Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 1311, 1011, and 1211 of ‘Chicago Fire’, ‘Chicago Med’, and ‘Chicago P.D.’ To revisit each show’s previous episode, click here (Fire), here (Med), and here (P.D.)

One particular television event that fans love through and through, is the One Chicago crossover on NBC. Because it is a wondrous convergence of three incredible shows, wherein we get to see the talented casts of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. work as one to keep the people of the Windy City safe and secure and oddly enough, it’s been a little while since we celebrated one. In large part because of the many disruptions the industry has dealt with over the past few years. But at long last, the crossover returned to the airwaves last night and ‘In the Trenches’ absolutely delivered three hours of compelling and engaging, and outright moving television.

A feat that it accomplished by way of a stunning downtown surprise. Wherein a massive explosion from a ruptured gas leak injured a bevy of people. Which brought forth a compelling sequence that truly set the tone for the crossover. Wherein we came to realize that danger was going to be everywhere in this epic story. Which led to tense moments for the team at Firehouse 51, who did their absolute best to stop the fire and begin rescue efforts, and since this was such a massive and horrifying explosion… it easily brought forth the crossover in question. Since Gaffney staff members were on site in the opening chapter of this tale, and even Trudy was there to offer support during the situation, one that quickly evolved into something more. 

Because once the fire was out, and people were on their way to the hospital, the post fire investigation revealed that this whole thing started because of a heist. For someone wanted the city’s pension data, which was buried in the basement of the city building that suffered the most damage in the fire, and those responsible… managed to escape as clues were being brought to bear, and they even shot Trudy amid their escape, and sent Ruzek into the depths of the subway system. Which eventually led to him and Kidd being trapped in a subway car with one of the offenders as damage from the blast continued to pile up. Which in turn brought forth a second half of stories that were focused heavily on bringing the thieves to justice and saving lives across the board, especially Trudy’s.

But before we dive into those moments, let’s talk about the case in question, since it was what brought Intelligence into the fold, to do their thing and they impressed here. Because they were able to slowly work out that this whole mess was a result of a failed lawsuit against the city. One where disgruntled and ailing city employees decided to work together to steal the pension fund and use it for their own gain, and sadly… because of their greed… many suffered, and lives were at risk. Such as everyone trapped in that subway car. That meant, Intelligence had to not only bring the right people to bear, but needed to learn of their plan so they could figure out how to free those folks trapped below before their air supply diminished.
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Thankfully, their incredible work as a team allowed for that happen, and all were rescued, the bad guys were brought to justice and thus ended one amazing crossover event. One that quite frankly, was as epic as it gets. Because this trilogy of stories wasted not a single second and took us on a breathless ride that had us on the edge of our seats and just featured some big moments for certain. After all, seeing Chief Pascal just plunge a tool into the heart of a fire is about as badass as it gets. Plus, this episode went a little harder than expected with the gore since we were privy to a full on shot of a human heart and watched a man’s legs be amputated. All to really inform us of how much goes into saving lives in disasters such as these, and what’s amazing… is that this trilogy still had so much more to offer.

After all, we’d be fools to not discuss the emotional heartstrings that this event pulled upon. Because the whole Trudy plotline was about as heart wrenching as it gets. Especially after one considers that Mouch screwed up so badly, only to learn that his wife, his love, was hanging on for dear life, and well… her journey back to health here was downright exhausting. Because it was just stunning to see Doctors Lenox and Ripley go to incredible lengths to save her. Going so far as to basically put her in suspended animation to control her bleeding and nurse her back to health and of course, it was just tear-jerking to see Mouch suffer through the wait, and the worry and the guilt. Which made her recovery absolutely worthwhile and moving and just as powerful as can be, and yet… the moving stuff still didn’t end there.

Since we were treated to different angles regarding how people would react to having loved ones in horrible situations. After all, with Ruzek down below and Burgess handling business upstairs, we came to learn how some people… will just bury themselves in busy work to process dark times. Because Kim really did come to understand there was nothing, she could do in the moment but work toward helping her husband get the hell out of that situation. Which gave her strength and kept her from slipping into the darkness and that was fascinating to see. As was Severide’s response to Kidd being trapped below. Since there was a real sense of desperation that he exuded here. One that spoke to the helpless nature that people feel when loved ones are in trouble.
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But what truly allowed for this trilogy to shine, was the sheer fact that there was a genuine sense of danger surrounding many of the characters. Because Trudy was in awful, awful shape here, and Ruzek and Kidd were running out of air and it really did seem for a moment there, that some hard cast changes were coming to these shows. Which only added to the tension, and the worry and well, all of that made, for a stunning three hours of television. For this one really did glue us to our screens and offered up just one big moment after another, and some outright moving ones, and let’s be honest… some inspiring ones as well. Because it was amazing to see Dean Archer suit up and go into the depths of the city to make sure that everyone made it out of that subway car alive.

But above all, it’s the cast of these shows that really make these crossovers quite amazing. Because it really does give them an opportunity to turn in some of their best work, and we really saw some stunning performances here. Because Christian Stolte (Mouch) brought us to tears with his earnest performance of a man desperate to have his prayers answered, and Taylor Kinney (Severide) really sold the panic and the worry of a helpless husband, eager to find a way to save the woman he loves. All of which brought forth one of the best crossovers this series has ever put to screen. Because this one had it all and just provided us with great storytelling, and it does leave us eager to see what this franchise will have in store for us in its next crossover. Because this one will be hard to top. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 109 of ‘St. Denis Medical’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one aspect of life that people in hospitals face often, it would have to be… death. Simply because their job entails saving lives, and sadly… not everyone can be saved. So, they are indeed surrounded by the end far more often than any of us will ever be, and that’s often left us wondering how those professionals handle that, and oddly enough… St. Denis Medical on NBC is a series that continues to answer that question for us. After all, the series premiere of the show took the time to showcase how it impacts hospital workers because, they do indeed have feelings, and this week’s episode opted to go even deeper than that.

For ‘You Gotta Have a Plan’ saw the team reeling from an ugly impending death. Ugly in the sense that the man’s family was just battling it out over what was to happen to the estate while just letting loose old skeletons and buried emotions and that was… tough for everyone to see. Because one would think that the end of a family member would be somber and reflective, over combative and filled with fury and well… that chaos brought about some fascinating lessons. Such as how folks that are surrounded by so much death, learn how to handle it properly and know what will make those final moments worthwhile, and how seeing so much of it, helps them to think ahead.

All of which was expressed through two plotlines. One of which, involved that salty family. For Serena and Matt were put on end-of-life watch. Which entailed keeping an eye on the patient to ensure that a proper time of death was recorded, and this was… a disaster. Since Matt had his face caved in along the way because all this family did was fight and point fingers and just make the final moments of their family member chaos. Which was why Matt made sure to defend Serena, when they turned on her, and point out, that this wasn’t how they needed to spend their last minutes with a dying loved one. They needed to be celebrating that life and everything it stood for. A fine lesson that sunk in at the end, and one Matt and Serena uncovered through seeing so much death.

As for thinking ahead, well that was handled by Joyce. Who was fighting with her honey again, and he was supposed to be the forthcoming executor of her estate, and seeing that patient begin to expire, pushed her to find someone new to be her executor, and quickly. So that everyone in her life that mattered had nothing to worry about when her time came, and Alex volunteered for that and regretted it. For she quickly learned that helping Joyce with such matters was an outright nightmare. One that she tried to pawn off on Dr. Ron. A move that led to an epic back and forth of ‘hot potato’ with the paperwork in question. But thankfully, both were absolved of any trouble since Joyce finally reconciled with her boo thing, and he took over as planned. But clearly, thinking ahead was inspired by the death that Joyce witnessed at work on a daily basis.

All of which informed us, that medical professionals can learn and grow from the sadness they see surrounding them, which made for a poignant and yes, supremely funny tale. Because the insults being thrown about by that family were the stuff of legend. Not to mention, being together for a time seemed to light a spark between Serena and Matt. Plus, even Dr. Bruce’s ability to accept that death is part of the journey through his own freakout added to the heart and comedy of this episode. And of course, it was just amazing to watch Ron and Alex battle out who would get the dishonor of dealing with Joyce’s anal-retentive mindset. Which helped to reinforce the majesty of this show, since it can teach us a lot and make us smile at the same time, and now that we’ve reached the end of this lesson, it will be interesting to see what other ones lie ahead in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 307 of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, sitcoms tend to avoid following up on previous plot points and it makes sense as to why. After all, it’s all about the laughs when it comes to sitcoms, and what kinds of adventures will bring about the most chuckles. So, looking to the past is pointless. But in this era of peak television, we are starting to see sitcoms evolve before our eyes and they are indeed digging into what would happen if by chance… a little follow-up came into play, and that is why this week’s episode of Night Court on NBC is of note. Because it takes the time to do just that.

A feat that ‘Rebound and Down’ accomplished, by not forgetting about Abby’s now ex-boyfriend, Jake. Because Abby was in fact, hurting from the reality that she and Jake were no longer an item, and she was doing her best in this story to heal and that alone… was a pleasant surprise. Because normally, in a sitcom, the characters just move on and heal off screen. But here, there was pain and frustration for Abby and that was definitely a refreshing surprise, and that allowed for the show… to find humor in a breakup and take us on a different kind of emotional ride. Because Abby was in need of catharsis and distraction, as so many of us need when we’ve split up with someone, and well, Julianne managed to provide her with that as the episode rolled along.

In quite the unhealthy manner, unfortunately. Because what seemed to be a women’s support group where Abby could be open and honest about her feelings, was nothing more than a pyramid scheme. One run by Julianne where she used the power of emotional freedom to get people to sell candles, and well… Abby wanted no part of that and instead… tried to preserve that healing aspect of the group. Which prompted her to assume command of the group and that led to disaster. Because these ladies were a tad more broken than Abby and expected firm leadership and finer things in life for their meet ups. Which meant she had to figure out a fast way to get out that mess, and she did with an assist from Julianne, after letting Abby learn a valuable lesson in why rebound moments, in any capacity, can be a pain.   

Yet as this series is wont to do, it had other fascinating stories to offer up in this tale. Such as the fact that Wyatt happens to be friends with a lot of gigolos, some of which Julianne knows. Plus, this episode featured a big moment for Gurgs. Because there was some chaos in the courthouse with the head bailiff position being open and well, Dan and Flobert, suggested that maybe she apply for the job. Which naturally made Gurgs nervous and that prompted Dan and Flobert to spring into action to help her practice for her interview. By way of silly advice that did not help her on the day of her interview. But their nonsense did help her showcase her talents, and land her the job, giving rise to a new chapter for Gurgs. One where she finally gets to shape the future of the courthouse.

All of which made, for a delightful episode. One that offered up some amazing moments for Gurgs and really did a fine job following up on a matter that happens to be a big deal in this series. Because Jake and Abby’s relationship had a huge impact upon each of them, the kind that isn’t easily swept away. So, it was quite refreshing to see follow up in a manner that still brought laughs of course. Since this storyline did let Melissa Rauch shine and the same goes for Wendie Malick, since Julianne was diabolical here. And now that we’ve reached the end of this magnificent story, it will be interesting to see if more follow-up regarding the breakup of this power couple will come forth, as season three of this delightful show continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 211 of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular truth that is difficult for us to process and accept, is that we are the sum of our experiences. And what makes that so tough for us to embrace is that it means we have to acknowledge… that both the good and the bad are what have made us the person we are today, and no one wants to acknowledge that the bad taught us something. For that, in a way, validates the bad, which we have no love for, and reminds us of the ups and downs of life, and perhaps unlocks some bad memories and moments we would prefer to leave far in the past. But we are indeed the sum of the whole and the sooner we hold to that, the sooner we begin to really find peace with who we are.

If anything, that truth is top of mind today, simply because… it was one that Alec Mercer had to face during this week’s episode of The Irrational on NBC. A feat that ‘Ghost Ship’ accomplished amid having Alec and Marisa solve a unique case involving a full-on ghost ship. Which should not happen in the 21st century, but alas… this ship was discovered without a crew and through some digging, and some fine traps, they were able to find the missing crew and learn that shady dealings were taking place aboard this boat. Along with forced labor and cruelty, and it all related to drug running … and sadly… the discovery of that came after lives were lost and ruined. By an old family friend of the Mercer’s no less. Who turned to extremes to keep the operation quiet, and to maintain his payday.

But in between all of that, was the journey in question. Because in order to get answers and in order to properly navigate the docks, Marisa and Alec needed the help of a man not only trusted by the community, but who also happened to be Alec’s father, Eli Mercer. Which meant, we finally were able to meet the man responsible for raising Alec Mercer and well… this was not a reunion that Alec was looking forward to. Since we came to learn that Eli had a drinking problem when Alec was younger, and his behavior because of that created some real emotional scars for Alec. The kind that remained fresh in his mind and soul and led to a protective stance, and angry outbursts from Alec in this tale. That were absolutely directed at his father and were understandable for certain. Since old wounds like that motivate a bit of irrational thinking from us.

However, what mattered more here was that both Marisa and Kylie offered up some fine advice regarding the fact, that without that pain, he would not be the man he was today, and that his options at this point were to either hang onto that anger or acknowledge and resolve it and move forward and find some peace with his father. The latter of which, was sound advice that he took to heart. Because he knew what those closest to him were saying, was truth, and that the only way to grow and be the man he truly wanted to be was to accept himself and his past, both good and bad. Which allowed for he and his father to begin the reconciliation process and a healing journey and that made… for a beautiful and powerful episode, one grounded in growth.

In fact, that growth may have helped Alec decide what he wants to do about his scars, since his father tied those to the lesson at hand, meaning that Alec may stay the way he is, to further hold to the lesson he learned in this amazing tale. One that reminded us that this series finds incredible ways to grow its characters; while still staying true to its roots and truth be told, this may be the finest episode the show has aired to date. Because it finally filled in the blanks regarding Alec’s past and formation as a man, and it inspired all of us to stand tall and face yesterday so we can find strength for tomorrow, and that’s just great television and storytelling when all is said and done, and it will be interesting to see what Alec is like, now that he is making peace with the sum of the whole. Until next time.

It truly is quite amazing what Apple TV+ continues to accomplish from a family entertainment standpoint. Simply because they keep bringing out revolutionary stories that teach children amazing lessons and inspire incredible conversations in the home, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. For recently Apple TV+ announced that another incredible family show is about to hit their airwaves in just a couple of weeks.
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For Goldie will debut on February 14, 2025, and truly… this is one of note. Since this expansion of the 2019 film of the same name, will celebrate diversity and being different, in a manner that only Apple TV+ shows bring forth. Which means we will undoubtedly be in for incredible stories that offer so much to discuss and ponder upon, and to properly celebrate this news, Apple TV+ also released all kinds of details on this new series, and some first-look photos. To prepare us for more incredible family storytelling from the network that leads the charge.

‘Today, Apple TV+ announced the all-new animated kids and family original series, “Goldie,” premiering globally on Friday, February 14. Inspired by Emily Brundige’s award-winning 2019 short film of the same name, the 13 half-hour episodes follow Goldie, a giant girl with a big heart, as she sets off on epic adventures with her best friends in their beloved town of Boysenberg. Together, they learn that being different is something to celebrate, and that there’s space for everyone in this world — even giants.
 
The series boasts an all-star voice cast, including Jessica McKenna (“The Mighty Ones”), Emmy Award nominee Dee Bradley Baker (“Phineas & Ferb”), Amari McCoy (“Spidey and His Amazing Friends”), Vedanten Naidoo (“Little Girl, Little Boy”), Grey Delisle (“The Fairly OddParents”) and James Sie (“Stillwater”). “Goldie” also features a stellar lineup of guest stars, including Henry Winkler, Al Yankovic, Nicole Byer, Cree Summer, Carlos Alazraqui, Maulik Pancholy, Maria Bamford and more. 
 
Produced by Mercury Filmworks, “Goldie” is created by Emily Brundige (“Hilda”), who also serves as executive producer alongside Daytime Emmy Award winner Clint Eland (“Hilda”). Emmy Award winner Graham MacDonald (“Mickey Mouse”) directs, with Ben Greene (“Hilda”) as head writer.
 
The exciting slate of recent offerings for kids and families on Apple TV+ features new Peanuts series “Camp Snoopy”; the second season of beloved animated series “Frog and Toad,” based on the Caldecott and Newbery Honor-winning books; animated adventure trilogy “WondLa,” based on the New York Times bestselling book series “The Search for WondLa” by Tony DiTerlizzi; celebrated kids and family series “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!,” inspired by the hit, Emmy Award-nominated cultural phenomenon “Yo Gabba Gabba!”; “Me,” an elevated cinematic coming-of-age story from Barry L. Levy, and “Wonder Pets: In the City,” from Jennifer Oxley.
 
Award-winning all-ages offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+ also include celebrated live action animated hybrid special, “The Velveteen Rabbit”; the Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; Oscar-nominated and BAFTA Award-winning animated film “Wolfwalkers”; Skydance animated feature “Luck”; the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling With Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award-nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” “Frog and Toad,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show,” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater.” Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award-nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award-winning “Best Foot Forward,” “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award-winning “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop and Sinking Ship’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter,” Emmy Award and Environmental Media Association Award winning “Jane,” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.”
 
Also featured are “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times bestselling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers, and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” Emmy Award-winning “Snoopy Presents: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.”
 
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 537 wins and 2,545 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic 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, Apple Vision Pro, 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 $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
 
*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visitapple.com/promo for more information*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply;visitapple.com/promo for more information.’

It’s been a little while since we all celebrated the wonder of the Power Universe and understandably so. After all, we have all needed a little bit of time to properly process the end of Tariq St. Patrick’s journey since Ghost went off the airwaves last year. Not to mention, the team at Force is hard at work at bringing us an epic farewell season for Tommy Egan, and the cast and crew of Power Book III: Raising Kanan have been working to prepare the fourth season for us to enjoy.
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But at last, our long drought regarding news from the Power Universe has come to an end. For recently, STARZ offered up a bevy of gifts for us. Since they recently revealed that March 7, 2025, will serve as the release date for Raising Kanan, and as an added bonus, they even released some updated details on the show, and some first look photographs for us to enjoy. All of which we will share with you now. So, that we can all prepare ourselves for another epic season of storytelling. One that will bring us closer and closer to Kanan’s tragic fate.

'STARZ announced recently the highly anticipated premiere of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” season four, set to debut on Friday, March 7, along with an exciting reveal of first-look photos from the upcoming season. New episodes of the unpredictable, star-studded, and action-packed drama will be available to stream weekly on Fridays on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms.
 
Season one of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” will be available for free sampling on the STARZ app and across participating OTT streaming and on-demand platforms beginning January 31 through February 28. Viewers can also binge and catch up on seasons one through three of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” on STARZ ahead of its season four premiere.

As previously announced, season four will introduce new cast members Pardison Fontaine as “B-Rilla” and Chris Redd as “Early Tyler,” who will join series stars Patina Miller as the formidable drug queenpin “Raquel Thomas,” MeKai Curtis as the rising and ruthless “Kanan Stark,” Joey Bada$$ as the unpredictable “Unique,” and Tony Danza as the notorious Italian mobster “Stefano Marchetti.” The cast also includes Wendell Pierce and Erika Woods as “Snaps and Pop,” London Brown as “Marvin Thomas,” Malcolm Mays as “Lou-Lou Thomas,” and Hailey Kilgore as “Jukebox.”

Season three left viewers reeling with its shocking plot twist, setting the stage for an even more intense return to South Jamaica, Queens. As the Thomas family navigates the fallout from their life-altering decisions, they remain oblivious to Unique's return and the chilling consequences of his near-death experience.

In the riveting fourth season, slates have seemingly been wiped clean for Kanan, Raq, and the rest of the Thomas family in pursuit of a fresh start. However in the eye of the storm, one very dangerous obstacle looms large, Unique is alive. Unique makes a volatile and violent return, as he hunts to upend the lives of the Thomas family. Amidst the chaos, the Thomas family faces a truth that can no longer be denied: You are who you are. Although you may be capable of change, the fundamentals remain the same, and sooner or later, you will be forced to confront the inescapable reality of your inherent nature. In season four, whether the family chooses to reject or embrace the truth may be the difference between life and death.
 
“Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is the second series in the expanded “Power” Universe franchise. Sascha Penn serves as showrunner and executive producer for season four. The “Power” Universe series is executive produced by the creator and showrunner of the original “Power,” Courtney A. Kemp through her production company End of Episode, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through G-Unit Film and Television, and Mark Canton through Canton Entertainment. Chris Selak and Kevin Fox also serve as executive producers. Lionsgate Television produces the series for STARZ.
 
Follow “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” on Social
Twitter: @RaisingKanan
Instagram: @RaisingKananStarz
Facebook: @RaisingKanan
Join the conversation with #RAISINGKANAN 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 global 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 an 18,000-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.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Darby and Joan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the vast majority of crime stories, follow a fairly similar formula when it comes to crimes involving money. Wherein the investigator or investigators in question, untangle a sorrowful web. One where someone got themselves into a lot of trouble with money, often times owing the world to others, and in a desperate attempt to find a payday and find relief they either come to harm or do great harm to others. Which forces the good guys to bring the perpetrator to justice in a manner that reminds us that money is the root of all evil and to be responsible with it, so we never find ourselves in such a sorrowful position. 

Which is so widely used and so of the norm, that it is supremely refreshing when a show takes the time to offer up something different on the matter. Just so we can enjoy something exciting and new, and wouldn’t you know it… Darby and Joan is a show that offers up just that. For the next episode in this Acorn TV series, took the time to provide us with a different kind of money-themed crime story. One that at first, appeared to be nothing more than a chance for Joan to do right by her sister. Since Max fired off a distress call in this tale, one that brought our heroes to an idyllic town in the middle of nowhere to help Max… do mushrooms. Oh, and celebrate her forthcoming nuptials.

Because she met a man named Dermot and fell head over heels in love with him. For he was a charming man, with lots of money no less, since we know that Max does like the finer things in life. But alas, his health came under fire in this story and of course, Jack and Joan sprang into action, and came to learn that someone tried to poison him and well, since he had dealings all around the town, it seemed as though a traditional plot involving money and greed was about to come into play. But soon the duo learned that Dermot was also a scoundrel and a fraudster. One who was bankrupt and owed everyone so much money. So… he instead poisoned himself to defer accountability and to buy himself time to figure out how to steal, beg and borrow for his next project.

Which really did add a new twist to this type of story. Since they more often than not focus heavily upon external causes of harm. So, it was refreshing to see a scoundrel harm himself to deflect and distract because that’s something a scumbag would do. But aside from that refreshing twist, this story did offer up so much more, as it is wont to do. Since downtime in this tale allowed for Joan to start to ponder upon love and whether or not she wanted Chris. Because she acknowledged in some capacity, that Jack had made her a flutter as well, and she clearly needs to decide who she wants, and that process started here and of course… this story offered up quite the surprise regarding the case involving Jack.

Simply because there were no more leads to go upon. All that was left was to clear Jack’s alibi on the night his enemy died and see if by chance Sophie could be located. Which brought forth the surprise in question. Simply because, Sophie showed up at the camper and appeared ready to talk. Which sets the stage for resolution at last. But before we ponder further upon that, we can celebrate one refreshing tale. For this one offered wondrous character growth across the board and of course, gave rise to a different kind of crime story involving greed. Because you just don’t see the villain of the story also be the victim, and that was epic and well, now that this case has been solved… the time has come to bring closure to Jacks longstanding nightmare. And it will be interesting to see how that plays out in the season two finale. Until next time.

When we set out to achieve our dream, be it becoming the next great actor in the world or just perhaps the best possible accountant we can be… we have an idea of what we can expect when we reach the top. In that, there will be relief, joy, and a sense of peace we’ve never known. Not to mention, we know we will be well compensated and comfortable in life and that most important of all… the work will be easy and beautiful. Sure, we might have to bust our butt to maintain, but we are doing what we love. So, there’s no way it can ever be that bad. But alas, that is an incorrect view of our dream job, simply because we lose sight of a tough fact.
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In that, whether we are getting into a creative field or a corporate one… we are still working in a business, in an industry and that means… a few things will surprise us. In that, there will be tough days ahead, where it seems we cannot smoothly perform the duties we think we are born for, something we experience in the piddly day jobs that we left behind. Not to mention, we run into bosses and coworkers that are as annoying as the ones we hoped to never work with ever again. Because that’s just business. A world that works for profit and a world that expects results, and while that seems to be a jaded and cynical view of the dream, it’s truth. Which leaves one to wonder then… how do we navigate that world and find joy within it?

Well, it just so happens that the next episode of Heels explores just that. A feat that ‘Who the Hell is the Condamned?’ accomplished by first pointing out that hard truth. Because Charlie Gully was FURIOUS about the fact that Jack made a last-minute switch to the card and the story. For he felt that the Condamned’s arrival was nothing short of a middle finger to FWD and that compensation was expected. In the form of having the Condamned get his ass beat at Dystopia the following week. A move that Jack protested to properly tell a story, and that of course… brought hell down upon him. Wherein he came to learn he was an employee of Gully’s for the time being and had to figure out how to work alongside him, and still grow the league in a manner that would fulfill his wants and needs.

Which in turn, allowed for the show to ponder upon a couple of other unique ideas regarding this problem. Because everyone felt as though, this was no longer the dream job but a job. Since Diego didn’t like being Bill’s gopher and did not like being uninformed of the surprise. Not to mention Crystal was listless since the focus was on the cross promotion over the women’s league. So, this segment of the story offered up some simple ideas on how to keep that sense of wonder and joy in a dream gig, in part by offering inclusion and kindness. Which Bill did for Diego to make him feel once again that he was a partner and not an employee and Crystal… was encouraged to wrestle down in Florida. To put her skills on display and to help create clout for a woman’s league with the DWL. In essence, to just seize an opportunity and roll with the punches to make that opportunity grow, and sometimes… we have to do that in a dream job. 
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But of course… the bigger lessons in this matter were indeed handled by Jack and Ace, and the entirety of Florida Wrestling Dystopia. Because Jack, with good council from Bill and Willie, came to realize that taking chances with his writing and offering up moments that would appease his egotistical new boss, would help him appease all parties, and that was the right approach. Since it set up a grandiose twist that the audience loved to no end and made Gully happy, and the devil was in the details in this journey. In that, when we encounter the surprise reality that we are working a job, a far less annoying one mind you… we have to understand that this is a business, and we are a professional. That means, we have to act accordingly and find a way to make it work. So that we can get past that rough patch and get back to what thrills us. 

Which was… a fine lesson to come into play. Because we simply don’t think about that truth when we set out on our quest to reach our dreams… but we should take this into account. So that we are ready when it happens, and it won’t shock us in the slightest. We will just do what needs to be done, and be the consummate professional that comes to understand, while we are blessed, there will be tough days. The kind that never outweigh the good if we handle business the way Jack did here. Which made for a powerful episode for certain, one that put a hard truth on display that we don’t discuss enough, and once again… this show deserves our awe for calling out some hard truths to prepare the viewer for their grand journey to the top, and it will be interesting to see what other new lessons we uncover as our rewatch continues along. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of tonight’s new episode of The Joe Schmo Show, which debuts on TBS at 9:00PM ET/PT.
 
Episode 102: “The Golden Goat” – Premieres Tuesday, January 28 at 9:00PM ET/PT
Ben becomes the honorary Goat Keeper and plays the game harder than ever expected as he identifies potential threats to his alliance.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1204 of ‘When Calls the Heart’. To revisit the pervious episode, click here.
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Ask any parent out there what shocks them the most about being a parent, and you’ll get back the same, fascinating answer. In that, they cannot believe how quickly their little ones grow up. As though time begins to move faster the instant, they hold their baby in their arms and well… there’s merit to that answer. For truly, children just seem to mature and move into new age brackets in the blink of an eye, and it really does stun us through and through, that one minute, they’re just making noises and soaking up the world, and the next… they’re graduating school and preparing to take on the world and apply the lessons they’ve been taught.

Which is why we also hear to cherish those years and spoil children in the right ways when the moment applies. So that they have warm and lovely memories for the rest of their days and well, the wonder of children growing up is top of mind today, simply because it was featured in the next episode of When Calls the Heart on the Hallmark Channel. A feat that ‘Dancing Teens’ accomplished by way of a big moment in the town. In that, Allie decided that for her birthday she didn’t want to go with her dad’s plan. She wanted to have a full-on dance party. One free from adults, where she and her pals could just enjoy the evening and live in the moment. Which the majority of the town got behind, minus a few salty individuals. Who expressed long standing worries about teens and how being left to their own devices can be trouble.

Plus, it also wounded Nathan since it was kept from him for a time. But a good talk with Allie, and the town coming together to let the dance happen… brought forth that reminder… that kids grow up so fast. Because just like that, Allie was no longer a little girl, wherein she would let her dad call all the shots. She found agency, she made that decision, and she pushed for others to follow a path she decided. Which is what we see when children reach that perfect age between teenager and adult, and that made for a powerful and sobering sequence for certain. One that really did speak to the fact there will come a day where our little one will suddenly be more than the apple of our eye. They will be a person that is ready for more, ready to change everything with their hopeful nature. But it also informed us, that we should not feel sorrow when it comes. Because when see them taking charge like Allie, it means we raised them right, and they’re ready, and we can cherish the wonder of the journey as they teach us a thing or two. As was the case with Elizabeth having to learn a new dance or two.  

But while that made for powerful storytelling, this particular episode had so much more to offer. After all, we saw the intrepid governor be a true man of the people and connect with a constituent in a way he did not know was possible. Plus, Rosemary was finally able to dig into that story and see what she could learn about this age old, unsolved case, and that was entertaining and engaging to watch. But truly, the other major plot line of note in this story involved Angela. Who felt left out in this story and was worried she would always be an outsider. But her father made sure to point out her value and worth and the majesty she contributed to the town, and the world. That helped her for certain and influenced her to attend a college for the blind… to know that sense of belonging.

All of which made for an amazing story. One that all of us could relate to. Since we all have that little one in our lives that one day, isn’t so little, and that does always surprise us and move us as it did for so many here. But of course, that’s what this show does best, it resonates with all of us on some level, and it was nice to see a series express that and, in a way, prepare us for the future of the show. Since clearly, there are teens that are about to become adults and forge their own path in this story. But while we wait for that big day, we can revel in this wondrous story about the majesty of family and how each moment really is as precious as they come. Until next time.