Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Keeping Faith’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the AcornTV series, Keeping Faith, has been a masterclass in tense storytelling. Simply because Faith Howells has had to deal with some incredible odds and incredible events, the kind that have left her running for her life or working hard to save the future of others and that’s brought about a bevy of episodes that have left us on the edge of our seats. But what truly makes this series so fascinating and so dynamic, is the sheer fact that it knows how to slow things down from time to time, in order to give the viewers and Faith a moment to catch their breath… and explore a unique concept in the process and for proof that this is the case, then look no further than this week’s tale.

Because the next episode in this series, opted to have Faith step away from all the drama and trouble that her mother was sending her way and deal with something quite important, her pending divorce and what will become of the children. For Evan was pushing pretty hard for joint custody, and if he couldn’t have that… he wanted to be back with Faith. Which were ideas that pretty much left Faith and the audience nauseous to say the least and well, this unexpected push from Evan… allowed for the story to dive deep into a topic that we don’t discuss enough in everyday life. In that, divorce is hard, and it hurts everyone involved and puts them in a tough place mentally. To the point where odd behavior comes into play, as evidenced by how Faith and her children handled the pressure Evan kept applying to the family. 

For Alys, isolated herself whenever possible, or she was eager to involve herself in questionable situations. For she and Angie knowingly involved themselves with angry protestors to get their vegan message out, and the fury those protestors brought forth helped to get them both arrested, much to Faith’s chagrin and Alys wasn’t the only troubled child in this tale. For Megan made it clear that she is need of professional help because she cannot resolve the waves of emotion surging through her and as for Faith… well… she hid a bit from her home life. For she was invited back into the courtroom to help Carys with Mike’s case and she was over the moon about that. Simply because this was a grand chance to right a wrong and do something good for a change. But sadly… she didn’t get to enjoy a win here. For the judge ruled against Mike and his desire to have his son’s tumor operated upon.

If anything, all of those elements made for one harrowing and sorrowful tale. One that ironically, used Evan to lift our spirits up. Because he was nothing short of a grade A jerk in this tale and needed a little taste of his own medicine and fate gave him that. Because Tom finally decided to cut off Evan’s gravy train and he even demanded that Evan work elsewhere in order to get his life moving once again. But rather than take a moment to understand that his dad was sending some tough love his way, the kind that should have woke him up from his trance like state, Evan doubled down on his pity party and victim mentality and opted to take his frustrations out on Steve Baldini. Who he was convinced was sleeping with his soon to be ex-wife. A move that taught Evan a second lesson in humility when Steve knocked him around a bit.

But while that would have been a wonderful way to end this tale, since Evan has been in need of a fist to the face for a long time, that sour air hanging over the majority of this tale… returned to the forefront of the story in its closing moments. Because Rose decided that she was no longer going to sit back and be a ghost in her family life… and made contact with Alys. Which is a move that will have all kinds of repercussions in the weeks to the come. But while we wait to see what those are, we can bask in the wonder of another quality tale. One that really did a phenomenal job of exploring the power of divorce and how it motivates us to do strange things when the pain of it becomes a little too strong and well, hopefully Faith can pull herself together and quickly, since her mother is making quite the move and she’ll need her patented strength to keep her and Evan… at bay. Until next time.

‘Keeping Faith’ is available to stream right now on AcornTV.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Gangs of London’.

​For the most part, the pain of losing a loved one, is quite powerful to say the least. Because losing someone that means the world to us, rips our heart to shreds and leaves in a dark and sorrowful and sometimes angry place, to the point where we sometimes lash out uncontrollably as we try to make sense of it all. But eventually, we find peace and we move on and we carry the memory of that person in our hearts and make amends where needed, for the things we said in fits of grief. But while the vast majority of us, recover and move forward, there are some that are consumed by grief in a negative manner. To the point where the anger we briefly exhibit becomes their everyday life and they are eager to use that anger to bring down the world around them in a twisted effort to find internal peace.

If anything, this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because that particularly unsettling negative behavior is what Sean Wallace exhibits in the next episode of Gangs of London. For when we catch up with him here, he is still furious about the death of his father and will seemingly stop at nothing to expose who killed him and now Jack for that matter as well. Which motivates him to continue the city-wide freeze on organized crime and well, it doesn’t take long for his angry and sorrowful power play to begin to chip away at his family’s storied empire. For Lale decides that she’s had enough with waiting for her product to get off of the docks and uses her far reach to steal heroin from her rival Asif and sell his product on the streets instead.

A move that motivates Asif to visit London and plead with Sean to restore the flow of crime to normal. But Sean refuses, firmly believing that all must suffer in his grief and his fury and even when a chance to make peace comes forth by way of Kinney, Sean refuses. Instead, coming to learn that Kinney’s son was the one responsible for the death of his dad, motivates the young Wallace to declare all-out war on Kinney’s people, and plan a horrific assault on their compound. A plan that Ed and others try to talk him down from, but to no avail. For he is laser locked on revenge and punishment and violence as a means to show that he is the big boss and ‘mentally stable’ and well, his path here leads to all kinds of ugly moments in the finale of this particular tale.

For Sean completes his mission, and lays waste to Kinney’s camper compound, to the point where there is joy in his eyes as the bullets begin to fly. Making it clear that grief has consumed him and that there is no going back until his anger is satiated and that’s terrifying to say the least. And to complicate matters further, not everyone dies in the assault, since Kinney sneaks away at the right moment, and now he has cause to retaliate with impunity and to top it all off, Sean has utterly ignored the problems in his own syndicate, even when they were presented to him in person by his little brother. And the longer he ignores that and focuses elsewhere, the faster his family’s power will diminish, and the quicker war will engulf their world and likely spill over onto the streets of London.

But while we wait to see if Sean can control his bloodlust and save his empire, we can definitely celebrate one powerful tale. One that holds nothing back in its exploration of how grief can overcome us in a negative light and how dangerous it can be when someone who doesn’t play by rules or have regard for life, uses it in a negative light. And truly, it will be fascinating to see whether or not Sean can get his mind and his emotions under control, or if he is past the point of no return and his legacy will instead be one of death and destruction and failure… when the Wallace family finally falls. Either way, this series continues to impress week in and week out with its supremely bleak and incredibly compelling storytelling and it will be quite interesting to see what kind of consequences will come about from Sean’s horrific decision to punish Kinney in the darkest way imaginable. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 505 of ‘Ride with Norman Reedus’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that season five of the AMC series, Ride with Norman Reedus; has been quite the fascinating watch. Because the global pandemic put Norman’s bike in the garage as we all hunkered down to remain safe from the virus and that in turn, motivated himself and his producers to put together a different type of season of this show. One that has focused heavily on the wonder of the road trip and the many memories it creates and how the road trip can open our eyes to the beauty of the world that surrounds us, making them quite the tranquil and important journey to take when it seems as though the world is a sour place. 

But while that is a lot to ponder upon, this series isn’t quite done yet with philosophical explorations revolving around the road trip, as evidenced by last night’s episode. For ‘Globetrotting on Two Wheels’ took the time to explore one of the key elements to a successful road trip, specifically… the people. Because who we travel with and who we meet, are what make the road trip so incredibly special and worthwhile. After all, memories are best forged with other people and that’s why we often tend to pick folks that mean the world to us to see the world with us. So that we can create new and lasting and meaningful memories with people that we share a special connection with, which has made several of Norman’s adventures quite powerful, since he’s allowed for us to watch that happen in real time.

However, what truly made this episode go above and beyond in its exploration of how people add depth and value to road trips, is when Norman highlighted the fact that sometimes… going on that first road trip with a friend or someone you don’t know that well, can be just as powerful an experience. Because traveling with another person really does teach you a lot about them and allows for you to get to know them far better than a casual setting. As evidenced by the fact that Norman didn’t have a clue that Brent hinds believed deeply in the cleansing power of voodoo or that Milo Ventimiglia had such a passion for Japanese culture and really what makes this aspect of the road trip so special, is that it allows for us to form a special bond with our new traveling companion, since we are now sharing in their beliefs and the very fabric of their being and the wonder of this connection, doesn’t end there.

Because truly, what makes the road trip so incredibly worth our while, is the bond we forge with the people we encounter on our travels. For they are the ones that have incredible stories to tell us about our destination or the burger joint, we’re catching a quick bite in. And being able to talk to the folks that put together the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota and learn why they did it or why someone opened that burger joint really makes for some powerful moments. The kind that gives us insight into the human condition and what drives our dreams and our desires and everything in between and it also helps to solidify the memory of the journey. Since we will never forget that unique individual or individuals that took the time share a bit of their life with us whilst we were off to make new memories.

If anything, going this route in exploring what exactly makes the road trip so important and worth our while, made this quite the meaningful tale. Since it served to remind us that it is the people that make the journey so special, not the destination, and that we should celebrate that above all else when it comes to the road trip. Since we share in a one-of-a-kind experience with them and Norman Reedus and his intrepid crew deserve our thanks for pointing this out in such a beautiful and frank manner. And now that this important lesson has come to a close, it will be quite interesting to see what other incredible aspects of the road trip will be put on display, during next week’s season five finale of this magnificent series. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes One and Two of ‘Gangs of London’.
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The vast majority of us, live in a supremely structured and secure world. One that has all kinds of safety nets available for us to utilize in the event we run into some kind of trouble. For example, if we lose our jobs, there is unemployment insurance available to help us pay our bills. Or if we are badly injured and/or in trouble, we can call some kind of emergency service to help us in our time of need. And our safety measures in modern society, extend well beyond the individual. For there is even continuity of government in place, in the event of death or disaster, so that our nations won’t slip into complete and utter chaos.
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Which are elements about our modern society, that help us sleep better at night for certain, but sadly… these wonderful safeguards aren’t utilized by all. For there are people in this world that have shunned how the rest of us live and go about life their own way and when bad things happen in their world, it is up to them to handle it accordingly. And it just so happens, that there is a brand-new series on AMC that explores what that parallel world looks like and that makes Gangs of London one fascinating watch. For it wastes zero time in plunging us into a world that few of us understand and it is one that is in crisis. Because we are immediately witness to quite the shocking moment, one where Finn Wallace, the most powerful criminal in London… is gunned down in cold blood by a nobody and that brings about the crisis in question.

For his son Sean, wants revenge and is convinced that someone he knows is the one that took the time to murder his father in an embarrassing manner and that motivates him to stop all crime in London. All in the hopes of exposing the killer since money talks and panic walks and well, that definitely allows for the story to show us in great detail, what a world without a safety net looks like. After all, there’s no money coming in for any of the organized crime members in this story, and that creates incredible unease and worry amongst them. For these people are desperate for direction and security and prosperity and this really does bring forth some stunning and immersive world building when all is said and done.

Since all of these issues help us to understand how organized crime thrives and how the folks that live in this parallel world, truly believe that the rules we live by, don’t apply to them, and that kill or be killed is the only way to function. Which is a reality that leads to some incredibly intense and downright gory moments in this tale. Because we are forced to watch people do horrible things to survive in this tale, the kind of things that we wouldn't even dream of in our darkest moments. But that really is what this world is all about and the violence only draws you into it further since you are morbidly curious to see, just how far people will go in the underworld in order to survive. But all of that aside, there is a juicy plot to be found within this story as well, the kind that is filled to the brim with secrets and surprises.
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Such as the fact that Finn Wallace was hiding quite the secret before he died, one that his closest and most trusted advisor Ed, is working hard to keep hidden. To the point where dear Ed will put down valued members of the organization if it means the truth might be exposed. And as for the surprises, well that came about by way of the introduction of one Elliot Finch. For when we meet this man, his ambitious nature makes it appear as though, his story arc is going to teach us all about why some love this type of life and what it means to them to be in a position of power in organized crime. But the grand reveal that he is actually an undercover police officer, instead helps us to understand that this is a world that isn’t able to operate without impunity forever.

Which really does leave one to wonder, what is going to become of the Wallace family and this entire organization. For there are barbarians at the gate, and infighting is everywhere, and revenge is the only thing on Sean’s mind and that is a perfect recipe for disaster and strife and collapse. But while we wait to uncover this family’s fate, we can revel in two quality tales. The kind that truly exposed us to a fascinating world that exists beneath our noses, where only the strong survive and no one is safe and all of these elements, will make the wait for tonight’s brand-new episode a difficult one for certain. Since we are all now eager to see what violent and horrific surprises await Elliot and the Wallace family, as their carefully crafted and unsecured world, continues to slowly crumble around them. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the premiere of ‘One Wild Day’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that people view the natural world as chaotic. Simply because, we’ve seen the kind of power it yields by way of storms that wreak havoc across the globe, alongside harsh and cruel acts from the animals that live beyond our magnificent and safe and carefully controlled cities. But what is truly fascinating about nature, is that it is far less chaotic than we are led to believe. Because every creature that walks the Earth, uses the day and the position of the sun, to follow a strict regimen in their respective biosphere, allowing for organized chaos to take place. The kind that a brand-new documentary on BBC America is going to explore in great detail over the next few weeks. 
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For One Wild Day is going to take us around the world, wherein we can see how animals live and thrive within the framework of a single day and to kick off this magnificent journey, we ventured to a place that we don’t often associate with thriving wildlife and that made, ‘Episode One: Deserts’, quite the fascinating tale. For it turns out, that a great deal of wildlife lives in these arid places and well… they fully understand what the day will bring them temperature wise, and that is why a great deal of the animals that live in the desert, are up early to hunt and forage. But what was truly surprising about this segment of the story, is that it offered up quite the parallel to our own world. Since some of the animals that live in this harsh environment, have zero desire to be early and eager risers.

For the lizards that populate these deserts, need the heat to properly function. So, they hang out and let the sun be their proverbial coffee until they’re ready to rule the day and hunt in a comfortable manner. But they are one of the few that thrive in the middle and later parts of the day. For the temperature is mighty high as the sun slides overhead, and that motivates a great deal of animals, such as hawks, to quit their hunts before things get too hot, so they can conserve energy until the day is cool again. In fact, the middle of the day is so sweltering, that a great deal of predators simply wait until the sun goes down before going about their daily business, to avoid the horrific heat that the daytime sends their way and well, once they return to their slumber around dawn… the cycle begins again. 

But while it was fascinating to learn that so many animals stick to a schedule and are quite organized in regard to their routine, that chaos we come to expect from the world, was still on display in this tale. Because we were privy to the fact that sometimes, the stifling heat brings about some powerful weather patterns. The kind that actually generate powerful sandstorms that pummel larger targets with sand and that leaves some animals in great pain and exhausted, since they have nowhere to hide from the onslaught. But regardless of the danger, they press on and they go about their routines because this is life in the deserts and well, all of these elements made this quite the engrossing and powerful premiere when all is said and done.

Simply because it really did a wonderful job of shattering the belief that nature is pure chaos. For now, we know, that the animals that populate this world, have schedules like the rest of us, and errands and other to do lists as their day rolls along. And they know exactly how to utilize the sun and its gifts and punishments to get what they need in order to survive and well, that serves as one fine and humbling reminder. In that, we have more in common with nature than we think and truly, it is going to be quite fascinating to learn in the weeks to come; what other daily habits and quirks the animals of this world exhibit, as they go about their carefully structured day. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’.
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Oh wow. We have one episode left and I am not mentally prepared for this in the least. To say I’m a mix of excited and disappointed would be an understatement.

Well. Let’s talk about this week’s episode, shall we? Spoilers!

I really want to start with the tragic story of John Walker, because really it is tragic. Now, before anyone loses their mind on this, just hear me out. Walker is a character that is supposed to be hated, he’s supposed to come off as a horrible person and a total jerk. That doesn’t mean that he can’t be sympathized over. He’s a lot of things, but we’re meant to sympathize with him in the way we sympathize with any narcissistic evil character. Walker is a celebrity who’s trying and failing to be a hero. In that, he fully believes in his convictions and that’s what makes him dangerous. From the start we see Walker literally running from his problem, and when he’s confronted? He meets it with brute force and refuses to take responsibility for his actions. The fight between Walker, Sam, and Bucky is brutal. Walker is desperate and angry and literally tries to kill them with the shield any chance he gets. In the end, Sam holds his own very well, but it’s Bucky who wins and drops the shield near Sam before leaving. Walker is forced to face what he’s done head on, gets discharged, stripped of his benefits and all his medals, and cast out. His whole story isn’t done, not yet, but it’s got the makings of a great villain in the works.

When it comes to Walker, his Captain America represents America today and that is literally sad. Walker benefited from the serum, that was derived from Isaiah‘s blood. He only had the shield because Sam gave it up. Walker is the embodiment of white privilege. Even the mantle of Captain America was just given to him, it wasn’t earned. Now, the irony here is that Walker is also a victim of the very system that he benefits from. He even says at his trial that he did everything they asked, that they made him. And he’s not wrong on that either. The broken system took a person, broke him, rewarded them, put him above all others, and then threw him out when he was too much to handle. It’s a great commentary on just how messed up the government really is, especially when it comes to the handling of their soldiers. Veterans and Active-Duty members aren't offered much help when it comes to their mental health. Hoskins and Walker even have a discussion about this, about the things they had to do in Iraq the episode before.
 
It’s clear that Walker suffers from some type of PTSD but add that with the grooming of “you’re the best and everyone loves you” and you get this monster. So yes, Walker is meant to be sympathetic in some aspects, but he is also a supremacist who refuses to give up any power. Which is all triggered by Hoskins death. Who wasn’t really developed beyond the loyal Black best friend who was only there to support Walker, almost like Hoskins is a commentary on how Black Americans have literally been held down and forced into supporting roles as the very nation they live in keeps them down by claiming what they’re given is equality while those in power keep tilting the scales in their own favor.

Speaking of the Black American experience, did you forget that the whole point of this show was pointing out racism? In case you missed it, Isaiah spells it out plain and clear. America would not allow a Black Captain America, so much so that when Isaiah pulls a rescue mission, they throw him in jail. Apparently, America forgot that Steve did the same thing in WWII when he crossed enemy lines to save Bucky and a bunch of other soldiers, literally the same thing! Steve was rewarded! Steve was given his own team, the Howling Commandos. But Isaiah? A Black American who was tested on against his will? Nope, he does the same exact thing and spends 30 years in jail. It’s the pity of a nurse who frees him. Otherwise, he’d still be there. And that’s the whole point. There is no one single unified America.
 
There is White America, where John Walker can strut right in and take up a legacy he didn’t earn. And Black America, where Sam Wilson is somehow seen and made to feel under qualified and undeserving of something he did earn. Where Isaiah Bradley gets jailed for doing something Steve Rogers did. So yes, Isaiah has a jaded, realistic, view of how life is for Black Americans, and he has every right to feel that way as he experienced hell. Steve Rogers as Captain America was what America could be. John Walker as Captain America is what America really is, bloody shield and all. Sam Wilson is what America can be.

The idea that a Black man is somehow not accepted as Captain America is so American of an idea that it hurts. Sam struggles to come to terms with his own ideology, as well as Isaiah’s history and advice. He turns to family, to his community, and is met with nothing but love. It’s a sentiment that we could all use right now.

The conclusion with Zemo and Bucky is also powerful in its own right. Bucky tracks him down easily, and watching Zemo’s diatribe about killing Karli is hard, but Bucky isn’t who he used to be. The fake out of not killing Zemo is beautiful, because he’s better than that, and he hands him over to the Dora Milaje, which is the right thing to do. Bucky has stumbled along the way, but he’s never lost his way. He isn’t the mindless killing machine that he was made to be. Bucky does call in one last favor and then pays Sam a visit, where he brings Sam a new set of wings. The two needed to bond, needed to become friends, and Sarah needed the boat fixed up, so it’s a win/win, really. Watching Sam become the Captain America he is, is one of the best sequences. And also, Bucky needed some tough love, but he also needed to open up and trust Sam. At least they part as friends of a mutual friend. And in the mix, Karli is planning something big in New York and Walker is becoming U.S. Agent.

It’s a great episode and really drives home how we only have one left.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘For All Mankind’.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous AppleTV+ series, For All Mankind, the situation was quite grim. For one Soviet Cosmonaut was dead and one was wounded after a misunderstanding at the lunar mining site ended with weapons fire, leaving all of us to wonder… what kind of consequences and tension would come forth from such an intense surprise and thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long to find out. For ‘Triage’ picks up shortly after that unfortunate disaster and informs us of the fact that the Soviet Union is fired up over what’s happened, to the point where they are ready to make some bold moves to reinforce their supremacy in space. For they quickly launch their own, armed version of the space shuttle and send it into lunar orbit. Effectively creating a blockade and preventing the Americans from going about their standard lunar business.

Which in turn motivates NASA to launch Pathfinder early with a weapons payload of her own, making it seem as though tensions are going to escalate out of control and quickly. But thankfully, things begin to cool down once the Soviet lunar commander and his station’s doctor are able to examine their wounded comrade and recover the remains of their fallen cosmonaut. Since that gesture of goodwill, made it clear that a mistake was indeed made and that conflict didn't need to extend beyond that unfortunate incident, and that particular moment, alongside the wonderful news that the Apollo/Soyuz mission was a go, made it seem as though peace was indeed going to prevail. Allowing for the story to shift gears and return to the character focused moments that have become a staple of this series and those were quality for certain.

Since they brought about some lighthearted moments. Because watching Gordo try to woo Tracy with bad singing and alcohol hidden in mouthwash, was pretty darn funny and it was equally as sweet since he is genuinely trying to show her how much he loves her. Plus, there were powerful character moments to be found as well, the kind that were handled by Ellen’s journey in this tale. Since there was talk in this story about her becoming the first female President of the United States, thanks to her incredible work in handling the current crisis. Which brought Pam to an important inflection point in regard to her relationship with Ellen. In that, she came to realize that Ellen would never accept such an incredible future if they were together, and that motivated Pam to break it off so her beloved could walk a historic and magnificent path, one that would see all of her dreams come true.

Which was a beautiful and devastating moment for certain, one that speaks to the power of love and sacrifice and sadly… the wonder and gravity of this moment was overshadowed by another powerful ending. Because the peace and calm we enjoyed after the initial worry in this tale, was nothing more than a temporary respite. Because one average day on the moon, transformed into one of total terror when a bullet tore through the glass in the Jamestown command module, forcing an evacuation by all personnel, which in turn allowed for the Soviets to march in with weapons drawn. Which means that the U.S.S.R. wasn’t good with a gesture of goodwill after all, and sadly… their decision to settle a score, before taking control… has once again put America and the Soviet Union, in a precarious place. 

If anything, that is a stunning way to end this tale. Because that is in essence, an act of war, one that will undoubtedly bring about a powerful response from the United States and who knows if this is the moment that this universe takes a sour turn. But all of that aside, this is an episode that deserves an outright round of applause, for assembling an emotional rollercoaster ride. Since this story left us nervous, joyful and sorrowful and utterly terrified, in that order, over the course of the hour and that really is no small feat, and it truly speaks to the quality writing present within this tale. If anything, the only complaint when it comes to this story, is that it ends. Because that really was one heck of a cliffhanger, one that is going to leave us counting down the seconds until next week’s tale as we wait to see if this corner of the multiverse can avoid the war that our world did, so long ago. Until next time.

‘For All Mankind’ is streaming now on AppleTV+.

It is definitely safe to say, that each and every one of us understand why it is important to be honest with people in life. Because not only is it the right thing to do, but it is also a mantra that allows for us to live a life that is free of drama and strife, and how we come to this realization is fascinating to say the least. Because as we grow and head out into the world, we bear witness to what lies and deceit do to other people on an emotional level, and sometimes we learn that lesson the hard way when we hurt someone by not telling them the truth. But what truly hammers home the importance of honesty… is when we hear of or watch someone face a powerful reckoning for their lies. The kind that leaves them in an awful place because their dishonesty finally caught up with them, and it just so happens, that this particularly ugly moment is featured in the season two finale of Breaking Bad.
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Because at long last, the lies and deceit catch up with Walter White in ‘ABQ’ and what makes his reckoning so powerful, is the sheer fact that it comes out of nowhere. For initially this seems like any other episode from the past couple of seasons. After all, Walter is once again able to deflect and lie with impunity when it comes to what happened with Jane. To the point where he’s able to keep her death suspicion free, by having Saul Goodman call Mike Ehrmantraut in to handle the matter, and well… we all know how good of a job he does. And to smooth this whole nightmare over further, Walter even goes so far as to rescue Jesse from a meth-house before placing him into rehab. All so that it seemed that Walter White was there in Jesse’s hour of need. But while that infers that Walt is a heartless bastard, since such actions can be tied to potentially maintaining Jesse's loyalty, there is the chance that some of these decisions are motivated by genuine remorse and care, since he hasn’t slipped into the darkness completely, just yet. 

But all these scenes lead us to believe, is that Walt is going to get away with his lies once again and continue to build his empire without a care in the world, once he is free from the last vestiges of his impending cancer. And the fact that he survives his surgery and feels great after, lends credence to that notion. That is until, Skyler drops the reckoning upon him. For she asks him to move out and never come back, because she’s dug into the stories he’s told and learned all kinds of horrible truths. Such as the fact that he never once asked for the money that he claimed was paying for his treatments and that in turn helped her to realize that everything he’s been up to as of late, is related to a grand secret, one that he is going to great efforts to avoid telling her about and well… what made this sequence such a surprise, is that it all came about by way of a simple slip up. One that came forth while Walt was high on anesthesia while preparing for his surgery, since he let it be known that he had two phones. 

If anything, that moment really does a fine job of hammering home the importance of honesty and how deceit will bring forth a reckoning, since Walter is in quite the bleak place when we leave him here. Since he is clueless as to what to do to keep Skyler around and rightfully so. Because how does a father of two, and a teacher of chemistry… sell his wife on enjoying a new kind of lifestyle, one that will involve danger and destruction and boatloads of cash from drugs. Which lends to credence to the reality, that this was a poor choice to begin with, one that already caused incredible harm to so many, as evidenced by the ending of this tale. Since we also learned in this story that Donald was beyond broken over the death of his daughter, to the point where he was negligent in his job as an air traffic controller for only a moment. One that allowed for a mid-air collision to happen over the city… reminding us one final time that the lies we tell and the sour actions we take part in… can have far reaching implications.

In the end however, this really was quite the powerful season finale for certain. For it finally helped Walter White to understand that there are going to be some serious consequences for his lies and his actions when they relate to his side hustle. And that these sorrowful issues are now in his life, all because he wanted a boatload of money and an easier life, by way of shortcuts, and the tragedy of that decision and the tragedy that awaits, hangs heavy over this particular tale and this season. Because clearly, Walter is still all-in on joining the drug trade and ruling it with an iron fist, and that decision does leave one to wonder just what kind dark days are ahead for Walter, as he prepares to sit stop the bloody throne that Heisenberg has been building all this time. Until next time. 

Please enjoy a sneak peek of tomorrow’s brand-new episode of For All Mankind, streaming exclusively on AppleTV+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Losing Alice’.
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Something that is a constant, when it comes to stories revolving around obsession and how it can damage a person’s life, is that the majority of them, tend to stylize what obsession looks like so that the story becomes a tense thriller of sorts. The kind where danger is everywhere when the obsessed comes to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs and it makes sense as to why this is the case. After all, folks like to be entertained, and what better way to do that and hammer home the point that obsession is dangerous than by having it ruin someone’s life in an intense and horrifying manner? But while that definitely sells books and tickets on a consistent basis, and wows us to no end, there really is something to be said about obsession related stories that present its fallout in a more realistic light.

Because in reality, obsession is something that gradually ruins a person’s life, by dismantling it bit by bit and watching or reading about that, is far more harrowing, since the reader/audience is privy to some painful and devastating moments and that is precisely why the next episode of Losing Alice on AppleTV+ is so incredibly powerful. Because ‘The Scene’ features that slow burn destruction in disturbing detail, and it accomplishes such a goal, by taking us to the set of Room 209… where a pivotal scene is about to take place. For this is the moment when David and Sophie are supposed to consummate the fictional relationship between an obsessed father and an innocent young woman and well, that leads to a lot of tension in general. 

For Alice is displeased with how the scene is going, since the passion she’s expecting both of them to exhibit in this moment simply isn’t there. Which motivates her to push them as actors like never before. Which seems harmless in its own right, since we know that Alice expects the best from her talent. But as this episode rolls along, it becomes apparent that Alice is wanting something more from David and Sophie. In that, she’s wants to use them, to take her obsession to a whole new level. For she’s clearly wanted nothing more than to immerse herself in Sophie’s world and indulge in the wild and carefree sexual nature that Sophie exhibits, and this is her chance to make that happen. Because if she can get David to simply let loose and express any hidden passion he has for Sophie, Alice can live vicariously through the scene and eventually... she gets what she wants. But not in the manner she expected. 

Because shortly after that intense lovemaking scene comes to an end, Alice comes to discover that the protection that was in place, to prevent actual intercourse, was discarded in the moment by Sophie. Meaning that every ounce of passion she witnessed on the monitor was real and raw and at the end of this tale, Alice surprisingly, couldn’t be happier. Simply because she finally got what she wanted, she finally got to understand the power of Sophie’s world and how easily is seduces and corrupts and energizes, and that makes this a devastating story when all is said and done. One where obsession has taken root and slowly chipped away at Alice’s marriage and its sanctity. Because there will undoubtedly be repercussions for this crossing of the lines, the kind that could bring an end to what was once a healthy and stable relationship.

But while we wait to see whether or not Alice and David’s marriage and family can weather one incredible and unhealthy storm, we can bask in one stunning tale. One that did a phenomenal job of forcing us to watch obsession rip Alice’s relationship to shreds in an unsettling manner. Because this episode held nothing back in that arena, and the viewer really is helpless to do anything but sit back and watch poor choices be made minute after minute and feel nothing but disdain and anger at Alice for letting this whole mess, get this far, especially when such powerful warnings were placed in front of her. But what’s done is done, obsession has infected Alice's body and soul and it is indeed as ugly and as powerful as expected and what’s truly terrifying… is that everything is likely downhill from here for Alice, now that Sophie is in complete control. Until next time.  

‘Losing Alice’ is available to stream now, on AppleTV+.