Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 554 of ‘Love During Lockup’ contains spoilers.
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Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 554 of Love During Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip!

Episode 554 - “Ditch The Chicks” - Aired Friday, January 3rd at 8pm ET/PT on We TV
Kaleigh’s raunchy visits bring retribution. MJ’s caught between her inmate fiancé and her ex-husband. Krystal fears the worst when her grandmother mysteriously vanishes. Bradly’s sister drops a bomb on Savannah that could change everything.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Premiere of ‘The Way Home’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

When we last settled in to enjoy the refreshing Hallmark series, The Way Home, we were all left with quite the surprise. In that, the show took the time to finally bring much of the suffering the Landry family had endured to a close. Since so many of the old skeletons and haunts in their closet were laid to rest and a family reunion was on the horizon since Jacob finally arrived in present day. Which made it clear this series was about to explore a bold new chapter in everyone’s life, one that focused on what comes next when we heal and have what we want and well, the season three premiere of this show wasted little time in exploring that.

For ‘You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet’ saw the family, and Elliott, since he was brought into the fold courtesy of Kat’s honesty about her emotions, reunite with tears and hugs and decide… to keep the Pond a secret. For its powers were revealed to all, and that meant a cover story had to be created for Jacob’s return and once that was all settled, everyone enjoyed a great deal of peace. Wherein Alice went off to live life abroad, where Jacob leaned into the new chapter of his life with gusto and where it seemed, life was moving forward in a positive manner. But that’s where the story made it clear that when we reach that plateau where grief is resolved, and peace has come… that we still have to find proper closure in all things and resolve any lingering issues to really find happiness.

Which was primarily explored through Kat and Jacob in this story. For Kat really felt as though she needed to properly say goodbye to everyone in 1814 since it all ended so quickly, and well… she did need that closure and needed to see them all one last time before moving on since they represented the end of her healing journey. So, she went back to speak to everyone that meant so much to her in that time period and returned home with closure in hand and a desire to help Jacob find that too. Because he wasn’t doing well with being in the modern world again, and was suffering badly from memory echoes and he was also home on bad pretenses. Since he fled 1814 to avoid trouble. But Kat was there for him, and helped guide him a bit, and that support and support from his mother went a long way in helping him find closure for his harrowing experience as well.

Because we must confront all of that stuff and close the book on it properly or it will forever haunt us. And while Jacob may still need more time to do so, putting a period on this chapter for the time being, allowed for the story to set up this year’s journey. Because there were still lingering questions hanging over some of last season’s discoveries and the Pond in general. Since Alice still had questions about that necklace and strange surprises were popping up in the homestead, that made it seem as though Colton was everywhere in time. And that left Kat wondering if he knew more about the Pond than he led on, and hearing he and Alice’s voice together on an old demo record only added to that possibility. One that will be resolved down the line. Mainly because this episode ended with quite the surprise.

In that, Alice saw echoes of her own travels, and realized someone had come through the Pond, and when she went to see who the traveler was, she was pushed in and likely yanked to a point in time. But what mattered most, was that someone did indeed have the knowledge to make that happen, and they could be the person needling Del, since someone was demanding she tell the truth about Jacob. But while we wait to learn more about all of that, we can celebrate a magnificent season premiere. For this one really did segue into a new chapter for the family and new mysteries in a smooth and dynamic manner, and it was satisfying to see healing take place and old chapters be closed, and all that could not have come a better time. Since clearly, the family will need their heads clear as they tackle the new mysteries and surprises that lie ahead. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Happy’s Place’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Something we don’t consider all that much when someone we love dearly passes away, is how best to honor their memory. Because they’re gone now, and all the special moments they brought into the world are things we want to keep alive and well… that really is a reality that eludes us early on in the healing process. But it is an important question to ask ourselves as we heal and one that requires deep consideration. Because it will come up down the line and being prepared for it will allow for us to honor them quickly. But of course, that’s easier said and done because of the power of grief from loss and because of life, really, since it can help us to forget such matters.

So, how then do we honor those we love when we realize it is important? Well, it just so happens the next episode of Happy’s Place on NBC takes the time to explore just that. A feat that ‘Emcee Squared’ accomplished by way of the arrival for an important event at the bar. For the bar’s Anniversary Party was on the horizon and well, Isabella and the audience learned that this was something the regulars looked forward to. For it featured a raffle, some good old-fashioned karaoke, and a big-time roast. One where Happy used to give the regulars the business and it was such a fun moment that all loved it and Bobbie, wanted to keep that alive and honor her father in doing so. The only question was… who was best suited to honor Happy in that manner?

At first, Bobbie felt she was the right one to make that happen. After all, she was Happy’s daughter and felt she could muster up some fine jokes that would make her daddy proud. But Gabby wanted in on this too and also believed she could fire off some great jokes and also elicit that sense of pride and well, that led to an agreement to bring forth quite the challenge. Wherein Bobbie and Gabby would square off to determine who should be the Emcee, and that led… to a lot of laughs. Since Bobbie and Gabby employed Isabella and Steve, respectively, to write their jokes. Which in turn brought about some intense competition between that duo, all because they wanted their side to win. But all laughs aside, Takoda did correctly point out that there was something amiss about going this route.

For it really did pit friend against friend and likely wasn’t in the spirit of really honoring Happy. So, he wanted no part of it and that made for a tense showdown between Gabby and Bobbie, wherein it was Emmett that addressed all the issues with this. For he correctly pointed out, in his own special way… that Gabby and Bobbie were trying to replace Happy, and that was impossible, and that it was about honoring him in a manner that was satisfactory to his spirit. So, he suggested they both host the roast, and play off of one another’s strengths. Because then, it was done in the spirit of Happy and it would not divide a soul, and prompt so many to keep his spirit alive by thinking fondly upon him in that moment, while embracing a new chapter.

Which brought forth, another beautiful and funny tale from this series. Since it really did hammer home the answer to our question in a dynamic manner that helps all. One that truly speaks to our own unique experience with the person we lost, while also reminding us, that we are stronger together and that we should always acknowledge how much impact a single life has upon so many. But make no mistake about it, the jokes were great here. In fact, the rivalry between Isabella and Steve was epic and unexpected and is worth revesting. But in the here and the now, this was just a lovely tale, one that stayed true to what this story stands for. Since it is about healing and moving forward, and it will be interesting to see what other beautiful lessons await us, as season one of this heartwarming show continues along. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 309 of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We are taught from a very early age, to be as kind to others as possible. Because so many people are hurting in this world, and sometimes an ounce of kindness can do wonders for their soul and lift them up in ways we never thought possible. So, we hold to that lesson and try to be kind, only to learn… that kindness is a far more complex concept than we ever expected. Because some people outright refuse what it offers them, even when they need it for reasons that can vary, and sometimes… kindness is looked down upon. For there is part of us that holds a grudge against those who have wronged us and there are individuals we don’t believe are deserving of kindness.

Which puts us at a crossroads really, where we sometimes don’t know the right path to take with kindness and where we learn it can hurt others, ironically, and this particularly complex lesson is top of mind today, simply because it was featured in the next episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC. For ‘Lopez vs Escándalo’ saw George be sidelined from work because of an unfortunate lapse of judgment. One that brought about a scathing negative review that could have brought the company down, and well… he basically disappeared after that. Leaving Quinten high and dry to fix a problem with the pipes in the house and where Rosie and Mayan had to take over the business and repair the company’s reputation. Which they were able to do when Rosie uncovered some troubling facts about the woman that left the review, a move that solidified how well mother and daughter can handle the business.

But as mentioned, George was nowhere to be found. In part because he was a little saddened by his actions but also because… he was in a unique place mentally. For he was spending some of his time going to AA meetings to heal and continue his recovery and while there, he ran into the infamous Josué. Who we learned… came to realize that he wasn’t at his best as a person and that he needed help for outright sex addiction. Which brought him to meetings as well and back into George’s stead. Wherein he tried to apologize for hurting George, and he made it known he wanted to apologize to Rosie at some point as well. But more importantly, he made quite the ask of George. In that, he needed a sponsor, and a friend. Someone that could help him live life and avoid the temptations that plagued him for so long and well… George wasn’t quite sure what to do.

Because to help the man that betrayed his ex-wife, would not go over well with anyone in the family. But at the same time, George understood the place that Josué was at mentally. Where he felt alone and unsure of what lie ahead and well, George also saw an opportunity to offer someone in need real help, and real kindness. Something he knew Josué needed. So, he committed to doing just that and hung out with Josué to lift him up, regardless of the risk. Granted, he took some of the hanging out a little too far as only George can do. Since he did take full advantage of Josué’s bankroll. But the goofy side of George is a big reason why we tune in, and this is a comedy. One that uses laughs to temper big messages and well, it’s good that the laughs were here. Since eventually, George was caught in the act by Quinten and while Quinten didn’t rat George out, he stepped into the wrong moment and admitted the truth to Mayan.

Which set up a cliffhanger for next week’s story and set the stage for a deeper exploration regarding kindness. But while we wait to see what comes of that, we can celebrate a story that did express the harsh reality regarding kindness. Of how it isn’t easy and how it can be so complex, and it did so, in a brilliant manner. By simply presenting the matter in straightforward fashion, surrounded by jokes of course. In fact, the ‘Pretty Georgie’ segment was quite amazing, but that aside… this was also an important exploration. For we are divided as a people right now, and kindness is a premium and this episode really does take to task its complex nature and its place in such an angry world, and it will be interesting to see what this show’s final word on the matter will be, when George and his family confront his decision in next week’s episode. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 715 of ‘Outlander’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one absolute truth that the hit STARZ series, Outlander, has flirted with in its seventh season, it would be that war is utter hell. For war costs lives, war destroys so much and while at this point in human history it is indeed a necessity, it is something that even those who march to war and take part in it… lament and fear. Because they know what will happen when weapons fire and flags are waved, and thankfully we’ve been spared some real emotional pain regarding that since the show has but dipped its toes into the ugliest parts of the Revolutionary War. But alas, a return to the field of combat… allowed for the show to lean into such matters in a harrowing manner during this week’s tale.

But before we dive into that, it’s best we take a moment and reflect upon some of the lighter moments present in ‘Written in My Own Heart’s Blood’. After all, Roger and Buck had a little downtime in the past at last. Wherein Roger worked to communicate with his love in 1980 and where he and Buck… finally had an honest talk about the timeline and things to come. Plus, Brianna got that message and that prompted her to try and find her beloved, with mixed results, since children work on impulse over anything else and of course… Young Ian and Lord John Grey were able to save William from the hideous fate that awaited him. For they were able to infiltrate that camp and turn him loose. Granted there was some bloodshed, but that was to be expected. For those men had their orders and were eager to follow through on them. 

But William did return to his camp, and of course, had much to ponder upon after being saved, and sadly, he received some poor news upon his return. In that June was not able to escape the consequences of her actions and was taken back to town, under arrest. Leaving William at a bit of a crossroads as to what to do about this newfound problem that arose from him leaving, really. But that problem, paled in comparison to the hardships that Jamie and Claire endured in this tale. Because they arrived on the battlefield and were making preparations for war and that… weighed heavy on the new Brigadier General and the brigade’s brilliant doctor. Simply because he was reflecting on his own past experience in combat and just combat in general, and the good doctor pondered upon the horrors she had seen from war in her travels, and that led to some tender and powerful moments between he and Claire before things became supremely heavy in this story.

For it turned out that Jamie was to take part of the Battle of Monmouth.  A brutal campaign that more or less ended in a stalemate, but did showcase the resilience of the Continental Army and helped to further solidify the legend of General George Washington, and well… this made for a harrowing sequence for certain. One that saw Jamie lost into the thick of combat while Claire worked to save lives alongside an outright incompetent doctor who was more interested in sounding intelligent over actually healing people. But eventually the battle in that area wrapped up, and the aftermath of that intense segment of battle led to an outright shocking moment. For while Claire was outside, being the kindhearted healing soul that she has always been, the spoils of war came to find her.
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Because shortly after Jamie returned with his tired and depleted forces, a British garrison passed through at the same time, and made trouble and weapons fire was exchanged at close range, and sadly… a stray bullet struck Claire. Square in the abdomen no less and that… brought about rightful panic and worry. For that idiot doctor basically refused to help her, forcing Jamie to resign his post and to send word to Rachel and Denzel, so they could return and help her as quick as can be. Which led to a devastating few moments, wherein Claire suffered deeply and pondered upon the nature of her wound to stay out of shock and where Jamie tried to reconcile the helpless nature of the moment, and well, we simply don’t know what her fate will be beyond this point. Because while Rachel and Denzel arrived as quickly as they could, damage was indeed done, and furious work will have to take place to save Claire, in a dark age of medical science.

All of which made, for an intense and devastating tale. One that saw these two lovers struggle with their emotions badly. Since Claire truly oozed concern for Jamie and vice versa and in the end, we do indeed know of the spoils of war once again and why it is hell and why it is so costly. The only question that remains is whether or not Claire can recover from her wounds and live a life with her beloved or if real tragedy awaits and well… all we can do is wait and see and celebrate another brave episode from season seven of this brilliant series. For it’s been big swing after big swing this season, and this has been the biggest of all, right before the season finale no doubt and that is going to make the two week wait for the season seven finale, outright brutal. Since we simply must know if this love affair for the ages will continue or if said finale will set the stage for a final season that will go to vastly different places. Until next time.  

It really is quite lovely to see the buzz that is currently surrounding the upcoming third season of the AMC Networks series, Dark Winds. Simply because it means that audiences have discovered its wonder and are thoroughly enjoying the amazing acting the cast puts forth, and the engaging storylines seasons one and two sent our way, and of course… that also means audiences are ready for season three and any tidbit that AMC can offer regarding it. Which AMC is fully aware of and that is why today’s gift from them makes sense.
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Simply because earlier today, AMC/AMC+ took the time to release a brand-new and gripping teaser trailer for season three. One that is indeed epic in nature and sets the stage for a little turmoil within, and another juicy case, and well, you don’t have to take our word for it, regarding its epic nature. For AMC/AMC+ were kind enough to share that trailer with us, and some updated details on season three of the show… so we can share it with all of you. To help build excitement for what lie ahead as we inch closer to the return of this magnificent series.

‘AMC Networks today debuted a new teaser for Season 3 of its critically acclaimed noir drama Dark Winds. The promo is set to debut on-air during the Season 2 premiere of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches on Sunday, January 5 on AMC linear. Starring Zahn McClarnon (The Son, Westworld, Fargo), Kiowa Gordon (The Red Road, Roswell, New Mexico), Jessica Matten (Rez Ball, Tribal, Burden of Truth) and Deanna Allison (Accused, Edge of America), Dark Winds will return with an expanded third season exclusively on AMC and AMC+ on Sunday, March 9 at 9pm ET/PT with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays.
 
The first five episodes of Season 3 are now available on Screeners.com for coverage consideration. Ahead of the premiere, viewers can catch up on the captivating first two seasons of Dark Winds, both of which hold a perfect 100-point critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, on AMC+ and via the AMC Collection on Netflix.
 
The expanded third season, featuring eight episodes, picks up six months after the events of season two and follows Lt. Joe Leaphorn (McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Gordon) as they investigate the disappearance of two boys, with only an abandoned bicycle and blood-stained patch of ground left in their wake. Meanwhile, Bernadette Manuelito (Matten) attempts to settle into her new life 500 miles from home with the Border Patrol, but stumbles across a conspiracy involving human and drug smuggling with far-reaching implications.
 
Joining this season as guest stars are Jenna Elfman (Dharma & Greg, Fear the Walking Dead) as FBI Special Agent Sylvia Washington, Bruce Greenwood (The Fall of the House of Usher, The Resident) as Tom Spenser, Raoul Max Trujillo (Mayans M.C., Blue Beetle) as Budge, Tonantzin Carmelo (La Brea, The English) as Border Patrol Agent Eleanda Garza, Alex Meraz (The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Walking Dead) as Border Patrol Agent Ivan Muños, Terry Serpico (Law & Order SVU, Yellowstone) as Border Patrol Senior Chief Ed Henry, Derek Hinkey (American Primeval, Americana) as Shorty Bowlegs, Phil Burke (Hell on Wheels, Rabbit Hole) as Michael Halsey, and Christopher Heyerdahl (Under the Banner of Heaven, Hell on Wheels) as Dr Reynolds. This season also sees the return of guest star A. Martinez (Longmire, Days of Our Lives) as Scarborough Police Department Acting Chief Gordo Sena.
 
Dark Winds is created by Graham Roland (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Returned, Almost Human, Fringe). John Wirth (Hell of Wheels, Hap and Leonard) serves as showrunner. The series is executive produced by Roland, Wirth, McClarnon, Robert Redford, George R.R. Martin, Chris Eyre, Tina Elmo, Jim Chory, Vince Gerardis and Anne Hillerman.’

There was at time in television history, where if you didn’t catch a particular show live, you outright missed out. Because the time slot, was the time slot, and you were at the mercy of the news to follow-up on what might have happened regarding your favorite shows or award show, and that too… only hit during certain times of the day. But thankfully, that has steadily become less of an issue. Because the advent of home video allowed for people to tape the show in question and watch it later and now, with streaming in front of us… we can watch what we want when we want, and we can see it live on the go. 
 
Because streaming is everywhere with us. The only downside to it, is that sometimes… it isn’t clear what one needs to do to watch a live event on their favorite streamer. Since there are tiers, we all subscribe to now, and not every streamer takes the time to clarify what will air on what tier. But thankfully, Paramount+ is making strides in such matters, since they recently let everyone know how best to watch the 82nd Annual Golden Globes® on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. Because not everyone is aware and well, we are here to help share that news so that you can enjoy the Golden Globes as you see fit, and live if you so wish. 
 
So, if you have a Paramount+ with Showtime account you will be able to watch the Golden Globes, live. For it will pair with the live feed of your local CBS affiliate, allowing for you to enjoy this important awards ceremony from wherever you feel comfortable watching. But, if you are a Paramount+ Essentials subscriber, do bear in mind that you will not be able to watch it live. But there will be access to a special, on-demand broadcast of the ceremony the day after it airs, and this is only valid in the United States. So, there you have it, Paramount+ has made it clear how best to enjoy the Golden Globes live this year.
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However, if you’re not a Paramount+ subscriber at all, and have cut the cord and do want to watch and see who wins, well… Paramount+ is offering a seven-day free trial, inviting new audiences to try the service along with tuning in for this year’s Golden Globes. The Paramount+ with SHOWTIME Plan* currently costs $12.99/month or $119.99/year. The Paramount+ Essential Plan currently costs $7.99/month or $59.99/year. So there, is another option for you as well, and in the end, it is just wonderful that Paramount+ took the time to offer up this handy information. So, that is everyone is in the know and can properly enjoy the ceremony and the jokes that host Nikki Glaser will send our way when the 82nd Golden Globes air live on CBS and Paramount+ with Showtime on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

For a full list of this year’s nominees, click here.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Silo’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We often believe in this life, that evil can be soundly defeated through the simplest of means. Such as violence and resistance and it makes sense why we hold to that. After all, a massive World War to fight the evils of fascism and the ideals of the Third Reich, was thought to have ended the Nazi threat once and for all. Not to mention, we consistently see nations rise up and vote out monsters in waiting or overthrow the ones currently in office. All of which should teach those idiots the lessons they need to learn about how the gross notions they harbor regarding control and manipulation of everyday, good people, aren’t wanted in this world.

But that’s the problem with evil. It doesn’t learn. It wants what it wants, so it is patient, and it adapts to make sure that it can rise up and claim what it wants. Which is why monsters find their way back into office and why Nazis are still around and why despots still come forward. Which means, vigilance and new approaches are always required to bring it down and its ability to permeate and linger is top of mind today, because it was put on display in the next episode of Silo on Apple TV+. For in the midst of the stalemate between the up top and the down deep, the dark machinations that Bernard Holland has desired to enact in Silo 18, out of his loyalty to The Pact, were thrust forth in an unsettling manner in ‘The Book of Quinn’.

For he truly wanted full control, and he truly wanted there to be no more wins for the people he labeled as rebels. So, he came to realize that he would need to exert some kind of control and leverage over someone down below, and he realized that Martha Walker would be that person. That was why he arranged a meeting with her and plucked at her greatest weakness, Carla McClain. For Walker was still worried about her love and truly… would do anything to keep her safe. A fact Bernard was aware of, and he guaranteed that safety if Martha agreed to be his spy down below. To prevent more wins, and to finally gain control of the situation and Martha did agree to this and that led to arrests and a reminder, that evil does indeed find a way to gain the upper hand and sometimes… it finds control in even more diabolical ways.

Because in between Bernard’s powerful manipulation of Martha, Lukas Kyle went on quite the unsettling journey. Because he dug deep into the mythos of Salvador Quinn. Even going so far as to kick Sims’ agents out of the late Judge Meadows’ apartment to search it, and he played tough guy with Quinn’s descendants, in order to know what Quinn wrote in that book. Only to discover that all this time a hopeless message awaited him. One that informed him that the game was rigged, and that control was in place and oddly, Bernard even backed that up. Since he spoke to how Quinn helped to quell rebellion through chemical manipulation and through sacrifice. Making it clear that there may be little for Lukas to learn, but that such a quest might benefit Bernard. Since he may be using Lukas to gain knowledge from a master. Which also backs up how evil can learn and adapt in its quest for control. 
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However, that was not the only harrowing journey present in this tale. For back in Silo 17, Juliette was dealing with a bevy of problems. First, the bends. Since she did indeed suffer through them and was forced to swim back into the water to alleviate them, as Solo advised her to do. But that kept her from helping Solo in the slightest and when she was able to finally do so, more trouble befell her. Because someone put an arrow into her shoulder and once that was removed and treated, she went back to help Solo because he was the only person who knew the location of her gear. But despite dropping her attacker, she was still unable to reach him and aid him. Because she came to learn that there were more survivors present in Silo 17, and they have a bone to pick with Solo.

All of which made for another intense story. One that was truly harrowing in a lot of ways. Because it was just hideous to see Bernard reach his potential and work hard to solidify control over Silo 18, but that was the point. To remind of us how bad people persist and how cunning evil can be and how well it works and how hard it can be to fight back, especially when the situation seems hopeless. That means the next two episodes of this season may focus heavily on how we fight back and find agency in such dark times. But while we wait to see if that’s the case, we can celebrate this riveting tale. One that let Tim Robbins shine as the heavy and truly set the stage for a big finish in the Silo, one that might happen with or without Juliette. Since her temporary stay in Silo 17 has been a disaster, and it will be interesting to see how these juicy plotlines come together for resolution as season two of this incredible show, wraps up. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 715 of Outlander. Which is available to stream on the STARZ app now, and airs on the network later today!
 
EPISODE 715: Written in My Own Heart’s Blood
Airdate: January 3 on STARZ 

Claire is in danger as the American Revolution reaches the pivotal Battle of Monmouth. Lord John Grey and Ian race to save William. Brianna makes an important decision.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘Darby and Joan’. To revisit the Season One Finale, click here.
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It’s been a little while since we all settled in to watch and discuss the fascinating Acorn TV series, Darby and Joan. After all, the last time we enjoyed some fine adventures with that duo was the end of 2022, and while we could ponder upon a bevy of reasons as to why there was a delay, that matters not. Simply because this magnificent series has indeed returned to the airwaves and once more, we can be treated to the wonder of these two delightfully dynamic characters as they traverse the New Zealand countryside to solve crimes and heal their own wounds. Since solving old mysteries from their past has been central to their story. 

In fact, that’s where the season two premiere of the show happened to pick up. A little while after the season one finale, wherein Joan has made it a point to dedicate her time and effort to helping Jack clear his own name since he was kind enough to give her peace. But of course… a case in the vein this duo is known for, slowed down that quest a bit. As did an encounter with a woman named Anna. Who had information that could help with clearing Jack’s name, but she had no desire to help in such matters. As evidenced by the shotgun she brought to bear upon him. Instead, the duo found themselves embroiled in little mysteries that hung heavy over a nearby ranch. One that appeared to be idyllic at first glance.

After all, Doug and his associates offered Jack and Joan some amazing hospitality and some amazing views for returning one of their own from a drunken adventure. But it did not take long for this duo to realize that quite a few problems were present in this place. For it was a ranch that was filled with secrets. Such as how a father took the heat for his son’s actions to try and protect him, and there was even a moment where Doug’s long-term health came into question through sabotage. The kind that involved his wife simply because she was at her wits end and went to extremes to get him to rest and retire, and while some would have lost it over such an act, Doug embraced it because he was aware of how his actions brought such an act to bear.

Which brought forth healing on the farm, thanks of course, to Jack and Joan’s kindness and no-nonsense approach to life and oddly enough, that kindness did offer up a tiny clue regarding Jack’s quest. Simply because this was a small farm community, and people heard and knew things and Jack received some information for his and Joan’s efforts, and he was quick to pass that clue along to his daughter. Who of course, took some heat for helping Jack and word of that… brought Jack’s nemesis into the fold. For he went after Anna and stole a photo in an attempt to get ahead of Jack. Which in turn, brought forth cooperation from Anna and a stunning reveal that this was nothing short of a ruse, to get Jack and Joan to lead Carlton to Anna’s daughter to accomplish his mission of making Jack the villain. 

But while that sets the stage for future episodes, what matters more in the moment, is that this was a wonderful reintroduction to this magnificent series. Since it once again featured all the tenets of why we tuned in, in the first place. Since it showcased the stunning world within our world that is New Zealand, and it let Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi do what they do best as actors and offer up that amazing chemistry they share on screen, and it of course, featured off the beaten path mysteries for them to solve. All of which was delightful to say the least and made for a relaxing yet engaging watch, and a season that we are indeed eager to enjoy more of. To see what other unique mysteries await, and of course… to see if Jack can overcome the odds to close a dark chapter in his past. Until next time.