For the most part, transition episodes in television shows… tend be quite the irritating affair for the audience. Because they rarely feature any movement in regard to the plot and they are quite slow in nature, to the point where the viewer is motivated to fiddle with their phone. But some shows, well they view the transitional episode as grand opportunity. One where they can use the strengths of their talented writers and cast members to put together a story that feels as though big moments are happening, when in fact, the future is being set up instead and one such series that mastered this, was Breaking Bad. For its transitional episodes were always compelling and engrossing and oddly exciting and for proof, look no further than the next chapter in Walter White’s journey into darkness.

For ‘Negro y Azul’ is a story that should have bored us to tears, since it featured Skyler getting a job while Walter planned to expand the Heisenberg Empire. But instead of waiting patiently for something to happen, this episode figured out how to put us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end, all by having the specter of tragedy hang heavy over this tale and by hinting at big things to come in the simplest of scenes, as was the case with Skyler’s journey in this tale. Because her getting her old job back, implied that trouble would be coming to her relationship. Since she and her boss clearly share some chemistry, the kind that will undoubtedly tempt the both of them when the time is right and will undoubtedly bring more strife into her home life and the potential there… really does suck the viewer in and motivate them to ponder upon how quickly she will act upon her budding desire, despite the fact that little happens here outside of setup. 

As for Walter’s storyline, well that became compelling by adding in a simple twist, one involving dear Jesse. For he was in a rough place after watching Spooge’s head pop beneath an ATM. And while he processed that particularly horrifying visual, Heisenberg hit the streets and worked with Jesse’s lieutenants to get the product moving and use what happened in that meth house to spread the legend of Pinkman. For the word on the street, was that Jesse was the one who dropped the ATM on Spooge’s skull, because the late meth head didn’t want to pay up in the slightest. And using that legend and the fear it engendered, would allow for Heisenberg to expand. Since the thought that Walter might send his enforcer out to cause harm, should give his competitors cause when Walter's boys started working new territory and well, watching Walter bask in the wonder of fear is what made this segment so compelling and worth our while. Since it really was the highlight of a storyline that was mired in detailed planning and machinations. 

Yet while those two storylines alone could have kept our attention through and through, in order to truly make this episode pop, the writers room injected quite the surprise. For this particular tale also included a follow up story involving Hank. One that made it clear that he simply doesn’t fit in outside of New Mexico, since the DEA office in El Paso didn’t accept him or his antics in the slightest and this particular plot thread also helped to remind us of dangers to come. For Hank’s time with an informant named Tortuga (played brilliantly by the iconic Danny Trejo), ended in disaster when the cartel that Tortuga was ratting on, murdered Mister T and used his head and an explosive laden tortoise to send a message to the DEA to stay away or suffer the consequences. And this really was quite the harrowing storyline for certain, since it was about as dark as they come and to complicate matters further, it only added to the complexities of Hank's rampant PTSD.

If anything, this might be one of the most compelling transitional tales in the history of television. Because this one genuinely hooks you with gripping performances and big ideas, all while accomplishing virtually nothing with the plot, and that’s brilliant. Because it speaks to the fact that this writers’ room knows how to properly maximize that talent involved with this story and they also know how to make something simple as interesting as possible and oddly enough, you’re genuinely left hungry for more when this do-nothing episode comes to a close. Which is a rare feat for certain, but one that this show pulls off with ease and well, now that we have reached the end of this simple and effective journey through some mundane moments, the time has come to move the plot forward once again in a supremely compelling manner. All by introducing a sleazy and intelligent lawyer into the mix, one that we would come to know quite well, years after his arrival on this show and our first encounter with Jimmy ‘Saul Goodman’ McGill, is where we will pick up, next time. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Losing Alice’.

Thus far our journey through the AppleTV+ series, Losing Alice, has provided us with some incredible insight on the nature of obsession. Specifically, what motivates us to take part in it, how easily it can consume us and how hard it is to escape it… once it has taken root in our heart. But what has truly allowed for this examination to shine, is that it has been methodical and detailed, to the point where there is little left to explore on the matter. Leaving one to wonder, exactly when Alice’s obsession with young Sophie is going to turn sour and delve us into the part of the story where obsession goes wrong and begins to bring about great destruction. 

Well as it turns out, the back half of this series is apparently going to provide us with just that, since ‘The Paranoia’ brought forth some cracks in the foundation between Sophie and Alice. Because when we catch up with Alice here, she’s deep into pre-production on Room 209, and being in the thick of it and looking at filming locations and the like… has her missing out on a lot of home time and quite frankly, time with her husband. Something that begins to make her nervous, once she comes to realize that Sophie is beginning to spend more time with her family than she should. Which in turn leads Alice to believe that perhaps her husband will be unfaithful to her by way of temptation and persuasion from Sophie, two talents that she is extremely adept at wielding. And that leads to the paranoia that the title makes mention of, since Alice resides within it for a good part of this tale and this part of the story, genuinely informs us that trouble is now on the horizon in regard to her relationship with Sophie.

Something that was further enhanced by an uncomfortable discovery on Alice's part. Because while she was looking for the right person to cast for the role of Dana, she came to learn that the gal that was once her best friend, and the inspiration for the character of Dana, basically dropped off the face of the Earth. Granted, she had some behavioral issues and wasn’t exactly a social butterfly, but the fact that she spent a lot of time with Sophie, a master manipulator, before fading into oblivion, motivated Alice to dig deeper to uncover the truth about what happened to her and well, what she found was frightening to say the least. For the mother of this girl, was now living on the streets, and claimed that Sophie killed her baby and that’s not the only dark moment surrounding Sophie and her relationship with Alice in this tale.

For she is beginning to slowly sink her poisoned claws into Alice’s inner circle. Because we came to learn in this particular tale that Sophie decided the time had come to toy with Tamir and test his limits when it comes to temptation, a decision that led to utter disaster. For eventually Tamir crossed a lot of lines, the kind that motivated Alice to swoop in and save the day and pick up the pieces. But despite her best efforts to make sense of this mess and bring order to chaos, the damage is done. For Sophie is now clearly letting loose and doing as she pleases, to the point where lives are starting to be ruined. Since it is likely only a matter of time before Tamir’s indiscretions are made known to his beloved wife. All because Alice opted to indulge and unleash this monster by letting fantasy and obsession control her.

If anything, this horrifying twist can only mean one thing. In that, things are going to get worse well before they get better, and who knows what kind of hell Sophie will unleash before enough is enough. But while we wait to see how this story and situation spirals out of control, we can bask in one incredible tale. One that was filled to the brim with tension and worry. Since there really is a chance that Sophie either killed her friend or influenced her death in some manner, leaving one to wonder how many times she’s done this, since we still don’t know whether or not she was involved in the death of Room 209’s previous director and well, that definitely motivates one to continue this twisted journey. So that we can learn everything we can about Sophie’s sorted past and to see exactly how Alice is going to stop this growing nightmare. One that could tear down everything she’s built if she doesn’t detach herself from the toxic monster she’s latched onto. Until next time.  

‘Losing Alice’ is available to stream now, on AppleTV+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Seven Premiere of ‘The Brokenwood Mysteries’.
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It is definitely safe to say that crime stories and shows and movies are supremely bleak and grim in this day and age, and it is understandable as to why. After all, crime is no joke, and when one is committed, it has a profound impact upon the victims of said crime, and that particular understanding has motivated the entertainment industry to take crime seriously and portray it in a realistic light. Which is a decision that has outright changed the landscape of television related crime shows for certain, since there was a time when shows in this vein, featured a more whimsical and lighthearted feel, and an in-depth investigation into the crime in question, in order to make the subject matter a little more palatable for the audience.

But believe it or not, there are still some creative minds out there that love and adore that golden age of the crime show. For there really was something quite compelling about being introduced to a seemingly everyday detective, that was smarter than expected and used snark and humor and comedic situations to their advantage to solve an intricate case. And those very minds are so enamored with that type of character and story, that they are eager to try and recreate that magic, and one such series that has been been successful in that endeavor, is the AcornTV series; The Brokenwood Mysteries. For this particular series, set in New Zealand, truly feels like the crime shows of old through and through and for proof as to how well this series has managed to recreate the wonder of the past... then look no further than its series seven premiere.

For ‘The Garotte and the Vinklebraun’ not only does a fine job of reintroducing us to the quirks and the wonder of Detective Inspector Mike Shepard’s team, but it wastes no time in providing us with quite the old-school, powerhouse mystery for the team to deal with. For this time around, the team is forced to figure out how the famous host of a popular antique show, managed to die inside a garotte with seemingly no forced entry in his hotel room, and well, that leads to one grand investigation. One that forces Mike and his squad to put a proverbial magnifying glass over a bevy of quirky and dynamic characters. Such as the aforementioned host’s co-workers, one hopeful and lonely repairman and an English Lord/Duke who was hoping to get his beautiful Vinklebraun painting appraised on that very show and their introduction and the subsequent investigation into their involvement, truly immerses the viewer in this world and this case.

Because the show really does a phenomenal job of taking its time to explore the lives of these characters and what could potentially motivate them to kill a man in such a brutal fashion. And their likes and dislikes of the late host, and their involvement in this case in general, is what brings about that lighthearted and whimsical and feel. For some of these characters are bumbling and goofy, and their attempts to stay out of the case or prove their innocence in the matter, puts a smile on your face. While others simply draw you into the story further, since clearly, they know more than they are leading on, and you’re eager to learn exactly what they know, and really all of these elements make this premiere quite the delightful watch, one that pays off for certain when the killer is finally revealed. As to the true identity of who that is and why they committed this heinous crime, well we won’t reveal that here. Simply because it is best you experience that reveal and everything leading up to it, firsthand.
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For this is a genuinely engrossing mystery, one that really does suck you in. Thanks in large part to the fact that it features some wonderfully earnest performances, the kind that sell this mystery through and through. Plus, the clues of the case help to draw you in, since they are intricate in nature, to the point where you are dying to know more about where they will lead you. But above all else, this opening chapter to series seven, is just plain entertaining. Because you're never bored, you're constantly curious and what matters most... is that it really does re-create that old-school feel. Which makes this series a delightful modern hybrid of old and new and well, that makes the possibilities endless for series seven and that revelation leaves the viewer hungry for more. To the point where we will all be counting down the minutes to next week's tale, to see what kind of wild mystery awaits Shepard and his crack team of investigators. Until next time.

'The Brokenwood Mysteries' is streaming now on AcornTV.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Bloodlands’.

It wasn’t that long ago, that we talked in great detail about what made the AcornTV series, Bloodlands, quite the refreshing crime drama. Specifically, that this particular story blurred the line between good and evil, in order to properly plunge us into a world where the grey area of life reigned supreme. Which in turn allowed for a gritty and powerful story to come to life, one that eventually took the notion of operating in a morally questionable world to the nth degree. For no one was expecting to see DCI Tom Brannick commit murder in the heat of the moment, but he did and that changed everything for certain. Because now there was a genuine possibility that Tom was indeed the mysterious Goliath all along, and that revelation and his actions meant that we were likely in for a harrowing story going forward.
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One that would undoubtedly see Tom work to keep his actions a secret and well, the next episode in this story certainly didn’t disappoint in regard to that. Because early on in this particular tale, we were treated to quite the twisted investigation. The kind that saw DCI Brannick basically investigating himself since Adam Corry’s body eventually washed up on shore, and for a time this intense hunt to uncover Adam's killer, made it seem as though this episode was going to focus heavily on Tom covering his tracks and doing everything within his power to stay out of jail for committing murder. But instead, this particular used that uncomfortable segment to set the stage for some morally questionable decisions, the kind that saw Brannick commit to deception, as part of a grand plan to pin this crime and more, on his boss; DCS Jackie Twomey.

Something that came about not only out of self-preservation, but also out of the possibility that Twomey was in fact, Goliath after all. Which was quite the twist to inject into this tale, since at first it seemed as though Brannick was our man and wanted to shift the blame to keep that a secret. But the reveal that Tori was the one who kidnapped Pat Keenan, and was the very person that Adam was meeting with on a regular basis, combined with Goliath related evidence pointing toward Twomey being the assassin and his dodging in regard to that possibility, motivated Tom to turn his sights on Jackie. Which was a fascinating plot point to say the least, since it does imply that Tom acted out of rage and fury after all, instead of being Goliath. But all conjecturing on Goliath's true identity aside, Brannick's push to put Jackie behind bars in the hopes of learning whether or not Jackie was indeed, Goliath, led to some compelling and powerful moments for certain. 

Because Tom put the fear of God into his boss. For the instant Jackie discovered he was now the primary suspect, he quickly scrambled to try and protect the witness he’s been meeting with on the side, and he even lost his cool in front of well… everyone. For he genuinely screamed and yelled about being put in the spotlight, leaving everyone in the office wondering about the state of his mental well-being and that’s a worry that will persist in the days to come. Because eventually, Tom was able to work with Tori to plant some evidence in Jackie’s caravan, prompting Brannick to finally arrest his boss and throw him behind bars and well… that’s where this particular tale ends, with more shocking moments and with this case showing no signs of resolution in the slightest, and to make matters worse, it would seem that dear Tom Brannick is starting to truly embrace the darkness he's been fighting off for ages.

If anything, this was simply an incredible episode through and through. One that was filled to the brim with incredible mystery building and twists and turns, since nothing was quite what it seemed in this tale and that made for one compelling watch for certain. The kind that definitely leaves the viewer hungry for more. For we are no closer to discovering exactly who Goliath is, and we really haven’t a clue if Tom and Tori have narrowed down his identity. But thankfully, we have one more episode left to go in this series and that is the one that will undoubtedly be filled to the brim with answers and revelations and more shocking moments, and that means the wait until next week’s episode will be an excruciating one. Since we are all dying to learn the true identity of Goliath, and what will become of Tom Brannick, now that he’s crossed just about every line imaginable. Until next time.   
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‘Bloodlands’ is available to stream on AcornTV, right now.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 504 of ‘Ride with Norman Reedus’.
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It is definitely safe to say that the world’s love affair with the road trip, originated in the United States of America. For the arrival of our incredible network of highways back in the 1950s, alongside our newfound love affair of cars during that era… provided Americans everywhere with unprecedented ease of access to every single corner of our great nation. Which in turn motivated so many to hit the road by car or by bike, to see it all, and the chronicled voyages that writers and filmmakers put together whilst taking those trips… allowed for everyone to understand that the road trip can be quite the powerful experience. Since it can allow for one to truly see their country in a brand-new light.

If anything, this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because the true wonder of America when seen through the lens of the road trip… served as the focal point of last night’s episode of Ride with Norman Reedus. Because it turns out that over the past four seasons, Norman has actually managed to ride from coast to coast of the U.S.A. in segments, and now seemed like the perfect time for Norman and his production crew to sew that journey together into one grand adventure. All so that we can properly understand what makes this country so wonderful, especially right now at a time where we are divided, and that made ‘America: Cross Country Adventure’ quite the powerful and uplifting tale for certain. 

For this second journey down memory lane, truly put the diversity of America on full display. Since it informed us that one can go from impressive views of the ocean, to enjoying the majesty and power of the desert… in just a couple of days. Something that Norman and his riding buddies did when he started out his journey on the West Coast and slowly worked his way east. Plus, if you’re looking for more than mere sights and want to know more about local culture, well a road trip across America can provide you with that as well. As evidenced by the fact that Norman and his friends were able to visit all kinds of historical places that matter a great deal to people. Such as the plantation that helped to create all kinds of history when its ownership was transferred to the emancipated African Americans that once worked there or the musical studios in Nashville that mean the world to the local citizens, since they were host to legends.  

But while that alone made for fascinating moments for certain, let’s be honest… it is the people that we learn from and meet when we're on the road, that make the United States so worth exploring. Because everyone that lives here, has a story to tell or a tradition to keep alive and seeing that come into play here, is what brought about the powerful moments in question. For it was fascinating to see a riding group in Arizona, treat the road as a gateway to their cultural history or come to learn why some people see motorcycles as more than mere objects for transportation. If anything, all of this just served to remind us that the road trip offers us incredible and unique adventures and we can make some connections too, if we take the time to open ourselves up to others and listen carefully to what they have to say, and that really is quite the poignant message for a series about road trips to send our way.

For we are indeed divided right now, and perhaps listening to one another’s stories and journeys would serve each and every one of us well, and kudos to Mister Reedus for recognizing that and pointing that out in these trying times. Since it helps to refocus the fact that we all in live in one nation, one that is indeed diverse and beautiful and filled to the brim with incredible people that are waiting to share their stories with anyone and everyone they encounter and clearly, once it is safe once again, it might behoove all of us to take a little trip through our great land. So that we can once again marvel in the beauty and majesty of America, and once again immerse ourselves in the incredible culture that makes the United States such an outright great place to live. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’.
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​I have to be honest; I was not expecting this show to be as amazing as it is. Yes, I knew it was going to be fantastic, I knew I was going to love it, but I was not expecting it to be as astonishingly real and good as it is. Which, shame on me, especially after WandaVision, I should have known better. This show gets better with each and every episode so far and I cannot wait to see what they do with the remaining episodes.
 
So, spoilers? Spoilers. You’ve been warned.
 
Alright, did I stay up until 2 a.m. to watch this episode right as it dropped? Yes. Yes, I did. I am that hooked on this show. Now, I have not had the chance to catch up on all the comics, so I am totally blind on who John Walker is and what his story entails. What I do know is I hate him with every fiber of my being. But that’s because Wyatt Russell is an amazing actor and to see him tackle this role is going to be fun.
 
Right! We open with a full intro into John’s character with a Morning News Show style intro and interview and we learn that he’s probably not just a normal human. They glaze over that pretty quick with the reveal that John has a high IQ, won some outstanding metals in military service, and overall seems to handle the shield pretty well. All in all, we get the gist that he’s more than just some random dude. Is he likable? No... I really do not like him at all. Are we supposed to like him? Also, no. The show is setting him up to be problematic and really, that’s alright. They could surprise us, however, as Marvel is apt to do. 
 
Bucky finds this out the same way Sam does, by watching it happen on TV. He promptly confronts Sam about giving up the shield and ends up joining him on a mission where things don’t go as planned. While it was hinted that Crossbones might be making a return, it’s actually just 8 people who happen to somehow be super solders. Bucky gets his ass thoroughly kicked, while John and his friend show up mid fight. The action in this show is really well done, but John’s fighting is just... irritating. Maybe it’s just me, but I genuinely do not like the guy. Sam and Bucky end up walking away when the baddies escape. The banter between these two is not only natural but amusing, and if they aren’t best friends by the end of the show then I really will be shocked. 

Still the “new” Captain American attempts to get them on his side, offers them a ride to the airport, and basically tries to sweet talk them into working alongside him. Bucky declines in the most Bucky fashion ever, by just leaving. Honestly this whole scene reaffirmed my theory this whole time. Ever since we learned they were bringing in Walker as Captain America, I have been making jokes about Bucky wanting to kill him (John can attest to the thousands of texts I’ve sent him about it), and the Jeep scene proved me right with how much Bucky hates him. With the mission unsuccessful, a new Captain America ruining things, and Bucky’s irritation at Sam for giving up the shield, we think this whole episode might just be this. It’s the formula. Sam doesn’t feel worthy, even though he is. Bucky is struggling to find himself and failing. And the new Captain America is just an affront to everything Steve stood for.

​And then this episode takes a turn. At the end of my last review, I touched on the racist undertones of having a White Captain America, well in case we missed the whole point of the first episode, with Sam unable to get a loan and even through he’s well recognized; the Baltimore scene slaps us violently in the face with the whole theme of this show. With Sam irate and having an argument with Bucky in the middle of the street, cops of course show up to escalate the situation. They blatantly ask Bucky if Sam is bothering him. They blatantly treat Sam completely different than they do Bucky. It’s a great commentary on institutional racism and how many Black Americans are treated VS White Americans. This entire show is a commentary on how Black people are still viewed in America. Sam is a superhero, he saved the world, fought Thanos, is more than qualified to pick up the mantle of Captain America. But he can’t get a loan and he almost gets arrested for having an argument with another person, who happens to be white. Eventually Sam gets recognized for who he really is, and the situation de-escalates. The irony is Bucky is the more dangerous of the two. Which they emphasize by arresting Bucky at the end of the scene. 

Guess those Therapy appointments were not optional in the slightest. Enter the best scene ever written. Sam and Bucky basically have to have couples therapy, and do not get me wrong, this scene is priceless, but this therapist should be fired and prosecuted. Having a psych degree, myself, I can’t tell you how bad his therapist irritates me. She is unprofessional, wrong in her approach, and above all she should have her license revoked and be thrown in jail for how bad she is. If this representation of government issued therapists is accurate, no wonder there is a mental health crisis. Regardless, it’s a good scene because we finally get to learn why Bucky is so upset at Sam for giving up the shield, and as most things do, this stems back to Steve.
 
I’m not saying that Steve is the worst best friend in the history of best friends, but he’s the worst best friend in the history of best friends. Bucky basically feels that if Steve wasn’t right about Sam, then he’s definitely not right about Bucky. In the end, both of them feel inadequate when it comes to the shield for different reasons. With Sam it is racially driven. Not feeling worthy despite being overly so, probably from a lifetime of being seen as less because he’s been treated differently just for the color of his skin. And Bucky feels like he’s not worth the trouble for all the bad things he’s been forced to do, he doesn’t know who he is. Nothing is a simple answer. Sam should be Captain America, but he’s been conditioned to not accept his rightfully won gains. Bucky doesn’t know how to have a life of his own.

At least he doesn’t have to do these horrible therapy sessions anymore.

Downside, Walker is there when they leave the police station for his final ploy to get Sam and Bucky to join him and threaten them when they decline, once again. Not that they’re deterred in the least. Bucky makes a final call for a meeting with Zemo, because who knows more about Hydra Super Soldiers? Sam isn’t so keen on the idea, but it’s not like they have a lot of options at the moment.

Really, I am impressed with this show and all the tones and themes it is pulling in. The overarching dichotomy between the superhero world and real-world issues is something that’s new and fresh for the MCU. Considering they’ve skated around the race issue this long, it’s about time that they’re addressing these real-life issues that many People of Color face daily. Systemic Racism is a problem. The Mental Health Crisis is real. It’s going to be interesting to see how they tackle these issues in the rest of the series.

There are a great many reasons as to why Breaking Bad continues to endure as a modern American classic crime drama. But of those many reasons, one that stands out above all else, is the sheer fact that this series was as versatile as they come. For not only could it be a tense thriller, one complete with appropriate action and big moments, but it could also be a powerful drama. One where we were able to gain proper insight into the character (or characters) motivation(s) in that moment or this series could simply slide into dark and twisted territory. The kind that would captivate us in a manner that can only be described as morbid curiosity. But what was truly impressive about this series, is that sometimes, the show would place some or all of those elements into a single episode, as evidenced by the next chapter in Walter White’s tragic journey.

For ‘Peekaboo’ is a tale that featured a dark and twisted storyline, alongside a character centric one and let’s talk about the latter of those two first… since it helped to give us deeper insight into why Walter opted to turn his back on the everyday world and dedicate himself to a life of crime, something that came about by way of a return to normalcy for Walter. Because with his cancer in remission, the time had arrived for Walter to return to work, and while it seems as though his being back on the job would be the last place to offer up an appropriate exploration into Walter’s desire to turn to a life of crime, it was the little things present in this segment that set the stage for the answer in question. Because Walter let some odd anger seep through whilst teaching, the kind that spoke to something unresolved and angry that he was holding back, and that didn’t come out until a surprise dropped into his family’s lap.

For Gretchen and Skyler had the chance to talk, which in turn left Walter worried that Gretchen would reveal the truth about the payments she and Elliott weren’t sending their way. A possibility that motivated Walter to have dinner with her to explain his reasons for telling this kind of lie and that’s when the motivation came out. Because despite Gretchen’s kindness and attempts to get Walter to accept their money, he refused. Simply because they denied him his cut in the first place from Gray Matter and that made it clear, that Walt is a man who genuinely believes that the world has failed him. That despite being good and doing all the right things, the system and people and everything about modern America, failed him, for not rewarding him for doing as he was told and now is his chance to get even and become stinking rich, all by doing things his way. Which is a motivation that the show has hinted at but didn’t truly reveal until this moment.

Yet while all of that was fascinating and powerful in its own right, we mentioned that this was a hybrid tale. One that featured some ugly moments and Jesse was the one that dealt with all of that. Because while Walter was firing off his disdain for the world, Mister Pinkman was hunting for the meth heads that stole from his boy. And that led to some wild moments at their home, the kind where Jesse had to play babysitter to their starving son before they got home. Which in turn led to more jaw-dropping moments, since Jesse took a physical beating from Spooge (yeah, that’s his name) and his darling wife and he eventually watched that very wife murder Spooge in an awful manner… by dropping an ATM machine on his head and well, this really was one incredible segment of the story when all is said and done. Since it showed off the darker side of the drug trade in a frank and dynamic manner and thankfully, writers J. Robert and Vince Gilligan, found a way to end this one on a semi-happy note.

Because Jesse did eventually call 911 and left the phone off the hook, so the police could rescue that young boy from a rough and unfulfilling life, and he also got all the money in the ATM machine and well, that really is the best way to bring a fascinating and sometimes angry episode to a close. One that switched back and forth between both storylines seamlessly and offered up compelling moments from beginning to end and really, this episode does a fine job of reinforcing the show's versatile nature and of course… this simple story still compels the viewer to continue this journey. Since now we know for certain, that Walt has some deep-rooted anger that he’s ready to unleash upon the world and we are curious to see how that will play out, and also because, we need to know how Jesse is going to deal with the fact, that he watched a dude’s head explode right in front of him. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘For All Mankind’.
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For a better part of its first season, the AppleTV+ series, For All Mankind, kept hinting at the possibility that the show’s overall premise; in which mankind lost the space race to the moon to the Soviet Union… would help to lay down the foundation for an incredibly uplifting exploration. One that would help this alternate United States become a bolder and braver nation, the kind that would embrace its technological achievements and use its collective knowledge for the betterment of all mankind. But above all, this push to be more and go deeper into the stars, would help all of humanity realize that our future is out there, and that in turn, would eventually unify our world and usher in a better tomorrow.

But clearly, that hasn’t been the case just yet on this series. Instead, the posturing and pettiness of the Cold War has found its way into interstellar travel. To the point where the next episode in this series, ‘Best-Laid Plans’, features lunar training for the marines that are now on the moon's surface, in order to help them to take back that all-important mining site. Lending credence to the possibility that this timeline might not differ from our own all that much. But something unique happened in this particular tale, something that finally allowed for this series to ponder upon the notion of a better tomorrow through unity. For this story saw Soviet Cosmonauts arrive at the Johnson Space Center, to begin discussions on how to handle the upcoming joint mission. Discussions that of course, took a sour direction.

Because the Soviet Union was unwilling to offer up any secrets in regard to its docking ring and radio frequencies, and of course, NASA was unwilling to offer any of the same in kind, and that led to quite the stalemate. One that appeared to end this all-important mission before it even remotely started. That is until… some magical moments took place. For Danielle and her Soviet compatriots took the time to break bread and drink whiskey, allowing for them to discover that the flags that both sides posture behind are just that, flags. And that the people that are traveling out into space are the ones that matter and are the ones that genuinely inspire change and seeing one another as human beings, instead of enemies... allowed for cooperation and understanding to take place and that was quite the important breakthrough for certain, the kind that laid the foundation for unity. 

Which is something that Margo brought home in this particular tale. Because she simply couldn’t figure out how this was going to work, and that motivated her to try and get her Soviet counterpart to budge in regard to knowledge. An act he was unwilling to do… in the office. A revelation that allowed for he and Margo to meet at her club and talk freely and figure out, that a new docking system would need to be used for this mission. One that could be retrofitted to work on both Apollo and Soyuz craft and after working deep into the night, Margo, Aleida and her new friend were able to bring it to life and publicly share information in a group setting. In order to make it clear that cooperation and trust was the key to making this mission work, and perhaps to defrosting the icy relations between these two superpowers and well, this really was quite the refreshing and uplifting storyline when all said and done.

For this one really did embody the notion that space travel could benefit all of humanity and  moments such as these, are what could forge long-term unity and make this show as inspirational and as hopeful as the one that showrunner Ronald D. Moore once worked upon and hopefully that is indeed where all of this is headed.. But that will take time to bring together and while we wait to see where this important moment leads us, we can bask in the wonder of this potential beginning and enjoy more quality moments with the dynamic and rich characters that populate this alternate universe. Since they are still living their lives and pushing ahead toward happiness, in a world that appears to be on the cusp of some historic and important moments. Until next time.

‘For All Mankind’ is streaming now on AppleTV+.

Starting over is a phrase that everyone dreads to a certain extent. Simply because when we mutter those words in regard to ourselves, we acknowledge the fact that we've just been through hell and that our next steps involve us rebuilding everything we once gained and that can be quite the arduous and painful task. Or it can be our finest hour. Because sometimes, starting over is just what we need to be successful in life, since we are now free of the constraints of the past, and we are armed with newfound knowledge and believe it or not, the brighter side of the do-over… just so happens to be the focus of the next episode of Breaking Bad. Because when we catch up with Walter and Jesse in ‘Breakage’, they’re preparing to hit the restart button on their meth business and understandably so.

For Walter’s medical bills continued to pile up, depleting his funds quickly and now that he found himself on his own, Jesse realized he needs money to survive. But while they were both good with doing what they must to handle their finances, the only problem that accompanied their desire to resume making the finest meth in New Mexico… is that they didn't have someone to move it. For the Salamanca family was the go-to for pushing product in this town and well, the lack of a distributor is what brings about the positive exploration in question. For it outright inspires Jesse to take on a bigger role in this business, by figuring out his own distribution network. One comprised of people he trusts and that in turn, allows for Jesse to reclaim his mojo in life. 

Because his boys end up doing a phenomenal job of pushing product around the city. To the point where Jesse can afford storing the RV in a safe place when he and Walt aren’t actively cooking, and he can even pay the rent on a small house and most important of all, he feels some sense of worth and purpose in life, and that was perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this story. For up until now, Jesse has been about as lost as they come. But taking charge and moving product in a manner that the cops cannot figure out, is oddly healthy for him and his future. But while it is wonderful to see Jesse find purpose and direction and fulfillment at last, it doesn’t take long for Jesse to come to understand that trouble will still find them in this business. Since one of his boys was robbed by a pair of feisty meth heads, prompting Walt to ask him to handle this mess in an appropriate manner à la Tuco.

But alas, how exactly Jesse handles that, will have to wait for later, since the episode ends before we get the opportunity to see Jesse follow through on Walt’s wishes. Yet while that is quite the ominous way to bring this particular chapter to a close, it was still quite refreshing to see Jesse use the reset button to allow for wonders to take place in this tale, and it really was quite nice to see Jesse take the lead for a change. Because it helps us to understand that the series will take the time to grow everyone in this series when the moment is right, and that includes the side characters as well. Because this is an episode that also gave Hank something important and personal to deal with. By pointing out the fact that his experience with Tuco wasn’t quite as open and shut as we were led to believe. For shortly after he receives a promotion in this tale, he quickly finds himself dealing with panic attacks.

Indicating that he is dealing with a touch of PTSD from that event and is worried about his future as a DEA Agent and that’s just incredible. Because it genuinely humanizes Hank for the first time ever in this series and really in the end, all of these elements make this a brilliant episode when all is said and done. For this one was all about character development and growth, which would become true staples of this franchise and it really was magnificent to see Jesse grow right before our eyes and find confidence and direction. But alas, while all of that is wholesome, we would be remiss to not be worried about what comes next. Because Walt’s request for Jesse to ‘handle it’ is another indication that part of the growth that the characters must go through in this series, involves making dark choices and ugly commitments and it should be interesting to see how Mister Pinkman handles such a difficult task and what the lasting impact on his psyche will be, for taking part in something quite twisted. Until next time.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of tomorrow’s brand-new episode of For All Mankind, streaming exclusively on AppleTV+.