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.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled into enjoy the wondrous new Disney+ series, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, we were all left with a real sense of worry. Simply because Jod, a man seemingly out to help our young heroes, turned on them. To the point where he held Fern at knifepoint and ordered them to be imprisoned by SM-33. All as part of a plan to capture the spoils of At Attin itself and we simply did not know if our intrepid crew would be safe or if real trouble awaited them. But thankfully, ‘Zero Friends Again’ informed us of their positive fate, and offered up a little bit of catharsis regarding Jod and his nasty little double cross.

Mainly because, Jod didn’t get away with it. For shortly after emerging from Rennod’s lair, he learned that he did not wipe out all the pirates with acid. In fact, a great many of them survived and they took him into custody and put him on trial. To finally hold him accountable. But that went as well as one might expect. Mainly because Jod sold the story of At Attin quite well, and that won everyone over and that offered him safety for the time being. But there were of course no guarantees that such safety would be maintained. Mainly because SM-33 was badly damaged in the fight to bring Jod to justice, and if his memory is damaged beyond repair, there are no coordinates for Jod to take the pirates to.

As for the crew however, well… they survived that quick move on Wim’s part. But sadly, found themselves in the wastelands of this pirate and spa paradise. Wherein the kids had not a clue what to do next. Because while they knew they needed to get back to the ship, they could not agree on what path to take. For Wim and KB wanted to follow some native trash crabs, out of the belief they would guide them to an easy path back to the spa. Whereas Neel and Fern wanted to scale the wall to get to the ship. So, they split up and that led to some harrowing moments for all the kids as they learned some solid lessons regarding communication and teamwork and support,. Not to mention, KB really shined and showcased some vulnerability, and all of this could not have come at a better time. 

Because eventually, the uppity folks at the spa decided to have the ship towed to the scrapyards. Which meant our heroes had to find a way to reunite and unify to save the ship, and thanks to a brave rescue on Fern’s part, since KB and Wim learned the hard way that the crabs were more interested in eating them, everyone was aboard the ship at last and worked hard to stop a massive crushing device from devouring them and the ship. Which prompted all of them to work together and lean into their strengths and be brave and for their efforts and fearlessness, the ship was quite literally reborn into a sleeker version of itself and just like that… our heroes were free and likely headed home. Since KB also recorded the coordinates for At Attin. 

All of which brought forth, a magnificent and fun tale. One that in many ways, appeared to set the stage for the season one finale. Because now, we have two factions preparing to head to At Attin for vastly different reasons. The question is, who will get there first? But while we wait to see how that plays out, we can celebrate just a blast of a story. Because in between that setup, was one epic tale. One that featured character growth and unity for our heroes, along with one grand adventure. That was thrilling and fun, and funny when it needed to be and this episode of course, has us counting down the minutes to next week’s tale. To see what the race to At Attin will look like as we near the end of season one of this delightful journey. Until next time.