Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season four premiere of ‘Killing Eve’. To revisit the season three finale, click here.
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For the most part, the final season of a television show, is quite epic in nature. For this is it, the end of the line so why not go all out and tell us a story that features epic moments and twists that leave us beside ourselves? For there really is nothing for the creatives behind the show to lose at this point, since the endgame is in sight, and they know where they are headed, and that really has led to a bevy of final seasons in the past few years that have left the internet buzzing with awe. But some shows, don’t follow this mantra in the slightest. Because they’re eager to stand out for different reasons or to stay true to the formula and concepts they established from the get-go and one such show that meets that particular criterion is Killing Eve on BBC America.
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Because last night’s season four premiere, which signaled the beginning of the end for this series, was about as low key and chill as it gets. In fact, there was little action and adventure to be found in ‘Just Dunk Me’, outside of the opening of the show… wherein Eve gave Konstantin the business. All because this premiere was eager to focus on the characters and their growth and where they’ve been since the season three finale, since character development is indeed a true tenant of this series and has been from the beginning and well… learning what everyone is up to after the search for the Twelve came to a close, was fascinating to say the least. Since it turns out that everyone is in some supremely unique places mentally.

Eve for instance, is in an angry place. One where she wants nothing but revenge on the Twelve for taking everything she held near and dear from her and she is going to get what she wants, regardless of what MI-6 thinks should take place with this chase and when we catch up with her, here, she’s opted to join a private security force. In part to pay the bills, of course. Because revenge requires food and a place to sleep. But also, because this gig affords her a great deal of spare time. Wherein she can in fact, carefully keep an eye on people that might have ties to the Twelve and well, her efforts pay off in spades since she is able to tie a mortician to Hélène, a high ranking member of the Twelve and former handler to Villanelle and well… this was just incredible to watch since it informed us of the fact that Eve is in dire need of closure and victory, and is determined to find it.

Speaking of not letting go, well she wasn’t the only one suffering from that problem in this story. Since we also caught up with Carolyn here and well, she was mired in misery. For her role in the whole mess last season, regaled her to desk duty at an Embassy. Wherein her days were now filled with the thrills of boring parties and other social activities when she wanted nothing more than closure regarding the death of her son, Kenny. But alas, being stuck on Ambassador duty would never provide her with that, and that motivated her to make some tough decisions. The kind that involved recruiting Eve back into the fold once again by giving her precious intelligence and by also… making nice with Russian Intelligence, a move that could prove quite costly since she was referred to as a traitor upon arriving in Moscow. But this really does speak to how much Kenny’s death impacted Carolyn and how far she will go to find justice for her boy.
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But while those two intimate plot threads were powerful in their own right, we would be foolish to not catch up with Villanelle, who seemingly underwent a powerful transformation following that powerhouse finale. For we learn here that she’s found religion and moved in with a priest and his daughter. So that she can understand the teachings of the Bible and be baptized and wash away her sins. Making it genuinely seem as though the only person that had moved on from the past was Villanelle. But a demand from her for Eve to attend her baptism made it clear, that she only partly wants holy redemption. For she also wants Eve and wants to be seen as wonderful in her eyes and that might not be possible. Since Eve cared not about the ceremony and Villanelle has a long way to go, as evidenced by the near murder she committed after her baptism. But perhaps not all hope is lost for Villanelle. After all, she is now taking council from an apparition of Jesus that resembles Villanelle, speaking to a conscience being present within her, after all.

But while we wait to see how she handles rejection and this new twist in her life, and how Carolyn and Eve will handle their respective quests in this tale, we can offer up a round of applause for one incredible premiere. For this one not only plunged us back into this world in the smoothest way imaginable, but it also established that the final season of this show will not change anything about the show format wise, for its farewell tour. It will instead, take us to a logical conclusion, one that uses the characters to drive the story to its end and judging from how much time was spent on everyone’s pain and their hopes for closure and redemption in this tale, it is quite likely that everyone will receive some kind of resolution there as well, and all that does is leave us eager to bear witness to the rest of this final season. So, we can see how one of the most original and unique shows on television, brings this incredibly journey to a close. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Power Book IV: Force’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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The best television shows out there, are the ones that understand the art of balance. Because these are the shows that know how to give their audience something new, all while keeping the story within the framework of what the fans love and one show that is quickly establishing itself to be a top-tier series in that vein, is Power Book IV: Force on STARZ. Because this brand-new entry in the Power Universe, has been quite the dynamic ride thus far. Primarily because it has injected some incredible new ideas into the crime drama. All by having Tommy Egan follow the playbook for a fresh start in life to a tee. Since we’ve seen him lay down roots in Chicago and go through what the rest of us do when we start over in a new place.
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But while that has made for some fascinating moments and some stunning character growth for Mister Egan, Courtney A. Kemp and 50 Cent and the writer’s room of this magnificent new series, fully understand the fact that the audience also wants to see the elements that made this universe iconic in the first place. Which is why ‘Storm Clouds’ is an episode that decided to peel away from the exploration of new beginnings to give us the core tenants of the Power Universe. For this is a story that was filled to the brim with action and danger and those patented Tommy Egan one-liners, and it accomplished those particular feats by first, informing us of the fact that Tommy was going to be completely and utterly unfazed by Walter Flynn’s undoing of the unity deal. 

Because Tommy understood that that kind of bombastic bravado came forth from nothing more than an angry and closed off man, lashing out in a desperate attempt to hang on an empire grown stagnant. But if others would see the value in his plan, then the takeover could begin and shockingly enough… both Diamond and Vic Flynn understood the importance of unity and dropping borders to make that paper. Which is why they all agreed to work together to bring other factions around town to their way of thinking and their first meeting in regard to this unity tour, was with an unsavory group of dealers. The kind that could cause trouble for everyone if they weren’t handled just right and sadly, this meeting didn’t quite go as planned. But not for the reasons that one might think.

For Team Tommy didn’t even get a chance to speak with these guys. Because someone, tipped off the cops and if it wasn’t for Vic’s happy go lucky contact with Chicago P.D., this meeting could have ended in an ugly manner. If anything, this setback was definitely one that gave the team pause since they really did need a force of baseline dealers to handle their business. But while Tommy took a moment to ponder upon his next recruitment moves… more roadblocks were being set up around the city for him. For Claudia was taking the next steps in getting her product to market, first. Which involved a meeting with the chemist of that incredible drug, bringing her one inch closer to beating Tommy to the punch and unfortunately, Liliana ran into some issues too.

Because it turned out, that the cocaine she had in hand, was the property of Serbian dealers. Ones that Tommy and Ghost had dealings with back in the day in New York, and this revelation came to fruition because some fine ‘gentlemen’ from the Serbian mob, took the time to visit Liliana and ask about their product and where it was. Which of course, is a question that came back with sour answers and that in turn forced them to kidnap her, in the hopes of getting the person with the drugs to come forth and save her. A move that made sense but was stupid and dangerous none the less. Because no one gets between Tommy Egan and his friends and gets away with it, a lesson that these men quickly learned before they died. 
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But despite saving her hide from those henchmen, Tommy knew that more mobsters would be on the way to get their product and deal with their fallen friends and that meant that Tommy needed to figure out his next moves. Specifically, who was being sent to deal with him, so he knew how to handle them appropriately, and of course… he needed to recruit allies to his cause and bring an army with him for the big showdown. But alas, Tommy seemingly couldn’t muster any help, since this was his fight and while he respected that, he was clearly disappointed. Since that meant he had to do things the hard way and well, the person sent to handle him… only made this battle all that more difficult. Since she was another blast from New York’s past.

Because Tatiana was the one sent to deal with Tommy Egan and that brought forth one satisfying standoff. One filled with bad blood and disdain and one heck of a surprise. In that, Tommy did get a little bit of help after all, since Vic decided to step in when the situation reached peak tension and that assist, allowed for Tommy to put Tatiana down for good and keep the drugs and for now, that resolution gives him a bit of breathing room to think and plan. Because now, Tommy has to figure out how to handle the forthcoming storm that waits on the horizon, all while getting his business started before others step in and take control and that is going to be no easy task. In fact, it might be Tommy’s greatest challenge to date in this universe and it will be interesting to see how he handles the chaos that is about to surround him.

But while we wait for all of that to play out, we can bask in the wonder of one delightful tale. Because this really was an hour long ‘best of’ reel when it comes to this franchise. Since we were privy to incredible schemes and betrayals and action and danger and we even got to learn that if you have Tommy’s back, you get a cookie. But all amazing one-liners aside, make no mistake about it, this episode is proof positive that Power Book IV: Force is one of the most dynamic crime dramas out there. Because we’re only four episodes in and we’ve already been treated to incredible character development and unique storytelling, and we’re also getting everything we could ask for and more when it comes to a Tommy Egan-centric show and well, all this does is compel us to continue the journey. So, we can see what other twists and turns and epic moments this long and winding and intelligent story is going to provide us with. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘Attenborough’s Global Adventure’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that each and every one of us, absolutely adore nature documentaries and it makes sense as to why. After all, they captivate us with their beauty since they take us to breathtaking locations around the globe and of course, they offer us more than stunning visuals, since they educate us about the very places the documentary in question is showcasing. But while those two elements are the standard for documentaries, there are some that are eager to up the ante and do more with their stories. Specifically, they will in fact, ask more of us. So that we will in turn, act on the behalf of nature and help it thrive and that particular element is of note today, because it is precisely what the finale of Attenborough’s Global Adventure worked to accomplish.

But it sure didn’t seem as though that was going to be the case at first. For ‘Episode Three – The Rise of Nature’ appeared as though it was going to just take us a on a traditional and massive, learning journey around the world. Wherein we were able to learn that China is now a hub for archeology since they are finding new fossils there on a regular basis, and those fossils can teach us a great deal about evolution and how the birds came to be where they are today. Since there is evidence of how feathers began to grow on dinosaurs millions of years ago and how smaller ones adopted such changes quickly to find food and move about with ease in certain parts of the world, giving rise to the birds we pass by on the streets on a daily basis. 

Once that particular exploration was complete, it was off to the Galapagos Islands once again, to showcase the diversity of the world’s wildlife. Because beyond the various turtles and lizards that we’ve spent time with during the run of this series, there are so many hidden species that we don’t know about and are only now starting to understand exist. Courtesy of the daily expeditions that venture into the most remote corners of this island chain, since those are are revealing all kinds of new species. In fact, only recently did scientists come to learn that there is a special species of iguana that live in the crater surrounding the biggest volcano in this chain, and these pink iguanas have adapted nicely in this environment and are indeed thriving. 

As for the last destination on our journey, well that once again returned us to the Great Barrier Reef to spotlight how the Reef functions and how it grows and that led to a fascinating examination of how this living organism manages to seed the tropics with its unique spawn, so that it can take root elsewhere and grow and provide communities, and this segment also covered how mankind is now studying coral in great detail to step in if necessary to help it, and well… it is that point that brought this seemingly random journey to the lesson inherent. One that was grand and sweeping and powerful in nature. In that, because it takes millions of years for nature to overcome challenges through evolution, and because there is so much more to discover about our world and its delicate nature… it is up to us to do more to protect it.

For these lives are precious and the ecosystem we share is unique and delicate. But if we acknowledge its beauty and majesty and embrace the fact that we can help it thrive and grow, we can preserve it and find harmony with it and use science as needed to protect it and nurture it and help it along. Which is… a wonderful way to bring this documentary to a close, since it speaks volumes to the conservation efforts that David himself has taken part in and it is a message that resonates. Because we can do more and we should, since we are the only species on the planet that can alter the course of a biosphere with minimal effort and well, hopefully that message does indeed inspire more of us to step in and help the world that has given us life and opportunity. Because quite frankly… we owe it effort and care.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 206-210 of ‘State of the Union’. To revisit the first half of season two, click here.
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One particular belief that many people share in, is that love conquers all things, and it makes sense as to why people hold to this. Because time and time again, we’ve seen love move mountains and accomplish wonders and we’ve also seen it heal people and heal itself. Since communication and appreciation for what we have in a relationship, tends to allow for broken couples to rekindle their love and forge a path ahead as the partnership they craved all those years ago. In fact, we believe so much in love and what it can do for people… that we rarely see unhappy endings regarding it in the world of storytelling. Since most stories about a broken love ends with healing and joy and tears from the reader or the audience.

In fact, even stories that show the toughest aspects of maintaining love and a healthy relationship, will sometimes resort to that happy ending because of how hard it is to show and face the reality that few of us ever want to face regarding love. In that, sometimes love doesn’t win, nor does it conquer all. It simply ends and we are forced to figure out how to move on without our partner, and after spending its first season leaving us wondering whether or not Louise and Tom would reconcile before allowing for them to do so… the second season of State of the Union decided that the time had come to look at the tough reality that few of us want to face, in the most brilliant and realistic manner possible. For when we catch up with Scott and Ellen in the back half of season two, some genuine surprises lead us to the end of their union.

In that, couple’s therapy and the reality that he might lose Ellen, motivated Scott to do the seemingly impossible and take part in personal therapy and that is… huge. Because that genuinely speaks to how much he loves Ellen and how badly he wants this love to continue and how far he was willing go to make her happy and heal the relationship, which in this instance involved addressing his personal problems and barriers to show her that he was ready to communicate and change and that… brought forth the eternal hope we feel in these stories. But an admission from Ellen regarding how low she was in the relationship and how she had more or less made up her mind regarding what was to come to for them… dealt quite the blow to both Scott and the audience.

Because she was indeed done with the marriage and she was ready to move on and well, that led to a powerful exploration. One that allowed for the viewer and for Scott, to ponder upon what comes next when a long-term relationship ends. Which as it turns out, entails finding genuine resolve over the reality that sometimes… people grow apart and when the gap is too far, there is nothing that can be done to bring folks back together. Instead, all we can do is cherish what we had and move on… and do our best to be the best person we can be. Because life will go on, the sun will rise tomorrow, and we will meet someone else. Plus, this part of the story made it clear, that we cannot ever force or fight how someone feels about us. Which are, some powerful messages to find here, but welcome ones none the less.

For that’s exactly what people in this situation tuning in need to hear since they (and we) often think of the end of a relationship as the end of the world and this story deserves a round of applause for offering such sound advice and for going this route. Because the realistic ending is something sorely needed in stories such as these, to remind us that life has its ups and down and disappointments and celebrations, and that each of them teach us something critical and pertinent and we can genuinely grow if we embrace those lessons for certain and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this journey… one does wonder if more are on the horizon. For this brilliant and unique show does indeed dig deep into matters that few stories ever will, and it would not be a bad thing if this show continued along and gave us more insightful examinations into the complex world of relationships.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Fast Foodies’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the truTV series, Fast Foodies, is providing us with a fascinating education on what goes into making a particular meal a true favorite for people. Since we’ve come to learn that some our favorites go beyond childhood memories or a singular moment. They sometimes become a top choice in our minds because they’re straight up tasty and bring us joy when we encounter them, or they are habitual in nature and bring us happiness by being part of our routine. Or in the case of this week’s episode of the show, they can in fact, serve as a reward or a treat since that’s precisely the kind of favorite meal that Jillian Bell brought to the table.
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For she revealed to our talented trio of chefs that after weeks of intense workouts at the gym for a movie role, she saw an opportunity to treat herself when the intense workouts were done. Because right next to said gym, was a Shake Shack and when the opportunity arose, she marched right into that restaurant and bought herself a chicken sandwich with some delicious crinkle cut fries that were topped with cheese of course and well, it was up to the chefs to figure out how to recreate this comfort food to a tee and well, it turns out that putting together a delicious chicken sandwich isn’t as difficult as some of the challenges they’ve faced this year, especially when it comes to the fries.

Because everyone basically nailed that, and that does make sense, since crinkle cuts and cheese are tough to goof. Which meant the real challenge here was the sandwich itself and even then, the team managed to impress. For Justin’s sandwich was incredibly tender and flavorful and Kristen, well her sandwich and her attention to the batter, made for one delicious replica for certain. As for Jeremy, he too made a tender and flavorful sandwich with an amazing crunch to the chicken, and that made Jillian quite happy, and it also made this quite the close race. But in the end, there has to be a winner and that was Kristen. Because her batter was the closest to the Shake Shack recipe and with a winner in hand, it was onto the remix round.

Which of course, allowed for these talented chefs to shine and bring forth some amazing re-imaginings of the classic chicken sandwich. For instance, Jeremy went super two-star Michelin on this task by bringing forth a Crispy Yellowfin Tuna with Shoestring Fries. To inject new flavors into everyone’s palates while keeping the texture familiar and the magic didn’t end there. Because Justin went with a Duck Schnitzel with Cabbage Jam and German Potato Salad. A meal that was designed to just burst forth flavor when those ingredients were combined and Kristen, presented a Chicken Pomme Purée Spring Roll, offering up a modern twist on this traditional sandwich and in the end, it was Justin that won the day with his flavorful creation.

But what matters more here, is that this episode really did a fine job of reminding us of how food can truly improve our mood and how we use it as a reward without even giving it a second thought. A lesson that proves that food is really is a magical pick-me-up that can do wonders for us, and it also doesn’t hurt that this episode featured some gorgeous top-tier creations. Because this trio of chefs went all out in the remix round and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this confectionary adventure, we are left hungry for more. In part because, this week’s creations leave you literally starving, but also because we cannot wait to see what other lessons and inventive dishes await us… as season two of this wonderful show rolls along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Single Drunk Female’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particularly unsettling lesson that each and every one of us are taught at some point in our lives, is to let the past go. Which at first glance, is a lesson that appears to have merit. Since deep down, we all understand that troublesome times from yesterday and yesteryear will haunt us if we let them… so what better way to be free of their grip than by letting them disappear into the ether. But it doesn’t take long for us to learn… that’s the wrong way to handle our past. Because it doesn't just fade away, it gets pushed way down and eventually, it bubbles up from the subconscious we buried it within to give us strife and anxiety and the only way to truly resolve it and the pain it causes us… is to confront it and make peace with it.
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If anything, that particular lesson and process is top of mind today, simply because… it is precisely what Sam Fink experienced during this week’s episode of Single Drunk Female on Freeform. For when we catch up with Sam in ‘New York’, she has returned to the Big Apple, in the hopes of landing a writing job at Smug Media and well… the instant she stepped off of that bus with James, the instant the past started to bubble up for her. Because every place she and James went before her interview and his meeting with an investor for his app, provided her with an echo of her past life in NYC. The kind that evoked a sense of shame and disappointment over the fact that she spent most of her time in the big city, under the influence of alcohol. But before she could really reflect upon this surge of memories, she had some business to tend to.

For the time had come for her interview with Smug Media, and she did need to impress since she genuinely believed that this job was the answer to her problems and would get her back on track immediately and for a time, it appeared as though Sam was on the fast track to getting exactly what she wanted. Because her interview with Nathaniel, while awkward… was successful. To the point where he asked her to attend a more informal meet up with one of the editors she’d be working with and well, that particular meet up… dropped quite the surprise in her lap. Because Nathaniel made it clear that her new role at Smug Media, would entail her working the city’s party beat and the reality of that and how little her former boss respected her sobriety…  allowed for quite the epiphany to wash over Sam.

In that, New York was a toxic environment for Sam, one that helped to indulge and enable her addiction and that it no longer suited her or her needs and having that epiphany present itself, alongside having the past come back to haunt her, made her realize that she needed to make peace with yesterday and the reality regarding New York. For only then could she genuinely move forward and look toward tomorrow. Which is what she quietly did after that meet up, and that was powerful and inspiring to see play out here. Since you so rarely see characters confront their past in the raw in such a subtle and relatable manner and once again, this show deserves a round of applause for presenting another important aspect of the road to recovery in the raw.  
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But what also made this episode of note, is that it took the time to show us how confronting our past and making it peace with it can be supremely beneficial in the end. Since it can in fact, open our minds up to new possibilities in life and new ways to heal ourselves and that was explored through James. Because while Sam was confronting her past in a healthy manner, James was presenting the power of his sobriety app and pitching how it could help so many and wouldn’t you know it? The powers that be loved it and bought it, giving James new direction, and peace and hope, and it was just wonderful to see this plot thread be injected into this episode as well, since it too was loaded with powerful and inspirational messages.

If anything, this was just an incredible episode when all is said and done. Since it once again offered the audience a raw and visceral look at a critical moment in the recovery process and did so in a manner unlike any other story in this vein. Since it treated this pivotal moment for Sam, as any other day. A move that keeps in tone with the mantra ‘one day at a time’, but also reassures viewers that might need advice in this moment, to just approach big stuff like confronting one’s past, as just another step on the road to recovery and that’s simply stunning and wonderful to see here. And now that Sam has finally let go of yesterday and understands that a new path is the only way forward, it will be quite interesting to see how she applies that knowledge to her recovery and her future, as we begin to inch toward the end of the first season of this incredible story. Until next time.     

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 410 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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​To boldly go where no one has gone before, these are the words that inspired an entire genre, entire generations of fans, and changed everything. The legacy that was left from just those words alone has spawned so much. This week, Star Trek: Discovery took those words and pushed them even further. Star Trek has a habit of pushing boundaries, and they should never stop. This show continues to push the envelope of what we know in the Star Trek universe, making everything that much more exciting.
 
This is not the Star Trek of old, and yet it encompasses all we know and love and adds something new. What lies beyond the known galaxy? Well, Discovery’s reputation for testing the limits is about to be truly tested. The attempted destruction of the DMA only saw to its revival and more rapid erratic speed. While Tarka and Book didn’t expect that, they have now put the universe in even more danger. Book blames Tarka, and Tarka has decided that the real controller for and of the DMA is outside the galaxy.

There is little time and it’s quickly decided that Discovery will make first contact with the 10-C with a handful of delegates as soon as possible. They’re given 2 hours for their goodbyes and to prep the ship for departure. President Rillak has decided to join the crew as well. There are ground rules, however. Michael’s crew needs to have faith in her, and Rillak needs to respect that this is her ship. And Rillak needs Michael to understand the delicate nature of this particular first contact. With both of them in understanding of one another’s positions, the journey is underway to the unknown.

Meanwhile, Tarka takes Book to the camp he’d been imprisoned in 10 years prior. He and his friend had successfully made Dark Matter and if they want to get past the galactic barrier, they’re going to need it to protect the ship. Book is less than thrilled and even more untrusting of Tarka now more than ever. It’s here we learn the truth. Tarka was making an inter dimensional transporter with a fellow prisoner, later turned friend, to escape. During their escape, his friend was injured, and told Tarka to leave him behind and go. They’d find each other. Or would they? The power required for the device was massive, which is why Tarka wants the DMA controller. Still, he thinks his friend found a way to get the device to work. He needs to get the DMA’s power source to get to the dimension his friend went to. Realistically, Tarka is the worst. He’s willing to start an all-out war for this.

Still, Tarka sends an encoded message to Michael and Rillak. They receive it right before entering the galactic barrier. Tarka’s message was heavily scrambled, and half of it lost. What they do get is the scientist telling them that the DMA has moved to Alpha quadrant. It’s going to hit Ni’Var and Titan, and Earth within 12 hours. Michael thinks they should tell the crew and Rillak disagrees, either way they have to navigate the galactic barrier without frying the ship and getting everyone on board killed.
 
They manage to do just that, by sheer luck, and some great timing. That’s when Rillak announces to the crew how dire this mission has now become. With only hours to spare, they have to find the 10-C, make first contact, and negotiate with them to stop the DMA before their homes are destroyed. Not a tall order at all. At least Saru and T’Rina are making some headway in their blossoming relationship. It’s the little things.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of Episode Four of Power Book IV: Force, which will air on STARZ on February 27, 2022, at 8 p.m. EST.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Big Sky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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After being forced into obedience and submission by Wolf all season, we finally get to see Ronald Pergman unleashed and in control of his destiny. There are hopeful signs that perhaps the reformation efforts are having a successful effect on Ronald’s behavior. After all, he refrains from violence as far as we observe in the theft of an RV. He simply throws the unsuspecting woman out of the door and onto the pavement before speeding away, gentle treatment by Ronald’s standards.

He seems purposeful and focused as he drives to Helena to get Phoebe from where she is being held. It seems that even he is believing that he is a changed man, for he tells Phoebe exactly that. But Phoebe is a child, unable to hide the pure fear in her eyes. And what child wouldn’t be unsettled and possibly terrified of a man emerging in the dark from their closet, especially a man that Phoebe has been told is a very bad man. It visibly rattles Ronald that a child who once trusted him no longer does. He pretends to brush it off, but it has obviously surprised and affected him.

Phoebe continues to press Ronald about when she will see her mom. Despite his assurances that they are headed directly there, Phoebe is far from convinced that he is telling her the truth. Throughout the trip, neither her fear nor distrust dissipate. She almost seems to see through Ronald better than most adults. Her doubts prove warranted when Ronald makes an unannounced stop. Phoebe awakens, hopeful they have reached her mother, but Ronald tells her he needed to make one stop first, and that he’ll be right back.  

He grabs a tool from the glove box and emerges from the RV which is parked across the street from Dewell and Hoyt. He breaks in through the back door. As Ronald lurks around the office in the dark, the hope for a reformed Ronald begins to dwindle. For as he bends over to sniff the denim jacket hanging on Cassie’s desk chair, he flashes back to when he was strangling her from the backseat of a cop car while she wore that very jacket. He seems to enjoy the memory.

Ronald then observes the murder board dedicated to his capture, then dashes to hide as Cassie and her father Joseph return to Dewell and Hoyt to fix the broken boiler. As he hides in the dark, one can only imagine what his twisted mind is hatching, for it is unlikely he expected to run into anyone there.

Cassie offers to stay to help her father, but Joseph just tells her to get home safely. Tensions begin to rise when he discovers the back door is unlatched, but Cassie chalks it up to age and Joseph says he’ll check on it. However, she pauses before leaving, almost as though she senses Ronald’s presence, but then continues out the door. Ronald immediately returns to the board after she leaves. He pulls a copy of his mug shot free from the board. He looks as though he doesn’t quite recognize the angry face in the sketch, letting it slip to the floor.
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Joseph also seems to sense that something is amiss, for he pauses outside the back door he was fixing, just listening. Once inside, he notices the mug shot laying on the floor. He looks about as he slowly walks to it, picks it up and then sees Ronald. He demands to know if he’s looking for his daughter. Ronald tells him he will never be free as long as Cassie is pursuing him. Joseph calls him a monster and tells him he is unworthy of freedom. Ronald notices the wrench in Joseph’s hand and tells him he won’t need that. Ronald moves past him, claiming to be leaving. As a parting shot, he tells Joseph to tell his daughter to stop looking for him. Protective instinct gets the better of him and he lunges at Ronald, who seems to be expecting this.

No more is seen of this exchange. Ronald returns to the RV to discover Phoebe is not there. He searches the vehicle, calls out to her and steps back outside. Instead of Phoebe, he finds Wolf standing there. Wolf greets him and promptly knocks him out with his big stick. “You’ve been a bad, bad dog,” Wolf admonishes him.

The next morning, Cassie makes the heartbreaking discovery of exactly how bad Ronald has been. Any hope of Ronald’s transformation is dashed as we see the bloody wrench and trail of blood leading to her father’s lifeless body. As Cassie slowly realizes her father is dead, grief and anger take hold.

This gut-wrenching episode leaves so many things to ponder. Was it inevitable that Ronald was going to kill Joseph, or did he only act once provoked? Was there really any chance he would have simply left Dewell and Hoyt peacefully? Knowing Ronald as well as we do, it’s easy to imagine he was very specifically provoking a response from a protective father. How could he have known anyone would be there that night? Was it simply a case of Cassie’s father being in the wrong place at the wrong time? It’s difficult to know. One thing is certain: Ronald will be returning to captivity, and one would guess he’ll have a much harder time escaping the next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that each and every one of us out there… harbor some form of regret regarding our lives. Because life is indeed a long and winding journey filled to the brim with tough choices, the kind that take us places we never expected to go and sometimes hurt others along the way. Which is why it is only natural for us to ponder upon those choices and the roads not taken and wonder what could have been and even lament aloud how we would have done things differently if given the chance. But eventually we move beyond those regrets and make peace with them due to some wisdom that life imparts upon us, and that particular journey is top of mind today, because it is one that Captain Jean-Luc Picard experienced in the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

For ‘Tapestry’ sees the captain beam back aboard the Enterprise in rough physical shape, courtesy of peace talks gone awry and while Doctor Crusher tends to his wounds, Picard is transported to quite the odd place. Wherein there is nothing but bright lights and memories and Q for that matter as well, and he informs the captain that death is upon him and an eternity with Q is what awaits and that… doesn’t sit well with Picard. In fact, he’s so angry over that reality and his death that he informs Q that he would go to whatever lengths to reclaim his life and avoid this untimely death and well… in classic Q fashion, this old frenemy of Captain Picard’s grants him that wish. Which takes him back to the one moment in time where he could lay down the foundation to avoiding his death years in the future.

Specifically, his youth. When a fight with some surly Nausicaans led to Picard’s heart being replaced and well, being back in that moment with the wisdom he has now… leads to some very different choices for Jean-Luc. The kind where he alienates his friends by preaching peace and patience instead of nurturing their youthful bravado and that does indeed keep them from that fight. Which does of course allow for Picard to keep his heart, but that comes at quite the cost. For when he is returned to his everyday life in 2369, he’s not the captain of the Enterprise. He’s nothing more than a Lieutenant, Junior Grade, working in the sciences division because he played it safe after that day and well… that too, doesn’t sit right with Picard. Because that was not the life he envisioned and after going through the journey in question, Q does him a solid and grants him a second chance at the life he originally led, making everything right in the universe.

But it is that journey in question that really makes this episode shine through and through. Because it is loaded with all kinds of messages for the audience and what it has to say is both humbling and inspiring. For in essence, Picard’s return to his youth works to remind us, that we cannot regret the decisions we make. Because what is done, is done and to lament them and ponder constantly on going back and fixing them… stunts our growth. Because we only learn through mistakes and every single one we take part in, makes us stronger and gives us perspective and makes us into the person we are today and that is a powerful lesson that all of us need reminding of now and again and it is wonderful to find it here and even see that Jean-Luc Picard is in need of that reminder as well, and really, in the end… that message and the moments that bring us to it, make this a brilliant episode for certain.

Because the human condition and how we grow and better ourselves is the core tenant of Star Trek, and to see it here on display is powerful and engaging and it also doesn’t hurt… that this episode evokes a bevy of emotions. Since we feel for Picard and his struggle and find laughs through Q’s antics and of course… ponder upon whether we’ve done enough to embrace our choices and our path as well. Plus, this features some tour de force performances. Since John de Lancie adds new wrinkles to Q, by playing him in such an ambiguous manner. Is he Q? Is he an angel or Picard pushing himself to live? Who knows? And of course, Patrick Stewart shines again by giving us incredible depth and range here, truly selling moments that we will all go through or have experienced, and well, it is no wonder this episode is still well regarded after all these years, because it is a true gem and one of the finest that the franchise has to offer. Until next time.