from STARZ.
 
‘STARZ has confirmed Malin Åkerman (Watchmen, “Billions”) in the lead role of its upcoming drama series “The Hunting Wives.” STARZ ordered eight episodes of the addictive, twisty thriller, which will begin production this Spring in Charlotte, North Carolina.
 
Åkerman will portray Margo Banks in the series based on the novel by May Cobb, which tells the story of Sophie O’Neil and her family’s move from the East Coast to deep East Texas, where she succumbs to socialite Margo’s irresistible charms – and finds her life consumed by obsession, seduction, and murder.
 
“The Hunting Wives” is executive produced by Rebecca Cutter (“Hightown”), who will write and serve as showrunner, Erwin Stoff (“The Serpent Queen,” The Matrix, Edge of Tomorrow, Julia) for 3 Arts Entertainment and Cobb. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.
 
About 3 Arts Entertainment
3 Arts Entertainment is a talent/literary management and production company, with 33 years of experience. We have offices in Beverly Hills and New York and have clients in the TV and Film Lit world, acting world, hosting world, branded areas, digital media and more. 3 Arts has produced hit films such as The Matrix, Austin Powers: Thy Spy Who Shagged Me, The Devil’s Advocate, Edge of Tomorrow and 13 Hours and more. We currently executive produce over 30 shows on the air. Some of our series include: “Julia,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Master of None,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Insecure,” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
 
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 20,000+ title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’ 

It is definitely safe to say that the STARZ series, BMF, is one of the most dynamic crime dramas out there. Thanks in large part to its subject matter, since it has aimed from day one to chronicle the rise and fall of the last great American crime family. But it is what it does beyond that, that makes it so special. Since it also takes the time to showcase the human side of Terry and Meech Flenory, making them characters we care about instead of caricatures, as kingpins are oft portrayed in this genre. Not to mention, we’ve seen them fail as much as we’ve seen them succeed. Giving rise to a supremely powerful story that is grounded in a way of life few of us will ever understand.
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All of which has prompted us to loyally tune in to better understand this life, the decisions that go into it, and why two American men from the heart of Detroit, chose this life over anything else. Which is why fans are eagerly counting down the minutes to season three of this show, so they can once again resume this fascinating journey and well, STARZ knows how ravenous the fans are right now and that is why they offered up quite the set of gifts today. For earlier, fresh details about season three were released, alongside key art and a trailer. So that we can finally have a solid taste of what the next chapter for the Flenory brothers looks like and well, without further ado, here are those gifts (courtesy of STARZ), to help you count down the days to the return of the Black Mafia Family.

‘STARZ released today a riveting trailer featuring Tupac Shakur’s “All Eyez on Me,” and key art for season three of its highly anticipated gripping crime and family drama “BMF,” premiering on Friday, March 1 at midnight on the STARZ app. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada. 

Inspired by true legends, “BMF” continues the story of brothers Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, who rose through the illegal drug trade from the depths of poverty in Detroit to the heights of fame and fortune across America. In season three, Meech moves to Atlanta to expand their empire, facing rival crews and crossing paths with burgeoning hip-hop legends, while Terry holds down the fort in Detroit, facing formidable rivals, old and new.

Viewers will be treated to history in the making, as BMF’s dominance in the streets influences both music and culture, spreading from Atlanta, GA, up and down the eastern seaboard in the early 1990s. Meech and Terry pride themselves on being able to provide for their families, communities, and friends, though their youth prevents them from fully recognizing the real costs. Meanwhile, systemic and structural racism continues to fuel their quest for freedom: Freedom from poverty--which the country's laws were designed to keep them in--and freedom from any and every rule that dares to hold them back. The dynamic brother duo faces obstacles on all fronts but will stop at nothing to achieve their piece of the American dream. The Flenory brothers and the incredible and memorable characters they meet along the way, propel this fascinating coming-of-age story, unlike any you've seen before.   

 “BMF” season three stars returning actors Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr. (“Euphoria”) as “Demetrius Flenory,” Da’Vinchi (“All American,” “Grown-ish”) as “Terry Flenory,” Russell Hornsby (Fences, The Hate U Give) as “Charles Flenory,” Michole Briana White (“Dead to Me,” She Hate Me) as “Lucille Flenory,” Steve Harris (“The Practice,” Diary of a Mad Black Woman) as “Detective Bryant,” Kelly Hu (The Scorpion King, “The Orville”) as “Detective Jin,” La La Anthony (“The Chi,” Think Like a Man) as “Markisha,” Sydney Mitchell (“First Wives Club”) as “LaWanda” and Laila D. Pruitt (Secret Headquarters) as “Nicole Flenory.”  Previously announced special guest stars include Grammy Award winners Dominique “Lil Baby” Jones (It's Only Me, 2022) making his acting debut as “Payne,” NE-YO (“Dance Monsters,” Hip-Hop Family Christmas Wedding) as “Rodney ‘Greeny’ Green,” 2 Chainz (“The Enforcer”) as “Stacks,” Grammy-nominated artist and actress Saweetie (“Bel-Air,” “Grown-ish”) as “Keeya,” and Cynthia Bailey (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”) as “Gloria.”

“BMF” is executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through his G-Unit Film and Television production company (Executive Producer of the “Power” Universe, “For Life,” and "Hip Hop Homicides"), alongside creator, executive producer, and Detroit native Randy Huggins (“Star,” “Rebel,” “Power”) with showrunner and executive producer Heather Zuhlke ("Power," "Southland.") Anthony Wilson and Anne Clements also serve as executive producers on the series. “BMF” is produced through Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television production company in association with Lionsgate Television for STARZ. 

About “BMF” Season Three
“BMF” continues the story of the inspiring true legends, brothers Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory (Demetrius Flenory, Jr.) and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory (Da’Vinchi), who founded one of the most influential crime families in the country, the Black Mafia Family. We parachute into the early '90s in season three, with Meech moving to Atlanta, hoping to grow the BMF empire in the south and rise to the top of the Atlanta drug scene. At the same time, Terry remains in the “D,” handling business there, not yet aware of all the dangers lurking around the corner. Charles Flenory (Russell Hornsby) and Lucille Flenory’s (Michole Briana White) marriage remains on the rocks, and Detective Bryant (Steve Harris), on probation from work, and Detective Jin (Kelly Hu) find themselves on opposite sides of the law, but might find common ground in their determination to take down BMF. Additionally, season three includes special guest stars recurring throughout the season, who cross paths with Meech and Terry in this next phase of their unbelievable journey. 

FOLLOW “BMF” on SOCIAL
Instagram: @BMFStarz 
Facebook: @BMFStarz
Join the conversation with #BMF and #STARZ

About STARZ 
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company. 

About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 20,000+ title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’

Please enjoy this sneak peek of the third and final season premiere of Hightown, which is available to stream on STARZ, today!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Ted’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Perhaps one of the best parts of growing up in our modern world, is being able to enjoy some supremely simple and satisfying rites of passage. After all, as a teenager, getting our driver’s license is a huge deal and definitely a signal that we are transitioning from one point of our lives to another. Not to mention, the same applies to our first school dance, our first kiss… and all of those are just wonderful ways to know we’re growing up, and that we’re taking part in experiences that so many have on their way to adulthood. But what’s funny about this, is that we only celebrate and discuss the friendly and fuzzy rites of passage in this life, when in fact, there are others that are considered a bit more taboo in nature. 

Such as say… checking out your first porno. Because like it or not, that too is a rite of passage in our teenage years, and it is something that just about every teenage boy seeks out and well, while that is a very simple process now because of the internet and all it offers, there was a time, not that long ago… where that particular rite of passage was no easy task. Because such content was hidden away from prying eyes and well… all of this is top of mind today, simply because this is the rite of passage that John Bennett opted to go through in the next episode of Ted on Peacock. Simply because… he was quite curious about their wonder and Ted only made matters worse by hyping them up through and through.

But of course, he was denied the opportunity to see it in ‘Ejectile Dysfunction’, because of the fact that he needed to be eighteen to view it. So that brought about a wild plan, one where Ted and John would get fake IDs to rent that which they so desired and thanks to the gullibility of the evening clerk at the bookstore, it happened. John was finally able to see what it was all about and just like that; the rite of passage was complete and it of course… quickly led to disaster. Because the tape got stuck in the VCR and not being able to remove it, put the duo in a panic. One where they decided to steal the exact model of that VCR from the school and swap it out so no one would ever be the wiser. But it was too late, the porno was about to be discovered.

For while John and Ted were swapping out that VCR and winning a basketball championship, because that’s how things go when John and Ted get into their shenanigans, Matty and Susan were heading back from a disastrous steak dinner. Wherein Matty not only ate from the kid’s menu to get a cheap steak but made sure to sabotage the meal with a rusty nail to get a free meal and an ungodly amount of shrimp. And upon their return, Susan decided to watch a little television, only to find that the VCR had a tape in it, one that it released its grip upon so the tape could play normally. Which provided Susan with sights untold. The kind that she thought… were want Matty wanted. Because in her mind, this had to be his tape, plain and simple. 

So, she made every attempt to seduce Matty to keep him satisfied, since she did not think she was enough if Matty had to turn to porno and that too, was disastrous in nature. Not to mention, John and Ted came to realize that Susan had possession of the tape, which meant that they needed to flee in their minds. Which meant… this whole situation had spiraled beyond anyone’s control. Or so it seemed. Because when Susan asked Blaire for advice about how to be more for Matty, Blaire came to realize… exactly who that tape belonged to. So, she took the fall, and claimed its ownership, and brought the family back together and ended this madness. Because John and Ted did stick their necks out for her. 

All of which made, for one wild episode of the show. One that didn’t quite go as deep as the show has in the past, but that’s not a bad thing by any means. Because one big reason we love the Ted franchise is because of how absolutely funny it can be, and it was most certainly that, here. Because this was a rite of passage gone terribly, terribly wrong, and that made for some hilarious television. Especially the Banana Seduction scene. Because Alanna Ubach and Scott Grimes sold the awkward of that and still found a way as actors to just make it side splitting funny, and of course… just the fact that this episode revolves around John’s quest to see a porno, is ridiculously hilarious. So, this episode simply served as a reminder of how wondrously funny this show can be, and it will be interesting to see if hard humor, lovely lessons, or both are the focus of the next chapter of delightful story. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘In the Know’.

​We’ve reached a point in this era of peak television, where we can easily ascertain what goes into making a great pilot episode. For now, there’s a bevy of shows that showcase the good and the opportunities that go into creating an impactful pilot and what we have learned is that a great pilot only requires a handful of well-executed elements to really catch an audience’s eye. In that, it needs to be impactful and offer up moments that immediately draw us in, and it also needs great characters that pop off the screen, that we are immediately curious about and of course, it needs to offer us a story that is engaging through and through.

If anything, what makes an amazing pilot is top of mind today, simply because Peacock is now home to one. For yesterday brought forth the series premiere of In the Know, a quirky comedy about Lauren Caspian. Who just so happens to be the third-most popular host on NPR, courtesy of his freewheeling interview style and well… there’s one element of what makes a great pilot. Because just like that, we are plunged into a story we’ve never seen before in ‘I’m No Hero’. Wherein we can see the inner workings of NPR and what the day to day looks like for a radio host of Lauren’s third tier caliber. But while that, and the fact that this series is animated, makes it seem as though this opening chapter to his journey is an artsy drama, it most certainly is not.

For Lauren’s NPR office is filled to the brim with quirky co-workers. Who each have their own agendas and also harbor varying levels of strangeness, ranging from downright blunt to egg eating delusions via Fabian and Sandy. Alongside some who are just there for the ride, such as Chase, and some are eager to do their job, which is where Carl and Barb stand. Which gives rise to some lovely comedy in this story, the kind that features some hard laughs and some memorable moments and that too, are the last remaining elements that truly make this a perfect pilot really. Since we do get those memorable moments left and right and the characters do indeed stand out in their own strange ways and honestly… they and the story present in this pilot/premiere are what truly suck us into this world.

Because everything about Lauren and his co-workers feels shockingly real here. As though we’ve met everyone here before, and the close quartered nature of hanging out with them in the office, really allows for us to get to know them and understand how much they believe in Lauren’s cause and Lauren for that matter as well. Giving rise to some sentiment and wonder in this tale, and we even garner insight as to the kind of good people these characters are, despite their some their sometimes destructive quirks and proclivities, and in the case of Lauren… we also learn about his inability to set boundaries. Since he does make the day interesting at the office by letting an unhoused individual basically move into the office bathroom for a day, giving rise to more hilarious shenanigans that put a smile on our faces and reflect Lauren’s kindness and pushover nature.  

All of which brings forth, that perfect pilot. Because just like that we are plunged into a supremely unique world that is well-fleshed out and dynamic and engaging. One that is also filled with wondrous laughs and a story that compels us to continue the journey. In large part, because of how original and refreshing this story turns out to be. Since a show in this vein, with this setting, is a true rarity if not something we’ve never seen before. But we also want more… to enjoy further laughs. To see this show grow into its potential as so many first-year shows do, and to just plain enjoy a fun story. One that oddly reflects everyday life courtesy of its office setting, since we all have a Chase in our workplace, and a Sandy too, yet is full of charm and joy, and it will be quite interesting to see what other wild moments take place in an environment as relaxed as NPR as season one of this magnificent series rolls along. Until next time.   

To learn more about the creation of ‘In the Know’, check out our interviews with Series Co-Creator/Co-Writer/Executive Producer Brandon Gardner, and Cast Members: Carl Tart and J. Smith-Cameron, Caitlin Reilly and Charlie Bushman. To watch ‘In the Know’, visit Peacock.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Masters of the Air’.
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When we think about World War II stories or the war in general, we think of… the soldiers that fought bravely in what can easily be considered the only noble war in our modern history. For it was those boots on the ground that we hear incredible stories about, the kind revolving around bravery and a deep-rooted desire to defeat the enemy no matter the cost. Which has in turn, brought about countless stories about those men, about their fight at Normandy, and the battles that took place in the Pacific Theater. In fact, two of the finest stories in the past twenty-five years about the war, Band of Brothers and The Pacific, squarely examine Easy Company’s time in Europe and the struggles the Marines faced on far away islands.

But what we can never forget, is that it took every branch of the military to win the war against Hitler and his Axis cronies. For the Navy played its part in the Pacific Theater by striking back against the very Japanese Navy that sought to devastate America’s superiority at sea, through battles as important as Iwo Jima, and Operation: Overlord. But one particular division of the armed forces that really doesn’t get its due for their role in helping to end the war, is the Air Force. For their work in the skies above Europe and the Pacific Ocean were instrumental in the effort, and at long last, some of their stories are being told through the proper lens. For the very folks that brought us Band of Brothers and The Pacific have assembled a new story for Apple TV+, one set in the skies so that we can come to learn about the men that are rightfully known as the Masters of the Air.

For this particular series, plunges us into the heart of 1943. Wherein Majors Gale Cleven and John Egan make their way to England as part of the 100th Bomb Group, a part of the Eighth Air Force that worked in tandem with the Royal Air Force to do one thing, and one thing alone… devastate German forces and infrastructure through mass bombings. Which were conducted via B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, which are iconic courtesy of how well they held up under incredible duress during the war and how much damage they did with hearty crews that were brave and bold. But of course, we’ve only learned the basics about their work throughout the years, and few of us know much about the men that actually flew those flights and quite frankly, how dangerous and difficult their work turned out to be and that is what the opening two chapters of this story chronicle.

Since we spend a great deal of time with John and Gale, and learn a great deal about what drives them, the good men they are, and how much it means to them to be in the sky and commanding a crew of brave souls tasked with dropping those bombs and sending Nazis running. Which brings forth some powerful character moments, the kind that speak the mindset that a pilot requires to fly into the flak shields that Nazi forces sent into the skies when heroes came calling, and of course… how these men licked their wounds when not everyone came home, and really… that’s where this particular story shines. Because the majority of stories that do exist about the Air Force during World War II, are as glossy and fluffy as The Longest Day, when in fact… the battles that took place in the sky were just as brutal and as ugly as any other bit of combat in the war. 
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Which this two-part premiere showcases in stunning detail. Since we are in the cockpit with these men as the flak shields arrive, and we too feel the anxiety that comes forth with every pop and crack of those explosives. Since these men were deeply worried if the next one would penetrate their craft and wound them badly. Not to mention, we are also privy to the worst-case scenario for these crews. Wherein the flak shields do stunning damage to a plane and/or its engines and send it hurtling out of the sky and all these men can do, is watch in horror as their brothers in arms plunge to doom. Giving rise to real tension in this story, and a real sense of devastation not often found in stories in this vein, and a fine understanding… that these men also risked everything to stop the Germans from advancing but refused to back down and of course… would do everything within their power to see a plane make it home. As evidenced by a powerful sequence where every bomber and their crew supported a wounded bird.

All of which brings forth, a stunning premiere to an equally as stunning series. For it is obvious from the get-go that this chapter absolutely holds a flame to the two shows that came before it, and that much like The Pacific, it will offer up a story that is unique and refreshing. One that will truly explore the mindset of these brave men and see them tested like never before. Because there’s no way that their bravery was flawless through and through, and that should make for another supremely human and relatable journey through the Second World War. One that will harbor stunning visuals that showcase the bloody symphony that took place in the skies above Europe, while also providing us with incredible stories that we can relate to and learn from. Courtesy of the bravery of the men that locked themselves away in a plane to fight Hitler’s putrid war machine from up on high. Until next time.

For the most part, the ending of a war story follows some fairly specific formulas. Wherein the finale features the end of the war, that all-important moment when the soldiers that have fought so hard for freedom, realize they’ve won, and they can go home. And if the story is fictional in nature, we simply fade to black, safe in the knowledge that a better tomorrow for them awaits, and if the story is instead about a real unit that took part in a real war, we learn about what happened to them briefly before the end credits roll and we wipe tears from our eyes from taking part in a story that was profound and powerful. In fact, these formulas as so commonplace, that even the best war stories out there follow it, since Band of Brothers subscribed to the latter.
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But while that makes for a happy-ish ending of sorts, those endings can be problematic. Especially when grounded in truth. Because they quickly remove us from people that we care about, since we want to know more about their lives and their well-being, and what else they dealt with outside of a blurb or a voiceover. Not to mention, that’s just not how war ends. Because those men do go home and have to forget that they were killing machines for years on end. Which means they had to adjust to life once again and re-discover peace time in the process. But as mentioned a moment ago, not all war stories subscribe to this and even the folks who assembled Band of Brothers, realized they should showcase that in some fashion and did so… in the series finale of The Pacific.

For shortly after the Japanese surrender brought joy to Robert Leckie in the hospital he was healing in, and surprise to Eugene Sledge and his unit in ‘Part Ten’, did this journey explore what happens after the war ends and what soldiers have to deal with. Which sometimes involves… grieving. Since Lena Basilone needed closure following John’s death, and that prompted her to visit his hometown and meet her mother and father-in-law and the rest of John’s family and friends. To properly say goodbye to a man that meant so much to all of them, and to honor him by giving his father the Medal of Honor he wore proudly around the United States while drumming up war bonds. All of which informed us that not everyone gets to go home, and sometimes… there is only sorrow at the end of war for those left behind. 

As for others, well they put together the pieces and move forward. Which is what Robert Leckie did. For shortly after he was discharged from the corps, he went back to his hometown and picked up where he left off. By getting his old job at the local newspaper back and by starting to look ahead. For while it took him a little bit, he came to understand he survived a tough war, that not every soldier did, and that gave him a second chance at life. Where he could now live to the fullest and find wonder and that prompted him, to boldly ask Vera out on a date and find love and move forward at last. And it was fascinating to see Leckie, who struggled with his mental health at times, find wonder, find love, and go on to be the man he wanted to be. Which thankfully informed us that not every man becomes a casualty of war in the psychological sense.
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But plenty do. As was the case with Eugene Sledge. For his return home, while joyous in many ways, since he was able to hold his father and mother and hear great news about his friends upon his settling in… the glow of that didn’t last. For soon the PTSD that was growing within him took hold, and the bad dreams took hold. As did the mood swings and the hopelessness. Because he didn’t have a good skill set for an everyday job, he was just a killing machine, and Eugene suffered from that revelation. For he felt worthless in that moment and was deeply broken, courtesy of every dark act he witnessed and took part in. Which was a far contrast from the gung-ho wannabe soldier we met in the early days of this series. But some men come back broken, and take years to piece themselves back together, if at all. But thankfully… Eugene did.

For he contributed to this series through his book, as did Bob Leckie through his own, and well… we cannot thank them enough for their service, or their words. For they helped to build one of the finest stories about war to ever grace the airwaves. Because this show, presented war in the raw, and its true horrors through and through, and its lasting impact upon the human psyche, and that… is what we need to learn. The human element of it, the collateral damage it creates and that will allow for this chapter to be dissected for decades on end by those who want to know the true impact of war, and while that makes this story less uplifting than its predecessor, it makes it just as important. For we should know every aspect of war, good or bad… so we can either figure out how better to fight it and save so many from the pain it creates or learn that war is true hell, and that we need to find a better way to resolve our problems than sending good men out to die and suffer and struggle.