Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Chasing the Rains’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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When it comes to our modern world, there are certain possibilities we deem to be unfathomable. Take for instance, the thought of having issues with our water supply. After all, we live in the civilized and modern world, where access to clean water is the norm, and where emergency reserves are just a shopping warehouse away. So, it seems impossible to think that there might be a day where we struggle to get our hands on water, much less have to uproot ourselves and our family to go out in search of it. But that is, one of the comforts of the modern world, that we are fortunate enough to have access to clean water as we please, whereas in some parts of the world… that simply is not the case. 
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For there are places where people struggle to have access to it and where uprooting lives to get to water, is actually quite common. And it is important we learn such facts and acknowledge them, to find appreciation and humility in how lucky we are to have the good stuff on tap, and to perhaps give us enough pause to find a way to ensure that everyone has access to clean water, and that is why the BBC America series, Chasing the Rains, continues to impress. For it imparts upon us those lessons, and even leaves us wondering if by chance perhaps we can do something for the animal kingdom as well… since the next episode of this show, made it clear that wildlife does indeed go through complete and utter hell to enjoy a drink of what we sometimes pour down the sink because it’s been out for too long.

A feat that ‘Blood and Dust’ accomplished, by taking us through the next leg of the journey for Kuleta the cheetah and Phoenix the wild dog. For when we caught up with them here, they had left their homebases to find food and water and ran into some stunning challenges along the way. Phoenix for instance, had to deal not only with keeping her pack together and keeping them fed, but she had to battle hyenas that saw her family as their ticket to survival. Leading to some harrowing moments and brushes with trouble as she did her best to keep the pack thriving. As for Kuleta, well she outright ran into heartbreak and struggle in her journey. For her quest to find food and water for her cubs, led them into the Pridelands, where not all of her cubs made it out alive because of the many lions that live there. Making it clear the risk and devastation that comes forth in chasing the water we all need.
 
But while those segments were unnerving and tough to watch, there were some bright spots to be found in this tale. Since despite the losses and struggles, both mothers did find their babies food and water through sheer tenacity, and we were also privy to ingenuity regarding how some species and people for that matter, gather water in these dry times. Since we came to learn that elephants can dig and can find deep wells of water to live and sustain their thirst and even humans have figured this out. Since they too will dig deep and grab the water they need for their own thirst, and for whatever other purposes they require. Giving rise to the reality that life always finds a way, but also that perhaps… it doesn’t have to be this difficult in some respects.

After all, if humanity banded together and made sure that clean water was available for everyone on the planet, there would be no childhood searches to quench one’s thirst. Not to mention… water supplies could be shared by wildlife and that could offer them safety and help them to thrive. But until that day comes… there is indeed a powerful and risky, and sometimes devastating struggle to obtain water in this world. One that we now have a better understanding of thanks to this brilliant documentary and its no-holds barred approach to showing us a side of the world we simply did not know existed. Which is humbling to say the least and it leaves us eager to see, what other lessons this fascinating journey is going to send our way when it comes to its conclusion, next week. Until then.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘Grand Crew’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There comes a point in our lives, where we hope… that nothing changes in our lives. For we are beings that love consistency and comfort and when our lives are going great, and everything is perfect and in place… that’s when we have that hope and that’s when we savor every moment that surrounds us. Because it feels like we’ve made it, that perfection has been achieved. But alas, that hope is nothing more than fleeting. For life is and will forever be chaotic and constantly in motion, and it will present us with new challenges and opportunities that change our dynamic deeply and move us into phases and chapters that we didn’t know were waiting for us. 
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Which can be trying times indeed, the kind that will leave us out of sorts and in need of a lifeline to hang onto. Which more often than not, will be our closest and most cherished friends. Because they always know how to lift us up and help us in our time of need, and we know how to do the same for them and well… the struggles that come with the seasons of change and the need for great friends surrounding us when they arrive is top of mind today… simply because the season two finale of Grand Crew on NBC focused heavily on that. Because following Fay’s exit, the winds of change were blowing through the world of the Crew and that forced all of them to lean upon one another and help one another move into what was on the horizon.

For instance, Anthony had the opportunity to buy a house after all these years, one that was perfect for him and that… led to some worries regarding change in both ‘Wine & Journals’ and ‘Wine & Tastings’. Because it meant that Sherm was going to lose more than just a roommate, but a best friend, and even Anthony was struggling to handle the reality that he might enter into a new chapter in his life that wasn’t comfortable or sensible and for a time, Sherm used that to his advantage. To talk him out of buying the house. But a stern talk from Nicky and his own conscience, helped Sherm to realize that he couldn’t hold Anthony back. He needed to help him, encourage him, and embrace the unknown… and he did. Which led to Anthony getting the house and more surprises along the way. 

Because Wyatt and Kristen were pondering upon children after all thanks to an extended visit from Wyatt’s niece, and Sherm… well he finally enjoyed the opportunity of a lifetime when he and the Crew were invited to a prestigious wine tasting event by the very sommelier that watched a genius steal Sherm’s ideas. All in the hopes of showing Sherm he had a palate like no other and could do wonders with it, and while he didn’t win a special competition that Noah signed them up for, he got an invite to go to France. Giving him a shot to learn the craft and change his life and he pondered deeply upon that since it was going to shake up his life. Speaking of shake ups… Anthony also lost his job, after buying a house no less and well… all of this change should have scared everyone because it was just so much, so quickly.
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But instead… the Crew all rallied around one another. For there was support for Wyatt and Kristen to become parents and embrace that new journey and Anthony received support to just… enjoy life for once and his new home and his new chapter and Sherm, was nudged forward to take that sommelier class overseas. Because this might be his calling, and he might find newfound happiness in embracing what he knows best and well… that was a powerful way to end season two. For change really was the central theme of the entire season and to see the Crew lift one another up and constantly support change in a healthy manner, was beautiful. Because that’s how we truly grow in life, with our Grand Crew at our side, cheering us on and us cheering them on, and that’s what we should all strive to have. Friends like these, so that we never feel alone or lost and are always secure in the knowledge that someone has our back. 

However, while that made for one satisfying ending to this season, make no mistake about it, this finale was still as hilarious as they come. After all, Noah’s adventures with a woman that was his sexual superior was legendary from a comedic standpoint, as was Wyatt’s struggles with a picture book and the whole wine tasting finale was just nuts. Especially when Nicky did her best to shield Anthony from the truth with her own wallet. If anything, the sentimental nature of this episode, and the jokes made for a perfect finale. One that really did an amazing job of closing one chapter while starting the opening lines to another and hopefully we get to see that next chapter via a third season… and beyond. Because this really is a special show about the ties that bind us to the family, we choose for ourselves and television needs more of every wonderful component that this show about friendship and wine, and the ups and downs of life… has to offer. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Blindspotting’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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​There are a great many reasons to love the STARZ series, Blindspotting. After all. It is a quality continuation of the 2018 film, one that retains the film’s intelligence and depth. In fact, that is another reason to love this series so. Since it continues to speak to many of the problems we deal with in our modern world and offers musings as to what perhaps we can do to enact change. Plus, it is also a lot of fun and it is visually stunning. Courtesy of incredible dance numbers that move us in ways we never knew that dance could. Not to mention, this is that rare story that understands the balance of life. How there are meaningful moments and dark ones and beautiful ones as well, and it just so happens to express that through its storytelling and for proof… look no further than this week’s episode.
 
For ‘By Hook or By Crook’ is a story that slipped back into the show’s more relaxed style of storytelling, after spending a week digging deep into some of the more difficult moments that really happen in American households. A move designed to respect that episode through and through and to indeed reflect our everyday lives. For not every single day is spent full of reflection. The rest feature fun and sometimes sorrow and struggles and epiphanies abound and two of those elements were put on display in this story. Courtesy of two unique storylines that were intertwined as are so many moments in our lives. One of which, involved Cuddie and Jacque. For Halloween was featured in this tale and Jacque was going to use a costume party at her parent’s house to introduce her love to the family.
 
Which should have been a simple act and led to a simple evening. But since Trish wanted her lady back in a shady manner, she used a family secret to set up some sabotage. For Jacque’s dad was Dante Basco. The man who played Rufio in the hit motion picture, Hook, and he didn’t like it when Jacque’s partners fanboyed over that fact. So, Trish made sure that Cuddie was dressed like a pirate to oust him from Jacque’s life and that led… to one of the funniest moments in the franchise to date. Because Dante did indeed get fired up over the fact that Cuddie looked like a Captain Hook groupie and that brought forth a grand duel, one that saw Dante and Cuddie duke it out Lost Boys style, complete with camera work that would make Steven Spielberg proud and an ending that didn’t give Trish what she wanted. Because eventually everyone came to common ground and mutual respect, through Jacque’s declaration of love, meaning there would be no breakup.
 
However, while Jacque dealt with those bangarang shenanigans, everyone else was handling those aforementioned epiphanies at the boardwalk. For there was a grand Halloween celebration taking place there. One that saw Trish take part in some questionable acts to ensure everyone got on the rides quickly and where… Earl and Janelle were finally able to being the reconciliation process. Because they were on sour terms following Earl’s arrest and release, and really didn’t talk about the deep connection they shared. But at long last... they made progress on such matters while inside a spooky funhouse, courtesy of the fact they finally realized that they cared deeply for each other and shared a powerful connection and they needed to express that fact and heal their friendship. And that led to some meaningful moments for certain, the kind that might finally see these two explore that connection and where it can take them. If Janelle stops texting her ex-hubby.
 
As for Trish and Ashley, their epiphanies were a touch more sobering. Simply because, they finally started to focus on the emotions and truths they were hiding from the world.  For Trish finally spoke to the reality that Jacque had stolen her heart and she didn’t know how to reconcile that or properly communicate her love. She just knew how to handle it in a childish manner and was paying the price now accordingly. Since Jacque was getting closer and closer to Cuddie instead of her. And Ashley. Well. She finally heard aloud the word that spoke to what she was experiencing… depression. Which opened her eyes in a big way in this tale. Because she simply thought she was experiencing a tough stretch. But that word did indeed describe her struggles and her pain and opened her eyes to the reality that some serious work was ahead for her. 
 
All of which provided us with a slice of life episode. One that truly did remind us of the fact that life is filled to the brim with all kinds of unique moments. Such as those highs that are fun and joyous and thrilling. Especially if you get to duke it out with freakin’ Rufio, and it also reminded us that life is also filled with moments of connection and understanding and of course… harsh truths and well, it was just amazing to experience all of this in a singular episode. Simply because television often has a laser focus these days, on life related topics. So being able to experience all that the world has to offer with characters that we relate to and care for, really is a special experience, and truly, the revelations present here leave us eager for more. So, we can take part in more powerful experiences and moments with Ashley and her friends and family, as they continue to navigate the Ordeal that is the human condition. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 307 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular rule that applies to every corner of life, is that we need to keep our eyes on the prize when we’re working toward something greater. Simply because, the world is chaos and distractions are easily found everywhere. The kind that absolutely pull us away from critical work we need to accomplish. Which means that until we have what we need, we have to do our best to stay on course and finish what we started. Otherwise, disaster could strike, and we will find ourselves dealing with setbacks in life, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Power Book II: Ghost on STARZ. Because for all of season three, the crew and their associates have been dealing with all kinds of wild distractions and chaos while trying to hold to their goals, and well… that finally came back to bite them in this tale. 
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For ‘Deal or No Deal’ saw quite the problem come to fruition in this tale, something all of them should have seen coming… but alas, intensified distractions and new ones kept everyone’s attention diverted. For instance, from a new distraction perspective, Diana had to deal with drama at school since Salim showed his true colors and made life tough for her. Forcing her to pour her observant energy into putting him in his place instead of helping her mother. Plus, Brayden came to discover some horrifying truths about his family’s prestigious company and why exactly they hired him and Tariq, leaving him in a tough place mentally and morally. Not to mention, Cooper Saxe was using his fine skills of deception to keep Davis MacLean focused on the release of his brother over anything else, all of which helped that lurking problem to thrive. 

As for more traditional issues, well… the two biggest ones we already know of, the mess with the Tejada family and Tariq’s sour disposition for being betrayed, helped to bring forth all-out war on the streets. For the Russians wanted vengeance and that forced both Tariq and Monet to focus on this mess over everything else. To keep the product flowing and to reset the business. Which prompted Tariq to pass along some intelligence to Councilman Tate to slow the Russian’s business down while Monet put together a grand plan to keep the truth about her involvement in Lorenzo’s death a secret. Which involved dropping a patsy and a well-placed phone to bring peace to the streets and to prompt Dru to handle some dark business behind the scenes. Since the plan revealed Gordo’s involvement, motivating Dru to pull the trigger and end the fallout surrounding Lorenzo’s death. 

But alas, these grand distractions really did take everyone’s eyes off of the prize, which was to pay back Noma and finally get out from under her thumb post haste, and of course… to go on with their lives without fear of retaliation or reprisal. But the latter goal was quietly unraveling behind the scenes. Because the way the war with the Russians ended, pushed Jenny and her team into overdrive and everyone’s distracted nature, including Tariq’s desire to reconcile with Lauren after the war was over… allowed for Jenny to build her case. Since she was able to get photographs of Effie poking around the drop point at Stansfield, and of course… her team was finally able to get a sample of the powerful drugs that were being circulated around Wall Street. 
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Plus, since Lauren was filled with doubt over Tariq and his true intentions, thanks to Cooper’s deep cutting words last week… she wasn’t talking to him, and she was ready to testify and well… that’s when all hell broke loose. Because while she was able to buy Tariq a little bit of time to handle his own business, since he did prove his worth to her, everyone else was fair game. Which led to quite the harrowing ending, wherein Jenny and the DEA stepped into the Tejada home with a SWAT team, to arrest Diana and set in motion a chain of events, likely designed to bring down the Tejada family and of course, Tariq in the long run and well… that really was the perfect way to hammer home the lesson at hand. Because had everyone been focused on real threats, instead of infighting and other problems, they might have seen this coming. 

But for now, the dominos are beginning to fall, and chaos awaits. Because Jenny is emboldened now, and confident in the ability of her team and that is going to lead to more arrests and sow more chaos within the business. Which in turn, should bring about more problems from a Noma perspective. Since she won’t be happy in the slightest about her product not moving about, and well… that will also spell sorrow since we know she cares only about her profits and her business, and someone will have to pay. Which makes this a dark episode for certain, one that sets the stage for a harrowing and ugly run to the season three finale, and well… that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode quite painful. Because we simply must know what is coming next, and whether or not the many characters we have come to love in this story, are going to be okay now that the walls are closing in. Until next time.

Ask anyone that grew up in the 1990s, what they think about the Twisted Metal franchise, and you’ll get back some joyous answers. Simply because this saga was deeply beloved back in the day, since it really did bring an original gaming idea to the table, and also provided the gaming world with some unique and dynamic characters, such as the iconic Sweet Tooth, and well… those elements have indeed allowed for this franchise to withstand the test of time. To the point where many gamers happen to have a copy of this game to go with a classic Playstation, and so many of those same gamers… wonder what might have been had the big-screen adaptation of the movie that was being explored, had come to fruition. For then everyone could have enjoyed the majesty of a big budget adventure through this twisted and explosive world and well… at long last, that particular dream is about to become a reality.
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For earlier today, Peacock released a teaser and the release date for their live-action adaptation of Twisted Metal, and well… this upcoming series (arriving July 27) is clearly going to be everything fans hoped for and more. Since the show features Anthony Mackie as the star, and it is also going to feature… well, you know what… just typing out the part in that teaser that anyone reading this article is hoping to see… would do it a disservice. So instead, (courtesy of Peacock) here are all the details on this upcoming series, a note from Michael Jonathan Smith, the series showrunner… and that trailer… to properly prepare you for what will be the version of Twisted Metal that fans have been patiently waiting for, ever since they got behind the wheel of that unwholesome ice cream truck.

A NOTE FROM MICHAEL JONATHAN SMITH - SHOWRUNNER, EP & WRITER   
The year was 2001. Weezer had welcomed fans to an Island in the Sun. Shrek was an all-star at the box office. Pizza Hut had delivered a salami pizza to the International Space Station. And I was a sixteen year old nerd who had just purchased Twisted Metal: Black. The second I inserted that disc into my PlayStation 2, I was transported to a chaotic demolition derby that left me cackling with glee at the chaos of it all. That inescapable feeling of joy is what I wanted to bring to life in our show. 
  
Yes, TWISTED METAL has the cars, it has the weapons, and it has the battles. But what it also has are people. I know you will fall in love with these characters and what drives them, no pun intended (okay, maybe a little intended). You will cheer for our charismatic hero John Doe, played by Anthony Mackie, as he drives across the Divided States of America in search of a place to belong. You’ll laugh as an enigmatic woman named Quiet, played by Stephanie Beatriz, throws John’s world for a loop after a chance encounter, forcing the two together and changing both their lives for the better. You will root for our heroes to take down psychotic highway patrolman Agent Stone, played by Thomas Haden Church, who sees the world in black and blue. And you’ll discover a surprising soulfulness to our deranged, murderous clown Sweet Tooth, voiced by Will Arnett and performed by Joe Seanoa aka wrestler Samoa Joe. 
  
This is a bonkers show about insiders and outsiders, and how our own special apocalypse has divided and isolated us more than ever. But there’s hope. You can find your people and your community. You may just have to get past a terrifying clown driving a well-armed ice cream truck to find them. 
  
Buckle up. 
  
Thanks, 
Michael Jonathan Smith ​
 
SERIES DESCRIPTION:
TWISTED METAL, a half-hour live-action TV series based on the classic PlayStation game series, is a high-octane action comedy, based on an original take by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick and written by Michael Jonathan Smith, about a motor-mouthed outsider offered a chance at a better life, but only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. With the help of a badass axe-wielding car thief, he’ll face savage marauders driving vehicles of destruction and other dangers of the open road, including a deranged clown who drives an all too familiar ice cream truck.  

ABOUT THE SERIES  
Showrunner / Executive Producer / Writer: Michael Jonathan Smith (Cobra Kai) 
Executive Producers: Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Deadpool, Zombieland), Will Arnett and Marc Forman (Electric Avenue), Jason Spire (Inspire Entertainment), Peter Principato (Artists First), Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan from PlayStation Productions and Hermen Hulst, Head of PlayStation Studios 
Executive Producer / Star: Anthony Mackie (Make It With Gravy Productions) 
Director: Kitao Sakurai (multiple episodes) 
Produced by: Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group 
Series Leads: Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Thomas Haden Church, with Will Arnett and Joe Seanoa
Series Guest Stars: Neve Campbell, Richard Cabral, Mike Mitchell, Tahj Vaughans, Lou Beatty Jr. 
Format: 10 x 30 min episodes; live-action comedy 

Please enjoy this exclusive clip from tonight’s season finale of Life After Lockup on WE tv.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Drops of God’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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What we often forget about healing from severe trauma in our lives… is that it is not an overnight process. For while we may feel relief about acknowledging what’s happened to us, and are eager to heal our wounds, a lot of work must happen before we finally, truly, heal. For we must reconcile years of emotions and we must of course, unlearn the difficult responses that our body takes part in when we are reminded of the deep pain in our soul. Plus, we need to be ready to fail. Because we are entering undiscovered country when we reach this point in our lives and we will stumble and we will fall, and if we aren’t prepared for that… we may take a step back in our recovery. Hence the need to have an open mind about failure, so we don’t let it stew and gnaw at us, especially since… failure is just part of being human.
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If anything, this particular part of the journey back from pain is top of mind today, simply because it served as the focus for the next episode of Drops of God on Apple TV+. A feat that ‘Duel’ accomplished by way of a looming deadline for Camille. For it was nearly time to return to Tokyo and submit her answer for the wine she tasted in the series premiere and well, that meant she had to fast track her healing process and figure that wine out. Which of course, is a bit of a stretch from what we normally know about healing, since it takes time… but this is a story, and a fictional one at that, which allows for one to suspend belief about how quickly she healed here. Especially when one considers that she followed healthy steps through and through to get there. 

Because she did indeed reconcile her emotions and her issues with her past. Primarily by coming to look at her father in a different light. Not as an antagonist, but as a man that wanted to see her achieve her potential. Granted, some of his methods and some of the nonsense her mother brought forth contributed to those negative perceptions. But she had a gift, one that could take her far and give freedoms she’d struggled to find in life to date. But accepting her gifts and reconciling the past, allowed for her to go full bore in uncovering what wine she drank on that fateful day. Which led to quite the powerful sequence of events. Wherein we watched Camille go the extra mile to find the right answer, by tasing an unwholesome number of wines and she even resorted to some sneaky measures when she thought she finally had the right vintage in mind. 

For it takes guts to pose as a sommelier and ask a family friend to fly in an expensive vintage to sell to a client so one can taste it. But that is what she did here and being bold and brave in that manner and really embracing her destiny through healing, paid off in spades. Since it forced Camille to evaluate what she tasted from a different perspective since she initially got it wrong, and well, a renewed focus allowed for her to come within an inch of winning the first round. For she did indeed guess the correct type of wine when the big day came, but she did get the year wrong. Giving Issei quite the win while bringing forth that lesson regarding failure. Because despite her best efforts and pushing herself hard to win round one, Camille did indeed stumble here and how she responds now will be critical. For if she accepts her mistake and acknowledges how far she’s come in a short time… she will bounce back fine. But if not… more work will have to come into play.
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But while it was amazing to see Camille’s healthy journey play out here and see her follow quality steps to healing and reconciling pain, it would be foolish to not discuss Issei’s journey here as well. For he was in quite the tough spot in this episode, since his family demanded that he leave wine behind and renounce the competition to join the family business. And this was so important and so expected of him, that his decision to carry forth with wine, not only put incredible strain upon him, but his father. Who was trapped in the middle of this battle and felt that Issei’s fate was his own to decide. Which brought forth a concerning moment regarding the mental health of Issei’s father. But while we wait to see what comes out of our concerns, we can revel in some critical and powerful storytelling about a young man trapped between the demands of tradition and his heart and this too will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the story. 

One that is about to test this duo for certain in a more intimate manner. Since Issei will struggle to maintain the course he wants, because his mother will indeed continue to pressure him and of course, Camille must reconcile her failure and continue her healing, which is never an easy task, and all of these elements give us cause to celebrate another powerful and fascinating tale. One that not only depicted the next steps in the healing process in an incredible manner, but leaned harder into the world of wine and provided the uninitiated with some fascinating perspective regarding it and how much it means to people, and it of course… used the competition to get its deeper messages across. Making everything here feel organic and natural and well, now that we’ve reached the end of the first leg of the test, we will undoubtedly be counting down the minutes to next week’s episode. To see how these beloved characters handle the new challenges that await them. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Mrs. Davis’. To revisit the four-episode Series Premiere, click here.

​It is definitely safe to say, that the new Peacock series, Mrs. Davis, offered up one of the finest series premieres to hit the airwaves in years. Simply because our introduction to Simone and Wiley and the wild world that Mrs. Davis controls… was about as epic as it gets. Courtesy of a stunning and original plot, magnificent commentary, and quality performances through and through, and even some comedy thrown in for good measure. But above all, the mystery presented to us in the premiere, revolving around the Holy Grail and its location is what truly captivated us and engaged us. Because this story simply did an incredible job of leaving us to wonder if the Grail was actually real, or another gimmick set up by the algorithm to have people do its bidding, and shockingly, this week’s episode answered that question. 
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Shocking is the word used here, simply because answers that critical are oft reserved for a season finale or a penultimate episode. But a series this refreshing and original… doesn’t follow those kinds of rules and well, that led to some epic revelations in ‘A Great Place to Drink to Gain Control of Your Drink’. All of which came forth on a deserted isle we are familiar with. For the very one that saw a man be rescued from in the opening moments of this tale was revisited by the story. Because that man, Doctor Arthur Schrodinger, had returned to the island to keep the secrets of the Grail safe. Secrets that he only shared with Wiley and Simone, for several reasons. Such as how it was obvious, they’d done their homework on Clara, and were determined to find the Grail and another reason… we will get to in just a moment. Simply because, what Arthur had to offer… provided us with the answers we’ve been seeking regarding the Grail.

Such as the fact that It was real, and that indeed, a secret society watched It over regularly and coddled the Grail as well. For It desired to be seen regularly, and It desired to be treated with love and care… otherwise It would emit one stunning odor. And we came to learn that Mathilde and Clara were mother and daughter and that Mathilde’s wild plan to have the Grail be seen via a Super Bowl Commercial for British Knights brought forth a falling out between mother and daughter. One that led to the theft of the Grail on Clara’s part and a reunion with her biological father, the good doctor in question. And all of these bits and pieces and backstory regarding the Grail and the odd encounters that our heroes have run into were important to put together, simply because… all of it connected… to Simone and Wiley. 

For we also came to learn that eventually, Clara died. For she tried to sip out of the Grail, which was the most forbidden rule of all in handling It. But her death was not totally in vain. Because on the day she died, a young girl named Lizzy… took a crossbow to the liver, and a young kid named Wiley, was in the hospital as well in need of a liver. And those two kids, received a portion of Clara’s liver, which may make them immune to the effects of the Grail, and allow for them to destroy It, based upon Arthur’s scientific musings. But what mattered most about this reveal, was that it gave Arthur the confidence to reveal where the Grail was hidden so he could task our heroes with Its destruction. A task that Simone is ready to take part in.
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All of which made… for a brilliant and bold episode. Because as mentioned before, the grand reveals we seek are oft relegated to the end of the season. So, to learn everything we need to know now… is indeed a brave move, one that could signal bigger moments on the horizon. And the sheer brilliance of this particular episode, lies in the show’s now trademark subtext and commentary. Because the backstory of the Grail and Clara’s subsequent attempt to be free of her religious path, speaks volumes to how Religion has oft tried to be ‘hip’ and ‘relatable’ to people, only to crash badly in such efforts because it insists upon others so hard. Not to mention Clara’s journey is reminiscent of those who leave organized religion and speak of their disdain for how it treats members of the congregation when they challenge core teachings or struggle with them.

Yet, since this series always likes to look at every angle regarding religion and faith, it also spoke volumes to how religion and faith persist… because of perfect moments like the one Simone and Wiley experienced here. Where those strange collision of moments that appear to speak to divine intervention and pre-ordained fate makes us wonder if by chance… there is a God out there. Who does in fact, have a plan for us. But all commentary aside, this episode was also, a lot of fun to watch. Since the comedy once again provided balance and the performances were once again top notch and well, in the end, all this episode does, is prompt us to count down the minutes to next week’s adventure. One that clearly will focus on the hunt for the greatest treasure in all of modern Anglo-Saxon religion… The Holy Grail. Until next time.  

To learn more about the assembly about this series and its characters, check out interviews with Co-Creators Tara Hernandez & Damon Lindelof, and series cast members, Betty Gilpin (Simone), Jake McDorman (Wiley), and Andy McQueen (Jay).

​Please enjoy this sneak peek of ‘Frog and Toad’, which you can see on Apple TV+ on 4/28/23!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Drops of God’.
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One particular belief that a great deal of people hold to in this world, is that time… heals all wounds, and it makes as to why so many hold to that. Simply because… the pain of those wounds, does indeed fade as the days and months, and eventually, years roll along. Making it seem as though someday said pain will be nothing more than a distant memory. But there comes a point in our lives, which arrives sooner than we’d expect, where we come to learn that particular mantra is nothing more than outright nonsense. For time doesn’t heal a thing, it just dulls one’s senses regarding that pain before a triggering moment makes it explode. Which puts us at quite the crossroads for certain.
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Where we must decide if we want to try and run and hide from our pain again, or finally confront it head on and resolve it and grow and neither choice is easy. Because we know, echoes will exist when old wounds are re-opened and confronting the past and our pain is a difficult and scary venture. But those that want to be more and become more and be free of it all, will do the latter and what that process looks like is top of mind today, simply because it serves as the focus of a new series on Apple TV+ entitled, Drops of God. And it just so happens, that the two-hour series premiere of this saga, ‘A Father’ and ‘Sky, Earth, Humans’ wastes little time in getting down that exploration. Courtesy of a flashback that establishes that our main character, a woman named Camille Léger, suffered through some tough trauma as a kid. 

The kind that revolves around her father, Alexandre. A true master of wines that rose to the top of its world via his knowledge, palate, and amazing collection of the rarest of wines. And well, his desire for his daughter to know wine as well as he, brought forth suffering and eventually… a rift between father and daughter. One that left Camille in a unique place mentally when she arrived in adulthood. For despite carving her own path out as a writer, she remains lost in many ways and detached from anyone and anything. Largely because… of that mantra. For she adores the idea that time will eventually guide her to her own next chapter when its healing ways reach their zenith. But a phone call from a dying and almost forgotten father will challenge that mantra like never before. Which brings forth a powerful pair of tales that deeply explore the power of trauma and why we must confront it.

Because Camille’s arrival in Tokyo, and the sudden death of her father before they can speak again puts her in that powerful place mentally that we all encounter when the façade of the mantra fades away. Which in turn allows for us to see firsthand how devastating it can be to follow that mantra and how hard it is reconcile the trauma we buried deep down. Giving rise to a somber hour of storytelling that takes us on an emotional rollercoaster ride. One where Camille struggles to keep her sanity and emotions in check over losing a father and where… she slowly comes to realize that flying back to France and trying to bury this all again is simply impossible. Especially upon receiving a message from her father on an old friend’s phone that pleads with her to give him a second chance and herself one for that matter, and that… is when this series truly shines. 
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For this is when the story deeply explores what the process looks like to confront our pain and what it offers us there is a masterclass in such matters. For it cleanly points out that we must embrace what happened fully and acknowledge that pain and then gently begin to address and explore the impact it had upon our lives. And only then, can we start to heal and reconcile the why behind those moments and how it does this… is through a fascinating competition. For Alexandre’s will demands that Camille and a young protégé of Alexandre’s named, Issei Tomine, pass several wine related tests to inherit the vast Léger fortune so they can live a life of comfort, with good wine, and going this route… allows for the message to never be heavy or overwhelming. It just immerses us in the process, and immediately allows for us to understand the kind of person Camille is and why we should be rooting for her.

All of which makes… for a uniquely engaging story. One that uses a unique and refreshing plot to explore very real-world problems. Complete with moments that we can relate to because we’ve experienced them or will experience them down the line. Plus, it also doesn’t hurt that Issei’s journey is equally as fascinating since he is pushing to win this for vastly different reasons than Camille. For while she wants to use this to heal, he wants nothing more than fortune, and glory and respect. Plus, we would be foolish to not point out that the acting is top notch in this tale. For Fleur Geffrier and Tomohisa Yamashia are simply electric as Camille and Issei, respectively, and well, their engaging performances and all these elements leave us eager to continue this incredible journey. To see who will win as they battle it out for the greatest prize of all… peace within. Until next time.