​Something that human beings love to do on a consistent basis, is celebrate their surroundings. Which is quite the wonderful thing. Because taking pride in where we live and everything it has to offer, keeps its wonder alive. But there is a slight downside when it comes to ‘hometown pride’. In that, we tend to not realize there are parts of the world that outright resemble our own little corner of it. Simply because we have forgotten that this lush and green world once hosted a giant continent, and we are unaware of the fact that there are echoes of its unified past across the globe, and this is relevant to today’s discussion, because last night’s episode of Seven Worlds, One Planet had an oddly familiar feel to it.
 
Which it shouldn’t have, because we were on the other side of the world in this tale, exploring the wonder of Asia. Yet, it quickly became apparent how this part of the planet has a familiar feel to North America, since it features an equally diverse biosphere, the kind that also offers just about every type of environment imaginable. And in similar fashion to our tour of North America, the show took the time to kick off its exploration of this ‘sister’ continent, by looking to the frozen tundra of the north. For here is where Pacific Walruses and Polar Bears thrive, and they are constantly looking for safety and food in their now vastly changing environment. Plus, there are bears in the depths of the snow who risk life and limb to feed, by coming close to hot springs that are powered by volcanoes.
 
If anything, it was just fascinating to see how life in the colder parts of Asia is thriving, and it was incredible to learn that there are other extreme parts of this continent where life is finding a way. Take for example the Himalayas, where the snub-nosed snow monkey is doing just fine, thanks to the fact that they travel with family for warmth and protection. Or in the deserts of Iran, there are snakes that have learned to use the illusion of insects to feed and of course, life in the jungles is also teeming with incredible creatures, and a genuine highlight here came by way of the orangutan. For we were able to watch a mother raise her child in this segment of the story and it was just beautiful to see how she cares for her little one, and see her teach him the finer points of climbing a tree for a delicious reward, and it really was satisfying to bask in some lovely and powerful moments as we traveled across this lovely continent.
 
But this series will continue to emphasize the fact that while the world is still a lovely place, it is in a perilous position right now, due to climate change and our push to find homes and new land for the ever growing human population, and that message was reinforced here in sobering fashion. For the lovely introduction of the Sumatran Rhino, a tiny and cute little creature, ended in shock when we came to learn that there are only handfuls of these precious creatures left, and their numbers have dwindled as their environment changes and surrenders to mankind. Plus, the story opened up with its powerful message on climate change, since we quickly came to learn that walruses and polar bears are existing so close to one another because the ice they normally live upon is melting, and they are starting to see losses as they continue to put themselves in close and dangerous quarters.
 
Yet while it seems as though the message was only going to get darker from here, the series did something quite amazing. It offered up a shred of hope, by showing us proof that we can indeed co-exist with nature in peaceful and magnificent passion. For the vignette involving Indonesian fisherman, wherein they fed whale sharks as part of the plan to create balance in that part of the world, was comforting and inspiring. And it was just wonderful to see man and animal living together in harmony and hopefully soon; we hear more stories like this pouring in from around our tiny globe. But in the meantime, it is best we celebrate another beautiful episode from this magnificent series. Because seeing how our world ties together, is a humbling experience, and it truly makes you feel as though you’re a part of something bigger and the fact that this documentary series is able to accomplish that, makes it a special series indeed. Until next time.  

Something that is supremely fascinating when it comes to season two of Lost in Space, is the sheer fact that the series really hasn’t featured a big bad or major issue for the 24th Colonist Group to deal with this time around. After all, in season one, evil robots and a race against time to escape catastrophe, gave the colonists and the Robinson family plenty of challenges to overcome, the kind that didn’t see any resolution until the season finale. But this year, things are quite different. For the living rust that made its way aboard the Resolute is now drifting harmlessly through space and Adler wasted no time in putting the second evil robot down for good, leaving humanity in a relaxed place right now.
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But as it turns out, there was a plan in place as to why larger threats were introduced and resolved in such brisk fashion, and that was to make way for the real heavy of season two, one that everyone is familiar with and one that always pulls off evil with impunity; mankind. Because in ‘Evolution’ we learned that Adler and Hastings worked together on a scheme to in regard to Will’s Robot. For in the event the ‘bot felt the need to say no to helping humanity, there were ugly security measures in place in ensure compliance and while that’s not exactly horrendously evil in its own right, since we already knew that this twisted duo were happy to torture a robot in order to get what they want, that was just the bare beginning of the nefarious stuff that Hastings was up to.

Because a strange communication came through, one that stimulated a noticeably uncomfortable atmosphere aboard the Resolute, and that meant John had to dive deep and make some unfortunate alliances in order to figure out what had the captain spooked and what suddenly shut down every single transport to the planet below. And with Smith’s help, John was able to discover that the Resolute received multiple signals from multiple alien starships. But that didn’t quite explain the unsettled nature aboard the ship and that prompted John to move to a new phase of the plan, one that continued to utilize Smith. For he had her, get him into trouble, an act that would make her look like a hero and gain Hastings’ trust so he would confide in her all the details of what was going on. And while this plan worked to a tee, it did bring about some unfortunate answers, that kind that could lead to an unsettling fate for some members of the 24th Colonist Group.

For with barely enough water to keep the voyage going, and with a grand threat coming, the plan was to abandon those below and just push ahead to Alpha Centauri. And the instant his wife and son were back aboard the ship, John provided his love with all the details regarding this twisted and dastardly decision and that has Maureen pondering for the moment. Because it is going to take an outright mutiny to execute any kind of plan to save the colonists, and it should be interesting to see how Maureen is going to pull that off with John and Don on house arrest. But she may have an ally in place after all, since Adler seemed to be a tad more understanding and sympathetic to the situation at hand, especially after seeing the Robot show compassion and understanding, something he thought these beings were completely incapable of.

If anything, this really was quite the fascinating episode. Because it does a fine job of manipulating the audience in all the right ways. After all, there’s a genuine sense of security when this tale opens up, one that makes it seem as though brighter days are finally ahead for the colonists. But just like that, bad people doing bad things comes into play and now the stakes are higher than ever and truly, it is going to take one hell of a plan to save the colonists that Hastings believes are expendable. Either way, the Robinsons are likely up to the task and it should be fascinating to see how they pull together in order to save lives and save the day. Until next time.      

Something that has become an outright foundation in the entertainment world, is adding a layer of humanity to the villain in any particular story. It doesn’t necessarily make them more human or better people in the slightest, but it does now offer audiences a fair understanding as to why this particular monster has turned their back upon humanity. And while this definitely has its merit storytelling wise since it does offer incredible depth, it’s always refreshing when you come across a story that doesn’t subscribe this trend in the slightest and it just so happens that CHiPs, a series that prides itself on offering up unique and thoughtful baddies, took the time change course and offer us a uniquely different kind of Creep of the Week.
 
For ‘Crash Course’ introduced us to a ‘gentleman’ named Sonny Matson and well, there’s no nice way to put it; Sonny was a piece of human garbage through and through. He didn’t think the rules applied to him and he was as cocky as they come since he was regarded as the finest getaway man out there and when we catch up with him in this tale, he’s escaped jail and is ready to get back to what he does best, causing trouble. Which hey sounds like a wonderful challenge for the CHP to handle, but Sonny had little regard for human life in any capacity and his consistent attempts to hurt CHP officers for the sheer fun of it hammered home his dangerous nature and well, it also allowed for him to elude capture multiple times.
 
Yet while Ponch and Jon and everyone at Central were dealing with this monster, the show also took the time to lighten the mood after a pair of bleak episodes. That was accomplished, by having Ponch deal with an odd little financial quirk. For his bank made a terrible mistake and handed him $4500 without giving it a second though, and unfortunately for Frank… honestly ended up being a chaotic policy. Because they reclaimed the money after he told them about their goof, and then they emptied his account out, citing fees and mistakes on his part. Which… wasn’t the case at all and despite Poncherello bringing them proof that they were messing up his account, they kept giving him the runaround without fixing it and well, this was just hilarious because we’ve all been in Ponch’s shoes. But the surprise that came with this plot line, is that it found a way to tie into Sonny’s journey.
 
Because Ponch’s bank was marked by Sonny and his associate for a robbery, and while Ponch and Jon were inside the manager’s office, wherein Frank was hard at work at fixing his problem, the robbery went down. Which gave our dynamic duo quite the unique opportunity, and thanks to their quick thinking and a touch of stealth, they were able to bring down the robber, and then they turned their attention to Sonny. Which of course led to a magnificent chase scene, one that was truly worthy of the series and one that ended in disaster for Sonny. Because an attempt at a flashy escape failed, finally allowing for his ego to be bruised and for his reign of terror to come to an end, and in the end, this really was quite the wonderful episode for certain. Simply because, it told a beautifully woven story.
 
After all, the surprise twist of having Ponch’s bank become ground zero for our final showdown was just smooth and Sonny really was one of the nastiest villains that our heroes have faced off against in a long time. Because this dude was a straight up sociopath, and it takes a set of brass ones to smile at a peace officer before working to hurt them and his nasty nature only added to the atmosphere of the story. If anything, there’s really only one major problem with this episode in that, why the heck didn’t Frank switch banks? Because these clerks and managers were downright incompetent and the easy fix, would have been to walk away. But all snark aside, this was a great one, and it really seems as though season four is finding its stride and it should be fascinating to see what other storytelling surprises await us down the line. Until next time.

​Normally in storytelling, the protagonist’s journey is a fairly straight forward affair. They run into a problem in life, they confront it in complicated fashion and they eventually overcome it, leaving the audience or the reader in a satisfied place. Because someone that matters to them and resonated with them accomplished wonders right before their very eyes. Granted, that’s a bit of a generalization, but the overall structure has merit and well, there’s a reason that publishers and Hollywood continually offer us such simple journeys. Because they sell, they work, and they help us to embrace the wonder of a story.
 
Because that lack of complexity helps us just straight up escape everyday life, and relish in a wonderful world where a controlled and safe story takes us on an overall journey. And the escape portion of it is the real key. For everyday life is a chaotic and scattering venture, the kind that demands so much of us and it’s just great to take a break and enjoy some popcorn or sip some tea as we are outright entertained. However, when a story is well-crafted and beautifully written, the audience is just fine with having an injection of real-life placed within the framework of the tale. In fact, it’s almost welcome since it can enhance the story and for proof of how well this works, look no further than the next episode of Lodge 49.
 
For ‘Paradise’ truly examined the chaos that is life, by offering up a veritable cornucopia of concepts. After all, it took the time to remind us that sometimes, we are quick to shy away and hide from our problems, as evidenced by Blaise and Ernie’s journey in this tale. For Blaise did everything he could to avoid speaking in public, and it took a surprise moment of healing to change that and his confidence. But the lesson was clear in that, sometimes we commit to something that makes us nervous and we shy away from it in an instant. And of course, Ernie used his dream of getting in front of Captain to hide from his problems at work, and to not deal with the mess involving Connie and well, we’ve all buried ourselves in work to avoid things and it was just refreshing to see a story put a habit that so many of us fall into, on display, and not offer judgment.

Yet the story had so much more to offer than a quick analysis on a bad habit we all partake in. It also showed us how sometimes, we close ourselves off to the pain we carry within by taking on other people’s problems, and this was explored by way of Dud’s journey in this tale. Because he worked hard to serve as everyone’s rock and beacon and it was incredible to see him immediately dive into everyone’s problems to give them a sense of peace, including his girlfriend. And what made this decision so fascinating, is the sheer fact that it spoke to a couple of things about Dud. For example, this helped to teach us how much he believes that paying it forward will heal one’s soul, and while he’s not wrong, that’s the kind of thing that’s a tad more beneficial once we’ve healed. And since he’s not quite there yet, this becomes a horrible façade that comes crashing down when he realizes he can’t help those who don’t want to escape the darkness they reside within, as evidenced by his stunning conversation with Gloria. Yet while this doesn’t heal Dud in the way he hoped, what matters more is that his actions here do teach us how good of a person he is, and it definitely reminds that there are many ways to hide from what we need to fix.
 
However, there was still one more concept that story wished to explore and that would be how we can straight up lose ourselves on the road to recovery, and that exploration was handled by Liz in this tale. Because letting loose like she did and not being in control when she so desperately wants to be, brought shame to the forefront of her mind. And when shame oozes out of our very being like that, we simply let go. We say the things we shouldn’t, we do dumb things all out of anger at ourselves and the situation and that’s why Liz made a move on Jeremy and why she unleashed her fury on her brother later on in the episode and this was just another powerfully relatable moment. Because we’ve all been there at some point or another and what the episode has to say about all of these elements is what impressed me the most.
 
Because the story offers nothing commentary wise. It just presents the situation as it stands, since it is trying to provide us with nothing more than a slice of everyday life. For this is just how grieving and healing goes. Some days are good, some days are bad, but we go on. We try new things; we make mistakes and the sun still rises. And the fact that this story didn’t offer a solution, nor did it judge or try to take a side on the matter, makes it a brilliant tale indeed. Because in the end, this one is just an experience. One that evokes memories and emotions in all of us and sometimes, just sharing in the power of pain and the struggle itself, helps us to recognize things we need to work upon and most importantly of all, seeing this on display somehow provides us with comfort, and helps us to heal.

​Over the course of the past couple of weeks, Star Trek: Picard has focused heavily on the power of the past and how it weighs upon and haunts a person and there’s truly good reason for spending so much screen time upon these particular notions. For Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, has made some dubious choices, the kind that have stayed with him and chewed upon the back of his mind; despite his best efforts to escape them. But at some point, there comes a reckoning for men like Jean-Luc, wherein one can no longer hide from their past and one must face every mistake and misstep in order to find the peace one so desperately seeks and that’s really what the first two episodes have revolved around, Picard’s reckoning.
 
Yet while it is fascinating to watch a great man, one that has accomplished incredible wonders, reflect upon his regrets and every mistake and misstep he’s made over the past two decades, there has to be some kind of action taken in order to resolve the past and that’s put Picard at quite the crossroads. For in essence; he must either stand tall and try to right the wrongs in his mind or walk away and spend the rest of his days making fine wine, free from the trappings of morality that were the focal point of his younger days. And while ‘Maps and Legends’ saw him try to stand tall with mixed results, ‘The End is the Beginning’ dove full bore into his final decision on the on matter and thankfully… Admiral Jean-Luc Picard made the call to confront everything that’s been haunting him, starting with an attempt to make amends with a person that he hurt deeply in regard to his resignation; Commander Raffi Musiker.
 
Because shortly after he tendered his resignation, Raffi lost her security clearances in Starfleet, and clearly her career stalled as well. And it quickly becomes apparent during her conversation with Picard that she is someone who deeply loved her time in Starfleet and being robbed of a career and a future within Starfleet’s framework broke her. In fact, when we meet her here, she’s in a tough place mentally and tending to her wounds with various home-grown substances. But while this offered up some powerful moments, what matters more here is that Jean-Luc made every effort to set things right with his former first officer. For he offered an apology, and an opportunity to get back into the game by helping him figure out the mystery of Bruce Maddox. But the pain of yesterday was still too much for Raffi to bear and she rebuffed Picard’s attempts to make things right, but not before offering him something he was desperately in need of; a pilot and a ship.
 
Which brought Picard aboard a vessel named the La Sirena, wherein we met Captain Rios, another former Starfleet commander who had experienced some incredible trauma while in the service thanks to Starfleet’s shadier side. Yet while it was fascinating to meet another officer who happened to have a bone to pick with Starfleet, what this visit did for Jean-Luc is paramount. Because being on the bridge of a starship brought out a spark in Picard that we haven’t seen yet on this series, and it just so happened to be the spark that we once saw emanate from him when he stood upon the bridge of the Enterprise. For space is where Picard belongs and the instant he sat down next to Rios, the Captain we know and love was on display once again and well, it’s clear now that making plans to do the right thing and pushing others to confront and step away from their past is doing something quite special. But more on that in a moment.

​For this is a series that is all about developing and resolving all of the plot points that it brings to the table. Which means we needed to spend a little time aboard that ghost ship of a Borg Cube and catch up with Soji. But rather than stick to familiar territory, with Narek and his sister lurking about the shadows and watching her closely, the story chose to go a different route in regard to Soji. For she wanted to learn everything and anything about some of the ancient Romulan legends one particular Romulan named Ramdah, who was now liberated from the Collective, knew about and well, that quest for knowledge ended in unsettling fashion. For Soji was able to recall some incredibly specific facts about Ramdah, and what Soji had to say awoke an incredible fear. To the point where Ramdah pondered aloud as to which twin Soji was from said legends, the one that dies, or the one known that was known as ‘The Destroyer’ and that’s a fascinating nickname to have for someone as special as Soji and this dark belief surrounding her extends across the galaxy.
 
Because back on Earth, Jean-Luc found himself in quite the precarious position. For behind the scenes, the sinister Commodore Oh was beginning to dig into what exactly Picard was up to after his meeting with the CNC, and that led her to Dr. Jurati, who was happy to inform Oh of their conversations and Picard’s plans. Which prompted Oh to call in her Tal Shiar/Zhat Vash cronies to deal with the Admiral and in a stunning turn of events, they came calling at Chateau Picard and that was a poor choice on their part. Because they didn’t count on Picard’s tenacity or the overall skills of his friends and in prompt fashion, the trio were able to put down every last agent, with an assist from the good Doctor when she arrived to discuss her meeting with the Commodore and… the tie in here, stems from what the only survivor of this fight had to say. For he spoke to how Soji was indeed something sinister and he also called her the Destroyer, leaving one to wonder why she is so feared by the remnant of the Empire.
 
However, rather than end this episode in dark and ominous fashion, the writers room opted to do something quite magnificent. For shortly after the attack, Picard received word that now would likely be a good time to head out into the stars before things get hairy and that’s when Picard’s efforts to heal himself and the world he left behind, paid off in spades. For Raffi was aboard waiting for him, and it was clear she took some of Jean-Luc’s words to heart and she had wonderful news about Maddox’s location, and Agnes also wants in on this mission and this is all happening simply because Picard is engendering trust once again. He’s getting others to believe in a greater cause and in hope, and maybe, if they join him on this just and true quest, they can do some good in a galaxy that is currently lost as it glides through the void. And that made the ending of this episode hopeful and joyous and it is just wonderful to see Admiral Picard inspiring people once again.
 
But while it is wonderful to be amongst the stars with Picard and a crew of intrepid heroes, there are some dark clouds gathering on the horizon in regard to this story. After all, Raffi made a point to inform Jean-Luc that she had concrete evidence that certain members of Starfleet and the Empire were conspiring behind the scenes back in the day, which may explain why the rescue was called off. And of course, Soji’s nickname brings up grave concerns, and it will be quite interesting to see where these plot threads take us in the weeks to come. But in the here and the now, it is best we simply celebrate another magnificent episode. One that brought Hugh, the Borg formerly known as Third of Five back into the fold, and one that allowed for Picard to find the best parts of himself again and truly the wait for next week’s chapter in this magnificent tale is going to be a difficult one. Because the Admiral is back on the bridge of a starship, and the possibilities of where his mission will take us, are endless. Until next time.

​It wasn’t all that long ago, that I more or less declared season four of CHiPs, to be the beginning of the decline of the saga. Wherein the stories would start sliding into campier territory, Ponch would take the center stage and all of this would lead up a woefully inconsistent sixth season, the one that finally put the series to bed. But as it turns out, I was wrong and arrogant to assume that this season would signal a downward trend for the series. Because for several episodes now, this series has been bringing its A-game to the table storytelling wise, and challenging the audience like never before and well, the need to offer up a mea culpa today, stems from the fact that the next episode in this saga, is one of the finest that the series has offered up to date.
 
For ‘Wheels of Justice’ accomplished a great many things storytelling wise. For starters, it offered Ponch and Jon their biggest challenges yet when it comes to their never-ending battle against bad drivers and criminals, by giving them a bevy of Creeps of the Week to deal with. For there was Stan West, who was a mild-mannered accountant by day, turned road rage monster by night; and this dude loved to hit cars and flee the scene. Plus, there was also Arthur Holmes, who was a habitual drunk driver, one that was ready to lose his license and went the extra mile to keep that from happening. And of course, there was the worst Creep of all; their lawyer. Because Ted Stern did everything and anything to keep his boys out of court, something that would backfire badly by the end of the episode.
 
However, before we dive into all of that. We do need to take a moment and discuss the fact that this episode did a fine job of showing us a little depth in regard to Jon Baker. Because he was dating the Assistant D.A. in this tale, and it was unique to see him let down his guard and point out how hard his job is, and how sometimes folks in her position make his job difficult with the legal games they play. If anything, it was just bold to show frustration from an officer on the law, on a series where everything is always hunky dory. But while it was refreshing to see this side of Jon, it’s time we discuss what we learned about our COTWs and where their stories took them. Because through them, the series dove into some realistic and sobering territory, the kind that definitely hangs heavy in the air once the episode comes to a close.
 
Because the people that Stern chose to defend, were awful people. In fact, Stan West almost caused great harm to an ambulance filled to the brim with infants, and it turns out that he was lying at every turn and using fake identities to get out of paying for his numerous tickets, and that lovely discovery finally put him behind bars. And as for Arthur Holmes, well this guy actually had the nerve to make his wife switch places with him and claim she was driving, after he caused an accident while under the influence, and he did not learn a single lesson from that event. For in the closing moments of this tale, he got behind the wheel, sauced to the gills once again, and he paid the ultimate price for his arrogance. Because in the midst of a high-speed chase with Ponch and Jon, he ejected his wife from the car, killing her instantly and this was just a powerful and incredible way to end this episode.
 
After all, this is the kind of stuff that happens in real life, the kind of stuff that CHiPs usually just flirts with. But they went all out here, and truly showed us the horrors of drunk driving and I have to tip my cap to everyone involved in the making of this one. Because that’s bold direction to take on a series that keeps things light, and it and everything that preceded it made for an engrossing and fascinating tale, one that gave the audience plenty to chew upon. If anything, it just goes to show that there is still plenty of life left in this series, and they’re pulling out the big guns now, and that definitely leaves me wondering what kind of daring storytelling awaits me in the days to come as season four rolls along. Because wow, this really was something else and I really am in awe of everything this story had to offer. Until next time.   

​One thing that everyone believes in, is going the extra mile for their family if they are ever in need. Because we only get one family in life and if they’re in trouble or need a helping hand, dropping everything to take care of them is paramount. But what’s truly fascinating about this aspect of our humanity, is that this is something that is often extended to our closest friends as well. Because they are the family we choose, and they are often the folks who stand alongside us through thick and thin. Which means they truly deserve that courtesy. And it just so happens that next episode of Lost in Space takes the time to explore just how much our extended family means to us and how going the extra mile for them will happen without a second thought, the instant they need us.
 
Because ‘Severed’ saw Penny Robinson and Vijay and Smith and Mister Jackson, find themselves in quite the quagmire. For the metal eating rust that managed to get aboard the Resolute was beginning to feast upon the ship, forcing the crew to secure that area, which trapped Penny and her friends and frenemy behind the bulkheads in that segment of the ship while they waited to be rescued. But it didn’t take long for the rescue plan to go south. Because the bacterium was feasting ravenously and growing at an exponential rate, which meant the crew of the ship was beginning to ponder upon a bold plan… one that might cost lives. For at this point, the only way to save the ship from being consumed by this living rust, was to blow the afflicted segment of the hull out into space, and that’s where Don’s heroism comes into play.
 
For he refused to let Penny be hurt in the slightest and he came up with a wild plan of his own. Wherein this tiny group would empty out a particular container present in the classroom and climb inside of it, so that they could survive the forthcoming blast long enough for Don to pick them up in a Jupiter. But there was just one wrinkle in regard to his plan, the ship’s captain wouldn’t sign off on it. Only because there were no guarantees that such a move would work and well… that’s where Don went the extra mile in question. Because he straight up confessed to the fact that he has used this particular type of container to smuggle food into Alpha Centauri and that’s how he knows his plan will work and well, this was the kind of admission that was going to get him into a heap of trouble for certain.
 
But not until after the matter at hand was resolved. Because the captain did indeed give him the green light to pull this off. But there was a new problem that unfolded before everyone’s eyes. Because the only way the group was going to fit was by removing the heating element in the box, the one thing that was going to keep everyone toasty long enough for rescue. Which meant Penny had to figure out how to get everyone inside without anyone staying behind in the hopes of keeping the others warm and safe. And thanks to Penny’s quick thinking to utilize Smith to talk Mister Jackson down from wanting to sacrifice himself, everyone did indeed make it into the box and despite being plunged into the horrific chill of space itself, eventually they were rescued by Don, who later found himself under arrest for his actions and well, this all made for one fascinating tale when all is said and done.
 
Because it really was incredible to watch Don spring into action like this and truly put everything on the line for his chosen family and that added depth to his journey and put him in a wonderfully heroic spotlight and really, the magic of this tale doesn’t end with Don. For Penny’s ability to bring out the best in Smith was pretty darn impressive and who knew Smith could actually do the right thing? But with the problem aboard the Resolute now resolved, we can turn our attention to the planet below. Because the real robot is back after a little identity mix up with the robot jerk that the ‘bot fought in last year’s season one finale, and it should be interesting to see what positive things come out of this long awaited reunion and it will be equally as fascinating to discover what kind of legal fate Don will be facing for his admission. Until next time. 

​One thing that I am starting to notice when it comes CHiPs, is that the series is getting bolder as the seasons roll on, especially when it comes to stories that show a darker side to police work. Because slowly but surely, we’ve seen officers of the law in far more dangerous situations on the show, the kind that exude a genuine sense of realism, to the point where recently an officer was actually killed in the line of duty on screen. Yet while that was powerful and stunning in its own right, it would seem that the writer’s room wasn’t quite done with providing tough scenarios for officers of the California Highway Patrol to face, as evidenced by the next episode in this storied saga.
 
For ‘Satan’s Angels’ pondered upon what it would look like if an officer of the law was deemed to be a wonderful hostage for those in need of money and sadly, Bonnie Clark served as the focal point of this investigation. Because with her radio of out of commission, and people in need, she stepped into a hornet’s nest of trouble by telling a biker group that shares the namesake of the episode that the fun was over, and the time had come for them to stand down. Something they really didn’t want to hear from a cop, and well… they used their sheer numbers to overwhelm Bonnie and they straight up kidnapped her in the hopes of fetching a lovely ransom from the state.
 
Which of course, was a bad idea on their part. So bad in fact, that ninety percent of the gang wanted no part of this once the situation cooled down and split the first chance they could, and they were right to do so. Because the CHP was working round the clock to find her and of course, they eventually did. But what matters more in regard to this story, is the powerful atmosphere that it managed to evoke. Because Bonnie was genuinely in trouble during this tale, and the bikers surrounding her were desperate and scary since they really didn’t give a damn about anyone or anything. And that added a real sense of danger to the story, something that’s been missing from this series for some time now. But what was truly impressive about this tale, is that it pushed our characters like never before and taught us some new and important things about them.
 
Because this really allowed for us to see just how tough Bonnie really is. Because she didn’t crack or falter in the slightest when it came to the threats of physical violence she received. She played the game; she bided her time and did plenty to cause trouble and drive these guys up the wall and that was smart on her part and it was also refreshing to see a woman in a 1980s series, kick some butt and not put up with this kind of crap. Plus, this episode also provided us with a genuine understanding of how much this act got under Ponch and Jon’s skin and how little regard they had for people who wanted to play games involving her disappearance, and I honestly never thought I would see the day when both of them skirted the line between good cop and angry cop, but here we are.
 
If anything, this was just a fascinating episode when all is said and done. Because it really did go into some bold new territory for the series, and it really did challenge the characters in new and fascinating ways. Plus, this episode actually did the impossible and shook off more of the lighthearted moments that we tend to see, since the search for Bonnie dominated and honestly, I have to admit that I loved this episode. Because it really demonstrated the fact that this series can in fact be dark and bold if given the opportunity and really, I suppose the only question hanging on my mind after this one, is whether or not the series is going to try something like this again down the line, or if the folks behind the scenes just wanted to see if they could get away with a unique one off tale. Until next time. 

​Make no mistake about it, focusing a story upon the power of loss and trauma and the long road of recovery that comes with this devastating aspect of life, is a bold and dynamic decision that few shows ever make. Which is why Lodge 49 deserves our continued awe and praise, because this series wasn’t afraid to dive into such matters and present everything revolving around the loss of a loved one in frank and honest fashion. Yet while it always did an incredible job of presenting the harsh reality surrounding a topic that tends to be taboo, what is truly impressive about this series is how it brought these all-important topics to the table.
 
For often times, the show would balance the important stuff with some genuinely beautiful or lighthearted moments and sometimes it would frame its exploration of the human condition around some supremely hilarious and distracting moments, as was the case with the next episode in this magnificent tale, ‘Sunday’. For this episode was able to keep us in stitches following the discovery of Wallace Smith’s body in the suite upstairs and well, the lighthearted stuff didn’t end with said discovery. It extended to the Scout Breakfast and Dud and Ernie’s quest to find Larry and really everything in between and honestly, this was a true stroke of genius when all is said and done.
 
Because the goofy stuff was actually tied to the overall theme of this episode, which involved exploring how keeping our minds busy when we’re down or hurting can be a good thing if done properly, and I loved how this particular tale slowly transitioned into that particular message. And oddly enough Liz is the one that really kicked off this whole exploration in the sneakiest of fashion. Because at first glance, her popping by work and hanging out really made it seem as though she was just bored at home and doing more boring stuff would just irritate her in general. So why not go in and be useful and make some money along the way? 

​But a key moment at Shamroxx, wherein Liz took a moment to reflect upon exactly when her father’s needs sent her down a path of financial malaise, is where the exploration in question took hold. Because it became clear in that moment that Liz wasn’t worried about being bored or anything of the sort by taking a day to herself. She was worried about the silence that would accompany that, and how being alone with her thoughts would cause her more harm than good. Which is why work sounded so appealing, so that her mind could focus on the simpler tasks and while she wasn’t able to dive into her duties, an assist from her awesome friends at work did allow for her to finally get her mind off of things, and take her on one wild adventure as well.
 
If anything, Liz’s journey in this tale hammered home the fact that sometimes, letting loose and having a little fun is a great and healthy way to give us a break from our troubles and keep our minds free of them. But this series would be remiss to not show the flip side of that and remind us that sometimes, getting away from our thoughts is almost a necessity and that was handled by the hunt for Larry. Because the discovery of Smith’s body, and the uncomfortable fact that his end came about by suicide, which served as a parallel to Dud’s dad; rattled dear Sean to his core. So, being able to escape the Lodge and explore the world and be in that chill mindset allowed for the darker thoughts to elude him, and perhaps the most beautiful moment present in this episode, is when Ernie talks Dud down from the beginnings of a panic attack when Dud lets his racing thoughts take hold. A moment that definitely serves as the true genesis to their powerful friendship.
 
But the bottom line, is that this episode teaches us that it is okay to escape the darkness that roams our mind from time to time. In fact, it is an outright necessity. Because that stuff eats at us and being able to enjoy life if only for a moment, heals us in ways we never thought possible, and we should never pass up that kind of an opportunity. Yet while this story does a phenomenal job of hammering home this message in lighthearted and joyous fashion, what I truly appreciated about this tale is that it once again reminds us that we are never alone in our endeavors to heal. For Liz and Dud had silent support in this tale every single step of the way, and actions that seem natural in this tale, really were above and beyond acts of kindness. Which reminds us to be kind and gentle to those in pain and take a moment to offer them our time when they need it. Because you never know when a moment of distraction, will help someone in dire need.     

If there’s one particular type of story that we haven’t talked about in a long time when it comes to CHiPs, it would be the two-hour special episode. Because these were suddenly a hot thing in season three, but after the disappointing ‘Drive, Lady, Drive’ the series apparently opted to focus upon the standard format for the show. Leaving one to wonder, would the two-hour extravaganza ever be something that the series would take the time to revisit? Well as it turns out, the answer to that particular question is a resounding yes. Because it just so happens that the next episode of this storied franchise, resurrected this format in magnificent fashion.
 
For ‘The Great 5K Star Race and Boulder Wrap Party’ turned out to be quite the entertaining ride for several reasons. First and foremost, rather than tinker with an outlandish story involving travel or new roles for our heroes, it stayed within the confines of the Los Angeles basin, all while offering up cameo upon cameo from famous Hollywood stars at the time, by having Ponch and Jon hang out in Malibu where a great many famous people live. Which also allowed for Milton Berle to have a larger role than celebrities usually do in this series and his fine comedic chops stole the show in this particular tale and well, one we get past the glamour and the glitz, the real wonder of this special episode finally takes the center stage.
 
Because this one more or less took everything that’s wonderful about this series and drew it out over the course of its two-hour run and it really was quite wonderful to see so many plot threads be explored in such a thoughtful manner. For example, there was the entire segment where we met a kid named Dane who desperately needed a role model in his life. Because this poor kid had an empty home life, mainly because he wasn’t getting the attention and guidance he needed since his mom was raising, he and his many sisters alone, and that’s where Jon comes into play in this storyline. For he was the hero that Dane needed, and he definitely played the role with gusto since he helped to guide Dane often and he definitely worked to talk some sense into the kid when he did some supremely stupid stuff. 

​Plus, the story also did a phenomenal job with character development for our Creeps of the Week. Because the Creeps in question, were a pair of down and out former racers, who thought they had finally hit the jackpot by creating a new version of the sidecar motorcycle. But the cost of a patent search, and their desperation to be relevant again drove them to steal as often as possible. And while that sounds like a fairly by-the-numbers structure for these guys, the fact that we were able to see them stress out over their acts, and do their best to escape said stress by hiding at a producer’s house during the boulder crisis, added a layer of humanity that the show has been lacking this season when it comes to its villains. Of course, that doesn’t mean one should feel sympathy for these guys, because they’re thieves. But it really was nice to see that depth on display again.
 
But truly, the highlight reel when it comes to this particular story, is the sheer fact that it was a lot of fun to watch. Because the entire plot line involving the giant boulder that could not be destroyed, supplied a lot of laughs, since every attempt to deal with it ended in the goofiest way imaginable. Plus, all of the celebrity segments were supremely enjoyable. In part because this time around all of it felt organic and not shoehorned in like it did in ‘Roller Disco – Parts 1 and 2’ back in season three, and really, one cannot go wrong with how this episode comes to a close. Because there really is something delightful about seeing the characters let loose and enjoy a good old-fashioned water dunk.
 
In the end, this really was quite the impressive episode for certain. Because it managed to weave together every single plotline that we just discussed, which is no easy feat. But somehow, this script pulled it off in seamless fashion and it was wonderful to see everything come together in an organic manner. Plus, it gave equal screen time to Ponch and Jon, something that’s sorely been lacking in season four and well, this is the kind of episode that quite frankly, gives one hope that maybe this season will dive back into more thoughtful storytelling. Because when this show lets loose, it accomplishes wonders and it should be interesting to see if this is a one off, or if the more carefully crafted storytelling that preceded year four is returning to the forefront of this series. Until next time.