Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Power Book IV: Force’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We are taught to believe, that when we reach the top of whatever career field, we’ve chosen in life… that everything will get easier for us. Because… we made it, we’re the best at what we do and the admiration and respect that comes with that, makes us an expert and an icon, and we can sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor while we indulge in everything we truly love. Which is a concept that does have some merit to it, since we see how happy those at the top are, and how comfortable they become by being the true master of their field. Which really does make it appear that success makes everything a-ok. But the fact of the matter is, this particular lesson/belief isn't correct in the slightest.
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Because it doesn’t get any easier at the top. For some folks… really want everything the best of the best, have. In fact, they want that exact spot in the limelight and they’re hungry and eager enough to work just as hard, if not harder, in the hopes of knocking royalty off the hill so they can have their moment in the sun and enjoy everything the idol does, and that makes being at the top… a lonely game. Where the work we believe a true master would leave behind, has to intensify. So one can maintain their standing and what’s theirs, and that particular reality is top of mind today, simply because others were making moves to topple Tommy, during this week’s episode of Power Book IV: Force on STARZ. Because when we catch up with Tommy and his crew in ‘He Ain’t Heavy’, they have risen to the top in record time.

Simply because Dahlia was everywhere in this particular tale. It was on the streets, it was in the clubs, and it didn’t matter what walk of life the customers came from… they wanted that ultra clean high and they happily paid to get it and well, the unexpected surge of Dahlia presented Team Tommy with its first major challenge… keeping the supply chain going. Because the demand was off the charts and that motivated Tommy to bring JP into the fold to help cook alongside Liliana and Dr. Williams and well, that clearly put Tommy at the top and the sheer popularity of this drug and the reality that it would make its owner rich beyond their wildest dreams… is what motivated others to try and rise to the top alongside Tommy and take control of this stunning new drug.

For instance, Claudia made the poor decision to try and team up with Diamond and sidestep Tommy to get her cut of the Serbian pipeline because she genuinely wanted to rake in the dough and feel more power regarding this business venture. Which was a move that failed of course but spoke to how well she understood the majesty of this drug and and what it could do for its master, and she wasn’t the only one to reach that epiphany. For Jenard came to realize that in his capable hands it could allow for CBI to completely take over Chicago and give his family the control and power he absolutely believed they deserved. And that motivated him to swing by Gary, Indiana to enlist more help from his new crew in finding Dahlia’s source, so CBI could take control of it.

Not to mention, the buzz about Dahlia was so strong in Chicago, that it even caught the ear of one Walter Flynn. Who was dealing with an official cancer diagnosis in this tale, and facing the potential end of his life, and the reality that Vic might do whatever was necessary to NOT take over the family biz... combined with the realization that he completely underestimated Tommy Egan, motivated Walter to do the unthinkable… and call a meeting with Tommy. All so he could offer Mister Egan a job within the Flynn organization, in an attempt to quickly consolidate his grip over the city, which of course, did not go well in the slightest and that led to some concerns on Tommy’s part, since that meeting ended with Walter making some ugly threats.
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In fact, they were serious enough that Tommy tried his best to do Vic a solid and get him and Gloria out of town post haste, since dad hinted at violent trouble against Gloria. But alas, despite his best efforts to save them both… a conversation between Paulie and Vic, one that revealed that Tommy was offered a job by Walter, changed the tone and pace of this episode completely. For it allowed this story to shift gears and go to the dark places that only occur within the Power Universe. Where the people that populate it suffer loss and surprises and for Vic… well that involved another chance encounter with the Serbian Mob. One that likely came about because Vic spurned the tracking-free vehicle Tommy provided him with out of spite, and during that encounter, bullets sailed through the sky, and when the casings settled… Vic came to discover that his one true love didn’t survive the onslaught and that wasn’t the only shocking death in this tale.

For Miriam Egan, whilst in the hospital and recovering from a bout of bad health… died while JP stepped away from her room to talk to a nurse, and armed with the knowledge that Kate’s mother had passed into the great beyond, he thought it best that mom should get a phone call about such matters. Something Tommy was adamant did not need to happen since it would likely surround him with the one person he did NOT want to see in the Windy City. But despite his protests, loss and the current state of affairs surrounding him… motivated JP to do the unthinkable and call his mother. Setting in motion all kinds of drama and potential trouble since it is only a matter of time before Kate Egan heads west to see her estranged sons and meet her grandson. Since it is now public knowledge that D-Mac is JP’s son. 

If anything, this was just a classic Power Universe episode. Because this franchise thrives on intense and shocking moments, and unexpected deaths, and wild decisions... and that’s exactly what we got here. Since Dahlia is pushing everyone to vie for what Tommy has and Gloria’s end was a genuine shocker… as was Miriam’s and well, all this episode does, is make us desperate for next week’s tale. Because with only two episodes to go in season one, things are genuinely heating up and a brewing war and a funeral and an attack from all sides… will raise the stakes like never before and likely allow for Tommy to really shine. Because challenges or no… this is Tommy F*cking Egan we’re talking about here, and he doesn’t fail and at this rate… all Jenard and other comers are doing, is guaranteeing that they are about to have Christmas cancelled on their asses, and we are all here for it. Until next time.    

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 214 of ‘Central Park’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite amazing how we view embarrassment in our world. For modern man sees embarrassing or goofy moments as something to be avoided or derided or even shameful in nature and there is some merit to that line of thinking. After all, it can suck to be badly embarrassed in front of others, and the severity of the incident, will oft determine how long we languish within embarrassment’s strong power. The kind that fills us with regret and shame and a bevy of other negative emotions that no one ever wants to endure. Plus, it doesn’t help that when it happens… we tend to fixate upon it and let it wash over us at inopportune times, making it seem as though it will never go away, and those are good reasons to despise it so.
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But the fact of the matter is… we really do put too much stock into the nature of embarrassment. Because in the end, those awkward moments are fleeting at best and fade in time in the same manner as an errant cloud on a beautiful summer day. But letting go of the negative feelings they produce, can be easier said than done sometimes, and well, how we let go of them and move forward in life when a juicy embarrassing moment comes our way is top of mind day, simply because it served as the central theme of the next episode of Central Park Apple TV+. For young Cole Tillerman endured quite the embarrassing moment in ‘The Ballad of Johnnie Lee’. One that would be downright devastating to a person of his age.

As it turns out, the moment in question came forth while Cole was in the midst of a costume change during a dress rehearsal of a play at school, shortly after he made a critical error. Wherein an attempt to help his buddy Enrique allowed for him to neglect his belt and uh… that brought about the worst-case scenario for a kid. Because not only did his pants drop while he was bent over, but so did his underwear… just as the curtain went up on what turned out to be a live dress rehearsal. One complete with a fair chunk of the student body and well, mooning most of the school left Cole despondent over the embarrassment of such a surprise… to the point where he was ready to change schools in an effort to avoid the childish backlash that would accompany such an unfortunate moment.

But that was of course, not feasible in the slightest for the family and that motivated Owen and Molly… to try and lift Cole’s spirits and help him to understand that embarrassment is a part of life and that we can come back from it. A feat they worked to accomplish by using Cole’s imagination to their advantage since they spun unique stories about what Cole could or would become if he didn’t just shake off the embarrassment of the moment and forge ahead. But alas, their attempts to use that part of Cole’s mind to help him cool off from his full moon surprise, didn’t work in the slightest. For he was convinced this was the end of his life and that’s when Paige stepped into save the day with a story that finally resonated with her son.
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For she spoke of how his grandfather, screwed up an entire football game because of his enthusiasm and awkwardness. But rather than let embarrassment grab hold of him and keep him away from what he loved doing, which at the time was being a team water boy, he went back to work and took his lumps and his bravery landed him a date with grandma and a family and well, those words made it clear to Cole that embarrassment is just a part of life and the only way to properly overcome it, is to pick ourselves up and move on and if possible, try again when it comes to the act that left our faces red. Because a singular moment will define us… only if we let it, so it is best we focus our energies on the right defining moment. Not one that people will quickly forget about.

Which was the case for Cole since his decision to stand tall and go for it again, produced no further embarrassment because everyone quickly forgot about it… allowing for the show and life to go on and well, that was just a wonderful way to teach the audience to teach the audience to view embarrassment in a vastly different light, and why. Because time is fleeting and there is so much more of it ahead of us that dwelling on the dumb moments is a waste, and that message just reinforces the fact that Central Park really is one of the smartest and most inspiring television shows on the air right now and the only downside to this particular tale, is that we have to wait another week for more fascinating and uplifting adventures with Central Park’s first family. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Fast Foodies’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One would think that after a year and a half of learning about what makes certain foods our favorites via the truTV series, Fast Foodies, that we would have covered all the bases. Because it only makes sense that a finite number of reasons exist regarding how people fall in love with a particular dish, right? Well as it turns out… the answer to that question is a big fat, no. Because there are seemingly an infinite number of reasons as to why people are compelled to love a certain food and for proof, look no further than this week’s episode of the show. For Baron Davis stopped by the kitchen to teach us that sometimes, something cheap and fast and tasty, will steal our hearts no problem.
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Because back in the day, when Baron wanted a filling meal that was priced right and tasted great, he turned to a pair of dishes from Taco Bell. Specifically, the Nachos Bell Grande and their Cinnamon Twists. Because back then, they both only cost a couple of bucks and gave him what he needed and that meant, it was up to our intrepid chefs to figure out how to perfectly recreate that kind of dish and recapture the magic of those nights when this dish brought joy to Baron’s heart and as always… the copycat round led to some fascinating creations for Baron to taste, the kind that offered up unique ingredient combinations to try and resurrect a memory.

Kristen for instance, used a combination of store-bought chips and homemade chips to really make the dish feel akin to Taco Bell’s chip recipe and she used a unique fluff with some cinnamon flavoring to recreate the twists and well, she did a solid job since Baron mentioned the consistency was there. As for Justin, well he really wanted to focus on the meat’s texture to evoke a memory and he also used a deeply deep-fried Churro to replicate the twist, and he threw in a Fire Sauce replica to really complete the copycat and Baron absolutely loved the sauce and the meat. As for Jeremy, he focused hard on the seasoning since Taco Bell really does pop with flavor, and he absolutely accomplished that mission since Baron really did feel as though the taste was just right.

But in the end, it was Kristen’s cinnamon recreation and chip combination that closest matched Taco Bell’s combo and with her win in hand… it was off to another incredible remix round. Wherein the copycat champ Kristin, took the time to make a supremely fancy southwestern dish, a Wagyu Steak with Taco Spiced Maitake Mushrooms. Which was designed to elevate the essence of the nachos. As for Justin… he went with a more traditional southwestern fare by making Pozole with Chicken Confit and Ancho Broth, a dish designed to really take the flavors of the nachos to a whole new level and Jeremy, well he fused a little coastal flavoring into his southwestern dish by making Poached Lobster with a Corn Polenta. Which when broken down, would create a true nacho feel with all kinds of unique flavors. 

Which of course, were all creative and beautiful and gorgeous looking dishes, making Baron’s decision as to who to choose as the Chompion, quite difficult. But Jeremy won the day with that wonderful fusion dish and that allowed for him to dole out quite the wild punishment for the losers. In that, they had to do luge shots from an ice sculpture that resembled a big ol’ booty and that brought about a hilarious end to another amazing episode of this series. One that compels us to continue this incredibly tasty journey… so we can continue to experience the unique and infinite rationale that inspires our never-ending love affair with food. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Star Trek: Picard’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, the Star Trek Universe stays firmly within hopeful territory and understandably so. For it does envision a future where we are our best selves and have accomplished wonders by putting our pettiness and foolishness aside, and embracing all of that as the central foundation to the franchise's stories, seemingly prevents the possibility that any of the shows will reside heavily within darker themed storytelling.. And if by chance a particular show does, it should be quickly resolved through unity and cooperation and the ideals that we can be better... and that is precisely why season two of Star Trek: Picard has been such a shocking venture. 
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Simply because, this particular trek through the stars, has been quite grim in nature. Since we’ve watched humanity embrace its darkest demons via the Confederation timeline. Where humanity is eager to exert its ‘supremacy’ over the aliens of the galaxy and we’ve also watched our heroes suffer greatly for a sin they’re unaware of, and well… that makes this story quite the franchise outlier, since it would seem the darkness present in this tale is showing no signs of slowing down. For the next episode in this harrowing and quite frankly… ugly journey was filled to the brim with commentary and observations on what is perhaps one of the darkest aspects of the human condition… racism.

An examination that ‘Watcher’ brought forth, by way of two key storylines, one of which, involved Captain Rios. For shortly after his arrest, he was quickly processed by ICE and Homeland Security and dumped in a holding facility with other people that ICE deemed were of concern and well… this led to some stunning moments for certain. Since we were privy to the fear and indignity that people currently in this kind of facility are going through. Since they are treated like cattle and disregarded by a country that supposedly was to offer them comfort and opportunity and that definitely gives one pause and serves as a fine reminder that racism is alive and well in the 21st Century and it is even an institution courtesy of ICE... which allows for it to operate with impunity and the show's stunning observations on racism in our world, didn't end there.

For Jean-Luc Picard’s quest to find the mysterious Watcher operating in this timeline, led him back to ‘Ten Forward’. Wherein he met a different kind of Guinan. One that was supremely jaded regarding humanity and understandably so. After all, she never met Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise in the 19th Century, since that voyage didn’t happen in the altered future and not having the knowledge we would improve and traverse the stars in the name of exploration and unity… only gave Guinan a glimpse of the world we live in right now. One where racists are allowed to operate in the open without fear of reprisal anymore and where America is taking steps backward in the incredible progress it once made. A reality that had her ready to leave Earth and abandon humanity and well… make no mistake about it, what she had to say about us... was spot on and powerful.

But while those are sobering observations about our world for certain… they beg some important questions when it comes to the story. Specifically… why? Why feature this and remind us of the sour nature of a world we currently reside within in a hopeless and frank manner? Well, the answer to those questions is simple. In that, this is the kind of uncomfortable commentary that is designed to serve as a wakeup call. The kind that informs us of the fact that we stand at the precipice. One where if we let that kind of darkness continue to persist and grow, we may step off its ledge and be plunged into the abyss. Which means… we have to take action and we have to be vigilant. For the fight to deny it oxygen will not be easy and that understanding, is what brought about a sliver of hope in this particular tale.
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For Seven and Raffi were not good with a good man being shipped off to a no man’s land to be dumped about like garbage and left to fend for himself. And rather than just say ‘there’s nothing we can do’, they stole a police cruiser and broke into the ICE database to find Rios’ location in order to save him, and while they don’t come face to face with him in this tale, the fact that they are ready to risk to all to bust into that bus and save him… serves as an allegory. One that informs us just how difficult the fight is going to be and how hard it is going to be to teach others that this isn’t the way and that we have to better, and that’s a move that undoubtedly lifted the spirits of folks watching. Since this duo were and are representative of the people out there who want to go the extra mile to end this kind of thinking and what’s wild is that Jean-Luc’s storyline is what spoke to how we get those folks to stand up and take action.

In that, we need leaders and voices of hope that point out the injustices of the world and inspire better in us and Jean-Luc did just that in this tale. Since he eventually opened up to Guinan and risked the timeline, not just to get answers as to the Watcher’s location, but to help his oldest and most trusted friend to trust humanity once again. Simply because Picard knew that we are indeed capable of better and can accomplish wonders when inspired and it was wonderful to hear him speak to our potential and give someone in need of hope, just a sampling of it and thankfully, his journey is what allows for this bleak tale to end on a high note. Since Jean-Luc did inspire Guinan to help him to try and save humanity and that allowed for him to meet the Watcher, and now he can talk with them at last and hopefully learn what the divergence point involves. 

However, hope or not, there are still of course, some troublesome realities awaiting the crew once that conversation is done and Rios is saved. Since the Borg Queen is continuing to try and manipulate Agnes, and while she is failing thus far… she is relentless and Dr. Jurati is exhausted. Plus, it would seem this whole mess is causing trouble for Q as well, since it would appear his powers are gone... and they are of course, racing the clock. But while we wait to see what comes of those concerning twists and the other critical plot lines in this tale, we can bask in the gravity of one powerful story. One that really held nothing back in its presentation of a very real problem plaguing humanity right now and it will be quite interesting to see exactly where this story is headed next. Since its ‘present-day’ setting has the potential to explore more uncomfortable corners in our modern world. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Our lives should follow a fairly specific path, one outlined by generations of modern thinking and structure. Wherein we are raised right by our parents before setting out in the world to start our own family and make our mark on society through either incredible acts that give back or through contributions to our career field, and when we have completed that particular task, we spend our twilight years enjoying the majesty of life before taking part in one critical final act. Specifically, preparing for our end. A process that involves pondering upon whether or not we are satisfied with the life we led to ensure there is peace in our hearts… as we get our final affairs in order before our time to join what waits beyond, arrives.
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Which is quite the path to lead, one that genuinely allows for each of us to experience incredible lives that are filled with wonder and joy, and ups and downs that teach us great lessons, and it is one that each of us can easily abide by and understand, minus one particular aspect. For it is the end of that path that we tend to not talk about all that often, nor do we really receive feedback on what that part of life looks like since those who take part in it… are barreling toward an incredible shift in life from which there is no return. Which really stunts our understanding of what our final days look like and how we properly prepare for the end. But it just so happens that the next episode of The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey on Apple TV+, takes the time to explore this in a fascinating and uncomfortable manner.

For ‘Coydog’ sees Ptolemy spend a little more time with Doctor Rubin, to really gauge how long before his mind and his body may come to suffer from the devastating aftereffects of this drug and well… due to Ptolemy’s incredible makeup, genetically, the chances are good that he doesn’t have that long before the dementia returns. And while this might not outright kill him, a complete loss of his mind and facilities is most certainly as close as one gets, and it might not be long after that… before the brain completely gives out. Meaning that Ptolemy is indeed facing his last days and therein began the exploration of how exactly we get our affairs in order before saying goodbye and one key aspect that perhaps we don’t give all that much thought to… is what to do with our finances.

After all, we cannot take the money with us when the time comes and we have to do something with what remains and armed with Spanish Dubloons, which turned out to be the treasure in question that he brought back per Coydog’s wishes, and a suitcase full of tens of thousands of dollars… he made some moves to handle his financial affairs. Partly by getting those coins appraised through a trusted dealer that helped Ptolemy move them about when he needed real money for Sensia’s cancer back in the day, and by setting up a trust fund of sorts at the bank. One that he put Robyn in charge of, since she is the most put together family member and the most responsible, so that Niecie and her essentially lost nephew can have something to help out with their finances, and this was powerful and practical to watch since it reminds us that taking care of those we leave behind financially, is important, and should be handled in some capacity before we depart this plane.

But while that is a sound lesson for certain, so much more goes into preparations for the end. Such as actually taking the time to talk with our loved ones about what is going to happen, so everyone can speak to what they mean to one another and really face the reality of what awaits on the horizon. Because the end is terrifying through and through, and a lack of closure can genuinely unsettle a person for years on end, so to have this talk and to have an open expression of feeling… can truly help the grieving process and prepare one’s mind for some incredible life changes and the importance of this was demonstrated by way of a powerful and moving talk between Robyn and Ptolemy. Wherein they spoke to the impact they’ve had upon one another and made their peace with what is to come when the drug wears off and the fog of dementia returns.
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However, where this episode truly shined, was when it took the time to explore the most important aspect of all of preparing for the end. Specifically, taking the time to reflect upon our lives and whether or not we can find peace regarding the choices we’ve made, and this was quite the important and powerful segment, because Ptolemy basically revealed to Robin and us… that he harbored no satisfaction or peace regarding the life he’s lived. Because he didn’t really follow Coydog’s instructions about using the treasure to help out the folks in the community, and not doing more for others when he knew he was capable of it, gave him great pause and forced him to genuinely ponder upon a fascinating question. In that, is it possible to push ahead and find a way to rectify that kind of regret with the end so close? And in Ptolemy’s mind, that answer is a resounding yes.

Which is why he spent a lot of time in this tale, having conversations with people that knew Reggie through and through. So, he could come to understand Reggie’s mindset in his final days and determine what might have led to the circumstances of his death. Not to make full peace with that mind you, but to do something worthwhile and fulfilling. Specifically, figuring out who killed Reggie… so they could face justice at last and bring closure and respect to the death of a kind and gentle man and Ptolemy’s total recall of one of the last conversations he had with Reggie, combined with some impromptu digging on Mister Grey’s part… brought about some leads. The kind he will pursue with impunity to honor Reggie and to finally feel as though he did something quite amazing with his life.

But while we wait to see what Ptolemy uncovers about Reggie’s end, we can revel in the wonder of a powerful, powerful tale. One that really had a frank conversation with the audience about an important matter that we not only don’t talk about enough, but kind of ignore so we don’t have to really face the reality that we are fragile, and finite and the show deserves a massive and thunderous round of applause for having that conversation and reminding us of that uncomfortable fact. Since doing so serves as a little kick in the pants to go out there and live it up, and do wonderful and fulfilling things that leave our spirits full and at peace for the rest of our days. And now that we’ve reached the end of another fascinating chapter in this dynamic and engaging tale, it will be quite interesting to see what other stunning lessons await us as Ptolemy races against the clock to solve the murder of a damn good man. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive clip and brief synopsis from tonight’s new episode of Love After Lockup on WE tv.
 
LOVE AFTER LOCKUP - Premieres Friday, March 25 at 9PM ET/8PM CT 
Kevin is stunned when he’s not the only man at Tiffany’s release. Rick fears he’s being played. Harry’s in trouble when the cops pull him over. Tayler makes a shocking discovery about Chance. Kaylah and Martel’s reunion goes left.

​Please enjoy a super-sized sneak peek of Episode Eight of Power Book IV: Force, which will air on STARZ on March 27, 2022, at 8 p.m. EST.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 212 of ‘Big Sky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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After a season full of twists and turns, and endless loose threads, there is beginning to be an endpoint in sight for the multitude of characters we have met this season or last. In a show that has made expecting the unexpected a viewing requirement, one never knows who will even survive to the next episode. After following Ronald for so long, we are finally granted some closure to the hunt for momma’s crazy baby boy. The wild look in Scarlet’s eyes at the end of the last and beginning of this episode belay how desperate she has become, and Scarlet is more dangerous than a wild animal when cornered or threatened.

The good doctor that Scarlet has followed home is unfamiliar with the untethered pair, but wisely notes the crazed look in Scarlet’s eyes, and of course the barrel of the gun pointed at him and begins to comply with her orders. He is further persuaded when his wife is tied to a chair and held at gunpoint by Scarlet while he works to save Ronald.

As he works, Dr. Cowley makes a fateful discovery. He finds the microchip that Wolf Legarski implanted in Ronald’s neck, and shows it to Scarlet, telling her it’s usually used in pets. Scarlet no doubt is able to work out the source of Ronald’s microchip in her mind, and that it likely means they are being tracked. Scarlet buys them some time by forcing the doctor’s wife to swallow the microchip and drive away.

It temporarily works, the signal activates and leads Wolf, Lindor, and Cassie right to the wife’s vehicle. Approaching with guns drawn, the poor wife raises her hands and tearfully begs them to help her husband. After a moment in which she collects herself, she shares that she was forced to swallow the microchip and that her husband is still being held at their home. Finally, Lindor and Cassie know Ronald Pergman’s location.

Night has fallen by the time the three arrive at the doctor’s property, Wolf immediately spots his truck. Inside, the doctor has finished with Ronald and insists that he needs rest, but Scarlet won’t hear of that. She demands the doctor give Ronald something to wake him up. The doctor prepares a syringe as Scarlet hears Lindor’s Jeep pull up outside. After the injection, Ronald immediately begins to come to. The doctor has decided this is his chance to act, to get away. As Scarlet lovingly bends over Ronald, the doctor removes a bone chisel from his medical tools. Just as Ronald and Scarlet exchange I love you, the doctor stabs Scarlet in her neck. It would have been very wise to do that before injecting Ronald, as he sits up from the table and in one motion, snaps the doctor’s neck.

Leaving Wolf handcuffed in the Jeep, Lindor and Cassie enter the house with guns drawn. They quickly discover the bodies of Dr. Cowley and Scarlet. They separate to clear the house, which is under construction and filled with opaque tarps draped everywhere, making their search through the dark house for Ronald even more tense. Upstairs, Cassie discovers Phoebe watching something on her tablet wearing headphones. Downstairs, Ronald lurks in the shadows, observing Lindor, before slipping out a ground level window.

Though wounded, Wolf is still a large strong man. It doesn’t take him long to yank free the handle he was handcuffed to and free himself. He won’t be stopped from getting to Ronald.

Ronald is caught completely by surprise when he is attacked by Wolf on his way to the barn. Wolf is quickly able to relieve him of the gun Scarlet had been wielding. But like a villain in a James Bond film, Wolf chooses to relish in the moment too long, before he kills Ronald. Lindor orders Wolf to lower his weapon from behind Ronald. Wolf scoffs at the idea of Ronald’s arrest. Lindor shoots Wolf who also manages to get a shot off which hits Lindor. Ronald scrambles to collect both guns and heads for the barn.

Hearing the shots from upstairs, Cassie leaves Phoebe to go check out the gunfire. Lindor is wounded but conscious and tells her Ronald went into the barn. Cassie immediately heads that way despite Lindor’s protests.

Ronald is again lurking in the shadows, sneaking up on Cassie as she moves through the barn. He attacks her with a large meat hook, hitting her in the shoulder. He admonishes Cassie as he prepares to shoot. If only she could have left him alone and stopped looking for him. Suddenly, the barn door slides open and there is Phoebe. She tells Ronald her mom is hurt and needs help. Phoebe lingers in the doorway and Ronald orders her to back to the house. But dear Phoebe has distracted Ronald long enough for Cassie to extract the hook from her shoulder.

As Ronald turns his attention back to Cassie, she nails him through the back of his neck with the meat hook. She hisses at Ronald to look at her, he pleads that he was a good boy. She tears the hook back out and Ronald drops lifelessly to the floor. Finally, Ronald is dead.

But fear not, for Big Sky still has twists and surprises waiting for us in the form of the Bhullar family cartel and the increasingly suspicious behavior of Travis. Though Ren can obviously barely tolerate her brother, Jag, she still needs him to think they work together. They share their doubts about their father’s sudden desire to pull up roots in Canada and move operations to Montana, and about their father’s girlfriend, Alicia.

Ren tries unsuccessfully to get her father, Veer, to tell her why he wants to leave Canada. As he walks away, a waiting Alicia asks if he told her yet, to which he replies it is not the time, leaving us to speculate as to what secret the two of them share. One thing about the Bhullar cartel is glaringly obvious: the men do not fully appreciate the intelligence and resourcefulness of the women around them. But when has that ever backfired?

​Please enjoy a sneak peek of episode four of ‘The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey’, which will air on Apple TV+ on March 25, 2022.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Echos’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, the Sundance Now series, Echos, has offered up quite the compelling and powerful story. One that has not only offered up incredible commentary on wealth inequality in our world and how those that ‘have’ view the ‘have nots’, but it has also provided us with a compelling plot. The kind that has featured all kinds of mysteries and twists and turns, alongside some genuinely moving moments between characters that are beyond stressed and at their breaking points. But while it has been fascinating to watch everyone deal with the fallout of the rave party fire and learn about our world and the people that populate this one, at some point… answers to the mysteries have to come our way and a push toward resolution must begin and it turns out… the next episode of this story served as the perfect moment to make that happen.
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For ‘Die Verschwundene’ is a story that started to move the plot along and answer some of our questions and it accomplished that latter feat, by focusing heavily on Officer Kaltbrunner. For her motivations to explore the underground and the people that populate it, has been mired in mystery for some time. But here we learned that all of her out of place behavior isn’t related to something illegal or wrong, but out of nobility. For Kaltbrunner has an estranged daughter that left home ages ago and came to Munich to start over, and she failed in that and is now living underground and that’s why mom has worked so hard to find her. To reunite her family and make her relationship with her daughter, whole again, and this was quite the surprise revelation for certain, since it paints Kaltrbunner in a whole new light, one that is shockingly positive in nature.

But of course, before we dive into the plot progression… we need to take a moment to discuss how this story also brought forth a moment of reckoning for Janosch. Because his wild behavior at dinner left his father worried, enough to the point where he was eager to check out what kind of life his son was leading and that led to quite the confrontation. One where Janosch was kicked out of the house and his boyfriend’s life since his lavish style was derided and chided by both men. Leaving him on the street and unsure of what comes next, and this was powerful to say the least. Since Janosch is indeed something of a lost soul in this tale and drifting through life and having him go through this… will hopefully serve as a wakeup call for him… in addition to how it set the stage for something quite important. Since Janosch also came to learn that he apparently has a doppelgänger in the tunnels below the city and that kind of reveal has to play into something larger.

As for the major plot push, well that came about by way of Tyler in this tale. Because shortly after Tyler basically screwed the pooch when it comes to the money she was trying to extort from Nellie, some of Tyler’s friends in the underground finally pushed back upon her plan and well… the whole thing quickly unraveled in this tale. Since Max’s friend was finally put to death by Spider, bringing more fear to the surface that Max might not make it and well… there’s good reason for that worry. Because in the closing moments of this tale, he was finally released from the tire room and cut free from his restraints and blindfold, and he was left in a place that was easy for him to escape. But someone… quickly made an effort to ensure that wasn’t going to be the case and well… that is quite the cliffhanger to leave us on. Since we don’t know if Max made it or if another attempt at revenge by a group of people that have simply had enough is about to come to fruition.

In the end however, this really was another quality episode from this incredibly unique story. One that really did a fine job of closing out an important mystery and moving the plot along so we can properly enjoy the final two episodes of this fascinating and unique series. Wherein we will undoubtedly have our questions answered about the remaining mysteries, such as what is going on regarding Janosch’s ‘twin’ and of course, we still need to learn more about whatever Max and Nellie’s mom is up to and above all else… we have to know if Max is going to make it out of this whole nightmare alive and well, that definitely compels us to continue the journey. For now, we know that this series isn’t going to leave us hanging and it will be quite interesting to see how everything comes together in this harrowing and poignant story. Until next time.