It has often been said that a revolution begins with a spark and well… that’s something that few of us can back up. Simply because we never see the spark, or the moment when a revolution begins. We only see the news coverage when people are out in the streets, actively protesting the actions of an individual or a government and that really does leave one to wonder… what does that spark look like? Because there had to be an epiphany and a moment where someone realized that the time had arrived for change, motivating them to get others to join their cause. But since the change in and of itself is so important and people sacrifice so much to obtain it, we focus upon that, leaving the genesis of the spark lost to the winds of time. 

But we can certainly guess what that moment might have looked like, and it just so happens that next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation opted to do just that. For ‘Half a Life’ found a way to give life to that particular moment, in the sneakiest way imaginable. Because at first glance, this episode seemed pretty run of the mill. Since it featured the return of Lwaxana Troi and she quickly found herself in love with a scientist named Timicin who had come aboard to use the Enterprise's facilities in order to save his world from eventual destruction. And sadly, his calculations were off and his plan to save his planet failed, making it seem as though he was going to face some serious penalties on his closed off home world for not accomplishing his mission and that’s when this episode took quite the fascinating turn.

For it turns out that his concerns about this failure weren’t related to punishment, but a lack of time. Because on his planet, once someone hit the age of sixty, they were euthanized and well, he was days from his sixtieth birthday. Which meant his concern was related to a breakthrough in his work not being completed before his life's end and well… thanks to Lwaxana, and her kind and logical words, he began to wonder if by chance… this particular path for his people was stoic and silly in nature. And that perhaps the time had to come to change this ancient tradition so that his species could find a better way forward in regard to death and old age. A push that of course failed, to the point where Timicin was forced to eventually take part in the ritual known as ‘The Resolution’. But while that is a sour ending for certain, everything revolving around Timicin's decision to go against the grain was fascinating and powerful stuff for certain. 

Because in essence, his actions opted to ponder upon the possibility that the spark in question… is likely boring and simplistic in nature. For Timicin’s decision didn’t immediately bring about revolution and see people protesting in the streets. Instead, his words brought forth a slow and boiling escalation, and while he may not have been successful in changing the world in that moment, perhaps others heard his thoughts and agreed with them and opted to come together and rise up. If anything, this simple postulation makes sense for certain. Because in reality, few would stand up and give a grand speech about change the instant they decided it was necessity. They would simply say 'no' to an injustice and others would agree and join the cause and well, it’s quite refreshing that this particular tale was able to offer up such an effortless examination of something we don’t think about all that often.

But all lessons aside, make no mistake about it, this episode has more to offer the viewer than mere  possibility. For discussions on the morality of euthanasia were in the news when this episode aired back in 1991, thanks to Dr. Jack Kevorkian, and that makes this episode timely and relevant and to top it off, it also features some incredible performances to boot. Because Majel Barrett Roddenberry is simply electric as Lwaxana in this tale, as she struggles with Timicin’s decision to end his life and for that matter, David Ogden Stiers, who played Timicin, holds his own as well. Since he is able to realistically express the anguish that would definitely come from being the first person to try something controversial and new and well in the end, this really was a wonderful and powerful episode. One that really explored some heavy topics in a beautiful and digestible manner that helped to remind us, that that TNG was in fact, one of the smartest science fiction shows to ever grace the airwaves. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Clarice’.
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The moment that everything comes together for a brand-new television series, is a proud one indeed. Because it means that everyone involved has figured out the voice of the series and its overall direction and that allows for powerful storytelling to take place. The kind that features beautiful character moments and important plot twists that further pull the audience into the story, while at the same time, rewarding them for sticking out the show’s initial jitters and missteps and really… this is something that usually comes out about near the end of an inaugural season. Since it takes a lot of trial and error for a writers’ room to work out the kinks in the storytelling.
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But once in a while, a show figures all of that out sooner rather than later, which is wonderful for certain… since fans can enjoy those benefits earlier on in the season and believe it or not, one such series that has managed to pull this off, is Clarice. For after spending its first two weeks trying to understand what Clarice Starling’s journey is going to look like, and how to reconcile the events of The Silence of the Lambs along the way, the third episode finally figured out the answer to those all-important questions and a way forward for the series, and that made ‘Are You Alright?’ an outright stellar episode. One that accomplished this incredible feat, by bringing a plot thread from the series premiere… back into the fold. 

For Clarice and the ViCAP unit still needed to determine the details surrounding Karl Wellig’s involvement in the murders from the aforementioned premiere, and that meant he was relegated to their care and their interrogation room, and well… things quickly went south after his arrival. Because he completely reneged on his promise to cooperate with the FBI in any fashion and that forced the team to race against time to get the truth out of him. For his lawyer popped up in the lobby and the Attorney General wanted him nailed to the wall that day, in order to ensure that ViCAP looked impactful and worthwhile, and the push to get some kind of truth out of him, is what allowed for Clarice to finally shine.

Because in this setting, she was able to read Wellig, and his particular ticks and that put her brilliance on display. But sadly… letting loose and embracing 'old school Clarice', also brought out some bad memories and her PTSD. Which made sense, since her success was tied to tough and terrible moments and that unfortunate surprise, put her at a crossroads. Wherein she could hide behind the pain once again, or properly move forward and thankfully… Clarice opted to take the latter route. Which allowed for her to finally begin to reach Wellig and uncover the fact that a conspiracy was at hand and while her quest for the truth didn’t quite end in a happy and satisfying manner… what matters most here, is that this episode finally let us know, that this is indeed going to be a story of personal redemption for Clarice Starling. 
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For she truly committed herself in the second half of this tale to being the best possible agent that she can be, and to putting her past to rest, mentally, and it was simply incredible to watch her make this decision right before our very eyes. For not only was it inspiring and brave, but it really did allow for her to find confidence and security in herself once again. And all it took, was to confront the fact that something was amiss with her mind and her emotions after that fateful encounter in Ohio and that she needed to address it and move past it, and this is what fans have been waiting for. Because now she can slowly heal and grow and find value in the person that she's become and that really is quite satisfying. 

Because now it gives all of the Buffalo Bill flashbacks and lingering moments, purpose and direction, instead of being nothing more than fan service and her decision to heal will hopefully allow for Catherine Martin to be more in this tale than a mere tragedy, since there is a chance that Clarice can help her face her fears as well and really in the end, this was quite the amazing and satisfying episode. For it genuinely did grab hold of the viewer by way of a thrilling plot line involving a nasty conspiracy, one that will undoubtedly permeate the rest of the season since the conspirators are quite good at covering their tracks and well… all this does is compel the viewer to enthusiastically continue this journey. So that we can finally see Special Agent Clarice Starling, become an infallible and wondrous hero. Until next time. 

If there is one thing that the Star Trek Universe excels at, it would have to be its ability to consistently provide audiences with thoughtful and powerful commentary on our modern world. Because time and time again, every show in this proud and magnificent franchise has offered up stories that reflect the times and problems we face, even going so far as to offer solutions here and there. But what is truly impressive about the franchise’s dedication to social commentary, is that once in a while, it allowed for a particular episode to be prophetic in nature, and for proof, then look no further than the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

For ‘The Drumhead’ is a story that more or less previewed some of the current problems that America is currently experiencing. Specifically, the prevailing (and incorrect) belief that a deep state is working against certain members of the Republican Party and it accomplished such a feat by having chaos ensue aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. For it turns out that a Klingon science officer, not only stole Federation secrets and passed them along to the Romulans, but it appeared as though he damaged the warp core to cover his tracks and had help in getting said secrets off the ship. Which of course, prompted Starfleet Command to commission an investigation, to make sure that the 1701-D and other ships in Starfleet, were safe from further trouble in this manner, and that brought one Admiral Norah Satie, out of retirement.

For it was she who was going to conduct that investigation and uncover the truth about how all of this could have happened aboard the Federation Flagship, and thanks to Worf’s fine work and the wonder of science, it seemed as though this was an open and shut case. One where the Klingon in question acted alone and where science proved that the incident with the warp core was nothing more than an accident. But Satie didn’t like the facts in the slightest, and a poor from choice from a lowly crewman named Tarses, one where he lied on his application to serve aboard the Enterprise, motivated her to begin a horrifying witch hunt. One that brought the head of Starfleet security aboard the ship and one that Picard was only able to stop by embarrassing Satie, so that her boss would understand that she was chasing ghosts that weren’t there. 

But while this episode ends happy, the parallels to modern America are chilling to say the least. Because everything that Admiral Satie feared and preached and influenced, feels as though it was ripped from the six o’clock news. Because everything she did in this story, is no different than what the former president did for the past four years. Since his fears and ‘teachings’ and influence gave rise to a conspiracy theory cult and incited insurrection at the Capitol building and well, while it likely wasn’t the intention of this story to predict such a horrific surprise, it is obvious when this particular episode comes to a close… that the hope was to remind the audience to be vigilant in regard to the potential rise of this kind of real threat. Which sadly, we failed at. But the lesson has been learned and rewatching this episode, hammers home the point once again and now that we have fresh warning signs in our minds, perhaps such an act won’t repeat itself.

But all harsh lessons and parallels aside, this really is a powerful and iconic and poignant episode. One that truly features some incredible performances and a haunting plot that plays out in an unsettling manner, and that is once again thanks to the wonder of Jonathan Frakes’ skills as a director, since he helmed this episode and well, in the end, this might be the finest episode that season four has offered up to date. Because it really did explore a powerful and dynamic topic, one that certainly speaks to the show’s ability to think ahead and ponder upon unfortunate possibilities and it should be interesting to see, what other prophetic episodes await us as our second journey through TNG continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Losing Alice’.
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Obsession is a tricky word. One whose meaning is often up for interpretation since it really does harbor special substance for those who embrace it. For some see obsession as nothing more than a harmless quirk, one that entails a desire to acquire a collection of items from a particular fandom that they absolutely adore. As for others, well they see it as a positive way to handle their relationship with their significant other, for being obsessed with them will ensure that their special someone always feels loved and desired. Which means that in the end, obsession can in fact, be quite the versatile and healthy concept, despite the fact that we tend to view it in a negative light more often than not.
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But it is understandable as to why it receives such a bad rap, simply because a great many people can turn those very examples into something quite negative. Since the desire to acquire more items can harm our financial well-being and pouring over someone, we love, can also cause trouble if we let insecurity drive our desire to be with them. And of course, it can outright consume us if we let it, leading to all kinds of problems. Which means that when obsession comes into play in our lives, that we have to maintain healthy boundaries around it and understand why we are gravitating toward it in the first place so that it remains a healthy component of our lives and really, this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because AppleTV+ is host to a series that is eager to explore how an unhealthy obsession is born, in Losing Alice.

Now in ‘The Encounter’, we meet a writer and director named Alice Ginor who appears to be on the back end of a once brilliant career. For she’s mostly stepped away from the filmmaking industry to raise a family with her husband David, who is still enjoying an active and successful acting career, and this careful arrangement allows for Alice to pick at a potential new screenplay and direct a commercial here and there to satisfy her creative energy. But it is obvious early on in this series premiere that Alice is indeed bored with her life, and missing the thrill of the industry, but a chance encounter with a budding screenwriter named Sophie, suddenly brings her out of her funk. For this carefree young woman is fearless in both her craft and her career goals, reminding Alice of the writer she used to be and well, the energy and determination and admiration for Alice that Sophie exudes, infects Alice’s mind. Leaving her pondering upon Sophie often and setting the stage for an obvious unhealthy obsession with a person she knows nothing about.

If anything, that is a fascinating way to open up a show that is about obsession and is being touted as a psychological thriller, since little of that plot resembles those elements. But that lends to the brilliance of this series, since it is clearly looking to truly explore the nature of obsession and its genesis and in order to do that, one truly has to start at the beginning and provide the audience with an exact understanding of what this concept does for a person that is missing something in their life, and it is successful in its mission. For we truly come to understand that Alice has lost her way in her career and views herself as a wash-up and Sophie’s arrival in her life indeed awakens something deep within her and compels her to be around Sophie further… so she can feel the power of the past rise to the surface and relish in Sophie’s admiration and internal fire. 

Plus, it is refreshing to see a series take the time to explore what makes most of these characters tick, and what they need in life, so that Alice’s obsession will feel organic and real. And it is also a stroke of genius to keep Sophie’s past and true intentions in the dark, so that there is a mystery surrounding how she will respond to Alice’s desire to keep her near and really in the end, all of these elements make this a solid series premiere. Because it really does do a wonderful job of setting the stage for a grand journey, one that will take us to the darkest recesses of our souls in a compelling manner and well, that definitely motivates a person to continue this journey. All that so that we can take part in a detailed and fascinating exploration of the negative side of obsession. Until next time.     

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

Over the course of the past few weeks, our grand rewatch of the phenomenal series, Almost Paradise, has provided us with some incredible new insight on this show. Such as the fact that it is a grand origin story for a realistic hero, since we’ve been steadily watching Alex Walker come into his own as the hero that he was always destined to be. Plus, we’ve also been able to learn, that this show is about as dynamic as they come since it also takes the time to pay tribute to the crime drama’s rich history and it even works to build up the other characters surrounding Alex. So that they have depth and a greater purpose, outside of just pushing the plot from point A to point B. 
 
But this week’s rewatch, allowed for another unique element present within the fabric of the series to make itself apparent. In that, this is a show that also has some wonderful things to say about the human condition and that it has no problem offering up some fascinating life lessons to the audience as well. As evidenced by everything that ‘Uncle Danny’ has to say about family and how each and every one of us should re-evaluate keeping certain family members at bay. Which at first glance, seems like quite the out of place lesson to plop into a crime drama show. But upon further review, not only is this something that fits with what the series is working to accomplish with Alex, but it is something relevant, that people have to deal with in the everyday world.
 
Because let’s be honest, we all have family members that are basically our own Uncle Danny come to life. The kind that uses us for money or their own personal gains and despite the fact that we know we they are going to cause trouble when they come calling, we help them because they are family. But what the series has to say about this matter is quite poignant and forward thinking. Because rather than inform the audience that it would be wise to terminate these kinds of unhealthy relationships, this story instead asks us to forgive those family members that aren’t woefully toxic or dangerous. Simply because they’re blood, and we only get one family in life and letting them in versus shutting them out will have benefits for both parties, if we make it clear why we are giving them another chance in an honest and frank manner.
 
Which of course leads to the other important lesson in this tale, one directed solely at Alex. In that, forgiveness is key to the second chance that he is seeking, in every way imaginable. Because part of what has put Alex in such a dark place, is the sheer fact that he’s seen his own life as a titanic failure, one that has brought him to exile and humiliation. But if he takes the time to forgive his Uncle Danny, that will eventually help him to forgive himself for his own mistakes and help him let go of the past and finally move forward. Which is a powerful philosophical concept to find within the framework of a crime series set on a beautiful tropical island, but that’s the kind of stuff you only find on this series and truth be told, it’s wonderful to uncover that message the second time around. 
 
But all incredible lessons aside, we would be foolish to not point out that this episode is also a really good time. Because Richard Kind really does steal every scene, he’s in as Uncle Danny, and of course he and Christian Kane are electric on screen together. Since their comedic timing is simply seamless and that leads to some wonderful laughs that hold up well during a second viewing and well, once again, this is just another incredible episode from the most unique crime series out there. Because there's no other show in this vein, that features this kind and depth and care, and well, this definitely does leave one eager to hurry through the remainder of this second journey through Cebu. So that we can see what subtext awaits us in the final three episodes of one incredible inaugural season. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 307 of ‘American Gods’.

One incredible benefit that we don’t talk about enough when it comes to this era of peak television, is the sheer fact that it has allowed for networks to offer up all kinds of diverse shows. The kind that can push the envelope storytelling wise, or experiment with how they take an audience on a journey and one series that embodies this, is the STARZ series, American Gods. Because nothing about this series is conventional in the slightest and its third season has been a fascinating ride, one that has truly opted to dive deep into often unexplored aspects of the human condition and tell its story on its own terms. In fact, this series is so keen on that latter goal, that it is even finding new ways to advance the plot in a dynamic and unique manner, as evidenced by last night’s episode.
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Because ‘Fire and Ice’ is a story that doesn’t seem as though it is offering up anything outside of the norm early on. Since it features a grand mystery involving the death of Wednesday’s minions, and a romance story for Shadow Moon to take part in. Since he and Marguerite finally opened up to one another about their emotions, and it even features another Bilquis related segment that initially looked to be nothing more than a continuation of her journey of self-discovery. But as these vignettes played out and took us in fascinating new directions, it quickly became clear that this episode was designed to begin to push these characters toward some big and important things. The kind that are both personal and global in nature and well, let’s start today’s breakdown with a look at Mister Wednesday’s fascinating and ominous journey in this tale.

Because it would seem that Mr. Wednesday is apparently barreling toward a reckoning for his actions. For a transformed Johan was the one responsible for the death of so many of Wednesday’s followers and it would seem that an external force drove him to murder, and that force might be an old friend. Since Tyr survived an encounter with this jacked up Johan and is making great efforts to get Shadow to be near his father, leaving one to wonder if a little revenge is going to come into play for how things went with Demeter. Plus, after a little back and forth between Laura Moon and Salim and Mr. World, she agreed to be an agent of death for Wednesday and is working now to get her hands on the spear of Odin so she can put the legend down.

As for Bilquis, well, her journey of self-discovery brought her to Chicago. Simply because her visions kept exposing her to the face of an older woman that clearly had some kind of significance to her quest to understand her purpose and direction in this world. And as it turns out, this older woman helped to reinforce the fact that Bilquis and Shadow Moon are somehow tied together on both a personal and global level. For this woman not only made it clear that Shadow Moon was a special boy, one that she helped to bring into this world. But that there was another half to him out there, one that Bilquis needed to seek out, so that this mystery individual and Shadow, could save all of mankind from a horrible fate and well, this really was quite the surprising plot line in the end. Simply because none of us expected Bilquis’ search for answers to reveal that she and Shadow would be embroiled in something as big as saving humanity.
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But it seems as though, salvation is indeed on the agenda for this duo, especially when one considers what Shadow was able to accomplish in this tale. Because bit by bit, his time in Lakeside is relaxing him like never before and opening his mind to new possibilities and that’s allowing for him to begin to see things that no one else can and clue him into sinister things that might be happening. Since this episode heavily implied that he is going to solve the mystery surrounding Alison. But more importantly, this place seems to be unlocking all kinds of abilities he wasn’t aware that he had, since he was able to conjure snow out of thin air and well, it is just incredible to know that his lineage has gifted him something so powerful and that what happened here was likely a formative moment for Shadow. One that will help him to embrace a powerful destiny and it is a shame the wonder of that won't last. Since he will likely need to use his powers for sour reasons, when he reunites with his father.

If anything, it was just fascinating to see this particular episode begin to weave together something grand, since notions of destiny are starting to find their way back into the overall storyline and because something big is about to happen at Wednesday's destination and all of this just goes to show, that this series really can do it all storytelling wise. And that it does indeed have quite the plan in mind, one that has to be epic and huge in nature, if it involves the need to find Shadow’s ‘other half’ in order to save the world and well, all this particular tale does is build some serious excitement for next week’s chapter. So, that we can see exactly where these surprise plot twists are headed and how exactly they relate to the meeting point that just about everyone is headed to. Until next time.