Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Reacher’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

There is really something special about being outright surprised by a television series in this day and age. Simply because, we have in essence, kind of seen it all at this point, since so there are so many networks and televisions shows out there, which can at times breed similarity and familiarity, and a touch of predictability. So, to have a show keep us on our toes, is a wonderful experience, one that also helps us to understand that we are going to be in for an incredible ride, post surprise. All because  the writers’ room put extra care into their creation and really, surprises are top of mind today… because shock and awe are precisely what the next episode of Reacher on Prime Video sent our way.
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For ‘In a Tree’ is an episode that shook things up and informed us, that everything we thought we knew about the case was wrong. Since all kinds of surprises regarding it dropped into our laps in this tale and it accomplished that feat, by lulling us into a false sense of security to make the big moment worth our while... since, early on, it appeared as though this episode was going to be business as usual, and we’d simply get to know the characters better as they continued to look for evidence that Kliner was dirty and involved in Joe’s death. After all, Reacher and Roscoe had to deal with the handiwork the former made of the assassins that tried to kill him and after they handled that, the duo finally broke the sexual tension they’d been fighting for some time now after a moment of vulnerability on Reacher’s part, and once they finally gave in to their desires, they went back to searching for more clues... by visiting of the widow of the man that died alongside Joe.

Wherein they came to learn exactly where the counterfeit money was coming from and how it was getting back to Margrave. Which gave Roscoe and Reacher quite the lead regarding Kliner Industries. But before they could dive into such matters, the big twist came into play. For Picard ran the VIN of a car that was believed to be Joe’s rental car, and that led Reacher and Roscoe to the motel where Joe was staying. Which in turn would lead them to detailed clues since Joe always kept a record of every little thing. But alas, when they got there, they came to learn that someone claiming to be Joe’s alter ego arrived shortly before they did to pick up his gear, making it clear that someone had knowledge of the situation and the plan that this trio was working on, and while Reacher was able to defeat the mercenaries involved here and get more intel on the mess… things only got worse from there.

Because after our trio of heroes investigated the cryptic clues left by Joe, they headed off to Atlanta to meet Molly Beth from the Secret Service. For she had compiled all of Joe’s notes and investigative leads regarding the case at hand and was ready to hand it all over in person. But once she arrived at the rendezvous, somewhere far away from the airport for her safety… things got ugly, and she was shot by a mystery assassin and that same person took the files. Setting back the case and outright making it clear… that what we thought we knew about this case was incorrect. Because this runs deeper than just Kliner Industries and the handful of bad agents in Margrave. This is huge, this is far reaching, and someone is eager to keep what’s happening in this town a secret and there’s likely more going on here than just counterfeiting.

For some of the people Joe was trying to get ahold of… are tied to different agencies and universities, making it clear that Joe was beginning to uncover how far this went. But while we wait to learn more about what Joe uncovered, we can celebrate one surprising tale. For it really seemed as though this story was barreling toward an ugly showdown between Reacher and the Kliner family. But just like that… there’s a grand conspiracy surrounding him and his friends, one that people are desperate to keep a secret and that’s quite the twist. One that most certainly caught a great deal of the audience by surprise and truly… it will be quite interesting to see where this show takes us next, now that the danger is greater and now that the story has exploded into something so much more. Until next time.

Starting over in life, in any capacity, can be quite the exhausting venture. For instance, if you’re starting a new job, regardless of your qualifications… there is an adjustment period that comes with a touch of unease and tiring worry and of course, if you’re hitting the reset button and completely starting over anew… there’s so much you have to do. You have to find a new place to live, a new job, and figure out the best way to get groceries and everything else you need as well. But we go through with it because we know a fresh start is necessary for us in that moment and because… modern society offers a lot of safety nets and guarantees to ensure that we don’t struggle and stumble in our new beginning.
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Which is something we should all be grateful for. Because in the underbelly of the world, where crime reigns supreme… starting over job wise for certain, can be quite the dangerous venture. After all, these aren’t noble jobs we are talking about in this world. The kind that come with a 401k and great insurance benefits, and workman’s comp and/or unemployment insurance if the company goes belly up. These are illegal acts and one wrong step during the restart could bring one’s world crashing down, and that rough aspect of the criminal’s life was put on full display in the next episode of Breaking Bad. For when we catch up with Walter White and his merry band of meth-makers in ‘Hazard Pay’, they’re trying to figure out how and where… to restart the production of Blue Sky and well… finding a new cook location goes about as well as one might expect.

Because everywhere that Saul takes them to in this tale, is filled to the brim with flaws. Since one warehouse, while out of the way, risked contamination of the product. While another… risked exposure since it was a delicious tortilla factory and since the failures kept on coming, it really appeared for a time that starting over in the drug trade… was an impossibility. But the arrival at a business called Vamonos Pest, instead taught us and Walt, that creativity is required to properly start over in this business. For Walt came to realize that using fumigation tents and a portable Meth Lab, could in fact… solve their problems and it most certainly did. Since Walt and Jesse were able to sneak into a house before fumigation started and cook up a fresh batch of Blue Sky and just like that… they were back in the game. But it wasn’t all blue meth and roses for this new outfit, since Walter learned a valuable lesson about being the man in charge.

In that, owning and operating a business is quite expensive. Since everyone’s cut took a delicious million-dollar payday and reduced it to a hundred thousand and some change and well… that revelation brought out the darkness in Walter once again. Because he simply wasn’t good with so many others getting a piece of the pie, especially when the whole point of going into business with Jesse and Mike, was to make money hand over fist. Plus, he was outright insulted by the fact that Mike was using some of that cash to make some of his and Fring’s guys whole again and he outright pondered… if by chance the time had come to take part in a little workforce reduction. The kind that would leave a trail of bodies and that was something that scared Jesse a bit. Since he’s never seen Walter that hungry for power and money. 

But while that was indeed both frightening and eerie to watch, this particular change in Walter’s behavior makes sense. For there is no fear in his heart anymore keeping him compliant. He is unleashed and he wants it all and this is just another step toward fully becoming Heisenberg and all the tragedy that will accompany that. But while we wait to see Walter continue his downward spiral into darkness, we can bask in another quality tale. One that really put the complexities of starting over in the drug trade, on display, and it also… set the stage for the future in more ways than one. For this episode features the first appearance of Todd (played by Jesse Plemons) and well, he would become quite the big deal down the line, and his arrival, and the fact that Walter is inching closer to embrace Heisenberg through and through, outright compels us to continue the journey. To bear witness to the incredible moments that await us. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that mankind has a complicated relationship with revenge. Simply because we don’t understand how it really works or what really motivates it. We just know that in a particular moment, when we truly believe that someone has wronged us and should pay the piper for doing so, we want it badly and that desire will either burn out quickly or burn for years on end. And since we fear the negative emotions that accompanies our desire for it, we do whatever we can to avoid it, and therein lies the problem when it comes to understanding it. Since only those consumed by it have a relationship with it and their desire to finally indulge in its calling, leaves us with little to examine outside of the collateral damage their vendetta leaves behind.
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If anything, our lack of understanding of revenge and the root causes of its power are top of mind today, simply because they served as the central focus of the next episode of Queens of Mystery on Acorn TV. For ‘Death by Vinyl, Final Chapter’, is a story that saw Matilda Stone and her intrepid aunts, continue to run into roadblocks in solving the murders in the Volcanic Youth case. To the point where it appeared as though the killer might escape and evade capture. All because, there was no motive to be found in this mess, just more secrets and lies and an understanding that everyone outside of Cat… crossed a horrible line on that fateful night ages ago. In that, they covered up the real truth behind how Nikki died to take the band to new heights, and their only real crime here… was tampering with a crime scene and lying to save their own hide.

But the discovery of the reel-to-reel tape that was recording on the night that Electra was killed, changed everything regarding the case. For there was a word at the end of the recording that was hard to make out, to the point where Matilda enlisted Cat’s help in understanding the message and well, what was on the tape was shocking. For in her final moments, Electra identified her killer and it turned out to be the owner of this getaway location, Sir Ray. And he made such a move because he was Nikki’s father and once, he learned of his daughter’s death, he used his wealth and stealth to acquire the library of the band and do everything within his power to bring the band back together… to punish them for profiting off of her death and never doing right by his little girl. And while Cat and Matilda were able to arrest him and bring him to justice, the message about revenge in this tale, is quite clear.

In that, its genesis is often grounded in trauma of some sort. Be it emotional or physical and the severity of the trauma could in fact, dictate the vengeful burn in question and that in order to really understand how it persists and how to perhaps, wipe it away from the human psyche, we truly have to do a better job of supporting one another and having help available for folks that are trying to reconcile that trauma. Because to leave them to their own devices, wherein they can stew in unresolved anger and pain… is what brings about acts of revenge that people will eventually regret. For it provides no solace or wholeness, just more pain and suffering and well… that really was quite the brilliant exploration to find in this tale.

Because revenge is often just a storytelling device in crime dramas and nothing more. So, to really see a story take the time to dive into its genesis and its sorrowful nature is refreshing for certain and it would be lovely if more stories took the time to explore it in a similar manner. So, it becomes less cliché and more of a priority to address. But all of that aside, make no mistake about it, this was another incredible tale through and through. One that once again felt akin to an old school detective story since the Stone family had to really work to solve this one and that made for an engaging and fun experience. The kind that sends chills down one’s spine as the clues begin to assemble and well, the only complaint this writer has about this tale, is that the end of this case… signals the beginning of the end of our journey through season one. For only one mystery remains and well… that is one we are going to have to savor through and through as we patiently wait and hope, for a season three announcement. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Harry Wild’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Each and every one of us, learn how to lie at a young age and we are… quick to embrace it when we do. Because there is a strange thrill that accompanies being able to fudge the truth and keep people hanging on our every word, and well… it is only a matter of time before our newfound skill manages to teach us quite the lesson. Wherein we come to learn that lying brings about trouble and harm, and this lesson arrives usually when we are caught in our lies and the valuable wisdom that comes from that… allows for the vast majority of us to leave lying behind, for the most part. Since we basically come to understand how to wield its power in our later years, through white lies and ones that protect people’s feelings.
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But some people, well they never learn that lesson and they stick with lies and let them grow to an incredible size if it benefits them, and these are the folks that we have to worry about in life. Because they are so hell bent at twisting the truth, and believe so firmly in dishonesty, that they will do whatever it takes to protect their precious lies, even going so far as to hurt others and that particular problem is top of mind today… because it served as the focus of the next episode of Harry Wild on Acorn TV. For when we catch up with Harry and Fergus in ‘Mincemeat’, they’re going about their lives and working together to help Fergus pass an important English class test… when quite the surprise drops into their laps.

In that, by the riverbank by Harry’s favorite bar, a body has emerged from the water. One belonging to a John O’Toole and well… the odd nature of the appearance of the body, combined with the familiarity of the deceased’s face… led Harry to believe that something foul was at play. A hunch that really didn’t pan out initially. Since John’s widow identified the body and Harry’s initial investigation surrounding John’s end, didn’t really produce any results either. But something about this gnawed at Harry’s soul and that forced her to dig deeper and she came to realize, that the reason she recognized the body, was because it actually belonged to a poor soul named Jakob who was trying to get by doing odd jobs around town, and he actually came to Harry’s door. 

Which motivated her to examine the life of Jakob and the more she did, the more she came to realize… that the real John O’Toole was likely alive and that he used Jakob as a decoy of sorts to basically fake his death. Which would be one hell of a lie to tell. But in order to prove her theory, and that others were in on the lie, she had to smoke John out and eventually… she figured out how. Because a well-orchestrated moment involving John’s ‘widow’, pushed her to reveal some bad folks surrounding John, the kind that helped him rob a bank, and that push, eventually brought John out into the open where the police could bring him in at last. Which was… a wonderful way to hammer home the story’s point that some folks love to lie and will take it to new heights, but that wasn’t the only highlight present in this story.

For this is a tale that also allowed for Lola and Harry to bond when Harry invited her along on the case and that led to some fun moments for certain, the kind that genuinely entertained and of course, this episode also featured, trust from the police. Since Charlie and his boss, Ray… listened to everything Harry had to say this time around and had her back when it appeared as though she was going to get into serious trouble and that… signals growth on Charlie and Ray’s part. It also means, that Harry is finally settling into her new role in life as a private investigator, and gumshoe of impossible cases, and that definitely compels one to continue the journey. To see what Harry can do with freedom and resources at her fingertips. Until next time.

Something that we have come to discover over the past couple of years, is that most jobs out there… are just jobs and they are a dime a dozen, and that we no longer have to sit there and tolerate toxic environments and poor management. Which is why so many are using their skill set to land better gigs right now. The kind that affords them a better schedule, a better environment and the possibility of working remotely. So that they can use that lack of stress to focus on getting into the career field that is going to bring them true happiness or just work a job that is free from dread and worry, and it is wonderful and comforting to know that we are now afforded this kind of opportunity, where others don’t have that option.
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For some jobs, are so lucrative and so intoxicating, that people will stand by them regardless of the danger and toxicity that is involved with them and for proof… then look no further than the next episode of Breaking Bad. For ‘Madrigal’ is a story that saw the fallout of the Gus Fring disaster bring a great deal of people down, including executives at Madrigal. Which was, the super shell corporation that Gus set up to hide his vast drug fortune and well… the heat that was coming down from Madrigal, through a bloodthirsty executive named Lydia, combined with the pressure that Walter White was exuding upon Mike to join his new drug empire… motivated this salty police vet to try and do like so many others… and change jobs. After all, he’d made his money, this gig was toxic, and he wanted to see his granddaughter grow up in a safe environment. So why not walk away?

But alas, that heat continued to burn, and it put Mike in a very difficult set of situations. The first was financial in nature, because Hank and the DEA went after the Cayman accounts that Gus used to pay people from and they seized that cash and bankrupted everyone getting a payout, in the hopes of getting someone to talk so the DEA could bring down everyone involved in this mess. Which meant that, Kaylee’s two-million-dollar trust fund was gone forever. But money has always meant little to Mike, and he has always been resourceful in building fortunes… so he let that go. But what he couldn’t let go, was Lydia’s poor choice. Because she was convinced that someone was going to talk and since Mike didn’t want to help in plugging potential leaks with bullets… she took matters into her own hands and ordered hits on Mister Chow, the methylamine supplier for the outfit, and Mike.

Which Mike was able to escape with ease, before opting to take revenge upon Lydia by showing up to her home with a magazine full of payback. But despite his desire to put her down, the fear she expressed over how her daughter was going to grow up without her, flipped a switch in Mike’s mind and helped him to realize… that this wasn’t something he could just walk away from. Kaylee needed that money, she needed a future and if Walter could make it happen, then so be it. An epiphany that motivated him to make the call to Walter’s house and go ahead and sign up for another tour in the Blue Sky Experience and just like that… the Heisenberg Empire is about to finally come to life, and with it… heartbreak and strife and more hard times.

Some of which is already taking place in the White home. Since Skyler is a mess over the fact that her husband has crossed the ultimate line, to the point where she was despondent in this tale and in some uncomfortable situations, courtesy of Walter and his belief that all is well and should be business as usual and Walt should be worried about that… and the DEA. Because it is obvious that with Hank’s boss stepping down over not listening to the clues revolving around Fring, and the investigation as it stands, that this agency is going full bore into uncovering every ounce of facts about this operation and will stop at nothing to expose its underbelly and well… that likely means some scary scrapes with the DEA are coming. The kind that might lead to the tragic and bloody ending of the Heisenberg Empire. Until next time.

We are living in quite the amazing time when it comes to interstellar travel right now. For we are bearing witness to the bare beginnings of our outreach to the stars. For private firms are working hard at creating consumer travel through space and of course, NASA is preparing to return to the moon to establish a colony there as part of bigger plans. The kind that involves astronauts exploring our own solar system and of course, creative minds everywhere are pondering upon what such moves would mean for humanity, and our future, and the human condition, and one creative mind and network in particular… are preparing to launch their take on such matters.

For earlier today, AMC+ announced that a new series from the brilliant writer, Peter Ocko, revolving around our future in space and the colonizing of the moon, entitled Moonhaven, will be coming to the network this summer and well… without further ado… here is some casting news, a synopsis, and a teaser trailer for this series for you to enjoy, courtesy of AMC+.

‘AMC+ is taking viewers to the moon with the upcoming, new suspense thriller, Moonhaven from creator/showrunner Peter Ocko (Lodge 49, Black Sails, Elementary).  A teaser trailer released today, offers a first-look at the series set in a utopian colony on the moon that may hold the keys to preserving life on Earth, which has become increasingly perilous. Moonhaven features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Emma McDonald (Queens of Mystery), Dominic Monaghan (Lost) Amara Karan (Doctor Who), Ayelet Zurer (Losing Alice), Joe Manganiello (True Blood), Kadeem Hardison (Black Monday), and Yazzmin Newell (The Last Tree).  The six-episode series will debut Thursday, June 30 exclusively on AMC+.  

Moonhaven centers on Bella Sway (McDonald), a lunar cargo pilot and smuggler 100 years in the future who finds herself accused of a crime and marooned on Moonhaven, a utopian community set on a 500 square mile Garden of Eden built on the Moon to find solutions to the problems that will soon end civilization on Mother Earth. A skeptic in Paradise, Bella is sucked into a conspiracy to gain control of the artificial intelligence responsible for Moonhaven's miracles and teams with a local detective to stop the forces that want to destroy Earth's last hope before they are destroyed themselves.

An AMC Studios production, Moonhaven is executive produced by Ocko and Deb Spera, who is a non-writing executive producer.’  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series finale of ‘Killing Eve’. To revisit the penultimate episode, click here.
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Something that is truly fascinating about spy stories, is how cold they often turn out to be. For these particular tales focus on people that operate outside of the rules of the everyday world and because of that… they must be emotionless and robotic in nature, so that they can serve the greater good and keep the peace in a manner so silent that no one will ever know that trouble lurked behind the scenes. Which also means that these stories, tend to be devoid of deeper meaning. Because if the spy in question feels nothing but a desire to complete the mission, social commentary and observations regarding mortality, are a forced waste of time and well… that is precisely why the BBC America series Killing Eve, was a smash hit from day one.
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Because it defied that convention and plunged us into a spy drama where the characters had depth and were searching for more than the mission and that allowed for this series to establish itself to be the quirkiest and most delightful spy drama to ever hit the airwaves. Plus, in its later seasons, it also took the time to really dig deep into some powerful philosophical concepts, especially in this final season. Since year four has focused heavily on the nature of revenge and how it consumes and how it can destroy us and well… the how is something that loomed large over the series finale. Because after the previous episode, where ugly acts took place, we were left wondering if this story was going to end in a sour and bleak manner… where revenge consumed everyone… or if we would be treated a happier ending. Where these characters escaped their vengeful fates or found a future that was at the least… bittersweet.

Well as it turns out, the series finale of this storied and refreshing spy drama, ended in the former realm. A feat that ‘Making Dead Things Look Nice’ and ‘Hello, Losers’ accomplished… by having these incredible characters… let loose after outright giving into the darkness. Because at this point in the story, it became inherently clear that we weren’t watching a finale grounded in notions of reaching the apex of revenge… this was the post revenge burn. Where the characters had indeed fully committed to revenge in the prior tale and with it flowing through their veins and having taken inventory… they decided the time had come to finish what they started and find some kind of closure. Because what exactly did they have to lose in doing so at this point? And that led to some supremely fascinating moments and that aforementioned release.

Because by acknowledging the fact they had given themselves completely to vendetta’s power, they all felt free at last and that allowed for Carolyn to return home to London and face the music and figure out her next moves in this mess, while Villanelle and Eve finally decided… to quit fighting the powerful attraction they’d been denying themselves for years on end. Which allowed for a burgeoning and long overdue relationship to grow between the two of them at last, giving rise to a touch of hope that maybe they would find beauty in this final push to end the Twelve and a happy ending. Where they would find peace and enduring love. But before these nouveau lovebirds could ponder on that kind of future, they needed to handle a little final business, the kind that involved visiting the Twelve's meeting place and dealing with them at last, and closing that chapter.
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Which allowed for a satisfying and long overdue moment to take place, wherein Villanelle and Eve’s mission was completed and the Twelve were laid to waste in a brutal and violent manner and with the win firmly in their column… the price of revenge came into play. For Carolyn came to realize during the hunt… that she could use their bloodlust to her advantage, and find peace in doing so. Which is why she offered up news about Konstantin's death to the brass and Villanelle on a silver platter. So she could look the hero and wipe everyone out in the process and her desire to take part in that kind of backwards quest for peace... brought about a government sanctioned sniper attack on the last surviving member of this mysterious organization. One that cost Villanelle her life but saved Eve’s. A reality that served as a pyrrhic victory at best since Eve lost everything in her quest to unleash revenge upon the Twelve but was spared her destitute life and well… that’s how this saga ends, in a sour and bleak… and unique manner.

A word used here simply because… bleak endings still aren’t the norm in spy dramas, or the industry. Much less a story where its two leads finally found happiness through love. For that could have given this duo redemption in a different manner. But alas, unconventional and shocking is where Killing Eve operated from the get-go and that makes this the proper ending when all is said and done. One that is bittersweet and painful. Because… a show that kept us buzzing through social media, has come to its end and not being able to look forward to a new season full of surprises and conjecture, is going to be strange. But the good news is we can revisit this series whenever we like and see it as the complete piece of art that it is now, and relish in the fact, that we were privy to something fresh and original and engaging and moving… for four glorious years.    

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘61st Street’.

We are taught to believe… that the American justice system is the finest in all the land. A lesson that is reinforced in school, courtesy of coursework that break the whole system down. Since we come to learn that due process is vital to the system and that various amendments in the Constitution of the United of States of America, guarantee certain rights to those accused of a crime. Such as a trial by jury and representation and that all cases will operate under the assumption that the accused is indeed innocent until proven guilty. But as we grow and get out into the world, we quickly come to learn that this polished system… is actually quite scuffed and flawed in reality.
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Because despite designing quite the incredible system on paper, it appears that no one ever took into account the human element in the matter. Since some people involved with the system, carry with them a bias that they apply to everything in life, and some of these folks are racist against the color of another’s person skin or they’re prejudiced to their sexual orientation or gender identity, and we don’t really see that… until the news shows it to us. Which changes our perspective about the justice system and leaves us wondering… what went wrong in that instance and how on earth we let it get to that point and how we right the ship so to speak. But alas, that curiosity and desire to fix the system seems fleeting at times since society finds something new to focus upon shortly after these problems are revealed.

Which really does beg an important question, in that… what will it take to begin to create fundamental change to a system we know is flawed? Well, it just so happens that a new series on AMC is going to attempt to answer that question and 61st Street postulates the possibility that perhaps we need to be immersed in the injustices of the system firsthand. Which is why the show’s ‘Pilot’ episode plunges us into the streets of Chicago and the corrupt system it boats, by way of two key characters. The first of which is a lawyer named Franklin Roberts, who has seen better days regarding his career. For the losses are continuing to mount and he consistently sees the system go out of its way to punish African Americans for minor criminal transgressions, leaving him to wonder if he’s ever accomplished anything as a lawyer and if by chance… the time has come to step aside. 

A storyline that really does dig deep into the difficulties of watching the system punish African Americans for no reason other than the color of their skin and stereotypes, and Franklin’s journey is the perfect way to ease us into this part of our world and the real horrors it harbors. Which is explored by way of a storyline involving a gifted athlete named Moses Johnson. Whom finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time one day, and is chased by police throughout town in a manner so brutal and so harrowing that something goes terribly wrong and an officer is killed while Moses is trying to fight for his freedom. A move that leads to a terrifying manhunt for Moses, one where corrupt and racist cops stop at nothing, even going so far as to torture his brother and plant evidence in his home… to bring him to ‘justice’.

Which are storytelling elements… that make for one powerful and gripping tale. One that truly puts a corrupt system on display in a no-holds barred manner and demands that we see all of its flaws and all of its problems. So that we finally understand how bad it can be out there and so that perhaps… we demand change and demand that justice be served as it was intended, without fear and through due process and this pilot alone makes this a poignant and powerful series. One that will be studied for ages on end and what’s incredible… is that we aren’t even remotely done with this journey. For Moses is still ‘at large’ and Franklin is watching this whole mess closely and it will be fascinating to see what other impactful lessons await us as we continue our journey through a raw and honest look at a system… that desperately needs an overhaul. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Power Book IV: Force’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We like to believe, that change is something that is gradual in nature and there is good reason as to why we hold to that. After all, people learn and grow as they age and their evolving opinions on certain matters and certain aspects of their lives, motivate them to make changes. The kind that could bring about a career change because they’ve come to realize they’re stuck in their current position and need more out of their field. Or the kind that would see a marriage be dissolved because one half of the union has come to realize they’re not in love with that person anymore. But while that is indeed solid reason to hold to that belief, that is merely one particular aspect of change. Because in reality… it can be methodical in nature, or outright swift and chaotic.
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Because sometimes, a scary moment in our lives, the kind that is life altering and horrifying, can intensely motivate a person to make major alterations to their life. The kind where they make immediate and sweeping changes, consequences, be damned and it is always fascinating and powerful to see people go that route since it speaks volumes to not only the power of change, but how quickly we can impact our lives when motivated… for better or for worse. If anything, all of that is relevant today, simply because… swift and powerful change arrived in the city of Chicago during this week’s episode of Power Book IV: Force, and well… it is definitely safe to say that Tommy Egan was taken aback regarding how much of it involved him.

For when we catch up with everyone in ‘Trust’, they are all reeling from the shocking attack on Vic Flynn’s life, the very one that cost Gloria her own. Because this was a close and scary call with the end for a man that has been quite insulated in life, despite living and working within a crime syndicate and of course… a good person was gone forever, and well, while Vic was taking the time to lick his wounds and ponder upon a way forward, his father quickly came to realize… that change was necessary in his family’s life and he made quite the powerful decision to bring it about for it his family. Wherein he opted to seize the moment and revitalize his empire and the best way to do that… was through some juicy lies. 

Because he told his beloved son that Tommy Egan was involved in all of this. Which are words that made zero sense to us. But to a young man in love, one that was unable to reconcile the fact that his everything was gone forever and that their final days together were based in strife, courtesy of another man… that was music to his ears. And he listened to everything his father had to say and decided… the time had come to take his place in the family’s leadership line and help Poppa Flynn consolidate the empire through and through and that… led to a lot of strife and nervousness for Tommy in this tale. Since he simply didn’t see this kind of intense double cross coming his way, especially one bound in lies no less.

But before we talk about Tommy’s response to this maddening turn of events, we would be foolish to not discuss the fact that sudden and wild change wasn’t limited to the Flynn family in this tale. Because Jenard simply snapped in this tale, and he simply declared that he’d had enough and that it was time for him to take control of CBI properly and lead it to prosperity untold and that was just incredible to see. Since Jenard really has been about the long game up until this point and well, what made this so striking and significant is that Diamond heard every word about his dastardly future plans and was beside himself. For just like that, his entire family dynamic changed and now his life was going to take some interesting turns as well.
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In fact, he was so focused on his next moves and what his life was going to look like going forward, that he turned Tommy down once again in his hour of need. Because Mister Egan is not a dummy, and he was fully aware of the fact that the Flynn’s were going to go to war and would likely try and harm him in the process of taking on the Serbian Mob and he needed his own army to survive the day and keep his budding empire safe. But when he wasn’t able to get an assist from someone, he trusted dearly… well Tommy had to take matters into his own hands and get creative with protection. Which meant, aligning himself with the last people he wanted to in this town… the freakin’ Serbian Mob.

But they had the firepower and the manpower to protect and serve the Egan Corporation, and like it or not… Tommy made the deal and basically helped to embolden Flynn solidarity in the process. For Claud saw Tommy talking with the Serbian Mob and that motivated her to turn her back on Tommy as well… despite being a champion for him earlier in this tale, and take part in the family’s plan to wage war on the streets of Chicago. And it also gave her an opportunity to meet some of the top warriors from back home, since Walter placed a call to the top brass and asked for the finest fighters the Irish Mob has to offer and just like that… the stage is set for one of Tommy’s biggest fights. One that will be difficult and brutal and potentially difficult to focus upon.

Because another quality twist in this tale, involved the fact that something Tommy feared came to fruition. For he finally put together that D-Mac is his nephew and JP’s son and before he could finally unite the family as one… Jenard stepped in with flying bullets once again and one… caught D-Mac in the gut. Which led to a hasty reveal to JP and a rattled Tommy Egan. Because all he wanted this time around when it comes to his business… was to keep his family safe and handle the danger on his own. But once again, the lines are blurred, and blood is hurt, and now Tommy is going to have to figure out how to reconcile that quickly… so he can focus on cancelling Christmas for all the punks that are about to challenge what’s his. Until next time.    

Normally in our lives, when we conquer a bully that’s pestering us or find a way to remove someone from our lives that is causing us great harm, it’s cause for celebration. Because we stood up for ourselves and we fought our family and our safety, and our boundaries, and we should be applauded for our bravery and often times… those closest to us, will do just that. Because there is pride to be found in watching someone we love rise to the occasion and accomplish great wonders. But what’s fascinating about our world, is that there is a flip side to this type of act, for our world has an underbelly. One full of crime and dark notions and dark movements and well… when someone in that part of our world takes part in this kind of act, there is no celebration.

Simply because… they’ve likely killed that offending person or done something awful to them to remove them from the equation and celebrating that with loved ones is a twisted act for certain, one that could also lead to trouble for the ‘hero’ in question. Since that could also mean that law enforcement is going to have to get involved, and that’s a particular problem that no one in this twisted slice of life would like to deal with and well, that uncomfortable aspect of our world is top of mind today, simply because that’s one of many problems that Walter White was dealing with in the season five premiere of Breaking Bad. For when we catch up with him in ‘Live Free or Die’, mere moments after ‘Face Off’, he’s ecstatic over the fact that he defeated Gustavo ‘Gus’ Fring.

But there is no hero’s welcome waiting for him at home. Nor is there any joy. Instead… there is the somber reality that he just killed a man, and since Skyler is fully aware of what’s happened here, she’s mortified and horrified over what Walter has done to keep his family safe and it makes sense as to why. Because he basically indulged in wanton chaos and murder to get what he wanted and to complicate Walt’s desire to celebrate this win further, there’s no time to waste in solving a problem that no one thought of. For the police saw Gus as the kingpin they’d been looking for, and that meant they would investigate every aspect of his business and his dealings, and that meant the laptop he used to carefully watch over his entire operation would be in police custody and well… Walter wasn’t good with that and knew it needed to be retrieved somehow from the evidence locker at Albuquerque PD for destruction.
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Which seemed to be an impossible task since that place would be, as Mike perfectly pointed out, as difficult as Fort Knox to infiltrate. But thanks to Jesse’s genius, they were able to work with their favorite junkyard manager to build a powerful magnet. One that could rip the laptop toward the wall and smash it to pieces and of course, wipe the drive and well, this amazing plan actually worked, and the guys escaped unharmed, making it appear as though… good times were ahead at last. But Walt’s behavior and attitude in this episode, wiped all that good will away. Because taking down Gus and finally being at the top of the hill, changed Walter… and gave him a newfound confidence. One that saw him intimidate Saul Goodman in a manner he’s never done before and he put the fear of God into Skyler over her affair with Ted and her actions.

Acts that make it inherently clear, that we have indeed reached the endgame with this series, and it won’t be long until Walter White leaves his teacher and everyday guy persona behind to finally embrace the darkness that is Heisenberg and of course… that will bring about nothing but tragedy and sorrow and trouble in the end, as evidenced by the fascinating flash forward at the start of this tale. If anything, this was just an incredible way to kick off season five and an equally as incredible way in which to set the stage for a powerhouse series finale and it will be outright fascinating to watch Heisenberg rise and then watch his entire empire and world fall, as we continue our journey through the fifth and final season, of one of the finest televisions shows to ever grace the airwaves. Until next time.