Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘The Madame Blanc Mysteries’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the modern crime drama, and even the world of true crime stories, have managed to shift our perspectives on what we believe drives people to commit crime. Simply because pop culture has an impact upon us, and it does become our only tie to concepts and worlds we don’t understand, so we roll with what it has to offer and right now, the slick nature of them and the griminess that comes from the true crime market, tends to have us believing that criminals are incredibly thoughtful and calculated in their actions, as though every crime or murder they commit has meaning and purpose.

Which while entertaining and engaging, and with some merit… isn’t always the case. For, crime, and murder are sometimes nothing more than instantaneous poor choices. Or they are grounded in a lack of communication and understanding and yes, crimes of passion are indeed a thing, and we should be keen to remember that. So that our understanding of crime is broader in nature and so we approach them with a different mindset and that is likely why the next episode of The Madame Blanc Mysteries on Acorn TV focused upon such matters. To remind us, and guide us, and ‘Fashion’ accomplished such feats, by way of an attempted murder.

For a fashion icon known as Violet was putting on a fashion show at Jeremy and Judith’s place and while there, she nearly took a fatal tumble courtesy of a push. Which scared her to no end and prompted her to hire Jean to figure out who might want to harm her and well… at first, it seemed we were in for quite the complex case. After all, there was a suspicious model named Noemie who was in close proximity of the fall before it happened and had a bit of an attitude toward Violet. Not to mention, Violet’s right-hand man and husband, Pascal, seemed to be cozied up to Noemie and had everything to gain from Violet’s death. All of which pointed to a complex crime grounded in treachery and greed.

But one final clue involving Noemie finally brought a fascinating truth to light. Because Jean was able to figure out that Noemie was likely a scapegoat and a mistaken target for murder, since she too died and that all of this was a ruse created by Violet to ruin Noemie’s career and end the affair she and Pascal were having. Only for everyone to learn that Noemie wasn’t the other woman, she was Pascal’s long-lost sister, and they were so close because they recently reunited, and she was skeptical of Violet because she wanted the best for her brother in all things. And had Violet approached her husband about this, and had Pascal opened up to his wife, Noemie would still be alive. But alas, arrogance, assumptions and a true lack of communication and understanding and trust… combined with sheer incompetence, brought forth unnecessary death.

All of which could have been avoided and more importantly, reminded us of the fact… that murder isn’t always complex and powerful. Sometimes it happens because people embrace the dumb and too much emotion and that made for a sobering tale, one that also… brought forth sorrow for Gloria. Because Charlie recognized Cooper from a caper long ago, and she believed he was up to no good in the city and she was right. For he was married and playing Gloria like a fiddle, and she put a stop to that, sadly in a manner that will hurt Gloria but will also spare her from the real painful truth. All of which made for one epic tale, one that has us ready for more. So, we can see what other unique explorations await us, and how Gloria will fare in the weeks to come. Until next time.

These days, the word manhunt is part of our everyday lives. For it seems as though there is constantly someone breaking the law and doing their best to escape accountability for it, so they go on the run, and we simply follow along via the news when they have been caught. Because it really is no longer a big deal, and even when it is… we causally keep an eye on things, mainly to see how long they’ve been out there and what took law enforcement so long to find them and put them in handcuffs. Not to mention, the manhunt is such a normal thing now, it doesn’t even thrill us like it used to when we see it take place on television or in film. 
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But while the manhunt may not be what it used to be in our minds, which brings forth all kinds of concerns really since it means we are somewhat numb to crime, there are still ways it can be impactful and moving and concerning, at least in storytelling for certain. For in a few days, Apple TV+ will be home to a series entitled, Manhunt, and this show does the seemingly impossible by pulling us into a world where we want to see the bad guy brought to justice. All by exploring the pursuit of a man that committed one shocking crime. One that we more or less could consider to be one of the most heinous crimes to ever be committed, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. 

For in many ways, John Wilkes Booth’s shooting of one of America’s most beloved presidents was about as shocking as it gets, and well… let’s be honest… we really only know of the moment, and the horror it imparted upon a young nation that just recovered from a Civil War. And what we don’t know, is what followed, specifically the twelve-day manhunt for Booth that so many took part in, to bring this purveyor of violence to justice and that is indeed where this series thrives. In the actions that led to the capture of Booth and that brings forth a manhunt, we care about and are genuinely invested in. Because this series does an amazing job of selling the stakes of the moment and of Lincoln’s death and we get to know the parties involved and care about those who saw a great president suffer over ideology.

Which is something that also adds depth and gravity and meaning for the audience as well. Since this is set in the days following the end of the Civil War, where tensions were still high and where two ideologies were playing out. The kind that some were still adamant to see enacted and were willing to fight for it regardless of the silence on the bloodied battlefields of America. Giving rise to parallels really, the kind that truly echo how some things have not changed in the 159 years following this bloody and brutal conflict. But it is important to see those parallels and understand what drove such actions to properly understand how hard it was to bring this fragile nation to bear, and how much work we still have ahead of us to preserve it, and those two elements really do bring forth, a manhunt we care about.

For we are indeed vested in the death of a good man, and we want to see a bad man pay the piper for his actions and the fact that it is set in April of 1865, adds a special air to the hunt in question. Since there are no forensics or alerts on a cell phone here. Just instincts and good old fashioned investigative work and that too adds a real twist to the story that is enthralling, and all of this is further enhanced by a stellar cast that brings the past to life in a compelling and powerful manner and the best news of all, is we are so close to enjoying this tale. For Manhunt premieres on Apple TV+ this Friday, March 15, 2024 with a two-episode premiere, and we here at NTG cannot wait for you to take part in this thrilling series about one atrocious and historic crime.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘The Way Home’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that when we settle in to watch a story about healing or processing grief and trauma, that we are quite curious as to what the story is going to present us with from a lesson standpoint. Simply because, we know in our core that the process of grief cannot be compartmentalized or narrow focused. It’s complex and requires so much work and we need to see a bigger picture instead a story that looks at one step. Which is likely why we more so seek out stories in this vein, that do offer that global look, and that is why the Hallmark Channel series, The Way Home is of note. For this is indeed that rare story that explores the entire healing process when we are struggling to overcome grief.

Which is why it has spent a fair chunk of season two showcasing the pratfalls and problems that come forth from not dealing with our grief, to show us the next steps and how we begin to escape such problems. Which was indeed a focus of this week’s tale… after of course… offering up some fine love stories and surprises. Since ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ took the time to have Del establish some boundaries in her new potential romance and where Alice, finally had that all-important first kiss with her own new beau, who also helped her begin to solve the grand mystery of 2007. Which set the stage for a new juicy plot point involving Elliot to be dealt with down the line, who also spent a lot of time here, catching up with Nick, who returned to this story, all-grown up.

But truly, the centerpiece here was the grief that Kat continues to struggle with in this story, and well… she fell further from grace here. Because the Mayor was livid over the poor quality of the paper and Del was upset over having to cover for her, and of course… Kat felt no need to be held to account over this. Because she truly believed all that mattered in the moment was Jacob and his health and being by his side. To which there was merit, but this was nothing more than an extension of last week’s exploration. Of how not dealing with our pain can create major problems and put us on a destructive path and that was important to showcase and revisit so the series could explore a key element in the healing process.

Specifically, how do we break that cycle of self-destructiveness and start to heal and move forward? Which the show correctly pointed out, that we need some sort of epiphany or rock-bottom moment if you will. Where we see the damage, our grief is causing both externally and internally, so we can change course and well, Kat finally had that happen here. Since she had to finally face the possibility that a badly wounded Jacob might die and that she might not get to fulfill her wishes of spending time with him. Which brought about a rock-bottom moment that was relatable and powerful and allowed for the course change to come forth via Thomas. Who helped her realize a key truth we need to heal. In that, we have little control in this life and only have the moment really, and to embrace that since we don’t know what is coming.

Which helped Kat cope with the reality that she might lose Jacob, and well… in many ways she already did. But what mattered most here, was that at last, we saw the moment, where each of us must come to understand Thomas’ advice through our own journey or through someone that supports us. Because only then do we realize how precious life is, and how we must treasure the moments we have and honor those who go before us, so that we can live life to the fullest and grieve in a manner that is constructive instead of destructive. Granted, Kat might get a different shot at that based upon how this ended, but the core message is there, and this was a turning point for Kat, and a reminder that this show really is going to showcase the process of healing in stunning detail. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 302 of ‘BMF’. To revisit the Season Three Premiere, click here.
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Whenever we are chasing goals in this life, be them healthy or unhealthy in nature, it is difficult to understand what kind of progress we are making in achieving them. Simply because, we are in the thick of it when we are working toward them, and that means we have our heads down and are we are truly worried about having a sound foundation toward what we want in life. Which means, we miss some things along the way. Such as an understanding that we are making progress toward our goals and/or that we are amazing at doing what we love and well, it is important to recognize such truths, to find joy in what we are fighting for and to of course… have a better perspective of where we are at in that chase.

But how does one accomplish that? Especially when we are in the thick of it, and well, there are indeed ways that can happen. For instance, if we have an amazing support network around us, they can point out the success we are enjoying and help us to celebrate it and if by chance that’s not there or we aren’t listening to their advice because of anxiety or imposter syndrome, there are other ways we discover we are on the right path, and doing amazing, and one of those ways was explored in the next episode of BMF on STARZ. A feat that ‘Magic Makers’ accomplished by immersing us into quite the crisis for Terry and Meech. Because just like that, their plug was arrested thanks to the whole K9 mess and that meant, another setback appeared to be on the horizon.

One that prompted Terry to begin to work to set up another plug with a local dealer named Henrietta, whose weight came at quite the stunning price, but what else was Terry to do? For he was back with Lawanda and wanted to do right by his kids and keeping this dream alive was the best way to do that. Whereas Meech was down in Atlanta doing his best to work every angle to find a new plug as well. Because these guys wanted this badly and were not willing to let their work go down the tubes, and well… for a time… their stories and the stories around them made it seem as though that central theme wasn’t going to pop up here. Since we saw Bryant working to get his son out of Juvie as Jin and Amberson worked the case that brought him down. Not to mention we also saw Lucille gain a little ground in life romantically.

But the lesson at hand was there, and it was hovering about via what appeared to be trouble. For a pair of Latin gentlemen tried to approach Terry in Detroit, and even poked around the house, because they wanted to speak to Meech, and that prompted Terry to meet with them, and inform them that Meech was in Atlanta. Of course, he also made sure to warn his brother about that. But in the end, they weren’t trouble. They were plugs, they wanted to move weight and heard through the grapevine that the best crew to make that happen, was BMF. Allowing for the Flenory brothers to learn, they were becoming legends like they wanted, and that people wanted to work with them and were willing to seek them out and protect them as well.

Informing us, that when we are indeed doing our best, that will happen. People will want to be in our orbit, they’ll want to work with us, and they’ll want to celebrate what we do, and that outright lets us know of the progress we are making. But in the here and the now, Terry and Meech are back in business and well regarded and well respected, and that will go far in their line of work. For it means protection, more weight, and more clout to get into the territories they need to operate within to build the empire they built. All courtesy of a lesson that the audience can understand and relate to and look for, and that just serves to remind us of the unique nature of this incredible story about two everyday brothers who built the last great crime family in America. And now that Terry and Meech are becoming masters of their game, it will be interesting to see what comes next in the construction of the empire as season three of this amazing show continues along. Until next time.

It’s rare and difficult in this day and age to truly bring forth a story that is original and compelling. Simply because in this era of peak television, there’s a glut of stories out there, and many of them deal with familiar stuff to make themselves appealing to audiences, and no… there’s nothing wrong with this. For familiarity goes a long way, and of course… one can evolve a show once it gets on the air into something bold and new when audiences express their love and loyalty of it. But it does mean that few are willing to just go for it from the start and that does at times, keep something special from immediately hitting the airwaves and wowing audiences through and through.
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But the good news is, there are still mavericks and pioneers that are willing to buck that and bring forth amazing stories that are indeed refreshing and original, and captivate and impress, and even go out on their own terms, such as the subject of this particular piece. For the STARZ series, Hightown, meets that particular criterion. For it was unlike any other crime drama out there when it made its debut back in 2020, and it remained that way for three glorious seasons. Wherein it took the time to offer up bold and challenging storylines that explored every wonder and flaw of the human condition and well, now that the show is off the air, the time has come to celebrate what made it so wondrous and so great, and well… the writing really is the best place to start our farewell to this magnificent series.

Simply because Creator/Showrunner Rebecca Cutter gave life to a crime story that did the impossible, it reflected our everyday world. For it was genuinely devoid of savant investigators and mustache twirling villains that were far smarter than they needed to be. This was instead, a show about flawed people who did flawed things that many of us have taken part in or will down the line. Giving rise to stories that were familiar in some respects, and it harbored characters that we could absolutely relate to. Because we’ve known people like the ones we met on the Cape, or we’ve been them in some form or fashion and well, that kind of writing and world-building is rare, and needs to be celebrated, as does the other big reason this show was so successful and so worth our while.

In that, it was supremely bold and supremely forward thinking. After all, this is that rare story that explored the taboo topic of addiction and its impact upon us and how hard it is to be free of its grip, and that alone is bold, and was further enhanced by making several characters addicts as well. Because that allowed for us to go on a supremely intimate journey with them, where they showcased those elements in a raw and powerful manner that is rarely showcased in visual entertainment. Giving rise to plenty for us to chew upon, root for and hope for since we knew what Jackie’s potential, and the potential of those we’ve seen hurt by this in real life, would and could be if escaping its powerful clutches took place and the bold nature of the show didn’t end there.
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After all, this is another series… that led the way in representation. For having a lead character be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community remains a rarity in mainstream television. But this show had no qualms making that decision. In large part because representation and diversity matter now more than ever, and really… going this route helped to bust the awful stereotypes out there and really showcase the world as it is, as did also offering up a wonderfully diverse cast in general. Making this one of the most progressive shows to hit the airwaves in years, and it matters that it got everything right regarding diversity and representation and hopefully it serves as a blueprint for others shows in those regards and well… that progressive nature, and the other elements we’ve discussed today, will indeed help to ease the pain of its farewell.

As will the fact that it has a legacy, it has relevance and now audiences can enjoy the saga in its entirety and bask in the wonder of a show that broke molds, blazed trails and captivated us through and through and well… all that is really left when it comes to this wondrous show, is to offer thanks. Thanks to Rebecca Cutter for bringing such a powerful story to life and nurturing it to a powerful ending. To Monica Raymund for giving us an incredible performance as Jackie that had us rooting for her from day one and for helping to make this show the poignant and important piece of work that it is. To Riley Voelkel for helping us to see both sides of the coin with Renee and for giving her depth and power. To Dohn Norwood for making Alan the show’s moral center, and for reminding us to always strive for what’s right.
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To James Badge Dale for giving us one of the most flawed characters to grace television in years, since we both loved and hated Ray’s journey and we will forever wonder what could have been if Ray cared a little more about the good in life. To Atkins Estimond for giving life to one of the most complex ‘villains’ to ever hit the airwaves in years and to Amaury Nolasco for portraying one powerfully lost soul, and of course… we offer thanks to the many other cast members that helped enrich this story, and the crew that worked tirelessly to bring it to life. On a more personal note, I’d like to offer my own personal thanks to the cast and Rebecca, who took the time to speak with me over the run of the show and helped this nerd learn more about its wonder and the care that went into its creation, and well… that’s it fellow nerds that geek, there’s nothing left to say about this wonderous and dynamic show… now that the case has come to a close.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Hightown’. To revisit the show’s Penultimate episode, click here.
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When we are young, we are taught that the world is a just and fine place. Where we will have all the support we need when times are tough because of family and friends, and where good guys and bad guys are easy to spot, and the bad ones are dealt with swiftly and justly, and we are told such lies… simply because our parents hope… we will be the one to mold the world in that image, where they failed. For the world is none of those things, it is brutal, cruel, and intense. Where sometimes we are on our own whether we like it or not and where justice and good and bad are as grey as it gets. Which shocks us and leaves us wondering… how then do we find what our parents promised us could exist?

Well as it turns out, there is no easy answer. Some of it involves fundamental changes to society that will take generations to impact, and a sense that change needs to come to our entire world and society at a time where everyone is digging into their respective sides and citing their ideology as the only way. But in the interim, there are things perhaps we can do. Such as, be the hero in our world, the good person that inspires change and impacts it somehow, someway, and all of this is top of mind today, because this is the central concept that the series finale of Hightown on STARZ opted to explore. A feat that ‘Big Fish’ accomplished by having Jackie Quiñones take the center stage in this story and explore those concepts in detail.

Which makes sense, for it was her journey that brought us into the world of the Cape to begin with, and everyone else’s journey followed suit and well… now that she was sober and managed to put away Dolan after his attempt to kill her, Jackie began to have new perspective on the world and her career choice. Simply because, it was discovered that Dolan and the entire Fall Brook police force were dirty and corrupt, and that there was little chance they would face accountability for making Swayzee the town’s unofficial pimp liaison for the city, despite enabling crime and taking part in crime often, and that shocked Jackie to no end. Because that wasn’t how this was supposed to go, and that shock was further compounded by the dawning realization that Ray Abruzzo… was a dirty cop as well.

In fact, Ray went all out here to really commit to the dark side. For he and Renee and Osito joined forces in this story, all to keep Renee in Ray’s stead, and their efforts paid off in spades. Since Renee was able to pay off the cleaner and get her out of town so there was no case against Renee for killing Jorge, and of course… when Frankie finally flexed up on Renee… even darker acts came into play. Because it meant that Frankie had to be dealt with, and that Ray had to handle it, so he carefully watched from afar as Frankie and Osito and Shane put together a powerful drug dealing alliance. All so the blame could be shifted to either of them when Ray stepped in to handle business and handle it he did. Putting an end to Frankie Cuevas, and that act, oddly helped Jackie to finally see what Ray was all about. For despite his best efforts to cover up what he had done, she knew. She absolutely knew.

Which allowed for that central theme to come into play. Because the case against Frankie’s murder would go nice and slow, and no one would care about putting resources forth for that because Frankie was a criminal. And of course, the bad eggs in Fall Brook would continue to rot the system and bend it to their will, and that left Jackie in a dark place mentally, and that was shared by Alan. Since he too was aware of the rot within his own building, and well… for a time they both dangerously drifted. With Alan firing back at last and with Jackie, risking another relapse over this hard truth.
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But support, and a surprise run in with Leslie, helped Jackie to realize… she wasn’t helpless, and if she was able to take control of her life and her addiction, she could take control of the ugliness in front of her. She could be the hero; she could impact change and do the right thing and be what we want the world to be. So, with Alan at her side… they marched into Internal Affairs and opened up a new chapter in their lives and in their careers.

Where real good took place and where punishment would indeed come for the wicked, the kind that would be further enhanced… by the miserable path that Ray had now created for himself… since Osito had work for Ray. Which brought about an ending that some may seem as imperfect, since we don’t see Ray walk out in cuffs, nor do we see Jackie enjoy accolades for her bravery. But that’s just it… that really is the perfect ending to this series. Because Hightown has always been about the flaws and the wonder of the human condition. Of its imperfect nature and how we strive for otherwise, and fail and succeed, sometimes at once.

But of course, it was more so about Jackie’s journey to her potential, since Ray was always dirty, and everyone else was in their own unique orbit when she entered into them and well… the mission was accomplished. She healed, she found agency and potential and did heroic things along the way and that’s a complete story. One where justice was doled out in an imperfect manner and where the world still tetters upon the brink as it always has, and well… it doesn’t get much realer than that, and there really is no better way to bid farewell to the Cape and the incredible journey this story took us upon.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Wilderness’. To revisit the show’s penultimate episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the Prime Video series, Wilderness, has done a phenomenal job of exploring some very dark corners/questions regarding the human condition. Since we’ve come to learn that yes, even the most innocent of people can be driven to commit dark acts if they are abused and pushed hard enough. Plus, we’ve also come to learn, that yes… they can in fact, live with what they’ve done if the circumstances call for it. But what the show hasn’t answered yet from a question perspective… is what does that person become when they’ve escaped accountability and moved into a new chapter in their life, post darkness?

Because the decisions they’ve made and actions they’ve taken part in, must fundamentally change a person and well, it turns out that the show saved such answers for the end of the journey. For the show’s series finale explored all of that in a devastating manner. A feat that ‘Where White Knights Go To Die’ accomplished by having Liv make deal with tough decisions after that harrowing incident in her apartment. In that, the attack was the last straw for her when it came to her relationship with Will. So, she demanded a divorce and demanded her freedom and agency and that request immediately backfired.

For Will wanted a marriage, with Liv at his side, and was ready to move them back to England to get that accomplished. Regardless of the fact that Liv was already moving on and exploring a relationship with Ash and looking for her freedom. Which meant, it was time for our first lesson in who we become after getting away with murder, and if needed… we will call upon ugly skills again to have what we want. Which was why Liv was eager to send the police the video of Will and Cara and to play the innocent wife in the matter to bring down legal hell upon Will. Which worked and gave her the freedom she wanted, since Will took the fall for Cara’s murder. A move that he wanted to flip back upon Liv when he figured it out… but could not. Because this transformed woman… was ten steps ahead. 

Which was perhaps… a bright spot to find since she finally found agency and finally found power over a man that wanted submission. But that doesn’t mean one would be better for wear after doing what Liv has done in this tale. Which was why the conclusion of this story pointed out… that if we did as she did and crossed all those lines, we would never be the same. We would be haunted, angry, and see the path that it took us down, giving rise to a tough future for certain, and a bleak ending to this fascinating tale. One where Liv will never be the same and all we are left with, are some sorrowful lessons on how all of this was preventable so that perhaps… we can ensure others in this life don’t go down Liv’s path.

Because she’s not alone, and there are indeed emotionally and physically battered women ready to cross whatever line to heal because they feel alone, and feel broken, and feel as though they don’t matter. Which more or less makes Wilderness, less an examination of what we are capable of and who we become when we cross certain lines and more of a cautionary tale. One that tasks us to be kind to those in need in our lives who are struggling to find a way out of a toxic relationship and to be better partners ourselves and/or expect better of our own. So that no one has to go what Liv went through there, and see their life ruined through pain and fury, and bad choices that cannot be fixed.

In many ways, the deep south is a part of America that is viewed through a hyper stereotypical lens. Where certain tropes and negative concepts take place on a daily basis, in our minds, and that has in many ways… stunted our understanding of the culture in that part of the USA and created a genuine prejudice against anyone from that region and that’s problematic. Because there is so much more to the south than twangs and stereotypes, it’s a part of America that is diverse and steeped in tradition and that is why, STARZ and P-Valley star Nicco Annan, are teaming up to look at the south like never before.
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Because earlier today, STARZ let it be known that Nicco, an NAACP Award Winning Actor, will host and serve as executive producer of Down in the Valley. A new six-part documentary series that will showcase the south like never before. In a manner free from stereotype and trope, so that we can see what living in the south is all about, and what proud traditions are celebrated in this region and how it adds to the richness of these United States, and well… to properly offer this news the justice and the gravity it deserves and commands, here are all the details on this upcoming series, courtesy of STARZ.  
'STARZ announced today it has greenlit “Down in the Valley,” a documentary series inspired by the vibrant world of “P-Valley,” set to air in 2024. The six-half-hour episode series hosted and executive produced by Nicco Annan (“P-Valley”) will take viewers on a tantalizing tour of the Deep South, unveiling a complex South that is equal parts poignant, joyful, and magical. 

Annan, best known as “Uncle Clifford” on STARZ’s critically acclaimed drama series “P-Valley,” will be immersed in the people, sensuality, music, culture, and stories of the South. From strip clubs to sex workshops, rap performances, and ancient hoodoo rituals, Annan, as well as the audience, will experience it all. 

“Down in the Valley” will pull back the curtain on the surprising but always intriguing people and places that make the Deep South a place where anything can happen and usually does.

“I can’t wait for ya’ll to get a taste of this fiercely unpredictable, deep-dive dance into Southern culture. It’s a black mirror of sorts,” said Annan. “Going through the experience of watching ‘Down in the Valley,’ the audience will immerse and connect with culture beyond the narrow lens of their everyday neighborhoods, and see through a mirrored reflection the forgotten Black American South like never before. Down In The Valley… it is what it is!!!”

‘P-Valley’ has authentically captured Southern Black culture in our fictional world of Chuccalisa and piqued the curiosity of our Pynk Posse to learn more,” said Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for STARZ. ‘Down in the Valley’ is a natural companion to our hit scripted series and we’re thrilled to be working again with Nicco as he invites audiences for a cultural exchange and understanding of the real South. Viewers will be captivated by the parallels drawn between the real-life experiences of Southern communities and the compelling narratives Katori shares in ‘P-Valley.’” 

“Down in the Valley” is produced by Zero Point Zero for STARZ. In addition to Annan, Pulitzer Prize winner and “P-Valley” creator Katori Hall (“The Hot Wing King,” Oliver Award-winning “The Mountaintop” and Broadway’s “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”) will also serve as executive producer. Emmy and Peabody award winning executive producer Shoshana Guy served as showrunner. Lydia Tenaglia and Chris Collins will serve as executive producers and Jared Andrukanis as co-executive producer on behalf of Zero Point Zero.Alice Dickens Koblin, Senior Vice President of Unscripted Programming and Karen Bailey, Executive Vice President of Programming, will oversee the series on behalf of STARZ. 

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About STARZ 
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One of the hardest truths we will ever have to face in our lives, is that not everyone in positions of power are honest and good people. Some can and will be corrupt, and they can and will serve their own desires and wants because they were all about the power and never the people that got them there. And what makes that so tough, is that we are taught that this shouldn’t happen, that there are safeguards to keeping monsters and narcissists away from the top. But no system is evil-proof and that leaves us stunned and leaves us wondering… how do we fight back and retake the system? To which there are no easy answers, not when the monster in question has a great deal of power. 

But there are some actions we can take part in to regain agency and faith, which were explored in the season one finale of The Irrational on NBC. Shortly after a time to grieve took place. For ‘Reciprocity’ opened up at Jace’s funeral, allowing for everyone to say goodbye to this fallen hero, and shortly after Jace was laid to rest, did ugly answers about who took his life and who has been making life hell for Alec and Marisa come to light, courtesy of a deeply unsettling discovery. For Marisa found a bug in her home, and that meant someone in the FBI had access to the information she was assembling about the Mathias case and no one there could be trusted, and well… that also meant… now was the time to confront this and put a stop to it.

Because this madness was no longer tenable and peace had to be made, so with Rose’s help, Alec and his friends put on a full court press to uncover the real identity of Mathias and bring him to justice and what they uncovered was heartbreaking to say the least. Because it turned out that Senator Sanford was indeed Mathias and had a long history of cover ups and affairs and had no qualms doing dirty acts to keep his nose clean and keep him ahead, such as bombing a church to encourage a sympathy vote. Plus, he had old friends in high places to help him accomplish his disgusting cover ups, including Marisa’s mentor at the FBI, and… he wasn’t averse to handling his own dirty work. For he did take down that very mentor when it served the right purpose.

Which left everyone stunned. For the system had let a bad egg float through and that bad egg was thinking about rising to the top of the Federal Government, and for a time… no one knew what to do or how to handle a man with so much power, who was willing to do awful things to keep it. But Alec took a page from his own studies to ponder upon an answer. Wherein, if the monster in question felt as though they’d won and felt as though submission and a desire to go with the flow was their reward over those, they imparted power upon… that perhaps… one could get a confession. And Alec was right. For he played the pitiful fool/pawn and submitted. Which garnered Sanford’s trust, and with Kylie’s help, allowed for a broadcasted confession to take place. Which brought an end to Mathias and decades of pain.

For at long last… the darkest chapter in Alec’s life was closed, and he could properly move on. And he found quite the solution in bringing down those who do evil at the highest levels and that made… for one satisfying finale. One that brought together eleven wondrous episodes of storytelling in a manner that was perfect really, and it even opened up new chapters for the forthcoming second season of the show. Wherein Phoebe will embark on a life without the stresses she’s recently endured and where Alec and Marisa can forge a new path not bonded in dark trauma and where, they will both go above and beyond to save Alec’s new love. Courtesy of that juicy cliffhanger at the end of the story. But that really is the best news of all, that we know more adventures from this refreshing show are coming, and it will be interesting to see what lies ahead when season two gets underway. Until next year.