Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Single Drunk Female’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past eight weeks, we’ve talked often about how the new Freeform series, Single Drunk Female, has done a phenomenal job of shattering tropes and clichés when it comes to stories about addition and recovery and rightfully so. Because this series continues to find new ways to take those age-old and tired ideas and toss them aside so the audience can experience a realistic story about recovery. One that truly shows us the struggles and the highs and the lows of putting one’s life back together when substance abuse has ripped it apart and well, trope bustin’ is top of mind today, simply because this series shattered another one during last night’s episode.
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Because normally these types of stories only show us the protagonist’s lowest moment and understandably so. For they are the focus of the story, and we bond with them over their rock bottom experience and root for them beyond that point. And if by chance there is an opportunity to learn about how a new friend or someone in recovery with them reached their understanding that things had to change… well that’s handled through exposition or tender moments. We simply never see it because of the potential that such a move would take away from the gravity of the hero’s journey. But ‘James’ is an episode that shunned that line of thinking to take us on quite the powerful journey. One that focused on James and took us back in time to show us something we never really knew about the man.

Specifically, what his rock bottom moment was, and the journey toward that epiphany took place on Thanksgiving a long time ago. Wherein dear James arrived at his family’s feast as drunk as can be, and despite being able to do his best to mask his inebriation, his brother saw right through those efforts and even tried to call him out on being drunk at a family gathering. Which at first glance, appeared to be the rock bottom moment in question. Since religion is something that his family cherishes and having a drunken family member at a family dinner, where values and faith in the Lord should be put first, should have led to quite the wakeup call. Instead, being shamed by his brother just motivated James to head out and drink.

Which in turn, brought him face to face with Samantha Fink. Who was also three sheets to the wind and using an alias at the bar on this night and their chance encounter and instant chemistry, led to the hookup, that was referenced earlier this season. But what we didn’t know, was that shortly after they gave into their mutual attraction, they basically had a short love affair. Because these two just clicked on a fundamental level and were able to make each other laugh in-between drinking and purging and they were so in sync with one another and so attached at the hip for the majority of this tale that this too, appeared as though it might lead to the low point in question.
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After all, when we are sauced to the gills and our emotions are riding high, being rejected can lead to disaster. But oddly enough, their eventual and temporary parting wasn’t what led to James’ wake-up call. Instead, it was just drunk buffoonery. Wherein James let loose and went wild and tried to avoid cars in traffic. A move that Sam was sober enough to point out was dangerous and irresponsible and perhaps worthy of seeking out help. And those words… sobered James right up and gave him pause since that was indeed his life he was casually playing with and well… that was enough for him to swear off drinking and start the road to recovery.

Which was, powerful to watch as was every single second of this episode. Since you just don’t see stories in this vein, show us the irresponsibility and dangers of drinking in this manner. But this one bravely did, and it showed us that what motivates sobriety is a supremely intimate decision and this episode also impressed, because it offered us some insight into why James holds Sam in such high regard. For she really was his inadvertent savior in that moment, and his desire to keep her at arm’s length may relate to something noble, such as say… being perfect for her, and well, now that we have reached the end of this powerful journey, the time has come to patiently wait for another new chapter in this tale, one will undoubtedly wow us once again. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 411 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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The Rosetta Stone was a defining moment in human history. Its discovery led to the translation and understanding of Egyptian Hieroglyphs and forever changed the world as we know it. Similarly, Discovery is looking for much the same in a way to communicate with the 10-C. With limited time, they are in dire need of finding both a way to communicate and relate to the 10-C as well, as a way into the hyper barrier they’ve set around themselves. It’s a race against the clock before the DMA hits Earth, Ni’Var and Titan, killing billions of people.
 
The pressure is on, and some are questioning Michael’s methods. Heading down to a dead planet seems like a lost cause to a few delegates. However, Michael is strong on her belief that there has to be something they can use on the planet. She heads down with Dr. Culber, Saru, and Detmer. It’s a capable group that can hold their own and work out what might be left of the 10-C’s home, if this was their home. Shortly after arriving on the planet, however, Saru begins to experience hallucinations and a panic response. There is, however… nothing there, not really. A massive bone left behind tells a story of nothing but destruction.

When his panic becomes too great, Dr. Culber steps in to help, only to start experiencing the same things as Saru. There are little answers as they make their way into the only standing structure. It’s here they discover little clusters of dust, and Michael is suddenly hit with her own fear and delusions. Whatever is happening, their suits aren’t able to filter it out, mostly because their suits don’t know how or what is hitting them. It’s Detmer that figures out what’s happening and reprograms the suits. The dust on the planet holds powerful emotions, signals left behind by the 10-C, similar to scent markers or better yet, a way to communicate. Michael tests that theory by turning her suit’s filter off and purposefully exposing herself to another type of dust. This one doesn’t fill her with fear, instead it fills her with love, safety. Michael experiences joy from this and confirms that this is a way they can communicate with the 10-C. Empathy is a powerful thing.

​Meanwhile, Book and Tarka need a way into the 10-C’s hyper barrier and they’re going to latch themselves onto Discovery to do so. Tarka has a program that will essentially numb Zora’s sensors, so she won’t notice them. The only downside is they have to upload the program onto Discovery themselves. Sneaking aboard is easy, they do that while Michael is off ship. Tarka tackles engineering while Book finds General Ndoye. He knows the general sides with him and Tarka, and Book believes she could be a valuable ally.
 
In doing so, he’s putting them at risk, but it’s a risk worth taking. Book just wants to shut down the 10-C, while Tarka wants their technology. Ndoye is reluctant but willing to help Book, he’s truthful about wanting to only shut down the DMA and not hurt Discovery or her crew in the process. It doesn’t take much to convince the General. Tarka on the other hand sneaks into engineering, empties it, and applies his program, almost undetected. Except Reno kind of finds him, and inadvertently gets taken hostage. Book discovers this when he gets back to his ship, and he’s not happy about it.

With Stamets having the readings for the chemicals left behind by the 10-C, he’s able to find more and can begin to decipher them. Saru points out that the 10-C might know exactly what the DMA is doing to their home and might not care, and that is a terrifying thought really. Still, they have to push forward. Michael also confronts Hugh and gets the Doctor to admit that he’s not okay or doing well. Michael confidently empathizes and reminds him that he’s not alone. They’ll work this all out together, and that is how Discovery, and her crew always handles things. Together.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Star Trek: Picard’. To revisit the season one finale, click here.
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There are few things in this world that we cherish more than love and it makes sense as to why. For love does something quite special to us since it gives us unfettered confidence and joy and of course, it provides us with peace and a connection we never knew was possible, and it has become so important to us… that we are quite curious as to what prevents someone from finding it, when we encounter an individual that has been single for some time. For we want them to enjoy the same wonder we’ve found in another person and well, it turns out that there are a great many reasons for folks to avoid love… some justified, some not, and the ones of concern are of note today, because they were one of the many focal themes present in the season two premiere of Star Trek: Picard.
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Which might seem like an odd theme to find embedded within a science fiction show about a trek through the stars but seeing as to how life in the now 25th Century is quite peaceful for Jean-Luc Picard and his new friends… this being a focus fit the mold perfectly. For it is only when we find peace, do we ponder upon the roads not taken and the opportunities we’ve denied ourselves and since there is peace in ‘The Star Gazer’, that’s exactly what Jean-Luc Picard did. For while his old friends were out and about amongst the stars, he was able to reflect upon this new phase in his life and the old one left behind and a wild admission from Laris, one that informed him that she adored him to no end… put panic into his heart and rejection into hers, leaving him to wonder why on earth he had never opened up his heart to anyone.

In fact, it bothered him so much, that he took the time to swing by 10 Forward Street in Los Angeles to visit with an old friend and even Guinan and her infinite wisdom and understanding of an old and dear friend… couldn’t get the Admiral to open up about his romantic issues and of course, his new role as Commandant of Starfleet Academy, also kept him busy enough to not have to worry about such matters. But there were down moments that allowed for the audience to become privy to what really has compelled Jean-Luc to traverse the stars and choose duty over anything else, and the reveal of what is holding him back was powerful for certain. Since we came to learn that domestic abuse was part of his upbringing and well… watching his mother suffer in that manner had a profound impact upon him.

One that clearly motivated him to close off his heart, not because he believed that people were inherently cruel, but because he never wanted to be that vulnerable or see or experience that kind of pain again. For love would require emotional availability and a level of trust that had the potential to be broken, and rather than take a chance on love and its wonder and risk the potential of having someone he loved violate that as his father did to his mother… it was safer to give that love to Starfleet and crew members and greater causes and this… was an incredible exploration. Since we don’t talk about the lasting impact of domestic abuse on children or victims or domestic abuse in general, and respect is due to both Patrick Stewart and the show for introducing this conversation into the show’s structure and for allowing us to watch Jean-Luc tackle his trauma.

Which will of course, come at a later time. Because while Jean-Luc was pondering upon matters of the heart, we needed to see what the other members of the crew of La Sirena were up to in the 25th Century. And we came to learn that Seven of Nine, was on her own again and trying to do her best to help others in need and Agnes and Soji have been touring the galaxy on a goodwill mission now that the ban on synthetics is over. Plus, we also came to learn that Raffi returned to Starfleet as a Commander and was training cadets such as Elnor aboard the U.S.S. Excelsior, and Rios has returned to duty as well and has been given command of the newly commissioned U.S.S. Stargazer. But it doesn’t take long for some galactic surprises to reunite this motley crew aboard the Stargazer. 
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For a strange rip in the fabric of space and time, brought about quite the stunning revelation. In that, it carried with it a distress call, one directed at Admiral Picard and one that quietly asked for admission into the United Federation of Planets and once Jean-Luc joined everyone aboard the new iteration of his first command… another blast from the past presented itself to the Admiral. For the Borg were the ones that sent this distress call, and they were eager to come aboard and make demands of Picard through a reformed and transformed Borg Queen and well, this went about as well as one might expect. Since it led to fighting and what appeared to be the eventual doom of all-hands aboard when Jean-Luc ordered the ship to self-destruct.

But as is oft the case in Star Trek, sometimes death is temporary and when Jean-Luc saw the bright light of a warp core breach fade, he found himself back home, or at least… what appeared to be home. For this Château Picard lacked the warmth we are accustomed to since it was full of weapons and haunting visages, and the sky wasn’t quite right and there was good reason for that. For this was clearly an alternate timeline or world, one that the ancient and omnipotent Q has dragged Picard to for reasons we don’t know quite yet. We just know that it relates to the ongoing trial Q referred to at the end of ‘All Good Things…’ and well, it will be quite interesting to see what the ever mischievous Q is up to and why when the show returns come next week.

But while we wait to learn more about the return of two of Picard’s greatest foes, and the new situation he is surrounded within, we can bask in the wonder of one stunning season premiere. For this was simply brilliant through and through and featured everything we love about Star Trek. For it had depth and commentary on the human condition, easter eggs and cameos galore and of course… action and shock courtesy of the Borg and Q and well, it is definitely safe to say that season two of Star Trek: Picard is off to a stellar start and has set the stage for an incredible ride. One that will take us across space and time and through the souls of characters we love and this writer, will be outright counting down the minutes until next week’s adventure, to enjoy another journey through the stars with the legendary Admiral and his incredible friends. Until next time.

​Please enjoy a sneak peek of Episode Five of Power Book IV: Force, which will air on STARZ on March 6, 2022, at 8 p.m. EST.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘Big Sky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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This episode finds Cassie traumatized and heartbroken by the murder of her father, Joseph, but also driven to find whoever did this to her family. Cassie is resolute about hunting down her father’s killer and Jenny swears to have her back. No one believes that Joseph was the intended target of this violence at Dewell and Hoyt, least of all Cassie, nor that it will be the end. Jenny arranges to have someone always watching Cassie’s home while the investigation is ongoing. Cassie plans to send her son to stay with her aunt. Jenny suspects the Bhullar cartel may be behind the murder, or perhaps Dietrich, but Travis is quick to assure her that neither lead is viable.

Wolf is incensed upon his return to the ranch with Phoebe and Ronald, who had been chained under a tarp in the bed of the truck for the trip. It is apparent that Agatha is out of patience with Wolf’s experiment with Ronald and Scarlet. She orders Wolf to put Ronald down.

Agatha clearly doesn’t want to allow Phoebe to see Scarlet again but also seems to feel she has no choice but to follow through on what Ronald had been promising Phoebe all along.

Now chained in shackles in the shed, Ronald seems to truly regret his actions, if only because he realizes that Wolf intends to kill him the next day. He pleads for mercy, but Wolf is pitiless towards him. Desperation and fear are written all over Ronald’s face as Wolf locks him in.

Finally reunited with her daughter, Scarlet is free to contemplate options she never could have considered while Phoebe was being held away from her. Agatha correctly senses that underneath the façade, Scarlet is still the same dangerous woman she always was and insists to Wolf that she is not fit to raise Phoebe. When Wolf objects to having to kill a woman, Agatha graciously volunteers to take care of Scarlet herself. It looks like Ronald and Scarlet are going to meet their end the next morning.

Meanwhile, Travis has unknowingly alerted T-Lock to the existence of the bag of cash. T-Lock sneaks into Max’s bedroom while she sleeps in the early morning hours, demanding she give him the money. He forces her to show him where she and the others had hidden the money, which happened to be in Madison’s bedroom at the Ryan household. Bridger and Madison are alerted to Max and T-Lock’s theft when they go to retrieve the bag. Ren has generously given them 24 hours to return the bag to her possession or she will kill them and their parents. Madison and Bridger call Max and Harper.

The siblings are understandably distraught that Max would lead T-Lock to the stash. The increasingly untenable situation the teens have faced becomes finally unbearable for Max. Faced with accusations and disbelief from Madison and Bridger, she breaks down and runs from the house in tears with Harper chasing behind.
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Left to themselves, Madison wants to tell their parents while Bridger thinks his Sensei can help. He sets off to talk to him in town at the dojo where he practices karate. No sooner than Bridger has been instructed to come clean to his parents and tell them everything, Ren’s brother Jag and his massive muscle Dhruv arrive. Bridger remains out of sight while the Sensei directs the two visitors that he’s closed for lunch. No problem, as Dhruv simply shoots him once through the glass door, killing him instantly. Dhruv and Jag proceed to bash their way through the karate studio like bulls through a China shop, but Bridger manages to escape out the back and run away. Jag stops Dhruv from shooting after Bridger. He is needed alive.

Travis is unaware of all that Dietrich has found out about him when he strolls into the Boot Heel to meet with Dietrich as Stone. Dietrich has seen Travis at the Bhullar construction property. Dietrich had also taken it upon himself to double check the cellar where Travis was meant to have left T-Lock’s body and had found it only contained rats. After nearly no small talk, Dietrich accuses Travis of being a traitor.

Agatha is probably too friendly when she greets Scarlet and Phoebe the next morning. Agatha tells Scarlet that they are free to go on their way, but why not one last breakfast together? Agatha sends Phoebe out to the garden to pick fruit. Hidden in her pocket is a syringe destined for Scarlet’s neck. However, Scarlet has other plans, as she has a fork clutched in her sleeve. The two women struggle briefly, but a wild and bloodied Scarlet manages to overpower Agatha and direct the syringe into her own neck.

Outside the house, it occurs to Wolf that something is amiss when he observes Phoebe sitting unattended and somewhat bored. He rushes to the shed where Ronald was chained, but Scarlet has already freed him. Another struggle ensues. Although Wolf is a large, strong man, it doesn’t take long for the tag team of Scarlet and Ronald to subdue and kill him, although not without Ronald sustaining a puncture wound to the neck.

Many consequences hang in the balance at the close of this episode. One, however, is clear: it’s best to stay humble and alert while trying to keep and train wild and dangerous creatures.

One of the most fascinating aspects about living in a world where comfort and safety and lack of want are at your fingertips, is how there are still people that want what you have and how far they are willing to go to obtain just a taste of what is yours. Simply because, it’s wild to know that we live in a world of wealth and excess that cannot provide for everyone. For we have the means and what we have is clearly desired by all. So, what keeps us from leveling the playing field so that others don’t have to fight for scraps or a sample of a better life? Which is of course, a question that plagues mankind to this day and we hope that we can resolve such matters down the road and that’s why the Star Trek Universe is so important, since it represents a universe where need and want is resolved for all of humanity and the members of the United Federation of Planets. Giving us something to shoot for.

But even then, does that truly cure this problem? For while the Federation is indeed wealthy and able to provide, there are so many worlds and cultures out there that might be eager to either fight to partake of its resources or do what they must to use said resources to their advantage and it just so happens that the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation explores just that in a supremely unique manner. For ‘Starship Mine’ is a story that at first, appears to be a day in the life tale. Since when we catch up with the crew of the Enterprise, they’re leaving the ship behind so it can undergo important maintenance and have troublesome Baryon radiation removed from the hull. But a chance to escape an officer’s reception on the captain’s part, leads to an unwholesome discovery for Jean-Luc. In that, rogue thieves have boarded the ship and are trying to steal Trilithium Resin from the engine for nefarious purposes and that motivates the captain to kick butt and save the day all while avoiding that dreaded Baryon sweep.

If anything, it is the rogues in question that truly explore the thematic concept here, because it is obvious that they come from a place where the reach of the Federation and its benefits, does not exist and where the thought of obtaining some of its riches by sticking it to the man, is quite appealing. Which obviously led them to align with someone willing to pay and that’s… powerful stuff to see here. Since it speaks to a future where life isn’t rosy beyond the Federation’s borders, and it parallels some of the class inequity present in our world and it offers no easy answers on those matters. It merely informs us it exists, and that it is a messy problem that will require fundamental change and in the interim, all the average citizens can do is be better and do their best to help those in need and change those perceptions. Unless of course, dangerous desires come into play… because that’s not acceptable.

Oddly enough, the fact that these rogues are trying to steal an element that can create a weapon does bring forth some fascinating moments revolving around Captain Picard. Since their actions allowed for him to silence Original Series critics of the show that said Picard was too soft and unable to kick ass and take names a la James Tiberius Kirk. Because Picard really does beat the hell out of some of these rogues and goes to great lengths to keep the Trilithium out of the wrong hands and that really is quite amazing to watch take place. Since it lays the groundwork for the badass Picard we saw in the movies. Plus, this episode also figured out how to lighten the mood from the intense scenes on the Enterprise by way of the reception, since the Conversing Commanders were a treat to watch, until murder came into play, unfortunately. 

But while this episode does have its dark elements and some nefarious agents roaming about, it really does deserve a round of applause for finding layered subtext to inject beneath their actions, the kind that would be ahead of its time. Since we would come to understand insurgency and disdain for America's excess far better in about ten years’ time after this episode. But all of that aside, this one can serve as a general palate cleanser from the heavy concepts of the previous two episodes, courtesy of the action and outright fan service. Since this story also features an appearance from Tim Russ, who would go on to become Lieutenant Tuvok in Voyager and this also features a guest appearance from Patricia Tallman. A horror legend (courtesy of her performance as Barbara in the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead) and long-time stunt actor on the show, who received a little meatier role this time around and well, now that this adventure has come to a close… it is time to turn our attention to another cerebral tale, one revolving around the conflict that can come into play when duty and the heart collide. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Echos’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that modern mankind lives quite the storied life. Because we are surrounded by technology that makes our lives easier in just about every way imaginable and we also live in relative comfort and safety. Wherein we can pursue our dreams at our own leisure and feast upon fine food and basically do whatever the heck we want if the opportunity is there. But while it is quite the time to be alive, our ability to live in comfort does place us in something of a bubble. One that removes us from some important facts about our world. Specifically, that not everyone is afforded the same opportunities and blessings as the rest of us.

In fact, we are so shielded and lost from that important reality that it tends to shock us when the universe takes the time to remind us of it, but it is critical to have those reminders come into play. So that we don’t ever forget how lucky we are and so perhaps we can be inspired to help those in need and really, that sharp wake-up call and uncomfortable aspect of our world is top of mind today, because they serve as several of the focal themes present in the new Sundance Now series, Echos. Which is a series that plunges us into the world of the haves and have nots, by having those worlds collide. A feat that ‘Die Party’ accomplishes by introducing us to some happy go lucky and privileged siblings named Max and Nellie. For they are well-to-do and use their status and standing to just live life to the fullest, to the point where they have no qualms spending their evenings following the party and wherever it takes them.

Which is what they are doing on this fine night that we are spending with them. For the hottest party in town, an underground rave, requires their presence and well… it doesn’t take long for this celebration of music and the moment to take quite the turn. One where a horrible fire breaks out, leaving three people missing… including Max. Which of course, motivates Nellie and her bestie Janosch to do whatever they can to retrieve him and that’s where this examination gets underway. Because it becomes clear to both the audience and Nellie that there is a whole world beneath their feet, one where comfort and leisure don’t exist for the homeless population that is struggling to get by and those same people have knowledge about Max’s whereabouts and may be at their breaking point when it comes to their world being invaded by excess and influencers. As evidenced by the body that washes up on a riverbank, one that just so happens to be one of the missing three.

Which is a plot that is clearly setting the stage for a grand examination of wealth inequality and class warfare, with lives hanging in the balance and that alone makes this series premiere a fascinating watch. Since it says so much about our world in a subtle and fascinating manner all while raising the stakes. But what’s amazing is that this show has more to dive into than just its central theme. For there are a lot of secrets in this world, since Nellie’s mother is clearly up to something of concern at work and Max might have been in over his head as well. Since there is a police officer on the hunt for him and she is ready to do whatever, it takes to get the answers and resolution she seeks and really, all of these elements make this a worthwhile and engaging story. One that is relatable and infuriating and painfully realistic thanks to its dynamic and unique characters.

Since we feel as though we already know them or have known someone like them, and their journey is only going to open up all kinds of powerful storytelling through and through and well, this series deserves a big round of applause for finding out a way to explore its central themes in such a unique and subtle manner and for providing us compelling mysteries to keep our attention as well. Because we really are eager to know what secrets are being kept from Nellie, and of course, we are also invested in whether or not her brother will survive this ordeal and the wrath of people who are through being seen as shadows instead of people, and that means… we simply need to continue the journey and see where this brilliant and powerful story is going to take us. Until next time.

It really is quite the wonderful time to be a hardcore fan of television. Because the demand for shows is at an all-time high, and the networks are responding by giving us every type of story we could ask for and they’re giving us every possible way imaginable to see them, and the best part of all, there are no boundaries as to what we can discover storytelling wise.

For quality shows that would normally miss the North American market, now find their way to us via the endless viewing options we have, and it just so happens that another unique and captivating show from across the pond is about to make its Western debut. For earlier today, Prime Video announced the release date for The Outlaws, along with a brief synopsis of the series and some key art and a trailer to build a little buzz for this dynamic series, and well, without further ado… here are all the details and all those goodies for you to enjoy, courtesy of Prime Video.

'Today, Prime Video released the official trailer and key art for the first season of The Outlaws, from award-winning writer and director Stephen Merchant (The Office) and Elgin James (Mayans M.C., Lowriders). All six episodes of the Amazon Original series will premiere on Prime Video on Friday, April 1 in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Nordic countries, following an incredibly successful series premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
 
The Outlaws is a comedy thriller about a disparate group of lawbreakers thrown together to complete a community service sentence. Seven strangers from different walks of life are forced to work together to renovate a derelict community center. When one of their number gets dragged into a dangerous world of organized crime, they unite in ways none of them thought possible. The series stars Rhianne Barreto (Hanna, Dixi) as Rani, Gamba Cole (Hanna, Guerrilla) as Christian, Stephen Merchant as Greg, Christopher Walken (Severance, The Deer Hunter) as Frank, Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark, The Nevers) as Lady Gabriela, Darren Boyd (Trying, Fortitude) as John, Clare Perkins (The Wheel of Time, Suspicion) as Myrna, and Jessica Gunning (Back, Fortitude) as Diane.
 
The Outlaws is a Big Talk and Four Eyes production co-created by Stephen Merchant—who also serves as an executive producer, director, and writer—and Elgin James. Luke Alkin, Kenton Allen, and Matthew Justice also serve as executive producers for Big Talk. The Outlaws is co-produced by BBC One and Amazon Studios. Global distribution is handled by BBC Studios. The pickup of the show's second season was announced in November.'

There comes a point for each of us in our lives, where the past becomes quite important to us. For we are creatures of curiosity, and we like to know what came before us and this is precisely why we reach out to our parents and ask them to inform us of our family’s history in great detail. So, we understand where our family has been and what our heritage looks like and how we can honor it, and this is a big day in our lives for certain. Since it teaches us so much and helps to shape our future and what we want out of life. But this day isn’t always available to everyone. Because some kids, simply don’t have access to their parents or knowledge of their past and that makes their push to learn more about who they are a touch more difficult.

To the point where they have to great creative to understand their lineage and their history, and it just so happens, that this particular struggle to understanding our past, served as the focal theme of the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. A feat that ‘Birthright, Part II’ accomplishes, by putting Worf in quite the difficult situation. For he is basically trapped on the isolated world he discovered in the last episode, when we catch up with him, here, and he is being forced to acclimate to a world where Romulans and Klingons live side by side and shun the old ways and that… is something he simply cannot do. For he is a Klingon and knows what will bring him joy and it doesn’t take long for his love of his heritage to cause trouble in this place.

Because the Klingon children in this colony, some of whom are part Romulan as well, quickly find themselves attracted to Worf’s actions and teachings and understandably so. For their parents have denied them an understanding of their Klingon heritage and in doing so, have robbed them of a chance to really learn about themselves. Which of course, brings about conflict in the camp since some of these young minds are eager to embrace the way of the warrior, to the point where some are wondering if the time has come to leave this place and explore the galaxy and their home world on their own. A move that brings about great concern from the leaders of this colony, since they truly believe their way is the only way forward and worry that their exit would reveal the truth about this colony. But a tense standoff and wise words from a loving mother, allows for them to quietly leave and for the secret of this place to remain safe.

But what matters more, is that this story really does a phenomenal job of hammering home the difficulties that come with not understanding our heritage and our family’s past. Because it truly disconnects people from the world and leaves them listless since those little tidbits about our forefathers really do guide us in ways, we never thought possible, and give us a powerful connection to humanity, and it is just wonderful that this episode not only points out the importance of uncovering it… but encourages those who don’t know… to find out everything they can about their lineage. So that they can finally find the peace and understanding they crave and really, in the end that examination makes this another unique and bold episode. Since this is another topic, we don’t discuss all that often in our modern world.

However, we should, since we generalize the structure of the family unit far too often and leave people that aren’t in a traditional family unit behind, and that’s not right. If anything, this two-parter and its unique commentary on family and what defines us, really was ahead of its time for certain and in many ways still is, since its discussions still haven’t hit the mainstream in the slightest. But when they do, this is a story that will stand as a pioneer on such matters and its wonder extends beyond this analysis. Since it also spoke to the importance of unity, by way of the colony's structure. and it also let Michael Dorn shine. Because he turned in a wonderful performance here for certain and well, now that this cerebral journey has come to a close, the time has come to turn our attention to a story that could be considered to be something of a palate cleanser. Until next time.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of Episode 206 of Fast Foodies, which will air on truTV on March 3, 2022.