Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the series finale of Hightown, which airs on STARZ, later tonight!   

HIGHTOWN EPISODE 307: Big Fish. **SERIES FINALE**
Airdate: March 9 at 9:00pm ET/PT on STARZ
 
The case is coming to a close. Ray and Renee are backed against the wall and must make a deal with the devil. Shane’s all-business approach brings sworn enemies together and a chance meeting helps Jackie pick a side in the coming battle.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Masters of the Air’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many misconceptions about war that we keep alive in the 21st Century, many of which were born from the mythos of the Second World War. For the progress the Allies made in defeating Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Genocide Machine, was so swift and so decisive that we more or less equate victory in war now… with forces beyond our control. As though good always wins in the world when the cause is just and true, and that sheer will and want can win a war and well, that’s simply not the case and those are concepts that simply need to go away. For war is hell, and a great many suffer because of it, and also because… it takes more than a can-do attitude and belief in a higher anything to win a war.

It takes bravery, endless bravery, since the odds being faced by those, we consider to be heroes will be stacked against them, and it also requires great sacrifice. But above all… it takes a village of sorts. A perfect war machine all working in unison, where no one part is greater than the whole and that is why this week’s episode of Masters of the Air on Apple TV+ is of note. Because the eighth chapter in this fascinating look at the battle in the skies that took place during World War II, expressed that exact point. That the sum of the whole is what brought so much success to the war effort, and it expressed that reality by showing us… a different side to D-Day and the days following one of the most important moments in the course of the war.

Such as how… a great deal of planning went into Operation: Overlord, to ensure air superiority and much of that was handled by Captain Crosby. Who went without sleep and without rest for days on end, to make sure that every single sortie and every single route was carefully planned. To ensure that these boys came home on the Day of Days, and well… he suffered mightily for his efforts. To the point where he was physically ordered to stand down and sleep before the invasion began and obeyed that order because his body could no longer function. But for his efforts, and the efforts of the Air Force… things went well on this day. For the Luftwaffe were so critically devastated that they didn’t get a bird in the sky, and the boys of the Bloody Hundredth came home on this day, after win after win, all of which contributed to the success of that grand undertaking.

However, this episode is also of note, because it featured a group of pilots that popular media does not spotlight enough. Specifically, the Tuskeegee Airmen. A group composed of African Americans that did their part as well. For their units, flew it all, saw it all, and did some serious damage in the process, and of course… sacrificed as well. Because as part of the full court press the Allies placed upon the Axis Powers, these intrepid pilots risked everything to ensure success, and were ready and willing to live behind enemy lines for a time if needed. Which served as a perfect reminder of how it takes everyone to win and of how… not every corner of the war was noble. Since this unit was segregated from the rest of the Air Force because of the color of their skin, despite fighting for the right cause and the right side, and truly, we need more stories about these brave and talented pilots. 
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Thankfully, we’ll get a little more of that in this journey. Since it did take the time to focus on three pilots from this unit, that found themselves at the very same Stalag as Majors Egan and Cleven. Giving rise for a new opportunity for unity and strength in numbers. Simply because it was obvious that the steady collapse of the Nazi regime, would bring about difficult days for the airmen trapped in this godforsaken place. For the SS was now in charge of it and would do whatever was needed to keep the men around for leverage in a desperate time of need. Which prompted everyone to come together to train, and plan. Plan for the trouble that was extremely near at the end of this tale. For in the closing moments, we came to learn that the Russians were marching through Germany and that would bring about change.

But what matters more here, is the overall message of this tale. Of how it took everyone involved to win this war, and how it took a unified vision to push men forward. Not just good vibes of the will of a deity that not all believe in, and that makes this an important tale. For it really is busting old tropes by showing us this, and by showing us the fight that came after Normandy and the fight for survival that POWs had to take part in as well, and of course… it did the Tuskeegee Airmen proud, and now that we’ve reached the end of this important story, we can now look ahead to the Series Finale of this powerful journey through the skies of the Second World War. Where it would seem, we will be immersed in a grand exploration of what the final desperate days of the Third Reich looked like, courtesy of a unified front against Hitler’s demented vision for the world. Until next time.

Please enjoy this behind the scenes look at Episode 304 of Resident Alien, hosted by Edi Patterson who plays Heather/Blue Avian on the show! Also, here are some quick facts about season three of this hit SYFY show!

- Based on the Dark Horse comics, SYFY’s “Resident Alien” follows a crash-landed alien named Harry (Alan Tudyk) whose secret mission is to kill all humans.

- In season three, Harry is vowing to work with General McCallister (Linda Hamilton) to rid the Earth of the Grey aliens – a task made more difficult when he discovers that the Grey Hybrid Joseph (Enver Gjokaj) has taken a job in town as the new Deputy. Joseph isn’t Harry’s only obstacle – Harry struggles to balance business and his personal life when he falls in love for the first time.

- Meanwhile, Asta (Sara Tomko) and D’arcy (Alice Wetterlund) move in together and struggle to discover their purpose in the world, Sheriff Mike (Corey Reynolds) and Deputy Liv (Elizabeth Bowen) continue their quest to find out who killed the Alien Tracker, and Ben (Levi Fiehler) and Kate (Meredith Garretson) are forced to deal with the subconscious repercussions of their alien abductions.

- From UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Amblin TV and Dark Horse Entertainment, “Resident Alien” was adapted to television by executive producer Chris Sheridan. Mike Richardson and Keith Goldberg of Dark Horse Entertainment, Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank of Amblin TV, Robert Duncan McNeill, and Nastaran Dibai also executive producers.

In this modern day and age of television, the season finale has taken on new life. For what was once designed to just neatly bring a season to a close or wow us with a cliffhanger has transformed into event viewing. Where big moments need to occur and where massive arcs are brought to a powerful conclusion. All so the audience feels ready and raring to go for the next season ahead and so the writers and cast and crew can move the story into new and bold directions. Which is why the STARZ series, Hightown, is of note. Simply because it is that rare show that defies convention and uses its season finales in a vastly different manner.
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For series creator Rebecca Cutter saw an opportunity to offer up realistic moments at the end of a season. Where the bad guys aren’t always behind bars, just as it is in real life and where mistakes and ego can bring about conflict and confusion, and even sorrowful consequences, and where happily ever after doesn’t exist for the protagonist of the story. Because Hightown was always about being different and raw, and real, and that is why the season two finale is so important and easily the best episode that season two had to offer. Simply because ‘Fool Me Twice’ does all those things, and more, over the course of a single hour.

Take Ray’s journey for instance. Because what should have been a true redemption moment for him, ended up being a chaotic piece of storytelling. Where it became clear that his desire to manifest his way back onto the force was done without thinking twice about consequences or causality or the horrible missteps that came into play in getting there. Since he basically shoved Alan to the side and of course… ended up becoming Renee’s squeeze whether he liked it or not, because of his irresponsibility and this was… shockingly realistic. Because we see so many people do stuff like this all of the time to find their path and their agency and leave damage in their wake.

Of course, this story also deserves serious recognition for also pointing out that good only wins so often in this life. For while Frankie was behind bars at last and suffering quite a bit thanks to a vengeful Osito… Osito was back on the streets and ready to work. In fact, he was making moves and solidifying power and a future network with the New York supplier. Serving to remind us that there is always someone out there willing to step up and gain control because that’s what the crime world offers… power and riches to those who want to fight for it, helping us to realize that in the end, not much changed on the Cape by putting Frankie away. Plus the whole mess with Charmaine also helped us to realize… that people that cross that line will do whatever it takes to survive, to avoid seeing the inside of a cell.
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But above all, it’s Jackie’s storyline that truly impresses in this tale. Because not only did she do the bare minimum here regarding her addiction, since she believed as so many do, that the bare minimum is all you need to recover, but she also… saw the penalties for not putting in the work. Because the loss of Charmaine and Leslie’s double cross… spoke to someone that in that moment, didn’t take their work seriously and didn’t think any more harm could come their way, at a time when they needed stability and caution to avoid people that take advantage. Who then of course… relapsed hard because of those ugly truths. A move that reminded us all too well of our flaws and the power of addiction and how we find our way back to its toxic arms.

All of which came forth courtesy of amazing writing, the kind that featured fleshed out moments and characters we can all find familiarity within and above all… it really was another revolutionary finale. Because in many ways, it also set the stage for what we are seeing play out in season three. For without Jackie’s stumble, there is no epiphany and redemption, and without Ray’s ego, there is no decision to potentially leave it all behind in the name of what he craves the most, love. And that’s just stuff we don’t see in season finales all that often and it leaves us ready to settle in and see how the story ends and how the case closes, tomorrow… when Hightown comes to an end.

One particular tradition that a great deal of people take part in, in this world, whenever the daily grind becomes overwhelming and chaotic… is to just… escape the city life and get away and immerse ourselves in nature. For the world beyond our concrete jungle is vast and filled with peace and silence, so we have no problem just heading into the mountains or whatever place we fancy to just immerse our minds in the silence of the world and reset and find peace so we can handle the rat race once again. But what’s funny about that thought process, is that the world is not as peaceful as we would like to give it credit.
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Because in reality, as we sit atop a rock, enjoying a sunset and thinking the world around is bathed in the majesty of silence… it’s not. For in fact, the world around us is teeming with life, and it is NEVER silent. For there is wind whipping about that creates noise that we manage to block out, and we also manage to not notice… that wildlife is moving beneath us and around us and is making noise to communicate its intentions and its needs. For the world is living and breathing in every sense of the phrase and it just so happens, that a new documentary on Apple TV+ takes the time to express that powerful truth.

For Earthsounds is a twelve-part documentary that takes us around the globe. Wherein we are treated to a grand exploration, via the soothing voice of one Tom Hiddleston, of the sounds that happen around us, above us, beneath us and even in the waters that surround us. So that we the viewer can properly come to learn just how bustling and busy our world truly is. For it turns out that everywhere you go, there’s sound to be found. It might not be something as awe inspiring as hearing an eagle cry in the skies or hearing humpback whales sing their soothing song. But it’s there. From tiny little bugs moving about a log to the sonic stuff that other animals take part in.

Yet what’s truly impressive about this documentary, is that it does more than just showcase sound and inform us of the bustling nature of our world, it also… is a technical marvel of a documentary. Because it took incredible effort and incredible technology to capture such noises, and some bravery as well, since the elements come into play in some of these environments. Which is why it is nice that this documentary takes the time to explore how these sounds were captured, and who helped with that. To properly show us how documentaries are made, and the love that goes into them and further explore how perhaps… we miss some of the sounds that are sent our way in this documentary.

Since not all of us are beneath the water to hear what this crew heard, nor are we in the heart of the arctic. But what matters more here, is that this series really does make a grandiose effort to have us understand that the world is more than what we make of it. It really is a powerful ecosystem that is teeming with life that creates its own symphony of sound and that perhaps, if we do feel the need to escape our noisy world that we look at our destination differently. With perhaps a sense of awe and humility. For we have been given quite the gift, in that we are the one species that can all the songs the world is singing to us, and we should revel in that, and celebrate it and do what must be done to protect it, so other generations can enjoy it, and that makes this a poignant and refreshing documentary for certain.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Ten of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular promise we all make when we are asked what we would do if we were in a room with the one person that hurt us deeply in this life, is that we will make them properly pay for the pain they imparted upon us. Because the deep wounds they created either took forever to heal or never healed at all, and we would love nothing more than to either sit them down and offer cutting words that devastate them forever or respond in kind to make them understand how awful a person they are and the damage they caused. But while those words are indeed powerful and truly express the pain that person caused, they are often just that… words. Because the chance we will ever see that person again is slim and truth be told… we’re not sure we are truly capable of eye for an eye.

Because we undoubtedly put in a lot of self-work after that darkness, to be better, to rise above, so perhaps… if that day were to come, we would do something vastly different. Something positive in fact, and that real possibility is top of mind today, simply because it was explored in the next episode of The Irrational on NBC. A feat that ‘Bombshell’ accomplished by having a worst-case scenario play out for Alec and Marisa. For while Wes Banning was on the road, since he was being moved to a Supermax prison facility, he was confronted by another prisoner on his ride. One who was eager to cause real harm to Wes and that brought about quite the fight. One that ended with Wes escaping the clutches of law enforcement and that… created a panic.

After all, a man involved in an act of terror was now on the loose and well, that prompted Alec to think deeply upon what his next move might be, and the first thought was… Wes would go after law enforcement. More specifically… the FBI. So, he quickly alerted Marisa to the very real possibility that Wes was on his way, only to discover… that Wes wanted some face time with Alec all along. All of which pointed to unfinished business, and a chance for Alec, to face the man that harmed him. To the point where he could finally say what he needed to say or take whatever action out of anger that he needed to. But instead, Alec immediately saw this, as an opportunity to do something different. To approach an evil with kindness and perhaps learn something along the way about motivations and decisions and perhaps the true identity of Mathias.

Which prompted Alec to really work to understand Wes through and through and know his journey. To finally have answers, to finally understand the decisions made to cause harm and to… bring real evil to justice. Because by going this route, and not giving into notions of revenge and settling scores, Alec was indeed able to learn so much about Mathias, and the control he had over people… including Wes. For his family was on the line if he didn’t do as asked and getting to that point allowed for trust to be built, and for Rizwan and Phoebe to find a little peace since they were caught up in this… and for Alec to instead, offer heroism to a man that caused so much harm. To instead pay everything forward, by saving Wes’ daughter and her family from harm, from Mathias’ special brand of evil. Which he did, despite the fact that Wes didn’t make it out of this mess alive.

But what mattered more here, was that Alec really did offer up a different journey for an age-old idea that we tend to understandably associate with revenge and negative actions. Because that’s really what we think we want. But what we truly want, is what Alec wanted here. Understanding, peace and a true sense of closure to move on. For that is how we find the catharsis and peace we carve and kudos to this episode expressing a better way to confront our past and… for setting the stage at last for true hunt for Mathias. Because despite the good vibes here, that cliffhanger, with Jace dying and Mathias still out there on the hunt, was powerful to say the least and leaves us hungry for more. Hungry for justice for Jace and hungry to finally see Alec close the books on the darkest chapter in his life, and it will be fascinating to see how the case comes to a close, in the season one finale of this amazing show. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Resident Alien’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many reasons that people tune in to the hit SYFY series, Resident Alien. For some, it’s all about the fact that they finally get to see a faithful and delightful live-action adaptation of a beloved Dark Horse Comics property. For others, it’s about the fact that it features a stellar cast of talented actors that showcase their talents at every turn, and there are plenty of people who tune in for the juicy plot because the writing is indeed top notch. But of the many reasons that people tune in, there are a couple that everyone shares in. Specifically, the fact that we love these characters through and through and how they explore the beauty and the wonder of what it means to be human.

Because that’s something that allows for us to connect with this series on a fundamental level, and it allows for us to find beauty in the bittersweet moments that life sometimes sends our way, and well… this wonderous aspect of the show is top of mind today, simply because it was once again put on display during this week’s episode of the show. Something that oddly, didn’t seem to be focus of ‘Avian Flu’ early on. Simply because the Bird-person adjuster, whose named we learned is Heather, (which rhymes with Feather, as D’Arcy pointed out), returned to collect the paperwork and collect Harry. Effectively bringing pure disaster to the plan to stop the Greys from destroying all of humanity, and that seemed to be what this episode was going to focus upon. But some quick thinking on D’Arcy’s part, involving a banana, kept Heather here and allowed for everyone to breathe and for the story to slow down and explore the human condition through a bevy of storylines.

One of which, involved D’Arcy. Simply because she ran into her ex in this tale and found herself pondering deeply upon their relationship and her feelings for him now, and how… love really works in our world. Simply because D’Arcy came to understand the power of letting someone go when we deeply care for them so they can be happy, and she wasn’t the only one pondering upon the sacrifices we make in the name of love. Since a little time with Jay on the Rez, provided Asta with similar thoughts. The kind that really allowed for her to ponder upon her journey and the choices she’s made and well… this was all powerful stuff to watch play out. Simply because these are moments, we all experience or will experience and that once again allowed for us to connect with this duo like never before and reminded us of how well this story captures the essence of us.

Yet, that wasn’t the only plot thread that explored such concepts, because Harry… fell head over heels in love in this tale. Simply because Heather caught his eye like never before, and that brought about the emotional response that we all lament and adore. The kind where our knees turn to jelly and our hearts go a flutter at the mere thought of that person, or bird-person. Which brought about a different Harry in this tale, who simply could not stop thinking about his Heather-Feather and was of course… worried deeply about having that love reciprocated as anyone does when they just fall for a person, and there was a brief moment… where it seemed that Harry wasn’t going to enjoy endless and undying love. But eventually… he had his day in the sun and well… that too was a powerhouse storyline… one that bookended this episode’s incredible pondering upon the nature and the power of love.  
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However, while this made for a great respite from the intense worry that last week’s episode produced regarding the Greys and their plan… the ugly stuff was still on the horizon and trouble was still brewing. Mainly because Mike and Liv figured out how to gain access to critical intelligence in the van, the kind that could expose all kinds of truths about Harry and that’s a little scary. Not to mention, the Hawthorne family went through it in this tale. Courtesy of the fact that Kate’s mind is going to some dark places to keep the ugly of the abductions at bay, and of course… General Wright, is ready for action. The kind of action that will play the old game of keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Courtesy of that stunning reveal of whom she has in captivity in the depths of her little base, someone she is ready to control and unleash in order to stop the Greys. 

But while that made for a juicy cliffhanger and a sense of real danger looming in this town, make no mistake about it… this was at its core, a beautiful tale. One that truly celebrated the bittersweet nature of love, and how complex and powerful an emotion and concept it can be. Not to mention, it’s sheer power. As evidenced by how quickly Harry gave into its spells. Which also brought about, some amazing laughs to say the least. In fact, Alan Tudyk deserves a round of applause for properly expressing the sheer madness and chaotic nature of those early days when we fall for that special someone. Because that was simply sublime, and well… now that we’ve reached the end of this magnificent, emotional tale, it should be interesting to see what kinds of interstellar benefits may befall Harry now that he and Heather are indeed together, so that he can step in and save us at last. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that the STARZ series, The Serpent Queen, is one of the most refreshing historical dramas to hit the airwaves in years. Just because it defies convention and offers a new way to tell a classic story, complete with an amazing cast that brings their A-game to the table and well… the wonder of this series is top of mind today, simply because it is back in the news once again for all the right reasons. Because earlier today, STARZ made some wonderful announcements regarding the show.
 
For we now know that the show will return later in 2024, which is wonderful news since we are all eager to enjoy more of this dynamic and refreshing series, and as an added bonus, it just so happens that the already incredible cast of this series is about to enjoy some serious reinforcements. For ten amazing new actors have been added to the cast, and well, without further ado, let us introduce you to who will be joining the roster for season two of this magnificent and engaging series.
 
‘STARZ announced today that ten new cast members have joined the Samantha Morton led, critically acclaimed series, “The Serpent Queen” for its second season which will air in 2024. Academy Award® Nominee Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting, Chevalier) joins in a recurring role as the infamous ‘Virgin Queen’ Elizabeth I. Angus Imrie (Emma, “Fleabag”), Emma McDonald (“Moonhaven,” Low Rider), Stanley Morgan (I Used to Be Famous, “The Sandman”), and Philippine Velge (“Station Eleven,” Summer of 85) join as series regulars. Rosalie Craig (“1899,” Macbeth), Isobel Jesper Jones (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, “The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself”), Bill Milner (Son of Rambow, “The Flatshare”), Ashley Thomas (“Them,” “24: Legacy”), and Alexandre Willaume (“The Wheel of Time,” “1899”) join in recurring roles.
 
“The Serpent Queen” tells the story of Catherine de Medici (Samantha Morton) who, against all odds, became one of the most powerful and longest serving rulers in French history.

Truly, one of the most amazing aspects of popular culture in this day and age, is how many stories are serving as sequels and extensions to iconic originals, and how those new chapters are able to explore what became of certain characters from back in the day. Because that just adds to the mythos of a particular franchise and allows for old fans to be overjoyed at seeing old friends return, and it lets new fans in on some old jokes and prompts them to learn more about what came before and well, one television franchise that is doing this concept proud, is Night Court.
 
In part, by just existing. Since it is a continuation of the wildly popular 1980s series, but also because… it features so much connective tissue. Since John Larroquette returns to play the role of Dan Fielding and he works with Harry’s Stone daughter, Abby, and the show has also now featured a guest star from the classic, since Marsha Warfield reprised the role of Roz. But the show isn’t done with such matters yet, for Tuesday will see another iconic set of characters from the past return to the courtroom.
 
For Tuesday’s episode will bring forth the return of the Wheeler family, since Brent Spiner and Annie O’Donnell will reprise their roles as Bob and June Wheeler in ‘Wheelers of Fortune’, and well… to celebrate the return of two highly beloved characters from the original show… NBC was kind enough to supply us with some details on the episode and some first-look photos, to properly prepare us for the reappearance of two Night Court icons.
 
“Wheelers of Fortune"
Airing Mar. 12 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on NBC
 
Huge surprises are in store for Dan when he’s tasked with representing Bob and June Wheeler, the notoriously unfortunate couple from the original iteration who resurface – this time with daughter Carol Ann in tow – in the episode airing Tuesday, Mar. 12 (8 p.m. ET/PT).  While 30 years may have elapsed, their bad luck undoubtedly continues to plague them.
 
Meanwhile, Abby seeks out a psychic in hopes of settling a decades-long argument she had with her late father. Olivia, on the hunt for a new apartment, finds one from the unlikeliest of sources. Gurgs tries to rid a curse she feels haunts her. Wyatt spins out after Abby tells him something about himself that only she can see.
 
About “Night Court”
Court is back in session!  When the perpetually sunny judge Abby Stone (Melissa Rauch) takes the night shift in her father’s old courtroom, she presides over some of New York’s most unique and unusual cases – with an oddball cast of characters by her side. This includes former night court District Attorney Dan FieIding (John Larroquette), who now serves as the court’s public defender. They both must content with Olivia (India de Beaufort), the court’s officious district attorney.  Donna “Gurgs” Gurgaros (Lacretta) is the night court’s sharp-witted bailiff, while Wyatt, the court clerk, is a single dad and jack of all trades.

From executive producer and writer Dan Rubin, “Night Court” is based on the original hit series that ran for nine seasons on NBC.  Melissa Rauch and Winston Rauch executive produce through their After January Productions. Mona Garcea oversees for After January Productions and John Larroquette also serves as an executive producer.

“Night Court” is produced by Rauch’s After January Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

​Truly, there are few things harder for fans of storytelling, than saying goodbye to a franchise they love. Because that means the characters one adores and the adventures that captivate, will no longer part of that fan’s life, and that can be hard to reconcile. Especially when the story in question… is fresh, original, and downright revolutionary in nature. Because then something special is going away, something that undoubtedly influenced audiences and other creatives in ways no one expected and sadly, that’s the reality that fans of the dynamic STARZ series, Hightown, are working to reconcile right now.
 
Because after three wonderful years of storytelling, we have indeed reached the end of the Case on the Cape. For Friday will bring about the Series Finale of this incredible show and well… to soften the blow and help us all process that we won’t be looking forward to any further moments with these flawed but compelling characters, we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to reflect upon the best episodes this series had to offer over the course of its first two seasons. Which is of course, no easy task. Because so many episodes of this show were downright incredible and did things that no other crime drama out there is doing right now. 
 
But believe it or not, there are a few that stand out above the rest, and are the best that each season has to offer and for our first stop on this brief retrospective of the show, the episode we chose as the finest that season one has to offer, was the season one finale, ‘#Blessed’, for several reasons. For starters, it was epic in nature. For it featured some intense action, some stunning revelations and twists and turns that you expect from a great season finale. In fact, that firefight between Jackie and Ostio remains one of the most intense moments to ever grace the series. but there is in fact, so much more to celebrate about this particular tale.

Such as the fact, that it had a lot of humanity to it. After all, this was post-Junior’s passing courtesy of the very drugs that so many were looking to stop. And that… deeply impacted Jackie in this tale and that’s something that isn’t common in crime dramas in this modern era of storytelling. Because so many cops in these tales are told to suck it up, be brave and be tough to honor the fallen. But here, it screwed Jackie up something fierce and put her on a very difficult path for someone struggling with addiction and that made for some powerful moments to say the least. That kind that added newfound depth to Jackie’s journey and really helped to solidify how this show was going to be more than just action. It was about the people, and… how the choices we make come back to haunt us.
 
Much of which was explored by way of Ray Abruzzo in this tale. Since of course, his time on the force came to an end because of his illicit relationship with Renee, giving rise to a real understanding that real consequences come forth in this life. Devastating ones in fact since Ray basically helped Frankie Cuevas to walk. And that addiction and vices come in far different forms than the ones we traditionally think of. All of which was grounded in stunning realism, the kind that speaks to how causality, combined with the power of raw addiction, can really wreak havoc on our lives. Giving rise to a revolutionary season finale for certain. Simply because in many ways, the bad guys won in this tale. And that’s just so rare to find in crime dramas these days, where the win for the good guys matters more.
 
But it just reinforced the realism of this series and how it wanted to feel as though we were watching something play out live instead of watching a television series. And those reasons, are why we here at NTG have deemed this episode to be the best that season one has to offer. Because it really was something exciting and new and it took our breath away and left us eager for more. So, we could see what would come out of those consequences and see if the characters could learn and grow. But most important of all, this is when the show established that it was going to take us to brave places that no other crime drama would, and it truly does stand as a magnificent finale and magnificent piece of writing, one worth celebrating… one more time. Until next time.