Please enjoy a sneak peek of Episode 207 of Fast Foodies, which will air on truTV on March 10, 2022.

There was a time, where reality television didn’t really offer much depth to the audiences of the world. For it was primarily off-the-wall, escape style content. Wherein the viewer could slip into a world they didn’t quite understand and live vicariously through lives that they were unfamiliar with and obviously, since it truly provided such an intimate look into such unknown worlds… audiences were hooked, and this genre of television gained steam and popularity. To the point where scripted content took a back seat for the next big thing in reality television for a little while. But as time has marched on, reality TV is something that is beginning to transform into something so much more.

For now, it goes beyond mere entertainment and escapism, it is transforming lives through contest style shows and, in some instances, it is giving people their shot at stardom and the wonder of this new generation of reality TV shows doesn’t end there. Because now, we are seeing people who genuinely want to help others, sign deals to create shows that help them get their message out to masses and hopefully inspire folks in the manner they need in the moment, and it just so happens… that CNBC is now host to a show in that particular vein. For last night saw the premiere of No Retreat: Business Bootcamp. A series hosted by serial entrepreneur Joe De Sena, wherein Joe brings business owners that are struggling to succeed to The Farm. A place that boasts 700 acres of learning and growth.

Because Joe and his incredible support team of specialists, are able to set up all kinds of tests of strength and psyche in this place, to teach these struggling business owners fine lessons in what it means to own a business and what kind of dedication goes into making it functional and successful and well, make no mistake about it, that alone makes this a show worth watching. Because that really is a unique way to see a businessperson figure out what the present and future of their business is going to look like and the uniquely catered challenges that Joe pushes them through, really does hammer home lessons that are impactful and palatable for business owners, so they don’t repeat their mistakes and find strength in which to dedicate themselves to success.

But while that does indeed make for an engaging viewing experience, one that has you rooting for these business owners to find the strength and focus they need, what makes this show of note is that it goes beyond simply showing us what it takes to dig deep and grind to make one’s business successful. For this is clearly a series that Joe has designed, to help people in just about any way imaginable. Because some of the lessons present in this show, are applicable to everyday life, and it just wonderful to know that this show and what it stands for, can in fact, help us through some of the struggles we encounter daily or some the problems that might be plaguing us right now, and that makes this a supremely unique reality television show when all is said and done.

Because it is genuine, and it is pure in its messaging, and there really are no gimmicks here. It’s simply about being the best person we can be in life, and it asks us to think differently when we respond to adversity and well, you simply cannot go wrong with a television show that offers up that kind of messaging. Especially during a time when the world continues to test us in every way imaginable. Plus, it also doesn’t hurt that this show serves as something of a cautionary tale to those wanting to dive into the business world headfirst. So that they are aware of the fact that it takes more than a can-do attitude to succeed in business. So, if you’re a budding entrepreneur looking for direction and understanding, or someone just looking for a little inspiration in life… then swing by CNBC on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST and give this show a look. You’ll be glad you did.

To learn more about ‘No Retreat: Business Bootcamp’ and The Farm, and its host, Joe De Sena, check out our interview with Joe, right here.

One particularly important lesson that each and every one of us learn along the way as we travel through life, is to never mix business and pleasure. Especially when it comes to romance in the workplace. Because to fall in love at work, while thrilling and joyous for certain… brings with it a lot of baggage. For keeping feelings at bay when love is genuine, is no easy task and staying objective on the clock when it involves your love, is just as difficult. Not to mention, it can lead to disaster, for if there is a split and no one leaves the job and the end isn’t amicable, get ready for some serious workplace drama. The kind that might motivate some of the office staff to bring popcorn to snack on when the fireworks fly.
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But all snark aside, this really is an important lesson to learn, since it can cause so much trouble and it is so powerful and so poignant… that the writers’ room of Star Trek: The Next Generation were curious as to whether or not this lesson would still apply in the ultra-progressive and peaceful 24th Century, and it explored that question in its next episode, in the most unique way imaginable. All by having Captain Jean-Luc Picard fall in love with a new subordinate, in an awkward manner. For that first encounter between two lovers in ‘Lessons’ takes place in the dead of night. Wherein the captain is eager to get some work done without the day-to-day distractions of Alpha shift, only to discover that Lieutenant Commander Nella Daren has diverted all the resources he needed to complete his work.

Which brought about the awkward moment in question since she fired off insubordination and fury in her immediate response to Jean-Luc’s questioning of an experiment she was conducting. But her fire and her beauty and the connection they instantly shared, led to a powerful love story. One that saw Picard open up like never before and really let her in and of course… that vulnerability, coupled with his position on the ship… did lead to some awkwardness and trouble. Since Jean-Luc was eventually forced to put her in harm’s way to complete a mission. A decision that he regretted and nearly broke down over when she went missing for a time, and sadly, that brought about the end of this wild love affair when both parties realized it was only a matter of time before their love conflicted with their sense of duty.

An ending that makes it clear that our feelings are so strong as humans, that we likely would struggle to contain them three hundred plus years from now and that while the workplace drama might not be as petty as it sometimes gets in the 21st Century, it would still be there. But while that is a bittersweet and unfortunate lesson, one that should hang a dark cloud over this tale, make no mistake about it… this is a great episode when all is said and done. Simply because it truly humanizes the captain like never before and lets us know what kind of a man he is when he opens up his heart to people, and that leads to some powerful moments and powerful performances from both Patrick Stewart and guest star Wendy Hughes, who plays Lieutenant Commander Darren. 

Plus, in a roundabout sort of way, this is a story that now ties into season two of Star Trek: Picard since the fear he experienced here undoubtedly contributed to his desire to put duty above personal fulfillment in matters of the heart. Which makes this story quite important to canon for certain, and really… all lessons and depth aside, what matters most about this particular tale, is that it is a supremely human story at heart. One that reminds us of how special love is and the sacrifices that go into a relationship and how sometimes, we have no choice but to let go when it comes to matters of love and well… it would seem that once again, TNG is eager to explore different corners of the human condition. Because now that this love story has ended, the time has come to shift gears and examine a supremely philosophical question that has plagued mankind for the entirety of its existence… when we reunite to discuss the crew’s next adventure. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series finale of ‘Conviction: The Case of Stephen Lawrence’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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The word justice carries with it a sense of finality and satisfaction, and understandably so. Because time and time again, we’ve seen it come forth for people that have been wronged in life personally and legally and when they receive it… they find peace and closure and speak to how obtaining it at last, will allow for them to move on. Which is why we use this word often in life, to help ourselves and others understand exactly what we are looking for in a particular situation, be it personal or legal and it is why we believe in it so. Since it truly should give us everything, we need to heal from a moment that changed our lives... often for the worse. 
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But the only problem with this word, is that we put too much gravity into its healing powers. Because sadly, justice isn’t the end all, be all, fixer of problems in our lives or in this world. For sometimes, justice is flawed and never applied properly, and sometimes it is incomplete in nature and well, the complexities and disappointments that come about with justice are top of mind today, because they served as the focus of the series finale of the Acorn TV series, Conviction: The Case of Stephen Lawrence. But what’s amazing about this finale, is that it seemed as though at first, that perfect definition of justice was going to be served up to the Lawrence family, by way of the two key suspects in this ongoing case.

For they were arrested with minimal fuss and charged no problem and when the case went to trial, nothing could stop the momentum that had started. For nefarious voices within the Met were ignored and the prosecution poked serious holes in the alibis of these men, and while the defense did their best to create doubt regarding the physical evidence… the forensic team held strong on the stand. Which in turn, led to a pair of guilty verdicts in the end and satisfaction at last for Doreen and Neville. For something they sought for ages on end had come to fruition and their son finally received some measure of justice and with those two off to jail, it truly seemed as though Clive’s task force was gearing up to bring down the others involved in this heinous crime.

But that is when this story took quite the turn regarding the quest for justice and made it clear that justice can be flawed and broken and unfulfilling at times. Because right before Clive got back to work, he had a meeting with the top brass at the Met, who promptly sent him into retirement. Granted he was over the 30-year service limit, but the message was clear that the damage the department faced over having an officer get the job done decades later, was extensive and now was the time to save face and take the win and move on. Which eventually led to a closing of the case and no further charges brought forth. Giving this saga a bittersweet and frustrating ending for certain, one that hammered home the point for certain. 

However, while that end to Stephen’s story might bring about pure frustration and infuriation for some viewers, that is how this story ended in real-life as well. Which means that this journey through a powerful and meaningful case… is more designed to be an eye-opening tale over anything else. Because it speaks to the fact that the justice system carries flaws for certain, and bias that needs to be removed, and the only way to do that… is major reforms of the system from top to bottom. So that more officers like Clive are on the job over the ones that are keen to overlook a case based on the color of someone’s skin, and while that will be no easy task, this starts the conversation and builds awareness. But make no mistake about it is a shame… that it took the death of another young Black man… to get the conversation going.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The Chelsea Detective’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the modern crime drama on television, has transformed our perception of murder. Because those shows are slick these days and really hammer home a message that murder is a concept grounded in complex evil, the kind that is born out of darkness and revenge and a need to harm others, and while there is merit to that… it definitely has helped us to view murder in a different light, to the point where we now obsess over the details and motivations of the crime to find meaning and understanding. Which is unfortunate because murder truly is the greatest crime we commit, and it doesn’t always harbor complex motivations and depth. Sometimes it is just an act of cruelty or a mistake and by obsessing over its genesis, we lose sight of what matters the most, that a life is lost.

But thankfully, there are shows coming out left and right that are looking to change that perception and bring real meaning back to lives lost and the impact that comes with taking one, and one such show that is leading the charge in that message, is The Chelsea Detective on Acorn TV. A feat that the series premiere of this show accomplishes, in two ways. First and foremost, by giving Detective Inspector Max Arnold and Detective Sergeant Priya Shamsie a very different kind of murder investigation to handle in ‘The Wages of Sin’. For they are tasked with figuring out why an everyday man with no real ties to trouble… was pushed off of a subway platform to his doom. Because murder does indeed have to have a motive and early on in this case, there appears to be none whatsoever.

But as these intrepid detectives dig deeper into the death of Andrew Knightley, the more they learn about his sordid and broken past, one that involved an accidental death that Andrew and his late wife worked to cover up and one that the killer never forgot. Which in turn, motivated Erin Murphy to plan a long and winding revenge upon Andrew. The kind that involved breaking his mind and his soul before finally committing the greatest sin of all, simply because she felt that an eye for an eye was the only way to properly handle such matters and well, this made for a powerful case for certain. One that spoke to how trauma and grief can transform us and motivate us to do terrible things and the show also deserves credit for giving us an intimate reason for this crime to be committed, instead of some grand and wild scheme involving outlandish philosophical notions.

However, there was mention of another way in which this show grounds the crime drama and adds gravity and depth back to it and that was accomplished… by way of the characters themselves. Because Max and Priya don’t feel as though they are manufactured detectives designed to wow us with their prowess. They’re everyday people, with their own struggles and problems in life and they’re not out to use the solving of crimes to heal their souls… they just want to do good in the world. Which is a supremely refreshing angle to take in this story and it really does allow for the viewer to latch onto and relate to these characters and their respective journeys. Because they really are great people working to do genuine good in the world and that truly gives what they do meaning, and it brings this genre back down to earth.

Which makes this, a brilliant premiere when all is said and done. Simply because it is the crime drama at its purest and it genuinely engages the viewer by way of a fascinating and intricate case that manages to surprise at every turn and… it also features some phenomenal performances. For Adrian Scarborough brings Max Arnold to life in a manner that makes him feel as real as can be, and Sonita Henry does a phenomenal job as Priya, since she brings to light some genuine conflicts for the modern-day woman in her performance and well, this one is an outright must see for certain. Simply because it is the most refreshing crime drama to hit the airwaves in years and it will be incredible to see what other meaningful and complex cases await us, as season one rolls along. Until next time.

To learn more about the show and its main characters, and the actors that play them, check out our interviews with Adrian Scarborough and Sonita Henry.

There is a prevailing belief in the television and motion picture industry, that films and shows… have to follow certain edicts storytelling wise. For instance, they cannot waste a single second of screen time and should engage the audience through and through, and they should of course… feature a plot that is so dynamic and explosive that the view is compelled to tune in or pre-buy their ticket at the local multiplex. Because so many believe that audiences cannot and will not sit through slow and intimate moments with the characters, and while that edict has indeed led to some moving and intense stories over the years that fly by, it has also kept certain stories out of the limelight.

The kind that more or less examine those slices of life that we don’t talk about enough, and don’t feature big moments or action and adventure and really require a viewer to ponder upon the human condition and what our life experiences mean and well, the rise of peak television is finally forcing a change in the industry. One that is allowing for these types of stories to be told at last, thusly proving that quality writing and a compelling concept trounce the old way of thinking and it just so happens that Apple TV+ is about to debut a transformative story in that vein. For Friday, March 11, 2022, will see the first two episodes of The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey arrive on the network. And this powerful and dynamic series really does examine aspects of life that no other story on television is going near right now and well… we here at Nerds That Geek have seen the series in advance and thought it would be worthwhile to discuss what makes this series stand out from the rest, in a spoiler-free manner of course.

Because this is a series full of big moments that needs to be experienced firsthand. But there is still plenty to discuss without ruining that experience, such as the fact that this show digs hard into a concept that so many view as taboo in our modern world: growing old. Because it is a scary prospect, one that inches us closer to the end of our lives and it terrifies us so, that we put it out of mind and out of sight. But this show plunges us into right into the life of a ninety-something year old man and having that up close and personal look at a man suffering from the early stages of onset dementia, and how he is treated because of what he represents to the young, makes for some engaging and uncomfortable television. The kind that puts ageism in modern America front and center, and forces one to reflect upon their views on aging, and the show offers more fascinating thoughts on our journey through life as the series rolls along.

For this is also a story about the power of the past and how the people we encounter along the way shape us in ways we never thought possible, and how loss in any capacity is always with us and never gets easier as the years go by. Which truly makes this show, a grand and sweeping examination of life, and the highs and lows it takes us upon and how every moment is to be cherished… for there may come a day when those moments fade from memory or are robbed from us completely. But of course, while this grand and sweeping drama has plenty to say about life and does so in a manner that glues you to the screen and leaves you deep in thought when each episode comes to a close, it still has more to offer the audience. Such as a fascinating twist regarding Ptolemy’s memory, and a stunning task for him to undertake for that matter as well.

Plus, it is also filled to the brim with top-notch acting. For every actor in this story brings forth impactful and moving performances, the kind that engage you as much as the story, with Samuel L. Jackson leading the charge. In fact, this might be his best performance to date, courtesy of what he is able to do with the role of Ptolemy Grey and well, in the end, this is simplify a revelatory series through and through. One that shakes off every expectation about storytelling, by providing us with a journey unlike any other on television right now. Since this really is a captivating tale about life and a corner of it we will all eventually touch in some capacity, and credit is also due to writer Walter Mosley for providing us with a stunning adaptation of his own novel.

One that grabs hold of you and never lets go and well, the good news is we don’t have to watch that much longer to take part in this outright experience, since the The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey arrives on Apple TV+ on Friday and to further build anticipation for this amazing series, we’ve got more coverage to bring you in the days to come. Courtesy of our interviews with some of the cast of this compelling journey and to provide with you a sampling of the majesty of this series right now, here are five clips from this show, courtesy of Apple TV+, and we here at NTG certainly hope you tune in and join us in our discussions of this poignant and powerful series.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 402 of ‘Killing Eve’. To revisit the season four premiere, click here.
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We are taught from a very early age, to never quit searching for what we want, and it makes sense as to why our parents work to instill that lesson. Because life is hard and sometimes, it throws curveballs and challenges our way when we are on a particular quest, and if we don’t stand tall against adversity and the odds… we will never achieve our goals. But while that is a powerful and fulfilling lesson to learn, it is ingrained so deeply into our souls that we tend to apply it to just about everything we do in life and that’s not a good thing by any means. Because sometimes, there are goals we should not achieve or pursue in life, especially the stuff that is unhealthy for us, but that lesson demands that we push ahead toward it… regardless.
 
If anything, that particular conundrum is top of mind today… simply because it served as the focus of the next episode of Killing Eve. For when we catch up with everyone in ‘Don’t Get Eaten’, they’re pushing toward unhealthy goals, the kind that can utterly decimate a person and well, their drive and desire to accomplish ugly wonders, does indeed lead to sour moments. Carolyn for instance… quickly came to learn that the price for demanding the truth about Kenny in the manner she’s conducted… will bring about incredible loneliness and shame and pain. Since she is now a woman without a country and has even betrayed that country. Leaving her lost and despondent here, to the point where it is safe to assume the truth about Kenny may never give her the catharsis she seeks. 
 
But while Carolyn’s path was more straight forward in regard to the lesson in question, this show made sure to find a nuanced way to get its point across, by way of Villanelle’s journey. For she was desperate to make amends for nearly committing murder in the last episode, and she attempted to do so by playing nice and coming along to a Bible retreat. Wherein she could properly apologize in a safe environment, at Villanelle Christ’s behest, and forge the right path forward toward eternal goodness and kindness. But the opportunity to use dirt against the Vicar in a cruel manner because he ‘went against God’ by keeping his transgression a secret, in an attempt to make her look holy and good… backfired miserably.

To the point where she finally snapped as only, she can, and violently murdered the Vicar and his daughter. Which spoke volumes to the fact that Villanelle isn’t understanding of the fact, that to truly find good and the peace that she so craves, she has to go deeper than intention and address the root causes of her anger and her tendencies. But that appears to be an epiphany that is far off for Villanelle, since she truly believes she can control these tendencies. So much in fact, that she made an effort to handle her Jesus doppelgänger in the same way she handles everything. But the fact that she couldn’t kill Jesus-elle, continues to toy with the audience that perhaps… by chance, Villanelle is redeemable since that ‘death’ would have been a point of no return, and it will be interesting to see this conflict play out in the weeks to come.
 
As for Eve, well her journey was another direct examination of the consequences that can come about when we don’t abandon an unhealthy quest. Since she went full bore into chasing down Hélène in story, to the point where she planted a tracker in her purse and despite getting solid advice from Yusef on how to approach this move and the intel it yielded, Eve demanded answers. So much in fact, that she put herself in harm’s way by storming into her target’s home and expressed her demands. A move that put Eve within an inch of losing her life, but she made headway believe it or not and she once again indulged in the darkness that Villanelle ignited within her long ago. Making it clear that this quest for revenge is truly bringing out the worst in Eve, and she's enjoying it for certain since it is giving her a thrill she hasn't ever experienced in life.
 
In the end however, this was simply a brilliant and powerful tale when all is said and done. Since it once again stayed true to the intimate, slow burn nature of this show, and it featured a bevy of character development as well. Thanks to the fact that everyone is aware of their situation and the risk involved and it also doesn’t hurt… that the lesson inherent was handled in a brutal and scary manner, the kind that raises the real possibility, that not everyone will make it to the finish line this season. Because of the dark and dangerous obsessions hovering over everyone, and it will be fascinating to see where these difficult moments lead these flawed characters... as their final journey continues to take shape. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Power Book IV: Force’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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The old saying, ‘one door closes and another one opens’, is one that is still around in our modern world for one reason and one reason alone. In that, it holds true time and again. Because just when it seems as though we are going to be kept far away from what we want and need by way of a missed opportunity or a failure, another path forward presents itself to us and reinvigorates us to continue toward our goals, and for proof… well then look no further than this week’s episode of Power Book IV: Force on STARZ. For when we catch up with Tommy Egan in ‘Take Me Home’, he’s in quite the distraught place and rightfully so.
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After all, the Serbian Mob is out for blood and ready to escalate for what he’s done to Tatiana, and his plans for creating an empire in Chicago are simply not going well. For his coke is nothing but trouble because of the Serbs and he simply cannot get a foothold on the market here, despite his best efforts to play the field in a fair and consistent manner, the kind that would make him a solid and respected leader. But just when it appeared as though Tommy was going to need to lay low for a bit and try and regroup and figure out a better way forward… the universe surprised him with a new and powerful opportunity… by way of one Claudia Flynn.

For she once again ran him off the road one fine night and offered him quite the stunning partnership. Yes, you read that right, the savvy daughter of a kingpin, who seemingly wanted to build her own empire without anyone’s help… finally came to realize that she would need a network of dealers and an intelligent leader to move Dahlia all around town, and the best way to make that happen, was to make nice with Tommy, and have him sample the product. Which he did and well, it was definitely a hit with him. Since it gave him the cleanest and strongest high that he’d ever experienced and well… the chance to move this throughout town, gave him fresh perspective on his situation and a plan forward.

In that, being just and fair was only worthwhile for those that stood beside him, and anyone else… needed to be dealt with via swift and brutal force. Which motivated Tommy to assemble a coalition of the willing for a powerful offensive. One that would teach the Serbs a valuable lesson in messing with Tommy and put their territory and pipeline under Tommy’s control. And while Tommy let Diamond and Vic assemble their crew for this fight, he went off to lay the foundation for distributing Dahlia. Which involved getting his hands on all the product for Claudia and that part of his plan went off without a hitch, since Mia’s driver was more than happy to take a fat pay raise from a man that could bankroll his kids’ college education, just by selling a single weekend’s worth of product.

So, with all the Dahlia in hand and safe, all that remained was blindsiding the Serbs with swift and blinding violence, and for a time… assembling a crew for that proved to be troublesome. Simply because Jenard was struggling with the reality that everything he worked to build for CBI while Diamond was in prison, was quickly coming under the command of Tommy Egan, and that didn’t feel right to him, nor did his being muscled out of leadership. But despite his worries and concerns, the chance for CBI to take the highest cut, motivated Jenard to abandon his plan to break up the crew and instead fight alongside Tommy for a chance at real power in the city and that brought about… one epic ending to the plan.
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For Team Tommy struck hard against the Serbs and quickly blew their pipeline to shreds and decimated their forces, with minimal losses as well, since only Elijah and Simon lost their lives during this epic assault and with the pipeline in their hands, everyone went back to their respective corners of the world to await the next steps in their quest to own the city. Except for Tommy that is, for his return home led to another showdown with the Serbs, who got their hands on Liliana and were eager to use her to bring Tommy down and well… who knows how that meeting would have gone had it not been for the strange drive-by shooter that sprayed bullets at both Tommy and the Serbs. A surprise that initially made it appear as though everyone just got caught in the crossfire of some random whack job eager to hurt people.

But the fact that a bullet hit Liliana and the reveal that Jenard basically pulled the trigger, made it clear that this new opportunity for Tommy might not go as smoothly as he might have hoped. Since Jenard did this out of fury over Elijah’s death, which motivated him to change his mind about relinquishing power. Making him a dangerous force in the days to come, and the red flags regarding this transition didn’t end there. Since this episode also included a powerful struggle within the Flynn family, one that saw dear old dad and Claudia try to buy Gloria out in the hopes of giving Vic a smooth transition to leadership of the family. One that stayed true with racist traditions and that of course... will distract Vic and lead to issues with execution of the new empire, and to top it all off, Claudia will be in hot water soon as well. Since she killed Mai during a fight over the future of Dahlia and well, since this was obviously her first murder… she won’t have a clue what comes next.

As to what that is exactly for all of these surprises, time will tell. But in the meantime, we can all offer up a round of applause for one amazing episode. Because this one simply had it all. For there was depth, courtesy of that philosophical theme and of course… there was plenty of action and adventure for us to enjoy. Since Tommy’s plan to strike first against the Serbs was about as epic as it gets and all the little twists and turns on the side, and that betrayal for that matter as well… once again made this a classic Chicago mobster story, one that is heating up quickly. Because now personal agendas are coming into play and that’s never a good thing when power and money… and the chance to rule an entire city, are involved. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 209-211 of ‘Central Park’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It’s been a little while since we’ve sat down to discuss the wondrous and dynamic Apple TV+ series, Central Park, and there is a good and simple reason as to why. For this magnificent animated musical comedy, simply went on an extended midseason hiatus, one of the first Apple TV+ shows to do so. But at last, our long wait for more adventures with the Tillerman family and their friends… has come to an end. For yesterday saw a three-episode midseason premiere arrive on the network, satisfying our need for this uplifting show and then some, since this impromptu trilogy took the time to dive into a burning question from that midseason finale.

Specifically, what positives would come out of Owen’s decision to remain in Central Park after receiving and declining that epic job offer from a prestigious university and well… these episodes informed us, that his decision allowed for the family to really come together and support one another and grow. As evidenced by the events of ‘A Boat-iful Mind’. Since this is a story that saw young Cole struggle with Geometry in school and struggle for the first time ever in classes, really. To the point where he decided to cope with failure by sailing boats around the park lake instead. A decision that taught his parents to approach his learning curve from a different angle in this instance, since they were able to use his love of tiny boat sailing to help him understand geometry better. Which helped him to realize he wasn't a failure or on the wrong path, he just needed to approach something complex, differently, and this support gave him newfound confidence and success at school once again.

As for growth, well a great deal of that was handled by Owen. Since ‘Bee Is for Brandenham’ saw him struggling mightily with the amount of work that he had to perform on a regular basis within the park. In fact, he was so overwhelmed that headaches were starting to settle into his daily routine, compromising his ability to lead and giving him enough anxiety to outright make mistakes when working with his team to remove some bees from the Brandenham. But eventually his wife’s kind words and the realization that his team was talented and capable, allowed for Owen to finally put all of his trust in them so that he could relax with his family at last, and enjoy necessary decompression and it was just wonderful to see Owen come to learn the importance and value of a work/life balance.

But while those two journeys were powerful in their own right, this three-episode premiere went one step further in its exploration of life by taking the time to reflect upon something we don’t talk about all that often. Specifically. women’s bodies and how they function… and how that’s stuff we SHOULD talk about. But there is a strange taboo that revolves around something as natural and as simple as a menstrual cycle and that was the focus of this tale. Because Molly had her first period, and while that allowed for a wonderful mother-daughter story to take place in ‘The PAIGE-riarchy!’ since Paige was forced to atone for hosting a slightly embarrassing Period Party for Molly, what matters more here… is that the menstrual cycle was presented to the audience as the normal function that it is and that it is part of growing up and it was nice to be reminded that such matters should be seen and discussed as such.
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However, we would be remiss to not discuss Bitsy Brandenham’s journey in this trilogy since it gave her a new focus as well. Because for some time now we’ve been wondering if Bitsy is reformed after the events of season one and finally on a path toward becoming a decent person at last and well, after getting through a bout of gout in the first episode of this trilogy, the bees that arrived at her hotel put her back on the wrong path. Because she once again wants to buy the park and control it as she sees fit, which was a scary revelation to uncover, but it might not be so easy for her to shoot for this goal this time around. Since there are others outside of the park that are onto her games and were happy to trick her into making mistakes that keep her clear of her goals.

But regardless of the setbacks Bitsy experienced here, she’s back on the hunt for the park and back in villainous mode. However, while we wait to see how that twist will play out, we can in fact… offer up a hearty round of applause for these three episodes. For they once again offered up the slice of life perspective that has served as the foundation for this series and it also deserves kudos for its bravery with Molly’s episode and well, in the end… it is just wonderful to have this show back on the air. Because it is always a welcome breath of fresh air and always knows how to bring our spirts up and it will be a true treat to enjoy the back half of season two at last, and all the lighthearted joy it is going to send our way. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Fast Foodies’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When one thinks of iconic fast food, let’s be honest… McDonald’s quickly comes to mind, because in many ways… that company basically invented the industry through and through. But while its golden arches and its Quarter Pounder with Cheese and Fries and a Coke are synonymous with the fast-food industry, Mickey D’s isn’t the only iconic fast food joint out there and the same goes for that aforementioned meal. For In-N-Out is one of note and their Animal Style fries makes them a must stop destination when folks swing by a town or state that has that restaurant, and we’d be remiss to not talk about Burger King and their amazing Whopper.

Because that quarter pound of juicy beef, flame broiled to perfection, always manages to please when you settle in to enjoy one and no, that’s not a description sponsored by the company. That’s just a hungry writer thinking about burgers before his dinner and he is also offering up an accurate description of that tasty burger and if you’re not sure that’s the case… you don’t have to take my word for it… you can roll with what Reggie Watts thinks about the Whopper. For her expressed his love of it and Burger King’s Onion Rings when he stopped by the kitchen on Fast Foodies this week and his admiration for this meal, pushed our trio of chefs to work hard to recreate the perfect Whopper with Rings, with mixed results.

Because each and every one of them had to figure out how to get the right flame broiling sear on the meat and that was no easy task since BK has their own special method of doing it and that brought about some fascinating burgers and rings. For instance, Kristen’s meal was flawless when it came to the rings, but the burger just didn’t quite hit the flame grilled mark. Whereas Justin’s, while tasty, just didn’t land the burger or ring taste right either. Which means that in the end, it was Jeremy that won the day. Because he worked really hard to get the flame kissing just right and while it too wasn’t perfect, it was flavorful and juicy enough to be as close to a Whopper as one can get. 

But with the copycat round out of the way, it was onto the remix round and once again, these chefs impressed with their incredible creations. Because Kristen decided to remove meat from the equation and focus on flavor and flair with her Caramelized Onion and Gruyè Cappelletti, which was both flavorful and beautiful in nature. And Jeremy, well he went with a Smoked Beef Tartare and Smoked Bone Marrow, a dish designed to really put a spin on the burger and its flavors and while that also brought joy to Reggie’s heart, it was Justin’s dish that stole it. Because his Flame Broiled Panzanella was so creative and so unique that Reggie had to declare it the Chompion dish of the night.

Which in turn, forced Kristen and Jeremy to wear trash crowns to match the theme of kings and well, in the end… this was just a fun and delightful cooking adventure. One that reminded us of the fact that the wonder and majesty and outright iconic status of fast food extends beyond McD’s and sometimes… cannot be replicated and that the spirit of fast food, easily translates to incredible meals and well, now that we’ve had our fill, we are once again left hungry for more of this dynamic and wonderful series. One that always knows how to satisfy and put on a smile on our faces, and it will be interesting to see what comfort foods await us, come next week. Until then.